IT was a family a air at the Jamieson Autumn Festival on the weekend with the local Bolwell family serving up the good stu from the woodfired smoker. Ben with dad Ian, sister Jess and mum Genevieve are pictured at the festival on Saturday, with musician Jess also taking to the stage later in the day as part of the extensive line-up of live music.
■ Turn to page 12 for more photos from the event.
Freddie Leong
JAMIESON was the place to be on the weekend, with a full line-up of activities drawing crowds over the three days of the Jamieson Autumn Festival.
The event continues to build in momentum a er last year’s return to the annual calendar following a four-year hiatus following COVID.
Kicking o the festivities on Friday night was live music headlined by renowned musician Lloyd Spiegel, with the sell-out show packing the Jamieson Memorial Hall.
Franzi Weiss from the organising committee said the night with a live auction and community-run bar was an amazing start to the festival.
“The atmosphere was great with Mans eld father and daughter duo Paul and Ashlyn Riley warming up
festival goers as the support act,” said Franzi.
“Lloyd Spiegel then took to the stage delivering an incredible set that had the room up and dancing, performing solo and also accompanied by Lisa Baird, Tim Burnham and Snowy.”
Hoping for blue skies and beautiful Autumn weather, the weather gods certainly delivered on the Saturday, the crowds out in force as Jamieson closed o its main street to throughtra c with stalls, stages, displays and demonstrations as well as community games and activities all adding to the atmosphere.
Welcoming 35 market stalls and 17 food and drink vendors, it was the largest festival to date, with local businesses also reporting a brisk trade.
Building on record numbers from the previous year, estimates of between 2500 and 3000 people converged on the tiny township with locals and visitors alike celebrating the start of the school holidays.
“Everyone loved the blacksmithing and old world trades,” said Franzi.
“And the duck race proved a huge drawcard, with over 300 people spread out along the banks of the Jamieson River to watch the spectacle.”
With wind blowing the ducks upstream away from the nish line there was initial concern amongst race o cials.
“There were lots of laughs and then luckily the wind quietened down and the race was on,” said Franzi.
Dotted with picnic blankets many festival visitors set up base by the river basking in the sunshine, dangling their feet in the water and enjoying the great food and drink on o er, with a backdrop of good tunes delivered by local musicians.
One of numerous stages showcasing local entertainment, all musicians and performers generously donated their time and talent to make the festival such a stand-out success.
“We also couldn’t do it without the many volunteers who worked tirelessly in the build-up and over the weekend to deliver the festival,” said Franzi.
“Over 50 volunteers contributed to the weekend from set-up, to pack down and all the stu in between.”
A visible and helpful presence in red, festival volunteers worked
alongside other volunteers on the day with members of the local CFA and the Jamieson and District Historical Society contributing to the event.
And despite thermometers registering a chilly four degrees on Sunday morning, the cool weather didn’t deter visitors with a group of 30 taking part in the guided signicant tree walk.
For the rst time the festival also included workshops into the weekend calendar, with participants exploring wet and dry felting to cra their own hats, working with air-drying clay to create unique ceramic pieces and taking part in a landscape painting class.
“It is amazing how the town comes together and makes an event like this possible,” said Franzi.
WINNER of last year’s best bush pub at the Australian Hotels Association State Awards for Excellence, the Commercial Hotel Woods Point has once again been named a nalist, with winners set to be announced on May 19 in Melbourne.
In further recognition for the Commercial, sta member Gayle Towe was nominated for the Local Legends Award in the Individual Employee Awards section, one of
ve competing for the honour.
Two local institutions –the Mans eld Hotel and the Delatite Hotel - made thenals for Best Casual Dining regionally, with the Delatite also named one of the Best Live Entertainment venues in the state, alongside 13 other Victorian pubs.
“We’re really excited to be recognised in the Live Entertainment venue category this year,” publican Dean Belle said.
■ Continued page 3
Alpine Butchery are now taking Easter seafood and meat orders.
We will be stocking all your fresh seafood favourites including fillets, whole fish, crayfish, prawns, oysters and so much more.
Or if spits are more your thing we are also taking orders for gyros spit meat and whole roasts, we can even load your bar for you.
Don’t have a spit don’t worry we have them for hire too.
long-standing legacy issues that Council has inherited but is pleased to be able to resolve.”
~ We can cater to you! ~ Chat to us about our catering options
Mansfield Shopping Village ph. 5775 1163
ROWE Street’s flooding problems will no longer be a drain for residents with infrastructure upgrades on Rowe Street on track to resolve long-standing issues.
The existing 450mm drainage culverts will be replaced with new 1200mm pipes this week.
Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said the infrastructure upgrades will not only fix long-standing issues with flooding issues on the road but will also provide for the growth in population in that area.
“We’re on track to finish this project by May, weather permitting,” said Cr Rabie.
“This project has addressed
The next stage involves the installation of 900mm culverts up to the intersection of Highton Lane and Malcolm Street.
A new pit will also be installed where these pipes meet.
While works are underway, Council will have traffic management in place to help guide road users, residents and pedestrians safely.
Council asks that all road users follow the directions of traffic signs, traffic operators and construction crews.
■ From page 2
“Not many people are aware of the large scale shows that we have hosted here and the reputable artists who have taken to the stage at the Delatite.”
Looking to beer gardens across country Victoria, the Delatite made the list for Best regional Outdoor Experience, with the pub also nominated for Heart of the Community, one of eight nalists in the category.
A total of 490 nominations were received across 39 categories in the hospitality awards, with pubs and hotels singled out across the state for top tier service and providing an exceptional customer experience.
Depending on the category, awards are judged by an anonymous site inspection, written submission, or Zoom/Teams interview, with category entrants then receiving feedback on how they or their property performed.
By ANDY WILSON
DEBATE on the Emergency Services Volunteers Fund (ESVF) bill was adjourned at the end of the upper house’s nal sitting day before parliament’s veweek recess, having faced widespread criticism from the opposition and cross benches.
The bill was passed in the lower house on 20 March.
Members for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad and Rikki-Lee Tyrrell also criticised the bill, with Ms Tyrrell telling parliament that there had been a ‘troubling’ lack of community engagement before tabling the bill, while Ms Broad said the bill was ‘mutton dressed up as lamb’.
“The government wants everyone to think it is to support our emergency service volunteers, but it is just another tax,” Ms Broad said.
“Farmers are facing escalating costs already, very dry conditions, particularly in northern Victoria, and this is the last thing they want to see on the horizon.”
Liberal leader in the Legislative Council David Davis said the bill was a ‘big new’ tax introduced by a government which had run out of money.
“We strongly support our emergency services, we strongly believe they should be funded properly,” Mr Davis said.
“But the state government should have been making proper
provision for them all the way through.”
Amid calls for a parliamentary inquiry into the bill, Mr Davis outlined three amendments proposed by the opposition, the rst being the limiting of spending to only those agencies funded under the current legislation and the SES.
The opposition also wants assurances the levy would not fund any other public service and that it is subjected to better reporting.
“We want to see what is collected from farming land, what is collected from housing and what is collected from industrial land,” Mr Davis said.
“We also want to know how much is collected out of the particular municipalities; and
the amounts distributed to each funding recipient from the revenue raised from the levy in the nancial year.
“We want to see where the money comes from and where the money goes.
“We are happy to work to scope those.
VFF president Brett Hosking also said the peak farming group was welcome to consultation.
“Our message to the government couldn’t be clearer,” Mr Hosking said.
“Talk to us, consult with us and work collaboratively to get ideas that actually work.
“Don’t risk taking a sledgehammer to the livelihoods of hardworking Victorian famers.”
• 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
2004
Here we go – time to make the most of the school hols with fun and games at Mansfield Mini Golf (with ice-cream, donuts AND coffee), and our Mansfield Scavenger hunt. Open every day during the school holidays
Give us a call to book your table for lunch or dinner because we all know it’s busy.
If you're headed to the High Country for Easter (and really, who wouldn't be??) then book ahead! It's one of our busiest times of the year as everyone makes the most of our fabulous "backyard". Get ahead of the game and give us a call before you arrive
We're open every day - and we'd love to see you.
����Good Friday Closed for lunch Open from 2pm Bottle shop open from 12pm ����Easter Saturday / Sunday / Monday Open from 11am Call 5775 2004 to book!
THURSDAY: Partly sunny
8-21
FRIDAY: Sunny
9-24
SATURDAY: Sunny
SUNDAY: Sunny
11-25
MONDAY: Partly Sunny
11-23
TUESDAY: Cloudy
12-20
98
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By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
ATHOL Thomas is hoping the community can delve deeper into party policies throughout the federal election campaign as he vies for the Indi seat as the One Nation candidate.
Mr Thomas comes to the candidacy from an agricultural and mechanical background and an urge to have his say in his community.
“I got involved because I gured you can sit back and get frustrated about where it’s all heading or you can get involved and try and make a di erence at that level,” he said.
A er growing up in Western Australia, Mr Thomas moved to the North East in 2007, living in the Kiewa Valley since.
He worked for 10 years at the ski elds at Falls Creek and had experience working at the Bogong Hydro Power Station before becoming a heavy equipment mechanic in Wodonga.
Mr Thomas said energy, agriculture, housing and cost-of-living were in urgent need of being addressed in the electorate.
“There’s a lot of upset people within the electorate in regards
to Battery Energy Solar Systems and solar farms being put in,” he said.
“Renewables certainly have a place but it’s probably not in prime agricultural farmland where we need to protect the food bowl.
“One Nation is fully supportive of farmers and irrigators and with the current Murray-Darling legislation and buyback scheme that has been supported by Helen Haines, it doesn’t assist farmers who rely on irrigated waters within the electorate.
“While the Liberals do their best to try and support that, they still run a similar agenda for netzero and it’s not really supportive of the electorate whereas One Nation is.
“We need to drive more e ort into agriculture, it’s an enormous part of this electorate.”
Mr Thomas said he has shown involvement in local issues, including Alpine Shire Council’s recent decision to not support a proposed Dederang Battery Energy Storage System.
“I was extremely happy the councillors listened to the voices of the people in the shire and stood to recommend that it does
not go ahead in the shire, it’s certainly not the spot for it in my opinion,” he said.
“This valley has some of the best renewables already prior to solar and battery storage systems put in.”
The One Nation party tallied the fourth most primary votes in the 2022 election under candidate Beth Stevens, with 5.28 per cent.
Mr Thomas said he hoped to build on the momentum the party had established in the electorate.
STANDING UP: ATHOL THOMAS FROM THE KIEWA VALLEY WILL BE ONE NATION’S CANDIDATE FOR THE 2025 FEDERAL ELECTION.
“Beth did an amazing job on a shoestring campaign budget last year and I’ll be running on the same thing,” he said.
“You certainly don’t have the nancial backing some of the other candidates have obtained so it’s going to the case of getting my face out there and meeting the right people.
“I’ll see if we can increase One Nation’s reach and get people looking at alternate parties and policies, focusing on the great policies One Nation have.”
INDEPENDENT federal MP for Indi Helen Haines is proposing a plan to create hundreds of new childcare places and increase capacity in Indi by up to 10 per cent.
Dr Haines last week launched two early childhood education and care policies aimed at increasing childcare availability in regional areas and ensuring the long-term sustainability of before and a er school care services.
“In Indi, there are three children for every childcare place,” she said.
“When there aren’t enough childcare places, children miss out on all the bene ts of childcare, and parents are unable to work to their full capacity.
“Families in regional areas face childcare shortages at more than twice the rate of families in major cities.
“I’ve been speaking with parents, carers, childcare operators and industry representatives about the changes they want to improve supply of childcare.”
Dr Haines said her plan could increase the number of childcare places in Indi by up to 10 per cent – potentially creating hundreds of new childcare places.
The government’s $1 billion Building Early Education Fund includes a $500 million capital grants stream for early childhood education and care providers to build new services and increase capacity of existing services.
The fund will target priority and under-served markets including regional locations and the outer suburbs.
Dr Haines’ Early Education Plan proposes the capital grants stream be increased from $500 million to $1 billion, bringing the total value of the Building Early Education Fund to $1.5 billion.
The second policy of Dr Haines’ early childhood platform follows her work last year to save ve out-
LIBERAL candidate for Indi, James Trenery, said the Coalition is committed to providing parents with more flexibility and choice in childcare.
childhood education system in over 40 years.
“More than 1.3 million children have access to the childcare subsidy from around one million families.
“Under the Coalition, 280,000 more children are in early childhood education.
“We are focused on working with regional, rural, and remote communities to find solutions for early childhood education that work for them, rather than Labor’s current one size fits all approach, which is clearly not working,” Mr Trenery said.
“When previously in government, the Liberals almost doubled childcare investment to $11 billion in 2022-23 and locked in ongoing funding for preschools and kindergartens.
“We made the biggest reforms to the early
side school hours care services from potential closure a er their funding was unexpectedly cut.
While she worked with the Minister for Early Childhood Education to secure lifeline funding for the services as an interim solution, Dr Haines said the threat
“Our targeted extra support introduced in March 2022 made a real difference, childcare costs came down 4.6 per cent in the year to June 2022.
“We saw women’s workforce participation reach record highs at 62.3 per cent (May 2022) compared to 58.7% when Labor left office.”
A response from Labor candidate Mitch Bridges was not received at the time of going to press.
of losing funding showed changes are needed for the Community Childcare Fund to allocate funding based on need instead of a competitive grant process.
“Right now, funding isn’t based on demand – but it should be,” she said.
“If a childcare provider is the only one in a town or region and needs extra support, they should get it.”
Dr Haines’ plan would change the Community Child Care Fund from a competitive grant footing to one based on need.
Future Homes - a state government initiative provides easy planning pathways for developers and takes away planning authority from local councils (Courier 26 March). Will this approach be adopted here with no restraints on block size or type of dwelling?
Does Mans eld need this type of development?
Current infrastructure is limited and can only provide a reasonable lifestyle to existing residents.
We should have the right to object to inappropriate development that e ects all of us here in Mans eld!
Mary Parker, Mans eld
THE election on May 3 will be one of the most consequential in a long time.
Helen Haines obviously has many supporters, but you have to ask, if there is a minority government with Labor backed by the Greens and Teals, how e ective would Helen Haines be in getting the best for the voters of Indi?
A Labor minority government,
led by the weakest prime minister this country has ever seen, would be held to ransom by the most radical extreme lewing minority party ever seen in this country.
This would be disastrous for the country as a whole but even more so for rural and regional areas.
Labor is very big-city centric, union backed, big spending and big taxing.
The Greens have no idea of what exists outside the inner areas of the major capital cities.
Just take a look at the Greens policies on its website.
It could be summarized as city people will get a lot of things for ‘free’ while agriculture, mining and transport will be taxed out of existence.
The Greens would pressure Labor to adopt its energy policy which would see already absurdly high electricity prices skyrocket and our environment despoiled by ugly solar, wind factories and power lines.
