RABIE ELECTED MAYOR
SLADDIN REFLECTS ON SERVICE
Demons deliver footy fever
By TRINITY KNIGHT
THE Melbourne Demons marched onto the Mansfield Recreation Reserve in a sea of red and blue on Monday, November 25, kicking off their 2024 AFL Community Camp with a roar of excitement.
The two-day visit brought a buzz to town, with the team inspiring budding players and fans alike as part of the AFL’s annual pre-season outreach program, which has connected professional
teams with regional communities since 2003.
The action-packed day began with players visiting primary schools across Mansfield, spreading the joy of the game and meeting young fans in classrooms and playgrounds.
By the afternoon, the Demons turned their focus to the youngest players, hosting an Auskick and Superkick clinic at the Recreation Reserve.
Children aged four to 12 took to the field, thrilled to
share handballs and highfives with their idols.
That evening, Mansfield Junior Football Club’s U14 and U17 squads hit the ground running with a special training session led by Melbourne players, soaking up tips, tricks, and a glimpse of life in the AFL.
The excitement rolled into Tuesday morning, with 113 attendees gathering for the Community Business Breakfast.
Later that day, the De-
mons’ open training session drew a crowd of 300 eager spectators, filling the Eagles’ stands as the players showcased their skills and precision.
Mansfield Football Netball Club President Bo Christopher said the visit was a dream come true for local kids.
“We now have the largest Auskick club in Northeast Victoria,” he said.
“153 children participated in the Auskick and Superkick
session on Monday night.
“It was great watching the kids have a kick and a handball with their idols.
“That’s what sport is all about.”
AFL Goulburn Murray
Participation Coordinator
Kevin Monaghan praised the Demons for their hands-on approach.
“Seeing the Demons integrating into the Superkick and Auskick games was really good to see,” he said.
For Mansfield Junior Foot-
ball Club President Micheal Bretherton, the highlight was watching the next generation connect with their heroes.
“When you look out there and all of the kids are looking into the eyes of Max Gawn, a Petracca or an Oliver – it’s dreams of grandeur and opportunity,” he said.
“It lets them engage with the sport and see what the upper echelon of AFL football looks like.”
■ Photos pages 4-5
THE Great Victorian Bike Ride brought vibrant energy to town as throngs of cyclists pedalled through the Mansfield streets last week. With colourful jerseys, smiling faces, and the hum of spinning wheels, the event highlighted the community’s welcoming spirit and love for outdoor adventure. FULL STORY on pages 2 & 3.
PHOTO: Will Twycross
Great Vic Great Vic Bike ride an an economic boost for town town
By LYNN ELDER
THE population of Mansfield swelled by more 2600 last week when the 40th Great Victorian Bike Ride (GVBR) rolled into town to enjoy a well-deserved rest day after arriving in challenging wet conditions in the 114km leg from Wangaratta.
Once settled into their base at the Mansfield Showgrounds, an army of riders later descended on local businesses to escape the rain on Wednesday.
Some riders had booked accommodation elsewhere preferring a more comfortable night’s sleep.
Wednesday night was busy for mid-week with all three pubs serving dinners to a large number of diners.
After dinner, the pub chorus in the front bar at the Delatite Hotel with Naturally Kirley had the place rocking with the crowd singing along.
Last Thursday morning the sun emerged on a muddy
campsite where the Mansfield Rotary Club was cooking bacon and egg rolls for the hungry hordes.
The grounds had been transformed into a massive tent city overnight and wet clothing was hanging from temporary lines in an attempt to dry it out.
The Mansfield Shire provided back up support and information services for visitors during their stay.
“The Great Victorian Bike Ride was a big chance to show off the wonderful tourism destinations in our shire,” said the Mayor Cr Steve Rabie.
“Council partnered with local businesses and tourism operators to promote a wide range of enticing options for our visitors.
“The shuttle buses have been a big success in helping visitors get to places outside Mansfield, like the Delatite Winery, High Country Gardens and Maze and even out to Jamieson.
“Overall, the event has
been fantastic for local businesses wanting to boost their profile in our region and beyond.
“Research shows that a high proportion of visitors go back to towns they discover through events like the Great Victorian Bike Ride.”
“Mansfield Shire is a great place to visit and to live, and council continues to support our community in making
the most of the economic opportunities tourism brings.”
Speaking to two GVBR veterans in the centre of Mansfield on rest day, they were impressed by the courtesy bus tour around the township run by the shire that morning.
Brett Marlow from Altona has ridden 33 GVBRs while his friend Graham Leary from Vermont had complet-
ed 35 rides plus two Queensland ones.
Brett said he loved the friendliness of the locals, who had made the cyclists feel so welcome.
“We call ourselves COBWEBS, Crusty old buggers with expensive bikes,” he said with a laugh.
The High St median strip was set up with seating and food vans, as well as mas-
sage tents for those with tired, sore muscles.
Further down the street, the CWA was doing a brisk trade in hot drinks and home-made biscuits, a most welcomed spot to sit and relax for riders.
“The town has been fantastic,” said visitor Penny Tolhurst from North Fitzroy as she sipped on a cup of tea with fellow riders.
PHOTO: Lynn Elder
According to CWA president Jo O’Brien who was on duty with several other volunteers there had been “lots of people coming in.”
As part of an op shop challenge several young boys had come in to buy suits and girls were snapping up dresses for a special dinner and talent show that night.
Mansfield’s Ron Ekkel
opted to spend the rest day in his own home to dry out soaked belongings.
Describing the 114 kms from Wangaratta to Mansfield “as a big day” Ron said, “It’s been a great ride so far.”
Thursday night saw lots of people out and about in town, some more mindful of conserving energy than others for the next day’s ride across the hills to their
next stop at Alexandra.
Friday morning the cavalcade moved on with many memories and new friendships formed while the townsfolk were busy clearing up.
This was the last GVBR in its current format as the burden of organisation and increasing costs each year has impacted the ability to run such a massive event.
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
Catch up with friends? Family celebrations? Staff night out? We’re here to make these – and any other combinations – a reality with no stress from you. Give us a call 5775 2004 and we can help with your end of year catch ups and celebrations.
Friends coming for the weekend?
the best price.
CHILL OUT: Food vans were set up in the main street median strip where riders could just relax. PHOTO: Lynn Elder
VETERANS: Melbourne’s Graham Leary (left) and Brett Marlow have both completed more than 30 Great Vic Bike Rides.
ADVOCATES: Locals Sarah George from Double Black Alpine and Ross Vaughan from the Friends of the Rail Trail promoting the Mansfield Rail Trail to visitors at the showgrounds. PHOTO: Lynn Elder
MUD: One of the challenges following last week’s big downpour at the Mansfield Showgrounds. PHOTO: Lynn Elder
GO RON: Mansfield’s Ron Ekkel and his mate Neil getting some moral support 10kms from Mansfield. PHOTO: Supplied
TUESDAY:
Demons deliver footy fever
LAKE EILDON LEVELS
COURIER DETAILS
98 High St, Mansfield
Phone (03) 5775 2115
General/Advertising: 5775
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
Shaun McMahon (SENIOR JOURNALIST)
HEALTHY FOOD: (from left) Jacob Van Rooyen, Jake Melksham and Marty Hore passing fruit donated by Dimits Orchards a supporter of Shepparton Foodshare at the end of the Auskick clinic.
DEMONS IN ACTION: The Melbourne football team completed an open training session.
EXCITED FANS: 300 people from across the community watched the Demon’s open training session at the Mansfield Recreation Reserve.
AUSKICK: Children aged four to 12 participated in the Auskick and Superkick clinics last Monday with AFL Goulburn Murray and Melbourne Football Club.
DEMONS IN MANSFIELD: The Melbourne football team signed autographs after the Auskick clinic on Monday night. PHOTO: Trinity Knight
BANK MANSFIELD AND DISTRICT TO CONTINUE MFNC SPONSORSHIP IN 2025
WITH the arrival of the Demons last week, Community Bank Mansfield and District board chairman David Mayne said they could not think of a better way to celebrate the exciting visit than to unveil the bank’s brand new MFNC goal post pads.
The burgundy pads are now hanging up on the goal posts at the Mansfield Recreation Reserve.
“The AFL Community Camp last week was a great opportunity to provide the young people of our community skills to develop healthy values for the future,” David said.
“Community Bank Mansfield and District is proud to continue as the major sponsor for Mansfield Football Netball Club in 2025 – supporting healthy athleticism, teamwork, and sportsmanship in our generations to come.”
NEW GOAL POST PADS: With the arrival of the Demons, the Community Bank Mansfield and District unveiled new goal post pads at the Mansfield Recreation Reserve. PHOTO: Paul Martin
MEET AND GREET: (from left) Harvey Knight, Max Gawn and Vivian Knight. PHOTO: Helen Knight
IDOLS: Melbourne footballers assisted with Auskick and Superkick games. PHOTO: Trinity Knight
JUNIOR FOOTBALL: Junior football club president Michael Bretherton gave a speech to Mansfield community members and the Melbourne football team before Auskick and Superkick activities kicked off
PHOTO: Trinity Knight
OPEN TRAINING: The Melbourne football team on the Mansfield Recreation Reserve oval. PHOTO: Trinity Knight
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Sealing work on James Street completed
MANSFIELD Shire Council
said last week that sealing works on James Street, Bonnie Doon, have been completed, noting that very year, an unsealed road in Mansfield Shire is selected for upgrading under the township sealing program.
Last year, Goughs Crescent and Catherine Street in Goughs Bay were sealed as part of the program.
Council has said community feedback during budget consultations and maintenance re-
quests indicated sealing James Street was a priority.
The road’s high traffic volume and its location serving a residential area and boat ramps were also factors in its selection.
Council has said maintenance on the narrow, winding, and sloping road had been challenging and costly and that residents are now expected to benefit from reduced dust.
The $188,000 cost to perform the works was funded from council’s budget.
Ari Croxford-Demasi, executive manager capital works and operations, thanked residents for their feedback.
“We’ve listened to feedback from our community, and it’s clear that upgrading James Street was a high priority,” he said.
“When we invest in priority upgrades like James Street, we’re allowing our maintenance crews to save time and ultimately cover more of our growing road network.”
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
A friendly town
IT’S not surprising that Mansfield is experiencing a population boom.
The community get together in Alisa St (Courier 27/11/24) is an example of what makes this town so livable.
Dr Haines fight for a fair share of The Housing Australia Future Fund is great but will not fix essential infrastructure if it is only for pipes, poles and paths.
Services such as schools, health, etc need expanding to cope with projected population growth.
A livable town is a great asset. Let’s keep Mansfield this way and let’s not have progress at all costs.
Mary Parker, Mansfield
LETTERS to the editor must be signed with the full name, address and contact telephone number of the author provided. Letters under 250 words are preferred and we reserve the right to edit letters to fit available space. Nom de plumes will only be published at the editor’s discretion. Opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by this newspaper.
Email edit.mcourier@ nemedia.com.au
Post Mansfield Courier, 98 High St, Mansfield, Vic 3722
SEALED: Council said last week that sealing works on James Street, Bonnie Doon, have been completed.
Council elects Rabie to guide the ship
By MIKE SMITH
STEVE Rabie, returning councillor and former mayor of Mansfield Shire was reelected as mayor when the new council met for their first ordinary meeting on Tuesday November 26.
The council have opted for continuity and experience with James Tehan, another returning councillor and former mayor, selected to deputise for Mayor Cr Rabie.
Mayor Cr Rabie and Deputy Mayor Cr Tehan will hold their positions for a period of 12 months, with the next mayoral election to be held at the council’s ordinary meeting in November 2025.
Both positions were uncontested and the motions to elect the councillors to their roles were passed unanimously.
Mayor Cr Rabie, who attended 100 per cent of the last council’s meetings across their four year term, said he was pleased to have the trust of his fellow councillors to lead the team into 2025.
“It is indeed a privilege and an honour, one that I take very seriously,” he said.
“It’s a new term and I’m sure we all have the same goal, continuing to keep the shire on its current course, being financially responsible in the management of
our ratepayer’s money.”
Chief amongst Mayor Cr Rabie’s ambitions for the next twelve months and indeed the entire four year term is to continue to support the historical society as
they aim to complete their museum, lobbying for the Mansfield Emergency Services hub, lobbying for new childcare facilities to keep up with the growing population, overseeing the comple-
tion of the works at Highton Lane and Rifle Butts Road, and showing the world that Mansfield Shire is open for business while continuing to listen to the ratepayers.
Deputy Mayor Cr James
Tehan declared that the new council would form on the strong foundations left in place by the previous council.
“I am committed to continuing to serve the commu-
nity through a new council term,” he said.
“I ran again to provide stability in local government as this community works through the challenges of a period of significant growth.
“As a new council, we continue to be committed to strong financial management of ratepayer funds and strategic town planning.”
Mansfield Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Kirsten Alexander congratulated the mayor and deputy mayor.
“I look forward to working with the new council, the mayor and deputy mayor and congratulate them on being elected to their positions,” she said.
The matter of the mayor and deputy mayor settled, the machine clicked into gear and the council went about their business.
Over the course of the 60 minute ordinary meeting, the council dealt with a range of tasks that included the CEO’s report, the quarterly finance report, a planning permit application for a property in Bridge Creek, the determination of the council’s meeting schedule for the next 12 months, and the selection of council representatives for the various committees, networks, and alliances they are tasked with attending.
DEPUTY MAYOR: Mayor Rabie will be deputised by returning councillor James Tehan. PHOTOS: Mansfield Shire Council
MAYOR: Cr Steve Rabie re-elected having served as mayor for the final 12 months of the last council’s tenure.
Open garden hosted by Mansfield Garden Club
THE Mansfield Garden Club held its rescheduled Open Garden Day on Saturday November 23.
Unfortunately, having postponed due to rain the week before, it seemed the change of date and the heat of the day kept people away.
Those who did venture out were in awe of the beautiful garden on display.
It was a credit to Debbie Browne for all the time and effort put into her garden which was a mass of colour and fragrance.
Special mention too for
Debbie’s husband Tony who had made the amazing gates at the entry to the property and a number of other structures on display.
Visitors were given a very informative presentation by Callum from MASS (Mansfield Autism Statewide Services).
Funds raised will be donated to his Ngurrak Prehistoric Gardens (Ancient Forrest) project at the new farm.
Thank you to those who attended and congratulations to our lucky entry ticket winner Maree Rosier.
The upcoming scheduled Council meeting is Tuesday 10 December 2024 at 5pm and will be held both online and in person at the Council Chambers, 33 Highett Street, Mansfield
TheupcomingscheduledCouncil meetingisTuesday10December 2024at5pmandwillbeheldboth onlineandinpersonattheCouncil Chambers,33HighettStreet, Mansfield.
AspeedlimitchangeonsectionsofMansfield-WoodsPointRoadhasbeendeclaredbytheDepartmentofTransport andPlanning.The80km/hsectionatHowquaInletwillbeextendedtoPeacheysRoad.A1kmsectionsouthofStony CreekTrackwillbechangedfrom100km/hto80km/h
TheDepartmentisplanningtoinstallnewsignageinDecemberinlinewiththemapbelow.
Gototheeventssectiononour websiteformoreinformationabout howto observethemeetingor contactCustomerServiceon5775 8555.
Go to the events section on our website for more information about how to observe the meeting or contact Customer Service on 5775 8555
Council'smunicipalofficeat 33HighettStreet,Mansfield,is open8.30am-4.30pm,Mondayto Friday.
Council's municipal office at 33 Highett Street, Mansfield, is open 8 30am-4 30pm, Monday to Friday
Council currently has the following employment opportunities available For full details go to mansfield vic gov au
Councilcurrentlyhasthefollowing employmentopportunities available.Forfulldetailsgoto mansfield.vic.gov.au
UndergraduatePlanner StrategicPropertyProgram Manager
Undergraduate Planner Strategic Property Program
Maternal & Child Health Nurse Undergraduate Engineer
Maternal&ChildHealthNurse UndergraduateEngineer
TheFireDangerPeriod(FDP)began inMansfieldShireon18November 2024.Findoutwhatyoucanand can'tdoduringthedeclaredFire DangerPeriod,andondaysofTotal FireBanatcfa.vic.gov.au/can
The Fire Danger Period (FDP) began in Mansfield Shire on 18 November 2024 Find out what you can and can't do during the declared Fire Danger Period, and on days of Total Fire Ban at cfa vic gov au/can
KirstenAlexander,ChiefExecutiveOfficer
Geotechnicalinvestigationworksare plannedatfourlocationsonMalcolmStreet from9am–2:30pmonMonday9December, subjecttosuitableweather.
