Mansfield Courier 150524

CONGRATULATIONS MPS:

Raising a grand total of $12,117, year six students from Mansfield Primary School committed to the big chop, shaving their heads to raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation. More than 20 students took part in the World’s Greatest Shave on Monday with (from left) Dylan Gibney-Schelfhout, Mia Olver and

all

their locks for the worthwhile cause.

THE Victorian Labor government tabled its 2024 budget last week, delivering several cost-of living support measures while also stalling and cancelling other major projects to curb the state’s ballooning debt.

Similar to last year, Mansfield shire received limited funding, leaving many community members, stakeholders and regional ministers frustrated.

Mansfield Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said the lack of investment in regional Victoria was disappointing, especially given the pressure local councils were under.

BY HANNAH KENNELLY hkennelly@ nemedia.com.au

“The people of Mansfield shire and our economy depend on the state government to invest in the infrastructure we need in our communities,” he said.

Mayor Cr Rabie was especially critical of the government’s new waste levy, which will be increased in line with New South Wales and South Australia.

The metropolitan industrial and municipal waste levy will increase to $167.9

a tonne starting in mid-2025, up from the current $129.27.

The levy will be proportionally increased at rural landfills.

“In the face of rising costs and demands on waste services, council has worked hard to achieve a ten percent reduction in our proposed budget for waste costs to households who aren’t receiving a green bin,” said Cr Rabie.

“It is a shame that council’s waste cost reduction will be offset by the state government’s waste charge increase, with a further massive increase to EPA

Have your 26hp+ tractor serviced in store or on-site through the months of May, June and July and go in the draw to win a FREE Stihl MS661 Chainsaw.

levies included in the state budget.”

This year’s tight budget has also meant projects like the Emergency Services Precinct and potential expansions of capabilities at the Mansfield District Hospital, which have sought more funding for years, are still left waiting.

Mansfield District Hospital chief executive officer Cameron Butler said the hospital received a small injection of cash for daily operations, however it was “not the amount they were hoping for”.

“We will still be in a finan-

cial deficit as of June 30,” Mr Butler explained.

“We are currently dealing with some government-imposed cost-saving initiatives which when coupled with other changes, leaves the hospital in a tenuous position.”

Local MP Cindy McLeish said she was sick of seeing billions of dollars allocated to a “suburban rail loop from nowhere to nowhere” whilst critical community and emergency services infrastructure was being ignored.

“This week’s state budget revealed, yet again, that

Government hands down tight budget for regional communities

Mansfield is not a priority for the Labor State Government,” she said.

“Despite being briefed by Mansfield Shire Council and receiving their list of priorities, the state government has chosen to not fund the much-needed Mansfield Emergency Services Precinct.

“I am disappointed that another state budget has come and gone without investment in this project - a project that the Minister for Emergency Services knows is a priority project and has been for some time now.”

■ Continued page 2

Digby Scott-Barber

losing

■ Full story in next week’s Mansfield Courier.

PHOTO: Emma Oliver

Government hands down tight budget for regional communities

■ From front page

Ms McLeish said a new SES and ambulance station replacement have been in the top priority lists for the state for a number of years.

“The current SES station is outdated and no longer fit for purpose,” she said.

“Unlike many other SES stations, Mansfield has an extensive range of gear due to the unusual activities they

are required to assist with – High Country, Alpine National Park and Lake Eildon.

“Tuesday’s State Budget was a slap in the face to regional communities.

“The state government is broke, with the suburban rail loop sucking every cent out of the budget leaving nothing for regional Victoria.”

Independent Federal

Member for Indi Helen Haines echoed similar concerns and said the state budget “overlooked the needs” of regional Victorians.

“Healthcare is the leading issue that people speak to me about right across Indi, and the state budget has not delivered certainty for our regional health services,” Dr Haines said.

Who are the key WINNERS and LOSERS of the 2024 budget?

WINNERS

1. Families with school children

The government has promised a once-off $400 payment for Victorian public-school students to help ease the cost-of living. The package can be spent on educationrelated expenses like camps, uniforms or school excursions. The government has also invested in more eyesight tests for kids, tripling their Glasses for Kids program.

2. Family violence services

The government has injected a further $211 million for initiatives to keep women and children safe, including interventions to prevent family violence and assistance for domestic violence survivors.

3. Education infrastructure

The government will invest $1 billion to build 16 new schools. They are expected to open in 2026.

LOSERS

1. Melbourne airport rail

The long-waited $13 billion

rail link will be delayed by at least four years.

2. Casual Workers

The government has abolished the COVID-era sick pay guarantee, meaning casual workers will not get paid for sick leave.

3. Kindergarten

The government will slow the rollout of the expansion of the free kindergarten programs. Under the scheme, the government provides 15 hours of fouryear-old kinder a week, and five to 15 hours of threeyear-old kinder a week.

MANSFIELD District Hospital looks to be the major local winner of last week’s state budget with a $284,000 funding increase.

The hospital faced a $463,000 deficit for its upcoming budget, but that amount will now be slashed to just $250,000, with last year’s Bindaree Retirement Centre works the main cash drain.

And the good news may not stop there, with hospital chief executive officer Greg Wilder hoping further aged care funding will be forthcoming from yesterday’s federal budget.

IN SPORT, any hopes Seymour may have had in causing an upset against Mansfield on Saturday were quickly extinguished, with the Eagles slamming on eight goals to none in the first quarter.

Mansfield showed no signs of lethargy following a week’s rest, the win giving them their fourth in succes-

The Mansfield Eagles defeated Seymour winning by 60 points giving them their fourth in succession, and consolidating their second place on the league ladder.

sion, and consolidating their second place on the league ladder.

The Eagles stunning start to the match was put mainly down to the men in the

◀ HOSPITAL GETS FUNDING: The Mansfield District Hospital faced a $463,000 deficit for its upcoming budget, however with the release of the state budget that amount will now be slashed to just $250,000.

middle, with ruckman Mark Jones giving onballers Fraser Stevenson and Nathan Reynoldson first use of the ball.

Council releases proposed budget and invites community feedback

MANSFIELD Shire Council has invited community members to review the proposed 2024-25 budget, available at engage.mansfield. vic.gov.au until June 7.

THE proposed budget outlines what council will deliver over the next 12 months including new initiatives and core services, and how they will be funded.

The 2024-25 budget proposes a 2.25% rate increase, which is lower than the state government rate cap of 2.75%, with a total operating expenditure of $23.5 million and an $18.75 million capital works program.

Council undertook community consultation during January this year to inform

the 2024-25 budget.

This resulted in 71 submissions from the community.

Council considered each application and included initiatives in the proposed budget that address more than 80 per cent of the submissions.

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie explained the budget process provided an early opportunity for community members to have their say.

“Council is listening to what the community wants,” he said.

“The budget process enables us to have an early indication of what the community finds most important in terms of how we spend ratepayer funds.

“We are grateful to the people who took the time and showed their care for the community through considering a quality budget submission.”

Mansfield Shire residents and ratepayers are also invited to attend the following community budget information sessions.

In person - Council Chambers - 33 Highett Street, Mansfield - Wednesday May 29 at 6.30pm.

Online via Zoom –Wednesday 29 May at 5pm.

To attend either of the above information sessions please register your attendance via email at budget@ mansfield.vic.gov.au, or call 5775 8555.

Some of the new initiatives in the proposed budget include:

• Shared Footpath from Howqua Inlet to Howqua caravan park

• Undercover Stage Area at Botanic Park

• New Bike ‘Pump Track’ in Station Precinct

• Footpath ‘missing links’ including new footpath from Kareen Court to Oaksford Drive and continuation of path between top end of Malcolm St, and Kidston Parade

• New weather station to provide more accurate weather data

• European wasp control and spring clean• up event for green waste

• Increased funding for weed management, improved environmental mapping, and

a wetlands management plan for the Mullum Wetlands

• Road and stormwater upgrades including longstanding localised flooding issues on Rowe St, Mansfield and Hurley St, Woods Point

• Major upgrade of the Graves Road culvert

• Power upgrade for Bonnie Doon Community Centre and shade sails over the playground

• Solar panels for Mansfield Sporting Complex and upgrade of streetlights to LED as part of our Climate Action Plan.

▶ LIONS COP A MAULING:

Murder trial jury selection underway

By SHAUN MCMAHON

A JURY selection took place last week for the upcoming trial of former airline pilot Greg Lynn, who stands accused of the murders of Wonnangatta Valley campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay.

However the day after the selection, the jury was dismissed, with another set for selection this week.

Mr Lynn, aged 57, has entered a plea of not guilty to two counts of murder.

Mr Hill, aged 74, and Ms Clay, aged 73, were reported missing in March 2020 following a camping trip in the Wonnangatta Valley, prompting a significant police search and investigation.

Mr Lynn was arrested and charged with two counts of murder by police in November 2021.

The court proceedings last Thursday included the selection of a jury comprising 12 members and up to three reserves from a pool of individuals summoned for jury duty.

Justice Michael Croucher outlined the trial’s procedures and jurors’ duties, including that prosecutors would allege My Lynn killed Ms Clay and Mr Hill while they were camping at Bucks Camp in the Wonnangatta Valley.

“It will be alleged that Mr Lynn shot Ms Clay in the head, as a result killing her, and that Mr Lynn killed Mr Hill,” he said.

“These events are alleged to have occurred on 20 March, 2020.”

The following day Justice Croucher then dismissed the jury, with no reason given.

“It’s my melancholy duty to

FIRST SET OF JURORS DISCHARGED AND NEW JURY TO BE EMPANELLED

explain to you that you’ve now been discharged as a jury,” he said.

“I won’t go into the details as to why.

“I’ve taken the view in consultation with the parties that it’s appropriate you be discharged and a new jury be empanelled.”

A new jury was set for selection this week.

Throughout the trial the jury

◀ It will be alleged by prosecutors that Mr Lynn shot Carol Clay, as a result killing her.

▶

ALLEGATIONS: The murders of Russell Hill and Carol Clay are alleged to have occurred on 20 March, 2020.

will be presented with evidence, a process that may span several weeks, before retiring to deliberate on the verdicts.

The case will be heard in the Supreme Court of Victoria, with barrister Dermot Dann KC leading Mr Lynn’s defence and Daniel Porceddu leading the prosecution.

The trial will commence with opening statements from the prosecution and Mr Lynn’s de-

fence team, followed by the testimony of witnesses and examination of evidence. Both legal teams will have the opportunity to question witnesses.

Upon the completion of evidence presentation, closing arguments will be made by both sides.

Once a jury is finally selected, the trial is anticipated to go for four to six weeks.

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

Tickets are selling fast for Paris Zachariou’s intimate “up close and personal” show celebrating the swooners and crooners of Tom Jones and Tony Bennett, a touch of rat pack with Frank Sinatra all the way through to Ed Sheeran. You’ll be singing along, dancing in your seats with a dance floor as well. Having worked the stage with Oprah Winfrey at the Sydney Opera House and captivated audiences in the Bird Cage at the Spring Racing Carnival, Paris’ golden voice is pure La Dolce Vita. Great entertainment guaranteed.

Sat 25th May Trybooking.com/CRJYI $65 – 2 course dinner & show

RETRO IN MAY

We’ve added some delicious Autumn retro classics to our specials for this month – limited supplies so don’t miss out! Keep an eye on our socials for updates

▲ JURY SELECTED: Jury selection began last week for the upcoming trial of former pilot Greg Lynn, accused of the murders of Russell Hill and Carol Clay. PHOTO: Facebook

WEDNESDAY: Partly sunny Temperature: 3 -18

THURSDAY: Sunny Temperature: 7- 18

FRIDAY: Mostly sunny Temperature: 4 - 19

SATURDAY: Partly cloudy Temperature: 5 -16

SUNDAY: Cloudy Temperature: 6- 15

MONDAY:

TUESDAY:

LAKE EILDON LEVELS NEWS

Police arrest man following fatal collision in Yarck

By HANNAH KENNELLY

POLICE have charged a man following a fatal crash in Yarck last week.

An allegedly stolen Ford Ranger collided with a motorcycle on Maroondah Highway on Wednesday

Flu season arrives early

By TRINITY KNIGHT

WITH chilly autumn conditions and winter soon approaching there has been a spike in seasonal cold and flu cases across the shire.

The Department of Health website notes that Victoria influenza cases peak during the winter months from June through to August and the severity of illnesses can fluctuate throughout the year.

COURIER DETAILS

98

Phone (03) 5775

General/Advertising: 5775

sales.mcourier@nemedia.com.au

Classifieds: classifieds@nemedia.com.au

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

www.mansfieldcourier.com.au

www.nemedia.com.au

Doctor Ben Nally at Central General Practice in Mansfield said after speaking with a number of other health professionals in Mansfield, it seems there are plenty of viral respiratory infections being diagnosed including the “common cold” viruses, COVID and more recently influenza.

“As we move into the colder months, this is to be expected,” Dr Nally said.

“However, since 2022 there has been a trend towards an earlier flu season.

“Immunity was likely reduced during the pandemic, as people limited contact and social gatherings.

“I suspect we’re still catching up with our immunity in Mansfield also.”

May 8 at approximately 4pm.

The rider of the motorcycle, a 56-year-old Alexandra man, died at the scene.

The other driver, a 42-year-old Seymour man, allegedly dumped the Ford on a nearby street and fled on foot .

He was later arrested after an extensive search of the area.

The vehicle was allegedly stolen from a hotel on Railway Street in Euroa.

According VicRoads, northbound lanes between Cathkin and Yarck were closed for several hours and

travellers were encouraged to take detours via local roads.

The Seymour man has been charged with dangerous driving causing death, fail to stop and render assistance, burglary and theft.

He faced Melbourne’s Magistrates court last Friday.

As defined by the Department of Health some of the symptoms of influenza include fever, headaches, lethargy and a sore throat which should resolve within two to seven days.

Influenza viruses are spread by the inhalation of infectious

respiratory droplets, coughing, sneezing and touching infected surfaces.

Dr Nally said the best thing people can do individually during flu season is eat healthy food, exercise, drink plenty of fluids and limit contact if you’re unwell.

“Be mindful of people who have chronic disease and ensure you have your flu vax,” he said.

“Also, if you are unwell, please make sure you seek medical attention at either of the clinics in town.

“The hospital is a great support also.”

McMahon (SENIOR JOURNALIST)

FLU SEASON BEGINS: Doctor Ben Nally from Central General Practice said since 2022 there has been a trend towards an earlier flu season. PHOTO: Central General Practice

EARTHQUAKE FELT AT HEYFIELD

A MAGNITUDE 3.0 earthquake occurred near Heyfield at around 5PM last Wednesday May 8.

There were only nine ‘felt reports’ noted on Geoscience Australia and no reports of damages to buildings or infrastructure.

The quake had a reported depth of 10 kilometres and coordinates of 146.70 longitude and -37.54 latitude.

Following this, a substantial earthquake rattled a neighbouring Australian country during the night.

Vanuatu experienced the effects of a 6.2 magnitude

earthquake around 8:17 PM local time on Wednesday.

The earthquake’s epicentre was situated approximately 95 kilometers from Luganville, the second-largest city in the archipelago, situated on Espiritu Santo Island.

According to Geoscience Australia, the earthquake occurred at a depth of 15 kilometres.

Air Vanuatu flights were cancelled in the days following.

TREMOR: A magnitude 3.0 earthquake occurred near Heyfield at around 5PM last Wednesday May 8.

New governance and integrity standards for councils

By SHAUN MCMAHON

THE state government has introduced new legislation aimed at elevating governance and integrity standards in Victoria’s 79 councils.

The reform of the Local Government Act 2020, presented in Parliament last week, is said to have followed extensive consultation with the sector.

Key provisions include a uniform councillor code of conduct to ensure consistent standards of behaviour and mandatory training for councillors and mayors.

The Bill also proposes stronger sanctions for councillor misconduct and enhanced powers for the Minister for Local Government.

The reforms have been developed in response to reports and recommendations from IBAC, the Chief Municipal Inspector and other interventions which highlighted the need for stronger processes and powers to re-

legislation and said council has a demonstrated history of exemplary councillor conduct.

solve conduct issues, and better training so councillors can perform their roles effectively.

The reforms, set to take effect following the October 2024 local government elections, aim to bolster governance and accountability across all councils.

Mansfield Shire Council CEO Kirsten Alexander welcomed the new legislation, with details on the changes to follow.

“Council is looking forward to seeing how the state government, through Local Government Victoria (LGV), will set out recommendations for a code of conduct that can be used as a

model for all local councils,” she said.

“The model will set out standards against which council will be able to compare our current code of conduct and make any improvements that might be recommended.

“Our code of conduct is currently comprehensive and sets out strong standards for councillor conduct.

Ms Alexander explained council’s current training and induction processes for councillors, noting that induction processes for the 2024 election were currently underway.

“Councillors undergo mandatory training as part of their induction,” she said.

“In addition, council also provides additional training to ensure a strong overview of local and emerging issues.

“The induction process for councillors at Mansfield Shire Council is comprehensive and takes place over a substantial timeframe.

“The induction process for the 2024 elections is currently in development and will continue to have a strong focus on the councillor code of conduct.”

Ms Alexander said Mansfield Shire Council has a demonstrated history of exemplary councillor conduct.

“Council welcomes the introduction of measures to improve accountability of councillors across the state,” she concluded.

Further details about the reforms can be found at localgovernment.vic.gov.au/councilgovernance.

Dad’s group sessions go online

HAVE you heard about the Mansfield Shire’s Dad’s Group, designed to assist new dads to feel supported and connected through the various stages of parenthood?

There is lots of ways to connect but if you do find it challenging to allocate time, consider registering to attend the online group from the comfort of your own home.

Digital Dad’s Group sessions are all about flexibility and comfort.

Feel free to just listen in, with no pressure to turn on your camera.

