COUNCIL sta , local businesses and residents joined forces last week to transform the High Street median strip into a kids’ nature play and chill zone - part of a bold six-month Town Booster Program trial. The hands-on makeover capped o a week of community workshops and events.
Full story page 11.
‘too much to bear’ for struggling
By ANDY WILSON
A LATE night sitting of Victoria’s upper house which saw the passing of the government’s Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund (ESVF) has failed to quell vocal opposition to the new law.
A er a marathon sitting on Thursday, the government passed the bill with help from the crossbench, including the Greens, Animal Justice Party, and Legalise Cannabis Victoria, a er negotiating amendments which included an average reduction of $150 per year.
Local farmers who have spoken to
North East Media have said they face increases to the levy of up to and over $4000.
The ESVF replaces the previous cheaper Fire Services Levy and will be charged along with council rates each year.
On Tuesday 13 May, over 400 CFA and SES volunteers and sta crammed Parliament House’s steps to protest against the levy and heard from leaders of farming peak bodies and opposition members.
Five re trucks and other support vehicles blocked one lane of Spring Street as the crowd heard from leaders of peak farming groups and
opposition parliamentarians, with protesters chanting ‘scrap the tax’ between speeches.
Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish attended the rally and on Friday questioned what ‘promises’ were made to the crossbench to secure the upper house vote.
“Just when you think the state Labor government can’t get any worse, they do,” Ms McLeish said.
“We can only guess what deal Labor did with the Greens and Animal Justice to get the fund over the line.”
She said the levy would make current tough conditions for farmers even tougher.
“The farmers in Mans eld who are in severe drought conditions will not be dancing over dried paddocks about a 150 per cent increase on what they were paying for the Fire Services Levy.”
The ESVF will come into e ect from July 1, with households seeing their rates almost double, commercial properties increase by 100 per cent, industrial rates by 64 per cent, and farmers paying an extra 150 per cent.
In response to the bill passing the upper house, over 300 CFA brigades went o ine on Thursday night in protest.
■ Continued page 12
THE state opposition have tabled a petition in state parliament, signed by more than 21,000 Victorians, demanding the state government scraps the planned gutting of sheries compliance and enforcement.
The state government plans to drastically slash the number of sheries o cer positions.
Locally, this could impact the Northern Region, including Snobs Creek where sheries oversee Lake Eildon.
Statewide, 35 roles will be cut, reducing overall sta ng from 192 to 157.
“Recreational shing and boating are enjoyed regularly at Lake Eildon, the Goulburn Valley River and surrounds,” said State Member for Eildon, Cindy McLeish.
“The majority of recreational anglers comply with regulations which is largely due to the presence of o cers who enforce and educate.
“Instead of protecting Victoria’s precious marine environments, Labor is rebranding sheries o cers as ‘engagement o cers’ in an attempt to conceal cost-cutting measures.
“Without inspections and oversight, it opens the gates for illegal shing and environmental damage.
“It is a slap in the face to responsible anglers who do the right thing.”
More than 50 sheries o cers and industry stakeholders gathered on the steps of parliament house to protest the government’s decision to
slash funding and sta ng in an already under-resourced and overburdened sector.
“The petition re ects growing anger and concern from recreational shers, environmental advocates, and coastal communities across the state,” said Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation, Sam Groth. “Labor’s dismantling of sheries enforcement will leave our waterways vulnerable to illegal shing, marine damage, and serious safety risks.”
FAST FACTS, ACCORDING THE STATE OPPOSITION:
State government plans to reduce Fisheries Officer positions in Port Phillip and Western Port from 27 to just nine.
There will be 35 jobs cut statewide, dropping staffing from 192 to 157.
Current vacancies in key regions won’t be filled.
All fisheries officers will be reclassified as “fisheries engagement officers”
There are currently just over 50 active officersdown from 72, 20 years ago.
The restructure shifts focus from enforcement to “education and engagement”.
Central Region accounts for over 50 per cent of enforcement activity in Victoria
MANSFIELD Shire has been le out of the Drought Support Program that sees $29.4 million in support for farmers and rural communities across Victoria.
This was on top of the announcement that the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund (ESVF), which council lobbied against, was passed through the upper house yesterday 15 May 2025.
Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said the news was dire for Mans eld Shire.
“Yesterday was an incredibly disappointing day, with the passing of the new unfair ESVF tax that sees regional communities paying for services that should be funded by the state government,” said Cr Rabie.
“On top of that, the state made an announcement of real nancial assistance and Mans eld Shire, along with other shires across our district, has been le out.
“I’ve written to the Minister for Agriculture to ask for direct nancial assistance to our community.
“I can’t walk down the street without people telling me that their families are on the brink of nancial and emotional collapse.
“Dams are dry.
“Farmers are having to sell their livestock as they run out of feed and water.
the ESVF and no drought funding.
“There is no doubt about this –we are in a severe drought.
nity is a real kick in the teeth.
“The Mans eld Shire community is incredibly resilient.
“We have a can-do attitude and have weathered many tough times and have come through.
“However, I am seriously concerned about these hits to our community.
“We are already struggling with managing through the drought and then to watch as the state government introduce a bill that will have a massive unfair impact on every member of our commu-
“To make matters worse, not being eligible to participate in the drought infrastructure grant program is really the straw that breaks the camel’s back.
“Farmers in eligible LGAs will receive partial rebates under the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund through their participation in the drought infrastructure grant program.
“So, the fact that Mans eld Shire’s community isn’t eligible means we will be hit twice as hard by these decisions.
“We are hearing from our community that we are at breaking point.
“We can’t a ord to pay the unfair tax and we need immediate nancial assistance to help us through this drought.
“Council will continue to lobby the state government for better outcomes for our community,” said Cr Rabie.
Council o ers nancial counselling and other support services to community members.
Contact council for more information.
• All tanks are 2.26m (7’6”) in height
• All tanks walls are 130mm (5.2”) thick
• All foundations (tank floors) are 250mm (9.8”) thick
• Tanks are algae free
• Cool in summer
• Won’t blow away
Are you working on a project that could use a little extra support? Whether it's a local event, youth program, sustainability initiative, or anything that brings our community together - we want to hear from you!
offering funding opportunities to help bring your ideas to life. If your group is making a positive impact, let’s chat! Email:
to find out how to apply.
closed for dinner on Sunday this week – a chance to give our team a break before the busy-ness of winter is upon us.
THURSDAY:
Temperature:
FRIDAY:
Temperature:
SATURDAY:
MONDAY;
TUESDAY:
By EMMA OLIVER
A GROUND-BREAKING fossil discovery in the Mans eld Shire is set to shake-up the timeline of evolution, with the earliest known ‘reptile’ footprints found on the banks of the Broken River.
Reported this week in Nature, the world’s leading multidisciplinary science journal publishing peer-reviewed research, the nd is of international signi cance.
It places the evolution of four limbed-creatures (or tetrapods as they are scienti cally known) from aquatic creatures to those living fully on land as happening faster than thought, predating previously discovered footprints and body fossils by tens of millions of years.
The discovery also indicates that such animals originated in the ancient southern continent of Gondwana, of which Australia was a central part.
The ve- ngered fossilised tracks are thought to belong to an amniote – an early ancestor of the reptiles.
Found on a slab of rock recovered from the Snowy Plains Formation, the tracks date back 356 million years and it is telltale claw marks that denote the tracks as those of most likely an amniote.
“Once we identi ed this, we realised this is the oldest evidence in the world of reptile-like animals walking around on land – and it pushes their evolution back by 35-to-40 million years older than the previous records
in the Northern Hemisphere,” said Professor John Long, Strategic Professor in Palaeontology at Flinders University.
“The implications of this discovery for the early evolution of tetrapods are profound.”
The footprints are similar in shape to a modern water monitor and using this animal’s gait as a reference, researchers have estimated this ancient amniote may have been about 80 centimetres long.
Professor Long speculates the animal resembled a small, stumpy goanna-like creature, however emphasises the exact proportions of the animals are unknown.
An important step in the evolution of land-dwelling animals was the emergence of tetrapods out of the sea and onto the land.
The only group of tetrapods that evolved to reproduce on land were the amniotes, a group that today includes reptiles, birds and mammals.
A er decades studying ancient sh fossils of the area, he already had a clear idea of the age of rock deposits in the shire.
The earliest known body fossil and trackways were previously dated to around 320 million years ago, suggesting that amniotes may have taken up to 90 million years to evolve a er tetrapods rst ventured out of the water.
The local discovery has challenged this view, recalibrating the whole timeline of tetrapod evolution.
“My involvement with this amazing fossil nd goes back some 45 years, when I did my PhD thesis on fossils of the Manseld district,” said Prof. Long.
“This new fossilised trackway that we examined came from the early Carboniferous period, and it became signi cant for us to accurately identify its age,” Prof. Long said.
“We did this by comparing the di erent sh faunas that appear in these rocks with the same species and similar forms that occur in well-dated rocks from around the world, and that gave us a time constraint of about 10 million years.”
Prof. Long said the Mans eld area has produced many famous
fossils, beginning with spectacular fossil shes found 120 years ago, and ancient sharks.
“But the holy grail that we were always looking for was evidence of land animals, or tetrapods, like early amphibians,” he said. Many had searched for such trackways locally but never found them.
Then the mudstone slab arrived at the Flinders University laboratory to be studied.
“Two locals – Craig Eury and John Eason who co-authored the paper in Nature – found this slab covered in trackways and at rst thought they were early amphibian trackways,” Prof. Long said.
■ Continued page 5
IN THE ROCKS:
A DEVONIAN FOSSIL FISH - THE BOTHRIOLEPSISDISCOVERED IN THE SHIRE.
■ From page 4
That was until, under further investigation, a hooked claw was recognised coming o the digits like a reptile, or more correctly an amniote.
“It is amazing how crystal clear the trackways are on the rock,” said Prof. Long.
Prof. Long admits it immediately excited both the original nders and later researchers at Flinders University.
“We sensed we were onto something big – even though we had no idea just how big it was,” he said.
John Eason said the rocks around Mans eld are already renowned for the many species of fossil sh they contain.
“The fossil-bearing rocks of the South Blue Range and the Broken River are 400 to 350 million years old,” Mr Eason said.
“These periods in Earth’s history – the late Devonian and early Carboniferous to give them their geological names – were when the rst
forests began to cover the land.
“Purplish-brown mudstone from the Broken River is everywhere in Mans eld.
“This rock was formed during the rst part of the Carboniferous period on the east coast of the supercontinent of Pangaea (of which Gondwana was a part), in a strip of low-lying forested land crossed by sluggish meandering rivers.
“Today’s rock surfaces are covered with innumerable ‘trace fossils’ – ripples, worm burrows, foraging marks, dried mud cracks and plant debris.
“There is a good chance you will nd some if you have a rock wall or paving-stones in your garden,” Mr Eason added.
“This was the time when lobenned sh in shallow estuarine environments and rivers evolved into the rst four-legged animals (tetrapods).
“Somewhere among these abundant local trace fossils you would have thought you would
THE tracks and a selection of other local fossils will be on display at Mansfield Adult Education Centre (MACE) from Thursday May 15, before they move to form part of a more ambitious exhibit when the Mansfield Heritage Museum opens.
Mansfield Shire mayor Cr Steve Rabie said the groundbreaking discovery is of international significance.
“Council is pleased to have partnered with stakeholders, including John Eason, for many years to help steward the vision of bringing Mansfield’s prehistoric significance to light,” said Cr Rabie.
“We’re excited that the community will get a teaser of the full exhibitions that will eventually be on display at the future heritage museum as part of our rich paleontological, first nations and European history.”
President of the Mansfield Historical Society Graeme Stoney AM said the society would be allocating pride of place to the fantastic examples of the fossils in the new Mansfield Heritage Museum when it opens in 2027.
“We expect the display to attract wide attention and attract visitors from all over Australia - and indeed all over the world - whom no doubt will visit Mansfield to see firsthand how mankind originated,” he said.
John Eason is encouraging any community members who think they may have some interesting fossils around their home or garden to send him a photo.
His email is jjhe8@bigpond.com.
nd their footprints, but none had been found.
“Up until recently,” he added.
It was 2021, and for some years a group of interested locals had been scouring the countryside looking for sh fossils.
“It was Craig who rst spotted it – seven clear, ve-digit footprints made by what we initially thought was a clawless primitive amphibian.”
The slab was originally sent to Prof. Long at Flinders University to scan and study, who then sent it from Adelaide to Sweden to Professor Per Ahlberg a vertebrate evolution expert at Uppsala University.
Further scans would reveal a second set of tracks.
“Three faint traces of an animal with claws,” said Mr Eason.
With two sets of tracks identied, researchers believe they belonged to the same animal.
Additional high-resolution scans would turn up even more faint footprints.
These also showed claws.
“Amphibians don’t have claws,” said Mr Eason.
“Only amniotes – reptiles, mammals and birds in whom the fetus is surrounded by an amniotic sac – have claws.”
Mr Eason said until recently the earliest known reptile fossil is Hylonomus, whose fossil bones were discovered in 318-millionyear-old rocks in Nova Scotia.
In an adjacent Canadian province, fossilised footprints ascribed to Hylonomus were also found in rock estimated to be 315 million years old.
The footprints found in Manseld Shire are similar to these Canadian footprints, suggesting reptiles evolved millions of years earlier than previously thought.
“We have found the footprints,” said Mr Eason of the signi cant discovery.
“There have got to be fossil remains out there somewhere.”
It’s now just a matter of nding them.
HIGHTON Lane remake is almost nished and is looking good.
The new road at the rear of number 98 is being formed through the paddocks and will exit at Crosbys Lane.
When these 100 plus blocks are developed (some could be high density) will services and infrastructure in Mans eld be upgraded to cater for this large increase in population?
Health services, schools, parking etc. are already stretched to the limit here.
Let’s hope our town can survive this growth and retain its country charm for everyone to enjoy.
Mary Parker, Mans eld
IT has been interesting to read over the last three weeks the stories on wild dogs in The Courier.
Such an important topic in our region.
So thank you to the farmer in Barjarg that hung up the wild dog, and thank you also to the woman that complained about it on Facebook.