Geotechnical investigation works are planned at four locations on Malcolm Street from 9am – 2:30pm on Monday 9 December, subject to suitable weather
The four locations are all between Highett Street and Chenery Street The investigation will provide important data for planning roadworks Traffic management will be in place during works
ThefourlocationsareallbetweenHighett StreetandCheneryStreet.Theinvestigation willprovideimportantdataforplanning future roadworks.Trafficmanagementwillbe inplaceduringworks.
Mansfield Shire Council will be closed over the Christmas/New Year period from 24 December 2024 and will reopen on Tuesday 2 January 2025
MansfieldShireCouncilwillbeclosedoverthe Christmas/NewYearperiodfrom24December2024 andwillreopenonTuesday2January2025.
Duringthistimenormalkerbsidewasteandrecycling collectionserviceswillcontinue,exceptonWednesday 25December(ChristmasDay)wheretherewillbeno collections.Ifyourbinwouldnormallybecollectedon Wednesday,itwillinsteadbecollectedonBoxingDay.
During this time normal kerbside waste and recycling collection services will continue, except on Wednesday 25 December (Christmas Day) where there will be no collections If your bin would normally be collected on Wednesday, it will instead be collected on Boxing Day
mansfield.vic.gov.au
:CrSteveRabie(Mayor),CrJamesTehan(DeputyMayor),CrTimBerenyi,CrBonnieClark,CrMandyTreasure,
mansfield vic gov au
Kirsten Alexander, Chief Executive Officer : Cr Steve Rabie (Mayor), Cr James Tehan (Deputy Mayor), Cr Tim Berenyi, Cr Bonnie Clark, Cr Mandy Treasure,
BACK STORY: Visitors enjoying a talk from the guest speaker as part of the fundraiser.
PLANT SALE: Garden lovers can never resist buying something new for their garden. PHOTOS: Supplied
DELIGHTFUL: Visitors were treated to a beautiful display at the open day hosted by the Mansfield Garden Club.
AMERICAN ALLIGATORS ARRIVE AT MANSFIELD ZOO
By TRINITY KNIGHT
TWO American alligators recently arrived at the Mansfield Zoo.
Eighteen-year-old Donald from Darling Downs Zoo is the largest of the two at 2.5 metres long weighing 290 kilograms and eight year-old Scooter comes from the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park.
He is 1.2 metres and around 40 kilograms.
Mansfield Zoo owner and operator Bronwen Robins said Donald, despite being the biggest alligator, is actually very quiet and easy to feed whereas
Scooter is a little more feisty.
“Scooter will snatch his food and swing his tail around, he’s got a bit of attitude,” she laughed.
“Alligators are very quiet, they’re not aggressive like
Scooter is a little more feisty. and his tail around, he’s got a bit of laughed like crocodiles.
alligator enclosures was a lengthy process and she is relieved to have the project completed.
“We started building the three new enclosures pre COVID, so with all the COVID delays it ended up taking four years,” she said.
“They in Florida and in warmer states
“They originate in Florida and in the warmer states of America.
“About half of the area of each enclosure is a pond.
“They are referred to over there as water puppies, which is a good name because they really are just like dogs if they lived in the water.
“They are referred to over there as which is a like if lived in the water
“The middle enclosure is empty so that the alligators get used to each other
“One is at one end and one is at the other end.
“We will keep Donald and Scooter in separate enclosures, because of the huge size that are like caves or a dirt igloo
“We will Donald and Scoo o ter in separate because of f the size differenence ce ” .” Brroonwween sa s id d building g the e
“BBoth have big mounds s of dirt t that are like e caves or a dirrt igglooo o that they can n go whe h n it’s frosty to get out of f the elemennts, and
we’ve built bridges over the ponds
we’ve built over the ponds as well.
them once the weather gets really cold or there’s a lot of wind.”
“When more familiar with the enclosure like to moment seem to like under them to get out sunlight
“When they’re more familiar with the enclosure they’ll like to lie on the bricks and bask in the sun, but at the moment they seem to like lying under them to get out of the bright sunlight.
Bronwen said there will soon be two African teamster donkeys arriving at the zoo.
“They are originally from Eritrea and Somalia, but they were bred in Australia,” she said.
“At the moment they spend 80
“At the moment 80 per cent of their time in the water and 10 to 20 per cent on the bank
“Theey haven’t t been intto those mounds yet, but we antticiippat a e they’ll go into
mounds yet, but
DONALD: He is 18 years old and came from Darling Downs Zoo. He is the largest of the two alligators at 2.5 metres long weighing 290 kilograms.
PHOTOS: Supplied
SC S OOTER: He is eight years old and came from the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park. Scooter is 1.2 metres long and around 40 kilograms.
Christmas, family and fun - ‘tis the season
JAMIESON couple Jane and Andrew Dwyer have on the weekend past, just welcomed their first grandson Rudy Rose Suys in to the family.
Their daughter Rose Suys (nee Dwyer) and husband Roeland are delighted with the safe birth of their first child - a healthy baby boy.
Mother and baby are doing well.
The Dwyer family are Jamieson residents and have raised their three children locally, with all educated at the Jamieson primary school.
Jane is our district nurse and Andrew has been running Diamantina Outback Tours for three decades.
Congratulations.
THE annual Dunstan family Christmas reunion was a great success last weekend.
The families have been celebrating in Jamieson for many years at the family home.
Thora and Colin Dunstan raised their family in Jamieson and are a much loved couple.
This year there were 38 family members in attendance, all children and grandchildren and great grandchildren, with caravans and tents all accommodated inside and at the home’s riverside garden.
The youngest three year old, was celebrated when he landed his first fish with a little help from dad.
The family enjoyed reliving their childhood adventures as small children and now with their families.
Will Dunstan, grandson of Tony and Irene Dunstan won the Billy Bass Trophy, for having the most fun.
Saturday evening was a barbeque, music and singing.
A wonderful annual family tribute to the memory of Thora and Colin.
THE students from Jamieson Primary School, principal Sonja Kalbister and former graduate teacher Joel Wilson, along with students and teachers from Merrijig Primary School enjoyed a very active and exciting school camp at Cottage by the Sea at Queenscliff, last week.
The students were fortunate to have great weather to surf and ride
bougie boards.
One day they went fishing on a charter boat and caught flathead.
The chef cooked their catch and served them with chips that evening.
They also spent time on the beach building sand castles and walls to prevent the tide from washing the castles away.
The students were taken on a cruise where they spotted seals and seahorses and also learned about life under the sea.
Curry one day for lunch and fried rice at another meal were all eaten with relish.
The students related their favourite things and the new experiences they enjoyed back at school on Monday morning.
NEXT Sunday December 8, the annual Christmas parish mass, will be celebrated at the hillside church of Saint John in Woods Point.
The service will commence with Christmas Carols at 12 noon followed by mass at 12:15.
The tradition of the drive to Woods Point to attend the service, followed by lunch has been a very popular date on the parish calendar.
Please bring a plate and refreshments to share.
All welcome.
ON Sunday the annual parish
Christmas mass and luncheon was held at St Francis Church in Mansfield.
The churches within the parish were represented - Jamieson, Tolmie, Bonnie Doon and Mansfield.
Over 75 people were in attendance and enjoyed the luncheon.
The presentation of the nativity play by members of the local Indian community was very well received.
Many of the actors are nursing in the hospital and retirement and agedcare facilities in Mansfield.
A very happy occasion enjoyed by all.
skate jam grand opening
MERTON’S newly completed skate park is set to kick off with a Grand Opening Skate Jam event on Saturday December 7. Running from 2pm to 5pm, the event is open to all ages and abilities no matter whether you skate, bike, scoot or just want to spend an afternoon in Merton.
It will feature live music from a local young DJ, a barbecue lunch provided by the Rotary Club of Mansfield and a free-entry raffle giveaway and sticker packs provided by Mt Buller-born snow brand Yuki Threads.
Representatives from Council, community groups and funding groups will perform an official ribbon-cutting to formally open the skate park. Nestled inside the Merton Recreation Reserve, the new skate park contains many great features and was constructed by local contractor Tectonic Civil. The Merton Community Skate Park project group successfully applied for funding from Council’s 2022-23 Outlying Communities Infrastructure Fund. Contributions were also received from Mansfield Community & District Bendigo Bank, the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal and Regional Development Victoria’s Tiny Towns Fund. The Grand Opening Skate Jam event is hosted by the Merton Recreation & Memorial Hall Reserves Committee in partnership with Mansfield Shire Youth. For more information follow Mansfield Shire Youth on Facebook and Instagram.
FESTIVE CHEER: The Dunstan family enjoying the annual weekend away at the family home in Jamieson.
LOTS OF LAUGHS: The Dunstan family Christmas reunion in Jamieson.
JAMIESON ON THE LINE with Carmel Dixon
Historical Society holds AGM
By PAM ZIERK-MAHONEY
GRAEME Stoney will lead the Mansfield Historical Society for another term hoping to see the museum opened by the end of 2025 during his leadership.
The Society held its AGM recently where about 30 members and guests attended.
In his report he outlined progress on the building and fundraising to enable to museum to be fitted out for displays.
“The basic building is now completed and locked up,” he announced.
“We have a current promotion of named pavers currently running to raise more funds which will see the entrance courtyard paved.
“Being well supported this indicates again the Mansfield communities’ support for this new museum.
“We have currently in the bank for the museum fitout project almost $300,000 – approximately half of what is needed to complete this part of the overall project.”
In conjunction with Mansfield Shire Council, the society recently assessed several professional consultants, with one to be chosen and an announcement forthcoming the near future.
He said the museum project would not have occurred
without the strong support of the shire including previous mayors, James Tehan and Steve Rabie, who have helped in leading the charge implemented by shire CEO Kirsten Alexander and her executive.
Mr Stoney went on to acknowledge many who have been dedicated to helping the society in its progress and in particular the museum.
He also acknowledged the loss of two valued members,
Sue Gardner and Frank Gray.
Apart from the ongoing work put in by many members the society also acquired possession of the original ‘Super Shed’ in the Railway Precinct which will be used for storage of artifacts for future exhibition.
“When we took possession, Russell Jones, almost on his own, began to prepare the shed for use – a mighty effort by Russell,” Mr Stoney said.
Cr James Tehan was invit-
ed to conduct the election of office bearers for the coming year.
Graeme Stoney was reelected, unopposed, as president, Malcolm Kinloch has taken on the role of treasurer (taking over through the year from former treasurer Peter Gardner), vice president will be held by Jenny Delaforce and a new secretary was appointed – Dianne Williams.
Former secretary, Ann Ware, will take on a new po-
sition in the new year – yet to be announced.
Committee members will comprise Geri Allen, Bernie Anstee, Maureen Davies, Clint Desmond, Kevin Hogarth, Russell Jones, Susan Kinloch, Peter Mahoney, Neil O’Halloran, Emma Oliver, Colyn Ranken, Julie Warren and Tim Watson.
Two new committee members were welcomed; Pam Zierk-Mahoney and Gwen Cornelious.
Two life memberships were presented – the first to Russell Jones in recognition of his dedication and hard work in maintaining buildings and contribution to restoration of carriages and sheds throughout many years, along with his keen interest in preserving the history of the Mansfield District.
The second Life Membership went to Maureen Davies, also for her dedication to the Society of ‘too many years to count’ according to her upon receiving her certificate and badge of honour.
Guest speaker for the afternoon was Brigadier David Westphalen who spoke on his assignments to Afghanistan during the peacekeeping times for the Australian Defence Forces.
The Historical Society still retains The Station until it moves to the new Museum some time in the new year which will share space with the Information Centre which will also occupy the premises.
The Station is open Friday through to Sundays from 10am to 3pm each day.
Visitors are welcome to view the current displays both in the Station and in the railway carriages on the Midland Highway at the entrance to town.
LIFE MEMBERS: Mansfield Society committee members following the annual meeting and congratulated Maureen Davies and Russell Jones on receiving life memberships.
MPS year sixes conquer Buller on School to Summit
ON Tuesday November 19, the Mansfield Primary School grade six students and staff, set off for their School to Summit Camp which runs over four days.
Day one of camp began with sunshine and clear skies as students set off for their 22.5 kilometre bike ride from Mansfield Primary School to Merrijig Primary School.
Lunch was served at Buttercup Road, where students enjoyed hotdogs and a welldeserved break.
We arrived at Merrijig Primary School in the afternoon, with plenty of time to enjoy some downtime and activities before dinner.
After dinner, students did shout-outs and had a group reflection on their day before heading to bed.
Day two was an eight kilometre walk from Merrijig Primary School to Darling Huts at Timbertop.
Everyone woke up that morning with the sun shining, ready for a great day of walking.
Students walked in their hiking groups, with some playing games and riddles along the way and plenty of time for conversation as they walked.
Groups made their way up to Bald Hill, where they stopped for lunch before making their way to Darling Huts.
Students were lucky enough to stay in the huts and use the space provided by Timbertop campus.
Students played games and even yoga in the evening.
After dinner, students enjoyed marshmallows and hot chocolates around the campfire, doing shout-outs and reflecting on the day before bed.
Day three, the weather warmed up, with the sun shining and plenty of sun-
screen applied.
Groups set off early in the morning and made their way up to the Fire Trail and Doughty’s Rd Intersection where they stopped for lunch.
The heat made it tough, but all students pushed through, leaving only a three kilometre walk from lunch, before arriving at Forest Creek Saddle.
Groups walked around 10 kilometres on this day.
Upon arriving at the campsite, students enjoyed fresh fruit and afternoon tea before setting up their tents.
Students enjoyed some downtime before dinner was served and practiced skits for their talent show.
Many students put together an act to perform in front of students and staff which was very entertaining.
Day four was the big one as students were set to hike from Forest Creek Saddle all the way up the West Ridge Trail to the summit of Mt Buller.
The weather was warm with another sunny day in store.
As students climbed higher, they were able to look out and see just how far they had walked and enjoyed seeing the amazing views.
Students made it through the rock scrambles and enjoyed singing along the way, on route to the summit.
All five hiking groups managed to finish the hike together and had a collective celebration at the top, feeling very proud of their achievements.
Congratulations to all grade six students and staff on such a successful achievement and to everyone else who helped make camp possible.
Special mention to Jen Driessen for organising the trip.
HIGH COUNTRY: Levi McCoombe, Will Hewitt, Zac Borg and Jack Forrest on Bald Hill.
REST IN THE SHADE: Hiking group on day three of the the four day camp.
TOP OF THE WORLD: All the grade six students on reaching the summit stopped for a photograph to record their incredible achievement.
ENJOYING THE VIEW: Hayden Kent on West Ridge
GETTING THERE: Angus Brazier, Molly Gannaway, Ava Bertalli and Arrie Turner on West Ridge.
GOOD TO GO: Edie Gardner, Sophie Snell and Emma Hince were all ready to begin the climb.
$400 bonus per student arrives this week
A $400 School Saving Bonus for students to spend on equipment and activities is rolling out this week – helping Victorian families with students enrolled at government schools with the cost of living.
Northern Victoria MP Jaclyn Symes said students are eligible for the $400 subsidy to spend on textbooks, uniforms, camps, excursions, and other school activities.
The Labor Government’s $280 million investment will deliver cost of living relief to around 700,000 Victorian families – giving them time to plan and budget for the 2025 school year.
Parents with kids at a government school won’t need to apply for their bonus - it is free, automatic and universal.
The government reported that this week these families will receive an email giving them access to their $400 per child.
Families will be able to choose how they allocate their funds, whether that’s a uniform and textbook voucher – or adding money to their school account for camps, excursions or other extracurricular activities.
The voucher for uniforms and textbooks will be redeemable at local school-approved uniform or book suppliers, while funds allocated to activities will be credited to the family’s school account.
