DOZENS of classic cars lined the streets of Jamieson as enthusiasts gathered for the Jamieson High Country Rod Muster 2024, showcasing vintage vehicles and custom hot rods over the weekend. More coverage on page 14. PHOTO: Freddie Leong
By MIKE SMITH
THE latest round of crime numbers released by the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) made for encouraging reading within the walls of Mansfield police station.
While CSA reports an increase in the number of criminal incidents in Mansfield Shire this year, Mansfield police attribute this to positive behavioural change rather than a trend towards crime and a sign that their pro-intervention, proreporting approach to tackling
crime in the shire is paying off.
“The education piece we’re doing within the community is working,” said Acting Senior Sergeant, Melanie Walker.
“People are feeling more encouraged and confident to report.
“And we are putting offenders before the court.”
372 crimes were reported in Mansfield 2024 up from 295 in 2023, a 26.1 per cent increase.
Mansfield township saw the largest increase in reported crime incidents, going from
160 in 2023 to 210 in 2024.
In Bonnie Doon incidents rose from 27 last year to 44, Merrijig went from 10 to 19, Jamieson from 13 to 18, and Goughs Bay rose from 10 to 15.
The increased number of criminal incidents matched statewide trends.
552,228 criminal offences were recorded in Victoria in the 2024 according to a statement made by Victoria Police, a year on year increase of 46,014 offences or 9.1 per cent.
Acting Senior Sergeant Walker
was pleased to see Mansfield Shire remains well below the state crime average, with a criminal incident rate per 100,000 population of 3472.2 compared with the Victorian rate of 5885.5.
Amongst the specific crimes that account for the spike in 2024, property damage is reported to have increased from 49 in 2023 to 84 in 2024.
This increase, Acting Senior Sergeant Walker said, can be attributed to youth groups taking part in a series of minor crimes such as graffiti.
2023’s staggering increase in obtaining benefit by deception proved to be an outlier rather than a trend, dropping from 99 in 2023 to 19 in 2024.
And incidents of family violence in Mansfield Shire have increased to a five year high, after 136 incidents were reported in 2024 from 84 in 2023, a 61.9 per cent rise.
While Acting Senior Sergeant would like to see these numbers go down in future years, she sees signs of encouragement.
■ Continued page 2
■ From front page
“It shows that people are reporting family violence, it’s being actioned, it’s being managed, the offenders are being held to account,” she said.
“In years gone by it wasn’t reported.”
The statistical increase in family violence can partly be attributed to the link between initial crimes such as assault and harassment to the secondary offence of breaching intervention orders.
When family violence convictions increase, so too do convictions for breaches of intervention orders.
In 2024, the increase in family violence is mirrored through the state.
“Family incidents and assaults have reached the highest levels in a decade, with a notable rise in aggravated assaults on females and breaches of intervention orders,” said CSA Chief Statistician Fiona Dowsley.
Chris Gilbert, Acting Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations, addressed the report in a statement re-
leased 26 September.
“Around a quarter of all crime can be directly attributed to the scourge of family violence, with Victoria Police called out to a family violence incident every five minutes,” said Gilbert.
Acting Senior Sergeant Walker encouraged residents to remain vigilant and continue reporting suspicious activity to counter the threat of opportunistic crime.
“We’ve got a new offending base; they don’t care that you’re home and they will take that element of risk,” she said.
“So it’s the old message to the community: secure it.
“Tell us if you see something.
“A lot of our information comes from the community.
“People are attuned to what’s sort of not quite right in their neighbourhood.
“People acting suspiciously or hanging around.
“We’ve got a unit, we can check them out then and there.
“Ring triple zero; it’s also the quickest way to get a message to our units.”
POSITIVE SHIFT:
POSITIVESHIFT:
While CSA reports an increase in the number of criminal incidents in Mansfield Shire this year, Mansfield police attribute this to positive behavioural change rather than a trend towards crime and a sign that their pro-intervention, proreporting approach to tackling crime in the shire is paying off
By MIKE SMITH
MANSFIELD is just one of a number of regional Victorian towns to experience a steep rise in rental prices over the 12 months leading to September 2024.
A rental report published by online real estate marketplace Domain said the average rental price of a home in Mansfield township rose from $500 to $550 in 2024.
Of the 39 regional towns in which rental prices went up, only Macedon Ranges (13.2 per cent) and Shepparton (11.9 per cent) reported larger increases than Mansfield (10 per cent).
The increase brings Mansfield’s average rental price closer to the average price of metro Melbourne ($580) than that of
According to Domain, prices have gone up 45.3 per cent in the five years to September 2024. Increased prices are forcing some Victorian renters to reassess what they want, or rather what they can afford, in a home.
Indeed, the Australian dream of the spacious house on a block of land generous enough to hold a pool, a barbecue, and a game of backyard cricket is a thing of the past for some.
“We have seen house rents flat-line over the quarter, but unit rents have risen, so it looks like there is more momentum for units rather than houses, which says a lot about affordability,” said Domain Chief of Research and Economics, Dr Nicola Powell.
The price increases that are forcing renters to reassess their options are similarly being felt by landlords who are being forced to take drastic measures to adapt to challenging new market conditions.
According to Dr Powell, land tax increases and growing concerns about rental regulation changes are causing many landlords to leave the market altogether.
As these landlord’s properties are taken off the market, a shortage of rentals leads to increased competition which further drives up prices.
“What we will likely see is a positive rate of growth in prices and demand for rentals,” said Dr Powell.
“The rental market has tightened considerably since 2021,”
wrote Fred Hanmer and Michelle Marquardt in a paper published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics
“Rent inflation has picked up. “Rent increases have also become more common, and larger on average.”
These increases in rental prices appear to reflect a catch-up with the rising purchase prices for homes in Mansfield.
In the five years to June 2023, purchase prices rose by 88.5 per cent before experiencing a 9.1 per cent decrease in the 12 months to June 2024.
Whether this correlation will attract landlords back to the market in search of improved rental yields, potentially alleviating the rental shortage and stabilising the market, remains to be seen.
Award-winning, always crowd-pleasing, multiinstrumentalist, songwriter and comedian Pete Denahy is fronting the band 'Wide Island' in the Courtyard at the Delatite Hotel. With a swag of their original tunes plus some old classics, they will bring the songs of Australia, Kentucky and Japan to life in their own high lonesome way.
Get in early and book your table for a spooky night of celebrations on Thurs 31st October.
Songstress Rebecca Barnard and Peter Farnam (Boom Crash Opera) have put together their favourite Joni Mitchell songs covering a broad range from each era of her career. After sellout shows over Melbourne and regional Victoria they bring the show to The Delatite Hotel in beautiful Mansfield.
WEDNESDAY:
THURSDAY:
TUESDAY: Cloudy
98 High St, Mansfield
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
By MIKE SMITH
RACV, Neighbourhood Watch Victoria and Victoria Police have encouraged caravan owners to keep their vans and trailers secure, with thefts of caravans reaching a ten year high.
Data from the Victorian Crime Statistics Agency shows that in the 12 months to June 2024, the theft of 174 caravans occurred in Victoria, up almost 67 per cent since 2022.
RACV General Manager Motoring Jeff Ames said that with many Victorians travelling in coming months and leaving their vans at home it’s best to en-
sure caravans are secure before making the trip.
“We’re seeing people either taking their vans on trips interstate or leaving them at home while they travel, and it’s important that owners have the safety and security of these assets front of mind whether at home or on the road,” Mr Ames said.
“While vans may not seem as appealing an item to steal due to their size, the data is showing that thefts of these usually highly valuable assets are still occurring and, in fact, they are on the rise.
Neighbourhood Watch CEO Bambi Gordon said that it’s im-
portant to keep your neighbours informed if you’re heading away.
“We strongly suggest that you let your trusted neighbours know when you are heading away from home for a period of time and leaving your van at home, so that they can watch out for any unusual or suspicious behaviour,” Ms Gordon said.
“It’s also important to remember that your van is highly visual. If it is normally parked in your drive or front yard, when you do take it on a trip it’s more obvious that you are away from home – so extra security such as sensor lights, locks, and timers will help to protect your home.”
Melanie Walker, Acting Senior Sergeant at Mansfield police station said that while Mansfield Shire has so far escaped these increased rates in caravan theft, neighbouring shire Murrindindi has not been as fortunate and it is important that residents remain vigilant.
“I think it’s important that we’re not complacent,” she said, as she highlighted the threat of opportunistic crime.
“If you make it easy for them, they will take it.
“Secure your houses, secure your vehicles, don’t leave your valuables on show and the same goes for Caravans.”
By EMMA OLIVER
MANSFIELD’S vibrant business community is under pressure as rising costs, changing consumer habits and an increasingly tough economic climate all take a toll.
James Wilson managing director of local accounting firm Proactive Tax and Business Services confirmed businesses are facing challenging times right now.
He attributes the rapid rise in interest rates in 2023 to a reduction in discretionary consumer spending with sales over the past 12 months falling against the previous year for the majority of local businesses.
“Combine that with a short and poor ski season, the winter creamso to speak - that so many rely on, is just not there,” he said.
“To add to the financial pressure, inflation was out of control during 2022 and 2023, so the cost of doing business has skyrocketed.”
With wages also increasing in keeping with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and superannuation hitting 11.5 per cent (the .5 per cent increase legislated from July 2024) businesses are feeling the pinch.
“Rent is often linked to CPI so that cost, which is often the single biggest fixed cost for a business, has jumped,” said Mr Wilson.
The introduction of the new state government’s Commercial and Industrial Property Tax (CIPT) which came into effect in July, also represents an unknown for landlords and retailers alike.
Designed to replace stamp duty on property transfer and land tax on property ownership, landholders are charged at an annual one per cent rate on the site value – or unimproved value – of their investment.
This applies for ten years after the land has been brought into the land tax reform scheme.
“This new CIPT will almost certainly make it hard for landlords to get a reasonable return on their investment and for businesses to survive if it is passed onto them,” Mr Wilson said.
With price hikes across the board for insurance, electricity and rates, expenses just keep on rising.
It all impacts the bottom line and as businesses struggle to increase prices when demand is already weak, they end up bearing escalating costs.
Mr Wilson said some businesses cannot make enough profit right now to even provide themselves the same income they are paying their employees as a wage or salary.
He believes these are all contributing factors as to why we are seeing many shops simply close their doors.
“Why would anyone buy a business when they can get a job for more money and less stress?” he said.
“This is a huge problem because
Check the mail for your ballot pack
A COUNCIL candidate forum is being held this Thursday, October 17, at the Delatite Hotel.
our economy relies on businesses to be successful to make enough to take the risk and employ lots of people.
“In Mansfield, we also pride ourselves on an interesting and diverse range of businesses, many of them owner operated.
“If small business fails, we end up with a shopping strip of franchises with no personality.
“You might enjoy saving a few dollars as a consumer, but that is not much help if you or your family members cannot get a job.”
Mr Wilson however also affirms “it is not all doom and gloom”, citing examples of successful businesses who are growing as the region continues to grow.
“There will always be ‘goodwill’ in those businesses,” he said, referring to the amount a buyer will pay over and above the physical assets to purchase a business.
“It might simply pertain to the location that the business occupies or the amazing customer service they offer to keep a loyal customer base.”
Mr Wilson said any profit over and above a wage for the time a
business owner spends in the job is the reward for taking the risk of running a business, which all contributes to goodwill.
“Goodwill value still exists,” he said.
“It is just harder to get right now.”
Jon Gifford president of the Mansfield District Business Association (MDBA) confirmed members had expressed trading conditions were tough at the moment.
“This has also been evidenced by the lack of new businesses opening recently, and the difficulty in selling what are generally viable businesses,” he said.
He also attributed reduced returns during the poor ski season, impacting not just local hospitality and ski hire businesses, but also other businesses who rely on increased visitor numbers at that time of the year.
“Unfortunately, our members are also reporting that cost of living pressures are continuing to have an impact, with less discretionary spending all round,” Mr Gifford said.
“I will say though that many members have commented that residents in the shire are still doing their best to shop local.”
The MDBA welcomed this, however acknowledged that businesses cannot rely on this alone.
Looking to reports that interest rates are likely to fall in the new year and with a warmer than usual summer predicted, Mr Gifford is positive this will lead to increased visitor numbers to the region over the coming months.
“This in turn may provide some welcome relief from the current trading conditions,” he said.
How to return your ballot pack
Ballot packs containing voting material were mailed to enrolled voters from Monday7October.
This is a postal election only.
If you do not receive your ballot pack by please visit vec.vic.gov.au to complete the online replacement form, or call to arrange a replacement.
Candidates
Candidates who have nominated for election are listed in the ballot packs and at vec.vic.gov.au
A photo and candidate statement will also be included if provided by candidates. Responses to a candidate questionnaire, if provided, are available at vec.vic.gov.au
How to vote correctly
You must complete your ballot paper correctly for your vote to count. Put the number in the box next to the candidate you want to see elected, then number all the other boxes in order of your choice. You must number every box and only use each number once.
The forum, organised by local group Sustainability Mansfield, will be hosted by former shire councillor and mayor Marg Attley, with an invitation extended to the community and all candidates to attend.
Beginning at 5PM for a 5:30 start to the question and answer part of proceedings, the forum will give community members a chance to interact directly with candidates.
With ballot packs being sent out in the past week and voting time soon approaching, Carolyn Suggate from Sustainability Mansfield said this was important for residents to be able to speak with the people who are nominating themselves as the community’s representatives.
“In the name of transparency, it’s important that people have the opportunity to pose their questions to candidates,” she said.
COUNCIL CANDIDATE FORUM
WHERE: Delatite Hotel, Mansfield
WHEN: Thursday, October 17, 5:00 PM for a 5:30pm start
Put your completed ballot paper in the ballot paper envelope, complete the declaration, then post it ASAP using the reply-paid envelope provided, or hand deliver
Visitor Information Centre 175 High Street
Voting is compulsory
Voting is compulsory for all voters who were enrolled at 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August. This includes state-enrolled and council-enrolled voters.
Your completed ballot pack must be in the mail or hand delivered by
State-enrolled voters can register for free VoterAlert SMS and email reminders at vec.vic.gov.au
WHY are so many of Mansfields friendly shopkeepers pulling the pin and walking away?
Old established and some recent businesses are closing down at an alarming rate and the character of our shopping precinct is rapidly changing.
Large increases in land tax, interest rates, insurances,utilities etc all contribute to the lack of enthusiasm and profitability of retail trading.
Establishing a retail business is not for the faint hearted but let’s hope our current and new shopkeepers can make a go of it in the future.
Mary Parker, Mansfield
I AM writing to find out more regarding the $62.8 million in funding for Mansfield District Hospital’s redevelopment of Buckland House Nursing home and Bindaree retirement Centre.
While the plans for a state-of-the-art facility are commendable, I’m curious
EACH week the Mansfield Courier will endeavour to publish a photo taken by the community or one of its staff. If you have an interesting photo and want it published, send it to edit.mcourier@ nemedia.com.au with the subject “Through My Lens”. Remember to include the date, location and the photographer’s name.
whether this funding adequately addresses the needs of our ageing population and the pressing demand for additional beds.
Currently, our community is grappling with significant wait times for beds, which raises questions about how this investment will translate into tangible improvements.
Specifically, what are the
current waitlists for beds, and how many additional beds can we expect from this funding?
Furthermore, as we anticipate population growth in our region, it is crucial to understand whether these plans have incorporated projections for future healthcare needs.
I hope the hospital administration can provide clarity on these points,
ensuring that our healthcare infrastructure is not only stateof-the-art but also responsive to the evolving needs of our community.
Bianca Hurle, Merton Activists and agendas
I AM concerned that more and more local governments are being infiltrated with activists who are infected with “woke” agendas and divisive political ideologies.
Local government’s primary focus should be on addressing community-specific needs and delivering essential services.
While core responsibilities like infrastructure maintenance, financial management, and waste disposal should take precedence, there’s room for attention to other local concerns such as programs for youth, health initiatives, and senior care.
However, when it comes to wider societal or national matters, local government bodies and representatives would do well to maintain a neutral stance, intervening only when there’s a direct and significant impact on their constituents’ well-being or the community’s interests.
Chris Wilson,
Mansfield
the author provided. Letters under 250 words are preferred and we reserve the right to edit letters to fit in with space requirements. Nom de plumes will only be published at the editor’s discretion. Opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by the Courier.
