CHAMPION SPIRIT: The A Grade Bomberettes dethroned five-time
no doubt about their supremacy on the court. MORE IN
By TRINITY KNIGHT
BONNIE Doon’s netballers have etched their names into the Ovens and King Valley history books with a stunning display at WJ Findlay Oval on Saturday.
In front of a roaring crowd, three of the five Bomberettes teams soared to golden grand final victories, toppling tough opposition in a display of grit, talent, and team spirit.
The A Grade Bomberettes led the charge, dethroning the five-time defending champions Greta in a thrilling final.
They stormed to victory with a 60-48 scoreline, a 12-point triumph that left no doubt about their supremacy on the court.
Launching into the first quarter
with explosive momentum, the Bomberettes racked up 13 goals and executed several intercepts, setting the tone for the match.
Goal shooter Portia Keatch netted 12 goals in the second quarter, with goal attack Amy Starzer adding another 11.
Greta pushed back in the second half, building pressure, but they were no match for the relentless Bombers.
The crowd roared as Bonnie Doon delivered goal after goal, cementing their historic victory.
Coach Michelle Tanner said the win not only meant the world to the
A grade team, but to the entire club.
“We’ve been working so hard for this for years and years,” she said.
“A Grade was the difference, because they came out and built momentum.
“My standouts were Annie Byrnes in centre, who received best on court and had a really good day.
“Amy Starzer, Cara Moody, Portia Keatch, and Mia Tanner all performed well.
“This win is a testament to the coaching, the girls, and their connections.
“It was awesome.”
It was a fiery start to the U15s
Bomberettes’ grand final clash, where they also faced off against Greta and claimed a 10-point victory, 23-13.
Bonnie Doon netted the first two goals in the opening quarter, with goal attack Lara Klingsporn showcasing her dynamism on the court, both in defence and scoring.
Greta built momentum in the second quarter, but Bonnie Doon maintained control, adding another seven goals to secure their win in the final half.
Coach Jess Harris praised her team.
■ Continued page 38
defending champions Greta in a thrilling netball grand final with a 12-point triumph that left
SPORT.
PHOTO: Melissa Beattie
A big blow: Shire CEO questions state’s take from blackspot funds
PETER Walsh, MP for Murray Plains, has criticised the state government for allegedly taking nine per cent of a $2 million federal blackspot grant earmarked for a road intersection project in Mansfield Shire.
In a press release last week, Mr Walsh said that despite not providing any state funding or managing the project, the state government took a portion of the federal funds under the guise of “internal departmental costs.”
Mr Walsh quoted Mansfield Shire Council CEO Kirsten Alexander, who recently addressed a parliamentary inquiry on the issue.
“It was a big blow,” she said.
“That nine per cent was essentially the project management costs.
“It was a surprise and not a welcome one.”
The project involves an intersection on Mansfield-Whitfield Road, a known blackspot that has been the site of several serious accidents.
The government is said to have taken $176,000 from the grant, a move that has raised concerns within the community.
“For a small town like Mansfield, that’s a lot of money,” Ms Alexander told the inquiry.
She questioned the government’s actions, given it was neither managing the project nor contributing financially.
“I don’t think that’s value for money,” she added.
Mr Walsh described the government’s actions as “an insult to the Mansfield community,” criticising it for taking funds “for doing virtually nothing.”
Caretaker period active from Tuesday
THE September council meeting of Mansfield Shire Council was held on Tuesday with the council election caretaker period activated on the same day.
Councils must comply with special arrangements in the lead up to elections, known as the caretaker period.
This is in accordance with the Local Government Act.
The act states that the election period starts on the last day on which nominations for the election can be received and finishes at 6pm on the election day.
For the 2024 council election, this means the election period will be from 12 noon Tuesday, September 17 until 6pm Saturday, October 26.
The caretaker period ensures that council actions don’t interfere with the election process, and the election process is conducted in an ethical, fair and equitable way.
It also safeguards the authority of the incoming council.
Seeking a water commitment for snow-making
MEMBER for Eildon Cindy McLeish addressed parliament on September 10, looking to secure government commitment the 2025 snow season will not repeat this year’s early closure, snow shortages forcing resort management to call it quits at the end of August.
“This year Mt Buller had to close five weeks earlier than expected due to the lack of access to water for the village and snow-making,” said Ms McLeish.
“The limitations on pumping rights led to a loss of revenue and jobs and impacted trade by small businesses in regional Victoria.”
Completed in June 2020 the 100 megalitre Boggy Creek Reservoir was a huge investment aimed at providing water during fire prone summers, and then in winter, for use in the Mt Buller
village and for snowmaking purposes.
But limited access has caused concern for those on the mountain.
Stakeholders fear the reduction in water when they needed it for snowmaking this year has had a detrimental impact on visitation to Mt Buller and the livelihoods of several operators.
A government access licence was granted originally for four months but was increased from May to September.
The problem arises from the resort needing enough potable water in the village during that period and then using whatever is available for snowmaking.
Alpine Resorts Victoria noted a dry autumn contributed to the problem with no top up rains to fill the reservoir prior to May.
June and July then offered ide-
al conditions for snowmaking but this did not happen, the lack of access to water for snowmaking both “frustrating and disappointing” according to the general manager of Buller Ski Lifts Noel Landry.
“There were 150 hours of potential snowmaking that our team was unable to jump on due to insufficient water,” Mr Landry said.
“If we had that water, major runs such as Little Buller Spur and Standard would have been open weeks earlier – boosting visitation for the resort and all operators.
“We are working closely with government to address this critical resource challenge which negatively impacts every business in resort and down the valley.”
However, Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish queried what
work is currently being undertaken by the Minister for Water to resolve this issue so the 2025 season does not suffer a similar fate.
“Despite an $11.3 million investment to secure water and optimal temperatures for snowmaking, the current Goulburn–Murray Water licence is not flexible and does not allow 12-month pumping,” Ms McLeish said.
“This means opportunities to make the most of the spring and summer rains, particularly when Lake Eildon is full, are lost.
“Alpine resorts in Victoria contribute $2.14 billion annually to the state economy, largely during the snow season.
“Mt Buller needs a reliable supply of water to underpin the survival of the village and the ski area.”
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.
Member for
Eildon Cindy McLeish MP is calling on the state government to guarantee water access for snowmaking on Mt Buller in 2025.
GOLDEN: Sun setting over a green hill in Merton.
PHOTO: Anne Curren
Heavy vehicle bypass completion hits a bump
BY SHAUN McMAHON smcmahon@ nemedia.com.au
MANSFIELD Shire Council announced the official completion of the Heavy Vehicle Bypass upgrade last week.
Mayor Cr Steve Rabie described the works as “one of council’s greatest achievements.”
However, a number of comments on the announcement from residents and route users said the job remains incomplete, raising concerns about an unsealed section on Dead Horse Lane.
The project, for which construction commenced in July 2023, involved intersection modifications, road widening, road surface upgrades, and improved roadside drainage.
The $3.5 million project was funded with $1.25 million from the Australian Government under the former Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program (now Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program or SLRIP) and $2.2 million from Mansfield Shire Council.
Council’s announcement prompted a mix of concern and queries from both residents and route users.
They highlighted the unsealed section near Dead Horse Lane near the Benalla Road, enquiring about the timing for sealing and how funding was allocated.
Some questioned the safety of this unsealed portion, noting that it impacts heavy vehicle use.
Truck drivers highlighted the difficulties of navigating additional turns and stops compared to existing routes.
The project developer com-
CONCERNS VOICED OVER UNSEALED SECTION OF HVAR PROJECT ON DEAD HORSE LANE
the
mented about the unsealed section, suggesting that funding for that part was shifted to development rather than being covered by the initial government funds.
He suggested the project may have been underfunded and noted that funding decisions were made before the development planning was complete, which is still ongoing.
Council said that the unsealed section will be addressed as part of future development plans, with contributions sought from the developer.
“When a landowner puts in
a permit request for a development, council puts conditions on the permit,” said Mayor Cr Steve Rabie.
“This is so that any development comes with the infrastructure needed to service our community.
“For industrial subdivisions, this would include the developer sealing the road.
“Council rezoned land on the corner of Dead Horse Lane and the Midland Highway (Benalla Road) from farming to industrial land.
“This provides a significant
increase in value to the landowner.
“The HVAR project is now completed - it is gazetted for use on the National Heavy Vehicle Register.
“Council does not believe that developers should profit at the cost of our ratepayers and community.
“That’s why we won’t use ratepayer funds to subsidise private development costs.
“However, council always tries to work collaboratively with landowners seeking to develop their land.”
GAZETTED: Celebrating
completion of the heavy vehicle bypass upgrade is Mansfield Shire’s Ari
Croxford Demasi executive manager capital works with Cr James Tehan and Mayor Cr Steve Rabie. PHOTO: Supplied
THURSDAY:
FRIDAY:
SUNDAY: Cloudy
MONDAY: Sunny
TUESDAY:
LAKE EILDON LEVELS NEWS
Court grants bond to suspended driver
A JAMIESON man has been placed on a three-month good behaviour bond after facing court for driving on a suspended licence and using plates from a different vehicle.
The accused was stopped by police on Mansfield-Woods Point Road in July this year after an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system flagged his vehicle’s registration as expired.
Further checks revealed the owner’s licence had been suspended since April 2023.
The number plates on the Toyota utility also belonged to another vehicle, which had been involved in a crash.
A VIN check confirmed the
vehicle should have had different registration.
The vehicle was impounded, costing the accused $2475.
When questioned by the magistrate about the impound fee, which she said seemed excessive, the accused explained he was informed the cost had increased as of July 1.
The accused admitted to the offence and confirmed that his licence was still suspended pending a medical review.
He stated he had seen a doctor and was awaiting a specialist appointment in the coming weeks, hoping to have his licence reinstated soon.
The accused, who works in customer service in Mansfield,
explained that he had been relying on friends and family to get to work with the lack of public transport and it had been difficult to support his family during this time.
“You’ve compounded your wrongdoing,” said the presiding magistrate.
“You weren’t allowed to drive, but you did.”
The accused said that the plate change was necessary due to roadworthy work on the other vehicle and that he wasn’t attempting to deceive anyone.
“I know I did the wrong thing,” the accused said.
The court heard that the accused had no prior offences and a character reference, which the
magistrate described as “excellent.”
Acknowledging the accused’s efforts to resolve his medical issues and return to the road legally, the magistrate said she wouldn’t make an order against his licence.
“You’ll be able to get it back when your neurologist clears you,” she said.
“I understand it’s very hard to be taken off the road and you’re taking this seriously by being in court today.”
The accused was placed on a good behaviour bond for three months and will not need to return to court if no further offences are committed during this period.
“Drugs and driving don’t mix”
A MAINDAMPLE man has been fined and disqualified from driving for twelve months after being caught speeding and driving with methamphetamine in his system.
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The court heard that on Thursday May 16 this year, the accused was driving a white Nissan Patrol on Dead Horse Lane, Mansfield, when police clocked him travelling at 96 km/h in a 60 km/h zone.
The man, who did not have his licence on him, passed a breath test for alcohol but was found to be unlicensed.
An oral fluid test later confirmed the presence of methamphetamine in his system.
When questioned, the accused admitted he had no valid reason for driving and stated he needed to get to work.
In court, the accused agreed with the police summary of events, and the charges were proven.
DRIVING OFFENCES: In court last week, a defendant was fined and issued a 12 month licence suspension for speeding and drug driving, while another driver was placed on a placed on a threemonth good behaviour bond.
The court also heard that the man had faced similar charges on a previous occasion.
“Drugs and driving don’t mix,” said the presiding magistrate.
“Here we have drugs, no licence, and a very high speed in a built-up area.
“You are very fortunate to be standing here today and not in custody for killing someone or
injuring yourself.”
The accused explained that his boss currently picks him up for work and that he had not reapplied for his licence after losing it.
The magistrate expressed concern about the accused’s drug use.
“A lot of people don’t think they have a problem, but you’ve
been caught twice in a short space of time, which tells me you’ve been using frequently,” she said.
“It’s not that easy to break the habit, so get some help to make sure you don’t relapse.
“In terms of compounding errors, you’ve got the worst of the worst.
“You shouldn’t have been driving in the first place, shouldn’t have had drugs in your system, and then speeding at 96 km/h in a 60 zone.”
The magistrate disqualified the accused’s licence for 12 month and fined him $1000, but no conviction was recorded.
The accused was also advised to attend counselling and was told he would need to complete a course and reapply for his licence.
“You’ll need to make a solid choice - drugs or driving, because it won’t be both,” the magistrate concluded.
Elder (JOURNALIST)
McMahon (SENIOR JOURNALIST)
Housing stress real for many in shire
By LYNN ELDER
THE third Mansfield Housing Forum session welcomed more than 60 community members last week to join the discussion on solutions for the regional housing shortage with a fourth forum mooted to invite interested developers and landowners to take action.
The September 11 session at the golf club was hosted by Mansfield Shire Council in response to requests for an open public forum following two previous workshops dealing with housing shortages and exploring avenues to address the issues with industry experts alongside local and state government representatives.
Council staff in attendance included CEO Kirsten Alexander and general manager infrastructure and planning Melissa Crane, and councillors James Tehan and Rohan Webb.
Community members ranged from young to more senior citizens from across the shire all with a common bond to find workable solutions to the ongoing issue of housing not only for low socio economic groups but also housing availability for key workers.
Ms Crane provided an overview of the session which included looking at barriers to finding solutions and how to “Unlock some of the problems we are dealing with”.
“Ensure we provide housing in a practical way and retain the character of Mansfield in a planning environment,” she said.
There were two presentations via video link with a lot of detail to absorb about
PLANNING: Mansfield
housing policies and activities across the state.
First was Housing Australia regional director southern states, Jane Homewood with an overview of financial products and services to assist low-income earners get into housing.