Families can purchase uniforms
COST
and textbooks in-person or online through school-approved suppliers, including State School Relief, which offers items such as shoes, swimwear and workwear for VCE Vocational Major students.
Vouchers will also be redeemable at school-operated second-hand uniform and textbook shops.
Textbook and uniform vouchers will be valid until June 30, 2025.
Unspent funds will automatically transfer to a family’s school account once the uniform and text-
book voucher period expires, with parents able to use the remaining funds on future school activities.
For families of students at a nongovernment school, the $400 will be provided directly to each school – to be managed in consultation with the student’s family and in line with the intent of the program.
Non-government school families who are eligible for the means-tested Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (including healthcare and concession card holders) are also
eligible for the School Saving Bonus.
Families will only need to apply for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund to receive both types of support.
For more information on the $400 School Saving Bonus, visit vic. gov.au/school-saving-bonus
Ms Symes said her team is there to help and families can contact her office on 5783 2000 or email jaclyn. symes@parliament.vic.gov.au, for one-on-one support and assistance.
O Christmas tree, o christmas tree
THE Mansfield Library and Life’s Circle have decorated the annual Remembrance Christmas Tree.
We invite the community to pop into the library and write on a card to help decorate the tree in memory of loved ones, friends or special pets that we are missing at this time of year. Christmas is a celebration for many, but for some it marks the realisation that we are missing family and friends at a time where we may get together to share a meal or Christmas party. It is a lovely way of quietly contemplating and remembering, by writing a few special words with cards and pens provided.
Join us from December 2 to December 23 to write your special message.
Thank you for supporting the Remembrance Christmas Tree 2024.
All the library staff and the Life’s Circle team, Lorraine Corpe, Helen Sieker and Gerri Allan.
Community check out the Farm
MANSFIELD Autism
Statewide Services will be hosting a ‘Come and See the Farm’ on December 14, with the Saturday morning event running from 9am to midday. The open day is in response to huge levels of community and stakeholder interest.
Under construction for the past few years and now open for services, the ‘Farm’,
as it is affectionately known, is a $34 million plus infrastructure investment toward a Centre of Excellence Therapeutic Care Farm, on 100 acres just four kilometres from the centre of Mansfield.
Family camps, an independent living program, respite and skill building stays have all been underway since the opening a few months ago.
The Farm boasts six houses with a capacity for 27 clients, 12 family retreat cabins, a massive activity centre with commercial kitchen and dining room, a High Country hut-styled meeting place and a new special school campus.
According to Chief Executive Officer Simone Reeves, the invite to community is in response to the many who want to see for themselves
what we have been able to deliver.
“The benefits of the farm go beyond the positive outcomes for autistic children and their families, as the Farm is a huge socio-economic contributor to the health of our region and identified as a project of state significance,” she said.
The morning will include guided bus tours leaving regularly from the Mansfield
Traditional Christmas Cuts - Raw products
WholeTurkey$17.99kg
TurkeyBuffets$18.99kg
BonelessNettedTurkeyBreast$33.99kg
TurkeyGalantine$34.99kg
BonelessTurkeyBreastwithtraditionalChristmasstuffing
WholeDuck$18.99kg
WholeChickens(size20)$18.49each
ChickenGalantine$25.99kg
BonelessWholeChickenwithtraditionalChristmasstuffing
BonelessSeasonedPorkLoin$25.99kg choiceofstuffing; -Apple,Apricot&Almond -Bacon,Chive&RoastedCapsicum TraditionalItalianPorchetta$25.99kg
BonelessPorkloinrolledwithatraditionalherbseasoning
WholebonedandrolledPorkScotch$16.99kg
BonelessPorkLoin$25.99kg
Activity Centre at Reception, live music, refreshments with a gold coin donation, art displays and the opportunity to learn more about Mansfield Autism’s current service provision and future plans.
Car parking is available, but you are encouraged to car pool.
Purchased as a greenfield site on Ogilvies Road in April 2020, the Farm is a testament
to a brave vision in response to demand for services.
The Victorian Government, Australian Government and philanthropists, together with the autism community and the Mansfield community have all contributed to the farm and matched Mansfield Autism’s own investment, to turn the vision into reality. For more information: autismmansfield.org.au
Christmas Favourites Cooked and Ready to enjoy
TraditionalHickorySmokedLegHamontheBone$21.99kg
SmokedonsitefromFree-RangePork
TurkeyGalantine$45.99kg
SlowroastedstuffedbonelessTurkeybreast
SmokedTurkeyBreast$38.99kg
TenderTurkeybreasthotsmokedonsite
OvenRoastedTurkeyBreast$38.99kg
SlowroastedtenderTurkeybreast
ChickenGalantine$32.99kg
Bonelessslowroasted&stuffedwholechicken
TraditionalItalianPorchetta$39.99kg
SlowroastedbonelessPorkloinrolledwithatraditional herbseasoning
BonelessHickorySmokedHamNuggets$28.99kg
SmokedPepperCrustedSidesofSalmon$59.99kg
ROOM WITH A VIEW: With buildings constructed the next stage of the project involves more extensive landscaping.
VISION REALISED: The Farm is a Centre of Excellence Therapeutic Care, on 100 acres just four kilometres from the centre of Mansfield.
New look Tolmie tennis court to be unveiled
THE Tolmie community is very excited to be about to unveil a new surface to one of their tennis courts at the Tolmie Recreation Reserve.
This has been a long-awaited upgrade, with the previous concrete surface becoming very gritty and with the joints opening up, while also being very hard on players bodies and footwear.
The courts, being on Crown Land, are overseen by the Tolmie Mechanics Institute and Recreation Reserve Committee of Management, and they were fortunate to have secured a grant under the Victorian Government Tiny Town Fund of $22,000.
With an overall cost of around $35,000, the balance was funded by that committee as well as contributions from the Tolmie Tennis Club, the Tolmie Sports Association, and the Tolmie Community Social Club.
The new synthetic “Tennis Ten” grass surface has been installed by local provider, Cahill Tennis Court Construction, along with drainage improvements around the perimeter.
A team of about 13 volunteers also contributed to the project by helping spread the finishing sand onto the court.
Committee member and treasurer, Linda Terry said the new surface is a very welcome improvement and it is hoped that it will attract more locals to make use of the courts now it has a more “forgiving” surface – particularly for older players, and also for our younger kids.
She went on to say that the new court has also been marked out for “pickleball”, which is becoming a popular new ball game using paddles and smaller courts with less running.
The second court will remain as a concrete surface at this stage, with additional basketball and netball practice rings, which they hope will offer further options for local families to join the tennis club and make use of the facilities.
The Committee of Management is very grateful to the Victorian Government, Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions, for their support and financial contribution which made this project come to fruition.
Ten” grass surface has been installed by local provider, Cahill Tennis Court Construction, along with drainage improvements around the perimeter.
The official unveiling of the new court will take place at 3pm on Sunday December 8 just prior to the Tolmie Twilight Market which will kick off at 4pm.
There will be the opportunity for everyone to have a hit on the court along with some of the
Mansfield Tennis Club members having a hit as well and perhaps a demonstration of Pickleball.
Everyone is invited to come along and then to also enjoy the Tolmie Twilight Market with a range of local producers and artisan stalls, the MAD Orchestra
and choir and of course a visit by Santa.
There will be food available and the bar open.
Tolmie Tennis Club membership enquiries can be made through the secretary, Lisa Hodgkinson on 0468 461 244.
Council hosts housing speed dating session
MANSFIELD Shire Council has announced the success of its ‘speed dating for housing’ drop-in session, held on Monday, November 18, 2024.
The event was designed to connect residents and developers with council staff specialising in building, planning, and development.
Participants had the opportunity to engage in 20-30 minute one-on-one discussions tailored to their housingrelated enquiries.
According to council, the initiative aimed to address Mansfield’s pressing housing needs by encouraging community-driven solutions.
Recent projections from the state government estimate Mansfield requires 115 new dwellings annually to keep pace with population growth.
However, current construction rates fall short at approximately 80 dwellings per year.
The shire is expected to require an additional 3172 homes by 2044, leaving a projected shortfall of 1574 dwellings.
General Manager of Investment and Planning, Melissa Crane, said the session provided an effective forum for residents and developers to explore solutions collaboratively.
“We are balancing the urgent need for housing with maintaining Mansfield’s character and natural environment,” Ms Crane said.
“The speed dating format demonstrated how council can support locals to deliver diverse housing options while keeping our community’s unique appeal intact.”
The drop-in session attracted 21 participants, including private residents, business owners, and developers.
The event resulted in 14 potential development enquiries, including ideas for adding dwellings to existing properties, subdividing land, and addressing worker housing needs.
Ms Crane also noted council’s efforts to streamline planning and building processes.
“The team has been achieving great turnaround times for planning permits,” she said.
“We’re doing our best to eliminate the red tape involved in planning and building, and it was great to see participants getting information from many areas within council to streamline permit processing down the track.”
For more information or to discuss ideas, opportunities, or concepts with council, email council@ mansfield.vic.gov.au.
NEW TOLMIE TENNIS COURT SURFACE: The new synthetic “Tennis
Delatite Landcare Group continues strong after 30 years
By LYNN ELDER
THE Delatite Landcare Group (DLG), now in its 30th year, held its AGM last month to reflect on the year’s achievements and discuss protecting the Southern Greater Glider, sighted in the district in April.
At the meeting on Thursday, November 21, at the Produce Store, President Jeremy Madin presented a detailed overview of the group’s activities and the support received over the past 12 months.
“Our committee is a small one but an active one,” said Mr Madin.
He acknowledged the contributions of committee members, including Vice President Sue Plum, who stood down after 10 years, and Treasurer John Gilson, commended for his work with Up2Us Landcare Alliance at the 2024 Victorian Landcare Awards.
Other committee members, John and Lynn Gras, and Erica Lowing, were also thanked for their efforts.
Mr Madin expressed gratitude to Up2Us, noting the attendance of acting executive officer Rhiannon Quigley.
“We could not work without the network support
from Up2Us, who are an enormous supporter of our activities,” he said.
The relationship with Up2Us was described as symbiotic and productive.
“Network facilitator and executive officer Kim Magnay (currently on leave) has been thoughtfully and effectively responsive to DLG suggestions, particularly around sustainable agriculture, including precision soil testing, hill pasture hydration, carbon capture, regenerative agriculture, and managing native grasses,” said Mr Madin.
“With Chair John Gilson and the Up2Us committee, she has energetically secured substantial funding, organised workshops and field days, and managed numerous activities, often in collaboration with DLG but also independently, benefiting members and the broader community via the Up2Us newsletter, which reaches 340 people,” he said.
DLG membership remains steady with 38 financial members and about 100 individuals and families receiving activity updates.
Seven key activities sup-
ported by Up2Us were outlined, including an endangered native fish breeding project, a spring wildflower walk, an Indigenous plants handbook, and farm dam enhancement.
One significant event was the Arboreal Fauna Exploration led by ecologist Bertram Lobert on April 12 at Dungeon Gully in Boorolite.
Attendees observed a previously unrecorded population of Southern Greater Gliders on the property of committee members Lyn and John Gras.
Mr Lobert, a passionate
DEDICATED: Ecologist
advocate for the Save Our Strathbogie Forest campaign, was invited to the AGM to share his knowledge and concerns about the glider’s future.
“Every environmental indication in this country is going in the wrong direction,” he said.
“It is a sign for more First Nation ethics to heal this country.”
He emphasised that native animals depend on older trees, which are increasingly scarce.
Mr Lobert’s presentation explored the evolution of the
greater glider, highlighting its plight.
“In the 1980s greater gliders were seen everywhere with no thought they would become endangered,” he said.
By 2016, the Southern Greater Glider was listed as vulnerable, and in 2020 it was declared endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
The 2024 DLG committee will include Jeremy Madin as president, John Gilson as treasurer, and John Gras as secretary.
Committee members are Lynn Gras, Erica Lowing, and newcomer Connor McFadden, with the vice president’s role yet to be filled.
The group plans to continue advocating for biodiversity initiatives with Mansfield Shire Council in line with its environmental strategy.
Mr Madin also said the group aims to enhance community education and involvement in appreciating natural heritage.
“Bird and animal observation, flora and fungi identification, and understanding their place in local geology and soils are core business for Landcarers,” he said.
Hosted at the Helloworld Travel Albury Office Wednesday 4th December Canada & Alaska and East Africa 10am, Morning Tea Provided Europe River, Ocean & Mekong cruising 3pm, Afternoon Tea Provided
Please call to register your interest
Bertram Lobert provided insights into the Southern Greater Glider.
GOING FORWARD: The Delatite Landcare committee for 2024/25 Jeremy Madin , John and Lyn Gras, representing Up2Us Rhiannon Quigley, Connor McFadden and John Gilson. PHOTOS: Lynn Elder
Sky-high success
By TRINITY KNIGHT
IN OCTOBER, Merrijig local Mervyn O’Connell competed in the fifth FAI World Speed Skydiving Championships held in Beaufort, North Carolina.
Out of 44 competitors, including 14 women and 30 men, Mervyn achieved third place overall in the open category, moving his global ranking from 15th to third fastest in the world.
His top speed at the world championships was an impressive 522 kilometres per hour.
The event consisted of eight rounds, with competitors ranked by their best score across those rounds.
In the national team category, Mervyn joined forces with Natisha Dingle from Queensland, ranked as the fastest woman in the world, and Simon Walsh, to secure second place representing Australia.
In the mixed team category, Mervyn and Natisha claimed gold and set two world records.
On June 1, Mervyn moved to Europe for work and travel, visiting seven countries and participating in two International Speed Skydiving Association (ISSA) World Series competitions.
The first competition was in Germany, and the second was in Sweden, where he teamed up with his Western Australian teammate Tanita, and both achieved gold.
“It was absolutely amazing,”
Mervyn said.
“I arrived in the US in midSeptember and put in 120 jumps within two weeks before the championships.
“I was on form, I was really happy with how things went.
Unfortunately, we got hit by two hurricanes just before the competition.
“It was great to be there with the Australian delegation amongst multiple skydiving disciplines, including the four-way team, the wingsuiters, and fiveand six-suiters.
ise Hopwood from LouFit Personal Training could accommodate me with virtual workouts throughout my travels.
“I worked from Indian balconies to decommissioned milking parlours in Irela nd, US airports, and Swedish gardens.”
Mervyn recently returned to Australia.
“It’s fantastic to be back in Mansfield and get back into the swing of things,” he said.
“Winning third in the world was exhilarating.
“It was far more than I could have hoped for.
Way Back Wednesday - a look back at what was making news 20 years ago this week.
STUDENT
Under a new state Department of Education and Training student resource package released in September, schools will now receive funding on a per student basis.
LOCAL schools have been forced to look elsewhere in order to make up a lack of funding for grade three to six students.
Under a new state Department of Education and Training student resource package released in September, schools will now receive funding on a per student basis.
The new package has however been met with disappointment from the Victorian Primary Principals Association, who has described the funding of grades three to six as ‘grossly inadequate’.
Under the new allocations grades three and four students will be allocated $4112 with grades five and six students $3943 – a far cry from the $5224 for years seven and eight students.
IN SPORT, Andrew Jacotine’s year could not get much better.
With a plethora of sporting titles to his name, the 30 year old Mansfield Clay Target Club member is also now the August nominee for the Mansfield Courier/Rotary Sports star of the month.
“I lived in Sweden for a month and skydived there in July and August in preparation for worlds.
“It was just a fantastic experience, and the whole competition was just the icing on the cake.
“Physical training is complex on the move. Fortunately, Lou-
“Next month, from December 7 to 8, I will compete at the Victorian Tasmanian Parachute Council jump trip, and the weekend prior to that, I have a training camp in Portsea.
“We’ll have our Australian Nationals in March, and the World Cup next year is in Austria.”
Throughout the year Jacotine has been placing extremely well from state to national shooting competitions, including a win in the B grade section at the state Olympic traps titles last weekend plus an overall win in the C grade double trap for the grand prix series.
AUSTRALIAN PARACHUTE TEAM: Merrijig local Mervyn O’Connell took out third place in the open category at the FAI Speed Skydiving World Championships in North Carolina.
