MC030724_Digital_Edition.pdf by Provincial Press Group

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WOODS Point

Commercial Hotel owners Carley and Luke Burdon won Best Bush Pub at the Australian Hotels Association Excellence Awards this year.

■ Story page 5

Split verdict in murder trial

Greg Lynn found guilty of murdering Carol Clay, acquitted of murdering Russell Hill gygygy,qg

By HANNAH KENNELLY

FORMER pilot Greg Lynn

was found guilty of murdering Wonnangatta Valley camper Carol Clay but acquitted of fellow camper Russell Hill’s murder.

The 12-person jury laid down their highly anticipated split verdict last Tuesday afternoon, July 25, after a five-week trial and just over a week of deliberations.

Arguably one of Victoria’s biggest murder trials in the past decade, Mr Lynn reportedly stared straight ahead as the verdict was read inside the packed courtroom.

The 57-year-old had pleaded not guilty to two charges of murder, arguing the deaths of campers Russell Hilll, 74, and Carol Clay,

73, at a Wonnangatta Valley campsite in March 2020 were tragic accidents.

Mr Lynn, the defence’s only witness, told the court Ms Clay was shot in the head while he and Mr Hill struggled over the former pilot’s shotgun after a dispute.

He said Mr Hill died after a knife accidentally plunged into his chest in a subsequent struggle.

Mr Lynn’s lawyer, Dermot Dann KC, previously told the court his client had made a “series of terrible choices” to cover up the pair’s deaths, which included destroying evidence and burning the remains of both victims.

Mr Lynn told the jury his actions in destroying evidence at the campsite were a “panicked”

response to the “horrendous” scene before him.

“All I can say to the families is that I am very sorry for your suffering that I caused,” he said.

“I haven’t behaved well, I’ve made some poor decisions, but murder, as I understand it, I’m innocent of.”

Prosecutors had described Mr Lynn’s series of events as a lie and argued his actions had murderous intent.

Crown prosecutor Daniel Porceddu alleged Mr Hill was killed first by unknown means, most likely over a dispute about Mr Hill’s drone, and Ms Clay, a witness, was later shot in the head.

A total of 49 witnesses were called throughout the trial

including friends and family members, police detectives, experts and park rangers and workers in the Wonnangatta Valley.

Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Martin O’Brien released a statement acknowledging the jury’s verdict and thanked the work of its officers during the fouryear long case.

“Our thoughts are with the Hill and Clay families at this time and we acknowledge how difficult these past four years have been for them,” he said.

“Their courage and resilience in the face of their grief, amidst enormous public attention, has been nothing short of extraordinary.

“We would also like to acknowledge the determination and perseverance of Missing Persons Squad detectives over the course of this exhaustive and complex investigation, as well as the significant support received from a number of specialist areas and local police from right across Victoria Police.”

Mr Lynn has been in custody since November 2021, and will remain in custody to await a sentence.

A mention hearing has been set for July 19.

Anybody found guilty of murder is liable to at least 25 years imprisonment in Victoria, with the maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Mansfield

PHOTO: Hannah Kennelly

Grants for five local community projects

MEMBER for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Syms recently announced 11 new grants in the first round of the Tiny Towns Fund.

The fund aims to strengthen community connections and encourage more visitors to all corners of Victoria.

The Bonnie Doon Community Group has received $50,000 to deliver the re-location and weatherproofing of the historic Billy’s house.

Goughs Bay Area Progress Association has received $19,419 for construction of a shelter.

Jamieson Community Group and Associate Bodies Inc have received $17,701 for the construction of a bandstand at Gerrans Reserve Jamieson.

McCormack Park Grounds Management Committee has received $45,005 to deliver upgraded fencing.

Tolmie Mechanics Institute and Recreation Reserve Committee has received $22,000 to upgrade Tolmie Tennis Courts.

“The Tiny Towns Fund empowers small communities to thrive, ensuring projects that locals are passionate about can become a reality,” said Ms Symes.

For more information visit rdv. vic.gov.au/tinytownsfund or suburbandevelopment.vic.gov.au/grants/ tiny-towns-fund.

CONTENTIOUS: There continues to be contention over ‘Old Howqua Track’ and its maintenance, with a deputation at the most recent council meeting and a recent site visit by council officers.

Contention continues over ‘Old Howqua Track’ maintenance

By SHAUN MCMAHON

THERE continues to be contention over a road referred to as ‘Old Howqua Track’, when at the most recent council meeting two public questions were asked about its maintenance.

Marta Wakeling gave a deputation on the matter, referring to the monthly CEO report and comments made to the Courier following the previous council meeting in May in which council referred to the ‘Howqua Track’.

“I was speaking about the first historic road shown in the 1927 road map,” said Ms Wakeling, noting the road is now referred to on maps as Old Howqua Track.

“My submission is in regards to the lack of maintenance grading since COVID and deterioration of this historic pre-1927 mapped road which provides necessary ongoing access to the southern part of seven rural residential properties and provides southern road access to Timbertop.

“Lack of recent grading has

resulted in deterioration of this road.

“1-2 metre deep ruts have been gouged into the road surface across the width of the roadway.

“This is a major issue as the road is a fuel reduction corridor.”

Ms Wakeling added that the road had previously been maintained as part of the Shire’s Emergency Management Plan, was a listed government road, and asked council to advise why it is not being maintained.

No councillors had any questions following the deputation.

“Do I get an answer?” Ms Wakeling then asked, before beginning to repeat her question.

“You’ve made a deputation, we’ve heard your deputation, and we will answer you in due course,” said Mayor Cr Steve Rabie.

“But not tonight?” Ms Wakeling said.

“No, you should probably read the Governance Rules and that set outs how the management of the meeting goes,” said Cr Rabie.

“No problem, thank you, so you’ll answer the question later?” said Ms Wakeling.

Cr Rabie said yes.

“And as was advised tonight we’ll be having a meeting on the 16th of July to look into this.”

The road or track in question appears to provide southern rear access to several properties, including Geelong Grammar’s Timbertop campus.

These properties also appear to be accessible from the north, with entrances and driveways on Wild Dog Rd and in Timbertop’s case, Grammar School Rd.

Council said the track referred to at the meeting by Ms Wakeling is not managed by them and has never been listed on council’s Road Register.

“Council officers met with local residents to get a full picture of the request to have the track added to the Road Register and also inspected the condition of the track,” said Imad Khan, Senior Coordinator Engineering Services.

“Council will consider all feedback obtained through the community consultation, in-

cluding the request to have this track added to the Road Register.

“It’s important that each road added to council’s Road Register is carefully considered as it will increase ongoing maintenance costs to ratepayers.

“There are a large number of road reserves across the state, referred to as ‘government roads’ that are not on a road register.

“Many of these ‘government roads’ may be road reserves that do not contain properly formed or constructed roads, or any road at all.

“Although council has not graded the track locally referred to as ‘Old Howqua Track’, other agencies may have graded it at various times.

“Both council’s Road Register and Road Management Plan were open for community consultation in late 2023 and again between February and June this year.”

It is anticipated that the Road Management Plan and Road Register will be considered at the July 16 meeting of council.

Camper’s families Camper’s families share mixed emotions on split on verdict

THE families of Wonnangatta Valley campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay revealed they were both relieved and devastated by Tuesday’s verdict in the trial of former pilot Greg Lynn.

Mr Lynn (57) was found guilty of the murder of Ms Clay (73), but acquitted for the death of Mr Hill (74) on Tuesday’s verdict by a 12-person Supreme Court jury.

The families shared their mixed emotions in a statement following the verdict.

“The verdict of not guilty in relation to the murder Russell Hill is devastating,” they said.

“Our families were always aware that the prosecutor had an enormous burden of proof as there were no eyewitnesses.

“They fought hard to keep all their evidence allowed in court, so the jury could make an informed decision, but this was not the case.

“The accused was the only person who saw and experienced what happened… he

DEVASTATED: The families of Carol Clay and Russell Hill shared their mixed emotions following Tuesday’s verdict of their Wonnangatta Valley deaths.

was also the only person who emerged alive.”

It has now been more than four years since Carol Clay and Russell Hill went camping in Victoria’s High Country, never to return.

The trial around the events at Bucks Camp on March 20, 2020, took five weeks, involving 49 witnesses, and six days of jury deliberations to reach its verdict.

Mr Lynn pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder, with his defence arguing the deaths of the pair was the result of a “tragic accident”.

Defence barrister Dermot Dann KC argued Ms Clay was shot in the head after an accidental discharge of Mr Lynn’s shotgun during a struggle between him and Mr Hill.

He said Mr Hill was then killed when he came at Mr Lynn with a knife and fell to the ground, with the blade going through his chest.

During the trial, Mr Lynn admitted to destroying evidence and burning the camper’s remains.

Prosecutors argued Mr Lynn killed the retirees with murderous intent - likely killing Mr Hill first, then shooting Ms Clay, possibly following a dispute over a drone.

They argued Mr Lynn’s “disproportionate” actions to contaminate the crime scene and dispose of the bodies was “incriminating conduct” that pointed to murder.

The families thanked the crown prosecuters, wider police community and family and

friends for their diligent involvement and support throughout the “harrowing experience” of the past four and a half years.

“We also thank the Victoria Police Missing Persons Squad, particularly Detective Inspector Andrew Stamper and Sergeant Brett Florence for their tireless investigative work over four and a half years,” they said.

“They have gone above and beyond in their duties to solve this case and we sincerely thank them for their time, effort, persistence, care and professionalism to bring us answers.

“We are heartbroken at the loss of our loved ones. It will take time to absorb the verdicts, put this behind us and set about healing and getting on with our lives.”

T ER RY MILLER TERRY CONCR ET E CONCRETE TANKS

• All tanks are 2.26m (7’6”) in height

• All tanks walls are 130mm (5.2”) thick

• All foundations (tank floors) are 250mm (9.8”) thick

• Tanks are algae free

• Cool in summer

• Won’t blow away

LAKE EILDON LEVELS NEWS

TREE PLANTING AND REPLACEMENT SCHEDULE

Malcolm Street - Acer ‘Crimson Sentry’

Ailsa Street - Magnolia ‘Sweet Carolina’ (evergreen)

Ailsa Street - Ginkgo ‘Lemon Lime Spires’ (deciduous)

Mt Battery Road - 7

Eucalyptus leucoxylon rosea (yellow gum)

Redgum Drive - 2 replacement Eucalyptus scoparia

Donovans Way and Oaksford Drive - 4 replacement Ulmus parvifolia ‘Chinese Elm’

Len Lynch - 2 Liriodendron tulipifera ‘Aureomarginatum’ (deciduous, exotic)

Len Lynch - 3 Pistachio chinensis (deciduous, exotic)

Shaws Road, Merton - 10 Malus ‘Raspberry Spears’ (deciduous, exotic)

Hunter Street - 2 Cercis siliquastrum ‘Showgirl’ (newly planted last year, deciduous)

College Park - Zelkova serrata ‘Green Vase’ (deciduous, new planting)

Stockmans Rise - 30 Brachychiton populneus ‘Kurrajongs’ (to continue the native avenue)

COURIER DETAILS

98 High St, Mansfield 3722

Phone (03) 5775 2115

General/Advertising: 5775 2115

sales.mcourier@nemedia.com.au

Classifieds: classifieds@nemedia.com.au

Editorial: 5733 1108 or edit.mcourier@nemedia.com.au

www.mansfieldcourier.com.au

www.nemedia.com.au

Stockmans Rise - 6 Eucalyptus camaldulensis (native)

Maroondah HighwayMix of Hakeas, Eucalypts, Leptospermum, and Banksia (to complement existing native theme)

Botanic Park - 2 Corylus avellana ‘Crazy Filbert’ (deciduous)

Botanic Park - 2 Cornus kousa (deciduous)

Botanic Park - Mix of natives and conifers

Grange Playground

Reserve - 8 Eucalyptus leucoxylon rosea (yellow gums)

Council plants more street trees

MORE than 200 trees of various species will be planted around the shire in July and August.

Mansfield Shire Council said feedback has been considered from residents regarding the types of planting that would most suit their street.

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said council was committed to the benefits of street planting.

“Our community cares about trees and council takes our responsibility to our environment very seriously,” said Cr Rabie.

“While we are constantly trying to meet our requirements for development and growth, we want to ensure we maintain the beauty of our shire.

“We are spending almost $30,000

on street trees this year and our team will physically go out and plant them, working with the communities to understand the needs of that specific location.”

Council said as well as providing important functions such as stormwater management, temperature regulation, improved air quality, noise reduction and wildlife habitats, street trees are critical for community health and wellbeing.

Residents are encouraged to contact council if they have a request to replace a dying or unwell street tree by calling 03 5775 8555, going to mansfield.vic.gov.au to make a request or emailing council@mansfield.vic.gov.au.

Celebrations set for upcoming NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week 2024 is set to be a week full of opportunities for community members to celebrate and learn about the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Mansfield Shire Council said they have worked closely with the Gadhaba Local Aboriginal Network and Community Bank Mansfield & District to organise a week full of free workshops and events from July 7 to 12.

The program includes a Welcome to Country and launch event, smoking Ceremony and art display, wetlands walk and ring tree talk, sharing Taungurung culture, films, weaving and pyrography workshops. Every event is free to attend however some have limited places so please register your attendance via mansfield. vic.gov.au

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said he was pleased to see the great range of events planned for the community during the week.

“NAIDOC Week provides an opportunity to learn about and appreciate our First Nations culture, skills and knowledge,” said Cr Rabie.

“I encourage community members to experience some of the activities council has worked collaboratively to put together for NAIDOC Week.”

McMahon (SENIOR JOURNALIST)

MORE TREES: Magnolia ‘Sweet Carolina’ will be planted along Ailsa Street.

‘It is what it is’

– Woods Point hotel wins Best Bush Pub

By HANNAH KENNELLY

NESTLED between a dirt road and the winding Goulburn River lies The Commercial Hotel, Woods Point’s only pub.

The historic establishment is home to hearty meals and rustic memorabilia, with a pool table and stain-glass hanging lights.

But the remote hotel also boasts an impressive new accolade - Best Bush Pub from the Australian Hotels Association Excellence Awards.

“We have to find a special place to show this guy off,” Commercial Hotel owner Carley

Burdon said while holding up a giant gold trophy.

“We definitely didn’t expect it to be this big.”

Carley and her husband Luke travelled to Melbourne on May 20 this year to attend the prestigious hospitality awards ceremony.

The duo were thrilled to be finalists and said they had no expectation of winning the award.

“Honestly, we were just thrilled to be there so when they actually announced our names… I mean, we couldn’t believe it,” Carley said.

The AHA judges said small pubs in the bush face innumerable challenges, but those ob-

stacles were “multiplied by 10” for Woods Point.

“Those challenges don’t daunt husband and wife team Carley and Luke Burdon and their two teenage boys,” the judges said.

“The Commercial has homecooked pub-style food, including all the expected offerings and a kid’s menu, with beer through two draught taps, not forgetting their own local brew “Tear Arse Gully Port”.

The eclectic hotel has survived an exhaustive and ongoing list of power outages, bushfires, earthquakes and a pandemic.

They operate using a cash

Carley believed the hotel’s ongoing lifespan and charm was due to its location.

“I think remoteness has a certain uniqueness to it,” she said.

“There’s a fantastic community and staff at the heart of our hotel.”

So, what else makes the Commercial Hotel the best bush pub in Victoria?

“Oh, it is what it is,” Carley laughed.

“No airs or graces, it’s just Woods Point.”

HALLOWED HALLS: Pub worker Gayle Towe, Paul Harrop, Mansfield Mayor Cr Steve Rabie, and pub worker Jodie Broderick at The Commercial.

PHOTO: Shaun McMahon

BUSH PUB: The eclectic hotel has

PHOTO: Hannah Kennelly

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Serious concern

WE are writing to you about a matter that is of very serious concern to us.

Our hospital in Mansfield is under threat of being swamped by bureaucracy and taken over by distant authorities.

We, and the people of Mansfield, have been successfully taken care of by our hospital for many years.

Many residents are fifth-generation former patients of our hospital.

Just because something is updated doesn’t mean that it will be successful.

We pay good taxes to be supplied with something that has quality and has been positive for the community.

We would like to give you an example.