Email: edit.mcourier@nemedia.com.au. Fax: (03) 5775 1580
Post: Letters to the Editor Mansfield Courier, 98 High St, Mansfield 3722.
SHOCKTOBER: Community members and visitors are encouraged to familiarise themselves with AED locations and to learn CPR as part of Shocktober’s broader goal to increase survival rates from cardiac arrest.
By SHAUN MCMAHON
WITH Shocktober here, Mansfield Shire is well-positioned in cardiac safety, with 25 publicly accessible Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) registered for the Mansfield township with more further further afield, strategically placed across the region.
Every year, more than 24,000 Australians suffer from sudden cardiac arrest, with survival rates remaining at around 10 per cent.
However, when immediate action is taken, including CPR and the use of an AED, survival chances can increase to 70 per cent.
Mansfield’s AED network far exceeds those of nearby and comparable sized townships, including Euroa (10), Beechworth (16), Yea (10), and Alexandra (14), and is closer to Wangaratta’s 28 registered devices, making it a standout in regional Victoria for its proactive approach to cardiac safety.
Over the past year, Mansfield Shire Council, through grant funding and in collaboration with Ambulance Victoria and community groups, has installed several new AEDs in Mansfield and in locations such as Macs Cove, Howqua Inlet, and Bonnie Doon, ensuring these communities have 24/7 access to life-saving equipment.
Key AED locations in Mansfield include:
Victoria Police - Mansfield: 92 High Street
Mansfield & District Community Bank: 96-98 High Street
Mansfield Shire Council: 33 Highett Street
Marks IGA: 47-51 High Street (2 AEDs)
Mansfield Men’s Shed: 17 Erril Street (2 AEDs)
Mansfield Sporting Complex: 35 Highett Street
Elders Real Estate: 10A High Street
High Country Holiday Park: 1 Ultimo Street
St Johns Anglican Church: 1 Victoria Street
Mansfield Catholic Parish: 52-60 Hunter Street
Mansfield Botanic Park: 71 High Street
Mansfield Tennis Association: 10-18 Elvins Street
Mansfield Secondary College: 15 View Street (2 AEDs)
Mansfield Pony Club: 52 Mt Battery Road
Mansfield Golf Club: 24 Kidston Parade
Mansfield Holiday Park: 8 Timothy Lane
Mansfield Shire Council Depot: 141 Lakins Road
Mansfield Glamping: 299 Rifle Butts Road
Mansfield Swimming Pool – Apollo Street (accessible during the season)
Burnt Creek Community: 60 O’Hanlon Road
AEDs have also been installed in the following outlying communities:
Jamieson Community Group: 20 Perkins Street, Jamieson
Jamieson Caravan Park: 6 Grey Street, Jamieson
Howqua Valley Holiday Park: 2740 Mansfield-Woods Point Road, Howqua Inlet
Merrijig Public Hall: 1 Alpha Street, Merrijig
Merrijig Motor Inn: 1915 Mt Buller Road, Merrijig
Bonnie Doon Recreation Reserve: 2 Davon Street, Bonnie Doon
Bonnie Doon Hotel: 1738 Maroondah Highway, Bonnie Doon
Maindample Rural Fire Brigade: 41 Main Street, Maindample
Merton General Store: 8283 Maroondah Highway, Merton
Merton Recreation & Memorial Hall: 17 Shaws Road and 3138 Merton-Euroa Road, Merton
All AEDs are registered with Ambulance Victoria’s ‘My AED’ system, ensuring that the public and paramedics can easily locate the nearest defibrillator in the event of an emergency.
Community members and visitors are encouraged to familiarise themselves with AED locations and to learn CPR as part of Shocktober’s broader goal to increase survival rates from cardiac arrest.
My Pledge to the Mansfield Community: I WILL CONTINUE TO
•Listen to our community
•Keep rates as low as possible
•Support outlying communities with help in achieving community grants
•Manage ratepayers’ money to deliver the “best bang for the buck.”
•Make sound rational decisions based on factual information and my previous Council experience
•Not support nor waste ratepayers’ money on causes which are not Councils’ business.
•Provide advocacy to state and Federal Government on behalf of our community as I have done recently with the hospital merger.
•Continue to support the emergency services precinct
•I have attended 100% of council meetings over the last 4 years
•Mansfield has been my home for 41 years
•The Mansfield Shire has a budget of around $35 Million with assets of around $270 Million– it is a huge responsibility – please choose your councillors carefully!
NOMINATIONS for the Mansfield Shire Citizen Awards are now open and will be accepted until Monday November 18, 2024 in the following categories:
Citizen of the Year - presented in recognition of a noteworthy honorary contribution in community service or for personal achievement, including sport
Senior Citizen of the Yearfor people over the age of 65 years who have made a significant contribution to their community or for personal achievement
Young Citizen of the Year –for people up to the age of 28 to recognise outstanding achievement and contribution to the community or for personal achievement
Community Group or Organisation – for demonstrated excellence and innovation in a group or organisation that has provided a significant impact on the Shire’s community
Community Event of the Year - presented to an individual, organisation or group in recognition of an event’s local contribution.
Each year the nomination process highlights the admirable work done by so many local citizens.
The awards acknowledge the unsung heroes of our community who through their contributions make our shire a better place.
These individuals and organi-
sations offer outstanding service each day and enable our communities to be stronger as a result of their tireless efforts.
When reflecting on what the nomination for Senior Citizen of the Year meant to her, Karen Pirie said she had been surprised to be nominated and even more surprised to receive the award.
“The fact that someone had noticed the sorts of things I’d been doing made me feel like doing even more,” she said.
“I would say to anyone, if you have a friend or colleague that’s doing good stuff in the community, tell the community and support them by nominating them.
“It’s such a fantastic act of kindness that will be remembered and treasured.”
Awards for all categories will be acknowledged as part of the community Australia Day celebrations on Sunday January 26, 2025 at the Botanic Park.
Nomination forms can be submitted online, may be downloaded via the QR code, from Council’s website www.mansfield.vic.
gov.au or can be collected from the Mansfield Library and Council’s municipal office, 33 Highett Street, Mansfield.
For further information please call Lisa Fricke, EA Mayor & CEO on 5775 8555.
Please read the eligibility criteria prior to submitting a nomination.
REMEMBERED AND TREASURED: Reflecting
and even more surprised to receive the award. INSET: CITIZEN AWARDS: Nomination forms can be submitted online, may be downloaded via the QR code, from Council’s website www.mansfield.vic.gov.au or can be collected from the Mansfield Library and Council’s municipal office, 33 Highett Street, Mansfield.
The upcoming scheduled Council meeting is Tuesday 26 November 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.
Council currently has the following employment opportunities available. For full details visit Council's website mansfield.vic.gov.au
Coordinator Economic Development Tourism Strategic Property Program Manager
Mansfield Shire Council is now calling for nominations from organisations and individuals in the following categories: Citizen of the Year Senior Citizen of the Year Community Event of the Year Young Citizen of the Year Community Group or Organisation
These awards provide all Shire residents with the opportunity to pay tribute to our outstanding local achievers.
Nomination forms can be obtained via the QR code, from Council’s website www.mansfield.vic.gov.au/CitizenAwards, by contacting Council’s EA Mayor & CEO, Lisa Fricke, on 5775 8516 or can be collected from the Library or the Municipal office at 33 Highett Street, Mansfield.
Kirsten Alexander, Chief Executive Officer
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that an Additional Meeting of the Mansfield Shire Council will be held on Wednesday 23 October 2024 at 9.00am in the Council Chamber. Business to be conducted at the meeting is as follows:
Annual Report 2023-24
Other such other business as determined by the unanimous decision of the Council.
Working alone is a contributing factor in the majority of farm workplace deaths.
No matter if it is a perfect day, or a storm is coming and you only have a short window to get the job done. Whatever it is, take a minute to think through what you’re doing. For strategies to stay safe while working alone, visit worksafe.vic.gov.au/working-alone-farms
It’s never you, until it is.
By SHAUN MCMAHON
MOUNT Buller is set to receive a significant boost in worker accommodation, with the State Government’s Regional Worker Accommodation Fund (RWAF) contributing to the construction of 1300 new beds across Victoria’s alpine resorts, including Mount Buller, Falls Creek, and Mount Hotham.
The $138 million project, to be delivered by the Grollo Group, aims to address the growing shortage of accommodation for key workers in the state’s alpine regions.
The new worker beds will be built at the Mount Hotham Airfield, Mount Buller, and Bogong Village at Falls Creek.
The initiative is part of the first round of projects announced under the RWAF, which was designed to support regional businesses in attracting and retaining essential staff by providing affordable housing options.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney announced the RWAF’s first round of funding last Friday.
More than 20 projects are included in this initial round, with a combined $250 million in private and
public investment to create new regional housing.
The Grollo Group’s project is expected to alleviate the significant worker accommodation shortage in Victoria’s alpine resorts, which has been identified as a critical barrier to economic and tourism growth in these regions.
Grollo Group director property, Martin Ansell, said planning permits are currently being finalised for the 1300 new beds.
“The funding has meant 400 new beds at Mount Buller, 600 at Hotham and 300 at Bogong, on top of the 200 beds already there,” he said.
“We’re finalising planning permits at the moment so we’re hoping to see those resolved in the last quarter of this year and then next year the first stages can commence.
“It will most likely be complete two years post those permits resolving as it’s quite a big development across the three locations.
“We’ve gone out to prospective tenants and businesses at the resorts and working through those precommitments; demand is very strong.
“This will be significant for our busy periods, one
MORE ACCOMMODATION FOR BULLER: Minister for Regional Development
announced the RWAF’s first round of funding last Friday.
because it’s fit for purpose, so designed for the intended use including amenities design.
“It also just opens up 1300 beds, and businesses and owners will know they have locked in accommodation for those workers.
“At the moment they’re having to plan season to season and it’s hard to manage operating hours when you don’t know if
you can house staff.
“It’s offers businesses certainty and balance, therefore producing a better offering for the customers.
“We’re really excited and very appreciative of the government support, now it’s up to us to make this happen.”
Alpine Resorts Victoria (ARV) welcomed the funding, highlighting the importance of providing housing for workers in order to sus-
tain the state’s $2.14 billion alpine sector.
Amber Gardner, CEO of ARV, said the project would be crucial in enabling continued growth and ensuring the sustainability of Victoria’s alpine resorts.
“Funding like this from the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund will provide critical investment in Victoria’s alpine resorts to enable continued and sustainable
growth for our $2.14 billion sector,” said Ms Gardner.
“One of the key challenges facing the state’s alpine resorts is a critical shortage of worker accommodation, which impacts the resort by limiting business and product growth opportunities.”
“ARV worked with the Grollo Group to raise awareness and understanding of this critical project, so couldn’t be happier to see it recognised by state government via this funding program.”
Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney emphasised the importance of collaboration between private businesses, industries, and local communities to ensure the success of these projects.
“We’re working closely with private sector businesses, industry and community groups to build the homes and accommodation our towns need – making sure regional areas have the skilled workers they need so our communities can prosper,” said Minister Tierney.
The construction of the worker accommodation at Mount Buller is expected to commence in 2025 and is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2026.
QUESTION: What do you believe ratepayers value most about council and how will you meet that expectation?
Mandy TREASURE
Value for money: As a local ratepayer, I believe all ratepayers want value for money, so the provision of local government services, building of infrastructure that benefits the community and maintenance of existing infrastructure.
Sound Financial Management: As the cost of living becomes more challenging for households, keeping rate increases to a minimum is of upmost importance. Balance between providing the basics and supporting special interest groups: I believe that provision of the basics is a priority, and then other projects are decided on the merits, based on the information provided and debated by those for and against.
James TEHAN
I believe that ratepayers value a council that understands and listens to the community, that is financially responsible, that is honest and trustworthy, that is transparent, that has the maturity and experience to represent the community to all levels of government and that has a customer service focus.
I also believe that ratepayers value the fact that Mansfield Shire has had the second lowest rate increase of all the 79 Victorian shires over the last four years.
These values have been my priority over the past four years and I will maintain a clear focus on continually improving the delivery of our shire ‘s services to our residents.
Kammy CORDNER HUNT
Ratepayers like getting value for their money, and it is council’s job to deliver accordingly.
But council also has to make far-sighted decisions based on the expectations and needs of the future generations that will be here, and who will need us to take courage on their behalf now – just like the early Mansfield councillors did for us, decades ago.
I will endeavour to meet both those obligations when in council – to our present ratepayers and to our future ones.
Bonnie CLARK
Ratepayers value a council that listens to their concerns, acts with transparency, and delivers tangible results for the community. They want to see their rates being used effectively to improve infrastructure, services, and the overall quality of life in Mansfield Shire. Ratepayers also appreciate a council that engages with them, making them feel heard and involved in decision-making processes. I believe that maintaining open lines of communication, being accountable, and ensuring that decisions are communitydriven are key to meeting these expectations. My approach will be to engage regularly with residents through forums, surveys, and community meetings, allowing people to voice their concerns and ideas. I will also push for greater transparency in council operations, making sure ratepayers understand how their contributions are being invested in projects that directly benefit them. By being accessible, responsive, and focused on delivering results, I will meet ratepayers’ expectations for an effective, trustworthy council.
Michael WHYTCROSS
I believe ratepayers value the following key areas, which remain consistent with what I see as the key council priorities: Meaningful value for ratepayers – rates represent approximately 60 per cent of the council’s income making it essential these funds are collected fairly, and are used effectively to enhance community services and infrastructure. Investment in growth infrastructure – The 2024-25 budget includes a capital works program exceeding $18 million, with nearly $7 million expected to be delivered by the council. Our growing population presents an opportunity for council to continually push for investment into additional core services, such as schools, medical facilities, and utilities infrastructure. These investments will foster greater growth opportunities for our shire and help secure a strong future for our community. Transparent and ongoing communication – It is important that the shire of Mansfield continue to receive clear, regular and transparent communication about the issues that matter most. It is important that council provide unbiased updates on operations, including key projects, events, financial status, and strategic direction.
Rohan WEBB
Ratepayers want a council that works efficiently, allowing them to go about their lives without worrying about issues cropping up. It’s like the soundtrack to a movie - when everything is running smoothly, it fades into the background, but it’s critical to making things work. People lead busy lives, and the last thing they want is to have to chase up the council because they think something isn’t being handled properly. I’ll work to ensure clear communication and set expectations with the community, while empowering the council team to focus on the essentials - maintaining our roads, running waste services efficiently, and making future-focused planning decisions that respect the unique character and natural beauty of our region. At the same time, we’ll continue to focus on long-term strategies that protect what we love about Mansfield while maximizing opportunities for growth and prosperity. It’s all about keeping things running smoothly, so the community doesn’t have to sweat the small stuff and can trust the council to handle the bigger picture.
Nick COOPER
Council is political in nature, which means it is the only entity that can truly say with confidence that it is doing the will of the people. I think ratepayers value democracy and the right to be heard and represented. However, for the same reasons, I think all councils are poor at executing these plans. They tend to avoid risk due to politics, which makes everything rigid and inefficient. But, there is an answerSocial Enterprise. Our local Mansfield Community Bank now generates $150k per year and growing for the local community - funds that come from customers rather than ratepayers. What an asset! And it’s not alone, Mansfield Shire has many other social enterprises. \ I joined one, the Mansfield Bush Market, and have fought to keep it from being swallowed by the system for this very reason, social enterprises are just too good to lose. My plan is to work to put the pieces together for more social enterprises to spring into existence, so we can do more with less.
Ratepayers want transparency, accountability and they want to be acknowledged and listened to. They expect their dollar to be managed responsibility. They want councillors who are honest, not councillors who get their road tarred.
Ratepayers want councillors who know and understand our community, who fix problems and who work hard for all sectors of the shire.
I believe my last four years as a councillor have shown that I meet those expectations.
My mother told me never to assume what anyone thinks, so it is difficult to place value upon the beliefs of individual ratepayers. However, what I will bring to the council is honesty, commitment, and transparency in the decision making process so that ratepayers can have faith that their contributions are being used for the betterment of the township.
I believe that if a council is operating effectively and efficiently then ratepayers will feel empowered to voice their concerns and will be sure to let the councillors know if their expectations are not being met.
Our Q&A series continues with all candidates in next week’s Mansfield Courier edition. They will answer the following question: Why should people vote for you?