Both have increased awareness of the problem and instigated conversations.
many of them have had little interaction with farms.
Instead of being upset at the sight of dead dogs on fences, it would be best to understand why it has occurred.
Our farmers are doing it tough.
Their sheep are their livelihood.
During a time when farmers are buying feed just to keep sheep alive, it must infuriate them to nd dead and neardead stock on their morning inspections.
Perhaps parents that nd these sights unpleasant could turn them into learning moments for their children.
Nature can be cruel.
Animals do kill other animals.
Farmers must do what they have to do to protect their stock.
Our region has had a large in ux of new residents from urban areas, and it is likely that
Mans eld township is surrounded by bush and farmland.
Now is an opportunity to learn and understand.
Our farmers need our support and understanding, not criticism.
Wild dogs are a huge problem, and it’s getting worse.
Ian Nelson , Mountain Bay
I WANT to thank all those who helped at a roadside re on Tuesday night.
The wheel came o my trailer at 80 kph between “Battery Flat” and McLeod Lane on the Whit eld Rd, 3 km from Mans eld.
The U-bolts hit the bitumen and sent a shower of sparks onto the roadside which immediately went up into ames.
Thank you to the two girls who pulled over, put out the rst lick of ame, then stayed as moral support while we helplessly watched it take o .
Thank you to the brave young man who joined us to bash the ames with his shovel, which was very e ective until it started to gather force.
The re crew arrived and recti ed the whole situation within seconds - very impressive! Thanks to you all, and to Rob of RACV - it was a struggle to get that dud trailer onto the tow truck.
In addition, there were numerous residents of the Tolmie/Barwite end of the Shire who all pulled over to check up on me and o er to help - thank you so much!
Living in a rural community is the best.
Kammy Cordner Hunt, Mans eld
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.
Explore a variety of stalls featuring local community groups and health services!
- Ambulance Victoria
- Beolite Residents Committee
- Bonnie Doon Community Centre
- Country Women’s Association
- Country Universities Centre
- Cycling Without Age Mansfield
- Friends of Mansfield Library
- Friends of the Great Victorian Rail Trail
- GADHABA Local Aboriginal Network
- GOTAFE
- MACE
- Mansfield Autism Statewide Services
- Mansfield Croquet Club
- Mansfield Historical Society
- Mansfield Let’s Talk
- Mansfield Men’s Shed
- Mansfield Rotary
- Mansfield Support Group for Carers and People with Special Needs
- Radio Mansfield 99.7FM
- Rural Australians for Refugees
- SES
- SIAG ( Mansfield Social Inclusion Action Group)
- Up2Us L andcare Alliance
- Yoor alla
- Health Services such as Collected Minds, Rosehaven, Wellways Locals Mansfield, Wellways Psychological Recovery Services and more!
- Mansfield District Hospital will showcase acute care, aged care, community care, education and workplace training, infection control, executive meet and greet, obstetrics and midwifery, volunteer options and more.
- Mansfield Shire Council will showcase volunteer opportunities, L2P driver program, Maternal Child Health Care Services, Integrated Family Services, Library services, Community Connector Program, Youth services, the Events team and Visitor Information Centre Volunteer options.
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Scan the QR code to register now or visit: vved.au/self_registrations
Find out more at urgentcare.vic.gov.au
The upcoming rescheduled Council meeting is 21 May at 5pm and will be held both online and in person at the Council Chambers, 33 Highett Street, Mansfield.
To find out how to observe the meeting go to the events section on our website or phone (03) 5775 8555.
Council's municipal office at 33 Highett Street, Mansfield, is open 8.30am-4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
To view the employment opportunities available at Council, visit mansfield.vic.gov.au
Our Community & Wellbeing team is helping to spread the word about community groups that are active in our community. This weeks group is Out‘n’About!
The Out’n’About community group meet monthly for a delightful shared meal, and engaging activities throughout the year.
Whether it's dining out, exploring local attractions, or simply enjoying good company, Out’n’About offers a welcoming community for older adults. Come share stories, laughs, and make lasting memories.
Date: Second Monday of the month
Time: 11am
Location: Delatite Hotel
Contact: Trish 0437 357 829
What would you like Council to achieve in the next four years?
After each local government election, the elected Councillors develop and commit to a strategic direction for their 4-year termthe Council Plan. We’re now in the process of building the new Council Plan, and we’re asking community members what the focus should be. What do you want Council to achieve or continue over the next four years?
To contribute your ideas visit engage.mansfield.vic.gov.au by 28 May. Community members are also invited to join a deliberative panel to help Council work through feedback and develop the plan. To participate, register via Engage Mansfield or by email to council@mansfield.vic.gov.au
Our community local laws cover things like keeping pets, parking on Council-managed roads, managing events, and using public spaces. They’re here to protect our shared environment, ensure community safety, and support how we live and work together.
Council is conducting a full review of our local laws. This is a chance to make sure the rules are clear, practical and reflect our community's needs.
To see our current community local laws and share your thoughts, visit engage.mansfield.vic.gov.au by 2 June. The review is supported by the Victorian Government through the Business Acceleration Fund.
Highton Lane - Monkey Gully Road - Rifle Butts Road Roundabout
A roundabout has been proposed for the intersection of Highton Lane, Monkey Gully Road and Rifle Butts Road, replacing the double t-intersection. The double t-intersection will be replaced with a single roundabout connecting Highton Lane, Monkey Gully Road and Rifle Butts Road. The design also includes a new footpath connection linking Rifle Butts Road to existing paths on Highton Lane and Monkey Gully Road.
To share your feedback on the proposed design take the survey via engage.mansfield.vic.gov.au by 26 May.
Kirsten
Alexander,
Chief Executive Officer
If you need help or an update on your planning application, you can use our online portal to make an appointment.
Our friendly planners are here to help, and booking an appointment means we will be better prepared when you come to meet us. It's also the best way to make sure somebody will be available when you come in. Book online at the QR Code.
Council has had a united position since February 2025 in opposition to the ESVF tax. We have been loud in our support of all regional and rural councils and were extremely disappointed to see that on Friday the Victorian Government have passed the unfair tax despite sustained advocacy from rural and regional communities.
Council is continuing to protest against the unfair proportion to be paid by rural communities and strenuously and unanimously opposes collection of this tax through Council’s rate notices. Everyone’s grocery bill will be impacted by this tax.
For this reason we have rescheduled our next Council meeting on Tuesday night to 5pm Wednesday 21 May in support of our community.
Council invites expressions of interest for additional community members to join the Mansfield Station Precinct Stakeholder Group (MSPSG).
The MSPSG provides a platform for community members to participate in and contribute to the development of projects in the Station Precinct.
For more information and to express your interest visit engage.mansfield.vic.gov.au before 5.00pm Sunday 25 May 2025.
mansfield.vic.gov.au
Councillors: Cr Steve Rabie (Mayor), Cr James Tehan (Deputy Mayor), Cr Tim Berenyi, Cr Bonnie Clark, Cr Mandy Treasure.
By SHAUN MCMAHON
AMBULANCE response
times in Mans eld LGA dipped in early 2025, according to new gures released Ambulance Victoria (AV) last week, with response times for high-priority call-outs rising slightly.
The AV statistics show 40.5 per cent of Code 1 patients in Mans eld were reached within 15 minutes between January and March.
That’s down from 50.5 per cent in the previous quarter, and 43.7 per cent recorded during the same period last year.
The average Code 1 response time for Mans eld rose to 18 minutes and 34 seconds.
Code 1 incidents are the most serious emergencies - such as cardiac arrests, major trauma, or serious breathing di culties - requiring lights and sirens and urgent hospital care.
Code 2 response times also saw a modest rise, covering non-critical but still timesensitive cases.
Mans eld’s average Code 2 response time was 29 minutes and 18 seconds.
In surrounding shires,
performance varied.
Wangaratta led the region with 66.5 per cent of Code 1 calls reached within 15 minutes and an average time of 14 minutes and 25 seconds.
Benalla recorded 53.2 per cent within the 15-minute benchmark and an average response time of 16 minutes and 40 seconds.
Murrindindi Shire, bordering Mans eld to the southwest, had a similar case load, reaching 51.0 per cent of Code 1 cases within 15 minutes, with an average time of 17 minutes and 9 seconds.
Strathbogie Shire mirrored Mans eld’s gures with 42.6 per cent of Code 1 calls reached in time and an average response of 18 minutes and 24 seconds.
Code 2 response times also re ected this trend.
Wangaratta averaged 18 minutes and 53 seconds, Benalla 24 minutes and 34 seconds, Murrindindi 25 minutes and 58 seconds, and Strathbogie 27 minutes and 36 seconds.
Across the Hume Region, AV crews attended 5451 Code 1 cases between January and
rose slightly in early 2025, Ambulance Victoria says new recruits, tech upgrades and easing demand are helping paramedics deliver critical care where it’s needed most.
March, down from 5790 in the previous quarter.
Statewide, performance improved slightly, with 65.6 per cent of Code 1 cases reached within 15 minutes - up from 64.9 per cent the previous quarter.
The statewide average response time fell to 15 minutes and 25 seconds, a 17-second improvement.
AV Executive Director Regional Operations Danielle North said the easing demand had brought much-
needed relief a er an intense 18 months.
“A er three quarters in a row close to or above 100,000 Code 1 cases, the rst quarter of 2025 brought some welcome relief for our crews who were called to 95,321 Code 1 emergencies,” Ms North said.
“Despite the drop this quarter, we have seen a 31.8 per cent increase in Code 1 cases since the COVID-19 pandemic began more than ve years ago.”
AV’s Hume Regional Di-
rector Narelle Capp said her team remained focused on targeted improvements, particularly in areas where response times were lagging.
“We continue to work with our partners to ensure our paramedics and rst responders are dispatched to the right patient at the right time, and that our patients are connected with the right care to meet their needs,” she said.
Since November, AV has recruited 119 new paramedics across the state, including graduate intakes and experienced sta from interstate and New Zealand.
A cohort of 30 Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) intern paramedics also hit the road earlier this year, adding further depth to emergency teams.
Technology upgrades are underway, including the rollout of digital radios and iPads across regional Victoria, aimed at reducing paperwork and improving e ciency on scene.
AV’s Secondary Triage Service continues to play a vital role in easing strain on urgent crews.
Between January and March, 43,858 people who did not need an emergency ambulance were instead connected to more appropriate care by triage nurses and paramedics.
The Medium Acuity Transport Service (MATS) also responded to 7,256 lowerpriority cases during the quarter, keeping frontline units available for critical emergencies. Ms Capp urged residents to take steps to protect their health as winter approaches.
“There are many options people can access when they need timely medical care and health advice but don’t need an emergency ambulance, including the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department and Urgent Care Centres,” she said.
“As we head towards winter, we urge Victorians to book their u vaccinations, keep regular appointments with their GP or specialist, and stay home if unwell.”
“These small steps can help protect our community and ensure our most critical patients receive the urgent care they need.”
Head for the hills and discover Victoria’s regional events. Try your hands (and feet) at various things you’ve never done before. You could find yourself cider quaffing, tulip sniffing, grape stomping, maybe even fun running.
AS PART of a four-day ‘Town Booster’ blitz, residents and retailers attended a series of workshops and events last week with the goal to boost the town’s shopping precinct and revitalise surrounding neighbourhoods.
Run by David Engwicht, internationally renowned placemaker, who is considered one of the world’s most innovative thinkers on revitalising town centres, the program held a hands-on town centre makeover on Friday.
of
“What if the secret to rejuvenating Mans eld was not some expensive makeover, but a series of micro-interventions that you as residents and a business community can implement immediately?” David suggested.
A reimagined area on the High Street median strip is one such micro-intervention with the space given a six month trial.
TEAM WORK: Cooperation and consultation were the order of the day as council sta embraced the four hour make-over challenge.
WE’LL NEED A DIGGER: Some heavy li ing demanded the use of some heavy machinery.
■ From front page
VFF chair Brett Hosking told the rally the new levy would a ect regional groups such as schools, sports clubs, churches, and charity groups.
“That’s the impact of taking money out of our rural communities,” Mr Hosking said.
“It will a ect the same people who ght the resthey’re going to get hit with the tax.
“We need to scrub the tax.”
Yarck CFA Volunteers Norm Stokes and Maureen Bond attended the rally and said they were appalled at the ‘hypocrisy’ of a government naming the levy as for emergency service volunteers and using it to pay for public servants.
“This government has a habit of misnaming things so they can sound like something better than what they really are,” Mr Stokes said.
“We know in fact that we may not see any of the fund.”
Ms Bond said Yarck CFA was a Breathing Apparatus Brigade which required an extra room for that speci c service.
“We have been needing a new building for some time now as ours is now not t for purpose,” Ms Bond said.
“They are doing an extension to pacify us a bit while we wait for a new building.”
Mr Stokes said the brigade had been on the CFA ‘hitlist’ for a new building for over a decade.
“We are overdue for a new
station, but they keep on putting it out into the never-never,” he said.
“The CFA has bought land for us, they have had it for years, they keep on putting it back.
“But the government is basically broke, and the new levy is not going to change that either.”
Ms Bond said the levy had a ected morale in the CFA.
“It’s not just a ecting our brigade, but all of the brigades in our district,” she said.
“There’s now a lot of apathy, a lot of wind that’s gone out of their sails.”
Mr Stokes said that the loyalty of CFA members to their communities in the event of a re remained solid.
“At the end of the day when something big does happen, we do all still rally around the community,” he said.
“And I think sometimes the government is going to take advantage of that.
“They know we are going to turn out because we do it for our community.”
Ms McLeish accused the government of failing regional communities.
“Farmers are selling stock, diminishing their herds and have failed grain crops due to lack of rain,” she said.
“The prospects of farmers making a pro t over the next 12 months period is grim.
A LABOR backbencher admitting to seeking ‘massive’ changes to the levy may have rattled the government but did little to bring major amend-
Question time in the lower house on Wednesday opened with the Leader of the Opposition Brad Battin asking Premier Jacinta Allan if there was backbench pressure to change the bill.
In video posted on Instagram, Member for Rippon Martha Haylett is seen talking with CFA volunteer Jonathon Keith at Old Beaufort Primary School on Monday, in which Ms Haylett says that after voting for the bill she then sought large amendments to it.