As an independent national housing agency Housing Australia works with the private sector, community housing providers and all levels of government to facilitate and deliver programs that provide social and affordable housing or the ability to buy a home.
“Now tough to get projects that are financially viable in this economic climate,” conceded Ms Homewood.
She outlined how the Australian Home Guarantee Scheme and affordable housing products were helping to “increase capacity”.
The organisation provides considerable funding through investment via the National Housing Infrastructure Facility (NHIF) to eligible applicants including registered community housing providers (CHPs) and local government.
Currently there is $700 million for grants and $300 million in concessional loans.
“We are looking at 40,000 new social and affordable homes over five years supporting Australia’s most vulnerable,” said Ms Homewood.
While round one of funding has closed Ms Homewood is working with the housing minister to see what future rounds would be available.
The second presentation was from Homes Victoria’s manager, local government partnerships Caroline Duyvestyn and Janice Lane.
It highlighted certain population cohorts such as those dealing with family violence as part of a priority for housing.
Ms Crane asked if the current 72 social housing dwellings in Mansfield were meeting local demand or were they oversubscribed.
“Nothing oversubscribed,” said Ms Duyvestyn.
A question from the floor regarding what the current waiting time for public housing in Mansfield was taken offline to be followed up by council.
A clarification was sought whether the level of affordability was based on local average wages.
Homes Victoria confirmed it was based on state
averages.
“I am curious where the infrastructure is going to come from and how we make sure that essential services are going to be there,” said Mansfield businesswoman Gill Belle.
“Always a difficult one to answer; there is mindfulness of locations close to services, transport, schools and walkability,” said Ms Duyvestyn.
An audience member asked if any consideration was given to refurbishment of old housing stock.
The response was it had to be fit for purpose and the asset management team looked at all properties to ascertain if it was a “demolition or renovation” situation.
Homes Victoria noted with changing demographics there is increased demand for one or two bedroom dwellings over larger family homes.
A reply to a question about how the allocation of funds from the newly introduced short stay levy would benefit our local community was that 25 per cent of monies collected would go to regional Victoria.
Mansfield Shire Council’s economic development
officer, Derek Beautyman touched on changes in the local real estate market citing not all real estate sales are recorded.
He spoke how back in March there were 11 houses listed for sale with 60 people looking compared to today with 1400 views of houses for sale in Mansfield.
Ms Crane presented some figures and projections for housing supply and demand over the next 20 years with a shortfall based on population growth projections.
Mansfield Shire’s population is expected to increase by 50 per cent over the next 20 years, from 10,540 to 16,144 people.
To keep up with demand, 115 dwellings per year would need to be built, instead of the current 94.
A worrying trend is that currently more than nine per cent of all households, and 60 per cent of rental households in the Mansfield Shire are identified as experiencing rental or mortgage stress.
Mr Beautyman shared data presented at the previous forum which looked at the issue of finding accommodation for workers in the shire or maintaining staffing levels at local businesses.
“It is not just about businesses, it reduces the availability of services for other residents,” he said.
Mansfield Shire received nine expressions of interest earlier this year as part of the $150 million Regional Worker Accommodation Fund application process with one proposal making it through to the assessment stage.
Council is still waiting on the outcome of the application.
Asked regarding any available council-owned land for housing developments the CEO said there is some land, and some opportunities identified from earlier forums.
It was hoped that the shire would learn from other local government areas that had gone down that path said Ms Alexander, who would share information when she could.
From the floor she was asked whether relocatable dwellings were a model that could be pursued.
Another attendee asked about the option of tiny homes which had not been mentioned.
Acknowledging the shire was constrained by state planning regulations, Ms Crane said Mansfield Shire Council, particularly her department was happy to work with anyone who wanted to develop their property.
Ms Alexander talked about the importance of “collective action” and getting together to network with other landholders to make it happen. It is hoped that the next housing forum will be aimed at developers and other stakeholders to push through some action on the issue.
TAKING NOTES: Some of the community members attending the housing forum. PHOTOS: Lynn Elder
Shire Council’s Melissa Crane provided an overview of the current housing situation in the shire.
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
OF ACHIEVEMENT:
Farmhouse kids on top of the world
REMEMBER that feeling of triumph as a child, when you’ve conquered a difficult challenge and get to celebrate with your friends ?
Last week Bush Kinder children were at Loyola Bushland Reserve and hiked to the top of ‘the big hill’.
They’ve been working up to this achievement so there were many excited children
celebrating upon arrival.
The Farmhouse provides Mansfield families the opportunity for their child to develop essential skills before commencing school.
Bush Kinder is an established and successful kindergarten program that enables children’s confidence and independence to flourish and their resilience thrive.
“The Farmhouse gives children the authentic childhood we had when we were young,” said Kim Stoney founder of The Farmhouse.
“Our free kindergarten program takes four-year-olds beyond the classroom and encourages children to explore their emotions and imagination, and to develop autonomy and decisionmaking skills.”
LETTERS
WHEN Mansfield’s population reaches 16,144 (as reported in Courier, 28/8/2024) will existing facilities and infrastructure cope with such a massive increase in people?
Health services are already struggling with financial cutbacks.
Ambulance services are inadequate.
Childcare and schools are full.
Aged care - difficult to be allocated a home care package.
Sporting facilities need upgrading especially the cold water pool.
Parking is limited. Hard to park at doctors rooms, especially for disabled and elderly.
Lack of transport for residents unable to drive to major hospitals.
These are some of the problems facing our shire. Will they be considered before any development begins?
Mary Parker, Mansfield
LETTERS to the editor must be signed with the full name, address and contact telephone number of the author provided. Letters under 250 words are preferred and we reserve the right to edit letters to fit 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.
Post: Letters to the Editor Mansfield Courier, 98 High St, Mansfield 3722.
SENSE
(Children from left) Lucas Saunders, Sam Avery, Garth Anstee, Liam Zoric with Thomas Beattie sitting on the rock in front of them, Beau Purcell, Ebony Hamstead, Fern Byrnes, Brylee Tait and Jarrah Thomas alongside educators Lisa Shuck (on the left) and Naomi Smith (on the right).
Newsroom to classroom: handson media visit for Steiner students
PODCASTING INSIGHTS: Shaun McMahon shares podcasting advice with Year 11 Literature class, (from left) Willow Matthews, Ella Crathern, Molly Diepeveen, Oscar Johnston.
ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION: Students engage in a roundtable discussion at the Mansfield Courier, gaining valuable insights into journalism and media practices.
MANSFIELD Steiner School English and Literature senior students recently had the opportunity to engage with real-world media practices, with a visit to the Mansfield Courier to discuss journalism and a classroom discussion on podcasting the following day.
Principal Glenn Hood expressed his gratitude for the hands-on experience.
“We are very appreciative of the Courier offering our students the chance to engage with the journalistic process,” he said.
“It is important to us that our students gain real-world knowledge of the structure and application of different formats and styles of communication.
“Having Shaun, the editor of the Courier, attend the school to speak about journalistic writing for podcasts gave the students great insight into the extensive work and planning that accompanies the writing process for this format.”
Shaun McMahon, senior journalist at the Courier, introduced the students to various types of articles published in the local paper, including general news stories, sports stories, and
editorial, and discussed considerations with layout and photography.
“The aim of these visits was to provide students with practical insight into journalism and podcasting, helping them connect their literature studies to realworld media practices,” he said.
“In exploring various types of articles published in The Courier, we discussed language devices, including neutrality of tone and active voice, and considerations in community reporting - particularly balance.
“When discussing techniques for podcasts, we discussed the importance of pacing and storytelling, how writing for the spoken word might differ from a written text, alongside the practical elements of recording and producing audio.
“I launched my first podcast about six years ago, a hobby that ended up with an enthusiastic audience and five million downloads, and so sharing that journey with the students was the highlight for me - getting to see their curiosity spark and helping them see how storytelling can take so many different forms.”
REVIEWING ARTICLE TYPES: Mansfield Steiner students explore different types of articles during their visit to the Mansfield Courier.
Your Council - Your News mansfield
Council Meetings
The upcoming scheduled Council meeting is Tuesday 15 October 2024 at 5pm and will be held both online and in person at the Council Chambers, 33 Highett Street, Mansfield.
Go to the events section on our website for more information about how to observe the meeting or contact Customer Service on 5775 8555.
Customer Service Hours
Council's municipal office at 33 Highett Street, Mansfield, is open 8.30am-4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Work With Us!
Council currently has the following employment opportunities available. For full details visit Council's website mansfield.vic.gov.au
Patrol Person
Domestic Wastewater Management Officer
Maternal & Child Health Nurse
Meeting of Council
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that an Additional Meeting of the Mansfield Shire Council will be held on Wednesday 25 September 2024 at 9.00am in the Council Chamber. Business to be conducted at the meeting is as follows:
Annual Financial Statements
Performance Statements
Governance & Management
Checklist
Other such other business as determined by the unanimous decision of the Council.
Mansfield Shire Council has entered an election period in the lead up to the October 2024 Council elections. To comply with our Election Period Policy and the Local Government Act 2020 we are moderating material being published by Council. For more information visit
Become a Volunteer Mentor
Are you passionate about helping young people achieve their goals? The TAC L2P Program helps learner drivers (ages 16-21) who lack access to a supervising driver or vehicle get the driving experience they need for their probationary license.
As a volunteer mentor, you’ll be matched with a learner driver and provide them with supervised driving practice using a supplied vehicle.
To discuss becoming a volunteer mentor, give us a call on 0437 886 339. To learn more about the program or to complete an application form, visit our website mansfield.vic.gov.au/TAC-L2P-Program
Request for Tender
Council is seeking an experienced and qualified contractor to construct a gravel shared path, from the existing gravel shared path at 25 Howes Creek-Goughs Bay Road, up north PiriesGoughs Bay Road providing pedestrian access to the Maze.
The works will include all preparation and gravel surfacing, a crossing at Walshs Road, a street crossing including line markings, signage, safety handrail installation and culvert construction.
Request for Tender documents and submissions may be downloaded and submitted via Council’s eTender portal www.portal.tenderlink.com/mansfield.
Request for Tender closes at
Kerb and Channel Works & Disability Parking Improvements
Kerb and Channel maintenance works and improvements to disability car parking are set to commence on Wednesday 18 September, weather permitting. Locations have been chosen based on inspections and community engagement.
Kerb and Channel works are planned for:
Curia Street, Mansfield
Club Court, Mansfield
Links Road, Mansfield
High Street, Mansfield
Donovan's Way, Mansfield
Young Street / Kitchen Street / Phillip Street, Bonnie Doon
Concreting and patching High Street, Mansfield
Disability parking spaces will be installed at six locations around Mansfield.
Highett Street median, north of public toilets
Highett Street – Near Mansfield Chiropractic and Wellbeing
High Street – Near IGA
Nolan St – Behind IGA (line marking only)
High St – Near Post Office
Botanic Park Kirsten Alexander,
Traffic management will be in place. Works are expected to be completed in November 2024. Follow the QR code for details of disability parking locations.
What can and can’t go in the new green bin?
Some items that don’t belong in the green bin are often put there by mistake. Remember: “If it didn’t live or grow, it’s not FOGO!”
Plastic bags – use the red bin.
Rocks – Put it in your garden, or if you need to throw out a small rock use the red bin.
Scrap metal – take it to the Resource Recovery Centre. Fabric – unless it’s organic, use the red bin.
Your organics can only be made into mulch and compost when other rubbish and recycling is kept out of the green bin.
To find out more or apply for a green bin visit mansfield.vic.gov.au/green-bin.
mansfield.vic.gov.au
First carer retreat at Farm
THE first carer retreat at Mansfield Autism Statewide Services’ new Therapeutic Care Farm, was held over four days last week, providing 13 unpaid carers a unique, respite opportunity to recharge, relax and meet other autism carers.
The 12 family retreat cabins were used for the first time and a full program of activities took full advantage of Mansfield Shire’s wonderful nature based, culinary, wellbeing and artistic experiences.
According to carer Dani Netherclift, it was an amazing four days and incredibly moving.
“We’re just not used to being cared for and being able to relax,” she said.
“It was wonderful to be able to focus on our own wellbeing, build our resilience and laugh a lot.
“We went from a group of strangers who all care for autistic children, to getting on so well in no time, due to our shared situations and understandings.
“Waking up to the views, from the new and spacious retreat cabins, that are really more like villas, was luxurious.
“I can’t speak highly enough of the Mansfield Autism team, who were just so generous in everything they did to look after us.”
According to Chief Executive Officer Simone Reeves,
the carers came from all over Victoria, from Portland to Shepparton.
“The carer retreat is the first of many we hope to hold on the farm,” Simone said.
“The second retreat for another group of carers starts soon and both retreats were made possible by the Victorian Government’s Additional Respite for Carers Funding.
“It’s incredibly important for families to have quality planned respite, to help reduce the carer fatigue that can lead to family breakdown and relinquishment.
“Our carer retreats were much more than vital relaxation and time out; we also focused on the importance
DELATITE WINERY
of fun, laughter, personal wellbeing and building resilience.”
Local businesses helped provide the quality of care with catering by Spice of Life and The Kitchen Door, massages by Inrhythm Remedial Therapy, horse riding by McCormack’s Mountain Valley Trail Rides, kayaking from Jamieson Kayak Rental, art workshops by Pam Sumpter and Billy Chiller, laughter coaching from Laughter Works, a music session donated by Sue Binzer and Martin Jones and wood for the fire pit donated by Andrew Rabson.
Simone thanked the businesses and Mansfield Autism’s key staff for putting
together such an incredible program, with special mentions to Sophie Walker as Team Leader and Program Coordinators Linda Davies and Emma Harley.
Mansfield Autism’s new Therapeutic Care Farm has recently opened and represents a $34m plus infrastructure investment, that increases the service capacity so more autistic children, and their families can get off waitlists and access services.
The farm, as it is affectionately known, is identified as a project of state significance for the multi million dollars of socio-economic benefit it delivers.