The Greens anti-resources economic policies would ruin this country in a very short period of time.
How e ective would Helen Haines be in countering this scenario?
The answer is zero.
In fact, given her voting record in Parliament, she would support the above disastrous scenario.
The only way to avoid a truly
damaging government is to vote in a coalition government and the voters of Indi can help themselves and the country by voting for the Liberal candidate, James Trenery.
If Indi returns to a Liberal member, there is a high chance of a Coalition government.
Avoiding a Labor/Greens/Teals (and Helen Haines) government is in the best interests of the people of Indi and the country.
Stuart Gray, Mans eld
AFTER years of planning and promises, Mans eld residents are still waiting for a swim in a heated pool.
With so many bene ts for all ages from warm water swimming, lets hope funding becomes available to at least get some serious planning started for this long awaited facility for our town.
Mary Parker, Mans eld
FUNDS raised from the existing Fire Services Levy are directed 87.5 per cent to Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) and 12.5 per cent to Country Fire Authority (CFA).
The levy is applied as a percentage of the Capital Improved Value of every property in Victoria and is collected with
your shire (or city council) rates.
Given that both property values and levy percentages have increased, the Victorian Government’s receipts from the levy have increased exponentially but despite this the government has decreased CFA funding.
The new Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund, currently before parliament, doubles for every Victorian ratepayer and trebles (actually 2.9 times) for everyone in a Farming Zone.
Also, the new fund (read as tax), can fund up to 95 per cent of eight Victorian emergency services, for example, 000 Call Centre, Emergency Management Victoria and Forest Fire Management.
Therefore, SES and CFA volunteers who leave their jobs and businesses to attend emergencies and res on any day or night have the ‘privilege’ of paying the wages and huge overtime penalties of FRV in cities and paid re ghters working in State Forests, State Parks and water catchments.
Yet our prime minister, in announcing the election date, stresses that in Australia we believe in a fair go for everyone. Farmers and volunteers are rightfully enraged by the proposed new tax and I’m sure all other ratepayers will be too when they receive their new rates notices.
Howard Evans, Bonnie Doon
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Email: edit.mcourier@nemedia.com.au. Fax: (03) 5775 1580 Post:
IN good news for local dog owners, the Mans eld Station Precinct will welcome a dog park as part of the overall masterplan.
The state government has committed $4.9 million in round two of the New and Upgraded Dog Parks Program with the station precinct one of three projects in the North East to be awarded funding.
Alongside Mans eld, Benalla and Wangaratta were also successful in securing a grant.
“I’m excited to see these locations transformed into more pet friendly spaces, creating a safer, more enjoyable environment for dogs, their owners and the community,” said Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes.
The designs of the parks will follow community consultation and will feature things including designated play areas, drinking fountains, fencing, shelters, bins and shading, as well as other upgrades such as pathway improvements, landscaping and lighting.
The dog park projects were chosen through a statewide competitive application process with councils, with construction expected to be completed on all projects by the end 2026.
These projects are being delivered as part of the state government’s $20.8 million investment to build new and upgraded dog parks and better parks and playgrounds.
This investment is all about creating more open space for families and their pets so they can get outdoors and explore nature close to home.
THE FARMHOUSE’S much-anticipated Bush Kinder sleepover was a wonderful success for the class of 2025, according to founder Kim Stoney.
Each year, as an integral part of building resilience and con dence, Bush Kinder children at The Farmhouse attend an annual sleepover with a parent of choice.
While mums are sometimes brought along, it’s o en dads with their wellequipped four-wheel drives who get the much sought-a er invite from their child.
“This is a really special bonding time for parent and child, where they play games together, gather re wood and later on, snuggle into a tent or swag side by side a er star-gazing,” Kim said.
Naomi Smith, Bush Kinder teacher
said once children had their parent organised with their tent or swag, the games proved a highlight.
“Egg and spoon races tested balance but the tug o’ war competition showed true grit and determination, with the children winning when pitted against their parents,” she said.
Bush Kinder Educator Jasmine Beekman said the weather up at Tolmie where the sleepover was held was glorious, with campers treated to a stunning sunset.
“The children were eager to show their parent just how comfortable and capable they are in the bush,” she said.
A er a beautiful story read by Naomi they all drank hot chocolates, the evening nishing with a Bush Kinder chorus of “When are the marshmallows coming?”.
The upcoming scheduled Council meeting is Tuesday 15 April at 5pm and will be held both online and in person at the Council Chambers, 33 Highett Street, Mansfield.
To find out how to observe the meeting go to the events section on our website or phone (03) 5775 8555.
Customer Service Hours
Council's municipal office at 33 Highett Street, Mansfield, is open 8.30am-4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
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 or on days of Total Fire Ban at cfa.vic.gov.au/can
Council currently has the following employment opportunities available. For full details go to mansfield.vic.gov.au
Maternal & Child Health Nurse Cemeteries Administration Officer
What would you like Council to achieve in the next 4 years?
After each local government election, the elected Councillors develop and commit to a strategic direction for Council over their 4-year term. This direction is documented as the Council Plan. Council is now in the process of building its Council Plan and is asking community members to consider what the focus should be.
To provide your ideas and feedback visit engage.mansfield.vic.gov.au. Feedback contributed before 25 April will be provided to a deliberative panel for inclusion in the draft plan.
normal on Friday 18 April (Good Friday) and Monday 21 April (Easter Monday).
Please remember to put your bins out the night before collection and bring them in no later than one day afterwards. If you are going to be away, please refrain from leaving your bins out, or seek assistance from your neighbours, family or friends.
Full details on the following matters can be found under 'Public Notices' in the Classified section of this week’s Mansfield Courier.
Notice of intent to enter into a licence agreement with the Mansfield Kindergarten
The Resource Recovery Centre will be closed on Friday 18 April (Good Friday).
From 19 - 21 April, the Resource Recovery Centre will be open as usual from 9am - 5pm.
Camping rubbish can be dropped at no cost from Saturday 5 April until Sunday 27 April. Recyclables must be separated from waste.
The Resource Recovery Centre is located at 163 Monkey Gully Road, Mansfield.
Every Thursday, from 9.30am, the community bus provides a pick up/drop off service in the Mansfield township. When you have finished your shopping or caught up with friends for a coffee, the bus will take you home again, departing from Erril Street at 12noon.
Council partners with Fallons Bus Service to offer a low fare of only $6 for the return trip.
The community bus will be servicing the following upcoming events over the next coming months:
Easter Bush Market and Mansfield Easter Art Show Saturday 19 April Anzac Day Parade Friday 25 April
To book your ride in to town, phone Council on (03) 5775 8555.
THE Mans eld Showgrounds was utilised as the perfect local venue for a Victoria Police training session involving the dog squad and the landing of a helicopter last month.
The Mans eld A&P Society was approached as police wanted a site away from the centre of town, with plenty of space on the oval to carry out the exercise.
“The day was a success, and we will likely be doing similar in the future which is a great outcome,” according to Acting Sergeant Brad Mascoll and member of the Victoria Police Dog Squad.
Sgt Mascoll was most appreciative to the A&P Society for the use of the showgrounds.
AMONGST the usual smattering of speeding infractions and lost driving licenses, assault cases were the order of the day when court came to session at the Mans eld Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 2 April. The rst of the assault cases heard was that of a Merrijig local alleged to have assaulted a bouncer at a ‘techno party’ in Melbourne’s CBD.
The defendant was reported to have attempted to force access into the backstage area before being confronted by and allegedly assaulting the member of security sta .
The defendant’s legal representation pointed out that their client has recently come to the realisation that drinking gets them into trouble and they have now stopped.
While the magistrate acknowledged these claims she countered that there was simply no evidence to support them.
Pointing to the defendant’s long list of priors and history with substances, the magistrate handed down a $2000 fine with conviction.
The second case was that of a 19 year old male who attacked an ex-
colleague at Jamieson Brewery in August 2024.
Said to have approached the victim while he was outside smoking a cigarette, the defendant began pulled the victim’s shirt over his head before he began repeatedly punching him.
The assault only ended when the victim managed to force his ngers into the eyes of the defendant to deter him.
The magistrate told the defendant that the victim said they feared for their life during the attack given people have died in the past as a result of these kind of attacks.
“Given your age, your lack of priors and the fact you have now moved away from the area and found employment, I am ordering you to participate in an alcohol awareness program,” the magistrate said.
“I would also like to see you take part in 12 months of counselling as these impulses can reoccur later in life to dire e ect.
“If, by May 2026, you have done every thing I have asked of you, you will be free to get on with your life with no criminal record.
“You will not be granted another diversion.”
Monday 7 April
TINKER BOXES
This is so popularnew Tinker Boxes have arrived ready to make !
Monday 14 April
CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE around Mansfield
On the whim of the groupthis is going to be fun !
Tuesday 8 April
BUILDING OUR MARKET STALLS
Preparation for Fridaywe'll be building our market stalls today
Tuesday 15 April
MANSFIELD MAZE + BRACKS BRIDGE
Let's see what's new at the maze & cool off afterwards
Wed 9 April
MOVIES @ The Mac + DELICIOUS BAKING Movies + bake and decorate !
Wed 16 April
COLOUR RUN MEETS COMMANDO COURSE It's Colour Commando ! Wear white & be coloured !
Thursday 10 April
POOL PARTY ! SWIMMING in Shepparton Get another swim in before Winter comes !
Elsewhere the magistrate thoroughly chastised a man for playing his part in ‘two bogans in the street punching on over a 10-pack of wild turkey’ in Eildon, asserting that such behaviour has no place in a location so dependent on the tourism dollar to survive.
She also warned of the dangers young men can face when driving fast cars as she suspended a driver’s licence.
“You are lucky you are appearing before me here and not down in Melbourne where the discussion would not be whether you go to jail, but for how long,” she said.
Activities are on-site and include Lego Masters challenges, making crafts, cooking up a storm in our Kitchen-Garden program, going on nature walks, building cubbies and caring for our Farmhouse animals.
Friday 11 April
MARKET STALL
After making some treats we'll "sell" them and have a big picnic
Spaces are limited so please book ASAP to avoid disappointment
EASY access to drinking water is now available at Lords Reserve following the installation of a new hydration station.
Located next to the barbecue shelter, the station was installed by council in response to requests from sport clubs.
Previously the reserve had no publicly accessible drinking facility.
Council also agreed to cover the ongoing service charges.
Goulburn Valley Water, who provided the station, will be responsible for maintaining it.
The hydration station adds to a big suite of improvements council is delivering all around Lords Reserve.
In February it secured funding from the Australian Government’s Growing Regions Program to construct
a brand new pavilion and upgrade the existing toilets and clubrooms – an investment of over $2 million.
Drainage and car parking upgrade works were also completed in 2024.
Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said council was investing in the future of local sporting clubs.
“We’re really excited to get started on the Lords Reserve pavilion,” he said.
“We have also put in an application to the 2024-25 Country Football Netball Program to ‘Light up Lords’, with a funding application submitted to install lighting on the oval with a budget of $375,000 for the project.
“We’ve listened to the needs of our local sporting clubs, and we’re acting.
“The works we’re delivering at the reserve will set them up for years to come.”
NEW state planning rules now apply across Victoria, including in Mans eld Shire, signi cantly reducing the role of local councils in assessing residential development proposals against neighbourhood character.
On Monday, 31 March, a planning scheme amendment was gazetted, following its announcement in late February. The amendment was implemented without an exhibition period.
Planning applications
that meet the new standards will now be automatically ‘deemed to comply’ and approved, removing the ability for councils or communities to object.
Clause 55, known as ‘Rescode,’ allows for threestorey buildings up to 11 metres in height if they meet the standards outlined in the code.
There are no appeal rights, and councils must approve permits without considering any other matter or decision
guideline, provided all standards are met.
The changes also remove the ability of local councils to vary the standards to re ect preferred neighbourhood character.
For example, councils can no longer set speci c requirements for landscaping or building setbacks.
All developments must now comply with uniform statewide standards that apply equally in metropolitan Melbourne, growth areas, re-
gional cities and rural towns.
Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said Mans eld Shire Council was gutted by the changes.
“The removal of the planning power of local government has taken yet another hit this week,” he said.
“When you remove local government powers, you mute the voices of local communities.
“We have worked so hard at council to make sure we have a strong planning scheme that meets the needs
of our community.
“We have been asking, we have been listening and we have acted rmly in our planning controls to make sure Mans eld Shire retains the beauty and amenity that we all love.
“The new rules take away the ability for councils to make decisions in the best interest of our communities.
“The standards here encourage ‘codi cation,’ which means we have lost our con-
trol to stop cookie cutter developments and to protect our rural character.
“This is yet another example of Spring Street making changes that suit metro and trying to apply them here.
“We just want to keep it country.
“Local governments are the only level of government that should decide what a community’s character should look and feel like from a planning perspective.”
THE Jamieson Autumn Festival was a fantastic success, with hundreds of keen visitors arriving and local enthusiasts entertained.
The Friday evening show with Lloyd Spiegel and his jazz-playing group wowed the audience at the sold-out performance.
JAMIESON ON THE LINE with Carmel Dixon
her new treasure.
Saturday saw the crowds arriving and the volunteers, all in identifiable red t-shirts, leapt into action.
The traffic controllers who directed the car parking in town managed it without drama.
The stallholders were set up and ready for the arriving clientele.
The artists who performed in the marquees entertained with incredible talent, holding the audiences spellbound.
The artisans worked at blacksmithing, forging beautiful pieces that were purchased once cooled and placed on display.
The wood carving, an amazing art, was all created using a chainsaw.
The CFA open day was well attended, with the SES rescue boat and the fire tanker on display.
The Jamieson CFA were loaned small firefighting outfits from Mansfield CFA, and children were able to dress as firefighters, sit in the tanker, and learn the basics of fire safety.
The Delatite Car Club members brought their beautiful vehicles and displayed them in Perkins Street.
Some very generous car owners encouraged local enthusiasts to sit in their cars and enjoy the experience.
Local winemakers were kept busy with their displays, tastings, sales, and information about winemaking in the area.
The Duck Race, a favourite event where a ticket (numbered duck) is purchased, saw all the ducks start together on the Jamieson River.
A change of wind had the ducks going backward, then another shift had the race on again - this time with a clear winner.
The Jamieson River Reserve was host to bars, where festivalgoers could relax and enjoy refreshments.
The photographic art show in the Memorial Hall was well attended, with many visitors viewing works by local photographic artist Freddie Leong.
The museum was a favourite for many, with a constant stream of visitors.
Local resident Wendy Blackledge had a very enthusiastic audience willing to learn the technique of gold panning.
There were squeals of delight when the young
panners saw gold flickers in their pans.
The food stalls were a treat for all who attended.
There was such variety, with food purveyors lined along Perkins Street and also accommodated in the church grounds.
