GRAEME Stoney, Alan Rice, and Dave Stoney at Blu Hut, a place steeped in High Country history. The Stoney family built the original hut in the 1950s while running cattle in the area. A er the 2006 fires, Alan Rice helped rebuild it, preserving a vital piece of the past.
PHOTO: Christian and Laura Hayes, Hidden Trails by Horseback
By MIKE SMITH
THE SUN shone down on the High Country for the 138th edition of the Tolmie Sports Day.
It seems, that a er 138 editions of the historic Tolmie event, the organisers have perfected it.
Fun and games, delicious food and cold drinks, friendly faces and larger than life characters.
The event had everything it has come to be known for, and everything you could want from a
day amongst the gums at the top of the hill.
The organisers, past and present, deserve a round of heartfelt applause for preserving the iconic event which is now thriving well into its third century.
There was no better place to be than Tolmie Recreation Reserve on Saturday, to experience the High Country way of life and the community spirit our shire has come to embody.
It wasn’t all plain sailing in the lead
up to the event with the Tolmie Sports Association enduring a di cult 2024.
The challenge they faced in forming a new committee had le question marks over whether the iconic event would be able to keep going.
But Tolmie and Mans eld Shire came together in getting behind the event and a er a surge in community support the proud event moved forwards with its 138th edition. From the moment Dr Helen Haines opened the proceedings in the Axemen Arena, it was a day to remember.
Tolmie Sports Day’s 138th anniversary goes o without a hitch
First-time Tolmie Sports Association president Sarah McDonald was thrilled with the success of the annual sports day.
“The crowd was one of the best in years,” she said.
“It was wonderful seeing all the usual people here and all the new families here for their rst time.
“It was a team e ort where everyone comes out to help.
“We have never known a community like Tolmie.”
■ Continued page 2
■ From front page
The crowd gathered from near and far for all of the traditional attractions and events including the hot saw, the foot races competed in by the young and the not so young, the three man challenge is back and the gumboot toss was made possible by Bata shoes and their donation of a golden gumboot.
Federal member for Indi, Dr Helen Haines was impressed by the ghting spirit and resilience that the events produces in the youth who participate, she said she was particularly struck by Bentley, a junior woodchopper who, despite coming in last, “kept chopping to the bitter end.”
State member for Eildon, Cindy McLeish was thrilled to select and subsequently get the opportunity to meet the 2025 Mr and Ms Tolmie Sports, Alby Marshall and Ruby Le Cerf respectively.
“The kids are so lovely, as were their parents!” said Ms McLeish.
“Alby had already been in three events and was going to compete again.
“There was a three year old hanging out in the wood chop learning the caper.”
Mary Reilly, Assistant Secretary of the Tolmie Sports Association was pleased to see the historic event receive all the support that came its way.
“Our volunteers were amazing
and brilliantly supported by so many individuals and businesses from the Mans eld Shire and beyond.
“What a wonderful day they all helped to make.
“We had a very successful event (over 1500 visitors) and there were happy, cheerful people everywhere.
“Lots of fun at the foot races and novelty events.
“The Bata Shoes Golden Gumboot Toss was very popular, the horse events drew almost nearly 50 horses for a variety of horse games.
“The axemen were again a wonderful drawcard with the North East Championship being
won by Laurence O’Toole Jnr; closely followed by Jarrod Williams and Jason Kirley in second and third respectively, continuing a distinguished history of those family names in the Woodchop arena of the Tolmie Sports.”
The hard work complete and the event nished, the volunteers who have worked tirelessly for months to get it over the line get to take a well deserved break before they start thinking about the 139th edition of the Tolmie Sports Day.
Here is to 138 more editions of this very special day so beloved by the people of Tolmie and the Mans eld Shire community as a whole.
AN ALLEGED drunken boatie was among 14 vessel operators caught outing the law at Lake Eildon last weekend.
The 38-year-old skipper had several passengers on board a 3.5 metres tinny when he was intercepted by the Water Police Squad about 5pm on Friday January 31.
He went positive on a preliminary breath test and allegedly blew 0.134 during an evidentiary breath test.
The Kilsyth man had his marine licence immediately suspended for six months and was ned $840.
The squad – which regularly patrols the popular waterway throughout summer – conducted more than 60 vessel inspections, licence checks and breath tests during last weekend’s deployment.
Eight further boaties were issued with infringement notices for:
Operating a boat without a licence
Failing to carry a lifejacket (x4)
Towing a skier without an observer (x2) Failing to maintain safety gear
Water Police also had jet skis closely in their sights.
Four riders were caught allegedly speeding too close to shore or other vessels, while another was ned $988 for riding unlicensed.
The Water Police Squad will continue to have a highly visible presence at inland waterways this summer.
Several planned operations will take place across Victoria, on top of regular patrols.
“If you’re planning to drink, don’t get behind the wheel,” said Water Police Acting Senior Ser-
geant Dave McHenry.
“We all know how devastating the consequences can be.
“Lifejackets also remain an issue.
“They are mandatory for jet ski riders, children under 12, solo boaties and in small boats up to and including 4.8 metres yet we still see people without them,” he said.
“Police will continue to conduct breath tests, vessel inspections and licence checks to ensure everyone is playing their part this summer.”
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THURSDAY:
FRIDAY:
TUESDAY:
Classi
BY SHAUN McMAHON smcmahon@ nemedia.com.au
IN hot and blustery conditions
following lightning strikes last week, res took hold across several parts of the shire, including Maindample and Sawmill Settlement.
The largest re ignited at the Paps, sending thick plumes of smoke across the region.
Several local re crews battled the ames on the ground, while aircra , including helicopters and planes, dropped pink re retardant to slow the re’s spread.
Once contained, crews spent the night assisting with blacking out and patrolling the re, with crews remaining in attendance days later.
Further res broke out, with one along the Maroondah Highway at Maindample and two in the Sawmill Settlement/Mt Russell Reserve area.
One re, located 1.5km northeast of the Sawmill township, saw six emergency vehicles respond.
The other was successfully contained earlier in the morning.
It burned through two hectares, with ve emergency vehicles attending.
Tolmie and District Fire Brigade formed part of the response to the res ignited by lightning last
flames across the region.
week, sending its tanker and crew rstly to Sawmill Settlement and then its Ultralight to the grass re at Maindample.
The re at Maindample was in steep and rugged (but spectacular) hilly terrain.
Crews spent the whole night at the scene patrolling the
perimeter of the burned area to ensure the re did not escape.
Many tyres needed repairing a er the job was done.
Tolmie’s Captain, Milton Taylor, spoke about the current conditions across the region.
“The pattern of weather we are getting at the moment of
thunderstorms developing late in the day, results in hundreds of strikes across the landscape,” he said.
“Fortunately not many of them actually result in a re, but when they do, they o en start in country that is di cult to access, or grass res that run quickly.
GROUND CREWS: Local CFA teams worked through the night to contain fires sparked by lightning last week. ▶ AIRCRAFT DROP: Aircra bombed fires with retardant and water, such as this fire in Howes Creek on the weekend, aiding ground crews in slowing the flames and preventing the spread across the dense terrain.
PHOTOS: Jordy MaloneyTolmie & District Fire Brigade
BLACKED OUT: The fire at Maindample was in steep and rugged (but spectacular) hilly terrain.
Jordy MaloneyTolmie & District Fire Brigade
“The availability of aircraft to drop water and retardants early on makes a huge difference in containing fires quickly, but when multiple fires break out in a short space of time those resources can become stretched.
FIRES CONTAINED: Firefighters responded to two blazes near Sawmill Settlement and Mt Russell Reserve, with crews and emergency vehicles working swi ly to prevent further spread.
“During the course of the Tolmie Sports our Ultralight Tanker was called to assist at a new re at Howes Creek.
“Again, a grass re in hilly terrain.
“Dramatic assistance from aerial support was a decisive factor in containing this relatively small re.”
Earlier in the week a smaller re was also reported on Hutchinson’s Road in Bonnie Doon and over the weekend, another south of Woods Point. Firefighters warned that dry conditions, combined with wind, had increased the risk of fast-moving grassfires across the region. Authorities continue to monitor hot spots and urge residents to remain vigilant.
For updates on re conditions and emergency warnings, visit the VicEmergency website or listen to the local emergency broadcaster.
REMARKABLE RESCUE: CFA volunteers staged another remarkable rescue last week a er a young calf fell down an abandoned minesha in Yarck.
FOLLOWING a unique rescue mission a couple of weeks ago, where the Jamieson CFA rescued a Jack Russell named Rosie from a mineshaft at the old Star of the West mine near Kevington, CFA volunteers staged another remarkable rescue last week after a young calf fell down an abandoned mineshaft in Yarck.
The Oscar Rescue Support Unit was alerted to the incident at around 8:57 am on Saturday morning.
Upon arrival, crews found the calf trapped approximately 20 metres underground.
Using a carefully rigged rope system and a harness, rescue personnel worked together over approximately three hours to bring the animal to safety.
Remarkably, the young calf was completely uninjured.
Oscar Fire Brigade 1st Lieutenant Karl Shay praised the team’s coordination and problem-solving skills in handling the tricky rescue.
“It was a fairly complex situation, before we could get down the shaft to reach the animal we needed to remove a stump that was blocking the entrance,” he said.
“I think the calf knew we were there to help, it was very calm throughout the whole process.
“Once we got the ropes on, we were able to safely bring the calf to safety.
“It’s not every day you get called to a rescue like this, but we’ll always be there when needed, whether it’s for people, property or livestock.”
The calf was safely reunited with its very relieved mother.
TWO Mans eld early childhood facilities will receive funding for upgrades and equipment as part of a state government initiative for more inclusive and accessible services for all children.
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes announced the recipients of the 2024-25 Building Blocks Inclusion Grants program last week February 5 which will help Victorian children reach their full potential.
“I’m proud to see services in the region bene t from this vital funding, creating spaces where every child feels included and empowered to reach their full potential,” said Ms Symes.
More than 400 services across the state will share in $9 million to upgrade facilities and buy specialist equipment.
These include Mans eld Adult Community Education’s (MACE) Mans eld Community Cubby House, and Mans eld Steiner School and Kindergarten in our local shire, with the facilities receiving $7149 and $8579 respectively.
Grants can be used to buy moveable and accessible equipment, such as mobility tools, adjustable furniture and sensory equipment.
Funding is designed for projects that help children engage in activities, build skills, and ensure early learning is
inclusive for all abilities.
The Steiner School and Kindergarten applied for a project called “Sensory play and ne motor development”, describing it as allowing “inclusion for all their children where they can feel they can be creative and have a sense of belonging whilst working with their peers”.
The other applicant Mans eld Community Cubby House’s project description had a focus on the purchase of “specialised inclusive educational equipment
designed to enhance accessibility and learning for children of all abilities”.
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn was equally enthusiastic about the positive outcomes for the state’s kindergartens.
“Every child deserves to actively participate at kindergarten, no matter their ability – these grants will make sure kinders have the inclusive facilities and equipment they need to support all children to grow, learn and play,” said Ms Blandthorn.
NOW that the paddocks around Mans eld are slowing disappearing, will provision in the multitude of new housing estates be made for open green spaces?
Our high country town is not a suburb of Melbourne and multi storey townhouses squashed together on small blocks are not appropriate here.
Planning for a livable town is essential and green spaces for everyone to enjoy should be included In all new developments Mary Parker, Mans eld
to the editor must be signed with the full name, address and contact telephone number of the author provided. Letters under 250 words are preferred and we reserve the right to edit letters to fit available space.
Nom de plumes will only be published at the editor’s discretion. Opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by this newspaper.
Email edit.mcourier@ nemedia.com.au
Post Mansfield Courier, 98 High St, Mansfield, Vic 3722
celebrate with a skate jam, BBQ, and giveaways on Saturday, February 22.