Based on a 100 acre farm only four kilometres from
the centre of Mansfield, the new facilities include 12 accessible, family retreat cabins, client and student houses, a multi purpose activity centre with dining room and commercial kitchen, a meeting place hut and a special school campus that is nearing completion and set to open for Term 1, 2025.
The Victorian Government, Australian Government and philanthropics, together with the autism community and the Mansfield community have all contributed to the farm and matched Mansfield Autism’s own investment, to turn the vision into reality.
For more information: autismmansfield.org.au
to be held outside the shop from 10am - 2pm. Plenty of chances to renew old acquaintances, reminisce and of course, take advantage of last minute bargins. Something for everyone ! Mansfield Newsagency will be closing the door for the final time this Saturday the 21st September.
To commemorate the occasion and to thank the Mansfield Community for their support over the years, we invite you to a
ROUND TABLE: Billy Chiller hosted art workshops for the cares the Farm. SADDLE UP: Horse riding was organised for the 13 carers by McCormack’s Mountain Valley Trail Rides.
HIGH COUNTRY SUNRISE: The hut at sunrise is of our Meeting Place Hut on the Farm from the Family Retreat Cabins.
Working bees and new recruits, pyjamas and pancakes
JAMIESON ON THE LINE with Carmel Dixon
LAST Monday the Jamieson CFA new recruits commenced their training.
Greg Aldridge and Roland Suys, under the auspices of Jamieson Training Officer
Lieutenant Gerry Moloney and Lieutenant Steve Garito, donned their uniforms and prepared for training.
With the fire season approaching, the fire fighting members of the Jamieson brigade have been training with breathing appliance apparatus for maintenance compliance.
The members wear full gear for this exercise for both compliance and familiarisation, often for a number of hours over unfamiliar terrain.
Two members walked in their full gear with the breathing appliance strapped to their backs and full mask and breathing gear over the weekend, a surprise for some passers-by.
The hours of unseen training are extraordinary.
The local community are very grateful for this generous voluntary service.
ABOARD:
Greg and Roland were commencing
LAST week the weekly pool competition at the Courthouse Hotel, was won by a very popular local homeowner John Rushen who was delighted with his win. The event continues to build in popularity, with more ladies joining the competition.
The event has become a family night out, with participants and their children having dinner prior to the game commencing.
LAST week Jamieson primary school students enjoyed a soup day.
A large pot of chicken noodle soup was served to the students, who enjoyed a second serve of the delicious fare when it was offered.
Organised by the Mansfield Shire Council in conjunction with the Mansfield District Hospital and co-ordinated with the help of the Chat n Chop team and Yooralla clients, this is part of the
Mansfield Respond Project and represents a delicious way to learn about nutrition and promote healthy eating.
THIS Thursday at Jamieson Primary School pyjamas will be the dress code commencing with a pancake breakfast.
Mr Wetmore will be tossing the pancakes. Volunteers to practice their tossing techniques will be encouraged.
It will be a fun day at school prior to the final day on Friday with an early dismissal time of 2:30 pm.
THE Mansfield Shire and the Jamieson community group volunteers have been working hard beautifying the triangle piece of land at the entrance to Pekins Street and Bridge Street.
Clearing of the area has allowed for the planting of ground cover, more plantings
and the decorative placement of very large rocks.
The working bees, in Jamieson are very popular with all age groups attending for the ongoing beautification of the town entrance and the Rec Reserve, with a new walking track around the circumference proving very popular.
The Jamieson community group AGM and committee elections, will be held on Tuesday October 29 at the Memorial Hall.
All positions are being presented.
The successful community group has been very successful with managing projects.
Being a member and a committee member develops a closer relationship with the community and the shire. New members will help the community stay strong and achieve the desired wishes of the town.
Many of the committee wish to retire and look forward to handing the ‘cudgel’ on to some new faces. All welcome.
FATHER George Feliciouz will celebrate Mass at St John the Apostle Church Jamieson next Sunday September 22 at 11am.
IT’S BACK: My Future Academy’s Mighty Movers program is back these school holidays, with two big days of games, activities, challenges and obstacle courses scheduled over October 1 and 3 at the Recreation Reserve. Facilitated by the Mansfield’s District Hospital’s Mansfield Respond Project and delivered through state government funding supported by the Mansfield Shire Council’s Social Inclusion Action Group, the activity caters to a wide-age group, with three to six year olds and seven to 12 year olds broken into two separate sessions. Respond Project co-ordinator Lucy Marks said they were thrilled to welcome Mighty Movers back. “This is the third occasion in which we have worked with My Future Academy to deliver the program, and every time it has been booked out,” she said. Offering up non-competitive physical activity, the pop-up event is free for local kids providing an hour of fun and a great way for kids to burn off some energy during the school holidays. Bookings are essential and available via the link below. https://www.myfutureacademy.com/book-online
WELCOME
Jamieon CFA training officer Gerry Moloney with two new members Greg Aldridge and Roland Suys with Senior Officer Steve Garito.
their training on Monday morning at the Jamieson CFA Fire Station.
More inclusive community activities with SIAG funding
By LYNN ELDER
MANSFIELD Shire is set to expand its inclusivity efforts, with 13 successful applicants receiving funding from the Mansfield Social Inclusion Action Group (SIAG), announced last week.
The recently established SIAG funded by the Victorian government and supported by Mansfield Shire Council was able to provide $60,000 across two funding rounds for new or existing programs organised by community groups.
Each submission could ask for up to $5,000 per initiative. Applications for the first round closed on July 31 and round two closed on August 14.
The successful applications were announced at
a luncheon on Wednesday September 11 at the Mansfield Youth Centre in Erril St.
The event celebrated the efforts of applicants working towards inclusivity in their communities and provide an opportunity to build connections.
“It’s fantastic to see community-led projects getting off the ground thanks to the Mansfield Social Inclusion Action Group,” said Mayor Cr Steve Rabie.
“Council is proud to support these initiatives as part of our commitment to maximising the health and wellbeing of our community.
“Nobody knows our community like local people do, and we’re grateful to those who have stepped up and take a leading role in partnership with SIAG.”
SIAG committee member Paul Allen who conducted the presentations to the successful groups said they contributed to making our community “stronger, happier and healthier.”
The 13 successful applicants and projects for rounds one and two are:
Mansfield Badminton (partial funding) – Hall hire and equipment.
Jamieson Community Group & Association Bodies Inc – Jamieson autumn extension and start of spring community thank you event.
Goughs Bay Area Progress Association – The community hub an area where the community can come together which will promote social participation and social inclusion.
Mansfield Let’s Talk mental health group – 12 x monthly coffee chat sessions.
Mansfield Social Table Tennis – purchase of two table tennis tables. Having four tables could expand program to additional times.
Living with Parkinson’s Support Group – monthly lunch support group meetings at the Delatite Hotel.
Mansfield Armchair Cinema – monthly social event – film and food focusing on rural locations and smaller communities.
Mansfield District Hospital – Respond project – Mighty Movers to get children more active during September and January school holidays.
Cycling Without Age –Contribution for trike.
Merton Recreation & Memorial Hall Reserve Inc. –digital drop-in café.
In addition, Mansfield Mobile Repairs donated a modem for more coverage.
Jamieson Community Group – Jamieson welcome package with launch event.
Active Dads – funding will support the program, a Mansfield Shire based activity group for fathers with preschool aged or older children.
Anglican Parish Mansfield – Plant & Pick – establishment of a vegetable garden at the St John’s rectory, 43 Highett St, Mansfield, with produce to be used by Bindaree, the Respond program and Chop and Chat.
SIAG was charged with the responsibility by council to make the decisions on what
projects or activities were funded.
Mansfield Shire Council was selected by the Victorian State Government to pilot and trial the communitybased inclusion program.
SIAG has been tasked with identifying local needs, existing initiatives and gaps related to social connection and social inclusion.
The announcement of funding last week highlighted the group’s involvement in in a range of initiatives that will continue to prevent social exclusion and support community participation, inclusion, and connection while promoting mental health and wellbeing.
“We look forward to seeing these exciting programs get underway across the shire,” said Cr Rabie.
FESTIVAL TIME: Saskia Van Bever from the Jamieson Community Group & Associated Bodies with Paul Allen.
NEW TECH: Merton Recreation & Memorial Hall Reserve’s Margaret Fitzgerald accepting funding for a digital drop-in cafe.
PICTURE THIS: Karen Oliver representing the Mansfield Armchair Cinema with Paul Allen.
COMMUNITY HUB: Gail Hart a very pleased member of the Goughs Bay Area Progress Association with Paul Allen.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Rev Mel Clark also part of SIAG accepting funding on behalf of Anglican Parish Mansfield with Paul Allen.
OVER THE NET: A happy Mansfield Badminton Association member Paul Riley with SIAG’s Paul Allen.
OUTLYING AREAS: Chris Badrock from the Jamieson Community Group is congratulated by Paul Allen.
SUPPORTING MEN: Active Dads program member John Corlett with Miura and Radigar and SIAG’s Paul Allen.
ACE: Bob Carter on behalf of the Mansfield Social Tennis Club and SIAG member Paul Allen. PHOTOS: Lynn Elder
Livestock producers provide input on dingo management
BY EMMA OLIVER eoliver@ nemedia.com.au
DINGO consultation and management review dropin sessions were held across Victoria in the first week of September, with the Mansfield event drawing significant numbers, indicative of local farmers’ concern regarding the devastating impact of wild dog attacks on their livelihoods.
Senior representatives from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and Agriculture Victoria hosted the event on Friday September 6 at the Mansfield Eagles’ clubroom at the Recreation Reserve; the two-hour faceto-face session one of five scheduled across the state.
The consultation sessions were long-awaited by industry, who had been calling for opportunities to share their thoughts with the Victorian Government on the importance of wild dog control measures, with attendees invited to share feedback as part of the review into wild dog management in the state.
Approximately 50 people attended the Mansfield session, with Tallangatta also in the North East drawing 100 concerned landholders and agricultural stakeholders.
In Gippsland, 85 people attended Omeo, 45 were present at Gelantipy and in the north-west, where the unprotection order has been lifted removing the threekilometre livestock protection buffer, 40 people attended the Hopetoun drop-in session.
An online session was also held, during which government officials provided an update on the results from the recent livestock predation survey, afterwards opening-up the forum to a question and answer for the 89 attendees.
Concerns raised by farmers during the sessions related to predation of livestock and the limited effectiveness of non-lethal control methods, along with detailing both the emotional and economic impact of wild dog attacks.
Attendees registered strong interest in new scientific research pertaining to the nomenclature of dingoes as well as data on dingo population numbers.
Evidence now suggests a significant proportion of wild dogs are in fact pure dingoes - not hybrids as previously believed.
However, this remains a contentious issue amongst some industry stakeholders who have queried the research and sample size.
In addition, the department confirmed attendees
expressed overall support for the continuation of the wild dog management plan.
These perspectives build on Agriculture Victoria’s recent survey, with over 500 Victorian livestock producers - predominantly from eastern Victoria - responding online to the survey which was issued in July.
Of this number, over half reported incidents of livestock being either maimed or killed by a wild dog and dingo in the past five years.
Similar concerns to the in-person sessions were also raised in the survey with landholders providing valuable information about the levels and frequency of livestock attacks, with predation an ongoing concern for sheep farmers whose properties bordered public land.
Survey results also provid-
ed valuable insights into control methods currently being used to manage predation, with 84 per cent of respondents employing a combination of both lethal and nonlethal methods ranging from trapping and 1080 ground baiting to guardian animals and exclusion fencing.
On top of survey results and targeted consultation with Traditional Owners, environmental scientists and conservation groups, a DEECA spokesperson thanked all participants at the recent drop-in sessions for their valuable input with face-toface and online consultations now concluded.
“This consultation provided an opportunity for government to hear feedback on the issues associated with the dingo unprotection order, to complement and con-
solidate the feedback we’ve already received through meetings, calls, correspondence and the livestock predation survey,” the spokesperson said.
The Minister for Environment and Minister for Agriculture will now jointly consider the findings, to inform future dingo management to most appropriately balance the protection of livestock and the livelihood of farming communities with the conservation of dingoes.
However with a policy decision yet to be made the agricultural community remains uneasy; producers worried about the future of livestock production if wild dog control measures are rolled back.
Wild dog attacks have a significant economic and emotional impact on pro-
ducers, and without these measures, the state’s $4.5 billion sheep and wool industry will potentially be at risk.
For producers, the past year has been a period of waiting with bated breath to see where the government’s wild dog control review landed, particularly after the dingo unprotection order came to an immediate end in northwest Victoria in March.
Flocks in north-west Victoria remain at risk of predation, and sheep producers have reported an increasing number of dingo attacks.
Geoff Power, Chair of the National Wild Dog Action Plan, said the consultation sessions were a step in the right direction, but there was concern on how late they had come in the review process.
“With the dingo unprotection order due to expire statewide on October 1, producers and industry bodies are naturally worried that this landowner consultation is long overdue,” Mr Power said.
This worry has been exacerbated by the government’s failure to confirm whether the Wild Dog Control Program will also be renewed after its current term ends on the same date.
“We hope feedback from these sessions, and findings from the Victorian Government’s livestock predation survey, are taken into consideration when deciding on the future policy settings for wild dog control beyond 1 October,” Mr Power said.
“For industry, it’s not about eradication of dingoes, it’s about control.
“The current dingo unprotection order does this, providing a balance between wild dog control and dingo conservation.
“Without it, we are likely to see significant spread of wild dogs, with serious consequences for livestock production and biodiversity.”
PREDATOR MANAGEMENT: Both lethal and non-lethal methods ranging from trapping and 1080 ground baiting to guardian animals and exclusion fencing have been used to control wild dogs.
Local art on display for fundraising auction at Mansfield Coffee Merchant
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Bid Online: Visit Dreaming of a World Without Cancer to view the catalogue and place bids now.
