Made the grade
Year 12 students celebrate their ATAR results, marking the start of new journeys
By LYNN ELDER
THE biggest day on the Victorian Certi cate of Education calendar began last Thursday from 7am with tens of thousands of students receiving their o cial results and Mans eld Secondary College achieving some impressive outcomes.
“We are extremely proud of our students and what they have achieved,” said assistant principal Janessa Burkhardt.
“Once again, our students have achieved excellent results with the Dux of the school, Charles (Charlie) Hall, receiving an ATAR of 96.15.
“Twelve per cent of our students attained an ATAR of over 85, and
nine per cent of students attained an ATAR over 90.”
Charlie has already received an o er to study Mathematical Sciences at the Australian National University in Canberra.
“I am looking forward to continuing to expand my knowledge at university next year,” he said.
“I am grateful to all of my teachers and classmates for continual support throughout the journey.”
Year 12 homegroup teacher Jaclyn Wale re ected that the “Year 12 students of 2024 worked hard all year, continued to support each other and took time to laugh and enjoy their nal year.”
Every VCE subject has a
maximum study score of 50.
“This year we had nine students who received a study score of over 40, placing them in the top eight point eight per cent of the state,” said Ms Burkhardt.
“ Year 11 student Mishka Hassan Haneez achieved a perfect score of 50 for Legal Studies placing her in the top zero point three per cent of the state – this is an exceptional result.
“We are immensely proud of our students and their learning progress,” principal Timothy Hall said.
“All our sta members work hard to ensure that every student attains the next step in their career pathway.
“These ATAR scores are a
testament to the hard work of students, sta and parents in partnership.
“Whilst the ATAR is focused on university entrance, we are equally proud of our students who are already engaging with the workforce and TAFE.
“Well done to all our school leavers.”
The principal said the college would like to recognise its top 10 performing students: Charles Hall (Dux) 96.15, Maia Virtanen 94.35, Quinn Russell 90.9, Adele Leon 85.45, Max Mahoney 84.2, Phoebe Scott 83.65, Charlotte Atherton 82.85, Jack Marks 81.45, Isobel O’Loughlan 79.95 and Max Watson 77.85.
on Tuesday, December 24
■ Continued page 3
FAREWELL TO THE BELL: CLASS of 2024 students from Mansfield Secondary College stand together to mark their ATAR achievements and the close of their high school chapter.
PHOTO: Trinity Knight
McLeish secures road tree clearing
MEMBER for Eildon, Cindy McLeish MP, has secured the clearing of hazardous trees and overgrown vegetation growing among wire rope barriers along the Goulburn Valley Highway.
In November, Ms McLeish urged the state government to remove trees and shrubs along a 10-kilometre stretch of barriers between Yea and Molesworth.
Speaking in parliament, Ms McLeish said: “There are too many trees and bushes to count, including gum trees. It has become a hazard impacting drivers’ view.”
The Minister confirmed that in December, the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) would target vegetation clearing and safety barrier repairs along sections with edge-line and centre-line barriers, including the Yea-Molesworth area.
Ms McLeish said roads across the electorate were in a “dire state, overrun with potholes, crumbling surfaces and unsealed shoulders.”
“It is a danger for road users to contend with the thick shrubs, bushes and trees that block their vision and obscure the barriers,” she said.
“Road users are rightly concerned that the vegetation’s root system will undermine the road surface as it spreads out of control.
“People are also worried about the barriers as it allows water to seep under the road at anchored points.”
Silent night settles for Mansfield Shire Council
All is calm, all is bright at nal council meeting of 2024
By MIKE SMITH
MANSFIELD Shire Council held one last ordinary meeting for 2024 on Tuesday December 10th.
“The council policies and procedures are sound and there is a commitment demonstrated to following these policies and procedures.
who fail to pay rates in 2025.
“We can con scate land or buildings and sell to recover very long held debt, is that correct?” asked Mayor Cr Steve Rabie.
These works will aim to rectify the long-standing issues on Rowe Street.
While councils around Australia were dealing with the divisive matter of Australia Day, there was to be no discordance or controversy within Mans eld Shire Chambers in what turned out to be a quiet and uneventful a air.
Once the usual pieces of housekeeping were out of the way, Cr Mandy Treasure provided a short update from the Mans eld Shire Audit and Risk committee which met recently to discuss two audits, an internal audit of Mans eld Shire’s OH&S, well-being, and human resource management processes, and an external audit of the shire’s annual nancial statements.
“The feedback from both audits was overwhelmingly positive,” she said.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the sta involved on a job well done, these results are a credit to all.”
Elsewhere, there was a brief update on Project CODI, the collaborative digital project that council is running with Benalla Rural City, Murrindindi Shire, and Strathbogie Shire from Mans eld Shire CEO Kirsten Alexander.
“The planning system has already gone live,” she said.
“The building system and the regulatory service system are currently in the test environment.
“It’s going really well.”
When the CEO’s report turned to the subject of rates arrears and the collection of debt, there was a stark reminder for those
“Yes,” CEO Kirsten Alexander responded.
“There is a process that council can use to sell land if it reaches a stage where you’ve exhausted all other avenues to try and recover those arrears.
“Ultimately there may be some properties that go that way but we de nitely try hard to make sure everyone is given the opportunity to pay their rates bill.”
During a 10 minute period in which the meeting was closed to the public while council discussed con dential matters, two tenders were awarded.
One to Wangaratta Excavations for the sum of $431,081 to undertake the Rose Street drainage works.
This includes installation of new kerb, upgrading culverts, pits, headwalls, pipes and cleaning out the open drain.
Works are expected to commence next year.
And a second in the form of council awarding a non exclusive services contract to contractors for the purposes of forming a panel to provide arborist and tree services.
After the blackout ended Mayor Cr Rabie closed the meeting by thanking his fellow councillors and council staff for their efforts during 2024 before wishing shire ratepayers and residents a very merry Christmas and a safe and a happy new year.
“Please remain respectful to one another and be patient on our roads,” he reminded the shire as he closed the meeting.
Slowing down on Mansfield-Woods Point Road
A SPEED limit reduction on the busy Mans eld-Woods Point Road in Howqua Inlet has nally been approved, with sign installation from 100km/h to 80km/h expected in early 2025.
Speaking in parliament in November, State Liberal Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish MP asked the Minister for Roads
Year 12
students celebrate their ATAR results, marking the start of new journeys
■ From front page
The college also congratulates its top performing vocational major students who were recognised through the following awards: Mans eld Masonic Lodge Awards: Bowdie Copeland, Zoey Young and Sarah Hearn. MEGT (Australian School Based Apprenticeship) Awards: Zoey Young and Lachlan Francis North East TRACKS Local Learning and Employment Network Award: Alexander Davyd
Congratulations to the Class of 2024 - your school, families, and community are incredibly proud of you.
when funding would be approved to install the new speed limit signs.
“Locals are eager for the speed limit signs to be installed before the busy summer period to increase safety for drivers visiting the township and those turning into and exiting the popular Howqua Valley
Holiday Park, where the speed limit currently increases back to 100km/h,” Ms McLeish said.
The Minister has recently confirmed that the funding has been made available to the Department of Transport and Planning for the “implementation of the 80km/h speed zone in Howqua Inlet on Mansfield-
Wood Points Road”.
Whilst the installation date is still being nalised with contractors, installation is expected to be completed in early 2025.
“This is an easy x to a major concern,” Ms McLeish said.
“We hope there is no delay in the timeframe.
“Locals want to see it done.”
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A GREAT RESULT: Year 11 student Mishka Hassan Haneez achieved a perfect score of 50 for Legal Studies placing her in the top zero point three per cent of the state.
PHOTOS: Trinity Knight
PRIDE: PHOEBE SCOTT WAS AMONG THE TOP 10 PERFORMERS WITH AN ATAR SCORE OF 83.65.
PHOTO: LYNN ELDER
WEDNESDAY:
THURSDAY:
FRIDAY:
SATURDAY: Sunny
SUNDAY:
MONDAY:
TUESDAY:
LAKE EILDON LEVELS
Shire keeps rates below cap for fourth year
By SHAUN McMAHON
ALL 79 Victorian councils, including Mans eld Shire, adhered to the 2.75 per cent cap on general rate increases for 2024–25, as con rmed by the Essential Services Commission’s Council Rate Cap Compliance Report, released on December 3.
The report marks the fourth consecutive year of full compliance under the Fair Go Rates system, which requires councils to keep rate increases within the cap unless granted approval for higher increases.
Essential Services Commission Chairperson Gerard Brody praised councils for maintaining compliance while delivering essential services.
“This is the fourth consecutive year all councils have been compliant with the rate cap,” Mr Brody said.
“Amidst these challenges, it is positive to see councils continue to deliver services to residents and businesses while keeping their budgeted rate increases within the cap.”
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Mans eld Shire has kept rate increases at or below the cap over the past four years.
In 2021–22, rates were frozen to support the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the statewide cap being 1.5 per cent.
Subsequent increases were 1.75 per cent in 2022–23, 3.5 per cent in 2023–24, and 2.25 per cent in 2024–25, below the 2.75 per cent cap.
The four-year average rate increase of 1.875 per cent is well below the statewide average cap of 2.375 per cent.
“In 2021–22 we decided to freeze rates to help our community during the tough times
of the COVID-19 pandemic; we have made no ‘catch-up’ increases, so our community is still enjoying lower rates because of the freeze,” said Mayor Cr Steve Rabie.
“This does also mean that council has less revenue to use on providing services, so we have to be even more careful with managing ratepayers’ money.
“This year, thanks to thenancial e ciencies we have achieved, we were able to o er a rate increase 0.5 per cent lower than the statewide rate cap.
“We’ve never exceeded the
rate cap over the past four years, and we’ve successfully kept our average rate increase below the rate cap.”
The report also noted that Mans eld Shire introduced new waste service charges to cover the costs of expanded waste management services, joining Greater Shepparton City, Hepburn Shire, Mildura Rural City, and Towong Shire, who did the same.
The charges include the new kerbside Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) collection service.
Despite this addition, reduc-
tions in other waste charges led to a typical overall increase of $40 per year for households using the green bin service - less than $1 per week.
Community waste and kerbside garbage charges dropped by 8 per cent, while kerbside recycling services saw an 18 per cent reduction.
“Council is determined to keep rates low for our community members and to use ratepayers’ money responsibly,” Cr Rabie said.
“We’ve done better than just complying with the rate cap over the past four years.”
McMahon (SENIOR JOURNALIST)
Radio silence on obligations: offender admits oversight
A REGISTERED child sex o ender appeared in Manseld Magistrates Court last Wednesday and pleaded guilty to two charges of failing to comply with reporting obligations and received a one-year undertaking of good behaviour without conviction.
The court heard that Jeremy Kewley, 64, worked in paid and voluntary roles with Radio Mans eld between 2019 and 2023.
According to the police prosecution summary, between 2019 and 2023, he worked in the production of radio plays and workshops involving children at the radio station, communicated with a 14-year-old about scripts, and invited an 11-year-old to record voiceovers.
Police prosecutors emphasised that the defendant’s failure to disclose his interactions with children undermined critical safeguards designed to protect minors and ensure proper oversight.
They argued that his omission, including directing plays and exchanging messages with a 14-year-old, placed children and their families in vulnerable positions.
Defence solicitor Martin Hunt said his client’s failure to report was not malicious but a misunderstanding of his obligations.
“My client has taken full responsibility and demonstrated remorse,” Mr Hunt said.
“He believed his incidental contact with children in large group settings did not trigger a requirement to report.”
court last Wednesday to failing to comply with reporting obligations. He received a one-year good behaviour bond without conviction. The court heard he worked with Radio Mansfield from 2019 to 2023.
Mr Hunt said his client had been transparent with the radio station’s previous committee about his past, and they imposed conditions to ensure he was not directly supervising or coaching children.
Mr Hunt also highlighted his client’s rehabilitation e orts since serving a 23-month jail sentence for past o ences, for which he pleaded guilty in 2015, including his work in literacy programs and artistic contributions.
The nature of the past o ences, which occurred between 1989 and 2011, involved inappropriate physical contact during auditions with boys aged nine to 14, including adjusting Lycra costumes, pressing against them, and recording the interactions, while parents waited down-
stairs in his home, unaware.
Prior to this, the defendant had a successful acting career, appearing in movies and Australian television series such as SeaChange, Blue Heelers and Stingers.