It’s a great opportunity to connect, share, and learn from each other’s fathering journeys, all from the comfort of your own home.

Whether you’re a new dad, a seasoned pro, or somewhere in between, this session is for you.

When: Every Thursday at 7.30pm.

Visit https://www.dadsgroup.org/dads-ofmansfield.

NEW STANDARDS: Mansfield Shire Council CEO Kirsten Alexander welcomed the new

Buller gets a new snow factory ahead of season

MT BULLER had an exciting delivery last week with the arrival of the resort’s fifth snow factory.

The new Techno Alpin SF 220 joins the resort’s snowmaking fleet and will soon be producing 200 cubic metres of snow daily to support skiing, snowboarding and snowplay in the popular Burnt Hut area on the northern slopes for this winter.

“With only a month until the season opening it’s great to have another factory operating to support guaranteed skiing and snow

for our guests,” said Buller Ski Lifts General Manager Noel Landry.

“It’s starting to feel crisper and colder on the mountain and we’ve already had the first early dusting of the snow; however, it’s reassuring to have this technology that can make snow regardless of weather.

“These factories mean we can get a head start with a stockpile of snow before mother nature brings the ‘season-starting’ snowfalls we expect in late May and early June.”

Mt Buller invested in the first

snow factory in Australia in 2017 and has continued to build the resort’s capacity for all-season snowmaking with further acquisitions; now totalling five factories around Mt Buller including three mobile units.

The newest snow factory will be positioned at the top of the Bonza and Northside chairlifts boosting the cover and allowing more ski days in this fun beginner area and sightseeing zone near Spurs restaurant.

The snow factories produce icy particles which are vital

for supporting a resilient snow base on the ski area and toboggan parks.

The ‘snow’ is only comprised of super-chilled water and the particles are produced at a glacial -8 C when they join the pile that allows them to bond and freeze to one another. The snow piles are made in key areas on ski runs and snowplay zones in the coming weeks underpinning Mt Buller’s snow guarantee for guests to be making turns from the King’s Birthday long weekend.

EXCITING: Last week saw the arrival of Mt Buller’s fifth snow factory.

PHOTO: Supplied

Mansfield Uniting Church welcomes renovations

By HANNAH KENNELLY

IN 2021, members of the Mansfield Parish Council stood inside the Uniting Church, examining the brown wooden pews and rustic floorboards.

The red brick building had been a staple of the Mansfield Shire for over century, a legacy reflected in its traditional interior and stain-glassed windows.

“The church was very old, but it had a nice feel, and it was a good place to worship,” Parish Council chairperson Pam Alexander explained.

“But it was time for a change.”

Nearly three years later, Mansfield Uniting Church’s renovations are finally complete, and Pam is eager to welcome parishioners and the rest of the community into the refurbished building.

“There is nowhere in Mansfield like this space and after years of hard work we are incredibly excited to share it with everyone.”

Pam has overseen renovations to the Uniting Church and its neighbouring community hall and kitchen.

The upgraded works to the church include repairs to the internal rendered wall and external brickwork and the removal of the raised dais area to create a larger space.

The original pews were replaced with purple chairs and a new eightfoot wooden cross hangs above of the alter- courtesy of Pam’s son.

In line with safety and health requirements, the building has electric convection heaters and ceiling fans to improve comfort for parishioners.

The community hall and kitchen have also undergone significant upgrades including new sound equipment and carpeted flooring to reduce ambient echo.

“We’ve really modernised the church and hall and given it a sense of freshness,” Pam said.

“I’ve been worshipping at the church for nearly 26 years, so now the generations that come after me will get to experience this new space.

“I think the idea of always moving forward is very important.”

Despite her efforts, Pam was reluctant to take credit for the renovations, insisting the new space was “entirely for the Mansfield community”.

“We see these upgraded premises as an excellent resource for the whole community and we want them used as widely as possible,” she said.

“We welcome others to share in what we have here.”

Pam wished to acknowledge Jan Stone and Rolf Koran for their assistance during the refurbishment process.

Mansfield Uniting Church will hold a dedication service for the refurbished building at 9:30am on Sunday May 19.

Parishioners will be joined by Alpine Region resource minister Reverend Andrew Delbridge.

A MODERN TWIST: Mansfield Uniting Church’s new renovations.

NEW BEGINNINGS: Mansfield Uniting Church chairperson Pamela Alexander looks forward to welcoming the community. PHOTOS: Hannah Kennelly

NEW HALL: Mansfield Uniting Church hopes their community hall will be well received.

VOLUTEER DRIVEN: It was Ann Herbert’s first time volunteering at the Fresh Food Drive.

FOOD FOR COMMUNITY: Lemons, mandarins, oranges and grapefruits at the Mansfield Fresh Food Drive.

Your Council - Your News mansfield

Council Meetings

The upcoming scheduled Council meeting is Tuesday 21 May 2024 at 5pm and will be held both online and in person at the Council Chambers, 33 Highett Street, Mansfield. Go to the events section on our website for more information about how to observe the meeting or contact Customer Service on 5775 8555.

Customer Service Hours

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

Public Notices

A public notice for the seasonal road closure of Jamieson-Licola Road can be found under 'Public Notices' in the Classified section of this week’s Mansfield Courier.

Community Consultation

It's your Shire, and we're listeninghave your say and stay up to date on what matters to you. We invite you to contribute to current projects at

Proposed 2024-25 Budget

Community members are invited to consider and comment on the Proposed 2024-25 Budget. The budget outlines what Council will deliver over the next 12 months including new initiatives and core services and how they will be funded. The 2024-25 budget proposes a 2.25% rate increase, which is lower than the State Government Rate Cap of 2.75% with a total operating expenditure of $23.5 million and a $18.75 million Capital Works Program.

Residents and ratepayers are also invited to attend community information sessions to be facilitated by Councillors and senior officers on Wednesday 29 May 2024 as follows:

5.00pm: Online via Zoom

6.30pm: Mansfield: Council Chambers - 33 Highett Street, Mansfield

To attend either of the above information sessions you must register your attendance via email at budget@mansfield.vic.gov.au, or call 5775 8555.

You can view the Proposed 2024-25 Budget on engage.mansfield.vic.gov.au. Submissions will be accepted up to

Walshs Rd Speed Reduction

Following community consultation and feedback, Council has decided to proceed with an application to the Department of Transport and Planning for changes to the speed limits on Walshs Rd. See image to the right for the proposed reduction zone from 100km/h to 80km/h on Walshs Rd.

For additional information, visit engage.mansfield.vic.gov.au.

Tabletop Rd and Ambrose Dr Speed Reduction Application

Following community consultation in 2022, Council received overwhelming feedback in favour of reducing the speed limit on Tabletop Road and Ambrose Drive from 100km/h to either 60 km/h or 50 km/h.

In response, Council applied to the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) for a reduction to 60 km/h. Although the application was rejected, Council is continuing to advocate for a reduced speed limit as requested by the community and is grateful to those who gave feedback.

Work With Us

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

Planning Support Officer People & Culture Trainee School Crossing Supervisor

Kirsten Alexander, Chief Executive Officer

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

AUTUMN HARVEST: The Fresh Food Drive as part of Mansfield’s Respond initiative. (from left) Dana Hlavacek, Stephen Creese, Pamela Dalgleish. PHOTOS: Trinity Knight a t

AN ABUNDANCE OF CITRUS: Mansfield’s Fresh Food Drive provides Mansfield residents with fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables.

Three Faces art prize turns 10

By TRINITY KNIGHT

THIS year is the 10th anniversary of the Three Faces portrait art prize which is a biannual event coordinated by the Arts Council of Mansfield.

The total prize money of $3200 for the original major awards will again be sponsored by Mansfield Shire Council.

On Friday May 3, The Reveal’ was a success with around 60 people who attended the cocktail party style evening at the Delatite Hotel.

Following on from previous years, a mystery subject is selected from Mansfield citizens, and this year it was Cathie Smith.

Cathie has been involved in a number of community projects over the years, including volunteering at the Uniting Church op-shop and managing the Rosehaven Opportunity Shop.

Cathie is one of the 12 life members of Mansfield Musical and Dramatic Society (MMuDS) and was named Senior Citizen of the Year in 2023.

On the night of ‘The Reveal’, audience members were able to observe six local artists in the adult and youth categories and their first steps creating portraits with a variety of different

mediums, such as sketching in pencil or paint or photography.

The three artists in the youth section included Emily Doig, Elsie Leatham and Amanda Duhamel and Kym Stubbs, Felicity Hayward and Gino Ciancio in the adult section.

Emily started using chalk pastels a year ago and her favourite thing about them is that they can be blended

into each other smoothly, which makes it an amazing medium to be used for portraiture.

Elsie is 16-years-old and has been drawing and experimenting with a few different mediums, alongside creating artwork on procreate which is a digital drawing software.

Amanda is in year 12 undertaking VCE art and she takes inspiration from Art

Kym has passionately pursued several mediums and in recent years she has been undertaking photography.

Felicity is a mixed-media artist who has been working in collage, acrylic and gouache and Gino is an experienced artist, designer and teacher and loves working with a variety of mediums.

President of Arts Mansfield Gill Belle is coordinating the

event alongside Liz Bannister who has been overseeing the event for 10 years.

“At the Reveal, it was great to see so many young members of our community as well as many interested observers curious to find out who the secret sitter was,” Gill said.

“Three Faces is a great acquisitive prize, an opportunity to be exposed to portraiture and a chance to have

your work recognised by the community.

“Liz will be heading overseas, so I will take the lead and liase with artists and the sitter.

“Thank you to all of our generous supporters.”

‘The Unveiling’ will again be held at the Delatite Hotel on Thursday June 6 with arrival at 6:30pm.

Tickets will be available via try booking.

FOCUSSED: Gino Ciancio sketching Cathie with pencil.

MIXED-MEDIA: Felicity Hayward constructing her portrait of Cathie with pieces of paper from magazines.

10th THREE FACES ART PRIZE: Emily Doig sketching a potrait of Cathie Smith with vibrant pastels. PHOTOS: Trinity Knight

Nouveau movement.

Mansfield Kindergarten redevelopment almost done

THE extensive redevelopment and expansion of Mansfield Kindergarten has reached a significant milestone, with the kindergarten taking possession of their new, third teaching space at the end of term one.

This additional classroom includes a bathroom, laundry, cleaner’s room, two storage rooms and landscaping.

The staff and committee worked hard over the holiday period to transition into the new classroom and allow the building contractor, Cronin Constructions, to commence refurbishment of the original kinder class-

room, which is now over 70 years old.

Restoration work is also nearing completion on the Mechanics Institute building, one of Mansfield’s heritage landmarks.

This building will provide a new administration area for use by the kindergarten in addition to a multi-purpose space for broader community use.

The redevelopment project is on track for completion towards the end of July.

It is funded and supported by the Victorian School Building Authority, Mansfield Shire Council and the Bendigo Bank.

Andrew Setchell passed on thanks and appreciation from the Mansfield Kindergarten Committee for this ongoing support.

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said council had worked closely with the kindergarten project team to deliver the redevelopment for the benefit of local families.

“Mansfield Kindergarten has a long and proud history and we were happy to support the project,” he said.

“It’s exciting to see this amazing redevelopment come to life, with one of Mansfield’s few heritage buildings preserved and given new life.”

RAISE OVER $800: Last week the Mansfield Scouts 12-16 year-old

made cakes for a

Day

with all donations going to the Cancer Council. PHOTOS: Trinity Knight

NEW

The kindergarten’s additional classroom includes a bathroom, laundry,

room, two storage rooms and landscaping.

Mansfield Scouts raise $850 for Cancer

By TRINITY KNIGHT

LAST Tuesday the Mansfield Scouts hosted an afternoon tea on the median strip in Mansfield raising $850 to be donated to the Cancer Council.

The scouts, parents and community members enjoyed coffee, tea and cake on the grass raising money for a good cause.

One of the scouts’ leaders Jasmine Beekman said the Mansfield

Scouts section are youth aged 12-16.

“As part of their scouting journey they have requirements to acquire personal achievements,” she said.

“Coming up to Mother’s Day we wanted to celebrate our mum’s, so we invited them and the scouts to select their own cake recipe, cook it and bring it from home.”

The Mansfield Scouts undertake a lot of outdoor activities throughout the year.

“We have hiked Mount Kosciusz-

ko and during summer been to Lake Nilahcootie,” Jasmine said.

“We also have a number of camps and BBQs.”

Jasmine said it was a beautiful and successful afternoon.

“Raising over $800 is such an incredible achievement,” she said.

“Thank you to Mansfield Shire Council for allowing us to hire the space and for the all of the support from the Mansfield community.”

SCOUTS

section

Mother’s

afternoon tea

SPACE:

cleaner’s

ALMOST DONE: Mayor Cr Rabie said the redevelopment would benefit local families.

‘Just A Farmer’ film screening at Swanpool

IN recognition of the challenges facing farmers and rural communities that support the Victorian Farmers Markets Association, the organisation is hosting a special screening of the “Just A Farmer’ movie at the Swanpool Cinema on Friday May 17 at 7 pm.

It’s an opportunity to come together, watch an inspiring film, and engage in meaningful discussions about mental health and resilience in farming communities.

The screening of ‘Just a Farmer’ will be followed by supper and an extraordinary panel session featuring leading actor, writer and producer Leila McDougall, The Unbreakable Farmer Warren Davies and Jim Moll, rural financial counsellor based in Benalla.

The incredibly talented and diverse Q and A panel will discuss the challenges that rural communities face, when dealing with mental health.

Resilience, compassion and the indomitable spirit of rural communities and farmers will no doubt resonate deeply with the audience attending.

“Just a Farmer” is an uplifting and beautiful film that authentically depicts the challenges and triumphs of a resilient rural Australian farmer.

The story revolves around a farmer who is forced to forge a new path for her family after

her husband’s tragic suicide.

The film sheds light on critical mental health issues within farming communities, emphasizing the need for awareness and support.

VFMA Executive Officer and 2022 Rural Community Leader of the Year, Sarah Parker, will moderate the talented and experienced panel comprising of Jim Moll a local Farmer, agricultural scientist, researcher and rural financial counsellor, Warren Davies, ‘The Unbreakable Farmer’, and Leila McDougall, writer, producer, and lead actor of Just a Farmer.

“The panel that will follow the screening of ‘Just a Farmer”, brings together expertise, personal stories, and advocacy, making it a valuable discussion for anyone interested in agriculture, mental health, and community well-being,” said Ms Parker.

“If you’re in the area, I highly recommend attending this event to support the film and be part of an important conversation that is needed as our rural communities face continuing challenges.”

Jim Moll wears many hats –farmer, agricultural scientist, economist, and Rural Financial Counsellor.

For the past 9 years, he has worked as a rural financial counsellor, specializing in farm business economics

and profit analysis.

With over 30 years of experience in agricultural research, extension, and consulting, Jim brings a wealth of knowledge to his work and to our discussion panel!

Warren Davies is known as ‘The Unbreakable Farmer’ and has a powerful story of resilience and overcoming adversity.

He advocates for mental health awareness, particularly within the farming community.

Warren’s journey inspires others to find strength during challenging times.

Leila McDougall is the writer, producer and lead actor, from the movie Just a Farmer.

Leila’s story sheds light on the realities of farming life, emphasising the struggles, joys, and resilience of farmers.

Her experiences resonate with audiences, fostering understanding and empathy for those working in agriculture.

This special screening is brought to you by the Victorian Farmers’ Markets Association in collaboration with Benalla Sustainable Future Group and Swanpool Cinema.

This event, is proudly delivered by the Victorian Farmers’ Markets Association and is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian governments under the ‘Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.’

KEY DETAILS FOR THE SCREENING EVENT AT SWANPOOL CINEMA:

 Date: Friday, 17th May 2024

 Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM (UTC+11)

 Location: Swanpool Cinema, 2386 Midland Hwy, Swanpool, Victoria 3673

 Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/CQQZB

 Free tickets are available for farmers and those impacted by flooding – please contact Karen to register at karen.n@vfma.org.au

Auskick returns to Mansfield

By TRINITY KNIGHT

AUSKICK returned in Mansfield last Friday with over 120 children who have registered to learn new Australian rules football skills taking part in fun activities and games.

mental health and resilience in farming communities.

PHOTO: Supplied

Mansfield Auskick coordinator Andrew Cook, who first became involved with the program in 2019 and started running it in 2021, said numbers across the program have been strong over the last four years.

“Last year we were one of the biggest centres in Victoria outside Melbourne and major regional cities,” he said.

A 2023 article released by the Australian Football League (AFL) said last year the Benalla Auskick centre had the largest girls-only group in the state with 56 girls taking part in the program.

In Mansfield this year girls have made up 13 per cent of the registrations, which is similar to last year’s 14 per cent.

Andrew said Auskick is one of the best ways to introduce children to Australian football, because it is focused as much around having fun as it is football skills.

“We focus on short fun activities for smaller kids, then start introducing more football-related skills for the older Auskickers,” he said.

“The goal is if the kids have fun at Auskick, then they’re likely to give U10s a go.”

For anyone wishing to join Mansfield Auskick, it will be held on Friday nights at 4pm to 5pm for boys and girls aged 5-12 years of age. Contact MansfieldAuskick@gmail.com.