SPECIAL EVENT: Tickets to the auction include a welcome drink and canapés, and are available for purchase through Eventbrite.
Attend the Event: Join the live auction and cocktail event on 27 September. Tickets are available at Eventbrite.
ART lovers and community supporters alike are invited to experience a unique showcase at the Mansfield Coffee Merchant, which has temporarily transformed into a pop-up gallery.
More than 20 pieces donated by local artists and private collectors are now on display, offering a stunning collection to support cancer research.
Visitors to the Coffee Merchant can enjoy an array of artistic styles, from breathtaking landscapes to modern abstract works, and indigenous art.
Those interested in purchasing these unique pieces can bid online via the Dreaming of a World Without Cancer website
Or you can join in the excitement of the live auction
from 5:30pm on 27 September at Mansfield Coffee Merchant.
Tickets include a welcome drink and canapés, and are available for purchase through Eventbrite.
The live auction will be the final chance to bid on each piece in person, with winning bids fully tax-deductible and all proceeds going toward cancer research
This event offers a special opportunity to own a piece of art while supporting cancer research.
Whether you’re bidding online or attending the live auction, your participation helps bring the community together for a cause that makes a difference.
For further information, contact Ross May on 0400 868 456 or ross@mayfam.net
Stretched to breaking point
AMBULANCE services across rural Victoria were dropped over the weekend with high levels of sick leave forcing the cancellation of 20 services at regional centres.
Although Mansfield services were not directly impacted, Shepparton and North East townships of Cobram and Rochester all were, as multiple crews across the state calling for intensive care back-up for critically unwell patients were told none was available.
With 30 crews in metropolitan Melbourne also dropped from the Sunday night shift, Victoria experienced a significant shortfall of around 50 fewer crews stretching ambulance resources close to breaking point.
Despite off-duty paramedics attempting to reduce some of the shortfall, fleet availability was operating at dangerously low levels, with code one cases held for over an hour in some regions and a 69-year-old Melbourne man dying
whilst waiting for treatment to arrive.
Danny Hill, secretary of the Victorian Ambulance Union, said members rarely get breaks, almost never finish on time and are exhausted and burnt out.
Pointing to staffing shortages due to sickness over the weekend, he said “this is the reality we are facing”.
“We have been warning about the need to better support the workforce, so we have a healthy
Support Cancer Research: Art Auction Fundraiser
In October 2024, Ross and Benjamin May will set off on a journey from Bendigo to Townsville in a ‘Shitbox’ a car that cannot cost more than $1,500. They’ll travel through some of Australia’s most remote towns. But this is more than just an adventure – it’s a mission to raise funds for cancer research and to remind us that cancer touches all of us.
Before their journey begins, Team Mayhem invites the community to an Art Auction Fundraiser.
Date & Time
27 September 2024
Enjoy canapes and a welcome drink from 530pm - 730pm
Scan to book your tickets
and well-supported workforce,” he said.
“If you don’t support the workforce, then the response to the community suffers.”
In August, the paramedic union passed a vote of no confidence in Ambulance Victoria’s executive board resulting in the resignation of chief executive, Jane Miller who had been in the role for 18 months.
Interim chief executive Andrew Crisp – the former Emergency
Management Victoria commissioner – was on pre-booked leave over the weekend.
However these shortfalls are not an anomaly, with ambulance resources under-resourced and overstretched.
The Victorian Ambulance Union has also been locked in negotiations over its next enterprise agreement with pay and conditions including unreasonable overtime emerging as major sticking points.
A REWARDING CAREER: Mansfield Nurses Home.
By TRINITY KNIGHT
HO He an Cla Mc
90 years young - Heather Clayton
ON Thursday last week, Heather Clayton celebrated her 90th birthday over lunch with around 70 close friends and family at the Mansfield Hotel.
Heather is a retired nurse who worked in Mansfield for over 30 years.
She grew up in Yea and completed her nursing training at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
“In 1956 I came up to Mansfield to work at the hospital and I’ve never left,” she said.
“Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to be a nurse, so I achieved that.”
Heather is the youngest of out of her four siblings.
“We have all reached our 90s,” she said.
“My sister passed away a couple of years ago when she was 95 and I’ve outlived my parents, grandparents
and great grandparents.”
Heather has lived on Highett Street since the late 1950s and she said Mansfield has changed a lot from when she first moved.
“When I came here there were about seven timber mills and now there’s none,” she explained.
In 1957, Heather married local builder John Clayton and they went on to have three kids.
Two of her children, Gra-
ham Clayton and Deb McCarthy shared some of their memories.
“She is very friendly and community minded,” Graham said.
Heather was involved in a number of community groups including the Red Cross, CWA and senior citizens.
“Our place was known as the party house; we always had people calling in and out all the time when we were growing up,” Deb said.
“Everyone was accepted to come up.
“We never had beach holidays; we always went camping in the bush with friends.
“There are not many people who get to 90.
“She was always there for us, and she loves her great grandkids.”
Lois Manchester met Heather 20 years ago while she was volunteering for the Red Cross and in charge of catering.
“There were 50 team members and Heather was one of them,” she explained.
“I lived across the road from her, but it’s only the last 15 years that I’ve gotten close to her.
“Heather is a lovely lady, she’s very kind and always very supportive.
“For her birthday I set up the tables and helped organise the event.
“For 90 she is great, I hope I’m like that at 90.”
MEMORIES: Heather Clayton at 16 years old.
WEDDING DAY: (From left) Heather Clayton and her husband John Clayton.
A BIG CELEBRATION: Around 70 people came together to celebrate Heather’s 90th birthday.
LIFELONG FRIENDS: Heather and John Blakeney are both 90 years of age and have been close friends since they were children.
HOORAY FOR 90: Last Thursday retired Mansfield nurse Heather Clayton celebrated her birthday with family and friends at the Mansfield Hotel. (From left) Graham Clayton, Steve Clayton, Heather Clayton and Deb McCarthy.
PHOTOS: Trinity Knight
ROYAL MELBOURNE HOSPITAL: Heather completed her nursing training in Melbourne.
Sweet Potatoes
Zucchini
A year in A year in review for the MAD Potters
MANSFIELD and District (MAD) Potters held their Annual General Meeting on September 2, the event as much a celebration of the year that has been, with the Mansfield Pottery Festival going from strength to strength and the establishment of the new community pottery studio.
“It is with great pleasure that we celebrate our second year of operation,” said president Karen Pirie.
“So much has happened since we instigated this organisation.
“It’s old news now but that first year in 2023, the Mansfield Pottery Festival was a blockbuster event, with potters from all around Victoria coming to Mansfield and over 2000 visitors attended.
“Having such a significant ‘thumbs up’ by the local community, tourists and the visiting potters, gave us the confidence and know how to make the festival an annual event. “What a thrill it was at the Australia Day Awards to receive the ‘Community Event of the Year’.
“Receiving the award to the applause of our community was so encouraging and something the MAD Potters will always be proud of.
“We also received a commendation for the Australian Event of the Year, another significant recognition of the Mansfield Pottery Festival.”
Buoyed by enthusiasm of the previous year’s successes, the committee upped the ante in 2024, including a new event in the festival calendar, The ‘Poets of Pottery exhibition’.
Held at the Masonic Hall over the Labour Day long weekend and
THE CLAY STABLES: Early morning sun on The Clay Stables, with the community pottery studio set to be operational by the end of the year.
attracting 300 visitors over the three day event, 40 artists participated in the exhibition with Benalla-based Kym Stubbs receiving the inaugural Poets of Pottery award for her piece ‘Cradle’.
“This year the Saturday event was re-badged as the Potters Market and over 47 pottery stalls - up from 35 the previous year - set up in the median strip,” said Karen.
The Clay Play once again proved a huge success with 100 children participating, but with hot weather predicted across the weekend visitor numbers were done in comparison to the previous year, with the trend evident across the shire.
“Gauging by the response of the potters who did come this year, there is still strong appetite to return for the 2025 Potters Market and we are currently locking in sites,” Karen said.
“With 25 on the waiting list we
As we welcome a new committee we thank two outgoing founding members, Nicky Sanders and Marly Brown who have made significant contributions to our start-up.
- PRESIDENT KAREN PIRIE
are in a good position to maintain the momentum of the Potters Market event.”
Karen also confirmed the committee had engaged nationally acclaimed ceramicist, Fleur Schell, to hold two workshops over the festival weekend in 2025.
“Western Australia-based Fleur is famous for her hand-built artworks using porcelain.
“She is strongly influenced by native animals and story telling.”
In partnership with Mansfield Council Youth Services, MAD Potters will provide three youth pottery scholarships, a component of which is attendance at the Fleur Schell workshops.
“It’s a great new initiative and we are excited to be working so closely with our local youth and Mansfield Shire Council,” said Karen.
Another initiative delivered in close collaboration with council
is the community pottery studio, with council awarding the organisation a peppercorn lease and working to install electricity and improve access to the Old Police Stables on Curia Street.
“We expect to be in residence and operating by the end of the year,” she said with the studio rechristened ‘The Clay Stables’, recognising the history of the building and acknowledging its new purpose.
“The Clay Stables will also commemorate the memory of Joy Forrest, our friend, fellow potter and valued community person.
“Her passing late in 2023 was such a loss and we wanted to make the community pottery studio a positive loving reminder of her.”
Future plans for The Clay Stables include gardens around the building, a disabled toilet, community projects, more equipment, work-
shops and heating and cooling.
Karen said many funding applications have been submitted to realise these goals, with Regional Arts Victoria providing funding to purchase a pugmill.
“Dysons Bus Lines generously donated funding for a wash-up sink, the Delatite Hotel funded equipment and materials for Clay Play at the Labour Day market, the Mansfield and District Community Bank provided a grant that has enabled us to purchase a kiln and Clarissa Leatham’s contribution bought a clay extruder,” said Karen.
“Donations from local residents, Rose Gilder, Dr Will Twycross and another generous couple have enabled us to purchase a second kiln - a top-of-the-range Rohde kiln, along with other important equipment.”
Alongside financial support from such generous donations and funding, the MAD Potters have run ‘pinch-pot’ bird-making workshops for both youth and seniors.
“These workshops enable us to raise funds for The Clay Stables and we are proud of our ability to be a social enterprise with the goal of being able to operate independently.
“We imagined, shared our vision and plans and whole community is making it happen, and we extend our most heartfelt thanks.”
THE FACE OF POTTERY: At the MAD Potters AGM on Monday 2 September 2024 Karen Pirie, President; Lynn Taylor, Secretary; Fiona Wareham, Vice President, Clarissa Latham, Linda Junghenn, Treasurer; Ainsley May and Kirstie-Lee Smith (not pictured) were elected to the MAD Potters committee.
COUNTRY UNIVERSITIES CENTRE CAREERS
EXPO:
WIDENING OPPORTUNITIES: The CUC expo was organised to help students find their ideal career pathway. (from left) CUC centre manager Mark van Bergen and Mansfield Secondary students Jess Dolling, Estelle O’Neill and Zoe Greene. PHOTOS: Trinity Knight
secondary students
STALLS: A range of local businesses took part with some including
Country Universities holds first careers expo at PAC
By TRINITY KNIGHT
COUNTRY Universities Centre
Ovens Murray (CUC-OM) held their first careers expo at the Performing Arts Centre in Mansfield on Tuesday, September 10.
220 people were in attendance, including parents and Year 10, 11, and 12 students from Mansfield Secondary College (MSC) and Mansfield Steiner School.
A range of local businesses took part, including the Delatite Hotel, Koala Cherries, Delatite Veterinary Services, Mt Buller Ski Lifts, Mansfield Veterinary Clinic, MACE, and Mansfield Autism Statewide Services (MASS).
Also represented from the local area were Goulburn Valley Water, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, Landcare Alliance, CFA, Victoria Police, Mansfield and District Hospital, Mansfield Shire Council, Findex, and Alpine Resorts Victoria.
GOTAFE, La Trobe University, and Charles Sturt University also got involved.
Mansfield District Hospital Physiotherapist Susan McCormack set up an interactive stall showing the diversity of what her role involves.
“I brought in river rocks which we use to test people’s balance and I set up mini-golf tic-tac-toe,” she said.
“I also brought the grip strength measure, because grip strength tells us a lot about everyone’s physical function, and it gives us a score which we can correlate with falls risk.”
GREAT TURNOUT: 220
Financial planner Jac Holmes from Findex spoke to the students about what it looks like to work in the business industry.
“You get to see the natural progression of businesses and people’s natural wealth and as they grow and you get to grow with them,” he said.
Charles Sturt University students Clodagh Friedlieb and Laura Van Keulen shared some of the experiences they have had while completing studies.
“We provided students with ideas of what they can study and how they can go about it,” they said.
“The closest campus to Mansfield is in Albury, so it’s about a two-hour drive which is pretty close.
“We have campuses all throughout regional New South Wales, so it depends what you want to study and where the campus runs it.”
Caroline Trenfield from MASS said they have got quite a lot of options for school-based apprenticeships alongside entry-level roles.
“We can support young people with gaining experience while they potentially do further studies and continue to develop their careers,” she said.
CUC-OM was given initial Feder-
al Government funding as part of a pilot program to support widening participation in higher education.
Centre manager Mark Van Bergen said MSC felt a careers expo would benefit their students, as they had not had one before and they also had missed some university outreach programs in the recent past, due to the impacts of COVID.
“Career expos offer students a one-stop shop to expose them to lots of different career and study options and have become an important feature of educational outreach in regional areas,” he said.
“The initial round of funding was extended, and the CUC-OM was able to organise the expo for MSC with valuable input from the school.
“The expo offered a great opportunity for these local businesses and organisations to actively recruit young people into part-time and possible full-time roles, as well as giving students the opportunity to see the range of future employment opportunities available locally and potential career paths.
“Meeting face-to-face is a great way for students to really get a feel for the business and its people.”