The poetry readings in St John the Apostle Church, from favourite local poet Val Kirley, were well received.
The wind instrument program was also well
Mansfield Adult Community Education (MACE) is a community - owned and managed incorporated association encompassing a Learn Local Education provider; a Neighbourhood House, a Services Australia Agent, and an Early Childhood Education and Care Centre. Mace also offers nationally recognised, accredited courses to the local community through partnerships with other education providers.
MACE is currently seeking suitably qualified and experienced candidates for appointment to its Board of Management.
Potential candidates with the following skills or expertise are required to complement the existing Board:
• Adult Education
• Current Vocation & Education Training (VET) knowledge
• Family &/or Children Services
• Risk Management
• Legal
• Information Technology
The Board of MACE meets monthly, and successful candidates will be expected to attend meetings and participate in relevant sub-committee meetings.
MACE promotes and encourages diversity and inclusion in the workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
If you have a strong interest in community involvement, please submit your written application, which will include a current CV and letter detailing experience to the President MACE Inc, 145 High Street, Mansfield VIC 3722 or via email to the Chief Executive Officer of MACE ceo@mace.vic.edu.au. Further information regarding these positions can be obtained by contacting the President of MACE, via 5775 2077.
Applications will be received up to COB Friday, April 26, 2024.
received, with the performance presented in the church.
The Cow Poo Lotto was a very popular event, with bovine cooperation a mustresulting in a delighted winner.
On Saturday evening, the volunteers attended a thankyou dinner in Gerrans Reserve, all thrilled by the perfect weather and the festival’s great success, bigger and better than ever.
On Sunday, creative
workshops were held in the Memorial Hall, where artists, ceramic potters and felt makers were in attendance.
The workshops were part of the Autumn Festival, with teachers of each art form helping, advising, and demonstrating their specialties.
One potter was asked if she could help make a ceramic sheep.
The young girl was delighted when she was presented with
An elephant was another animal request - much to the delight of the recipient, who also went home with a treasure, created by local Jamieson potter Wendy Blackledge.
NEXT Sunday, the annual Palm Sunday traditional service will be conducted, commencing at 11:00am at Gerrans Reserve.
Father George Feliciouz will conduct the Blessing of the Palms, followed by singing and a procession led by Genevieve Bolwell to St John the Apostle Church. Mass will be celebrated following the blessing. This ecumenical traditional service is a welcome to the community and visitors to attend.
All are welcome to join the congregation for lunch at the Courthouse following the service.
THE Easter calendar commences with the Palm Sunday Service at Saint John the Apostle Catholic Church this Sunday, April 13.
Good Friday Service is on April 18, commencing at 3:00pm.
Easter Sunday Mass will be held on Sunday, April 20, at 11:00am. All welcome.
At Saint Peter’s Anglican Church in Jamieson, there will be an evening service on Easter Eve, Saturday, April 19, at 6:00pm. All welcome.
Palm Sunday 13th April, 9.30 Procession of Palms, and Holy Communion
Maundy Thursday 17th April, 7.00pm – 9.00pm Holy Communion in memory of the rst Eucharist with washing of the feet
17th -18th April, 9.00pm – Midnight Garden of Gethsemane ‘Watch of the Passion’ (Overnight Prayer)
Good Friday (Cruci xion)
18th April, 9.00am Solemn Liturgy (with Holy Communion)
18th April, 11.00 am Ecumenical Stations of the Cross
Easter Eve (Jamieson)
19th April Jamieson: 6.00 pm Easter Eucharist.
Easter Day (Resurrection)
20th April, 6.00 am Easter Vigil (Ceremony of the New re and rst
Holy Communion/Eucharist of Easter)
20th April, 9.30am Festal Eucharist
Please join us in our Easter services as we remember the passion and love of Jesus.
JAMIESON was the place to be on the weekend, with a full line-up of activities drawing crowds over the three days of the Jamieson Autumn Festival.
From the sell-out Friday night live music and auction, to Saturday’s full street festival drawing crowds of between 2500 to 3000, to the more sedate guided signi cant tree walk and workshops on the Sunday, the tiny township was all a buzz with locals and visitors alike enjoying the festivities.
WELCOME
STRANGERS: As part of their o icial duties at the
state
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GIVE IT A GO: Competitors gave it their all, with the gold nugget throw a festival favourite.
BULLER Sports opens the doors of the Mans eld store for two special sale days on Saturday 12 and 19 of April (Easter Saturday) with the promise of huge discounts on clearance stock and a community celebration.
“It’s more than a sale,” said Buller Ski Li s Retail & Rental Manager Paul Smyth.
“The team have been working behind the scenes, get the store sparkling for the coming snow season and we didn’t want to wait for winter to throw open the doors.”
Buller Sports are welcoming the 1st Mans eld Girl Guides to participate with a sausage sizzle to raise funds.
“It’s about community,” said Paul.
“Our team live, work and play in and around Mans eld and it’s important to work together.”
Buller Sports is clearing out existing winter stock with markdowns up to 75 per cent o prices.
XTM snow gear brand will collect donated
jackets on the sale days for their “Heat the Homeless” program.
Ray Wills, specialist boot tter and expert on happy ski feet, from Ortho Ski will be presenting a huge selection of quality ski boots from previous seasons at dramatic discounts.
Look for the ags out front and get a sel e with Blake the Buller snow ake who’ll be handing out high ves and some chocolate Easter eggs on the Easter Saturday.
Mans eld Shire residents can purchase a special locals-only discounted Season Membership on the two sale days.
The Mans eld Shire 2025 Membership is priced at $999 for adults (25-64 years old) and just $599 for children (5-18 years old).
Mt Buller o ers tiered pricing for Young Adults (19-24 years old) at $899 and over 65s at $759.
Locals simply present proof of their residency to secure this deal.
GET YOURSELF A BARGAIN: It’s all happening at Buller Sports in Mansfield this April 12 and 19 with huge reductions over last season stock.
REGIONAL and rural communities are being asked to be on the lookout for activities that may point to illicit tobacco production.
A statement from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) on Tuesday, 1 April said that illegal tobacco operations were not run by genuine farmers, but by organised crime syndicates.
“These activities divert vital funds from the community and place them into the hands of criminals, who use the profits to fund other serious crimes,” the statement said.
“By staying informed and vigilant, everyone can play their part in keeping the community safe and ensuring a level playing field for legitimate businesses.”
Tobacco growing and production of related products was outlawed nationwide in 2016.
A recent raid at a property in rural Victoria, prompted by a community tip-off, led to the seizure and destruction of over 16 tons of illicit tobacco.
The amount seized had an estimated excise value of nearly $35 million.
“This operation, which targeted an organised crime syndicate, highlights the crucial role that community members play in combating illegal tobacco activities.
“Community tip-offs are one of our best sources of information.”
April and May are the peak growing times for tobacco plants and the ATO is urging the community to be aware of signs that illicit tobacco is being grown, and report it online at www.ato.gov.au/ tipoff or by phoning 1800 060 062.
AS conditions become more temperate, Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) have taken the opportunity to undertake planned fuel reduction burns in the shire and beyond.
The Walshs Road planned burn located three kilometres west of Goughs Bay was ignited early last week, with the 305 hectare patrolled re just one in the region.
Planned burns if not already underway are set to be taken within the next week, with locations near Buxton, Tatong, Glenburn, Eildon, Marysville and the Strathbogies all scheduled.
FFMVic said this time of year has the best climatic conditions to carry out the planned burns program.
FFMVic chief re o cer
Chris Hardman said communities can expect to see smoke in the air as a mix of planned burns, private burns under CFA’s permit system, and agricultural burns take place over the coming weeks.
He said while current conditions are ideal for burning, weather patterns may cause smoke to linger over parts of the state overnight and through to early morning on some days.
Mr Hardman said it is crucial re agencies take advantage of favourable conditions when they present.
“Planned burning on public land is one of the tools FFMVic uses to keep Victoria safer from bush res,” he said.
“Our climate is changing and that means nding the
right days for safe and e ective planned burning is becoming more challenging.
“Autumn typically provides our crews more opportunities to conduct planned burns, as the weather is more stable, and re behaviour tends to be manageable and predictable.
“With the current favourable weather and forest conditions, we are delivering as much planned burning as we can.
“Reducing dry vegetation such as grass, leaves, bark, shrubs and small fallen branches means res are less intense and slower to spread, making it more likely that re ghters can keep bushres small and contained before they pose a risk to communities.
“We work closely with
Country Fire Authority (CFA), Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Bureau of Meteorology to keep the smoke impact from planned burns as low as possible.
“We make every e ort to make sure favourable weather conditions reduce smoke dri into communities.
“Victorians can register to receive noti cations of upcoming planned burns at the Planned Burns Victoria website.”
CFA chief o cer Jason He ernan is urging Victorians to understand permit requirements before conducting private burn-o s while the Fire Danger Period (FDP) remains in place across most of Victoria.
“We are now starting to issue schedule 13 permits to
farmers to burn crop stubble to kill o weeds and reduce pests, however we remind Victorians, that no burning o is to occur unless people have received permission,”
Mr He ernan said.
“While the FDP has ended in East Gippsland, it remains in place across the rest of Victoria.
“It is vital that landowners check local conditions are safe and appropriate before burning o – both on the day and the days following.
“You may see a large amount of smoke in areas where these activities take place, so we ask farmers to let their neighbours know who may be sensitive to smoke so they can take necessary precaution.
“Any burning o activity
should have enough water and resources on hand to monitor and extinguish and Triple Zero Victoria must be noti ed as awareness for emergency services and community members.”
The Planned Burns Victoria website has details of all planned burns currently on the three-year Joint Fuel Management Program, visit https://plannedburns.ffm. vic.gov.au/. To nd out what can and can’t be done during re danger period, visit https://www. cfa.vic.gov.au/warningsrestrictions/fire-bans-ratingsand-restrictions/can-i-orcant-i
Check re restrictions and register private burns at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au or call 1800 668 511.
If you need help with your banking, call Phil Camilleri, Branch Manager on 5775 3273 or search Bendigo Bank MansÞeld.
HIGH COUNTRY HOMESTEAD with SUSAN H SHAW
OUR veggies haven’t done well this season.
For those of you that follow my exploits, you may remember the greenhouse took ight - vanishing with all my carefully nurtured veggie starts.
Then, just as things were looking up, one of my calves decided to devour what little remained.
Honestly, sometimes I wonder if these things only happen to me.
But, the one thing that most of us have been struggling with – is something that hasn’t happened, and that is rain.
Not enough anyway.
If you’ve been attempting to grow anything beyond weeds and existential despair, you’ll understand the struggle.
Turns out, self-su ciency is a lot trickier when nature decides to be uncooperative.
When you are unable to produce food in the quantities you need, to get you through another year.
But, in the grand tradition, of stubborn gardeners everywhere, we made the best of what did grow.
We have been lucky, our peach and nectarine trees were so weighted down with fruit, I was struggling to keep up.
Friends and neighbours responded to my desperate pleas and arrived with buckets, bowls, and on one occasion a wheelbarrow.
In the spirit of good old-fashioned bartering, some of those wonderful neighbors returned with their own surplus.
Suddenly, we had cucumbers, tomatoes, grapes, a very small pumpkin and enough lemons to consider starting our very own lemonade stand.
With all this abundance (in everything except rain), preserving became my full-time occupation.
Not in a leisurely, “Oh, I think I’ll pop a few jars of jam on today” kind of way.
No, this was preserving boot camp.
The kind where you wake up, look at yet another mountain of fruit and vegetables, sigh deeply, and resign yourself to another day of boiling, chopping, and sterilizing jars - whether you want to or not.
To make matters worse, we haven’t
just been battling a lack of rain.
Mother Nature decided to really test our commitment to self-suciency by cranking up the heat.
For months now, it’s been hotter than a baker’s oven in the middle of summer.
This is the kind of place where you expect crisp mountain air and the occasional need for a sweater.
And let me tell you, when it’s that hot, nding the motivation to stand over a bubbling pot of jam or simmering pasta sauce is about as easy as convincing our cat to take a bath.
But, of course, there’s no backing out.
When produce is ripe, it’s ripeyou don’t get the luxury of saying, “You know what? I’ll deal with this next week.”
Nope, it’s now or never.
So you push through, sweating buckets as you stir sauces, ladle out jams, and seal jars like your life depends on it.
Because, in a way, it kind of does - this is food security, and once winter rolls around, I’ll be very glad I stuck it out.
The dehydrator has been working hard, humming along so constantly I swear it’s developed a personality.
The house smells perpetually of cooked fruit and vinegar, and the oors are a mine eld of sticky spots from rogue splashes of syrup.
Some days, I do fantasize about throwing in the towel (literallyprobably at the next person who asks, why I am doing this?)
But the work goes on, because if I don’t do it, that glorious summer
bounty will go to waste.
And that would be a tragedy. Cordials, sauces, pickles, and jams, canned fruit and veg - the jars keep stacking up, the freezer avalanches remain a daily hazard, and despite the heat and exhaustion, there’s a deep satisfaction in knowing that when the cold months come, we’ll be eating like kings. So, while the drought and relentless heat have certainly tested us, the art of preserving (and the kindness of a good barter) has kept us going. If nothing else, this year has been a reminder that self-su ciency isn’t about doing it all alone - it’s about adapting, sharing, and making the best of what you can get. What’s that expression? It takes a village…
WITH perfect autumn weather, Bindaree residents gathered together with Mans eld Spring Club members at the historical Station Precinct for morning tea recently.
The gathering provided a wonderful opportunity for old friendships to reconnect and an entertaining presentation with local Mans eld Historical Society identities Graeme Stoney and Ann Ware proved a highlight.
A nice surprise during the morning was also a visit from the Mans eld Kindergarten Earth Kinder program who delighted the groups with song and dance. Mans eld KIndergarten director Hayley Roberts said the kinder kids had walked to the pre-
cinct, to Gadhaba Place to look at the stone map of Australia as students have been learning about the continents.
“As part of the morning, Pam from the information centre explained the journey of the bogan moth on the mural,” said Hayley.
“And then we interacted with the residents of Bindaree who were at the Spring Club event.
“Ann from the Mans eld Historical Society showed us some vintage clothing including a fox fur throw, with Bindaree residents discussing some items they used to use as children like the wash board.
“We then performed a song we sing at kinder for the residents which they loved.”
By MIKE SMITH
LIFE is as pleasant as it can be in her lo y perch above the lake.
Though, when we paid her a visit, the water was low and the lake bed was parched, the sky was blue, the sun was bright and the birds were breaking into song.
A hot day, king parrots and black cockatoos sought sanctuary in the cool under the shelter of her deck.
And nearby, somewhere out of sight, a currawong chirruped its cheerful song.
“He’s been coming here since he was just a baby,” Mary Parker smiled, her eyes lighting up with the warmth of one who has just seen an old friend a er an extended period of absence.