“Since then, I have gone and spoken to the premier and have spoken to the treasurer,” Ms Haylett said.
“And I understand it is having (a) huge impact on farmers and I want to see massive changes on it.”
“The thought of another huge tax slumped on them is too much for many to bear.”
Mr Battin asked the premier in Parliament on Wednesday if she would ignore members of her own backbench who did not support the bill.
Ms Allan said a variety of views had been considered in drafting the legislation.
“In the development of government policy and initiatives, of course we take on board a whole range of views,” Ms Allan said.
“And (we) understand the responsibilities of being in government is doing the hard work, doing the detailed work and understanding the need to make decisions that are about supporting the future, whether it’s the future of the emergency services (or) the future of protecting regional communities.”
Ms Haylett’s office did not answer questions from North East Media.
IN the early hours of Friday May 16, Labor and members of the Animal Justice Party, The Greens and Legalise Cannabis Party, colluded with the Allan Labor Government to pass Labor’s big new dog of a tax, the so-called Emergency Services and ‘Volunteers’ Fund.
Your readers deserve to know how their local members of parliament voted on this tax that will hit country Victorians, particularly farmers, the hardest.
Northern Victoria Region has ve representatives in the upper house, three of whom voted against, and two of whom voted to impose this tax on their constituents.
The three who voted against are Liberal MP Wendy Lovell, Nationals MP Gaelle Broad and One Nation MP RikkieLee Tyrrell.
The two who voted in favour of the tax are Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell and Labor MP Jaclyn Symes.
Ms Symes, the Treasurer and former Emergency Services Minister, is also one of the architects of this egregious tax.
If you live in the seat of Bendigo East, Bendigo West, Macedon or Yan Yean, you should also know that your lower house Labor member –Jacinta Allan, Maree Edwards, Mary-Anne Thomas or Lauren Kathage – voted in favour of the tax.
Don’t be fooled into
thinking this tax will help volunteers – the majority of re ghting volunteers oppose this tax.
To impose this big new tax on farmers at a time when large parts of rural Victoria are experiencing horrendous drought conditions is the action of a heartless and cruel government.
But all that Labor cares about is lling their budget black holes. When Victorians vote next year, I hope they will remember that Labor, the Greens, the Animal Justice Party, and the Legalise Cannabis Party sold them out to impose Labor’s 60th new or increased tax.
Wendy Lovell Liberal Member for Northern Victoria Region
By KIM STONEY, Founder of The Farmhouse
CHILDREN thrive in natural learning environments and interacting with animals that they may not experience at home.
The Farmhouse is the real deal – not only do they have chickens, ducks, rabbits and guinea pigs, but there’s also lizards, cows, sheep and goats.
You’d have to be blindfolded to miss the delight on a
ON Friday May 9, The Farmhouse hosted a ‘Scones, Jam and Cream’ Mother’s Day picnic in the sunshine. In the week leading up to it children were busy baking scones –traditional and pumpkin – to share with their mum at the picnic. It was a beautiful morning with children delighted to celebrate their mum and play with her in their Farmhouse backyard.
child’s face when they interact with animals but there’s much more to children and animal interactions than meets the eye. When children have opportunities to spend time with animals, it’s about much more than just stimulating their senses.
Yes, they love furry cuddles and experiencing the di erent ways that animals look, eat, move, sound and feel – but animal interactions can actually improve
children’s social interaction, reduce stress and anxiety and increase motivation and learning.
Children’s experiences with animals provide a gateway to learning about science, nature, and sustainability, lifecycles, habitats, as well as the importance of conservation in an age-appropriate way.
Children also benefit from fine and gross motor skill development through activities like feeding,
grooming, and handling the animals.
Linguistically, children learn to describe their observations, ask questions, and participate in storytelling related to animals.
Animals have long been embraced by The Farmhouse as a valuable resource in supporting and enriching children’s learning.
And when you let children name them?
Well that’s entertaining too!
Flu Season is here – Don’t Let It Take You Out
As May rolls on, flu season is upon us — and this year, locals are being urged to take action early and get protected.
Whether you're running a business, managing family life, training for sports, or preparing for a busy season ahead, no one wants to be sidelined by the flu.
of severe illness, hospitalisation, and complications, and plays a crucial role in reducing the spread of the virus across our communities.
(Be On the Look Out)
Vaccination offers the best protection against serious illness and helps prevent the flu from spreading to others.
Flu vaccines are available at GPs and local pharmacies across the region. It’s quick, safe, and could help you avoid unnecessary time off work, hospital visits, and the serious impact of flu-related complications this season.
Measles remains a concern in Victoria, with an increase in cases acquired in the greater Melbourne area. Several recent cases were infectious while in public places, There is also an ongoing risk of measles being brought in by travellers from overseas or interstate.
Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious complications, including pneumonia and infection to the brain. Most recent cases have been in people who were not fully vaccinated.
If you visited an exposure site, monitor for symptoms: fever, cough, runny nose, sore red eyes, and a rash. If unwell, wear a mask, call ahead, and get tested.
Travellers should ensure they are up to date with their vaccinations before departure. Protect yourself and others by staying informed and following health advice.
LAST Wednesday the Jamieson CFA AGM was held at the Brigade station.
The meeting was well attended.
Retiring Fire Captain Grant McRostie thanked his members for their courage and commitment and service.
JAMIESON ON THE LINE with Carmel Dixon
ers arrived, the tanker was ready and the directives were coming through at the Fire Station.
Retiring Secretary and Treasurer Peter Horan and CFA member Jess Bolwell were thanked for their tireless contributions.
Following the elections the new committee was announced.
Fire Brigade Captain Steve Garito, 1st Lieutenant Gerry Moloney, 2nd Lieutenant Grant McRostie, 3rd Lieutenant Craig Eury, 4th Lieutenant Jason Hicks, the new Secretary and Treasurer Pauline De Bono.
All were welcomed into their new posts.
Retired Jamieson CFA Fire Captain was thanked for his service.
WITH fire restrictions lifted recently all was looking good.
Albeit with no rain, conditions were moderating in Jamieson and around the local area.
On Saturday the Jamieson CFA siren sounded and the volunteer firefighters answered the call.
A number of CFA firefight-
The fire was reported by a concerned motorist driving on the Mansfield-Woods Point Road who called it in after seeing a large smoke plume.
It was a planned burn and in State Forest in the Jamieson district.
After consultation the Jamieson Brigade was not required.
The members returned home.
ON Saturday evening at 9:18pm the Jamieson Fire Siren sounded.
The firefighters again answered the call.
A fire was reported by a concerned resident near Corduroy Gap.
Four CFA tankers answered the call: two Jamieson tankers, one from Booralite and one from Goughs Bay.
This was a fire that was not registered and was one of three fires lit by the landowner.
It was 40 minutes before the firefighters were able to find the source of the burn.
It had spread to surrounding grasslands.
It was not registered as there were no property details available.
It was in challenging terrain.
CFA would like to remind people when having a burnoff, adequate water, hoses and a pump, if required, should be available for ready use as necessary.
Water, pumps and hoses are prerequisite prior to lighting a fire.
Registering a planned burn with the CFA is essential.
The fire was eventually extinguished after three hours, with the crews on four fire tankers working in extreme terrain under CFA lights.
Thanks to the support of the Booralite CFA firefighters and Goughs Bay CFA firefighters and the Jamieson CFA firefighters, all returned home with a job well done.
Thanks to the fast response of local brigades.
ON Sunday the Jamieson fire siren sounded. Again.
The call was answered and the CFA members arrived at the Brigade Fire Station ready to fight another blaze. This was a fire not controlled near Raspberry Creek on the MansfieldWoods Point Road, between Gaffney’s Creek and the A1 Gold Mine.
One tanker and the SCV left Jamieson for the fire site.
They were almost there when a call came through to cancel the request.
The Woods Point CFA crew had arrived and the fire was under control.
JAMIESON Primary School student Parker Dawson-Firth was successful in the recent Cross Country Run held in Yea. Parker was successful in the District Cross Country Run held in Mansfield. He ran successfully in the Cross Country Division Run recently and now will compete in the Regional Cross Country Run.
We wish him all the best in his successful sporting achievements.
THIS Thursday the Biggest Morning Tea will be held in the Jamieson Memorial Hall.
The annual Cancer Council fundraiser has been presented successfully by the Jamieson Craft Group Ladies for many years and has become a very popular event on the Jamieson social calendar.
The group has raised thousands of dollars for the Cancer Council.
The Morning Tea has a very high standard and visitors trek to Jamieson annually to contribute to the fundraiser and enjoy the amazing goodies and meet with friends.
This year local residents have joined the catering crew and we are looking forward to a splendid party.
The event commences at 10:00am.
A gold coin donation is appreciated.
There will be raffles and a very friendly atmosphere.
All welcome.
MASS will be celebrated at St John the Apostle Catholic Church in Jamieson on Sunday May 25th at 11:00am.
Fr George Feleciouz will be offering the service on his return. All welcome.
By LYNN ELDER
AS a young woman Mans-
eld’s Alicia Fox always loved maths and physics and had a yearning to pursue a double degree in engineering which became a reality thanks to a scholarship o ered by the Skip Foundation, in partnership with the Australian National University (ANU).
To help unlock opportunities for young women from regional Victoria to pursue a Bachelor of Engineering the Kim Jackson Scholarship was established.
Kim Jackson, co-founder of the Skip Foundation and long-time advocate of equality in education, won a scholarship in Engineering and Commerce at the ANU in the early 2000s a er moving from regional Queensland.
Ms Jackson, an ANU Alumna graduated in 2002 with a Bachelor of Engineering Honours and a Bachelor of Commerce.
Recipient Alicia Fox, who grew up in the Mans eld district, said the scholarship made her dream of studying possible, and provided an invaluable network she credits for her perseverance and performance in her studies.
“Growing up in regional Victoria, I always knew that I’d have to leave my hometown to pursue my dream career in systems engineering,”
Ms Fox said.
Extremely thankful for the wonderful support from teachers and staff at the Mansfield Secondary College Ms Fox knew by years 11 to 12, she had to be more intentional to achieve her dream at a tertiary level.
“Being awarded the Kim Jackson Scholarship has given me the incredible opportunity to focus on my academic and extracurricular pursuits rather than having to balance work and study,” Ms Fox said.
“As a young woman in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), having access to the support network provided by the scholarship has helped me persevere through tough times and excel in my studies.
“Not only have I made friends with other scholars, I’ve also met incredible female leaders in the eld who would have otherwise been out of reach.”
Ms Fox’s choice of engineering allows her to be part of the next generation of
The scholarship made my dream of studying possible, and provided an invaluable network I credit for my perseverance and performance in my studies.
- ALICIA FOX
DREAM COME TRUE:
Mansfield’s Alicia Fox is pursuing a double degree in engineering thanks to a scholarship for young rural women. PHOTO: Supplied
leaders and innovators.
“I want to be one of the women who help bridge the gap in the industry,” she said.
Currently in the third year of a ve year degree, she is doing a double major in systems engineering, and economics which is generously supported by the Kim Jackson Scholarship. She really loves living and
studying in Canberra and occasionally bumps into other ANU students from Mans eld.
“The scholarship has supported my move to Canberra, and to explore my passion more deeply and to set up a good base,“ she said.
Grateful for the nancial security, Ms Fox said it allowed her “to live” and took away the usual anxieties for university students especially for those away from home.
“I can focus on building connections and exploring research opportunities,” she said.
Her current internship with Data Pod has given Ms Fox the chance to be involved in research projects around renewable energy.
Having the extra time to focus on studies will see her
accept an option later in the year to add a BA in Systems (Research and Development) to Ms Fox’s workload.
She is extremely excited about this incredible opportunity which allows for Ms Fox to participate and lead projects.
“You have to maintain a certain mark to remain in the course and the scholarship allows me to focus on that and maintain my grades,” she said.
Ms Fox spoke of the network with other engineering students, male and female as being super supportive of each other.
The university has also connected her to various highly regarded female academics and professors in leadership roles.
Another exciting develop-
ment in the second semester this year, is to travel to Canada as an exchange student at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.
Would she consider moving back to a regional or rural area to start her engineering career?
“There is potential in the future for renewables and batteries,” she said.
When possible, Ms Fox comes home to visit family and spend time with her red heeler dog.
Her mother Catriona Fox teaches maths and science at the Mans eld Secondary College where her two brothers also attend.
When she speaks of Manseld it is with great a ection.
Meanwhile, she is creating a pathway to inspire other young regional women to take up engineering.
According to the Skip Foundation women are consistently underrepresented in STEM-quali ed elds, representing just 15 per cent of the workforce.
In engineering, women make up just 16 per cent of university graduates and constitute only 13 per cent of the engineering workforce, despite the sector being the largest employer of all STEM professions.
The Kim Jackson Scholarship was recently increased to $25,000 annually for both existing and future scholars as part of a newly assigned agreement between the Skip Foundation and the ANU School of Engineering.
Applications for the 2026 program have already closed.
Incontinence
manage your symptoms. FREE community workshops for EVERYONE
Bookings & Enquiries 5775
ARTS Mans eld’s fundraising “Dinner with Brian”, at the Delatite Hotel, was an outstanding success with much laughter and entertainment.
Audience participation was a feature of the evening, with trivia bonus points key to deciding the winning table.
Singing, dancing, and personal revelations were in high demand from RocKwiz trivia star Brian Nankervis.
Emma McPherson, Arts Mans eld President, said it was a laughter- lled smorgasbord of fun.
“People came prepared to step out of their comfort zone, and they did,” she said.
“We all got to know a little more about each other, and Arts Mans eld raised valuable funds to support creativity in the Mans eld Shire.”
Mrs McPherson added that community support of the exhibition, the fabulous rafe, and this event has assist-
ed Arts Mans eld to secure the show for 2026 and 2027.
“Feature ‘Dinner with...’ events will be part of the celebrations and are being planned already,” she said.
The ra e, which includes a $250 lunch at Delatite Winery and two nights’ accommodation at Riverdowns on the Howqua, has limited tickets available online and
at the gallery, and will be drawn following the close of the Bald Archys.