PHOTO: Australian Parachute Federation
CASH DIVIDE:
Students make 550km journey by river, back road and bike path
By BELLA MACMUNN, Sessional Outdoor Education Instructor, Mansfield Rudolf Steiner School
THIS particular story revolves around 17 year nine students and their four outdoor educators from Mansfield Steiner School as they make their way across the state.
By way of paddles then pedals, these 21 seasoned explorers trekked almost 550 kilometres along rivers, backroads and bike paths.
Wearied but heartened, they made it back to school where it all began.
The beginning was a complex web of logistics and spreadsheets, labelled food boxes and gear tubs.
After 17 days of making mistakes and learning from them, the ending was smooth and easy.
Chapter 1. Trailer tetris.
Tuesday morning dawned over 17 partly-nervous, partly-excited year nines who were about to embark upon their trip of a lifetime.
As per pre-departure protocol established earlier in the year, the students packed the trailer under the loosely watchful eye of a few sessional staff
The trailer packing finesse on day one of Long Journey was the culmination of a year of experience and careful direction.
In a word, it was artful.
Never in my 22 years on this earth have I seen such a beautifully packed trailer.
Rio, Campbell, Tom LW and Jay made sure everything was slotted in perfectly before slamming and bolting the doors; signifying the
beginning of Long Journey 2024.
We jumped on the bus and pulled away towards Yarrawonga where our canoes awaited us on the sandy banks of the Murray River.
Chapter 2. Soggy sleeping bags.
At lunch time on day two, Max and Campbell’s boat suffered an unfortunate capsizing event.
Soon afterwards, Colton and Will managed a midstream flip out of their canoe, along with all their belongings.
The whole team jumped to the rescue; hauling waterlogged packs and now-half-empty food
tubs out of the river.
With minimal losses (but grieving a shovel and some sunnies) we managed to get the boys re-embarked upon their craft
Fortunately, the afternoon was hot and dry with a light breeze, and all the soggy pack contents had dried before bedtime.
Chapter 3. Carp craziness and motorcycle madness.
On day three, we collected Rio in Cobram and continued on our merry way.
We made it to a campsite that the boys (specifically Sam) now lovingly refer to as the Lord of the Flies camp.
There was a recently dried creek bed where some live
carp had been trapped in small puddles and wet mud.
The boys then took it upon themselves to rid the Murray of such pests.
However, shortly after a different kind of pest arrived.
Three dirt bikers raced right through our camp before turning around and hitting a small jump that launched them right between some of our tents.
One of the riders stopped outside my tent and then accelerated full-throttle, spraying a cloud of fine, gets-into-everything, hayfever-inducing dust straight into my vestibule.
Chapter 4. Culture shock.
Friday November 1 - Cup Weekend.
The beaches were packed with rooftop tents and huge speakers, the kneeboarders were prolific, and the jet skis were fast and loud.
The group unanimously voted to try our luck and keep paddling in the hope we’d find another campsite.
We stumbled across a beautiful beach inside the national park on the NSW side.
The students found a lovely purple field of Paterson’s Curse, and Jay and Emma deemed this night’s toilet hole “the best of the trip”.
During the night we heard some unsettling grunting
sounds, which to the untuned ear can sound threatening and cause one to wonder if they will survive until morning. We woke to find it was one small koala who had made all that racket, and he had since gone back to sleep in a nearby tree.
Chapter 5. The pertinence of paddling Day five was a big one for a variety of reasons.
Group cohesion was gradually building, and teamwork was getting smoother. Day five was big for relationship building (read: ‘trauma bonding’).
The learning curve was as steep as the bank we ended up landing on.
CAMPSITE ENTERTAINMENT: Tom Purcell brought the tunes.
HANGING OUT THE WASHING: On the road for 17 days, students were responsible for their own cooking and cleaning.
ON THE RIVER: Helen McBurney, Phoebe Brown, Eva Clydesdale and Emma Edwards wearing their life jackets for the ten day canoeing extravaganza.
After a 45 kilometre float down the river where we only exceeded the water’s flow speed a handful of times, we had to make a call to land on a random bank before it got dark.
We didn’t make it to our intended campsite and instead set up in what was colourfully described in a letter home as “a mosquito-filled hole”.
Day five was long and hard but played an essential role in character development.
In the evening, students wrote their letters home. “Take me home”. “I don’t think I’ll make it”. “I hate camp”.
This discomfort kickstarted the growth from day six to17, and daily reflections only got more positive from there.
Chapter 6-10. Smooth sailing.
From day six to 10, things went smoothly.
We had a big day of paddling on day six to reach a caravan park and relished the luxury of our first shower of the trip.
Tom LW and Phoebe met us there, and we said goodbye to Mia.
The last few days on the river were mellow and relaxing, with a rest day at Barmah Lakes.
We played thousands
of card games, and Dutch quickly became a favourite.
Hours were spent throwing the frisbee, playing Battle Sack (Hackey Sack) (also known as Death Hacky), competing in canoe games (and inadvertently sacrificing a few belongings to the depths of Barmah Lake), and fruitlessly fishing.
On day nine, we played a fateful game of Battle Sack where Emma and Jay reached for the hacky sack at the same time, and Emma broke her scaphoid.
Before realising the extent of the injury, she took some Nurofen and got on with the evening, even paddling 20 kilometres the next
day before making it to Echuca for an X-ray.
Chapter 11. From paddles to pedals.
We headed away from the Murray on bikes and spent the night at Wakiti Creek Resort where we played a few games of ultimate frisbee and made baked potatoes on the fire for dinner.
The Wakiti Creek Resort had a small playground where the students amused themselves by seeing how fast they could spin on the four-seater round spinny thing, and then trying to run away afterward.
It was here that I noticed the considerable shift in group cohesion. After ten
days of paddling in pairs, riding bikes in one big group had brought everyone together.
We played cards that evening and the mixture of players broke most of the divisions we’d seen on previous days.
From that day on the general vibe of the group was positive, and most people showed initiative in taking on jobs, suggesting games, starting the fire, and checking in with the leaders to see if more jobs needed doing.
Chapter 12. Lynton’s lovely lawn.
We cycled from Wakiti Creek to Greenwood Orchards via the Yellowbelly Track and some cool backroads.
Lynton at Greenwood welcomed us warmly onto his lawn, a very pleasant respite from the dusty banks of the Murray that we’d become accustomed to.
There was another family staying there who’d been traveling around Australia for almost a year in their caravan with their two young boys and six dogs.
Four of the dogs were a fresh litter of Jack Russell puppies, and for almost the entire day and a half that we spent at Lynton’s farm, a student (usually Rio) was lying next to the cage cuddling a puppy.
Emma made her triumphant return that evening and slotted seamlessly back into the group, plaster and all.
Lynton gave us a few bottles of his apple and pear juices to try (they were outstanding) and we cooked up spaghetti bolognese for dinner.
We decided to stay there another night for our rest day, and the students headed off to bed with the comforting knowledge that for once, Bella wouldn’t be coming around to hassle them out of bed at 6:30 am the fol-
lowing morning.
Chapter 13. Rest day #2. We wondered how we would fill a whole rest day, but a frisbee, a footy, a hacky sack, and two decks of cards took care of it.
The students played a few intense games of camouflage and sardines, and thousands and thousands of rounds of Dutch.
Chapter 14-16. The Great Victorian Rail Trail.
We traversed backroads from Greenwood Orchards to Tallarook where we joined the rail trail and followed it home.
Tom P learned to ride a bike with no hands and Colton desperately tried to race the car to camp because if he beat it, he’d been promised a Sprite.
We stayed at a beautiful campsite behind Trawool on the bank of the Goulburn River - a bank that Declan found out the hard way is very slippery in Crocs. We wrote our final letters home while heavy clouds above threatened.
We managed to get dinner cooked, dishes done, and everything packed away before the real rain came, perfectly timed for us to slip into bed and be lulled to sleep by the drum of rain on our tents.
It turned out that Sam had been eating dry cereal the whole trip, and on the morning of day 17 he finally tried milk made from the powder which “wasn’t so bad after all”.
The last evening was full of reminiscence and laughter, and gratitude to everyone on the trip for making it what it was.
The Long Journey ended with the group riding back into school.
The entrance was lined with students from kinder to year 12 there to welcome them back, as were their parents.
They had done it.
DONNING THE ORANGE: After canoeing for 10 days, the students swapped their boats for bikes to complete the homeward stretch. INSET: PADDLING: Students followed the Murray from Yarrawonga towards the Barmah Choke.
Mansfield on the map for good food, local hospitality recognised
TWO of the shire’s top restaurants have recently been recognised at a national level, with Honcho and the Delatite Winery both making the grade, included in The Age’s Good Food Guide for 2024.
Considered one of Australia’s most respected restaurant reviewing systems, for more than 40 years, anonymous, independent critics have reviewed restaurants around the country with the best venues then included in the annual “dining bible”.
Restaurants do not pay to be included and are judged over multiple visits, with the nomination a significant achievement, the accolade a tipping of the hat to the best of the best in the hospitality industry.
Taking out the critics’ pick in the guide, touted as a “fiery gem hidden in the hills”, Honcho’s inclusion is no surprise to the local community.
With its sister restaurant The Fields - two of Mansfield’s favourite hauntsowners Bonnie Rogers and chef Tristan Keene have been in the industry for a long time, and inclusion in the guide is a well-deserved acknowledgement.
cuisine to the extensive and considered drinks list and the amazing service and attention to detail.
creasingly where it’s at”.
Backed up by a strong and talented team in both the kitchen and on the floor, the listing in the Good Food Guide is a tribute to the whole Honcho experience, from the modern Mexican
CATCH-UP: Twenty two residents from the Goughs Bay area attended a dinner at Bangkok Corner.
Goughs
Bay community get together
THE Goughs Bay area community recently held a dinner at Bangkok Corner. It was the first event they have had since the winter hiatus with a strong turn-out of 22 people attending.
It was a great night with good food, drinks and company.
The next event is the annual Christmas party at Picnic Point, Goughs Bay at 6pm December 7.
According to an Age review earlier in the year celebrating Honcho and excellence in regional Victoria “if you’re looking for delicious fun, the small towns of Victoria are in-
Which brings us to the Delatite Winery’s inclusion for the first time in the guide after a whirlwind three years of trading, that has seen the cellar door and restaurant pick up a fair swag of awards across multiple categories since July 2021.
Managing director Da-
vid Ritchie said the Delatite Winery were thrilled to have been given such a great review in the 2024 Good Food Guide, and commended head chef Alwyn Ong and his kitchen team on receiving the accolade.
FESTIVITIES: There was food and drinks, family fun and entertainment at the annual Goughs Bay Festival.
IN ATTENDANCE: Independent member for Indi Dr Helen Haines MP opened the festival.
“But the kitchen consistently produce food which is both beautiful to look at and delicious to eat.
“It is really nice for them to get this acknowledgement from the reviewers.”
“Sourcing seasonal ingredients from many local along with other Victorianbased producers is hard work, as is creating dishes from the ground up,” David said.
It was fun foreshore at Goughs Bay Festival
THE Goughs Bay Festival was held on Saturday November 23 on the foreshore of Lake Eildon.
The community were fortunate to have Indi Independent MP Dr Helen Haines open the festival.
Cindy McLeish MP and Mansfield Shire Council CEO Kirsten Alexander were also in attendance.
There was mini golf and other activities for children as well as face painting.
The silent auction for a trailer load of wood was won by Peter Heatley.
The Goughs Bay Area Progress Association commended economic development coordinator Gareth MacDonald from the Mansfield Shire Council on doing a fantastic job organising the event.
PLATED UP: Inclusion in the Good Food Guide, the Delatite Winery produces food that is beautiful to look at and delicious to eat.
TEAM EFFORT: Alwyn Ong with David Ritchie, Maddison Schloss and (seated) Saskia Alfaro were recognised in the 2024 edition of The Age’s Good Food Guide, a significant achievement. PHOTOS: Emily McCormack
Top tipple to local winery
WiNE’s vision and vibes night a groovin success
By TRINITY KNIGHT
THE Vision and Vibes 80s night at Anvil last Friday marked the start of an exciting new chapter for the Women in the North East (WiNE) network, celebrating the progress of the new committee elected in May this year.
WiNE President Gemma Gray said the event highlighted the network’s ongoing commitment to empowering women across Mansfield and the broader northeastern region.
“The Vision and Vibes
night was a vibrant evening filled with connection, celebration, and an engaging discussion about WiNE’s future,” she said.
“Around 25 attendees enjoyed a welcome drink, delicious nibbles, and an 80s-themed dance party featuring DJ Liam Wilson spinning nostalgic hits.
“It was also a fantastic opportunity to introduce our new committee members and for the community to contribute their ideas to our strategic roadmap moving forward.”
The evening began with
speeches from Ms Gray and newly elected Mansfield Shire Councillors Bonnie Clarke and Mandy Treasure.
Following this, attendees were invited to share their thoughts on how to empower, connect, educate, inspire, and nurture women in the Mansfield community by contributing to posters displayed around the room.
Looking ahead, WiNE’s 2025 Annual General Meeting is scheduled for March 2025, marking another key moment in the network’s journey of growth and impact.
THE Victorian Wine Show is an annual event celebrating the finest wines produced across Victoria’s diverse wine regions, with a Mansfield drop taking out gold in the sweet white wines class and securing the coveted trophy for Best Other Table White.
Awarded to Delatite Wines for their 2024 late harvest riesling, achieving a score of 95, expert judges Sarah Fagan, Matt Harrop, Genevieve Mann, Alicia Noble and Steward VWS commended the wine for its “citrus drive” with “fresh acid” and “lovely elderflower aromatics”.
Judges’ notes also make mention of the “green guava skin phenolics” which “tighten the palate”.
All in all the class showcased a variety of “nice diverse styles” with the “top wines showing nice fragrance and acid balance”.
“Over the years our Estate Rieslings have won a lot of medals and trophies, and we’re delighted to see the latest release pick up another one,” said Delatite Wines managing director David Ritchie.
“It is a testament to Andy Browning and our vineyard team.
“There were a lot of beautiful wines entered, and we
were honoured to pick up the gong for Best Other White Wine.
“It was made a bit more special this year as my mother Vivienne was on the Victorian Wine Show Committee for years (and director for four or five) in its early days.”
Vivienne Ritchie passed away in July earlier this year.
Along with the accolade, winners gain prestigious industry recognition and valuable exposure within the wine community, with the trophy for Best Other Table White only one of four awarded on the night in the best white wine classes.
Taking out the trophy, the late harvest riesling beat out a strong line-up that included pinot gris and grigios, Italian, Iberian and Rhone varieties as well as other white blends, and of course the sweet whites.
“The way trophies are judged is that at the end of judging all wine classes all of the judges come together to taste the top pointed wines from the eligible classes for each trophy,” said David “So the riesling was up against a lot of very good wines of different styles and varieties.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to have received this honour.”
WOMEN IN THE NORTH EAST NETWORK: (from left) General member Samantha Leenen and WiNE president Gemma Gray.
VISION AND VIBES NIGHT: WiNE social members (from left) Jenny Roberts, Sarah Maslan, Mel Ciarma and Michelle Spencer at Anvil. PHOTOS: Trinity Knight
TOP DROP: Delatite Wines managing director David Ritchie with the trophy-winning late harvest riesling.
Twelve years a councillor
A FAREWELL TO THREE TERM COUNCILLOR, PAUL SLADDIN
By MIKE SMITH
PAUL
Sladdin.
You may not recognise the name.
And you may not know the man.
But you probably ought to.
Twelve years a councillor and a former mayor, there are monuments to his work all over the place.
From the roads your car travels along to the drinking water in your glass and in your tap, Mr Sladdin’s presence is felt everywhere in this small shire of ours.
When Mansfield Shire Council reconvened this month for a first meeting with a new line-up of councillors, it was the first time in twelve years that Paul Sladdin’s name was absent from the roll.
And while his experience will be sorely missed in the council chambers, one can be sure his name will never be far from the topic of conversation.
His is a story of a man who has lived actively and purposefully.
Often adapting his way through life, spotting and grabbing imperceptible opportunities that the keenest of eyes would have a hard time spotting.