As she sipped her co ee surrounded by the rich timber of the house that she and her late husband built in 1984, life was as temperate and as pleasant as can be.
One would be forgiven for thinking Mary Parker might have slipped into comfort and contentment, living a slow and simple life she enjoys so thoroughly.
But Mary Parker is not content.
For her family and her friends, for the people of Mans eld Shire and, ultimately, for herself.
She wants better.
And she will not be silenced until we all get it.
The good news is, stories of her persuasive go back deep quite into the last century.
“We spent time on the Lake in ‘79, we fell in love with it,” she told the Courier the story of how she came to live in Mans eld Shire.
“We saw a plot of land for sale and I told Jim we just had to buy it.
“He bought me an ice cream instead.
“The entire trip back to Fawkner, our home at the time, he kept saying no.
“But we came back the next weekend, we bought the plot and we built our home.
“Life was slower here than in the city and simpler too.
“There was less tra c and more peace.
“We came to the lake and we never looked back.”
And then there is the history of advocacy as evidenced by her ght against ‘the pipeline’.
“When they put it in, the lake water was at ve per cent, we were in the middle of a drought.
“There was no water, it was ridiculous.
“We went on rallies, we took the bus to Spring Street with all the farmers.
“We wrote letters that got into the national papers.
“It was a lot of fun.”
Seventy-nine.
That’s how many letters Mary Parker has sent to the Mans eld Courier since 2022.
She has covered a broad spectrum of topics that, when stitched together, create an elaborate tapestry that tells a vivid tale of day to day life in Mans eld Shire in the 2020s.
While the matters that Mary turns her attention to are varied, the articulate air with which she expresses herself never does.
In 2025, her contribution to the paper is near enough a constant and some weeks she sends in more than one letter.
On the odd occasion that her letters do not feature, they are missed.
old, lady, you know,” she said with a twinkle in her eyes.
our infrastructure?’ people asked.
A persistent rumour suggests that when an edition of the Courier was published without a Mary Parker letter, a high ranking local government o cial contacted the paper to nd out where the letter was.
She has a fanbase and it is growing.
Her voice speaks for many and the passion and the acerbic critical thinking skills she writes with are hard to ignore.
But who is Mary Parker and how did she come to master the letter to the editor?
“I was schooled by nuns in Bentleigh,” she said.
“They taught me the English language and writing.
“They were more than a bit strict, poor women - I feel sorry for them now.”
Schooled by nuns.
It paints an image of a bygone time but Mary Parker is anything but a relic.
“I might be turning 89 this year but I’m not a decrepit
There is undoubtedly a good deal of life and mischief le in Mary Parker.
“The new re services levy…” she said, bringing up the Allan Labor Government’s proposed Fire Services and Volunteers Fund, the topic of her latest letter to the editor.
“It is a rip-o .”
“These farmers are trying to make a living in the dry with the threat of bushres and the state government wants our council to take their money and send it down to Melbourne.
“It’s unfair.”
The rst of the 79 letters came in 2022 as the result of a meeting with a property developer, who will remain nameless.
“We were all sitting in the council o ces on a frosty morning in August and he started telling us how good his high rise, three on a block, development would be.
“‘What about our facilities,
“He wasn’t interested in any of that, he swept it under the carpet.
“It’s just no good taking money out of the area and giving nothing back.
“I feel very passionate about it because I can see where we’re going.
“Mans eld is growing, is anything going to be done about the town’s infrastructure?
“I’ve had to put o going to the doctor because I cannot park at the hospital.
“The district nurse comes out to see me, that is a great service for older people in the shire.
“And you can get home help, which is good but they have to come from further a eld as the service is not available in Mans eld.
“They come from Wangaratta, that’s an hour and 20 minutes plus the cost of fuel.”
It was unsurprising that Mary mentioned in-home assistance to the elderly.
Mary Parker knows what people in Mans eld Shire are talking about.
The council’s decision to give away the responsibility of the service has been criticised upon the community’s online noticeboards.
And though Mary knows of social media, it’s not where she draws her inspiration for her letters.
Her method of keeping her nger on the pulse is through good old fashioned chatter amongst friends.
“About 10 or 12 of us are in a walking group and we go for co ee together.
“We used to walk but we are past all of that now.
“So, instead we sit and we have co ee and talk.
“I hear all about what’s going on.”
Filled with ideas and inspiration, she can be selective about what her letters focus on.
She says she stays away from politics and contentious matters, instead she chooses to look at what a ects her in her day to day life and what a ects those around her. Her next letter, she promises, will focus on Mans eld Shire’s lack of a heated swimming pool, matter o en discussed by concerned ratepayers.
“Winter has come and the outdoor pool is shut, where can people go?
“Where is the heated pool we have been promised over and over.”
The young currawong keeps singing.
The blue sky keeps shimmering.
But there’s an empty chair on the veranda.
The indomitable Mary Parker keeps on keeping on.
THE Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) has welcomed the Albanese government’s election commitment to deliver a national food strategy by establishing a National Food Council and says any plan must deliver food systems that work for people, nature, and the climate.
ACF business and nature lead Nathaniel Pelle said such a strategy would keep family farms viable and operate within nature’s limits.
“A national food strategy is needed so future generations of Australians have access to food that is a ordable and nutritious,” Mr Pelle said.
“Any national strategy should prioritise ways to properly reward famers who protect and restore nature on their farms while producing food.”
ACF said the proposed National Food Council should include scientists’ and community stakeholder perspectives and must consider how agriculture and nature can work together.
“The CSIRO has found Aus-
tralia will need to transform its farming systems if it is to be sustainable, productive, and pro table, staying within nature’s limits.
“Protecting nature on farmland is good for the environment and farmers’ hip pockets,” Mr Pelle said.
“Farmers manage more than half of the Australian land mass, meaning no sector has a bigger opportunity than producers to contribute to the mission to halt and reverse biodiversity destruction.
“Every sector of the economy is dependent on nature to varying degrees and in dif-
agriculture. “Most farmers recognise the value of nature their farms, but the state of agriculture in Australia is not
ferent ways, but no industry is more dependent on nature being in good health than agriculture.”
Mr Pelle said that successive State of the Environment reports had documented the decline of nature in Australia on ‘almost every’ measure and that industrial agriculture had been a major contributor.
“(That) is bad news for farmers,” he said.
“Most farmers recognise the value of nature to the success of their farms, but the state of agriculture in Australia is not sustainable.”
PEOPLE planning to visit northern Victoria’s lakes, dams and reservoirs during the school holidays are being urged to be cautious of changed conditions.
Dry weather combined with high irrigation demand means that levels at many of Goulburn-Murray Water’s (GMW) water storages have dropped significantly in recent months.
Levels at Lake Eildon and Lake Eppalock have both fallen more than 15 per cent in the past four months alone.
GMW Water Storage Services general manager Leonie Bourke said this meant there were new hazards for boaters to be aware of.
“People heading out on the water may nd conditions are quite di erent to the last time they visited, even if that was as recent as the summer,” she said.
“With water levels dropping, there will be various hazards such as trees and sandbars that are now closer to the surface.
“These hazards will not always be immediately visible to boaters and
SINCE its establishment more than 40 years ago in Mans eld, the St Vincent de Paul (SVdP) Welfare Assistance Centre continues to expand to meet the ever-growing needs of local people who seek support.
Now conveniently based at 31 Highett Street (next to the re station) the centre is operated by voluntary members and is open three days a week within prescribed hours.
SVdP was started in Mans eld in 1984 by Father Grenville and operated out of St Mary’s Hall in Hunter Street until 15 months ago.
President, Dale Daly, explained that help is provided in the form of food vouchers and fuel vouchers for travel to medical appointments where there is no public transport.
Urgent overnight accommodation, in-house food, supplies from Vinnies shop, referrals to mental health services, nancial support and Centrelink professionals can also be organised by members, he said.
“People o en confuse us with St Vinnies shop in Baldry Street but we are completely independent and operate separately,” he said.
“SVdP Welfare Assistance Centre is purely for the purpose of supporting members of the community, whether it be due to unemployment situation, domestic violence, single parents or just a temporary loss of income due to other situations.”
The centre has 18 active members but new members are welcome to join.
The centre is open for the following hours when members are on duty: Tuesday: 10am-12noon Wednesday: 11am-1pm. 2pm-4pm Friday: 10am-12noon. 2pm-5pm
water skiers, making it particularly important people navigate with caution.”
During the 2024 autumn school holidays, approximately 177,000 people visited GMW’s storages.
While visitation is therefore likely to remain high, there may have less people around than during the peak summer period.
Ms Bourke said this was another change that should factor into people’s plans.
“When there are fewer people on the water it is less likely someone will be
nearby if an incident occurs,” she said.
“Before heading o , people should tell someone speci cally where they are headed and when they plan to return.
“Having the right equipment is also important.
“Life jackets are essential, and personal location beacons can also be very useful when something goes wrong.”
People can nd more information on boating safety by heading to GMW’s website: www.g-mwater. com.au/recreation
THE online Mansfield Photography Group is gearing up for its photography exhibition, showcasing images from the #PhotoFocus Challenges.
The exhibition, from April 4 to 27 is at MACS on Crosby’s Lane and will open Friday through Sunday, from 11am to 3pm, including all public holidays. It features a diverse range of styles and subjects, highlighting the creative talents of group participants.
Challenge coordinator Emma McPherson, a key figure behind the initiative, said members have demonstrated creativity and skill in responding to daily challenge themes.
“Each image reflects the group’s dedication and growth as they embraced the chance of their first exhibition.
“New members are always welcome, regardless of gear or experience,” she
Visit the exhibition to find out more, explore a wide range of images and celebrate the talents of these first time
For more information about the #photofocus exhibition, visit the Arts Mansfield social pages and website at www.artsmansfield.com.au
By LYNN ELDER
THE Mansfield High Country Quilters were once again proud to do their bit when they donated 20 quilts to the children’s charity Southern Cross Kids Camp last Thursday.
Members of the 15-strong group gathered at their space at the Mansfield Men’s Shed to present the quilts that have been completed over 12 months to the camp’s director Holly Cameron who was thrilled that disadvantaged children will be the beneficiaries of the group’s handiwork.
Ms Cameron who is in her fourth year with Southern Cross said the camp is moving from Howqua to a new location in Bonnie Doon at Star Glen Lodge in time for the upcoming April school holidays.
“The camp program caters for 18 primary school children aged from seven to 11 who have been identified as being disadvantaged,” said Ms Cameron.
“The best reaction I get is from first time kids on camp when they realise the quilt they have been given is theirs to keep,” she said.
Since 2022 the quilters have been making up to 25 quilts each year to donate to Southern Cross Kids Camp.
The group connected through Bobbie Fitzpatrick one of their members who was approached by her friend Holly Cameron.
Ask the group how many quilts they have made since it started in the 1970s and in unison the quilters reply “hundreds”.
The group has over many years also raised funds for children with cancer
at the Monash Hospital in Clayton.
Thanks to a recent purchase of an embroidery and sewing machine valued at $6000 made possible through a grant from the Community Bank Mansfield & District, the quilters are able to extend their creativity even more.
The bank’s manager, Phil Camilleri was in attendance to see firsthand how the High Country Quilters use the funds which help to give back to others.
“I am very pleased that the bank is able to support the High Country Quilters and the Southern Cross Kids Camp,” said Mr Camilleri.
The group’s president Kath Mahoney urges anyone who is interested in getting involved with the quilters is most welcome and do not need to have their own
equipment to join. It is all about helping and learning together said Ms Mahoney.
The High Country Quilters meet every Tuesday from 10am to 2pm in the building at the rear of the Men’s Shed. Contact the group via email highcountryquilters@ gmail.com
Mansfield
By LYNN ELDER
BEING able to make a contribution to someone’s wellbeing especially when it comes to mental health has been the driving force for members of Mansfield Lets Talk, engaging with the community and providing helpful resources through social activities and training opportunities.
The Let’s Talk group aims to create an empowered community where individuals seek help when needed and communities work together to support sufferers on their mental health journey according to president Michele Padbury.
“Our focus is to remove the stigma of mental illness in our community, encourage help-seeking behaviour and raise the level of community competence in supporting someone with mental health issues,” said Mrs Padbury.
Identifying a need for such a group locally, the Mansfield Masonic Lodge hosted a community meeting with speakers from the Let’s Talk
WELLBEING: Mansfield Let’s Talk provided several free places for community members to undertake Mental Health First Aid training last month. INSET: WALK THE TALK: Part of having a presence in the community is Let’s Talk members and supporters spreading the message with these shirts.
parent organisation three years ago.
From there, Mansfield Let’s Talk was formed.
A volunteer committee was set up; funding grants secured, and commencement of training and events.
“We are always looking for ways to engage with the community and host
activities for those who need some support.
“We don’t seek to replace professional mental health services,” said Mrs Padbury.
“One of our successful, ongoing initiatives is the monthly Coffee Chat sessions held on the third Wednesday, from 10am to 12pm,” she said.
Mansfield Let’s Talk is
grateful for the support of the Delatite Hotel, where the sessions are held.
“The sessions are very low-key with community members calling in for a coffee and whatever level of chat they are comfortable with,” said Mrs Padbury.
“Sometimes, we are the only social outlet for those attending.
“There are always several committee members in attendance,” she said. 
“Since October 2023, we’ve run three two-day Mental Health First Aid training courses, free to members of the community,” said Mrs Padbury.
The latest course finished on March 31 with eight participants.
There has also been a series of mental health sessions for those who could not commit to two days.
“Feedback from participants shows how applicable the training isthey report that they were using it in their everyday lives, with family, friends, and community groups.”
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A person from the latest training session said a strength of the course was, “the breadth of practical tools to be able to use professionally and personally”.
Let’s Talk is building on what it has already achieved and continues to find ways for a more visible presence. This includes a stand at
the Mansfield Easter Bush Market on Saturday April 19.
Committee members would love to see you for a chat and will have resources available for people to take away.
Let’s Talk activities have included hosting Safe Talk training, a stand at the 2024 Mansfield Show, interviews with Radio Mansfield,
networking with local mental health organisations, and a series of Chat & Chill evening sessions at the BP Roadhouse.
The group is keen to find ways for ongoing connections within the local community.
“It may be social events, and we will definitely be continuing our Coffee Chat sessions,” said Mrs Padbury.
“You can keep up to date with our activities via our social media pages.
“If you have a good idea about an activity or event that would help the community, we want to hear from you,” she said.
“We would love to have more people involved with Let’s Talk.
“The more people in our community that can listen to others and can rolemodel by talking about mental health, the better,” said Mrs Padbury.
The committee is currently developing a robust strategic plan and is looking to expand its group of volunteers.
Contact Mansfield Let’s Talk via its Facebook page or email mansfieldletstalk@ gmail.com or chat to any of the committee members.