Community
THE much-anticipated Merton Skatepark Grand Opening has been rescheduled for Saturday, February 22, from 2 PM to 5 PM at the Merton Recreation Reserve.
Originally postponed due to poor weather, the event will now feature a Skate Jam, free giveaways from Yuki Threads, lawn games, and a BBQ. A bus service will also be
available for young people wanting to attend.
Built by Tectonic Civil in just ve weeks, the skatepark was made possible through $100,000 in grants from Regional Development Victoria, the Mans eld Community Bendigo Bank, the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, and Mans eld Shire Council.
“This project is a big deal for
Merton’s young people,” said Margaret FitzGerald, chair of Merton Recreation and Memorial Hall Reserves.
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this happen, including our sponsors and volunteers.”
For more details, contact Mans eld Shire Youth Services at youth.services@mans eld. vic.gov.au or call (03) 5775 8619.
MAYOR’S REPORT
By CR STEVE RABIE
FIRSTLY, I’d like to congratulate everyone involved in our Australia Day event and Citizenship Award ceremony.
It’s really the moment we celebrate some of the most important things to our community.
I was grateful for the opportunity to acknowledge the unwavering commitment and signi cant contribution made by many of our community members who were nominated or recipients of one of the prestigious awards.
Presiding over the Citizenship Ceremony was also a highlight for me personally as we welcomed ve resi-
We recognised the incredible contributions of community members and groups who have contributed to making Mans eld Shire the best community in the world.
dents who joined our Australian family.
Each of them brings unique skills and cultural perspectives that will continue to enrich our community.
The Christmas and New Year period is always incredibly busy in Mans eld and this year we saw a massive amount of visitors.
Not only was the High Street packed, but there was a lot of activity around other attractions.
Locally, this is a pressure on our systems - our roads and services are overwhelmed when we have peak visitation.
At the same time, these big tourism moments provide a valuable boost to our local businesses and economy.
At Council, the lead-up to Christmas was also a busy time.
We went to the Community Christmas Picnic twice a er the rst one was washed out.
Thanks to everyone involved in responding quickly to a rescheduled event - especially the MAD Orchestra and Mans eld Community Chorus.
It was such a success and an important community moment to bring everyone together to celebrate Christmas.
As we head into the new year, conversations have already commenced in relation to the development of our 2025-26 budget.
In developing the budget, we look at what funds will be required to continue our operations and maintain and renew our assets, as well as considering submissions from the community.
As always, we are asking and we are listening.
To date, 112 submissions have been received.
Tell us what’s most important to you by going to engage.mansfield.vic.gov. au/2025-26-budget.
SOLUTIONS are being sought by leading GPs to get more general practitioner training in rural areas as a delegation of doctors visits the state’s northeast this week.
Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) president Michael Wright is part of the delegation that will meet with new GP registrars during their orientation.
They will also meet with local practice owners, GPs, and RACGP members to discuss the issues they’re facing on the ground.
The RACGP trains 90 per
cent of the nation’s GPs.
Dr Wright said he was looking forward to meeting doctors and registrars in Wangaratta to learn about local issues.
“We know there is a shortage of local health services, which is a common problem in rural and remote communities across Australia,” Dr Wright said.
“Hospitals are o en a long drive away and it’s harder to get medicines, nurses, doctors, and specialists.
Dr Wright said it was ‘essential’ that health
care kept people healthy and out of hospital.
“Everyone in Australia deserves a ordable access to GP care, including those in our rural and remote communities,” he said.
“There is simply no substitute for the quality care you get from a specialist GP who knows you and your history.”
Dr Wright said the RACGP had a plan for accessible and a ordable GP care in Australia and was calling on all political parties to invest in more GP training.
He said the government needed to address chronic illnesses in an aging population.
“The 2025 Federal Election is especially critical because the need for specialist GPs is skyrocketing.
“We need more specialist GPs, and we need them in rural communities like Wangaratta, (where) they often need support to relocate, and some may want to do extra training like emergency medicine.
“Funding can remove the barriers for GPs to go rural.”
The upcoming scheduled Council meeting is Tuesday 18 March 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 Community Connections Program, funded by Mansfield Shire Council, helps increase access to essential information and services. Whether you need help contacting a care provider, filling out forms, or finding local community groups, this program offers valuable support.
The Community Connections Officer is available for one-on-one appointments upon request. To arrange an appointment, please contact 03 5775 8515 or email jill.o’halloran@mansfield.vic.gov.au.
You may receive a call from independent market research agency National Field Services to ask you about Council's performance across a number of key areas. Your feedback helps us understand community views about our performance and guides our focus in the future. The survey is anonymous and confidential. When they call, they will call from a landline beginning with (03) 9977... - they will always identify themselves with their name and organisation - National Field Services.
Mansfield Code Club is returning this year, with the following sessions from 4pm - 5pm at the Mansfield Youth Centre, 7 Erril Street: Primary students (8-12 yrs) on Mondays Secondary students (12-18) on Wednesdays
If you’re interested in signing up scan the QR code. For more details or if you are interested in volunteering, please contact the Youth Team at 5775 8619.
Full details on the following matters can be found under 'Public Notices' in the Classified section of this week’s Mansfield Courier.
Council currently has the following employment opportunities available. For full details go to mansfield.vic.gov.au
Maternal & Child Health Nurse School Crossing Supervisor Revenue Assistant Work With Us
Restrictions
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
Councillors: Cr Steve
and wet weather can mean more mosquito biting and breeding, which increases the risk of mosquito-borne disease. Your only protection against mosquitoes and the diseases they can carry is to avoid mosquito bites. Learn how to keep yourself and your property safe at betterhealth.vic.gov.au
Expressions of Interest for lease of grazing land at 141 Lakins Road, Mansfield
Staying informed about the weather conditions in your area is crucial, whether you're at home or traveling across the state. With the ongoing hot and dry weather, alongside recent fires affecting parts of the Shire, it’s essential to monitor daily fire danger ratings.
You can do this through the VicEmergency App and the CFA (Country Fire Authority) website. Be sure to have a clear plan in place in case of a fire emergency, ensuring you’re prepared should a fire event occur.
JAMIESON ON THE LINE
with Carmel Dixon
JAMIESON Primary School
students enjoyed their swimming classes at the Jamieson Caravan Park Pool during the hot days last week.
This week, they are continuing to have fun as the hot weather persists. They will have four days this week to learn water safety and cool off.
The students also have a new specialist teacher at the school.
Last Friday, Miss Jess Harris joined the school as the Physical Education, Science, and Art teacher.
Miss Harris was welcomed by Principal Sonja Kalbitzer, the staff, and the students.
The MARC van visited Jamieson on Thursday.
This wonderful mobile resource is enjoyed every fortnight, offering an assortment of books for students to read and return.
Students also enjoy story readings and class interactions following the reading sessions.
The students are delighted with the school sandpit, which now features a new steel structure with a shade cover and plenty of sand.
ON Sunday morning,
PREPARATIONS: Local residents Chris Badrock and Peter Horan preparing to recycle the 11year old Autumn Festival sign, for the Jamieson Autumn Festival early April 2025. The volunteers are a vital cog in the preparation and running of the Festval.
Jamieson CFA members attended a new radio test at the fire station, using advanced new equipment. Instructor 2nd Lieutenant
Gerry Moloney conducted the test and explained the new techniques.
Three Jamieson CFA members - Steve Garito,
Rick West, and Peter Horan - attended a call-out to a fire at Gough’s Bay on Saturday night.
The fire, caused by
lightning strikes, was patrolled using an ultra-light firefighting vehicle to ensure it did not flare up again.
ON Sunday, two firefighting helicopters flew over Jamieson to service a fire near Woods Point, past Matlock on the Aberfeldie Track.
The crew retrieved water from the Jamieson area, carrying and dropping it at the fire site before returning to refill.
THE Jamieson Community Group meeting was held last week and was well attended.
It was a busy agenda, with most ideas and requests addressed.
Genevieve Bolwell spoke about the success of the Australia Day service in Jamieson.
She thanked everyone involved and those who attended.
The Australia Day Committee is looking to revamp the format for future years.
THE Jamieson and District Historical Society Inc. is planning another tour to an area of historical interest.
This tour, coordinated and led by Rudi Paoletti, will guide a group of interested people to Jericho.
The tour is scheduled for
early May, with further details to be announced soon.
A report on the Howqua Trail indicates that work is set to commence in early February.
Pipes and rocks will arrive soon, and work will follow shortly after.
All presentations have been approved.
This trail will provide residents and visitors to Howqua Inlet with a safe walking pathway from Edmanson Road to Barnetts Road, spanning 180 metres.
The area experiences a high volume of vehicles, and this welcome addition will enhance community safety and comfort.
THE Mac’s Cove and Howqua Inlet communities are eager to form Green Teams.
Community pride is evident, with residents actively engaging in local projects planned for the future.
The Howqua Inlet community has received a permit to adopt the small park near the Howqua River Bridge.
The team has embraced the challenge with tireless effort and enthusiasm.
Congratulations to all involved.
CONTINUING on from last week’s coverage, schools across the shire welcomed students back into the classroom for the start of the 2025 academic school year.
Mans eld Secondary College had 77 year seven students start at the school this year.
“It’s not our biggest year level, but numbers are certainly solid,” said principal Tim Hall.
“The students have been
very well prepared by our feeder primary schools, and they have been well supported by a transition program that we commenced in the middle of 2024.”
Mr Hall said the young people seemed to be a calm, settled year group and and the school was eager to get to know them.
“Like everywhere, the heat wave at the start of the school term is proving challenging, however we are coping as
best we can,” he said.
“Lots of icy-poles at lunchtime!”
Going into year 12 are 74 students with 32 of them working towards the vocational major quali cation.
“This is the biggest group we have had, enabling strength across a range of discipline areas,” he said.
“Our capacity to deliver a breadth of outcomes for students is important to us.
“We need to be able to sup-
port the growth of every student – our joy and our challenge is catering towards the needs of each young individual, something we consistently do very well.”
Mr Hall also con rmed the school had welcomed a number of new teaching sta at the college for 2025.
“They seem to be settling in well and getting on with the job,” he said.
Jamieson Primary School welcomed 13 students into
the classroom for 2025.
Although the school did not have any prep students begin this term, students and sta alike were excited at three new faces joining the school community.
This term Mrs Bolwell will be leading the school’s foundation to year two students, while principal Ms Kalibitzer will be working with the year three to year six students.
Returning to the school,
Mrs Bolwell was the principal prior to 2020.
Two of the new students are her grandchildren, making this the third lot of grandchildren that she has had the privilege of teaching here at Jamieson Primary School.
“We look forward to an exciting year of learning, growth, and community spirit,” said principal Sonja Kalibitzer.
■ More photos page 11
We’re completing critical landslip repairs on the Melba Highway in Dixons Creek, between Healesville-Kinglake Road and north of Hunts Lane.
Melba Highway will be closed to traffic and detours will be in place from 17 February to late March.
Melba Highway will open in both directions for the Labour Day long weekend from Friday 7 March until Tuesday 11 March with reduced speed limits.
Please support local businesses which remain open during works and are accessible by travelling via Yarra Glen.
Scan the QR code or find out more at transport.vic.gov.au/melbahighway
LIZ RITCHIE CEO, Regional Australia Institute (RAI)
THE dawn of a New Year brings with it a sense of hope and optimism and moves us one step closer to our collective vision of ‘rebalancing the nation’ensuring appropriate services and opportunities for all Australians no matter where they reside.
This is particularly front of mind in North Queensland, where incredible scenes of devastation are unfolding a er days of unrelenting rain. The people of this region are no strangers to a ‘big wet’ – but it is clear this ongoing natural disaster will leave a lasting impact and a ect the wider nation at large.
It is why, as we take this vision into 2025, we embrace the upcoming federal election as an opportunity to debate the issues that will shape this vision’s success or failure, ensuring the regions are a part of important national discussions.