The exhibition continues at 101 High Street until Sunday, June 1, and is open Thursday to Sunday from 10am.
For more information about the Bald Archy exhibition, visit the Arts Mans eld social pages and website at www.artsmans eld.com.au.
THOSE who lost their lives to family and domestic violence are being remembered during May’s Domestic Violence Prevention Month with services and rallies held across the state.
On 7 May, National Family Violence Remembrance Day, the annual 2025 Safe Steps Candlelight Vigil was held.
The vigil acknowledges victim-survivors of family and domestic violence and provides a platform for survivors to share their stories and remember those lost.
State Liberal Leader, Brad Battin MP, and Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Cindy McLeish MP, attended the vigil with fellow colleagues, David Southwick MP and Renee Heath MP, alongside survivors to pay their respects, re ect, and rea rm the Coalition’s shared commitment to a safer future for all Victorians.
Crime Statistics Victoria reported 98,816 family violence incidents were made to police in 2023-24, increasing
from 93,111 cases in 2022-23.
Troublingly, 62.4 per cent of youth victims is the child of a perpetrator, with the average age of the youth victim being 12 years old.
It was also reported that 16,571 victims of domestic violence were women aged between 25-39, and 15,717 women aged between 40-64.
“Women are being killed in horri c circumstances, said Shadow Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, Cindy McLeish.
“As a community, we need
to strive to do better.
“Despite investment from the state government, things aren’t turning around.
“Families eeing domestic violence too o en have nowhere safe to go due to the lack of emergency accommodation available.
“Young people are trying to escape a rough homelife with limited resources to turn to because many services are exhausted.
“We honour the memory of those we lost as a result of domestic or family violence.”
By EMMA OLIVER
EACH year, Mans eld Primary School’s participation in the World’s Greatest Shave gets bigger, breaking records set the previous year.
An annual tradition the school has been participating in the Leukaemia Foundation fundraising initiative for over a decade, with this
year’s cohort of grade sixes going under the clippers last Thursday, May 15. Raising funds for blood cancer research and support, the months long build-up and actual day have become a signi cant event in the school calendar. The fundraiser is just as much a right of passage for the grade sixes
as Mansfield Primary’s School to Summit program and each year the whole school turns out to cheer the students on, with the year groups below aspiring to participate in the shave when they too reach the top of the school.
Mans eld Primary School’s Kathryn Hewitt has been organising the World’s Great-
est Shave at the school since 2022.
“This year has been our biggest yet, with a record number of students participating in the World’s Greatest Shave and colouring their hair in support of the cause,” said Ms Hewitt.
“I’m thrilled to share that our team has currently raised an incredible $27,583 for
the Leukaemia Foundation, placing us second in Victoria for total funds raised.
“We’ve also received additional cash donations, which I haven’t yet had a chance to tally - so that total is likely to climb even higher.”
In total, 45 students took part, with 21 bravely shaving their heads.
OSTEOPATH Bernadette GIFFORD
BAppSci (Clin Sci) B.Osteo.Sci
Lily WALKER
BHlthSci BAppSc (Osteo) Private
Mansfield
MANSFIELD
PHYSIOTHERAPY
MANSFIELD
A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO:
1. Elora Cordon; 2. Blake Comerford; 3. Solomon Hurle; 4. Cody Place; 5. Molly O’Meara; 6. Errol Hoogesteger; 7. Charlie Howie; 8. Hunter Day; 9. Jack Jacob; 10. Paxton Smith; 11. Max Jackson; 12. Max Strong; 13. Fynn Taylor; 14. Jayavedh Kancherla; 15. Josh Busst; 16. Celily Smith; 17. Al Stapleton; 18. Parker Darby; 19. Spencer Yencken; 20. Harrison Bergsma; 21. Billy Briggs; 22. Olga Schierholter; 23. Scout Gardner; 24. Caitlyn Harbour; 25. Macey Thornton; 26. Matilda Millard; 27. Grace Fell; 28. Ruby Watson; 29. Lenny Jinnette; 30. Alice Rademaker; 31. Archie Davis; 32. Matilda Mills; 33. Audra McCallion; 34. Matilda Evans; 35. Lara Harrop; 36. Maddie Hayes; 37. Millie Kamba; 38. Layla Goodall; 39. Miranda Ingpen; 40. Liana Smith; 41. Paris Hopwood; 42. Zali McCombe; 43. Elsie Hutchinson; 44. Ruby LeCerf; 45. Ruby Turner Marxsen
Mansfield Integrated Health Service
Appointments: 5775 2166
Chris
“While these contributions are outstanding, every team member played an important role in achieving this result,” said Ms Hewitt.
“It was a genuine team effort, and the school couldn’t be prouder of them all.”
The top individual fundraisers were Elora Cordon raising an impressive $4781, Charlie Howie $3258 and Molly O’Meara $2368.
By JORDAN DUURSMA
THE State Government’s new rental protection laws have passed the Victorian Parliament, aiming to make renting fairer for Victorians and building on the more than 130 reforms introduced since 2021.
The Consumer and Planning Legislation Amendment (Housing Statement Reform) Bill 2024 delivers reforms to increase renter protections.
Despite the high demand for social housing in key regional centres with the latest Victorian Housing Register data available (September 2024) revealing nearly 4000 applicants are on the waitlist in the Ovens Murray region, covering Wodonga and Wangaratta, the Coalition voted against the bill.
A spokesman for Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy said while the Liberals and Nationals agreed with many aspects of the bill as housing availability and affordability are issues impacting many Victorians, both parties voted against the bill.
The spokesman said after engaging with key stakeholders, the opposition proposed amendments to provide further protections for
renters and rental providers.
“The Allan Labor Government voted against our sensible changes, and as a result, the opposition did not support Labor’s flawed bill,” they said.
The new rental protection laws include stopping all types of rental bidding to ensure renters are getting a fair price and changing the notice period from 60 to 90 days –giving renters more time when they receive a notice of rental increase or notice to vacate.
The new laws also ban no fault evictions so that Victorian renters can’t be kicked out of their home for no reason.
Applying for a property will also be easier for both renters and real estate agents with a new standard application form for renters.
Real estate agents will need to ensure they protect the information renters provide in their applications, adhering to privacy requirements around the use, disclosure and collection of information.
It will now also be an offence for renters to be charged fees by rent tech platforms when making a rental application or for paying their rent.
OPPOSED:
Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy did not support Labor’s bill aimed at making renting fairer after the Opposition’s proposed amendments were voted against.
Real estate agents, property managers, owners corporations (OC) managers and conveyancers will also be required to be registered and undertake ongoing professional development to maintain their registration.
Penalties for real estate agents and sellers who break the law will be increased to a maximum of $47,422.
These fines will apply to offences such as underquoting – advertising a price below the auction reserve or asking price – and making false and misleading representations during the property sale process.
Additional reforms in the bill will make annual smoke alarm safety
checks mandatory for all rental properties and will give the Director of Consumer Affairs and VCAT additional powers when considering rent increase reviews.
It will also be mandatory for properties to meet minimum standards when they are advertised for rent – not just when the tenant picks up the keys.
The new laws will come into effect in November with additional reforms announced last October to be introduced in a bill later this year.
These new laws coincide with the release of Infrastructure Victoria’s 30-year draft strategy, which sets out the urgent need for at least
60,000 new social homes across the state over the next 15 years.
Beyond Housing chief executive officer, Celia Adams, said the recommendation highlights the reality that the chronic shortage in social housing has led to rising homelessness and housing insecurity across Victoria, including regional areas.
“We know the housing crisis is not just a city issue,” she said.
“Regional Victoria is experiencing the sharpest increase in rental stress and homelessness, and the lack of affordable housing is pushing more people into crisis.”
Infrastructure Victoria’s independent draft strategy acknowledges that without a sustained pipeline of social housing investment, Victoria will fall behind other states, where social housing comprises a greater percentage of overall housing stock.
The report recommends that government and community housing organisations work together to deliver 4000 new social homes each year to help reduce the shortfall and at least 300 Aboriginal social homes, in line with the state’s self-determined housing policy.
Renewing the standard of ethics in business for Australia and New Zealand.
THE Strata Community Association (SCA), the peak body for strata in Australia and New Zealand, is leading a sector-wide initiative to establish a National Code of Ethics.
This key priority of SCA’s 2024 to 2026 Strategic Plan aims to deliver a unified, enforceable framework that strengthens ethical standards and supports the ongoing evolution of the industry.
Developed in partnership with members from all States and Territories across Australia as well as members in New Zealand, the Code of Ethics will underpin best practice across governance, professional conduct, and community engagement.
It will be accompanied by a suite of practical tools, including conflict of interest guidelines, new training programs, a compliance structure and educational resources for lot owners.
“This code is about strengthening the profession we believe in: one that deserves community trust and professional recognition,” CEO of SCA
Australasia, Alisha Fisher said.
“It is built on evidence, not assumption, and it will be enforceable, not just aspirational.”
SCA has engaged independent consultants Centium Pty Ltd to lead the review, ensuring the initiative is grounded in rigorous research and benchmarked against national and international standards.
The process includes targeted engagement with strata managers, business owners, service providers, lot owners and regulators.
The draft code will be circulated to state and national boards, with training and governance tools to follow by mid-year.
SCA is calling on all industry stakeholders to participate in this milestone reform, which marks a major step toward a more ethical, transparent and accountable strata profession.
For more information, visit: https:// inside.strata.community/setting-thestandard-sca-leads-development-ofnational-code-of-ethics/.
CWA Monthly Meetings: 2nd Tuesday 6pm or 3rd Sunday 2pm (alternating each month: Feb-Tues).
CWA Craft Days: CWA Craft: 1st & 3rd Wednesday 10am, and 4th Wednesday 6pm of each month.
CWA Op shop open: CWA Op shop open: most days from 10am to 2pm.
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 –winter timetable. Monday & Wednesday 10.00AM -12 noon. Lords Cricket Ground, Victoria St. New members welcome, all equipment and training provided. $2 per session. Ph. 0409 336 899.
Mansfield Farmers’ Marketsfourth 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 TalkCoffee & Chat every third Wednesday of the month from 10am to 12pm at the Delatite Hotel. All welcome, No bookings required. For further info/enquiries email: mansfieldletstalk@gmail.com
THE BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef networks are road tripping across the state later in the month and into June, visiting Mans eld on Wednesday June 4.
Taking place at the Mans eld Golf Club, Agriculture Victoria’s Program Manager Meat and Wool Jennifer Alexander said the roadshow will bring leading experts to producers with a focus on managing di cult seasonal conditions.
“We wanted to make it easier for producers to attend without extensive travel and spending a whole day o -farm, ensuring more people can connect, learn, and plan for the seasons ahead,” said Ms Alexander.
“This year’s theme, Weathering Today, Building Tomorrow, centres on supporting resilience in farming operations for this
GUEST SPEAKERS INCLUDE:
Cam Nicholson - Nicon Rural Services
Dr Jason Trompf - JT
Agrisource
Edenhope and Dunkeld only: Dr Jane Gaussen - The Livestock Vet
Dr Anna Manning - Delatite Veterinary Services
season and beyond, with a focus on recovery, adaptation, and long-term sustainability.
“The past year has presented signi cant challenges for livestock producers across Victoria, with dry conditions placing pressure on pastures, water resources, livestock health, and day-to-day decision making.
“Despite these challenges, we
see many examples of resilience and determination in our farming communities.
“Sessions on pasture recovery, decision-making under pressure, animal health, and strategies for building resilience in business will be covered across the roadshow, with an emphasis on tools and approaches that are both realistic and actionable.
“A strength of the networks is the sharing of stories, lessons and optimism.
“This event is an opportunity to connect with others who understand the complexities and rewards of farming through challenging seasons,” she said.
Register your place online at TryBooking Australia under BetterBeef and BestWool/BestLamb Network Roadshow.
MAY 23
NATIONAL Volunteers Week morning tea hosted by the Mansfield Historical Society, Station Precinct, 11am.
MAY 23: National Volunteers Week morning tea hosted by the Mansfield Historical Society, Station Precinct, 11am.
MAY 28: Out’n’About group viewing The Bald Archys exhibition, 11:00am to 12:00pm. State group name on entry. Cost $6. Lunch to follow. For more details call Trish on 0427 357 829.
JUNE 6: NAIDOC Week Celebration, various times. Celebrate the history,
culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with a week-long program of events. Full program available via mansfield.vic.gov.au.
JUNE 21: Mansfield Lantern Festival, 4:00pm to 9:00pm. Celebrate the winter solstice with lanterns, food, and entertainment for all ages. Held in Erril Street, Mansfield. For more details visit mansfieldlanternfestival.com.au.
SEPTEMBER 19 – OCTOBER 6: Klytie Pate Ceramics Award and Exhibition, 11:00am to 3:00pm. One of Australia’s most celebrated ceramics events returns to Mansfield, showcasing outstanding ceramic works by artists from across Australia and New Zealand. Held in the Bank Room at MACE, 145–147 High Street, Mansfield. For details and entry requirements visit artsmansfield.com.
Mansfield Uniting ChurchHighett 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.
Mother Goose - Thursdays 9.30am to 10.15am, Buckland Centre Cnr Erril and Bank Streets. An opportunity to bond with your baby or toddler, sing and move your body to nursery rhymes, songs and stories. Free, run by trained volunteers and supported by the Mansfield Hospital.
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 11am.
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 Churchmeditation every Friday at 12 noon for a quiet half hour to restore your peace. Ph Christine 0412 825 324
St Vincent de Paul assistance center, Highett Street - Tuesday 10am to 12noon, Wednesday 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm, Friday 10am to 12noon and 2pm to 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.
property of the week
Tucked away in a peaceful, private setting at the end of a quiet court with no passing traffic, this property offers the best of country life without forgoing the convenience of living ‘in town’. It’s hard to believe that Mansfield’s bustling High Street is only a few minutes away. There’s a school bus stop within easy reach too or big kids might even ride their bikes. The land is fairly flat with plenty of pasture to run some cattle and it could be an amazing
horse property. The 3 huge dams are nice and full, even after a long hot summer. The light filled brick homestead was custom built by a highly regarded local builder and has lots of great features. Our favourite is the huge cook’s kitchen with a fabulous Falcon gas stove and big walk in pantry. As well as the homestead, there’s another approved building envelope at the other end of the property, so you have the option to build another dwelling for family,
friends or even paying guests, (STCA). At the end of a hard day on ‘the farm’ you can cool off in the beautiful blue magnesium pool. It’s very private and peaceful, with the lovely wide return verandah providing a great spot to watch kids in the pool. Or maybe you just want to relax in the afternoon sun, enjoy a nice cold beverage, and take a moment to appreciate the good life on offer here. The sunsets are incredible!!!