Take the education system.

Our son started school in 1986, and by 1994, he and a number of boys could not read or write.

The principal of the primary school assured us that the boys would absorb their studies - it was the system - yet another system.

We kept being reassured, through primary and secondary school, until year 10 when our son left school illiterate.

Ten boys were in the same boat.

Each week the Mansfield Courier will endeavour to publish a photo taken by the community or one of its staff. If you have a good or outstanding photograph and would like it published send with details of where, when and photographer’s name to: edit. mcourier@nemedia.com.au and captioned ‘Through My Lens’.

A dedicated female teacher canvassed the school to allow her to reteach the boys using another program - she failed.

Our son managed to get an apprenticeship; however, he could not adequately read or write.

A senior staff member at Burder Industries told him to go back to school and learn his 3 R’s, which he did.

Our son, Andrew, self-educated himself and is now a successful farmer and businessman.

The education system at the time let him and us down.

We are farmers and work hard and pay our taxes for what?

To support systems that let us down?

The government has now decided that 45 per cent of Australian children cannot read and write properly, and they are going back to teaching using “phonics” as the teaching tool.

The older method worked for our parents, our grandparents, and so forth, and it worked for us.

Our hospital has been successful for 150 years and provides excellent care by the doctors, nurses, and executives.

The proof lies within the pudding; why change something that works and provides emotional support for the mental health of the community?

Country hospitals are special.

They provide physical and emotional support by caring medical staff who know their patients very closely and require support from government health authorities to continue positive care for their communities.

We need genuine and sincere support from the government body overseeing our future.

LETTERS to the editor must be signed with the full name, address and contact telephone number of the author provided. Letters under 250 words are preferred and we reserve the right to edit letters to fit in with space requirements. Nom de plumes will only be published at the editor’s discretion. Opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by the Courier. Email:

Colin Gordon and family, Lima South

PARK VIEW: Botanical gardens in Mansfield. PHOTO: Anne Curran

Don’t mess with Mansfield

FACING over 2000 Shire

residents last Saturday was a privilege.

The resolution they carried has certainly been heard in Spring Street.

We have had strong media coverage and Opposition support, as one would expect.

I respectfully suggest that we now do two things.

Firstly, let our Hospital Board and CEO lead future negotiations without distraction.

If they need anything further from us, I’m sure they will ask.

Secondly, the community needs to maintain the momentum of this struggle, using email/Facebook/ whatever means, to keep reminding the Minister for Health and the Premier that we are in this for the long haul.

Please take the time to send your message, as every one counts.

We need our hospital to retain it’s management structure, it’s autonomy and most of all it’s tight bond with our community.

Surrender is not in our vocabulary.

Peter

Howarth,

Merrijig

Defy understanding

RECENT articles about and letters from our long responsible but flawed Attorney General and North Victorian MP Hon J Symes defy understanding.

As did George Orwell she reckons words mean what she wants

CASE NON-SUSPICIOUS: LisaBailey’s A SATUR

LETTERS to

not necessarily shared by the Courier.

them to mean and her comforting but meaningless motherhood statements might be best seen reflecting expensive amoral spin doctoring, new-speak, weaseling and wholesale deception.

How are her ‘all’s well, nothing to see here’ claims about our hospital services and nursing numbers consistent with those of our plain speaking better informed

independent health advocates?

Way Back Wednesday - a look back at what was making news 15 years ago this week.

THE father of deceased American tourist Lisa Bailey has spoken about his family’s grief since the discovery of her body in Bonnie Doon on July 14.

Miss Bailey was found under the Maroondah Highway road bridge at Bonnie Doon after she became separated from her friends in the early hours of Sunday June 13. Investigations into her death are continuing, although police are still treating the case as nonsuspicious.

IN SPORT, Mansfield bounced back from last week’s shock loss to Echuca with a comprehensive win over wooden-spoon fancy Tongala.

The Eagles’ percentage boosting 101-point victory could have been far greater, but for their resistance from their opponent in the first half, belying their last place position.

Email: edit.mcourier@nemedia. com.au.

Fax: (03) 5775 1580

Post: Letters to the Editor Mansfield Courier, 98 High St, Mansfield 3722.

They say recent large-scale funding cuts would have a “devastating impact on the services of small regional hospitals” and that they are “still awaiting advice on the outcome of the health services plan”.

The ABC reports more than 20 regional Victorian health services have been told their budgets will

be slashed by up to 30 per cent in the coming financial year.

What’s positive for we citizens about that?

It’s time to go Ms Symes, you and your profligate wasteful Victorian government.

Now.

Jim Blundell, Bindaree Resident, Mansfield

Praying for no changes

I PRAY there are not changes to the Mansfield Hospital.

The care my husband Frank received over a long period of time, and at the end was exceptional.

The doctors, in particular Dr Will Twycross - for 33 years, Dr Ben Nally and Dr Shane Richards, and the nurses at the hospital and those who cared for him at Central General Practice should be receiving awards.

He wasn’t the easiest patient. June Healy, Mansfield

A SATURDAY MAULING: Eagles redeem their loss with the win over Tongala.

CASE NON-SUSPICIOUS: Lisa Bailey’s father has spoken about his family’s grief.

RDAYMAULING: redeem their ASATUR

Liberals pick their candidate to contest for Indi

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

FORMER Indigo Shire mayor James Trenery will represent the Liberal Party to contest the federal seat of Indi at the next federal election.

Local Liberal Party members gathered at Benalla’s Lakeside Community Centre on Saturday where Mr Trenery defeated former logging industry stalwart and current finance broker Michael McKinnell and logistics specialist Travis Vincent in a party preselection.

Mr Trenery served on the Indigo Shire Council from 2012 to 2020 and was its

mayor from 2015-16.

After his time at Indigo Shire, the Talgarno resident held positions as media adviser for former Liberal Democrats MP Tim Quilty, and electorate officer for One Nation MP Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell.

Mr Trenery currently operates Lavington-based transport business Keats Freight.

The former mayor said one of his main priorities for the region if elected will be protecting and preserving the region’s prime agricultural land from proposed battery and solar farm projects, including the Meadow Creek solar farm.

“The people of Indi deserve

a real voice in a government that is focused on delivering for regional communities,” he said.

“Under Labor, the cost of energy is going up, and people are finding it tougher than ever.

“The next election is an opportunity for local residents to vote for a lower cost of living.

“I will also be fighting for better local health services across Indi, which are now at serious risk under Labor.”

At the 2022 federal election, candidate Ross Lyman and the Liberal Party’s primary vote in Indi dropped by

4.47 per cent on the previous election, attaining just 30.52 per cent of the seat’s primary count.

Senator Sarah Henderson attended the Indi preselection on Saturday afternoon, representing the party’s federal leader Peter Dutton.

Senator Henderson said Mr Trenery would offer a genuine choice to communities across Indi.

“Regrettably, the current independent MP has too often sided with Labor and the Greens rather than put the needs of local families, farmers and small businesses first,” she said.

Council Meetings

The upcoming scheduled Council meeting is Tuesday 16 July 2024 at 5pm and will be held both online and in person at the Council Chambers, 33 Highett Street, Mansfield. Go to the events section on our website for more information about how to observe the meeting or contact Customer Service on 5775 8555.

Customer Service Hours

Council's municipal office at 33 Highett Street, Mansfield, is open from 8.30am-4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Work With Us

Council currently has the following employment opportunities available. For full details visit Council's website mansfield.vic.gov.au

Local Laws Officer

Project Manager Rural Councils

Transformation Program

Maternal & Child Health Nurse

Scholarship Program

Maternal & Child Health Nurse

Sustainable Tourism Plan

Community members are invited to provide feedback on The Sustainable Tourism Plan 2024-28. The Sustainable Tourism Plan recognises the collaborative approach Mansfield Shire will take with community, businesses and residents in the sustainable development of our tourism industry and destination.

You can view The Sustainable Tourism Plan on engage.mansfield.vic.gov.au. Feedback will be accepted up to 5.00pm 21 July 2024.

At the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on Tuesday 25 June 2024 the following Council Policies and Procedures were endorsed:

Public Interest Disclosures Policy and Procedure Complaints Policy and Process

CEO Employment & Remuneration Policy Council Expenses Policy Community Engagement Policy

Copies of the above documents can be viewed on Councils website at mansfield.vic.gov.au

Pet registration renewal payments were due by 10 April 2024. All cats and dogs over the age of three months are required to be microchipped and registered with Council. Council's Community Safety Team will be following up owners who have not completed their registration this year. If you have not received your renewal notice please get in touch with Council’s Customer Service team as soon as possible.

Officers will be visiting residents and recreational areas to provide pet ownership education. Officers will also be auditing animal registrations over the coming months. If unregistered animals are identified this can result in a $395 fine per unregistered pet.

Pet owners can access relevant information and forms to register animals at any time via Council’s website mansfield.vic.gov.auAnimals/Register-an-Animal.

For residents who no longer have a pet that was previously registered, you can update your record/s by contacting Council on 5775 8555 to ensure you don’t receive any further requests for registration fees. Registering your pet helps us find you if your pet is lost. We’ve reunited many pets with their owners so far this year.

CHOSEN CANDIDATE: Senator Sarah Henderson (left) endorsed the candidacy of Liberal Party Indi candidate James Trenery at the local party’s preselection in Benalla on Saturday afternoon.

Each week the Mansfield Courier will endeavor to publish a photo taken by the community or one of its staff.

If you have a good or outstanding photograph and would like it published send with details of where, when and photographer’s name to: edit.mcourier@nemedia.com.au and captioned ‘Through My Lens’.

Potential candidates attend Stand for Council session

By SHAUN MCMAHON

MANSFIELD Shire Council

hosted a Stand for Council session last week, similar to those recently delivered by the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV).

MAV has delivered a number of information sessions for communities and prospective candidates across the state.

In the session participants were provided information

about the role of local government, responsibilities of councillors, mayors, deputy mayors and CEOs, the election process and candidate requirements, and training and development opportunities.

Mansfield Shire CEO Kirsten Alexander spoke positively of the event and said there was community interest in understanding the role of a councillor.

“It was great to see so many

people attending to find out more about the role of a councillor in Mansfield Shire,” she said.

“Potential candidates received information from the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) about how the different levels of government work, the expectations of a mayor and councillor as well as steps for nominating for council.

“Council would like to thank those who attended the information session and is grateful

to former mayor, Don Cummins, who came to help answer questions from prospective candidates about the role of a mayor and councillor, and Leonie Griffin who facilitated the session and is also a local community member from Merton.”

All prospective candidates must complete Local Government Candidate Training before they are able to nominate. Local council elections will be held in October this year.

Council appoints new Building Surveyor

MANSFIELD Shire Council has appointed a new Building Surveyor during a confidential item at the council meeting on June 25 2024. Council awarded a contract to Government Shared Services for a period of three years.

The new contract provides for a higher level of service than currently provided.

Under the Building Act 1993, Council is responsible for the administration and enforcement of building regulations in its municipal area.

The building surveying service was previously provided under a contract with Murrindindi Shire for many years and has more recently been provided under a short-term contract to another supplier (Schlueter Consulting Pty Ltd) over the past 12 months.

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said award of this longer-term contract was a positive step and council was pleased with the tender result and the strong responses received.

“Our Building Surveyor is an important service that interacts with a wide range of local businesses and must be available to carry out building inspections following emergency events,” said Cr Rabie

“We are listening to the community and hearing where our services can be improved.

“Councils across Victoria all offer more than a hundred different services to their communities.

“Our council considers how each and every one of those services can deliver the quality the community expects and for the lowest possible cost, giving you the best ‘bang for the buck’.

“Council’s new building surveyor also supplies services to Strathbogie Shire Council and Benalla Rural City Council and has demonstrated a strong track record and understanding of our Local Government areas.

“We are also working on a collaborative project with Strathbogie, Benalla and Murrindindi Councils to implement a consistent, streamlined digital platform for providing building services.

“This will help small councils like ours operate a much higher quality service at a lower cost.”

Please join us for a Very Special Feast, featuring Afghan Culture and food as it would be served to honoured guests in rural communities. Photographic Exhibition by Muzafar Ali, Award winning Hazara Photographer Tickets $60 each We will not be serving alcohol as it is banned in Afghanistan, however you are most welcome to discretely BYO alcohol and glasses. All proceeds go to the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre and Education for Afghan Women and Girls in Afghanistan.

HAEKA: These pink flowers are beloved by humans and bees. PHOTO: Caral Burrell

Secondary students thrive with

By LYNN ELDER

The Courier was invited to join Mansfield Secondary College staff and students participating in the Hands on Learning program on Monday June 25 along with the founder Russell Kerr.

TIME spent outside the classroom is having a massive impact on students’ engagement at Mansfield Secondary College thanks to the national wellbeing program Hands on Learning (HoL) that began four years ago at the local school to help turn around the lives of many young people who would otherwise fall through the cracks.

This initiative is thanks to the vision of its founder, Frankston school teacher Russell Kerr OAM, who visited the Mansfield school last week to see the program in action for the first time.

Developed by Mr Kerr in the late 1990s the education program based on ‘learning by doing” has transformed students’ lives especially those who “fly under the radar” and are at risk of dropping out of school or high absenteeism.

The success can be attributed to how students thrived engaging in authentic and readily achievable tasks that built self-confidence and self-esteem.

The founder’s joy at meeting the participants involved in the Mansfield group was evident by his interaction with students and staff during his visit with one of the organisation’s regional support managers, Lizzie Davis.

Now, in his mid-70s, Mr Kerr used his own experiences in the classroom as a student and, in later years, as a teacher to reach out to disengaged schoolkids.

The not for profit program now in its 25th year was piloted at the Frankston High School in 1999 with Mr Kerr wanting to do things differently with a hands on approach.

As the program began to gain traction, he wanted to replicate it in other schools.

 KEEPING FOCUS: Students are supported through a structured approach to keep them on track with their goals.

 TEAMWORK: Working together on practical projects students are able to complete projects.

 FROM LITTLE THINGS: Students in the hot house during their recent excursion to a self-sufficient farm.

“2004 was the turning point when we focused on how we could grow from three to four schools, to 2007 when it grew to around 13 schools,” said Mr Kerr.

Today HoL boasts 160 programs across several states with 70 per cent of them located in city and rural Victoria.

“The kids will say, ‘That’s the day a week I can breathe,’” says Mr. Kerr, who believes this is the simple key to the program’s success.

“Schools are full of people talking at you.”

Mr Kerr stressed the importance of the program’s four-pillar approach: a place to belong, people to belong to, real things to do, and a chance to give back.

The program aims to break the classroom disengagement cycle, which is often caused by various factors influencing students’ behaviour and inability to cope within that environment.

Oversight of the program at the Mansfield Secondary College is the responsibility of artisan teachers Kylie Smith and Michael Hince.

Ms Smith’s background includes primary school and food technology teaching, and more recently, she has been an advocate for regenerative farming at her family property.

Mr Hince uses his building industry skills to encour-

age hands on participation and interesting projects.

The pair, together with Mansfield Secondary College’s wellbeing coordinator, Brad Freind, have seen the difference the program makes with time away from the classroom.

Hands on Learning is all about learning by doing and building the social and emotional capacities to thrive at school, in the workplace, and life.

The extracurricular program consists of 10 students who successfully applied for a place at the beginning of the year.

It runs for one full day per week during term.

The artisan teachers travel with the students as they embark on this journey, which can be as short or as long as they need until they feel ready to return to the classroom.

■ Continued page 11

 HANDS ON: Teacher Kylie Smith explains how a zoning plan for her farm works.

 BEEF UP: Meeting Bruce the bull was a highlight for students.

hands on learning program

tice to support student progress and enable students to achieve overall success at school.

Students learn to manage their emotions and social interactions, empowering them with a lifelong toolkit of strategies to make friends, cooperate, work in a team, understand and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, make responsible decisions, and build resilience.

The students love being outdoors and doing practical, hands-on activities.

Lucas said he loved “learning stuff ” such as “cementing and brick laying”, and Jimmy said he enjoyed “making new friends”.

An important part of HoL’s success is measuring outcomes from individual groups’ data.

■ From page 10

A carefully structured day with expectations, boundaries and consistent parameters enables students to achieve in a safe environment.