Devoted husband, dedicated father, remarkably dutiful son-in-law, keen student, passionate teacher and
advocate for the performing arts, CFA Volunteer, and board member of no less than three local organisations including Mansfield Adult Community Education, Australian Men’s Shed Association and Community Bank Mansfield & District.
He is a man who has worn many varied hats.
To mark the end of his tenure as a councillor, the Courier spoke to Paul to determine the story of the man under all of those hats.
PAUL was born into a large family in Willaura in Victoria’s Western District.
His father was a builder by trade while his mother dedicated much of her life to the carrying, birthing, and rearing of Paul and his nine siblings.
A typical boy, he enjoyed playing football and cricket.
He enjoyed school and he developed a hunger for learning.
An early trait, this hunger would stay with him and shape the course of his life.
His childhood was spent moving in the evening shadow of the Grampians.
From Willaura, the family moved to a dairy farm in Moyston and Ararat and Stawell.
Paul left home upon completing Year 12, taking
the opportunity to experience life in the big city.
Given his interest in learning, a Bachelor of Education seemed a natural fit.
It’s perhaps from there that Paul began to walk the road less travelled.
While most Bachelor of Education graduates aim to secure a stable teaching position and eagerly anticipate the first of many school holidays, Paul pursued a series of roles more tangentially connected to the education sector.
He founded and operated companies that took performing arts into primary and secondary schools.
First it was theatre in Ballarat and then dance down in Tasmania.
When asked whether these career choices were taken out of a love for performing arts, Paul laughed and emphatically denied the suggestion.
“I just fell into it,” he said.
“Beyond a dance on a table in the pub every now and then, I really wasn’t much of a dancer.”
Perhaps down to growing up in a crowded family that moved around, Paul seemed to have an uncanny ability to spot a hole and to adapt to fit himself to fill it.
■ Continued page 25
GET INVOLVED: Paul hopes others follow his example and channel their passion into Mansfield Shire business.
■ From page 24
After a spell as Australian Volunteer at the University of Papua New Guinea, he finally settled down to teach at Ballarat High School for a spell.
But when he married a girl from Gippsland, the topic of where they might settle down came up.
As it turned out, his wife was an avid snow skier and
held the slopes of Mount Buller particularly close to her heart.
So they did what young and in love couples did at the time.
They purchased 150 acres in the shadow of the Paps and they planted a caravan there, then a shed.
And they loved it. More and more, this little shire at the gates of
the High Country felt like a home and a life here felt like as fine a thing as any, so they sold their acreage at the Paps and they headed up into the hills.
On the topic of this period, Paul is somewhat enigmatic.
“The Tolmie experiment,” he called it.
“We ran the Tolmie General Store for a few years.”
He spoke glowingly of the community up in Tolmie but he is clear that those years took their toll upon him and his family.
It was in 2007 when things truly clicked.
Because in 2007 he relocated to Bonnie Doon and in Bonnie Doon, he found a home.
“It’s a magnificent community,” he said, his passion for the place and its people quite clear in his voice.
But his passion for Bonnie Doon led him to believe that it was perhaps being overlooked in a Mansfield township centric shire.
And so, in his words, he became a regular frequenter of the Courier’s letters to the editor section.
There, he would snipe and advocate for his beloved Bonnie Doon.
And Bonnie Doon noticed.
His neighbours, noticing his willingness to speak up and his absolute lack of fear at confrontation, encouraged him to run
for council as a candidate to represent the ward of Bonnie Doon.
In 2012, he did, beating the incumbent councillor to a majority at a second count of the votes.
Over the course of his twelve years involved in local government, Mansfield Shire has gone from strength to strength.
Part timers and weekenders, he said, have become full timers living in the shire year round.
The town has become more multicultural and he hopes to continue to see more diversity entering the population over the coming years.
He’s also extremely pleased to have watched a vibrant arts scene grow here over the years.
“The beauty of serving three consecutive terms,” he said.
“Is that it allowed me the opportunity to watch long term shire projects develop and finally come to fruition.”
Works at Lakins Road, the Heavy Vehicle Alternative Route and the station precinct amongst them.
But chief amongst his achievements, he said, is the shire’s domestic wastewater management plan.
“During the project, I chaired a committee that developed a plan for potable water which many other councils around the state have now adopted,” he said.
Given his passionate
advocacy for the Bonnie Doon ward and its people, it’s unsurprising that he is especially pleased to have seen the area has benefitted from local government funding over the course of his tenure as a councillor.
From the work undertaken on the community halls in Merton and Ancona, to the public park in Maindample, and the redevelopment of the football club in Bonnie Doon, Paul is delighted to have overseen a period in which Bonnie Doon and its surrounds received a fair share of public funding.
But he wasn’t entirely celebratory as he spoke to the Courier from the hospital bed he has slept in for the past 57 nights.
And counting.
Over the past 12 years, he said, he has seen a decline in the emphasis placed on community development.
Though he understands the need for fiscal responsibility and the desire to keep rates low, he said these outcomes have sometimes come at the cost of putting community development second.
Losing aged care as a council function is something he regrets.
Though the change brought extra funds for the hospital, he believes they are negligible and that a community with an ageing population is sure to suffer from local council giving up control of looking after its elderly and infirm.
Overall, he’s optimistic about the future of the shire although he sees it as at something of a crossroads.
“We must be careful not to overdevelop the area nor stamp out the natural beauty which makes the place so special,” he said.
“But neither must we be closed off to outsiders.
“We have our slice of paradise.
“We shouldn’t be preventing others from enjoying it.”
Asked if he had any advice for the new cohort of councillors, Paul said they must be prepared to put in the work.
“Consider advice from the council officers whose jobs place them at the coalface, granting them the experience and knowledge to guide councillors through tough decisions,” he said.
“Listen but don’t be afraid to speak and don’t give in; keep fighting for the things you believe in, even when facing with a seemingly insurmountable majority who might not share your beliefs.”
And to the people of Mansfield Shire, he wants you to know that the council does its very best to engage the shire but it is up to ratepayers to seek out and take the opportunities afforded to them.
“Keep your eye on the website,” he said.
“And when matters are open to consultation stop sniping from the sidelines, step up, and get involved.”
CHRISTMAS SERVICE
ACROSS
3 What, in the US, are law enforcement officers called (8)
7 Name a soft, subdued shade (6)
8 What is lack of appetite (8)
9 Name a tube through which liquid flows (6)
10 To pay out money, is to do what (8)
11 What is a faultfinder known as (6)
14 To have declared definitely, is to have done what (6)
17 Which term describes that which is open to dispute (8)
18 That which is devoid of lard could be termed what (3-3)
19 To be furnished with crossed strips, is to be what (8)
20 Name an alternative term for builds (6)
21 What do we call a person who tells a story (8)
DOWN
1 What is the diameter of a bullet known as (7)
2 What do we call those who engrave metals, etc (7)
3 Which term describes defamation (7)
4 Melted cheese, sometimes mixed with beer, etc, is known as Welsh what (7)
5 Name a ballroom dance in 4/4 time (7)
6 What is marine algae known as (7)
11 Name a British comedian, film actor and director, Charlie ... (7)
12 What might we call one who denies or nullifies (7)
13 Name a simple musical wind instrument shaped somewhat like an elongated egg (7)
E-QUATIONS
Letters A to Z have a
14 Name an Australian lawyer and diplomat, Sir Percy ... (7)
15 What do we call one who exacts satisfaction (7)
16 Which term describes those who deviate from the regular courses (7)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
1 MOZZARELLA
(a) A short cape worn by popes and cardinals
(b) A privileged Christian under Moorish rule
(c) A softish cheese
2 NEPENTHE
(a) A sorrow-lulling drug or drink
(b) A rock-forming mineral
(c) A remote planet of the solar system discovered in 1846
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:
Deft (3)
Destroyed by fire (5)
Distress signal (3)
Fried sweet cake (5)
In support (3)
Organised sub-group (7)
Point of interest (5)
Restraint (7)
Small child (3)
Wreckage (5)
Arts Mansfield website launch stirs new membership campaign
TWENTY Arts Mansfield members gathered on Tuesday November 2024 to listen to the annual wrap of Arts Mansfield from President, Gill Belle.
Her report highlighted the success of the MACS artists collective and how it has become a focus for creatives with workshops and exhibitions in addition to the studio spaces on site, and the regular Arts events across the year.
Including the successful Bald Archy exhibition held earlier this year, and returning in May 2025 and Klytie Pate Award at MACE in late 2023 back in September 2025.
New appointed President,
Emma McPherson thanked Gill Belle, who is stepping down from her leadership role, with a toast to her many, many years of service to Arts Mansfield.
“You are a rare gem Gill, and I will value your support and experience as my Vice President this year,” she said.
The evening was also the official launch of the new Arts Mansfield Website which was made possible through a $5K sponsorship from the Bendigo Bank Mansfield & District.
“We are delighted with the website, and to have the funds to engage the creative specialist Melissa Crow of Youlissys to design and assist us with it’s devel-
opment was just fantastic,” Mrs McPherson said.
Launching the website, Bendigo Branch Board Member Peter Valerio acknowledged the new site would help bring people together.
“The Arts help them to discover; to experience; to celebrate; to learn and to even to heal, promoting inclusivity,” he said.
The new website will be a showcase for local artists and promote a wide range of events across the Shire.
“We want to represent not only our own organisation but all Arts’ bodies in the district, “ Mrs McPherson said.
A resolution passed unani-
Buller community rallies for dam pumping reform
A GRASSROOTS petition by advocate Ian McCall is calling on the state government to address water restrictions impacting Mt Buller’s Boggy Creek Dam.
The dam, commissioned in 2020 with the support of the state government, Buller Ski Lifts, and the local community, was designed to secure water for the region.
It supplies town water, firefighting reserves, and snow-making capabilities that are essential to Mt Buller’s $556 million winter recreation industry.
Currently, regulations only allow water to be pumped into the dam from May to October, even when rainfall and environmental conditions at other times would permit it.
This restriction left the dam nearly empty at the start of the 2024 snow season, causing economic losses estimated at $95 million and over 500 jobs.
The petition explains, “Mt Buller now has a dam that cannot be filled at the time of greatest need.”
Mr McCall emphasised that the community is not seeking an increase in its water allocation.
“We are seeking permission to fill the dam within our existing allocation at any time of the year, when environmental flows are sufficient to allow this to occur,” he said.
The petition asks the Minister for Water, Harriet Shing, and the Minister for Tourism, Steve Dimopoulos, to help prioritise resolving the issue and to provide support to Alpine Resorts Victoria.
“This is about ensuring the dam can be filled responsibly and sustainably, so Mt Buller can continue to thrive,” Mr McCall said.
mously at the AGM has removed all membership fees.
Continuing this theme of collaboration, she reminded the audience of the ARTY Awards at the Delatite on Sunday 15 December from 4pm, celebrating youth creativity across all genres representing Mansfield Shire Council, MMuDS and Radio Mansfield and Arts Mansfield.
Full details of the event can be found on the Arts Mansfield Website where you may also register as a member.
“We encourage current, new and former members to sign up and receive our quarterly newsletter and workshop and event updates,” Mrs McPherson said.
With the 2025 snow season fast approaching, Mt Buller residents are hopeful that action will be taken to protect the community’s water security and economic future.
Concerns were raised during the ski season in August when the general manager of Buller Ski Lifts, Noel Landry, said that 150 hours of snowmaking had been lost due to insufficient water,
Business owner on Mt Buller, Rob Aivatoglou from Georges Ski Hire added his serious concerns midseason about the commercial reality of what was unfolding on the mountain and the flow-on affects not only to businesses and operators but also property owners.
The petition, which currently has just over half of the goal of five thousand signatures, is available at change.org.
ARTS MANSFIELD 2025 COMMITTEE: (from left) Gill Belle (Vice President), Ainsley May (Events & Social Media), Emma McPherson (President), Craig Dixon (Treasurer) and Sue Hare (Secretary). PHOTO: Supplied
REGULAR EVENTS:
CWA Monthly meetings: 3rd Sunday afternoon, 2pm each month.
CWA Craft Days: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays 10am, and 2nd Wednesdays 6pm, each month.
CWA Op shop open: most days from 10am.
Family History Group at Mansfield Library. 3pm every 4th Thursday of the month.
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 Street Mansfield. Ph 0409 751 593.
Mansfield Let’s Talk - Coffee & Chat every third Wednesday of the month from 10am to 12pm at the Delatite Hotel. All welcome, No bookings required.
Mansfield Let’s Talk - Chill & Chat every second Tuesday of the month from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Bowser Bean (BP) dining lounge 145 Mt. Buller Rd. For further info/ enquiries email: mansfieldletstalk@gmail.com
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).
Out’n’About social group meets for lunch on the second Monday of the month at The Delatite Hotel at 11:30am.
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
St Vincent de Paul assistance centre, Highett StreetTuesday 10am-12pm, Wednesday 2pm-4pm, Friday 10am-12pm and 2pm-5pm. Phone 5775 3156.
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.
MAC Movie Club: View, Chat and Chew sessions
By TRINITY KNIGHT
THE Mansfield Armchair Cinema (MAC) will hold the second MAC Movie Club View, Chat and Chew session on Tuesday December 17.
The sessions are running once a month excluding January 2025.
The Movie Club is part of a new initiative by the Social Inclusion Action Group (SIAG) made up of community members and leaders
working together to deliver community events boosting social inclusion and connection.
The Mansfield Armchair Cinema received a SIAG grant in September this year to run the monthly event.
MAC manager Karen Oliver said it only costs $10 to watch a movie, then chat about it afterwards and refreshments are provided.
Karen said the club provides an opportunity for
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
DECEMBER 6: Community Christmas picnic at Mansfield Botanic Park, 5.30pm to 9.00pm. Carols, MAD Orchestra, Santa visit and picnic
DECEMBER 7: Merton Skatepark Open Day, 2pm at the Merton Recreation Reserve. There will be skating demonstrations, children’s games, delicious food, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The day will wrap up with a community Christmas party, carols service, and a special visit from Santa on the Merton CFA Truck.
DECEMBER 8: Unveiling of new Tolmie Tennis Court at Tolmie Recreation Reserve, 3.00pm. Followed by the Tolmie Twilight Market at 4.00pm. Tennis and pickleball demonstrations, local producers and artisan stalls, MAD Orchestra and choir, Santa visit, food and bar available.
DECEMBER 11: Out’n’About Christmas break-up lunch at the Jamieson
community members to meet new people in a safe environment.
“In our first event during our chat session we had two ladies who were able to talk about the deaths of their partners, a couple of tears and a hug helped them feel better,” she said.
“Obviously these ladies needed to chat, and we are grateful they chose our event to help them.
“The talk soon turned to
Brewery. Meet at the information centre at 11:30am for car-pooling. For further details call Trish 0437 357 829
DECEMBER 14: Mansfield Autism Statewide Services- Come and See Our Farm, 9am to 12pm, 128 Ogilvies Road Mansfield. Your opportunity to visit our new ‘Farm’ on 100 acres. Check out the new residences, retreats, activity centre and school campus. Find out more about our integrated services and what our expansion means for Mansfield and autistic people and their families across Victoria. Devonshire tea with gold coin donation, live music, regular guided mini bus tours, art for purchase and more. Parking available but please car pool where you can. We look forward to seeing you and showing off our wonderful Therapeutic Care Farm.
DECEMBER 17: Chat & Chew movie session in conjunction with the Mansfield Shire Social Inclusion Action
when the next session will be and how they couldn’t wait.”
“On the 17th we will screen the Problem with People which is a very lighthearted and funny movie for all ages,” she said.
“It is a story about two estranged cousins who never knew each other trying to make amends for many generations of family dispute.
“As you can guess things do not go how they thought it would.”
Group, 1pm at the Mansfield Armchair Cinema. Screening is “The problem with people”, refreshments included in the $10 ticket. Bookings essential on 5775 2049.
JANUARY 25: Horsepower In The High Country. Show’n Shine extravaganza in the shade filled Botanic Park, with food and beverages, live music and entertainment for the kids.
JANUARY 26: Australia Day Celebration Event 2025. Mansfield Shire residents and visitors are invited to come along and join with the community to celebrate Australia Day. A complimentary BBQ breakfast and entertainment will be provided commencing at 8:30am ahead of the official ceremony which commences at 9am.