“This is a man who has worked tirelessly to make amends and nd redemption, despite the challenges of reintegrating into society,” said Mr Hunt.
“A er his release, he experienced a lightbulb moment of shame, anguish and disgust with himself, noting that something like this would never occur again.
“But a sentence like this doesn’t ever go away.”
Mr Hunt explained that his client faced repeated rejections from both jobs and social activities, a er being recognised and told he could
RADIO MANSFIELD
THE Committee of Management of Mansfield Community Radio Inc. were shocked and disappointed to find a convicted child sex offender working at the station.
We took immediate action to protect the wellbeing of young people working at the station and the matter was referred to Victoria Police.
We are confident that our revised Child Protection Policy, which now mandates all volunteers, staff and contractors have a current Working With Children Check, ensures the welfare and safety of young people working at the station.
We are confident that our Child Protection Policy is consistent with standards across volunteer organisations Australia wide.
- PETER BROWN, PRESIDENT, RADIO MANSFIELD
no longer participate.
He said his client has been unable to nd meaningful employment, and now lives in community housing outside of Mans eld Shire and earns a modest income delivering pamphlets.
Mr Hunt further noted his client continues regular counselling, is described as honest and reliable, and is regarded by referees tendered to the court as a decent person contributing to the community.
The magistrate acknowledged the o ence’s seriousness but said it was low-level with no aggravating factors or harm.
“He hasn’t misled anybody and made every e ort not to be in the same room as children,” said the magistrate.
“He told everybody about his past.
“Mr Kewley has already been sentenced (for his past convictions), but in reality, he cannot escape it.
“It will be pecking away at the back of his neck for the rest of his life.”
While Mr Hunt submitted a non-conviction disposition, police prosecutors did not agree.
They maintained that a conviction was warranted to re ect the seriousness of breaching legal obligations intended to prevent potential risks to the community.
“This was a conscious decision distinguishable from something like having a meal with family,” police submitted to the magistrate.
“The accused understood the reporting requirements but chose not to report be-
cause, in his words, it would ‘spill the beans.’
“In one sense, it was a misunderstanding; in another, it was a conscious decision.
“On that basis, a conviction is appropriate.”
The magistrate ultimately agreed with the defence.
“Mr Kewley, unfortunately, we live in a society that doesn’t forgive,” said the magistrate.
“Society says, ‘You did this, served your time, and completed your order,’ but then grinds you down for the rest of your life.
“You’ve exhibited remorse, done counselling, and expressed sorrow - everything you can to rectify the situation.
“But for many, that is never going to be enough.
“And that is a shame because there was a time when people would say, ‘He’s done his time and paid his debt to the community.’
“For some people now, they want to see constant punishment for the rest of your life.”
“This o ence is at the lower end and nothing nefarious occurred.
“I am con dent it won’t happen again.
“I agree with Mr Hunt’s submission; this is one of those rare cases where an adjourned undertaking is appropriate without conviction.”
A visibly upset defendant thanked the magistrate and apologised for doing the wrong thing as the matter was concluded.
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
THE YEAR AHEAD:
(From front le )
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
almost 70 years of trading.
This much loved restaurant was known far and wide and was a feature of Mans eld’s early landscape.
The uniqueness of our country town is slowly disappearing to be replaced by more modern and probably more pro table businesses.
Mary Parker, Mans eld
Petrol prices: do something about it
WE lived in Tolmie, then Mans eld, now Glenrowan for 26 years.
In our Mans eld days, people
St Mary’s newly appointed school captains for 2025 have been announced with Travis Langlands nominated vice captain alongside school captains Ada Rodger and Kade Jackson with Hannah Bruce also named as vice. Mayor Cr Steve Rabie was in attendance for the auspicious occasion, presenting the new leadership team their badges, with St Mary’s principal Trish Etcell congratulating the students on the recognition.
the agenda again.
The stock exchange has oil at a low, so why is your petrol dear?
Wangaratta prices are $1.65 for diesel.
Instead of being ripped o , get together and do something about it. They have had it for too long. Act now and do something about it.
Robyn Hughes, Glenrowan
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.
Email: edit.mcourier@nemedia.com.au. Fax: (03) 5775 1580
Post: Letters to the Editor Mansfield Courier, 98 High St, Mansfield 3722.
Haines welcomes funding pledge from Coalition
By MIKE SMITH
AMID a housing crisis sweeping through Mans eld Shire and regional Victoria, Helen Haines has welcomed the Coalition’s adoption of her target for 30 per cent of funding for critical housing infrastructure to go to regional communities.
Dr Haines has been pushing for a fair share of 30 per cent of housing funding to be guaranteed to regional areas where 30 per cent of the population live, through introduction of her own legislation in September 2023 and again in November 2024.
This week, the Coalition responded with its own announcement that 30 per cent of its proposed Housing Infrastructure Fund would be quarantined for regional, rural and remote Australia.
The opposition’s $5 billion Housing Infrastructure Fund would build critical enabling infrastructure that unlocks new housing and means both the major parties now have positions that resemble the policies she has pushed for more than two years.
“The cost of housing is causing signi cant stress on households in Indi, whether they are paying their mortgage or rent – and part of the reason for that is that we don’t have enough housing,” Dr Haines said.
“A major barrier to opening up
new land for housing in regional areas is the enabling infrastructure and amenities such as sewerage and water connections, roads and footpaths, and electricity poles. It’s not shiny, but it’s critically important.
“I’m glad that The Coalition have now picked up what I’ve been talking about for over two years, and that’s the need for 30 per cent of housing funds to be put aside for regional communities.
“I met with Housing Minister Clare O’Neil just last week, and we had a productive discussion about securing a fair share of funding for the regions.”
Dr Haines said she would continue to push the Government to commit to dedicated housing funding for regional and rural Australia ahead of the election.
“We need the major parties to understand that regional areas experience issues di erently to metropolitan areas,” she said.
“It’s why I put forward solutions forward that will bene t regional Australia.
“So far, I have been pleased to secure some enabling infrastructure funding for Wodonga and Alexandra but much more investment is needed across the region.
“I’m always there to work with members of Parliament to get what’s best for rural and regional Australia, for what is fair and what we need.”
Indi Volunteer Grants program opens for local community organisations
INDEPENDENT
Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines has launched the 2024-25 Volunteer Grants program, calling for community organisations in Mansfield Shire and the rest of Indi to consider putting in an expression of interest.
Grants of between $1000 and $5000 are available to support the work of local community organisations to increase participation in volunteering and enable the inclusion of vulnerable people.
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our communities and there is always strong interest in these grants from a variety of hard-working, community focused organisations,” said Dr Haines.
“This year, the grant focuses on funding important but often expensive costs involved with volunteering - like insurance premiums, phone bills and technology purchases, which are becoming increasingly more expensive.
“There is also a strong focus on supporting the development and wellbeing of our young people.
“I am always inspired by the passion and hard work of volunteer groups that I meet with across Indi and they tell me that grants like this go a long way in supporting volunteers to continue their important work.
“Volunteers support our communities in so many and varied ways and I pay tribute to them for their continued commitment and hard work.”
Details on the eligibility criteria and how to apply can be found on Helen Haines’ website. fair share of funding to come to the regions.
Council Meetings
The upcoming scheduled Council meeting is Wednesday 12 February 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.
Work With Us
Council currently has the following employment opportunities available. For full details go to mansfield. vie.gov au
• Maternal & Child Health Nurse Scholarship Program
• Maternal & Child Health Nurse
• Statutory Planner
• Planning Project Support Officer
2025-26 Budget Community Consultation
From now until the end of January, we're looking for ideas from our community for next year's Council budget.
The budget outlines what Council will deliver over the next 12 months, including our core services, new initiatives and how they will be funded. Last year we received more than 70 submissions. Most of them were ultimately included in the final budget. If you have something you would like Council to do or address, now is the time to submit your idea to the budget.
You can submit an idea any time over the next 7 weeks. Head to engage.mansfield.vic.gov.au
Sport and Recreation Refer ence Group & Aquatic Fa cilities Working Group
The Sport and Recreation Reference Group & Aquatic Facilities Working Group is an opportunity for community members to share their thoughts on Council's approach across the Shire on the development, enhancement, and promotion of sport and recreational activities within our community.
To share your thoughts visit engage.mansfield.vic.gov.au
• Project Officer �r R:_
• Undergraduate Engine
Fire Restrictions NOWIN FORCE
The Fire Danger Period (FDP) began in Mansfield Shire on 18 November 2024. Find out what you can and can't do during the declared Fire Danger Period and on days of Total Fire Ban at cfa.vic.gov.au/can
Camping Rubbish Drop Off
Camping rubbish can be dropped off at the Resource Recovery Centre until 31 January 2025 FREE of charge. Recyclables MUST be separated from waste.
The Resource Recovery Centre is located at 163 Monkey Gully Road, Mansfield. For more details visit our website or scan the OR code.
Council is applying for a speed limit reduction on Howqua River Road. The proposal is to reduce the speed limit from the current default speed of 100 km/h to 50 km/h on the 5.7 km section of the road starting from Mansfield-Woods Point Road.
Council is lobbying for this speed change to address concerns heard from local residents, schools and police. We advocate for changes to state roads on behalf of our community. For enquiries email council@mansfield.vic.gov.au or phone (03) 5775 8555.
- WOODS POINT ROAD
In addition, Council has also extended its Spring Clean Up event. If you haven't already, each household is eligible to dispose of one 6 x 4 trailer load of green waste for free until 31 December 2024. We are at increased fire risk this summer - it's time to look after your property and the community and reduce any green waste around your home.
Kerbside waste collection Christmas & New Years
• Wednesday 25 December (Christmas Day) - no collections.
• Thursday 26 December (Boxing Day) - normal collection & Wednesday's collection
• Wednesday 1 January (New Years Day) - normal collection.
Please remember to put your bins out the night before collection and bring them in no later than one day afterwards.
If you are going to be away, please refrain from leaving your bins out, or seek assistance from family or friends. mansfield.vic.gov.au
Kirsten Alexander, Chiet Executive Officer
Ged Mahoney receives Mansfield SES 50 year long service award
ON November 4, Mans eld SES member Ged Mahoney was awarded with a long service medal and certi cate for 50 years of service.
This is an amazing achievement.
In 1972, John Howie and a group of men from the Mans eld Apex Club formed the Mans eld Civil Defence Unit.
It wasn’t long before John Howie and Rowan Neely convinced Ged to join them.
In 1975 the Civil Defence became SES.
By this time, Mans eld SES had between 8 to 12 members.
Ged remembers how much has changed over the years.
In the beginning, he was issued with a tin hat, pocket knife and blue overalls.
He used his own car to attend emergencies!
The Civil Defence rst met at the Ambulance station.
Later, they moved to the old Railway Goods shed.
Ged remembers how lucky the members felt when an old Land Rover Series two was donated by Berto Riccus to the unit.
He recalls travelling to Jamieson to an emergency.
Members trained at the old Police Stables which were located behind the courthouse, between the police station and the ambulance station.
In 1990’s, Mans eld SES started a mounted branch with about 25 members.
Many of the members already had horses and were happy to transport their horses wherever they could be useful.
This was most successful during land searches.
It is so much easier to travel on horse back through the scrub rather than walk the steep terrain.
Being on horseback allowed members to scan a much wider area.
Many of the mounted branch members were from the high country and knew the area well.
The Land Rover had struggled to get to 40 miles per hour.
At that speed, Jamieson was a long way away.
In the 1980’s, a building was built in Mans eld SES’ current location.
It had one vehicle bay and upstairs o ce and training room.
When they arrived, the paramedics wanted to know why they had taken so long.
This has now grown to three vehicle bays, laundry, kitchen, bathroom as well as upstairs o ce, comms room and training room.
The early vehicles were tted out with a red toolbox, which contained a tomahawk, mash hammer and a chisel.
When an emergency occurred, Rowan, Ged and John received a conference
call on their landlines (no mobile phones or pagers in those days!).
They listened to the details, decided who would go to the event, who would phone for more crew and a rendezvous point.
Whatever the situation, the members just got on with solving the problems involved.
They had limited tools or
training but lots of determination and a strong sense of community.
Like today, the members relied on each other, formed strong bonds and worked together to help others.
Jobs included building damage, road crash and many searches. Trees across roads was not part of the role in the early years.
Unfortunately, the mounted branch was closed down a er only a few years.
It is amazing that Ged has volunteered with the Civil Defence / SES for over 50 years.
What an achievement.
All communities need more people like Ged.