Doing real things and working on meaningful tasks is central to Hands on Learning.

During the Courier’s time with the group, there was an excursion to Ms Smith’s property and an opportunity to experience the diversity

The latest data across the programs reports that 86 percent of parents said that their child’s confidence has improved since being in Hands on Learning.

Seventy percent of school staff said the participants’ ability to work positively with a range of students and teachers has improved.

One notable outcome is that 95 percent of HoL students finish school, get an apprenticeship, or get a job.

 AT THE TABLE: Staff and students eat together which helps to build healthy relationships with others.

of regenerative farming.

The tour included learning about permaculture practices, growing vegetables and fruit trees, tending to cattle, and running pasture-raised chickens.

Students were encouraged to ask questions and explore the farm, including getting up close to livestock such as Bruce the bull.

After a chilly start, the group returned to their purpose-built shed, which

PHOTOS: Lynn Elder

acts as a base on the school grounds when the program is running.

Everyone prepares and eats together, and students remain with their HoL group for the whole day, which includes recess and lunch.

Pizza is on the menu today, and everyone sits down on the table and benches made by the students from recycled pallets to share food and have conversations.

Students complete small

 BONDS: Preparing and sharing a meal together has helped to develop friendships.

and large projects – building respected school infrastructure and undertaking valued community projects.

One such community project was the creation of several mini clotheslines for the Mansfield Kindergarten to use with the children.

Students also refurbished the school’s wicking beds, which grow produce for food technology classes.

Students learn the value of teamwork, commitment

and leadership.â€ƒ

To ensure ongoing personal development of students the Focus Plans are the heart of the HoL methodology and are used to target specific areas of behaviour, build capacity and confidence.

The shed walls have whiteboards outlining each student’s area of personal development and their goals.

Artisan teachers use this structured reflective prac-

Ms Smith said the college was so grateful for the support of the Mansfield community to keep it running this year and wanted to publicly thank all those who have contributed to the success of the program: Betta Electrical for the donation of a second-hand oven for the shed, Mansfield CWA for financial donations, Wild Mint Acres (Maindample Nursery) for donation of plants, Olver Electrical (Luke Olver is a parent of students at the college) for his expertise in installing the new oven, Snowgum Nursery for the commitment to donate some mature citrus trees, donation of building supplies for projects from Mansfield Secondary College staff, and help from suppliers Yenckens Hardware and Alpine Garden Supplies.

 UNITED: Hands on Learning founder Russell Kerr with the Mansfield Secondary College participants.

 ON FIRE: Students have been involved in a fundraiser to support the program with sales of kindling bags.

Designing a High Country video game

By TRINITY KNIGHT

CALL of the Golden Valley, an upcoming mystery video game set in the High Country of Victoria is currently being designed by a small Melbourne based team called O’Saurus Studios with hopes that it will be released towards the end of this year or early next year.

The eerie narrative follows an American tourist attempting to solve the mystery of missing hikers in the Australian bush.

The player is encouraged to become a detective setting out on a journey to follow clues, solve puzzles and dive into conspiracy theories.

The studio is led by founder and creative director Madeleine Clute originally from America who has a degree in computer science.

She moved to Australia five years ago entering into the games industry through a software career working for Google in New York City and Sydney across a range of products from Google Maps to data centres in both technical and management roles.

“I feel like the combination of learning how to make software that will stand up and work when you give it to users and then also how to lead a team was a really good background for what I’m doing now,” she said.

Madeleine always had a strong passion for art and storytelling and after deciding to give game development a go she hasn’t looked back.

“I like to pitch Call of the Golden Valley as Nancy Drew meets Picnic at Hanging Rock,” she said.

“I’ve been on the project full time for a little over two years now and for about six months it was just me in the study at home play-

ing around on my laptop and building a prototype to convince myself that I could make a game.

“After I developed that prototype, I applied for Screen Australia’s games expansion pack funding which was launched in March 2022.”

The four million dollar pack targeted towards emerging small or medium independent games studios was released for the creation of original Australian

games with budgets below $500,000.

“I was lucky to receive that grant and it allowed me to hire a core team of four people,” she said.

“We’ve got Rhiannon Poley in charge of marketing, Ben Houghton who does the sound design and composition, game artist Yea Hui Wong using her 3D artistic talents to bring our small-town setting to life, Nicki Loki and 2D

artist Aliyah Jennette.

“I’m so happy with what they’re making.”

Madeleine first came up with the idea to create the game after working at Buller in winter 2021 and travelling up the mountain each day from Merrijig.

“I couldn’t live on the mountain in staff housing, so I spent a lot of time in the area and a lot of time in the staff bus going up the foggy mountains every morning

and early evening,” Madeleine said.

“I was really fascinated by the whole area, because it’s not what gets exported about Australia to the rest of the world and most people don’t know that Australia has snow or people can ski.

“In June on the King’s Birthday weekend we visited the Mansfield Shire Youth Centre and let the kids play a section of the game.

“We’ve tested a number of different parts so far, and it has been received positively particularly with Australians who have been so happy to see Australian gum trees in the background.

“The game is an amalgamation of High Country towns, because we didn’t want it to be into a town simulator.

“We really wanted to get it into the hands of people who are living regionally and see if they had any feedback.”

Madeleine’s advice to young people looking to make a start in programming is to begin making things that bring you joy.

“Whether they are big or small, you can continue learning at any age, no one is born knowing how to do this,” she said.

“I taught myself game development from YouTube and there’s so many tutorials out there.”

CALL OF THE GOLDEN VALLEY: An immersive video game set in Victoria’s High Country with a true crime narrative.

FREE PLAY TEST: Creative Director Madeleine Clute showing Young people at the Mansfield Shire Youth a section of the Call of the Golden Valley video game. PHOTO: Mansfield Shire Youth

MDW on the move: new

John has been connected to the North East

especially contract negotiations for profes

Nick McBride Porsche motor sport Nick McBride

Local Rotarian honoured with two awards

By LYNN ELDER

A HIGHLIGHT of the annual Mansfield Rotary Club changeover dinner at the golf club last week was the presentation of two prestigious awards to member Kathleen Croughan for her unstinting contributions to the organisation’s work throughout the year and the installation of the new board.

It was a year of many positives for the local club, as outlined by the outgoing president, Bob Prosser, who acknowledged the contribution of many other members and the various activities they were involved with.

“Over the past 12 months we have achieved a great deal from donating to Shelter Box for Ukraine, Polio Plus, Denise Skinner’s orphan projects in Vietnam and Story Dogs,” Mr Prosser said.

A big part of the club’s fundraising and helping the community is the barbecues run by members and friends whom he thanked.

“The major ones included the Easter Bush Market, Tolmie Oz Car Fest, Australia Day, plus a few smaller ones,” said Mr Prosser.

The evening also included a short speech by Neville Mathieson about how the BBQ trailer was created in 1991 thanks to the efforts of Maurie Stinchcombe and Doug Gray.

The trailer nicknamed “Doughie” became “Something that made a lot of money,” said Mr Mathieson.

Mr Prosser also noted Maurie Walsh’s efforts, in conjunction with the Mansfield Courier, to ensure another highly successful sportspersons’ night at the golf club. Â

The trivia night also successfully raised funds for the St John’s Chop and Chat meal program.

As president, Mr Prosser attended Mansfield Secondary College’s 2023 graduation, where he presented

Brianne Anstee with the Marge Coombs Scholarship.

He also presented the $2000 first prize to the winning artist Cheryl Manders at the annual Mansfield Hospital Art Show.

This year’s Rotary Police Award was presented to leading senior constable Ken Dwight from Woods Point.

“We had all hands on deck to complete the painting of the lynch gate at the Mansfield Cemetery with thanks to Steve Daly for organising the material and roster,” Mr Prosser said.

“I believe that one of our most successful projects were youth projects.”

“We sponsored Jessica Andrews on the farming course ‘Defying the Drift’.”

In January, Mansfield’s exchange student Freya Foster returned from Germany, and then the club sent Freya Mount to Italy.

Last July, Mansfield Rotary received an inbound student from Denmark, Frida Neilson, who had also

recently volunteered for the “Paying it Forward” project in Vanuatu.

As Frida returns home in two weeks, the club will receive Justine Zia Demool from France this month.

In his concluding comments, Mr Prosser thanked everyone for their support, including secretary Robyn Bassanelli.

He also noted the “fantastic work” by Ms Croughan as a counsellor to all the ex-

change students.

Following the president’s report, the Paul Harris Award was presented to Kathleen Croughan to acknowledge a person who shares the Rotary Foundation’s purposes.

Ms Croughan was “overwhelmed” to receive one of the highest awards in Rotary for her numerous contributions to the Mansfield Rotary Club, which she joined in 2019 after being a long-time

Rotarian in Melbourne with her late husband.

This was followed by the annual Rotarian of the Year Award, presented in honour of Doug Gray, who died in 2008.

The award was presented by his widow, Gwen Gray, to Ms Croughan to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of a local Rotarian this year.

Steven Daly, a Rotarian for almost 20 years, was inducted as the new president.

“It is a great pleasure to be president of the Rotary club, I have desire to do anything higher, this is an opportunity to service in the community which I’m really looking forward to doing,” said Mr Daly.

The new board for 2024/25 will be Steve Daly as president, Chris Edwards as president-elect, secretary Kathleen Croughan, treasurer Maurie Walsh for his 10th year, Denise Skinner as international director and Bob Prosser takes up the role of youth director.

Protecting your water meter in winter

GOULBURN Valley Water (GVW) is reminding people not to forget about the humble water meter as winter descendson the region and near zero overnight temperatures become common place.

GVW Managing Director Dr Steve Capewell said the extreme cold of winter could impact the supply of water to people’s homes, something many of us take for granted.

“Most water meters and pipes sit above the ground and are open to the elements,” he said.

“The water sitting inside meters and pipes can freeze when exposed to very cold temperatures.

“This will result in your property having no water and can lead to broken or split pipes.”

Dr Capewell said it was important for customers to remember that although meters remain GVW property, customers were responsible for maintenance and protection of a meter on their property.

Dr Capewell said good news was there were a number of simple and inexpensive ways to ensure your water supply was not impacted by the cold, such as covering the meter to trap the air around it and stop the water inside it from freezing.

This will protect your meter from splitting or bursting, and help prevent water from freezing inside the pipes to ensure you’ve still got access to water for your morning coffee and shower.

You can use regular household items to cover your meter: plastic tubs, cardboard boxes, blankets or buckets.

If you experience issues or have questions contact GVW 24/7 Customer Service Centre on 1800 454 500.

COMMITMENT: Outgoing Mansfield Rotary president Bob Prosser hands the charter over to new president Steven Daly.

NEW BOARD: Guiding Rotary for the next 12 months is Kathleen Croughan (left), Denise Skinner, Steven Daly, Bob Prosser, Maurie Walsh and Chris Edwards. PHOTOS: Lynn Elder

Nola Andrews recognised at rural health awards

By EMMA OLIVER

LOCAL lady Nola Andrews has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to healthcare at the 2024 Victorian Rural Health Awards.

Organised by the Rural Workforce Agency Victoria (RWAV) in collaboration with the Victorian Department of Health, Nola received the Rural Health Consumer Advocate Award for her work with the Mansfield District Hospital.

“This year’s record number of nominees and registrants for the Victorian Rural Health Awards highlights our rural healthcare professionals’ outstanding work and resilience,” said Lauren Cordwell, CEO of RWAV.

Over 12 diverse categories, the awards highlight excel-

lence across the healthcare spectrum, including doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, Aboriginal health workers, and practice managers dedicated to serving Victoria’s rural communities.

Nola’s award acknowledged a community member who has used their lived experience to engage with health professionals or health services to improve the quality, accessibility or safety of healthcare.

“Building strong relationships with local healthcare providers is essential for all local communities, significantly impacting the lives of patients and their families,” Lauren said.

Unbeknownst to Nola, the Mansfield District Hospital had nominated her as a piv-

otal member of its community representative group, a role she held for over seven years.

When notifying Nola of the accolade, Lauren first had to persuade her the call wasn’t a scam.

“I’m not a medical person at all - in my previous life I was in finance and HR,” Nola said with a laugh.

“It’s an incredible honour and I feel a little bit guilty receiving an award as there are so many amazing people who contribute to the hospital.

“I see such wonderful work in healthcare going on across the region, and particularly here in Mansfield.

“Locally, we’ve got a brilliant executive committee who are alert to the community and respond where help is needed.

“To be a part of this has been so invigorating and given me enormous pleasure and satisfaction, and really allowed me to grow.”

Nola’s connection to the hospital began via Bindaree and Buckland, where both her mother-in-law and then later her mother spent time.

It was 2017 - around the time her mother became a resident after a fall - that a classified in the Courier caught her attention.

The Mansfield District Hospital was looking for a community representative to help inform the MDH board of directors and the executive team as to the direction the hospital should take.

“My husband had always been part of the SES and other community activities

NOLA ANDREWS

and I decided it was time I gave something back to the shire,” Nola said.

And so she applied.

Invited in for a chat, the next thing Nola knew she was on the community advisory committee.

She would go on to accept seats on both the Safety and Quality Committee and Community Advisory Committee (CAC), where she continues to be a valued and active member.

And her passion for quality resident-centred aged care extends to an involvement at Bindaree Nursing Home and Buckland House, attending Resident and Relative Meetings.

More recently, Nola accepted an invitation to sit on the steering committee as a consumer representative for

Hume Health Partnership,

with her role to oversee consumer centre projects like Health at Home and make recommendations to the governance group on services and programs.

Mansfield District Hospital CEO Cameron Butler said everyone at the hospital was so pleased Nola had been recognised at the awards.

“She has provided valuable consumer insight to senior staff and the board for a number of years; probably more years than she thought she was signing up for,” he said.

“Like many people in Mansfield, Nola understands the importance of the hospital to the local community and her contribution has helped make it a better health service.”

Register your pets to avoid a cat-tastrophy

MANSFIELD Shire Council has asked the community to register their pets, and to check their registration is current, as an education and enforcement program ramps up over the coming weeks.

Council Local Laws officers will be in public spaces and visiting residents’ homes to confirm pet registrations are completed.

Unregistered pets may incur a fine of $395 each.

Pet registration fees go towards animal management functions such as responding to wandering animals and barking dog complaints, operation of council’s pound and feral cat trapping, emergency after hours animal

REGISTER NOW: Mansfield Shire Council has asked the community to check if their pet registration is current. PHOTO: Unsplash

management such as wandering stock and reuniting pets with their owners.

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie thanked those who had already paid their registration renewals for their cats and dogs.

“Registering your pet is

part of the commitment you make as a pet owner,” said Cr Rabie.

“If your pet is lost, having it registered means we can find you on our system and reunite you with your pet if council officers have found it.”

Pet owners can access relevant information and forms to register their animals at any time through the council’s website at www. mansfield.vic.gov.au/petregistration

Residents who no longer have a pet that was previously registered can contact council on 5775 8555 to ensure they do not receive any further requests for registration fees.

MOMENTOUS MILESTONE: Gail Purcell has retired after 24 years at Foodworks. Pictured with Tanya Goldsack.

The return of return radio plays radio on Radio on Mansfield

Nolan and his friend Colin Rochford, both former radio show hosts on Radio Mansfield, discussed the idea of bringing back ‘the good old days’, when everyone would sit together around the radio and listen to a play for their evening entertainment,

“I first met Colin Rochford at Radio Mansfield when Colin came into the station to become a member and expressed a desire to become a presenter,” said Roger.

The two discovered shared backgrounds in theatre and radio, as well as a mutual love for comedy, drama, and music.

This bond led to the idea of reviving radio plays.

“After discussing the concept of creating radio plays, emulating the old radio tradition, Colin took the bit between his teeth and ran with it,” said Roger.

“He created a group of lo-

cal writers who volunteered their time and talent, following a weekend ‘Radio Play Writing’ workshop, where the many scripts that have now entertained the listening audience for the last six years were born.”

In order to encourage people to follow the radio plays on the radio, a ‘Radio Live’ evening was held.

The first ‘Live Broadcast,’ attended by around 60 people, took place at the Buckland Rooms.

Local musician and sound man Rolf Koren provided the necessary equipment, and Ray Sheldrick of Alpine Ridge set up the first broadcast, live to air.