Engaging with all leaders, both future and current, on regional Australia’s role within the national agenda is a critical priority. It is a chance for all sides of politics to listen to regional voters and to ensure that the promises they take to the next election, aligns with the current needs of regional Australia and contributes to the future prosperity of all Australians.
Key to prioritising regional Australia in the national debate is broad and deep acceptance of the role regional Australia is set to play in our nation’s future.
We currently feed the nation, power the nation and drive the top 10 exports. We represent 37% of the population, and for the rst time in seven decades, we welcome more city dwellers moving to regions each year, than the opposite direction. Record jobs, a lower cost of living, great communities and wide-open green spaces are some of the key reasons two-in- ve city dwellers (a stark 40%) are considering a move to the regions. So, what are the settings we require to enable this prosperity?
To achieve our vision of rebalancing the nation, we need to ask all our political leaders, current, future and aspiring the question – how well do you know regional Australia?
And this goes beyond our current political and governance environment, because every single ministerial department makes decisions that impact regional, rural and remote Australians. And it is every parliamentarian, Labor, Liberal, National, Green or Independent that has a say in policy making and the passing of legislation.
Are leaders who come from our cities aware of the very di erent challenges in regional Australia, so they can make decisions that propel regional Australia forward?
Are current and future members of our metropolitan seats aware that job vacancies in the regions have grown three times faster than in their own backyard?
Do they know that while cutting migrant numbers can relieve pressure in Melbourne and Sydney, they are already declining in regions
desperate for more skilled labour?
Are current and future members of metropolitan seats aware that while childcare is an issue in cities, the situation is dire in regional areas, which is creating a hand brake on social and economic opportunities for families and communities?
Does every urban politician appreciate what it means for regional Australia to be hosting 90% of Australia’s renewable energy projects – leading the energy transition and facing one of the biggest transformations in a generation?
Do they understand the liveability and service challenges this is placing on our regional communities, who were already hampered from multigenerational under-investment?
Housing, health, education and workforce training. Can you even imagine for a moment what it feels like to be told the local GP’s books are closed due to demand with no emergency facility within 300km?
Parties and politicians who
Urban and regional communities have di erent needs, they vote di erently and despite the smaller regional population, their vote can shi the balance of power.
focus on city-centric, one size ts all policy agendas, ignoring the challenges of regional Australia, will ultimately risk votes.
Anyone who still believes there ‘aren’t enough votes’ to matter in the regions, haven’t yet looked under the hood of recent elections.
At the 2022 federal election
Labor clinched power by swinging metropolitan seats. However, of the 18.5% of seats that swung towards the Liberal and National parties on two-party preferred preferences, 61% were in regional and rural areas. In the last Queensland election, the swing
right was modest in the cities but deemed huge in the regions.
In the United States, the surge in rural Republican votes was reported as ‘backlash’ to unpopular Democratic agriculture policy not focused on the needs of rural communities, and credited as one of the big contributors to a Trump win.
Urban and regional communities have di erent needs, they vote di erently and despite the smaller regional population, their vote can shi the balance of power.
Regional Australian communities want to hear how
policy, both present and future, will impact them and the speci c challenges they face. While issues like cost of living, housing and jobs are shared with metropolitan areas, the impact of relevant policies is o en very di erent.
If Australia wants to fast track to a more productive and prosperous nation, we need to shi our gaze to regional Australia.
As Australia’s only think tank focused on regional Australia, we continue to share the data and evidence that showcases the very real renaissance that is happening before our eyes – yet our capital cities or swinging seats continue to take centre stage.
Let’s not repeat history, let’s ensure that a vision for our nation has a vision for our regions at its centre. Over the coming months we’ll be sharing our plan for the future that propels our Regionalisation Ambition. We’d love to hear your ideas for the future as well – collective action is the only action worthy of pursuing.
LOCALS are stepping up to support Lake High – Great Victorian Walk for Autism, with around half of the 22 early bird teams and 70 walkers registered to date, living in and around Mans eld.
Many more of the walkers have ties to the area, whether it be through their connection with Mans eld Autism’s services or being regular visitors to the High Country.
Some of the local team names include ‘Goughs Baybes’, ‘Happy Hoofers’, ‘Lou t’, ‘Delatite Drivers Car Club’, ‘The Walking Well Fed’ and ‘Howqua Hikers’.
With the walk taking place on Saturday March 22, early bird registrations with a saving of $21 per person are open until the end of February.
Teams of two to ten will walk 15 or 30 kilometres along the Great Victorian Rail Trail
arriving in Mans eld where there will be a Celebration Hub set up at the Visitor Information Centre, complete with music, food, beverages and a pamper zone.
O ering up a new route for the 30 kilometre leg, walkers will now start from Woodeld which adds in the lovely stretch along Lake Eildon for participants to enjoy.
The 15 kilometre route begins in Maindample.
The walk also moves to a weekend timeslot in 2025, an important change from last year’s inaugural event which took place on a Friday.
“Mans eld has the ideal walking track in the Great Victorian Rail Trail, the perfect location for a weekend getaway and a wonderful reason to walk, to raise funds for our expansion of services for autistic children and their
families,” said Mans eld Autism Chief Executive Simone Reeves.
“Our new Farm has opened and we are thrilled with our vision becoming reality, but there is much more to do and every dollar helps us make a very real di erence.”
Registered walkers are not just coming from Mans eld Shire, they’re also coming from all over Victoria, and they’re walking for all sorts of reasons.
Some are parents of autistic children already being supported by Mans eld Autism or hoping to be, and others are keen walkers who are happy to support a wonderful cause.
Registrations are open to men and women and children 13 years and over.
“Dress ups are encouraged and we have incredible prizes
on o er for best dressed and highest fundraisers, from High Country Hiking Tours and Kayaking with Jamieson Caravan Park,” said Simone.
Simone was keen to applaud the support from local business and community and including Mans eld Shire Council for their support with the behind the scenes and operational delivery on the day.
Mans eld Co ee Merchant will be on hand to kick start the day with ca eine at the Visitor Info Centre check-in.
Lou Hopwood from Lou t has a team walking and will lead fun warm ups.
Mans eld Mt Buller Bus Lines are assisting to transport walkers to the start points and Anvil Brewery are set to provide the bevvies for our walkers on their return.
Michelle Richter and Lin-
da Davies will provide much needed massage services for tired legs and Friends of the Great Victorian Rail Trail, along with Bonnie Doon Football Netball Club and Mans eld Football Netball Club are assisting with volunteers.
Lake High is a one day walk event.
Participants pre-register online at lakehigh.org.au.
There is no compulsory fundraising minimum, although every dollar raised beyond registration helps with the expansion of services.
Anyone keen to volunteer, to assist in the smooth running of the event, is encouraged to register their interest via the website.
The website is also a great source of inspiration for all the additional things to do in the area once the walk is
over, from exploring, relaxing, dining, shopping and local events.
The incidence of autism is rising and a ects up to 1 in 50 people.
The services Mans eld Autism provide for autistic children focus on the importance of family, exercise, healthy eating and early intervention.
Mans eld Autism offers day school, skill building stays, respite and crisis care, family camps, in home practitioners, adult services, outreach and transition programs and professional and vocational training.
Mans eld Autism is a registered charity, not for pro t, independent special school and NDIS provider.
For more information on Lake High go to https://lakehigh.org.au
By LYNN ELDER
CALL it the rarefied atmosphere of the alpine environment or whatever you like, but love certainly blossoms in the High Country, inspiring declarations of love and devotion.
Two individuals celebrating their first St Valentine’s Day as a married couple are Frankie (née Leigh) and Wayne Lamb from Tweed Heads, NSW,
who were wed on January 2 in a joyful ceremony.
According to local tourism operator Hidden Trails by Horseback, “We headed off on what Frankie thought was a half-day ride over Mt Stirling, only to be surprised and greeted by her close friends and family, and a celebrant at the summit of Mt Stirling.”
Presiding over the happy nuptials was Wangaratta marriage celebrant Cheryl Warry.
“Frankie, who proposed to Wayne, knew she was getting married in 2025 but not when,” said Cheryl.
The couple were joined by Frankie’s best friend, Katie Reid, who she describes as her chosen sister, and Wayne’s sister, Karina Lamb, on the horse ride to the top with Laura Hayes and her three-member team from Hidden Trails.
“When Frankie got to the summit, which is stunning, and saw the people, she kept
saying ‘Oh my God.’ She was so happy,” Cheryl said.
A table had been set up for the celebrant and another for champagne and cheese for the 13 guests who made the trek up the mountain with local tourism operator Steve Marshall from FourWheel-Drive High Country Scenic Tours.
Someone had the foresight to ensure a change of clothes for the bride.
Due to a communication mix-up, Steve drove past
the celebrant, who was waiting near the Mirimbah gantry gates for a lift to the summit, which was not helped by the lack of mobile phone signal.
Cheryl laughs about it now, and thankfully, someone came to the rescue to ensure the wedding went ahead.
The North East celebrant was recommended to Wayne by the Hayes, who not only operate Hidden Trails but also accommodation venue
Stirling Homestead near Mansfield, where Cheryl had conducted the first wedding there.
Originally a “Port boy” from Melbourne, Wayne said he met NSW-born Frankie more than two years ago at Club Tweed during a game of barefoot bowls.
There was a brief meeting earlier, but it was in February 2022 when Wayne knew he had discovered the love of his life.
Continued page 19
Here is an extract:
to kill you in your sleep.
“Lamby, this ring is a symbol of how you got me wrapped around your finger with those blue eyes.
“This next chapter is called we deserve this.
From page 18
“It was when Frankie did a commando roll down the green that I knew that Frankie was my kind of person and she was a keeper,” he said.
Their first proper date was a trip to the local surf club, followed by a Chinese meal where Wayne managed to steal a cheeky kiss.
The celebrant shared the story of the proposal.
“It wasn’t marked by grand gestures or extravagant celebrations but by the simple, profound act of choosing each other in the midst of life’s greatest challenges,” she said.
“Put quite simply, Frankie asked, and Wayne said yes.”
“It grew from there, and it was a second marriage for both of us,” said Wayne.
When he saw the business name for the celebrant,
“But most of all, I promise just me as I am.
“I love you, and thank you for just being you.”
Once Bitten Twice Smitten, Wayne knew Cheryl was the ideal person to conduct the secret ceremony.
“I loved the High Country and knew Frankie loved horses, so I Googled Hidden Trails,” he said of a plan that was hatched more than a year and a half ago.
“I kept the secret but had to tell Frankie we were going to Mansfield.”
Frankie’s love of horses included 30 years living in England, where she competed in three-day eventing.
“I knew he was the one,” said Frankie, describing the wedding day as “perfect” and “beautiful.”
“There is nothing these two love more than spending time together,” said Cheryl.
“They love travelling, swimming, eating, and
spending time with you, their family and friends.
“No matter what it is, they are at their happiest when they are together.
“When I asked Wayne what it is that he loves about Frankie for him to choose to spend the rest of his life with her, he had no hesitation in telling me that, aside from being beautiful and his best friend, Frankie is the most selfless and unique person he knows, putting others before herself.
“I then sourced the same of Frankie, and she said that Wayne is her soulmate. They both value each other and share the same values.”
Guests heard how Wayne always puts others before himself, is an incredible cook and housekeeper, and how Frankie loves the care he has for others.
“She is inspired by his
emotional and mental strength, and with him, she feels safe and secure because of the journey they have both been on,” said Cheryl.
“Wayne makes her feel like she is the most important person in his world, and Frankie can’t imagine her life without him in it.”
When the couple exchanged their vows, Frankie managed to share her feelings with words she quickly put together to express her love for Wayne.
“Life hasn’t always been easy for either of us, but we both are totally in agreement that we are learning how to love and how to love correctly.