CLEARING SALE

130 Walshs Road, Gough’s bay. 19TH May 2024. 10am start

Tractor Kubota BX25D with Kubota loader and backhoe attachments. 715 hrs Mulcher, Sicma, 1.2m. Tractor attachment. Slasher, Berends, TA100, 1.0m. tractor attachment. Grader Blade, Hays, 1.2 m. tractor attachment. John Deere Gator Utility (2014)TH 6 X 4 Diesel with electric tip tray 450 hrs. Sylvan Firefighting tank, pump and hose assembly for Gator. Davey General Purpose Fire fighter pump and hoses. Matador Cub LTX 1042 Ride on Mower with trailer Cultivator, Briggs and Stratton. Generator Dunlite DGUH11ES—2, 11 kva honda electric start Generator (Small). Jerricans. Post hole digger Homelite and two augurs plus extension. Compressor 240V and air tools Diesel heater 240V. Jonsereds Chainsaw. Stihl Hedge clippers. Sylvan Spray trailer spray tank 100L w/-12V pump. Spray tank (50L) and 12V pump. Stihl backpack 17L sprayer. Ozito 240V garden mulcher. Garden tools. Assorted ladders and steps. Plumbing irrigation fittings and pipe. Fencing tools, star pickets, hammer and picket puller and hammer. Tritons saw bench plus accessories. Assorted garden hoses and sprinklers. Assorted electrical power leads and fittings. Outdoor furniture 8 person setting. Outdoor furniture 4 seats and matching table. Outdoor Furniture 12 seat aluminium dining table and chairs. Metal firepits. Davey Jet Pump. Car tools, jacks, etc. Metal shelving 8 bays X 4 shelves. Assorted furniture. Petrol powered cultivator. Approx 100m “Formboss” Sheet steel garden. Edging and fastenings Welders, welding rods and accessories. Assorted power tools and hand tools. Sundry assorted homewares. Contact Fraser Cameron 0428671448 Corcoran Parker

Gifford

SCREENING AT SWANPOOL: Just A Farmer is screening at the Swanpool Cinema on Friday May 17 at 7 pm. It’s an opportunity to come together, watch an inspiring film, and engage in meaningful discussions about

Event management Q&A session at Produce Store Easing into winter exhibition

ALWAYS wanted to run an event featuring a live performance but didn’t know how?

A concert, a gig, host a performer on tour, a cabaret…?

Arts Mansfield is bringing together event management experts for a Q&A session to help people who are keen to run an event achieve their dreams.

CresFest creator and director Judy Turner will be in Mansfield for the session being run at the Produce Store, 7pm on Wednesday May 22, 2024.

Judy is a “community music activist” who resides in regional Victoria and is interested in researching and collaborating with projects around the world to embed music into the daily lives of people and communities.

CresFest burst onto the small festival scene in 2022 and were finalists in both the Australian Folk Music Awards and the Music Victoria Awards in that year.

Cresfest won the national Best Community Cultural Project 2023.

This year, the three day roots and folk festival featured over 200 performers in 15 venues with more than 120 volunteers making the event a

stand out success.

Joining Judy, to answer questions and share their local experience will be Arts Mansfield President, Gill Belle, council’s events coordinator, Gareth MacDonald and seasoned multi-event presenter, Judy Dixon.

The Q&A session is for anyone interested in knowing more about running events.

Whether you have never run an event or have run many – there will be lots to learn at this ‘ask me anything’ session.

To register for the session, visit the TryBooking website and search for Event Management – Q&A.

For more information, follow Arts Mansfield social media, email artscouncilmansfield@gmail.com or call Gill Belle on 0409 647 092.

The attendance of Judy Turner at the Q&A session was funded by Regional Arts Victoria through their mentorship program.

EVENT Q&A: Arts Mansfield is bringing together event management experts for a Q&A session to help people who are keen to run an event achieve their dreams.

PHOTO: Supplied

DELATITE WINERY

By TRINITY KNIGHT

THE ‘Easing into winter’ exhibition and sale of works by local artists and artisans opened on May 11 and will run through to June 2 showcasing the vast talent of 19 artists from Mansfield and surrounds.

The exhibition is being held at the Mansfield Arts Collective Studios (MACS) Gallery Shed 2F 10 Crosbys Lane Mansfield next door to the Vintage Traders Emporium.

Arts Mansfield president Gill Belle said it was such a pleasure to be able to host this event shortly after the Bald Archy was held in Mansfield.

“The studio participants at MACS are excited about the opportunity to have a collection of works showcasing a diverse range of mediums and styles in the space,” she said.

Exhibition coordinator Jeff Reid said on behalf of MACS Gallery it is a great way to move towards a permanent centre for visual arts in Mansfield.

“It is planned that we have two events each year, one around Easter and one around December at the start of summer,” he said.

The MACS Gallery is open every Friday to Sunday inclusive from 11am to 3pm.

Entry is $10 and $5 for members.

All proceeds go to Arts Council Mansfield.

Three adult artists and three Youth Artists

Armchair travel returns to Mansfield Library

LEARN about the travel adventures of local residents in Mansfield Library’s 2024 Armchair Travel series, starting Wednesday May 15.

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie encourages the public to attend this educational and uplifting program.

“This is a great opportunity for the community to learn about the world and each other without leaving the beautiful Mansfield Shire” said Cr Rabie.

Armchair travel starts on Wednesday May 15, continuing on the third Wednesday of each month for 6 months.

The sessions, 6.00pm – 7.15pm, begin with a light supper provided by Friends of Mansfield Library that showcase the cuisine of the region.

The presentations for 2024 include:

Wednesday May 15 “Italy – Pizza, Pasta, Pompeii & the Pope!” with Liam Wilson

Wednesday June 19 “Horsemen in the mist – travels in Indonesia” with Amanda Swaney

Wednesday July 17 “The vibrant wonders of South America” with Toni Appleby

Wednesday August 21 “Omoshiroi Nihon (Fascinating Japan)” with Jane Herbert

Wednesday September 18 “TimorLeste Land of the sleeping crocodile” with David and Anne Foster October 16 “the magnificent wildlife of South Africa” with Rolly Vella’ Cost is $5.

To book your place drop into the Library on Collopy Street, call 5775 8621 or email library@mansfield.vic. gov.au

Piries-Goughs Bay shared path partially complete

ALMOST THERE: The path will extend from near the Goughs Bay General Store to Mountain Bay Drive once completed.

STAGE one of the Piries – Goughs Bay shared path is complete, as per Mansfield Shire Council’s Footpath and Shared Path strategy.

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said the strategy was subject to a wide community consultation.

“We heard from the community that not having a good path in this area meant that local families and holidaymakers going for a walk were pushed onto the road along with fast moving traffic,” he said.

“This shared path represents our commitment to community safety through smart investment in infrastructure and our promise to listen to the needs of our community.

“We know this is a key priority for the Goughs Bay community and so it has also been a priority for council.

“With the first stage of this path complete, we’re laying the foundation for strong community infrastructure that meets the needs of our growing community.”

The 270-metre path of compacted gravel is the first stage of the delivery of a path that will ultimately connect the Goughs Bay township with the High Country Gardens Gallery and Maze and the Mountain Bay community.

The 2.5m wide path, including culverts, signage and handrails, has been constructed at a cost of $75,882 to council.

Funding for a further stage of the project has been included in council’s proposed budget for the 2024-25 financial year.

Education Week

BONUS: The state government recently announced a once-off $400 School Saving Bonus that families can use to cover the cost of uniforms, camps, excursions and other extracurricular activities through the year.

School Saving Bonus to help families

THE state government recently announced a once-off $400 School Saving Bonus that families can use to cover the cost of uniforms, camps, excursions and other extracurricular activities through the year.

Support will be available in time for the start of the 2025 school year, for every child at a government school, as well as eligible concession card holders in non-government schools.

In a media release published last week following the announcement of the state budget, the government said their overall investment of more than $30 billion has made Victoria’s school performance and attendance the best in the nation.

“Every child, no matter where they live, deserves access to world-class facilities and an outstanding education – we’ve spent a decade building the Education State, and this Budget continues our investment in our kids’ future,” said Minister for Education Ben Carroll.

“It’s tough for a lot of families right now.

“That’s why we’ll give families one less thing to worry about – helping them cover back-to-school costs, with $400 for every eligible student.”

Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn expanded on Minster Carrol’s points, in particular the state’s subsidised kindergarten.

“Our early childhood reforms have opened up more free quality education for thousands of Victorian children – we’re continuing our work to give kids a great start, while saving families thousands of dollars and supporting more parents to return to work or study if they choose,” she said.

Coding Club fun for Mansfield’s youth

MANSFIELD’S very own coding club is in its third week, with afterschool Mondays and Wednesdays allocated to learning all about coding, data analytics, app creation and more.

Sessions are held at the Mansfield Youth Centre on Erril Street, starting

at 4pm and lasting for one hour. Monday sessions cater to ages eight to 12 year olds, while Wednesdays welcome those aged 12 to 18.

Led by a group of Mansfield coding gurus and utilising the Australia-wide Code Club curricu-

a large, spacious

lum, the club is officially registered with Code Club Australia.

The aim of the initiative is to empower young minds with the skills to create animations, websites, games and more in a fun and relaxed environment.

The club welcomes everyone from any level of experience and neurodiversity, and promises to be a lot of fun.

To participate, submit an expression of interest at linktr/ ee.youthservicesmansfieldshire or email youth.services@mansfield. vic.gov.au.

2024 Education Week

Supporting regional students to study and stay local

COUNTRY Universities Centre (CUC) - Ovens Murray in Mansfield is celebrating its highest number of registered students.

Located in the MACE building, the centre is federally funded to support local higher education students.

It is a free study hub, with one-on-one dedicated support, high speed internet, printing and the opportunity to form study groups with other students.

The centre is open 5am to midnight, seven days a week and staffed four days a week, by Tara Saville - learning skills advisor and Sally Mitchellwidening participation officer. Mansfield local Lucie

Mitchell, was this year’s recipient of the Bendigo Bank Mansfield & District bursary for her studies at Country Universities Centre (CUC).

“The CUC provides a space where the only focus is my studies, an hour of study at CUC is equivalent to two hours at home, there’s no distractions,” she said.

Rebecca Dowd, a local nurse upskilling to a registered nurse stated, said she loves the convenience CUC provides her.

“The convenience of being in town while the kids are busy makes it so much easier to be productive,” she said.

“The environment really helps you feel focused on study and I have access to

Dedicated study spaces

Dual screen computers Fast, reliable internet Printing facilities

We are a safe, secure study facility open from 7am to midnight, 7 days a week cademic support

We are a safe, secure study facility open from 5am to midnight, 7 days a week for Higher Education students.

Find us at Mansfield Adult Community Education, 145-147 High St, Mansfield.

everything I need, fast internet especially, the internet at home is shocking.

“You also have the friendly support staff available when you need advice or a study break.”

Tara said CUC is able to caters for all students.

“We’ve had a wide range of students register, through institutions that provide learn at your own pace and highly flexible study options to fit around day to day life,” she said.

“There is no longer the need to wait for the new year to start a course.”

For more information or to register for this free service, visit www.cucovensmurray. edu.au.

I can study from my hometown of Mansfield with resources and support of a typical uni rather than the isolation that occurs with online study.

“1 hour of study at CUC is equal to 2 hours at home. Amazing environment matched by an equally amazing and supportive community.”

Lucie Mitchell – Bachelor of Educational Studies – Swinburne Online

About our school

• Small community school

• Nature packed playground

• Dedicated specialist day every Friday (Art, German, Science)

• Pending - Daily school bus service to commence in Term 3, 2024 from

School Walk and Talk

Wednesday June 5th

9:30 -10:00am

See the Junior and Senior Classroom in action. 10:00 - 10:30am

Morning Tea - Meet the team

Twilight Tour and Talk

Discover more or register at cucovensmurray.edu.au

• Class sessions that make use of beautiful surrounds of Jamieson walks)

Thursday June 6th 5:30 - 6:30pm With Sausage sizzle

Scan QR code to register

UNIVERSITY SUPPORT: CUC Mansfield can give the support you need to get through university.

Education Week

A vibrant and tight-knit community

AT the heart of FCJ College lies its vibrant and tight-knit community.

Being a small secondary school, the sense of belonging among students and staff is palpable.

This nurturing environment not only fosters academic success but also cultivates character, resilience, and empathy, laying the foundation for lifelong relationships and a strong sense of belonging.

Integral to FCJ College are its modern facilities, designed to meet the needs of a growing student population.

The construction of four new classrooms signifies our commitment to providing learning environments that inspire creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.

To be completed by the beginning of 2025, these additions will ensure that students have access to state-of-the-art facilities that will enhance their academic journey and foster holistic development.

Furthermore, FCJ College is excited to share concept plans for new performing arts learning spaces to be constructed behind the Marie Madeleine Centre.

These dedicated spaces will serve as a platform for students to explore and showcase their artistic talents, reinforcing the school’s commitment to

providing a well-rounded education that nurtures creativity, self-expression, and cultural appreciation.

FCJ College takes immense pride in its academic achievements, including the recent VCE results where the Dux achieved an impressive ATAR of 97.2.

Yet, we are equally proud of our students who have secured full time apprenticeships and traineeships in the local region and beyond.

We understand that success comes in many forms across our community and we celebrate the diversity within our school.

We offer a diverse and comprehensive curriculum that caters to the unique needs, interests, and aspirations of every student.

Our curriculum encompasses a breadth of options, ensuring our students have the opportunity to pursue their passions and unlock their full potential.

Whether students are interested in traditional academic subjects or wish to explore practical skills through vocational education and training programs, FCJ College provides a wide array of options to suit every learning style and career goal.

As FCJ College continues

to grow and evolve, it remains steadfast in its mission to empower students to become compassionate leaders, critical thinkers, and curious learners.

Guided by the characteristics of Companionship, Justice, Courage, Confidence and Gentleness, FCJ College equips students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to thrive in an everchanging world.

Sports voucher program opening in spring

THE state government recently announced vouchers aimed at making participating in sport more affordable for families.

Premier Jacinta Allan announced last week as part of the Victorian Budget 2024/25 a spend of $6 million to extend the Get Active Kids Voucher Program.

Eligible families include those with health care cards or other concession cards and can apply for vouchers of up to $200 per child to help with the upfront costs of memberships, registration fees, uniforms and equipment across a wide range of sporting codes and recreation activities.

Almost 150,000 vouchers

have been issued since the scheme began in 2020, with more than half of recipients saying their kids would not have been able to participate in their favourite sport without the voucher.

From soccer to dance, there are more than 2000 registered sport providers available for families across the state.

Families can apply for the vouchers online before redeeming them at a Get Active Kids Voucher

Registered Activity Provider like a local sporting club.

The next round of applications will open this spring – in time for the summer sport season.

“We’re helping families by giving every child in Victoria

the chance to embrace the joy of sport, with our Get Active Kids Voucher program – making it easier for families to participate in sport, building healthier and happier communities across the state,” said Premier Jacinta Allan.

The program is open to Victorian children aged up to 18 who are named on a valid Commonwealth Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card and named on a valid Medicare Card at the time of application.

Families are encouraged to subscribe to the email notification to find out when the next round of the vouchers start later this year at getactive.vic.gov.au/ vouchers.

FCJ: Being a small secondary school, the sense of belonging among students and staff is palpable.

PHOTO: Supplied

Benalla Regional Catholic Education

Contemporary Learning

• Empowering and engaging students

• Integrating technologies, including laptops and iPads

• Individualised learning and enhancement opportunities

• Academic and practical options

Quality Facilities

• Modern facilities

• Contemporary learning environments

• Quality play spaces

• Specialist and Trade Facilities

Caring Environments

• Qualified pastoral care staff

• Professional support services for families

• Valuing the dignity of every child

• Integration support

• St Joseph’s provide after-school care

Challenge and Achievement

• Spiritual development

• Sports, music and performing arts

• Local, national and international links; cultural exchange trips

• Excellent Academic Results

Commitment to Child Safety

St. Joseph’s, St.John’s, St. Mary’s Primary School and FCJ College strive to maintain a child safe and child friendly environment where children feel safe and are free to enjoy life to the full without any concerns for their safety.

Enrolment

• Positions available for non-catholic families

• We welcome enquiries from all

• Visit us during tours and open daysCome and see for yourself!

Catholic education offers quality F-12 contemporary learning for your child in a supportive environment.

St Mary’s

St John’s

St Joseph’s

2024 Education Week

Educating for the future

By TIMOTHY HALL, PRINCIPAL, MANSFIELD SECONDARY COLLEGE

IN A world where increasingly fractured relationships are prevalent, it is great to be leading a team so focused on hope and opportunity.

In the news we read of conflict and violence; war in Ukraine, Somalia and Palestine, violence against women and children, and the generational challenges for indigenous people.

At our school, we have a long standing approach to relationships, built around the School Wide Positive Behaviours Support (SWPBS) program, and aligned with the Respectful Relationships resources through the Department of Education.

You will have seen the ‘Respect’ logo in our community – it was drawn by one of our past students.

Our SWPBS program has been in place since 2007, an extraordinary time with a

deliberate focus around how we relate to each other.

At Mansfield Secondary College, we take time with our students to actively teach pro-social behaviours, working closely to support the work that our parents and guardians do at home.

Our young people have a hope for the future, where they can see their place in society.

The ‘Spotlight on STEM’ theme for education week sits nicely alongside our relational focus.

If our students have hope for their future in terms of relationships, so too do they have hope for their own career and community progression.

The opportunities that come from a structured STEM curriculum are boundless, but it is the responsibility of all schools to expose their students to a range of learning activities.

In STEM, our students have studied physics and motion in context on rides at Luna Park and through flying lessons at Benalla Aerodrome, looked at the impact of

global warming, conducted species surveys in the wilderness of our wonderful North-East Victoria, learned the finer points of animal management through on farm placement, and worked together to develop an understanding of design.

The result is students who can step forward with confidence into the career of their choice, having seen and understood the opportunities before them.

In Education Week, themes of hope and opportunity are important as we prepare our young people to take their place in the world.

FOR THE FUTURE: MSC Principal

Tim Hall said the school has a long standing approach to relationships, built around the School Wide Positive Behaviours Support (SWPBS) program.

Mansfield Secondary College - committed to growth and excellence. Ensuring quality education and training opportunities for every student. Our varied range of co-curricular activities include: John Monash Emerging Sciences Maths Challenge

School for Student Leadership Partnership

Term 3 Mt Buller Annex Program Term 3 Snowsports Program Agribusiness

School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships a range of leadership, sports and music programs

The College is underpinned by a Positive Behaviours in Schools Program, strategically building pro-social behaviours. We welcome your enquiries, and tours are available.