The audience participated enthusiastically, responding with “Boo,” “Cheer,” or “Groan” on cue, making them part of the recorded show.

This magic was captured by

Ray Sheldrick, a former ABC radio professional who handled the technical side.

All plays, other than live audience shows, are recorded at the studios of the radio station, involving local actors playing characters of all ages, who volunteer their time and talent.

“In the last six years more than 60 productions have been recorded, thanks to Ian Mallyon, who records, edits, and adds sound effects and music to create the finished product,” said Roger.

Adele McCormack, a friend of Colin’s, was inspired to take on the second Radio Play writing workshop, discovering a delightful hobby.

Her first play, about two old widows attending a wake, was filled with humour and drama.

Unfortunately, the live performance was postponed multiple times due to COVID-19.

Adele’s next play, ”Margo

and Beryl go Cruising” featuring the same characters in a new adventure, was broadcast before “Old George’s Wake,” which was later recorded live as a dinner theatre at the Delatite Hotel.

During the pandemic, writers continued producing plays in isolation.

Tragically, Colin fell ill while overseas and never fully recovered, passing away during the lockdowns.

Colin’s enthusiasm and creativity are sorely missed by many.

In happier news, a new episode featuring Margo and Beryl is on the way, completing their trilogy.

The Radio Theatre plays are broadcast and streamed on Radio Mansfield 99.7FM each Sunday afternoon as part of Roger’s “Groovin’ on a Sunday Arvo,” after the three o’clock news.

HELLOWORLD TRAVEL, THE TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS

DELIGHTFUL HOBBY: Adele McCormack’s first play, about two old widows attending a wake, was filled with humour and drama.

ROGER

DELIGHTFUL HOBBY: Adele McCormack’s first

RETURN OF THE RADIO PLAY: Colin Rochford, missed by many, as narrator, with Ian Mallyon on sound effects during a live performance. PHOTO: Supplied

Huggies Nappy Pants

Launch of McIntosh family history journal

ON Saturday June 22nd the Mansfield Hotel hosted the launch of “The McIntosh Family: Early Pioneers of Mansfield in the Port Phillip District,” a journal authored by Graeme McIntosh.

The event commenced at 2:00 pm and was followed by afternoon tea at 3:00 pm.

Attendees included approximately 20 people, primarily descendants of the McIntosh family, and a representative from the Mansfield Historical Society.

The journal chronicles the history of the McIntosh family, who arrived in the district in 1843.

“I have put together this journal before I pass on and the information is lost,” said Mr McIntosh, underscoring the importance of preserving this rich family heritage for future generations.

According to Mr McIntosh, initially shepherds for the pastoral company Watson and Hunter, the McIntoshes discovered the rolling hills around Mansfield and the Delatite River.

Their run, named The Devils River Run, spanned an impressive 320,000 acres.

Watson and Hunter had chartered a ship in 1841 to bring workers to the squatters of the Port Phillip District of New South Wales, as Victoria was known before it became a colony.

The McIntosh family - comprising Daniel, his wife Margaret, and their four children, the youngest of whom was 11 months old - were among those passengers.

They arrived at Sandridge, now known as Port Melbourne, in July 1841, when Melbourne had only been settled for about three years.

Initially, they lived in a hut on Watson and Hunter’s land at Saltwater flats, the present-day site of the Flemington racecourse.

Their first Australian-born child, John McIntosh, was born there.

In 1843, the family moved to Burnt Creek in the Mansfield area.

After Watson and Hunter were declared insolvent, the McIntoshes worked for various landowners in the area.

During the gold rush, they temporarily moved to the Bendigo diggings before returning to Mansfield, where they purchased land in Ailsa Street.

The McIntosh family became wellestablished in the community, intermarrying with other local families and contributing to the area’s development.

Today, over 50 McIntoshes are

LAUNCHED: “The McIntosh Family: Early Pioneers of Mansfield in the Port Phillip District,” a journal authored by Graeme McIntosh, was recently launched at the Mansfield Hotel.

buried in Mansfield Cemetery.

Joseph Peter McIntosh, the youngest son of John McIntosh, took up 350 acres at Martin’s Gap, where he built a small house and, with his sons, cleared the land.

Known as a skilled shearer, Joseph Peter toured the sheds around the Riverina when not working his land.

Three of his sons served in the 58/59th Battalion AIF and saw action in New Guinea during World War II.

Although the family has largely moved away from the Mansfield area, Graeme McIntosh, born in Mansfield on July 24, 1947, represents the last generation of McIntoshes born here.

“We had an enjoyable afternoon at the launch,” said Mr McIntosh.

“The Mansfield Hotel were great hosts and we had an enjoyable evening meal there.

“The weekend finished off with a visit to the cemetery on Sunday morning.”

People interested in obtaining a copy of the journal can contact graeme.mcintosh@bigpond.com.

Youth centre offering free courses and activities

By TRINITY KNIGHT

AT the Mansfield Shire Youth Centre, they will be running a range of free accredited short courses, alongside offering diplomas and certificates for young people aged 12-25 until the end of 2024.

The Future Proof program was created by the Youth Affairs Council Victoria (YACVic) who received a two-year Australian Government Black Summer bushfire recovery grant to assist communities across eastern Victoria.

Among the courses on offer, young people will be able to gain their white card, first aid/CPR, prelim first aid, mental health first aid, food safety, defensive driving and marine license.

Youth project officer of disaster recovery Emma Kay said these courses will equip young people with the skills they need to overcome disasters, such as bushfires and floods.

“We’ve already had almost a hundred signups for the short courses and they’re only getting more and more popular through word of mouth,” she said.

“We’ve also had a few signups for diplomas and certificates.

“Having the opportunity to jump on board and get upskilled showing that you have experience is a massive thing for a young person trying to get into any industry.

“Alongside these courses, we have ten paid spots on our Youth Adviser Group for youth to get involved in organising workshops, events and give feedback representing young people in the Mansfield Shire.”

Coordinator of youth services Gareth MacDonald said this school holidays, there are also a number of exciting free activities available at the Mansfield Youth Centre.

“In week one there will be an open day at the Youth Centre, board games, chop and chat, a snow day at Buller and a pottery class with MAD Potters,” Gareth said.

“In the second week, there will be Hot Laps at the Winton Raceway teaming up with the HyUndies race team and a movie day, chop and chat, a weaving workshop and a pyrography workshop.”

IMPORTANT HISTORY: Joseph McIntosh from Martin’s Gap and his wife Catherine a Perrin from Tolmie.

Tax time scam warning

TAX season brings an inﬂux of cyber threats and is a timely reminder to ensure online security measures are in order, with experts warning Australians to remain cautious over the coming months as various tax-speciﬁc scams begin to emerge.

The warning comes as new consumer data from Norton reveals that 14 per cent of Australians say they have personally experienced cybercrime in the past 12 months, with the average amount lost to cybercrime over $850 ($863.79).

Of those who have experienced cybercrime in the last 12 months, 35 per cent had detected unauthorised access to an online banking or ﬁnancial account.

Tax time can bring stress and confusion to individuals and businesses as they prepare to ﬁle their returns with the Australian Taxation Oﬃce (ATO).

It is the perfect environment for cybercriminals who seek to take advantage of the time and try to obtain sensitive information to cause ﬁnancial harm to unsuspecting victims.

“There are certain times each year that pique cybercriminals’ interest and tax time continues to be one of them,” said Mark Gorrie, APAC Managing Director for Norton.

“With the amount of personal and ﬁnancial information that is being stored and shared at this time, coupled with the

EXPERTS WARN TO REMAIN ALERT TO SOPHISTICATED SCAMS

REMAIN ALERT: Experts warn to remain alert to sophisticated scams this tax season.

stress that comes with ﬁling tax returns, it is the perfect storm for scammers to target Australians.

“It can be easy to fall into the trap of a scammer oﬀering to ease this burden.

“However, it is important to understand that Cyber Safety practices should never be sacriﬁced in exchange for convenience.”

“AI is aiding cybercriminals in evolving and developing their devious tactics, it is more important than ever that Australians are continuing to educate themselves on the warning signs.”

Mr Gorrie shared a couple

of examples of prevalent tax scams to look out for, plus ways to avoid them.

1. Tax-related identity theft

This scam occurs when cybercriminals access a victim’s account, impersonate them, and fraudulently lodge refunds from the ATO using your stolen personal information, including your tax ﬁle number (TFN).

This can be dangerous, as in this instance, the cybercriminal who filed a return with your information may still have your data – leaving you vulnerable to other

identity-related crimes.

How to avoid this scam

 Keep your tax ﬁle number safe.

Shred any documents that contain personal information before you throw them away, and ensure that your online accounts containing sensitive information, like myGov, are protected with strong passwords and two factor authentication.

 If you suspect your TFN and identity has been compromised, immediately report the incident to the ATO.

 Consider using a robust security software.

This will help protect your personal devices and information, and act as a ﬁrst line of defence against attempts by criminals to steal or compromise your personal information.

2.Be cautious of ATO impersonation scams

Cybercriminals will pose as ATO representatives to convince victims to provide their bank details, tax ﬁle number, or other personal information via SMS, email, or social media accounts.

Additionally, in January this year, the ATO issued a warning about scammers posing as ATO workers on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok

and other popular social media platforms.

These phony accounts prey on social media users who have made public comments addressing the ATO with a question or complaint.

The scammer sends their victim a direct message, oﬀering to assist in resolving the issue.

After gaining trust, the scammer attempts to obtain personal information.

How to avoid this scam

 Look out for tell-tale signs of a scam.

 The ATO won’t use urgent threats, such as arrest, payment, or suspension of your TFN. If contacted via social media by a newly created unveriﬁed account with a small follower account, delete the message.

The ATO only has oﬃcial accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn –legitimised with veriﬁcation ticks and over 10 years of activity.

 If you receive a suspected scam email or SMS, do not click on any links, provide any payments, account log in information, or other personal information.

 Occasionally, the ATO will contact you by phone, email, SMS, and post. If you are not sure about the validity of any communication, the best thing to do is to call the ATO directly.

You can obtain a phone number from their oﬃcial website, or a previous letter you have received, and validate the request.

Insurance premiums out of reach out for some some

By STEVE KELLY

A NEW Climate Council report has highlighted the dramatic rise in insurance premiums, a burden that is pricing people out of the market leaving their properties vulnerable in the face of rising extreme climate events such as bushfire and floods.

The ‘Too Close to Home’ disaster report details the impacts of natural disasters on communities.

“More and more climate impacted Australians are finding it difficult to insure their homes due to rising premiums driven by worsening climate risks,” the report reads.

“Following the 2022 floods, insurance premiums for high-risk properties, including those in flood-prone

areas, increased by 50 per cent.”

Indi MP Helen Haines has also given a snapshot of the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters accentuated by the geography of “wide flood plains and forested hills”.

“Affordable and accessible insurance is critical as the frequency and severity of flooding and bushfires increases,” she said.

“A 2023 Climate Council report lists Indi as the eighth most at-risk federal electorate for insurance to become unaffordable within the next 10 years, and the second most at-risk electorate in Victoria for natural disaster related insurance unaffordability.

“In the Rural City of Wangaratta, 60 per cent of all properties are at high risk

of insurance premiums rising to become unaffordable by 2030.

“The price of insurance in regional areas has increased dramatically in recent years, in some instances, insurance companies have refused to insure properties altogether.”

Since the 2019-2020 Black Summer Bushfires, Dr Haines said she has been contacted by many businesses across Indi, notably in the alpine resort of Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Mount Buller, where businesses have found it impossible to access insurance or premiums have increased to unviable levels.

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“In my submission to a parliamentary committee inquiry into insurers’ responses to the 2022 floods, I urged the Federal Government to work with state, territory and local governments to develop a national framework for supporting property owners who cannot access affordable insurance,” Dr Haines said.

“We must ensure individuals and regional communities are supported to build back better after natural disasters – this means accounting for changing risks and increasing resilience to future natural disasters.

“Insurance policies should be fair, easy to un-

derstand, affordable and designed to meet the unique circumstances and needs of regional, rural and remote Australia.”

RACV Insurance responded to a query from this masthead about the reasons behind the insurance price rises.

RACV’s general manager motoring products, Jeff Ames, said there are several factors that continue to impact insurance premiums.

“These include inflationary driven cost pressures affecting labour, building materials and motor vehicle part costs, as well as the impact of severe weather and natural disasters, which has led to higher global reinsur-

ance costs (insurance for insurers),” Mr Ames said.

“Our goal is to keep our insurance premium rises to a minimum; however, these cost pressures have driven insurance premiums higher across the insurance industry.

“We understand the impact of the current cost of living pressures on households and we’re working hard to keep premium rises to a minimum.

“We encourage our members who are facing cost of living pressures to contact us to discuss their individual circumstances and to learn more about how we can help.”

AFTERMATH: Indi MP Helen Haines stands amid the orange glow with other politicians and police members during the Black Summer Bushfires in January 2020. It’s incidents like this

SENIORS SIX POINT WIN: Mansfield seniors football club defeated Katandra by six points.

A BIG WEEK FOR THE HUNT CLUB: Two teams representing the Devil’s Hunt Club from Mansfield who raced in novice teams finished second and fourth.

JAMIESON SEARCH: Local police and State Emergency Service volunteers spent 24 hours last Thursday searching for a woman.

e b

A DEPUTATION representing the shires which met with the Minister for Planning and Environment, Mr. Walker, the Minister for Conversation, Forests, and Lands Mr. Mackenzie, and the Lands Conversation Council chairman Mr. Sam Dimmick on Monday was told that the legislation would probably go ahead in the spring and an announcement could be expected in the four to six weeks regarding a commitment to a national park spanning across the Victorian alps.

The sixteen municipalities represent country towns and communities surrounding the proposed park and will be directly affected if legislation goes ahead.

MANSFIELD Football Club Seniors went to Katundra on Saturday with a motivated and committed 20 players who inflicted a six point defeat on the Katundra side.

Katundra was kicking with the aid of a strong wind and they soon had three goals on the board.

ALPINE

TWO of the five teams representing the Devil’s River Hunt Club from Mansfield, who raced in the novice teams race at Yarra Glen and Lilydale last Sunday, took out second and fourth places. This was the first time the club has entered this race. Competition was very keen with 27 teams racing and a large crowd of spectators including people from Mansfield there to cheer for their home teams.

LOCAL police and State Emergency Service volunteers spent 24 hours last Thursday searching for

a woman in bushland near Jamieson following reports of screams heard in the area. Bush walkers reported hearing the screams after they found a pair of woman’s shoes at Wren’s flat on Wednesday. Jamieson and Woods Point police called out the local SES volunteers to help in the four-wheel drive vehicle search and were later joined by a helicopter.

PARK PLAN AHEAD: The state government seems almost certain to procced with its commitment to a national park spanning across the Victorian alps.

ACROSS

1 Which straps hold up trousers (6)

8 What are condensed representations of things (8)

9 What is a dirty mark or smear (6)

10 To settle a bill, is to do what (6,2)

11 Name an inﬂammatory affection of the throat (6)

12 Which unit of power is deﬁned as one joule per second (4)

13 What is a BB gun known as (5)

16 Which products of certain seaweeds are used for soups (5)

19 What are units of work (4)

21 What are forms of expression peculiar to a language (6)

22 Name a seaside resort on the English Channel (8)

23 What is an aggregation of persons of the same ethnic family (6)

24 To deprive of force, or strength, is to do what (8)

25 What is another term for bailiffs (6)

DOWN

2 Bucharest is the capital of which republic in SE Europe (7)

3 What are small containers for holding tea (7)

4 What is a children’s game in which participants ride up and down on the ends of a plank (6)

5 Name the capital city of Georgia, USA (7)

6 What is loss of memory known as (7)

7 Name the absence of the micro-organisms that produce septic disease (7)

13 What are some important horse races called (7)

14 Which term describes a person who does not accept a particular faith (7)

E-QUATIONS

15 Name a Jewish day school providing religious and secular education (7)

17 Name an alternative term for cartilage (7)

18 Leo McKern was known as whom, of the Bailey (7)

20 What is another name for a transgressor (6)

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

1 BROLGA

(a) A grass strongly resembling oats

(b) The bluebottle fly

2 EUPHORIA

(a) An agreeable sound

(b) An exaggerated feeling of wellbeing

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:

Animate (5)

Aus Tax Ofﬁce (3)

Brother (coll) (3)

Electrocardiogram (3)

Formerly known as (3)

In the red (5)

More grimy (7)

Nuclear physics (7)

Past participle: blow (5)

Sheep-like (5)

Blue Range adventure for kinder kids

 GOOD FRIENDS: (From left) Maisie Macaskill and Eve Greene walked handin-hand, supporting each other on the big hike.

