Mansfield Courier

Our big day

By SAMUEL O’BRIEN

MANSFIELD residents

celebrated Australia Day in style with a ceremony recognising the achievements of community members and groups as well as welcoming in new citizens.

The traditional speeches, flag procession and music were enjoyed by the large crowd, who turned out to enjoy the mild morning.

Fourteen new citizens were welcomed to the Mansfield community who have migrated here from 9 different countries including India, Pakistan, Sweden, Ireland, Canada, Taiwan, Italy, England and the United States.

These new citizens are

Simona Rosa, Mah-E Mobi, Ikram Ul Haq, Shaun Ul Haq, Inam Ul Haq, George Feliciouz, Sarah Vickers, Mervyn O’Connell, Jaclyn Wale, TsaiPin Lin, William Jones, Emelie Gunnarsson Wilk, Supriya Garde and Craig Kappes.

Mayor Cr James Tehan remarked, “We have never had this many up here before, this is incredible.” A variety of community groups were also in attendance, showing support for the award recipients and new citizens and assisting with the ceremony.

The Scouts and Guides assisted with the ceremony, raising the Australian flag and giving gifts to those honoured, while Rotary provided a free

breakfast for the attendees.

As usual, the High Country Horsemen were a highlight of the ceremony, delivering the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags to the backing of the MAD Orchestra who played highlights from the Man from Snowy River.

Amy Camilleri was named as Mansfield’s Australia Day Ambassador and spoke to the community about the new initiatives she is spearheading to further engage youth in the community.

The Australia Day awards presented by Mansfield Shire Council recognised young and old in their service and work in the community.

■ Continued page 2

HONOURED: This year Cathie Smith was awarded Mansfield’s Citizen of the Year for her continuing contributions to a variety of organisations, including the Mansfield Musical and Dramatic Society, the Rosehaven Hospice and the L2P program.

PHOTO: Jarrah Loh

Locals lapped up the community spirit in a ceremony recognising Mansfield’s achievements

■ From page 1

Cathie Smith was awarded Citizen of the Year for her continuing contributions to a variety of organisations, including the Mansfield Musical and Dramatic Society, the Rosehaven Hospice and the L2P program.

She was nominated three times by members of the community but emphasised the work of those around her in her acceptance speech.

Marie Sellstrom was awarded Senior Citizen of the Year for her work helping those in need, especially refugees.

Ms Sellstrom, cofounder of the Rural Australians for Refugees

Mansfield Branch, highlighted the needs of the families in Afghanistan and other war-torn countries that she is working with in her acceptance speech.

Sam Bell was awarded Young Citizen of the Year for his many contributions to Mansfield Secondary College and the Bonnie Doon football team.

The talented musician and sportsman thanked his family and the community for supporting him in his endeavours.

Mansfield Open Studio Trail (M.O.S.T) was awarded Community Event of the Year for connecting and uplifting people through their event featuring art-

ists from around the community.

MOST was established in 2018 and has grown significantly, including more and more artists from the community each event.

High Country Quilters was awarded Community Group or Organisation of the Year for their work creating quilts for vulnerable communities including making and donating over 500 handmade comfort quilts to the Monash Children’s Cancer Centre.

Notably, the group provided fabric masks during the peak of COVID-19 and is currently providing quilts for the Southern Cross Kids (High Country) Camp.

Cr Tehan congratulated all award recipients and acknowledged their contributions, commitment, and valued work in our community.

“Mansfield Shire has a very strong community spirit and this year’s award winners, and nominees are very much at the heart of what makes our Shire such a wonderful place,” he said. Award winners were selected by the Australia Day Awards judging panel comprising the Mayor, Cr James Tehan, Cr Steve Rabie, Cr Mark Holcombe, last year’s Citizen of the Year, Margaretanne Hood and Senior Citizen of the Year, Zaldah Kirley.

YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR: Sam Bell.

SENIOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR: Marie Sellstrom. PHOTOS: Jarrah Loh

ON THE TROT: The High Country Horsemen delivering the flags.

PHOTO: Samuel O’Brien

COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR: Robyn Keatley, for High Country Quilters.

COMMUNITY EVENT OF THE YEAR: Wendy Jaggar, for Mansfield Open Studio Trail (MOST)

Locals recognised in national Australia Day Awards

By SAMUEL O’BRIEN

TWO prominent members of the community were awarded with Order of Australia recognitions on Australia Day.

Graeme Stoney was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia and Alan Terrens was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia which both recognise outstanding service or exceptional achievement.

Graeme is a well-known name in the Mansfield community but was surprised that he received an award.

“I had no idea,” he said.

“Suddenly I get a letter from the Governor General which I am still processing really.”

Notably, he was a “crack rider” in the Man From Snowy

River films and served as the Liberal Member for Central Highlands in the Victorian Legislative Council from 1992 to 2006.

He also helped found and run a number of organisations in Mansfield, including the Mountain Cattlemen’s Association of Victoria, Mansfield Agricultural and Pastoral Society and the Mansfield Apex Club.

Graeme says that his biggest achievement was pushing for a walk around Australia to promote autism awareness in the 1960s.

“It started here in Mansfield and now everybody knows

SURF’S UP: Local grommet echidna catching a ride.

Wakeboarder rescues

‘struggling’ echidna from Lake Eildon

BRENDAN Paterson was wakeboarding on Lake Eildon at Bonnie Doon recently when he came upon what he thought was an upside down turtle.

But as he slowly approached on his board, he realised it was an echidna.

“I know that echidnas can swim, but this was an echidna that could not swim, and was definitely struggling,” Paterson told 3AW radio on Ross and Russel’s morning Rumour File segment.

After encouraging the echidna onto his board, the spiny little critter appeared relieved.

“As it climbed on it took a big breath of air,” said Paterson.

“It probably went a bit further out than it needed to.”

Paterson said he was around 70 metres from the shore, and while he’s subsequently learned that echidna’s can swim, they generally only attempt short passes over creeks and streams.

Host Ross Stevenson then joked that he bet he wouldn’t have picked up the echidna if he was on a lilo, or he would have been in a world of trouble.

about what it means to be on the spectrum and everyone knows what autism is,” he recalled. Today, he is an active member of the historical society, chairing the Mansfield Heritage Museum Design and Exhibits Committee.

Alan Terrens, a Mt Buller legend, has been working with the Mt Buller Ski Patrol for more than 50 years, helping keep locals and tourists safe.

He founded the Ski Patrol First Aid Training Course and has taken up many positions at the patrol over the years, including his current position as vicecaptain.

thedelatitehotel.com.au

5775 2004

FURRY FOTOGRAPHY IN FURBRUARY

“As a relatively experienced and enthusiastic primary school teacher at the time and, looking at both the on-snow and off-snow areas of our patrol’s operation, I believed there was much scope to improve our patrol’s competence in both facets of our training and on-snow operation,” Alan said.

“Our patrol, I believe, became and still is one of, if not, the best ski patrols in Australia.

“Why would I leave?”

Both recipients will be presented with their awards at Government House in Melbourne by the Honourable Linda Dessau AC CVO.

GOLD MEDAL GIFT PACK

A selection of six different Ros Ritchie Wines, all having received Gold Medals at Australian Wine Shows.

Take part in our inaugural “Furry Fotography Furbruary” competition and your fur baby could be featured in our exhibition!

Capture your canine friend in all their glory and go into the draw to win a $100 dinner voucher (note – voucher is ok to be shared with humans)

Details on our webpage thedelatitehotel.com.au/eventbookings

POOCH PORTRAITS

Come and have a photo taken of your fur baby as part of our Furry Fotography in Furbruary promotion! Book your doggie friend in for a 15 minute session – in an outdoor setting or portable studio  $65 - includes mini session and one 6 x 8” matted print (with the option to purchase additional prints/ products etc)

Photography by Sandra Lee Photography trybooking.com/CFNJS

TRIVIA NIGHT

Still tickets available – don’t miss out! Our Trivia fundraiser is going to be a fantastic night with a silent auction and plenty of fun. Raise some $$ for the Southern Cross Kids’ Camps.

MT BULLER LEGEND: Alan Terrens was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia, recognising his more than 50 year commitment to saftey for skiiers in the area.

LEGENDARY FIGURE: Graeme Stoney was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia for his various commitments that impacted many in the community.

PHOTO: Renae Saxby

Samuel O’Brien joins Mansfield Courier team

field and Bonnie Doon with its fabled serenity, Samuel had never been to the Shire before relocating.

FORECAST

THE Mansfield Courier welcomes its newest team member Samuel O’Brien, a recent journalism graduate who has relocated from the tropical climes of the Sunshine State to the baking summers and snow-capped winters of the Victorian High Country.

Embracing the role of cadet at the Mansfield Courier, Samuel has extensive experience in radio journalism, having completed an internship at 4ZZZ community radio alongside achieving his Bachelor of Communications at the Queensland University of Technology.

Month Total (Jan 2023) –26mm

Month Total (Jan 2022) –112.7mm

YTD Total – 26mm

Total (2022) - 977.20mm

Total (2021) – 789.9mm

Total (2020) – 746.6mm

This

week 288.56m full or 98.7% of capacity 0.34m below full supply level

7 NEWSPAPER DEADLINES: Display ads - 2pm Thursday Classifieds - Noon Monday Sports results - 10am Monday

COURIER DETAILS

On finishing his internship, Samuel then worked as a staff journalist at the radio station delivering content for the daily news bulletins, before taking on the challenge of running the internship program at 4ZZZ, mentoring first year students.

On top of this full workload, Samuel also held down a variety of jobs in both administration and tutoring, supporting himself whilst going through university.

The eldest of 10 siblings, Samuel is an accomplished trombone player and is familiar with the North East, having repeatedly attended the Border Music

Camp in Albury, a week-long residential camp for young musicians.

“I also have incredibly fond memories of road trips with my family across the North East,” said Samuel.

“We have family friends and relatives across Victoria, but predominantly in Albury and Shepparton.

“The region is one that I know and love.”

And despite hearing of Mans-

“I enjoy travelling and love exploring new places,” said Samuel.

“And one of the biggest drawcards of working in journalism is that opportunity to travel.

“It is such a privilege that my vocation allows me to immerse myself in a local community and get that first-hand insight, whilst building connections.”

And Samuel has hit the ground running, doing just that.

His first weekend in Mansfield saw him report from Mt Buller, flitting between the Wildflower Festival and the Chamber Music Summer School concert.

He has been out to Jamieson, spent time at Bonnie Doon and represented the paper at the Delatite Winery’s recent event, Music in the Vines.

The Courier is thrilled to have Samuel on-board.

“Coming from a capital city I’m used to reporting predominantly on state and national issues,” he said.

“I’m really enjoying this opportunity to focus on a more localised scale and understand what matters to the community.”

The Victorian Government has followed through with its election promise to cap public transport fares for regional commuters

MANSFIELD residents will be able to access cheap public transport as the Victorian Government delivers on its promise to cap fares at the same price as a metro daily fare from Friday, March 31.

Leah Ive (ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER)

Samuel O’Brien (JOURNALIST)

Shaun McMahon (JOURNALIST)

Emma Oliver (JOURNALIST) Pam Zierk-Mahoney (JOURNALIST)

Edward Higgins (DIRECTOR) Jarrah Loh (SENIOR JOURNALIST /BRANCH MANAGER)

The Courier 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 Courier itself or contact the council by email at info@presscouncil.org.au

or by phone on (02) 9261 1930.

Residents will be able to catch both bus and train V/Line services for $9.20 for a full fare or $4.60 for a concession.

This is down compared to a $62 return bus fare between Mansfield and Melbourne.

Fares for regional myki passes for travel between 28 and 365 days a year will also be capped at the Melbourne rate, currently $5.52 per day.

The Department of Transport and Planning says cheaper fares will encourage Victorians to

connect with family and friends easier and will continue to support regional tourism and business impacted by COVID-19 and floods.

A spokesperson said, “The regional fare cap will transform the way Victorians travel across the state, bringing affordable and accessible public transport to more people, making Victoria a more

liveable and sustainable state.”

MANSFIELDidtill Thiiddt tithfildfid libldtibltt”

A further $109 million is being invested by the state government to improve Victoria’s suburban and regional bus services and bus stops this financial year, including a focus on regional areas. The Department of Transport and Planning did not confirm when these fares would be bookable.

Leah Scott (ADVERTISING MANAGER)

ppppg

Cheap transport for Mansfield

By EMMA OLIVER

Woods Point mine faces court over injury

By SHAUN McMAHON

WHITE Rock Minerals Ltd, owners of the Woods Point Gold Project which includes the Morning Star gold mine, faced court last week over an injury sustained by a worker in late 2020.

Counsel for the Victorian Workcover Authority (VWA) summarised events from November 6, 2020, when after their usual morning meeting, an underground crew of six workers commenced their daily mining duties.

One of the senior miners was showing a junior, who’d only been on the job for two days, how to use a hoe and scraper.

The item of plant equipment was described as an older model without a guard - one of three on the site, all without guards, but one newer model did have a guard.

The senior miner showed the junior on a few occasions how to operate the item safely, noting that the lever tended to over spool and the wire cable could loop and potentially catch objects; he said it had tangled many times in the past.

The injury occurred to the senior miner while demonstrating what could go wrong; his foot got caught in the tangled wire, requiring medical attention and later amputation of the upper portion of his right big toe.

He has since returned to work in June last year.

Worksafe later investigated and obtained an expert report, which said due to lack of guarding on the wire cable and drum,

Tragedy at Tatong

POLICE are investigating after a fatal crash in Tatong on Wednesday, January 25.

Emergency services were called to Molyullah-Tatong Road to reports a car had crashed into a tree about 8.30pm.

Locals were devastated by the death of Kristin Marriott as a result of the road accident, and her husband Max was also injured in the crash and remains in a critical condition as of printing.

The couple were on their way to the National Clydesdale and Heavy Horse Festival at Werribee Park when their vehicle left the road and hit a tree.