We are so proud of Ged and all of the work and time that he has dedicated to his community over the years.
Mark your your calendars for 16th December as Princess Cruises launch their sale of the
14 DAY - NEW ZEALAND
-
PHOTO: Supplied
Childcare centre on Greenvale Lane underway
A NEW childcare centre is underway, with the slab for a Greenvale Lane development poured this week.
The facility will o er childcare spaces for up to 100 children and includes a permit for a potential future 25-metre indoor pool.
Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said council is planning in line with the shire’s population growth.
“Birth rates have been relatively consistent within the Mans eld Shire over the last eight years, averaging 73 births annually,” he said.
“With more families moving into the area, we’re experiencing shortages in childcare services, leading to waiting lists for existing providers.”
Developer Simon Theobald said he recognised the local demand for such facilities.
“It was great to work with Mans eld Shire Council to meet the community’s needs in this space,” he said.
“We have started pouring the slab and aim to complete construction in time to open early in 2026.”
New partnership seeks to enhance on-farm safety
THE Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has partnered with leading Australian farm safety so ware developer AirAgri to fast-track farmers access to new technology to enhance on-farm safety.
notta said the partnership aims to reduce the overrepresentation of on-farm injury and death through the use of innovative technology.
if something goes wrong. We sometimes work in remote areas for hours on end and if something goes wrong, time becomes critical.”
time monitoring and alerts.
AirAgri is a Mans eld-based agtech company committed to protecting farming families and their assets, developed by local brothers and farmers James and Paul Diamond.
In addition to the brothers’ recent collaboration with the VFF the company has also received state recognition with Worksafe Victoria awarding AirAgri the coveted Worksafe Awards in 2023.
VFF vice-president Danyel Cuci-
“Farmers make up 14 per cent of all workplace fatalities, despite employing only two per cent of working Victorians,” Mr Cucinotta said.
“That’s tragically someone’s dad, mother, family friend or loved one.
“We’re committed to ensuring our loved ones come home at the end of the day and one of the ways to do that is to harness the bene ts of cutting-edge, on-farm technology.
“One of the biggest bene ts of this technology is the ability for farmers to receive real-time alerts
As part of the collaboration, VFF members gain access to heavily discounted tools, including:
High-Resolution Digital Farm Maps: Enabling precise monitoring and management of farm operations;
Property-Speci c Weather Insights: Providing accurate, property speci c weather forecasts to help farmers make informed decisions;
Automated Lone-Worker Monitoring: Ensuring the safety of individuals working in remote and isolated environments through real-
AirAgri CEO James Diamond said the partnership signals a major step forward in ensuring the safety of Victorian farmers.
“Our partnership with the VFF marks a signi cant milestone in our journey to enhance farm safety,” Mr Diamond said.
“We are committed to providing innovative solutions that protect farmers and their families and teams, and we look forward to working closely with the VFF to achieve this goal.”
More information regarding this partnership and more VFF Member o ers can be found on the VFF website.
WEDDING BELLS: The Kevington Hotel hosted 120 guests for the wedding on Saturday of Melbourne couple Bridget and Luke.
PARTY TIME: Guests came from Melbourne and interstate, arriving on Friday for the full weekend party.
Festive spirit in Jamieson
LAST week, the students from Jamieson Primary School enjoyed a day in Benalla.
They played at the Benalla Splash Park.
The students all attended swimming classes at the Benalla pool under instruction.
The final treat was at the Benalla Botanic Gardens, where they enjoyed playing and discovering the beauty of the gardens.
This week is also filled with fun things to do during the last week of school for 2024.
THE Kevington Hotel hosted 120 guests for the wedding on Saturday of Melbourne couple Bridget and Luke.
The weekend celebrations were amazing, with the guests all accommodated at the hotel and the hotel camping area. They spent three days partying.
Guests came from Melbourne and interstate, arriving on Friday for the full weekend party. Bridget, a paramedic,
and Luke, a fireman in Melbourne, both with demanding jobs, enjoyed their fabulous wedding under the care of the Cashmore family and staff.
THE Jamieson Community Christmas breakup party was held at the Jamieson Riverbank Reserve, known as the Big Pool.
The weather was delightful, and the revellers enjoyed the annual get-together with a BBQ and a dip in the river.
It is a lovely, casual family occasion, with the children playing on the playground installation and parents relaxing.
LOCAL Jamieson resident Carl Riedel celebrated his 70th birthday on Saturday with his wife Mandy, their two sons Aaron and Jimmy, family, and friends.
Some travelled from Melbourne and as far as Torquay to celebrate this milestone birthday.
It was a very happy occasion.
THE Jamieson CFA Brigade meeting last week was conducted by 2nd Lieutenant Gerry Malony.
Many of the brigade members attended.
The training sessions held
over the last 12 months have been vital to preparing for the fire season by the volunteers.
The announcement of the next elections is in May 2025.
THE CFA volunteers do a fabulous job at this time of year.
They have the capacity to bring Santa to town with his helpers on Christmas Eve to meet the children, and on other occasions, such as the school breakup, he arrives with sweets.
NEXT Sunday, December 22nd, at St Peter’s Anglican Church in Jamieson, there will be a Christmas Service
with Rev Mel Clarke.
The service will be held at 11:30 am and will include the Eucharist and the Christmas theme.
Rev Mel Clarke will celebrate her last service at St Peter’s Church on Sunday, January 5th, at 11:30 am. All are welcome.
FR George Feliciouz will celebrate Mass on Sunday, December 22nd, at St John the Apostle Catholic Church at 11:00 am.
The Christmas Eve Mass will be celebrated on December 24th at 8:00 pm. All are welcome.
JAMIESON ON THE LINE with Carmel Dixon
WARNINGS IN PLACE: GMW is warning people to avoid direct contact with the water in Lake Eildon a er monitoring detected high levels of blue-green algae.
Blue-green algae warning for Lake Eildon
GOULBURN-MURRAY Water
(GMW) is warning people to avoid direct contact with the water in Lake Eildon a er monitoring detected high levels of blue-green algae.
Warning signs will be positioned at formal recreational areas around the lake and will remain in place while high levels of blue-green algae are present.
Lake Eildon will remain open to the public for any activities that do not involve direct contact with the water while the warning is in place.
GMW Water Quality coordinator Bianca Atley has asked people to take care around the water.
“Blue-green algae occur naturally in waterbodies but contain toxins harmful to humans and animals,” she said.
“Contact with it can cause rashes; sore eyes, ears, and nose; or if swallowed, nausea or vomiting.
“It is therefore important people boating or enjoying activities near the water take extra precautions.
GMW recommends: that people and pets avoid contact with the water, that those who come into contact with a ected water should wash a ected skin immediately in clean cold water, to seek an alternative water supply for stock and pets where possible, and not to use a ected water for cooking, drinking, washing or showering.
Boiling the a ected water will not make it safe for these purposes.
It is not possible to predict how long the algae will remain at high levels.
People can stay up-to-date with blue-green algae warnings by phoning 1800 013 357 and selecting the option for blue-green algae information, or by visiting the GMW website.
Mansfield Parkinson’s Group Christmas get together
By TRINITY KNIGHT
LAST Tuesday, the Mans eld Parkinson’s Support Group weekly meeting looked a little more festive than usual with a Christmas themed lunch hosted by Dean and Gill Belle at the Delatite Hotel.
There were around 25 people in attendance including Parkinson’s su erers, carers and even Santa made an appearance.
Chairman Charles Gilbert said the group has slowly grown over time.
“We started out with a half a dozen and now it is almost at 30,” he said.
“The group is a great space because it is simply a way to communicate.”
Charles said sometimes they have local speakers come in and give a talk.
“Ambulance Victoria came out a couple of months ago
which was great,” he said.
A statistic from the Parkinson’s Australia website states, ‘150,000 people live with Parkinson’s disease in Australia and 50 Australians are diagnosed every day’.
Charles’s partner Lynda Moehr said the group is like one big family.
“It’s nice to see everyone get together,” she said.
“It’s really important if you’ve got Parkinsons to continue to branch out, attend social events and have a chat.”
Throughout the lunch everyone in the room received a slip of paper and wrote down a question for Santa which he read out and answered at the end.
Some of the group’s questions included:
How will you t my Ferrari down the chimney?
How fast is your sled?
And how many elves are in Santa’s Workshop?
BYO lighting for Mansfield CFA presentation night
By DAVID MIMS
IT was a case of Bring Your Own lighting for the Mans eld CFA Christmas dinner and Presentation night on Friday December 6 at the Delatite Hotel.
Anticipation was building, but darker times were ahead when a storm caused a power outage in parts of Mans eld prior to the dinner commencing, throwing the arrangements into confusion as members milled outside the dim interior of the hotel.
Dean and his crew at the pub assured those gathered that the beer was still cold, and dinner could proceed in darkness.
But some resourceful thinking saw brigade members raid their trucks and march in with portable LED lights to brighten up the function room.
It was all systems go.
Around 55 members, partners, and invited guests (including the air crews) nervously sat down as proceedings commenced, with wait sta resorting to pen and paper to take drink orders.
Captain Andrew Peachey welcomed and thanked all members and the Brigade Management Team for their support throughout 2024, as did Commander Paul Scragg, District 23 Mans eld Catchment. A minute silence was then held for the much loved and admired Nev-
ille Mathieson, who had passed away late in November.
Dinner, being a full Christmas roast with all the trimmings was then served.
All in attendance were amazed and delighted at the incredible job the Delatite kitchen sta did to produce such a meal given the circumstances.
Three cheers were raised and later the chefs were called in to receive the thanks and applause from the very grateful gathering.
Following the meal, service anniversary awards and speci c
brigade awards were presented.
The highlight was a 50 year medal to John Doeven, who could only stay brie y due to road clearing caused by the storm.
Ken Badham notched up 45 years, and Kerry Murphy 30 years.
Mat Anderson, Alex Jackson, and Mark Shelling received their 15 year medals and Zach Saligari ve year Certi cate of Service.
All up a total of 175 years service to the CFA.
The annual Blue Tie award, given in fun to a member who
had messed up had plenty of nominations, but it went to Ken Badham who had promised he was retiring to Queensland a er last year’s dinner but 12 months later is still here.
Brigade auxiliary encouragement awards went to Zach Saligari and John Manns.
As the power was restored and dessert served, those present celebrated the year powering onto the evening, grateful for the e orts of the Delatite crew who ensured the night went ahead with good humour and plenty of paper and pens.
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
Development OpportunityBattery Energy Storage System (BESS) Eildon, Victoria
Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) is Australia’s largest rural water corporation. We manage, store and deliver water through approximately 10,000 km of delivery and drainage infrastructure to more than 25,000 active customers in northern Victoria.
We are currently seeking Expressions of Interests (EOIs) from the open market for the lease of a part parcel of land for renewable energy opportunities, specifically targeting battery storage.
The site, known as Observation Point, is located at the corner of Sugarloaf Road and Alliance Drive in Eildon, within the upper pondage of Lake Eildon.
GMW encourages proposals that demonstrate: long term viability sustainability environmental sensitivity, and community engagement.
Expressions of interest including a detailed development proposal must be received by GMW no later than 5pm Friday 31 January 2025.
For further information: visit our website: www.g-mwater.com.au/news-updates/notices or email EOI@gmwater.com.au
Christmas with Mansfield Anglican Parish
Please join us to celebrate Christmas. 21st December 4pm Blue Christmas to remember those who have passed during the year.
22nd December 7pm Carols and Lessons 24th December 5pm Crib Service for Families
24th December 7pm Holy Communion 25th December 9.30am Christmas Day
Christmas service at St. Peter’s Church Jamieson 22nd December 11.30am Christmas Service
Everyone is welcome. O Come, all ye faithful.
Rev. Mel Clark 0411 722 718
St John’s Anglican Church Cnr Highett and Victoria Streets, Mansfield
STILL HERE: Ken Badham received the newly re-framed Blue Tie award for 2024.
AWARD PRESENTATIONS: Deserving service medal and award winners proudly together. (From le ) Front: Captain Andrew Peachey, John Manns (Encouragement), Mat Anderson (15yrs). Rear: Mark Shelling (15yrs), John Doeven (50yrs), Kerry Murphy (30yrs), Zach Saligari (5yrs), Ken Badham (45yrs), Alex Jackson (15yrs) and Commander Paul Scragg. PHOTOS: David Mims
ENCOURAGEMENT: Zach Saligari and John Manns receive their brigade encouragement awards from Auxiliary secretary Debbie Mims and Captain Andrew Peachey.