“I see our days going forward filled with laughing together, even on the hardest days.
“Celebrating each other’s dreams as if they were our own.
“We will hold on to each other, through every storm and on our many, many days of perfect sunshine.
“Now comes the part of what I can promise you. I will support your bad habits, as long as they don’t involve illegal activity or endanger my safety.
“I will love you unconditionally, even when you leave the toilet seat up.
“I promise to love you even when you snore like a freight train.
“I promise to love you even when you leave your wet towel on the bed.
“I promise to never go to bed angry with you, even though sometimes I’ll want
The newlyweds were driven back down the mountain to Stirling Homestead, where they and the guests were staying, and treated to a “beautiful camp oven dinner.”
Family and guests travelled from Tweed Heads, Sydney, Wagga, and Gundagai for the occasion, said Wayne.
Frankie and Wayne are so thankful to Laura and her team for looking after them so well and to everyone else involved who made it a day to remember.
The happy couple are travelling around the state in their caravan.
And yes, bowls still plays a part, with Frankie telling us that Wayne has timed the trip away to play with his Tweed Heads Club at a competition at the Echuca Bowls Club.
Lastly, does Cheryl have any pearls of wisdom for those entering into marriage?
“I always say relationships are not just about someone you can live with, it’s about someone you can’t live without,” she said.
ACROSS
1 Shakespeare’s Macbeth was known as the thane of ... (6)
8 What is a liquid preparation of the colour and consistency of milk (8)
9 Name the second-largest country in the world (6)
10 Decimal currency commenced on the 14th of which month in 1966 (8)
11 Name the capital of the Republic of the Philippines (6)
13 What are reconditioned worn motor-vehicle tyres (8)
16 Which language is spoken in Beijing (8)
19 Name the capital of the Campania region of Italy (6)
22 What is a flight of steps (8)
24 To be stately, majestic or grand, is to be what (6)
25 Who, colloquially, keeps watch during a two-up game (8)
26 To tidy up, is to do what (6)
DOWN
2 Name the sacred city of Tibetan Buddhism (5)
3 Name a popular winter beach resort in Florida (5)
4 What is an alternative term for a sailor (8)
5 What is an electric light globe known as (4)
6 To be sagacious, is to be what (6)
7 Which zone lies between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn (6)
12 Name a part of speech (4)
14 Which English poet voiced the moral concerns of the Victorian age (8)
15 Who was slain by his brother, Cain (4)
17 Which person writes novels, poems, essays, etc (6)
18 When one imbibes, one does what (6)
Letters have a number value
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.
20 Name a former Australian territory in south-eastern New Guinea (5)
21 What is the nest of an eagle or a hawk (5)
23 Which unit of power is defined as one joule per second (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 SEITY
(a) In the psalms, a Hebrew word meaning pause
(b) Personal identity (c) Feudal lordship
2 UNCIAL
(a) Of one mind
(b) Offensively suave and smug (c) Pertaining to an inch
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:
Artful craft (7)
Community Liaison Service (3)
Cultivated soil (5) Defeats (5) In good health (3) Of sound (5) Pit in macula (5) Short novel (7) Tree (3) Weep (3)
Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN and EMMA OLIVER
A COLD one from the bar is becoming more and more of a luxury people are struggling to a ord according to one local business owner, as the latest beer tax came into e ect this week.
The biannual alcohol excise increase occurs every February and August and is tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which has nudged the pub beer tax to $43.39 per litre for beer exceeding 3.5 per cent.
The 3.5 per cent increase on the price of beer also comes with the rise on spirits and other excisable beverages to $104.31 per litre of alcohol, from $103.89.
As of last year, the excise on beer and spirits had increased more than 17 per cent since the beginning of the pandemic.
Owner of the Delatite Hotel Dean Belle said there will be no price rises for the immediate future, with the pub increasing stock levels preexcise increase to minimise and delay any increases.
“However the reality is that sometime in the near future a small price rise is likely,” he said.
Breaking down the cost of slab of stubbies or cans, Dean con rmed that a whopping 56 per cent of the total goes directly to government taxes and charges.
“For a $55 slab, $22 is the excise, $5 is GST and in addition there are charges for the Container Deposit Scheme,” he said.
“It leaves just $23.90 from the total to pay for production, packaging, wages, transport, overheads, and that’s before it even hits our shelves.”
Dean said the Delatite Hotel was
fortunate to be part of the BottleMart franchise.
VEGETABLES TO SOW IN FEBRUARY: You have about six weeks from now to ensure your winter root veggies and brassicas are in the ground to give yourself the best chance of a successful harvest throughout the cooler season.
By SIMONE BOYD
YOUR summer harvest should be in full swing by now – with tomatoes finally giving their telltale blush of sweetness.
If you are struggling with birds or mice eating your tomatoes before you can get to them, they are in fact letting you know the fruits are nearly ripe.
Tomatoes taste best when allowed to ripen on the vine before being picked, but will still give you adequate flavour if picked when you notice a change in colour from green to light pink (if growing red tomatoes).
“Their buying power helps keep our prices down,” he said.
“But that doesn’t help smaller players and cra brewers, as everyone is getting squeezed.
“And this doesn’t even take into account new government charges like the Emergency Services Levy which is likely to be double the existing Fire Services Levy, costing our hotel over $6000 per annum.”
In a bid to address escalating costs, the Brewers Association of Australia has made submission to
the Federal Government’s Treasurer’s Budget consultation process calling for urgent action to address the high rates of tax.
Brewers Association of Australia CEO, John Preston said the country has one of the highest beer tax rates in the world and there was no need to keep raising the bar.
“All these tax hikes are doing is making it increasingly una ordable for Australians to head out to their local for a beer,” he said.
“On behalf of brewers and beer drinkers across Australia we are asking for urgent action to address
the high rates of beer tax.”
Whilst Dean professes he and wife Gill love running the hotel, price increases are impacting the a ordability of a trip to the local pub for many people.
“We love providing good food and hospitality, hosting shows, contributing to community, and providing a venue for special nights and occasions, but we - and others - are really feeling the pain of so many government fees and charges which are increasing way more than in ation, especially here in Victoria.”
This blush suggests the fruit is in the active stages of ripening, and they will continue to do so if left in a warm spot out of direct sunlight (a kitchen bench is ideal).
Winter planting is now also in full swing – there is never a dull moment in the veggie patch. You have about six weeks from now to ensure your winter root veggies and brassicas are in the ground to give yourself the best chance of a successful harvest throughout the cooler season. Eat well, stay well.
Search over 10 million properties Australia wide. Whether you’re buying, selling, renting or researching, the View app has everything you need in one place.
Each week the Mansfield Courier will endeavour to publish a photo taken by the community or one of its sta . If you have a good or outstanding photograph and would like it published send with details of where, when and photographer’s name to: edit. mcourier@ nemedia.com. au and captioned ‘Through My Lens’.
BOUNDLESS AND BARE: ONE FOOT AFTER THE OTHER UNTIL THE SUMMIT WE REACH.
GET TOGETHER: The Goughs Bay and Bendigo Bank Community Hub recently hosted the first event of the year under the Social Inclusion Action Group (SIAG) umbrella. The SIAG was established by the state government to deliver initiatives that boost social inclusion and connection. John and Kate Schneider kindly o ered their beautiful home opposite Lake Eildon to hold the event. It was beautiful sunny a ernoon that was enjoyed by all.
CWA Monthly Meetings: 2nd Tuesday 6.00pm or 3rd Sunday 2.00pm (alternating each month: Feb-Tues).
CWA Craft Days: CWA Craft: 1st & 3rd Wednesday 10:00am, and 4th Wednesday 6:00pm of each month.
CWA Op shop open: CWA Op shop open: most days from 10:00am to 2:00pm.
Family History Group at Mansfield Library. 3pm every 4th Thursday of the month.
High Country Poets meet at the Mansfield Library on the 3rd Friday of the month at 1:30 pm. Members of the public all welcome to come and listen / or share their poetic ramblings.
Justice of the Peace Services – Every Thursday, Mansfield Police Station. 10am to 1pm for witnessing and signing of documents.
Lima South Old Time Dance: At Lima South Hall the second Sunday of each month between 1pm and 5pm. Entry $10. Music provided by The Ramblers. Please bring a plate of afternoon tea to share. All welcome. Contact: 0425868277.
Mansfield Croquet Club – Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9am till 12 noon, Lord‘s Reserve, Cnr Victoria and Apollo Streets. Playing equipment available, $2 per session.
Mansfield Farmers’ Markets - fourth Saturday of the month (February to December), 8.30am to 1pm at the median strip between the Post Office and the Delatite Hotel.
Monday Mingle – Every Monday – organised by the Bonnie Doon Community Centre – chat and make new friends –new theme each week. BYO ideas for activities – all ages and abilities
Mansfield support group for carers and people with special needs – morning coffee, third Tuesday of the month, 9.30am at Bob’s Shed, Rosehaven, 82a Malcolm Street Mansfield. Ph 0409 751 593.
Mansfield Let’s Talk - Coffee & Chat every third Wednesday of the month from 10am to 12pm at the Delatite Hotel. All welcome, No bookings required.
Mansfield Let’s Talk - Chill & Chat every second Tuesday of the month from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Bowser Bean (BP) dining lounge 145 Mt. Buller Rd. For further info/enquiries email: mansfieldletstalk@gmail.com
Mansfield Uniting Church - Highett Street Sunday services, 9.30am. All welcome. Ph 0417 103 813
Men‘s Probus meetings are held every 2nd Wednesday for monthly meetings, and then activities/outings are held on the last Wednesday of each month – or as organised.
Outdoor Provedore, producers market, 8.30am to 12.30pm on the High Street median strip, opposite the CWA (third Saturday of every month).
Out’n’About social group meets for lunch on the second Monday of the month at The Delatite Hotel at 11:30am.
Preschool story time at Mansfield Library. Stories, songs and craft. Every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month 10.30am. Ph 5775 8621
Rotary meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at the Delatite Hotel. 6.30 for a 7pm start.
Rural Australians for Refugees (RAR) meet every fourth Monday of the month at 6pm at the Uniting Church Hall.
at 10:00am at The Beolite Village Community Room to watch ‘The Sound of Music’ DVD. Lunch will be provided for U3A members. Please bring $2.00 for room hire. For further details call Trish 0437 357 829.
FEBRUARY 22: Trash 2 Treasure event, Merrijig Public Hall, 10am-2pm.
FEBRUARY 22: Merton Skate Park Opening Day, Merton Recreation Reserve, 3138 Merton-Euroa Rd Merton.
2pm-5pm.
FEBRUARY 23: Country singer Sara Storer to perform at Delatite Hotel for first time visit to Mansfield - booking enquiries from hotel.
MARCH 2: Cyclist of all ages and abilities are invited to join Tour de Trail, a family friendly cycling event along the Mansfield end of the Great Victorian Rail Trail. Choice of two destinations. Book: www.trybooking.com/CXHKY
2024 Sportsperson of the Year Awards, sponsored by Mansfield Rotary Club and the Mansfield Courier, hosted by and at the Mansfield Golf Club. 6:30pm with tickets available through Rotary.
MARCH 7-10: Mansfield Pottery Festival - 2025 where everyone is welcome to meet and buy direct from potters.
MARCH 8: Merrijig Rodeo - McCormack Park, Merrijig - gates open 12pm - junior events from 1pm - main event 6pm to 10pm.
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 10am12pm 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.
By KURT HICKLING
POWERHOUSE sales continued last Wednesday as the Wangaratta Livestock Exchange hosted the Wangaratta Premier Blue Ribbon Grown and Weaner sale with just over 5000 cattle penned on the day.
Following on from the bumper sale on the previous Friday, the Wednesday yarding again presented high end quality cattle that were up for the taking.