The exact circumstances surrounding the crash are yet to be determined and investigations remain ongoing.

Anyone with information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

There have been 25 lives lost on roads this year and 19 lives lost on roads this time last year.

it was exposed to the operator, presenting a danger of entanglement.

A prior matter involving the mine was submitted to the court, where in July 2013 they pleaded guilty to one charge of breaching the occupational health and safety act after two employees were exposed to carbon monoxide after firing occurred.

Counsel for White Rock Minerals proceeded to give a history of the mine and its operations, the most recent ownership changes and “old-fashioned” mining processes still used today.

They explained that since White Rock took over in 2014, the new management structure had implemented a number of new systems, including SOP’s, new PPE, and pre-start checks.

“The company acknowledges that there was a risk of spooling of wires coming out, and had implemented a number of measures pre-incident to reduce that risk,” counsel for the defence said.

“The SOP for the machine was detailed and included amongst other things that workers at all times were prohibited of moving from the rear of the machine past the levers in to the area where the cables were.”

Training on this was given to all employees, including the injured worker, who counsel said was actually injured while training someone else, “showing them what not to do”.

Defence further said that the circumstances showed that the company had identified the risk and given consideration to implementing a system of work to reduce the risk, displaying a “culture of safety”, and by pleading guilty they were still acknowledging that they should have done more in the circumstances.

After acknowledging that the equipment should have been retrofitted with a guard to further reduce the risk of injury, counsel said the offence did not measure against the worst examples, such as turning a blind

eye for costs purposes, or if a Worksafe inspector had issued a notice and the matter had not been rectified.

Defence acknowledged with remorse the serious injury of amputation of part of a big toe and the impact on the worker’s life, and also noted immediate remedial actions taken after the accident, including retrofitting the three older hoes with guards, and fully cooperating with Worksafe’s investigation.

Defence cited a large volume of case law in their submission, demonstrating the range which they saw accident in terms of severity and financial penalty.

The VWA prosecutor was largely in agreement with White Rock Minerals’ submission, but contended a few points, mainly with respect to the foreseeability of the accident.

The presiding magistrate adjourned the matter and will review a large volume of documentation before the matter returns to court in Shepparton on March 10.

PHOTO: White Rock Minerals Ltd

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 edit.mcourier@nemedia.com.au

Post Mansfield Courier, 98 High St, Mansfield, Vic 3722

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

OPINIONS & PEOPLE

Planning concerns

RESIDENTS in Highton Lane have raised concerns over previous development and illconceived planning.

They are not objecting to development - they just want to ensure it is done thoughtfully and with consideration to local concerns and community safety, especially access and the dangerous intersection with Mt Buller Road.

Take the time to do it properly and considered without destroying the intrinsic character of our township.

Mary Parker, Mansfield

Planning alert for Highton Lane

CURRENT application in hand is requesting the Mansfield Council approve a 12 lot subdivision at 72 Highton Lane.

If Mansfield Council approve this new application there will be a change of occupancy of this current single title allotment to a 13 title allotment and the associated increased housing will further impact Highton Lane.

More vehicles, less trees and less Flora and Fauna habitat.

When is the Mansfield Council going to stand tall and say enough is enough for Highton Lane?

We have reached sensible capacity and any further subdivisions in Highton Lane must reflect this with minimum size lots of one acre.

The already approved subdivisions in Highton Lane that are yet to be developed will address “affordable housing” commitments so please Mansfield Council allow the voices of your constituents influence your decisions and retain the ambiance and tranquillity that was Highton Lane.

The physical and mental health and safety impact on the current residents is now at a critical stage.

We need to temper this money grab mentality and regrasp our community values.

Mansfield Council, please consider denying this application on the grounds of health and safety.

The mass of Highton Lane subdivisions that have already been approved is a destruction to a once beautiful area.

I implore you Mansfield Shire please take a more

Fluoride questions unanswered for Mansfield

By SAMUEL O’BRIEN

compassionate approach to this new application. This is my Australia Day request of our local government representatives. Thank you, Robyn Columbine, Mansfield

Coexisting

THE recent article, ‘Greater glider population protection too late for local populations’ January 11, 2023, in my humble opinion is outright misleading.

The article seeks to convince the reader to conclude that sustainable timber harvesting and the greater glider possum cannot coexist, a claim l think any fair-minded person can safely deny any validity to.

More broadly though, as people who want to care for our forests it takes a concerted desire and commitment to honestly evaluate our individual forest product usage, point in case, Mansfield’s new sports stadium boasts beautiful timber flooring, are you looking forward to a cosy wood fire heating this winter?

Where will your firewood come from, and how much can you afford to pay?

What about people on pensions and those unable to work or heat there homes any other way?

Do you have the right to take away their ability heat their homes?

Should we import timber from overseas?

All these are valid questions we should ask before we allow Labor Vic to destroy the native forest timber industry.

The truth can be found, In a recent study by the Arthur Rylah Institute titled, ‘Estimating the density of the Greater Glider in the Strathbogie Ranges, North East Victoria With an assessment of coupes scheduled for timber harvesting in 2018’ estimated that number of greater gliders in Strathbogie State forest to be around 69,000, keep in mind this forest has had over 100 years of sustainable logging prior to being locked up by Vic labor, so no commercial quantities of firewood from there anymore, or hardwood saw logs either.

Further to this, Vicforests have completed several postharvest surveys which l have written about previously in the Mansfield Courier, each finding greater gliders present in the sustainable logged forest, four years after harvesting.

Paul Hobby, Hagley, Tasmania (born and raised in Mansfield)

DENTAL HEALTH: Fluoridated water can decrease the risk of cavities.

CONCERNS

raised in western New South Wales last week have reinvigorated calls for fluoride treatment plants to be installed in regional centres around the country to improve oral health.

According to the Victorian Government’s water fluoridation information page, Mansfield does not have fluoridated drinking water, increasing the risk of cavities and other oral health issues.

The Victorian Government Department of Health said the factors taken into consideration

We look after your 2nd biggest asset

when deciding which locations to prioritise for the introduction of water fluoridation include population size, the rate of potentially preventable hospital admissions due to dental conditions, the capacity to build a water fluoridation plant, the support for fluoridation from the local health sector, and funding availability.

Once the decision to build a fluoridation plant is made, planning, construction and commissioning takes 18 months to two years.

A Department of Health spokesperson said, “Through

the Victorian Action Plan to Prevent Oral Disease 2020-30, we’re aiming to increase water fluoridation access in rural and regional communities from 87 percent to 95 per cent by 2030.”

There are no public plans to fluoridate the water in Mansfield.

In July of 2022, a report from the Australian National University called for a national database to be created to manage water quality and coordinate a national approach to increasing water quality in regional towns.

It argues the national database will provide higher water

equity to towns like Mansfield, allowing governments to prioritise funding and coordinate investment, increasing efficiency and access to clean water.

The National Oral Health Plan 2015-2024 states that communities with populations over 1000 should be given access to fluoridated water, including towns like Mansfield.

More than 96 per cent of Victorians already drink fluoridated water but the Department of Health did not specify when Mansfield will have a fluoridation plant installed.

are online! mansfieldcourier.com.au

Know the COLOURS TAKE THE ACTIONS TO SURVIVE

Across Australia, the Fire Danger Rating system has changed. Using real-time scientific data, it now gives you a more accurate rating of the risk level if a fire was to start in your area. Each colour represents the actions you need to take to stay safe. If it’s orange, the fire risk is Extreme, so you need to take action now and be ready to go. The safest option is to leave early.

Plan. Act. S urvive.

For more information on the new simpler and smarter Fire Danger Ratings, search Fire Danger Ratings

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

Firies recognised for dedicated service

Mansfield men presented with national medal clasps by Forest Fire Management Victoria

FOUR of Mansfield’s longestserving forest firefighters, Kevin Holland, Greg Purcell, Chris Purcell and Greg Murphy were recognised at a special National Medal ceremony in Wangaratta recently.

Mansfield’s Vic Chief Fire Officer operator and

The four Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) firefighters were presented with national medal clasps for dedicated service to firefighting and protecting the community.

Kevin was presented with his 45-year clasp, while his colleagues received clasps for 35 years’ service to firefighting.

They were presented by FFM-

Vic Acting Chief Fire Officer Allyson Lardner.

Kevin began his career with the department in 1968 and recently retired, completing 49 years of service as a firefighter and dozer operator.

Greg Purcell started his career with the Forest Commission of Victoria at Mount Buller in January 1974. He spent three years at Buller, before joining the crew at Mansfield.

Prior to his retirement, Greg completed 43 years’ service and was renowned as a heavy dozer

operator and plant operations manager.

Chris Purcell began with the lands department in 1980 on the Mansfield crew. He later became Mansfield works coordinator.

Among his many accreditations, Chris is an accredited level two operations officer.

Greg Murphy’s career began with the Forest Commission in 1981 at Mansfield.

He is a highly skilled dozer operator and advanced chainsaw faller, trainer and assessor.

Greg is also an accredited

level one operations officer.

The National Medal recognises long and diligent service by members of recognised government and voluntary organisations who risk their lives or safety to protect the community in times of emergency or natural disaster.

Fifteen years’ service is required to qualify for the medal, followed by clasps for each additional 10 years’ service.

The National Medal was established in 1975 as part of the Australian honours system and is awarded by the Governor-General.

mansfield.vic.gov.au

The upcoming Council meeting is Tuesday 21 February 2023 at 5pm. Go to the events section on our website for information about how to observe.

Sustainable Tourism Plan 2023-28 until 28 February

2023-24 Budget Community Consultation until 17 February

Roundabout Beautification Works until 15 February 2023

Concept designs for beautification works on the follow two Mansfield roundabouts is now available for community feedback on

Location 1: Chenery Street – High Street Location 2: Malcolm Street – Highett Street

Although many members of our community enjoy and take pride in the beautiful gardens and police monument of Mansfield's central roundabout, these two roundabouts also have the potential to enhance our township's character at their high-profile locations.

The view proposed design and concept illustration for each roundabout and to give your feedback through the online survey please visit engage.mansfield.vic.gov.au

The triangle symbols found on most rigid plastics are not recycling symbols, they are used to indicate the type of plastic the item is made of.

While every plastic type is technically recyclable, not all plastics are accepted in Council kerbside recycling.

In Mansfield Shire our recycling facility will only accept plastics numbered 1, 2, and 5. Currently, these items can go into the recycling (yellow-lidded) bin. Any other plastics will need to go into your landfill (red-lidded) bin.

For further information visit sustainability.vic.gov.au/recycling-andreducing-waste

From 1 February problematic singleuse plastics will be banned from sale or supply in Victoria.

For further information visit vic.gov.au/single-use-plastics

Full advertisements and position descriptions are available on mansfield.vic.gov.au for the following vacancies:

General Manager – Infrastructure & Planning, Permanent, Full Time Manager Mayor Projects, Fixed Term, Full Time Coordinator Waste & Environment, Permanent, Full Time People & Culture Trainee (Certificate III Business Admin), Fixed Term, Full Time Supported Playgroup Facilitator, Fixed Term, Part Time Community & Corporate Services Directorate Support, Fixed Term, Full Time Depot Administration Officer, Fixed Term, Full Time

Kirsten Alexander, Chief Executive Officer

Councillors: Cr James Tehan (Mayor), Cr Steve Rabie (Deputy Mayor), Cr Paul Sladdin, Cr Mark Holcombe, Cr Rohan Webb

High Country, Lakes and Rivers

AWARDED: (from left) Greg Purcell, Greg Murphy, Chris Purcell and Kevin Holland were recognised for their dedicated service to forest firefighting.

High Country murder trial

Ex-pilot Gregory Lynn to stand trial for Wonnangatta murders E -pil t G g y Ly t t d t i l f W g tt

By SHAUN McMAHON

“NOT guilty, your honour,” pleaded Gregory Lynn at his committal hearing last week, before magistrate Brett Sonnet committed the former pilot to stand trial for the murders of Russell Hill and Carol Clay.

Mr Lynn wore a suit with a check shirt and glasses and appeared attentive throughout proceedings, making notes and carrying a pile of yellow folders with him.

Following his arrest in November last year, My Lynn has been on remand awaiting the committal hearing, which took place over the past two weeks and included evidence of covert recordings, blood spatter analysis, and phone data.

Details of Mr Lynn’s “explosive” police interviews following his arrest were supressed upon application by defence barrister Dermot Dann, KC, who said the publication of such information would pose “substantial risk of prejudice to the administration of justice.”

The details will remain unknown until trial.

Crown Prosecutor John Dickie convinced the court that the case should go to trial while noting that his summary did not include all the evidence police would hang their hats on.

But it did give the first insights into what police believe occurred in the Wonnangatta Valley on March 20, 2020.

After Russell Hill and Carol Clay

vanished from their campsite at Dry River Creek Track, the area was later discovered burnt out, alongside Mr Hill’s abandoned Toyota Landcruiser.

After many months of searching for evidence and appealing to the public for information, police located Mr Hill and Ms Clay’s remains in bushland near Dargo shortly after Mr Lynn’s arrest.

Police allege Mr Lynn murdered both campers at their campsite and used a trailer to move their bodies to the area, later returning more than once to burn their bodies and destroy evidence.

However, Mr Lynn’s version of events says that Ms Clay was accidentally shot while he and Mr Hill fought about the use of the older man’s drone.

Mr Hill was then fatally stabbed in the altercation.

The court heard from investigating police, forensic officers, and witnesses in the area around the time couple disappeared, with one referring to Mr Hill as a “grumpy old bugger” who buzzed him with this drone.

Mr Dann also expressed concerns around the validity of the police interviews in the time after Mr Lynn’s arrest, in particular around his mental state access to legal representation.

Mr Lynn had been under police surveillance with listening devices, GPS trackers and telephone intercepts at both his Caroline Springs home and in his Nissan Patrol since December 2020, after he’d first been

d

interviewed as a witness turned person of interest.