For more information visit our website: www.mansfieldsc.vic.gov.au Ph: 03 5775 2022 or email: mansfield.sc@education.vic.gov.au

Free breakfasts for government school students 2024 Education Week

THE state government recently announced a spend of $21.1 million in the Victorian Budget 2024/25 to expand the School Breakfast Clubs Program to every government school – for the first time.

This will see 150 additional schools invited to join the program at the beginning of next year –expected to support up to 200,000 students – before rolling out to remaining schools from June 2025.

One thousand schools already participate in the program, which provides healthy breakfasts for students, as well as lunches, snacks and take-home food packs for students experiencing disadvantage or financial strain.

The state government claims that since 2016 its School Breakfast Clubs Program has delivered more

than 40 million healthy and nutritious meals, as well as practical cooking classes for families at 100 schools – building food literacy, increasing daily consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables, and supporting cheap and healthy meal planning.

The government said the food provided through School Breakfast Clubs meets healthy eating guidelines, prioritises fresh foods and caters for different preferences, with menu options like cereals, fresh fruit, soups and rice dishes.

“Kids can’t learn on an empty stomach – that’s why we’re helping families by expanding School Breakfast Clubs to every government school, giving students a free, healthy breakfast before school every day,” said Premier Jacinta Allan.

“Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or a healthy snack, School Breakfast Clubs make a huge difference to students whose families need a little extra support to give their children nutritious meals that power their school day,” added Minister for Education Ben Carroll.

Also announced in the recent budget was a $400 School Saving Bonus, aimed to support all government school students, and eligible concession card holders at non-government schools, with the costs of school uniforms and camps, sports, and excursions.

The state government has also pledged to expand the Glasses for Kids program into more than 400 extra schools, providing free vision screening to children in Prep to Year 3, and free glasses for students who need them.

Meet Kylie Craik, Mansfield Primary Schools amazingly talented STEM teacher.

www.mansfieldkindergarten.com.au

64 Ailsa Street, Mansfield.

Mansfield Kindergarten has been offering exceptional educational programs for both 3 and 4- year- old children for over 70 years. Centrally located, we are not-for-profit; parent- run; community minded and have outstanding teaching staff. Coupled with this, our gardens, facilities and activities are designed to bring out the best in children. This year, we will finish our extensive renovation and extension, enabling us to offer state-of-the-art, dedicated spaces to our 3 and 4-year old’s. Our off-site, Earth Kinder program for our 4- year -old’s promotes sustainability, community engagement and is pure fun!

We also offer After Kinder Care to assist working parents.

Make a time for a tour by ringing 5775-2445 today and find out what makes us so special.

We have a waiting list this year – DON’T MISS OUT IN 2025.

Kylie started at the school this year and has quickly made a mark on the school. Kylie teaches STEM as a Specialist teacher where she sees students each week for 1 hour. Kylie is passionate about technology and coding and she is keen to make sure that every student has a high level of computer skills when they leave MPS.

Mansfield Primary School has a STEM classroom where students are given the opportunity to take part in hands on learning experiences and investigations. They undertake scientific experiments and engineering challenges where they use their problem-solving skills and practice following procedures. They test predictions and reflect on their discoveries.

This year during Education Week Mansfield Primary School is holding several open classroom sessions where parents, grandparents, special friends and the wider community can come and see STEM in action. Family and friends are invited to join the students in a number of STEM challenges including the Spaghetti Engineering Challenge, the Flashlight Constellations activity, the Paper Chain Challenge and the Paper Stack Challenge.

Mansfield Primary School is really excited to have a dedicated specialist STEM teacher and we can’t wait to see where this program will lead.

Nicole Salmon Acting Principal

▲ PLANT SKETCH: As part of botany, students engage in the world around them sketching and painting plants in the natural environment. Pictured is a study of a dandelion by Teah Brophy in year five.

◀ MUSICAL STUDY: Year 10 student Charlie Watts exploring the magic of sound.

STEM in Steiner Education 2024 Education Week

AT Mansfield Steiner School, the approach to STEM is guided not just by textbooks, but by a philosophy that views education as a holistic endeavour, nurturing each student’s mind, spirit and creativity.

“At the heart of our STEM education is the genuine interest and passion of its teachers,” said principal Glenn Hood.

“In secondary school, fortunate students are taught by educators who are knowledgeable in their fields and genuinely interested in the ideas they impart.

“This passion becomes contagious, igniting curiosity and a thirst for knowledge in the students.”

In the primary school, STEM education takes on a more holistic approach, integrating subjects like cooking, art, music, and drama into the curriculum alongside more conventional forms of inquiry.

For instance, in the botany main lesson of year five, students embark on a journey through the plant

kingdom, from its earliest evolutionary forms to its most recent developments.

“During this main lesson, students don’t just passively absorb information from lectures or textbooks,” said Mr Hood.

“Instead, they immerse themselves in the subject, engaging in hands-on activities like nature walks to observe plants in their natural habitat, sketching and painting them to capture their unique characteristics, reciting poetry inspired by botanical wonders, and even growing their own plants while meticulously recording data along the way.”

In secondary, the year tens’ current main lesson examines the physics of sound through the lens of music.

Through observation, sound has been defined as the vibration of particles propagating as waves of high and low pressure, and students will discover how a greater understanding of sound can enhance their creation of music.

In a similarly transdisciplinary vein, the year eights are currently studying perspective geometry, exploring mathematics through 2-D art.

“Our year 12 IBDP students have designed their own scientific studies in chemistry,” said Mr Hood.

“And in mathematics, they are beginning to define their exploration, investigating an area of interest by applying their knowledge from the course.

“This approach not only imparts foundational scientific skills but also fosters a deep reverence and awe for the natural world.

“By experiencing science as a living, breathing entity rather than a static set of facts, students develop a lifelong love for inquirybased and self-directed learning.

“This philosophy emphasizes the holistic development of students, nurturing their intellectual, artistic, and practical skills in equal measure,” Mr Hood said.

ACROSS

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

3 What is a woman who has never married (8)

7 To regain something, is to do what (6)

8 To be seductive, is to be what (8)

9 What is intense, overpowering fear (6)

10 Which term describes that which has the most thin cutting edge (8)

11 What is a bank cashier called (6)

14 Juneau is the capital of which US State (6)

17 What is a numbat also known as (8)

18 To be rectangular, is to be what (6)

19 What is a circular or spiral motion (8)

20 What are profits, as from investments (6)

21 Name a more or less temporary disorder of the mental faculties, as in fevers, etc (8)

DOWN

1 To mislead by a false statement, is to do what (7)

2 What is an alternative name for a diary (7)

3 To be more thinly scattered, is to be what (7)

4 Which term describes that which is neither positive nor negative (7)

5 Name a muscle having three heads (7)

6 What is a boat race (7)

11 To have given out a sharp ringing sound, is to have done what (7)

12 Which term implies that which relates to the side (7)

13 What is a decree also known as (7)

E-QUATIONS

14 What is a word formed from the initial letters of other words (7)

15 Name an artist’s workshop (7)

16 What was the former name of Cape Canaveral (7)

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

a)

b)

c)

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:

Aged (3)

Courageously (7)

Heating chambers (5)

Make changes (5)

Opposed to con (3)

Perambulators (coll) (5)

Surf Life Saving (3) Takes a trip (7)

Theatre: well done (5)

Undergarment (3)

This bat is a mega is a mega important flying mammal

THE Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority is celebrating birds and bats in 2024 with the Year of the Wing community awareness campaign.

This month, megabats are featured.

Flying foxes, also known as fruit bats, are megabat mammals.

They first appeared in the fossil record about 50 million years ago and it’s thought they evolved as night-active to take advantage of the ‘empty airspace’ left by the dayactive birds.

Although called flying foxes, other than being a mammal, megabats are not related to foxes - their name comes from their “foxy” facial features.

Unlike microbats that use reflected sound to seek out their insect prey, megabats rely upon their large eyes and keen nose to seek food at night.

Goulburn Broken CMA project officer, Janice Mentiplay-Smith, said the Goulburn Broken catchment was home to two species of flying fox: the threatened Greyheaded Flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) and the Little Red Flyingfox (Pteropus scapulatus).

The Grey-headed Flying-fox is

MEGA IMPORTANT: Little Red Flying-fox.

one of the largest bats in the world, weighing up to a kilogram with a wingspan of up to a metre.

“Bats are the only mammals capable of sustained flight; they are amazing ‘mammals of the air’, and play a very important role in the ecosystem,” Ms Mentiplay-Smith said.

“We usually think of birds and bees pollinating our plants however flying foxes are major pollinators of eucalypts; without them the composition of Australia’s forests would be very different.

“Flying foxes travel up to 80 kilometres each night to feed. D

“During the process of feeding, they transfer pollen from tree to tree which spreads the gene pool and enhances the tree’s capability to survive.

“Because they are integral to seed dispersal and pollination, the rapid decline in flying fox populations is very concerning as this will affect the long-term survival of our

unique eucalypt forest and rainforest ecosystems.”

Roosting above water helps flying foxes remain cool in the summer heat.

Grey-headed Flying-foxes roost in camps around swamps, woodlands, patches of rainforest and along creeks.

The availability of food influences where they live and move to. If the food source is stable, they will remain at a site for a prolonged time.

Ms Mentiplay-Smith said habitat loss was a major threat to flying foxes.

“When their natural habitat is destroyed, they are forced to seek a home where they can,” she said.

“This means they tend to crowd into confined urban areas and gardens, which can be unpopular with the human residents.

“Threats to Grey-headed Flyingfoxes and similar megabat species include habitat destruction, heat

stress and disturbance by people and pets at roost sites.

“Barbed wire is deadly for a flying-fox.

“Once caught on a barbed wire fence, it generally cannot escape and suffers a prolonged death.

“Should it manage to free itself, its torn wing membranes renders it unable to fly, meaning it cannot feed and escape predators.

“Similarly, ‘wildlife unfriendly’ fruit tree netting results in entanglement, injuries and death for the flying fox.

“Use fruit tree netting with a mesh size of less than 5mm (that you cannot poke a finger through) and make sure it’s taut and secured firmly to the ground.

“Try to purchase white netting only, as this is more visible to animals at night.”

For more information visit Australasian Bat Society www.ausbats. org.au and The Mammal Book - GB CMA - Goulburn Broken CMA

Up2Us secures funding for weed and animal control

IN response to the persistent challenges posed by weeds and pest animals in Mansfield, Up2Us Landcare Alliance has obtained funding from the state government’s Partnership Against Pests program.

The funding of over $28,000 will enable Up2Us to build landholder knowledge and capacity to reduce invasive species on private land.

While the funding is not available for onground works, this project aims to build knowledge and partnerships with landholders, promoting a well-informed community in management of pest species.

The Up2Us team will roll out a series of workshops, field days, and educational events designed to equip landholders with the knowledge and resources necessary for effective weed control and pest management.

The focus will be on engaging absentee landholders and newcomers to the area, who may lack experience in tackling these issues.

Over 12 months the project will address a range of weed species and pest animals present in the Mansfield district, including rabbits, Patterson’s curse, woody weeds, and pigs.

If you are experiencing pest animals such as pigs or rabbits on your property or have woody or broadleaf weeds such as blackberry or Patterson’s curse please contact the Up2Us office on 57791593 or sign up to our newsletter to receive latest project information - www. up2us.org.au.

PHOTO: Steve Wilson

May

 MAY 17: ‘Just A Farmer’ film screening at Swanpool Cinema, 2386 Midland Hwy, Swanpool, at 7PM. Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/CQQZB

 MAY 18: Outdoor Provedore, producers market, 8.30am to 12.30pm on the High Street median strip, opposite the CWA (third Saturday of every month).

 MAY 18: International Museum Day - Mansfield Historical Society - slab party and free BBQ by Rotary, 12pm - 2pm. All welcome. Register via MHS website.

 MAY 20: U3A Mansfield meeting at Mansfield Library (enter by back door). 10am morning tea and then movie morning: ‘The Incredible Journey of Mary Bryant’. For more details call Trish 0437 357 829.

 MAY 22: Women on Wednesdays (WOW!) group are hosting a biggest morning tea fundraiser for The Cancer Council at The Delatite Hotel, 10.30am - 12pm. Tickets $15 through Booking. com

 MAY 22: CresFest creator and director Judy Turner will be in Mansfield to host a Q&A session being run at the Produce Store at 7pm. Email artscouncilmansfield@gmail.com for more information.

 MAY 25/MAY 26: Mushroom encounters with Alison Pouliot, 11am3pm, Carters Mill Picnic Area. $25 per head, Up2Us Landcare - https:// trybooking.com/CPSIS

June

 JUNE 22: Mansfield Lantern Festival, Erril Street, 4pm to 9pm.

 JUNE 26: Stand for Council, community and candidate information session at the Mansfield Shire Council Chambers, 6pm.

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

MAY 25/MAY 26

Regular Events:

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

 CWA Craft Days: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays 10am, 2nd Thursday 6pm and 4th Wednesday at 6pm, each month.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Mansfield support group for carers and people with special needs – morning coffee, third Tuesday of the month, 9.30am at Bob’s Shed, Rosehaven 82A Malcolm St Mansfield. Ph 0409 751 593.

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

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

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

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

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

 Rural Australians for Refugees (RAR) meet every fourth Monday of the month at 6pm at the Uniting Church Hall.

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

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

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

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

Mushroom encounters with Alison Pouliot.

property of the week

LUXURY, PRIVACY AND CONVENIENCE!

TUCKED away in a quiet leafy setting, this immaculate new residence is only moments from Mansfield’s bustling High Street but as soon as you close the stunning front door you will feel like you have been transported to another world. Have you just checked in to a private 5 star hotel?

Professionally designed and finished to the highest standard by a local renowned builder who specializes in high end custom built homes,

this property is the epitome of quiet luxury. From the Barrington slate tiles on the roof to the magnificent rock exterior, 100% pure wool carpet, real oak floorboards and stunning marble stone benchtops, every detail reflects the builder’s passion for exceptional quality.

The agents can provide an extensive list of luxury features, which include generously proportioned bedrooms, gas log fireplace, heated towel rails and underfloor heating in both bathrooms,

dimmable lighting throughout, remote control blinds and ceiling fans, remote entry double garage and automated sprinkler system in all garden areas.

The location is fabulous too! While it will be a pleasure to entertain family and friends in your beautiful new home, you can take a short stroll to the end of your street to dine at ‘The Fields’ or ‘Anvil’ restaurants. Life is for living ... and this way of living is easy!

RIC to host free webinar for first and next generation farmers

AUSTRALIAN Government farm business lender, RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) will host a free online webinar on Wednesday, May 29 for farmers, financial advisers, business planners and rural counsellors to learn more about how low-interest RIC loans can assist eligible first and next generation farm businesses accelerate their business plans.

RIC chief executive officer, John Howard said RIC loans can help purchase property, land or the business, refinance or restructure existing farm debt to improve cash flow and provide access to new funding to manage operating costs and capital expenditure.

“The RIC AgriStarter Loan offers financial ‘breathing space’ for new farmers with a minimum of three years on-farm experience to improve cash flow, refinance a portion of their existing agribusiness debt or implement succession plans to fast-track their business growth and productivity,” Mr Howard said.

“RIC’s commitment to growing the Australian agricultural industry has delivered more than $88 million in AgriStarter loans since 2021 when they were first introduced.

“Two-thirds of AgriStarter loans have helped to accelerate business activities for new farm enterprises while the remainder have supported succession planning arrangements.

“Whether you are growing your own farm business or taking on the family farm, this webinar will discuss how RIC loans can help eligible farm businesses start-up, set-up and grow.”

RIC customer and berry producer, Scott Carter and his wife Allison from Corinella, Victoria were successful in applying for an AgriStarter Loan to assist them to establish a berry farm and fast-

GIVE IT A GO: Scott and Allison Carter were successful in applying for an AgriStarter Loan to assist them to establish a berry farm and fast-track access to bigger markets.

track access to bigger markets.

“The loan terms are ideal for start-up farm businesses like mine which may take time and funds to invest in infrastructure, livestock or produce before we are able to gain a return,” Mr Carter said.

“RIC loans are interest-only repayments for five years and then you start repaying principal for the next five years. 

“This helps your cash flow immensely in the first five years when you’re setting up.”

The AgriStarter Loan is available to all eligible applicants across Australia and offers up to $2 million in borrowings, with affordable interest rates, no application or ongoing account keeping fees and ability to repay early before the end of the 10-year loan term.

To register for the free online

webinar to find out more about the AgriStarter Loan, visit www. ric.gov.au/events.

The webinar will be held on Wednesday, May 29 from 12:00 –1:00pm AEST and a recording will be emailed to registered participants after the event.

For more about RIC AgriStarter Loan, visit www.ric.gov.au/agristarter or call RIC on 1800 875 675.

Biosecurity basics covered in new podcast season

TO help all Victorians play their role, Agriculture Victoria’s new podcast season ‘Biosecurity basics’ takes a deep dive into the fundamentals of biosecurity, including practical things listeners can put in place to play their part in protecting our animals and environment.

Program Manager Emergency Animal Disease Industry Engagement, Kellyanne Harris, said listeners will hear from people engaged in biosecurity.

“It doesn’t matter how many animals you have, how big or small your property is, biosecurity is everyone’s business,” Ms Harris said.

“Every livestock owner or person living on a small or lifestyle farm can make changes today to improve their biosecurity and help protect their property from pests and diseases.

“Created in collaboration with RSPCA Victoria, the new AgVic Talk series features experts from RSPCA Victoria and Agriculture Victoria as well as farmers who share their knowledge on how people can build biosecurity into their day-to-day farming practices.”