JANUARY 30: OzCarFest Mansfield. A motoring festival that celebrates Classic Australian Built cars!
MAC MOVIE CLUB: The Mansfield Armchair Cinema is running a monthly View, Chat and Chew session. The next film will be the Problem with people on December 17.
RENOVATED GEM – LIVE IN OR LET OUT
Discover ‘Wararipa’, a charming retreat nestled on a generous 1821m² block that offers abundant indoor and outdoor space. Whether you’re seeking a permanent residence, a vacation home, or an income-generating rental, this fully furnished property is ready for you to simply walk in and start enjoying.
This home boasts a brand-new kitchen equipped with electric cooking and a dishwasher, complemented by a new reverse-cycle split system and ceiling fans throughout for year-round comfort. The open-plan living area is bathed in natural light, thanks to its large windows, while the three freshly carpeted bedrooms feature new blinds and fans. A
renovated bathroom and laundry provide excellent storage, and the home has been freshly painted inside and out, sitting on durable concrete stumps.
Step outside to an undercover rear deck overlooking the spacious backyard—a perfect spot to relax or entertain guests. The fenced yard features a kids’ cubby house, and a large storage shed to park the boat, plenty of flat ground to park cars, caravans, bikes, and trailers.
‘Wararipa’ offers the ideal blend of comfort, style, and practicality. With the scenic waterways of Lake Eildon nearby, ‘Wararipa’ is your perfect escape in every season.
3 1 1 1821m2
Agent Amanda Nieuwenhuizen 0407 770 548 / 5775 1444 amanda.n@nutrien.com.au
Address 3417 Mansfield-Woods Point Road Jamieson For Sale $598,000
Healthcare and hooves RURAL
FOR THE LAST YEAR at the monthly cattle sales in Yea on a Friday primary producers from across the region have mixed the business of selling livestock with an all-important health check, the pop-up clinic an initiative of the Yea and District Memorial Hospital.
Created in partnership with the Murrindindi Shire Council and the Yea Saleyards Committee of Management, the Yea Saleyards Healthcare Program was initially to support farmers affected by the October 2022 floods.
Funding for flood recovery from both the state and federal governments prioritised projects that improved community health and wellbeing, and it was this criteria that served as the impetus, driving a program that had previously only been a long-held aspiration of the Yea hospital.
Council had successfully secured funding to deliver a project targeting the farming community, however they were struggling with engagement, the demographic traditionally one to shy away from such initiatives or participate in selfcare activities.
Elizabeth Sinclair is the CEO of the Yea and District Memorial Hospital (YDMH) and she is also a farmer.
Based in Molesworth she was one of the very farmers who had been flood-affected, so when council approached her for advice she already had some ideas.
Council had been running barbeques and other similar events and uptake had been limited, and so the hospital pitched an alternative, instead of asking farmers to come to them why didn’t the hospital take healthcare to the farmers, at a place they would all be gathering.
“The Yea Saleyards was the suggestion,” she said.
“As an organization we’ve talked a lot about taking health outside the walls of the hospital, which is quite a non-traditional approach to health delivery.
“Our ambition has always
BY EMMA OLIVER eoliver@ nemedia.com.au
been to increase the accessibility of healthcare to all cohorts in our catchment through a place-based model of delivery.
“The monthly cattle sales are always a bustling community event and the saleyards represented a consistent monthly location, so we thought we’d give it a go.”
Talking about mental health was always going to be a challenge, with community health manager and mental health nurse Sarah Austin - who co-hosted the first clinic at the saleyards - prepared for a slow-build, content with building familiarity and awareness in the initial stages of the project.
“I wasn’t sure anybody would talk to me especially about farming issues,” said Sarah.
“It’s a heavily male populated space, and I was something of an unknown.”
But what she discovered was an openness and a comfortableness in the space to talk.
From discussing euthanising stock during the floods and being beset by guilt and regret, to more ingrained family trauma and pressures of farming, the clinic provided a gentle and informal introduction to discussing mental health issues.
“It was really incredible how people opened up so willingly and this was in amongst everyone just buying and selling cattle as the sale was going on,” Sarah said.
Whilst Sarah was talking mental health, hospital cardiac nurse Shona Miljkovic was concentrating on cardiovascular health, doing assessments and checks.
And walking away from that very first sale they both knew they were on to something - there was a need and they had found the best means of delivery.
“We realised from the outset it was something we needed to continue,” Sarah said. It has only grown in popularity since its October 2023 inception, with specific clinics drawing a stronger uptake than others.
Skin cancer awareness was on the agenda this December, returning to the saleyards after the popularity of this particular clinic warranted an annual slot in the clinic roll-out of checks, education and interventions.
Referrals are also now trickling into the hospital, as are follow-up appointments and bookings for more structured consultations, with these benchmarks only one indication of the program’s success.
Benefits of the program are manifold and with interventions conducted on-site - skin checks, excisions and burn-offs are all managed at the yards, along with vaccinations, ophthalmology and audiology reviews, and dietetics amongst other services – there often may be no need for additional appointments, whilst healthcare pathways become streamlined and treatment more targeted with concerns already identified.
And sometimes just the chat in the first place is all
that is needed, providing a space to vocalise what’s going on.
“By organising these targeted events and fostering community engagement, the YDMH strives to make a lasting impact on mental health awareness and support within the farming community, ensuring noone suffers in silence,” Sarah said.
Agriculture is the largest industry in Murrindindi Shire.
“We know that farming in Australia is one of the most dangerous occupations, both physically and mentally, with suicide rates up to 94 per cent higher than for non-farmers,” said Murrindindi Shire mayor Damien Gallagher.
“After the floods, crisis recovery specialists raised concerns about how the isolation and increased stress would impact farmers and their wellbeing.
“Mental health was already a highly concerning statistic in the shire, with 11.3 per cent of residents living with a chronic mental health condition compared to the 9.5 per cent Victoria average.”
Murrindindi also registers other sobering health statistics, with the shire well
above the state average for both heart disease and cancer, along with figures that put residents living with kidney disease above the Victorian average.
“The Yea Saleyards Healthcare Program aims to address some of the most urgent chronic health statistics in our area,” the mayor said.
“By connecting our community with healthcare services and professionals, we are directly addressing these issues, providing free skin checks, mental health education and referrals, blood pressure and diabetes checks.”
And there are plans for additional services, cervical and prostrate screenings were the focus in November, with the program trialing a variety of clinics in its first year to determine community demand.
Throwing their support behind the initiative local and metropolitan-based healthcare practitioners have contributed their time and resources, driven by a desire to improve rural health outcomes and a fundamental belief in the project itself.
“Council is also a strong advocate for improvements directly informed by deteriorating health metrics in our communities,” the mayor said.
“The shire’s municipal health and wellbeing plan focuses on and guides projects that promote positive health outcomes whilst building a resilient and connected community.
“We are very proud to have been a founding partner and to have provided support throughout the establishment of the saleyards program.
“We commend the hospital for expanding this vital program and attracting new funding for its continued success,” the mayor said.
Going into its second year and with the program exceeding expectations, the
YDMH sought funding to continue delivering this vital initiative.
The funding through the Violet Vines Marshman Centre for Rural Health Research, provides grant opportunities for projects that directly improve the health and wellbeing of people living in rural and remote locations.
The Yea Saleyards Healthcare Program is doing all this and more, for just as important as the funding is perhaps the validation.
For with the local success comes a vision to develop a transferable healthcare model that can be expanded into other rural communities.
Dr Jennfier Keast is a research coordinator with the University of Melbourne Rural School of Health and she is based in Yea at the hospital. Her role at the YDMH is to develop of a culture of research, evaluation, improvement and innovation, with the Yea Saleyards Healthcare Program the very innovation the university is seeking to support and foster.
“Being awarded this prestigious and highly sought after grant really validates our saleyards program and will enable us to evaluate it, expand it and promote it to other organisations and regions to support farmers’ health and wellbeing more broadly,” she said.
An unlikely meeting of clinical healthcare with Blundstones and hooves, this grassroots initiative started by a small hospital as a trial in a country saleyard has pioneered an Australian-first model of healthcare that’s not just reaching and engaging farming communities, it’s making a real difference in improving regional health outcomes.
And as one local farmer said “We all think we’re bulletproof and only see a doctor if we’re really crook.
“But this is right here under our noses at the sale –it’s a wonderful service.”
TERRIFIC PROJECT: Pictured in 2023 are (from left) project manager Naomi McNamara, YDHM CEO Elizabeth Sinclair and RHAN researcher Dr Jennifer Keast.
PHOTO: Courtesy Yea and District Memorial Hospital
PHOTO: Courtesy Yea Saleyards
Watch for heating hay
By MICHELE JOLLIFFE, Agriculture Victoria Dairy Extension Officer
EVERY hay season several hay stacks spontaneously combust across Victoria, in single moist bales or in a stack of any size.
Once the hay has been stacked it’s important to regularly monitor it for heating and act quickly. Unfortunately, even with technological advances in machinery for harvesting conserved fodder, there is still nothing cost effective to help monitor the internal temperatures of haystacks.
So, it’s back to some very simple techniques to keep an eye on your hay stacks.
Watch for signs of heating
Keep an eye out for signs that haystack is heating. Steam condensation on the shed roof, mould growth, acrid fumes and hot, humid air at the top of the stack are all good indicators.
When building stacks with
suspect wet hay, stack the bales loosely to allow air movement and spread the stack over a wider area, for example, over several bays, thereby reducing heat build-up.
Most heating will occur over the first one or two weeks but has been known to reach ‘flash point’ up to eight weeks after baling. Monitor the stack temperature regularly.
Determine the stack temperature?
Stack temperature can be measured using a crowbar inserted as deep as possible into the stack and left for two hours. After two hours, the crowbar can be removed and felt by hand to give you a rough guide of the internal stack temperatures.
The temperature of the bale is up to about 50 degrees if you can hold the crowbar without discomfort.
It is up to 60 degrees if the bar can be held for a short time only and up to 70 degrees if the bar
can only be touched briefly.
If you can’t hold the bar, temperature is above 70 degrees and fire is a real possibility.
Treat the stack with caution
In the past it has been suggested to push a small pipe into the stack and lower a small thermometer to the end of the pipe to measure the temperature of warming hay. However, this technique should not be used for severely heating hay as It may oxygenate the inner section of the stack and cause a fire to start.
What can be done if the stack heats to danger levels?
If a stack starts to get ‘dangerously hot’ pull it apart as quickly as possible.
Be aware that as the bales are pulled out of the stack, especially in a tightly built stack, oxygen will
now get access to the hot spot and potentially cause ignition.
Make sure that water is readily available and suitably qualified people able to assist in fire suppression if required.
Safety Warning!
Avoid walking on the stack as the extremely high temperatures may have charred the centre of the stack.
Any extra weight on the stack may cause the stack to collapse into the dangerously hot centre and cause serious injury.
If there is the slightest risk of a fire starting due to wet hay, never keep machinery in the hayshed and don’t allow children to play in or near heating stacks.
The Country Fire Authority website has good information about hay fire risk. Search ‘hay fires’ at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/
For more information about dry seasonal conditions and drought support visit agriculture. vic.gov.au or call 136 186
KING OF THE BIRDS: A King Parrot on Rifle Butts Road November 2024 PHOTO: Mandy Holcombe
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
Hocking 0411 208 190 hock53@outlook.com www.spraynslash.com.au
Phone: (03) 5723 0101
Booking deadline: 2pm day prior to print.
Phone: (03) 5723 0101
Booking deadline: 3pm Monday prior to print.
Phone: (03) 5723 0101
Booking deadline: 12 noon Monday prior to print.
Phone: (03) 5723 0100
Phone for quarterly booking deadline
Phone: (03) 5723 0100
Booking deadline: Second Friday of month
CAR ADVERTISERS
Private vendors of motor cars advertised for sale must include in their advertisement
• Cash price of motor car
• If car is registered, registration number
• If unregistered, the engine number PHOTOGRAPHS
All photographs appearing in this issue that are taken by our photographers are available as reprints.
FOUND ADVERTISEMENTS
All found advertisements are published free. for publication.
PERSONAL ADVERTISERS
• All personal photos submitted for printing in this issue must be collected within the next 4 weeks.
• All engagement and marriage notices must carry the signatures of BOTH parties, if under 18 the parents’ signatures as well.
• Birth notices require signatures ADDITIONS
• Bold heading
• A various selection of logos are available.
INTERNET
In lodging an advertisement with us you agree that we may publish the advertisement on our website. The general terms and condition that apply to publication apply also to publication of material on our website.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND THE 153rd ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE MANSFIELD DISTRICT HOSPITAL. Tuesday 17th December 2024 at 6pm Delatite Room, Alzburg Resort, 39 Malcolm Street Mansfield.
The meeting will include:
1. A report of operations and presentation of financial statements for the financial year ended 30th June 2024.
2. A report of health services provided for the 2023/24 year and those proposed to be provided in 2024/25.
Refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the meeting
Dr. Karen Bennetts Chair Board of Directors
Please RSVP to Tracy Rekers by Friday 13th December 2024 on 5775 8805 or via email: tracy.rekers@mdh.org.au.
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: BONNIE TAMBLYM
To enter call Radio Mansfield on 5775 2333
EMPLOYMENT
NOW HIRING SUPERMARKET BUTCHER (FULLY QUALIFIED)
We are looking for an enthusiastic, reliable person with great customer service skills to become part of our team at FoodWorks Mansfield. This position is in a fast-paced team environment, in the preparation and production of quality meat products.
The successful candidate must:
• have an understanding of food safety procedures
• have an understanding of the OH&S requirements in a Meat Department
• have a strong work ethic
• have outstanding customer service skills be able to physically complete tasks associated with this role (e.g., lifting heavy boxes, etc.)
• have an eye for attention to detail
• have a ‘continuous improvement’ and ‘can do’ attitude
This position is preferably full-time but part-time would be considered, for the right applicant.
To apply for a position, please email your cover letter, resume (with references), and contact details to jobs@reddrop.com.au or speak to Andrew Marshall in store.
EMPLOYMENT
Merchandise Sales
Corcoran Parker’s Rural Supply Division is seeking a Casual Merchandise Salesperson for our Mansfield Branch.
An exciting opportunity exists to join a dynamic business within the rural industry. Our preferred applicant will have rural knowledge, but this is not compulsory.
Key Requirements and Responsibilities:
• Customer service - ability to liaise with clients
• Support other merchandise and administrative staff with daily duties
• Possess a vibrant can-do attitude with a commitment to make a positive contribution to the existing team
• Sound computer, written and verbal communication skills
• Hold a current driver’s license
• Traineeship considered if wanting to kickstart a long-term career in our retail merchandise division.
For further information please contact Merchandise Store on 03 5775 2542.
Interested applicants should email their application including current CV to recman@corcoranparker.com.au by close of business Friday 13th December 2024.
Jamieson Brewery are looking for a FULL-TIME CHEF to join the brewery team
Please send resumes to contact@jamiesonbrewery.com
Teacher of Science
– Timbertop Campus
For further details and/or to apply, visit the Employment page on our website: www.ggs.vic.edu.au/employment
2019 Toyota Corolla Accent auto, RWC, Vic plates, Reg 1MC-5HL, 22,500 km, services. Mum can no longer drive, Wangaratta. $21,500. Ph Geoff after 5pm 0408 089 276.
2010 Ford Falcon XT sedan, 130,000km, very good condition and well looked after vehicle, reg (1FH9AX), rwc, $7500. Phone Dave 0431 685 549.
MATHIESON, Neville.
The Chairperson, Board, Management and members of CFA regret the passing of their colleague and offer their deepest sympathy to his wife June and sons, Neil, Matthew and Christian and families. Neville was a valued and reliable member of the Benalla, Echuca and Mansfield Brigades having served as a volunteer until his passing. Neville’s commitment of more than 62 years to his community through his service with CFA will always be remembered. Neville was more than just a colleague or a mentor, he was a friend, a role model, and someone who always put the needs of others first.