Police explained the timing of his arrest.

“Lynn made comments of his time coming to an end, that his wife had three boys to look after her, a good rum, whiskey or cocktail would be good,” Leading Senior Constable Daniel Passingham told the court.

“I had a feeling he was going to commit suicide.”

The police summary given to the court alleges, “The accused made immediate and overt efforts to contaminate the crime scene and conceal the offences, including destroying evidence and setting fire to the scene.”

“The accused is also likely to have discarded the drone, car keys for the Landcruiser and Hill and Clay’s mobile phones.

“To date, none of these items have been recovered.”

Police are set to conduct a further search of the Mt Hotham area, where they allege Mr Lynn’s vehicle was first detected performing a convoluted u-turn on the night of the murders - a vehicle they say he later spray painted to avoid detection.

Members of the Hill and Clay families were present at the committal hearing, while Mr Lynn’s wife and eldest son joined proceedings remotely in his support.

A directions hearing is set for February 9, with a jury trial in the Supreme Court likely to take place later this year.

LONG ROAD AHEAD: Ex-pilot Gregory Lynn will stand trial for the murders Russell Hill and Carol Clay. Pictured is the Dargo Road, leading out of the Wonnangatta Valley, where police allege Mr Lynn drove after murdering both campers, transporting their bodies in a trailer to the secluded location where their remains were later found.

PHOTO: Pam Zierk-Mahoney

Music in the Vines fun for all

By SAMUEL O’BRIEN

FOLKSY music floated over the hills as Delatite Winery hosted its annual Music in the Vines event last week, drawing in plenty of people for an afternoon of good food and good music.

Coming back after a two-year hiatus, the event did not disappoint, with about 100 people made up of mostly locals in attendance.

The music, featuring groups Sunday Lemonade and Famous Will, was the highlight of the afternoon.

Both bands thoroughly enjoyed performing, admiring the beautiful scenery and thanking wonderful crowd.

Sunday Lemonade had just come from a very successful run at the Tamworth Music Festival, going from busking on the street to playing on the main stage as one of the top 10buskers.

As pizzas were served, visiting regulars Famous Will performed, noting the familiar faces in the crowd.

Hospitality manager at Delatite Winery Tiffany Henwood, said the event is always popular and she hopes that more will attend in the future.

“I have spoken to both bands [to have them back] for next year.”

Guests were treated with the best local produce that the region had to offer, with antipasto and garden platters on offer alongside Delatite’s wine.

It was an event enjoyed by all and many guests remarked that they were keen for the next one.

ALL SMILES: Locals enjoyed the live music on offer, enjoing plenty of food and wine.

BEAUTIFUL MUSIC: Mansfield regulars Famous Mike kept the afternoon going with they beautiful music.

STRAIGHT FROM TAMWORTH: Duo Sunday Lemonade had come from the Tamworth Music Festival where they were highly successful.

Learning for employment opportunities - Just In Time Project

MACE, in conjunction with Mansfield District Hospital (MDH), has collaborated on the ‘Just in Time’ project.

Just in Time involves students participating in Pre-Accredited course through Mansfield Adult Continuing Education (MACE) in conjunction with work placement at Mansfield District Hospital, with a view to moving into the hospital and aged care workforce.

The course, specifically aimed at employment through MDH, could include positions in domestic, ground-keeping and other areas, is expected to commence in March.

The project is aimed at participants where English may be their second

language, or someone who may be returning to the workforce after a long lay-off, or they may have learning and language difficulties but still want to create a pathway into the job market.

“Mansfield has a growing population including many new international citizens whose first language may not be English,” said Education & Quality Officer at MACE, Greg Nugent. “Subjects include language, literacy and numeracy as the basics and on to other components that will help them gain employment within the health industry, “If at the end of the course a participant finds they do not like the hospital environment then the

learning experience may help them gain employment in other areas of the community.

“MDH like many other businesses across Mansfield district are struggling to find suitable workers.

“It is hoped that this project can assist in some way to link study with sound employment,” Mr Nugent said.

“And when participants have finished this course, if they want to, we are negotiating with TAFE Wodonga to take them further into studies which will give them accredited qualifications,” Mr Nugent said.

“The MACE courses will carry a certificate of attainment for those who complete it, which we are

then hoping will gain them prior learning recognition if they go onto further accredited TAFE courses.”

Participation is free of charge as funding has been gained by MACE to conduct the first of which is hoped to be several courses this year.

“This is a great community collaboration between two local organisations that are not only helping the unemployed but giving back to the community with a needed service,” Mr Nugent said.

Expressions of Interest are now being accepted at MACE for anyone interested in taking the initial course. To be announced later in the year will be a similar course aimed at the hospitality industry.

Plenty more events to come

Mountain preparing for a variety of exciting events as tourist numbers continue to boom ppgyg

By SAMUEL O’BRIEN

AS January turns to February, Mt Buller is forging ahead with a variety of events and activities showcasing the talents and beauty of the region.

Over the weekend the Mt Buller Chamber Music Sum-

mer School and the Wildflower Festival wrapped up, hosting a variety visitors and families taking advantage of the perfect weather.

The Wildflower Festival featured photography workshops, yoga and a cooking demonstrations and lunch amongst the colour of the

native flora, celebrating the natural beauty of the area.

Watercolours in the Wildflowers instructor and local artist Carolyn Sheather was amazed by the number of people who attended.

“I have always wanted to come to the mountains in the summer,” she said.

EXCEPTIONAL WINES WITH VIEWS TO MATCH

Also wrapping up over the weekend was the Mt Buller Chamber Music Summer School, culminating in two free performances that showcased the talent of the staff and students.

Director of the school

Michele Walsh was grateful to be back after a hiatus with

large crowds at both public concerts.

“People have come together after such a difficult time over the last few years and the sense of being able to make music and communicate again has been enormous,” she said.

For a sporting focussed

tourist attraction, having the arts on the mountain has been a refreshing change.

Ms Sheather said, “I think the festival is a fabulous idea and it will get a lot more people up to Mt Buller.”

Many more summer events are planned for the region.

We are looking to appoint an experienced bookkeeper to remuneration.

Reporting to the Managing Director and our external accounting

Key Responsibilities include: and posting transactions.

- Maintenance of inventory ledgers and records

- Reconciliation of multiple bank accounts

- Manage monthly management accounts in line with accounting timetable

- Debtor and creditor management and follow-up records

- Assist in preparing monthly analysis of company performance against budget/forecast

- Liaise directly with external accountants

- Work with departmental managers to ensure correct accounting treatment of transactions

- Responsible for managing payroll and maintaining employee records

The Person:

in Excel and MYOB is crucial

- Excellent attention to detail

Open 7 days a week 11am - 5pm + until 8pm on Fridays

- Experience in the wine industry and/or hospitality industry is preferable

If this appeals to you please email your cv/resume (with references) to david@delatitewinery.com.au

WORKING TOGETHER: CEO’s from Mansfield District Hospital and MACE, Cameron Butler and Kylie Richards are excited to be working together to bring learning for those looking for employment.

Mansfield’s youth treated to a variety of opportunities

MANSFIELD’S youth are continuing to receive investment from Mansfield Shire Council, as further activities continue to be provided.

Council hosted the famous Flying Fruit Fly Circus as part of their School Holiday Program thanks to the State Government Engage! funding.

Three Circus trainers travelled from Wodonga to run the free workshop at the Performing Arts Centre where 17 young locals attended and got to sharpen their skills in juggling, hula, plate spinning, diablo and acrobatics, and culminating in a human pyramid.

Additionally, a $9.93 million grant ‘Future Proof: Young People, Disaster Recovery and (Re)building Communities’ has been awarded to a consortium led by Youth Affairs Council Victoria (YACVic), of which Mansfield Shire Council is a key project partner.

The funding is directed at disaster-affected youth and Mayor Cr James Tehan said it will go to local youth workers and young peer workers to support youth-led disaster recovery activities.

The project, which is a partnership between Mansfield Shire Youth and the YACVic, will go towards creating opportunities for 10 young locals to form a Youth Advisory Group, who will be supported to lead disaster recovery projects.

Fifteen young people will also be supported to begin their career or attain a qualification in locally useful areas, such as public safety, firefighting, emergency management and community services.

Across the state, 150 young people across Victoria will be engaged, (re)connected and supported through place-based bushfire recovery programs and events.

Cr Tehan said, “Furthering the skills of young people, professionally and personally, to equip them with strong foundations for future work and life is one of the objectives of our Youth Strategy and Action Plan.”

REDUCING

Jamieson CFA can now pump water out of Lake Eildon near

New infrastructure ready for region’s residents

STUDENTS returning to school by bus will be able to travel in safety after a new school bus turnaround location on Ancona Road opened last week.

The facility includes gravel car parking and a shelter relocated from the previous pick-up and drop-off zone on the northern side of Ancona Road, costing a total of $24,314.

Mayor Cr James Tehan said the new turnaround will enhance safety for school children and for all users, particularly during pick-up and drop-off times when pedestrian and traffic activity is increased.

“This work has addressed

safety concerns raised with Council by residents and we’re really pleased that this facility is ready for the start of school,” he said.

“We look forward to seeing the kids in our community enjoying a safer trip to school.”

At Paradise Point, a new emergency water supply tank has also been installed for use in fighting bushfires and structure fires.

Although the small community of Paradise Point is located on the banks of Lake Eildon, there is no reticulated water supply and accessing a safe area of the lake to refill tankers and other vehicles can be difficult

and unsafe when the water levels are low or falling.

The Paradise Point site was identified as a high priority for the static water supply due to the location’s extreme fire risk rating.

The project was a collaborative effort between the Country Fire Authority (CFA) and Mansfield Shire Council, with the project team including volunteers from the Jamieson Brigade and the local community.

The 22,000L steel water tank was part funded by the CFA and the project was supported by Council as a high priority to improve bushfire resilience and response in the area.

Jamieson CFA Brigade Captain, Chris Badrock, said the water tank is a great asset for the Paradise Point community.

“It not only provides a filling point for CFA tankers during bushfires but more importantly it provides a strategically located water supply point within pumping distance of most properties in the estate for combating structure fires,” Mr Badrock said.

The project follows other vegetation management initiatives undertaken last season as well as an awareness campaign to raise Paradise Point’s fire safety awareness and reduce fire risk.

DANGER:

Paradise Point safely.

Merrijig Rodeo riding high in 2023

By LYNN ELDER

ORGANISERS of the 45th Merrijig Rodeo on Saturday, March 11, are urging patrons to pre-book entry tickets, transport transfers and offsite accommodation as soon as possible to ensure they do not miss a great family and action-packed event over the Labour Day weekend.

Several significant changes have been made for this year’s rodeo to guarantee the wellbeing of all and to provide a much better experience for everyone involved.

The major decision the committee was forced to make was no camping at the grounds where the rodeo is held each year.

Competitors are still able to camp as per usual.

Merrijig Rodeo committee secretary Donna Howton said, “Unfortunately, we can no longer offer onsite camping at McCormack Park.

“The difficult decision was made in December for multiple reasons to not offer camping to patrons.”

A statement on the Merrijig Rodeo website said, “Sadly, the behaviour of some campers during our last rodeo put the safety of and the event at risk and we have made the difficult decision to prohibit camping for 2023 and beyond.”

However, Donna said the

good news is that there are plenty of alternative camping and accommodation options in the area, encouraging people to book early.

There will also be two bus transfers at this stage departing on the day from Mansfield at 5pm, and 6pm from Highett St outside the Mansfield RSL and en route pick up from the corner of Timothy Lane and Mt Buller Rd, Mansfield.

The return trips will depart from McCormack Park

from 10pm and 11pm with the drop-off points the same as the pickup points.

The cost of return fares for adults is $15, teens (1317 years) $8, and children 12 years and under are free.

For those who choose to drive themselves, ample parking is adjacent to the rodeo ground.

Parking is free and opens at noon.

Donna said another change being implemented, following feedback from last

year’s rodeo, was the introduction of pre-paid tokens for the bar.

“This year we hope to avoid the bottle neck caused by people waiting in line to be served,” she said.

“By buying the tickets online at our website, customers will be able to walk up to the bar and get served straight away which should improve customer service.”

Donna highlighted that local community groups ran the bar and two food outlets,

including the Bonnie Doon Football Club, the Mansfield Scouts, and Girl Guides.

She said powered by more than 100 volunteers representing eight community organisations, the profits from the rodeo are distributed back to the volunteer groups in recognition of the many hours they donate to make the event a success.

Donna said the Merrijig Rodeo is a major draw card for visitors across Victoria and interstate each year, and

a crowd of 4000 is expected in 2023.

It is advised to pre-book entry tickets before the day because numbers are capped, and if sold out early, there will be limited tickets available at the gate.

The program promises plenty of action, including the bull ride, which features last year’s winner and local cowboy, Will Purcell.

Will is currently number 12 in the APRA standings and will be keen for backto-back success in his hometown of Merrijig.

The main event starts at 6.30pm and concludes at 10.30pm.

All the usual rodeo action will be on offer including bull rides, breakaway roping, saddle bronc ride, steer wrestling, bareback ride, team roping and barrel racing.

Gates open at 12pm, and there is the opportunity to catch more rodeo action from 2pm when the junior events are run.

Entry for the local steer ride is limited to 18 spots and pre-registration is essential by contacting committee member Rob Purcell on 0409 440 170.

There will be a chance to meet Emily Furniss, the Rodeo Queen 2022 & 2023, who is also a committee member.