In episode one, Erica Smith from Glenstrae Highlands talks about how she went about introducing some basic biosecurity practices when setting up her property in Gippsland.

In episode two, Brett Davidson from Agriculture Victoria and Rachael Laukart from RSPCA Victoria cover how both agencies are helping producers manage risk and improve their biosecurity practices.

“Listeners will receive advice on what to include in a biosecurity plan, the importance of Property Identification Codes (PICs) and where to go for tips and advice about biosecurity practices and steps you can take on farm,” Ms Harris said.

You can subscribe and listen to ‘Biosecurity basics’ on AgVic Talk wherever you get your podcasts.

You can find out more and listen to other AgVic Talk episodes at agriculture.vic.gov.au/agvictalk.

To find out more about Agriculture Victoria’s work on managing biosecurity in Victoria, visit the website: agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity.

Report shows farmland generated competitive returns in 2023

ELDERS Rural Property

Update has been released last week, analysing the performance of rural property values in 2023 compared to 2022, and commenting on the fourth quarter from October 1 to December 31, 2023.

The analysis shows that rural property continues to prove a resilient, high performing asset class.

The rural property market performed strongly in 2023 to post another strong annual gain, the eighth successive annual rise in the national median, to $8625/ha up 12 per cent on 2022.

Elders general manager farmland agency & agribusiness investments Mark Barber said property prices have been remarkably resilient.

“This latest rise pushes the five-year compound annual growth rate to 10.1 per cent, a rate that, if sustained, would see property prices double every seven years,” Mr Barber said.

“In comparison, these returns compare favourably to the top performing Australian equities and Sydney residential property.”

After facing some headwinds including falling commodity prices, rising input costs and poor seasonal outlook through the early part of 2023, the key drivers turned in favour of rural landholders from mid-2023.

Key commodity prices stabilised, input costs fell, weather conditions improved, and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) took its foot off interest rate increases.

This combined to sharply lift confidence across the rural sector and provide the impetus for price rises in 2023.

Key points for the year 2023:

• national median price per hectare rose 12% to $8625/ha, following a gain of 18.1% in 2022 and a 18.2% gain in 2021;

• the five-year compound growth rate (CAGR) was 10.1%, meaning prices would double in 7.2 years if this rate could be sustained;

• the total amount of stock offered for sale in 2023 was $12.5b, down from $14.4b and $14.6b in 2022 and 2021 respectively.

While the annual median shows that national property values improved

in 2023, quarterly median prices paint a different story with strong improvements through Q3 and Q4 of 2023, after falls during Q2.

By year’s end, the quarterly median was tracking above the long-term sales price trend.

“By the end of 2023 we saw farmers terms of trade start to recover, and seasonal conditions improved despite earlier dire predictions,” Mr Barber said.

This led to a sharp rebound in farmers’ confidence and the softening of farmland values in the first half of the year reversed in the second half of the year.

The strongest performing states were Western Australia (WA) and Victoria where the annual median showed growth of 17.6 per cent and

14.6 per cent respectively.

While the annual median shows that national property values improved solidly in 2023, quarterly median prices paint a different story with strong improvements through Q3 and Q4 of 2023, after falls during Q2.

By year’s end, the quarterly median was tracking above the long-term sales price trend.

“By the end of 2023 we saw farmers terms of trade start to recover, and seasonal conditions improved despite earlier dire predictions,” he said.

“This led to a sharp rebound in farmers’ confidence and the softening of farmland values in the first half of the year reversed in the second half of the year.

“The strongest perform-

ing states were Western Australia (WA) and Victoria where the annual median showed growth of 17.6 per cent and 14.6 per cent, respectively.”

Elders sourced transactional level data for every rural property sale above 40 hectares in Australia from Corelogic before undertaking in-depth analysis to remove non-agricultural land uses and statistical outliers.

Analysis and commentary is provided by Richard Koch, Elders Business Intelligence Analyst, and Elders’ national network of rural real estate experts. To download Elders Rural Property Update in full visit, elders.com.au/for-farmers/ market-insights/rural-property-update.

Jamieson celebrates Mothers Day with Autumn glory

JAMIESON catered for mothers on Sunday with lunch at all of the dining venues in Jamieson.

A beautiful Autumn day brought visitors into the area, with the trees putting on a show, spectacular with every leaf shade from gold to the brightest reds vying for admiring glances.

Visitors also attended the Mothers Day Mass, at St John the Apostle church celebrated by Fr George Feliciouz, who brought a basket of flowers and a Mothers Day wish card and presented every mother in the church with a flower and special wish and blessing.

JAMIESON Primary school students attended their first line dancing class last week and enjoyed the new experience with delight.

Line dancing is part of the school’s physical education program.

The students are learning about space, the senior students are researching for their posters,

Each student has chosen a space related topic that they are curious about and are embracing the challenge.

The posters will be on display at the Space Expo later in the term.

The students enjoyed the Mothers Day craft class with Mrs Bolwell.

Each student wrote cards, gift certificates, made a no-bake lemon slice and a beautiful candle vase decorated with old lace for their mothers.

LAST week Jamieson CFA members were presented with service awards.

There was a special presentation to Chris Badrock who had been Jamieson CFA captain for eight years. In handing the award to Chris, current captain Grant McRostie mentioned the

leadership and professionalism that Chris had brought to the brigade.

The item presented to Chris was custom-made cast in bronze, by Craig Eury a lieutenant at the brigade and local artisan.

It is a fire fighter’s helmet on a small tree branch, with an engraving of “In Appreciation from the Jamo Brigade”.

LAST Thursday May 9 a group of Howqua and Jamieson residents and history

buffs were taken on a tour of the historic town of Enoch’s Point, in the western foothills of Mount Terrible.

The trip was organized by Karen Alderson of the Jamieson and District Historical Society, in conjunction with John Pilkinton, author of the book Big River Days.

John has a ‘shack’ at Enoch’s Point which was originally built by his father circa 1930 for John’s grandfather.

The shack is visited by

In recognition of his service, Chris Badrock - who had been Jamieson CFA captain for eight years - was presented with an award.

the family continuing a long tradition.

John led the 13 visitors around the old township, pointing out where the old school premises and the two hotels once stood - only the stone fireplaces remain.

Enoch’s Point had about 400 residents back in the mid-late 1800s.

World War 1, the Great Depression and World War 2, saw the following residential decline on this once bustling town.

The visiting group enjoyed the historic tour and the background stories, told with John’s passion for the old town.

The group enjoyed a luncheon prepared by Andy Dolling of Jamieson in the romantic High Country terrain over looking the Big River.

THE two senoras from Jamieson walking the Camino, Karen Alderson and Maree Rosia, enjoyed a rest day, following a 22 kilometre

walk through the vineyards of the Rioja wine region and a 28 kilometre walk the day before over very steep hills.

They are on day 11 of their 41 day route, having completed 162 kilometres of their 775 kilometres.

There was snow on the ground when they commenced their trek, but the weather is warmer now.

They are both enjoying this dream of a lifetime, following months of training in the local hills around Jamieson.

HUGE CHALLENGE: Jamieson residents Karen Alderson and Maree Rosia are in Spain walking the Camino.

LEARNING HISTORY: Residents from Howqua and Jamieson visit the historic town of Enoch’s Point.

EARTHMOVING Ph: 5779 1733

Ben: 0400 877 582 Corey: 0409891 367 admin@alpinecivil.com.au 261 Deadhorse Lane, Mansfield

Information

By

Phone: (03) 5723 0101

Booking deadline: 2pm day prior to print.

Phone: (03) 5723 0101

Booking deadline: 3pm Monday prior to print.

Phone: (03) 5723 0101

Booking deadline: 12 noon Monday prior to print.

Phone: (03) 5723 0100

Phone for quarterly booking deadline

Phone: (03) 5723 0100

Booking deadline: Second Friday of month

CAR ADVERTISERS

Private vendors of motor cars advertised for sale must include in their advertisement

• Cash price of motor car

• If car is registered, registration number

• If unregistered, the engine number PHOTOGRAPHS

All photographs appearing in this issue that are taken by our photographers are available as reprints.

FOUND ADVERTISEMENTS

All found advertisements are published free. for publication.

PERSONAL ADVERTISERS

• All personal photos submitted for printing in this issue must be collected within the next 4 weeks.

• All engagement and marriage notices must carry the signatures of BOTH parties, if under 18 the parents’ signatures as well.

• Birth notices require signatures ADDITIONS

• Bold heading

• A various selection of logos are available.

INTERNET

In lodging an advertisement with us you agree that we may publish the advertisement on our website. The general terms and condition that apply to publication apply also to publication of material on our website.

Section of Jamieson – Licola Road

Pursuant to clause 7 of Schedule 11 of the Local Government Act 1989, Council advises the implementation of the seasonal road closure of part of the Jamieson-Licola Road.

The specific section of road affected is from the Mt Sunday Road intersection, approximately 36 kms from Jamieson and at elevation 1200m, through to the Mansfield / Wellington Shire Boundary.

The closure will take effect 19 May –27 October 2024 inclusive.

The road closure has been brought forward due to significant snowfall, making the road impassable to traffic.

No access will be permitted to this section of road during this time.

Kirsten Alexander Chief Executive Officer

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING DELATITE VALLEY ASSOCIATION INC.

Will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 6pm, at the Sebel – Pinnacle Valley Resort, Merrijig.

A special resolution will be proposed that revises the standard rules.

The Delatite Valley community is encouraged to apply for membership which must be made by the May 15, 2024, to permit voting at the AGM.

Nominations for committee positions must be received at least 14 days prior to the AGM (May 15, 2024) providing a short bio/summary of why members should consider you for a general or executive specified Committee position. Further information and application for membership available on website: https://www.delatitevalleyassociation.org.au/ or email: delatitevalleyassociation@gmail.com Mary Dunn – President - 0437 374 001

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

7.00pm Thursday 16 May

7.30 Guest Speaker Andrew Hill CEO Steiner Education Australia

ALL WELCOME

Mansfield Steiner School 91 Highett St, Mansfield

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:

MARY KIRLEY

To enter call Radio Mansfield on 5775 2333

AGM MANSFIELD BOWLS CLUB

Sunday, May 26, 2024 1pm in the clubrooms at 35-37 Ailsa Street, Mansfield.

All welcome!

Lauriston Girls’ School HOWQUA ROLES

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

Howqua campus in the following roles:

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF OUTDOOR PROGRAM

Full-time, ongoing position, commencing Term 3 or Term 4, 2024.

MATHEMATICS TEACHER

Full-time, ongoing position, commencing Term 3, 2024. Housing on Campus will be provided.

The Howqua Campus is a full-time residential campus

pastoral and outdoor programs for Year 9 students. Please visit our employment page via https://www.lauriston.vic.edu.au for more information regarding the roles and to access the Position Descriptions and to apply online.

Applications close: 9:00am Monday May 20, 2024 Lauriston is a Child Safe School. We promote the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children.

Mechanical Maintenance at Buller Ski Lifts

Join our year-round team at Buller Ski Lifts in our Mechanical Maintenance Department. We are currently seeking individuals interested in a fulfilling career with us up at Mt Buller!

Responsibilities:

• Maintain plant, and generators in compliance with standards and obligations.

• Ensure a safe environment for our valued guests and employees.

Requirements:

• Valid Driver’s License.

• Previous Mechanical Maintenance Experience.

• Working knowledge of work safe practices.

• Ability to work independently.

• Hydraulic experience is advantageous. Skills:

• Adaptability to all weather conditions.

• Self-motivated and proactive.

• Ability to keep calm under pressure.

• Ability to work with minimal supervision. Don’t miss this chance to be a part of our Maintenance team!

Apply now by contacting brett.smith@skibuller.com.au

Ads can also be lodged at

SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE

HR DRIVER – IMMEDIATE START AND GREAT RATES!

Who we are

When you start to think of waste as a resource, it opens up a world of possibilities. Cleanaway is the largest waste management company in Australia, providing sustainable waste management solutions to a range of customers including councils, small businesses, large corporate entities and government agencies.

Your new role:

Based at our Mansfield site, this casual role will require you to service multiple residential sites in Mansfield and deliver loads to nominated recycling and disposal facilities. You will be working with a safe, modern, and reliable fleet that we service and maintain regularly.

To be successful, you will have:

• An unrestricted HR licence as a minimum.

• A clean driving record.

• A strong commitment to safety; and a willingness to work as part of a team.

Why Cleanaway?

There are many advantages to working with Cleanaway:

• We offer attractive and competitive pay rates.

• Career upskill and progression opportunities.

• A welcoming team environment.

• Work with the Australian leader in sustainable waste management solutions. Waste industry experience is desirable but not essential. Don’t waste another minute - come and join us in our exciting journey towards a sustainable future and let's make a positive impact together! Apply through the following website: https://careers.pageuppeople.com/621/cw/en/job/518330

Or Contact Ivan: Ph: 0498 840 742 E: ivan.cheah@cleanaway.com.au

Please note: Applicants for this role will be subject to preemployment checks including police and medical assessments with drug and alcohol testing and a driving history check.

Cleanaway encourages and values diversity and inclusion. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

2006 NISSAN PATHFINDER, reg (UDQ911), auto, ST diesel, 7 seater, 180,000km, cruise control, 1 owner, VGC, extras rear park camera, $8000 ono. Call Robin 0412 485 113.

YELLOW Hyundai sedan, 2000, (1YM9QQ), 218,242km, great car for new drivers, 5 speed manual, $4500 ono, located Mansfield. Ph 0439 719 529

FORD Falcon, 2006, (TZX689) reg till July 1, $2000 ono, Ph 0409 497 538.

4.6 Fibre Glass boat/trailer, 70hp Yamaha, very little use, all safety gear, new seats, awning, paint and gel coat, t otally refurbished, new transom, GPS, Sounder, $10,000. Ph 0407 161 665.

each Phone Shane 0428 576 799

Personal Notices

DEATH NOTICES

ZORIC, Augustin “Gus”. 24/2/1965 - 9/5/2024

Passed away peacefully at the Mansfield Hospital surrounded by his family.

Loved and loving father to Damien and Bianca, and father-in-law to Melanie and poppy to his 3 grandchildren; Alana, Liam and Charlotte. Forever in our hearts. Rest easy cruising in your GT.

SCALE, Siân Louise. 5/10/1995 – 7/5/2024

A life celebration is to be held on June 1, 2024 commencing from 1-3pm for family and friends at Mansfield Steiner School, Melliodora Hall.

In lieu of flowers, Siân requested the donation of blood.

ZORIC

A graveside funeral service in loving memory of Gus will be held at the Mansfield Cemetery on Friday, May 17, 2024 meeting at the cemetery gates at 2.30pm. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Mansfield Hospital. Donation envelopes will be available.

BECK, Helmut.

Diane and family want to thank everyone for their support, hugs, cards and flowers after the death of Helmut. And thanks also to the CGP and hospital staff for their care.

Mansfield takes on Myrtleford in round five Mother’s Day clash

By ANGELA DESMOND

MANSFIELD went for a Sunday drive to Mrytleford for a round five clash with the Saints.

The boys got the first touch to the ball and our first goal was through a mark in the forward line from Cris Caminos, who converted nicely.

Myrtleford matched us with a quick couple of goals themselves and the boys were looking for their next goal.

Our boys worked hard with Liam Smith, Edward Morphett and Hayden Desmond roving the ruck work of Sam Kain, it headed into our forward line few times bouncing off chests before James Benton popped up with a goal on the run.

Our third goal came through a kick off the ground from Xavier Maroney.

We headed into the quarter time two goals behind.

Second quarter we were hav-

ing our work cut out for us, it was coming in hot into the backline and the boys were trying hard.

Ben Baklis, Noah Pigdon and Noah Whittall working hard to keep the ball from going over the back with Logan Kent playing in front and taking a strong mark, Sam Kynnersley working with them to push it back into the centre.

Harry Craddock working with Ethan Pigdon and Alex Kipping on the wings and with Harry

Sheeran harassing, they kept pushing the ball forward.

Oscar Pigdon took a strong mark in our forward line, but unfortunately it was off line and through for a behind.

Harry Craddock found himself taking a strong mark and converted for a goal but the ball was heading back down the other end with Myrtleford converting nicely.

The boys were heading into the rooms at half time 25 points

down.

Third quarter saw us kick the first goal through Harry Craddock.

Sam Kain kept his consistent work rate up, Eddie Morphett kept clearly it out with assistance from Laim Smith but Myrtleford had kicked another four goals to one goal, three behinds and we went into the fourth quarter down by 48 points.

Cruz Purday, Noah Pigdon

and Darcy Leenen kept defending hard and pushing forward and James Benton kicked another goal but Myrtleford was too strong on the day. Myrtleford 129 def Mansfield 62

Awards Corcoran & Parker: Sam Kain Hayden Desmond Reece Plumbing : Edward Morphett Mansfield Work Wear : Liam Smith

Notable mentions Cruz Purday and Alex Kipping

Skillzone Sports visit the Mansfield Soccer Club

By CHRIS NEALON

MANSFIELD Soccer Club

had a huge turnout on Sunday for a special coaching session with Skillzone Sports, which was kindly sponsored by the Delatite Hotel.

Adam Gatcum and his team, who play for the GV

Suns in Shepparton, had over 100 very keen Mansfield soccer players running through an impressive series of drills.

Games finished off the morning with some new skills showcased.

Many games were battled tightly until the final whistle.