THE Mansfield community is well known for its generosity in supporting the many events and activities which raise funds for various charitable organisations and good causes within our region.
The Hospital Auxiliary’s Annual Art Exhibition is one of those events that has received tireless support.
This year, we are excited to have local artist and past winner, Drew Gregory, as our judge.
The show will be opened by our esteemed local identity, Dr Will Twycross.
We encourage you all to join us for the Opening Night on Friday, 1st November.
Over the years, a staggering $260,000 has been raised by the annual Art Exhibition.
These funds have been given directly to purchases for the Hospital, Bindaree, and Buckland House.
This all assists in providing the best possible health services and care to the Mansfield community and its visitors.
Our most recent purchases have provided the hospital’s new Ultrasound and three new Dialysis chairs to enhance the vital dialysis program.
Funds raised from this year’s Art Show will hopefully allow the purchase of an Ultrasound Probe.
This will increase the possibility of some cardiology treatment occurring in Mansfield instead of out of town.
Not only has the Hospital benefited, but the Exhibition has provided our local art-
ists with a forum to display and sell their works.
This includes artists from Mansfield Yooralla.
The Exhibition also contributes to the social fabric of the community and attracts visitors to the Shire, especially now as part of the popular Spring Arts Festival.
We also have the fantastic
Mansfield Rotary Art Collection consisting of all the winners of past Exhibitions, which are on display in the MACE building in High Street.
The Auxiliary would like to acknowledge the following:
Mansfield Rotary Club for their continued sponsor-
This summer we are releasing a new drink! So, to celebrate we are hosting a party to celebrate.
Join us under the stars, on long tables, with live music and feast all evening.
Enjoy Antipasto platers, roaming pizzas, lemon gelato and most importantly our.... 2024 Piquette Gewürztraminer
Friday 22nd November 6pm to 9.30pm $90pp
Learn more here:
Open 7 days a week 11am - 5pm Limited menu Monday + Tuesday www.delatitewinery.com.au info@delatitewinery.com.au
ship of the prize for Best in Show since 1987.
The Harry and Clare Friday Foundation for their sponsorship of a prize for Best Local Artist in the Mansfield Shire since 2012.
“The Workshop” Automotive for sponsoring this year’s very popular People’s Choice Award
Donna Lewis and Intherightspace Vintage Collections at Barjarg for their major sponsorship
NEXTGEN Electrical Systems for their major sponsorship
The various individuals and businesses from Mansfield who support us in the form of time, services and goods.
The Mansfield Masonic Lodge for housing the Exhibition at the Masonic Hall since 1992.
Members of the Hospital who strongly support the Auxiliary with not only the Art Exhibition but all our other fundraising efforts.
Our many “Friends of the Auxiliary” who provide their time and effort during the Exhibition.
Finally, all past and present members of the Auxiliary who willingly work so hard on behalf of our local Hospital.
We hope to see you all at the Masonic Hall over Cup Weekend.
Opening Night: Friday, November 1, 5.30–7.30pm. Tickets available online, at Wallaby Ritz, or at the door for $30.
Art Show is open on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, with entry for $2.
The Mansfield Branch of the Liberal Party Invites you to its Annual Dinner An Evening with
Be part of what will be a thoughtprovoking discussion on matters of economic and national security
Wednesday 13 November at 6:30pm for 7:00pm At the Magnolia Tree, 190 Mt Buller Road, Mansfield Cost $90 per head
Drink on arrival followed by 2 course dinner, additional beverages available for purchase.
You can book for this event by scanning the QR Code or via https://www.trybooking.com/CVZPU
For enquiries or to register your interest call Colyn Rankan - 0419 150 535
BBQ to support the community during the Jamieson High Country Rod Muster weekend. PHOTOS: Freddie Leong
COMMUNITY GATHERING: Locals and visitors alike enjoyed a hearty lunch, coming together to share a meal and conversation during the weekend festivities in
JAMIESON was abuzz with much-loved and beautifully restored cars on the weekend during the Jamieson High Country Rod Muster.
The cars were displayed in Perkins Street on Saturday with a spectacular Show n Shine.
Well over 70 cars were on display, with Perkins Street closed from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
The visiting Rod members enjoyed the town’s hospitality, with registration and dinner at the Courthouse Hotel on Friday evening.
Saturday was in full swing, with the Jamieson CFA members and volunteers cooking and providing breakfast in the Memorial Hall prior to the Rod Show n Shine.
The town had a festive air, with car (Rod) owners and
JAMIESON ON THE LINE with Carmel Dixon
visitors enjoying the show.
The CFA cooked a BBQ lunch at the Perkins and Nash Street corner, and the Jump and Jive Band played for the crowd on the Courthouse Hotel balcony.
There were trade stalls along the road, and the Gold Nugget throw was a popular success with over 80 participants - men, women, and children - taking part.
The Rocket cover race was also a hit.
Collected car rocket covers were rebuilt with wheels and decorated.
Each “driver” presented their entry, and the race was on.
With much cheering, the Rocket cover race commenced, with local enthusiasts backing their favourites as they sped down a very long ramp.
At 4pm, the Town Rod Cruise began, with local residents invited to ride along.
Popular local Jamieson resident Naomi Beaman was watching the cars as they passed her home when she was invited to join the ride.
The car belonged to the Wilson family, the organisers of the Rod Muster.
Naomi was delighted, as were the crowd, who cheered as she passed, waving in a very regal manner.
The Jump n Jive band played throughout the afternoon, and when the outdoor festivities concluded,
TUESDAY 5TH NOVEMBER 2024
the band played during the special roast dinner at the Courthouse Hotel.
The theme was Rockabilly, with plenty of dancing on display.
An auction was also conducted with great enthusiasm and success.
On Sunday morning, the ‘Rodders’ enjoyed another cooked breakfast by the CFA members and volunteers in the Memorial Hall, followed by the Duck Race in the Jamieson Caravan Park pool.
Everyone at the event cheered their ducks on to victory.
After the race, the ‘Rodders’ headed to the Jamieson Brewery for lunch.
Following lunch, the raffle was drawn, and presentations were announced and awarded.
A celebratory wind-down for the Rodders and other guests was held at the Jamieson Caravan Park, where the group enjoyed Tom’s legendary cooking - a Hungi was served and appreciated by all.
It was a fabulous conclusion to a very successful weekend in Jamieson.
Congratulations to Cindy and Evlyn Wilson, who organised the event to the delight of their dad, Greg, who retired and passed the reins to his daughters.
JAMIESON Primary School students enjoyed their first week back at school.
They welcomed two new 6th grade students.
The library bus visited the school during the week, always a treat for the
students, who are all avid readers.
The students recommenced their tennis classes on Friday.
The junior classes are studying “Under the Ocean” this term, while the senior classes are focusing on regional habitats, from Polar regions and Rain Forests to Salt Marshes.
Mrs Bolwell began rehearsals with the students for the November Remembrance Day Service, which will take place on the 11th of November at Matthews Reserve.
Next week, Watson’s Trail Rides will hold two sessions on Wednesday and Thursday at Camp Howqua, where students will learn about equine care and the joys of horse riding.
By TRINITY KNIGHT
TOLMIE resident Carol Ovenden and her husband Bruce moved to the area from Cockatoo 31 years ago after they lost their home in the Ash Wednesday fires.
“We rebuilt, but the area wasn’t the same anymore,” she said.
“Before we moved, my husband used to do gem stoning in Tolmie.
“One day he took me for a drive to show me the location of where he did it, and we came up to the top of the hill.
“I looked across the range, and I said this is where we need to live.
“So, we sold the house and made another tree change.
“It’s such a beautiful area and it gets chilly, but we’ve got plenty of wood.
“There’s a lot of wildlife and we breed miniature ponies.
“Each night we feed the eight kookaburras that fly onto our railing.”
Carol has paralysis from the waist down and relies on a wheelchair to get around.
After many years of manual transfers into her bed and the car she has badly injured her shoulders.
After being in hospital for four months this year Carol finally received a hoist for her home, however she is still faced with the challenge of being transferred in and out of the car.
Carol said the vehicles they do have are getting quite old in age.
“We are a part of a vintage car club and my car is a 1985 XS Ford Falcon which is registered with red plates,” she said.
“We don’t know how long it’s going to last, and they have broken down a few times.
“So, we don’t venture out as much.”
Carol’s support workers Steff Teunissan (née Tojner) and Kay Anstee recently started up a gofundme page with a goal of raising $25,000 to buy a new and more reliable car for Carol.
Steff said they are striving for the best outcome for Carol and her husband who also has health issues.
“I started caring for Carol in 2019, so it has been around five years now,” Steff said.
“We are hoping to raise enough money to buy a van, similar to a maxi taxi that we will be able to wheel her straight into.
“It would be easier for everyone, especially in winter with the cold, wet and muddy conditions which make transferring into the car much slower.”
Carol said having the new vehicle would be lifechanging.
“It will give me independence again being able to go here, there and everywhere,” she said.
“We could go to markets and head into Mansfield or Wangaratta to do shopping.
“I’ve got three children and 13 grandchildren, but they all live in Melbourne.
“It just those small things that you miss.”
Alongside these benefits, having accessible and reliable transport can be lifesaving across the fire season with little or no notice to evacuate.
The link to Carol’s gofundme is https:// www.gofundme.com/f/carol-buy-awheelchair-van.
ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORT: (from left)
Independent support worker Steff Teunissan and Carol Ovenden. Support workers Steff Tuenissan and Kay Anstee are raising $25,000 to buy a mini van for Carol.
Knight
By LYNN ELDER
THE message from last week’s neighbourhood policing forum held in Mansfield was about working together to better serve and protect our local community through positive engagement with three action items to be followed up.
Despite disappointing low attendance those present at the Mansfield Golf Club last Thursday afternoon were able to take advantage of the vast expertise and experience of the police members on the panel from across the Eastern Region Benalla Police Service Area (PSA) covering three local government areas.
Attendees included council representatives, educational institutions, Parks Victoria, youth workers and concerned residents from Mansfield, Benalla and Murrindindi shire areas.
The three-hour forum covered topics including
current crime trends and crime prevention, family violence, young people, road policing, drugs and drug related crime.
Police from the relevant areas provided informative and up to date details of emerging trends and community concerns with attendees able to ask questions or make comments.
Assistant Commissioner Russell Barrett who described his role as a “privilege” spoke of the importance of conversations around what is affecting community members and how Victoria Police employ their resources.
“We can keep you safe but if you don’t feel safe, we need to make sure you feel safe,” said Assistant Commissioner Barrett.
“We not only deliver service but engage with others to serve you by getting back to basics working on community issues,” he said.
“My assessment of work-
EXPRESSIONS OF INTERESTS NOW OPEN
REFERENCE: EOI
HOW TO REGISTER:
Opened: 30 September 2024
Closing date: 12 midday AEDT, 25 Nov 2024
• Visit www.tenders.gov.au/atm and search for Restoring our Rivers
• Download and read the Request for Expression of Interest documents
• Login or Register as a new user
• Complete the expression of interest response form and submit your response.
ing in a more rural setting there is the opportunity to talk.”
The importance of the visibility of police in the community was also noted by Insp. Local Area Commander Benalla PSA, Rachael Goss.
“What I have learned when we talk to people face to face, they tell us things,” she said.
“Everything we do as police we do for the community”.
Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) website data was presented giving yearly figures and comparisons over a fiveyear period up to end of June 2024.
Acting Insp. Snr Sgt Jaymee Cutler based at Seymour and Benalla talked about the work her team was doing in the family violence space.
The inspector said they “turn up to incidents” but are not always able to pay attention to other people in the house especially children
who might be hiding under the bed in fear after what they have just witnessed.
The audience was encouraged to think about what the barriers were to seeking help for victims of family violence and the reluctance in the community for reporting incidents.
Insp. Cutler said family violence came in different forms ranging from physical, psychological and financial abuses.
This led to discussion about the high incidences in relation to breaches of family violence order and the need for police to
“hold people to account”.
While breaches can range from small to much bigger offences Insp. Cutler said if breaches are happening police need to offer referral services to support victims.
An audience member raised concerns that places open outside normal business hours could also be playing a secondary role as a safe haven away from family violence.
A discussion followed how to provide resources on how to seek help if needed in a discreet way.
This was one of the actions to be followed up.
The focus moved to youth
crime and associated issues around alcohol and drugs.
Acting Insp. Snr Sgt Steve Carden from Mansfield said there are “not many bad kids” but there was a need to engage with them and “create trust with that younger person”.
Insp. Carden is an enthusiastic advocate of the work done by the Mansfield Restart program which offers drug and alcohol counselling and rehabilitation through the Mansfield District Hospital with support of the council’s youth services and the secondary college.
■ Continued page 17
The Australian Government, represented by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, is inviting Expressions of Interests (EOIs) from water right owners across the Southern Connected Murray-Darling Basin who may want to sell their water in 2025.
EOI 1 invites responses from single water rights owners who were not eligible for the Restoring Our Rivers: 2024 Selected Catchments Open Tender. This includes water right owners from within Irrigation Infrastructure Operator areas.
EOI 2 invites responses from entities interested in selling a large portfolio of water of around 20 GL (or greater) across the southern connected Basin.
LIST OF CATCHMENTS: NEW SOUTH WALES
Murray River
Murrumbidgee
Ovens & KingVictorian Murray SOUTH AUSTRALIA
South Australian Murray
Responses to the EOIs are not considered binding
EOI will be able to proceed to subsequent purchase program. Owners of eligible water rights in the catchments listed in the table, including unregulated entitlements and section 51 licences, are invited to express their interest stating the proposed volume and price at which they want to sell their permanent water rights to the department.
The decision to participate is completely voluntary. To read the Request for Expression of Interest and register your interest, please visit AusTender www.tenders.gov.au - and search for Restoring our Rivers.
MORE INFORMATION:
For more information on voluntary water purchasing, visit www.dcceew.gov.au/watertender
ASSISTANCE:
For help with using AusTender, visit help.tenders.gov.au
If you can’t access AusTender or have questions about the expression of interest process, please email watertenders@dcceew.gov.au
COMMUNITY MINDED: Acting Inspector Steve Carden from Mansfield and Eastern Region Division 3 Insp. Michael Layton formed part of the panel that met with the community last week. PHOTOS: Lynn Elder
■ From page 16
Having services based locally reduces the time to receive vital support immediately when it is needed and help young people “make better life choices”.
Leading Snr Constable Leigh Johnston a multicultural liaison officer based in Shepparton spoke about joint activities which involved police visiting early learning centres through to primary and secondary schools where children can “see police in the community for the community” and “extending the blue hand of friendship”.
Benalla attendees raised concerns about “boredom” among their young people with nowhere to go and with everything shut early.
“We need to connect people with meaningful ac-
tivities,” said Snr Constable Johnson.
The panel agreed to work with local providers in Benalla regarding youth programs in safe spaces to engage young people.
Concerns were raised about young people in Mansfield when drug and crime offences became evident at their local school.
This was another item the panel promised to follow up with liaison with the school.
Insp. Goss talked about early police intervention and working with the council and other areas in the shire to prevent young people straying into the “grey area”.
Eastern Region Division 3 Insp. Michael Layton said, “Our crime intelligence base shows what is being reported in Mansfield is
very low drug activity”.
However, police were mindful that across the region activity does vary.
The top three drug types being reported this year were cannabis the most common, then methylamphetamine and prescription.
Meanwhile, the top three drug offences were drug possession on the increase from last year followed by drug trafficking, and cultivation of drugs.
Police focus on disrupting drug activity as much as possible and to minimise the harm it causes.
“My team is around enforcement but the conversation today is about before we get to that stage,” said Det. Snr Sgt Costakis Costa.
“We don’t need a lot of dealers to cause the spread of drugs.”
From the floor came concerns regarding the rise of drink spiking which is often grossly under reported according to police.
Acting Supt Troy Haradon from Shepparton said there was nothing to be embarrassed about and police wanted to ensure “safe behaviours” in public places.
The forum looked at various types of offences which included theft of firearms from remote rural areas with absentee owners and illegal spotlighting.
Jamieson’s Leading Constable George Crawford noted incidents of illegal hunting was on a downward trend thanks to a more visible police presence and joint agency efforts.
Police are also concerned about a rural attitude of not
locking up and securing property including homes, sheds and vehicles,
Those present were also urged to never leave valuables in their vehicles.