Now Open 5 Days a week

Monday 12pm -8pm

Tuesday 7:30am - 8pm

Wednesday 7:30am - 8pm

Thursday 9am - 5:30pm

Friday 9am - 6pm

Nelle Cousins NEW THERAPIST

Nelle started out in the Health and Fitness industry 7 years ago as a gym instructor, immediately discovering her passion of working with the human body. After years of playing sport herself, Nelle has dealt with several personal injuries including spine SIJ dysfunction and joint dislocations. Through these injuries Nelle found a new passion for wanting to help people recover and rehabilitate their bodies, to ensure they can return to their daily activites. After completing her studies of Remedial Massage and then Myotherapy in Melbourne, Nelle had the opportunity to work with several professional sporting teams including Melbourne Victory soccer teams and Gold Coast Titans WNRL team. Working with elite athletes Nelle was able to gain a vast knowledge of musculoskeletal conditions and how they can effect individuals. She has also worked with a wide variety of clients suffering from chronic lifelong conditions, in particular people with MS, helping them to maintain a good quality lifestyle. Nelle is also the coach of the Mansfield Eagles A-grade netball team and reigning best and fairest winner.

Elliot Christopher

Starting out in the Health and Fitness industry as a personal trainer, it was an easy transition for Elliott into the world of treating Musculoskeletal Conditions. After suffering with debilitating Migraines himself, he decided he wanted to spend his life working with others who have also suffered with similar conditions. He understands as well as anyone the importance of restoring range of motion and strength in order for the body to return to it’s best.

Appointment bookings & for more information, please visit our website:

ON AGAIN: Back in 2020, Greg Hamilton was one of many who got some serious airtime in the saddle bronc at the Merrijig Rodeo.

PHOTO: Michelle Spencer

Town shines on busy Saturday

By LYNN ELDER

MANSFIELD was the place to be on Saturday with the first bush market for the year, a huge classic car event and an open garden.

Community groups took advantage of the extra foot traffic to boost their fundraising efforts including the Historical Society with their merchandise, the Masonic Lodge with its popular bar-

becue and the other end of Highett St, St John’s book fair.

The Mansfield Bush Market organised by the newly appointed committee was a hive of activity earlier in the day despite the heat.

The addition of shady areas and hay bales to enjoy a much-needed sit down was much appreciated by patrons.

A large crowd made it to

the Botanic Park for the Australia Day Weekend Horsepower in the High Country Show n’ Shine hosted by the Delatite Drivers Car Club and Mansfield Shire with around 200 classic cars on display.

The event was also a fundraiser for MASS (Mansfield Autism Statewide Services) with all proceeds being donated toward the farm expansion and services.

All makes and models including specialty vehicles were on show from 9am to 2pm with judging from 11am.

Several car enthusiasts had traveled from Melbourne and further afield with their classic and vintage cars for the day.

A united revving of engines with bonnets up was testament to the powerful horsepower in the park.

Free entertainment featured local musicians and children ‘s activities.

A giant inflatable water slide was a hit with all the young ones on such a hot day.

The Mansfield Rotary Club was kept busy on the barbecue with other food outlets on-site.

At the other end of town, the Mansfield RSL SubBranch was the recipient of

monies raised from a most successful open garden in Malcolm Street hosted by members Ken and Trish Thompson.

RSL President Tom Ingpen said this was made possible as a team effort with several RSL members volunteering their time and efforts.

Saturday was a successful day for our community members and visitors alike.

MERCH FOR SALE: Ann Ware was one of several members on the Mansfield Historical Society’s street stall. PHOTOS: Lynn Elder

PLANT SALE: Visitors to the open garden took advantage of a chance to get a bargain.

ENTERTAINMENT: Local musicians entertained the crowd on the Saturday at Horsepower in the High Country.

DANCE MOVES: Mansfield dance teacher Liam Wilson provided some free entertainment at the bush market.

REST AREA: Bush market patrons took advantage of the shade and seating.

GOOD CAUSE: Friends of Venilale members Rachel Meadows and Will Twycross doing their bit for Timor Leste.

OPEN GARDEN: Visitors enjoying morning tea under the shade at RSL fundraiser.

Horsepower in the High Country

HOSTED by the Delatite Drivers Car Club and the Mansfield Shire Council, Horsepower in the High Country was just one of numerous celebrations across the shire on the Australia Day Weekend.

Taking place in the Mansfield Botanic Park on the Saturday, the Show n Shine drew hundreds of registrations and a large crowd of visitors, with proceeds from the event donated to Mansfield Autism Statewide Services.

With live music, food stalls and kids entertainment including a water slide, Horsepower in the High Country was a huge success, adding a festival-like atmosphere to the township as the mercury rose.

GREAT EVENT: The hot day didn’t deter the crowds with hundreds of cars on display, and thousands in attendance.

FUNDRAISER: Hosted by the Delatite Drivers Car Club, all proceeds from the event were donated to Mansfield Autism Statewide Services.

GRIT: It’s not a Show n Shine without a Charger.

OLD AND NEW: Vehicles from across the eras and decades took many viewers on a trip down memory lane.

WONDERFUL

PHOTOS: Dale McKeon of Plymouth Dale Photos

UNDER THE BONNET: The ‘horsepower’ came in all shapes and sizes, with a variety of vehicles showcased at the Australia Day weekend event.

HOT STUFF: The Mansfield Botanic Park was a spectacle of the buffed and the beautiful, with some fancy paint and body work on display at the Show n Shine.

Mansfield monthly rainfall

Updated rainfall data in

from 1901 through 2022, according to the Bureau of Meteorology

Mean 45.032.847.058.571.257.577.886.967.668.154.658.1725.1 Lowest 1.00.02.03.016.011.022.319.621.616.09.42.5401.8 5th Percentile 9.81.412.311.221.823.334.440.122.318.712.88.9458.4 10th percentile 16.03.617.621.326.826.937.746.226.129.418.610.4489.6

1)

2)

3)

2022 weather wrap

By JARRAH LOH

IN 2020 we saw the welcome return of decent rain to Mansfield Shire after a couple of lean seasons, and 2021 continued that, but 2022 trumped both, bringing an annual total rainfall of 971.4mm.

In comparison, the heavy falls of 2021 brought 765mm and 726mm in 2020.

That makes last year’s falls one of highest ever recorded in Mansfield, and the most since 1975.

From the get go, Mansfield kicked off 2022 with a warmer than average, but very wet month, receiving more than 112mm - the wettest January in more than 25 years.

Comparatively, there was less than 20mm in January the year before.

Several thunderstorms swept through the region over the month, with neighbouring Indigo receiving their highest fall on record, and

It was water and snow galore for Mansfield g

Harrietville received an astonishing 286.6mm.

Amazingly, it all dried up in February with Mansfield getting only 4.4mm of rain.

Conversely, the year before was the opposite, having a dry January, but with heavy rainfalls in February 2021.

But the rain returned in a big way for March, brining 85mm of rain to Mansfield, the most in 10 years.

Thunderstorms roared across the North East on the first day of the month, and then the rain returned in a big way when a cold front and lowpressure trough crossed the state on the 22nd, bringing widespread falls.

The rain kept up for April, with the first week drenching the region, bringing in a total of 62mm across the month, much more than the year before, but still paling in comparison to the downpour we had in 2020 that netted 177mm - a record

dating back almost 100 years. We had several warm patches, but cold fronts came in by the end of the month with the coldest day in the state recorded at Mt Buller on the 30th.

May saw a mixture of cool and mild days, with daytime temperatures close to average across Victoria.

The rain continued the same pattern, with similar falls as the month before, and the year before.

Widespread rainfall was associated with a strong cold front on the 4th, then again on the 7th, which also brought the year’s first snow with it. Though not as high as the year before (108mm), June still saw plenty of rain in Mansfield, bringing 89mm.

Temperatures were very much below average in the North East and from the first days of the month

there were snowfalls on Buller, getting up to 30cm.

Mt Buller also broke its record for the lowest maximum temperature in June, with one day getting to a high of just 0.8 degrees.

There was a bit of a dip in the rain for July, but Mansfield still got 36.4mm, and the 17th and 25th brought big snowfalls.

Clear skies and light brought low minimums and the state’s lowest night time temperature was an icy −7.8 degrees at Mount Buller on the 19th.

The rain ramped up again for August, with 94mm falling in Mansfield.

A succession of cold fronts also brought damaging winds, severe storms and hail several times during the month.

It just kept getting wetter in September, and the falls even eclipsed

2021’s big 102mm and we received 108mm, and state started to see flooding.

And it just kept getting wetter as October rolled in, brining 161mm of rain - the wettest October Mansfield has seen since 1934, and the second wettest on record.

But Mansfield paled in comparison to the 490mm of rain at Mount Buller. And the wettest day in the state was for the 123.2mm at Lima East on the 13th.

For Victoria overall, it was the highest rainfall for any month since records began in 1900.

November about matched the previous year, with the rain still falling hard with 97mm.

The first day of the month also brought new snow to Mt Buller. Again, December almost matched the previous year’s fall, getting 59mm. Although, the last week of the month was generally dry for the whole state.

I like to put a face to a name “ “

FIRE IN THE SKY: The big rains continued into 2022 and exceeded even those we had in 2021.

Building up to Targa

THE Albert Heaney Reserve on the Midland Highway in Swanpool played host to the Targa High Country Shannons’ Swanpool Car Show on January 15.

Serving as a precursor to the Targa High Country Tarmac Rally, the special Show n Shine is the first event in the build-up and promotion of the February 11 rally.

Proceeds from the Show n Shine will go towards the 2023 Swanpool Motor Festival in March.

IN THE BUILD-UP: A classic Cobra on show.

PHOTOS: Dale McKeon of Plymouth Dale Photos

ON DISPLAY: The Targa High Country Shannons Swanpool Car Show drew an exceptional line-up of cars both old and new, like this old Ford.

DRAW CARD: The January 15 show is a new event for motoring enthusiats to add to the calendar.

RED IS FAST: This Alfa Romeo classic was on display at Targa High Country Shannons’ Swanpool Car Show.

ACROSS

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

1 Name an alternative term for a stockman (US) (6)

8 Which Queen of Castile was the patron of Christopher Columbus (8)

9 To develop gradually, is to do what (6)

10 What might we call an “all day sucker” (8)

11 Which term describes an exposure to danger or harm (6)

12 What, colloquially, is political rhetoric (4)

13 What, in two-up, is the opposite to tails (5)

16 Name a type of heron (5)

19 Name the appropriate sire of the dual Melbourne Cup winner, Archer, William ... (4)

21 What was the reputed exclamation of Archimedes (6)

22 Which secret expression is used to obtain access to a restricted area (8)

23 Name an extremely small weight (6)

24 Name a powerful bleaching agent (8)

25 What is a crisp, pungent, edible root of a particular plant (6)

DOWN

2 To prevent difficulties by effective measures, is to do what (7)

3 What is a strong post on a traffic island (7)

4 Name dividends returned on investments (6)

5 What is the muttonfish known as (7)

6 Which sailing vessel is built and rigged for speed (7)

7 What serves as a bulwark or defence (7)

13 To domineer over one’s husband is to do what (7)

E-QUATIONS

Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

14 What might we call one of the 12 disciples (7)

15 Name a renowned US film actor, Jimmy ... (7)

17 Frances Gumm was better known as Judy ... (7)

18 What are Inuits called (7)

20 What is an account book of final entry (6)

Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.

SUDOKU

TQUICK THINK

Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

Synaesthesia is the ability to experience something with more than one sense in the same moment so you may be able to taste words or feel numbers. Musical synaesthetes ‘see’ their songs in colour. Lady Gaga says “... ‘poker face’ is a deep amber colour” and Pharrell Williams describes ‘happy’ as “... yellow with a hint of mustard and sherbet orange.”

BIYWORD

Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.

CLUES:

21-pin AV connector (5)

French: thank you (5)

Hostage negotiation team (3)

In vogue (7)

Music (abb) (3)

Ship’s rear (5)

Small seedless raisin (7)

Small hotel (3)

Suppuration (3)

WA capital (5)

SOLUTIONS

North East regional news in brief

Prosecco name worth fighting for

WINEMAKERS across the King Valley are rallying behind the Australian Government for it to protect their use of the name Prosecco as the assistant minister for trade discusses the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Italian Government this week.

People like pioneer Prosecco grower, Otto Dal Zotto, who migrated from his mother country, and began producing the Prosecco grape variety in 1999.

It was 10 years before Italy renamed a town Prosecco, which it is now using to try and claim as a geographic indicator - a covenant on the Prosecco name.

But Mr Dal Zotto said it’s not the same as the geographic indicator of Champagne as this was named after the Champagne region, not a variety such as Pinot Noir or Chardonnay.

Mr Dal Zotto warned that if the Australian Government gives into this, they will set a precedent for a few hundred more products across the world.

Claims for geographic indicators are also on agriculture products such as Feta and Parmesan cheese.

Assistant Minister for Trade Tim Ayres wants to make it clear to the Italian Government that Australia wants an agreement reached soon with the European Union (EU). He said he wants to make sure that they hear the case, the strong case for high-quality

Australian produce and make a strong argument against protectionism and for agriculture market liberalisation.

Indi MP Helen Haines visited Canberra with prominent King Valley winemakers to secure Australian Government support.

In order to get a result in an FTA there has to be compromise from both sides of the table but if

Australia was to lose the right to name these certain products it would cost the industries hundreds of millions of dollars.

Fraudulent Yarrawonga woman tried to flee

A WOMAN who fraudulently signed her

partner’s name in order to escape the country with the couple’s children will be required to be on her best behaviour for the next 18 months.

The 34-year-old Yarrawonga woman, who is a United Kingdom citizen, pleaded guilty to fraud-related charges at Magistrates’ Court after signing a permission to travel form on behalf of her partner following the

breakdown of the couple’s five year relationship.

The form, a necessity to be able to travel during the height of the Covidpandemic, was alleged to have been used by the accused to gain travel exemptions to the UK for her and the couple’s two children.

Police prosecutor Constable Imogen Akers said the victim had initially refused to grant permission for the trio to travel for a three month period in April 2022, and subsequently applied to the UK high court to have the travel exemption overturned and the family returned to Australia.

She said the accused’s return in January last year meant the victim had been denied access to his children for more than seven months.