CARAVANS & CAMPERS
2011 Avan Cruiseliner, great condition, it has h ot water system, 3 way fridge, microwave, gas cooktop, solar, plenty of boot storage, annex, electric jockey w heel, 6 months r ego left, $18,500. Phone 0409 700 956
MATHIESON, Neville. With special thanks and gratitude to all the doctors, nurses and all the staff at the Mansfield Hospital and the Mansfield Medical Clinic for their care of Neville Mathieson in his final days. ~ June Mathieson and family
By
Ads can also be lodged at
Saville named operations manager for Ovens and King
By NATHAN DE VRIES
DANIEL Saville will oversee the Ovens and King Football Netball League for the 2025 season as league operations manager.
Saville takes over the position from Shankar Menon, who took on the role ahead of the 2024 season.
Coming with a background in sports administration and teaching, Saville has been involved in the O&K for almost a decade as part of United Bright FNC.
“I’ve been involved with the league for nine years as a player and club umpire as well,” he said.
“I’ve got a background in sports admin at a school level, it’s something I’m really interested in and passionate about, so I thought I’d give it a go while the position was available.
“From player to umpire to administrator is not the most logical pathway and might not be that common, but my playing days are well done.
“I’m really looking forward to the challenge and the role, continuing to build relationships and meet new people.
“I already know some of how the landscape works with the football and netball sides of the league, and I’m looking forward to continuing the good work that’s been done. before me, and hopefully adding to that, and seeing how else we can improve the league.”
Saville said the goal was to have a competitive competition across all grades of football and netball.
“Everybody wants the best for their club, which is great, and that’s only going to make the league strong-
MFNC look forward to more summer camps
THE Mansfield Football and Netball senior and junior clubs have been coordinating with the Mansfield Shire Council to assist in AFL teams visiting and training in Mansfield during the summer season.
The recent AFL Community Camp with the Melbourne Demons Football Club demonstrated how the ground, community and Mansfield Junior and Senior football clubs can provide visiting teams with first class training facilities.
Newly elected club President, Bo Christopher was elated at the response from the community to the visit.
“The program with the Melbourne Demons was a watershed event for the town with the ground now having new goal posts thanks to contribution from the senior and junior football clubs and the Mansfield Shire,” he said.
“Bendigo Bank - Community Bank Mansfield & District, have also contributed with new goal post pads which provide first class facilities for visiting teams to Mansfield.”
Mayor Cr Steve Rabie thanked the Club for hosting the visit.
“We are grateful to the Mansfield Football and Netball Club for their leadership in this community event,” he said.
“It’s been great for the Shire to be able to host the Melbourne Demons.
“We’re especially pleased for the young people who have been inspired and engaged by the visit.”
On Monday evening Mansfield
er, we hope,” he said.
“The gap between top and bottom is quite wide at the moment in football and netball grades, so with a couple of initiatives brought in by AFLNEB and AFL Victoria with player points, it’ll be interesting to see how it plays out.
“For my role, first year in, I’m not looking to overhaul the league and do things my way and make it about myself.
“I think it’s working with the clubs who have done so much work in the past and the people who have come before me in my role, along with the board who have been really helpful so far.
“Getting more of a social media presence is something I’m looking to do, more of a presence in the community and online, which should hopefully get more eyeballs on screen
and people through the gates.”
The league announced the 2025 season will commence on Saturday, March 29 with round one, with the fixture to be finalised in coming weeks.
“We’ve got a meeting coming up where we’ll be looking at a draft version of the fixture,” Saville confirmed.
“We want to try and give clubs as much notice as possible with regards to booking plans in advance, social calendars and things like that.
“The fixture should have a bit of a different look to it this year.
“Making a fixture with 18 games in 20 weeks with 11 teams is a difficult task - trying to find a fixture which benefits everybody is the key, and we’ll aim to do that as best as possible.”
Junior Football Club hosted the Demons with a clinic in conjunction with the AFL Goulburn region for our Auskick and junior football teams. Despite the steamy and wet summer weather in the AFL off season, over 160 kids and many parents and spectators, were able to enjoy watching the AFL players coach, play and engage with our Junior footballers and stars of the future.
There are also plans with the club sponsor, Buller Sports, to provide training facilities for teams at Mt Buller, the Rock Wire and Air Zone, to complement the Mansfield facilities.
With spectacular mountain running and walking trails at high altitude and a full range of accommodation all teams can make a path to success through our region in their
summer training programs.
“Our senior men and women footballers along with the netball sides are holding their training camp at Mt Buller next month and will be followed by the possibility of other AFL and VFL side’s training camps,” Bo Christopher said.
“The program is still in its infancy but with the support of the Shire, Buller Sports and our sport-
ing clubs we are delighted to build the program to benefit the town and the future of the club.
“We already have some of the highest participation in the North East and Goulburn regions and we look forward to working with our partners to optimise this opportunity and work to get more teams to visit in summer as well as part of our winter sports program.”
AT THE HELM: Daniel Saville is looking forward to a competitive and fun season as league operations manager for the Ovens and King FNL.
PHOTO: Nathan de Vries
IN FOCUS: The Demons sharpened their skills during an training session in Mansfield, preparing for the upcoming season.
AFL MEETS MANSFIELD: The Melbourne Demons training session drew a big crowd to the Rec Reserve.
COMMUNITY CONNECTION: Demons players sign some autographs for young fans following a junior skills clinic.
PHOTOS: Paul Martin
IN ACTION: Melbourne Demons players during a training session in Mansfield, inspiring future stars of the game.
Rifle Butts time trial
By DAMIAN GRUNDY
DIRT Crits Tuesday November 26 and who could believe it’s already the second to last XC race of 2024.
For something completely new, at the suggestion of Tim Ross, the evening consisted of two timed runs along the Riflebutts Road single track.
This is a really cool bit of trail; nothing too difficult, fast and flowy.
The course length was 3.3 kilometres.
The objective for the competitors was to produce two runs with the most consistent times.
Ben Ross came out victorious with two efforts producing identical times of nine minutes and 23 secondsperfect!
Second place on the night was awarded to the rider with the lowest combined two laps and in a break-out performance this was produced by young Tom LoganWilliams with a combined time of 18 minutes and seven seconds.
Bruce Halket had the second fastest combined time of 18 minutes and 20 seconds.
Third place overall was
Damian Grundy with a two second difference with laps of nine minutes 24 seconds and nine minutes 22 seconds.
In fourth overall and second in the Ross vs Ross Cup was Tim Ross with a three second variation.
In fifth and first Female was Nicole Hoebergen with a seven second difference between runs.
Thanks to everyone and especially Cam Dobson and Darren Bakker for managing the timing.
See you next week for another XC night.
Future stars: Mansfield netballers selected for regional squads
By LEONIE BERRY
OVER the past three weeks a number of netballers from the Mansfield area have been putting their best foot forward after being Talent Identified at the Association Championships earlier in the year and invited to attend the Academy of Sport selections.
On Saturday November 23 Esher Berry, Charlee Bretherton (still eligible for U15’S), Eva Clydesdale, Sienna Kynnersley and Maya Rhodes (unfortunately unable to participate due to
an ankle injury) travelled to Shepparton to trial for the Netball Victoria Talent Academy. The morning and afternoon consisted of a group warm up, ball work and match play with each player being assessed on punctuality, attitude, ability, skill, team work and effort.
With temperatures and humidity high within the stadium the selectors were forced to shorten the program slightly but emphasised how impressed they were of the talent displayed
and enthusiasm shown by all players.
On Sunday December 1 Ellie Marks, Lily Olver, Madeline Berry, Lily Adams and Lara Klingsporn travelled to Shepparton for the Bendigo Academy of Sport - U15 Netball Northeast Squad trials. With close to 100 players attending and officials confirming it was the largest trial they have seen for the past six years players were again assessed on their ability, skill execution and teamwork.
With the enormity of the group size selectors were
very encouraging of all players while also highlighting the importance to perform to their best and not leave anything on the sidelines.
Mansfield has also had great representation at the recent trials for the U15 and U17 Goulburn Regional Team and Hume Regional Team where if selected players will compete at the State Titles.
Over two nights both regional areas held trials which saw Ellie Marks, Charlee Bretherton, Madeline Berry, Lily Olver and Eva Clydesdale travel to Moo-
roopna and Lara Klingsporn and Annie Armsden travel to Wangaratta/Wodonga.
With amazing netball talent on show the girls performed extremely well with strong drives, accurate passing, great team work and all able to secure some remarkable intercepts.
It is very exciting to announce that Charlee Bretherton and Ellie Marks have been selected in the Goulburn Regional U15 squad and Eva Clydesdale in the U17 squad.
We look forward to seeing these players pro-
gress through the next few months in preparation for the State Titles being held at Frankston in March 2025. Finally we would like to commend the above players on their success this year by being grand finalists in their respective competitions (MFNC, BDFNC and MJNC) and on their invitation to attend trials.
This is a fantastic achievement and an incredible opportunity to network and grow as netballers. Congratulations and we wish you all the best of luck in your netball journeys.
TALENT ON DISPLAY: Sienna Kynnersley participated in the trials for the Netball Victoria Talent Academy.
SHEPPARTON TRIAL: Maya Rhodes was also invited to the Netball Victoria Talent academy, but unfortunately she was unable to participate due to an ankle injury.
STRONG NETBALL: (from left) Lily Olver, Lara Klingsporn, Lily Adams, Madeline Berry and Ellie Marks.
GOULBURN REGIONAL U15 SQUAD: Ellie Marks and Charlee Bretherton.
WANGARATTA AND WODONGA TRIALS: (from left) Lara Klingsporn and Annie Armsden.
SHINING STARS: (from left) Madeline Berry, Esher Berry, Eva Clydesdale, Lily Adams and Lily Olver.
TRIALS: (from left) Madeline Berry, Eva Clydesdale, Charlee Bretherton and Ellie Marks. PHOTOS: Supplied
THE TIME TRIAL PODIUM: (from left) Tim Ross, Tom Logan-Williams, Ben Ross, Damian Grundy and Nicole Hoebergen. PHOTO: Bruce Halket
Pipped at the post, U16 Blues go down to Echuca in hard-fought finals
BASKETBALL - BOYS UNDER 16S
By KYLIE McCORMACK
THE Mansfield U16 Blue Boys team have had a few tournaments now to develop their teamwork and understanding of the roles each member plays.
The U16 Blue boys put in a spirited effort over the weekend at the Wangaratta Tournament, played in Wodonga.
They played with determination across the weekend, coming from behind to win on several occasions.
The weekend began with challenging encounters against strong teams from Echuca and Wodonga.
Despite their best efforts, the Blue boys were unable to overcome these teams in these early matchups.
Height is not one of the team’s advantages, however all of the boys worked hard to rebound, particularly Toby Gerrans and Billy Turner.
The team played gallantly, putting up a fierce fight against a strong opponent.
Though they were defeated, the match was a testament to their resilience throughout the tournament. Jay played incredibly, scoring really well and he also never gave up.
Gus faced some very physical defence and continued to have a great impact on the game.
Coby, Billy, Levi and Bodhi all worked really well, putting up shots and defending hard.
Toby did a wonderful job particularly with his passing and in defence.
The boys were able to take out a decisive victory over Wangaratta, showing their ability to continue to work hard to come from behind to win.
nersley’s three point shot on the half time buzzer, and Coby Hodge’s on the final buzzer.
in a thrilling match and securing a win over Wangaratta White.
A highlight from this game was not only the boy’s resilience, but also Jay Kyn-
It was an exciting game to watch.
Sunday saw the team persisting, defeating Corryong
The boys demonstrated their ability to remain calm under a lot of pressure towards the end of the game.
Gus Robertson, Levi Ste-
venson and Bodhi Kileen were working really well, driving into the ring and defending much taller players.
In the final showdown, the U/16 Blue boys faced off against Echuca in the Pool B Division 2 final.
Mansfield swimmers shine at Shepparton’s long course meet
By ALLI WALKER
IT was a sunshine and blue skies day on Sunday as a team of 11 Mansfield swimmers headed to Shepparton for their long course meet – our last official meet for 2024. Well done to those who stepped up to add some new events to their schedule, challenging themselves and coming away with great results.
There was a sprinkling of personal best times amongst the mix, some new championship meet qualifying times, lots of medals, and a fun day had by all.
Congratulations to Coach Amelie Walker who won the girl’s heat in the inaugural Meriam’s Memorial 50m butterfly race, swum in honour of a Shepparton club swimmer who passed away earlier in the year.
Congratulations to everyone who competed –now time to buckle down and train hard until we take our Christmas break.
MANSFIELD SWIMMERS MAKE A SPLASH IN SHEPPARTON: A team of 11 Mansfield swimmers headed to Shepparton for their long course meet – the last official meet for 2024.
PHOTO: Supplied
The U16 Blue boys may not have won, but they worked well as a team and continue to improve their game.
Thanks to Fraser and Brad for their wonderful coaching, and to all the parents for their scoring efforts and support.
DIRT TRACK DOMINATION FOR ZAC
MANSFIELD Primary School year three student Zac Salmon continues his stand-out season in the sport of dirt track racing, dominating state championships both locally and across the border.
October saw Zac take out the Victorian Dirt Track Championships on his 65cc, with the Albury Wodonga Motorcycle Club hosting the weekend-long event.
This makes Zac number one in Victoria in his age group.
September saw the Salmon family head to Victor Harbour in South Australia, for Zac to compete in the neighbouring state titles with the nine year old securing coveted first place in his age group on both the 50cc and the 65cc.
And rounding out the medal tally, Zac walked away with a podium finish taking out third in the hard-fought Spitfire Australian Junior Dirt Track Championships.
Taking place over the weekend at Allen Park in Somersby, New South Wales, the Australian titles were originally slated for September 28 and 29 in Mildura, with the event rescheduled bringing a belated close to Zac’s 2024 nationals season.
Defending his national standing, Zac remains third on the ladder in the seven-to-nine-yearolds for 2024, having secured bronze at the 2024 Australian Junior Track Championship held earlier in the year in Forbes over August 10 and 11.
AWARDS: Another podium finish for MPS student Zac Salmon, taking out third in Somersby.
WINNERS ARE GRINNERS: Rider number 815, Zac Salmon secured a top podium finish in the Victorian Dirt Track Championships, held in Albury Wodonga in October.
DETERMINATION AND GRIT: Coach Fraser Stevenson with the Under 16s Blue boys Jay Kynnersley, Bodhi Kileen, Coby Hodge, Levi Stevenson, Billy Turner, Gus Robinson and Toby Gerrans.
John Foots crowned 2024 Club Champion
By LYN HOLLAND
IT’S been a quiet week on the bowling greens this week with the much needed rain putting a halt to play, however some events still got off the ground.
The Midweek Pennant team was cancelled as the team were headed to Mulwala who had a lot more rain than here in Mansfield.
The Home Pennant were able to get a game in with less precipitation down south.
The Green team of Kevin Nikkelson, Kris Humphrey, Christina Smith and Ray Fraser had a good win to the Yellow team of Chris Laws, Harry Smith, Glenda Revell and Renee Prosser 25 to 10.
Team Pink had a great day out with Steve Lewis, Brian Sinclair, Heather Ingpen and Cathy Johnson beating the Lime team 30 to 11, skippered by Carolyn Close with Belinda Snider, Peter McNeill and Anne Wileman.
Marco Bohren’s Gold team with Alan Hatcher, Michelle Mios (and Tilly) and Glenda Hempenstall were too good by ten shots for Orange with Ray Close, Kathleen Bock, Denis Sharpe and Barry Hempenstall.
Finally Alan Dobson led his team to a resounding win with Tom Ingpen, Anne Tilbrook and Ida Rachelle against team Blue of Dizzy Tyers, Tom Nicol, John
Social soccer tournament kicks off
Lobbe and Philip Jensen.
Green team retains top spot on the ladder.
Saturday was a wash out for A3 and A4.
No doubt not the only sport affected by Saturday’s downfall.
Sunday cleared enough for the finals of the Men’s Club Championships.
Rick Nicols had a good battle with John Foots who finished the victor 24 to 18 shots.
Shane O’Brien was too good for Michael Harrison, winning 25 to 15.
The finals between Shane and Footsy looked like John was a shoe in for a while but Shane found something and fought back hard.
John Foots is the 2024 Club Champion with Shane getting within five shots at the end.
A great game to watch.
Congratulations John and well fought Shane.
