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McLEISH LEISH SLAMS GOVERNMENT

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DEVELOPMENT DISPUTE

Chenery Street to VCAT

Residents appeal council’s decision to approve double-storey development

Residents council’s decision to approve

By HANNAH KENNELLY and EMMA OLIVER

OBJECTORS to the approved development on Chenery Street in Mansfield have booked an upcoming hearing with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

Last December, Mansfield Shire Council (MSC) approved a permit to build a double-storey residential building behind an existing dwelling at 32 Chenery Street.

Neighbouring residents

expressed privacy and noise-related concerns and said the proposed development would “threaten neighbourhood character”.

After site visits and several consultations, council concluded the development satisfied all requirements under the Victorian Government’s planning act and greenlighted the development.

The approval devastated neighbouring landowners.

Mary Carroll, her

brother Anthony and fellow objectors Beryl Jolly, John Bugden, Brendan and Jacki Fraser and Neville and Robyn Keatley have decided to take the developer to VCAT – a decision they will fund themselves.

“We are off to VCAT and come win or lose it is at our expense,” Ms Carroll said.

“MSC’s planning department will be required to justify their decision, but the cost is to us with no liability on council.

“That said it is inconceivable to think

that anyone would want to build such a building in a residential area, and heartbreaking to know council approved it to go ahead.”

Council’s general manager for infrastructure and planning, Melissa Crane, confirmed that council received notification from VCAT that an objector application was lodged on January 5 for the planning application to develop 32 Chenery Street Mansfield, pursuant to Section 82 of the Planning and

Environment Act 1987.

and brother andfellow that anyone would want to Act 1987 into

Under the Municipal Planning Strategy and Planning Policy Framework, the planning department is to “encourage development that respects the neighbourhood character of an area”.

Ms Carroll believes that the approved development does not meet this criteria.

“The building will fill the rear area of a residential house block, encroaching on five immediate backyards and providing direct line of

sight into neighbouring homes,” Ms Carroll said.

“It allows no room for large trees or vegetation to mature, and the building will block views of the many established trees in the immediate surrounds.”

The existing dwelling at 32 Chenery Street, Carlzburg House, is currently listed on Airbnb and other shortterm accommodation websites, where occupants get “exclusive access passes to use The Alzburg Resort facilities”.

■ Continued page 2

LAST Wednesday local dignitaries joined community members from across Mansfield Shire for the official turning of the sod at the site of the Mansfield Heritage Museum.

Pictured (from left) Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines, president of Mansfield Historical Society Graeme Stoney AM, and Mansfield Shire Mayor Cr Steve Rabie. FULL STORY on pages 18 and 19.

PHOTO: Sandra Lee Photography

HANNAH KENNELLY

Local groups get funding boost

TWO local not-for-profits were among 32 successful community groups across remote, rural and regional Victoria, to share in more than $380,000 in grants through FRRR’s flagship Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program.

Both the Jamieson Community Group and Rosehaven Hospice were recipients of funding under the Re-

building Regional Communities stream.

The Jamieson Community Group was awarded $30,000 with the money intended to drive economic growth and recovery in the township.

After a four-year break, the Jamieson Autumn Festival makes its much-anticipated return this April 13, with the funding providing the opportunity to expand

the festival in 2025 to include evening events, with the aim to encourage longer visitor stays in the region and benefit local businesses.

Rosehaven Hospice received $8,825 to sustain the organisation’s capacity to provide palliative care support by upskilling volunteers through accredited training courses.

Bianca Hurle, Rosehaven Hospice manager, said that

Chenery Street to VCAT

■ From page 1 Ms Carroll said she and her neighbours already experience “excessive noise” from 32 Chenery Street and were concerned the development would be used for “more short-term accommodation”.

“The Alzburg Resort is a great asset to our township, and both the owners and their guests have been major contributors to the Mansfield community and our economy,” said Ms Carroll.

“However in this situationintroducing more short-term accommodation into a predominantly residential location - the negatives outweigh the positives.”

the organisation was very grateful for the grant.

“As a not-for-profit we wouldn’t be able to provide the service that we do without funding support and philanthropic donations,” she said.