Price trends remained strong as a reflection of the previous Blue Ribbon sale the previous Friday, as northern buyers turned up in big numbers, presenting a strong presence keeping the competition fierce among local buyers as market prices remained firm.
Nutrien stock agent Daniel Fischer was pleased with the sale as local interest sparked competition to keep cattle in the local area.
“We had a solid sale with plenty of local and interstate interest which proved successful for vendors as the bidding competition remained strong across the board,” Mr Fischer said.
“Seeing a lot of stock remain local was fantastic with stock afterwards heading to Euroa, Benalla, Wangaratta, Mansfield and Corowa.
“Despite the dry season, again, results overall proved that there is still confidence in the market as buyers and vendors remained active.
“Moving forward we are seeing the market sitting in a good position compared to this time last year.
“Most importantly it’s about supporting our local producers and putting them in a good position for local and interstate interest to keep the confidence building.”
Market prices saw steers 350kg go for 3.60/kg, 280-350kg steers at 4.10/kg, seven month old steers 280kg and under at 4.50/kg, heavy heifers 350kg at 3.05/ kg, heifers 300-350/kg at 3.30/kg and light heifers 200-280kg at 3.40/kg. Laceby cattle producers Phillip and his daughter Megan Callus on 780 acres with more than 200 cows.
They have been running their Angus commercial stud for 32 years presented 79 steers and 51 heifers to the Blue Ribbon sale.
Phillip said over the last 12 months the market has been on the improve, more so in the last four months, and he believes the market is gaining momentum thanks to heavy rains up north.
“Compared to this time last year, the market has dramatically improved, despite the dry period, we still have feed in our paddock which is fantastic,” Mr Callus said.
“Local producers are sitting in the ‘catbird’ seat with an influx of interested buyers from up north who have had plenty of rainfall with perfect paddock conditions that have made their presence known by driving up prices and have been fiercely competitive.
“This alone has been a godsend to the cattle industry locally as sales have been very strong and we are seeing a huge lift in confidence, and hope this can continue into the coming months.
“Our preparations on our property have really paid off with 30 tonnes of super phosphate being applied last November which assisted in the amount of feed leading up to now.
“We have commenced spreading lime to continue our maintenance program and see the trend of quality soil continue.
“As a result of hard work, we have quality cattle that present solid body weight that are in perfect condition.
“The sale overall went better than expected with a great return in sales pricing, as we now focus on our autumn calves as they have started early with 29 calves born already.”
BUYING UP: Bill and Viv O’Loughlin from Myrrhee were in the market for some feeder cattle at their
A KEEN INTEREST: Peter Johnson and Michael Hourigan were observing the action at the saleyards on Friday, with Mr Johnson to be selling some cattle from his Baddaginnie property on Wednesday’s sale.
Fredsberg
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
A MASSIVE yarding of 5400 of the nest bred cattle in the region lled the Wangaratta Livestock Exchange to the brim on Friday January 31 to mark the biggest single local sale on record.
The total turnover of $5.91 million from the rst of two blue ribbon grown and weaner sales was the biggest the livestock exchange has seen according to general manager Tim Donald, and it could be even bigger for the second blue ribbon sale on Wednesday with another 5500 to 5700 head expected to go under the hammer.
The o cial yarding of 5386 head was also the biggest by a sole livestock agency in Wangaratta’s history, with all sellers’ clients under Corcoran Parker.
Livestock agent Reiley Murtagh said it’s the agencies feature sale on the calendar and the major turnover of around 11,000 head of cattle in two weeks at the saleyard was a huge boost for Wangaratta and surrounds.
“Our main objective is to keep being able to support our clients in selling their cattle and make sure they can all get a crack at one of these blue ribbon sales,” he said.
“Year in year out we’ve got a very good client base that support
Total turnover of $5.91 million biggest on record, with even bigger sale expected Wednesday
us and trusts us to sell these cattle and they aim for these sales and do a lot of work to get their cattle to the way they were.”
Crews worked throughout the night at the Wangaratta Livestock Exchange to pen the huge yarding of cattle and the 30-minute delayed start didn’t deter a strong crowd throughout the sale.
Since local producers cashed in on a peak in the market in feature sales in early January, priced have taken a slight dive in the past month which was re ected at Friday’s sale.
From averages around the $4/ kg mark in early January, quality Angus weaners were going for around $3.80/kg on average on Friday, according to Mr Murtagh.
Grown and weaned steers averaged $3.65/kg with heifers going for $2.96/kg.
Mr Murtagh said the price dip from earlier January sales was expected, but both buyers and sellers found value in the top quality lines of cattle.
“It’s all around how positive everyone is in the market, it was cheaper, but for the better end of calves the job was still very solid,” he said.
“It’s at a level that’s keeping people entertained to buy and to buy cattle at the right price.
“For your seller, it’s incentive to get their cattle at the right weight and it’s getting a good return for them as well.”
Some of the top pens of the sale included a pen of 27 Angus steers with Rennylea and Ardrossan blood at 411kg from TGL @ Neds, Molyullah for $1611/head ($3.91/kg) and a pen of 22 Angus steers with Alpine Angus bloodlines at 388kg from MG Neilson, Sandy Creek for $1575/head ($4.05/kg).
A pen of 21 Angus steers with Banquet and Conamara bloodlines at 326kg from A&M Dobson & Son also exceeded market performance going for $1370/head ($4.20/kg).
As they were in the January sales, the northern buyers in areas of northern New South Wales and southern Queensland areas were again a factor in securing a high percentage of the cattle.
Mr Murtagh said while the impact of northern buyers on the market demand wasn’t as big as the earlier sales sale in January, it was promising to see solid compe-
tition coming from local buyers.
“A lot of these cattle are generally purchased by local people, they’re repeat buyers that buy the good cattle from around our area and beyond,” he said.
“But also there’s that impact of the northern buyers wanting a piece of the very well bred weaners and grown cattle.”
Filling out the saleyard on Friday were pens of grown cattle sent from the state’s western district, normally retained but put on sale due to the dry season in the area.
Mr Murtagh said it was great for the agency to support the farmers who continue to do it tough in their region.
“The western district has probably been hit the hardest in the last eight months and they’re continuing to have a poor season and be hit by the elements down there,” he said.
“These cattle had been put away and consigned to us from farmers down that way and they de nitely would have been happy with the result.
“They presented well and put on a fair travel to come here, but they were still strolling, and they’ll go on for anyone that bought them.”
MOBILE: 0417 223 712 www.tlcpropertyservices.com.au
tlcpropservices@gmail.com
Specialising in Garages, Farm Sheds & Barns Carports Garages, Barns, Haysheds, Machinery Sheds, Enclosed Farm Sheds KANGA MINI LOADER - SERVICES
The Mansfield Shire Council invites expressions of interest for the lease of land in accordance with Section 115 of the Local Government Act 2020, and in alignment with the Council’s Community Engagement Policy.
Property Description: Lot A, Part 141 Lakins Road, Mansfield
This opportunity pertains to the grazing land at Lot A, Part 141 Lakins Road, Mansfield, encompassing a total area of 15.9 hectares. The Council is considering a lease agreement with an initial term of 1 year, with an option for 2 x 1-year extension. Please submit your Expression of Interest for the lease of this property to:
Mansfield Shire Council – Property Management Department 33 Highe Street, Mansfield VIC 3722
Alternatively, you can email your Expression of Interest to property@mansfield.vic.gov.au
The deadline for submi ing Expressions of Interest is Wednesday, 5 March 2025.
For additional information or inquiries, please reach out to Kym Killeen, Property Management O icer, via email at property@mansfield.vic.gov.au, or by phone at 03 5775 8555.
Kirsten Alexander
into lease negotiations with the following parties regarding proposals for the occupancy of premises located at the Mount Buller and Mount Stirling Alpine Resorts. Negotiations for a new lease for site:
S5C-5D
S182B Wombat/Cuckoo Lodges
S131
S209 Celia’s Toboggan Hire
Negotiations for a new lease/ licences for site:
S225-226 Part Lv 1 NAMA
Any comments to be sent before 24 February 2025 to Rebecca Henning, Leasing & Contracts Coordinator, property@alpineresorts.vic.gov.au
Get your names in the RADIO MANSFIELD and MANSFIELD COURIER birthday book. Win Bertalli’s birthday goodies on Radio Mansfield 99.7 FM’s “Anything Goes” Birthday Wheel Thursdays from 2-4pm
This week’s winner is: MARGOT PETERSEN
To enter call Radio Mansfield on 5775 2333
MAZDA BT50 2013 Freestyle cab/tray, diesel, 4x2, manual, 79,000kms, one owner, regularly serviced, RWC, reg (1BN6TC), $19,000. Enquiries 0427 817 166.
MAZDA 3 SP25 2009, one owner, 255,000km, RWC, reg (XKA544), immaculately maintained, fullservice history available, very reliable 4cyl 2.5L, auto, $7450. Ph 0409 814 364.
LOST IN MANSFIELD, Subaru XB Service Manual, if found please phone Don on 0418 361 665.
2009 Honda CTX BUSHLANDER. Good condition, Approx 14,000kms, VIN 9C2M35UO8R002382, New fork seals, resent oil change, tires 80 %, Everything works, No further use $2,300 ono PH 0499036050.
2010 FG FALCON UTE, auto, 6 cylinder, LPG, low KMS 40300, 12 months rego, YFG 779. One owner, $13,500. Ph 0428 906 511.
2023 ISUZU MUX LSU 4X4, turbo diesel, good condition, 280,090kms, reg (1II4XI), $26,000 ONO. Ph 0498 118 997.
2009 TOYOTA LANDCRUISER, 4.5CC V8 turbo diesel, genuine, 282000kms, one owner, many extras, with roadworthy, rego XCM 077, $45,000. Phone John 0427 769 534.
SUBARU TOURING XT build bought 2024 condition excellent never been o -road travelled 8600kms. Top of the range extras include accessory explorer pack, hydro paint/leather interior including Cancer Council Windows, sunroof ,tow- bar. Price $51000. Phone Marg 0417218966.
YAMAHA XJR1300, excellent condition, only 17,600km, regretful sale due to ill health, $6000. Ph 0427 500 800.
QUINTREX
BayHunter runabout, 1992, 4.4 metre aluminium V-hull, with canopy and side window panels, trailer and 40HP Mercury engine, life jackets, reg to Sep 25, $12,000 ONO. Ph 0419 870 472.
Howard, John James. 31/3/1938 - 6/2/2025
Beloved husband to Patricia Loving father to Cass and Amber. Father-in-law to Wayne and Chris. Proud and loving grandfather to Alessandro, Gabriella and Sophia. Gone shing.
A funeral service to celebrate John’s life will be held in the Mans eld Botanical Gardens on Thursday, February 20, 2025. commencing at 11am. Please enter through the main gates.
HOSKIN, John Douglas. 9/1/1944 - 3/2/2025
Passed away peacefully at Bindaree Nursing Home.
Beloved husband of Diane. Father of Kate and Mark and their families.
Brother to Marjorie (dec), Vincent (dec), Robert (dec), Ron (dec), Jean (dec), and Ian. Forever remembered with love.
A funeral service for John will be held at St. John’s Anglican Church, Mans eld on Monday, February 17, 2025 commencing at 2pm.
A CHALLENGE: Marion Sargeant facing a challenge to reach her ball for her next shot. PHOTO: Supplied
By ANT BATEUP
IT was a challenging night for racing with hot temps, wind and a nish on the Coombesberg.
Dave Bock was the rst of 18 riders to set o , followed by Dave MacDonald and Craig Wilson at 3’30. At 5’30 Steve Curnow was going solo until the 8’30 group of Adrian Dowd and Oliver Hall, the 9’30 of Steve Duke, Simon Hall, Simon Mulvihill and Mick Pearce, all merged to form a large group by the turn around.