BEST: COLLEGE: Ayden Peebles, Nevada Monk, Fraser Burgan, Harvey Lyster, Kallam Pensak, Harrison Bowman. KANGAROOS: Jamie Scheier, Zac O’Shannessy, Ruari Adamo, Alexander Hines, Kade Jackson, Archie O’Brien. GOALS: COLLEGE: Thomas Fieldew 3, Harrison Bowman 1, Cashen Monk 1, Kallam Pensak 1. KANGAROOS: Jamie Scheier 4, Leonard Clayton 3, Billy Hiskins 3, Ruari Adamo 2, Alexander Hines 1, Eamon Mullins 1, Zac O’Shannessy 1. Benalla 0.0 0.0 1.1 1.1.7 Junior Magpies 1.4 5.7 13.9 17.11.113

BEST: BENALLA: Mitchell Cooney, Josh Hart, Sam Gates, Jobe Stovell, Logan Hyland, Josh Mathieson. JUNIOR MAGPIES: John Wohlers, Mossy Alker-Jones, Jackson Hewitt, Charlie Suffield, Noah Murphy, Joel Comensoli. GOALS: GOALS: BENALLA: Josh Hart 1. JUNIOR MAGPIES: Mossy Alker-Jones 5, Joel Comensoli 5, Callum Bott 3, Zach Bott 2, Cooper Allan 1, Mark John White 1.

Centrals

Tigers

BEST: CENTRALS: Hunter Barry, Connor Ormond, Reid McNamara, Hayden Currie, Solomon Steer, Max Hernandez. TIGERS: Drew Winter, Jack Preston, Harvey Dodgshun, Lucas Webb, Mitchell Benton, Charlie York. GOALS: CENTRALS: Henry Burke 1, Cohen Hazell 1. TIGERS: Mitchell Benton 2, Jake Wall 2, Harvey Dodgshun 1, Kayden Mckelvie 1, Jensen Perna 1, Lucas Webb 1. Myrtleford

Mansfield

BEST: MYRTLEFORD: Benjamin McMasters, Taj Cooper, Bailey Robb, Oscar Benson, Rourke Warner, Adam Morgan. MANSFIELD: Samuel Kain, Hayden Desmond, Edwin Morphett, Liam Smith, Cruz Purday, Alex Kipping. GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: Bailey Robb 8, Taj Cooper 3, Jordyn Notarianni 2, Rourke Warner 2, Spencer Colson 1, Antonio Iaria 1, Adam Morgan 1, Jethro Novak 1. MANSFIELD: Harry Craddock 4, James Benton 2, Christopher Caminos 1, Hayden Desmond 1, Xavier Maroney 1, Nick Taylor 1.

BEST: IMPERIALS: Luke Griffiths, Max Marek, Kai McPhan, Charlie Maher, Will Prebble, Nicholas Kjar. BRIGHT: Alan Grasser, Tom Russell, Ryley West, Henry Lindner, Aiden Toy, Ewan Lodge. GOALS: IMPERIALS: Will Prebble 9, Hugo Bandt 2, Nicholas Kjar 2, Marshall Semmens 2, Preston Stamp 2, Harry Allen 1, Seth Ismale 1, Kai McPhan 1, Cooper Young 1. BRIGHT: Tyson Brierty 3, Stefan Barnard 1, Otis

BEST: CENTRALS: Archie Knobel, Noah Paul, Samuel Elkington, sonny gales, Andrew Fraser, Bailey Stewart. TIGERS: Henry Gibb, Nate O’Keefe, Zachariah Akers, Paige-Lee Dummet, Marlon Togolo, Riley Webb. GOALS: CENTRALS: Archie Knobel 3, Aiden Castle 1, Andrew Fraser 1, Harvey Muraca 1. TIGERS: Henry Gibb 3, Cooper Lack 2, Hugh Sharp 2, Kobe Ackroyd 1, Thomas McCully 1, Xavier Sheldon 1, Riley

1. Kangaroos

Mansfield Yellow

BEST: KANGAROOS: Oscar Edwards, Henry Ackerly, Jack Pople, Archie Symons, Kieran White, Maddox Coleman. MANSFIELD YELLOW: Toby Gerrans, Isaac Crowe, James Wellborne, Jack Clydesdale, Hudson George, Levi Stevenson. GOALS: KANGAROOS: Oscar Edwards 6, Jack Pople 2, Harry Chandler 1, Maddox Coleman 1, Mitchell Murphy 1, Archie Symons 1. MANSFIELD YELLOW: James Wellborne 2, Felix Smith 1, Macc Watson 1, Zac Borg

Benalla Red

BEST: BENALLA RED: Charlie Pollard, Noah Cooney, Jack Pollard, Thomas Mount, Xavier De Fazio, Thomas Snell. JUNIOR MAGPIES: Sam McIntosh, Archie Johnson, Alexander Scholes, Jack Vincent, Patrick Alker-Jones, Will James. GOALS: BENALLA RED: Cash Nolen 1, Charlie Pollard 1, Lucas Webster 1. College

BEST: COLLEGE: Lenny Sims, Cooper Bowman, Charlie OBrien, Luke OBrien, Harvey Allan, Dominic Ciccone. MANSFIELD BLUE: Noah Langlands, Archie Dunn, Jacob Fleming, Zander Haslau, Reeve Purday GOALS: COLLEGE: Lenny Sims 8, Luke OBrien 4, Harvey Allan 1, Cooper Bowman 1, Harry Dean 1, Tom Hill 1. MANSFIELD BLUE: Bodhi

IMPERIALS: Kade Ely, Sam Newton, Logan Wilson, Gus Marek.

charlie Bell. MYRTLEFORD: Hudson Durling, Matthew Morgan, Austin Robb, Max McMahon, Jake Jennings, Cooper Roman. GOALS: BENALLA BLACK: Joshua Byers 2, Joshua Montgomery 1, Kobi Thwaites 1. MYRTLEFORD: Hudson Durling

SHOWCASING NEW SKILLS: Harrison Athanasi weaving through his opponents.

Welcome rain softens the fairways and greens

By ROD SARGENT

IT has been a relatively quiet week at the golf club this week, with some welcome rain that has softened the fairways and greens a little bit, making the course more friendly to play on.

Tuesday was a good size field of 33 players, for a gold tee stableford round.

Mike Irwin obviously

likes the shorter format, with an outstanding 45pts, to win in a canter from Alan Parrot on 39pts and third place was Alan Eustace, also on 39pts.

The Thursday men’s stableford had a field of 51 players this week, and the scores were still pretty good after the rain.

Chris Purcell was the winner of B Grade with a

great score of 40pts, second was Clive Clarke with 39pts. Perrin Gooding was third with 37pts.

A Grade was decided on a countback for all three positions, with Alan Parrot continuing his recent good form, just getting over Alex Scherini and Martin Slack, on a countback, all on 35pts.

There were many lining

up behind in the ball run down that missed by countback or one shot.

On Saturday, we held a mixed and men’s 4BBB stableford event, with some extraordinary scores.

The men’s comp had 26 players, with the group of Steve Chisolm and Kyle Bridgeman collecting the win on 50pts.

I am told Kyle put on a

clinic, posting a seven under par round for the day.

Second place was won by Rob Healy and Ian Jones, with a respectable 45pts and third was Kane Blunt and Tin Rielly with 42pts.

The mixed comp was a runaway win for Geoff and Tracey Gravenall, with the best score of the day, 54pts (amazing), John and Jenny Koraus were second with a

fine 47pts and Hayden and Millie Cumming were third with a good 44pts. Thanks to all players for making it a great day. May 19 is the Bill Reardon Memorial semi finals which will be played between John Koraus , Steve Chisolm and Robin Pratt and Mark Jones. Good luck to all players involved. Happy hitting.

Euroa ties with Benalla for top spot on tennis ladder

EUROA hosted three matches on their magnificent lawn surface and Benalla had one on theirs last Monday week.

It was another beautiful day, and players enjoyed the warmth and highquality tennis.

Seven Creeks’ Rosie Cameron, Rowena Ellis, Kelly Hill, and Julie Brook put in a fine performance against Creighton’s Creek.

Marja Wondergem, Sue Vaughan, Ros Doxey and Lisa Krepp were up for the contest, winning the first set 8-4, and losing the second in a tiebreak.

Seven Creeks won all the other sets, to take the match 5/44 to 1/24.

Euroa welcomed Delatite and the scores did not represent the tennis.

Both teams used five players and it was a tough battle of lengthy rallies with Euroa securing the key points.

Karyn Fraser and Jenny Smith were unlucky to lose their tiebreak set.

Jo O’Brien, Deb McCor-

mack, and Pat Howard toiled hard on the lawn, however Euroa’s Lyndall Bigland Faye Mollison, Di Ellis, Ruth Nolan, and Mary Dewis won the day 6/ 48 to 0/15.

Mansfield faced Mo-

glonemby who could not complete all the sets when a player became unwell.

Mansfield’s Michelle Pigdon, Keira McDonagh, Sophie Yencken and Clare Beecham won 4/39 to 2/19.

Benalla welcomed Terip

and mainstay Cindy Hayes in her first match of the season.

She combined strongly with Bec Lyttle, Phoebe McDermid and Benalla’s Maureen Jewell.

After a lengthy and tight contest, Terip took the major

points, winning 6/48 to 0/26.

Euroa moved into top spot on the ladder, equal with Benalla on 27 points, Terip stepped up into third on 25 points followed by Seven Creeks on 22. Wappan and Creighton’s Creek are on 16

points, Mansfield 15, Moglonemby 12 and Delatite yet to score.

The Euroa winter tennis competition draw can be found at play.tennis.com.au/ mansfieldtennisassociation/ Competitions/Euroawinter.

Tips for fishing in autumn

FISHING for cod in Lake Eildon during autumn can be an exciting adventure, and choosing the right spinner bait and rigging can make a significant difference in your success.

As the weather cools and the fish adjust their feeding patterns, adapting your approach is key to landing those elusive cod.

Spinner Bait Choices

When it comes to spinner baits for cod fishing in Lake Eildon during autumn, it’s essential to consider the water conditions and the behaviour of the fish.

Opting for larger spinner baits in the 1/2 to 1-ounce range can be effective as they mimic the size of the prey that cod are targeting during this time of year.

Colours such as chartreuse, white, and black with silver or

gold blades tend to work well in various water clarities.

Rigging Techniques

Slow-Rolling Technique: One effective method is to slow-roll your spinner bait along the bottom structures where cod are likely to hide.

This technique mimics a wounded baitfish, enticing the predatory instincts of the cod. Use a slow and steady retrieve, allowing the spinner bait to bump into rocks and logs occasionally to create disturbance and attract attention.

Vertical Jigging: In deeper waters or around drop-offs, vertical jigging with a spinner bait can be productive. Drop the bait to the desired depth and then jig it up and down, imitating the movement of injured or struggling prey. This technique can trigger aggressive strikes from cod lurking below.

Targeting Structure: Focus on areas with submerged trees, rock piles, and weed beds where cod are likely to ambush their prey. Cast your spinner bait close to these structures and work it through the cover to tempt the fish hiding within.

Adjusting Retrieve Speed: Experiment with different retrieve speeds until you find what the cod are responding to.

Sometimes a slow, steady retrieve is best, while other

times a faster, erratic retrieve can trigger strikes.

Autumn Considerations

During autumn, pay attention to water temperatures and adjust your fishing strategy accordingly.

As temperatures drop, fish tend to move to deeper water or areas with more consistent temperatures.

Targeting these areas with your spinner bait can lead to success.

In conclusion, selecting the right spinner bait size and colour, along with employing effective rigging techniques such as slow-rolling and vertical jigging, can greatly improve your chances of catching cod in Lake Eildon during autumn.

Stay adaptable, observe the fish’s behaviour, and enjoy the thrill of chasing these prized freshwater predators.

PRESENTED BY

with BEN DEEBLE

SEVEN CREEKS: Rowena Ellis, Rosie Cameron, Genevieve Calvert, and Kelly Hill by Mary Dewis during their Round 2 win over Moglonemby.

PHOTO: Mary Dewis

PRIZE CATCH: Ben Deeble with a prize catch.

RHONDA CARPENTER

Double win for Cullen

By MARION MITCHELL

THERE are many forms of the popular stableford golf game.

This week provided us with some interesting competitions at home.

Tuesday was the usual stableford.

Whilst only a small field Lorraine Cullen had a strong win with 20 points from Kylie Egan on 15.

Wednesday was another round of stableford however this time was played off the gold tees.

This means a real reduction in everyone’s handicap for the shorter course.

It did not suit everyone but in terrific form, Lorraine Cullen had another win with 46 points.

This gave her the win for A Grade from Robyn Baker 37 and Lyn Poulson on a countback 35.

Wendy Hunt took the B Grade win with 39 points from Susan Kinloch 36 on a countback from Meg Broomfield.

Line balls were Sheryl Sargent 35 and Glenis Skinner 34.

Nearest the pins Robyn Baker, Sam Bailey, Marion Foster, Jenny Koraus and Linda Brook.

On May 8, ladies travelled to Myrtleford for their bowl.

Another strong field of over 100 ladies meant you had to score well over 36 points for a chance to win the bowl.

Whilst there was no Mansfield win - Sue Crow, Marg Franke-Williams and Patsy Smiles all won line balls.

Saturdays mixed four-ball was well supported by 20 ladies and partners.

The win went to Tracy and Geoff Gravenall with a terrific 54 points.

Second was Jenny and John Koraus 47 and third Millie and Hayden Cumming 44.

Nearest the pins Gayle Wells, Marion Sargeant and Millie Cumming.

WINNERS: Lorraine Cullen and Wendy Hunt.

Tough day at the office for Eagles Blue

By NICK DUNN

IT was a tough day at the office for our guys on Saturday in Wangaratta, with illness and injury playing its part and setting our mob a task that proved to be insurmountable.

To give college their dues they came out with a level of pressure at the ball, combined with class and poise around goal that was pretty lethal, and had our mob on the back foot early.

A huge focus for us at training has been learning how to wrestle back momentum in game, and this game showed those learnings would need to be put into practice.

Despite the score line at the end, our guys managed to pull the game back their way time and time again.

In the general run of play we looked really good against one of the best teams in it, but our entries

into the forward line were getting repelled each time by their quality backline and our lack of ability to hit the scoreboard and garner any momentum through that resulted in a disappointing day on paper.

But not in the reality of us as coaches.

The fight they showed until the last siren was really admirable.

Those days are exhausting, where your hard work seems as though it never gets rewarded.

But the rewards on days like that are big picture, long term rewards.

Running out against a pretty good team, but one player in particular who is just outstanding and proved on the whole to be the difference on the day, can provide our guys the chance to learn what he, in particular is doing in terms of how hard he is working, and where he is positioning himself in order to be so effective.

And while we can get guys to imitate that and bring aspects of that into their game, we can also

go to work in thinking up plans to quell his influence when we run out against them again in a couple of weeks.

And through developing and executing those plans, the guys understanding of the “chess game” that can sometimes be footy, becomes heaps clearer.

Our mob never once dropped their head.

They kept working for each other on a day where we couldn’t quite click, and they had a particular day out.

But whether we win or whether we loose we do it together, and we get to work on improving it for our next hit out.

And lastly I just wanted to say to all the mums from not only our team, but from the whole Mansfield Junior Footy Club.

A huge thankyou for the power of work you guys all do behind the scenes getting your kids to and from training and to the games.

Without you guys we wouldn’t

Eagles fight hard against reigning premiers

By FRASER STEVENSON

THE Mansfield Junior Football League’s Yellow Team, known as the Eagles, embarked on a challenging journey to Wareena Park in Wangaratta to face off against the formidable reigning premiers, the Kangaroos.

Despite the odds stacked against them, the Eagles showcased their determination and resilience throughout the game.

From the outset, the Kangaroos asserted their dominance, capitalising on the ideal playing conditions to secure a lead of five goals to one in the first quarter.

However, undeterred by the early setback, the Eagles rallied together, spurred on by some motivational words during the quarter break.

The turning point came as the Eagles began to assert their presence in the midfield, thanks to the stellar ruck work of Isaac Crowe.

This provided the perfect platform for midfielders James Wellbourne (2 goals), Felix Smith, (one goal) and Will Benton to showcase their skills and contribute crucial goals, narrowing the deficit.

Despite being outsized by their opponents, the Eagles’ small brigade, including Max O’Brien and Hudson George, refused to be intimidated, displaying unwavering determination and winning crucial one-on-one battles throughout the match.

The addition of Zac Borg to the team proved invaluable, with his seamless integration into the Yellow 14S side culminating in a goal that provided a much-needed boost for the Eagles.

Led by the inspirational Captain Toby Gerrans, the Eagles’ defensive unit, comprising Cooper Martin and Levi Stevenson, stood firm against repeated entries from the Kangaroos, showcasing resilience and growing confidence with each passing moment.

Noah and Jake emerged as defensive stalwarts, thwarting numerous scoring opportunities with their exceptional one-on-one defending skills.

Meanwhile, Macc Watson’s (one goal) went forward this week showcasing his relentless work ethic and commitment to the team’s cause.

be playing footy at all.

Thanks for trusting us with your kids, and jumping in to do the unheralded work in setting up the ground, running the barbie, driving the scoreboard, and generally making the place run.

In particular for our guys, Carolyn for running the boundary for us every weekend (there has never been anyone who loves that job like she does!!!) and Sue for doing our first aid, our guys are in really safe hands so thank you.

Happy Mothers Day for Sunday, and I hope you all got spoiled the way you all deserve to.

Captains choice award: Reggie Watts (Mansfield Hunting and Fishing)

Coaches awards: Noah Langlands (Subway) and Archie Dunn (O’Malleys Pizza)

Best: Noah Langlands, Archie Dunn, Jacob Fleming, Zander Haslau, Reeve Purday, Jay Kynnersley, Gus Robinson

Goals: Killeen

Jack Clydsdale’s stellar performance mirrored that of his idol Sam Walsh, as he excelled in all facets of the game, epitomizing the Eagles’ fighting spirit.

Heath Shevlin and Lach Roberts demonstrated relentless determination on the wings, tirelessly battling against larger opponents and never wavering in their resolve.

As the game progressed, Mitch Storer and Mitch Rossiter seamlessly transitioned between roles, showcasing their versatility and commitment to the team’s success.