Defence counsel Sophie Greiner said her client acknowledged the seriousness of the offending, but alleged the couple’s five-year relationship had been characterised by family violence, with the victim’s role as a first responder and the accused’s lack of further family in Australia heightening tensions.

Popstar Jessica Mauboy wowed crowds in Bright

CROWDS flocked to the Alpine Valley Vibes Festival in Bright’s Pioneer Park last Saturday, featuring national music stars Jessica Mauboy and Illy, as well as singer songwriter Gretta Ray and garage rock band The Buoys.

While the audience crowded around the stage, further away kids were playing with frisbees and others were getting food and drink from the stalls and trucks near the entrance.

Despite earlier good weather, at 6pm rain began falling and soon became a downpour.

Some started leaving to escape the wet, but others stayed to dance along with Jessica Mauboy.

Benalla youth to play college football in US

Luke Dunne has taken the first step on a thrilling new sporting journey.

In December, Dunne accepted a full scholarship to study and play Division One football at the University of Oregon.

The 20-year old punter joins a growing list of Australians who have taken their talents to the States to play college football.

Dunne’s switch to the US marked a whirlwind year for the young star, having moved to Geelong to begin his journey at punting academy Prokick early last year.

After honing his craft with some esteemed mentors for the better part of eight months, Dunne received the life-changing news at training in October.

With an extensive sporting background, Dunne enjoyed an illustrious junior career in Benalla, playing his footy for Benalla, basketball for Benalla Breakers and cricket for the Benalla Bushrangers.

THE HARVEST: Otto Dal Zotto pictured with a harvest of Prosecco grapes.

What’s on regular events

 CWA Monthly meetings: 4th Wednesday Evening or Sunday afternoon (alternating each month: March -Wed).

 CWA Craft Days: Wednesday’s 10am and last Thursday evening of the month at 6pm.

 CWA Op shop open: most days from 10am to 2pm.

 JUSTICE of the Peace Services - Every Thursday, Mansfield Police Station. 10am to 1pm for witnessing and signing of documents.

 Lima South Old Time Dance: At Lima South Hall the second Sunday of each month between 1pm and 5pm. Entry $10. Music provided by The Ramblers. Please bring a plate of afternoon tea to share. All welcome. Contact: 0425868277.

 Mansfield Croquet Club - Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9am till 12 noon, Lord’s Reserve, Cnr Victoria and Apollo Streets. Playing equipment available, $2 per session.

 Mansfield Multicultural Group - Every second Tuesday of the month at 6pm at MACE.

 Monday Mingle - Every Monday - organised by the Bonnie Doon Community Centre - chat and make new friends - new theme each week. BYO ideas for activities - all ages and abilities

 Mansfield support group for carers and people with special needs - morning coffee, third Tuesday of the month, 9.30am The Witches Brew

 Men’s Probus meetings are held every 2nd Wednesday for monthly meetings, and then activities/outings are held on the last Wednesday of each month - or as organised.

 Ladies Probus meets every second Monday of each month at Delatite Hotel for meetings and 4th Monday for social or as organised.

 Rotary meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at the Delatite Hotel. 6.30 for a 7pm start.

 Rural Australians for Refugees (RAR) meet every fourth Monday of the month at 6pm in the library (rear entrance)

 U3A meetings are held on 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month at 10am in The Delatite Hotel Meeting Room.

OPEN GARDEN DAY

Photography for one and all

ARTS Mansfield is continuing to encourage locals to get into photography, with their 2023 Photo Focus initiative gearing up for its new February series.

Daily challenges and regular events including monthly photo walks are planned for February and are organised through the Mansfield Photography Group Facebook page, and Arts Mansfield Instagram and website.

The full month is shared to the site, allowing photographers to plan new images or choose one from their photo archive.

Tips, hints, and tricks on how to ‘make’, rather than ‘take’, an image are also shared.

The initiative is coordinated by Arts Mansfield Vice President, Emma McPherson who says photographers of any ability are invited to take part in the new series.

“Participants must sign up to the local group by answering a couple of questions, for access,” she said.

“Group members decide if they’d like to add a daily submission or, as it suits them, an image that matches a topic they like.

What’s On Calendar

FEBRUARY 6: U3A Meeting - The Delatite Hotel Meeting Room. Join us at 10:00 am for a General Meeting, followed by UNIT 1: ‘South AmericaOverview’ presented by Trish Morris. For more information phone Trish 0437 357 829.

FEBRUARY 7: Arts Mansfield AGM at Delatite Hotel 6pm - 6.30pm. Followed by general meeting.

FEBRUARY 9: Southern Cross Kids (High Country) charity Trivia NightDelatite Hotel 6pm dinner - 7pm trivia.

FEBRUARY 11& 12: TARGA High Country - Mt Buller, Mansfield and surrounding district - 3 days of car rallying.

FEBRUARY 19: Mansfield Garden Club presents ‘Broken River Beauties’, an open garden day showcasing the Barwitian Garden and Broken Downs, both near the Broken River on Old Tolmie Road. Open from 11am to 3pm with refreshments, plant stall, art and sculpture. Entry $15 includes a lucky ticket for a $100 gift card (Children under 12 free). Phone 0438 648 372 for further details.

“There were some imaginative pictures posted for the January challenge, it was intriguing to see the different interpretations of work and other themes,” Ms McPherson said.

The hour-long photo walks, which are free for Arts Mansfield Members, will feature a different topic or skill each month and start on Tuesday, February 28.

Ms McPherson emphasised that the initiative is for all, saying, “The camera used is not important; digital, film and mobile phone shooters are all welcome.”

Pottery festival coming to town

MANSFIELD and District

Potters is excited to announce the first ever Mansfield Pottery Festival.

Kicking off the Festival is Mansfield Pottery Market on Saturday of the Labour Day weekend, March 11, 2023 from 10am - 2pm.

The Pottery Market will be set up under the shady trees on the grassed area in the median strip of High Street.

The market will include live music to add to the vibe of the event.

Potters and ceramic artists

both local and from other parts of Victoria will set up stalls to showcase their work in this exciting event, a first for Mansfield and North East Victoria.

An initiative of the Mansfield and District Potters Group (or MAD Potters), supported by Mansfield Council and Walker Ceramics, the aim of the festival is to bring the lovers of clay together - those who make and those who appreciate this art form.

“Potters and ceramicists working in clay are invited to have a stall at the Pottery Mar-

ket,” said Committee member, Karen Pirie.

“The cut off for stall applications is Tuesday February 28.”

The market will showcase wheel throwing and hand building demonstrations and a free ‘clay play’ table for the kids to get their hands in the mud.

This is an event for everyone to enjoy.

Stall holder applications can be made by visiting the Mansfield Pottery Festival Instagram page at mansfield_pottery_festival or by calling Karen on 0403 219 188.

MANSFIELD ARMCHAIR CINEMA

FEBRUARY 20: U3A Meeting - The Delatite Hotel Meeting Room. Join us at 10:00 am to continue our Study of South America with a viewing of ‘The Motorcycle Diaries’. New members always welcome. For details phone Trish 0437 357 829.

FEBRUARY 25: Mansfield Farmers’ Market 8:30am - 1pm. Showcasing the best fresh and artisan produce from Mansfield and beyond on the median strip opposite the Post Office.

FEBRUARY 28: Arts Mansfield’s 2023 Photo Focus. For more information, please email artscouncilmansfield@ gmail.com. Membership forms can be found on the Arts Mansfield website - https://artsmansfield.com.au/member-benefits

MARCH 4: Mansfield Readers and Writers Festival. The first Mansfield Readers and Writers festival, bringing authors and literary luminaries to Mansfield

MARCH 4: Tolmie Sports Daytraditional old-style fun and activities for the whole family. Tolmie Sport Grounds.

MARCH 7 - 13: Cobber Stock Dog Spectacular - Mansfield Showgrounds. Spectators welcome.

MARCH 11: Merrijig Rodeo - 12 noon - late evening. Main event from 6.30pm.

MARCH 11: Mansfield Pottery Festival 10am - 2pm. Celebrating local potters and beyond with demonstrations, meet the makers and kids free clay play.

MARCH 23 - 26: Highline Mountain Bike Festival - Highline Mountain Biking. A weekend of mountain biking events including slopestyle events. Participants and spectators welcome.

FINDING BEAUTY: Budding photographers are encouraged to find beauty in their surroundings while improving their skills.

(Credit: Michele Padbury)

THE GREAT ENTERTAINER

A property of impeccable presentation both the home and 2901m2 grounds are maintained to the highest levels.

Big double glazed windows frame beautiful vistas and let the light stream in. The central kitchen really is the hero of the home with spacious butler’s pantry. Induction cooktop, mirrored splashback, feature lighting and stone benchtops. Dining and living room share an open plan with sliding doors out to alfresco. Main bathroom features freestanding bath, wall hung vanity and shower. Keep comfortable with ducted zoned Actron air conditioning throughout. Luxurious double door entrance master wing, WIR and oversized en-suite. 3 spacious bedrooms with WIR’s, shade and block out window furnishings. Theatre room, separate rumpus and study easily converted to a 5th bedroom. 3rd shower and toilet that’s perfect when swimming or entertaining guests. 6 star energy rating, solar hot

water, front door monitor/security system. Oversized remote control double garage under the main roof line. Ducted vacuum system and functional laundry with separate linen closest. Pathways and exposed aggregate alfresco not only looks great but practical. Merbau decking pool area with salt-chlorinated container pool. Expansive alfresco with custom blinds, ceiling fans create another living space. 22m x 9m shed with 3-phase power, lined roof and electric roller doors. There’s a separate enclosed ‘mancave’ complete with wood heater. Unique corner block, access via 3 separate concrete driveways/crossovers. Veggie gardens, Lime, Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit, Apple and Nectarine trees. It’s a big, well planned and well-built home in a sought-after location. All of the hard work has been done and now, this property is looking for a new

Hunt & Bett

Agent Nutrien Harcourts Amanda Nieuwenhuizen 0407 770 548 / 5775 1444 amanda.n@nutrien.com.au

Location 1 Kate Court, Mansfield

Land size 2903m2

For Sale $1,650,000$1,750,000

10 acres

Rural Living Zone

MANSFIELD | LOT 2A, 13B CUMMINS ROAD

ELEVATED 10 ACRES MOMENTS TO LAKE EILDON 15 minute drive to town, undulating country, post and rail entry all fully fenced. Approved building envelope, views of the Samaria Ranges, The Paps to Lake Eildon.

FOR SALE

$585,000

Amanda Nieuwenhuizen 0407 770 548 | amanda.n@nutrien.com.au

1282m2

General Residential Zone

SAWMILL SETTLEMENT | 8 MAN COURT

POSITIONED TO ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Partially cleared residential zoned block at the end of a quiet court, town services available for connection

Sealed road, huge potential with high demand for holiday rentals, why not subdivide and build two (STCA)

FOR SALE

$315,000

Amanda Nieuwenhuizen 0407 770 548 | amanda.n@nutrien.com.au

2764m2

MANSFIELD | 3-5 MALCOLM STREET

4 3 8

SOMETHING TO KEEP EACH MEMBER OF THE FAMILY HAPPY!

Renovated with multiple living areas, underfloor hydronic heating, R/C system & wood heater

North-facing backyard, shed with office, WC, 3-phase power & service pit (14m x 15m). Future subdivision potential (STCA).

FOR SALE

$1,100,000 TO $1,200,000

Amanda Nieuwenhuizen 0407 770 548 | amanda.n@nutrien.com.au

2870m2

MANSFIELD | 6 OAKSFORD DRIVE

PRIVATE OASIS IN PRIME LOCATION

Luxe interiors with 9ft ceilings, stone benchtops, Euro fireplace and light-filled living spaces

Stunning landscaped gardens, 16m x 8m shed with high clearance doors and 6.6kw solar

FOR SALE

$1,400,000 - $1,500,000

4 2 6

Amanda Nieuwenhuizen 0407 770 548 | amanda.n@nutrien.com.au

Clark Co

Real Estate M ansfield

Family holiday cottage directly across the road from the lake, 602m2 of land with paved area at rear providing parking and security for the boat

Location and character, incredible outlook over the lake

Low maintenance property offering floorplan, kitchen to the front with water views and central lounge opening to front verandah

Neat three bedroom, two bathroom home with a fantastic outdoor living taking full advantage of its position, large 3 bay garage workshop under the house to keep you occupied in any weather

Large block of over 1000 square meters, sealed road frontage, minutes to Mansfield, State forest Views straight down one of Lake Eildon's major arms and direct access just over the street to the waters edge

Large alpine retreat, North facing with large bright living spaces, out door deck with spectacular views of the Pinnacle, plenty of room to easily increase the sleeping capacity to cater for up to 8 people Comprising 2 bedrooms one consisting of a spacious loft with beautiful, polished wood flooring, open plan living featuring natural wood as main beams, central bathroom with large spa bath, separate shower and cathedral ceilings to really give you the real Alpine feel.

On the On ground and in the in paddocks

BY EMMA OLIVER

BLAZEAID is on the ground in the North East, helping local communities rebuild after October flooding decimated paddocks, infrastructure and hundreds of kilometres of fencing.

Founded by Kevin Butler in 2009 in response to the Black Saturday fires, BlazeAid is a volunteer organisation that works alongside rural families and individuals after natural disasters such as fires and more recently floods, establishing basecamps in hard-hit regions.

Of the five basecamps currently operating in Victoria, three are in the North, with one in Lockington, another in Kerang, and the newly opened Swanpool camp which started hosting volunteers on January 10.

There have also been requests to set up a camp in Strathbogie Shire after riverine flooding impacted towns across the region, with central and northern Victoria experiencing some of the worst of the spring downpours.

The task is a mammoth one and BlazeAid - a not-for-profit reliant on volunteer assistance and donations - is keenly aware that time is of the essence.