“We pride ourselves on quality compassionate community care, and these vital funds will go towards upskilling our volunteers and giving them that confidence

to provide in-house and outreach services to the Mansfield community.”

Ms Hurle confirmed that funding will go towards delivering a two-day palliative care training workshop, with the workshop open to those who are interested in supporting people during end-of-life care.

The workshop will take place over April 22 and 23.

“In this round of funding,

projects ranged from domestic violence support and mentoring programs, to food security and tourism initiatives to help rebuild the local economy,” said Jill Karena, FRRR’s Place Portfolio Lead.

“These are the projects that create a sense of place and identity, and the people and organisations that make these inspiring projects happen need our support.”

Beryl Jolly spends time every day on her back deck, and the prospect of losing her privacy and security weighs heavily on her.

“I’ve been at this location for around 48 years, and in my current house for the last 17 years,” said Ms Jolly.

The house is set back from the street, and was designed to be disability friendly, with the sunlit deck her private sanctuary.

Ms Jolly believes the development will significantly affect her quality of life.

“As a group we are not opposed to development,” she said.

“It is the nature of this development that represents the problem.

“The building stretches the span of the back fence line and is over seven metres in height,

and will dominate the skyline with no consideration to residents or the intrinsic character of what is an established neighbourhood.

“This is not an appropriate location for a two-storey dwelling.”

Neville Keatley’s property runs

alongside 32 Chenery Street.

Having retired to the country around seven years ago, he doesn’t welcome the prospect of the high density development next door.

“They are applying Melbourne planning rules to a country town and squeezing more and more

OBTRUSIVE: Neville Keatley looks to 32 Chenery Street where a two storey development will replace an existing structure.

people onto small residential blocks,” he said

“It just seems quite unnecessary.

“I believe that within your backyard you should have that fundamental right to privacy.

“If you don’t have that then what have you got?”

PLANS: Windows from the second floor appartment look directly into Neville Keatley’s property.

OVER THE BACK FENCE: Mary Carroll has created a leafy garden sanctuary to the rear of the development.

LOSS OF PRIVACY: Beryl Jolly spends the days on her back deck, with the proposed development in clear line of sight.

McLeish slams ‘broke’ Victorian Government

Libs say ‘mismanaged grid’ and lack of support after blackouts yggpp

BY SHAUN McMAHON smcmahon@ nemedia.com.au

THE recent storm that swept across Victoria left thousands of households and businesses grappling with power blackouts, shedding light on the vulnerability of the state’s energy supply.

Businesses in Mansfield Shire experienced losses, with one example being Andy Dolling’s General Store & Newsagency in Jamieson, which lost an estimated five to six thousand dollars in stock.

In the aftermath of the storm the state opposition took to the media, saying that the Victorian Government has mismanaged the grid and failed to ensure the resilience of the network.

State MP for Eildon, Cindy McLeish, said the government had been caught on the back foot.

“All reports the government has received from Energy Safe Victoria (ESV), Ausnet Services, and expert reviews, warn them of issues,” said Ms McLeish.

“As recent as 2022, these reports advised and recommended increasing resilience of the infrastructure, reporting that 12 per cent of towers are unsafe due to rust.”

According to the state opposition, the report by Victoria’s energy watchdog, ESV, revealed lapses in critical maintenance works on transmission lines across the network, which they said significantly contributed to the outage affecting over 500,000 properties across the state.

“These are things that the government needs to be monitoring and ensuring improvements are

made to protect communities,” said Ms McLeish.

“It’s not okay to blame someone else, especially when they’ve commissioned those reports.”

“They knew the weather was going to cause problems and they need to be on the front foot and prepared rather than responding to the disaster.”

On Friday February 16, the state and federal governments announced aid to those still grappling with power outages, offering eligible households without power for seven days post-storm $1,920 per week for up to three weeks.

Following this, Leader of the Opposition, John Pesutto, questioned the support the state government was providing to impacted businesses.

“If a small business lost power

for four days last week, potentially costing them over $20,000, the single largest government support payment available to them is $380,” he said.

“Will the Premier tell Victorians what other small business supports she was talking about yesterday?”