An etiquette and rules session will be run at the club this Friday at 11am.
All bowlers are encouraged to come along for the session, to learn or refresh prior to social bowls on Friday.
Social bowls may start at midday so bring some sustenance to get you through.
Happy rolling this week and spread the word that Rookies will start on January 13.
RECENTLY five members from the Active Dads group joined 20 members from the Social Soccer group participating in the first game of the five on five social soccer tournament.
Both groups will play six rounds fortnightly before a break over the Christmas holidays.
Active Dads group member Bryn Jones said soccer in Mansfield has grown exponentially over the past few years.
“Junior participants have increased, and the senior social side has tripled,” he said.
“From great exercise to building community connections that last outside of the game soccer in Mansfield has been fantastic.
“Soccer is a game that allows participation across all fitness and skill levels as well as crossing cultural and communication barriers.
“We can all exercise, have fun and everyone speaks the language of soccer.
“We host the Wangaratta all abilities team for friendly games periodically and have now started the Active Dads connection through a friendly competition and hope to host a refugee side from Shepparton in the new year.”
Jakara starts season with silver, sets Australian podium record
■ From back page
“Pretty happy with what we’ve been able to achieve, walking away with second place at the start of a super long season - it’s a great way to kick it off,” said the 26-year-old Mt Buller skier.
“Breaking the record for the most World Cup medals is an impressive stat.
“I never find out about these things until I’ve broken it - that’s a cool one and another accolade.
“Super proud of me and my team and how we’ve gone about completing that.
“It’s been a big journey.
“There’s still a long way to go, and we’ll be looking to rack up a few more this season.
“Over the week that the course has been up here in Ruka, we’ve had just about every condition possible.
“From pretty big soft bumps to little icy ones, we’ve had to use all sorts of skills out there.
“Pretty lucky we’ve been able to work it out.
“It’s great to have so many chicks up at the top end of the sport - that’s what makes it exciting.
“We’re all going out there each day fighting for that top spot, which means we’re all pushing each other.
“We’ve seen the sport progress a lot over the past four years.”
SOCIAL SOCCER: Last Wednesday five members from the Active Dads group played alongside the Social Soccer group kickstarting the social soccer tournament.
PHOTO: Supplied
2024 MANSFIELD BOWLS CLUB CHAMPION: (from left) Shane O’Brien congratulates John Foots on being the 2024 bowls club champion. PHOTO: Supplied
Lassy’s win Premier League
By MARION MITCHELL
THE ladies usually don’t let the weather get in the way of our golf game but this week it did present a few challenges.
Tuesday no-one turned up to play so on to Wednesday where it was the final of the Premier League.
After a few cancellations due to the forecast weather, we still had a good field of 24 ladies playing, eight of whom had to turn up to play in the final.
Fortunately, there were plenty of holes where the rain did not fall.
Congratulations to the Lassy’s who defeated the Wanderers by six points.
The Lassy’s team was Sue Parsons, Shirley Nolan, Lorraine Wilson and Linda Brook.
The Wanderers team was Millie Cumming, Linda Terry, Louise Calvert-Jones and Jackie Smithwick.
Well played to all.
We still had enough numbers for two grades for the usual competition.
A Grade was won by Linda Brook with 35 points on a countback to Kirsten Scudamore with Andrea Marsden third with 35 points.
B Grade was won by Anne Blampied 34 points, second Pauline Ahola 31 points and third Jacki Smithwick 30 points.
Line balls to Kylie Egan 34, Sue Crow 31, Shelly Comerford 30, Sue Parsons 30 and Linda Terry 29. Nearest the pins Jacki Smithwick, Kylie Egan, Andrea Marsden and Shirley Nolan.
President’s Day on Saturday was wisely cancelled due to the rain, rescheduled for next Saturday.
The summer pennant final was played at Myrtleford on Friday between Jubilee and Mansfield.
Jubilee won after a very close challenge by our Mansfield ladies – Linda Brook, Marg Franke-Williams, Kirsten Scudamore, Shirley Nolan, Lyn Poulson and Lesley Anderson.
Well done to these ladies and to all the other ladies that represented Mansfield during the season.
Finally, Mansfield’s own Linda Terry stepped down after three years from the position of Women’s Golf Coordinator for the North East District Golf Association.
To quote the NEDGA “She did a sterling job totally devoted to the betterment of women’s golf operations in the North East.”
“She achieved so much and was well respected by her peers.”
We will miss her dedication, professionalism and her attention to detail.
We can all attest to that.
Well done Linda. Good hitting.
Rob Curtis Memorial Handicap
By SIMON HALL
AFTER a few wet days that provided more rain than any cropping farmer would like in the middle of harvest, race day arrived fine and dry but windy.
A small field of dedicated riders braved the weather and signed on to race.
Di Condie and Micala Jacobs were first off the line, Di proving to be too strong for Micala and quickly riding away from her.
A brave move to be leading the race by yourself that early on.
Dave Jagger and Dave Bock
were next in an awkward position - seven minutes to the pair in front and an equal distance to the bunch behind.
This is a decent gap considering the wind.
They were followed by Jason Parker, Adrian Dowd, Oliver Hall and Simon Hall.
Oliver struggled to keep up in this bunch but they worked well together and looked after Oliver for as long as they could.
With some late scratchings, the handicapper’s job was difficult for the back markers.
Dave Jagger and Dave Bock were the next bunch.
Ryder Chadd was pulled from this bunch to keep Andy Garret company at the back of the race.
The plan here was that Ryder would help Andy to get up the hill to the turn around, but the flats beforehand proved too hard for Ryder and he struggled to keep up.
With a great ride, Darren Bakker and Damian Grundy breezed past the bunch in front on the climb.
Only Adrian and Simon managed to grab a wheel and keep going with them.
The rest of the climb and the return to Mansfied proving to be
fast with this new bunch managing to chase down all riders in front.
After a sterling ride by herself, Di was unfortunately caught on the approach to the finish.
A close bunch finish saw Simon just in front of Damian and Darren.
Everyone else was close behind.
Di after a long ride by herself was just able to stay in front of Andy at the finish.
Bike racing is a lot of fun and my appreciation goes to the volunteers who help out each week to make it all possible.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF CARP ON LAKE EILDON AND SURROUNDING RIVERS
NOTORIOUS: Carp are notorious for their feeding behaviour, which involves rooting through sediment to find food.
CARP (Cyprinus carpio), an invasive species in Australia, have long been a significant environmental concern in Lake Eildon and its surrounding rivers.
These fish, introduced in the 19th century, have thrived due to their adaptability, rapid reproduction, and resilience to varying environmental conditions.
However, their success has come at a considerable ecological cost.
Habitat Destruction
Carp are notorious for their feeding behaviour, which involves rooting through sediment to find food.
This process, known as “bioturbation,” disturbs the lakebed and riverbeds, uprooting aquatic vegetation and increasing water turbidity.
In Lake Eildon, where aquatic plants provide crucial habitat for native species such as Murray
cod and golden perch, this destruction disrupts breeding grounds and shelter.
The resulting muddy waters limit sunlight penetration, inhibiting the growth of submerged plants essential for a balanced ecosystem.
Water Quality Degradation
The increased turbidity caused by carp feeding not only affects vegetation but also reduces the overall water quality.
Higher sediment levels can suffocate fish eggs and larvae, reducing native fish populations. Moreover, the suspension of nutrients in the water column promotes algal blooms, which deplete oxygen levels, creating
hypoxic conditions detrimental to aquatic life.
Competition with Native Species
Carp outcompete native fish for food and space.
Their diet of invertebrates, plant material, and detritus overlaps with that of native species, particularly during critical developmental stages.
This competition exacerbates the decline of native fish populations, already under pressure from habitat loss and altered water flows.
Impact on Surrounding Rivers
The rivers feeding into and flowing out of Lake Eildon, such as the Goulburn and Delatite Rivers, are equally affected.
Carp migration upstream exacerbates sedimentation and vegetation loss, impacting ecosystems along these waterways. In turn, these degraded habitats hinder the survival of
native species like platypus and water birds that rely on healthy aquatic systems.
Management Efforts
Efforts to control carp populations include electrofishing, trapping, and the development of biocontrol measures like the carp herpesvirus.
However, these methods require careful implementation to avoid unintended consequences.
Anglers are also encouraged to target carp and prevent their release back into the water to aid in population management. The environmental damage caused by carp in Lake Eildon and its rivers is profound, affecting biodiversity, water quality, and ecosystem function.
Anglers and conservationists must continue to collaborate on sustainable solutions to mitigate this invasive species’ impact and preserve the region’s natural heritage.
RIDING BACK TO TOWN: Nearing Bridge Creek (from left) Darren Bakker, Damian Grundy, eventual winner Simon Hall and Adrian Dowd.
PHOTO: Tony Copland
Tennis players hear the thunder
TUESDAY NIGHT
By Max Ree-Goodings
THERE was a little thunder in the air on Tuesday night, but that was nothing compared to the noise from centre court.
The moment Michael Whytcross and Fiona Lindsay claimed victory in a tiebreak 6(7) - 5(4) over Dan Robertson and Karyn Fraser, an almighty “Daniel-San” rang out across the courts.
The war cry did the trick, with Dan rallying against Michael, winning the next two sets, but it wasn’t enough as team Aldous 4-30 defeated Hutchinson 2-22.
One court over, it was a one-sided affair, with court six specialist Rohan West cruising to victory in all three sets 6-2.
The damage was done, and despite Greg McDermott and Keira McDonagh beating Guy Taylor and James Fox in the second set 6-4, team O’Loughlan 5-34 comfortably won against team McDonagh 1-15.
Due to fill-ins and fixtur-
ing quirks, Jason Blake and Max Ree-Goodings faced each other for the third time in six rounds, and even though Jason persevered two sets to one, the team scores went the other way with Blackall 4-30 accounting for Murray 2-19.
Teams switched places on the Tuesday Ladder with Blackall’s win over the ladder leader Murray.
O’Loughlan 29.5 moved into top spot, Murray 25.5, Yencken 22, McDonagh 21, Crockett 18.5, Aldous 18, Blackall 18, Hutchison 15.5, Thunderstorms on Wednesday meant the night was cancelled early with coordinators and captains notifying teams.
Heavy falls kept the courts drenched and sudden downpours continued through the evening.
HOT THURSDAY NIGHT
By Natalie Bergsma
IT was a beautiful night for tennis, with a stunning sunset visible over the iconic Paps as the match action
heated up on the courts.
The picturesque setting provided the perfect backdrop for a thrilling evening of tennis, where the match of the night came down to a hard-fought contest between Let it Be and Come Together.
In a thrilling match that saw both teams battling through each set, Let it Be edged out Come Together in a narrow victory, winning 26 games to 21, and taking home five match points to two.
It was a tightly contested match from start to finish, with neither team giving an inch. Jenny Bell answered the call to fill in for Let it Be and when she partnered with Natalie Bergsma against Shane Richards and Hanna Aldous in the first set, they won a hard-fought tie breaker which could have gone either way.
It was a terrific contest that set the scene for a long night of great tennis.
As the match entered its final set, an unfortunate injury to Jodie from Let it Be halted the momentum.
Despite her best efforts to
continue, it was clear that the injury was too much to play through, forcing Let it Be to forfeit the game.
We all wish Jodie a speedy recovery.
In a beautiful twist, the final set was able to be played thanks to the quick thinking of Millie Bell, who stepped in to fill the spot and allow the match to conclude.
While the scores from the final set didn’t count towards the official result, the gesture added an extra layer of heart to the evening.
Millie’s presence on the court was appreciated by both teams, and it was a special to have Millie and her mother Jenny playing side by side.
This highlighted the sense of community and family that tennis so often fosters.
Courts one and two saw Smooth Operators take on Night Fever.
The total games of 36 to 7 gave Smooth Operators 7 Match Points to 0.
The young guns Arthur Gerrans and Max O’Loughlan combined in a
fantastic display of hard hitting and fast tennis.
Their opponents Suzie Wellborne and Bron Sly gave a gallant effort but the boys were too strong and took out that set six to one.
The final match of the evening was between Changes and Let’s Dance.
Changes Jason and Jo O’Brien were joined by fill ins Rob Williams and Dell Maiale who combined superbly in the first set to take the win against Laura Gosney and Zoe Richards six games to four.
Let’s Dance’s Michael McCormack and Bec Wardenaar won their opening set and first partnership six games to two.
Jason and Dell then took on Michael and Zoe in a thrilling second set and were the victors six to three, whilst Jo and Rob combined to take on Laura Gosney and Bec Wardenaar winning six to one.
The final set saw a great game unfold between Jason and Rob and Michael and Laura.
Each game was tightly
contested, and this was reflected in the result with Michael and Laura winning the tie breaker eight to six. Changes won a total of 31 games to 21, taking home five match points to Let’s Dance’s two.
Thursday night’s tennis is always filled with fun and laughter, and tonight was no exception.
From the breathtaking sunset to the sportsmanship and camaraderie on the court, it was an evening to remember.
We look forward to a final night of tennis for the year next week, and the chance to sit down and enjoy some festive cheer after the matches conclude.
On the Thursday night ladder Smooth Operators 36, took top spot, with Come Together 35 now second, Let It Be 28, Changes 27, Night Fever 12, Let’s Dance 9. On Saturday morning the rain returned, and junior tennis was cancelled.
Next week is the last week for the year so bring your Christmas spirit.
WINNING HIT: Natalie Bergsma smashes a winner in the tiebreak backed up by Jodie Morrow. PHOTO: Rhonda Carpenter
AN ENJOYABLE SET: (from left) Shane Richards and Jenny Bell. PHOTO: Rhonda Carpenter
PARTNERS CELEBRATE: (from left) Jenny Bell and Natalie Bergsma delighted with their tiebreak win. PHOTO: Rhonda Carpenter
TIEBREAK: Jenny Bell, Shane Richards and Hanna Aldous after their tiebreak set. PHOTO: Rhonda Carpenter
DYNAMIC: Michael Whytcross net ready while Fiona Lindsay serves a bullet. PHOTO: Max Ree-Goodings
IT CAN take a village to stage a successful picnic race meeting and the Mansfield District Racing Club is grateful for the support it receives from the thriving community.
The 170th running of the Mansfield Cup on Sunday, January 12, 2025 will attract competitors and visitors from throughout the state, but the ground level support it receives from local volunteers, contractors and sponsors is what sets the meeting apart and promises some
special memories to begin 2025.
All the features that contribute to Mansfield’s reputation as a ‘must visit’ racing venue.
Close up access to thrilling racing, Fashions on the Field, family entertainment, children’s activities and a range of food and beverage vendors will be present, and there will be some special moments to mark a milestone year.
Mansfield District Racing Club President, Mrs
Leanne Backwell, stresses that Mansfield’s history of high-country horse men and women and their love and prowess in equine sports, has influenced plans for the day.
“The current generation of horse riders and trainers in the region are achieving amazing things and the MDRC plans to highlight this in the lead up to the running of the Cup,” she said.
Picnic racing at Mansfield provides an affordable family day out.
General admission is $20, Concession $15 and all children (17 years and under) enter for free.
A well-positioned grandstand, expansive lawns and shady trees provide inviting places to bring a BYO picnic and enjoy all on offer.
Picnic racing is not immune to current cost of living issues and Mrs Backwell says that the MDRC is extremely grateful for the support the support it receives from the local community in sponsorship.
Mansfield PowerAg return in 2025 as naming rights sponsor, Fashions on the Field will again be supported by Delatite Wines and Foodworks will also be on board.
Mrs Backwell points out that there are opportunities for new sponsors to be part of this special day and the Club welcomes support from community groups and volunteers.
“We have well established relationships with the Delatite Cricket Club,
Mansfield Pony Club and the Mansfield Women’s AFL team recently became part of our se up team”, she said. Any potential sponsors, community groups interested in forming a partnership or volunteers can contact the Mansfield District Racing Club via secretary@ mansfieldraces.com.au.
Tickets and packages for a day to remember at the the Mansfield PowerAg Cup are available online via www. country.racing.com/mansfield.
SILVER START: Jakara
Anthony following the super-final in Ruka, Finland, where she claimed silver and set a new Australian winter sports podium record.
PHOTO: Chris Hocking/OWIA