“It’s vital to establish a BlazeAid basecamp as soon as possible after the disaster event,” said Melissa Jones CEO of BlazeAid.

“This is not only for the property owners with livestock issues, but for everyone affected.

“Knowing that help is at hand has an extremely positive impact on people who often don’t know where to start rebuilding.

“In addition, the response from volunteers is much higher in the initial days and weeks after the disaster.”

However with the demands of the holiday season and the sudden onslaught of hot weather, volunteer numbers are low with camps across the state all desperate for assistance.

“The current heat is discouraging volunteers,” said Melissa.

“We need help, so we can get the work done quickly and farmers can get back to some degree of normality.

“Volunteers do not need any fencing experience.

“Just a willingness to give it a go and learn on the job.”

In Lockington alone there are 32 farms in need of help.

“Thirty two and counting,” said Melissa.

BlazeAid envisages they will be in the township for an extended period of time getting the job done.

Grants have also been slow trickling down the line into impacted producers’ pockets, with

Landmark Japanese Encephalitis vaccine to give fresh hope to farmers

FOLLOWING the tragic death of both humans and pigs after last year’s Japanese Encephalitis outbreak, some of the country’s leading minds have created an animal vaccine that is set to be ready in the coming months.

The vaccine, developed by La Trobe University researchers, is expected to be ready for market in the coming months and will then be manufactured at Apiam Animal Health’s ACE Laboratories in Bendigo.

APIAM is currently working with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) to apply for a permit that will allow them to distribute the vaccine to farmers.

“Over the past 12 months, Japanese Encephalitis has killed five Australians and thousands of pigs,” Apiam Managing Director Dr Chris Richards said.

“We have been working in partnership with La Trobe to get this vaccine ready for market and now, working with APVMA, we are hopeful we will soon be able to manufacture and distribute this life saving vaccine, which so many Australian pig farmers are counting on.

“It is critical that this is fast tracked to prevent further losses for the Australian pork industry.”

Pig farmer David Wright who lives and operates his piggery enterprise in Northern Victoria lost a significant number of pigs due to an outbreak at his farm last summer.

He says financially, he can not weather another.

many unwilling to commit to rebuilding infrastructure and repair work whilst waiting on confirmation of funding.

Ray Sweeney is based on the Gold Coast. He travels interstate regularly with BlazeAid to help communities rebuild, and has done for almost a decade.

It is Ray who opened up the Swanpool camp, his second camp after opening up the Lockington location in early November. He will stay at the camp for three to four weeks before being replaced by another coordinator.

“Work at the moment is dependent on how many registrations come in,” said Ray.

“We currently have ten farmers

registered, with others waiting on grants before committing.”

Work on four of those ten farms has already been completed.

“At the moment we are waiting on more jobs to come in,” said Ray.

Establishing a basecamp in a community is no small undertaking, with each camp costing BlazeAid up to $5000 per week to run.

As a result basecamps are only set up when there is a significant distance of fencing to be rebuilt, and enough affected individuals and families who are willing to work alongside the volunteers.

The team knows that this need exists in Swanpool and surrounds.

“One property alone has nine kilometres of fencing that needs to be completed,” Ray said.

Mid-week throughout January, the Swanpool camp would get down to an average of five volunteers, with the numbers bolstered over the weekends.

“We’re reliant on community engagement and support,” said Ray.

“Whether that’s just for a day or two, or a week or more.

“Any help is hugely appreciated.

“Members of the Yarra Valley 4x4 Club spent their Australia Day public holiday in Swanpool volunteering.

“The group lent a hand repairing fences on flood-affected properties from January 24 to January 28.

“It’s this kind of support that we find invaluable,” Ray said.

“BlazeAid is not just rebuilding fences, it’s helping to rebuild lives.”

“With the first case of the season diagnosed in Southern NSW, it is only a matter of time before this spreads further,” he said.

“We are already noticing a large influx of mosquitoes in recent weeks so it is critical that farmers have access to these vaccines as soon as possible or it will have an absolutely devastating impact to our industry and livelihoods.

“Last year our communities got slammed both financially and mentally with these losses, we’ve since been hit with floods.

“We need the government to act now and get this vaccine approved.”

VOLUNTEER HELP: Fencing was destroyed across the region, and roads, paddocks and properties were all impacted by falling trees and branches after the North East’s very wet spring.

CENTRAL LOCATION: BlazeAid’s Swanpool basecamp opened on January 10, to assist farmers impacted by October flooding across the Rural City of Benalla government area.

REPAIR WORK: Working alongside rural families, fencing is one of the main tasks BlazeAid volunteers complete.

eoliver@ nemedia.com.au

Australia Day in Jamieson

THE Australia Day service in Jamieson beside the Jamieson River was well attended, with visitors and local residents seated in the shade.

Jamieson Community

Group President CFA Captain Chris Badrock welcomed the attendees to the 2023 Australia Day and CFA member Jess Bolwell raised the flag at the commencement of the program.

Guest speaker Mansfield councillor Steve Rabie was welcomed and was introduced by Chris Badrock to the attendees.

He spoke of reflection on our past, accepting the truth of our history and that we all have a contribution to make to the story of Australia.

Australia Day is a day for reflection on thousands of years of history, our land our Indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people that thrived on this land before European settlement.

Reflect on the sacrifices

JAMIESON ON THE LINE with Carmel

Dixon

other people have made and call Australia home - fleeing homeland, leaving family and taking dangerous passage in pursuit a better future.

We pay respect to those whose stories, histories and contributions of the Australians who lived, worked and fought for the values and freedoms we often take for granted.

Following on, the national anthem was sung by Genevieve Bolwell playing guitar, with her two granddaughters Charlie Eury and Aby Heron on ‘stage’ (CFA trailer) leading the standing crowd.

Local poet and writer Val Kirley recited some wonderful prose she had written, with one final paragraph in the car on her way to Jamieson. Val recited some amusing tales from ‘Blue the Pack Horse’ and his loyalty.

The mighty Goulburn River and where it starts as a mountain stream in Woods Point and God’s Own Country, to enthusiastic applause.

The event concluded with a resounding rendition of ‘We Are One’ by Genevieve Bolwell, her granddaughters Charlie Eury and Aby Heron with the attendees all in voice.

THE CFA Sausage Sizzle was a great success with the gift to the community Australia Day attendees, as a thank you for their ongoing support.

JAMIESON’S St John the Apostle parishioners were delighted when Father George Feliciouz became an Australian Citizen on Australia Day in Mansfield.

Congratulations.

Saturday morning the ANZAC Day committee, met in the Memorial Hall, to discuss the order and delivery of various commitments by

volunteers to the success of the annual ANZAC Day program.

This year we will not have the services of the Lauriston Girls, as it co-insides with return to school.

Each year the students are bused from the Howqua Campus for the Dawn Service, to sing as part of the tradition.

Stacey and Darren Kerr the Courthouse Hotel proprietors permitted the hotel dining room area for traditional gunfire breakfast.

Barry Matthews and Noel Arandt with Genevieve Bolwell and the committee covered the Anzac Day activities from the Dawn Service in Gerran’s Reserve, the gunfire breakfast, the march and the morning service in the memorial hall, guest speakers, wreath layers and the rifle salute, the preparation of the event locations, the lunch at the Courthouse Hotel and the following 2UP game.

SATURDAY the Heavenly Arts and Gardens, Garden Party was held in the grounds of Saint Peter’s Anglican Church in Jamieson.

The celebration was to enjoy the official relocation of the Gallery on Nash to its new home at the church in Grey Street Jamieson.

Many people attended and enjoyed the social event.

The brainchild of Di Kilford as the museum needed more space.

She spoke to the Anglican Church hierarchy; it was decided to create a garden nursery in the grounds and an art gallery in the church, with a Mansfield Shire grant to help with the move and relocation.

The Heavenly Arts and Garden concept has proven a fabulous new innovation in Jamieson.

All church services are ongoing as the art works are on display with mobile framework. Congratulations to all.

SCHOOL commenced in Jamieson on Monday with

10 students, 3 new prep students.

The local residents were delighted to hear the children playing in the school grounds again.

The students commenced their first day with outdoor exercise class.

It was a joy for the lucky residents who live nearby.

MONDAY the kilns were cooking as the Jamieson Potters recommenced their pottery classes at the Jamieson Pottery Studio of potter Di Kilford.

Dianna has been teaching artisans at her Jamieson Pottery Studio for years and has taught many experienced and beginners the finer points of her craft.

THE Jamieson Yoga group re-commenced their classes on Monday morning so the artists and shakers and movers are all set for the New Year.

VETERINARY

MANSFIELD

‘MOUNT

MOUNT

SHIRE

‘MOUNT BULLER’ Road Closure: 6:06 – 14:30

Road Closed: BETWEEN FOLLOWING ROADS Mt Buller Road Warrambat Road and Summit Road

MANSFIELD SHIRE

‘BARWITE’ Road Closure: 10:34 – 15:30

‘BRIDGE CREEK’ Road Closed: BETWEEN FOLLOWING ROADS

Mansfield - Whitfield Road Stevensons Road (Barwite) and Spring Creek Road (Tolmie)

MANSFIELD SHIRE and RURAL CITY OF WANGARATTA

‘TOLMIE’ Road Closure: 10:50 – 15:36

‘KING VALLEY’ Road Closed: BETWEEN FOLLOWING ROADS

Mansfield - Whitfield Road Tatong - Tolmie Road (C517) and Bakery Lane

MANSFIELD SHIRE

‘TARGAFEST’ Road Closure: 14:00 – 19:00

Road Closed: BETWEEN FOLLOWING ROADS

High Street Kitchen Street and Chenery Street

LEG THREE – SUNDAY 12TH FEBRUARY 2023

MOUNT BULLER, MOUNT STIRLING MANAGEMENT BOARD and MANSFIELD SHIRE

‘MOUNT BULLER’ Road Closure: 6:36 – 16:30

Road Closed: BETWEEN FOLLOWING ROADS

Mt Buller Road Warrambat Road and Summit Road

MANSFIELD SHIRE and MURRINDINDI SHIRE

‘JAMIESON’ Road Closure: 8:03 – 18:12

‘EILDON’

Road Closed: BETWEEN FOLLOWING ROADS

Eildon Jamieson Road Old Eildon Road (Jamieson) and Eildon Golf Club (Eildon)

MURRINDINDI SHIRE

‘DEVILS RIVER’ Road Closure: 9:15 – 16:07

‘SKYLINE’ Road Closed: BETWEEN FOLLOWING ROADS

Ut Creek Road Mc intyres Lane and Skyline Road

Skyline Road Ut Creek Road and Alford Avenue

MURRINDINDI SHIRE

‘EILDON LUNCH’ Road Closure: 9:29 – 14:24

Road Closed: BETWEEN FOLLOWING ROADS Riverside Drive Park Avenue and Centre Avenue

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A DEVELOPMENT PLAN

The land affected by the application is located at: 175 DEAD HORSE LANE MANSFIELD 3722

The application is for a permit to: Development plan for seventy four (74) lots

The applicant for the permit is: Ian Brashaw. The application reference number is: DP003/22. A decision on the application will not be made before: 8 February 2023.

You may look at the application and any documents that support the application at:

The office of the Responsible Authority, Mansfield Shire Council, 33 Highett Street, Mansfield (during office hours) Online at www.mansfield.vic.gov.au/residents/building-andplanning/public-notices

Scan QR code

Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the responsible authority. An objection must be made to the responsible authority in writing, include the reasons for the objection and state how the objector would be affected.

The responsible authority must make a copy of every objection available at its office for any person to inspect during office hours free of charge until the end of the period during which an application may be made for review of a decision on the application.

If you object, the responsible authority will tell you it’s decision.

Kirsten Alexander Chief Executive Officer Mansfield Shire Council

CROWN CABS TAXI DRIVERS WANTED

Mansfield Area

Please contact Eddie 0404 020 333 Shoaib 0433 113 211 Legal Assistant / Secretary

Williams Hunt & Bett are looking for a Legal Assistant to join our team at Mansfield. Experience in a Legal office is preferred but general office experience is acceptable. Part-time applicants will be considered. Salary commensurate with experience. Applicants should apply in writing with resume to accounts@williamshuntbett.com.au

Mansfield Pharmacy

PHARMACY POSITION

Full Time or Part Time

If you have an interest in: Customer service, Retail management, or Dispensary

Please send your resume to: Cathy Henry, 37 High St (5775 1311) or mansfieldpharmacy@nunet.com.au

*Comprehensive training provided *Above award rates

Finding the right job for you matters to us

Mansfield’s Marketplace

Vacuum Truck Supplies

SUPPORT SERVICE WORKER

Rosehaven is looking for compassionate, caring casual Support Service Staff to join their team. Our Support service staff workers are valued members of our team, and provide support and care to our inhouse respite guests during afternoons and overnight, some weekend work may be required.

Essential skills:

Certificate III in Aged Care / Individual support equivalent or higher.

First aid certificate HLTAID013 or equivalent. Excellent communication skills. Ability to work autonomously. Recent police check and or willing to obtain one.

Commitment to follow and promote Rosehaven’s Mission and Vision.

Current Victorian Driver’s License.

Ability to work within a holistic team environment.

A compassionate and caring nature

Desired skills:

Knowledge and understanding of delivery of community palliative care.

Personal Care experience

Food Handlers certificate

To apply please send cover letter and resume to manager@rosehaven.org.au or phone 5775 3161 to find out more information.

(03) 5775 7300

Applications close February 10, 2023

MASSEY Ferguson

175 multi power, power steering, front blade, rops canopy, near new tyres, new radiator, only done 293 hours since engine rebuild, $14,500. Ph 0428 350 525.

Houses/Cabins For Removal

One 3 br/study ensuite to master/ kitchen/laundry for sale, large house with verandahs both sides $60K

Two cabins one bedroom/lounge/kitchette with spa with verandah on front $30K each

All located Mansfield township, all with gas hot water services and spilt AC, all recently painted with new floor coverings. All unfurnished, can supply fully furnished if required at extra cost. Services will be disconnected at our cost. The buyer will be responsible for all removal permits and costs.