Premier Jacinta Allan responded and was redirected to provide a clearer answer.

“As I said yesterday, there are impact assessments underway right now,” said Ms Allan.

“As those impact assessments are undertaken on households, on businesses and on community assets, we will get the full picture of what additional support needs to be provided.”

Furthermore, the state opposition raised concerns about the efficiency of emergency services

during the storm, saying that leaked triple-zero records showed significant delays, with callers left on hold for up to 23 minutes.

This prompted Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, Richard Riordan, to emphasise the need for adequate funding and resourcing of the emergency call service.

Ms McLeish indicated that funding and resourcing wouldn’t come any time soon.

“There are people from the last flood event who have received nothing,” said Ms McLeish.

“The truth is, the government is broke and doesn’t want to pay any money out.”

HAVE A VIEW? Email your opinion, with contact name and number, to edit. mcourier@nemedia.com.au

SATURDAY:

Bank announces latest scholarship recipients

SINCE its inception in 2019, the Bendigo Bank Community Bank Mansfield & District Scholarship Program has been providing local students with educational opportunities.

General/Advertising:

This month the bank announced the recipients of the 2024 scholarships, marking another milestone in its commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders.

Over the years the program has contributed over $62,500 in funds to support 12 remarkable students across various fields of study, including psychology, computer science and midwifery.

“Our aim is to assist local students in overcoming barriers to further education, empowering them to realise their full potential,” said Bendigo Bank Community Bank Mansfield & District branch manager Ryan Daykin.

“By investing in their futures, we not only transform individual lives but also strengthen the collective fabric of our community for generations to come.”

This year, the bank announced the following three recipients of the Bendigo Bank Community Bank Mansfield & District Scholarship Program:

Hayley Cotterill, who has been awarded a $10,000 scholarship to pursue bachelor degree studies in nursing/midwifery.

Amy Camilleri, recipient of a $4,000 bursary for her bachelor degree studies in nursing.

Lucie Mitchell, who has been awarded a $1,000 bursary for her studies through CUC (Country Universities Centre) Mansfield MACE.

Lucie has just finished two years studying part time for a BA in primary school teaching and is thrilled to receive a

$1000 towards her studies.

“This allows me to do fulltime study this year and hopefully by 2026 I will be in the classroom (teaching),” said Lucie.

“What the Bendigo Bank does for the community, we are so fortunate in our region.”

Currently working as an education assistant, Lucie said the extra support towards maybe a new laptop takes the pressure off her.

Hayley Cotterill is in her first year of doing a BA in nursing and midwifery and such a generous scholarship is a big deal to her.

“I can now focus on my studies and doing well, without the stress of work,” said Hayley.

The nursing student is keen to come to Mansfield to work, share her expertise in the community and make a difference.

With the addition of this

year’s investments, the Bendigo Bank Community Bank Mansfield & District Scholarship Program proudly announced a new total investment of $77,500 in scholarships, reinforcing their commitment to fostering education and opportunity within our community.

The bank extended its heartfelt congratulations to Hayley, Amy, Lucie, and all past and future scholarship recipients.

“We are immensely proud to be a part of their educational journey and look forward to witnessing their continued success,” said Mr Daykin.

For more information about Bendigo Bank Community Bank Mansfield & District’s Scholarship Program and other community initiatives, please visit www.bendigobank.com.au/ mansfield.

THRILLED: Bendigo Bank Community Bank Mansfield & District branch manager Ryan Daykin (left) congratulates education grant recipients Hayley Cotterill (centre) and Lucie Mitchell. Absent: Amy Camilleri.

PHOTO: Supplied

BY SHAUN McMAHON smcmahon@ nemedia.com.au

A DEVELOPER will challenge the rejection of their proposed development at 23 Elvins Street, Mansfield, taking the matter to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

The application seeks a review of the failure to grant a permit within the statutory timeframe.

The VCAT order, issued in the matter of Bruce Maples v Mansfield SC [P18/2024], will see a compulsory conference on June 24, 2024, followed by a formal hearing on August 26, 2024.

The move came after Mansfield Shire Council initially proposed a decision on the application during the December 2023 council meeting, and subsequently refused to support the planning permit application at the most recent council meeting last Tuesday night.