A FARM Garden at Mansfield Autism’s new Therapeutic Care Farm, will become a reality thanks to $36,600 in funding from the Harry & Clare Friday Foundation.
Raised garden beds in boxes, a moveable chicken coop to house up to 40 chickens, fencing, pathways and a transportable market stall are the key features of the farm garden to be known as the Harry & Clare Friday Foundation Garden.
Local school students and clients being supported by Mansfield Autism Statewide Services, will be involved in looking after the chickens and growing vegetables, herbs and flowers to be used as part of an evolving paddock to plate program, with a plan for excess produce to be sold as part of a regular café and market stalls.
Euan Friday, Trustee of the Harry & Clare Friday Foundation said he was impressed with the concept of the garden that will deliver fantastic outcomes for local students.
“We aim to be the catalyst that enables the Mansfield
community to realise projects that benefit long term health and well being,” he said.
“The expansion that Mansfield Autism has undertaken is quite incredible.
“It benefits our local community on so many socio and economic fronts, including ongoing direct support to both the local students enrolled at the new specialist school and their families.
“We are proud to contribute to what will be an ongoing and meaningful program,” Mr Friday said.
School Principal Kerri Grant explained the site for the garden is next to the original homestead and
close to the school.
The Farm Garden will be a key part of the experiential learning provided by the therapeutic care farm, supporting autistic children to participate in garden activities, while watching their vegetables, plants and flowers grow.
“It will build social skills such as turn-taking, sharing and problem solving,” Ms Grant said.
“By using the experience of the plants and garden, we aim to promote the outdoors as a way to improve physical and mental health, connect socially and provide practical employment pathway opportunities.”
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Mansfield Lets Talk is a local volunteer-run community group, offering information and support in a confidential non-clinical environment. The Let’s Talk initiative is about making a difference in reducing stigma and ensuring our local community responds and supports those living with mental health issues.
Every third Tuesday evening of the month we have an open: Committee meeting 6pm Dinner. 7pm Meeting
The Delatite Hotel
reducing
Every third Wednesday morning of the month we have an open: Morning Coffee Chat 10am to 12noon
The Delatite Hotel Dining room
menta rec . suppor proble ealth ticipants l eived nown t ms
Mansfield Let’s Talk organises fully funded accredited Mental Health First Aid Training where using a practical, skills-based action plan, participants learn the skills to recognise and respond to someone experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until professional help is received or the crisis resolves.
Individuals who complete Mental Health First Aid Training are known as MHFAiders. Equipped with the skills to listen, connect, and offer support when it matters most, MHFAiders play a vital role in reducing stigma and promoting pathways to support for those experiencing mental health problems in our workplaces, communities, schools, and tertiary institutions.
mansfieldletstalk@gmail.com
FREE AND COMPASSIONATE:
For seniors aged 65 and over, the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Benalla, Wangaratta, and Mansfield offers free, compassionate support to help navigate these changes.
AGING brings wonderful opportunities - time for hobbies, sharing wisdom, and connecting with loved ones.
However, it also presents challenges that can impact mental health.
For seniors aged 65 and over, the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Benalla, Wangaratta, and Mansfield offers free, compassionate support to help navigate these changes.
Aging often brings unexpected changes - health concerns, loss of loved ones, new living arrangements, or physical limitations.
Many seniors also take on caregiving roles, which can be rewarding yet demanding.
Feelings of sadness, anxiety, or loneliness are natural, but you don’t have to face them alone.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Local provides a welcoming space where support is available without a Medicare card or GP referral.
Whether you’re coping with grief, adjusting to life changes, or just need someone to talk to, we’re here to help.
Every senior’s journey is unique, and our services are designed to meet your needs:
Talk Therapy and Peer Support: Speak with trained therapists and peer workers who understand life’s transitions
Local Connections:
Build meaningful relationships and rediscover a sense of community
Creative and Therapeutic Programs: Express emotions and heal through art and other therapies
Alcohol and Other Drug Support: Receive confidential, nonjudgmental assistance to regain balance and control
We provide care that respects your story, culture, and individuality.
Our inclusive, culturally safe environment ensures you feel understood and valued.
Call 1800 000 842 or visit wellways.org/localservices for service and location details.
ACROSS
1 Name the twin brother of Pollux (6)
7 Who was Augustus also known as (8)
8 What are some punctuation marks (6)
9 What is a cestoda (8)
10 Name the branched horn of a deer (6)
11 Which term describes hoof-like (8)
14 Lincoln is the capital of which US State (8)
18 Name a private in the Royal Australian Engineers (6)
19 Which aromatic inner bark is much used as a spice (8)
21 Who wrote Animal Farm, George ... (6)
22 What are mines of wealth (8)
23 When one throws, one does what (6)
DOWN
1 Which plant has tuberous rootstocks and nodding flowers with reflexed petals (8)
2 Name a US child film star, later a diplomat, Shirley ... (6)
3 What are platforms for public speaking (8)
4 To be above or upon, is to be what (4)
6 Name a hook-billed, fleshy-tongued bird (6)
12 What is the policy of a government to make more information about public affairs freely available (8)
13 What are rare green varieties of beryl, highly valued as gems (8)
15 Name a renowned US inventor, Thomas ... (6)
5 Which term describes frank admission (6)
Letters have a number value
16 What is an airstrip known as (6)
Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
17 What are swarming broods of progeny (6)
20 Which term describes a labyrinth (4)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
1 CONTESSERATION
(a) The act of forming friendship or union (b) Joining together of timber
(c) Transmission of a disease by direct contact
2 FURTIVE
(a) Raging
(b) Stealthy (c) Timid
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: Cavalry rifle (7)
Chocolate substitute (5)
Dehorned cattle (5)
Deplete (3) Fish (3)
Olympic fencing event (5)
Printers’ measures (3)
Repetitive training exercise (5)
Shoe repairer (7)
Unit
Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.
(3)
By LYNN ELDER
IT WAS Toyotas galore at the Mans eld Showgrounds last week for the Landcruiser Four Wheel Drive Club gathering which rotates between the states every three years. Delivering a huge economic boost for the district, the Landcruiser Club of Victoria approached the Mans eld Agricultural & Pastoral Society to discuss hiring the showgrounds for the 2025 event two years ago.
The chair of the club’s subcommittee, Michael Martin, met with fellow members and the A&P Society executive for an onsite inspection to start the early planning.
“It was two years in preparation for the national gathering which happens every three years, last one was in Western Australia and the next one will be in NSW,” said Mr Martin.
“We have 111 campsites with 250 people on the block at Mans eld.
“The reason we chose the high country was because it is an iconic place for fourwheel-driving but in a responsible way,” he said.
The Mans eld A&P Society was delighted to host such a well-organised event and support the bene ts it brings to our local community.
“The members of the Toyota Landcruiser gathering have been captivated by our High Country landscapes and the friendliness of the township people,” said A&P president, Amanda Swaney.
“The Mans eld Showgrounds has proved to be an ideal area for a large body of vehicles and campers for six days.
“Of course, the magnicent weather has made the destination even more attractive,” said Ms Swaney.
The showgrounds provided a base for keen fourwheel-drivers to participate in di erent tag-along-tours each day.
Each trip is limited to 10 vehicles with “tail-end Charlie” bringing up the rear.
Tours included Ned Kelly country via Stringybark
Creek and Powers Lookout, the hills beyond Lake Eildon and into the nearby mountains.
“We are running 34 di erent trips (over ve days) covering 234 vehicles and everyone gets to go on at least two trips,” Mr Martin said.
The Landcruiser Club of Victoria prides itself on being a well-established organisation of 52 years and as a “true four wheel drive club”.
Mr Martin a member himself for more than 20 years describes the club as encouraging responsible
four-wheel-driving with all potential members completing compulsory driver training at the club’s property at Yarck.
The 360 acre Yarck property boasts more 20 kms of training tracks and the club boasts accredited training status as a drive and recover four-wheel-drive organisation setting a high standard.
“The focus of the gathering is to take people somewhere they have never been before,” said Mr Martin.
Equipping members with driving skills allows for a
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more enjoyable and less stressful experience.
The club even allows some non-Toyota owners to join with the odd Nissan and Ford four wheel drive visible on the grounds.
Most of the participants are couples, with very few singles and a small number of families, said Mr Martin.
The Mans eld gathering attracted many drivers from Western Australia (who are used to more sandy terrain) keen to pit their skills against the mountains and the bush environment of the high country.
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Mansfield Integrated Health Service
MANSFIELD MEDICAL CLINIC
49 Highett Street.
Appointments: 5775 2166
Chris JACOB
Sports
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Besides the road trips during the day, various activities were organised at the showgrounds in the evening.
There were welcome drinks on arrival on Sunday, March 30, a bush dance in the Ed Harris Pavilion on the Wednesday night and a farewell barbeque provided by the Mans eld A&P Society on the Friday night.
One night there was a competition between the di erent states to light a re and be the rst to boil their billy.
The council was on hand with an information cara-
The Mansfield Shire Mayor Cr Steve Rabie and CEO Kirsten Alexander dropped into the showgrounds on Wednesday night to welcome club members to the district.
“We are pleased you chose this town; we love tourists, and we want to keep the bush open,” said Cr Rabie. Cr Rabie laughingly made a reference to his Toyota farm ute parked nearby as the mayoral vehicle.
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CWA Monthly Meetings: 2nd Tuesday 6pm or 3rd Sunday 2pm (alternating each month: Feb-Tues).
CWA Craft Days: CWA Craft: 1st & 3rd Wednesday 10am, and 4th Wednesday 6pm of each month.
CWA Op shop open: CWA Op shop open: most days from 10am to 2pm.
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. 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 11am.
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 center, 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.
APRIL 12: Mt Buller Billy Cart Bash. The Buller Billycart Bash is a new event this year. Get ready for an action-packed day of thrill’s, spills and gravity-fuelled racing at the Mt Buller Billy Cart Bash! Whether you’re a seasoned racer or a first-time builder, this is a chance to put your creative and driving skills to the test!
APRIL 14: ‘Out’n’About’ group will meet at The Delatite at 11am for 11:30am start. Guest speaker will be Alex Innes. New members welcome. For more details call Trish 0437 357 829.
APRIL 16: Renowned ‘Choose your own Adventure’ author George Ivanoff will be visiting the Mansfield Library and will be giving two free presentations. Children 5 to 8 years old can see George at 11am and children 9 to 12 years old can see him at 1.30pm. Bookings are essential through the library on 5775 8621. George’s visit is sponsored and presented by the Friends of Mansfield Library. Queries can be directed to Friends of the Library secretary Deb Westphalen on 0439 961 143.
APRIL 21: No U3A meeting - Easter Monday.
APRIL 25: Anzac Day Services around the shire - for details visit https://www.mansfield.vic.gov. au/Community/Events-Festivals/ Upcoming-Events/Anzac-Day-Services
APRIL 25: Opera On High - Mansfield Winemakers. Savour a glass of your favourite beverage from local vineyards and brewers.
MAY 11: Mansfield Marathon, 8am to 12:30pm. This is a great marathon course, not too hilly, not too hard on the body, simple yet scenic and fast.
By LYNN ELDER
MANSFIELD was well represented at the Central & Upper Goulburn Group nals on Sunday March 30 at Kyneton with several entries including our junior and rural ambassadors.
The Mans eld A&P Society was vying with nine other show societies for the opportunity to compete in the VAS (Victorian Agricultural Shows) Ltd state nals at the Melbourne Royal as well as other non-VAS categories.
Representing Mans eld in the junior ambassador competition was year 12 student Connor McFadden who despite being up against several other impressive young people did the shire proud with his presentation and enthusiasm for rural communities.
Connor described his involvement with the Mans eld Show as an exhibitor with his photography and as a volunteer in later years.
Bella Gilbert from the Lilydale show society will represent the group at the state nals at the VAS Convention to be held in Bendigo in July.
Mans eld livestock worker for Nutrien Ag Solutions, Annie Marquison will be following in the steps of the local winner from 2024, Nicci Teitge, to represent us and the group at the Royal Melbourne in September.
Annie presented an impromptu three-minute speech over lunch on the topic “Describe the driving factors behind the widening gap between rural and urban communities” which
was challenging but she did a really great e ort.
She spoke about city people not understanding where their food comes from and the need for better education about food production.
This year Mans eld upped the ante in the cookery classes a er no success at group level last year with Carly Marshall taking out the VAS Junior Boiled Fruit Cake prize and the chance to compete at the state nal at the Royal Melbourne family.
In the group only quali ers, our other young bakers did well with two seconds.
Zara Miekle in the under 14 scones and her cousin Amelia Clegg in the open scones.
In the needlework Margaret Blackburn from Benalla who is a regular exhibitor at Mans eld Show won rst prize with her beautiful crochet baby’s jacket in the group only nal.
In the group only beanie category Merran Stuart took out second place with her entry.
Judges commented on the high standard of entries this year.
Mans eld A&P Society was pleased with the number of entries submitted which were transported to Kyneton for the early morning judging including cookery, woodwork, photography and cra in junior and senior categories.
The society is looking forward to seeing your entries for the 2025 Mans eld Show on November 15.
DESPITE avian in uenza restrictions easing in nearby Euroa, egg supply continues to raise concern amongst consumers at the supermarket check-out.
Restrictions on poultry owners near the H7N8 bird u outbreak have been reduced, following no new detections since February 24.
As of last Monday March 31, the current control area was reduced to about 40 kilometres from east to west, and 30 kilometres from north to south, including Euroa and Longwood.
Mandatory movement controls are no longer in place for townships including Violet Town, Ru y, Avenel and Strathbogie.
The changes come a er no further disease has been detected by the intensive surveillance activities that continue to be undertaken.
In addition, good progress has been made on the cleaning and decontamination of a ected properties.
The restrictions will be kept under review as Agriculture Victoria continues to monitor for disease, progress decontamination of a ected properties and eradicate the outbreak.
Victoria’s Acting Chief Veterinary O cer Cameron Bell commended industry and the community for their cooperation to date.
“This easing of restrictions is thanks to the cooperation and hard work that indus-
The housing requirement for premises with 50 or more birds in the restricted area is now also li ed, with the voluntary housing of birds still encouraged.
try, community and the impacted property owners have contributed since the rst detection in early February.”
“Our sta remain on the ground, working to clean and decontaminate a ected properties, and we appreciate your ongoing support as this continues.”
Restrictions remain on the movement of birds, poultry products (including eggs and manure), equipment, and vehicles on or o properties in the new control and restricted areas.
Agriculture Victoria has between 100 and 120 sta deployed to the response each day.
Around 9,000 bird samples have been collected by sta and tested at Agriculture Victoria’s AgriBio facility since February 8.
However despite restrictions easing, locally and Australia-wide the ongoing egg shortage may not be a shortterm blip.
Australia’s per capita egg consumption is one of the highest globally at 250 to 260 eggs per person per year, raising questions about whether supplies – and prices – will ever fully return to what consumers once expected.