The forum heard from Acting Snr Sgt Ted Graham Benalla Traffic Division 3 and the ongoing challenge of road trauma from not only fatalities but also injuries which creates a “ripple effect” throughout the local community.
Snr Sgt Graham said various operations are planned for a more visible police presence during peak periods to make our roads safer.
This week Operation Upright will be targeting motorcyclists travelling through the high country to the Moto GP on Phillip Island from October 18 to 20.
During the Melbourne
Cup long weekend in the Mansfield district Operation Doriemus will be rolled out as will Operation Furlong across the state.
The forum wrapped up with Insp. Goss giving an overview of the Community Sentiment Survey 2024 for the Benalla PSA which attracted 80 responses.
The three top safety concerns raised were safety of property and possessions, drugs and alcohol, and road safety.
Police members stressed the importance of reporting any unusual activity “however silly” it may seem to Crime Stoppers which can be done anonymously.
“Don’t underestimate the value of your one report,” said Insp. Goss and as Supt Haradon said, “It could be part of the puzzle for us”.
By LYNN ELDER
AN impressive lineup, including Mansfield’s Nicci Teitge, faced the judges in the state Rural Ambassador competition at this year’s Royal Melbourne Show, with the local young woman runner-up in a close contest.
Nicci earned a spot at the state finals after winning at the group level in Seymour on April 21 this year.
Flying the flag for the Mansfield A & P Society and the Central & Upper Goulburn Group, Nicci was full of praise for the competition and the calibre of the entrants, who all shared a passion for agriculture.
“All of us are from farming families and have worked on rural properties,” she said.
Representing the Midlands Group and Ballarat Show, Caitlin Grieve took out the VAS (Victorian Agricultural Shows) state finals award for Rural Ambassador and a place at next year’s national competition in Adelaide.
There were five finalists in Melbourne over the weekend of October 5 and 6, and they were all put through their paces.
All competitors go through a variety of challenges including interviews and public speaking.
They are judged on their local show involvement, general and rural knowledge, personalities and communication skills, ambition, goals and presentation skills.
“My strength is that I am confident speaking in public but my political and general knowledge was my weakness,” said Nicci.
But she is keen to work on that.
However, she said a funny moment was when one of the judges asked entrants who had won the 2024 AFL grand final, drawing a blank from them all.
The same judge had to
concede that the competitors’ in-depth knowledge of the agricultural sector and their local shows was outstanding.
The winners were announced at the “Young Leaders” luncheon on Sunday, October 6 which included the national finals of the Rural Ambassador.
The state winners from this year’s competition will travel to the Adelaide Royal Show next year.
Would Nicci recommend getting involved with your local show and entering the Rural Ambassador competition to other young people?
“One hundred per cent good fun and a way to network and open up other opportunities,” she said.
“The importance of the local ag show in a community
was about bridging the gap between urban and rural Australia.
“I believe there is a huge gap between the people who make the food and those who consume it.”
Nicci’s love for rural life began on her family’s small property 49 km southeast of Melbourne, where she learned to ride horses and care for livestock.
This passion was further fuelled by a visit to her sister at a remote cattle station in Queensland when she was only 16.
When she finished secondary school, Nicci worked on farms across Queensland, NSW, the Northern Territory, and Victoria, gaining valuable agricultural experience.
In 2023, she moved to Mansfield where she got in-
volved with the Mansfield show society.
She is passionate about the importance of community for mental and physical well-being.
Recently, she organised a charity event that raised $30,000 for the Merrijig Campdraft Club and men’s mental health organisation “Are You Bogged Mate?”
Next month, she will ride a postie bike on a week-long trip through country NSW with her father and uncle to raise funds for Variety, the children’s charity, before helping with the Mansfield show in November.
Three months ago, Nicci became a farming relationship lead for Invest in Farming Cooperative, a national business.
Her role involves looking
had fantastic qualities which made it very hard for the judges to find a winner,” said Mr Bowles.
“It came down to the public speaking for which the topic was ‘What are the future risks to the success and longevity of agricultural shows and how do you think you can resolve these risks?’.
“Each of the finalists had some great ideas and the most common was the resources of volunteers,” he said.
“It is a great program (Rural Ambassador) to recognise and encourage the talented young people in our community that are involved with the shows and contribute in so many ways with local organisations,” said Mr Bowles.
“Each competitor has a story to tell and have achieved some amazing things but still only in their mid-20s,” he said.
The Rural Ambassador Award has been running for more than 20 years and took over from the Miss Showgirl to be a unisex competition.
after broadacre and livestock clients.
Nicci has barely had time for her feet to touch the ground and is on the road to Queensland this week for work at the Beef Expo in Brisbane.
Her other passion is campdrafting, and with the Mansfield Show and then the Merrijig Campdraft next month, finding time to work her horses will be a challenge.
Nicci appreciated the support she received from VAS during the lead-up to and then the judging at the Royal.
VAS executive officer, Rod Bowles was impressed with the standard of entrants for the Victorian Rural Ambassador Award.
“We had five state finalists and each one of them
“Another highlight was a composite team of two ambassadors and their partners competing in the Young Farmers Challenge which the Rural Ambassador team (including Nicci) were the winners that go onto next year’s national final in Adelaide,” said Mr Bowles.
Reflecting on her experience, Nicci said, “It definitely broadened my mind; living in Mansfield, one can get into a small town mentality, but it is a big, wide world, and everything we do does have an impact.”
Anyone interested in the Rural Ambassador and the Junior Ambassador competitions can enter at this year’s Mansfield Show on Saturday, November 16.
For details visit the Mansfield Show Society website or call 0429 507 649.
By JORDAN DUURSMA
WARMER spring temperatures are seeing more snakes emerge locally from a period of reduced activity during winter seeking food and mates.
Abby Smith, senior wildlife projects officer from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), said snakes may be more visible during the warmer months, but it’s important to remember that they will generally avoid people.
She said most snake bites occur when people try to capture or kill the reptiles.
“Snakes may defend themselves if they feel threatened, it’s best to leave them alone and keep dogs on leads when out walking,” Ms Smith said.
“Supervise pets and children closely in areas where snakes are known to occur.
“Talk to kids about snake safety; what to wear, staying on the path and not putting your hands in long grass, under rocks or tin.”
Darren Frankland, from North East Snake Catching, said if you see a snake, leave it alone, keep a good eye on it and call a snake catcher if you want it removed.
“If you are in close proximity to a snake and it is showing signs of defensiveness, stand still and allow the snake to move,” he said.
“If in doubt, call a professional.”
Mr Frankland said the most common snakes in the Wangaratta area are redbellied black snakes, eastern brown snakes and tiger snakes and they are most active from the end of August until the second or third frost in May.
“It’s highly unnecessary to kill snakes as they are an important part of the ecosystem and if people kill them all, they are going to be whineging about all the mice and rats around,” he said.
Snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, and capturing, harming, or killing them is illegal, you can report wildlife crime to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000. For more information contact DEECA on 136 186.
For essential snake bite first aid information, visit www.stjohnvic.com.au/ news/snake-bite-first-aid-tips/.
IMPORTANT information to remember:
Snakes present little or no danger to people when left alone
Wear long pants and proper shoes, carry your mobile and snake bandages when in the bush
Keep your pets away from areas with snakes
If you suspect your pet has been bitten, seek veterinary attention immediately
Maintain lawns and clean up around your house - snakes are attracted to shelter such as piles of rocks and timber, sheets of metal, and building materials
Untidy bird aviaries may attract rodents, which snakes eat; clean up after your birds
Don’t attempt to capture or harm snakes; instead call a licenced snake catcher
If someone is bitten, call 000 immediately
Sat 19 Oct
AN online survey has been launched today, giving parents, teachers, young people, and the wider public the chance to share their thoughts on social media use and its potential risks.
Concerns have been raised by parents about their children’s use of social media, particularly about the influence of tech companies and
the lack of control they feel over the platforms.
In response, the state government, in collaboration with the Commonwealth, is exploring the introduction of age limits to help protect children from the potential harms associated with social media.
The survey, accessible at engage.
MANSFIELD Shire is one of 28 councils eligible for assistance from Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) in response to the storms that hit the region in late August.
Jointly funded by the state and federal governments, the assistance fund aims to help coordinate debris removal from storm-affected homes and essential public infrastructure like roads, footpaths and bridges.
“We will continue to support communities every step of the way so they can recover as quickly as possible,” said Victorian Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes.
“We are working closely with the Victorian government to ensure communities get the support they need to recover,” said Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister.
vic.gov.au/safesocials, will remain open until November 1.
Participants can share their experiences and concerns about social media use, while groups are encouraged to hold self-guided discussions using an online guide provided through the platform.
In addition to age limits, the government is aiming to address
broader concerns about how young people use social media.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that young people, when they begin engaging with social media, are equipped to do so safely and responsibly.
The results from this consultation will inform the development of a new social media safety pro-
gram called “Safe Socials.”
This program will be introduced in schools, offering a resource for students, teachers, and families on how to navigate social media safely. For more information or further questions, residents can contact the office of Jaclyn Symes, Victorian Attorney-General, via jaclyn.symes@ parliament.vic.gov.au.
WITH spring in full swing and warmer weather expected soon, paramedics are reminding Victorians to update their asthma action plans to stay safe.
Asthma can affect people of all ages and, if unmanaged, can develop into a serious health concern.
plan will look different, and it will help you manage your condition, ensuring you don’t find yourself in an emergency.”
Adults should update their asthma action plan yearly, while every six months is recommended for children.
“Follow your asthma action plan, and most importantly, if a person is having difficulty breathing and their reliever medicine is not working, don’t delay in calling Triple Zero (000),” he said.
anywhere in the state.
You can also visit an Urgent Care Clinic, which provides GPled care to those who need urgent care, but not an emergency response.
To find your nearest one, visit the Better Health website.
Ambulance Victoria director emergency management Justin Dunlop said creating an asthma action plan is an easy and potentially lifesaving step.
“It’s simple - visit your GP and they can create a plan with you,” he said.
“Everyone’s asthma action
For Victorians that have hay fever and have also experienced asthma symptoms such as wheezing, breathlessness, shortness of breath, coughing and chest tightness, see your GP.
Mr Dunlop said taking preventative action will make a real difference for our busy paramedics.
AV is also encouraging all Victorians to know where to go for timely medical care and health advice to help save Triple Zero (000) for emergencies.
The Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) is available at www.vved.org.au and is a free 24/7 online service.
It connects people with emergency doctors and nurses from
Other options for care include GPs, pharmacists and NURSEON-CALL, who can be reached on 1300 606 024.
To learn more about asthma action plans, visit the Better Health website at betterhealth. vic.gov.au/health/conditionandtreatments/asthma-actionplans.
BUSINESS Events Victoria is encouraging conference and event organisers to apply and make the most of all regional Victoria has to offer, after funding applications for business events in regional Victoria opened on Thursday, September 19.
The funding is part of the Regional Business Events Program, which is being delivered by Business Events Victoria in partnership with Melbourne Convention Bureau.
The program supports national
and international businesses to host events in regional Victoria: from conferences and trade exhibitions to seminars and corporate meetings.
Funding is being made available by the Victorian Government, and there are two streams available: the National Business Events Program and the International Incentives Event Program.
Business Events Victoria Executive Officer, Adeline Keh, stated the company’s focus is on attracting national conferences to regional
destinations across the state that align with key regional industries.
“This funding will go a long way to further encourage and support these important events for Victoria, strengthening business prospects across communities throughout the state,” she said.
“Through the NBEP’s previous rounds of support, 55 business events received funding to be held in regional Victoria, delivering $13.23m to date to local communities.”
MANSFIELD Shire youth program officers Liz Bird and Steph O’Halloran were nominated for the Youth Affairs Council (YACVic) 2024 Rural Youth Awards which took place at Queen’s Hall in Parliament House on September 26.
Liz and Steph were finalists in the “Outstanding youth project promoting diversity and inclusion in rural or regional Victoria” category for planning and delivering Mansfield Shire Youth’s winter School Holiday Program supported by team members Emma Kay and Kaitlyn Demunk.
The program featured a wide range of activities such as hot laps at Winton raceway, a Mt Buller Snow Day, NAIDOC week work-
shops, pottery classes and cooking lessons.
Indigenous cultural activities in the School Holiday Program included a weaving workshop with Isobel Morph-Walsh, a pyrography workshop with Iluka Sax-Williams and a special session of the regular Chop and Chat program focused on using native ingredients.
More than 100 young people were able to experience a range of activities that usually have financial and accessibility boundaries.
Liz rejoined in May 2024 after previously working for the team from November 2022 to November 2023.
“All our programs are offered on an ‘open to all’ basis, emphasising activities that young people can
participate in regardless of finances, cultural background or gender,” they said.
“We included several activities in this year’s winter School Holiday Program that some young people have never had the opportunity to participate in.
“With NAIDOC Week taking place in the second half of the holidays, we also partnered with Taungurung people to hold activities where young people could engage with Indigenous culture.”
Steph said it was great to be able to meet the other nominees and
see what amazing work has been done around the state by other rural and regional youth workers, peer workers and by young people themselves.
“We were able to connect with many others in the Northeast and across Victoria, and we’re looking forward to sharing future ideas and further promoting youth work,” she said.
“We would like to thank YACVic for accepting our nomination and for celebrating the many exciting achievements out there benefiting and supporting young people.”
INDEPENDENT Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines has secured an important amendment to the Universities Accord (Student Support and Other Measures) Bill 2024 that will ensure a review of the prac payment system is undertaken after three years, specifically looking at the inclusion of allied health placements.
As part of its response to the Universities Accord, the Government announced in the May Budget that it would fund payments for 68,000 students undertaking mandatory placements in teaching, nursing, social work and midwifery.
The Parliament passed the legislation to enact the framework for payments this week.
Dr Haines said that the payments were a welcome start, but called on the government to go further to meaningfully address placement poverty in regional Australia.
“Unpaid practical placements are a huge financial burden on students and a barrier to completing higher education in professions our region desperately needs,” Dr Haines said.
“Student placements could be anywhere in Australia and students often incur travel and accommodation costs.
“Placement poverty is a very real thing in regional Australia.
“Of course, I want to see allied health placements included earlier than this, but this ensures there is an accountability step at the three-year mark.”
Dr Haines also supported changes to the indexation of student debt, to ensure that HELP loans never rise faster than inflation.
“I’m concerned that ballooning levels of debt will discourage young regional Australians from pursuing higher education and the impacts this debt has on the cost of living for people who are paying back seemingly endless debts” Dr Haines said.
“As an Independent I advocated for changes to the HECS repayment system and I welcome these changes.”
BUSFLEET has announced that its ‘Locals Day Out’ Explorer Shuttle service between Mansfield and Mt Buller will start Cup Weekend, on Saturday November 2.
The shuttle provides visitors with flexible and convenient transport options to explore iconic regional destinations such as Mansfield, Mt Buller, historic Merrijig, and local favourites such as Delatite Winery and the Hunt Club.
Mountain bikers can take advantage of transport to gravity and cross-country trails on Mt Buller, while foodies and wine enthusiasts can enjoy the best local wines and cuisine the area has to offer without the hassle of driving.
In addition to the Explorer Shuttle, Locals Day Out is offering charter services to a variety of destinations across the region. Known for operating transport on Mt Buller during the snow season, the company is expanding its services to provide yearround tours, including trips to the King Valley, Sunset Tours to Craig’s Hut, and more.
“We’re excited to give both locals and visitors more opportunities to experience the best of Victoria’s high country,” said Neil Geddes, Director of Busfleet and Locals Day Out.
For more information and to book, visit: https:// www.localsdayout. com.au.
THE Battle of the Bands competition on October 13 2024 showcased music artists aged 12-25 from across Mansfield Shire and beyond.
The 2024 event was the second Battle of the Bands hosted by Mansfield Shire Youth.
Twice as many artists signed up compared with 2023.
The event was sold out even with tickets limited to the family and friends of artists.
The competition was judged by local professional musicians.
The winners were Ella Crathern in the solo and duo category and Blue Curtain won the band category for the second year in a row.
Both artists will now compete in the North East Battle of the Bands Grand Final, held in Albury on December 14 2024.
Together with a third “wild card” artist, they were also offered a place
at the High Country Festival Rock Out event on November 1 2024.