The 11’30 group of Darren Bakker, Ryder Chadd and Ant Bateup were working well together to advance on the lead group and holding o the 12’45 group of Bruce Halket, Chris Miller and Damian Grundy. Little did they know that Chris retired from the race with a puncture and Bruce was feeling the hurt a er a week of dead li s and squats in the gym with Wardy.
Andy Garrett was the lone Scratch rider, setting o at 13’30. Andy was gaining on the eld at the turn around but couldn’t quite bridge the gap.
By MARION MITCHELL
DESPITE the impression of some, golf does not always dominate the weeks of our members.
Some return from holidays, others leave for holidays, and others have big commitments in our local community.
This week saw the return of ladies from the beach and snow skiing, while others le for snow skiing and caravanning, and another had organising on her mind.
Firstly, Tuesday’s Stable-
ford was won by Patsy Smiles with a lovely 19 points.
Susan Kinloch followed with 17 points on a countback from Tracey Gravenall. Tracey also had the nearest the pin.
Another Stableford competition was held on Wednesday.
Linda Terry did not let her organising with the Tolmie Sports get in the way of winning A Grade with a great 37 points.
Sheryl Sargent was second with 36, and Sue Crow third on a countback with 35.
Marg Franke-Williams did not let jet lag stop her.
A er returning from winning medals in snow skiing competitions in Austria, she produced a terri c 38 points to win B Grade.
Sandra Lording followed with 31 points, and Glenis Skinner with 30.
Line balls went to Kylie Egan with 36, Shirley Nolan with 35, and Millie Cumming with 34 on a countback to Linda Brook.
Nearest the pins went to Linda Brook (twice), Kylie Egan with her weekly NTP,
Marg Franke-Williams, Shirley Nolan, and Kirsten Scudamore.
Saturday saw a smaller eld of 11 ladies for a Par competition. Perhaps most had gone to the Tolmie Sports.
Marion Foster played a great game, winning with +3. Recently returned Louise Calvert-Jones followed with +1, and Kerri Nicol with -1.
Nearest the pins were Linda Brook and Shelly Comerford.
Safe travels to all and good hitting.
A er the turn into Barwite Road, the larger “lead group” was fast becoming the “splinter group”, allowing Ryder, Ant and Darren to work their way through the eld.
At the turn into Old Tolmie Road, Ryder, Steve D, Oliver and Simon were starting to look around to see who had something le in the tank for a sprint nish.
Ryder had his sights locked on the lead riders and was carving his way through the eld, determined not to carry any potential sprinters with him.
AOIDH Doyle has been named the 2024 Rotary Sportsperson of the Year nominee for December.
He is being recognised for his outstanding achievements in cattle dog trialling.
Originally from Ireland, Doyle has made a name for himself in the competitive world of working dog trials.
In 2024, he secured multiple national and state titles with his top kelpies.
His success includes
wins at the Australian Yard Dog Championship and the Kelpie Field Trial.
Doyle’s ability to showcase skill, precision, and teamwork has set him apart from the competition.
A shearing contractor, he runs Whisper Kelpies and Livestock Services in North-East Victoria. His dogs are not just champions in the trial ring but essential partners in his daily farm work.
This nomination
Ryder proved too strong and bridged a gap up the climb, maintaining this to the nish to take the win by three seconds.
In the background, Mick had put in a huge e ort to get back on the lead group and drag Ant with him.
It was then a sprint for newspaper article rights, with Ant narrowly getting 2nd, Mick 3rd and Oliver in 4th, all on the same nish time.
Closely followed by Steve D, Simon, Damian, Darren, Steve C and Bruce.
highlights the dedication and expertise required in stock dog handling.
It also brings attention to a sport o en overlooked in mainstream awards.
Doyle’s achievements continue to shine a light on Australia’s top working dogs and their handlers.
The winner of the 2024 Rotary Sportsperson, Clubperson and Team of the Year will be announced at the Rotary awards ceremony on March 5.
SPONSOR:
Thank you to all the marshals.
Next week is one of the highlights of the MMBCC road calendar, the Bakker Plumbing Handicap at Jamieson.
Damian continued with his current good form, riding fastest time for the night.
By ROD SARGENT
IT seems a bit normal again after a very busy period over Christmas and New Year.
The fields have dropped a little, and it’s a bit quieter as well.
We received a little bit of rain during the week, but it hasn’t done a lot for the course or our gardens at home.
Coming up next Saturday is the February Monthly Medal, proudly sponsored by Bonnie Doon Caravan Park.
As usual, it will be a great day with our host, David Octigan.
Tuesday was a round of par for the men, with a small field of 21 players.
The winners on the day were:
3rd place – Geoff Morris with +1.
2nd place – Paul Norris with +3. 1st place – Glen Mackwell with a fine +4. Thursday was the standard Stableford with 61 players.
B grade winners:
3rd place – Colin Whytcross with 37 points.
2nd place – Joel O’Sullivan with 38 points.
1st place – Dave Wilson with a fine 39 points to finish on top.
A grade winners:
3rd place – Domingo Diaz (back from injury after he did a heart muscle when his beloved Collingwood missed the finals last year) with 37 points.
Domingo was beaten on a countback by both 1st and 2nd place, which went to Paul Lange and Graham Clarke, both with 37 points.
The Pro Pin went to Mark Jones.
Saturday was another par round for those who missed out on Tuesday, with 50 players in the field.
B grade winners:
3rd place – Perrin Gooding with +3. 2nd place – Rob Healy with +4. 1st place – Anthony Spargo, also with +4.
A grade winners:
3rd place – Steve McMahon with +1. 2nd place – Joel Sanford with +2. 1st place – Jamie Longstaff, also on +2. Mark Jones won the Pro Pin again for the second time in a week.
Well done, Funky.
IT WAS a big weekend in the pool for Mans eld swimmers, kicking o with our Fast Friday club night - dodging storms along the way.
Thirty swimmers took on the challenge, racing against the clock, with some competing for the very rst time.
Club nights are a fantastic opportunity for our swimmers to learn race basics and experience the thrill of swimming fast.
On Saturday, ten Mans eld swimmers made the trip to Kyabram for their encouragement meet, with three parents who also took to the water.
First-time competitors Chloe Pelling, Harriet Hill, and
Liana Smith put in outstanding performances, well supported by teammates Zali and Frankie McCoombe, Paris and Hamish Hopwood, and Simon Zuzaniak.
A special shout-out to parents
BRINGING HOME THE MEDALS: Edward Creighton (10), Vivian Knight (10), Heidi Setchell (10) with Rowena Creighton (13) behind and her sister Clara (8) in front at the Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre in Bendigo for the Castlemaine Swimming Club meet.
Louise Hopwood, Jackie Smith, and Wal Smith, who embraced the opportunity to compete and led by example - posting impressive times at their rst meet.
The competition didn’t stop
there, with ve Mans eld swimmers heading to the Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre in Bendigo for the Castlemaine Swimming Club meet on Sunday.
Facing strong opposition from clubs with year-round facilities, our swimmers put in exceptional performances, bringing home a haul of medals and new personal bests.
Congratulations to Clara, Edward, and Rowena Creighton, Heidi Setchell, and Vivian Knight on their fantastic results. With such strong performances across the weekend, our swimmers are in great form heading into upcoming interschool meets. Well done, Team Mans eld!
THE Tolmie Sports Day brought a crowd of 1446 to Tolmie’s arboreal arena and axeman came from far and wide to show the crowd why they are the best in the business.
Here’s the full results from the February 8 event.
North East & Border Axeman Association – Events
NE Championship: 1st Laurence O’Toole Jnr; 2nd Jarrod Williams; 3rd Jason Kirley
Hugh Monroe Memorial: 1st Jason Kirley; 2nd Jarrod Williams; 3rd Laurence O’Toole
M R Walsh Perpetual Handicap: 1st Simon Kirley; 2nd Dean Lindeman; 3rd Ben Gigliotti
John Kirley Memorial: 1st Simon Kirley; 2nd Dean Lindeman; 3rd Jason Kirley
250mm Novice Division
Standing Block: 1st Tim Miller; 2nd
Brendan Moncrie ; 3rd Nathan Fleming
Doug Cleeland Invitation Front Markers Handicap: 1st Dwight Kirley; 2nd Brendan Moncrie ; 3rd Nathan Fleming;
Junior Underhand Handicap: 1st Bentley Saunders; 2nd Riley Plattfuss; 3rd Harley Lindeman
275mm Standing Block
Handicap: 1st James Saunders; 2nd Simon Kirley; 3rd Dean Lindeman
375mm Hot Chainsaw Race:
1st Laurence O’Toole Snr; 2nd Laurence O’Toole Jnr; 3rd Bryce Willoughby
Three Man Challenge: Overall winners: Team
- Axeman: Jarrod Williams
- Runner: Brendan Wood
- Rider: Sarah Cavill
Miss & Master Tolmie Sports
Miss Tolmie Sports: Ruby Le Cerf 12yo
Master Tolmie Sports: Alby Marshall 3yo
Equestrian Events
Kevin Stewart Memorial Open Barrel race: 1st Sarah Cavill & Nora; 2nd Zara Le Cerf & Paris; 3rd Jess
Andrews & Hope
Tolmie Sports Day Barrel Race
Competition:
Junior: 1st Ruby Le Cerf & Kitten; 2nd Carlie Marshall & Jet; Maddeline Hayes & Chick
Open: 1st Zara Le Cerf & Paris; 2nd Sarah Cavill & Nora; 3rd Logan
Ring & Bell
Brian Davies Memorial Rider of the Day: 1st Riley Hilton (17pts); 2nd Tannah Tait (14pts); 3rd Maddie Vanderzam (13pts)
Bill Stewart Horse of the Day: Jasper (14pts); 2nd Ned (13pts); equal 3rd Jet & Paddie Wack (10pts)
Childrens’ Races
Girls % & under: 1st Krase; 2nd Hazel; 3rd Archie
Girls 5y: 1st Charlie; 2nd Elsie; 3rd Anne
Girls 6y & 7y: 1st Michaella; 2nd Eliza; 3rd Nellie
Girls 8y & 9y: 1st Ella Rose Murphy; 2nd Elsie Cavill; 3rd Remmie
Girls 10y & 11y: 1st Olivia; 2nd Pippa Dean; 3rd Chloe Mentogh
Girls 12y & 13y: 1st non recorded; 2nd Matilda; 3rd Charlotte
Girls 14y to 17y: 1st Harriet; 2nd Tahlia; 3rd Tahlia
Boys 5 & under: 1st Harrison; 2nd Henry; 3rd Davey
Boys 6y & 7y: 1st Albie; 2nd Henry; 3rd Tyler
Boys 8y & 9y: 1st Mitchell; 2nd Jack; 3rd Billie
Boys 10y & 11y: 1st Dane; 2nd Benji; 3rd not recorded
Boys 12y & 13y: 1st Brock Martin; 2nd Jack Mc Clennand; 3rd William Keane
Boys 14y to 17y: 1st Boyd Hagley; 2nd Angus Abschinski; 3rd Kai Kornhofer
Adult RACES 1st & 2nd only: Use Your Noodle Novelty race
Belles 18-34: 1st Ruby 2nd Zainiaeb
Bucks 18-34: 1st ; 2nd
Jills 35+: 1st Eliza Crow
Jacks 35+: 1st Andrew Pemberton & Darral Keen; 2nd Leigh Walker
Novelty Events 1st only
The Golden Gumboot Toss sponsored by Bata Shoes
Pre-school: 1st Archie Gibbons; 2nd James Smith
Jack & Jill 5-12y: 1st Albie Murtach; 2nd Bentley Saunders
Jack intermediate 13y-17y: 1st
Angus Abschinski; 2nd
Jill intermediate 13y-17y: 1st Molly Jacobs; 2nd Lainey Godbehere
Adult Jack: 1st Mat Wight; 2nd
Shane Godbehere
Adult Jill: 1st Mandy Hagley; 2nd Danni Schneider
Egg & Spoon Race: 1st and 2nd only
Boys & Girls 5 and under: 1st , 2nd – names not recorded but lots of fun!