According to ANZ Executive Director of Agribusiness Insights, Michael Whitehead, avian in uenza, supply chain shi s, and supermarket policy uncertainty have all contributed to a situation that is reshaping expectations in the egg market.
“A er the culling of over a million layer hens across New South Wales and Victo-
ria due to avian in uenza, the national egg industry is under pressure.
“While Australia’s egg producers have shown remarkable resilience – and egg production is forecast to increase in 2025 – that doesn’t necessarily mean supply will return to previous levels, especially given rising costs and structural change across the sector,” Mr Whitehead said.
A further layer of uncertainty is emerging around the shi away from caged eggs, particularly in major supermarkets.
“Most major supermarket chains committed to phasing out caged eggs by 2025, but this deadline now appears to be so ening or potentially shi ing – which is leaving egg producers unsure of how
and when to reinvest,” Mr Whitehead said.
The price of eggs has also risen signi cantly in Australia, with supply chain pressures and consumer preference for free-range or organic options adding further pressure to pricing and availability.
“Given the investment required to rebuild and transition farms to meet new welfare standards, and the unpredictable nature of avian disease outbreaks, we may be looking at a new normal for the egg sector – one where price volatility and supply constraints are more common,” Mr Whitehead said.
“Shoppers may need to adjust their expectations and appreciate the real cost and complexity involved in keeping eggs on the shelf.”.
classifieds@nemedia.com.au
In accordance with its community engagement policy and section 115 of the Local Government Act 2020, Mansfield Shire Council informs the community of its intention to enter into a Licence Agreement with the Mansfield Kindergarten.
A Licence for Mansfield Kindergarten for the usage of Mechanics Institute Meeting Room 1. The proposed agreement is set for a duration of 15 years.
The Chronicle Phone: (03) 5723 0101
email: classifieds@nemedia.com.au
Booking deadline:
2pm day prior to print.
Myrtleford Times / Alpine Observer
Phone: (03) 5723 0101
email: classifieds@nemedia.com.au
Booking deadline:
3pm Monday prior to print.
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Phone: (03) 5723 0101
email:classifieds@nemedia.com.au
Booking deadline:
12 noon Monday prior to print.
North East Tourist News
Phone: (03) 5723 0100
email: sales@nemedia.com.au
Phone for quarterly booking deadline
North East Farmer
Phone: (03) 5723 0100
email: nefarmer@nemedia.com.au
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.
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All found advertisements are published free. Simply provide the details of your find for publication.
> PERSONAL ADVERTISERS
• All personal photos submitted for printing in this issue must be collected within the next 4 weeks.
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• Birth notices require signatures
> ADDITIONS
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> 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.
This will be open for consultation for the period of 2 April 2025 to 15 April 2025. For further information, please contact Kym Killeen, Property Management O icer via email property@mansfield.vic.gov.au or phone at (03) 5775 8555.
Kirsten Alexander Chief Executive O icer
Commencing April 8, 2025
Government Funded Flu Vaccines are free for:
• 65 years and over
• Chronic illness
• Children 6 months – 5 years
• Speci c medical conditions
$15 Private or Non Funded Vaccine Consultation costs covered directly by Medicare.
Appointments essential. Please call (03) 5775 2166 and Mans eld Integrated Health Service
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2025
Classifieds Cut Off: 4pm, Thursday, April 17, 2025
and
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: SUE SALTER
To enter call Radio Mansfield on 5775 2333
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Autism Statewide Services
Expressions of Interest Cleaning Services
Mans eld Autism is an independent, not-for-pro t organisation supporting young autistic people and their families.
Mans eld Autism is seeking Expressions Of Interest (EOI) from suitably quali ed and experienced cleaning contractors for a range of buildings and facilities in Mans eld.
To request a copy of the Expression of Interest, please direct your request to rebeccak@autismmansfield.org.au
Please note EOI submissions close 5pm, Friday 9th May 2025.
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We are seeking an experienced cleaner to join our school.
Please apply via email to admin@mrssk.vic.edu.au
91 Highett St Mansfield
Outdoor Education
Instructor/Teacher
– Timbertop Campus
For further details and/or to apply, visit the Employment page on our website: www.ggs.vic.edu.au/employment
– Timbertop Campus
For further details and/or to apply, visit the Employment page on our website: www.ggs.vic.edu.au/employment
CROWE, Jane Michele. 14/8/1947 – 25/3/2025
Musician, farmer and a much-loved member of the Mans eld and Merrijig community, Jane passed away on March 25, 2025. Aged 77 years.
Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service to celebrate Jane’s life, to be held at 11am on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 in the chapel at McCormack Funerals in Mans eld.
The service will be followed by private burial in Jamieson. Forever in our hearts. No owers by request.
Deeply respected
By MARION MITCHELL
THE veterans competition at Benalla kicked o another full week of golf. Jackie Smithwick did Mans eld proud by winning B Grade with a fantastic 42 points.
Colleen Leeds also represented Mans eld well by coming 6th overall and 4th in B Grade with 37 points.
Well done, Colleen.
Tuesdays Stableford was won by Kylie Egan with 22 points and the nearest the pin.
Kylie is a regular in the winners circle.
Again, well done Kylie.
Sandra Lording was second with a lovely 21 points and Lorraine Wilson third with 16.
Wednesday was the ladies Open Day.
Blampied, Sophie Yencken and Rachael Devere.
I’m not sure how Linda Brook manages it.
An amazing 48 ladies played a 3 Person Ambrose.
That included 15 ladies who were relatively new to golf or totally new.
It was fantastic to see so many ladies keen to join our wonderful Club of lady golfers.
A big thank you to Captain Sheryl Sargent and Vice-Captain Linda Brook for organising such a great day.
The winning team was Anne
Second Natalie Grimshaw, Michelle Mcguire and Susan Kinloch, third Kylie Egan, Colleen Leeds and Cathy Lewis and fourth Elizabeth Morrissey, Patsy Smiles and Nikki Co ey.
Sue Crow had two nearest the pins with one each to Cathy Lewis, Anne Blampied and Marion Mitchell.
A er the game, a lunch was enjoyed in the Ranges restaurant and the Summer Block winners announced.
I will not even try to explain the intricacies of the various categories.
Su ce to say that major winners were Sam Bailey, Sheryl Sargent, Gayle Wells, Marg Franke-Williams, Linda Brook, Lorraine Cullen, Shirley Nolan and Tracey Gravenall.
Friday was the last of the pennant matches before the nals.
Division 1 had a draw with Albury but needed to win to be in the nals. Division 3 lost to Myrtleford but will still play in the nals and Division 4 beat Wodonga but that wasn’t enough to be in the nals.
Well done to all the ladies who played pennant this year.
It is a big commitment with many kilometres to travel to the various matches.
Saturday was the K. J. Evans Foursomes over 27 holes. There was also an 18 hole competition. Our hard working Captain and Vice Captain won the day. Sheryl Sargent and Linda Brook scored 136, clear winners from Natalie Grimshaw and Millie Cumming 141 and Shelley Lakin and Sam Bailey 145. Lyn Poulson and Glenis Skinner won the 18 hole competition with 38 points.
Good luck to Division 3 in the pennant nals and good hitting to everyone.
sporting talent.
(back row, from le ) Team Manager Wayne Desmond, Assistant Coach Sam Guppy, Hayden Desmond, Noah Pigdon, Jake Timmers, Oscar Guppy, Coach Michelle Pigdon (front row, from le ) Josh How, Astin Browning, Charlie Dobson, Ethan
His father, Ben Martin, explained how a 12-year-old came to take the U16s league by storm.
“At the start of the year, Delatite club didn’t have the numbers for an U14s team,
Talent born, bred, or trained in the area has competed at the Olympics, worn the sacred Maillot Jaune (yellow leaders jersey) at the Tour De France, and won countless medals at World Championships in a vast breathtaking debut season in 2024/2025.
He took a league high 13 wickets over the course of the 24/25 season and at the recent Wangaratta & District Cricket Association’s awards night, he was named first in bowling aggregate, third in bowling average, Player of the Month (across
medium-pace bowling was the best bowling in the U16s league this year.
“He does it all himself,” Ben Martin said.
“He loves cricket that much.
“He’s always in the nets, there’s balls hanging o
ing what he’s doing.”
Whatever happens, Nixen gave Mans eld Shire a reason to be proud in 2024/2025 and the team here at the Manseld Courier applauds his efforts and achievements and looks forward to what comes next for the young man.
By ROD SARGENT
WITH the end of daylight savings last weekend the tee times on Thursday will be back to 1pm until June when it will be 12.45pm.
Finally we have had some nice rain last week which the course really enjoyed.
The grass seems to have thickened up and is growing again.
The greens are rm as are the fairways as well, but the course is playing pretty good.
Tuesday’s results with 28 players in the eld are, in 3rd place Nick Siperki with 37pts, Brad Grant 2nd with 41pts and 1st place was Alan Eustace with a great 42pts.
Thursday there was some great scores in every grade with 79 in the eld.
C grade saw David McKenzie 3rd with 40pts, Perrin Gooding 2nd with 40pts also and John Gilson 1st with 41pts.
B grade 3rd place was Geo Morris with 37pts, 2nd was John Richardson with 38pts and Paul Bell took out 1st with 40pts.
A grade 3rd place was Craig Walsh with 37pts, Alex Scherini was 2nd with
37pts also and Brad Grand was 1st with 41pts.
Saturday was the annual K J Evans 27 hole foursomes scratch event with a 18 hole foursomes nett event as well.
The winners on the day in the nett event were, in 3rd place, Dylan and Mark Dunne from Woodlands golf club with nett 73, 2nd place was Kane Blunt and Rod Sargent with nett 72.5 and 1st place was Alex Scherini and Brad Grant with nett 72.
With three wins in one week I think we might be taking some samples from Brad Grant.
In the scratch 27 holes 3rd place was taken by Mark Bettany and Craig Walsh with a score of 116, 2nd was Kyle Bridgeman and Shaun Wade with 115 and Kane Blunt and Rod Sargent taking 1st place with 112.
With school holidays on now and Easter coming up, and then Anzac day you can probably expect the course to be very busy on weekends over this period.
Book your tee times in advance and don’t be surprised if your round is a little longer than normal.
Happy hitting.
By MIKE SMITH
THE Bombers returned to winning ways on the weekend, defying a growing list of injured players and home side advantage for a very strong North Wangaratta side.
With Campbell Smedley and Joel Sanford now watching on from the sidelines after picking up knocks in the loss against Whorouly, the young and new look Bonnie Doon side battled their way to a dramatic one point victory over North Wangaratta, in North Wangaratta.
It was a win against all odds in a backs to the wall kind of performance that you rarely see from grizzled veterans let alone a group of youngsters.
The Bombers showed a tremendous amount of grit and mental strength for a young side, eventually coming away with the 73-74 victory.
A er getting o to a slow start from the opening bounce last week, the Bombers kept things tight in the opening quarter, trading goals with North Wangaratta and feeding the re of a erce contest between two teams both desperate to get back to winning ways a er comprehensive defeats in week one.
But it was Bonnie Doon who began to pull away in the second quarter, scoring ve majors to North Wangaratta’s two.
The second half began
much the way the rst did, in a close and evenly contested period of footy each side largely nulli ed the other, each side keeping the other to one goal for the term.
It was to be North Wangaratta who started the fourth quarter the brighter.
And Bonnie Doon’s hardfought 17 point lead began to look perilous as pressure mounted.
More experienced teams, with more games played together under their belts, with less disruption caused by injuries have wilted in the face of the renewed energy and intent that North Wangaratta showed in that fourth quarter.
But Bonnie Doon showed
composure and resilience in seeing out the eventual one point victory.
James Law had a massive impact on the game by damaging North Wangaratta where it hurts, on the scoreboard.
He bagged ve while Luke Walsh got a pair and Peter Cairns, Kalim Curran, Jayjay Curtin and Edward Ivill chipped in with a goal apiece.
Though the win is a happy one, Bonnie Doon’s injury crisis has worsened with further injuries su ered over the course of a hard fought win which ended with no one le on the Doon bench.
Luke Berriman was carried o the eld with a calf complaint while vice-captain
Ari Croxford-Demasi le the game with a broken wrist after falling awkwardly upon it.
According to Dave McMahon, Bonnie Doon President, the entire club is getting around Ari in support.
“He was playing so well and he will be a big miss as he recovers from the broken wrist,” McMahon said.
“Despite the injuries, it was a very pleasing win.
“A lot of young players stepped up today with Campbell and Joel missing out with knocks.
“The young forwards did really well to apply pressure and lock the ball in the forward line rather than letting their defenders come at us
on the rebound.
“It was a very, very pleasing win and Bonnie Doon is riding high with seven out of seven this week in the football and the netball.”
Earlier in the day, Bonnie Doon’s Reserve team foreshadowed what was to come with a narrow and hard fought 38-42 victory at North Wangaratta Recreation Reserve.
It took the support of several past players coming out of the woodwork to help put them put a squad together to avoid forfeiting.
The medics and the physios deserve special credit for getting those happily retired hamstrings loose enough for one last kick.
(Top
(Top Scorers: O. McGahan 16, C. Keatch 15, D. Anderson 9)
By RHONDA CARPENTER
ON an atypical chilly windy night players assembled for their nal match of the year; the courts were groomed, the expectations were high, and the atmosphere electric.
The O’Loughlan’s Guy Taylor, Mark and Max O’Loughlan, (the M&M’s) and James Fox, had led the ladder all year, powered past McDonagh’s Greg McDermott, Glenn Fox, Callum Bono and Keira McDonagh, who had played their best tennis in the semi.
Glenn and Keira challenged the M&Ms but lost the
tiebreaker 3-7. Callum and Keira found their fantastic form in the nal set, but the damage was done.
O’Loughlan won in a masterclass of power hitting and court cra 5/32 to 1/20 for the Tuesday night Premiership.
Wednesday night’s top teams were excited for their chance at premiership glory and the ladder leader Out of the Blue may have truly fancied their chances.
True Colours, however, had come to spoil the party.
Peter Scales, Kate, Rob and Amy Les combined superbly, and Amy’s young legs enabled extraordinary court cov-
erage while her more experienced teammates showcased their tennis cra .
Two tiebreakers were played, going one each way, in the tight contest with Will McAllister and captain Steph Herridge winning 7-3. Matty Lowe and Will pushed Pete and Rob in theirs but ultimately lost 7-5.
True Colours were solid in all the other sets, displaying depth of family and friendship over the whole season.
In the longest match of the night True Colours defeated Out of the Blue 5/35 to 1/24 for Wednesday night premiership glory.
Let it Be’s Tim Vardy and Jo O’Brien were taking no prisoners on their opening set crushing Come Together’s Muss Richards and Kass Thomas 6-0.