Prefer moved prior to winter. For further details call Rod 0409 356 356.

Personal Notices

TIMMINS (nee Andrews), Sylvia Jean.

23/3/1929 - 26/1/2023

Passed away peacefully at Mansfield Hospital, Aged 93 years.

Loved and loving wife of Laurie Timmins and Gordon Germain (both dec).

Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Stevan and Pam, Deb and Barry, Glenn and Jane.

Loved and adored Nanny to her 6 Grandchildren and 10 Great Grandchildren.

“Forever Our Rock”

TIMMINS (nee Andrews), Sylvia. Aged 93 years.

Treasured always and forever. Mum, thank you for a wonderful life, being our rock and always caring with your whole heart. ~ Deb and Barry.

Nanny, you have left us with memories of love and affection, you were always there to help, love and care and we will be forever grateful. Love you forever Nanny.

CLINICAL SUPPORT NURSE

MAZDA BT 50 XTR

2014 3.2L turbo diesel, 6 speed auto, 4 X 4, 186,000 km, rego to January 2024 (1CP8SR), RWC, UHF radio, dual battery, electric trailer brakes, bull bar, canopy, r oof racks, $27,000. Ph Alan 0499 087 598.

CARAVANS & CAMPERS

2016 Redcentre Kimberley 21’6” EC, sleeps 2, Gum 3300kg, QS bed, ensuite, Aug 2023, $72,500.

JAYCO 2001

GRAY, Valerie June.

Much loved sister-in-law and friend of Sandy (dec), Bev and family who we will fondly remember always. Rest peacefully Val.

MARTYN, Darryl.

2/7/1943 - 23/1/ 2023

Passed away peacefully at Buckland House,

Aged 79 years. Loving husband of Kay. Loved father of Nicole and Kate and father-in-law to Brad.

Cherished Grandad to Darcy, Flynn and Piper. Never forgotten, always in our hearts. Privately cremated.

TELPUK, Michael (Mike, Slim).

Died January 22, 2023 in the Mansfield Hospital.

Born in Poland March 15, 1935. Survived by wife Tatiana, and sons David and John (deceased sons Paul and Tony), 5 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Funeral prayers will be offered for Michael Telpuk at St.Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Hunter Street, Mansfield on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at 11am. At the conclusion of service the cortege will proceed to the Mansfield Lawn Cemetery.

~ Haley and John, Jake and Em. Nanny, thank you for always having a full bicky tin, a glass of milk, a home we loved to visit and endless cuddles. Love you to the moon and back.

~Daina, Lara and Judd. Loved and loving Mum to Deb and Barry, Nanny to Haley and John, Jake and Em and her treasured great grandchildren Daina, Lara and Judd.

MARTYN

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Darryl Martin will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at 1pm at the McCormack Chapel, 11 Highett

please consider a donation to Parkinsons Australia

make-a-donation

TIMMINS

The Funeral of Mrs Sylvia Jean Timmins will be Uniting Church, 66 Highett Street, Saturday, February 4, 2023 commencing at 11am. Private cremation. N.J. TODD Funeral Directors Member AFDA Mansfield 1800 352 425 Benalla 03 5762 2461

Cherished Memories

AGISTMENT

available for quiet cattle.

Ph 0427 810 727.

GARAGE SALE, Saturday, February 4, 10 Kidston Parade, 8am2pm. Bar stools, gas heater, clothes, bits and pieces, camping and other things.

ED’S Lawn Mowing and Gardening, free quote, servicing Mansfield, Benalla and Wangaratta. Please call 0493 672 342.

Anniversary model pop top, 17ft, twin bed, antenna, annexe, very good condition, registered till Nov 2023, $14,000 negotiable. Ph 0417 267 015.

MARRIOT (Arnold), Kristin.

Our darling friend Kristin, Your love of life, your compassion, your beautiful music, your encouragement to others and love of horses, many happy and fun times together will be greatly missed but always remembered. Deepest sympathy to Max and families. With our love ~ Kristina, Fred, Carolyn and Nigel.

CAMERON, Kylie.

Thank you for your prayers and thoughts on the loss of our beloved Kylie.

~ Carol, Don, Melissa and Michael.

Davidson, 2009 Fat Bob, 38,000km, comes with spare pipes,

Mansfield swims with the best Victorian country swimmers

By ALLI WALKER

FOUR Mansfield swimmers headed to Wangaratta for the 2023 Victorian Long Course Country Swimming Championships from January 20 to 23 - the first Mansfield team in many years.

This event is the pinnacle of racing for country kids before they take the next step up to State Age Championships and beyond.

Keziah Wolfe (11), Rowena Creighton (11), Hannah Setchell (11) and Quinn Harwood (12) successfully achieved qualifying times over the past 12 months that enabled them to enter the annual Championships that brings together clubs

from all over regional Victoria.

Kezi was the first to compete on Saturday in the 11U 50 metre backstroke against a strong field of swimmers.

Finishing just off her personal best time, this was the start of a big weekend of racing.

Sunday had two Mansfield swimmersRowena and Kezi line up to take on the 11U freestyle swimmers.

Both girls swam fantastically, with a new PB for Kezi whilst Rowena was incredibly close to hers.

Thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon delayed the finals session and bumped some of the events over to Monday morning which meant a later start on day three.

Mansfield had three swimmers for the final day of competitionQuinn knocking over a new personal best in the 12U 100m backstroke and Hannah and Kezi both grabbing new PBs in the 11U 50m breaststroke.

As a club that only officially trains for four months of the year, the dedication and persistence of the small group to make it to an event such as this is huge.

Their qualifying times weren’t achieved easily - these swimmers put in extra time and effort, trained over winter with the support from Benalla Swimming Club (making the 130km round trip a few times a week) and turning up to as many events as they could to nail their official times.

Busy bowls week for Mansfield

By LYNN FOOTS

MANSFIELD’S home pennant had another great day of bowls.

The results of the day saw the Yellow team of Graeme Tyers, Peter McNeil, John Lobbe and Cathy Johnson have a close win over the Gold team of Nick Klein, Steve Lewis, Mark Bettany and Renee Prosser 18/16.

The pink team of Marco Bohren, Kathleen bock, Alan Dodson and Denis Sharpe had another close win over the blue team of Tom Tomic, Glenda Revell, Gwen Gray and Tom Ingpen 20/17.

The other games saw the orange team of Carolyn Close, Colleen Christopher, Anne Wileman and Heather Ingpen have a great win over the red team of Mick Walsh, Ian Morley, Belinda Snider and Elva Healy 25/11.

The green team of Kevin Nikko Nikkelson, Trevor Thompson, Yvonne Robinson and Ida Rachele had a very impressive win over the lime team of Pam Zierk-Mahoney, Ross Parsons, Doug Morley and Theo Sheltinga 31/15.

The ladder sees pink on top with 32pts (+50), orange 26pts (+9), green 24pts (-22), red 22pts (+11), yellow 22pts (0), lime 20pts (+14), gold 20pts (-22) and in 8th spot is the blue team with 12pts (-40).

Tuesday’s O&M pennant saw Mansfield playing Swanpool on their home ground taking the points on the day 59 shots to 51.

Lyn Foots, Jenny Walsh, Ray Close and Lyn Holland had a slow start to the game down 17 shots to four after 12 ends.

With the team struggling to get the gist of the green and the skip unable to play on 1 leg, they stuck it out, to put the pressure on until the end, going down fighting 19 shots 23.

John Foots, Marian Ryan, Chris Lewis and Enid Smith had a close game with the score being level on the 11th end at nine all.

Mansfield began to take control winning the game 23 shots 17.

The final rink of George Peterson, Elaine Peterson, Noel Jackson and Irene Fuller could not get the tricky green

going down 19/9 against a consistent opponent.

After the loss to Swanpool, Mansfield still stays on top of the leaderboad and will play Yarrawonga away this week.

Thursday saw the Australia Day bowls playing a twilight game with 37 players enjoying a great day with bowls and a BBQ.

The winners of the day were Mark Bettany, John Lobbe and one of new members Christine Pitchford with two wins 31pts from Rick Nichols, Doug Morley and Tom Ingpen on two wins 30pts.

Saturday saw the A2s away at Club Mulwala with Mansfield coming home with a well-deserved win 96 shots to 61.

George Peterson, Elaine Peterson, Chris Laws and Hatchet Ryan were down 14 shots to four after 10 ends and then flipped to dominate the game from then on to take a fabulous win 30 shots to 16.

Mike Harrison, Nick Klein, Alex Clarke and Shane O’Brien had a close game all day but by the 20th end the score was all square on 20 shots piece

with one end to go.

Mansfield dug in and scored two shots on the last end to take a great win 22 shots to 20.

Ray Robinson, Peter Roberts, Nikko and Ray Close had a really close game early with the score having Mansfield leading after the 10th end eight shots to six. They promptly won the next five ends to lead 15 shots to six and never looked back, taking the win 21 shots to 13.

The final rink of John Foots, Noel Jackson, Alan Dobson and Brian Revell shot out to a 12 shots to two lead after the ninth end and kept the pressure on to take a solid win 23 shots to 11.

Mansfield is finally off the bottom of the ladder and will travel to Corowa Civic this Saturday to try to continue their resurrection of the 2023 season.

The A4s played at home against top spot Swanpool with the visitors taking the points 83 shots to 73.

Graham Smith, Mick Walsh, Jenny Walsh and Enid Smith had a close game early, up by one after five

ends with six shots to five. Mansfield won the next six ends to take control of the game and never looked back taking a fabulous win 27 shots to 10.

Rick Nichols, Mark Bettany, Lyn Holland and Ross Parsons had a close game for the majority of the game leading 10 shots to eight after 14 ends but from that moment on, they won six of the last seven ends to take a convincing win 20 shots to nine.

Irene Fuller, Vicki Klein, Steve Lewis and Mick Hoban were slow out of the blocks down 11 shots to one after four ends.

Mansfield clawed their way back into the game to be down by just two after 10 ends 10 shots to 11 but Swanpool lifted their game and finished the stronger to take the win 32 shots to 11.

The final rink of Gary Fuller, Graeme Tyers, Doug Morley and Tom Tomic tried hard all day but their opponents were too strong, taking the win 32 shots to 10.

Mansfield retains fourth spot on the ladder and will play fifth placed Rutherglen

at home to maintain their position heading into the finals.

Sunday saw the beginning of the Men’s A/B handicap pairs which is a great concept, involving an A grade player being paired with many new bowlers so that every bowler has a chance.

Round one saw Ray Robinson and Alan Dobson defeat Mick Walsh and John Lobbe 12/1 and Sid Revell and Peter McNeil defeated Noel Jackson and Robert Pitchford 12/4.

The other first round winners were Ray Close and Steve Lewis having a win against Mike Harrison and Shane O’Brien and Chris Laws and Doug Morley scraped home against Rick Nichols and Kevin Nikkelson 4/3.

The afternoon rounds saw Ray Robinson and Alan Dobson defeating Sid Revell and Peter McNeil 9/2 while Chris Laws and Doug Morley defeated Ray Close and Steve Lewis 9/6.

George Peterson and Trevor Thompson also defeated Mark Bettany and Ross Parsons 7/5 and John Foots and Denis Sharpe won 28 shots to five.

PLENTY OF PB’S: (from left) Keziah Wolfe, Quinn Harwood and Hannah Setchell all broke PB’s at Wangaratta in a variety of events.

Monthly medal win for Lyn Poulson in ladies tournament

By LINDA TERRY

WITH the Championships underway for the ladies, the turnout for nine holes on Tuesday was almost a record, with 17 ladies out there trying to hone their skills in anticipation of round two the next day.

Unfortunately only one division was declared, but we are trying to get this fixed for those of you on higher handicaps.

The winner was a very well deserved Robyn Baker with a great stableford score of 21 points. Marion Mitchell was close behind with 20 points, beating Sheryl Sargent on a count back.

Sheryl took the first line ball along with Wendy Hunt 19, Patsy Smiles 19 and Kylie Egan 18. In round two of the championships on Wednesday there were 36 ladies in the running.

The day’s best, with a wonderful round of 84 off the stick, was Donna Sedgman (17), who won the daily nett competition and Div 1 with nett 67.

The runner up in Div 2 was Linda Terry (20) with nett 69 and a very pleasing 89 off the stick.

Marion Mitchell (28) had a wonderful nett 68 to win, on a countback to Jackie Smithwick (35) who might have hoped for the winners prize with her 68.

Jenny Koraus was third with nett 72.

Line balls went to Sue Parsons, Patsy Smiles, Andrea Marsden, Pam Abbott and Kylie Egan all with nett 74 and Lyn Poulson with 75. Nearest the pins went to Linda Brook (3rd), Marion Mitchell (7th), Lyn Holland (16th) and Donna Sedgman (3rd on 18th). Sam Bailey won the putting with just 26 putts.

As for the all-important Championships, after the second round, Andrea Marsden keeps one hand on the trophy, maintaining her lead from last week, with a total of 180 to next best Sam Bailey on 183.

Donna Sedgman broke through however, after her great round, bringing her total to 184 while Sheryl Sargent and Linda Terry are not out of it with both being on 186 for equal fourth.

Meanwhile Kylie Egan continues to lead B Grade, Shelly Comerford C Grade and Pam Abbott, D Grade.

medal also scheduled for Saturday.

Another strong field turned out despite the forecast being for one of our hottest days for the summer.

With a couple of girls back in the clubhouse early, quietly confident of their good scores achieved before the heat of the day struck, they found themselves disappointed to be pipped at the post by Lyn Poulson, who came in later in the day, hot but smiling with a lovely nett 69.

Bad luck to runner up Sheryl Sargent with nett 71 and also Linda Brook who won 3rd on a countback, also with 71.