 RIVER TIME: Dressed for the elements, (from left) Cooper Fensome and Darcy Walker thought about a paddle.

FREE TOWN DELIVERY

CHILDHOOD looks different in many ways now that technology dominates our everyday.

From paying for groceries to staying up to date with your child’s sporting team schedule, communicating with friends and sharing photos, technology is everywhere.

Disconnecting from technology is a constant parenting challenge.

It’s a relief to know that some education services are equally aware of this challenge and carefully program to ensure children still enjoy an authentic childhood.

“Children who attend The Farmhouse benefit from the decision their parent’s made to sign them up for hands-on, physical and creative opportunities and the freedom to be themselves,” explained Kim Stoney, Founder of The Farmhouse.

And at The Farmhouse, that includes bushwalking.

“Our Bush Kinder children get out walking our local trails regularly.

“It builds their resilience and their bond as a group.

Together this prepares them well for school the following year,” said Kim.

The Candlebark Bush Kinder group went to Blue Range Camping and Picnic Area this week for an adventure not for the faint-hearted.

With gumboots, jackets, gloves and beanies on, they

scrambled over logs, waded through muddy crossings and climbed up and down hills.

“The children were amazing,” said Rachel Devere, Bush Kinder teacher.

“They were so calm in the bush and curious about the animals’ habitats.

“They were also so kind to their friends, helping them when the track was challenging.”

Children carried their own water bottles and lunch was transported in a cart that was pushed up and down hills by the children.

This allowed the group to walk further, enjoying lunch on a riverbank beach where skipping stones was thoroughly enjoyed.

Almost six kilometres later, including spotting a wallaby and a break for hot chocolates, these resilient, capable and confident four-year-olds returned to their buses to head home.

“Parents can be so proud of their children,” said Kim.

“Their Bush Kinder child relished this big adventure and were so proud of themselves for doing it.”

Being away from technological distractions creates so many opportunities to experience new places together, to have real conversations, to teach children about the world, and to work together as a team.

“And the children are happier”, said Kim.

Gooley’s Bridge repairs underway

THE Mansfield Shire have commenced the repair and replacement works on Gooley’s Bridge in Jamieson.

This necessary repair work was approved and has commenced.

There are traffic control lights at each end of the bridge while the work is in progress.

The bridge is located at the Jamieson end of the Eildon Road at the T intersection with Mansfield Woods Point Road, over the Goulburn River.

While the work is in progress the traffic is restricted to a single lane carriageway for the safety of the working crew.

PRIOR to school holidays commencing, the students at Jamieson primary school enjoyed their morning outdoor warmup games and exercises, rugged up for the frosty mornings, in the school play area, with the climbing wall, slide and swings being very popular.

The Breakfast Club was a great hit on the last day of term with treats.

Delicious pancakes, the students enjoyed the toss-

ing and flipping of their own pancakes topped with strawberries, ice cream and maple syrup. Next term the Breakfast Club will be enjoyed every day, commencing at 8:00 am to 4:00 pm under supervision. So not only is breakfast for the students available but a warm afternoon snack as well.

LAST week the students from both senior and junior rooms at Jamieson primary school presented the Space Expo.

The students presented their work to parents and guests who enjoyed the amazing displays.

They showcased amazing dioramas of the Solar System and models of space, it was an extraordinary creative display that captivated the audience each student showed an amazing knowledge of Space, through their Space Expo studies and practical creativity over the last term.

Following the Space Expo the attendees, students and teachers enjoyed a sausage sizzle cooked by Mr. Wetmore.

THE students are looking forward to the Skiing classes on Mt Buller when they return to school next term.

The students attend the weekly classes with Merrijig

primary school students.

This activity is one most popular during the ski season with students improving in confidence and style.

WITH school holidays most of the local businesses have been kept busy with visitors and local residents enjoying the local fare.

The number of visitors over the weekend enjoyed visiting Jamieson this was encouraging for the local traders.

Many visitors are staying for the skiing and dining out at the local venues.

Tuesday evenings are proving very popular at the Courthouse hotel, with the

Pool competition it’s a great draw card.

All players and families enjoying a warm fire and meal during the competition.

THE Rev. Mel Clarke will conduct the Eucharist Service at Saint Peter’s Anglican Church Jamieson, on Sunday morning July 7th at 11:30 am.

All welcome.

THE Jamieson Heavenly Arts and Nursery, at St Peter’s Church is open over the weekends throughout winter with beautiful art, ceramics, creative works and all garden needs for winter planting.

MATERNITY MORNING TEA TO SHARE STORIES

By TRINITY KNIGHT

LAST Thursday, the maternity team at the Mansfield Hospital and the project manager of the Central Hume Maternity Care Project Christine Austin held a morning tea for local mums and invited them to share and discuss their maternity stories.

Ms Austin said the aim of the initiative is to ensure maternity services across the region stay viable, educated

and well informed.

Central Hume covers six hospitals including Beechworth Health, North East Health Wangaratta, Benalla Health, Yarrawonga and Mansfield.

“Those six hospitals collaborate into one group under one bank of maternity care reducing the variation of the clinical practice and addressing the regional workforce,” Ms Austin said.

“Optimising the capacity of

local and regional beds is all about making sure that we utilise bed spaces around the region.

“We know that if Wangaratta was the only birthing hospital, we wouldn’t be pushed through a lot faster, whereas if we can utilise these services those beds become a lot more viable.

“You can get a lot more person-centered care, so that’s the idea behind it.”

Ms Austin said there are different levels of health services

to accommodate women’s needs across the region.

“Currently Beechworth Health doesn’t have maternity services and there are two level one services which are Yarrawonga and Alpine,” she said.

“Level one means that they do antenatal and domiciliary care, but don’t birth.

“We have two level three hospitals which are Mansfield and Benalla who both do low risk antenatal,

domiciliary and birthing.

“We have a level four which is Wangaratta who do everything including a GP program which is a midwifery practice.”

Ms Austin said all women should have access care as close to home as possible.

“The challenge is sometimes you don’t know what your local health service can provide, so what we’re trying to do is decentralise the triaging process.”

CENTRAL HUME MATERNITY CARE PROJECT: The project has

gathering local maternity stories from across the region.

MATERNITY STORIES: Janice Rodger and the project manager of the Central Hume Maternity Care Project Christine Austin held a morning tea for local mums to share their stories.

JAMIESON ON THE LINE with Carmel Dixon

property of the week

MAX’S PADDOCK - CAPTIVATING TATONG VALLEY RETREAT ON 28 ACRES

ESCAPE to the country with this stunning 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom home nestled on 28 acres of picturesque landscape. This idyllic property offers a perfect blend of luxury, tranquillity, comfort, and functionality, making it an ideal home, holiday retreat, or even a stunning venue for weddings and events. The expansive open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area is designed for entertaining and family gatherings, featuring double sliding doors and windows that bring in plenty of natural light and incredible views over the Tatong Valley. A separate living area provides additional space for relaxation or entertainment.

The kitchen is equipped with a separate butler’s pantry, plenty of bench space, and high-end appliances, catering to both home cooks and culinary experts. The 5 spacious bedrooms provide ample space for relaxation and privacy, with the master suite boasting a luxuriously large walkin robe and ensuite. The home includes 4 additional well-appointed bathrooms, ensuring everyone has their own space. Comfort and convenience are paramount with a zoned ducted heating and cooling system in the main living areas and master suite, a wood fire heater, and split systems in the remaining bedrooms.

Outdoor living is equally impressive with an expansive deck ideal for dining and entertaining, and a magnesium pool perfect for relaxation and wellness. The 28 acres of pristine land are perfect for hobby farming, horses, or simply enjoying nature, with two dams providing additional water resources. The property offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape from every corner, a spacious and versatile layout catering to various lifestyle needs, and a peaceful, private location close to the Tatong Pub, perfect for socializing with neighbors and friends. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to own a piece of paradise in Tatong, ideal as a family home, weekend retreat, or investment.

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SCKC volunteers take on Spartan Race

By TRINITY KNIGHT

SOUTHERN Cross Kids’ Camp – High Country (SCKC) volunteer Xavier O’Kane will be competing in Spartan Australia’s Melbourne Race obstacle course on August 3 raising funds to help send children on the camp.

Through his fundraising page on the Spartan Australia website Xavier has already raised $4187, $1187 more than his initial $3000 goal.

Xavier is the most successful individual “top fundraiser” through the Spartan fundraising platform Australia wide.

“So far we have raised enough money to send eight children on camp for a week,” he said.

Xavier is from Benalla and joined the SCKC- High Country this year as a buddy mentor.

He recently volunteered at his first camp after being invited by camp director Holly Cameron.

Outside of the group, Xavier works as a health professional in the rural areas around the North East of Victoria.

“I am keen to do more to assist the mission and values of SCKC, especially by fundraising,” he said.

“I have completed various similar runs but this will be my first major obstacle course run.”

The SCKC – High Country

July

charity relies on funds raised throughout the year with it costing up to $30,000 to run a camp.

“I am truly grateful to the wonderful family members, work colleagues and friends who have already donated,”

Xavier said.

“Many children attending the SCKC camps live in foster care and often move from home to home.

“A significant number have endured difficult experiences

and struggle with multiple issues.

“But these sorts of activities help them have a week of fun and realise there’s a positive world out there.”

In preparation for the race, Xavier has been undertaking a mix of endurance, running, strength training, upper body exercises and boot camp military style drills.

SCKC – High Country camp director, Holly Cameron said she is impressed with Xavier’s

dedication and support.

“There are 42 SCKC volunteers taking part from across Mansfield, Benalla, Melbourne and Bendigo,” she said.

“Amongst those there are around 20 from Mansfield.

“It makes me very grateful that there’s people out there who give up their time to such a good cause.

“I have a vision to help the kids in this area and it’s nice that other people have joined in on that.”

Regular Events:

 CWA Monthly meetings: 3rd Sunday afternoon, 2pm each month.

 CWA Craft Days: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays 10am, and 2nd Thursdays 6pm, each month.

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

 Family History Group at Mansfield Library. 3pm every 4th Thursday of the month.

 Grief and bereavement support group meets on the first Thursday of the month at Bob’s Shed, 82A Malcolm Street. All are welcome on a regular or casual basis and morning tea is provided. Ring 5775 3161 for more information.

 High Country Poets meet at the Mansfield Library on the 3rd Friday of the month at 1:30 pm. Members of the public all welcome to come and listen / or share their poetic ramblings.

 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 Farmers’ Markets - fourth Saturday of the month (February to December), 8.30am to 1pm at the median strip between the Post Office and the Delatite Hotel.

 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 at Bob’s Shed, Rosehaven 82A Malcolm St Mansfield. Ph 0409 751 593.

 Mansfield Uniting Church - Highett Street Sunday services, 9.30am. All welcome. Ph 0417 103 813

 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.

 Outdoor Provedore, producers market, 8.30am to 12.30pm on the High Street median strip, opposite the CWA (third Saturday of every month).

 JULY 4: Author Heidi James reads her book A Winter’s Kiss at Mansfield Library followed by art and craft. A school holiday activity for ages 5 – 8. 10.30am – 11.30. Bookings essential Ph 5775 8621.

 JULY 7-14: NAIDOC week - see Mansfield Shire Council website for individual event details.

 JULY 6 & 7: The Magic of Harry Potter at Mansfield Library. Friends of Mansfield Library host an immersive experience with games and supper provided. Dressing up encouraged! For ages 8 – 12, 6.00 –8.30pm.

 JULY 9: Sharing Taungurung culture through storytelling and art with Tilly Annuscheit at Mansfield Library. A NAIDOC

MY WAY (PG)

school holiday activity for ages 5 – 10. 10.30am – 12 noon. Bookings essential Ph 5775 8621.

 JULY 11: Movie and craft: Back to the Outback at Mansfield Library. A school holiday activity for ages 7+. Thursday 11 July, 2.00pm – 4.30pm. Bookings essential Ph 5775 8621.

 JULY 15: Barryne Wilson will present UNIT 6: ‘Regional Women of Ancona’ at The Beolite Village Community Centre. 10:00 am for morning tea before a 10:30 start. For further details call Trish 0437 357 829.

 JULY 17: Understanding carbon and climate change on farm with Cam Nicholson, 9.30am - 3.30pm. The Deltatite Hotel, $10 per head (includes lunch), tickets via EventBrite. Organised by Up2Us Landcare, phone 5799 1593.

 JULY 20: Outdoor Provedore, producers market, 8.30am to 12.30pm on the High Street median strip, opposite the CWA (third Saturday of every month).

 JULY 20: Merrijig Public Hall trivia night. 7pm onwards with a 7:30PM start. Light snacks and drinks. Ticket $10 available at www.trybooking.com/ CSGNB

 JULY 29: Valley Sport will be hosting a drop in session for sporting clubs, organisations and community members at Bonnie Doon Community Centre, 75 Arnot Street, Bonnie Doon, to discuss a wide range of important topics, including grants and fundraising, volunteer training courses, and mental health workshops.

 Preschool story time at Mansfield Library. Stories, songs and craft. Every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month 10.30am. Ph 5775 8621

 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 at the Uniting Church Hall.

 Scrabble Club for all levels meets at 10am every Wednesday at Mansfield Library. Ph 5775 8621

 St John’s Anglican Church - meditation every Friday at 12 noon for a quiet half hour to restore your peace. Ph Christine 0412 825 324

 Tolmie Uniting Church - Tolmie Sportsground, 3rd Sunday of the month. Service at 2pm. All welcome.

 U3A meetings are held on 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month at 10am at the Library.

A VISION OF HOPE: Southern Cross Kids’ Camp - High Country director Holly Cameron and volunteer Xavier O’Kane on the Mansfield Rail Trail.

IT IS Australia’s largest outbreak of avian influenza, with AgVic and authorities confirming they have yet to determine the source of infection.

As a seventh infected property near Meredith tests positive to the H7N3 strain of the virus, and another near Terang is confirmed to have the H7N9 strain, the industry remains concerned despite strong measures taken to combat the spread.

Over a million birds have been culled to date, sites cleaned and cleared of infection, with a comprehensive surveillance program in place.

“We have established restricted and control areas in proximity to existing infected properties (IP) which has assisted us in limiting the spread and quickly detecting infection through comprehensive surveillance activities,” said Dr Cooke, Victoria’s chief veterinary officer. Surveillance activities include dead bird collection and testing, monitoring of production data from commercial properties, environmental wild bird sampling and water sampling.â€¯

In Australia, low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) viruses are naturally carried by wild birds, usually waterfowl such as ducks, without causing signs of disease.

LPAI strains from wild birds can on rare occasions spillover into domestic poultry, which sometimes mutate into high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) strains in poultry that can cause significant disease.

“Agriculture Victoria continues to work with the owners of infected properties, farmers in the restricted and control areas, and the wider industry to support business continuity while minimising risk of dis-

MOVING FORWARD: Victorian Farmers Federation vice-president and egg farmer Danyel Cucinotta said the focus right now is on biosecurity for all poultry farmers.

Avian influenza Avian detected at at an additional an poultry property property Inquiry recommends improving the welfare of farmed pigs

ease spread,” Dr Cooke said.

Victorian Farmers Federation vice-president and egg farmer, Danyel Cucinotta said the focus right now is on biosecurity for all poultry farmers which includes rapid identification and containment to help safeguard the health and safety of our birds

“As biosecurity measures increase, farmers have the ability to assess their own farm’s risk via their biosecurity plan and house poultry indoors for the coming weeks should they deem necessary,” Ms Cucinotta said.

Known for his black Leghorns, a traditional heritage laying breed, Dr Kevin Smith is also the chairperson of Poultry Stud Breeders and Exhibitors Victoria.