A merry twilight market
By TRINITY KNIGHT
ON Sunday December 8, an afternoon amongst the gum trees, the Christmas spirit soared high at the Tolmie Twilight Christmas Market with over 200 people in attendance at the Tolmie Recreation Reserve.
The festivities kicked o with the grand opening of the resurfaced Tolmie Tennis Court across the paddock from the market.
Newly elected Tolmie Tennis Club president Cameron Merrylees untied the ribbon and then a number of community members had the opportunity to put the court to the test.
Danny Cahill said it took
around two days to lay down the grass for the court and one to sand it.
There is 16 tonne of sand on the court now.
“The grass court is so er on your feet; you can slide on it,” he said.
“It also probably doesn’t get as hot as a concrete surface.”
Recreation Reserve committee president Sarah Brennan said the refurbished facility offers the community new opportunities to get involved in sport and recreation.
“Alongside tennis, you can play pickleball, badminton, table tennis, barefoot bowls and netball on the court,” she said.
“It’s fantastic to nally have it all completed.
“We are all thrilled, because it will be a safe and fun facility that can be used all year round.”
Sarah said the Twilight Market is very much for the Tolmie community, with a variety of activities for everyone.
There were een di erent stalls including arts and cra s, jewellery, photography, berries, fudge and delicious food.
The MAD orchestra performed festive songs and then there were carols.
Even Santa made an appearance.
There was also a ra e at the market raising money for a
wheelchair accessible van for Carol
Local businesses donated up to $2987 in prizes.
One of Carol’s carers, Ste Teunissan said they raised $3100 last Sunday.
“We have raised about $9000 all up,” Ste said.
“Most second-hand vehicles range anywhere from $16000 upwards.
“The van we are going to look at is a Toyota HiAce, but it is not set in stone yet.
“If the van is unsuitable, we will need to keep fundraising, because unfortunately they aren’t cheap.”
■ More photos page 15
SUMMER STRAWBERRIES: (from le ) Krystle Walker, Tim Walker and Leni Murray from Lakeside Produce and Berries.
FESTIVE JEWELLERY: Jo Riely’s Christmas stall with joyful hand cra ed jewellery. PHOTOS: Trinity Knight
TOLMIE CHRISTMAS MARKET: (from le ) Archie Hudecek and Patrick Hudecek.
HANDMADE GIFTS: (from le ) Mia Darcy, Scarlett Darcy, Keeva Morris-Webb and Edie Crawford.
Ovenden.
www.highcountryvineyard.org.au
MAD ORCHESTRA: The group played festive songs and the carols followed.
CHRISTMAS SPIRIT: Santa at the Tolmie Recreation Reserve.
TENNIS COURT OPENING: Recently elected Tolmie tennis club president Cameron Merrylees had the honour of opening the completed Tolmie tennis court.
WHEELCHAIR VAN RAFFLE FUNDRAISER: (from le ) Kay Anstee, Ste Teunissan and Carol Ovenden with the ra le prizes.
RESURFACED TOLMIE TENNIS COURT: Cameron Merrylees and Rhonda Carpenter testing out the new court.
A FAMILY EVENT: (FROM LEFT) KATRINA, CHARLEE, BILLY AND LUKE DAVIS.
Buller ready to fight fire with snowmaking
IT’S re season and Mt Buller resort is preparing for summer with a smart, high-tech way to protect the mountain.
Mt Buller has more than 300 snowmaking guns positioned around the ski area, which Buller Ski Li s is able to use to protect the resort, buildings, chairli s and precious alpine habitat in the case of a bush re.
In addition to the snowguns, Buller Ski Li s has placed permanent sprinklers on top of key infrastructure including buildings
and li s to protect these assets in the event of a re threat.
The snowguns spray water under high pressure – which is used to make snow in the winter months – and in summer can work as a giant sprinkler system pumping water across the mountain to prevent the spread of fire.
The snowguns can be turned on automatically from the pump control room or remotely using tablets, ensuring water can be pumped quickly and efficiently
to where it’s needed, keeping people out of dangerous areas.
The guns pump water from the Sun Valley snowmaking dam, which is full and ready if it is needed.
“This system allows us to pump around one megalitre of water each hour across the resort area if we are faced with the threat of a re,” said Buller Ski Li s’ General Manager, Noel Landry.
important job for our community and the mountain each re season, as well as delivering essential snow cover in our winter months.
“I’d like to acknowledge the great work of our snowmaking and mountain operations teams for preparing the mountain ahead of summer and being ready to defend our community and environment if the need arises.
able resort operations year-round and is a priority for everyone in our community.”
Mt Buller’s ARV General Manager, Alan Arthur, said the snowmaking system also worked to protect some of Mt Buller’s most endangered residents.
“We’ve worked closely with our suppliers and adapted the snowmaking system so it can do this
“Mt Buller’s continual investment in snowmaking infrastructure, shared by BSL and Alpine Resorts Victoria, underpins vi-
“In addition to protecting key buildings and infrastructure, the snowmaking guns will help the resort spread resources to protect critical habitat such as protected plants and our Mountain PygmyPossum colony,” he said.
FIGHTING FIRE: Mt Buller has more than 300 snowmaking guns positioned around the ski area, which Buller Ski Li s is able to use to protect the resort, buildings, chairli s and precious alpine habitat in the case of a bushfire. PHOTOS: Mt Buller
PROTECTION: In addition to the snowguns, Buller Ski Li s has placed permanent sprinklers on top of key infrastructure including buildings and li s to protect these assets in the event of a fire threat.
THE BLESSING OF THE TRISHAW
May the gears be smooth, the brakes strong.
The tyres puncture-proof and the seats comfortable.
May the path be open and safe.
May every journey be joyful for passengers and volunteers and may their health improve with each ride.
May our passengers experience the simple joys of being outdoors in the community, including: seeing children play, hearing birds sing, feeling the warmth of the sun and the brisk winter breeze and smelling the flowers and fresh air.
May the Mansfield Cycling Without Age program encourage conversation, connection, inclusion and participation with dignity.
May this trishaw known as “Marg” connect our community through all ages and stages of life. Go well.
Cycling Without Age official launch
By TRINITY KNIGHT
LAST Thursday the o cial Cycling Without Age Manseld launch was held on the median strip on High Street with around 25 community members and volunteers in attendance.
Cycling Without Age is an international not-for-pro t charity which provides free rides on tri-shaw e-bikes for the elderly and people with disabilities.
The Mans eld Cycling Without Age committee started fundraising for the rst trishaw bike in June this year and there will soon be a second bike.
Ninety-seven-year-old Mans eld resident Marg Adcock was the rst person to ride on the red trishaw bike named a er her through the ceremonial ribbon with pilot Narelle Rademaker pedaling behind.
The Community Bank
Mans eld and District contributed to the funding of the rst bike.
Chairman of the board David Mayne said they are excited to o er the Manseld district community the opportunity to feel the wind in their hair once again thanks to Cycling Without Age Mans eld.
“This inclusive community initiative will o er seniors and people with disabilities the opportunity to recon-
nect with their community and the environment around them in a way not previously possible,” he said.
“As part of our 2024 Community Impact Program, the Community Bank Mans eld and District was thrilled to fund the purchase of their rst Trishaw e-bike.”
Committee member Louise Hopwood said on Saturday December 14 they rode around the Botanic Park and regular weekly rides in the
future will depend on how many volunteers put their hand up for being a pilot (riding the bike) or a scout (following behind on their own bike).
“We will have three different routes, but the routes must be risk assessed before they take anyone out,” she said.
“At the moment there’s the Botanical Gardens and soon there will be the Rail Trail.
“We will also start going
to each di erent aged care facility in Mans eld.”
Committee member Sophie Naylor said they are reliant on volunteers to keep the program running and would love to hear from anyone who is keen to get involved.
“We provide thorough training and friendly support,” she said.
“Community bookings are available - keep an eye on our Facebook page as dates become available.”
CYCLING WITHOUT AGE: The volunteers with Marg Adcock.
OFFICIAL OPENING: Committee member Sophie Naylor invited Marg Adcock to sit on the trishaw bike.
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Wangaratta campaign office opens for Trenery
By STEVE KELLY
LIBERAL candidate for Indi
James Trenery is con dent he can win the seat of Indi at the 2025 Federal Election, a vision he shared at the opening of his Tone Road, Wangaratta campaign o ce last week.
Supported by Victorian Senator Sarah Henderson and two dozen local Liberal stalwarts, Mr Trenery admitted it would take a large swing in his favour if he is to defeat Independent Helen Haines, but he said he was doing everything he can to make it happen.
“The margin last time was 8 per cent, but it’s a big undertaking to do this and I wouldn’t have done this if I didn’t think I could win,” Mr Trenery said.
“It’s a lot of hard work and you’re starting from a long way behind but I think we can win.
“One of the things that’s changing is the apathy is gone in the community, the apathy disappeared when people got a power bill.
“They want to see result and good policies to x that and they want that discussion to take place.
“It’s the same as the housing and I’ve got kids living at
home because they’re trying to save up for a house because they and their friends can’t even get a rental.”
He praised the Wangaratta business community for their support and their desire to see change in Indi.
“The Wangaratta business community is unique and they have been absolutely fantastic,” he said.
“You’ll go to an event and 40-50 people will turn up, it’s not competitive and they want to know what they can do to support the community.”
The Liberal Party hasn’t held Indi since Sophie Mirabella lost the election in 2013 to Independent and Dr Haines’ predecessor Cathy McGowan.
But Ms Henderson said Mr Trenery is getting out to every corner of the community, connecting with every group and organisation, which goes a long way to winning their support.
“James has been door knocking and some people have never seen a politician on their doorstep in Indi before, it’s really exciting,” Ms Henderson said.
Mr Trenery will open a campaign o ce in Wodonga at some time in the new year.
BOLO DECEMBER REPORT (Be On the Look Out)
Gastro remains persistent within our community, especially for young children and those at higher risk. Make sure to wash hands regularly with soap, keep sick children isolated for 48 hours, disinfect surfaces, and ensure they stay hydrated. If symptoms persist, seek medical advice.
With COVID-19 still circulating, most cases can be managed at home, but if symptoms worsen, seek medical attention. Remember, it’s important to avoid visiting vulnerable people if you or your family members are feeling unwell.
Whooping cough remains a risk, particularly for babies and young children. Ensure vaccinations are up to date, and seek early medical advice if a persistent cough develops.
For the latest updates, advice, or support, visit the Better Health website or contact the GV Public Health Unit at 1800 313 070.
Wishing all of our community and partners a safe and happy festive season.
OPEN FOR BUSINESS: Liberal candidate for Indi James Trenery opens his new campaign o ice on the corner of Tone and Vincent roads, alongside Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson. PHOTO: Steve Kelly
Crucial services cut at Parks Victoria
IN THE face of major funding and sta ng cuts, Parks Victoria will be shutting down 51 crucial services that are used to manage their millions of hectares of land across the state.
Of the 111 services Parks Victoria carries out over their 4.12 million hectares of public land, the number of ‘must do’ services have been reduced to 60, with the remaining 51 classi ed as ‘could do if resources permit’, ‘only do if tied funded’, or ‘stop/pause’.
The services being cut include feral pest control, rubbish collection, and educational initiatives such as the young ranger’s program.
The news comes as Labor cut $95 million to Parks Victoria’s 2023-24 nances, in addition to the planned redundancy of 100 sta members in the new year.
Despite these cuts, Labor is going ahead with their decision to add a further 44,000 hectares of land to Park Victoria’s responsibilities through the Wombat and Lerderderg state forests.
“Much like the cuts to funding and services at our hospitals and on our roads, the axing of critical services at Parks Victoria is directly related to Labor’s inability to manage money,” Ms Cleeland said.
“These are services that are necessary to protect the sustainability of our public land.
“The removal of dumped rubbish, including asbestos, was listed as ‘could do if resources permit’, while man-
Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, said the loss of these crucial services was a consequence of the state government’s continual inability to control its out of control debt.
aging invasive feral animals – foxes, rabbits, deer, horses and bees and invasive plants – were listed as ‘only do if tied funded’.
“This is what happens when your debt is heading towards $186 billion and $26 million a day in interest alone.”
Ms Cleeland said the decision to add more land to the list of Parks Victoria responsibilities was hard to reconcile in the wake of the cuts.