Let it Be’s Natalie Bergsma and Agnes Kay combined strongly in their lengthy contest, but Rhonda and Bob Carpenter stayed the course to overtake them yet unable to close it out.
Let it Be raced to a 4-0 lead in the tiebreaker but Come Together hung tough saving multiple match points, a er clawing back from 1-5 down and in some kind of Houdini act snatched the tie 9-7.
The second sets 6-4 went one each way.
Let it Be powered home taking the last two, and this time Jo and Agnes won the tiebreaker 7-2.
Let it Be won the Thursday night premiership 4/33 to 2/22.
Club President Robert Williams was supported by Life Member Karyn Fraser presenting the trophies to the premiers and runners up. He addressed the gathering of players and spectators, acknowledging those who worked behind the scenes, and committee member
Jenny Bell took photos of the teams in the clubhouse. Everyone socialised a erwards re ecting on their season and making plans for the next one.
The Euroa Women’s Winter Competition will commence on Monday the 28th of April with 9 teams competing.
Three Mans eld teams will participate: Delatite, Manseld, and Wappan will travel to Benalla to play on the lawn rst round.
Social tennis will continue Wednesdays at 1pm all year round and 7pm in the o season. Everyone is welcome.
LAKE Eildon is a dynamic and diverse fishery where understanding the primary food sources for each species is essential for successful angling.
With a wide range of native and introduced species thriving in its waters, Lake Eildon offers a buffet of aquatic life that fuels its entire food chain.
Here’s a breakdown of the key food sources that drive feeding behaviour across species.
Redfin Perch
Redfin are opportunistic predators, with young fish feeding on zooplankton and aquatic invertebrates before shifting to small fish, shrimp, and insect larvae as they grow.
A key food item for larger redfin is the abundant population of juvenile galaxia, yabbies, and smaller redfin themselves - yes, they are cannibalistic.
During warmer months, they also actively chase schools of
Yellow belly
with BEN DEEBLE
baitfish in shallow bays and around submerged timber.
Murray Cod
As apex predators, Murray cod are primarily piscivorous, targeting smaller fish species such as redfin, galaxia, and juvenile trout. They also feed on crayfish, yabbies, and frogs, especially during periods of low light or when these prey items are on the move.
Cod are drawn to rocky outcrops, submerged timber, and drop-offs where ambush opportunities are abundant.
Anglers mimicking large baitfish or crustaceans with lures will often find success.
Golden perch feed heavily on shrimp, small yabbies, minnows, and insects, particularly during the spring and summer when invertebrate activity increases.
In deeper water, they target baitfish near submerged trees or rocky points.
Surface insect hatches, particularly around dusk, also bring perch closer to the top where they sip emerging mayflies and midges.
Brown and Rainbow Trout
Trout in Lake Eildon feed on a wide array of food items depending on the season and water temperature. Their diet includes aquatic insects (mayflies, caddis, midges), terrestrial insects (especially in the warmer months), baitfish, and crustaceans.
In spring and autumn, trout chase schools of smelt and galaxia, while in cooler months
they often cruise the edges looking for worms, beetles, and drowned insects.
Carp
Although not targeted by most anglers, carp play a role in the ecosystem and are primarily bottom feeders, consuming detritus, plant matter, algae, and invertebrates like worms and insect larvae.
They stir up the bottom, affecting water clarity and sometimes displacing food items for other fish.
Final Tip
Matching your bait or lure presentation to what the fish are feeding on is crucial.
Right now, with warming water, baitfish activity is rising, and crayfish are on the move. Fish are switching into an aggressive feeding modeespecially cod and redfin - so now is a great time to work baitfish profiles, craw imitations, and shrimp-like soft plastics.
THE Eagles netballers got their season underway this weekend when Mooroopna made the three hour, 240km, round trip to Mansfield on a cool autumn morning.
While the weekend’s netball was long awaited and hotly anticipated after a long, dry summer without any netball, round one proved to be something of a mixed bag for the Mansfield Eagles netball teams with the results not quite going Mansfield’s way despite strong performances across the board.
Lucie Hutchins, coach of the A Grade side, said the day was largely positive despite losses in four of the five games played across the age groups.
“After a ripper preseason, the juniors have been raring to go for a while now and they didn’t disappoint,” she said.
“At this stage in the season we are looking to lay strong foundations for the games that lie ahead and I think we saw that in each of the teams.
“Throughout the age groups it felt like the girls were coming together and finding their connections on the court.”
A GRADE
Mansfield 25 lost to Mooroopna 50 Best on Court (Sponsored by Mansfield Foodworks)- Amelia Charlton Coaches Award (Sponsored by Byrne Seeds)- Sophie Bray Players Player (Sponsored by Burnt Creek Cottages)- Emily Hutchins “It was a tough ask going up
against a strong Mooroopna side in the first match of the season,” Lucie said
“We are a side in the middle of a rebuild, we are trying to build depth and in round one we showed a lot of promise but Mooroopna made us pay for lapses in concentration and in judgement.
“Junior superstar Eva Clydesdale made her A Grade debut and she made herself at home on a court filled with talented seniors, her intensity and work ethic shone with many intercepts and pressure attempts playing with wisdom beyond her years.”
Eva looks set to continue playing with the U17s while her development and her workload are managed but while she continues to play the way she did at the weekend, she will likely continue to make appearances at A Grade level throughout the year.
Also making her debut was Sophie Bray.
A former Best & Fairest winner with Katamatite brought all of her leadership, skill, and experience to the group and looks to be a great pickup for the eagles.
B GRADE
Mansfield 23 lost to Mooroopna 75 Best on Court (Sponsored by Mansfield Foodworks)- Grace Evans Coaches Award (sponsored by Mansfield Hotel)- Belle Edwards Players Player (Sponsored by Burnt Creek Cottages)- Meg Mahoney
“The B-Grade got off to a slow start and showed some round one
nerves in a difficult match against Mooroopna,” Lucie Hutchins said.
“Though they played plenty of games together last year, an interrupted preseason created a lack of cohesion on the court.
“But, given how well they know each other, they are going to click into gear in the coming weeks and when they do, we will see the performances they are capable of.
“And hopefully the results will follow.”
B RESERVE
Mansfield 24 lost to Mooroopna 48 Best on Court (Sponsored by Home at Alpine)- Remy Stevenson Coaches Award (Sponsored by Luna Bar)- Emma Edwards
Players Player (Sponsored by Burnt Creek Cottages)- Lilian Currie
“The B Reserve are a very new team,” Lucie Hutchins said.
“They’re very young but they showed a lot of fight against Mooropna.
“They always have smiles on their faces, they’re a positive bunch of girls who took the defeat as a lesson and they will keep growing through the season.
17 AND UNDER Mansfield 36 def Mooroopna 28 Best on Court (Sponsored By Joanne Holt)- Jaspa Robinson Coaches Award (Sponsored by Subway Mansfield)- Eva Clydesdale
Players Player (Sponsored by Burnt Creek Cottages)- Jaspa Robinson
THERE were lots of nerves leading into the match with Mooropna.
We knew it wasn’t going to be an easy match against last year’s runners up.
The girls definitely didn’t let their nerves show.
The first two quarters of the match were goal for goal as both teams fought to stay even with each other.
At the end of the first half it was 16-16.
Progressing into the third quarter the turnovers coming out of defence by Jaspa, Eva, and Ava allowed our mid court of Kiara, Esher and Harper to smoothly transition the ball into the goal ring.
Then with Sienna, Annie and Maddie’s sharp accurate shooting it helped us secure a 7 point lead going
into the fourth quarter.
We had fought so hard for that lead and we were not ready to let it go.
After an amazing effort from all the girls, we ended the game 8 points ahead.
What a way to start the season!
“The U17s are such an impressive group of young girls,” Lucie Hutchins said after their 8 point victory.
“They have worked so hard this preseason under their coach, Bella Riley, and they will push all the way to the finals.”
15 AND UNDER Mansfield 33 lost to Mooroopna 49 Best on Court (Sponsored by Mansfield Armchair Cinema)- Charlee Bretherton
Coaches Award (Sponsored by Subway Mansfield)- Lizzie Hotton
Players Player (Sponsored by Burnt Creek Cottages)- Lily Olver
“The U15s are a very young team coming out of Mansfield’s junior netball system,” Lucie Hutchins said.
“Going up against Mooroopna in their first game outside the juniors was always going to be difficult.
“The intensity of the game wore them down a little bit and they fadded.
“But it is a wonderful introduction to the standards required at U15 level and they will come back stronger because of it.
“It will be really interesting to see how the girl’s next game against Mooroopna goes because I think we will see a lot of growth there.”
GOALS: MANSFIELD: Jack Hutchins 4; William Hogan 2; Sam Thomson 2; Nick Gray 1; Ben Les 1; Brett Mahoney 1. MOOROOPNA: Oscar Emanuelli 2; Isaac Dowling 1; Kobie Issell 1; Jack Osborne 1. BEST: MANSFIELD: Dirk Koenen, Matthew King, Sam Thomson, Gus van der Heyden, Nick Gray. MOOROOPNA: Kai Madgwick, Jordan Formica, Isaac Dowling, Dom Gugliotti, Jack Johnston.
SHEPPARTON 3.7 7.11 12.19 16.23.119
TATURA 0.1 1.3 1.4 2.6.18
GOALS: SHEPPARTON: Lewis McShane 5; Zaydan Leocata 3; Jacob Watts 3; Noah Brodie 1; Trent Herbert 1; Tanner Madigan 1; Zac Metcalf 1; Xavier Stevenson 1. TATURA: Ben Darrou 1; Will Russell 1. BEST: SHEPPARTON: Bryce Stephenson, Lewis McShane, Adam Decicco, Jacob Watts, Tanner Madigan. TATURA: Michael Archer, Kitt McCamley, Mitchell Elliott, Liam Scopelliti, Chris Ryan.
A Grade: Mansfield 25 def by Mooroopna 50; Shepp Swans 59 def Benalla 21; Shepparton 62 def Tatura 50; Rochester 43 def by Seymour 59; Echuca 44 def Shepp Utd 41; Kyabram 33 def by Euroa 75
B Grade: Mansfield 23 def by Mooroopna 75; Shepp Swans 45 def Benalla 25; Shepparton 47 def Tatura 40; Rochester 43 def by Seymour 44; Echuca 59 def Shepp Utd 21; Kyabram 29 def by Euroa 60
B Reserve: Mansfield 24 def by Mooroopna 48; Shepp Swans 42 def Benalla 34; Shepparton 18 def by Tatura 32; Rochester 37 def by Seymour 45; Echuca 27 def by Shepp Utd 32; Kyabram 29 def by Euroa 44 17 & Under: Mansfield 36 def Mooroopna 28; Shepp Swans 45 def Benalla 36; Shepparton 47 def Tatura 29; Rochester 48 def Seymour 24; Echuca 57 def Shepp Utd 33; Kyabram 52 def Euroa 42 15 & Under: Mansfield 31 def by Mooroopna 49; Shepp Swans 48 def Benalla 27; Shepparton 47 def Tatura 7; Rochester 39 def Seymour 28; Echuca 50 def Shepp Utd 49; Kyabram 26 def by Euroa 60
SATURDAY, APRIL 12
Mooroopna vs Rochester
Seymour vs Shepparton Swans
Euroa vs Echuca
Benalla vs Shepparton Tatura vs Kyabram
GOALS: ECHUCA: Kane Morris 3; Cooper Barber 2; Samuel Edgar 2; Jackson Stewart 2; Hugh Byrne 1; Jack Mchale 1; Leo O’Brien 1; Logan Orr 1; Samuel Reid 1. SHEPPARTON UNITED: Kyle Clarke 2; Tom Bennett 1; Kade Chalcraft 1; Jayedon Hexter 1; Hume Hurley 1; Liam Serra 1. BEST: ECHUCA: Mitchell Wales, Jackson Stewart, Jack Mchale, Benjamin Reid, Cameron Valentine. SHEPPARTON UNITED: Caidan Phillips, Liam Serra, Blake Fothergill, Declan Newbound, Jesse Cucinotta.
SHEPP SWANS 3.3 9.10 17.12 20.17.137 BENALLA 3.0 5.2 5.4 7.6.48
GOALS: SHEPPARTON SWAN: Andrew Riordan 4; Steele Simpson 4; Liam Rachele 3; Zac Alderton 2; Tyreece Collison 2; Nathan Rachele 2; Max Clohesy 1; Adam Fichera 1; Oliver Warburton 1. BENALLA: Nathan Wright 4; Max Cullen 1; Tom Riley 1; Nicholas Warnock 1. BEST: SHEPPARTON SWAN: Oliver Warburton, Andrew Riordan, Liam Rachele, Max Clohesy, Jonathan Moore. BENALLA: Mark Marriott, Christopher Welsh, Sam Begley, Charlie Mccarthy, Nathan Wright.
KYABRAM 6.3 7.5 10.8 14.10.94
EUROA 2.3 2.6 5.7 8.9.57
GOALS: KYABRAM: Tom Holman 3; Archie Watt 3; Charlie Barnett 1; Zac Cerrone 1; Anthony Depasquale 1; Riley Ironside 1; Nicholas Jephson 1; Michael Mattingly 1; Zachary Norris 1; Jack Russell 1. EUROA: Nicholas Asquith 2; Andrew Bell 2; Will Creevey 1; Jacob Gleeson 1; Ryan Hill 1; Marcus Varley 1. BEST: KYABRAM: Archie Watt, Jake Parkinson, Aidan Robinson, Michael Mattingly, Kaine Herbert. EUROA: Cohen Paul, Nic Burke, Jacob Gleeson, Will Creevey, Jake Penman.
ROCHESTER 3.0 10.5 14.7 18.11.119
SEYMOUR 2.2 3.5 3.7 5.10.40
GOALS: ROCHESTER: Hugh Hamilton 4; Tobie Woodfine 3; Mitch Cricelli 2; Mitchell Trewhella 2; Wil Hamilton 1; Adam McPhee 1; Nash Ramage 1; Nate Rasmussen 1; Lincoln Sieben 1; Dillon Williams 1; Sean Williams 1. SEYMOUR: Nathan Beattie 1; Lucas Cavigan 1; Lachlan Giles 1; Tom Jeffrey 1; Oliver Munro 1. BEST: ROCHESTER: Mitchell Trewhella, Dylan Gordon, Hamish Hooppell, Wil Hamilton, Bailey Boyack. SEYMOUR: Nicholas Quigg, Jack Murphy, Lachlan Beattie, Dylan Cook, Lucas Cavigan.
By ALLI WALKER
MANSFIELD Swim Club has dived into the short course (25m pool) racing season with a strong start, beginning with a small but determined team competing at the Shepparton Swimming Club Short Course Meet on Sunday, 30th March.
This event was a fantastic opportunity for our swimmers to convert their hard work from summer and 50-metre pool competition into short course performances.