4 2
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ACROSS
1 What is a large New World vulture called (6)
7 Name a spine-bearing mammal (8)
8 Which skin marking is difficult to remove (6)
9 Name a region in Croatia along the east coast of the Adriatic (8)
10 What is a trite, stereotyped expression (6)
11 Which term describes malicious injury to work, tools, etc (8)
14 Which people rob houses (8)
18 What is a pendent tapering mass of ice (6)
19 Name an alternative term for marriage (8)
21 Which colour lies between blue and violet in the spectrum (6)
22 Which ocean lies to the west of southern Africa (8)
23 Name another term for summits (6)
DOWN
1 What is an underground cemetery called (8)
2 To discover a presence, is to do what (6)
3 What was the former name of Zimbabwe (8)
5 Which term describes one who possesses mere book learning without practical wisdom (6)
6 Which day follows Christmas Day (6)
12 Name an early Roman large rectangular building, used as a meeting place (8)
13 What do we call sovereigns of empires (8)
16 To be spherical, is to be what (6)
17 What, in golf, is a score of one stroke under par on a hole (6)
20 Name the area on which a building is to be situated (4)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
TENACIOUS (a) Attractive (b) Holding fast (c) Pertaining to time
4 What is a false god, as of a heathen people (4)
15 What are emotional disturbances (6)
Letters have a number value
Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
2 VOLANT (a) Flying (b) Willing (c) Erupting
Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.
CLUES:
Box for holy objects (3)
Chart again (5)
December (abb) (3)
Demonstrations (abb) (5) Of the femur (7)
Salt (Latin) (3)
Similar sounding word (7)
Sodium borate (5)
Steal (3)
Water course (5)
Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.
By LYNN ELDER
FARMERS presented a united front last week at the Mans eld drought discussion with one thought on their minds, “When is it going to rain?”.
The next question is “Where to now?”
To add insult to injury the state government’s $15.9 million package announced on Friday o ered only token support for farmers in the North East according to the Nationals member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland.
“...capped at $5000 per grant with strict conditions that prevent farmers from using it for the most basic and urgent needs like purchasing feed and water,” said Ms Cleeland.
“While we support relief for all drought-a ected farmers across the state, it de es belief that areas like Benalla, Strathbogie, and Campaspe where rainfall de ciencies are as bad or worse than those receiving support have been completely overlooked.”
Cr James Tehan a Bonnie Doon farmer on ABC local radio last Friday morning was reeling from the emergency services levy bill being passed by the state government and the nancial impact on farmers.
“January to April has been the driest on record in this area but still not drought declared,” said Cr Tehan.
With drought on everyone’s mind and the ongoing dry conditions, the Mans eld branch of the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) organised a free informative talk for locals on Wednesday May 14, to help tackle these pressing issues.
It was supported by the Mans eld Shire and Nutrien Ag Solutions
A packed function room at the Manseld Golf Club of more than 150 people was open to VFF members and any other concerned residents.
There were husbands and wives, fathers and sons, mothers and daughters and farm workers among the crowd reecting the local farming community.
VFF Mans eld branch president
Mark Ritchie in his introduction said with “anxiety levels rising” and concerns around “water problems and feed problems” something had to be done.
He thanked Cr James Tehan and the Mans eld Shire for being able to organise the gathering less than a week out.
Representatives from the Mans eld Shire gave a short spiel on community wellbeing resources and other practical assistance like the portable water trailers available through the council.
Those present were urged to reach out to their local council for help.
This was followed by renowned veterinarian and drought specialist, Dr John Webb-Ware, also a cattle farmer from Glenburn.
Dr Webb-Ware said it was a privilege to address the large turnout which was a “re ection of where everyone is headed at the moment”.
While many are thinking it will rain soon, he said, “It is the uncertainty you have to deal with”.
“In mid-spring to late summer you hope for an early autumn break, midautumn you are hoping like hell, then by ANZAC Day/late April the anxi-
ety when the rains don’t come,” said Dr Webb-Ware.
There is the need to review your current situation and take stock to inform your decision making, he said.
Farmers in central NSW when faced with drought conditions several years ago did a panic sell o of livestock.
Now that there is a return to plenty of feed in the paddocks without any stock.
“There are consequences of decisions made earlier which come back to haunt you,” said Dr Webb-Ware, “...be comfortable with your decision”.
He outlined the di culty in relying on Bureau of Metrology to forecast spring rain falls.
“This time of year, the accuracy of those forecasts are not worth looking at, later in winter or early spring, yes,” he said.
“…outside a week or two is in dangerous territory”.
Western Victoria since late last winter has recorded the lowest ever rainfall, with the North East not as bad but “pretty close”.
Using previous autumn rainfall records, how do you make a plan?
“Looking back at the past doesn’t help plan for the future, but historical rainfall records can be used to determine probabilities of rain,” said Dr Webb-Ware.
If the season does not break, then it is time to evaluate the quality of your pastures and future feed costs.
Farmers could be facing an average cost of $350 per ton of mixture grain and hay.
Dr Webb-Ware emphasised the im-
portance of making a decision as to what stock to keep or sell.
“Talk early to your bank about increasing your overdra ,” he urged.
It is all about communication he stressed.
A simple budget was presented to the audience to help calculate the associated costs against the value of keeping stock.
“There are opportunities for o oading stock and some people do well by buying when prices are low,” Dr WebbWare said.
Monitoring stock especially sheep by weighing gives good information about stock and is a valuable tool too, he said.
This led to discussion about feeding requirements for di erent stages of livestock development and pitfalls to avoid.
The use of lime on paddocks was encouraged as a long-term activity.
Supplementary feeding is dependent on quality and what is available in the paddock.
“If uncertain talk to someone,” he said.
As a vet he was able to explain threats to animal welfare and the importance of good nutrition during drought.
Animals in con nement are at greater risk, and he urged with any amount of rain stock were better out.
The next speaker Lachlan McKenzie from McKenzie Ag Services based in southern Victoria provided some hay and grain strategies for producers.
“The export market has so ened in the last four weeks with Trump’s tari announcement,” Mr McKenzie said.
“But all the domestic markets are holding it up,” he added.
Mr McKenzie has vast experience in all aspects of beef and lamb feedlot operations and livestock trading.
His focus was on o ering livestock producers in the room a broad range of stockfeed options as well as advice regarding animal nutrition.
His presentation gave alternatives to the traditional hay options and the pros and cons of each including price point.
Mr McKenzie discussed availability of competitively priced customised grain mixes, a range of pellets, cereal grains, protein meals, legumes, hay (vetch, lucerne and cereal) and cereal straw.
He stressed the importance of putting together a feed budget and balancing it against economic outcomes.
“The worst thing you can do is make no decision,” Mr McKenzie said.
Also speak to your neighbours and advisors to help develop a strategy, he added.
Speaking to several attendees a er the talk the general consensus was positive about the content.
A passing remark from one local livestock agent summed it up, when clients ask should they sell their stock during this dry spell, he says ask yourself are you sleeping at night? If the answer is no, then you have your answer, he said.
Anyone interested in contacting the Mans eld Council for assistance can contact the Community Connections O cer on (03) 5775 8515 or jill.o’halloran@mans eld.vic.gov.au
RENOWNED soil microbiologist Phill Lee and veterinarian Dr Gundi Rhoades will demonstrate how conventional farming methods contribute to heat stress, drought conditions, and declining animal and human health at an upcoming Delatite Landcare Group eld day ‘Soil Biology and Climate Resilience Field Day’.
Lee, founder and director of Regenerate Earth, has spent decades researching how agricultural practices a ect soil health and local climate dynamics. His research shows that conventional ploughing and tillage signi cantly impact landscape temperatures by exposing soil biology to elements that increase heat radiation.
The eld day will also feature Dr Gundi Rhoades, a practising veterinarian with over 30 years of experience and member of Regenerate Earth.
Dr Rhoades will address the critical relationship between soil biology and animal health.
“Through my veterinary practice, I’ve observed a concerning increase in health issues in both farm animals and pets,” said Dr Rhoades.
“Many of these problems can be traced back to nutritional de ciencies stemming from food grown in depleted soils.
Phill Lee said many farmers may not realise that bare, tilled soil acts like a heat radiator.
“This contributes to the formation of high-pressure heat domes that block moisture in ow and worsen drought conditions that are already challenging Australian farmers,” Mr Lee said.
The eld day, scheduled for June 12 and 13 in Manseld, will demonstrate practical alternatives to traditional farming methods.
According to Lee, main-
taining year-round green cover over paddocks helps cool local climates by enhancing the soil’s capacity to retain moisture and support microbial life.
Third-generation farmer James Wilson from Narromine juts outside of Dubbo adopted Lee’s methods three years ago and has seen remarkable changes.
“Before switching to yearround cover crops and rotational grazing, our soil temperatures in summer were
reaching dangerous levels,” Mr Wilson said.
“Now, even in the hottest months, there’s a noticeable di erence in both soil temperature and moisture retention.”
Climate scientist Dr. Sarah Chen from the University of Sydney, who is not a liated with Regenerate Earth but studies agricultural impacts on regional climate patterns, con rms that ground cover makes a signi cant di erence.
“Our data shows that regions with higher percentages of bare soil experience measurably higher average temperatures and more extreme heat events,” Dr Chen said.
With Australian farmers increasingly facing climate extremes, the eld day aims to provide practical solutions that can help agricultural communities build resilience while potentially contributing to regional cooling e ects.
The event will feature a presentation, practical activity exploring the soil biology from local samples, site visits, cover crop selection for di erent farming systems, and methods to transition from conventional to regenerative practices without sacri cing productivity.
For Lee, the mission extends beyond individual farm bene ts.
“When enough farmers adopt these practices, we can actually in uence regional climate patterns in positive ways,” he said.
“This isn’t just about one farm’s productivity - it’s about transforming our relationship with the landscape.”
The eld day is open to farmers, agricultural professionals, Landcare carers and interested community members.
Registration information can be found at www.up2us. org.au or by calling 5779 1593.
Commencing April 8, 2025
Government Funded Flu Vaccines are free for:
• 65 years and over
• Chronic illness
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Appointments essential. Please call (03) 5775 2166 and Mans eld Integrated Health Service
• Children 6 months – 5 years
• Speci c medical conditions
$15 Private or Non Funded Vaccine Consultation costs covered directly by Medicare.
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: TONY ALLEN
To enter call Radio Mansfield on 5775 2333
ROTARY CLUB OF MANSFIELD Notice for AGM At the Delatite Hotel, Mans eld, June 11, 2025, at 6.30pm.
BOWLS CLUB
Sunday, May 25, 2025 1pm in the clubrooms at 35-37 Ailsa Street, Mansfield. All welcome!
We’re on the lookout for a talented Chef or Cook to join the team at The Proddy! This is a full-time role (4–5 days per week – yes we’re flexible). It’s a rare chance to join a passionate, fast-paced kitchen that values quality, creativity, and teamwork. We offer above-award wages and a great team culture. Sound like you? Call Dean 0407 873 296 or email dean@thedelatitehotel.com.au Join Our Team @ The Produce Store!
The Produce Store CHEF / COOK – Full-Time
Positions Available!
We are seeking some strong, fit and reliable people to join our Timber yard, Steel and Paint departments. Know a bit about Timber and trade, can read a tape and work at a fast pace, we’re looking for you!
Are you mechanically minded, in the know with Steel and industrial and able to work with precision, we’re looking for you!
If you have knowledge of the paint field, an eye for detail and a love of colour, we’re looking for you!
Please drop a resume into store or email to kate@yenckens.com.au
Looking for some extra CASH? Greenvale Holiday Units (Mans elds best kept secret) Is looking for cleaning and maintenance sta this winter. Flexible morning hours. Come and join our team Send enquiries and CV to reception@greenvaleholidays.com.au
2012 Holden Captiva, petrol, 184,000km, very good condition, (1DQ 3MD), $5,600. Phone Phil 0418 994 147.
HOLDEN VZ SS Thunder Ute, 2006 6 litre auto, Leather trim, RWC, 6 months reg (1GO-1GA), 222,000kms, $24,950, ONO, Phone Peter on 0412 527 477.
NISSAN X-Trail STIL
2011, leather interior, good condition, towball, all wheel drive, 2ton capacity, reg (YOF136), $4200 rm. Ph 0403 431 390.
MARCHESE, Giuseppe. 11/3/1938 - 10/5/2025
Loving husband of Angela for 58 years. Father of Robert, Tony and Joe and their partners. Nonno to Olivia, Elena, Sebastian and Alyssa. Forever in our hearts.
A funeral prayer service will be o ered for Mr Giuseppe Marchese at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Hunter Street, Mans eld on Thursday, May 22, 2025 commencing at 12pm.
Following the service the funeral cortege will proceed to the Bonnie Doon Cemetery.
2017 Ford Transit CamperVan,54,000km, (1KG6TW),$56,000, for more information ring Phil 0418 994 147.
FIREWOOD Red Gum and Yellow Box
$170 a meter
Delivered 2 sizes
Contact Charlie 0427 737 315
FRICKE, Georgina Gri ith and Max Fricke would like to welcome FRANKIE RAY. Born in Manchester UK, on May 9, 2025 at 9.39pm. Weighing 8lb 12oz. Welcome to the family Frankie.
By LYNN ELDER
MANSFIELD siblings Vivian and Harvey Knight are both excited to be heading to the Victorian Championships for Speedcubing on May 31 at the Belgrave Convention Centre.
Harvey a grade six student at Manseld Primary School is no stranger to the competition having competed in his rst world Speedcubing competition in March 2024.