The wild card winners were Reiley Gibney-Shelfhout and Astrid Singleton.
The event was made possible with Victorian Government FReeZA funding.
Youth program officer Liz Bird said they are incredibly lucky to have this amount of talent in Mansfield.
“Next year we’ll be trying to grow the event’s capacity, so that everyone
can come and check out our local talent,” they said.
Youth program officer Steph O’Halloran said they want to give young artists as many performance opportunities as they can.
“Mansfield Shire Youth would like to thank everyone involved in putting together this event, especially our judges who volunteered their time and of course every musician who hit the stage,” she said.
POLICE could have located two missing Melbourne bushwalkers within minutes on the weekend, had they taken their mobile phones with them.
Mansfield Police’s Acting Senior Sargeant Colin Whytcross said the two women, aged 23 and 30, were within mobile coverage when they were found at Pineapple Flat, King River on Saturday some 8km from their intended destination at Telephone Box Junction (TBJ).
“Both women had mobiles but not on them – they do work in that area, so bushwalkers should take mobiles with
Way Back Wednesday - a look back at what was making news 20 years ago this week.
them,” he said.
Mt Stirling ski patrol alerted police to the missing women after it was noticed they were hours overdue.
IN SPORT, Fraser Stevenson’s reputation as one of Goulburn Valley’s best onballers was confirmed on Friday night when he was named Mansfield’s best and fairest for the club’s 2004 premiership season.
Stevenson held off last year’s club champion Trent Hotton and Josh Walker to take home the award, although his win was not confirmed until the second last game, such was the evenness of the count.
HIKERSFOUNDALIVE:Policecould
HIKERS FOUND ALIVE: Police could have found two missing Melbourne bushwalkers within minutes on the weekend, had they taken their mobile phones with them.
Fraser Stevenson’s reputation as one of Goulburn Valley’s best onballers was confirmed on Friday night when he was named Mansfield’s best and fairest for the club’s 2004 premiership season.
MANSFIELD Men’s Shed has earned a wonderful reputation as a highly-valued community organisation.
Their primary annual fundraising event is the Men’s Shed Open Day held during Seniors Week on 19 October 2024.
This is the time that the men put together their biggest garage sale and raffle.
The men joke, saying they sell bric-a-brac as well as
odds-n-sods and bits-n-bobs!
You can find secondhand tools and garden equipment, furniture, and all sorts of interesting donations that are seeking a new home.
also be available for sale.
It’s timely that the Men’s European Wasp Traps will again be available free.
Community members are welcome to bring their fix-it jobs to the Shed throughout the year.
Sometimes it takes years of experience with specialised tools to make, or remake, the impossible.
and garage sale set for October 19 at Mansfield Men’s Shed
A deadly tool to fight the invasive wasp problem that is safe for our Australian native bees.
The Shed is a community hub for men.
It might just be a handy length of chain, a cupboard door, or something for the car. The men welcome the community and are throwing a FREE sausage sizzle. Soft drinks and water will
They work on community projects as well as small projects for themselves or family.
The men say they’ve fixed quite a few pub and café stools over the years; built a massive raised garden at Bindaree, made memorials, and created all sorts of treasured items.
Just last week, a member turned some massive legs for a snooker table that was otherwise worthless without the men’s expertise.
You might want to see the Blacksmith’s forge or the latest technology of the Men’s CNC router.
AusNet is currently seeking feedback on funding to maintain and upgrade it electricity distribution network over the next five years.
This funding will support:
a safe, reliable and more resilient network keeping up with customers moving to all-electric
Sometimes it just needs some old-fashioned knowhow.
And there are heaps of raffle prizes.
So, from 9am to 1pm, don’t miss out.
Come along for a look, a sausage, and support your local Men’s Shed.
It’s great for making house signs, plaques, toys, jewellery boxes, and all sorts of wonderful and unique items.
Phone enquiries: 0491 723 642 or mansfieldmensshed@ gmail.com Sausage sizzle,
By EMMA OLIVER
MANSFIELD
PRIMARY
SCHOOL is hosting its annual fundraiser this Saturday, October 19, with A Night on the Green delivering a full schedule of family fun culminating in the screening of Despicable Me 3. Taking place at the Mansfield Showgrounds with a 3pm kick-off, it’s an event not to be missed, with food and entertainment a-plenty before the sundown start of the movie.
DJ Dave Clifton will be mixing the tunes, providing the beats in the build-up, with Mansfield Secondary College band, Blue Curtain, taking to the stage to bring that live music energy.
Champion dog trainer
Aoidh Doyle will also be showcasing his kelpies and their skills as part of the premovie entertainment at the school fundraiser.
On the back of a very successful campaign at Henty Field Days clinching the Murray Valley Yard Dog Championships, and in the midst of competition as one of two representing the state in the 2024 Cobber Challenge, Aoidh has graciously given up his evening for this great cause.
And then there’s a selection of food vans and stalls, making the evening one of the easiest (and tastiest) nights out.
With support from the Na-
tional Australia Bank to help subsidise the event, Alisha Forrest from the parents and friends committee would also like to thank all of the local businesses who have jumped on board, providing assistance and donations to make the night a success.
There’s a veritable treasure trove of items up for bids in the silent auction, with vouchers donated by Seasons Spa, La Chay and Hair by Kristy for all your wellbeing and beauty needs.
Experiences are the order of the day, with Snow Play Tours generously donating two nights accommodation
for five on Mt Buller; All Terrain Cycles offering up one day E-bike hire; Rockwire has contributed tickets to their via ferrata climb for an adrenaline-packed activity; Primal Health Club are giving away a three months gym membership and McCormack’s have provided a trail ride for two to be enjoyed at your leisure.
And then there are exciting items like the Megaboom 3 Ultimate Ears Speaker thanks to Mansfield Betta; along with the DeWalt Lithium Battery Cordless Drill from Yenckens; kid’s workshirts from RB Sellars; as
well as that opportunity to get into the garden with a nursery voucher from Wild Mint Acres, all going under the hammer (albeit silently).
The auction is currently live concluding at 7pm on the night, with successful bidders announced during intermission at A Night on the Green.
With the highest bidder securing each item, you do not need to be there on the night to claim your purchase, with thousands of dollars of prizes up for grabs.
The parents and friends committee have an ambitious fundraising total, hop-
ing to raise around $15,000 to contribute towards making a real difference.
Money raised will go towards transforming the muddy “bottom terrace” into a usable space for the growing primary school.
“Any – and all support – is welcome to make Mansfield Primary School a better place for our kids to learn and have fun outdoors,” said Alisha.
Tickets for the night are still available at https://www. trybooking.com/CURFQ
The auction is live online at https://www.32auctions. com/MPS3722
THE ANGLICAN PARISH OF MANSFIELD SATURDAY 19TH OCTOBER 2024, 9.00AM- 12.30PM
STALLS GALORE:
• Delicious BBQ
• Morning Tea
•
Meet friends and family and enjoy the morning under the oak tree or in the Hall.
FEDERAL Independent MP for Indi Helen Haines has urged the government to help households bring down their power bills through improving access to home battery storage.
Meeting with Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Josh Wilson in Parliament this week, Dr Haines pushed for support of her Cheaper Home Batteries Bill in response to collapsing solar feed-in tariffs and the rising cost-of-living.
Dr Haines said it was past time the government prioritised home batteries to deliver practical relief measures to help households maximise the full benefit of home solar energy.
“Energy bills are one of the biggest costs in a household budget and we need to
support people to reduce their energy costs,” she said.
“One in three Australian households have already taken their power literally into their own hands by installing rooftop solar to reduce their power bills and emissions.
“If those households had batteries to store that energy, they could reduce their costs further.
“That is why we need my Cheaper Home Batteries Bill – to make this technology more affordable and accessible, and to store more clean renewable energy for use when the sun isn’t shining.”
Dr Haines introduced a private members bill in 2022 and again in 2023 to include home batteries in the SmallScale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), with the
This is the missing piece of the puzzle, which would help households use their stored power during peak periods instead of buying it back from the grid.
- DR HELEN HAINES
NORTH East Media journalists attended the annual Rural Press Awards on Friday night in Bendigo, with Euroa Gazette senior journalist Darren Chaitman taking out the inaugural Community Champion Award.
Darren’s entries focused on the suspension of the Strathbogie
Parliamentary Budget Office publishing an official costing at $3.6 million over four years.
The SRES is responsible for bringing down the cost
of solar panels and the highest take-up-rate of rooftop solar in the world.
“This is the missing piece of the puzzle, which would help households use their
stored power during peak periods instead of buying it back from the grid,” she said.
Dr Haines said she would continue to take every opportunity to push the government to act.
“I raised this with the Assistant Minister of Climate Change and Energy when we met this week, as part of a broader conversation about home electrification,” she said.
“I told the Assistant Minister about the financial pressure being felt by so many people in Indi, with groceries and energy high on the list.”
Changing settings in the electricity sector have seen a steep reduction in feed-in tariff rates and a risk that consumers will be charged to export their excess power
Shire Council, along with community concerns on the Euroa-Mansfield Road, as well as the revival of Euroa’s largest single event, the Australian National Show and Shine.
Mansfield Courier journalist Emma Oliver was also one of six finalists for the Community
Champion award, receiving a commended for her coverage of the merger threat to the Mansfield District Hospital and its potential lack of autonomy.
Former Mansfield Courier journalist Hannah Kennelly, who left North East Media to join The Age earlier this year,
was recognised for her work as runner-up in the Ray Frawley Young Journalist of the Year award.
Hannah’s feature coverage of women’s football, the Voice referendum and a new Kelly film were pieces which highlighted her storytelling talent.
artwork by Grace Clelland
back into the grid.
“I have been talking about the need for this legislation for more than two years, and it is clear as Solar FeedIn Tariffs drop that the time for this change is now,” Dr Haines said.
She said only a fraction of consumers with solar panels were able to harness the full benefit of renewable energy to ease their household budgets.
“My Bill replicates an incredibly successful Government program and it should be a no-brainer for the Government to extend this to batteries.
“Not only will it help households bring down their power bills even further, but it also helps address the challenge identified by AEMO of excess power flowing back into the grid.”
IT IS with regret that the Arts Mansfield Committee have decided to cancel the event for 2024 due to a lack of entries.
Despite extensive advertising, multiple emails, personal contact with past participants and with potential newcomers the response has been extremely disappointing.
We have really valued the continued support of sponsors up to date with some being on board for the 29 years that the event has been running.
2024 would have been our 30th year but with dwindling entry numbers Arts Mansfield has to accept that the event in the present format has run it’s course.
The committee intends to consider future options including extending the program, considering other venues, creating partnerships with other community groups and maybe renaming the event.
If we have a more encouraging response next year Median to Rare could return with gusto.
Arts Mansfield’s Charter to celebrate the endeavours of all visual and performance artists in Mansfield and District will continue undaunted.
Spring Fair Mansfield Steiner School 26 October 10am - 3pm
Enjoy child friendly activities, delicious food, great music, stalls, and the chance to explore our classrooms ...
ACROSS
1 Which elementary particle is present in every atomic nucleus (6)
7 Name a State of the southern central US (8)
8 What is a former name for stockings (6)
9 What is an occlusion of blood (8)
10 To be scurrilous in speech, language, etc, is to be what (6)
11 Name an alternative term for stupidity (8)
14 Which people sell soldout sporting tickets at an exorbitant price (8)
18 Salem is the capital of which State in the north-western US (6)
19 A bell pepper (USA) is called what in Australia (8)
21 Name the hard, aromatic seed of the fruit of an E Indian tree, used as a spice (6)
22 Name a disease of the peripheral nerves, caused by a deficiency in vitamin B (8)
23 To be ingenious, is to be what (6)
DOWN
1 Which gland, situated near the stomach, secretes an important digestive fluid (8)
Letters
2 What was the given name for Mr Edison, the US inventor (6)
3 To suddenly plunge downwards, is to do what (8)
4 What is a stick, with a crooked head, used in golf (4)
5 Which cottage is common in alpine regions (6)
6 When one entertains, one does what (6)
12 What is the inability to sleep called (8)
13 What is the witching hour known as (8)
15 Name the red table wine of Bordeaux, France (6)
16 Name a renowned movie dog of yesteryear (6)
17 Who is under obligation to another (6)
20 What is the head cook known as (4)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
1 TAHINA
(a) A paste made of crushed sesame seeds (b) A South African weaver bird (c) A Maori woman
2 VOUCHSAFE
(a) To guarantee to be true (b) To maintain solemnly (c) To condescend
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:
East North East (3)
Explode like a balloon (5)
February (abb) (3)
High body temperature (5)
Inns (7)
Play against (coll) (5)
Quite a few (7)
Rapid Access Vehicle (3) Rodent (3) Variety
(5)
Solve
FORMER State Government MP Tania Maxwell has revived her advocacy in improved oversight of illicit tobacco activity in the state.
The calls come after $30,000 in cash and more than 17kg of loose tobacco was seized by Wangaratta police during a search of a Ford Street tobacco store on September 24.
Officers also seized approximately 1000 illicit cigarettes and 250 e-cigarettes.
There have been more than 100 firebombings in the state since March last year, as crime gangs fight for control of the illicit tobacco market.
Police linked an alleged arson attack at a Murphy Street store on July 27 last year to an alleged dispute between criminal syndicates in conflict over profits from the illicit tobacco market.
Ms Maxwell helped initiate an inquiry undertaken by Better Regulation Victoria (BRV) in 2022 which investigated challenges Victoria faced in the enforcement of tobacco laws.
The report, finalised in May that year, came out with six recommendations for the State Government which included establishing a tobacco
BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au
licensing scheme, providing clear and effective regulatory oversight and stronger penalties of the illicit sale of tobacco products.
Since the BRV inquiry, Victoria has become the only state in the country without a tobacco licensing scheme with Queensland establishing a scheme earlier this year.
The State Government commissioned a separate inquiry chaired by the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee (PAEC), who tabled their final report on August 29.
Recommendations including the establishment of a licensing scheme and regulatory oversight of illicit tobacco echoed the BRV inquiry.
Ms Maxwell said the second inquiry seemed like a “stalling tactic” from the State Government, who are yet to implement any of the recommendations of either report.
“When I first initiated this conversation in parliament, State Government wanted to say it was federal’s responsibility and federal wanted to
say it was partially state’s responsibility,” she said.
“State don’t want to take on the entire responsibility for illicit tobacco, and rightly so, however, they should still be able to work in collaboration with the Federal Government.
“Given that every other state has already implemented a licensing scheme, I’m not
sure why Victoria is dragging its heels.”
The BRV report said the majority of enforcement of Victoria’s tobacco laws was carried out by local council officers, who often lack the skills and support to investigate such offences.
Ms Maxwell said this was still the case and remains of
the view the role should be taken on by Victoria Police.
“Local government just can’t afford to track down these illicit tobacco stores and take them to court,” she said.
“And the criminal proceeds around that… the fact that these gangs were the masterminds of bringing in these copious amounts of illicit tobacco, knowing full well that not all of it would be seized when it arrived.”
Policing unit Taskforce Lunar was formed late last year to specifically investigate tobacco-related crime.
“I would suspect they are spending millions of dollars on this new police taskforce, but it’s not addressing the core issues,” Ms Maxwell said.
Premier Jacinta Allan had announced in March the state’s intention to establish a licencing scheme by the end of this year.
Ms Maxwell said she hoped a tobacco licensing scheme could be brought in sooner rather than later.
“It is only a matter of time until somebody is seriously injured or loses a life,” she said.
“Having been in that position of being in parliament I do understand how priorities change, any good government will prioritise the needs of the community.
“I certainly hope they bring in the licensing scheme but what number that is on the government’s priority list at the moment is relatively low.”
Ovens Valley MP and shadow minister for consumer affairs, Tim McCurdy, said the State Government has sat idly as Victoria “raised the bat on a ton (100)” of tobacco shop firebombings.
“The recent wave of illicit tobacco crime extends far beyond metro Melbourne, with towns like Wangaratta being hit,” he said.
“Jacinta Allan and Labor have refused to acknowledge or make public the report from Better Regulation Victoria and continue to sit on their hands doing nothing to stop the wave of attacks.
“If Labor continues to sit idly by then the Victorian Liberals and Nationals will introduce legislation to crack down on illicit tobacco and better regulate the industry.”
“It wouldn’t be all that time consuming to bring that legislation in and have it passed, it’s not something that would be debated for hours.