Representing around 300 members statewide dispersed across regional Victoria, Dr Smith confirmed some of the association’s members were in the movement restricted zone with the group proactively providing support.

“Support is in the form of keeping members up to date and aware of all movement controls, along with practical tips on biosecurity particularly around excluding wild birds from flocks,” Dr Smith said.

“Most recently we hosted a forum to formulate guidelines and practical precautions not just for this outbreak but going forward.”

May through until August is the show season for the association.

“Since the outbreak was first identified all clubs have postponed their shows,” said Dr Smith.

“It was done on a voluntary basis, however we want to work with AgVic to ensure the outbreak is contained.

“This is the first time an active outbreak has coincided with our show season.”

The show season is an impor-

tant part of the association’s annual calendar, with members and clubs valuing show culture as more than an opportunity to compete.

“Members look forward to exhibiting birds and catching up as community,” Dr Smith said.

“So we are certainly noticing the loss of the shows.

“Whether things can be rescheduled is dependent on how long the outbreak continues, as we head into breeding season during Spring.”

At the moment, members of the association in the vicinity of the outbreaks are practising stringent

biosecurity measures to ensure their flocks don’t test positive.

The association represents a wide range of breeders from some who concentrate on very rare breeds of chickens to others who have incredible genetics but the breeds are more common.

“Outbreaks are concerning for the industry overall, but particularly for some of our members in terms of the scarcity of genetics for some of their populations.

“We remain optimistic the outbreak will be contained soon, encouraged by the fact AgVic is actively managing this situation.”

AN UPPER house committee report into pig welfare in Victoria tabled in state parliament by Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell on June 20 was slammed as a “political stunt” by the Nationals.

The Legislative Council Economy and Infrastructure Committee report contains 18 recommendations including a call to end gas stunning and compulsory CCTV on farms following a three-day hearing earlier this year which was chaired by Ms Purcell.

The committee heard a range of submissions from animal welfare and activist groups through to pig farmers and industry bodies during the hearing.

Criticism from the Nationals member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath included ‘lack of impartiality, fairness, and consideration of scientific evidence” in the report.

The inquiry was as a result of media coverage from footage obtained by an animal activist group and ongoing concerns raised about the welfare of pigs in the state.

It examined regulatory frameworks, stunning methods, the impact of the 2017 industry-led phaseout of sow stalls, breeding and housing practices, and international industry best practice standards.

The inquiry received a combined 10,000 submissions and survey responses and held three days of online public hearings.

Among the report’s recommendations was the establishment of an Independent Office of Animal Protection to appropriately and effectively monitor animal welfare.

There is a call for the Victorian government to work with industry to research and develop opportunities for commercially viable alternatives to the use of CO2 in stunning pigs prior to slaughter and provide a report on alternatives.

MANSFIELD RACECOURSE RESERVE

Notice is given of a PUBLIC MEETING

to be held at the Race Club rooms on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 commencing at 6pm. The purpose of the meeting is to nominate no less than three (3) nor more than nine (9) persons as the Committee of Management for the Mansfield Racecourse Reserve for a term of three years. The current committee's term will expire on September 11, 2024. All positions will be declared open and nominations will be accepted prior to or on the night. Nominations from women, Aboriginal people, people with disabilities, young people and people of culturally diverse backgrounds are encouraged. Further information, nomination forms and nominee declaration forms may be obtained by contacting your local Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action office or at the meeting. For further enquiries please contact the Secretary, Barrie Scott on 0427 546 426.

Get your names in the RADIO MANSFIELD and MANSFIELD COURIER birthday book.

Win Bertalli’s birthday goodies on Radio Mansfield 99.7 FM’s “Anything Goes” Birthday Wheel

Thursdays from 2-4pm

This week’s winner is: ANGIE JOHNSON

To enter call Radio Mansfield on 5775 2333

Water Act 1989

NOTICE OF MAKING OF THE BY-LAW NO. 4 WATERWAYS PROTECTION 2024

GOULBURN BROKEN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

By resolution of 25 June 2024 the GOULBURN BROKEN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY under sections 160, 219 and 287ZC of the Water Act 1989 made By-law No. 4 Waterways Protection 2024.

The purpose of the By-law is to make provisions for –

a) the control, management and authorisation of works and activities in, under, on or over designated waterways and designated land or works;

b) the protection and care of designated waterways and designated land or works; and

c) the conservation and preservation of flora, fauna and habitat in designated waterways and designated land or works.

The By-law is made using the Waterways Protection Model By-law made by the Minister for Water under section 287ZB of the Water Act 1989 on 6 March 2024.

A copy of the By-law is available on the GOULBURN BROKEN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY website: www.gbcma.vic.gov.au. A copy is also available for inspection during the ordinary business hours of the Authority, free of charge, at the GOULBURN BROKEN CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY offices at 168 Welsford Street Shepparton VIC 3630, 89 Sydney Road Benalla VIC 3672, and 5/10 High Street Yea VIC 3717.

A copy of the By-law can be provided at the offices of the Authority during ordinary business hours.

BY PHONE 5723 0101

Allied Health Assistant (Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology)

Kidex and Small Talk Speech Pathology are seeking an energetic, motivated, and passionate individual to deliver programs to students in Mansfield under the supervision of the treating therapist. Flexible working days/hours, competitive pay rates.

Requirements: A certificate in Allied Health Assistance is preferred but not essential. Experience working with children is advantageous.

Please contact Kristy at kristy@smalltalkspeechpath.com.au for further information.

Applications close July 15, 2024.

DIABETES EDUCATOR

Mansﬁeld District Hospital is seeking an enthusiastic Diabetes Educator to join our Primary Care Centre team.

You will hold current AHPRA registration and full membership of Australian Diabetes Educators’ Association. A demonstrated knowledge of adult education principles, an ability to work autonomously and in a multidisciplinary health care team and experience in a community or primary health setting are required.

Position Type: Permanent part-time two days per week (0.4EFT)

Closing Date: 14th July 2024

Position Description and Applications: https://www.livehire.com/job/mdh/7XEEB

Lauriston Girls’ School HOWQUA ASSISTANT

Lauriston Girls’ School is a forward-thinking, independent K-12 school.

and experienced Howqua Assistant to commence immediately at our Howqua campus.

The Howqua Campus is a full-time residential campus and outdoor programs for Year 9 students. Please visit our employment page via https://www.lauriston.vic.edu.au for more information regarding the role and to access the Position Description and to apply online. Applications close: Lauriston is a Child Safe School. We promote the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children.

GARAGE AND YARD SALE

Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July 2024. Beginning at 9 am. No admission prior to this time. 85 Dead Horse Lane, Mansfield. Items include farm implements, trailers, tools and miscellaneous items related to farming and motors. Household items, including furniture, glassware, China and linens. Garden furniture and exercise equipment, pots, plants and other miscellaneous garden pieces, all offers considered.

RED Pajero “Activ”, 2010 model, 3.2 L turbo diesel, automatic transmission, LED light bar, factor y bullbar, excellen t condition, complete history, serviced by the book. BF Goodrich tyres, new Kenwood Radio w ith Apple/Android CarPlay, (1VL7RA) 246,000 km, $17,000 with roadworthy. Ph 0428 736 630. FOR

YELLOW Hyundai sedan, 2000, (1YM9QQ), 218,242km, great car for new drivers, 5 speed manual, $3999 ono, located Mansfield. Ph 0439 719 529

FORD Ranger XLT (1KK1SJ), automatic 2017, 146,000km, diesel, long range tank, Red Arc electric brakes, dual batteries, just had service, transmission serviced every 50,000km, $35,500. Ph 0427 273 796.

ISUZU D-Max Ute, flat tray, excellent condition, 2015, auto, turbo diesel, 234,000kms, 2 lockable toolboxes included, (1EV5EX), $16,500. Phone Len 0457 494 102.

MERC E240 for sale, recent full service, excellent tyres, new windscreen, 337,000km, reg (QJE744), $2800 ono. Phone Charlie Brydon 0418 597 627.

& CAMPERS

1996 Opal Pop Top caravan, double island bed, full gas stove, 3-way fridge, annex, reg F32442 23/11/24, $7000 ono. Ph (02) 6032 9409.

CARAVANS & CAMPERS

PACKAGE Deal, for genuine sale 2004 Ford F250, 7.3hr Diesel, 291. 685km, has near new bravo a/t Maxxis 980 tyres, plus 2 spares on back, rear camera, rear airbag suspension, 274ltr fuel capacity plus 100ltr tank under rear canopy, rear slide on picnic table, central locking system, Hayman Rees tow ball, top winch to help load the boat, plus 5000 pound bull bar winch, lots storage includes 2x60ltr fridge slides, plus boat motor slide, 2 large draws in canopy, lots storage above canopy and below 3x120 Uni solar panels, has pro star solar controls wired ready to go, 4 glass matt batteries, plus built in charger, built in compressor. Side steps and bull bar all aluminum, driving lights CB radio, electric brake system to suit caravan, fully services and will sell with road worthy.

Caravan, 2004 Kedron Cross Country, made in Brisbane, 20ft inside, electric brakes, pullout awning, has matching wheels as the F250, dual axle plus 2 spares. 2 x jerry can, holders at rear, in front bin has 4 x glass matt batteries, pro star solar controls invertor, has 4x120 Uni solar panels on roof, tv antenna, fold up side cooking table built on side, steps that gold up on the door, single beds with inner spring mattresses, wired for CPAP machines x 2, lots storage cupboards, built with Tasmanian oak, 4 burner stove with grill and oven, 240ltr Vitri Frigo, full sink, wired for TV, reverse cycle air con, Island bench table with storage under seats, storage under beds, brand new elec and gas hot water service (never used), water filters and hoses, electric legs, A-Trail Jack plus ockie wheel, 2 wind stiffeners pegs and mat (outside 8x4m) original tyres and rims for caravan, out door shower, 5 water tanks, one tank for drinking only, carpet or vinyl flooring, wired for 12 volt or 240 volt, full annex plus extra plus sun shade, never used, new wheel bearings (never used), 2 gas bottles, front bin and generator compartment, very clean and neat, has lots of extra’s as well. $139,900 ono package deal, will consider splitting, but they do compliment one another. Boat not included. Ph 0427 936 630.

Personal Notices

DEATH NOTICES

CHIVERS, Barry John.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Barry John Chivers.

1/10/1945 to 22/6/2024

Loving husband to Loretta, loving father to Debbie and Jason, grandfather to 7 and Great grandfather to 5.

Loved brother of Darryl and sister-in-law Susan Chivers, and sister Robyn.

We loved you dearly my hero, the love of my life, until we meet again. Love always Loretta.

DEATH NOTICES

ARCHER, Teresa. 28/11/1931 – 23/6/2024

Passed away peacefully at Bindaree Retirement Home in Mansfield. Aged 92. Wife of Ian (dec). Mother of Anthony (dec), Patrick, Peter, Deborah, Christine, Timothy and Veronica. Grandmum and great grandmum to their families. Rest in peace.

Personal Notices

SHAW, Sandra.

The CWA Mansfield branch members are saddened at the passing of long-time member and friend, Sandra Shaw. You will be dearly missed by us all. Condolences to all the family.

ARCHER

Funeral prayers and a life celebration for Teresa “Terry” Archer was held at McCormack Chapel in Mansfield on Tuesday, July 2, 2024. Rest in peace.

CHIVERS

A funeral prayer service to celebrate the life of Barry Chivers will be held on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Mansfield commencing at 1pm. Private cremation

BEREAVEMENT THANKS

Thank You

HEALY, Frank. Passed away June 12, 2024. I have been overwhelmed with the number of cards, flowers and genuine caring. I am so happy to be part of a wonderful community. I couldn’t possibly thank you all personally for thinking of Frank. ~ June Healy.

Strong winds don’t stop Mansfield golfers

By ROD SARGENT

A LOT of good golf scores this week and a bit of welcome rain as well.

Numbers are down somewhat due to the weather and many have headed north to escape the winter cold.

Tuesday we had a field of 24 players for a stableford round.

The winners on the day were, Larry Ball in third place with 35pts, Nick Siperki second place on a countback also on 35 pts.

Ian Jones had a day out with a great 42pts.

On Thursday, 39 players fronted the starter, which meant that we only had one division.

Third place was Phil Conway with 37pts on a countback, John McCombe grabbed second with a fine 38pts and the overall winner was Brendan Egan with a solid 39pts.

The rabbits for the day were Maurie Walsh and Dave McKenzie.

The new general managers secret six prize was won by Micheal Aistrope who collected three callaway balls.

Saturday was the June monthly medal sponsored by the Mansfield Golf Club.

The weather was a bit ordinary, with strong winds in the morning until early afternoon and constant rain from midday onwards.

Well done to all those players that finished, as it wasn’t pleasant at times and very cold.

The winners for the day were, Mark Jones in third place with a nett 76, Jamie Longstaff was second with a nett 74 and Rod Sargent won the day and the monthly medal with a nett 70.

Rod also won the J.D.Perks scratch with 72.

This Friday is the Mark Adams Ski and Golf Day, course closed from 9am.

Coming up on the July 13 is the four- club challenge stableford for men and ladies. Happy hitting.

Kylie Egan wins monthly medal

By MARION MITCHELL

GREAT to see some rain fall on our golf course this week.

A small field played Tuesdays Stableford with Marion Sargeant winning with 16 points.

Marg Franke-Williams had a nearest the pin on the third.

Wednesday was monthly medal sponsored by Loyola Jewels.

Kylie Egan took the win with net 72.

Kylie is in the winners’ circle most weeks so it is very well deserved.

Naturally Kylie won A Grade with Shelly Comerford second on a countback from Sue Parsons both with net 77.

JUNE WINNER: Kylie Egan has won the monthly medal.

Marg Franke-Williams won B Grade on a countback to Glenis Skinner, both with a very good net 73.

Pauline Ahola was third with 75.

Nearest the pins were Marion Sargeant, Linda Terry, Lesley Anderson and Lyn Poulson.

The putting was won by Marg Franke-Williams.

Saturday was wet and cold, so the 10 ladies who braved the weather really deserved a medal.

Tracey Gravenall won on a countback to, yes you guessed it, Kylie Egan with 36 points.

Tracey has recently started playing regularly and is in good form.

Marion Sargeant was third with 33.

Marion Foster took a line ball and Kylie Egan had a nearest the pin on third. Enjoy and good hitting.

WINNERS AND LOSERS

SATURDAY, JUNE 29

TATURA 3.0 5.0 6.0 6.0.36

EUROA 5.3 10.8 13.10 19.16.130

GOALS: EUROA: Andrew Ciavarella 2, Mitch Heywood 2, Cade Dealy 1, Ryan Hatch 1. TATURA: Tristan Davies 5, Silver Yousif 5, Jett Trotter 3, Jack McKernan 2, Will Hayes 1, Ryan Hill 1, Nate Trotter 1, Marcus Varley 1. BEST: TATURA: Jacob Simpson, Andrew Ciavarella, Mitchell Elliott, Mitch Heywood, Curtis Ryan. EUROA: Will Hayes, Nathan Stewart, Tristan Davies, Silver Yousif, Jett Trotter.

SHEPP UNITED 1.1 1.1 2.1 6.2.38 ECHUCA 8.2 13.6 18.10 23.12.150

GOALS: SHEPPARTON UNITED: Edward Adams 2, Jack McCartney 2, Samuel Mcinneny 1, Kaedyn Napier 1. ECHUCA: Kane Morris 10, Jackson Stewart 3, Tighe O’Brien 2, Liam Tenace 2, Daniel Willis 2, Jack Evans 1, Baxter Slater 1, Riley Smith 1, Cody Walker 1. BEST: SHEPPARTON UNITED: No best players have been selected. ECHUCA: Kane Morris, Benjamin Reid, Jackson Stewart, Jack Mchale, Tighe O’Brien.

NETBALL SCORES

A Grade: Shepp United 25 def by Echuca 53; Seymour 44 def Shepp Swans 33; Tatura 37 def by Euroa 51

B Grade: Shepp United 44 def Echuca 42; Seymour 41 def by Shepp Swans 45; Tatura 36 def by Euroa 54

B Reserve: Shepp United 26 def by Echuca 51; Seymour 37 def Shepp Swans 13; Tatura 42 def by Euroa 44 17 & Under: Shepp United 38 def by Echuca 47; Seymour 18 def by Shepp Swans 53; Tatura 34 def by Euroa 35

15 & Under: Shepp United 44 def by Echuca 48; Seymour 23 def by Shepp Swans 52; Tatura 42 def Euroa 32

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

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

Our Club offers specialist Basketball Clinics, as well as pathways through Senior Big V Competitions.