Girls 6-10y): 1st Chloe McIntosh; 2nd Henly Bouma
Boys 6-10y: 1stAlbie McIntosh, 2nd Henry Manning
Girls 11-13y: non recorded
Boys 11-13y: 1st Kane Mennen, 2nd Lawson Slade
Girls 14-17y : 1st Tahlia Rapinett, 2nd Molly Jacobs
Boys 14-17y : 1st Jack Mc Clelland; 2nd Boyd Hagley
Girls 18+: 1st Sarah Searle, 2nd Lise Andreasen
Boys 18+: 1st Jordan, 2nd Judd
Egg Toss: 1st only
Jack & Jill 5-12y: Emily & Riley
Jack & Jill intermediate 13y17y: Tully & Paiten
Adult & Child: Dani & Bill
Adult: Shane Murphy & Bill Harrison
Cross Cut Saw
Juniors 12y-17y:
1st place: Boyd & Olly 16.8sec
Runners-up: Billy & Nikita 47.74sec
Adult & Junior:
1st place: Boyd & Sam 19.50sec
Runners-up: Angus & Paul 33.16 sec
Adults:
1st place: Sam & Max 17.70sec
Runners-up: Tim & Steve 29.90sec
Dog Jump
Small dog: 1st: Tassie (handlers Lia & Bec) 80cm; 2nd Teddy 70cm (handler Julia)
Large Dog: 1st: Axel (handler Benji Cavill) 1.90cm; 2nd Benji (handlers Philly & Jordy) 1.80cm
Guessing Competitions sponsored by
Height of the Pole: Ash Watson (sponsored by Mc Cormack Family):
Weight of the bale: Jane Pemberton (sponsored by Mc Cormack Family): Combined weight of Lollies and the Jar (sponsored by Mc Cormack Family): Pippa Dehne
Guess the banknote serial number: Mary Reilly
By MARK O’LOUGHLAN
Under 16
Delatite vs Benalla 8/156
TAKING on the second ranked team at the Rose Garden in Benalla, Delatite skipper Nick Hoskin won the toss and sent the home side in to bat.
The bowlers started well, making runs hard to score and collecting regular wickets.
Josh Cook (2/20), Nixen Martin (2/24) and Finn Stokes (1/10) were bowling beautifully and were among the wickets early.
A 66 run partnership for the h wicket made things di cult, but the boys kept their heads up and some excellent elding by Stokes resulted in a run out with a direct hit from the out eld.
Will Benton (1/1) and Hoskin (1/31) also claimed a wicket to leave the Delatite team with a very manageable run chase of 157 to win next week.
A Reserve Delatite 4/162 def Ovens Valley United 6/148
AFTER a couple of tough losses, Delatite were keen to get back on the winners list
and stay in touch in the race for the nals.
Bowling rst on a very good surface at Lord’s once again, the e ort and intent in the eld was outstanding.
Nick Hoskin (2/39) got things rolling with an early wicket, but frustratingly, many edges went just over or just wide of the slips.
Runs were difficult to score for Ovens due to the excellent pressure in the field and wickets did start to fall.
A chase of 149 was manageable, but for the third game in a row, Delatite lost early wickets and were in a bit of trouble at 3/34.
This brought Mitch Copey and Trent Berry together and they completely dominated from that point on.
Anything short was dispatched to the boundary, while also rotating the strike with annoying singles.
A 96 run partnership ended just a few runs short of the target with Copey falling for an excellent 77.
Berry continued on to register his rst half-century in senior cricket, unbeaten on 51, to guide the team home with a couple of overs to spare.
A great win by the boys which keeps us in touch with the top four.
AT Mans eld Bowls Club the week started with a bumper eld of Rookies.
The enthusiasm and competitive spirit is well alive.
The Bowling Stones and CMD Bashers are level at the top of the ladder with the All Blacks in third place.
In the Home Pennant competition, Alan Dobson, Tom Ingpen, Anne Tilbrook and Ida Rachele in the Blue team defeated the Lime team of Carolyn Close, Peter McNeill, Belinda Snider and Anne Wileman 17 to 11.
Kevin “Nikko” Nikkelson, Kris Humphrey, Heather Ingpen and Ray Fraser in the Yellow team were pipped by one shot to the Red team of Graeme “Dizzy” Tyers, Rom Nicol, Ross Parsons and Philip Jenson.
Marco Bohren’s Green team with Glenda Revell, Tony Wilks and Renee Prosser were too good for the Gold team of Ray Close,
Kathleen Bock, John Lobbe and Elva Healy by only ve shots.
Steve Lewis, Brian Sinclair, Gwen Gray and Catherine Johnson in the Pink team had a twoshot win over team Orange with Domingo Diaz, Alan Hatcher, Michelle Mios (and Tilly) and Glenda Hempenstall.
Mans eld Midweek Pennant travelled to Rutherglen on Tuesday.
Mick Walsh, Noel Jackson, Jenny Walsh and Yvonne Robinson had a very close day out, getting up by two shots.
Elaine Peterson, Chris Laws, George Peterson and Marian Ryan had a resounding win on their rink by 33 shots.
Michael Harrison, Mark Bettany, Lyn Holland and Irene Fuller also had a solid win by 18 shots.
There is one more home and away game to play, however, Mans eld sits in top spot on the ladder before nals.
On Saturday the A4 team played Wangaratta at home.
Neither team was in a position to make nals, which made for a good atmosphere for some erce but fun competition.
Jenny Walsh, Lyn Holland, Irene Fuller and Yvonne Robinson won their rink by nine shots.
Ray Close, Winston Taylor, Carolyn Close and Ken Rainsbury were outbowled on the day by Wangaratta.
Dizzy, Nikko, Nick and Vicki Klein got up by nine shots.
Rick Nichols, Alan Dobson, Rossy Parsons and Annie Tilbrook were beaten on the very last end by one shot.
The A3 team had a good day out against Beechworth at home with John Foots, Peter Roberts, Mark Bettany and Shane O’Brien winning their rink by 16 shots.
George and Elaine Peterson, Chris Laws and Marian Ryan
THE rivers surrounding Lake Eildon are presenting a mix of opportunities and challenges for anglers.
Recent environmental water releases have elevated river levels and increased flow rates, making fishing in traditional spots more demanding.
However, for those willing to explore, targeting deeper, slower-moving sections can yield positive results.
Drifting natural baits like scrub worms and mud eyes, or casting spinners and diving lures over newly submerged areas, has proven effective.
The Rubicon and Acheron Rivers have experienced heightened fishing activity in recent weeks.
With brown and brook trout preparing for their spawning season, anglers have a good chance of success.
Utilising lures such as small shallow divers, spinners, soft plastics, and fly patterns like woolly buggers and woolly worms can be particularly effective during this period.
went down by only one shot.
Hammer Harrison, Steve Lewis, Noel “Jacko” Jackson and Brian (Sid) Revell won nine shots up.
Mick Walsh, Ray Robinson, Graeme and Enid Smith went down by 13.
The team is looking towardsnals next week against the same team.
Good luck Mans eld.
On Sunday the nals of the Club 100 Up competition were held.
Mark Bettany and Alan Dobson had a very close match in the morning, going into the nal end 97 to 95 to Mark, who got over the line to win.
Chris Laws and Steve Lewis battled it out with Steve winning, going on to play Mark in the afternoon and coming away the winner overall.
Congratulations to all players for a big e ort.
In the Goulburn River, current flows are moderate.
Anglers have reported success near Alexandra Bridge, Molesworth, and Thornton to Point Hill.
Slowly trolling bibbed diving lures around submerged structures and weed beds has resulted in catches of rainbow trout exceeding 60 cm and brown trout around 40 cm.
For those without boat access, reaching these productive areas requires some effort, but the rewards can be substantial.
The Eildon Pondage is currently experiencing fluctuating water levels due to varying water demands.
When levels are high, bait fishing with power bait and mud eyes has been productive,
especially for rainbow trout.
As water levels recede, switching to lures such as Mepps, TTs and Strike Tiger can be effective.
Notably, areas like the cemetery, footy oval, bridge, and riverside drive have yielded significant catches, including brown trout up to 4 kg and rainbow trout up to 5 kg.
Lake Eildon itself has been producing redfin around 30 cm, with some larger specimens.
Effective baits include worms, yabbies, and vibes, fished in 6 to 11 meters of water among submerged trees.
Spending about 15 minutes per tree, either actively jigging baits or allowing natural water movement, has been a successful strategy.
Yellow belly are also active, with bank anglers finding success near the Jerusalem Creek campgrounds, the Pines, and Fraser campground during early morning and late evening hours.
Baits such as scrub worms
and small yabbies have been particularly effective.
Murray cod captures have been reported using stump jumpers and spinnerbaits, either trolled slowly or cast along the banks.
Prime locations include the Big River Arm, Goulburn Inlet, Howqua Inlet, and Howes Creek.
For those fishing from the bank into the night, using scrub worms and yabbies can yield good results.
In summary, while current conditions present certain challenges due to fluctuating water levels and increased flows, anglers who adapt their strategies and are willing to explore less pressured areas can find rewarding fishing opportunities around Lake Eildon.
IT’S A BEAUTY: Ben Deeble (pictured top right) recommends exploring less pressured areas for rewarding fishing opportunities.
By ANDREW COOK
MANSFIELD’S U12s travelled side-by-side to Benalla on Saturday morning to face teams well above them on the ladder.
The results did mirror the teams’ respective standings for the season, but Mans eld’s most junior cricketers remain undimmed and eager to improve.
Gold took on Yarrawonga Mulwala Bulls, and a er winning the toss, they sent the Bulls in.
All Bulls batters got o to good starts, but none came close to captain Benji Wollington, who clubbed 29 from 23 balls.
The tra c was not all oneway, with six wickets being taken throughout the innings, spread amongst ve bowlers.
Alex Craddock took a well-deserved caught-and-bowled wicket, while Cecily Smith snagged her rst catch for the season o the bowling of Jay Kancherla.
Leo Ho richter also chipped in, bowling a red-hot Zane Rickhuss (22 from 16) to take his rst wicket in only his second game for the club.
Jack Middleton proved to be the pick of the bowlers, taking 2/11.
Another healthy service of extras by Gold helped the Bulls reach the lo y total of 6/127 from their twenty overs.
Captain Noah Heaysman again experimented with the Gold batting lineup by placing himself and brother Xavier down the list, and it somewhat paid o .
Both Heaysmans scored the most runs for the team, but of the rest of the top and middle order, only opener Ethan Jones made more than ve runs.
Opening bowler Bobby Best did the most damage, taking an impressive 3/1 o his three overs.
Delatite nished all out for 55.
Blue faced Benalla Bushrangers Green on the adjacent oval at Arundel Street, batting rst.
STRONG SHOT: Max Strong (facing camera) makes a run, Billy Briggs (no.9) running to the other end.
Max Strong was unable to build on recent good form with the bat, falling early, whereas fellow opener Billy Briggs kept his wicket and scored freely as his innings went on, claiming a team-high of 18 runs.
Unfortunately, he could do nothing but watch on as partners at the other end came and went, with four out of the next six batters failing to trouble the scorers.
A generous number of extras helped Blue reach a more respect-
ON PACE: Jack Middleton bowling.
able total, but 45 was never going to be enough.
A small target to defend never dims club speedster Jack Pollard, who has a Scott Boland-like ability to claim early wickets.
This weekend, he did so in style with his rst delivery, nicking o opener Finlay Parker, leaving Green at 1/0 a er a nice catch from keeper Pax Smith.
Alex Manning claimed a wicket in his rst and the team’s fourth over, but it wasn’t until Pollard re-
turned in the tenth over that another wicket fell, thanks to a runout from Briggs.