“It is clear that Parks Victoria has struggled to manage the millions of hectares
they already have,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Parks Victoria’s local assets like the Tallarook State Forest and Reef Hills in Benalla are already struggling to handle the amount of rubbish being dumped and the out-of-control blackberry growth.
“Now they are being asked to cover more ground with less sta , less funding, and less services that make forest management easier.
“It’s easy to understand why morale among sta is so low.”
Way Back Wednesday - a look back at what was making news 20 years ago this week.
WHEN Bruce McCormack and his fellow cattlemen take their stock up to the high country this month, they know it could be the last time.
The cattlemen’s seven year licenses are up mid next year, with a decision on their renewal expected by the government appointed Alpine Grazing taskforce upon resumption of parliament in February.
The outcome will be met with keen interest, not just to the cattlemen but also the Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA), which is strongly opposed to the renewal of the licenses.
Mr McCormack’s family, one of six licensee holders in the Mansfield area, was the first documented taking cattle into the high country in 1902.
IN SPORT, it may be a far cry from the hallowed turf of the MCG but local school children weren’t fussed as AFL club Carlton called into Mansfield last week.
The club was in town as part of a three-day training camp, and players went through their paces at the Mansfield Football Club ground before heading to Mount Buller.
The entire list and support staff was present, much to the delight of the throng of primary school students who hung onto every kick and handball.
Bush walking, bike riding and rock climbing were all part of the program when the players reached the mountain.
VITAL SERVICES: Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland is concerned at funding and sta ing cuts to Parks Victoria.
CREATIVITY CELEBRATED
On Sunday, Emily Doig was awarded the $500 Arts Mansfield Youth Encouragement Award at the inaugural Arty Awards. The event combined three local youth awards from Radio Mansfield, MMuDS, and Arts Mansfield.
Pictured (from le ):
Arts Mansfield
Secretary Sue Hare, Emily Doig, Jess Fearon-Brown from Bendigo Community Bank Mansfield & Distrcit, and Radio Mansfield
President and MC Peter Brown. Read the full story in next week’s edition. PHOTO: Trinity Knight
Project CODI set to modernise council systems
NEW digital systems are set to modernise services at four councils in the Hume region, including Mans eld Shire Council, as part of a major IT transformation project.
Project CODI, or the collaborative digital transformation project, has been progressing well since an initial agreement was signed between the councils in 2022.
The main functions are expected to be rolled out across all four councils by the end of 2025.
By adopting the same set of systems across Mans eld, Murrindindi and Strathbogie Shires and Benalla Rural City, the project aims to streamline and standardise work processes across those local government areas to boost work e ciency and minimise system management costs.
Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said the transformation will make it easier to access council services.
“Our customers will bene t from being able to use of some of our new systems directly,” he said.
“A great example is Greenlight –our new planning and building portal.
“We nished this roll out in October this year and it’s already giving developers greater visibility and control over their applications.
“Other systems will be internally focused, like the new payroll soware.”
“You may never see it, but it will streamline a lot of necessary internal work and ultimately reduce the cost of those tasks.”
Project CODI will transform council’s work in a wide range of ar-
eas, including Information management and record keeping, planning, building, and regulatory services, nance, rates and property, customer relationship management, payroll, and health and wastewater management.
The planning and building system and information management system have now been rolled out at Mans eld.
The regulatory component is expected in rst quarter of 2025, and others by the end of 2025.
Each area is being led by the council with the strongest performance in that area, allowing the others to learn and bene t.
“Learning from neighbouring councils and restructuring our work processes is a huge part of the project,” said Cr Rabie.
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Mansfield Primary School heads for the skies
MANSFIELD Primary School is gearing up for the arrival of a new double-storey classroom, with the removal of one of the old portable buildings on the weekend.
One of only 11 schools statewide to receive these relocatable buildings in the recent roll out, Mansfield Primary School having exhausted its footprint is now looking to expand skywards to meet demand.
Part of a state government pledge to support schools to meet growing school enrolments, the new classroom should be in situ by Week 11 of the current term, with students welcomed into the space to commence lessons at the start of the 2025 school year.
“These state-of-the-art classrooms provide a fast and flexible option to respond to the growing needs of local schools,” Minister for Education and Deputy Premier Ben Carroll said.
The classroom incorporates the latest innovations providing teachers and students with modern learning environments, including double-glazed windows and improved insulation to reduce heat loss, special wall and ceiling linings to reduce internal noise reverberation, energy efficient design and external window shades.
“Since Mans eld Shire Council has been strong on information management, we’ve helped lead the way in adopting Microso SharePoint as a records management system.
“It has just been rolled out here and at Murrindindi, and now the other councils will be able to adopt our methods and our setup.
“We get the same opportunity to learn from other councils in areas where they are doing well.
“Working in partnership across the di erent areas makes CODI a really complex project.
“It’s a testament to our good project management that we’re on budget and on track for completion by the end of 2025.”
The total expected cost of the project is $4.88 million, split equally across the four councils.
CONVEYANCING
Gilgai Plains, Diggers Rest, Mirripoa, Barton, Ngarri, Westbreen, Pentland, Huntly and Bentleigh West primary schools were all beneficiaries of the multi-storey classrooms, with Glen Waverley Secondary College also welcoming the new infrastucture.
The classrooms provide capacity for an additional 775 students statewide, adding to a near 5,000 increase in capacity that was achieved through roll-outs of the multi-storey relocatables earlier in the year.
As part of the Relocatable Buildings Program, the state government will invest $152.4 million to deliver additional classrooms in areas of need, with the program funding the construction and delivery of 163 new buildings.
CHARMING ACREAGE RETREAT!
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Relax year-round with a split system and ceiling fans for heating and cooling or cozy up by the wood fire during the
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The dining area extends outdoors to a large covered alfresco area, ideal for outdoor dining, gatherings, or simply relaxing while overlooking the beautiful grounds. For those with a passion for gardening and being more self-sufficient, the property offers a vegetable patch
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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 Street Mansfield. Ph 0409 751 593.
Mansfield Let’s Talk - Coffee & Chat every third Wednesday of the month from 10am to 12pm at the Delatite Hotel. All welcome, No bookings required.
Mansfield Let’s Talk - Chill & Chat every second Tuesday of the month from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Bowser Bean (BP) dining lounge 145 Mt. Buller Rd. For further info/ enquiries email: mansfieldletstalk@gmail.com
Mansfield Uniting Church - Highett Street Sunday services, 9.30am. All welcome. Ph 0417 103 813
Men‘s Probus meetings are held every 2nd Wednesday for monthly meetings, and then activities/outings are held on the last Wednesday of each month – or as organised.
Outdoor Provedore, producers market, 8.30am to 12.30pm on the High Street median strip, opposite the CWA (third Saturday of every month).
Out’n’About social group meets for lunch on the second Monday of the month at The Delatite Hotel at 11:30am.
Preschool story time at Mansfield Library. Stories, songs and craft. Every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month 10.30am. Ph 5775 8621
Rotary meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at the Delatite Hotel. 6.30 for a 7pm start.
Rural Australians for Refugees (RAR) meet every fourth Monday of the month at 6pm at the Uniting Church Hall.
Scrabble Club for all levels meets at 10am every Wednesday at Mansfield Library. Ph 5775 8621
St John’s Anglican Church - meditation every Friday at 12 noon for a quiet half hour to restore your peace. Ph Christine 0412 825 324
St Vincent de Paul assistance centre, Highett StreetTuesday 10am-12pm, Wednesday 2pm-4pm, Friday 10am-12pm and 2pm-5pm. Phone 5775 3156.
Tolmie Uniting Church - Tolmie Sportsground, 3rd Sunday of the month. Service at 2pm. All welcome.
U3A meetings are held on 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month at 10am at the Library.
Summer fun at Mansfield Library
A MAGIC show, incentives to read, friendship band making, movies and Virtual Reality are all on o er at the Mans eld Library this school holidays.
Mayor Cr Steve Rabie invited families to join in the community fun at the Library over the Summer Holidays.
“I am so pleased that the young people in our community have so many opportunities to experience the joy of their local Library this school holidays,” he said.
The Big Summer Read is all about encouraging kids and young people to read over the summer break.
Mans eld Library invites everyone aged four to 18 to participate and be in the running to win great prizes.
Participating is easy:
1. Visit the Library.
2. Collect your rst reading record and start to read.
3. Return your reading records as you read. Collect a prize for every reading record you complete.
4. Return your reading records no later than Friday January 25 2024 to be in the running for the main prizes.
Elio Simonetti magician extraordinaire
2 x Magic shows: Thursday January 16 11am and 1.30pm Virtual Reality Drop in and explore the wonders of the ocean through VR.
Wednesday January 8 10am –1.00pm
Friendship Bands with Eliza
Tuesday 14 January 10 to 11.30am. Ages ve to eight, 12.30 to 2pm ages nine to 12. LEGO Fun
Friday January 10 1pm to 3pm. Build a treehouse. Ages ve to eight.
Wednesday January 22 1pm to 3pm. Ages nine to 12.
Movies
Peter Pan (classic) Tuesday January 7 2pm to 4pm. Ages ve plus.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (classic) Wednesday January 15 2pm to 4.15pm. Ages ve plus.
Teddy Bear’s Picnic in the park preschool story time
TREE OF REMEMBRANCE: Community members are invited to write a special message on a Christmas card in memory of a loved one, friend or special pet who is missed at this time of year and hang their card on the Christmas Tree of Remembrance at the Mansfield Library. The Christmas Tree of Remembrance is a joint initiative of Mansfield’s Life’s Circle team and Mansfield Library. Library sta member Yuko Nishiyama putting her message on the tree.
Supplied
Prizes include a tenth generation iPad for ages 10 to 18 and 2 x $100 book vouchers forages four to nine.
All prizes are donated by Friends of Mans eld Library.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
JANUARY 25: Horsepower In The High Country. Show’n Shine extravaganza in the shade filled Botanic Park, with food and beverages, live music and entertainment for the kids.
JANUARY 26: Australia Day Celebration Event 2025. Mansfield
Shire residents and visitors are invited to come along and join with
the community to celebrate Australia Day. A complimentary BBQ breakfast and entertainment will be provided commencing at 8:30am ahead of the official ceremony which commences at 9am.
JANUARY 30: OzCarFest Mansfield. A motoring festival that celebrates Classic Australian Built cars!
Friday January 17 10.30am to 12pm at the Highett St playground. Bookings are essential for all activities except for the VR session, the a ernoon LEGO session and the Teddy Bear’s picnic. To book your place drop into the Library on Collopy Street, call 5775 8621 or email library@manseld.vic.gov.au.
FEBRUARY 8: Tolmie Sports. Tolmie Sports Ground, Old Tolmie Road, Tolmie. 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM. $10 Adults, $5 Students and Pensioners, Kids Under 5 FREE.
MARCH 7-10: Mansfield Pottery Festival - 2025 where everyone is welcome to meet and buy direct from potters.
PHOTO:
ON-PROPERTY: Alongside other Angus breeders from across the North East, Riga Angus will be welcoming visitors on-farm on day seven of Beef Week.
SOUGHT-AFTER GENETICS: Riga U86 V2 was the top price bull at the stud’s spring 2024 sale.
LOOKING GOOD: The yearling bulls going under the hammer at the April 9 sale include some exciting new genetics alongside more proven bloodlines.
Spring herd dispersal at Riga represents incredible opportunity
ANGUS studs in Mans eld have been included in day seven of the 2025 Stock and Land Beef Week calendar, with Riga Angus welcoming visitors on-farm on Tuesday February 4.
Stock and Land Beef Week is an annual free-to-attend eight day event, with the 2025 schedule held from Wednesday January 29 to Wednesday February 5.
Visitors are invited onproperty with the event representing the perfect opportunity to visit leading cattle studs across the state and into New South Wales and South Australia.
This year - Beef Week’s
34th - the event begins in Western Victoria and nishing in New South Wales.
For the rst time, Angus studs across the Mans eld Shire have fallen into the catchment for the North East, showcasing their genetics alongside other breeders from across the region.
Riga Angus principal Vera Finger said the display at the Midland Highway stud just outside of Mans eld, will include both male and females that are representative of the Riga herd.
Vera con rmed Riga will also be participating in Stock and Land’s Beef Week Heifer
Challenge, with all participants submitting entries by January 20 and nalists then judged in-person during Beef Week.
Riga’s entry in the challenge will be on display at the open day, alongside some of the stud’s dra lineup going under the hammer at their annual yearling bull sale, scheduled for April 9.