CAMPING will be free at all 131 of Parks Victoria’s paid campgrounds from December 1 until June 30 next year as put of a $9 million investment.
The initiative will ensure all campers have free access to every campground across the state – including the popular Tidal River in Wilson’s Promontory, where fees are currently $40.70 a night.
As part of this investment, $1.7 million will go towards additional maintenance, repairs and operating costs to ensure campgrounds are kept
clean and safe for all to enjoy.
It builds on the Labor Government’s half-price camping initiative that’s been in place since 2019 which has saved campers $25.7 million.
Families who have already booked and paid to go camping won’t miss out as existing bookings for the summer will be honoured and refunded.
More than 50 million people visit Victoria’s iconic state forests and national parks a year, for camping, hiking, fishing and hunting, four-wheel driving, trail bike riding,
horse riding, birdwatching and much more.
The Labor Government has delivered 31 new and 60 upgraded campgrounds, as well as 155 upgraded four-wheel drive tracks and 16 walking tracks totalling 31km.
Camping and recreation contributes more than $2.1 billion a year to the Victorian economy and supports 20,000 jobs – most in regional communities.
To join the millions of Victorians who camp in our national parks and state forests every year, make a booking at parks. vic.gov.au.
property of the week
Discover Acacia’s private court within “The Grange” estate showcasing this expansive 5-bedroom 3 lounge room family home on a generous 3/4 of an acre parcel. Inside the home offers an impressive layout with a spacious kitchen, living, and dining areas complemented by a walk-in pantry and double sliding doors opening to an extended undercover alfresco, that is perfect for entertaining.
The master bedroom is a retreat with its own spacious room, walk-in robe, and ensuite featuring a separate toilet. Four additional bedrooms, each with walk-in
robes, are accompanied by a dedicated chill-out games or media room.
Outside, a low-maintenance garden surrounds the home, while side access caters to caravans or boats to the massive shed with two wide roller doors, ideal for storage or a workshop. A fire pit area bordered by established hedging ensures privacy, while the expansive yard flows seamlessly to the shed, offering space for a basketball half-court or whatever you desire.
Additional features: - Dennis family home
- 3,000 sqm block
- Drive through driveway and side access
- Shed with 2 wide roller doors, power and concrete floors
- Caesar stone bench top in kitchen
- Featured barn doors in third lounge room
- Zoned reversed heating and cool ducted system
- Front deck with established plants in front yard
- Solar hot water with gas backup
- Expanded outdoor area with outdoor blinds
$1,175,000 - $1,215,000
5
6 2
REGULAR EVENTS:
CWA Monthly meetings: 3rd Sunday afternoon, 2pm each month.
CWA Craft Days: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays 10am, and 2nd Wednesdays 6pm, each month.
CWA Op shop open: most days from 10am.
Family History Group at Mansfield Library. 3pm every 4th Thursday of the month.
High Country Poets meet at the Mansfield Library on the 3rd Friday of the month at 1:30 pm. Members of the public all welcome to come and listen / or share their poetic ramblings.
Justice of the Peace Services – Every Thursday, Mansfield Police Station. 10am to 1pm for witnessing and signing of documents.
Lima South Old Time Dance: At Lima South Hall the second Sunday of each month between 1pm and 5pm. Entry $10. Music provided by The Ramblers. Please bring a plate of afternoon tea to share. All welcome. Contact: 0425868277.
Mansfield Croquet Club – Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9am till 12 noon, Lord‘s Reserve, Cnr Victoria and Apollo Streets. Playing equipment available, $2 per session.
Mansfield Farmers’ Markets - fourth Saturday of the month (February to December), 8.30am to 1pm at the median strip between the Post Office and the Delatite Hotel.
Monday Mingle – Every Monday – organised by the Bonnie Doon Community Centre – chat and make new friends – new theme each week. BYO ideas for activities – all ages and abilities
Mansfield support group for carers and people with special needs – morning coffee, third Tuesday of the month, 9.30am at MACE Community Shed Early St, Mansfield. Ph 0409 751 593.
Mansfield Let’s Talk -Coffee & Chat every third Wednesday of the month from 10am to 12pm at the Delatite Hotel. All welcome, No bookings required.
Mansfield Uniting Church - Highett Street Sunday services, 9.30am. All welcome. Ph 0417 103 813
Men‘s Probus meetings are held every 2nd Wednesday for monthly meetings, and then activities/outings are held on the last Wednesday of each month – or as organised.
Outdoor Provedore, producers market, 8.30am to 12.30pm on the High Street median strip, opposite the CWA (third Saturday of every month).
Out’n’About social group meets for lunch on the second Monday of the month at The Delatite Hotel at 11:30am.
Preschool story time at Mansfield Library. Stories, songs and craft. Every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month 10.30am. Ph 5775 8621
Rotary meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at the Delatite Hotel. 6.30 for a 7pm start.
Rural Australians for Refugees (RAR) meet every fourth Monday of the month at 6pm at the Uniting Church Hall.
Scrabble Club for all levels meets at 10am every Wednesday at Mansfield Library. Ph 5775 8621
St John’s Anglican Church - meditation every Friday at 12 noon for a quiet half hour to restore your peace. Ph Christine 0412 825 324
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.
OCTOBER 17
Star Film Festival at Mansfield Armchair Cinema, concluding with a LIVE PLAY – “DOUBLE FEATURE” starring Damian Callinan.
OCTOBER 17: Star Film Festival at Mansfield Armchair Cinema. Gala Event Screening of Queens of Concrete which features Hayley Wilson Australian Olympian. There will be four movies over the weekend, concluding with a LIVE PLAY – “DOUBLE FEATURE” starring Damian Callinan – This will be held in the Performing Arts Centre, but hosted by Mansfield Armchair Cinema. Tickets available now on trybooking.com. There is an early bird discount happening at the moment. Contact the MAC for more details.
OCTOBER 17: Varroa Mite Presentation, Mansfield Golf Club, 7pm. Guest speaker Kris Fricke, Senior Varroa Development Officer, DEECA. Free.
OCTOBER 19: Mansfield Primary School fundraiser “A Movie on the Green” - an afternoon of family fun, games and entertainment. Mansfield Showgrounds, 3pm to 8.30pm. Early Bird tickets (before September 15) - $10. Tickets $15 after this date.
OCTOBER 19: The Farmhouse open day and art show, 9am-12pm FREE. All current and prospective families are invited to attend. 3494 Maroondah Highway, Mansfield. For further details call Sarah on 5779 1842.
OCTOBER 19: Oktoberfest celebration at Mizzi’s at Merrijig, 1 Alpine Ridge Drive. $65 per head, three course dinner and drink on arrival. Bookings essential, call 5777 5741.
OCTOBER 19
OCTOBER 26
OCTOBER 19: Local musician Daisy Sampson launches her Debut EP of original songs with her live band. There will be two opening acts and drinks and bar snacks available to purchase. Mansfield Steiner School Hall, 6:30pm to 10pm. Tickets $15 at https://www.trybooking.com/events/ landing/1289375
OCTOBER 19: Anglican Parish of Mansfield Annual Fete. St John’s Hall 45 Highett St, 9AM - 12:30PM. The event will include stalls with garden plants, affordable books, hand-crafted items, cakes, jams, chutneys, and cordials. There will also be a BBQ, morning teas, and raffles featuring a wheelbarrow of garden tools as a prize.
OCTOBER 20: Annual Ridgeline Walk
- Fundraiser for Friends of Venilale -East Timor Education. Donation: Adult $20, Student $5, Family $40. Depart from 400 Glenroy Lane after briefing at 9am. Shorter options 10kms & 8kms. No dogs. Free Rotary BBQ at finish until 2pm. Enquiries: Helen 03 5777 5575, Andrew 0427 092544 or Margie 0418 486 197. Registration: https://www.trybooking. com/CVAAN
OCTOBER 21: U3A Mansfield will be travelling to Devenish to view the silos dedicated to our War Nurses. Car-pooling from Mansfield Library at 10:00am. For details call Trish, 0437 357 829.
OCTOBER 26: Mansfield Steiner School Spring Fair, 10am to 3pm.
OCTOBER 27: Out’n’About, A tour of Beolite Village open gardens. Meet at Beolite Community Centre at 2:00pm. Afternoon tea. Gold coin donation. Call Trish 0437 357 829.
NOVEMBER 1: Mansfield Hospital Auxiliary’s Annual Art Exhibition. Opening Night Friday 1st Nov 5.30 – 7.30pm. Tickets available online, Wallaby Ritz or at the door - cost $30. Art Show is open on Saturday / Sunday / Monday - $2 entry.
NOVEMBER 17: From 11am to 3pm visit a Magical Merinda Garden hosted by the Mansfield Garden Club in support of Mansfield Autism Statewide Services (MASS), with funds raised going towards landscaping at their facility on Ogilvies Road. $20 entry includes lucky ticket for $100 Bunnings Gift Card. There will be informative presentations by MASS Staff, live music from “Jazz Guitar by Kate”, a silent auction, car display, plant stall and refreshments. For more details about the open garden day or Mansfield Garden Club, email mansfieldgardenclub@gmail.com or phone 0438 648 372.
OCTOBER 24: Friends of the Great Victorian Rail Trail (GVRT) general meeting at Up2Us Landcare office, 3:00pm. A community group working towards the development and promotion of the rail trail to increase its economic benefit to the local community.
BY JEFF ZEUSCHNER jzeuschner@ nemedia.com.au
LOCAL government and state MPs last week joined the chorus of concerned voices from Meadow Creek calling for the State Government to reject planning approval for the proposed 330MW Meadow Creek Solar Farm.
Rural City of Wangaratta Mayor Dean Rees, Wangaratta-based Ovens Valley state MP and Shadow Minister for Water Tim McCurdy, together with Shadow Minister for Roads Danny O’Brien, met with around a dozen residents on-site, to discuss their ongoing concerns that the proposed development does not belong in a valley of prime agricultural land.
A planning permit for the proposed $750m project on a 566 hectare site, which could generate enough solar power to supply more than 100,000 regional homes, is currently before the State Government, with a 28-day public submission process ending on October 28.
“We need people all over the place to put their opposition in to this project and why they oppose it, not just because they don’t like it,” Mr McCurdy said.
“We’re not anti-solar around here, we’re not antirenewables.
“We’re quite invested in wanting to make the environment a better place, but at the end of the day, this is not the right site, it’s not the right place.”
Mr McCurdy said people were frustrated because the “government isn’t listening.... hasn’t come to talk to us... haven’t even visited the site”.
Mr O’Brien said he shared concerns that the state of the local roads simply aren’t fit to support the increased traffic and demands associated with a development of what is proposed.
“This is not about being
against renewable energy, but it’s about having them in the right place with the right infrastructure in place...we’re simply not getting that from this State Labor Government, making sure the roads are up to scratch, particularly in a place like this,” he said.
Mr O’Brien said councils were not getting the support needed from State Government for local roads, and the government should be looking at contributions from developers to upgrade local infrastructure, such as roads.
Mayor Rees, who will not be part of a new council to be elected this month, said the solar farm was “not warranted, not needed” at the proposed site.
“We’ve got communities crying out for solar in other areas where we can’t crop and graze to build communities,” he said.
“This is just tearing communities apart.”
Mayor Rees said the State Government’s removal of
General Rural & Domestic Maintenance
Mansfield Area
•Carpentry ServicesRepairs & Construction
•Fencing Contractor - Rural, Post & Rail, Colorbond
•Pasture Slashing
•Weed Spraying
the right to appeal a decision through VCAT - on major projects like Meadow Creek Solar Farm - “was not good for democracy”.
“If this project got approved, the government or applicant needs to put millions of dollars into upgrading these roads,” he said, noting council simply doesn’t have the funding.
“Unless there’s millions of dollars worth of infrastructure from either the applicants or the government to pay for these upgrades of these roads, including sealing, the dust for these neighbours will be astronomical.”
Local resident Susan Davies said she supports solar, but believes the large solar farm doesn’t belong on the proposed site and she is worried about her health from the dust from increase traffic on the unsealed roads, and when they have floods or fires.
“This is fantastic farmland,
a productive food bowl and a safe rainfall area...why go industrial zone in the middle of it?,” she queried.
She accused the State Government of “vandalism” by removing local government out of the planning process.
“I just feel that we’re got no voice, we’ve been neglected,” she said.
“We’re all standing here trying to yell and bark and just be heard...hopefully someone will come to our rescue and actually listen and come and have a look and realise this isn’t the right spot for a solar factory.”
Darren Edwards, who lives a kilometre from the proposed solar farm site, said he is incredibly concerned about the project going ahead.
He doesn’t want to see prime agricultural land lost to solar facilities that he believes are better suited to other locations on less productive land, and worries about consequences and exposure to any fires and
“toxic fumes” if the battery system catches alight.
“The roads here are a major concern, they flood up to five times a year, and we can be isolated for days on end,” he said.
“There’s been absolutely no consideration or thought for the mental health and wellbeing of people who are in this community...it’s just been bulldozed along.
“We are suffering, and nobody tends to care about our feelings.
“This is our lifestyle”
Ross Schutt, who has lived and farmed near the proposed site for 60 years, said he shares the concerns fellow residents had raised.
And he also worries about the potential financial implications for local landowners on the value of their homes and properties.
John Conroy, a member of the Meadow Creek Agricultural Community Action Group, said the drought-proof valley “that
might flood 10 times a year” is not an appropriate location for the proposed solar farm.
“There is a proposed 250 megawatt, 1000 megawatt hour battery energy storage system for this site....that’s 50 40-foot containers of lithium iron, weighing about 50 tonnes a container,” he said.
“If they’ve got this here and floods come through and it lights a fire or it starts this thermal runaway, who accesses the fire?”
Mr Conroy recently joined Indi federal independent MP Helen Haines in Canberra where they met with federal government departments about the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
The group is hoping the act can be used to stop the development, based on the discovery of three endangered species - Sloane’s froglet, Gang-gang Cockatoo and the Eastern Bandy-bandy snake - known to habitate the proposed site.
FERAL rabbits are a persistent issue not just across the shire but Victoria as a whole, causing significant damage to the environment, agriculture, and biodiversity.
Their overgrazing leads to soil erosion, reduced native vegetation, and the degradation of pastures.
such as warren ripping, fumigation, and baiting.
The key to effective rabbit control lies in a sustained, coordinated approach, incorporating seasonal monitoring and targeted action to reduce their numbers.
With their rapid reproduction rates and adaptability, managing feral rabbit populations remains a critical challenge for landholders and conservationists alike.
Current best practice methods for controlling feral rabbits include a combination of biological, mechanical, and chemical strategies.
To address this ongoing issue, Up2Us Landcare Alliance is asking the community to make contact if they are currently struggling with the pest.
“We are wanting to work with local landholders to tackle this issue,” said Landcare project officer Rhiannon Quigley.
Integrated Rabbit Management programs emphasize the use of biocontrol agents such as, the Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV), along with traditional techniques
“Please reach out to us if you have any rabbits on your property.”
For more information contact Up2Us Landcare Alliance. Email: landcare2@up2us.org.au or phone 03 5779 1593.
A PUSH by the opposition to restore a community voice when considering the location of future renewable projects has gathered momentum with the Liberal and National parties releasing their Regional Energy Development Policy.
The policy would reinstate the right of appeal to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal – which was withdrawn earlier this year – ensuring community voices were heard in the planning process.
Amongst other proposals, the policy would ensure major transmission and large-scale wind and solar generation projects face a rigorous and independent planning panel assessment, whilst instituting a default two kilometre buffer zone around proposed wind towers to minimise the impact on residential properties and local communities.
Overhead lines will need to adhere to strict setback requirements to minimise both visual and environmental impact, with the opposition stating they will revoke planning scheme amendments that have stripped communities of planning powers over high voltage transmission lines.
Particularly important for regional areas, is the requirement that lower-emission generators, high-voltage transmission lines and large-scale battery owners comply with all relevant bushfire overlays.
Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, said regional communities had been ignored for too long when it comes to the location of renewable energy projects.
For too long, residents across the Euroa electorate have been denied a voice amid the renewables push from the State Government and multi-national corporations, which has included a lack of effective consultation about projects in areas like Colbinabbin, Winton, Ruffy, and the Strathbogie Ranges.