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

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

ROUND 13

SATURDAY, JULY 13

Rochester vs Benalla Echuca vs Seymour Shepparton Swans vs Mansfield Mooroopna vs Tatura Shepparton vs Shepparton United Euroa vs Kyabram

ROUND RESULTS:

U14 Boys 1 27 def by Ballarat 1 53

(Top Scorers: C. Hueston 12, T. Thorp 4, X. Phillips 4)

U14 Boys 2 50 def Eltham 4 48

(Top Scorers: E. Sloots 19, J. Goodyear 13, U. Saxton 7)

U14 Girls 1 37 drew Hawthon 1 37

(Top Scorers: M. Moscrop 18, E. O'Neill 6, A. Damianopoulos 6)

U14 Girls 2 37 def Coburg 3 32

(Top Scorers: M. Tomkins 9, C. Carkeek 6, T. Heenan 5)

U16 Boys 1 40 def Craigieburn 1 37

(Top Scorers: C. Clark 8, L. Cashman 8, A. Hamill 7)

U16 Boys 2 68 def Melbourne 4 40

(Top Scorers: J. Kelly 17, H. Kain 14, A. Kipping 11)

U16 Boys 3 47 def by Keilor 7 56

(Top Scorers: A. Richardson 19, E. Damon 9, I. Lacey 6)

U16 Girls 1 0 forfeited Waverley 2 20

(Top Scorers: )

U16 Girls 2 53 def Geelong 2 22

(Top Scorers: E. Gray 20, P. Male 7, M. Kennedy 7)

U18 Boys - postponed Hawthorn 3 -

(Top Scorers: )

SEYMOUR 1.6 6.6

GOALS: SEYMOUR: and SHEPPARTON SWANS: No goal scorers selected. BEST: SEYMOUR: Tom Maloney, Nathan Fowler, Riley Mason, David Mundy, Jack Murphy. SHEPPARTON SWANS: Zac Clohesy, Mark Kovacevic, Hugh Mason, Christian Georgiou, Max Clohesy.

SATURDAY, JULY 6 & SUNDAY JULY 7

Benalla

Eagles women soar at home

By SAM CHARLOTTE

GREETINGS from your friendly Mansfield Women’s Eagles on-ground correspondent.

Currently bruised and battered, but full of pride for the team that I am part of, and played alongside to defeat Nagambie on Sunday afternoon at our home ground.

Mansfield 5.4.34 to 1.0.6 Nagambie.

Before this correspondent gets to the game - a little rev up for you all.

Mansfield Women’s Eagles will be playing at home (at the Mansfield Rec Reserve) at 2:30pm on July 14.

It will be your last chance to come check out all the hard work the girls have put in this season, as we’ll be playing away for the rest of the season (including finals, which we’re very likely to play in).

Yeeha.

The footy gods got the weather right for Sunday’s game - it was an absolutely cracking day to be playing at home and naturally our spirits were high in the lead up to the opening siren. Nagambie were suffering from the ‘playing away’ syndrome which usually results in a lack of players, so we went ahead with 14-a-side.

Mansfield’s mid-field took off from the get-go, Amy’s strength and accuracy often overwhelming Nagambie’s ruck, meaning that Gracie was able to snatch the ball and run. Tahlia and Mim were unstoppable in the forward line, kicking four goals in succession.

Hannah and Michaela worked together beautifully to ensure the ball stayed in our end of the field, getting out into the wide open space created by an opposition who hadn’t yet got their bearings.

Phoebe and Maddi maintained the energy from the wings, leading well and disposing of the ball cleverly to Saige (who must have secretly oiled

herself before the game, because try as they might, the girls from the lake just could not get a hand on her) and Ronny (who gives new meaning to the word unstoppable).

The Lakers must have had their tins of spinach during the break and I’m not sure how the game looked from the sidelines, but on the field it felt…. well…brutal.

The girls from Nagambie brought a style of play that Mansfield tend to avoid, landing tackles that felt desperate and overly aggressive.

The Eagle’s quick style of play was smothered by the Lakers, who liked to dive over the ball, even when it was being held by an opposing player.

It felt like we just didn’t get a chance to come up for air.

The overworked solo umpire did everything that he could to keep up with the play, adjudicating what he could see, but the game progressed with a dispiritingly huge number of stoppages and a complete lack of momentum.

Vic showed tenacity and slipperiness during each ball-up, using her agility to escape the pack once she had the ball.

Emily did her best to shake a grippy opposition, disposing when she could to Sarah, who tenaciously competed for the ball in the forward fifty.

All the while, the Nagambie Lakers did everything they could to make sure that the Eagle’s wings remained by their sides.

Despite their aggression, the Lakers struggled to get the ball past the middle of the field.

At the arrival of the ball, the Eagles’ back line snapped into action, Susan in command while Jane-o fearlessly collected the ball from the pack, supported by the ever-encouraging Andy.

Sam and Tasia both put their bodies on the line to prevent the opposi-

tion from scoring, the former feeling a bit like a headless chook, and the latter copping more than her fair share of brawn from the Lakers, who were making their frustration at the score well known by the end of the third quarter.

The game plodded along, stopping and starting until we reached the final siren.

Phew.

Couple of legends to thank: Danielle for managing the team, Peta for keeping us patched up, Koby for running, Trudy and Rohan for scoring/ photography and goal umpiring, Suzie for setting up the arvo-tea and manning the bar.

Amy was also a fantastic coach in Ant’s absence.

To all of you absolute stars who came out to support us - thank you.

It was lovely to see all of your faces on the sidelines.

As this correspondent reflects on Sunday’s game, I do lament the somewhat clichéd version of women’s football that was played - the Mansfield Eagles were drawn into a style of play that was rough and frustrating and to be completely honest, dispiriting.

Will you indulge this correspondent a little while I reframe this in my mind…What an incredible learning opportunity for all of us playing for the Mansfield Eagles Women’s team.

To be able to keep running back onto the field, holding our heads high, maintaining poise, backing each other and feeling the power that comes from that.

In the end, the scoreboard (as well as the fact that we are currently second on the ladder) reflected the fitness, skill and brains that in modern footy will always, always, win over brawn.

In the end, a win’s a win and we bloody won.

Go Eagles!

UNDER 17 SCOREBOARD

T. Hunter, O. Csaszar. MANSFIELD: S. Kain, H. Desmond, B. Baklis, A. Browning, N. Taylor, H. Craddock.

Dalbosco 1, J. Thomson 1. CENTRALS: R. Parsons 2, H. Barry 2, C.

Balfour 1.

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Bright: A. Hargreaves, T. Russell, E. Lodge, C. McGregor, H. Johnston, T. Dobie. CENTRALS: H. Barry, K. Wohlers, J. EliottScragg, D. Balfour, H. Burke, J. Lewis.

1. MYRTLEFORD: B. McMasters 1, L. McManus 1, O. Benson 1. BEST: BENALLA: J. Mathieson, S. Gates, J. Hart, L. Fielding, H. Carter, M. Cooney. MYRTLEFORD: C. Piazza, L. McManus, T. Cooper, B. McMasters, J. Notarianni, O. Benson.

UNDER 14 SCOREBOARD

Bell, R. White, J. Fry. BRIGHT: H. Bruneau, C. Garratt, G. Banks, O. Lewis, H. West, K. O’Donnell. Centrals 4.2 11.4 15.8 21.14 (140) Mansfield Yellow

3.1 (19) GOALS: CENTRALS: A. Knobel 7, B. Johns 7, E. Cryer 2, L. Bennett 1, A. Fraser 1, J. Walkerden 1, A. Fraser 1, S. Webster Mizzi 1. MANSFIELD YELLOW: I. Crowe 2, J. Clydesdale 1. BEST: CENTRALS: A. Knobel, B. Johns, L. Bennett, A. Fraser, M. Wallace, E. Cryer. MANSFIELD YELLOW: W. Benton, I. Crowe, J. Clydesdale, L. Roberts, C. Martin, H. George. Kangaroos

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(102) Mansfield Blue

GOALS: KANGAROOS: I. Chilcott 5, A. Symons 4, M. Murphy 2, C. Kelly 1, C. Borschmann 1, M. Coleman 1. MANSFIELD BLUE: R. Purday 1, P. Guppy 1, L. Gardner 1, A. Dunn 1. BEST: KANGAROOS: A. Symons, K. White, M. Coleman, G. Everard, H. Wallace, C. Borschmann. MANSFIELD BLUE: A. Dunn, G. Robinson, J. Kynnersley, R. Purday, J. Hoskin, Z. Haslau.

Red

GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: No goal scorers submitted. BEST: BENALLA RED: N. Hogan, M. Willett, H. Skelton, X. De Fazio, J. Pollard, R. McCarthy. MYRTLEFORD: S. Lupo, M. Morgan, T. McPherson, H. Durling, L. McKeone, J. McAuliffe.

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LONG KICK: Hannah Berriman setting up a kick straight down the line. PHOTO: Paul Martin

MOVING FAST: Grace Preuss running forward. PHOTO: Rohan Berriman

STRONG TACKLE: (from left) Veronia “Ronny” Munar and Jane Swinburne. PHOTO: Paul Martin

HANDBALL: Tahlia Middleton passing the ball smoothly. PHOTO: Paul Martin

Not only do we

HOW TO FISH IN LAKE WILLIAM HOVELL

LOCATED in the picturesque Alpine region of Victoria, Lake William Hovell offers a serene fishing experience amidst lush surroundings and clear waters.

This man-made reservoir, nestled in the King Valley, is a popular spot for anglers targeting a variety of fish species.

Water Conditions: The lake’s water level is currently stable, following recent rains that have slightly increased its volume.

Water clarity is excellent, with visibility reaching up to three meters in some areas, making it ideal for sight fishing. Surface temperatures are averaging around 20 degrees, which is conducive to active fish behaviour, particularly in the early mornings and late afternoons.

Target Species: The primary species that anglers can expect to catch in Lake William Hovell include Brown Trout,

Rainbow Trout, Redfin (European Perch), and Murray Cod. Brown and Rainbow Trout are particularly abundant, thanks to regular stocking programs.

Fishing Techniques: Trout Fishing: For Brown and Rainbow Trout, anglers have reported success using a variety of lures and baits.

Trolling with Tassie Devils and small minnows along the drop-offs and near

submerged structures has been effective.

Fly fishing enthusiasts are also doing well using nymphs and dry flies, especially during the morning rise when trout are feeding on surface insects.

Redfin: These aggressive predators are being caught using soft plastics and small spinners.

Targeting the edges of weed beds and submerged timber has proven fruitful.

Redfin are more active during the warmer parts of the day, so midday fishing can yield good results.

Murray Cod: While not as commonly caught as the trout and redfin, Murray Cod are present in the lake.

Anglers targeting cod are using large surface lures and spinnerbaits, focusing on areas with heavy cover and rocky outcrops.

Recent Catches: Several anglers have reported impressive catches over the past week.

A local angler landed a 3 kg Brown Trout using a woolly bugger fly, while another reported catching a dozen Redfin, the largest weighing around 1.5 kg, using soft plastic grubs.

There have also been reports of Murray Cod being caught near the northern end of the lake, with one notable catch weighing in at 10 kg.

Tips and Recommendations:

 Arrive early to capitalise on the morning feeding frenzy, especially for trout.

 Use polarised sunglasses to spot fish and structure under the water.

 Maintain a stealthy approach, as the clear water can make fish wary.

Facilities: Lake William Hovell offers basic facilities, including picnic areas and toilets.

There is ample parking, and boat launching is available, making it convenient for anglers with boats.

Conclusion: Lake William Hovell continues to provide a rewarding fishing experience, with its diverse fish population and beautiful setting.

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, this lake offers an opportunity for a memorable fishing trip.

U12 Roos hop away with win

By NICK DUNN

Back To The Club Reunion

JULY 13, 2024 AT 11:30AM TILL LATE

WE headed off to Wangaratta to face the Kangas again on Sunday, light on for numbers due to ill health and availability, but stumped up by three of the most outstanding young blokes from the U12 comp in Bodhi Clifton, Zac Borg and Hayden Kent.

Despite being understandably nervous coming into the game, each one of those young fellas found their feet quickly and not only held their own out there, but impacted the contest in significant ways throughout the day.

They should be really proud of their efforts, as I certainly am.

So the game itself was an interesting one.

Losing two or three of our bigger bodies meant we struggled to find our shape early, and running out against the undefeated mob on top of the ladder, our guys were rattled.

We allowed the kangas to play the game on their terms, as we struggled to get any traction in the game.

When Lenny Gardner got on the receiving end of some slick ball movement through the middle of the ground and got out behind their defence, we managed to peg one back, but not through lack of effort, we found ourselves down by nine goals at the main break.

Some honest conversations

were had at half time, in an effort to change our mindset and salvage something out of the game.

Where we sat, it didn’t matter if we ended up getting done by 10 or 20 goals, either way it was a pantsing. But what we could do was use the rest of this game to work on our game.

We decided we might as well take some risks and have a bit of fun with our footy.

And the change they produced was outstanding.

The pressure and the run and carry in the second half meant the ball was almost exclusively played in our half, and the goals they got were cheapies out the back and against the run of play.

We managed to gain that foothold into the game that we couldn’t early, through a conscious mindset shift to not lie down and except the way the contest was playing out.

Phoebe Guppy found her feet as our new look full forward, presenting really well at the ball.

She slotted an absolute gem from the boundary, and her usual backline pressure adds that defensive element to our forward line which proved to be important.

Benny Bergsma had his best game by far.

Having an influence around the ground and being really clean with the footy below his knees is a testament to all the hard

work he’s been putting in. His ability to find the runners and release them with handball was brilliant.

I was really proud of him.

Bodhi Killeen started to find his confidence again in the second half, cutting the defence apart with his slick footwork, while Jake Hoskins and Zander Haslau playing as our deepest defenders did an outstanding job on a tough day.

But, I often say there can be more to take from a game where you get done, than from a win and I reckon the way they turned the game showed these young guys a lot about themselves as a team and as individuals.

You could tell by the way the crowd behind our box were getting into it in the second half, you’d think we were two goals up in the grand final! But that response goes to show that good footy is good to watch.

And I couldn’t be more proud of my mob for turning that on for us on Sunday whatever the score was. We certainly didn’t leave Wang empty handed.

Captains’ choice and coaches awards: Hayden Kent, Bodhi Clifton, Zac Borg Best: Archie Dunn, Gus Robinson, Jay Kynnersley, Reeve Purday, Jake Hoskin, Zander Haslau, Billy Turner Goals: Gardner, Purday, Guppy, Dunn

with BEN DEEBLE

A GREAT CATCH: Lake William Hovell offers a serene fishing experience amidst lush surroundings and clear waters.

Mansfield holds fourth spot on tennis ladder

TENNIS

By RHONDA CARPENTER

SEVERE frosts and fog set the scene for Round 10, but after the mist there was great matches in Euroa and Mansfield.

Benalla travelled to Euroa for their contest against Seven Creeks, Euroa hosted Wappan and Moglonemby met Terip.

The home sides were challenged by their visitors this round.

Delatite’s Natalie Bergsma, Jo O’Brien, Deb Mims, Kassy Thomas and Loretta Armitage welcomed Creighton’s Creek in Mansfield.

Creighton’s Creek Marja Wondergem, Gayle Furphy, Ros Doxey and Erica Mercer had all the answers and

ROUND

took the ten points 6/48 sets to 0/19.

Moglonemby’s Judy Sands, Deb Seach, Mary Kelly and Lyn Johnston enjoyed laughter and lengthy rallies in their match but Terip’s Cindy Hayes, Frances Lawrence, Bec Lyttle and Phoebe McDermid found a way to win every set and move further ahead on the top of the ladder.

Terip 6-48 defeated Moglonemby 0-14.

Benalla’s Kate Campbell, Claire Sharp, Maureen Jewell and Deb Siggers were convincing in all their sets after lengthy rallies against Seven Creeks Rowena Ellis, Kelly Hill, Kerry Hewlett and Genevieve Calvert.