In 2023 Harvey was given a traditional 3x3x3 Rubik’s cube for Halloween.
He soon mastered the beginner solve method before upgrading to a magnetic speed cube and learning the algorithms for the more advanced and faster CFOP method, which includes the Cross, F2L ( rst two layers), OLL (orientation of last layer), PLL (permutation of last layer) steps.
There are even more advanced methods to master.
Harvey can now also complete the pyraminx, master pyraminx, skewb and 5x5x5.
According to his mother Helen, her son is expecting a megaminx in the mail to add to his growing collection.
His passion has spilled over to his younger sister who loves speedcubing just as much.
Harvey taught her how to cube, and the pair now do it together.
Vivian a year ve student was looking for something for her Mans eld Primary School camp which was different.
She quickly mastered the 3x3x3 and did a one minute solve while doing the splits as part of her act.
This will be Vivian’s rst time at a competition.
“I am going more for the experience,” she said and is looking forward to helping out as a cube scrambler and a runner.
For Harvey, it will be a di erent experience.
“I am really con dent, rst time I was nervous and now that I have done it, I know what to do,” he said.
“I get to do something that no one else can do,” said Vivian.
Both Vivian and Harvey are pas-
SPEEDCUBING
DUO: Vivian and Harvey Knight are heading to the state championships this month.
PHOTO: Lynn Elder
sionate about their sporting activities which include swimming, running and gymnastics.
According to Harvey cubing “calms you down” and uses it between swimming races to deal with nerves.
His mother Helen is a great advocate for cubing which has a positive impact on the brain and helps with reaction times.
“Speedcubing is de nitely not a hobby you can stereotype as appealing to a particular type of kid or adult,” said Helen.
At any o cial event there are delegates from the World Cubing Association (WCA), competitors, runners, scramblers, and judges.
the same scramble and then the runners take those out and look at the station number, which is what table you’re on, then they give it to the judge who puts it on the table in front on you,” Harvey said.
She would recommend it to other parents for their children as a “a ordable and portable game.”
With a family road trip planned to follow the competition, both Vivian and Harvey will have their cubes with them in the back seat.
The Melbourne competition will attract more than 300 competitors representing Australia and other countries.
Harvey loves that it is so inclusive, with just one open category that allows any age group, gender, or background to compete.
All o cial times are recorded by central computers to determine who goes through to the next round andnals.
In each event you get ve attempts and an average score.
“They rank you by taking your worst time and your best time creating an average out of the three middle times which determines your place; however, your fastest time is still your pb,” Harvey said.
The competition events begin with the competitor’s cubes being given to the scramblers.
“The scramblers will give everyone
“They’ve got a stopwatch, and they only start it once you say then you have 15 seconds to inspect it and if you go over 15 seconds then that’s a two second penalty and if you go over 17 seconds it’s a DNF (did not nish or disquali ed) and then you put your hands on the timer and start to solve,” he explained.
Harvey is competing in: 2x2x2 – personal best is 2.08 seconds, 3x3x3 – personal best is 23.87 seconds, Pyraminx – personal best is 7.35 seconds and Skewb – personal best is 37.07 seconds.
Vivian is competing in: 2x2x2 – personal best is 28.06 seconds and 3x3x3 – personal best is 43.65 seconds.
has called on horse owners to ensure they have enough feed to maintain their animals amid reports of neglect towards 8100 animals in the state.
RSPCA Victoria has announced the state is facing a horse crisis with more than 8100 horses involved in animal cruelty reports this year.
The organisation has called on horse owners to make sure they are prepared with enough feed and water for their animals.
With severe rainfall deficiencies over the last 12 months, available feed is becoming increasingly scarce and ongoing cost-of-living pressures means many are struggling to buy necessary feed.
As a result, RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate has received nearly 800 animal cruelty reports specifically related to 8100 horses this financial year, a 37 per cent increase on the previous year, with more than 800 horses still involved in active investigations.
RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector Michelle Green said the number of horses reported has skyrocketed.
“This year we have already taken 183 horses into our care,” she said.
“Caring for these horses comes at a cost with each horse estimated to remain under our care for an average of 120 days, costing nearly $50 per day per horse.”
Neglect towards horses is often more visible than other forms of animal cruelty, and is expected to get worse as the drought continues.
By LYNN ELDER
ELECTED as one of two new directors to the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) board is AusCycling chair, Craig Bingham, also well known for his connections to Manseld.
The son of proud parents Manseld’s Bruce and Marlene Bingham, Craig splits his time between his busy city corporate life and enjoying time on his Hereford beef farm in the High Country for the past 30 years.
His parents grew up on farms near Harcourt in Victoria so when his father made the decision to retire from the police force in Melbourne and bought a property near Mans eld, Bingham described it “as returning to their farming roots”.
“I travelled a lot for work so going home was very grounding – driving a tractor and doing manual work digging post holes, “ said Bingham. He loves the High Country which Bingham describes as a special place. His daughter Carly and her husband Nick Martin manage the farm
Craig
for Bingham – creating another Mans eld connection.
Bingham has forged for himself a highly successful career in nance and business while maintaining his interests in sport.
The May 4 AOC announcement saw Craig join swimming great and Olympic gold medallist Susie O’Neill as rst time directors.
“It is an honour and a privilege to be elected, and I hope to make a difference,” said Bingham.
Other senior appointments for Bingham include non-executive chairman of property investment
group Forza Capital, chair of Avenue Bank and a director of the Australian Cricketers Retirement Account.
His interest in cricket was fuelled as young man playing districts level for Richmond and Waverley.
He usually batted third or fourth in the order and was a medium paced bowler.
Other career highlights are global CEO of Bennelong Funds Management, CEO – Asia for Federated Investors and Aviva Investors and founder of a global advisory business for nancial services.
Bingham became the chair of Aus-
Cyling in January 2022, a continuation of his love of the sport.
“I was lucky enough to be a member of the MMBCC (Mans eld Mt Buller Cycling Club) and share their passion for cycling,” said Bingham. He has also had the opportunity to work with Mans eld cycling legend, Simon Gerrans.
“Business and sport really go hand in hand, it all about people and culture,” said Bingham.
“How do we foster a great culture where everybody feels part of a high performing entity and that’s what I hope to bring,” he said.
Bingham explained one of the biggest changes to AusCycling on his watch.
“We broke the federated model and took 19 companies down to one CEO and 10 directors,” he said.
He described the passion of such a diverse group of people.
“It is also about being e ective and e cient, nancially resilient and understanding the nuances of each discipline – I’m proud of the team but still a lot to do,” said Bingham.
With only 28 Inspectors on the road to investigate more than 10,000 cruelty reports across the state, RSPCA Victoria CEO Dr Liz Walker reiterated the call for sufficient government funding amid increasing safety concerns after years of supplementing its law enforcement arm with community donations.
“Without sufficient funding we will likely need to restrict the species of animal we investigate, rehabilitate and rehome, removing horses, poultry, and livestock from our scope of work,” Dr Walker said.
RSPCA Victoria currently receives ongoing funding from the Victorian Government ($2.3 million per year) only covering around 21 per cent of its Inspectorate costs, forecast to be $10.8 million this financial year.
“While we’re grateful for the funding we receive, this barely makes a dent in the amount it costs keep our inspectors on the road and to care and rehabilitate the animals coming in,” Dr Walker said.
Anyone with concerns about the welfare of animals with firsthand information is urged to make a report to RSPCA Victoria at rspcavic.org/cruelty-report or by calling 03 9224 2222.
La Trobe University AFL NEB Junior Interleague Carnival was a huge success at Lavington Sports Ground on Sunday, May 18.
With amazing weather, first-rate facilities, and thrilling contests across all age groups, the region’s junior talent was on full display.
Under 13s
AWJFL 7.9 (51) def WDJFL 5.8 (38)
Best: Ryder Pearce (Wodonga Raiders Junior Football Club)
Under 14s
AWJFL 6.7 (43) def WDJFL 5.5 (35)
Best: Tom Toepfer (Albury Junior Football Club)
Under 15s
AWJFL 7.8 (50) def WDJFL 5.5 (35)
Best: William Packer (Albury Junior Football Club)
Under 16s
AWJFL 12.14 (86) def WDJFL 7.4 (46)
Best: Blake Morgan (Albury Junior Football Club)
Well done to all players – your effort and sportsmanship made the day unforgettable.
Best on court (Mans eld Subway): Lily Adams; Coaches award (Manseld Armchair Cinema): Ellie Marks ; Players player: Ellie Marks
THE starting lineup consisted of goal shooter Lily Adams, goal attack Shilah Olver, wing attack Rachel Merceica, centre Ellie Marks, wing defence Lily Olver, goal defence Maddie Berry, Goal Keeper Lizzy Hotton and the interchange Ruby Doxey and Cassie Kidd.
The game began with an exciting rst quarter, where both teams were evenly matched, and the score was tight throughout.
Echuca showed strong defensive skills, which kept Mans eld on there toes, making for a close rst 15 minutes.
However, in the second quarter, Mans eld seemed to lose focus.
With quick turnovers and strong shooting, Echuca extended their lead.
Coming out of hal ime, Manseld started with more energy and determination in the third quarter.
The team focused on their passing and worked harder in defense, slowly chipping away at Echuca’s lead and showing signs of improvement.
By the fourth quarter, even though we were still behind, we never gave up.
We kept pushing until the nal whistle, showing determination and teamwork.
Best on court (Mans eld Subway): Jaspa Robinson\; Coaches award (Joanne Holt): Annie Thomson ; Players player: Jaspa Robinson
THE Eagles took on the Echuca Bombers in a tough match, with Echuca coming away with the win by 8 goals.
It was a close game all the way through, and the Eagles worked hard from start to nish.
Annie Thomson and Sienna Kynnersly teamed up well in the shooting circle, scoring some great goals and keeping the pressure on Echuca’s defence.
In the mid court, Ava Mahoney, Ellie Marks, and Esher Berry ran hard all game, moving the ball quickly and linking play between defence and attack.
Down back, Maddie Berry, Harper Smith, Eva Clydesdale and Jaspa Robinson gave it their all in defence.
They made some strong stops and worked hard to slow down Echuca’s fast and tall attackers.
Even though the Eagles played with a lot of heart and e ort, Echuca’s height and speed made the difference in the end.
Still, it was a strong team performance and the Eagles can be proud of how they played.
They’re improving every week and hopefully we can get some
wins in the coming weeks.
Best on Court as well as Players player went to Jaspa Robinson for a ripper game in defence.
The coaches award went to Annie Thomson for an amazing consistent performance for the entire game in goals.
B RESERVE BY LEONIE BERRy
Mansfield 37 def by Echuca 43
Best on court (Alpine Home): Molly Judge; Coaches award (Luna Bar): Enna Edwards; Players player: Courtney Mason
IT was another great performance by the B reserves against a strong Echuca out t.
Even though the win did not go our way it is great to see the team being competitive and challenging teams that beat us comfortably last season.
Our defensive line up was strong again with Courtney Mason, Molly Judge, Steph O’Halloran and Caroline Tren eld creating numerous opportunities for us to score each quarter.
Our young mid-courters Lillian Currie, Emma Edwards and Bree Weight were putting constant pressure on Echuca and with there speed were darting here there and everywhere in attack.
Maddie Clarke was once again strong and accurate under the post and is improving in leaps and bounds with the assistance of Leonie Berry.
Thank you to Annie T for again
supporting the B reserves as an interchange option.
We now have a well earned bye and look forward to continuing our development as a team when we hit the courts against Benalla in a fortnight.
B GRADE BY BELLE EDWARDS
Mansfield 22 def by Echuca 70
Best on court (Mans eld Hotel): Isabelle Edwards; Coaches award (Il Salotto): Remy Stevenson; Players player: Chloe Judge
B GRADE knew we had a challenge ahead of us with Echuca always being a strong team.
We knew we had to start out strong as we were missing Meg, Kara and Grace.
Jamie, Remy and Molly worked well around the ring and really gave the defenders a challenge.
Our goal margin increased as the game went on but we never gave up. With a few girls out this week it gave the opportunity for Bri to step up and she t right into the side creating some great space and drives.
Tahlia and Shenae worked tirelessly in the centre always giving their 100%.
The defenders had a di cult job this week as Echuca were very strong in their attack end but the girls never gave up.
The score margin got bigger and we knew the Echuca girls had got us but we never gave up and gave it our all right until the end.
A GRADE BY EMILY
HUTCHINS
Mansfield 37 def by Echuca 52
Best on court (Mans eld Foodworks): Sophie Bray; Coaches award (Il Salotto): Alexandra Ball; Players player: Jessica Dolling
PLAYING another top 6 team, A grade knew they had a tough game ahead against league heavyweight Echuca.
Eagles started the game true to recent form putting out a very strong rst quarter. With another new defensive combination, Lucy Ward, Emily Hutchins and Jaspa Robinson, worked tirelessly in the defensively end, and had the incredible assistance of Belle Edwards coming on o the bench.
Unfortunately Eagles stumbled in the middle quarters and Echuca were able to capitalise and take a decent lead.
Coach Lucie Mitchell was able to bring the girls together before the last quarter and reminded us the standard of netball we are capable of playing.
With a massive quarter by midcourters Jess Dolling and Sophie Bray, providing both o ensive and defensive brilliance, Amy DixonRielly and Alex Ball took advantage in the goal ring converting at every opportunity.
Although the loss hurt, Eagles were proud to top score the last quarter and will work hard on putting out a full 4 quarter game next round.
By MIKE SMITH
THE Eagles seniors fell just short in a valiant effort against Echuca, a game which nishes o a grueling run of di cult games in which Mans eld have performed competitively and proven they can mix it with the best in the league.
Though they have now, temporarily and narrowly, fallen out of the nals positions on the ladder, the season is still young and the Eagles remain rmly in the hunt and will look to solidify a spot in the top six during what is, on paper at least, a more favourable run of games that follows their bye next week.
Mans eld came out of the starting blocks quickly, giving themselves a great opportunity to go on and win by scoring the rst three goals of the match but that rst quarter ended with Echuca pulling two back and reminding the Eagles just what they should expect in the match to come.
major for the Eagles to end the half.
ning and then losing the battle for momentum.