“Too often we are seeing a lack of community consultation result in our prime land being covered with renewable projects when there are several more suitable options available,” Ms Cleeland said.
“These projects will profoundly impact the lives and land of our farmers and landowners, and it is deeply disappointing to see this government disregard their valuable input on these matters.
Ms Cleeland said the policy would be a breakthrough for regional communities, including those impacted by the proposed Cooba Solar Facility, the Fera Wind Farm, the Winton Hydrogen Refuelling Station, and many others set to be built in local areas.
“I don’t want to see communities be ridden roughshod over,” said Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish.
“Already there are proposals in the area and details around the projects are minimal and communities are kept in the dark.
“This is not fair on communities – they deserve to know and they should have a voice.”
She believes the state government is treating regional communities dreadfully in regard to situating large scale renewable projects close.
Both Ms Mcleish and Ms Cleeland said the opposition’s proposal restores the balance between the rollout of renewable energy and the changes to transmission networks.
And whilst they support the transition away from coal, they emphasised this must occur in close consultation with regional communities.
“We will also instate a bond sys-
tem – something that already operates in the mining sector – to guarantee that developers ensure all decommissioned projects are fully cleaned up and restored,” said Ms Cleeland, elaborating on the proposal.
“Our policy will also protect the community from dodgy operators who, for their own personal gain, want to get approval for projects then flip them to buyers, unknown to the community.
“Local communities must have a seat at the table in shaping renewable energy projects,” Ms Cleeland said.
“A right to appeal process and rigorous planning assessments, not only protects our environment but the values and livelihoods of the people who live there.”
THE hi-tech aerial drones that EPA Victoria flies over industrial sites and pollution incidents can now sniff out air pollution too.
The state’s environmental watchdog has equipped its existing drones with a new Aerial Air Pollutant Detection & Mapping system.
It adds to existing uses, including collecting water samples, detecting hotspots and fire risks in waste stockpiles, as well as inspecting landfills, illegal dumping sites and spills.
EPA Executive Director Operations Joss Crawford says the gas detection system provides detailed information on the move, for EPA officers on the ground.
“The sniffer drone gives us real-time gas concentrations and distributions, that will help assess total emissions from the landfill, oil and gas refinery, wastewater treatment plant or other industrial site we’re inspecting,” Ms Crawford said.
“The new technology also enables us to pinpoint significant sources at these sites so we can then target the real cause of pollution and direct measures to do something about it.”
The system will enable EPA officers to measure the typical pollutants carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide, particulates such as dust or smoke, and methane.
The collected data is fed to software that provides real-time mapping or 3D visualisation of the pollutants to pinpoint the polluting source, enabling targeted and effective intervention by EPA officers on the ground.
Notice of Annual General Meeting to be held Thursday, November 21, 2024 at The Buckland Centre Erril Street, Mansfield
Mansfield Shire Council is calling for nominations from organisations and individuals in the following categories:
•Citizen of the Year
•Senior Citizen of the Year
•Community Event of the Year
•Young Citizen of the Year
•Community Group or Organisation
These awards provide all Shire residents with the opportunity to pay tribute to our outstanding local achievers.
Howqua Teaching roles Lauriston Girls’ School is seeking to appoint suitably qualified, experienced and dedicated Teachers at the School’s Howqua Campus in the following roles: Mathematics Teacher
Humanities Teacher
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.
Starting at 6pm. Members and the public welcome. For committee nomination or proxy forms contact secretary@ radiomansfield.org.au
Nomination forms can be obtained via the QR code, from Council’s website www.mansfield.vic.gov.au/CitizenAwards, by contacting Council’s EA Mayor & CEO, Lisa Fricke, on 5775 8516 or can be collected from the Library and the Municipal office at 33 Highett Street, Mansfield. Nominations close 5.00pm on Monday 18 November 2024.
Australian Citizenship
Mansfield Shire is proposing to hold a Citizenship Ceremony on Australia Day 2024. If you would like to become an Australian Citizen, please contact the Citizenship information line on 131 880 or go to www.citizenship.gov.au
The Mansfield Fire Brigade is holding its annual Torchlight Procession to mark the opening of the Mansfield High Country Festival on Friday evening, November 1st.
The Procession will be led by the Wangaratta Pipe Band. The march will start from the station at 8.15pm, proceed along both sides of High street and finish at the Sports Complex.
Mansfield Group and neighbouring Brigades will attend, with tankers, as will vehicles representing Mansfield S.E.S, Mansfield Ambulance and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
On Saturday November 2nd Mansfield Station and members will be available to the public. People interested in information or just a look around are welcome.
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: MARTA MUECK
To enter call Radio Mansfield on 5775 2333
Rosehaven Hospice Limited Annual Community Meeting
To be held at 4.30pm on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, Community Meeting Space, Bob’s Shed, Rosehaven Hospice, 82A Malcolm Street, Mansfield.
All welcome please RSVP to manager@rosehaven.org.au or 5775 3161 by November 5, 2024.
Mansfield Musical & Dramatic Society Inc. Annual General Meeting 2024
Tuesday 19 November, 6pm for 6.30pm Delatite Hotel, 95 High Street, Mansfield Please RSVP by November 12, 2024 to secretary@mmuds.org.au
Agenda
To confirm the minutes of the 2023 Annual General Meeting.
To receive and consider the Report of the Committee on the activities of the Society for 2023/24 financial year.
To accept the financial statements for the 2023/24 financial year submitted by the Committee in accordance with Rule 48(2). Election of Committee.
To confirm the Annual Subscription for 2024/25 memberships.
These roles are full-time, ongoing positions, commencing in Term 1, 2025. Housing on Campus will be provided. The Howqua Campus is a full-time residential campus offering a complete academic curriculum and unique pastoral and outdoor programs for Year 9 students.
Please visit our employment page via https://www.lauriston.vic.edu.au to access the Position Description and to apply online. Applications close: 9:00am Monday October 21, 2024 Lauriston is a Child Safe School. We promote the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children.
We are seeking a motivated Receptionist to join the dedicated team at Mansfield Medical Clinic and Mansfield Integrated Health Service. Full-Time or Part-Time will be considered, dependent on the applicant.
In this key role you will manage the patient experience ‘end to end’ from their initial contact with the clinic, for assistance and appointments, through to billing and cash management. You will support a wide array of people with their health related needs whilst ably assisting the highly regarded Medical Professional team to do what they do so well. This is a true opportunity to support the Mansfield health community and to make a real difference.
For success you will need to be organised with a genuine love for helping people. You will need to have patience and an excellent phone manner, good organisational abilities and a team focus. You should also be adaptable, as no two days are the same. Computer and keyboard skills are a must, as is an appreciation for privacy and confidentiality. We offer a supportive workplace, above award wages, uniform, full training & opportunities for self-development and a roster which delivers a home/life balance.
Please email your letter of application outlining recent skills and abilities and your CV to: hr@mansfieldclinic.com.au - FAO Joe Anka
2015 HINO, 187,000 km’s, 12/24 Rego (1SM6CX) 3.5 TONNE, DIESEL MOTOR, TUCKAWAY TAILGATE VERY GOOD CONDITION, COMES WITH RWC
Ph 0419 030 666 PRICE TO SELL AT $35,000
M ITSUBISHI Outlander 2010 4x4, very good condition, 155,000km, only two owners, serviced regularly, country kilometres, seldom driven off road, air conditioner regassed, reversing camera, tow bar and tow ball, comes with RWC and 2 months reg (YFC999), great for any outdoor adventures, $7900. Ph 0421 551 058.
SHED find, vintage Chrysler Regal Lebaron ’78, 4.3 ltres, $10,000, looking for offers, VIN: CLBH4IV105369. Ph 0459 899 884.
2014 BMW X5 F15 sDrive25D 5 dr Spts, auto 8sp 4x4, 139,000km, heated front seats, sunroof, tow bar, seats 7, immaculate condition, reg till November 2025, VIN: WBAKS020600H91814, $40,000. Genuine enquiries only 0408 406 713.
&
(Y32913),
By MARK O’LOUGHLAN
Delatite 7/142 lost to Yarrawonga Mulwala 9/233.
A BEAUTIFUL sunny day in Mansfield saw a young Delatite team take on last season’s runners up in Yarrawonga Mulwala at the newly redeveloped Lords Reserve.
New captain Joe Kelleher won the toss and showed confidence in his young side, deciding to bat on a very good looking wicket.
Openers Mitch Copey and Mark
O’Loughlan started positively with some aggressive running between the wickets, and this flowed through the rest of the innings, with solid contributions by the whole team.
Patrick Smith, in his first game back from a knee reconstruction top scored with 29 and shared a 48 run partnership with Richie Philip (19) through the middle of the order.
Lochie Pymer and Nick Hoskin put on another 27 runs at the end to give our bowlers a
decent total to bowl at.
The Yarrawonga Mulwala innings started beautifully for Delatite, with young gun Nick Hoskin taking a wicket with his first ball.
Joe Kelleher then delivered one of the best overs seen at Lords in a long time taking two wickets in two balls and then a third a short time later to send the Yarra boys into a big panic.
At 4/24, things were looking good for Delatite.
Another wicket to Lochie
Pymer had our boys looking forward to celebrating a win, but Yarra opener Fraser Smart had other ideas.
Smart played a chanceless innings, scoring 73 off 78 balls to take the game away from Delatite.
A solid performance from the Delatite lads, digging in with the bat, bowling well and taking every chance offered in the field, but beaten by a better side on the day.
A positive first game, and a lot to look forward to for the rest of the season.
By ANDREW COOK
MANSFIELD’S U12s were excited to participate in our first ever game of cricket in the Wangaratta and District Cricket Association league on Saturday.
For the last few years our numbers have grown steadily, allowing us to field a team in the WDCA league as well as play our regular Wednesday intra-club matches.
Captain Jack Jacob lost our
first toss, and Delatite was sent in to bat.
Yarrawonga-Mulwala got off to a strong start by taking a wicket in the first over.
Our batters steadied the ship and by the third over runs started flowing.
U12 regulars from last season
Noah and Xavier Heaysman, Roy Mercieca and Jacob all got amongst the runs, with Mercieca top scoring with nine off 19 balls.
Runs dried up somewhat
near the end of the innings but Delatite still posted a handy 4/64 off the allotted 20 overs.
A rusty start by our bowlers was expected considering this was our first game of cricket in several months, and YarrawongaMulwala capitalized on some early wayward deliveries.
Mercieca made up for a dropped catch early in the innings by taking a spectacular grab after drinks, demonstrating to all present that taking a catch with the
By ANDREW COOK
DELATITE’S B grade team travelled to North Wangaratta Oval on Saturday to face Milawa for the first round of the 2024 - 2025 cricket season.
Under a cloudless sky and on a dry, fast outfield, Milawa chose to bat. Delatite’s opening bowlers could not find a way through Milawa’s openers and they were immediately scoring at a healthy rate.
First-change bowler Nathan Pelling also had no luck penetrating their defences, but pounced on an appalling mix-up to run out opener Jason Papworth in the eleventh over.
A 98-run stand for the second wicket put paid to Delatite’s hopes for a batting collapse, with opener Reuben Corsini alternatively blocking and bludgeoning his way to 73.
The introduction of Brett Bradley made a difference to Delatite’s fortunes, taking three wickets in twelve deliveries and stemming the free flow of runs.
Mitch Clarke chipped in with a wicket near the end, as did Josh Cook, his father Andrew making up for a subdued bowling spell by taking a catch for his son on the boundary.
Milawa finished on an imposing 6-254 from their 36 overs.
Captain Nick Ferguson shone in Delatite’s reply to innings, reaching 59 before being caught in the 24th over.
Unfortunately, no other Delatite batter could stick with him, the next highest innings coming from Bradley with 11.
Delatite’s juniors did a sterling job occupying the crease and gaining valuable experience: Cook, Koby Middleton and Nixen and Cooper Martin faced 14 overs between them all, most lasting at the crease longer than their senior counterparts.
Delatite finished all out for 98 in the last over, a score well short of Milawa but not a score to be embarrassed by. Delatite have a bye next week, giving their juniors more time to gain experience in the U16s, and their seniors more time to recover from the first round of the season.
By ROHAN BERRIMAN
MERTON cricketers started the season hosting Yarrawonga with the visitors taking home the win.
knees can be just as effective as one with the hands.
He also finished with one wicket, as did Cecily Smith, Cody Place and Noah Heaysman.
Best on ground honours went to Mercieca, while YarrawongaMulwala ran out comfortable winners with 5/121.
The U12s’ next game will be at College Park at 9am on Saturday against the Benalla Bushrangers, we invite everyone interested in cricket to come down and watch our future stars play.
By MARK O’LOUGHLAN
City Colts 2/128 defeated Delatite 6/35.
A YOUNG Delatite side travelled to Wangaratta to take on last seasons premiers City Colts on their home deck.
Colts won the toss and chose to bat first, and started scoring freely from the beginning.
A couple of dropped catches hurt, with the Colts openers both retiring after reaching 30 runs.
Merton batting first made 7/125 off 36 overs.
The father son combination of Ross and Jai Mackinnon set Merton up for a big total with a second wicket partnership of 84 Ross 44 and Jai 42, however when the partnership was broken Merton’s run rate slowed thanks to some tight bowling from the experienced Yarrawonga attack.
Josh Johnson with 19 helped his side to 125, K.Michael with 3/13 was Yarrawonga’s best bowler.
The visitor’s lost an early wicket giving the young Merton attack some optimism, however captain Hudson Gillies with 51 built partnerships around him with the Merton boys missing a few chances saw Yarrawonga pass Merton’s score in the 26th over.
The Delatite innings started poorly, losing Nick Hoskin in the first over to a very good ball, and then Cooper Martin a couple of overs later.
Max O’Loughlan and Koby Mid-
The boys kept their heads up and continued to try hard, with Finn Stokes and Nixen Martin taking a wicket at the end of the Colts innings.
dleton battled hard against some very good bowling with Max being the top scorer on 12no.
The team dug in and made sure they weren’t bowled out which showed real character against a very strong side.
Good effort lads, keep training hard and results will come.
Jai Mackinnon 2/29 and single wickets to Craddock H.Berriman and Will Benton the better bowlers.
Noah Whittall bowled well without luck and also took a good outfield catch.
Merton host last year’s premier Benalla next Saturday starting at 1.30pm.
By RHONDA CARPENTER
PLAYERS are all set for the night competitions to begin this week with the MTA committee delighted to announce the teams.
Twenty teams across three nights were selected and members have been emailed with captains ready to check in with their players for the first round.
Revised teams for Wednesday are now all teams of five with captains to decide who will play in the first round.
Tuesday night has eight teams, Wednesday and Thursday nights both have six.
We welcome many new players to the competitions this season and appreciate the dedication of our returning players.
The teams and captains are as follows; the word ‘captain’ follows their name.
Tuesday teams: Yencken: Dan Robertson, Anna Speirs, Mark Poole (captain), Sophie Yencken
Murray: Jason Blake, Michelle Pigdon (captain), Daniel Dundas, Kathryn Murray
O’Loughlan: Guy Taylor, Mark O’Loughan (captain), James Fox, Max O’Loughlan
Aldous: Michael Whytcross, Brendan Grant (captain), Fiona Lindsay, David Aldous
Hutchison: Michael Tomlinson, Shane Hutchinson, Karyn Fraser (captain), Geoff Hutchison
Blackall: Max Ree Goodings, Jaden Findlay, Dion Theodossi, Jemma Blackall (captain)
McDonagh: Greg McDermott, Glenn Fox, Callum Bono, Keira McDonagh (captain)
Crockett: Alex Macphee, Rohan West, Tony Canterbury, Alistair Crockett (captain)
Wednesday teams:
Out of the Blue: Chris Hewlett, Matt Lowe, Will McAllister, Steph Herridge (captain), Kelly Purcell
Crimson Souls: David Mims, Simon Young, Suzie Wellborne (captain), Helen Knight, Jane Swinburne
Brown Sugar: Nick Ferguson, Kimberley Marsden (captain), Mick Davis, Julie Aldous, Leonie McLaughlin
Red Roses: Emma Kay, Robert Williams, Alice Kilpatrick (captain), Lisa Morgan, Sean Pitchford
True Colours: Peter Scales, Kate Les (captain), Rob Les, Amy Les, Elizabeth Scales
Burnt Orange: Courtney
O’Loughlan (captain), Warren Medcalf, Abbey Mc Connell, Melanie Kormoczi, Anna Francis
Thursday teams:
Come Together: Shane Richards, Rhonda Carpenter (captain), Kassy
Thomas, Bob Carpenter
Night Fever: Ben Nally, Bronwyn Sly (captain), Chelsea Dean, Courtney Purcell
Smooth Operators: Arthur Gerrans, Ilena Meek (captain), Brendan Purcell, Bec Studds
Let’s Dance: Michael McCormack, Zoe Richards (captain), Naima Crisp, Rebecca Wardenaar
Let It Be: Natalie Bergsma (captain), Tim Vardy, Agnes Kay, Jodie Morrow
Changes: Liza Karras, Jason O’Brien, Jo O’Brien (captain), Les Kerr
The MTA website has our latest policies and protocols https://play. tennis.com.au/mansfieldtennisassociation/ClubInfo/Policies
Draws for night comp and plenty of other information can be found there.