Representing an incredible opportunity to inject some Riga Angus breeding credentials into your herd, the stud will also be dispersing their spring calving herd on the same day.
“The season in Mans eld has been extremely chal-
lenging with very little dry feed ahead of us as we head into summer and autumn,” said Vera.
“Coupled with our daughter cementing her career in the grains research industry, we have decided to disperse our spring calving herd.”
Kicking o at 11am on April 9 the bull sale will be followed by the dispersal at 1pm.
“The yearling bulls include some new genetics in Millah Murrah Quartz, Virginia Tech Statesman, Sitz Resilient as well as genetics that has been proven here such as Dunoon Recharge,” Vera said of the bull sale.
In regards to the dispersal, Vera said the females will be o ered pregnancy tested in calf.
“We will retain the progeny so we don’t lose this genetic pool,” Vera said.
The females represent many of Riga’s breeding objectives and the incorporation of the research breeding values of MBC (mature body condition) and MCH (mature cow height) into the TransTasman estimated breeding values, provides Riga with another excellent tool for selecting more ecient mature animals.
“This is an ongoing focus here with many of the
females on o er in the top 30 per cent of the breed for MBC,” Vera said.
“AI mating sires have been used to complement the females and include Millah Murrah Sunstruck, Cluden Newry Uppercut as well as other proven sires.
“Their heifer calves will then be weaned early and held over for an autumn joining.
“Three females will be retained for ushing/IVF.”
Vera said the team at Riga Angus are looking forward to welcoming visitors onfarm to consider their Manseld operation as part of Stock and Land Beef Week.
Partnering on community led action against pests
By LYNN ELDER
FRONTLINE organisations
protecting Victoria’s environment, agriculture industry, and cultural heritage from biosecurity threats are being backed by the state government to manage invasive weeds and pest animals following last month’s funding announcement by the minister for agriculture.
The minister Ros Spence revealed the 25 recipients of the third round of the $5 million Partnerships Against Pests grants program on December 11 with Mans eld’s Up2Us Landcare Alliance one of the successful applicants.
This funding will build on the work that Up2Us has done in the previous 12 months in an e ort to support the management of invasive species, both animals such as feral pigs and plants including noxious weeds across the Mans eld Shire.
“This is recurring funding that we applied for last year; in the rst year we launched the pilot program a er being successful in round two funding,” said Up2Us project o cer Rhiannon Quigley.
The announcement is good news for Ms Quigley whose role will continue to be funded until early 2026 to oversee the “People against pests in the Mans eld environment” project.
“It will allow us to encourage a continuous and ongoing process.”
In the second round of funding in the previous year Up2Us
WORKING TOGETHER: Up2Us has been funded to deliver an ongoing project to deal with invasive pests including pigs. PHOTOS: Lynn Elder
asked for $40,000 but only received $25,000 so to be funded for almost double that amount $49,475 for one year is a pleasing outcome.
It is “recognition” of the work the alliance does said Ms Quigley.
“We also only focus on invasive animals and plants that are listed in the Victorian Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994,” she said.
Some of the areas that will be targeted in 2025 will be feral pigs which continues to be a growing problem in the district and dealing with rabbits.
“We will continue to work with DEECA’s (Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action) community vertebrate pest management coordinator Mick Freeman and to advocate action on public land for feral pig control,” said Ms Quigley.
There will be a focus on invasive plant control for Paterson’s Curse, sa ron thistle a problem in the Glenroy Hills, gorse, cape broom, hawthorns, and willows
across the district.
The Mans eld project has been funded to deliver a wide range of events and communication resources aimed at improving established invasive species management across the shire.
The project o cer will be responsible for running three eld days, three large acreage farmer discussion groups, one online seminar aimed at engaging with absentee landowners, a subsidised chemical use training course, and ve multi-year land management plans for landowners.
“We are building these relationships with landholders and community groups to gain their respect and trust,” said Ms Quigley.
She noted the importance of maintaining the organisation’s integrity and to continue doing so.
Being able to create a data base of local landholders was also important she said when it came to applying for funding and being project ready.
Other successful recipients and projects in the north east included Swamps Rivers and Ranges Inc for “Collaborative change education on invasive species” ($32,180 over two years), Mudgegonga and District Landcare’s “Adopting best practice weed management” for local landholders ($11,400 over two years), and Parklands Albury Wodonga Ltd for “Applying technology to tackle invasive pest plants” ($25,000 over two years).
The Wodonga Urban Landcare Network has also secured funding of $44, 114 over one year for its “Healthy hectares - growing capacity against invasives on small blocks”.
Grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 were available to various agricultural and environmental not-for-pro t organisations, including Landcare groups and networks.
This funding is helping expand their in uence across the state and strengthen partnerships with local communities.
“The Partnerships Against Pests grants program is a fantastic example of how we can support community groups to take the lead in managing biosecurity challenges at the local level,” said Minister Spence.
“By investing in projects that promote collaboration, education, and innovation, we’re not only addressing the impacts of invasive weeds and pest animals but ensuring our solutions are driven by those who know their local area best.”
2012 MAZDA CX5, Reg AAR 254, 225,000kms, Fastidious Owner, priced to sell $11,500 with RWC, Phone Max Batey. 0419 547 308
An opportunity exists to join the team at Beolite Village Ltd. Our organisation operates a growing not-for-profit Retirement Village in Mansfield which currently has 65 independent living homes.
This permanent part-time appointment is required to support the administration needs of the Village and o ers support to residents, the village manager and the Board.
Beolite is seeking an individual with the following attributes:
• High level of attention to detail
• Ability to build strong relationships
ADAMS, Ian David “Jim”
16/7/1944 – 9/12/2024
Late of Mans eld (Vic).
Son of Betty and Noel Adams (both dec.)
Loved brother of Peter, Gilbert, Bruce, Stephen, and all of their families.
Rest In Peace.
A graveside funeral service was held for Jim at the Mans eld Lawn Cemetery on Monday, December 16, 2024.
• High level of written and verbal communication skills
Able to successfully manage changing priorities
• A strong customer service orientation
• Good problem-solving skills
• Experience in bookkeeping a plus
2014 Jeep Wrangler Sport Unlimited, convertible hard top, automatic, petrol 3.6 litre, loads of accessories, such as fog lights, hill descent, etc. goes anywhere, looks awesome in hard to get red, RWC, rego (2AD5JL), $21,500, Mansfield. Ph 0403 359 006.
Get your names in the RADIO MANSFIELD and MANSFIELD COURIER birthday book.
Win Bertalli’s birthday goodies on Radio Mansfield 99.7 FM’s “Anything Goes” Birthday Wheel Thursdays from 2-4pm
This week’s winner is: SUE BINZER-JONES
To enter call Radio Mansfield on 5775 2333
Packaged liquor licence application
We, Royal Petroleum Australia Pty Ltd, applied to Liquor Control Victoria on 28 September 2024 for the grant of a packaged liquor licence at 8283 Maroondah Highway, Merton.
Any person may object to the grant of this application on the grounds that:
• it would detract from, or be detrimental to, the amenity of the area in which the premises are situated, and/or
• it would be conducive to or encourage the misuse or abuse of alcohol.
An objection must state the reasons for the objection.
All objections are treated as public documents. Objections must be made in writing to: Liquor Control Victoria PO Box 1019
Richmond VIC 3121
Objections must be made no later than 30 days a er the date of this notice
The role is a job share position, and the successful applicant will alternate working 2 days one week and 3 days the next.
To apply, please submit a letter of application including an up-to-date resume and the names of two professional referees. Applications should be sent to Bek Lennon, via email villagemanager@beolitevillage.org
A full job description is available upon request
Applications close at 5.00pm January 15, 2025
HONDA NC700SA, great bike in good condition, lots of extras, 45,200km, Vic reg till October 2025 (1L2JR), I’ve turned 70 and am downsizing, $3200. Phone Ian 0448 952 349.
To apply or for a full position description see mansfieldsteiner.vic.edu.au/
2012 MAZDA CX5, Reg 1YO 2ZV, 218,000kms, Fastidious Owner, priced to sell $11,500 with RWC, Phone Max Batey 0419 547 308.
2010 Mazda CX7 SUV, auto, sold with RWC, 163,000km, reg till Jan 25 (YBD451), $7900, LMCT9246, 44 Newman Street, Wangaratta. Ph 0428 257 221.
2015 green manual Mitsubushi Mirage, towbar, 167,000km, rego till Feb 25 (1GH7HB), RWC, $3500. Ph 0428 257 221.
KAWASAKI KDX 250 SR, great bike, in VGC, currently REC REG1993 md, $3400. Phone 0407316788.
2005 Toyota Corolla Ascent Hatchback (TIZ667) May 15. 126,000km, manual, 17" alloy wheels, TRD upgrades, tinted windows, excellent condition $8000. Ph 0438 988 608.
CAMPER TRAILER, in very good order, REG and ready for camping, (bought a caravan so no longer needed) $2400. REG T48 771. Phone 0407 316 788.
Merinda Way road race - Ryder finished last
By BRUCE HALKET
SEVENTEEN riders were on the start line on Stoneleigh Road last Thursday night for the last Mans eld Mt Buller Cycling Club handicap road race of 2024.
Despite starting right outside the cemetery, there wasn’t too much thought given to the location being some kind of omen.
In fact, after two and a half laps (about 24 kilometres) around the Merinda Way Loop, we should have increased our fitness enough to prevent us from going into a hole in the ground anytime soon.
First away was the Limit Group of Tony Morris, followed by six more groups until the Scratch Group of Andy Garrett, Bruce Halket and last week’s winner, Ryder Chadd, started 19 minutes later.
The rst group to look threatening was Adam Baker and Dave Bock.
They’d started o 9.30 (right in the middle) and had caught both Morris and Micala Jacobs and looked strong going into the second lap.
Steve Curnow, Ian Conrick, Craig Wilson and Allan Gerrans, who’d started o eight minutes had other ideas.
At about two-thirds distance they caught Baker and Bocky and looked strong.
Baker managed to hang on, Bocky didn’t.
But then Scratch started to get involved.
Andy Garrett is an absolute beast on the at.
He doesn’t really enjoy hills all that much; and he goes around corners with all the agility of an ocean liner, only more so!
So with Chadd helping
where he could, especially on the rst lap, and Halket doing what he could on the hills, Garrett tore through the other groups.
The Block group (Damian Grundy, Steve Brown and Ant Bateup) was caught near Quarry Lane and the 3.30 group (Mick Pearce, Steve Duke and Rueben Bateup) was caught near the cemetery.
With just a couple of kilometres to go, Garrett accelerated to catch the leaders.
When he tired a little, Halket had a go.
He caught Baker and Wilson.
When Grundy caught the tiring Halket, Garrett blasted past again to overtake Curnow and Conrick and take the win and Fastest Time.
Halket took second (Where were you Adrian? You owe me an article!) just
ahead of Conrick, Grundy, the Steves Duke and Curnow, Rueben Bateup, Baker, Wilson and Brown took another top ten nish.
Ryder got dropped on the second lap, showing there’s a big step up from Block to Scratch.
At one stage he even thought he might even die,
but he didn’t.
The cemetery can wait.
well-deserved
Plus he did the right thing and rolled in with his Mum, Micala, even letting her over the line ahead of him.
Many thanks to all the marshals and o cials for a safe, well-run race.
Road racing now takes a
few weeks o - we’ll be back on Thursday January 16 for a race on Howes Creek Road, nishing on the dreaded O’Hanlon’s Hill.
In the meantime, the Mans eld Mt Buller Cycling Club wishes all of Manseld’s road users a safe and Merry Christmas and New Year.
Dirt Crits Gravity - Ryder finished first
By KATE STONNILL
THE last Dirt Crits of 2024 saw 22 entrants for two timed runs at Rifle Butts Reserve.
Ryder Chadd took the win by just two seconds from Rueben Bateup.
Rueben won the Bateup Cup by four seconds ahead of Dad Ant.
Fourth was Shannon Rademaker (even though there was some controversy over the last corner) with Adam Baker and Luke Vivash equal fifth.
Speaking of Adam, he said a few words of farewell to all.
The club thanks Adam for all his trail work and support of the club and riders and we wish
Ariel, Finn and Adam all the best on their 2025 adventure in the Yarra Valley. Speaking personally, I will miss his mathematical genius with results.
Sienna Vivash won the Women’s race albeit after a crash in second run, even crossed the line with a bit of “bark” off.