Mansfield Secondary College expressed their gratitude to CUC Mansfield for hosting the event, emphasising its value for local students.
“The careers expo helps all the students of Mansfield to engage with a range of employers and providers of tertiary education,” said Shelly Comben, Careers Advisor at Mansfield Secondary College.
“It showcases the breadth of employment opportunities available in our community and beyond.
“Students and past students have the opportunity to speak directly to employers, gaining valuable knowledge and insight into their future careers.”
“We are well regarded in our capacity to find post-secondary pathways for every student,” added Principal Timothy Hall.
“This is another great outcome for our students.”
PATHWAYS: Mansfield
Mitch Adams and Sathya Kancherla.
CHARLES STUART UNIVERSITY: (from left) Clodagh Friedlieb and Laura Van Keulen.
MANSFIELD AUTISM STATEWIDE SERVICES: Shanae Sewell spoke about the variety of roles that can be undertaken at MASS.
MANSFIELD VETINARY CLINIC: Vet Alana Davies and vet nurse Maddison Schultz.
MANSFIELD DISTRICT HOSPITAL: Physiotherapist Susan McCormack.
VICTORIA POLICE: (from left) Lisa Atkinson and Andrew Kaufmann spoke about the recruitment process and shared information about entering a career in policing.
people attended the CUC expo held at the Performing Arts Centre in Mansfield.
(from left) Robert Herbert, Mansfield education coordinator Sally Mitchell and centre manager Mark van Bergen.
Calling all CFA volunteers
MEMBER for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland has started a survey to give local CFA volunteers in the North East the opportunity to share their experiences and discuss some of the challenges, pressures, or concerns they may have relating to the role.
Ms Cleeland said the major concerns raised by the local brigades in recent discussions related to funding insecurity, a lack of government support, their ageing fleet of vehicles, and declining volunteer numbers.
“Our local CFA brigades are rightfully concerned about some of the decisions the government has made when it comes to protecting and supporting our volunteer firefighters,” Ms Cleeland said.
“We’ve witnessed disastrous decisions by this government regarding fire man-
REPRESENTING LOCAL: Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland has started a
East the opportunity to share their experience.
agement in recent times: a lack of planned burns, the closure of the sustainable native timber industry, failure to replace aging vehicles, and the loss of over 6,500 operational CFA volunteers.
GOULBURN Murray Water has given the go-ahead for the $37.5 million second stage of the Eildon Dam upgrade.
The announcement will bring the total spending of the project, which involves improvements to the dam wall and spillway, to $52.5 million - an increase from the $30 million previously forecast.
The spiralling cost, to be jointly funded by the state government and G-MW customers has been labelled a ‘blowout’ by Victorian Liberal Party leader Robert Doyle.
But G-MW chairman Don Cummins quickly dismissed Mr Doyle’s claims, saying it wouldn’t
“Despite our CFA brigades’ proud history and their vital role in regional towns, this government is hellbent on destroying them and tarnishing their reputation.
“The government’s lack
be the case of water users being suddenly slapped with a large price increase. IN SPORT, Bonnie Doon seniors topped off their sensational season in fitting fashion, thumping Devenish by 107 points in Benalla and District grand final at Benalla on Sunday.
The Bulldogs were off to a solid start with Sean Kennedy running at top pace and taking the first goal of the game.
Devenish followed suit with a goal only to be matched soon after when some good shepherding by Ben Tanner to Steven Roberts saw Doon’s second goal out of the goal square.
▶ CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: GMW has been given the green light towards the second stage of the Eildon Dam upgrade, but the water body and the state government has come under fire from the Liberal Party over the total cost of the project.
of support is a death by a thousand cuts to our selfless volunteer firefighters, failing those who risk their lives to protect our regional communities.
“The government has
demonstrated an inability to manage projects, finances, and the safe and effective management of our CFA brigades – a terrifying display of incompetence towards those who live in
bushfire-prone regions.”
Ms Cleeland thanked all the local brigades for their dedication to keeping their communities safe and encouraged all volunteers to make a submission through the survey.
“The commitment and hard work our local volunteers demonstrate each and every day is greatly valued, and I want to ensure your voice is heard,” Ms Cleeland said.
“This survey will allow me to gather your feedback on government support and your experience on the job so that I can advocate for the improvements needed to support your vital work.
“I want to thank all our CFA volunteers for their time and honest responses.”
The survey can be found at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6HMZBK6
▲ BULLDOGS GRAND FINAL GLORY: The Bonnie Doon seniors thumped Devinish by 107 points in Benalla on Sunday.
survey to give local CFA volunteers in the North
Royal Commission report a sobering response to suicide crisis
INDEPENDENT Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines says the final report of the Royal Commission into veteran and defence suicide is a watershed moment for Australia, and an opportunity to prioritise the health and wellbeing of veterans and serving defence personnel.
The Royal Commission handed down 122 recommendations, the culmination of three years and 5,800 heartbreaking submissions that examined the crisis rates of suicide among serv-
ing ADF members and veterans.
“This report is incredibly significant for our veterans’ community,”
Dr Haines said.
“It is clear that governments need to do more to make the health and wellbeing of our defence personnel an active and long-term priority, not just during their service, but also when they transition to civilian life and beyond.
“Whenever I speak with veterans and defence personnel and their loved ones across Indi, they tell me about their challenge in accessing
timely and coordinated supports when they need it, despite the best endeavours of local services.”
“My office hears from veterans whose services have been cut off because of delays within the Department of Veteran’s Affairs.
“This simply isn’t good enough.
“The final report makes clear that these delays are a form of secondary trauma for veterans.”
The Royal Commission noted previous inquiries and reviews have provided 750 recommendations in the past, that have resulted
Italian feast enjoyed at Magnolia
By LYNN ELDER
THE recent sellout guest chef night at Mansfield’s Magnolia was the perfect opportunity to wine and dine while enjoying authentic southern Italian cuisine.
Bringing a little bit of Italy to town was Melbourne’s Tony De Pasquale who owes his expertise in the kitchen to being taught by his Italian mother Catena as a young boy of 10.
The dinner was a set menu of five courses all lovingly prepared and cooked by Tony with assistance from family members and friends on site.
It was an evening that included not only good food and wine but music and plenty of fun interactions.
in some improvement but not the level of reform needed to effect significant change.
The federal government will review the recommendations and provide a formal response.
“Defence personnel make unparalleled sacrifice in serving our country and unfortunately that commitment has not been reciprocated with sufficient support during and after service.”
“As an Independent Member of Parliament representing veterans right across north-east Victoria, I
will be pushing the Government to make significant and lasting changes. “Veterans should not have to wait any longer, and I call on the Government to respond to the Final Report as soon as possible.
“This week I spoke with JulieAnn Finney, whose dogged advocacy after the suicide of her son David was the catalyst for this Royal Commission.
“Her heart breaks every day at the loss of her son and so do thousands of others.”
FINE DINING: Caroline Bett with her father Stuart Bett at the Italian night at the Magnolia.
INTRO: Mansfield’s Murray Wallace played MC on the night and introduced the guest chef and friend Tony De Pasquale.
WINE & SONG: Winemaker Ros Ritchie provided matching wines to compliment the southern Italian cuisine at the Magnolia event.
FUN NIGHT: Getting into the mood with “Dats Amore” Alison O’Keefe with her mother Lyn.
FULL HOUSE: The Italian night was a sellout event last month with many locals attending.
YES CHEF: Tony De Pasquale plating up with assistance from his son-in-law Paul Skafte. PHOTOS: Lynn Elder
ACROSS
1 What describes a compound of elements of different kinds (6)
8 Which small hourglass runs for about three minutes (8)
9 What are families of lions known as (6)
10 Name a very large herbivorous mammal (8)
11 Who was a renowned US film actor, born in England, Dame Elizabeth ... (6)
12 Which term describes a set of three (4)
13 To bring together, is to do what (5)
16 What are prescribed quantities of medicine (5)
19 Who was made a lifetime President of Yugoslavia, Marshal ... (4)
21 When one confuses, one does what (6)
22 What is refinement also known as (8)
23 Which early steam locomotive was built by the Stephenson brothers (6)
24 Name a renowned Apache chief (8)
25 To be of little breadth or width, is to be what (6)
DOWN
2 Where were earlier miscreant sailors hanged (7)
Letters
3 What are puzzling questions (7)
4 Name an area very deficient in water (6)
5 Name a periodic payment (7)
6 What are antelopes also known as (7)
7 What are caves, or caverns (7)
13 Name another term for hay fever (7)
14 Which branch of mathematics uses letters and other symbols (7)
E-QUATIONS
15 When one stretches, one does what (7)
17 Who holds a commission in the armed services (7)
18 Which Spanish painter was known as “the Greek” (2,5)
20 Who, in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, was the King of the Fairies (6)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
EMERITUS
(a) A young animal or plant in its earliest stages of development
(b) A master of ceremonies
(c) A title given to a retired professor
2 FELICITOUS
(a) Excitable (b) Happy (c) Feminine
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: Dried grass fodder (3) Examples (7) Gift baskets (7) Member of Homo sapiens (5) Muggy (5)
No fear: game as ... Kelly (3) Past tense: have (3) Produce (5) Waste time (5) Wine: sec (3)
REGULAR EVENTS:
CWA Monthly meetings: 3rd Sunday afternoon, 2pm each month.
CWA Craft Days: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays 10am, and 2nd Wednesdays 6pm, each month.
CWA Op shop open: most days from 10am.
Family History Group at Mansfield Library. 3pm every 4th Thursday of the month.
High Country Poets meet at the Mansfield Library on the 3rd Friday of the month at 1:30 pm. Members of the public all welcome to come and listen / or share their poetic ramblings.
Justice of the Peace Services – Every Thursday, Mansfield Police Station. 10am to 1pm for witnessing and signing of documents.
Lima South Old Time Dance: At Lima South Hall the second Sunday of each month between 1pm and 5pm. Entry $10. Music provided by The Ramblers. Please bring a plate of afternoon tea to share. All welcome. Contact: 0425868277.
Mansfield Croquet Club – Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9am till 12 noon, Lord‘s Reserve, Cnr Victoria and Apollo Streets. Playing equipment available, $2 per session.
Mansfield Farmers’ Markets - fourth Saturday of the month (February to December), 8.30am to 1pm at the median strip between the Post Office and the Delatite Hotel.
Monday Mingle – Every Monday – organised by the Bonnie Doon Community Centre – chat and make new friends – new theme each week. BYO ideas for activities – all ages and abilities
Mansfield support group for carers and people with special needs – morning coffee, third Tuesday of the month, 9.30am at Bob’s Shed, Rosehaven 82A Malcolm St Mansfield. Ph 0409 751 593.
Mansfield Uniting Church - Highett Street Sunday services, 9.30am. All welcome. Ph 0417 103 813
Men‘s Probus meetings are held every 2nd Wednesday for monthly meetings, and then activities/outings are held on the last Wednesday of each month – or as organised.
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.
CALENDAR
SEPTEMBER 23: Rural Australians for Refugees Mansfield Inc. Annual General Meeting at 6pm. Uniting Church Hall. Guest speaker: Lida Hazara ‘Education for Women and Girls in Afghanistan’. Refreshments provided. mansfieldrar@ gmail.com
SEPTEMBER 23: NDIS Roundtable, 12pm to 2pm at the Delatite Hotel. Open forum with local NDIS coordinators, light lunch provided. Contact Colleen Reynolds on 0409 751 593 or email snmansfield2010@ gmail.com.
SEPTEMBER 24: Mansfield District Business Association (MDBA) will hold their Annual General Meeting at 5:30 pm at the Delatite Hotel Mansfield. Please book at: https://www.trybooking.com/CVKDS
SEPTEMBER 27: Art auction fundraiser for the Cancer Council at The Coffee Merchant, 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Tickets available online at tinyurl.com/8mzy9dds.
$50 includes welcome drink and canapés.
OCTOBER 2: Friends of the Mansfield Library are hosting a visit by the Flying Bookworm Theatre Company at the Mansfield Library with two free sessions. Session one is 11am to 12pm for children aged five to eight and session two is 1:30pm to 2:00pm for children aged eight to twelve. Call the Mansfield Library to book on 5775 8621.
OCTOBER 15: Mansfield Support Group for Carers and People with Special Needs, Bob’s Shed at Rosehaven, 9.30am. Guest speaker from Carer Gateway and an Introduction to Chair Yoga. Contact Colleen Reynolds on 0409 751 593 or email snmansfield2010@gmail.com.
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 and 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 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.
Carer support group day out
MANFIELD Support Group for Carers and People with Special Needs recently spent a pleasant day away from caring responsibilities by car-pooling to Dindi Naturals at Yarck. The group had some much needed time-out over morning tea and lunch, while perusing the ethically produced natural body products available at the venue, coming away with a bag of goodies.
The outing was supported by Carer Support Funding and co-ordinated by group members and through Bonnie Clark from MACE.
The support group has regular morning coffee get togethers on the third Tuesday of the month at Bob’s Shed at Rosehaven at 9.30am.
During Carer’s Week (9 to 17 October) the Tuesday meeting will feature a speaker from
Carer Gateway and an Introduction to Chair Yoga. NDIS Round-tables are also available for any NDIS participant or their representative to attend to share and raise issues in a casual and comfortable forum.
The next round-table is on Monday 23 September from 12 to 2pm at the Delatite Hotel over a light lunch. Guests on the day will be
representatives from our local NDIS area coordinators from La Trobe Community Health, who will help shine a light on recent and forthcoming changes to the NDIS.
Any carers and/or people with special needs are welcome to attend these meetings.