Despite the final score not reflecting their efforts, the Eagles emerged from the contest with heads held high, having demonstrated a cohesive team effort and a willingness to fight until the final siren.

The last quarter surge and the team’s collective resolve were clear indicators of the positives to take away from the match.

Final Score: Kangaroos: 12.10 (82) to Mansfield Yellow Eagles: 5.3 (33). Awards and Best Players: Hudson George, Macc Watson, Isaac Crowe, Toby Gerrans, James Wellbourne, Jack Clydsdale, Levi Stevenson.

MANSFIELD EAGLES BLUE 1.3 (9) DEF BY COLLEGE 16.12 (108)

MATCH REVIEWS

Bombers beat Goorambat in Mother’s Day weekend clash

By HANNAH KENNELLY

IT was another win for Bonnie Doon’s unstoppable men’s senior team last Saturday, triumphing 12.13 (85) over Goorambat 10.3 (63).

The reigning premiers were formidable from the very start, booting four goals within the first quarter thanks to some stellar play from Connor Heaslip and Matthew Hedin.

However the Bats were not far behind, and managed to boot two goals before the first siren.

The Bombers’ midfield worked hard during the second half, feeding the ball and blocking attempts by the Bats’ defenders.

However Goorambat refused to give up and kept spectators on the edge of the seats, trailing just 20 points behind the Bombers in the third quarter.

Bats’ player Jamie Dunne was especially impressive during the fourth and caused many headaches for the Bomber’s midfield.

ROUND

But, the Bombers were not going to let their opposition smear their impressive winning streak.

Combined efforts from Matthew Hedin and Will Foster sent Goorambat back to the Batcave in the final quarter, granting the Bomb-

ers their sixth consecutive win.

Best on field for Bonnie Doon were Matthew Hedin, Conor Heaslip, Will Foster, Guy Murray, James Fox and Joel Sanford.

Stand-out players for Goorambat were Jamie Dunne, James Webster, Angus Burston, Dylan Beavis, Brady Purcell and Travers Nolan.

The Bonnie Doon seniors now sit on 24 points on the Ovens and King Football League ladder, equal with rivals Greta and Bright.

The Bonnie Doon reserves also had success at Goorambat Recreation Reserve, beating their fatigued opposition by 69 points.

The Bombers did not drop a single quarter, with star player Cody Turner notching six goals.

WINNERS AND LOSERS

GOALS: BENALLA ALL BLACKS: Damian Broughton

Michael

King Valley at home this Saturday.

Tom Levy 1, Tyson Ryan 1, Jordan Smith 1. KING VALLEY: Ben Bray 4, Anthony Ciancio 2, Newyear Patiole 2, Dylan Browne 1, William Davies 1, Ryan Wait 1. BEST: BENALLA ALL BLACKS: Kieran Linke, Jayden Brady, Chelton Orchard, Sam Cox, Tom Levy, Michael Ryan. KING VALLEY: Ben Bray, Jack Davies, Daniel Maples, Thomas Stewart, Sam Evans, Parker Voigt.

GOALS: GRETA: Cody Crawford 6, James McClounan 4, Joshua Bell 2, Tyler Arrowsmith 1, Jack Baker 1, Jack Kelly 1, Lachie Kennett 1, Brenton Newbold 1, Dale Walker 1. WHOROULY: Oliver Dixon 2, Lachlan Moore 1, Samuel Piazza 1, Cody Poulton 1.BEST: GRETA: Mark Wettern, Jack Kelly, James McClounan, Joshua Bell, Ben Hogan, Jarrod Morham. WHOROULY: William Allen, Edward Bramich, Matthew Vescio, Samuel Piazza, Oliver Dixon, Xavier Vogrig.

*Ladder correct at time of print from Ovens and King website.

A GRADE: Benalla 29 def by King Valley 61 Greta 40 def Whorouly 20 Goorambat 41 def by Bonnie Doon 72 Nth Wangaratta 22 def by Tarrawingee 67

B GRADE: Benalla 39 def King Valley 26; Greta 46 def Whorouly 33; Goorambat 32 def by Bonnie Doon 65; Nth Wangaratta 29 def by Tarrawingee 60

B RESERVE: Greta 28 def by Whorouly 32; Goorambat 18 def by Bonnie Doon 64; Nth Wangaratta 28 def by Tarrawingee 62

C GRADE: Benalla 12 def by King Valley 51; Greta 42 def Whorouly 20; Goorambat 48 def by Bonnie Doon 62; Nth Wangaratta 38 def Tarrawingee 37 15 & UNDER: Benalla 15 def by King Valley 30; Goorambat 6 def by Bonnie Doon 69; Nth Wangaratta 25 def Tarrawingee 20; Greta 16 drew with Whorouly 16

ROUND 8

SATURDAY, MAY 18

BONNIE DOON vs KING VALLEY

GOORAMBAT vs BENALLA NORTH

WANGARATTA vs BRIGHT

WHOROULY vs MILAWA

TARRAWINGEE vs MOYHU

GRETA - BYE

GOALS: GOORAMBAT: Duane Haebich 5, Dylan Beavis 2, Angus Burston 1, Rhys Goodley 1, Brayden Stepien 1. BONNIE DOON: Conor Heaslip 3, Matthew Hedin 3, Al Bennett 2, Campbell Smedley 2, Will Foster 1, James Law 1. BEST: GOORAMBAT: Jamie Dunne, James Webster, Angus Burston, Dylan Beavis, Brady Purcell, Travers Nolan. BONNIE DOON: Matthew Hedin, Conor Heaslip, Will Foster, Guy Murray, James Fox, Joel Sanford. NTH WANGARATTA

GOALS: NORTH WANGARATTA: Tyler Nanson 5, Damien Bradley 4, Liam McDonell 2, Matthew Prestianni 2, Jack Brown 1, Matthew Curtis 1, Zach Heard 1, Josh Nanson 1, Taylor O’Brien 1. TARRAWINGEE: William Styles 2, Dylan Adams 1, Seth Coonan 1, Timothy Judd 1, Sam Peters 1. BEST: NORTH WANGARATTA: Damien Bradley, Sean Gales, David Killen, Matthew Curtis, Thomas Johnson, Zach Heard. TARRAWINGEE: Reiley Murtagh, Will Creed, William Styles, Sam Piper, Dylan Adams, Deacon Cleal.

Brady Bartlett

Aiden Bihun 1. BEST: MOYHU: Noah Campbell, Richard Marais, Dylan Carmody, Matthew Thrum, Harrison Grant, Harry Verdon. MILAWA: Tyler Dunn, Aiden Bihun, Jarryd Wallace, Brandon Fitzpatrick, Daniel Bihun, Simon Pane.

ONE OF THE BEST: Bonnie Doon’s Matthew Hedin was also a stand-out during last week’s match against Tarrawingee.

PHOTO: Marc Bongers

Final scores saw Bonnie Doon reserves win 15.12 (102) over Goorambat 5.3 (33).

The reserves currently sit fourth on the ladder, eight points behind Milawa. Bonnie Doon will face

NETBALL REVIEWS

Bonnie Doon’s dominant winning streak continues

A GRADE BY CARA MOODY

Bonnie Doon 72 defeated Goorambat 41 Best on Court sponsored by Bowser Bean: Annie Byrnes Coaches Award sponsored by Food Works: Anna Manning

SATURDAY saw us take on Goorambat in yet another away game.

But don’t worry, the A grade girls didn’t let them see how homesick we are, as we maintained our composure in a competitive but enjoyable game.

Amy Starzer and Portia Keatch set the scene down the attacking end shooting 17 goals in the first quarter.

The Goorambat defenders did not stand a chance against their significantly taller competition who are only getting stronger together with every week.

In the second quarter Goorambat showed they were not just going to let us take the win.

The goals were tracking one for one with each overturned ball, being intercepted yet again and going right back where it was intended.

The coaches told us what we needed to hear at half time and we came out firing in the third quarter.

Anna Manning, Erin Brond and Cara Moody absolutely delivered down the defensive end, catching every rebound they could and intercepting all the forced long shots that came their way.

Allowing for the goalers, now also supported by Chrissy Blunt to shoot 10 in a row.

But let’s not forget the mid court, Mia Turner as always, gave it everything she had,

running rings around her competition despite that early game ring line falcon.

Annie Byrnes held the team together, knowing the play before it happened and dominating the whole game, first in WA and then in C.

This strong deliverance from the defensive end, through our always reliable midfield allowed Chrissy and Amy to start the fourth quarter with 7 straight goals.

Further ensuring our 31 point win over our competition.

Anna’s domination down the defensive end wowed not only the crowd but also the coaches, gaining her the Coaches Award.

And to everyone who witnessed the show it would be no surprise that Annie was awarded Best On.

Now after another dominant success, good luck to King Valley at home.

B GRADE BY JESS HARRIS

Bonnie Doon 65 defeated Goorambat 32 Best on Court sponsored by Bonnie Doon Hotel: Chrissy Blunt Coaches Award sponsored

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

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

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

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

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

by Home at Alpine: Steph Evans

Players Player sponsored by Anvil: Steph Evans

JANE Bunn’s weather report did not cause as much controversy as last week. It was as accurate as Hammer and Tanner’s shooting.

A 17-3 first quarter demolition set the tone.

The combination of Blunt and Tanner was unstoppable.

They were fast, deceptive and as familiar as Tim Tanner’s presence over at the netball courts, which is soon to be renamed in his honour.

Evans’ five intercepts was a highlight in the first.

Her dominant drives out of defence was like she was chasing the last Goorambat Nutella donut.

Blunt’s work ethic got the three votes.

Murray’s time on the pine lead to an invigorated last quarter feeding seven epic passes like a zoo keeper in a lions den.

Foster brought the heat to the Goorambat WA.

In a real turnaround, McCormack did not raise their voice above 65 decibels, allowing for focus and enough

ROUND RESULTS:

U14 Boys 1 43 def by Dandenong 2 86

(Top Scorers: N.Pierce 9, N. Atukorala 7, W. McKenzie 5)

U14 Boys 2 35 def by Whittlesea 3 46

(Top Scorers: U. Saxton 12, J. Kynnersley 10, N. Caccianiga 5)

U14 Girls 1 52 def Frankston 2 37

(Top Scorers: M. Moscrop 17, S. Van Schaik 8, A. Damianopoulos 7)

U14 Girls 2 30 def Keilor 6 27

(Top Scorers: E. Kennedy 7, R. Pickles 6, M. Tomkins 6)

U16 Boys 1 66 def Hawthorn 1 45

(Top Scorers: L. Cashman 14, S. Wright 14, E. Ockenden 12)

U16 Boys 2 72 def Wyndham 3 49

(Top Scorers: A. Kipping 19, A. Morris 13, J. Kelly 13)

U16 Boys 3 45 def by Sunbury 4 51

(Top Scorers: C. Hart 11, I. Lacey 9, O. McGahan 8)

U16 Girls 1 40 def Sandringham 3 36

(Top Scorers: E. Napier 11, M. Evans 7, E. Mercieca 6)

U16 Girls 2 47 def Diamond Valley 3 19

(Top Scorers: E. Gray 17, C. Campbell 8, P. Male 8)

U18 Boys 60 def Craigieburn 3 57

(Top Scorers: J. Hipwell 12, W. Hipwell 11, R. Hamilton 11)

energy to turn on the Cass Special (which was set up by those in front of course.)

Cameron showed versatility in her return to the A team.

Our confidence at an all time high as we head back home to Tanner’s Terrace next week after three weeks on the road.

B

RESERVE BY MADI HEARMON

Bonnie Doon 64 defeated Goorambat 18

Best on court sponsored by Bonnie Doon Hotel: Amy Clapham

Coaches Award sponsored by Moody Racing: Charlotte Atherton

IT was a muggy morning at bat cave in Goorambat on Saturday.

The game started with the Bonnie Doon girls coming out strong, creating a goal for goal quarter before extending their lead. Cass Turner in GK defending strong with lots of intercepts, and Hannah Sheahan in GD covering her player perfectly.

With Casey Hearmon in GS and Sarah Ragg in GA, the Bombers were able to convert on the hard work of the defenders.

The end of the first quarter the Bombers up by 10, 15-5.

The girls continued to apply pressure into the second quarter.

With Sarah Ragg in GA, paired with Casey Hearmon in GS, the shooters were able to convert all the centre passes and the turnovers that the defence were working so hard to get.

Ace, paired with Madi Hearmon in WA, worked hard to feed perfect passes into the shooters.

The defence continued to work overtime, showing immense pressure at the opposing end.

The Bombers went into half time up, 31-9.

The third quarter saw some changes with Ash Greaves in C and Ace Clapman in WA.

Despite the pressure, the girls were able to keep pushing through.

Ash Greaves was working overtime in C, and with Ace placing the ball into the ring with ease.

The defenders continued to apply pressure and force mistakes, which the shooters where able to score from.

The Bonnie Doon girls kept the Bats to only one goal in the third, 10-47.

The last quarter saw one final push from the girls.

Casey Hearmon continued to excel in GS, and paired with Sarah in GA, they really made a great combination.

Charlotte Atherton was in GK, and proved that she is a perfect fit into the B reserves team.

With amazing transition down the court, the girls were able to maintain their lead, and take out the win.

UNDER 17’S BY DEMI MURRAY

Bonnie Doon 62 defeated Goorambat 48

Best on court sponsored by Desmond Family: Stella Brakels

Coaches Award sponsored by Walsh’s Gas: Chloe Cash

THE game was intense from start to finish, but the girls managed to get another win.

Stella and Cobie demonstrated exceptional shooting accuracy, scoring numerous goals for under 17s.

Demi and Chloe performed excellent court vision, making precise passes into the ring.

Tilly and Bella showcased their defensive pressure, effectively blocking the opposing team’s attackers and forcing turnovers. Charli and Annie’s body on body defence was unmatched, as they shut down their attacker.

With a steady four quarters from Doon the girls keeping that number one spot on the ladder.

UNDER 15’S BY

LARA KLINGSPORN

Bonnie Doon 68 defeated Goorambat 6 Best on court sponsored by CMExcavations: Maya Rhodes

Coaches Award sponsored by Mansfield Holiday Letting: Sadie Brakels

THIS week the girls travelled to Goorambat and Bonnie Doon started and ended the same way- on fire.

Amy, Maya and Annie fought hard for every ball and moved it down court with ease.

Lara and Keira’s accuracy in the ring put many goals on the board.

The relentless defence of Carly, Sadie and Erin saw many turnovers for Bonnie Doon.

Franzi made her debut with the team seamlessly, providing great pressure and back up in defence.

The girls are having a great year so far and look forward to the challenge at home next weekend against King Valley.

Coaches award went to Sadie Brakels and best on court was Maya Rhodes.

Final scores Bonnie Doon defeated Goorambat 68 to 6.

COACHES AWARD: Anna Manning’s (GK) domination down the defensive end wowed not only the crowd but also the coaches, gaining her the Coaches Award.

WINNERS AND LOSERS

Eagles claw back, fall short against Echuca

THE Mansfield Eagles senior team battled hard on Saturday, but the formidable Echuca won by 36 points.

Echuca scored 13.11 (89) over the Eagles with 8.5 (53).

Despite a rocky first quarter with Echuca nailing six goals, the Eagles fought hard in the second kicking five.

In the third quarter, the Eagles tried their hardest to claw in front, however they lost their grip with Echuca scoring three goals.

Echuca came away with a strong victory booting two more goals before the final siren.

Head coach of the Eagles Jack Hutchin said despite the loss, the Eagles’ ability to come back winning the second quarter after a slow start to the game showed a lot of character.

“The first quarter was a bit of a blowout, and it was hard to stop Echuca’s pressure,” said Hutchins.

“We found it really difficult to break their defence and take the game on.

“Good sides like Echuca will make you pay on the score board.

“To the boys credit they regrouped at quarter time and

assessed what was happening, and from the semi quarter through to the end of the game, the way we moved the ball was a lot more focused towards attacking.

“I think this shows where the group is at - being able to deal with what’s comingwork on it and move through it, so that was pleasing to see.”

Some of Jack’s standout players across the game were Harry Mahoney, Patrick Marks, Ben Les, Luke Menhenett and Ben Christopher who achieved two goals.

“Harry put in some really good form on the weekend, he was fantastic all day and Patrick has been playing forward a lot into the midfield,” he said.

Jack said the Eagles’ backline held up really well against Echuca’s ominous forward line.

“Echuca have got some really key talls and the way they can move the ball forward is quite difficult to defend, so I think the Eagles did really well to hold that up and work through it,” he said.

Hutchins said after play-

ing against Shepparton United at the Rec Reserve next weekend the Eagles will have a well-deserved bye.

“It will be eight games on the trot, so we are looking forward to being able to reset, because we’ve got a couple of injuries at the moment,” he said.

“The side has been a bit inconsistent in terms of the

GOULBURN VALLEY SENIORS LADDER

people, but it has been positive in terms of the way the guys are playing.

“The focus now will be to keep building the momentum that we’re generating.”

The Mansfield Eagles reserve team was defeated 1.0 (6) to Echuca 21.17 (143).

The Mansfield Eagles U18s team also lost to Echuca 2.3 (15) to 14.12 (96).

SENIORS SCOREBOARD

ECHUCA 6.4 8.5 11.7 13.11.89 MANSFIELD 0.1 5.2 6.4 8.5.53

GOALS: ECHUCA: Corbin Anderson 2, Riley Smith 2, Jackson Stewart 2, Liam Tenace 2, Cooper Barber 1, Hugh Byrne 1, Tighe O’Brien 1, Baxter Slater 1, Cameron Valentine 1. MANSFIELD: Ben Christopher 2, Riley Northcott 2, Nathan Buchanan 1, Billy Hogan 1, Brett Mahoney 1, Benjamin Reardon 1. BEST: ECHUCA: Kane Morris, Jack Mchale, Liam Tenace, Cooper Willoughby, Cameron Valentine. MANSFIELD: Harry Mahoney, Patrick Marks, Ben Les, Luke Menhenett, Ben Christopher.