The proposal, which entails the construction of seven double-storey townhouses, has faced opposition from a number of local residents.

Concerns raised by objectors include overshadowing, visual bulk, impact on the existing neighborhood character, increased traffic and lack of proposed parking.

Nearby residents Rosslyn Mackay and Peter Bennett voiced their concerns at the council meeting.

“I don’t think any of us would object to one house going in the block or even the original four single storey units that were proposed,” said Ms Mackay.

“But this is a seven unit two storey development; would any of us like to live

COUNCIL DECLINES SEVEN DWELLING PROPOSAL

next door to this in a country town?

“The development will not help social housing or lack of accommodation.

“The units will no doubt be around the one million dollar mark each and if they are rented then the rental will, like so many other houses in town, be beyond that of our families budgets.”

Mr Bennett added that the development, with its imposing bulk, would effectively act as a heat soak, absorbing the sun and radiating heat to the neighbouring residents.

Sheena Daykin, who lives opposite the proposed development, also expressed her views at the meeting.

“Let’s consider the safety of children and parents walking to the tennis and

golf courses and the local school,” she said.

“With no footpaths, safety is a grave concern, worsened by this proposed development.

“Increased noise from additional vehicles, light pollution, and disregard for our community from a developer based in New South Wales.”

Council planning staff, Nicole Embling and Claire Wilkinson, discussed council’s assessment of the application.

Ms Embling explained the significant amendments made to the application, leading to its withdrawal and lodgment with VCAT, while Ms Wilkinson addressed questions about density definitions and discrepancies in site size.

3D RENDER: The proposed development has faced opposition from a number of local residents.

Council noted several shortcomings in the proposal, including concerns regarding garden area allocation, car parking provisions, and compliance with planning scheme regulations.

Additionally, council emphasised that the proposed development was inconsistent with the existing or preferred neighborhood character, among other factors.

Councillors shared their perspectives, with Cr James Tehan supporting the motion against the development.

CURRENT FORM: 23 Elvins St, Mansfield, currently has a single weatherboard house on its 1414m2 block.

ral oseas, nmd-w d

“I just feel this application is incredibly high density for the area in Elvins Street,” he said.

Cr Mark Holcombe said the proposal was unfit for the landscape.

“This, to be honest, is the

worst

worst development I’ve seen in our four years on this council,” he said.

Cr Rohan Webb and Mayor Cr Steve Rabie emphasised upholding the community’s interests and said there are better ways of developing.

The developer’s decision

to challenge this decision signals a potential protracted legal battle over the future of the project.

The outcome of the VCAT proceedings will be closely watched by both proponents and opponents of the development.

A MELBOURNE boy who went missing on Sunday at the Bluff has been found by Mansfield Police.

The 13 year-old, whose name has not yet been released, was discovered on Monday morning at 8am after spending a night in the Howqua River.

Acting Police Inspector Bruce Klinge said the boy, part of a school group from Monbulk, became separated from his class during a hike on Sunday afternoon.

Way Back Wednesday - a look back at what was making news 15 years ago this week.

In sport, local cricket talent, Jamie Sheahan, has been nominated for the January Mansfield Courier/Rotary Club Sports Star of the Year award.

The award is proudly sponsored by Martins Garage.

The rising cricket champion who is just thirteen years old, has earned himself a reputation for being the boy with the “boy with the golden bat” this season, notching up an average of 77.5 runs for every game he has played.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Don’t fence us in!

WITH an abundance of land around Mansfield, does our country town really need two storey, high density units squashed into small blocks, or built in existing residents back yards?

Lack of privacy and green spaces, traffic, facilities such as doctors and dentists, schools, childcare etc. should be considered.

As the Victorian Government has taken over planning, does anyone affected by these buildings have the right to object?

Mary Parker, Mansfield

Another perspective on pot holes

THE Victorian Government and others have made enormous progress with creating ‘safe workplace’ laws and enforcing them.

For the good of workers returning home to their families in a healthy state every day after working, well done Worksafe.

Rightly so, businesses that are negligent in maintaining a safe workplace can be penalised, even shut down on the spot.