Please contact Colleen Reynolds for more information on 0409 751 593 or email snmansfield2010@gmail.com
TAKING TIME OUT: Mansfield Support Group for Carers and People with Special Needs spent a morning at Dindi Naturals in Yarck recently.
property of the week
COUNTRY LIVING DREAM ON THE TOWN’S EDGE
One of Mansfield’s standout homes offers a dream of country living on the town’s fringe. A beautiful tree-lined driveway sets the tone as you approach this grand residence, complete with wrap-around verandahs. The main front entry opens to Redgum flooring, leading down a hallway to a games room with an open fireplace. The main living area boasts soaring 12-foot ceilings, a fireplace, and French doors that open to a deck with views of the surrounding countryside. The spacious kitchen features two large islands, perfect for entertaining and cooking adventures.
The outdoor area is perfect for family entertainment, featuring a spacious undercover section that overlooks the pool
and offers stunning views of Mt Buller.
The house yard includes well-maintained gardens, a vegetable patch, and a brick fire pit. The home’s placement on the property is thoughtfully designed, providing a convenient turn circle and easy access to a large shed, which can accommodate big caravans or farm equipment. Additionally, there’s a well-appointed man cave for extra leisure or workspace.
Additional features;
‐Built in 2000
‐Plenty of water 2 x 40,000L tanks + 2 smaller tanks
‐2 x Dams, the largest has power and large pump for garden irrigation and livestock troughs
‐5 fenced paddocks + a small paddock fenced around the main dam including electric fencing
‐A livestock-handing paddock with sheep holding/working yards
‐2 year old solar HWS and 5k of house solar
‐Double carport with remote door
‐4 bay shed/workshop with office/guest accommodation at the west end (lined and insulated) including bathroom with HWS
‐Fibre glass salt-chlorinated pool with glass pool fences
‐Bedrooms have 10-foot ceilings and the main living rooms are 12 foot
‐Study off master with rural outlook
‐Extensive garden improvements
Agent Ray White Mansfield
Phone 5775 2792
Location 69 Howes Creek Rd, Mansfield
Price $1,850,000 $1,995,000
3 3 2
“The
best
set of bulls I’ve put up”
– Riddellvue Angus happy are with spring sale results
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
RIDDELLVUE Angus presented their best line-up of bulls yet at their annual spring bull and female sale last Thursday, with a total of 54 18-month-olds going under the hammer.
The stud held their fourth annual on-farm sale at their Markwood site, attracting increased interest from local buyers with 35 bulls and 19 females on offer.
Interfaced with Auctions Plus, top priced bulls hit highs of $9500, with Geoff Kyval in Whanregarwen and Campbell Smedley in Taggerty both securing soughtafter sires.
While prices were down on the sale this time last year, Riddellvue Angus principal Ian Bates said he was happy with the results.
“The bulls were probably the best set of bulls I’ve put up,” he said.
“It was great to see a lot of new people looking and then buying, which was good for us being in a new area.
“They’ve normally been a bit shy to turn up, so it was great to welcome them onfarm, to have a look and end up securing some bulls.
“We had good client representation from past clients down Alexandra-way and some new clients close to our new location in the King and Ovens Valley.”
Challenging winter conditions have required considerable fodder purchases to see producers through to spring, with the dry spell and oversupply in the cattle market reflected in prices throughout the colder months.
Mr Bates said many locals had experienced their toughest season in memory.
“I’m a realist when it comes to the industry,” he said.
“I understand where beef is at the moment and though it has improved a little bit, things are still fairly tight.
“You’ve got to put blinkers on and not look at the big stud farms who have got this crazy money going on in the
General Rural & Domestic Maintenance
Mansfield Area
•Carpentry ServicesRepairs & Construction
•Fencing Contractor - Rural, Post & Rail, Colorbond
•Pasture Slashing
•Weed Spraying
bull sales and be realistic.
“We are a small stud and I feel we’re doing a damn good job at what we’re doing.”
Mr Bates said the 38 Special and Reiland Ricochet
bloodlines continued to sell well, with bulls in the latter selling for around $8000 per head.
“The Ricochet sons were the first sons sold and to me
they are the true bulls we should be looking at in the industry,” he said.
The females reached highs of $4000 and attracted strong competi-
tion between buyers.
Mr Bates said the 19 cows were well sought-after and would be heading to Queensland, Tocumwal, Ballarat and Sale.
“There’s a bit of a mix where they’re all heading which is a good sign; people like the genetics and it’s a cheap way for them to get set up,” he said.
Mr Bates said a handful of unsold bulls would go on to the private sale list.
“You get quite a few people wanting bulls between now and joining around November to December,” he said.
“There’s a lot of time between then and now for people to realise they’ve got a bull that’s broken down and they need another one.
“It’s handy to have a few in the paddock so you can help them out later on,” Bates said
For the latest news and sale updates from the angus stud, visit www.riddellvue. com.au or Riddellvue Angus Facebook and Instagram Page.
More endangered species found at Meadow Creek
By STEVE KELLY
A COMMUNITY group against the proposed 330MW Meadow Creek Solar Farm will object to the facility under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
Following a trip to Canberra on Thursday, members of the Meadow Creek Agricultural and Action Group (MCAAG) have been given some hope in trying to stop the facility being approved following the State Government’s fast-tracking of renewable energy facilities in Victoria.
The group’s ace card are endangered species known to habitate the area, with the Ganggang Cockatoo and the Eastern Bandy-bandy snake joining the Sloane’s froglet on the list.
Other vulnerable species of bird are also known to the area, including the brown treecreeper, and diamond firetail, and there is also the grey-headed flying fox.
MCAAG representatives met with government departments about the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
Indi MP Helen Haines organised the meeting so the representatives could access the Act and be given information about how to make a submission to it.
It is the only way the concerned residents can appeal the Meadow Creek solar facility application as the State Government has removed the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal process in relation to
renewable energy facilities applications.
Meadow Creek Group member David Minifie joined four other leading MCAAG members and he said the Gang-gang cockatoo passes through his property regularly.
“Five of us travelled to Canberra and we listened to the people at Bridget McKenzie’s office, Indi MP Helen Haines coordinated a meeting with the EPBC team, and a staff member of Tania Plibesek attended,” he said.
“The group and other concerned members of the public can make a submission to the EPBC until September 25 and the
department will assess whether the application requires elevation to controlled action.
“This could include an environmental effects statement or environmental impact statement of the proposed facility on the endangered species.”
Mr Minifie said the Sloane’s froglet for instance likes to disperse in wet conditions that we’ve had where they can cross fertilise.
He said when a dry period arrives, they restrict back to slightly damper areas and for the population to maintain diversity they like to get out and jump around in the shallow water across the landscape.
“There is concern whether the frog will be able to handle the construction of the solar facility with all the mud and disturbance which would affect the water quality that the frogs usually thrive in,” he said.
“We think the Gang-gang cockatoo mainly nests in the higher country but with some of the fires that have gone through the great divide in recent years, they may have had an effect on the hollow trees.
“Maybe they’ll have to come down to low elevation to breed.”
Mr Minifie said other vulnerable species of birds such as the brown tree creeper and diamond fire tail, and the greyheaded flying fox transverse huge areas looking for nectar and fruit trees.
It is unknown by objectors how many trees are marked for removal as the map does not specify how many trees there are in a cluster.
The group was handed the EPBC on Thursday and there are hundreds of pages to read through.
“Once we get the notice through the state planning system, there should be a statement in there regarding the number of trees to be removed,” he said.
“We’re going to start reviewing the documents on the EPBC portal and have our say on how we think the species will be impacted.”
COCKIE CONCERN: The Gang-gang cockatoo is another endangered species known to find habitat in the area where the Meadow Creek Solar Farm is proposed. PHOTO: The Australian Museum
TOP LOT: Geoff Kyval and Campbell Smedley (second and third from left) were the top buyers at Riddelvue Angus Stud’s spring bull and female sale on Thursday in Markwood, forking out $9500 for their bulls. Also pictured is Ian Bates (Riddelvue) Peter Godbolt (Nutrien) and Michael Glasser (Elders).
Optimism remains in survival of Billson’s
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
THE fate of Billson’s Beverages may be decided in the next month as administrators remain optimistic of its sale and recapitalisation prospects.
Indicative offers for the Beechworth-based business close on Friday, September 13, around five weeks after entering the sale process.
McGrath Nicol administrator Rob Smith said offers were progressing well and as planned, with more than 40 Australian and overseas companies showing interest for the business.
“It gives us continued optimism about a successful outcome of the sale and recapitalisation process,” he said.
“It’s a positive number and it goes to Billson’s being a really successful brand of business in the past and continuing to be so.
“It’s garnered a wide variety of interest which is encouraging.”
Following the closure of indicative offers, Mr Smith said the group would be asking preferred bidders to move into detailed due diligence and expecting final offers to be made by mid-October.
“We’re looking to enter a final sale agreement by the end of October,” he said.
The popular Beechworth brewery entered voluntary administration on July 31, citing a rapid downturn in consumer spending, and punishing government excise duties as contributing factors.
Supreme Court of Victoria documents submitted on September 5 show at the time the administrators were appointed, the company owed at least $22 million in debts and liabilities to creditors.
Of that amount, more than
INDICATIVE OFFERS FOR THE SALE AND RECAPITALISATION OF THE BEECHWORTH BUSINESS CLOSE TODAY
$12.2 million was owed to the NAB with $1.8 million in tax, $1.1 million in employee entitlements and $3.3 million to other creditors.
Following the administrators’ July 31 appointment, 53 employees were laid off with 49 workers remaining.
The company had previously slashed jobs in February amid cost pressures.
Associate Justice Simon Gardiner said should a sale not be achievable, it was likely the administrators would have to cease operations and wind down the business to realise any remaining assets.
“The administrators contend however, the sale is ultimately structured to maximise the sale proceeds and provide the best opportunity for the secured creditors
to be paid out, with any surplus funds to be made available to unsecured creditors,” he said.
“They consider that maintaining business operations is important while a sale remains a reasonable possibility, as it ensures that a going concern sale is feasible.”
Mr Smith said the business has remained open and trading and will continue to be open throughout the sale process.
“The business is trading well and we’re preparing for a really big spring and summer,” he said.
“The business is making preparations for a big September school holidays in Beechworth and we’re expecting a busy few weeks and we’re launching new products.
“We understand and know the business is a significant part of
the Beechworth and North East community and a key tourist attraction for the area.
“It bodes well for a successful outcome for the business, the community and the North East region.”
In an update posted to Facebook last week, previous Billson’s owners Nathan and Felicity Cowan thanked the local and wider community for their support following their voluntary administration announcement.
“Whilst the last five weeks have been difficult and disruptive, we want to thank all of our wonderful customers, retail partners and suppliers for sticking by us,” they said.
“We’re feeling very optimistic and hope to have some exciting news to share with you in the not too distant future.”
Be careful with bright coloured dye, says EPA
A SERIES of incidents that turned creeks and stormwater drains bright blue, green or orange has prompted a call to plumbers and other tradies across the shire to be extra careful with the coloured marker dye they use in their work.
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria says the dye, called fluorescein, is non-toxic but very concentrated, so even where it doesn’t affect the environment it can still cause problems by diverting EPA investigators from more serious pollution.
EPA Northeast Regional Manager Renee Palmer says it can also be distressing for communities and Traditional Owners to see natural waterways stained an unnatural colour.
“Fluorescein is most often used by plumbers to check pipe connections or spot leaks.
“It is useful and non-toxic, but it is also highly concentrated, so it’s easy to overdo it,” Ms Palmer said.
“EPA will investigate any contaminant in a waterway in case it’s a hazardous chemical, but this year we’ve responded to numerous incidents involving fluorescein that took up investigators’ time and could easily have been prevented,” she said.
“That means tradies being extra careful when using fluorescein.
“If you accidently use too much or notice it entering the stormwater system, report it to EPA.”
The recent incidents involving fluorescein have provided a visual demonstration of how the community’s streets, gutters and drains are pathways to our waterways.
“Anything you wash into a stormwater drain will end up in our creeks, rivers and oceans.
“EPA will investigate and can issue fines, but prevention is always a better protection for the environment,” Ms Palmer said.
“A little fluorescein goes a long way, so we are calling on plumbers and anyone else working with dye to make sure they follow the manufacturer’s instructions.”
If you see bright coloured dye or other contaminants entering a stormwater drain or waterway, take a photo and call EPA’s 24-hour hotline on 1300 372 842 or provide details online at epa.vic.gov.au/reportpollution/reporting-pollution
PROGRESSING WELL: Administrators say the community can remain optimistic of the sale prospects of Billson’s as more than 40 indicative offers have been made for the business.
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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: HEATHER CLAPTON
To enter call Radio Mansfield on 5775 2333
TOLMIE MECHANICS
INSTITUTE AND RECREATION RESERVE
COMMITTEE OF MANANAGEMENT
Notice is given of a public meeting to elect persons to the Committee of Management for the Tolmie Mechanics Institute and Recreation Reserve for the 3-year term expiring on 31/10/2027. Nominations need to be submitted two weeks in advance of the meeting and are available from the TMIRRC Secretary: dltwidle@gmail.com
Meeting to be held at the Tolmie Mechanics Institute Hall October 13th 2024 @ 1.00pm.
AGISTMENT WANTED
Mansfield farmer seeking Agistment for 10-50 quiet cows, depending on acreage. Have 40 years’ experience, fordable yards ect.
Contact Charlie 0415 665 327
FOR TENDER MANSFIELD SHOW BAR
Tenders are invited for the running of the bar at the upcoming on
Any enquires please call or email
Tenders close October 11.
Highest of any tender not necessarily accepted.
EMPLOYMENT
JOBS VACANT
Class 1 Teacher
0.6 - 0.8 FTE Early Childhood Assistant 0.6 -0.8 FTE to apply: mansfieldsteiner.vic.edu.au/ career-opportunities
2014 Jeep Wrangle r Sport Unlimited, convertible hard top, automatic, petrol 3.6 litre, loads o f accessories, such as fog lights, hill descent, etc. goes anywhere, looks awesome in hard to get red, RWC, rego (2AD5JL), $24,999, Mansfield. Ph 0403 359 006.