Green kept the scoreboard ticking over freely and quickly passed the victory target, batting out their twenty overs to reach 5/104.
For the second-last round of the season, Blue will host Benalla Bushrangers’ Blue team, while Gold will face fellow struggling team Wangaratta Magpies White with the hope of snagging their rst victory of the season.
By ROHAN BERRIMAN
MERTON cricketers travelled to take on the in-form third-placed Milawa on Saturday on a slow outfield at the Milawa Recreation Reserve.
Milawa won the toss and sent Merton in to bat, with the visitors making 3/152 off 36 overs.
Skipper Jai Lerch-McKinnon and Jarrod Mahoney both top-scored with 38.
Mahoney was particularly aggressive in the latter overs, helping his side to a competitive total.
James Benton also contributed with 29, while Aden Graham was the most consistent bowler for the home side, finishing with 1/10.
Milawa’s batting strength was on full display early, with opener David Radeski smashing boundaries at will before falling on 32.
The Merton bowlers then began to build pressure, slowing the run rate.
Milawa’s Ryan Brereton looked like winning the game for his side, blasting 32 in the middle order. However, when he was dismissed, the scoring rate declined, and wickets fell quickly. The lower order tried to hit out with a climbing run rate required, but Milawa was eventually all out for 106.
Lerch-McKinnon took 2/19, Craddock 2/17, and the combination of an outstanding spell from Josh Johnson (2/13 off 7 overs) and Rohan Berriman (3/9) secured a memorable victory for Merton.
Merton now sits fourth on the ladder, with several sides pushing for finals spots over the next four rounds in a very competitive WDCA B Grade competition.
Merton takes on local rivals Delatite at Lords next Saturday.
CRICKET
By ANDREW COOK
B-grade
Delatite vs Wangaratta City Colts
WITH the end of the season now in sight, Delatite’s B-grade team were excited to continue welcoming new players to the senior teams and witnessing some milestones for the summer.
The result may have not gone their way, but withnals out of sight the focus moves to development and just enjoying the great game of cricket.
Delatite made their longest trip to a home game in recent memory, forced to drive just over an hour to ‘host’ Wangaratta City Colts on their home ground at Barr Reserve. With Lords occupied by the A reserve team, the lack of a suitable second oval in Mans eld was keenly felt – especially galling when the Recreation Reserve sits
idle for yet another summer Saturday a ernoon, bere of the pitch that the B-grade team called home for several years. With both sides elding an even mix of veterans and junior players, both teams surely felt quiet con dence in their chances. Delatite won the toss and chose to bowl, but it was City Colts who made the strong start, racing to 16 from the
rst two overs.
Some tighter bowling soon brought the rst wicket, but Delatite could not nd the way to tighten the screws on the City Colts, as each of the next ve batters made healthy double- gure scores.
The highlight of the elding e ort came when Mitch Clarke, having just commented to the square-leg umpire that ‘poor balls take wickets’, proceeded to take a
one-handed screamer from a rank full-toss from bowler Frank Cupples, surely a contender for Delatite’s best catch of the season.
A late urry of wickets from Andrew Cook, Joel Middleton and Cooper Martin did put the brakes on City Colt’s total, but when 36 overs were bowled City Colts still stood atop a daunting tally of 209, with the loss of eight wickets. Best of the bowlers were
Cook with 3/31, followed by Martin and Middleton with two apiece.
Openers Clarke and Rick Mills got Delatite o to a slow but steady start, an important steadier for the team considering a number of early collapses seen in recent games. Behind the openers sat three pairs of father-son batters, all hoping to spend time together in the middle. While the Middletons
missed out when Koby Middleton was caught in the thirteenth over before his dad could join him, the families Cook (Andrew and Josh) and O’Meara (Ross and Felix) both managed to bat together for the rst time in their senior careers.
Unfortunately neither partnership proved fruitful, and only opener Mills and senior Middleton Joel made double- gures up until the fall of the ninth wicket. Senior debutant Nick Taylor made his way to the middle and proved to be an excellent nd as he built partnerships with rst Ross O’Meara then Cooper Martin, pushing Delatite’s score to 84 before he fell for thirteen. Martin was the last to go after a cautious but productive innings, leaving Delatite 124 in arrears.
Delatite next face mid-table Merton at Lords on Saturday, in what is the closest thing to a local derby that either team play for the season.
ROUND NINE TENNIS REPORT
Tuesday night by GREG MCDERMOTT
BUOYED by the recent action at the Australian Open, and despite the very hot conditions, Tuesday night teams returned to the courts a er the summer break.
All players were keen to get some good tennis in, but we only managed to get the rst two sets played before the heavens opened and delivered a spectacular light show and some much-needed rain; although it would have been appreciated if it waited another hour.
As much as the players were disappointed that we couldn’t get a full night’s tennis in, a washout was called, and points were split evenly.
It was great to sit around, catch up on what everyone’s been up to over the break and share some laughs.
We’re all keeping ngers crossed for better weather, and more tennis action, next Tuesday.
Tuesday ladder: O’Loughlan 41.5, Murray 37, Yencken 34.5, McDonagh 34, Aldous 31, Crockett 28.5, Blackall 27.5, Hutchison 18.
Wednesday by COURTNEY O’LOUGHLAN
A HOT day turned into a perfect
night for tennis once the sun went down, as teams rejoined the competition following the summer break.
Some great sets of tennis played in terri c spirit characterised the night with plenty of great rallies and stylish net shots on display.
Mans eld Secondary College’s Burnt Orange side took on the tenacious Red Roses.
After an even start in the first round of sets (Courtney O’Loughlan and Anna Francis 6 defeated Alice Kilpatrick and Sean Pitchford 3; Emma Kay and Lisa Morgan 6 defeated Warren Medcalf and Abbey McConnell 2) the Roses pulled away led by Alice Kilpatrick’s strong service game and ground strokes that were hard to find an answer to.
The remaining sets went Red Roses way, and they nished the night 5 sets to 1 up.
Over on court one and two it was a similar story on the score card with Brown Sugar’s Nick Ferguson, Kimberley Marsden, Julie Aldous and Leonie McLaughlin battling it out against Out of the Blue.
Chris Hewlett and Steph Herridge eked out victory in a very tightly contested tie-break against Ferguson and McLaughlin, while Will McAllister had a strong night winning all three of his sets.
Matt Lowe’s clean sweep was denied with an impressive 6-1 win by Nick Ferguson and Kimberley Marsden.
Final result was 5-1 sets to Out of the Blue.
Courts three and four saw some great matches between the True Colours and Crimson Souls with the Les/Scales team unlucky not to take a set for the evening a er some closely fought matches.
An overly comfortable resident Kookaburra almost caused an incident a er a very close y-by of oncourt action, but this didn’t seem to put Liz Scales o her game, strong tennis bringing her to two tiebreaks over the evening.
Crimson Souls’ Simon Young, Tynan Mims, Helen Knight and Laura Gosney wrapped up their sets despite the tough competition and came away with a 6-0 victory.
Wednesday ladder: Out of the Blue 52, True Colours 38, Brown Sugar 36, Crimson Souls 30, Red Roses 22, Burnt Orange 11.
Thursday by ZOE RICHARDS
THE sun beamed as did the smiles on the faces of players as they hit the court once again on Thursday night.
This came following a late forfeit,
sadly we didn’t have the pleasure of teams Let it Be and Night Fever.
The show went on though, with courts one and two a-buzz with Come Together versus Changes and court three and four with Let’s Dance versus Smooth Operators.
It was a tight tussle between Changes and Come Together.
Both marital pairs, the Carpenters and the O’Briens, won their sets.
Les Kerr held his nerve to serve it out a er a marathon of deuces and hit harder and deeper as the night wore on.
A er two hotly contested sets the teams were split by one game.
It was on!
Ultimately Come Together edged out Changes in the nal pairings as Rhonda Carpenter and Shane Richards put their foot down 6-1 and, after being well down, Kass and Bob brought it home in a tiebreaker 7-4.
Lengthy baseline rallies, strong serves, and well-placed lobs were all on display.
It seems it was the night for tiebreakers, Let’s Dance, Bec Wardenaar and Zoe Richards taking out the win against Smooth Operators, Ilena Meek and Bec Studds.
With plenty of long rallies, an hour and 10 minutes later Let’s Dance were victorious nishing the tiebreaker, 8-6.
However, the strength and determination of Smooth Operators was no match for Let’s Dance.
With powerful serves and tricky baseline shots, Smooth Operators, Arthur Gerrans, Liam Wilson, Ilena Meek and Bec Studds had a champion night winning 30 games and four sets.
With such strong, experienced players on one side, Smooth Operators had kindly and thoughtfully offered Let’s Dance an exchange at the beginning of the night.
Let’s Dance graciously declined the o er preferring to “stick together” no matter what - Let’s Dance team solidarity is strong.
Everyone earned their rehydration that night.
The beaming smiles continued as they had the absolute pleasure of singing ‘Happy Birthday’ and celebrating their illustrious leader, Rhonda Carpenter.
A fun nish to a wonderful night of play.
Thursday ladder: Smooth Operators 48, Come together 47, Let it Be 34, Changes 29, Night Fever 19, Let’s Dance 12
In somewhat cooler conditions Juniors with Jo O’Brien and Hot Shots with Liam Delany resumed last Saturday morning a er a week of intense heat.
INTERNATIONAL champion Laurence O’Toole Junior is always a crowd pleaser in the wood chop competition, putting on a standout performance at the Tolmie Sports last Saturday. Full results on page 32.
PHOTO: Lynn Elder
By MIKE SMITH
2025 will go down as a year to remember in Mans eld sporting folklore.
Though the shire has a long history of outperforming its relatively small size, it is still a very big deal when two brothers simultaneously sign contracts with the Collingwood Football Club, arguably the biggest and most prestigious of sporting clubs on the continent.
That’s exactly what Harry (21) and Max (18) Mahoney did on Saturday.
The two Mahoney boys have become the latest to come o the shire’s remarkable production line of sporting talent.
Harry, who spent the second half of the 2024 season playing for Collingwood’s VFL side, is a quick and skillful wingman who is likely to cause his opposition dizzy spells when he returns to action with the team at the start of this season.
Max, who has been commuting to Melbourne two or three times a week to train with the team since October is set to move to Melbourne to combine his footy with University.
As a player he is said to have a remarkable presence on the eld for his young age, a big bodied onballer with a high footy IQ, he has a hunger for the ball and his aggression will see he gets lots of it.
“Work hard,” said Bo Christopher, President of Mans eld Football Club, a message for the Mahoney boys and the 400 plus kids coming through the Mans eld Football Club Junior program.
“Work hard and anything is possible.
“These boys have been with the Mans eld Football Club
since Auskick.
“In every age group and team they’ve been involved with, they’ve been amongst the hardest working.
“The club is so pleased to see young guys get the chance to live their dream, it’s what it is all about.
“If our young players are willing to work hard we will push them on to be the best they can be.
“Coming through in a small country town, it just shows it can happen.
“We are so proud of the boys and we hope they both have a great season at VFL level.
“And from there, who knows?”
While this day would have been a matter of great pride for the club no matter what family the boys came from, it is undeniably heartwarming that they are Mahoneys.
Their father, Billy played over 250 games in an Eagles guernsey and their mother, Cath played A-grade netball for the club.
Both are still heavily involved with the club to this day.
The boys sisters, Meg and Ava, both play netball for the club at A-grade and U17 respectively.
Last year their cousin Brett, who has himself represented Collingwood at VFL level, won the Mans eld Football Club’s Best and Fairest.
Harry and Max have a large opportunity in their hands and they are just the type of boys to make the most of the exposure this move to the VFL gives them.
Fortunately, the lads will remain able to return home to play with the Eagles when the Magpies have the bye next season.