SEYMOUR 1.0 3.7 8.7 12.8.80

KYABRAM 7.3 9.4 13.6 13.8.86

GOALS: SEYMOUR: Lewis Lubeck 3, Nathan Fowler 2, Riley Mason 2, David Mundy 2, Nathan Beattie 1, Ricky Schraven 1, Dylan Scopel 1. KYABRAM: Anthony Depasquale 5, Charlie Barnett 1, Mitchell Dodos 1, Kaine Herbert 1, Nicholas Jephson 1, Marcus Khoo 1, Michael Mattingly 1, Eamonn Ogden 1, Khy Stovell 1. BEST: SEYMOUR: Lachlan Waite, Jack Murphy, Nathan Beattie, David Mundy, Jay Eager. KYABRAM: Liam Ogden, Kaine Herbert, Anthony Depasquale, Aidan Robinson, Jake Torney.

SHEPP UNITED 4.4 6.8 10.9 15.12.102

TATURA 1.3 5.8 9.10 12.10.82

NETBALL SCORES

A Grade: Echuca 50 def Mansfield 45

Seymour 53 def Kyabram 32

Shepparton United 36 def by Tatura 47

Shepparton Swans 61 def Shepparton 59

Rochester 26 def by Mooroopna 53 Euroa 80 def Benalla 32

B Grade: Shepp United 43 def Tatura 28 Euroa 67 def Benalla 22

Shepp Swans 51 def by Shepparton 56 Rochester 39 def by Mooroopna 47 Echuca 77 def Mansfield 34.

B Reserve: Shepp United 52 def Tatura 25 Euroa 47 def Benalla 39

Shepp Swans 36 def by Shepparton 43

Rochester 54 def Mooroopna 31 Echuca 63 def Mansfield 26.

17 & Under: Shepp United 43 def Tatura 28

Euroa 54 def Benalla 19 Echuca 47 def Mansfield 30

32 def by Mooroopna 45.

15 & Under: Echuca 35 def Mansfield 25

39 def by Kyabram 49

United 39 def Tatura 25

Swans 34 def by Shepparton 43 Rochester 34 def by Mooroopna

ROUND 7

SATURDAY, MAY 18

Mooroopna vs Seymour Kyabram vs Tatura

Echuca vs Shepparton Swans

Shepparton vs Benalla

Mansfield vs Shepparton United Rochester vs Euroa

GOALS: SHEPPARTON UNITED: Kaedyn Napier 6, Kyle Clarke 3, Liam Serra 3, Edward Adams 1, Kale Gibson 1, Mitchell Oliver 1. TATURA: Chaz Sargeant 6, Andrew Ciavarella 3, Mitchell Elliott 1, Will Russell 1, Jacob Simpson 1. BEST: SHEPPARTON UNITED: Jesse Cucinotta, Will McCartney, Edward Adams, Kaedyn Napier, Aaron Britten. TATURA: Chaz Sargeant, Andrew Ciavarella, Tyle Williams, Mitchell Elliott, Ethan Penrith.

SHEPP SWANS 4.2 8.6 10.6 14.13.97 SHEPPARTON 2.2 6.5 11.6 15.10.100

GOALS: SHEPPARTON SWANS: Matt Perry 5, Steele Simpson 3, Joeve Cooper 1, Enrique Goggin 1, Liam Rachele 1, Nathan Rachele 1, Jack Threlfall 1. SHEPPARTON: Joel Brett 3, Adam Decicco 2, Trent Herbert 2, Mitchell Brett 1, Liam Duguid 1, Jacob Watts 1. BEST: SHEPPARTON SWANS: Steele Simpson, Zac Alderton,

GOALS: ROCHESTER: Sean Williams 5, Mitch Cricelli 3, Bailey McGee 2, Mitchell Trewhella 2, Bailey Boyack 1, Andy Henderson 1, Matt Kellett 1, Adam McPhee 1, Nicholas O’Connor 1, Dillon Williams 1. MOOROOPNA: Keelin Betson 2, Logan Campbell 1, Kobie Issell 1, Coby James 1, Campbell McElhinney 1, Darcy Russell 1, Bryce Rutherford 1. BEST: ROCHESTER: Mitchell Trewhella, Adam McPhee, Dillon Williams, Hamish Hooppell, Sean Williams. MOOROOPNA: Coby James, Jed Woods, rory huggard, Coby Mccarthy, Jack Lear. EUROA

GOALS: EUROA: Ryan Pendlebury 4, Tristan Davies 2, Nate Trotter 2, Michael Barnes 1, Jacob Gleeson 1, Lachlan Hill 1, Fletcher Paul 1, Jett Trotter 1. BENALLA: Nicholas Brazil 2, Tom Riley 2, Fintan Brazil 1, Philip Edgar 1, Henry Hill 1, Mark Marriott 1, Tom O’Brien 1, Christopher Welsh 1. BEST: EUROA: Michael Barnes, Jett Trotter, Will Hayes, Andrew Smith, Andrew Bell BENALLA: Christopher Welsh, Nick Mellington, Mark Marriott, James Martiniello, Jordan Wolff.

FIGHTING FORWARD PRESSURE: Dylan Lowary battling it out on the ground.

MARK: Jimmy Herridge marks the ball with class.

FAST MOVEMENT: Nathan Buchanan glides out of a tackle.

PHOTOS: Paul Martin

Eagles face uphill battle against Echuca

UNDER 15S

BY LILY OLVER

Mansfield 25 def by Echuca 35

Best on Court sponsored by Mansfield Armchair Cinema –Ellie Marks

Coaches Award sponsored by Subway – Lily Olver

IT was an early start for the girls this Saturday heading off to Echuca, ready for a close match.

The girls kept up until the third quarter keeping up an only three-point difference.

But the gap eventually widened leaving us behind by ten points.

Ellie Marks and Harper Smith brought their strong drives and hard angles to our mid court moving the ball down to our shooters, Charlee Bretherton, Sienna Kynnersley and Maddie Clark.

Our defenders Eva Clydesdale and Leah Storer held up the Echuca shooters and received multiple turnovers and intercepts transitioning them down to our shooters.

The wet court slowed down the play as the players made sure not to slip or drop the ball with many rolling out of court.

Overall, it was a tight game for the girls and the final score wasn’t what we hoped for, though it was an improvement from the last time we faced them in round one when we finished 30 to 49.

After a tough match we are ready to take on Shepparton United next week at home for another close game.

UNDER 17S

BY AVA MAHONEY

Mansfield 30 def by Echuca 30

Best on Court sponsored by Joanne Holt – Isabelle

Byrne

Coaches Award sponsored by Subway – Ava Mahoney

THIS week the Under 17s girls faced a tough side, but didn’t let that affect their game.

The wet weather made the match even tricker but wasn’t an issue for Jaspa, Molly or Libby in the defense end, continuously turning it over and giving us the intercepts we needed.

In the midcourt with Brianna, Eliza, Remy and Ava, the girls helped work those amazing turnovers down the court with their drives and hands over pressure.

The goalers: Isabelle, Remy and Annie played hard and shot well, converting the hard work done down the court.

Although, Echuca got a lead on us the effort put in by each and every player didn’t drop resulting in a 17 point loss, 30 - 47, with improvement made from weeks before.

Best on was awarded to Isabelle Byrne, sponsored by: Joanne holt, and coaches award, sponsored by subway was awarded to Ava Mahoney.

B RESERVE BY LIBBY FERGUSON

Mansfield 26 def by Echuca 63 Best on Court sponsored by Steam Café – Caroline Trenfield

Coaches Award sponsored by Café 41 – Libby Ferguson

IT was a rainy, cold day for another tough match against Echuca Bombers.

The Eagles came out firing with Sarah White scoring the first goal of the match, however Echuca quickly gained a big lead.

All of the girls played their best, despite multiple injuries.

Our shooting team; Sarah White, Tiarne Paterson and Leonie Berry worked amazingly together.

Mid court players, Caroline Trenfield, Sophie Goff and Leonie Berry all made clear efforts and contributions to the game play whilst the defensive team, Alex Lindsay, Abby Buckley and Libby Ferguson worked tirelessley to intercept and turn over the ball from

Echuca’s possession.

▲ DEFENSIVE MOVEMENT: Darcy Croxford-Demasi worked alongside Tilly Lang on shutting down the second phase from the centre pass.

PHOTOS: Paul Martin

◀ MOVEMENT: Amy Dixon-Rielley was dynamic off the centre passes in the Eagles game last week.

We also had a strong interchange of Brianna Weight, Eliza Pollock and Libby Ferguson.

All the girls fought and played hard.

B

Well done to the Eagles.

GRADE BY JASPA ROBINSON

Mansfield 34 def by Echuca

77

Best on Court sponsored by Alpine Home – Jamie Davis

Coaches Award sponsored by Ampol – Jaspa Robinson

AFTER the long two-hour trek to Echuca B grade came into

Teghan and Kelly Hall were trying hard to match the run of Echuca.

Unfortunately as the game progressed Mansfield were unable to sustain the two-way running of Echuca.

As the side was thrown around young and up and coming star Robinson found herself in the unfamiliar position of GA in which she looked right at home.

The Eagles girls battled on hard all day but were outplayed by a much fitter team, this is something the girls are going to work hard at over the coming weeks.

A GRADE BY SOPHIE

CARR-PATERSON

Mansfield 45 def by Echuca 50 Best on Court sponsored by Byrne Seeds – Nelle Cousins Coaches Award sponsored by Foodworks – Sophie CarrPaterson

ON Saturday afternoon the Mansfield Eagles took on Echuca.

The conditions were perfect for the battle that was about to transpire.

The girls were hungry for a competitive match following our previous game against the Echuca side on Easter weekend.

It took us awhile to find our groove in the first quarter, resulting in Echuca gaining a six goal lead.

The girls were not disheartened with the set back and focused on scoring off our own centre passes and capitalising on our turnovers.

Darcy Croxford-Demasi worked alongside Tilly Lang on shutting down the second phase from the centre pass, which allowed Nelle Cousins to come out of the circle and hunt for intercepts.

Echuca had gained an eight goal lead by the time the half time whistle blew.

We went into the third quarter composed and worked on narrowing the lead that Echuca had gained.

Amy Dixon-Rielley was dynamic off the centre passes and our attacking end focused on working the ball onto the circle edge.

the game looking to atone for a poor performance from the week before against Kyabram.

With the unavailability of a couple of players we had Jasper Robinson, Isabella Byrne and Teghan Voce come into the side to sit on our bench.

After a promising start with all players working hard and some good offence from Jamie Davis and Kara Dolling and our undersized defence of Judge, Edwards and Kapelle working hard at trying to limit the Echuca goalers.

Mansfield felt they were right in the game.

The mid court led by Captain Costigan and sister

If we did not have an immediate option to get the ball down the court, we worked as a team to reset to the transverse line and compose the tempo.

Our attacking patience was rewarded with Alex Ball and Molly Rekers moving the circle well and shooting phenomenally.

We managed to pull back Echuca’s lead and went into the final quarter even. Unfortunately, our efforts were not successful, and we went down in the last quarter by five goals.

The girls are proud of their efforts in fighting back and loved the support from the Eagle Army on the sideline

F TY TIPPING COMPETITION

Eagles rumble with the Rumbalaras

By ANT FOUBISTER

WOW!

Did the Rumbalaras bring their best game against the Eagles in Mooroopna last Sunday or what?

Many of the Eagles were “doughy” upon arriving in Mooroopna.

Too much warm sun on too straight a road perhaps, who knows but speed which is “our thing”, wasn’t, “our thing”.

It was instead the Rumbalara’s thing.

They brought the heat right from the get-go playing high pressure fast moving footy to lead by two goals at the end of the first quarter.

Thanks in part to a talented half forward flanker they had on loan from the Eagles to even up numbers, but nevertheless the Rumbalaras were getting it down there through spirited play.

Stung into action the Eagles began the second term looking much more like the new team that’s been causing havoc in the league, and with all their players having arrived and without that half forward flanker they had on loan the Rumbalaras could not go with the Eagles in the second term, failing to score against the Eagles who scored three goals and three points.

During this quarter Mim Davidson really imposed

herself on the game not just winning most every ruck contest, but also taking marks and creating play at both ends of the ground.

Saige Neave too was starting to develop leather poisoning by the end of the quarters and was displaying a totally unfair amount of creativity in only her second game.

Cat O’Brien began to shake off the effects of a weeklong flu and started providing her usual heaps of run and pressure and Michaela Behre, as good as she is at winning the ball was also setting up brilliantly one kick behind the play, taking some very strong marks and making great intercepts.

Lexi Verbec and Phoebe Scott were both having their best games for the year.

Supporting each other brilliantly they were involving themselves at both ends of the ground and covered a huge territory.

The wing and half forward positions are so difficult to play yet so important if a team is to do well.

That three of the Eagles youngest players (remembering their offsider Tasia who is just flying but was unfortunately out injured for this game) are learning this difficult role so well in such quick time is absolutely fantastic for their team.

Also killing it is Hannah

GREAT KICK: Michaela Behre showed determination in the air and on the ground.

Berriman who is only just a tiny bit older but becoming brilliantly reliable at cruising the ground winning the ball off contests all day then, best of all, considering every delivery she makes without blazing away.

Going forward the Eagles were lucky to have Emily Gannon as a concentrating and enthusiastic target. Emily provides a huge contest each and every time and her brilliant competitiveness saw her winning contests and firing off handballs to running teammates all afternoon. Deep forward was Suzie Wellborn who also

and great vocal assistance to help set up her teammates against repetitive forward attacks.

By the end of the third quarter the Rumbalaras were just three points off the pace and rightly had a heap of confidence.

That the Eagles were able to dominate the last quarter though only scoring one goal four points to no score was a credit to the whole team.

The class of Ash Foubister and a young Victoria Mitchell were telling throughout the contest and particularly in the last quarter it was really exciting to see them each and under much pressure take the ball cleanly, outplay their opponents and deliver it precisely to the Eagles advantage.

competed tremendously in just her second game and against the best full back in the league Suzie earned several shots on goal, but best of all made great contest and handballed cleverly to teammates streaming toward goal also creating several shots on goal.

But it seemed a day for complacency and during the third quarter the Rumbalaras again brought the heat as the Eagles, well, just more enjoyed the warm sun.

Fast play and manic pressure worked brilliantly for the Rumbalaras as the Eagles mids and forwards went

off the boil for the quarter and were outscored 3.0 to 0.2.

If not for Jane Swinburne who is an intercepting genius and really clever user of the ball, Samantha Charlotte (that’s just one person, not Samantha and Charlotte), but nevertheless appearing extremely accomplished in her first game and Georgia Croft equally adept and strong in just her second game the Rumbalaras could have had a real field day.

Helping the Eagles backline no end was fullback Susan McCormick displaying real game awareness

Fittingly one such play led to Mim Davidson nailing the last goal of the day on the siren to see the Eagles home by thirteen points and a really good win against a quick and courageous team.

Next week is a general bye for interleague and we wish our interleague representatives who choose to play all the best.

The Eagles will have a bye next weekend and play again on Sunday May 26 against Tatura at the Mansfield rec reserve.

First bounce is at 2:30pm. Go Eagles.

LINING UP: The third annual Mansfield Marathon was a huge success.

STRAIGHT DOWN THE LINE: Hannah Berriman displayed strong skills on Sunday.

PHOTOS: Trudy Berriman

AIMING HIGH:

Marvellous Mansfield Marathon

THE THIRD annual Mansfield Marathon was an outstanding success doubling entries from last year to 600 runners and walkers.

The event was held on Mothers’ Day to raise valuable funds for cancer research as well as supporting the Mansfield Athletics Club and the Friends of the Great Victorian Rail Trail.

“The weather was incredible, if not a little hot for the marathoners with Martina Brennan and Michael Fries taking the marathon wins with $500 each cash prize thanks to Mansfield Constructions,” said race director Liam Delany.

The Proactive Tax half marathon had Somalia’s Abdi Rhoble setting a cracking pace to record a course record of one hour, nine minutes and 18 seconds.

Brooke Williams from Barooga also ran super fast to take out the women’s half marathon.

The Delatite Hotel 10 kilometre saw Mansfield’s finest deliver with both Victoria Mitchell and Tynan Mims taking the wins in course records.

In the Sports Power five kilometre Mansfield teenager Charlie Watts took the

win with Koa Parker taking out the women’s race.

“Special mention to Mansfield’s Franzi Stumpf on placing third in the open category - at only 13 years old she is one to watch,” said Liam.

The five kilometre numbers were massive with great support from the Lauriston Girls School with the year nine girls all having a run joined by many parents to help the Mothers Day Cancer fundraising.

“We are still to calculate our fundraising grand total but thousands of dollars have been both donated and collected from entry fees,” he said.

“The Mansfield Little Athletics two kilometre primary school run was arguably the race of the day with so many Mansfield children having a run which was really great to see.” Every child received a finisher’s medal as well as the top three in the U8, U10 and U12 getting a trophy.

Gippsland’s Lilijah Deveson from the Wellington Athletics Club took out the girls’ race with Liam’s son Archie Delany taking out the boys’ race.

“I was very proud,” Liam said with a smile.

“This event was an example of what the Mansfield community is capable of achieving.

“Just one major running event can inspire us all - especially our children - to lead a happy, healthy life.

“Whilst it’s great for the outright winners to get awards, every participant is a winner.

“Having a go is what this event is all about and that’s what we saw with big numbers and also great support from our volunteers.”

If you would like to get involved in Mansfield’s running group get in touch with Liam Delany at mansfieldathleticsclub@gmail.com.

■ Photos page 47

MOLLY REKERS with the vertical leap during last week’s A Grade netball game against Echuca.

■ Full report on page 45.

PHOTO: Paul Martin