Trustee Act 1958
SECTION 33 NOTICE
Notice to Claimants
ROBERT HEDLEY CARTER, Late of 16 Mayfair Grove, Mansfield, deceased.
Creditors, next-of-kin and others having claims in respect of the estate of the deceased, who died on 22 April 2024, are required by Corrina May Edith Torrington and Felicity Anne Elsie Wilkinson, care of Foster Legal Lawyers, PO Box 160, Mansfield, Victoria, 3724, the administrators of the estate of the deceased, to send particulars of their claims by 18 November 2024, after which date the administrators may convey or distribute the assets, having regard only to the claims of which they then have notice.
2022 GLX Prado, local car, full warranty, as new, 59,000kms, reg (1WQ9ZO), bull bar, driving lights, roof racks, Anderson, Redarc, electrics, $67,000 ono. Ph 0415 665 327.
2016 VW Golf comfortline, 167,000km, rego till May 2025 (1FC8WG), great car, always serviced, $13,750. Ph 0407 829 464.
2015 HINO
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 FIREWOOD
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COUNTRY FOLK CRAFT SHOP 21 HIGH STREET MANSFIELD CLEARING SALE SAT 21 SEPTEMBER FROM 10AM REAR 21 HIGH STREET FIXTURES AND FITTINGS, SHELVING, BOOK CASES, CLOTHING STANDS PLASTIC BINS AND TRAYS, BAR FRIDGE, SIDE TABLES, CASH REGISTER - SAM4S BASKETS, KITCHEN TABLE, OIL HEATER, ELECTRIC HEATER, TABLE AND 3 CHAIRS ALL STOCK MUST GO!
ARBUTHNOT, David John. 9/11/1951 - 10/9/2024
Passed away peacefully at Buckland House, Mansfield. Loved son of Patricia (dec) and Stephen (dec). Loved brother of Stephen and sister Anne. Uncle to Nerida and Jordan, and Great-Uncle to Hudson and Lottie. Good friend to Dutchie. Rest in peace.
MUNRO, Stuart “Stuie”. 4/10/1961 - 15/9/2024
Passed away peacefully at Mansfield District Hospital Palliative Care.
Loved and loving husband of Louise (Lou).
Loved and cherished Dad of Casey (dec), Ryan, Brant and Sophie. A devoted father-in-law to Sarah and Cam.
A fun loving Pa to Jayden and Kylah. Words cannot express how sad we all are, you fought to the bitter end. Stuie, you were a special man who touched so many lives.
A special mention to Dr Arun Azad, Iris, Maritza and Claire (Oncology team of Peter Mac).
A huge thank you to Mansfield Hospital Palliative Care Team, especially Cass Fraser and Dr Ben Nally. Forever in our hearts.
MUNRO, Stuart.
The Merton Cricket Club is saddened to hear of Stuart’s passing. Stuart was a great team-mate, Premiership Captain and fierce competitor in the game he loved. Condolences from the cricket community to Stuart’s loving family.
SEEBER, Phillip Lindsay. 26/1/1939 - 14/9/2024
Passed away peacefully at home in Maindample.
Loved husband and soulmate of Margaret. Loving father of Lenard, Kerryn and Aaron and father-in-law of Mandy, Col and Samantha.
Proud and loving Pa to James, Nathan, Kate, Caitlin and Abby and Great-Grandfather "Park" of Riley. Rest in Peace. Until we meet again.
FUNERALS
ARBUTHNOT
A funeral mass for David Arbuthnot will be held at St Francis Xavier Church, Hunter Street in Mansfield on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 commencing at 11am. Following the service the funeral cortege will proceed to the Mansfield Cemetery.
MUNRO
The funeral service to celebrate the life of Stuart “Stuie” Munro will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2024 commencing at 1pm at the Mansfield Golf Club, 24 Kidston Parade, Mansfield. Private cremation.
SEEBER
The funeral service to celebrate the life of Phillip Seeber will be held on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 commencing at 1pm at McCormack Chapel 11 Highett Street, Mansfield. Following the service the cortege will proceed to the Mansfield Cemetery.
Personal Notices Guidelines
• 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
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FOURTEEN students from Mansfield/Mt Buller Primary School travelled to Perisher, New South Wales over September 3 to 8, to compete on the national stage at the Subaru Australian Interschools Snowsport Championships.
Traditionally held in the first or second week of September, the event alternates between Mt Buller and Perisher.
FINALS
MPS achieves great results at national snowsport interschools GRAND FINAL REVIEWS
In an impressive podium finish, MPS student Miles Dowd came third in Alpine Giant Slalom in Division Six A Male.
Miles and Sienna Vivash both competed in the division five snowboarding events of Giant Slalom (GS) and Snowboard Cross (SBX).
Sienna placed second in GS and sixth place in SBX.
Whilst Miles placed fifth
in GS and tenth in his SBXboth great results considering he still has another two years at this level in division five.
Mansfield/Mt Buller Primary school came fifth overall in both division five boys events thanks to the combined efforts of Miles Vivash and Harrison Harcus.
Also securing a top ten finish was Annabelle Lyons in the
Division Six A Female moguls. All in all, it was a fantastic way to end the 2024 snow season.
PODIUM FINISH: Snowboarder, Sienna Vivash (left) placed second in the Giant Slalom at the Australian Interschool Snowsport Championships at Perisher in the first week of September.
Greta breaks 25-year-long flag drought
By NATHAN DE VRIES
AFTER a quarter of a century, Greta are senior football premiers once again.
The Blues ran out onto the pristine deck at WJ Findlay Oval on Saturday eager to break the drought which had plagued them for so long, and after one quarter of footy against the fearsome Bright Mountain Men, spectators could tell something special was brewing.
Greta kicked seven goals to one in the opening stanza on their way to a 68-point triumph, finishing 16.12 (108) to Bright’s 6.4 (40).
Kicking with a healthy breeze blowing to the netball court end of the ground, the Blues made their presence known with the first two goals of the match.
The physicality of the match was on full display early.
Tyler Arrowsmith produced an early contender for goal of the day late in the first quarter, slotting it from almost 50 metres out on the boundary, allowing the breeze to bend it back through the big sticks.
Bright fought back into the contest in the second quarter, bringing the pressure which impacted how well the Blues moved the ball.
Despite conditions favouring their adversary, the Blues still managed to score kicking into the wind, taking a 27-point lead into the major break.
Bright only managed 1.2 in the second half, as Greta booted goal after goal to secure the flag.
Greta’s backline was
NORTH East Bushrangers Basketball (NEBB) is a collaboration between local North East basketball associations with the commitment of “CreatingRealistic Pathways for all North East Athletes”
Ten NEBB junior teams compete in the Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) - the highest level junior competition in Victoria.
Our Club offers specialist Basketball Clinics, as well as pathways through Senior Big V Competitions.
One NEBB Youth League Men’s (YLM) team competes in the semi-professional Big V competition.
Big V & VJBL consist of teams from both metropolitan and regional Victoria.
dominant in the third, only leaking a minor score, while Frazer Judd (five goals) and James McClounan (four) piled on the pain at the other end.
Speaking after the match, Greta coach Chris Dube said it was an incredible feeling to bring the cup back after 25 years.
ROUND RESULTS:
“It’s just an incredible thing, you’ve only got to look around to see how much it means to so many after 25 years,” he said.
“It’s one of those games where we have to do the basics well, but what we’ve done as basics this year is just go, go play footy.
“It does help when you
U14 Girls 1 33defKorumburra 127
(Top Scorers: E. O’Neill 9, M. Hanley 8, A. Gray 6)
U16 Girls 1 38def byCamberwell 239
(Top Scorers: E. Napier 11, E. Mercieca 8, L. Wright 6)
U16 Boys 1 38def byDandenong 349
(Top Scorers: S. Kain 21, A. Hamill 5, S. Wright 4)
have the breeze and you put something on early, but I felt like we just went and hunted the ball early.
“We said to ourselves in the second quarter against the wind, if we could kick two and they kicked four, which is what happened, we’d take that every day of the week.
“We came out in the third with the wind and we put our foot down, but defensively it’s one of the better performances we’ve played this year.”
McClounan was named best on ground in the grand final, his four goals from the midfield and constant hunger for the footy helping lead the Blues to glory.
“He’s just so competitive, he’s got this ability to make other people better because he shows them what needs to be done,” Dube said.
“He’s the first to training and the last to leave, I’m sending him crazy with calls and text messages during the week with what we’re going to do to win, but he’s just class.
“The fact that he’s a bit angry and snarly adds to it because you’re generally skilful or you’re hard at it –he’s both, he’s the complete player.
“We just had a lot of good contributors, and I’m not surprised to see James get the award, but I reckon he’d be the first to say there would be four or five others who could’ve got it.”
Bright ruck Joe Gray performed well for the Mountain Men, alongside Patrick Bren, Alexander Dalbosco, and Riley Bacon (two goals).
PURSUED: Tyler Arrowsmith hunts the footy while Michael Elliott gives chase.
GROUND BALL: Declan Bren fires off a handball under pressure at ground level.
CONTESTED: Greta’s Dale Walker soars for the mark.
POWERHOUSE: Midfielder James McClounan kicked four goals in a best on ground performance.
PHOTOS: Marc Bongers
RAISE THE CUP: Greta captain Josh Bell and coach Chris Dube hoist the senior premiership cup after Greta’s 68-point win over Bright.
Benalla Bobcats celebrate win over Barkley Street Vets
Section one played on September 4.
Caslek Computers and Cabling lost to Dr Stuart Jones Dentist seven games to eight, while Benalla Bobcats defeated Barkly Street Vets seven games to six.
Dr Stuart Jones Dentist versed Caslek Computing & Cabling:
Barry Edgley (f/i) defeated 3-0 Rod Firmer
Adam Saddler lost to 0-3
Barry Edgley
Les Firmer defeated 3-1
Paul O’Brien
Angus Woodward lost to 2-3 Lucas Ham
Barkly Street Vets versed Benalla Bobcat
Greg Murphy defeated 3-1
Wally Pastuszka
Colin Hanna lost to 0-3
Ross Marchant
Andrew Ham defeated 3-0
Lance Carroll
Brian Lyons lost to 0-3 Jacob Fleming
Section two played on September 2:
The bye team in Section two was H.P. Excavations, with Currie Electrical losing to Smith and Dosser Accountants, six games to seven, and on the other court
Hollywood Pizza lost to Custom Squash three rubbers to one.
Hollywoods Pizza
versed Custom Squash.
Jake Duffy defeated 3-0
Tiffany Levesque
Kyle Margat lost to 2-3 Angus McCarthy
Mitchell Wiles lost to 0-3
Graeme Williams
Kirra Turley lost to 0-3 Stephen Lane
Currie Electrical versed Smith and Dosser Accountants
MANSFIELD’S own Elise Empey has continued to impress on the international mountain biking scene, with a series of stellar performances that have earned her widespread support and admiration from the local community.
The young rider and 2022 Rotary/Courier sportsperson of the year has been turning heads with her recent results, showcasing her growing skill and determination in the sport.
In the latest event on September 8, Empey secured an incredible seventh place finish in the 2024 Whoop UCI World Cup at Loudenvielle, France.
Racing for Synergy 37, she powered through challenging conditions to clock a time of 4:15.14.
Her top-10 finish in such a competitive field marked another
significant milestone in her career, reflecting her relentless training and competitive spirit.
Just days before that, on August 31, Empey was again in fast form at the UCI - DHI World Championships in Pal Arinsal, Andorra. She delivered a personal best performance, finishing ninth in the elite women’s downhill finals with a time of 3:04.22.
Cutting precious seconds off her qualifying time, Empey demonstrated her exceptional talent and composure on the world stage.
These accomplishments have not gone unnoticed in her hometown.
The Mansfield community has been rallying behind the superstar young rider, flooding social media with messages of support.
SPRING TIME: Brown and rainbow trout have been active, particularly during early morning and late afternoon.
on September 11:
Caslek Computers and Cabling lost to the Benalla Bobcats eight games to 10, while Barkly Street Vets defeated Dr Stuart Jones Dentist four rubbers to nil.
In detail;
Dr Stuart Jones Dentist v Barkly Street Vets
Barry Edgley (f/i) lost to 1-3 Greg Murphy
Les Firmer (f/i) lost to 1-3
Colin Hanna
Les Firmer lost to 1-3 Andrew Ham
Angus Woodward lost to 2-3 Lucas Ham (f/i)
Benalla Bobcat versed Caslek Computing and Cabling
Dylan Pastuszka (f/i)
lost to 2-3 Rod Firmer
Ross Marchant defeated 3-2 Barry Edgley
Lance Carroll lost to 2-3
Paul O’Brien
Jacob Fleming defeated 3-0 Lucas Ham
Section two played on the 9th September:
The bye team in Section two was Currie Electrical, with H.P. Excavations losing to Hollywood Pizza, three rubbers to one, and on the other court lost to Custom Squash defeated
Smith and Dosser Accountants four rubbers to nil. In detail; Custom Squash v Smith
& Dosser Accountants
Tiffany Levesque defeated 3-1 Damien Gilbert
Angus McCarthy defeated 3-1 Jo Henderson
Graeme Williams defeated 3-2 Jacinta Woodward
Stephen Lane defeated 3-1
Andrew Ross-Costello
Hollywoods Pizza versed H.P. Excavations
Jake Duffy lost to 2-3 Steph Brophy
Kyle Margat defeated 3-2
Ray Moulday
Mitchell Wiles defeated 3-0 Henry Pastuszka
Kirra Turley defeated 3-1
Racheal De Summa
Until next week, Hand Out.
SPRING FISHING HEATS UP AT LAKE EILDON
AS WE transition into spring, Lake Eildon’s water levels are rising thanks to recent rainfall.
The lake’s vast expanse is being replenished, enhancing fishing conditions.