Mans eld only trailed by 13 at the long break but the momentum was with Echuca.
Unable to match the intensity, and the impact on the scoreboard, Echuca scored four back-to-back goals to open the second term and looked to be pulling away until Jack Christopher scored a
Whatever coach Jack Hutchins said to the boys during the interval, it worked with the Eagles coming out and kicking the rst two majors of the second half to bring themselves within two points of the Murray Bombers in what was becoming an increasingly backwards and forwards match in which both sides were win-
Echuca kicked three to end that third term and give themselves 22 points worth of breathing space going into the nal term.
Though the teams went goal for goal in that tightly contested last quarter, Manseld will perhaps feel like they missed an opportunity given they kicked seven behinds in that quarter alone.
Losing the game by 11 points will hurt but once
again the Eagles performed very well without quite being able to capitalise on the scoreboard.
Jack Christopher, Jack Hutchins and Benjamin Reardon each nished the match with two goals while Nick Gray, Dirk Koenen, Brett Mahoney, Adam Boshevski, Callum Brown turned in best-on-ground worthy performances.
Coach Jack Hutchins was pleased by the boys’ performance but did feel the Eagles
could have walked away from the game with the points.
“It was a competitive performance but unfortunately it’s a missed opportunity,” he said.
“They had plenty of their star players missing due to injury, however they showed why they’re the benchmark of the competition.
“Their system holds up and they were able to force us to play a way that bene ted them and their zone press.
“We certainly felt we could beat them and we gave our-
ROCHESTER 4.6 10.8 16.18 23.19.157
TATURA 0.1 1.2 1.3 2.7.19
selves plenty of chances to do so especially in the last quarter, unfortunately we just weren’t able to convert those opportunities when it mattered.
“We will focus on recovery during the week and we’ll then get back on the track, ready to attack Benalla at home when we return.”
Earlier in the day, the Eagles reserves beat Echuca by 34 points, 63–29, with Al Bennet kicking three, though the U18s fell short, 50–20.
GOALS: ROCHESTER: K. Waters 6, H. Hamilton 4, W. Hamilton 4, H. Wileman 2, L. Joyce 2, J. McPhee 2, M. Trewhella 2, H. Heine 1. TATURA: J. Armstrong 1, W. Russell 1.
BEST: ROCHESTER: M. Trewhella, D. Gordon, K. Waters, B. Wileman, C. Hamilton. TATURA: R. Young, X. Hutchison, C. Ryan, M. Archer, C. Walls.
SHEPPARTON 1.0 2.3 3.5 7.11.53
SEYMOUR 3.4 4.6 8.9 10.9.69
GOALS: SHEPPARTON: L. McShane 3, L. Teague 1, O. Lambourn 1, Z. Metcalf 1, A. Holland 1.
SEYMOUR: N. Fowler 2, T. Wardley 2, L. Lubeck 2, J. Peris 1, R. Schraven 1, D. Giles 1, T. Jeffrey 1.
BEST: SHEPPARTON: X. Stevenson, A. Decicco, M. Brett, A. Holland, L. Smith. SEYMOUR: B. Cooney, N. Quigg, J. Peris, L. Giles, L. Beattie.
KYABRAM 5.9 8.12 13.15 16.17.113
MOOROOPNA 1.0 1.4 1.4 6.7.43
A Grade:
Euroa 88 def Benalla 31 Rochester 43 def by Tatura 49
Shepp Swans 54 def Shepp Utd 47
Mansfield 37 def by Echuca 52 Kyabram 32 def by Mooroopna 60
Shepparton 61 def Seymour 41
B Grade: Euroa 68 def Benalla 24; Rochester 51 def Tatura 36; Shepp Swans 52 def by Shepp Utd 54; Kyabram 30 def by Mooroopna 64; Shepparton 38 def Seymour 36; Mansfield 22 def by Echuca 70.
B Reserve: Euroa 45 def Benalla 31; Rochester 36 def by Tatura 45; Shepp Swans 38 def by Shepp Utd 42; Mansfield 37 def by Echuca 43; Shepparton 29 def by Seymour 30; Kyabram 26 def by Moroopna 71.
17 & Under: Rochester 68 def Tatura 29; Shepp Swans 37 def Shepp Utd 36; Shepparton 43 def Seymour 26; Kyabram 12 def by Mooroopna 47; Mansfield 42 def by Echuca 50; Euroa 38 def Benalla 37. 15 & Under: Shepp Swans 42 def by Shepp Utd 63; Rochester 43 def Tatura 42; Euroa 59 def Benalla 42; Kyabram 17 def by Mooroopna 49; Shepparton
SATURDAY, MAY 24 Interleague
SATURDAY, MAY 31
Shepparton United vs Rochester
Kyabram vs Shepparton
Mansfield vs Benalla
Shepparton Swans vs Echuca
Tatura vs Euroa
Mooroopna vs Seymour
GOALS: KYABRAM: R. Ironside 3, T. Holman 3, Z. Cerrone 3, C. Barnett 2, A. Watt 1, M. Mattingly 1, B. Whitford 1, W. Burnett 1, J. Dillon 1. MOOROOPNA: J. Woods 2, B. Hicks 1, T. Williams 1, K. Issell 1, O. Emanuelli 1.
BEST: KYABRAM: K. Herbert, B. Whitford, A. Watt, Z. Norris, T. Holman. MOOROOPNA: J. Woods, J. Johnston, K. Madgwick, I. Dowling, O. Emanuelli.
SHEPP SWANS 8.2 10.5 15.8 20.12.132
SHEPP UTD 3.0 4.4 9.5 11.7.73
GOALS: SHEPPARTON SWANS: S. Simpson 4, N. Rachele 4, J. Auld 3, N. Hrovat 2, M. Kovacevic 2, T. Collison 2, H. Simpson 1, L. Rachele 1, H. Mason 1. SHEPPARTON UNITED: L. Serra 3, M. Serra 2, k. clarke 2, B. Sofra 1, R. Onley 1, J. Cucinotta 1, K. Napier 1.
BEST: SHEPPARTON SWANS: N. Hrovat, L. Rachele, Z. Alderton, M. Kovacevic, J. Auld. SHEPPARTON
UNITED: K. Chalcraft, R. Onley, M. Trevaskis, k. clarke, J. Wiggins.
GOALS: EUROA: J. Trotter 2, D. Redfern 2, N. Trotter 2, L. Hill 1, N. Asquith 1, J. Gleeson 1, C. Paul 1.
BENALLA: J. Waite 3, C. Gracie 2, N. Wright 1, h. hill 1, J. Wolff 1, T. McGregor 1.
BEST: EUROA: C. Paul, J. Gleeson, J. Penman, J. Frewen, M. Varley. BENALLA: N. Warnock, M. Marriott, C. Welsh, C. Gracie, N. Mellington.
MANSFIELD 3.2 4.5 6.7 9.14.68 ECHUCA 2.1 6.6 9.11 11.13.79
GOALS: MANSFIELD: J. Christopher 2, J. Hutchins 2, B. Reardon 2, B. Mahoney 1, N. Buchanan 1, W. Foster 1. ECHUCA: H. Byrne 2, K. Morris 2, M. Bell 1, F. Brooks 1, J. Dargan 1, M. Cronin 1, J. Evans 1, C. Townrow 1, L. Hogan 1.
BEST: MANSFIELD: N. Gray, D. Koenen, B. Mahoney, A. Boshevski, C. Brown. ECHUCA: J. Evans, H. Byrne, C. Townrow, M. Wales, L. Hogan.
A GRADE By
MICHELLE TANNER
Bonnie Doon
43 def 29 Greta
Best on Court (Shell Bonnie Doon): Annie Byrnes; Coaches Award (Foodworks): Erin Brond; Fan Favourite (Mans eld Holiday Letting) : Erin Brond
HEADING to Greta this week in the grand nal rematch Bonnie Doon was keen to take the win and prove to all that doubt them that they still have what it takes in 2025.
A er a bit of a slow start the Bombers still led by ve at the end of the rst quarter with some great defensive work from Brond, Turner and Watson.
McCormack shot with precision netting twenty-nine of the Bombers total and is quickly becoming the target shooter for A grade proving unstoppable against some very tough defenders.
It was a tug of war in the second half and although we picked up plenty of the ball unfortunately the conversion to goal lacked and Greta stayed in the hunt pushing Doon to the nal whistle.
Byrnes had another outstanding game in the centre and was truly the playmaker for the Bombers on Saturday. She combined well with Hearst and Cash in the midcourt who battled hard all day. We took home the points and look forward to the
next two weeks at home and building on what looks to be another exciting couple of weeks on the courts.
B GRADE By
MICHELLE TANNER
47 def Greta 33
Best on Court (Bonnie Doon Pub): Cass McCormack; Coaches Award (Alpine at HOME): Anna Manning; Players Player: Jess Harris
THE Bombers edged out Greta on Saturday defeating the blues by fourteen in a topsy turvy match that saw some new combinations and unusual coaching decisions.
A er a bit of a sluggish opening term Bonnie Doon had a clinical second quarter with both Harris and Hearmon showing patience in working the ball to the circle edge, nding both shooters with relative ease.
Fresh o a standout performance last week Brakels worked tirelessly in her trademark fashion with composure and calm. McCormack dominated again in defence with the pressure out the front from Thomson, Manning and Foster creating numerous opportunities for her to pull out the “Cass Mac Special”. Leading by fourteen heading into the last quarter the momentum ebbed and owed as some new combinations and positions were trailed that raised a few eyebrows both on the court and
in the crowd.
Armstrong who missed last week didn’t skip a beat and continues to impress with her continued work rate and was not phased by anything that was thrown at her on the weekend.
The Bombers will take condence from the win on Saturday and will hope to build on the momentum when they meet the Roos at home next week.
B RESERVE By
NARELLE SEYMOUR
Doon 32 tied Greta 32
Best on court (Bonnie Doon Pub): Narelle Seymour; Coaches Award (Mans eld Holiday Letting): Hannah Sheahan
AFTER a cricket pitch warm up, the B Ressie’s jumped on the court all red up, ready to take on the young Greta team, itching to put into practice the training strategies they’d been working on during the week.
Majestic Mish, Gallant Grace, Charismatic Casey and Admiral Amz took to the court working tirelessly in the goals against the physical and constant ‘hand in face’ Greta defenders to smash out the goals.
Agile Ace, Powerful Pank and Adventurous Ash worked the centre meticulously feeding the goalies and swi ly kicking into defence to put pressure on Greta attackers
FISHING on Lake Eildon is a dynamic experience shaped by a range of environmental factors but few influence fish behaviour as profoundly as the moon.
Anglers who learn to read the lunar cycle and adjust their strategy accordingly are often rewarded with stronger, more consistent catches.
The moon affects fish in two primary ways: through light levels and gravitational pull.
These forces directly impact fish feeding patterns, activity levels, and location.
In Lake Eildon - home to species like Murray cod, yellow belly, redfin, and trout - these influences are especially noticeable due to the lake’s deep basins, submerged timber, and expansive shallows.
During a full moon, light levels at night are high, which typically encourages nocturnal feeders like Murray cod to become more active after dark.
These nights often see a spike in surface strikes around structure, especially in the Big
for tips and turnovers when the ball headed towards the opposition goal end.
Legendary Liv, Heroic Han, Wonderful Webby and Rad Relle manned the defence end to put pressure on the oppo attackers/goalies going for tips, intercepts, rebounds and shutting down goalers.
Half time saw some changes with Han popping the WA bib on.
She certainly did not disappoint.
Being such an experienced and excellent defender, she utilised everything she knew to pose a threat to Greta with some smooth moves down the attack end.
Webby handed over the GD bib to Pank.
Pank instantly following in Webby’s footsteps with continuous tips and intercepts.
Later in the 3rd quarter, gun goal shooter Grace suffered an unfortunate injury.
The team kicked in to gear to make Grace proud.
Although we didn’t take out the win, we take away with us a positive attitude knowing we can do it.
Big thanks to the coaching team.
Wishing our Gracie a quick recovery!
UNDER 17s
By TILLY THORNTON
Best on court (Senior Football Players): Tilly Thornton; Coaches Award
(Senior Football Players):
Chloe Campbell
IN a ercely contested grand nal rematch at the weekend, Bonnie Doon pulled o a remarkable comeback to defeat Greta 37–28, a er the scores were locked at three-quarter time.
The game was a nail-biter from the rst whistle, with Greta dominating the rst half and at one point pulling away to a six-goal lead.
But with a few changes Doon side refused to go down without a ght, clawing their way back into the contest in a thrilling third quarter to level the scores.
In the nal quarter, Bonnie Doon found another gear, surging ahead with rock-solid defence to outscore Greta and secure a well-earned victory.
Defensive duo Tilly and Bella were outstanding, shutting down Greta’s attack in the nal term and turning over crucial possession.
In the midcourt, Sadie, Carly, Chloe, and Annie brought composure, linking defence to attack with relentless pressure.
Shooters Keira and Charlie found their mojo and stood tall under pressure, combining well in the circle and nding their rhythm when it mattered most, converting their opportunities to edge Bonnie Doon ahead in the dying minutes.
It was a gutsy, well-foughtout contest.
Big thanks to Carly and Annie for stepping up from under 15s.
UNDER 15s By
LARA KLINGSPORN
Bonnie Doon
41 def Greta 27
Best on court (Reserve Football Players): Lara Klingsporn; Coaches Award (Reserve Football Players): Edie Gardiner
IT was a hard-fought battle between Bonnie Doon and Greta in the under 15s clash on Saturday.
The rst quarter was tightly contested, with both teams going goal for goal in a fastpaced opening.
Defenders Willow and Erin were standout performers early, taking numerous rebounds and putting pressure on Greta’s shooters.
In the midcourt, Holly, Brydie, Edie, and Franzi worked tirelessly, delivering sharp passes and collecting multiple tips and intercepts to keep the pressure on.
The attacking trio of Sophie, Annie, and Lara worked well in the goal ring, making the most of their opportunities.
At hal ime, Bonnie Doon was ahead 21-12 and they then came out ring in the second half.
A strong finish saw them pull away, demonstrating great teamwork and determination to secure a 41–27 win.