Shelly Comerford also maintained her steady form with nett 73 and Sue Parsons rounded out the line balls with nett 74.

Nicki Cooper and Sheryl Sargent picked up the nearest the pins.

Finally for the week, two pairs of ladies contested one of the qualifying rounds of the Vic 4BBB held at Jubilee, Wangaratta on Sunday.

WINNER: Lyn Poulson

the monthly medal for ladies golf for January.

‘Walshy’ wins medal for men’s competition

By TOM SWAN

AS January comes to end and the holiday period quietens down, golf had another big week with numbers in the competitions continuing to be large and the number of visitors on the course being very encouraging.

The course is in magnificent condition which is a tribute to the work that Tony Cooksy and his maintenance crew have been putting in.

Well done Tony, Kane, Al and Lily.

Tuesday - Stroke: 28 keen golfers teed off in warm conditions.

1st: Logan Norris (from Sandy Bay Golf Club) - 64 points; 2nd: Brendan Egan - 65 points; 3rd: Bob Speed67 points

Well done to young Logan - the grandson of club member Geoff Norris - who has now won two Tuesdays in a row.

Geoff and Logan have been down since Christmas and Logan and his father

had played about 27 rounds since boxing day at various courses throughout the North East.

Thursday - Stableford: Thursday saw 76 tee off in great weather.

A Grade:

1st: Alex Scherini - 39 points; 2nd: Jarrod Heath37 points; 3rd: Michael Aistrope - 33 points on a count back.

B Grade:

1st: Michael Tenace (Kew Golf Club) - 38 points on a count back; 2nd: Martin Slack - 38 points; 3rd: Steve Chisholm - 35 points on a count back

C Grade:

1st: Peter Smiles - 41 points on a count back; 2nd: Glen Mackwell - 41 points; 3rd: Justin Sargent - 37 points

Peter and Glen both had great rounds, however Peter had a better back nine which stopped Glen from winning the Thursday competition two weeks running.

The Thursday morning group had great results with Alex Scherini also having

a great round winning A Grade.

A special mention to Malcolm Edwards who got a hole in one on the ninth hole Saturday - monthly medal: This month’s medals sponsored for the first time by Sports First, a big thank you to Fraser Stevenson for coming on board and supporting the club.

A Grade:

1st: Craig Walsh - 67 points; 2nd: Kyle Bridgeman - 69 points off a handicap of -1; 3rd: Paul Lange - 71 points on a count back

B Grade:

1st: Bill Parsons - 69 points; 2nd: Tom Swan - 73 points on a count back; 3rd: Ben Elliott - 73 points

Well done to “Walshy” for picking up the medal and to Peter Sergeant for picking up the Sport First voucher for being nearest the pin on the 16th hole.

Also well done to Kyle Bridgeman for picking up the JD Perks trophy for having the best scratch score for the day.

Third was Shelly Comerford (26), also with 69. In Div 2, there were more stellar performances.

The final round is this Wednesday.

It continued to be a big week, with our monthly

Light but consistent rain all day made for a change in conditions but neither pairing of Sam Bailey/Lesley Anderson and Shelly Comerford/ Linda Terry were able to master the conditions to take a win.

HOLE IN ONE: Malcolm Edwards (pictured) got a hole in one on the ninth hole on Thursday.

(pictured) on

Basketball boys bring Basketball competitive game competitive game

By LEITH MOUNSEY

THE 2023 Bendigo Classis saw Mansfield’s U18 Blue Boys represent the town in style.

Over three days, the Eagles faced some tough competition but played their hearts out and never gave up.

On Thursday afternoon the team faced off against the ‘footy boys’ of Rochester.

The scores were even at half time but Rochester came on after the break with some strong and slick plays causing them the break away from the Eagles.

Mansfield has gone against this team over the past few tournaments with this losing margin being the smallest.

Friday saw a busy day of three games between 2pm to 9pm.

First up the boys faced Mildura where each and every player was on fire. A fantastic team game which saw the Eagles winning by 20 points and with a very proud coaching group who couldn’t get the smiles off their faces.

Next up was Portland

A SMOOTH WIN: Scotty James performed a “victory lap” on his third run, winning the halfpipe competition easily.

which was a toss-up for either team.

It took a good three minutes for either side to score and Mansfield vice-captain Sam was the first to put a score on the board.

At the halftime buzzer, the Eagles were one point up thanks to Riley shooting a three-pointer on the siren.

The second half saw an even match with the scores bouncing back and forth.

Unfortunately Portland came home with the win by a measly two points which saw the boys very disappointed.

They picked themselves up for the final match of the day against Kyneton.

The confident opposition was there for business much to their surprise, so were the Eagles who went into halftime a couple of points up.

The serious and strong Kyneton coach revved up his team in what became quite a physical encounter.

Much to the boys credit, they continued to play hard but also with great sportsmanship and a heap of fun.

They opened up their defensive space to allow the opposition to go for a couple of dunks but unfortunately

to no avail.

The Eagles may have ended the day sore and tired but full of smiles and positivity.

Saturday morning was the elimination final against Maryborough, the team who had won the previous tournament in Shepparton.

The Eagles knew they had nothing to lose and again were up by one point at halftime.

The opposition had played one less match than Mansfield and although the team ran out of legs, they didn’t run out of heart and motivation.

After some clever and long tactical timeouts, Maryborough came away with the win by 12 points, taking out the competition against Portland by eight points.

The results show that Mansfield Eagles were certainly up there against these top teams and each and every player should be proud of themselves.

It was a great tournament with the coaching group extremely proud of the boys with their attitudes both on and off the court.

The team looks forward to playing again in a couple of weeks at Wodonga.

Mt Buller represents at X-Games

AUSTRALIAN athletes have had a record day at the winter X-Games in Aspen, USA, featuring a first ever double medal performance in the halfpipe with Mt Buller regular Scotty James claiming his sixth X-Games victory together with Valentino Guseli in bronze.

In snowy conditions in front of a huge crowd at the Aspen halfpipe, James was again the dominant rider, with two outstanding runs giving him back-to-back victories at the event. With victory secure, James could perform a “victory lap” on his third and final run, high fiving the crowd on his way down.

Jakara Anthony, anther Mt Buller regular, has remained the number one ranked mogul skier in the world, following a silver medal performance in Val St Come, Canada, her fifth medal of the season.

After advancing through to finals in first place, Anthony scored 81.88 points in the super final to be just edged out of first place by 0.37 points to Anri Kawamura of Japan.

After four events, Anthony is ranked first on the mogul standings with 380 points, with French skier Parrine Laffont in second with 270 and Kawamura in third on 248.

“Definitely a solid performance, obviously wanted that top sport, but so does every girl out there, so you have to be laying it down every run,” said Anthony.

The mogul athletes will compete again tomorrow at Val St Come in a dual event on the same course.

CLOSE TO WINNING: The Mansfield Eagles Blue U18s side missed out on the finals by only 12 points.

Delatite A clobbered at Beechworth

■ From back page

Fielding first, it was a long hard day in the field, with the hosts amassing 5/241 before declaring with an hour’s play to go.

Chief run makers were Cam Fendyk with a hard-hitting 95 and Brenton Surrey a fine 69. It was a case of Delatite taking ‘little wins’, and these came in the form of Mitch Purcell removing last season’s WDCA ‘Cricketer of the Year’ Kade Surrey for just seven runs, Under 14 player Noah Whittall taking his first A grade wicket, and fellow Under 14 Orlando Miller having his first trundle in A grade.

Having to face 12 overs, things did not go well for the visitors, with the loss of 3 wickets for 13 on the crumbling pitch.

The two young Storer boys, Archie and Adam, fought hard to hold out The Wanderers and both will resume on nought not out when the game continues next Saturday.

Tennis night competition returns

By RHONDA CARPENTER

Junior Eagles fly into pre-season

By MICHAEL BRETHERTON

THE Mansfield Junior Football Club season has started with zest, for both the under 14 and 17 sides.

With coaches confirmed early and strong numbers enabling the club to submit two sides per respective age group competitions.

Nick Dunn and Chris Anderson will coach the U14s sides this year and bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role.

Nick started his career with the Ballarat Rebels in the TAC and went on to play for North Ballarat in the VFL, amassing 300 games and a sen-

ior best and fairest for the Roosters, in addition to time further north with Gympie and Kenmore in the Queensland Football League.

Nick was an under 13s coach last year and looks to continue in similar fashion in the U14s.

Also returning to the coaching ranks and a familiar fixture at the Mansfield Football Club is Chris Anderson who started his career with the Murray Bushrangers and went on to win a senior premiership, a best and fairest and played 200 games for the Eagles.

For the U17s, Matt Storer and Chris Taylor will be at the helm

and will bring plenty of experience and football acumen to prepare our U17s to take that next step toward senior football.

Chris played over 150 games for the Eagles as a tough unrelenting on baller and has had previous coaching success leading the U17s to a premiership in 2022.

No stranger to the blue and yellow, Matt Storer played 250 senior games for the club and is a two time GVFL premiership player.

Matt also represented the GVFL on several occasions, was awarded GVFL life membership and has previous GVFL coaching experience,

guiding the Eagles Reserves to premiership glory in 2016.

All four coaches are looking forward to the season starting proper and fostering a development focus that is specific to players’ needs and getting the best out of each and every player in a safe, inclusive and enjoyable environment.

New players are encouraged to come down to a training session which will allow numbers to remain strong enabling the club to field two sides per age group and ensuring all players get a game each week.

Final training times and locations to be confirmed in coming weeks.

THIS week the tennis summer competition resumes with every night comp starting at 7pm.

Tuesday night competition begins January 31, Wednesday night competition February 1 and Thursday night competition February 2. Juniors will begin on Saturday morning February 4 and youngsters are invited to join Jo O’Brien at 9am.

Hot Shots coach Danny Cahill 0422 156 417 will also begin on Saturday morning.

Get Your Racquet On restarts on Monday Feb 6th at 7pm.

Contact Deb Mims 0411 149 085 if you’d like to join in.

Team captains need to ensure they have a full team taking to the court for the first night back and check when there is a bye.

Welcome the newcomers stepping in to fill the shoes of those who have departed Mansfield and replace others on the emergency list.

ON THE BALL: (From left) Dan Bruno, Nick Taylor and Coach Chris Taylor are looking forward to a very sucessful season.

TRAINING HARD: From left Nick Taylor, Hayden Desmond and Noah Pigdon. PHOTOS: Samuel O’Brien

PLENTY OF EXPERIENCE: U17s Coaches Matt Storer and Chris Taylor will be helping their teams be ready to transition to senior football.

READY TO GO: U14s Coaches Chris Anderson and Nick Dunn will be guiding their teams with a wealth of experience under their belts.

READY TO PLAY: (From left) Bodhi Killeen and Andy Friday have been busy training ready for this year’s season.

Delatite falls to Merton

By ROHAN BERRIMAN

A YEARS-OLD rivalry returned to Lords on Saturday when Merton cricketers took on Delatite in their B grade clash on a perfectly prepared turf wicket.

Delatite batted first with an impressive top order that made 105 all out in the 29th over.

Patrick Smith played a solid innings and was the top scoring with 43 runs.

The spin of Merton led the way with youngster Henry Berriman 4/17 and veteran Dave Rankin 3/25 while Luke Benton 2/32 bowled well.

Three catches and two stumpings from Luke Berriman and two catches by Jed Murray rounded out a solid performance in the field.

Merton batted with aggression early as James Octigan led the charge on 31.

However when King and L. Berriman went cheaply, Delatite tightened up the scoring for a period of time, only to see the Merton middle order break the shackles led by Ross Mackinnon with 22.

A 50 run 5th wicket partnership between L. Benton on 37 and Mark Noye on 36 saw Merton pass Delatite’s total in the 25th over.

The visitors continued to batt out the match making 8/172

Jed Murray scored some late runs with 19 including four 4s.

The best bowling for Delatite was the father-son combo of Ben Martin 2/19 and young Cooper Martin 2/16.

Smith did well with two and Storer and McPhee both got one wicket apiece.

It was good to see ex-Australian player Richie Robinson in his 70s sub field for Merton and take a catch at mid-off Richie’s enthusiasm around the group and his passion for the game was excellent to see.

Delatite A clobbered at Beechworth

By PETER SCALES

RESUMING at 3/13 in reply to Beechworth’s imposing 241, the Delatite First XI was never really in the hunt for a win, but the aim was to stave off an outright loss.

This endeavour looked unlikely with the quick loss of a further three wickets, to have the visitors reeling at 6/28.

Lachlan Scales and Delatite debutant, Lincoln Toy, set about a rescue mission, with a resolute 47 run partnership.

Toy was trapped LBW on the crumbling Barmutha Park turf for a fighting 11 runs off 75 balls, the score now a more respectable 7/75.

Veteran Brett Bradley joined Scales at the crease and another heroic partnership ensued.

The pair added a further 54 runs which combined some lovely stroke play and canny running from both fellows.

Bradley succumbed to the same fate as Toy, trapped LBW on the lowering pitch for a fine 22. Scales fell just short of his half century, caught out attempting a lofted off drive for a fine knock of 49.

Delatite was all out for 133 in the 65th over, short of the follow-on target of 141, however the Wanderers elected to have a second bat instead of enforcing the follow-on.

Beechworth hit out in an attempt to rack up maximum bonus points, and clobbered 3/104 off the remaining 18 overs of the day.

Toy collected his first wicket for the Titers, and Scales chimed in with the other two wickets.

Scales collects the BP Vantage Fuels player of the match award for his fighting 49 and two wicket haul.

An undermanned Delatite

A grade side headed off to Beechworth on Saturday to take on the Beechworth Wanderers.

led an impressive game against Merton, making the opposition work for their win.

■ Continued page 39

A FAMILY AFFAIR: (from left) Jake, Nixen, Ben, Cooper and Leigh Martin all competed for Delatite in the B grade competition against Merton.

FIERCE COMPETITION: Delatite