Benalla won 6-48 to Seven Creeks 0-16.

Euroa’s Julie Harrington, Ruth No-

lan, Lyn Pierce, Triona King and Mary Dewis took a while to warm up against Wappan but took both openers with smart courtcraft and superb placement.

Jenny Bell and Rhonda Carpenter had raced to an early lead, but Julie and Ruth steadied and used their experience to take the set 8-6.

Ruth and Triona won their set 8-2, while the double Jenny combination, Smith and Bell, combined superbly to win theirs 8-1.

The final sets went 8-4 each way with Euroa winning the day 4/37 to 2/31.

The competition pauses for the mid-winter break over the school holidays and returns on Monday July 15.

Mansfield fly over Roos with great win

WDJFL

By ANGELA DESMOND

THE boys headed to Wareena Park in Wangaratta, to play the Roos on Sunday.

Sam Kain got busy in the ruck and Harry Craddock found his hands on it.

Andy Friday pegged it through for the first goal and one of his four for the game.

The boys were busy backline and kept it well away from the forwards with Judd Turner, Nick Taylor along with Noah Whittall and Charlie Dobson making sure it rebounded.

The second goal for the game came from Cruz Purday who kicked to Liam who found himself on the wing.

He sent it towards the goals and Oscar Guppy took a great mark and converted.

The last goal came from Andy Friday.

The second quarter saw the boys settle into the game well and Ben Baklis found himself in the forward half and marked strongly He got a 50 meter shot on goal, however the ball was not cooperating.

Some great team work by Ben Baklis and Alistair Daniels found Nick Taylor who converted a goal.

By the end of the second quarter Harry Craddock had

WINNERS AND LOSERS

scored himself a goal and Andy Friday another. The boys went into halftime happy with their strong start.

The third quarter saw them continue their merry way.

Astin Browning who had worked hard all game on the ball kept bringing it out of the pack.

Archie Dunn on debut from U14 found himself working well and got his first goal.

Ben Baklis who worked hard all game found himself an elusive goal along with Oscar Guppy kicking himself another goal.

The last quarter saw Kangaroos put their game together better, they managed three goals.

Noah Whittall, Charlie Dobson, Jimmy Lean held their ground and Xavier Maroney chased hard and put pressure on the opposition’s forwards.

Well done boys.

Mansfield 15.8.98 def Kangaroos 4.5.29

Corcoran & Parker Awards: Samuel Kain and Hayden Desmond.

Reece Plumbing: Ben Baklis.

Mansfield Work Wear: Astin Browning. Notable Mentions: Nick Taylor and Harry Craddock.

BONNIE DOON: Matthew Hedin 2, James Octigan 2, Cody Turner

Zak Bailey 1, Conor Heaslip 1, Luke Murray 1, Campbell Smedley 1.. MOYHU: Harrison Bell 1, Harrison Grant 1, David McDonald 1, Aaron Thrum 1, Matthew Thrum 1. BEST: BONNIE DOON: Matthew Hedin, Beau Smith, Peter Cairns, Jordan Davey, Guy Murray, Cody Turner. MOYHU: Bailey Zimmermann, Nick Stewart, Matthew Thrum, George Hearn, Thomas Clough, Harry Verdon.

AGRADE:

Goorambat 24 def by Greta 70; Milawa 48 def King Valley 35; Tarrawingee 58 def Bright 27; Whorouly 62 def Benalla All Blacks 27

B GRADE:

Goorambat 20 def by Greta 47; Milawa 62 def King Valley 15; Tarrawingee 37 def Bright 36; Whorouly 62 def Benalla All Blacks 19

B RESERVE:

Goorambat 20 def by Greta 69; Milawa 40 def King Valley 26; Tarrawingee 44 drew with Bright 44

C GRADE:

Goorambat 38 def by Greta 39; Tarrawingee 21 def by Bright 47; Milawa 37 drew with King Valley 37; Whorouly 54 def Benalla All Blacks 16 15 & UNDER: Milawa 27 def King Valley 17; Tarrawingee 19 def Bright 12; Whorouly 22 def by Benalla All Blacks 28

ROUND 14

SATURDAY, JULY 6

BENALLA vs MOYHU

BONNIE DOON vs MILAWA

GRETA VS BRIGHT GOORAMBAT vs NORTH WANGARATTA

KING VALLEY vs WHOROULY

TARRAWINGEE - BYE

GOALS: GOORAMBAT: R. Goodley 2, K. Black 2. GRETA: J. McClounan 4, J. Bell 2, F. Judd 2, B. Newbold 1, L. Kennett 1, T. Arrowsmith 1, J. Kelly 1. BEST: GOORAMBAT: J. Dunne, T. Nolan, J. Bate, J. Heylbut, A. Burston, J. Webster. GRETA: J. McClounan, L. Kennett, B. Ralph, C. Crawford, B. Whinray, T. Arrowsmith.

MILAWA 3.1 8.4 13.5 18.6.114

KING VALLEY 3.2 4.3 7.5 9.6.60

GOALS: MILAWA: K. Stevenson 3, B. Kearns 3, B. Bartlett 3, J. Lea 3, J. Wallace 3, B. Fitzpatrick 1, K. Collisson 1, N. Giggins 1. KING VALLEY: B. Wheeler 6, A. Ciancio 1, S. Evans 1, J. Davies 1.

BEST: MILAWA: D. Bihun, K. Collisson, J. Owen, B. Kearns, S. Pane, T. Dunn. KING VALLEY: C. Shanley, S. Evans, B. Bray, B. Wheeler, T. Stewart, J. Burchall. TARRAWINGEE

GOALS: TARRAWINGEE: D. Savage 1, D. Adams 1, J. Hoggan 1. BRIGHT: C. Thomason 7, L. Quirk 4, D. Bursill 4, M. Rampling 2, M. Paulsen 2, R. Alexander 1, R. Jamieson 1, R. Bacon 1, J. Dalbosco 1, S. Dalbosco 1.

BEST: TARRAWINGEE: P. Byrne, H. Amery, T. Heywood, W. Creed, R. Benton, T. barnes. BRIGHT: D. Bursill, R. Alexander, C. Cambridge-Dillon, D. Breeding, M. Rampling, P. Bren.

WHOROULY: L. Moore 2, S. Ferguson 2, J. Newton 1, B.

WAPPAN: Jenny Bell, Rhonda Carpenter, Jenny Smitha and Agnes Kay. PHOTO: Mary Dewis

EUROA: Lyn Pierce, Triona King, Julie Harrington, Ruth Nolan and Mary Dewis. PHOTO: Rhonda Carpenter

Green,

F TY TIPPING COMPETITION

Bonnie Doon netballers on fire

Under 15’s

By AMY CASH

Bonnie Doon 37 def Moyhu 15

Best On - (sponsored by CM Excavation)

Keira Thornton Coaches - (sponsored by Walshes Gas) Carly Desmond

THERE were a lot of nerves coming into this week’s game against Moyhu, but the under 15’s came out with another good win.

Our best on this week was Keira who put on a show.

Holding strong and shutting the GK down.

Lara showed the GD just how strong she can be, with strong baseline drives and great passes into Keira.

Maya did not stop the whole game.

Running, dodging, losing her player and the perfect feeds.

Annie came on and was always an option, whether she was in the ring or out and had some great feeds into our shooters.

Amy had some strong, fast drives down into the pocket and delivered the ball with ease to our shooters.

Sadie had another great game.

She shut down the WA and had perfect long drives bringing the ball out of defence.

When Carly came on she put on a performance, getting multiple tips, intercepts and gains.

A well-deserved coaches award.

Bella was unstoppable this week getting amazing intercepts and jumped high for all the rebounds.

Erin came out fired up, with multiple intercepts and gains.

Under 17’s By COBIE MCCORMACK

Bonnie Doon 63 def Moyhu 34

Best On (sponsored by Desmond Concreting) Demi Murray

Coaches (sponsored by Mansfield Holiday Letting) Stella Brakels and Cobie McCormack

THE U17s had another win this weekend, defeating Moyhu 27/53.

With Cobie and Stella in the goal ring, they shared the shooting load.

Chloe and Demi were in the mid court, their passes into the ring were on point and with their hands over every ball, tips were going everywhere.

The combination of Emmeline and Tilly in the defense end shut out their shooters quickly, with Gemma and Charli both doing well with their hands over and rebounds. Second quarter and the score started to break away.

The intercepts from the defenders, the well placed passes from the midcourters and the goalers precision all worked well together to put a good win on the scoreboard.

Despite the changes in the last quarter aswell as the wet weather, the bombers held on to their lead, defending their undefeated title and their spot on top of the ladder.

B Reserve By CHARLOTTE ATHERTON

Bonnie Doon 55 def Moyhu 16

Best On - (sponsored by Bonnie Doon Hotel)

Demi Murray

Coaches - (sponsored by McCormacks Trail Rides) Charlotte Atherton

IT was a rainy start for the Bonnie Doon B res team.

The team came onto the court with determination and fired up ready to work hard.

Throughout the first half of the game the defensive end were on their toes and their eyes up on the hunt for intercepts.

Madi Hearmon (C) and Casey Hearmon (WA), with their sisterly bond worked hard despite the wet court, moving the ball down and into the shooters Michelle Tanner (GS) and Sarah Ragg (GA).

At half time Bonnie doon was still up despite the wet conditions and tiredness.

The second half saw some changes to the court with Demi Murray moving into Centre, absolutely smashing it.

After a cold game the siren went and Bonnie doon B res came out on top against Moyhu.

Bonnie Doon squash Hoppers

■ From back page

Best on field for the Bombers went to Matthew Hedin, Beau Smith, Peter Cairns, Jordan Davey, Guy Murray and Cody Turner.

Stand-outs for Moyhu were Bailey Zimmermann, Nick Stewart, Matthew Thrum, George Hearn, Thomas Clough and Harry Verdon.

Despite their victory, this was the Bombers’ third-lowest total for the year.

Bonnie Doon coach Campell Smedley said his players took “a little while” to adjust to the wet weather.

“Saturday was our first wet week of the whole season, so I think it all took

us a bit to manage and get on top of the conditions,” he explained.

“The ground is muddy, the footy is heavy and it’s hard to link up and be skillful.”

Campbell said changes at half-time helped the team reassess and come together more efficiently.

“Obviously we had a much stronger second half, but it’s a good reminder for us to stay on top of everything,” he said.

The Bonnie Doon reserves enjoyed similar success on Saturday, beating Moyhu by 27 points.

The Bombers will face Milawa this weekend at home again.

B Grade BY

ALICIA FOSTER

Bonnie Doon 55 def Moyhu 21

Best On - (sponsored by Bonnie Doon Hotel)

Jess Harris

Coaches - ( sponsored by Home @ Alpine) Alicia Foster

THE B grade ladies were excited to have a home game only to find the rain had finally come around to challenge us for the first wet game of the season.

Nonetheless they would not let it get their spirits down.

With Panky off in the sunshine of Bali, Heidi stepped up or should I say jumped up into GD providing great plyometric skills to get the rebounds while Cass in GK used her amazing hunting skills to pick off and intercept those long balls coming down in defence which Alicia in WD set up for her with her close defence to shut down the short front passes from the opposition.

Although the drenched court slowed some, it did not stop Jess from those fast drives and dodges down the court to create great options and fast transitions along side Tara in WA who provided those front drives and strong accurate passes down to the ring.

In the ring it was a pleasure to welcome Steph back in GS as she worked tirelessly to get in front of her defender to shoot the ball with amazing

accuracy or when she wasn’t putting them up she was giving quicky sneaky passes to Chrissy in GA who never fails to get those shots in as well.

Second half saw a few changes with Chrissy putting the defender bib on along side Cass and Heidi back down in the goalers ring.

For the last quarter Hannah warmed her fingers and toes back up to come on in GD to provide more options down the court with her amazing long drives and options to the ball.

Despite the gloomy day they came out on top and are getting prepared for their clash against Milawa next week.

A Grade BY PORTIA KEATCH

Bonnie Doon 56 def Moyhu 22

Best on - (sponsored by FoodWorks) Erin Brond Coaches - (sponsored by Bowser Bean)

Shannon Cameron Fan Favourite - (sponsored by Mansfield Holiday Letting) Erin Brond

THE weather certainly wasn’t on our side today with the constant rain making the ball very slippery and heavy.

Throughout the entirety of the game we remained calm and any opportunity to get the ball off Moyhu we took.

The first three quarters we had the same line up consist-

Portia and Amy were in goals again, portraying strength and fight towards the ball.

Amy’s drives into the ring were strong and helped to take the defenders out of the way for Portia’s hold.

Together they scored 41 goals by three quarter time, making the score 41-18.

Mia and Annie working well together got the ball down into the attack end with strong drives and precise passes into the ring.

Shan stuck very tightly to her player making it hard for their WA to get the ball around the ring, whilst gaining many intercept and tips.

Cara and her long arms had the GS covered every time with rebounds and blocking her holds.

Ez even though small (sorry ez) was very mighty today.

She read the ball and forced Moyhu to pass uncertain balls into the ring giving us the advantage.

The last quarter saw a few changes with Amy moving down into (GD) and Chrissy coming on into (GA).

Amy killed it down in defence with Cara, using her height and strength to get many balls.

Overall, the Bonnie Doon girls played a fabulous team game and adapted to the final position changes very well.

Well done girls, Milawa next week!

ing of Portia (GS), Amy (GA), Annie (WA), Mia (C), Shannon (WD), Erin (GD) and Cara (GK).

CHARGING FORWARD: Bonnie Doon coach Campbell Smedley displaying strong skills on the ground.

PHOTOS: Paul Martin

SLIPPERY WIN: On Saturday in wet conditions the Bonnie Doon defeated Moyhu by 31 points with Bomber Jack Goonan showing true determination.

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EAGLES TAKE SECOND POSITION ON LADDER

ON Sunday, Eagle Maddison Shultz displayed strong skills on the ground helping her team claim another exciting win.

Bonnie Doon squash Hoppers

Mansfield bowlers welcome new season

By LYN FOOTS

THE Mansfield Bowls Club indoor bowls began three weeks ago and is off to a great start.

Round one saw two new players enjoying the day.

Barry and Glenda were so very welcome.

I think it will be another bowls spousal competition, loser cooks dinner.

The second round competition gained another new bowler Gail Westwood.

The winners on the day were Noel Jackson and Gail Westwood with 2 wins 33pts.

Round three saw a change of players with nine players enjoying a fun day and great food.

The surprise winner of the day was Noel Jackson and Anne Wileman. Anyone wishing to come along and have some fun, you are welcome.

Names in by 12.30pm by a list on the outside notice board or give Lyn Foots a call on 0459 547 579 or leave a message on the club phone on 5775 2257.

The reigning premiers survived a slippery test and won by 31 points

By HANNAH KENNELLY

NOT even a torrential downpour from the heavens could stop Bonnie Doon’s undefeated run this year, with the reigning premiers surviving a scare from Moyhu to claim their eleventh win of the season.

Bonnie Doon Recreational reserve’s slick and muddy grass caused carnage in the first quarter, with both teams struggling with footing and tackles.

Moyhu recovered swiftly and used the weather to their advantage, surprising the opponents with some brilliant plays and quick-fire goals.

The Grasshoppers seemingly learned from their earlier encounter with the Bombers this season, where they lost by a staggering 154 points.

Moyhu led by seven points at the end of the quarter, a first for the Bombers, who usually take charge of the first half.

With the wind beneath their wings, the Grasshoppers continued to hit the scoreboard hard and led by nine points at halftime.

The Bombers came alive in the second, showcasing their ironclad defense and formidable prowess with star-player Matthew Hedin booting two goals.

Meanwhile, Moyhu’s confident demeanor began to falter, with multiple inaccuracies and failed conversion attempts.

Their dip in strength propelled the Bombers forward, and by thirdquarter time the hometown heroes led for the first time all game.

The Bombers’ dominance continued in the fourth, with sensational pressure in the forward and heavy tackles in the defence.

When the final siren echoed around the park, The Bombers had rendered their opponents scoreless, winning 10.9 (69) to 5.8 (38).

■ Continued page 43

PHOTO: Paul Martin