A fantastic all-round performance from the whole team!
River Arm and along the Delatite Inlet.
Cod will move out from deeper cover and patrol the edges, particularly if barometric pressure is steady.
Night fishing with surface lures, wake baits or swim baits can be thrilling during this phase.
However, daylight hours can be slower, as fish may feed more heavily at night.
In contrast, the new moon brings pitchblack nights and tends to push activity into the twilight periods - first light and dusk become critical windows.
With low ambient light, predators feel more secure moving into the shallows.
Redfin schools often push into the shallower weed beds, especially near Bonnie Doon and Jerusalem Creek, making them easier targets with soft plastics or small hardbodies worked slowly.
The first and last quarter phases - often called the “neap tides” - are typically associated with more stable conditions and moderate fish activity.
While less dramatic than the full or new moon, these periods can be excellent for
targeting trout and golden perch that are less affected by light levels but more responsive to water temperature and consistent pressure systems.
Trolling lures at variable depths, particularly around the Goughs Bay drop-offs or around the dam wall, is productive during these phases.
It’s not just night fishing that’s influenced.
The moon’s gravitational pull subtly affects water movement and baitfish behavioureven in a dam like Eildon without obvious tidal flow.
Around full and new moons, increased gravitational force can stir up the bait, prompting predator species to feed more aggressively.
Smart anglers on Lake Eildon plan trips around the lunar calendar, pairing moon phases with other conditions like wind direction, barometric pressure, and water clarity. Whether chasing trophy cod under a glowing moon or jigging redfin at dawn in new moon darkness, understanding these rhythms can be the difference between a slow day and a memorable haul.
By RHONDA CARPENTER
IN weather it was more like summer than winter when teams across the district met for their round three matches in Euroa, Benalla and Mans eld last Monday.
There was clear blue skies and glorious sunshine.
Wappan welcomed Mans eld on their home courts and Wappan’s Anna Speirs, Jenny Bell, Rhonda Carpenter and Carol Watts found their range in the opening sets.
Mans eld’s Michelle Pigdon, Keira McDonagh, Natalie Bergsma and Sophie Yencken matched them with high quality hitting and the sets
went one each way, with one game the di erence.
Wappan gained control in the next pairings as players tired in the hot sun.
Mans eld were set a task needing to win both nal sets, however Wappan found their best form to take both, including the shortest and the longest set of the day eventually resolved in a tiebreaker.
Wappan won 5/45 to Mans eld 1/29 propelling them into second spot on the EDLWTA ladder.
Euroa met Terip for their contest and Kristen Darcy, Lyndall Bigland, Judy Sands and Faye Mollison had all the answers against Terip’s Cindy
Hayes, Frances Lawrence, Phoebe Macdermid and Kass Thomas.
Euroa won 6/48 to 0/22 to take top spot on the ladder.
Creighton’s Creek and Delatite also enjoyed the Euroa grass courts and Delatite’s Karyn Fraser, Carolyn Murray, Jo O’Brien, Deb Mims and Loretta Armitage combined well in lengthy rallies. Both teams hit low hard balls.
Chris Ellis, Deb Seach, Sue Vaughan and Lyn Johnson took the rst three sets for Creighton’s Creek, but Delatite hit back hard taking the next two with Deb gaining movement and timing the ball superbly to nish her day with an ace.
Creighton’s Creek 4/40 defeated Delatite 2/27 for a top three finish.
Benalla hosted Seven Creeks in a hard-fought match which included two tiebreakers and two 8-6 contests going each way. Seven Creeks’ Rowena Ellis, Nicola Enright, Gayle Furphy and Mary Kelly had the edge against Benalla’s Claire Sharp, Maureen Jewell, Julie Brook, and Wendy Maxwell on their home turf winning 4/45 to Benalla’s 2/35.
Round 3 Ladder: Euroa 26, Wappan 19. Creighton’s Creek 18, Terip 17, Moglonemby 16, Seven Creeks 11, Mans eld 7, Delatite 4, and Benalla 2.
By JODIE MORROW
THE Mans eld Soccer Club recently hosted a series of skill-building sessions for young players, with the support of local athletes and our sponsors, Delatite Hotel and Manseld Mini Golf.
Skill Zone Sports from Cobram, led by Adam Gatcum, along with Bella Pardy from Preston Lions, and Casey Chandler and Sam Slattery from Cobram Roar, ran the sessions. Drills focused on essential soccer skills such as dribbling, kicking, and ball control, with plenty of running, weaving, dodging, and fun 1v1 games.
The two sessions saw impressive turnout, with 25 younger players from preps to grade twos participating in the rst session, followed by 60 grade three to grade six students in the second session.
This 2025 season shows a growing enthusiasm for soccer in the Manseld district, with 150 junior players registered for the Saturday morning skills, drills and social games. These games are supported by midweek training sessions that continue to see a strong and consistent junior turnout.
By LINDA TERRY
WELL for a change it was a bit of a quieter week for the ladies this week, with most of the autumn tournaments and bowls all done and dusted.
So it was just our regular home competitions – some with a twist!
Firstly, on Tuesday a smallish eld of 12, played 9 holes o the front and Susan Kinloch (41) had a stand-out day, winning with a lovely 22 points.
Pam Abbott (42) and Dianna De Jager (45) shared the minor placings with 16 points each.
Next on Wednesday, the ladies played the gold tees. This shortened course might sound easier, but the reality is, we nd ourselves in places we aren’t used to and using quite di erent clubs to what we are used to. It certainly didn’t work for this golfer.
But it did indeed for Nikki Co ey who had a ripper day, winning overall and B Grade with 38 points.
Not far behind in the same grade was Shirley Nolan second and Julie Roberts 3rd both with 37 points. The A Graders must have found it tougher, with the winner being Natalie Grimshaw on 34 points, just pipping Sheryl Sargent on a countback and Sue Parson third with 33.
Nearest the pins went to Kerri Nicol (3rd), Nikki Co ey (7th), Jenny Koraus (12th) and Nicki Cooper (16th).
Many of us were delighted to have Gayle Wells visit a er her recent knee surgery and her laughter particularly cheered up those of us who languished on the bottom of the result sheet.
Can’t wait for you to be back playing Wellsie! Next up on Saturday we had 21 playing stableford and once again it was our B Grade players who showed us the way.
Jenny Koraus won with a smashing 39 points on a countback to Colleen Leeds – bad luck Colleen. Third was Sharon Gysberts with 38.
In A Grade, Natalie Grimshaw was once again in form, winning with 38 points from Andrea Marsden, 36 points and Sheryl Sargent 31 points.
In addition to the junior sessions the club runs an all female group at College Park on Wednesdays at 3.45pm that supports a friendly and inclusive training session, followed by a social game.
The session aims to encourage females of any ability and age (13+) to come give soccer a go.
Older junior players also have the opportunity to participate in a number of gala days throughout the session, playing against other clubs in the North East including Myrtleford, Bright, Yackendandah and Mount Beauty.
A more enthusiastic, social group for all players aged 16+ kicks o from 4.30pm.
We welcome all new players, with nancial support available for players requiring sponsorship, ensuring that everyone can participate in the rapidly growing local soccer community. The club continues to work with council as we rapidly outgrow existing facitilities and look forward to their
support in continuing to promote soccer participation in Mans eld.
For more information, visit the Mans eld District Soccer Club’s Facebook page or email mans elddistrictsoccerclub@gmail.com
Special thanks go to our ongoing support of local businesses, McGrath Real Estate, FoodWorks, Bendigo Bank, Mans eld Pizza Shop, Mal Ryan Glen.
Nearest the pins were Natalie on the 3rd, Sam Bailey on the 7ths, Shirley Nolan on the 16th and Lyn Holland on the 18th.
Finally good luck to Sue Parsons and Jenni Sparnon who will be battling it out over 27 holes for the Bill Reardon Matchplay nals next Sunday.
A GRADE: Nth Wangaratta 14 def by Goorambat 59; Greta 29 def by Bonnie Doon 43; Tarrawingee 34 def by Whorouly 36; Moyhu 35 def by Bright 58.
B GRADE: Nth Wangaratta 26 def by Goorambat 50; Greta 33 def by Bonnie Doon 37; Tannaringee 32 def Whorouly 31; Moyhu 31 def by Bright 53.
B RESERVE: Nth Wangaratta 23 def by Goorambat 44; Tarrawingee 33 def Whorouly 31; Moyhu 38 def Bright 34; Greta 32 draw Bonnie Doon 32.
C GRADE: Tarrawingee 36 def Whorouly 25; King Valley 44 def Benalla 24; Moyhu 39 def Bright 34; Greta 8 def Bonnie 10; Nth Wangaratta 20 def by Goorambat 43.
�� & UNDER: Tarrawingee 31 def by Whorouly 38; King Valley 34 def by Benalla 60; Moyhu 14 def by Bright 41; Greta 12 def by Bonnie Doon 21; Nth Wangaratta 49 def Goorambat 13. No other scores available at time of print
NTH WANGARATTA vs GRETA
BRIGHT vs BENALLA ALL BLACKS
BONNIE DOON vs KING VALLEY
GOORAMBAT vs WHOROULY
MILAWA vs MOYHU TARRAWINGEE � BYE
GOALS: GRETA: C. Crawford 2, T. Cheer 1, F. Judd 1, J. Bell 1, J. McClounan 1.
BONNIE DOON: C. Turner 2, E. Ree-Goodings 1, M. Cocks 1, J. Curtin 1, J. Magro 1, J. Sanford 1, T. Berenyi 1.
BEST: GRETA: C. Green, J. McClounan, T. Fursdon, T. Cheer, X. Wales, P. Fruzynski. BONNIE
DOON: J. Curtin, J. Law, A. Hill, J. Sanford, P. Smith, C. Turner.
NTH WANGARATTA 4.2 8.3 11.9 12.11.83 GOORAMBAT 4.0 9.1 12.2 14.4.88
GOALS: NORTH WANGARATTA: J. Kemp 5, D. Bradley 2, J. Nanson 2, D. Killen 1, T. Nanson 1, B. Lane-Gee 1. GOORAMBAT: D. Haebich 4, R. Goodley 3, B. Stepien 2, A. Moloney 1, A. Blackburn 1, J. Dunne 1, K. Black 1, T. Nolan 1. BEST: NORTH WANGARATTA: P. Killen, K. McQuade, T. Schulze, J. Devine, J. Kemp, D. Killen. GOORAMBAT: A. Blackburn, R. Goodley, Z. Amarant, T. Nolan, B. Reaburn, J. Dunne.
TARRAWINGEE 3.4 4.6 9.10 9.12.66
WHOROULY 1.0 0 0 0
GOALS: TARRAWINGEE: N. Gorman 5, C. Chamberlain 1, O. Sharp 1, A. Cook 1, S. Piper 1.
WHOROULY: M. Newton 6, Z. Bladon 1, M. Vescio 1. BEST: TARRAWINGEE: O. Sharp, N. Gorman, H. Amery, C. Chamberlain, S. Piper, T. Salmon. WHOROULY: J. Smith, C. Wood, M. Newton, M. Harris, Z. Bladon, M. Vescio.
GOALS: MOYHU: N. Stewart 3, W. Johnson 2, D. West 1, J. Coonan 1, P. McNamara 1. BRIGHT: C. Thomason 6, J. Love 4, C. Banks 3, W. Wales 2, M. Kinthari 1, L. Quirk 1, D. Chellew 1, R. Bacon 1. BEST: MOYHU: C. Gibson, P. McNamara, N. Gamble, H. Verdon, M. Thrum, J. Hansted. BRIGHT: C. Banks, S. Dalbosco, C. Thomason, W. Wales, J. Love, C. Thomson.
Echuca’s trip to the Eagles’ nest proved a tough one for Mansfield Football Netball Club with more losses than wins coming the Eagles way against a very strong Echuca outfit.
■ Full reports on pages 34 & 35.
By MIKE SMITH
Dave McMahon was delighted with what he called a huge win.
GRETA were top of the ladder coming into this weekend’s home game with Bonnie Doon.
Having started the season in red hot form, they were level with Bright and Milawa in having only lost one of their rst six games.
That loss was a competitive opening match of the season to Bright and since then they had been utterly relentless even managing to score 31 majors and 200 points in a ruthless away beating of poor Goorambat.
But this Bonnie Doon team has little respect for the form of other teams.
Though they are still patched up and su ered several early season-ending injuries to key players, they will win against anyone in the league when they play at their best.
Saturday’s match at Greta Recreation Reserve showed just that.
It was a tightly contested and low scoring a air but Bonnie Doon’s accuracy in from of goal in the relatively few opportunities a scrappy Greta defence a orded them, meant they came home with four incredible, and unlikely, points that has them level on the ladder with Greta just one win o Bright and Milawa who sit side by side at the top.
Jayjay Curtin, James Law, Andrew Hill, Joel Sanford, Patrick Smith, and Cody Turner turned in best on ground performances while Turner’s two majors proved the di erence between the sides in an incredibly nervy game.
Bonnie Doon Club President
“The reserves lent six players to the seniors who were only at half strength,” he said.
“To get a win against a full strength Greta team was awesome
“Apart from the 2023 Grand Final, this was the best away win I have witnessed and I am so very proud of all the players and support sta .
“The game started o very close in the rst quarter but by three quarter time we had a commanding ve goal lead.
“But Greta were coming home with a strong wind at their backs but Bonnie Doon’s heart never looked like it would fail them.
“It was a very high standard game and all 21 players who featured deserved to be named as our best.
“The match was played in hard but very fair and sporting manner which helped keep the standard high throughout.”
Earlier on in the day, the Bonnie Doon reserves were on the end of the reverse result, losing 66-36 to Greta reserves. Charlie Houghton, Lucas Piper, Trent Smith, Edward Ivill, Marcus Hibberd, Ryan Markwick put in good performances.
While the Seniors are not expecting to welcome back any injured players for next week’s round nine match against King Valley at Bonnie Doon Rec Reserve on Saturday 24 May, they will welcome fresh legs in the form of Andrew Ga (280 AFL games for West Coast Eagles) and Morgan Evans (Bonnie Doon premiership player).