Well done Worksafe.

You can see where this is going…

It is the same government – the Victorian Government – who, through their agency VicRoads, have another set of rules!

Our regional roads are unsafe.

Many of us have hit pot holes and burst a tyre (I have), many have damaged the wheel rim (I have).

All of us have swerved instinctively to avoid a hole and in doing so caused ourselves, passengers and other cars risk of an accident (I have).

An unsafe environment – our

MELBOURNE

BOY FOUND:

ME BO A 1 cla f s col th

A 13 year-old boy was separated from his class during a hike and found near Ritchie’s Hut after spending a cold night on the Howqua River.

roads – is meant to be tolerated by all users.

Imagine if, as a business owner, your reply to Worksafe if called out about your unsafe workplace is that it should be tolerated by the workers!

The issue is not that the roads are in disrepair – well it is – but the real issue is the hypocrisy of the Victorian Government in knowingly doing little/not enough/ nothing meaningful about the safety of road users.

VicRoads is a negligent government body that is part of a hypocritical Victorian Government.

Roger Stephens, Piries

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.

Mystery series set to premiere

By SHAUN MCMAHON

THE much anticipated drama series “High Country” will premiere on March 19 on the streaming platform BINGE.

Production for the show took place mid last year, with much of the eight-part thriller using the majestic peaks of Mt Buller and picturesque landscapes of Jamieson for its fictitious and mysterious small town backdrop.

The series follows detective Andrea Whitford as she investigates the mysterious disappearance of five people in the High Country wilderness.

Viewers can expect a compelling narrative with themes of murder, deceit, and revenge.

One hundred and forty Mansfield and Jamieson locals attended a casting call for background actors in early April, 2023.

Some of these familiar faces will appear in the show, including local Oscar Yencken, whose cameo as a police officer features in the trailer.

“I had the unique opportunity to be part of this adventure as an extra,” said Oscar.

“This experience not only brought me closer to the heart of our vibrant lo-

Locally filmed drama “High Country” streams in March L lly fil d d C y” i M h

cal community but also unveiled the enchanting beauty and rich history of the Mansfield Shire.

“Filming in Jamieson was like stepping into a welcoming family.

“The locals, known for their warmth and camaraderie, showcased the true spirit of community.

“It was a reminder of how closely-knit we are in this part of Victoria, where every

face in the crowd has a story to share, and every story adds to the tapestry of our shared history.”

Oscar said the region has always been a canvas for storytelling, from the leg-

endary tales of “The Man from Snowy River” to the quirky narratives of “The Castle,” and now “High Country,” the shire has proven to be a versatile setting for genres as varied as

comedy, drama, and horror.

“On a personal note, the experience was exhilarating,” he said.

“The bustling set, with its whirlwind of activities - from setting up fog machines to the precise positioning of cameras - offered me a glimpse into the intricate world of television production.

“It was a revelation to see how much effort goes into creating the magic we see on screen.

“The stories I heard and the people I met added layers to my understanding and appreciation of Jamieson, enriching my connection to this place we call home.”

Lead actor and executive producer Leah Purcell said she was thrilled to work in the Victorian Alps.

“I look forward to bringing this first–class new series to local and international audiences where country and Australian–ness are central to the story.”

The series also features actors Ian McElhinney (Game of Thrones), Sara Wiseman (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes) and Aaron Pedersen (Mystery Road, Jack Irish).

The first episode of “High Country” will premiere on March 19 on BINGE with new episodes released weekly.

HIGH COUNTRY: The new drama series “High Country” will premiere on March 19 on the streaming platform BINGE. Pictured (from left) Aaron Pedersen, Leah Purcell, and Sara Wiseman. INSET: FAMILIAR FACES: Familiar faces from around the shire will appear in the show, including local Oscar Yencken (right), whose cameo as a police officer features in the trailer. PHOTOS: Screen Australia

Council leases land for Emergency Services Precinct

By SHAUN MCMAHON

AT its most recent meeting, Mansfield Shire Council approved a 10-year peppercorn lease agreement for land located 166 – 176 Maroondah Highway, Mansfield, the future site of the Mansfield Emergency Services Precinct (MESP).