Equal second shared between Nicole Hoebergen and visiting Danish rider, Anne Bruhn Andreasen.
Thanks to Adam for setting a tricky but enjoyable course.
Dirt Crits will be back on Tue 21 Jan with a cross-country race at Rifle Butts MTB Park.
FINAL DIRT CRITS RACE OF 2024: (from le ) Shannon Rademaker, Rueben Bateup, Ryder Chadd, Ant Bateup, Adam Baker and Luke Vivash. PHOTOS: Kate Stonnill
WINNING TIME: Andy Garrett approaches the line to take a
win on Merinda Way and Ian Conrick looks safe in second but looks can be deceiving. PHOTO: Tony Copland
A week of well fought matches in bowls
COMING HOME: Jakara Anthony recently su ered an injury during training in Sweden. She has had surgery on her collarbone in Oslo and will travel to Australia to commence her rehab.
PHOTO: Instagram
Jakara Anthony injured and returning home
REIGNING Olympic and World Cup mogul skiing champion Jakara Anthony is returning to Australia following an injury sustained during training in Sweden.
Anthony, who delivered a recordbreaking 2023-2024 season as the most successful mogul skier in history, carried her dominant form into the new season.
Just a day before the injury, she claimed her 23rd career victory in the single moguls event, setting a new Australian record for most career World Cup podium finishes.
Jakara’s manager, Julia Brukner, confirmed the details.
“Jakara sustained an injury during World Cup training in Idre Fjäll that will rule her out of the upcoming event in Georgia,” she said.
“She has had surgery on her collarbone in Oslo and will travel to Australia to commence her rehab.”
Geoff Lipshut, CEO of the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia (OWIA), praised Anthony’s strong start to the season.
“Jakara had a great start to the winter,” he said.
“This training accident is unfortunate, but Jakara is very positive, looks forward to coming home and then working on her rehabilitation plan in Australia.”
Anthony will consult with medical and training staff upon her return to Australia over the next week to determine her recovery plan and next steps.
LAKE Eildon is one of Australia’s most celebrated freshwater fishing destinations.
Known for its abundance of brown and rainbow trout, the history of these fish in the lake is a fascinating tale of introduction, adaptation, and management.
The story of trout in Australia began in the mid-19th century, when European settlers sought to recreate the fishing opportunities they had enjoyed in their homelands.
Trout, prized for their sporting qualities and culinary value, were deemed ideal for Australian waters.
In 1864, the first successful hatching of brown trout (Salmo trutta) in Tasmania marked the beginning of trout acclimatisation in Australia.
Shortly thereafter, rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), native to North America, were also introduced.
By the early 20th century,
By MARK BETTANY
IN the Bowls Club home pennant last week there were some well fought matches.
Yellow team of Kevin Nikkelson, Kris Humphrey, Christina Smith and Ray Fraser defeated the Orange team of Marco Bohren, Alan Hatcher, Michelle Mios and Glenda Hempenstall in a close one, 18 to 15.
Steve Lewis’ Pink team of Peter Wooley, Gwen Gray and Catherine Johnson defeated the gold team of Ray Close, Kathleen Bock, Denis Sharpe and Barry Hempenstall 22 to 16.
Team red with skip Graeme Tyers, Tom Nicol, Ross Parsons and Phillip Jensen beat the lime team of Carolyn Close, Peter McNeill, Belinda Snider and Anne Wileman 17 to 12. Tony Pridham’s Green team with Harry Smith, Glenda Revell and Greg Hogarth had a win against the blue team with Alan Dobson, Tom Ingpen, Anne Tilbrook and Heather Ingpen 20 to 14.
The midweek Pennant team played away to Chiltern, coming home with a 58 to 44 win overall.
Michael Harrison, Mark Bettany, Vicki Klein and Irene Fuller won their rink 20 to 18.
George Peterson, Elain Peterson, Chris Laws and Marian Ryan had a big win 21 to seven.
Mick Walsh, Noel Jackson, Jenny Walsh and Yvonne Robinson had a close one but went down 17 to 19.
Mans eld stays on top of the ladder with ve games to play.
The nal two rounds of the Ladies Bowls Club Championships were held last week.
Jenny Walsh defeated Irene Fuller 26 to 13 shots and Lyn Foots defeated Vicki Klein 27 to eight shots.
Lyn Foots got o to a good
start in the nal match but Jenny plugged away, putting in some great bowls, to win 25 to 16.
Congratulations to Jenny on her rst Club Championship. Both Saturday Pennant teams had wins this week.
In the A3 section Mans eld played at Swanpool, winning 85 to 64.
Mike Harrison’s team with Noel Jackson, Shane O’Brien and Sid Revell won their rink 22 to 17.
Mick Walsh, Ray Robinson, Graeme Smith and Enid Smith had a close one, losing 19 to 22.
George Peterson’s team with Elaine Peterson, Irene Fuller and Marian Ryan won 30 to eight and John Foots’ team with Peter Roberts, Steve Lewis and Ray Close were beaten 14 to 17.
In A4, Mans eld played at home to Yarrawonga with a very close game, winning 78 to 64.
Lyn Foots, Jenny Walsh, Carolyn Close and Yvonne Robinson battled hard but went down 18 to 24.
Mark Bettany’s team of Alan Dobson, Kevin Nikkelson and Nick Klein won their rink 23 to 13.
Chris Laws’ team of Winston Taylor, Vicki Klein and Ken Rainsbury won 20 to 11.
Rick Nichols, Lyn Holland, Don Cameron and Ross Parson won 17 to 16 a er a neck and neck battle all day.
The semi nals of the B Grade Men’s Championship was held Sunday morning.
Michael Harrison defeated Brian Sinclair 25 to 14.
Chris Laws and Alan Dobson had a long match with Chris getting up to win 25 to 24.
In the nal Michael Harrison defeated Chris Laws 25 to 11. Congratulations Hammer.
trout stocking efforts spread to Victoria.
Initially, the Victorian Fisheries Department focused on rivers and smaller reservoirs, but by the mid-1900s, larger water storage projects like Lake Eildon became key stocking sites.
Lake Eildon was created in 1929 with the completion of the Sugarloaf Dam and later expanded in the 1950s.
As the lake grew, it became an ideal habitat for trout due to its cool, deep waters and proximity to feeder rivers such as the Goulburn, Delatite, and Jamieson, which provide excellent spawning grounds
and natural food sources like insects, crustaceans, and smaller fish.
Trout were first released into Lake Eildon shortly after its initial construction.
Brown trout, with their preference for cooler waters and natural predatory instincts, adapted well to the lake’s environment.
Rainbow trout followed, favoured for their resilience and rapid growth rates.
Over time, these species established self-sustaining populations, supported by both natural reproduction and ongoing stocking efforts.
The management of trout in Lake Eildon has evolved significantly.
Fisheries Victoria (now part of the Victorian Fisheries Authority, VFA) began regular stocking programs in the mid-20th century to enhance recreational fishing opportunities.
Today, these programs remain
a cornerstone of Lake Eildon’s status as a premier fishing destination.
The lake is stocked annually with tens of thousands of brown and rainbow trout fingerlings, along with other species such as Murray cod and golden perch.
This is supported by initiatives like the “Target One Million” campaign, which aims to boost fishing participation and sustainably manage fish populations.
Trout have become deeply ingrained in the culture of Lake Eildon.
The lake hosts numerous fishing competitions and draws anglers from across Australia, eager to experience the thrill of catching these prized fish amidst the stunning backdrop of Victoria’s High Country.
This enduring legacy ensures that trout will remain a central part of Lake Eildon’s history and allure for generations to come.
PHOTO: Supplied
LOOKOUT TROUT: Trout have become deeply ingrained in the culture of Lake Eildon.
Strong fields and big prizes in golf
By ROD SARGENT
SOME good strong elds again this week, and a BIG thankyou to our sponsors on Saturday for the monthly medal.
Tony Cooksey, Rennie De Maria and Danny Robertson put on some great prizes, even a golf bag for the winner.
Thanks heaps fellas.
Tuesday was a game of stroke o the gold tees.
And the winners on the day were, in 3rd place, Alex Scherini, 2nd was Rob Dundas and 1st was Aaron Roberts. Thursday was the normal stableford with 75 in the eld, and the scores reected the tricky pin placements.
It is good to see the green sta putting a bit more spice into the set up of the course.
C grade winners were Dave McKenzie 3rd with
Christmas fun day for lady golfers
By MARION MITCHELL
BEFORE the ladies had their Christmas celebrations on Wednesday, the ne weather bought back the ladies to the Tuesday Stableford competition.
Kerri Nicol won with 18 points, second Marion Mitchell 17 and third Susan Kinloch 16.
Wednesday’s Christmas fun day was two person Ambrose.
We had a large eld of 36 ladies all dressed in their Christmas outts. It was great to see some of our newer golfers playing and to see them appear in the prize winning list.
During play, Lyn Holland appeared in the golf cart with some complimentary bubbles.
This may have helped some and maybe not some others.
Nicki Cooper and Sophie Yencken won the day with 55.75 points.
Sophie you should play more regularly!
Only decimal points separated the three placings.
Linda Terry and Colleen Leeds 57, Gayle Wells and newish player Shelley Lakin 57.25 and Sam Bailey and Benalla golfer Julie Roberts 57.75.
Nearest the pins were Angel (aka Linda Terry) on third, Shelley Lakin seventh, Sue Parsons and Lisa Dingle 12th, Sophie Yencken 16th and Sheryl Sargent and Jan Bedford 18th. It was lovely to have past player Dawn Breadon join us a erwards for a delicious Christmas lunch in The Ranges restaurant.
30pts, Colin Whytcross 2nd with 30pts and 1st place went to Joel O’Sullivan with 33pts.
B grade winners were, in 3rd place Adam Holt with 35pts, Robin Pratt 2nd with 37pts and Mark Doupe had the score of the day with 38pts.
A grade saw Alex Scherini 3rd with 34pts, Josh Foots 2nd with 36pts and Brendan Egan 1st with 38pts.
The pro pin was won by
Brendan Egan as well.
The Managers secret six was won by Bob Cullen.
Like I mentioned it was monthly medal day Saturday and there were some very good scores.
The Medal winner on the day was Trevor Williams with a ne 67 nett.
The JD Perks was won on a countback by Mark Jones with a 72 gross.
B grade winners were young Saxon Daykin, who is
improving all the time 3rd with a nett 69, 2nd was Matt Anderson with nett 68 and Trevor Williams was 1st with nett 67.
A grade 3rd place was Jamie Longsta with nett 72, Brad Grant 2nd with nett 71 and 1st place went to Mark Jones with nett 70.
Coming up this week is a 5 club challenge on Thursday with a shotgun start at 1pm.
Saturday is Captains day with a 4 person Gentsomes
with mixed teams being the primary event and there will be a Gentsomes for the men as well.
10 am shotgun start.
Just a quick reminder that you only have three minutes to look for a lost ball, before you have to go back to where your last shot was taken from or take a pickup in Stableford.
There is a timer on your Miscore app. Happy hitting.
The Premier League, Player of the Premier League and Winter Block winners were then announced.
The Premier League winners as previously reported were the Lassy’s team of Sue Parsons, Linda Brook, Lorraine Wilson and Shirley Nolan.
The Players of the Mans eld Women’s Premier League was a tie between Sue Crow and Sharon Gysberts.
Both well deserved.
The Winter Block is a competition played between April and October with various winning categories.
The winners this year were Veterans - Linda Terry, Aggregate - Kylie Egan, Aggregate Putting – Gayle Wells, 3’s and under – Sheryl Sargeant, Nett 3’s – Gayle Wells, Gobblers – Millie Cumming and Eclectic (Handicap and Scratch) – Sam Bailey. The week nished o with a good eld of 19 ladies playing Saturday’s Stableford. Andrea Marsden had a fantastic 40 points to win on a countback to our newish player Shelley Lakin. Great scores and well done to Gayle Wells for coaching Shelley to almost a win.
Kerri Nichol was third with a not too shabby 37 points.
Line balls to Millie Cumming, Linda Brook and Lesley Anderson all on 36 points.
Merton triumphs after two washouts and a bye
By ROHAN BERRIMAN
MERTON cricketers nally played a game of cricket a er a bye and two washouts.
Merton hosted Ovens Valley United on a slow, lush MCG out eld.