The current water level sits around 89 per cent, which is a slight increase from the previous weeks.
Water clarity has improved in most areas, particularly near the dam wall and Fraser National Park.
Runoff has started to settle, creating ideal conditions for those targeting freshwater species.
Weather:
This week has seen a mix of mild, sunny days with occasional bouts of rain and overcast conditions.
Daytime temperatures are averaging between 12-18°C. Night-time lows are dipping to around 5°C.
Winds have been moderate, ranging from 10-15 km/h, making for comfortable fishing conditions.
Mornings have brought a bit of chill.
Water Conditions:
The water temperature is currently around 13-15°C.
This is slightly cooler for this
time of year but typical for the early spring season.
Warmer water near the surface is encouraging activity, particularly in shallower bays.
Areas around Jerusalem Creek and Taylor Bay are reporting the best results, especially for anglers seeking trout and redfin.
Fishing Summary:
Yellow Belly are starting to stir as water temperatures gradually rise.
Reports indicate good catches near submerged timber and rocky outcrops around Big River Arm.
Casting spinnerbaits and soft plastics has yielded success for many.
Murray cod, still in their
closed season, must be carefully released if caught.
Brown and rainbow trout have been active, particularly during early morning and late afternoon.
Flatlining with Tassie Devils and small diving hardbodies has proven effective.
Anglers trolling in deeper waters are finding success using downriggers with lures running at 6-10 metres.
Overall, Lake Eildon is offering solid fishing conditions as the weather warms.
Prospects are expected to improve further in the coming weeks.
With the current mix of cool mornings and pleasant afternoons, it’s a prime time to be on the water.
Semifinals at Mansfield down to the wire
By RHONDA CARPENTER
UNDER cloudy skies, Mansfield faced top side Terip in their semifinal clash.
Benalla met Euroa alongside them in Mansfield last Monday.
Many enjoyed watching the spectacle of the highquality matches.
Terip’s Cindy Hayes, Rebecca Lyttle, Frances Lawrence, and Phoebe Macdermid began with a burst.
They won one opener 8-2, but Mansfield’s Peta Kelly, Michelle Pigdon, Keira McDonagh, and Clare Beecham took the other 8-4.
The next pairs were also split, and only four games separated the teams.
Powerful ball-striking and clever courtcraft were on di splay in entertain-
ingly lengthy rallies.
Terip stamped their authority in the final sets, winning both 8-2 and 8-6.
They booked their spot in the grand final next week by defeating Mansfield 4/42 to 2/30.
Euroa jumped out of the blocks against Benalla in their semifinal, winning both opening sets.
Faye Mollison, Lyndall Bigland, Chris Ellis, and Julie Harrington were keen to make a statement with power hitting and precise placement.
Benalla warmed up, fought back hard, and took two of the next three sets.
Kate Campbell and Maureen Jewell won their set in a tiebreak, while Claire Sharp and Helen Checucti were unlucky to lose theirs in a tiebreak.
The longest match of the day needed a third tiebreak to decide a winner.
Euroa’s Lyndall and Chris won that one.
After an amazing match of inspirational tennis, Euroa booked their spot in the grand final by winning 4/43 to 2/36.
Afterwards, in the packed clubhouse, players and their supporters reflected on their season.
They made plans for the summer competitions and found nourishment.
Since 2016, Terip have won the flag for the past six finals.
After many attempts, Euroa will again challenge Terip’s dominance for the premiership next Monday, the 16th of September.
The grand final match will start at 10.30am in Euroa.
CONCENTRATION: Maureen Jewell preparing for a strong serve. PHOTO: Trinity Knight
BEAUTIFUL SERVE: Peta Kelly displaying smooth skills on the court. PHOTO: Trinity Knight
BOUNCE: Kate Campbell running towards the ball. PHOTO: Trinity Knight
TERIP: Frances Lawrence, Rebecca Lyttle, Cindy Hayes and Phoebe Macdermid. PHOTO: Rhonda Carpenter
BACKHAND: Peta Kelly backhand with Clare Beecham serving behind. PHOTO: Rhonda Carpenter
BENALLA: Kate Campbell, Claire Sharp, Helen Checucti and Maureen Jewell. PHOTO: Rhonda Carpenter
GRAND FINAL REVIEWS
Queens of the castle
■ From front page
“That’s probably the hardest game we’ve played all season, and the girls kept their heads high for the whole game, so I’m very proud,” she said.
“They are a part of history.”
The Bonnie Doon U17s also faced Greta, winning by 14 points with a 58-44 score.
After starting with 12 goals in the first quarter, they never looked back.
Standout players on the court included Best on Court, Stella Brakles, in goal attack, who netted 22 goals, and goal shooter Cobie McCormack.
Coach Mia Tanner was full of praise for her team, including Stella’s standout performance.
“She had a really amazing game and really controlled the goal circle; she absolutely earned it,” she said.
“Tilly Thornton unfortunately hurt herself in the fourth quarter, but she absolutely did amazing all day, had plenty of intercepts, and she played well.
“The 15s and 17s played amazing, the girls went in really confident, but there were definitely a few nerves.
“With all of their hard work this year, they definitely deserved the win and had a really good game.”
Throughout the entire game, it was a closely
NETBALL SCORES
contested battle between the Bonnie Doon B Reserves and the Milawa Demons.
Unfortunately, the Bomberettes fell just short of a win, losing by only three points with a final
A GRADE: Bonnie Doon 60 def Greta 48
B GRADE: Milawa 54 def Bonnie Doon 41
B RESERVE: Milawa 45 def Bonnie Doon 42
C GRADE: Bonnie Doon 58 def Greta 44 15 & UNDER: Bonnie Doon 23 def Greta 13
score of 42-45.
In an explosive first half, the scores were almost level, with both teams displaying excellent defence, possession, and pressure.
In the third quarter, Milawa gained momentum, shooting 14 goals.
In the final quarter, it was a nail-biting finish as Bonnie Doon crawled back up the scoreboard with
SENIORS SCORES
another 14 goals.
However, Milawa punched through another 11, securing the win.
B Reserve Coach Michelle Tanner highlighted some of the best players.
“Charlotte did not stop for the whole game and gave it her all in the last quarter,” Michelle said.
“I think Ash Greaves ran well and was directing the play, and Demi Murray came on and finished off the job and did a really good job.”
After an incredible season, the B Grade Bomberettes were also unfortunately defeated by Milawa, losing by 12 points, 41-54.
From the first quarter, Milawa was the stronger side, shooting 14 goals to Bonnie Doon’s nine.
In the second quarter, the Bomberettes attempted to climb back up the scoreboard with a number of smooth passes and intercepts, bringing the scores close at 23 to Milawa’s 26.
But, in the third, the Demons played with strong defensive pressure, shooting 14 goals and adding another 14 in the final quarter to take home the grand final win.
Hooper
Brenton Newbold
Nicholas Pell
BRIGHT: Riley Bacon 2,
Dalbosco 1, Kieren Jamieson 1, James Love 1, Mikka Paulsen 1. BEST: GRETA: James McClounan, Tyler Arrowsmith, Luke Minogue, Frazer Judd, Jack Baker, Joshua Bell. BRIGHT: Joe Gray, Patrick Bren, Alexander Dalbosco, Riley Bacon, James Love, Samuel Dalbosco.
Jack Bussell
Daniel Larkings
Zachary Wallace 1.
BEST: GRETA: Josh Cleeland, Tom Baker, Ben Hogan, Trent Whitecross, Aaron Cleeland, Brent Nichols. MILAWA: Steven Williamson, Dan Farley, Braydon Jones, Jack Stevenson, Jack Bussell, Nic Bonwick.
STAR PERFORMER: Lara Klingsporn shines in attack and defence, leading the U15s to glory.
IMPRESSIVE PLAY: Keira Thornton shows her skill and determination in the U15s triumph.
GOAL MACHINE: Cobie McCormack racks up goals, playing a key role in the U17s’ win.
BEST ON COURT: Stella Brakels controls the circle, netting 22 goals for the U17s.
COACH’S PRIDE: Mia Tanner leads with skill and strategy, guiding her team to victory.
ON TARGET: Amy Starzer shines in the A Grade win, adding crucial goals to secure the title.
SHARP SHOOTER: Portia Keatch dominates in the circle, driving the Bomberettes to their grand final success.
BEST ON COURT: Annie Byrnes delivers an outstanding performance in the centre, key to the A Grade triumph.
GREAT WIN: U15s premiers after a stellar 23-13 victory over Greta.
PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie
Good fields and great scores for the ladies
By MARION MITCHELL
THE number of ladies playing is steadily increasing now that most are back from their winter travels.
We have also seen some terrific scores posted in the competitions.
On Tuesday, 11 ladies played, which is a good number for this day.
PRELIMINARY
Marg Franke-Williams won on a countback from Sharon Gysberts with 16 points. Sue Parsons came in third, with Margie taking the nearest the pin on the 16th. Wednesday was another competition of 666 Pairs played by 24 ladies.
Shirley Nolan and Gayle Wells combined well with a great 55 points, closely fol-
lowed by Sue Crow and Patsy Smiles with 54.
Sheryl Sargent and Kirsten Scudamore were next on 53, and Susan Kinloch and Marg Franke-Williams on 52.
Nearest the pins were Sam Bailey hitting both the 3rd and 7th greens, Shelly Comerford on the 9th, Gayle Wells on the 12th, and Robyn Baker on the 16th.
There were some great individual scores, with Shirley Nolan on 39, Susan Kinloch on a countback to Sue Crow on 37, and Captain Sheryl Sargent taking the next place from Vice Captain Linda Brook on 36. Saturday’s wintry weather did not deter the ladies, with 15 playing in the Stableford competition.
Susan Kinloch had another good day, winning with 35 points from Shelly Comerford on 34 and Jenny Koraus on a countback with 33.
Line balls went to Lesley Anderson on 33 and Gayle Wells on 32.
Nearest the pins were Gayle Wells on the 3rd, Shelly Comerford on the 7th, and Jenny Koraus on the 16th.
MATCH REVIEWS
SEALED THE DEAL: Sienna Kynnersley scored 25 goals, sealing the win in the last minute with her final goal to close the match 40-37.
GOALS: SHEPPARTON: Trent Herbert 3, Lewis McShane 3, Luke Smith 3, Xavier Stevenson 2, Ned Byrne 1, Connor Fleming 1. ROCHESTER: Mitch Cricelli 2, Bailey Wileman 2, Dylan Gordon 1, Wil Hamilton 1, Dillon Williams 1, Douglas Wren 1. BEST: SHEPPARTON: Ned Byrne, Adam Decicco, Ashley Holland, Jonty Wardle, Trent Herbert. ROCHESTER: Ryan O’Keefe, Mitchell Trewhella, Matt Kellett, Bailey Wileman, Lachlan Watson.
After a rev-up from Leonie (coach), the girls tried their hardest for the last 15 minutes of the final quarter.
GRAND PLAN: Mansfield Eagles U15 netball team clinched a narrow yet thrilling victory against Shepparton on the weekend. They will take on Echuca in the grand final this Sunday. PHOTOS: Robyn Jackman
Next Wednesday is the start of the Premier League, with 36 ladies playing in teams of four. That is a terrific number of our enthusiastic lady golfers. Best of luck to everyone. On Saturday is the Monthly Medal sponsored by Sports First. Good hitting, everyone.
Eagles eye grand final
■ From back page Mansfield held onto a slim one-point lead by the end of the third period, 29-28, thanks to consistent goal-scoring from Sienna Kynnersley and Charlee Bretherton.
“After the third quarter, we were only up by one,” said Smith.
“After a rev-up from Leonie (coach), we knew we had to keep going and try our hardest for the last 15 minutes of the final quarter, knowing we were so close to making a grand final.”
The final period saw Mansfield pull ahead, with Kynnersley sealing the win in the last minute with her final goal to close the match 40-37.
“After a long quarter working as hard as possible, the final siren rang,” said Smith.
“We were all relieved and excited that the game was over with a win of 40-37.
“A fantastic effort from everyone, and bring it on for next week.
“Go Eagles!”
Mansfield Eagles U15s will take on Echuca at Deakin reserve in the grand final at 8.30am this Sunday September 22.
Seniors - 2:40pm Echuca vs Shepparton Reserves - 11:55am Echuca vs Rochester Under 18s - 9:30am Echuca vs Shepp Swans
A Grade - 2:40pm Echuca vs Euroa
B Grade - 1pm Euroa vs Mooroopna
B Reserve - 11:30am Seymour vs Rochester
17&U - 10am Mooroopna vs Shepp Swans 15&U - 8:30am
REV-UP:
Eagles eye grand final
PASSIONATE FANS
BY SHAUN McMAHON
THE Mansfield Eagles U15 netball team clinched a narrow yet thrilling victory against Shepparton on the weekend, finishing 40-37 in a Goulburn Valley League showdown on Sunday.
Played at Deakin Reserve in Shepparton, the match kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
“It was an early start for the girls in Shepparton,” said Wing Defence, Harper Smith.
“We knew going into the game it was going to be tough and rough, but we all worked as hard as we could so we could get into the grand final.”
Mansfield started strong, taking an early lead in the first period with a 12-8 advantage.
“Our defenders Leah, Eva, Harper, and Maddie got up for rebounds and intercepts and fed it down to the attackers, Ellie and Esher, who then passed it along to the shooters Sienna and Charlee, who were nailing every single shot,” Smith recalled.
“By the end of the first quarter, we were up by four.
“We went out strong for the second quarter, ending the quarter with an even score with Bears.”
Shepparton fought back, and the scoreline was locked at 20-all, setting the stage for an intense second half.
■ Continued page 39
THE Bonnie Doon faithful packed the sidelines, roaring with every goal and lifting the Bomberettes through every hard-fought battle, proving once again that the heart of the club beats from its devoted supporters. MORE ON PAGE 38. PHOTO: Trinity Knight