Juniors and Hot Shots began with a bang on Saturday morning
with well over sixty youngsters joining in the fun.
Forty juniors were organized into matches by Jo O’Brien and Hot Shots began on a very busy blue court under the guidance of new coach Liam Delany.
The FREE Girls No Limit Coaching Squad started on Monday October 14 at 4.30 pm.
Specially designed coaching for primary school-aged girls for both term four 2024 and term one 2025, funded by Tennis Australia, Mansfield is so fortunate to have been awarded this opportunity.
Register here with Vigor Coaching and if you have any queries reach out to Liam Delany on 0425 711 412 https://vigor.net.au/tennis Primary school boys coaching also starts tomorrow at 3.45 pm and coaching for secondary school kids is on Wednesday.
By MARK BETTANY
THE Mansfield Bowls Club is well into competition mode now with Alan Dobson taking out the 21Up Championship event.
After a number of elimination rounds he was the victor, beating Steve Lewis, John Foots, Michael Harrison and Kevin Nikkelson on the way, in this handicap event.
Congratulations Dobbo.
The final of the ladies Championship Pairs saw Carolyn Close and Kathleen Bock defeat Jenny Walsh and Yvonne Robinson.
Well done to all who participated.
A mixed tournament was held last week with 36 players taking part.
Sensational weather made it a perfect day out, even more so for the third placegetters Noel Jackson, Nikko and Harry Smith, second placegetters Elaine Peterson, Yvonne Robinson and John Lobbie and overall winners Ray Close, Alan Dobson again in
the winners circle and Enid Smith.
A huge thank you to Marks Supa IGA who have sponsored the prize money for this annual event for some time.
Both Pennant sides travelled for the first Ovens and Murray Round.
A3 Division discovered the greens at Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club were running fairly quickly.
Rink results were Ray Rob-
inson, Peter Roberts, Graeme Smith and Enid Smith went down 21 to 26.
Mike Harrison, Mick Walsh, Noel Jackson and Sid Revell went down 14 to 21.
George Peterson, Elaine Peterson, Mark Bettany and Marian Ryan had a close one but didn’t quite get there 16 to 17.
John Foots, Chris Laws, Shane O’Brien and Steve Lewis held up their end with a 25 to 23 win.
ANTICIPATION:
with Mick Walsh.
PHOTOS: Supplied
The A3 side were defeated 87 to 76.
A4 Division travelled to North Albury, a club which has only this year entered the Ovens and Murray competition.
With two rinks up and two rinks down, Mansfield came away the overall winners.
Rick Nichols, Graeme Tyers, Nick Klein and Ken Rainsbury were beaten with a close 16 to 18.
Winston Taylor, Rob Kemp,
Irene Fuller and Ross Parsons had a good win 25 to 11.
Lyn Foots, Jenny Walsh, Lyn Holland and Yvonne Robinson snuck in a close one 24 to 21 and the final rink of Ray Close, Mick Hoban, Kevn “Nikko” Nikkelson and Alan “Dobbo” Dobson lost 14 to 20.
The team once again struck some very fast rinks which was a challenge, however had an overall win 79 to 70.
On Sunday the Men’s Club Championship Triples
were played at home.
The round one results saw Michael Harrison’s team of Mark Bettany and Steve Lewis defeat Mick Walsh, Denis Sharpe and Shane O’Brien 18 to 14.
Ray Robinson’s team of Ray Close and Kevin Nikkelson got the better of Steve Spence, Graeme Tyers and Alan Hatcher 16 to 10.
Round two John Foots, Noel Jackson and Alan Dobson gave Ray Robinson, Ray Close and Kevin Nikkelson a run for their money with Footsie’s side taking the chocolates 15 to 11.
Michael Harrison, Mark Bettany and Steve Lewis also came away winners 19 to 11 to Graham Smith, Sid Revell and Don Cameron.
Best of luck to the two playoff teams next week of Hammer, Mark and Steve against John, Noel and Dobbo. Home pennant and midweek Ovens and Murray pennant get underway Tuesday this week.
Good luck to all teams.
EXCELLENT VISIBILITY: Primal Spinnerbaits come in a range of colours.
WHEN it comes to targeting Murray cod in the deep, mysterious waters of Lake Eildon, Primal Spinnerbaits have proven to be a highly effective option.
Their design, durability, and action make them stand out among the many lures available on the market.
After several outings using these spinnerbaits, I found them to be a reliable tool for landing one of Australia’s most iconic freshwater species.
Design and build quality
Primal Spinnerbaits are built with a robust wireframe and high-quality components that can withstand the brute force of a Murray cod.
The wire is thick enough to handle aggressive strikes without bending out of shape, and the hooks are razor-sharp,
ensuring a solid hookset.
The skirts are full and made from durable silicone, giving the lure excellent movement in the water.
In Lake Eildon, where snags are plentiful, the weedless design helps the lure navigate through submerged timber and rocky outcrops, reducing the likelihood of getting caught and lost.
Action and performance
One of the standout features of Primal Spinnerbaits is their ability to create significant vibration in the water, which is
key for attracting Murray Cod, especially in murky conditions.
The large, flashy blades produce a thumping vibration that can trigger the predatory instincts of cod.
Lake Eildon’s water clarity can vary depending on weather conditions, and these spinnerbaits seem to perform well even when visibility is poor.
While fishing around structures in the arms of the lake, where cod are known to hide, the Primal Spinnerbaits’ slow-rolling action proved deadly.
By retrieving slowly and letting the blades pulse through the water, I managed to entice multiple strikes.
Murray Cod tend to strike hard, and the spinnerbait’s robust construction ensures it holds up under pressure.
Colour selection
Primal Spinnerbaits come in a range of colours, and in Lake Eildon, brighter patterns such as chartreuse and orange seem to perform particularly well. These colours provide excellent visibility in the lake’s stained water, especially in the spring and summer months when the water is warmer, and fish are more active.
Final thoughts overall Primal Spinnerbaits are a reliable and effective choice for catching Murray Cod in Lake Eildon.
Their rugged design, combined with excellent action, makes them ideal for the lake’s diverse underwater terrain. Whether you’re fishing deep structure or casting into shallow bays, these spinnerbaits are sure to produce results.
By ROD SARGENT
WHAT a great week of golf at Mansfield this week.
The golf league has started, club champs are concluding and plenty of good numbers for all the competitions.
Tuesday was a Stableford event with 21 players in the field.
The winners were, in third place, Adrian Cheer with 33 points, Alan Parrott 2nd with 37 points and the winner on the day was Paul Norris 37 points.
Thursday, we had a big field of 83 players with some great scores as well.
C grade winners were, in third place was Adrian Cheer with 36 points, second was Kevin Jacobs with 37 points and Peter Cullen was first with 38 points.
B grade winners were, Peter Barnes third with 37 points, Barry Davey second with 41 points and Hayden Cumming with a fantastic 44 points won the day.
A grade saw Rod Sargent third with 36 points, Alex Scherini second with 37 points and Jamie Longstaff first with 39 points.
The Pro Pin on the third hole went to Luke Murray and the General Managers secret six was won by Hayden Cumming.
Saturday was the third round of the Mens club champs, with
another round of stroke. 63 players in the field, which is good for a Saturday.
The winners of B grade were, David Cook, a visitor from Green Acres in third place with nett 71,
Saxon Daykin second with a great round nett 70 and Paul Richardson first with nett 69.
A grade saw Mark Jones third with 71 nett, Shaun Wade second with a nett 70 and Brad Grant
won the day with a nett 70 also. Sunday was the final round of the Mens club champs and a stroke round comp as well.
The winners in the daily comp were, in third place with a nett 70 Shaun Wade, second place was Trent Berry with a nett 70 also and first place was Paul Richardson with nett 68.
The main grade winners for the club champs were as follows,
A Grade – Rod Sargent
B Grade – Brad Grant
C Grade – John Koraus
D Grade – Aaron Sargent
Veterans 55-64 years – Ian Jones
Super Vets 65-74 years – Greg Coombs
Grimwade Cup 75+ years –John Koraus
J G Smith [Juniors under 21] –Trent Berry
Founders Trophy [best nett score] – Paul Richardson
A big thankyou to all those who played in the club champs.
A big thankyou to Sue Wilson for all her hard work tallying up all the results over the last two weekends, and a big thankyou to Chris in the Pro shop who has done a great job over the last few months and has helped me out a great deal, thankyou mate.
Happy hitting.
A fantastic start to the Dirt Crit’s summer cycling
By DAMIAN GRUNDY
WHAT a fantastic first night out for the Dirt Crits in the 2024 to 2025 season.
Twenty-five competitors with heaps of first timers and even an international competitor.
It was a fun night for me, and I hope everyone else had a great time.
One of the many highlights was the five female competitors.
Great to see Serena, Nicole, Ariel, Rachael and Miranda.
I hope to see you all regularly up there.
There were a number of younger competitors upgrading from Junior Dirt Crits, welcome and good luck for the season.
For the 2024 to 2025 season the club is kicking off new season trophies for the Junior age category riders.
There will be prizes for these categories at the end of the season.
The course and Race Site are in great shape after the recent rejuvenation works.
We can’t thank Ant Bateup enough for all of his work.
Plus, the working bee last weekend has made an amazing change to the start and finish area, a huge lift in appearance and the feel to the place, so also a huge thanks to everyone who helped out with that.
There is still a lot of work that needs to be done so keep your eyes open for the next working bee day.
The racing for the night was our now traditional first week event of a two lap consistency test.
The winner on the night is the
person who can complete two timed laps with the least time difference for the comparative times.
It was a very competitive night.
The eventual winner and first place getter for the evening was Reuben Bateup.
He completed two laps in Exactly the same elapsed time of nine minutes and 51 seconds.
Zero seconds difference.
I believe that that is an unbeatable result.
In Equal second place were three first time Adult Dirt Crit riders all with a miserly one second difference, including the two highest placed women Serena Moring and Nicole Hoebergen.
Also in equal second was Ben Ross.
I think Ben deserves a special mention, still an U15 com-
petitor and looking very quick. I predict it won’t be too long before he can show most, if not all of us older folks a clean pair of heels.
Luke Vivash managed a remarkable three second difference which on any other night would have potentially been a winning score but this night it was good enough for fifth place only - that’s cruel.
Other special mentions:
Fastest 2 laps combine on the night – Cam Dobson.
Fastest 2 lap Female – Serena Moring
Fastest 1 lapper – Ryder Chadd
Thanks everyone for turning out.
I look forward to seeing you all for the second XC night in a fortnight’s time.
By MARION MITCHELL
ANOTHER full week of golf with ladies playing at Peninsula Kingswood, Marysville and Tarrawingee.
Sharon Gysberts and Gayle Wells bought in results with both coming runners up in their respective grades at Tarrawingee.
Wendy Hunt won the home Tuesday competition with a great 18 points and Kylie Egan next on a countback with 15.
Lorraine Cullen had a nearest the pin on the 16th.
Wednesday was the second round of the Club Championships.
As the situation stands Linda Brook and Gayle Wells are tied on gross 184 for A Grade and the Club Champion.
They are six points ahead of third and fourth.
Robyn Baker leads B Grade with gross 198 from Millie Cumming 199.
Third and fourth are four points behind.
C Grade is led by Jenny Foster on gross 206 with Marion Sargeant second on 215.
D Grade leader is Sharon Gysberts on gross 240 from Susan Kinloch with 253.
To quote our captain Sheryl Sargent “A and B grade scores are very close, so it’s anybody’s to win.
“C and D grades have a clear front runner but as we all know anything can happen in golf.”
With the large numbers playing we were again able to have two grades for the daily competition.
Linda Brook had a terrific round winning A Grade with net 71 from Kylie Egan 75 and Kirsten Scudamore 77.
B Grade winner was Millie Cumming on net 74 from Marion Sargeant 75 and Louise Calvert-Jones 77.
Line balls were close, won by Nicki Cooper 77, Linda Terry and Sharon Gysberts 78 and Kerri Nicol, Glenis Skinner and Shirley Nolan all on 79.
Nearest the pins were Kylie Egan, Sheryl Sargent, Sue Crow, Anne Blampied and Sheryl Sargent.
Putting was won by Robyn Baker and Nicki Cooper both with 30 putts.
Saturday’s Stableford competition again produced some terrific scores.
Anne Blampied would have been very pleased with her win on 38 points, then Shirley Nolan 37 and Louise CalvertJones 35.
Line ball was Jenny Koraus and nearest the pins Kylie Egan on seventh and Shirley Nolan on 16th.
Wednesday should be an exciting finish to the Championships.
Celebrations will be that night at the Club with everyone dressing as something beginning with the letter F. Mmmm?!
Good luck to everyone and good hitting.
MAGIC midfielder Matthew Hedin has scored the July 2024 Sportsperson of the Year Award nomination after another successful season of footy on the Bonnie Doon senior team.
At the Bonnie Doon football netball club presentation night, he took home senior best and fairest.
Hedin also won the Clyde Baker Medal after an enthralling vote count at the Ovens and King Football Netball League’s presentation night in August.
He polled exceptionally well in the back end of the season snagging the medal with 22 votes.
Round 20 proved the difference, with none of the other contenders registering a single vote, and when Hedin polled three votes against the Bulldogs, it was put beyond a doubt.
Across his football career, Hedin has played 242 games and kicked 164 goals, undoubtedly with many more to come.
By DAVE JAGGER
A PERFECT evening welcomed the start of the 2024 to 25 road cycling season.
A warm day, no breeze and a setting sun greeted the riders as they assembled on the Mt Buller road.
First to start were Micala Jacob and Judy Duke.
It was Judy’s first race for a few years, and it was good to see her back.
start was a short steep climb that can make or break a group of riders.
Stay together and the ride back to Mansfield along the Barwite Road would be fast and easy.
Out on his own was the fastest rider of the night, Jake Lay but was he quick enough?
In a 45-minute race, could he really catch up 18 minutes?!
Split up and it’s a long, slow, trek back by yourself.
Dave Jagger, Dave Bock and Ian Conrick were next to head off keen to keep a gap between them and the next group of Craig Wilson, Simon Hall and Tim Hall.
They were all wondering how they would perform, had they trained enough during the winter, who was fitter.
These were all unanswered questions that the riders were thinking about and would only be answered only as they crossed the finish line, 21 kilometres away.
It wasn’t just the riders; the handicapper was also wondering who was in form and who had an easy winter.
Jason Parker, Steve Curnow and Janine Appleton only started a minute later, and they had the advantage that they could still see the taillights of the earlier group as they headed out.
This was no advantage as a minute was still too much of a gap for them and they never managed to catch them.
The race may have only been 21 kilometres long but just after the
Jarrod Appleton was able to join the next group of riders of Ryder Chadd, Steve Duke and Darren Bakker as they caught him but his partner, Adrian Dowd was not able to hang on.
The last main stage to the finish is a five kilometre rollercoaster ride down into Mansfield.
Carl Simmons and Bruce Halket must have thought that they were still in the race with a chance as they were still in front of the fastest group of Andy Garrett, Shayne Kirby and Talia Appleton.
In the end, the handicapper did a good analysis with all the riders crossing the finish line within a few minutes of each other.
Ian Conrick held onto the lead for most of the race followed by David Jagger, David Bock and Micala Jacobs.
Jake Lay came in with the quickest time of 27 minutes and 54 seconds.
Many thanks to all our marshals and officials for keeping us safe and well-organised.
Next week it’s the rolling hills and river flats of Howes Creek Road.