The results spoke for themselves, with a number of new personal bests and even a handful of Country Championships qualifying times achieved.
Congratulations to Heidi Setchell, Vivian and Harvey Knight, Liana Smith, and Kezi Wolfe for their outstanding e orts.
The momentum continued at our second meet of the season on Sunday 6th April,
hosted by the Seymour Sharks Swim Club. Their inaugural short course event welcomed swimmers from across the state, including Geelong, Bendigo, Albury and Melbourne.
Team Mans eld rose to the challenge with 12 swimmers giving their all in highly competitive races.
A special shoutout to Luiza Zuzaniak (7) who made her competition debut and did a stellar job, backed by the support of her teammates.
The meet wrapped up with some fun and fast-paced mixed relays, rounding out a fantastic day of racing.
Well done to all our swimmers: Luiza and Simon Zuzaniak, Clara, Edward and Rowena Creighton, Vivian Knight, Heidi Setchell, Zali McCoombe, Chloe Pelling, Liana Smith, Paris Hopwood, and Joey McGuigan.
Bring on the rest of the short course season.
A GRADE
By ERIN BROND
Bonnie Doon 50 def
Best on Court: Bec Watson sponsored by Shell Fuel Bonnie Doon Coaches Award: Chloe Cash sponsored by Foodworks
ROUND two saw the bombers on the road again, this time to the North Wangaratta rec reserve.
The new look Bonnie Doon team knew we were in for a hard fought match in deceivingly hot conditions.
We came out strong across the court in the rst two quarters, our attackers scoring 27 goals while the defenders limited the Hawks to 9 by the main break.
The second half saw a few mistakes creep in from fatigue and inexperience playing with one another, but the bombers were still able to pile on the goals while making the Hawks work hard for their reward.
The nal siren went as the scores sat at 50-27.
Massive games from our “book ends” saw to this scoreline.
Newly returned Bec Watson owned the goal keeper position, with intimidating hands over pressure, countless rebounds, and de ections galore, landing herself a best on court award. Up the other end Amy Starzer in shooter notched up a massive 46 goals under immense pressure.
Along with her impressive stats, Starzy provides a sense of calm within the attack end and in uences the way the game is played.
Stella Brakels continues to grow into her style of play and is adjusting well to the senior level. Between putting shots up she put in massive amounts of hard work out the front, drawing defenders, always being an option at the ball and never giving a bad pass.
Chloe Cash worked brilliantly o
the line in WA, taking many centre pass receives and feeding well into the goalers.
Her work rate did not go unnoticed as she earned herself the coaches award.
Shannon Cameron ran out the centre for the whole game awlessly, getting tips and intercepts up one end then passing with precision into the hot hands of the goalers up the other end.
Erin Brond stuck to hard one on one defence against some speedy wing attacks, forcing the Hawks to nd other options.
Cass Turner in GD slipped seamlessly between one on and oating defence to pick up numerous intercepts making the attackers question every pass that went near her. It’s great to be on the board in 2025, and we look forward to building through the rest of the season.
This week we face Moyhu for our rst home game of the season.
This is an extra special weekend, as the ag presentations of the 15s, 17s and A grade premiership ags from last season will take place.
Each will be presented before their respective games.
Be sure to get out to Doon for a great day of netball and football kicking o from 9.10.
Go Bombers!
B GRADE
By ALICIA FOSTER
Bonnie Doon 44 defeated North Wangaratta 20
Best on Court: Cass McCormack sponsored Bonnie Doon Pub Coaches Award: Jess Harris sponsored by Mans eld Holiday Letting
COMING back from a loss the week before, the B Grade ladies were determined to come out strong and prove themselves.
With a few changes to the squad this week we saw Cass McCormack
back alongside Emmeline Evans in the defensive end proving that good communication is key to stopping North Wang’s shooters from getting close to the ring.
In the mid Court, Jess, Casey and Alicia moved the ball smoothly using quick drives and sharp passes to bring it down to our powerhouse shooters Jess Armstrong and Cobie McCormack who rewarded all the hard work of the team by keeping that score rising with accurate shots to get us ahead in the end.
B RESERVE By ASHLEE TEAGAN
Bonnie Doon: 61 defeated North Wangaratta 15
Best on court: Stephanie Evans sponsored by Bonnie Doon Pub Coaches Award: Amy Clapham sponsored by Alpine Home
THE Bonnie Doon attacking end came out strong scoring 23 goals in the rst quarter.
Grace, Mish, Maddi, Ace and Casey’s speed and accuracy was too much for the North Wang defenders.
The strong defensive line up, Hannah, Webby, Relle, Liv, Pank and Ash made great use of tactical subs and were able to keep North Wang’s attackers to only 7 goals at half time.
The heat and unwavering work e ort saw lots of changes however this did not disrupt Bonnie Doon’s momentum and saw the lead increase at half time 35-7.
Third quarter started and the Bonnie Doon girls came out with the same Doon spirit and determination.
Constant pressure the whole way down the court, some impressive intercepts and using systems saw the girls continue to increase the lead 48-13.
As the nal siren sounded it was Bonnie Doon who claimed the win 61-15.
A fantastic e ort by all the girls.
UNDER 17’S
By CHLOE CAMPBELL
Bonnie Doon 71 defeated North Wangaratta 18
Best on court: Amy Cash sponsored by Bonnie Doon Football Players Coaches Award: Keira Thornton sponsored by Bonnie Doon Football Players
THE under 17s had a comfortable win this weekend against North Wangaratta Hawks, defeating them 71 - 18.
The game kicked o well with Keira and Charli scoring 19 goals in the rst quarter and the defenders keeping North Wang to only 6.
As the second quarter unfolded Amy was on top of the intercepts, while Sadie was persistent with her strong, fast drives to bring the ball down the court.
In the third quarter, a few positions were swapped, Bonnie Doon kept their lead and made North Wang work hard to keep up. The third quarter scores nished at 50-16. Bonnie Doon’s consistently superb footwork, amazing defence, perfect passes along with a nice balance on the court lead to the teams strong lead in position.
The nal quarter started with another few positions changed, but that didn’t stop Bonnie Doon’s momentum.
Tilly and Bella’s defence kept North Wang to only scoring 2 goals in the last quarter.
UNDER 15’S
By ANNIE ARMSDEN
Bonnie Doon 80 defeated North Wangaratta 8
Best on court: Lara Klingsporn sponsored by Bonnie Doon Football Players
Coaches Award: Carly Desmond sponsored by Bonnie Doon Football Players
ON Saturday, it was a sunny day at North Wangaratta Netball Courts. Bonnie Doon’s under-15s team secured an outstanding win, walking away with an impressive nal score of 80 - 8.
The first quarter began with Bonnie Doon setting a personal team goal of 20 points and keeping the opposition to only 4 points.
Lara Klingsporn and Annie Armsden swi ly dominated the ring, rarely missing a goal.
By the end of the rst quarter, the scoreboard read 3 - 23 Bonnie Doon’s way.
The second quarter unfolded similarly, with all players determined for the ball. Halfway through the quarter, a quick tactical change saw Holly Klingsporn come on into WD, giving the girls a second boost.
With the pressure of the mid-quarters, Carly Desmond and Brydie Thornton, the team gained possession of the ball, countlessly leading into halftime.
With one half done and another to play, the scores were 41 - 7 on the scoreboard.
Heading into the third quarter, Bonnie Doon made some positional changes.
Wearing the GS bib was now Sophie Doeven, who shot at a high percentage throughout the last half.
Applying excellent defense pressure Franzi Stumpf, Willow Brakels, and Erin Mahoney kept North Wang’s attacking end to only 1 point during the third quarter. In the fourth and nal quarter, all the girls put in an exceptional e ort, keeping the Hawks scoreless.
With the game coming to an end, the under-15s showed just what they are made of and truly worked as a team, concluding the game with a 72-point win, 80 - 8. Well done, Bombers!
*Ladder correct at time of print from Ovens and King website.
A GRADE:
Milawa 39 def Greta 31
King Valley 22 def by Tarrawingee 49
Nth Wang 27 def by Bonnie Doon 50 Moyhu 36 def by Goorambat 41
B GRADE:
Milawa 45 def Greta 34; Nth Wang 20 def by Bonnie Doon 44; Moyhu 34 def by Goorambat 41
B RESERVE:
Milawa 21 def by Greta 39; Nth Wang 15 def by Bonnie Doon 61; Moyhu 47 def Goorambat 23;
C GRADE Nth Wangaratta 18 def by Bonnie Doon 71; Moyhu 58 def Goorambat 9
�� & UNDER King Valley 27 def by Tarrawingee 41; Milawa 36 def Greta 30; Nth Wangaratta 8 def by Bonnie Doon 80; Moyhu 43 def Goorambat 8 Not all scores available at time of print
BONNIE DOON vs MOYHU
GOORAMBAT vs GRETA
WHOROULY vs KING VALLEY
BENALLA vs NTH WANGARATTA
TARRAWINGEE vs MILAWA
BRIGHT � BYE
GOALS: BRIGHT: C. Thomason 6, W. Wales 3, L. Quirk 3, P. Bren 2, S. Dalbosco 1, R. Bacon 1, M. Kinthari 1, J. Love 1. WHOROULY: A. Newton 1, J. Smith 1. BEST: BRIGHT: D. Chellew, W. Wales, J. Crawley, S. Dalbosco, C. Banks, A. Dalbosco. WHOROULY: J. Smith, C. Southern, R. Eden, G. White, C. Wood, S. Ferguson.
NTH WANGARATTA 3.3 5.5 6.7 11.7.73
BONNIE DOON 3.3 8.3 9.6 11.8.74
GOALS: NORTH WANGARATTA : C. Smith 4, B. Lane-Gee 3, J. Devine 3, T. Schulze 1. BONNIE
DOON : J. Law 5, L. Walsh 2, E. Ivill 1, K. Curran 1, P. Cairns 1, J. Curtin 1. BEST: NORTH WANGARATTA : M. Smith, B. Raggett, M. Curtis, C. Smith, T. Schulze, D. Bradley. BONNIE
DOON : J. Law, P. Cairns, T. Snooks, J. Malan, B. Hedin, J. Curtin.
KING VALLEY 4.7 7.9 9.16 11.18.84 TARRAWINGEE 1.2 3.3 4.6 7.9.51
GOALS: KING VALLEY: B. Wheeler 3, T. Mears 2, H. Sims 2, S. Jansen 2, J. Finger 1, J. Cook
1. TARRAWINGEE: N. Gorman 2, W. Phillips 1, S. Piper 1, A. Cook 1, O. Sharp 1. BEST: KING VALLEY: Jack Davies TARRAWINGEE:
MILAWA 5.2 6.4 8.9 11.11.77
GOALS: MILAWA : B. Bartlett 4, H. Allan 2, A. Law 2, J. Lea 1, J. Radovanovic 1, B. Kearns
1. GRETA : F. Judd 5, C. Crawford 3, J. McClounan 2, B. Pearson 1, J. Kelly 1, L. Kennett 1, B. Newbold 1, T. Arrowsmith 1. BEST: MILAWA : H. Allan, B. Kearns, A. Law, D. Bihun, J. Radovanovic, J. Lea. GRETA : L. Kennett, J. Kelly, X. Wales, J. McClounan, T. Arrowsmith, C. Crawford.
GOALS: MOYHU : H. Grant 4, D. West 1, D. McDonald 1, N. Stewart 1, B. Zimmermann 1, N. Gamble 1. GOORAMBAT : D. Haebich 4, R. Goodley 4, A. Blackburn 1, S. Briggs 1, J. Dunne 1, C. Hunter 1. BEST: MOYHU : H. Grant, L. Suffield, H. Verdon, D. McDonald, C. Gibson, P. McNamara. GOORAMBAT : C. Anker, J. Dunne, S. Emmett, J. Taylor, M. Ryan, K. Black.
Mansfield get the season o to perfect start with convincing round one
By MIKE SMITH
THE Mans eld Recreation Reserve came to life with the rst game of the season feel while mild but sunny weather made it the perfect day to get proceedings underway.
It was Mooroopna who made the stronger start scoring four goals to Mans eld’s one in the rst quarter.
But in scoring Mans eld’s goal, Jack Hutchins sent a message to the opposition backline.
He was the unstoppable force that would meet Mooroopna’s unmovable backline.
And, with the assistance of quality delivery from those around him, he would not stop until he made them move.
Though the Cats would lead by 18 going into quarter time, Mans eld were ready for takeo .
In the second quarter, the large crowd at Mans eld Rec Reserve witnessed one-way footy.
And it all went Mans eld’s way.
With Hutchins and Sam Thompson both kicking two goals apiece a er Nick Gray open the half with a goal of his own, Mooroopna were unable to reply with anything other than a single behind.
Mans eld were relentless on the ball, overlapping well and spotting the free man over and over.
Delivering accurately with the boot and swi ly out of hand, in that second quarter the Eagles made their opposition look like tra c cones and while there was plenty of footy le to play a er quarter time, Mooroopna looked beaten.
A tight third quarter followed in which the teams exchanged a goal a piece, Mans eld’s coming from Billy Hogan.
The fourth quarter resulted in another blow out with Hogan scoring his second, Hutchins his fourth and Brett Mahoney came to the party late on with a goal of his own while the team’s aggressive defence kept the Cats to three behinds.
when they did, an aggressive defence was waiting for them. INSET: QUALITY PERFORMANCE: Mansfield looked dominant all over the park, barely giving Mooroopna a glimpse of hope a er recovering from a slow start in the first quarter.
Eagles coach Jack Hutchins was delighted with the performance and the win.
“It was really good to start the season with a win,” he said.
“They caught us o guard in the rst quarter, their speed out of hand was really impressive.
“Fortunately we were able to address some things at quarter time and we really turned it around.
“The boys brought more intensity around the ball and we were able to get points on the board.
“At half time we looked back over the two quarters and it showed us perfectly what happens when we bring that intensity and when we don’t.
“The boys kept it up in the second half and we secured a really impressive win.
“Dirk Koenan and Matt King were great o half-back.
“The e ort they made to get forward meant we o en had an extra man and an extra target.
“Nick Grey had a great game.
“So did Sam Thompson up top.”
On his own four goal performance, Hutchins was humble.
“I felt lucky to be able to take advantage of all the other boys hard work,” he said.
“It was nice to kick straight because it doesn’t always work that way.”
Elsewhere, the reserves thrashed their Mooroopna counterparts by 110 points in a 132-22 victory.
Charlie Christopher and Al Bennet were both in blistering form,
scoring eight and six goals respectively.
Mooroopna managed to salvage something from the weekend’s footy when the U18s managed a 30 point victory over the the U18s Eagles, coming away comprehensive winners in the 70-40 victory.
The Eagles head to Deakin Reserve in Shepparton this week; a tough clash with Shepparton United awaits them there but they will be lled with con dence a er a big victory in round one.