The visitors won the toss and batted, making 80 all out in the 27th over, with G. Zach (17) and L. McManus (16) the top scorers. Merton’s bowlers all did the job for their captain, led by Henry Berriman (3/24), father Rohan (2/8), Harry Craddock (2/11), and Luke Benton (2/14) as the wickettakers.
The home side was good in the eld, led by James Benton with two catches.
Merton made short work of the 81-run target with a red-up Ross Mackinnon smashing an unbeaten 52 o 56 balls, including three huge sixes.
Nearest the pins to Gayle Wells on third and Andrea Marsden on 16th.
Finally, a big thank you to Captain Sheryl Sargent and Vice-Cap-
tain Linda Brook for all the organisation and behind the scenes work they put in to provide the ladies with an enjoyable year of golf. Next Wednesday is Monthly Medal sponsored by All Things Natural and Organic and Saturday is the Captain’s Fun Day with a four Person Gentsomes. Good hitting.
Fellow opener Daryl King turned the strike over with 12 not out, helping his side to a comfortable victory in the 16th over.
Merton hosts Beechworth Wanderers in the nal game next Saturday before the Christmas break.
Rovers claim wins over Delatite
By MARK O’LOUGHLAN
A Reserve
Delatite CC 80 defeated by Rovers United Bruck CC 6/115
AFTER losing the toss and being sent into bat, Delatite made a bright start to their innings with opener Mitch Copey playing in his usual aggressive fashion.
The run rate slowed somewhat on his departure a er making 15 runs, but things were looking good at 2/66 in the over before drinks with Pat Smith (12) and Mark O’Loughlan (24) keeping the scoreboard ticking over.
Unfortunately, disaster struck on the nal ball before drinks, with Smith departing, and then O’Loughlan played a stupid shot in the rst over a er drinks, and the wheels fell o the entire innings from there.
Delatite were dismissed for 80, unable to capitalise on a reasonably good start.
U12 blue team win second Delatite Derby
By ANDREW COOK
MANSFIELD’S two U12 teams faced o against each other on Saturday in the second Delatite Derby, with the kids given the preChristmas treat of playing on the turf pitch of Lords Oval.
Gold won the toss and a er some back-and-forth they chose to bat, hoping that the dewy out eld would quickly take the shine o the ball.
This proved to be the case, however it did not stop Blue’s opening bowlers from keeping a tight line and length and restricting early runs.
Billy Briggs snagged two wickets from the top order, bowling open-
er Callum Logan-Williams and Gold captain Cecily Smith.
Most of the remaining Gold batting line up saw out their allotted balls with little trouble, the lack of runs o the bat made up for by runs donated by the bowlers through extras.
Near the end of the innings
Ethan Jones returned from retirement and for a second week in a row his hustle and eagerness to score late-innings runs paid o , Gold boosting their nal tally to 74 by making 11 runs in the last over.
Briggs picked up the best bowling with 2/5, while Jay Kancherla continued his good recent form by top-scoring with 10.
Blue looked set to capitalize on
the now dry out eld, with three of the club’s top ve run-scoring batters in their line-up.
Jones however ensured that Blue got o to a rocky start, claiming the scalp of Briggs in the second over with his rst ball.
Opener Xavier Heaysman alongside Roy Mercieca dug in and batted excellently, and when they and Noah Heaysman retired, Blue looked well on track for an easy victory, reaching the half-way mark at 1/46.
However in what is proving to be a familiar scene this season, once the top order has departed the runs dried up, the next four batters retiring with no more than one run to their names.
At the end of the seventeeth over Blue still needed fourteen runs to win from the last three overs, but a runout and a wicket to Beau Anstee brought retirees Xavier Heaysman and Mercieca back to the crease to give Blue the li they needed. They proceeded to scored o nine of the next 11 balls and brought Blue home for the win, Mercieca top scoring with 14. Jones was the best of the Gold bowlers with 1/3 o two overs.
A hybrid team made up of both Gold and Blue will play one further game for the year next Saturday in Benalla against Yarrawonga Mulwala, before enjoying a wellearned rest over the Christmas and New Year’s break.
The wicket wasn’t easy to bat on and scoring was tough, and although Delatite knew they were a few runs short of a competitive total, the boys attacked the elding e ort with positivity.
Early wickets would be the key, and skipper Joe Kelleher providing.
Richie Philip and Joel Middleton took one each shortly a er, and Rovers were in a very similar position to Delatite at the drinks break on 3/65.
Unfortunately for us, Rovers held their nerve and passed the target score shortly a erwards.
Nick Hoskin got some reward for bowling well early to take a couple of wickets at the end to nish with 2/26.
A few more runs may have made the di erence in this game, but onto next week at Lord’s, the home of cricket, to take on the City Colts.
Under 16
Delatite 5/50 CC def by Rovers United Bruck CC 3/103
AFTER a comprehensive win last week, the Delatite boys came crashing back to earth against Rovers United Bruck. Sent into bat, Delatite were in all sorts of trouble at 4/8 until skipper Nick Hoskin (20no) put the team on his back, supported by Felix O’Meara (10) and Darcy McSweeney (13no), and somehow managed to scrape up 50 runs.
A small total, but it was at least something to bowl at.
To win the game Delatite would require a similar bowling e ort to last week, but were not able to do so.
A couple of expensive overs early in the Rovers innings put paid to any chance of an unlikely victory, but the boys were able to pull it back somewhat and restrict Rovers to 3/103. Max O’Loughlan, Nixen Martin and Josh Cook were the wicket takers.
A lot of learnings for the team will come out of this game, and plenty of time to think about it over the Christmas break.
TOGETHER: The Gold and Blue teams came together a er the match.
STRONG BOWLING: Ollie Heaysman showing dynamic skills on the pitch.
TUESDAY NIGHT
By JASON BLAKE
WITH the final night of the year before the Xmas break upon us the scene was set for another big night of hitting and a chance for teams to move up the ladder.
On courts one and two Murray and Yencken battled it out for the first time this year. Usual team members Dan Robertson, Anna Speirs and Mark Poole all took the court with a very handy fill in addition of Rohan West taking the number two spot.
Dan and Anna needed the rst set to get going, losing six to two to Jason Blake and Dan Dundas.
Over on court one Michelle Pidgon and Kathryn Murray rallied valiantly against Rohan and Mark but went down six to four.
This is where team Yencken then really kicked into gear not losing another set for the night and only allowing Murray another nine games collectively in the final four sets. Team Yencken took the choccies for the night 5/32 to Murphys 1/19.
The match of the night was on centre court between McDonagh and Blackall with another battle within the battle for the Fox family.
With James Fox lled in for team Blackall alongside Max Ree Goodings, Jaden Findlay and Dion Theodossi and was up against Glen Fox and Keira McDonagh in a close fought match with Glen and Keira coming out on top six to four.
Greg McDermott was a brick wall as normal and took it to Max in some cracking contests winning two of his three sets.
The closest match for the night nished with McDonagh 4/28 defeating Blackall 2/25.
The nal match for the night between Hutchison and Aldous was a largely one-sided a air.
The big serve and volley of Michael Whytcross was
too much for the returning Michael Tomlinson on the night.
The bonus of having the two Liams, Delany and Wilson, to ll in for the night added some much-needed experience to team Aldous with the duo winning all their sets. Aldous took out the night winning 6/36 to Hutchison’s 0/14. We head to the break where hopefully not too much dust will settle in over everyone before the February return.
The nal ladder for 2024 has O’Loughlan 38, Murray 33.5, McDonagh 31, Yencken 30, Aldous 28.5, Crockett 24, Blackall 23.5, Hutchinson 15.5.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT By
RHONDA CARPENTER
AFTER missing out on round seven all teams agreed to play the washed out round last Wednesday night.
Everyone was rewarded with a beautifully hot night to nish the year.
Crimson Souls fancied their chances against top side Out of the Blue and won two of the rst three sets.
Simon Young, Suzie Wellborne Helen Knight and Jane Swinburne brought the heat and style to the contest wearing their new hats.
Out of the Blue’s Matt Lowe, Will McAlister and Steph Herridge had added handy ll in Joe Kelleher
and the team rallied to take the last three sets decisively and win the match 4/31 to 2/19.
True Colours was an allfamily a air again including Max Les to join Rob, Kate and Amy Les against Red Roses.
Alice Kilpatrick and Lisa Morgan were determined in their set together, ultimately unlucky to lose a tiebreak set nine to 11 against the dynamic duo Rob and Kate.
Robert Williams and Alice challenged them too, but the Les team was convincing and won all the sets.
True Colours picked up seven points.
On the centre courts the match of the night between
Burnt Orange and Brown Sugar was a cracker; both teams found handy ll ins for the contest.
Courtney O’Loughlan brought in her son Max, who regularly plays in teams on Tuesday and Thursday nights, to boost her side with Warren Medcalf and Anna Francis.
However, Brown Sugar’s Nick Ferguson and Kimberley Marsden countered the move by including Aaron Knight and Bill Jones into their line-up and they took the rst three sets in tough battles.
Two tiebreakers were played going one each way.
Warren and Courtney won their tiebreak set to-
gether seven to two. Max and Warren combined strongly in the nal set winning six to two, but Brown Sugar won the match 4/32 to 2/24.
Wednesday ladder: Out of the Blue 46, True Colours 38, Brown Sugar 35, Crimson Souls 23, Red Roses 16, and Burnt Orange 10.
A er the holidays the competition resumes on the fourth, h and sixth of February 2025.
Mans eld Hot Shots Community Play families were excited to learn they had been invited to attend the Australian Open with Tennis Australia providing front row seats in Kia Arena for one day mid-January.
PHOTO: Brendan Grant
PHOTO: Kimberley Marsden
PHOTO: Kimberley Marsden
A HOT NIGHT: (from le ) Nick Ferguson and Kimberley
PHOTO: Kimberley Mardsen.
CRIMSON SOULS: Showing o their team hats (from le ) Simon Young, Jane Swinburne,
BREAKING THROUGH: Delatite B grade celebrates a crucial breakthrough against Beechworth Wanderers. Despite this, dropped catches and the scorching conditions hampered Delatite’s e orts, allowing Beechworth to post 7/154. In reply, Delatite’s chase faltered under consistent bowling pressure, finishing at 7/98 in their final home game of the season.
Hot day, cold hands
Delatite B’s bowlers shine, but heat and dropped catches prove costly against Beechworth
By ANDREW COOK
MANSFIELD’S B-grade team hosted their last home game of the year on Saturday against Beechworth Wanderers.
Attempting to capitalise on the hot weather and a few late arrivals for Delatite, Beechworth chose to bat and put our team into the eld. Beechworth’s top three set the example for the rest of their batting order, hitting out hard at any loose deliveries while defending good balls.
Two dropped catches in two balls o the bowling of Sid
Kalyanaraman did not help Delatite’s cause, and it wasn’t until the appearance of rst-change bowler Rick Mills and a screamer from Garth Lawrie at mid o that Delatite nally broke through for their rst wicket.
Mills chipped in for a second to claim the scalps of both openers, before leg spinners Josh Cook and rst-gamer Frank Cupples took centre stage.
Both bene ted from some overly lusty swinging from Beechworth’s middle and lower order, Cupples nishing on 2/32 o eight overs while Cook claimed the best
gures for the day with 2/14 and climbed to the top of the B-grade team’s wicket-taking table for the season.
Beechworth nished on 7/154, a healthy total but not an intimidating one.
Delatite’s reply began carefully; runs were scored o any bad balls but these came rarely as Beechworth opening bowlers Lachlan Fitzpatrick and Ben Cogger maintained a good line and length throughout their spells.
Delatite captain Nick Ferguson fell in the sixth over with the score on 15, bringing Trent Berry to the
crease in his rst game of the season a er recovering from injury.
He and opener Mills put on a ne 46 run partnership, highlighted by their sharp running between the wickets and careful shot selection.
When Berry was caught out after drinks trying to boost the run rate the remaining Delatite batting order struggled to put together meaningful partnerships, with Mitch Clarke the only lower order batter passing ve runs.
The heat went out of the match at the same time the day was cooling o , the required run-rate prov-
ing to be too high for the one-short Delatite line-up.
Mills narrowly missed out on carrying his bat, being bowled with nine balls le in the innings a er making an excellent 41.
Delatite nished on 7/98.
The last B-grade game of the year will be an away match on Saturday against Benalla Bushrangers who have been having another excellent season, however Delatite will surely remember how close they came to toppling the Bushrangers at home last year and will be keen to turn the tables this time around.
PHOTO: Adam Wagsta