The subject land (often referred to as the Saleyards Site, as well as the SES site) is under rates assessment number A15312, which comprises Lots 1-9 LP3865 and Lot 1 PS749844.

All lots are owned by council and the total site area is 1.35 hectares.

Currently, the SES buildings are located on Lots 4 and 5.

The lease includes options for two further terms of 10 years each and commences on March 1, 2024, with a nominal lease fee of one dollar per annum.

The approval of the lease agreement marks a significant milestone in the establishment of the Mansfield Emergency Services Precinct.

Cr James Tehan said it was great to the lease in

FUTURE SITE: the VIC

place for the site.

“It’s amazing we didn’t have one and they (SES) didn’t have a lot of security,” he said.

“So this is great for the SES moving forward.

“Hopefully now we can push harder to get funding from both levels of government to progress this really important community service for the town and area.”

The approved lease area aims to accommodate various emergency services agencies, including the State Emergency Service (SES),

Your Council - Your News mansfield

Council Meetings

The upcoming scheduled Council meeting is Tuesday 19 March 2024 at 5pm and will be held both in person and online. Go to the events section on our website for information about how to observe the meeting or contact Customer Service on 5775 8555.

Country Fire Authority (CFA), Ambulance Victoria (AV), and Mansfield Community Radio.

The precinct will aim to serve as a hub for emergency response and community resilience efforts, while enhancing the community’s capacity to respond to and recover from emergency situations while supporting the growing resident and visitor populations.

Central to the precinct’s design is the construction of a Resilience Centre, which will serve as a hub for train-

ing, volunteer support, and community activities.

The floor plan of the center allows for various uses, including hosting community functions and workshops.

Detailed design plans for the Resilience Centre were developed in collaboration with technical advisory groups and community stakeholders.

At the council meeting Deputy Mayor Cr Mark Holcombe clarified that there is no existing lease and that council currently covers the outgoings.

The proposed agreement

provides for the outgoings, insurance, and maintenance costs, including pest control, repairs, or ordinary wear and tear, to be borne by the SES.

As the buildings will be located on council land, they will become part of council’s asset base for depreciation purposes.

In terms of outgoings, the annual electricity bill is estimated at $2,500, and the site maintenance cost is approximately $1,750 per year.

Maintenance activities include mowing, spraying, pruning, and brush cutting.

Emergency Mapping Workshops

A fully funded district emergency mapping workshop to identify the risks, hazards and community assets is coming to a rural towns around the Shire. The workshop aims to gather local knowledge to assist with the development of a district emergency map. Once the map is completed, it will be made available to locals and visitors to access vital information in an emergency. ,

Saturday 2 March, 2.00pm, Goughs Bay CFA Shed

Wednesday 6 March 10.20am Sebel Pinnacle Valley

Request for Tender

Council invites suitably qualified and experienced contractors to submit a tender for the Cleaning Services contract on Council Assets in Mansfield Shire offices, public buildings, and public amenities throughout the Shire.

Request for Tender documents and submissions may be downloaded and submitted at Council’s eTender portal https://portal.tenderlink.com/mansfield.

Request for Tender closes at 12 noon on Wednesday 27 March 2024. Full

Thursday 7 March, 3.00pm, Tolmie Hall

For further information and to register attendance, contact the Resilience Development Project Officer at kerry.craig@mansfield.vic.gov.au

Works on the High Street Carpark at 34 High Street are planned to commence next month. The works are anticipated to take approximately 9 weeks and will be completed by Alpine Civil. During this time, the carpark will be closed, and traffic management will be in place during the day (7am-5pm). Access to neighbouring premises will be maintained throughout construction.

Additional Meeting of Council

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that an additional meeting of the Mansfield Shire Council will be held on Wednesday 5 March 2024 at 9.00am in the Council Chamber at 33 Highett Street, Mansfield.

Business to be conducted at the meeting is as follows:

Confidential Report - Tender Award of Buttercup Road Reconstruction Program 1.

Such other business as determined by the unanimous decision of the Council. 2.

FUTURE SITE: SES members (from left) George Crawford, Tom Thoburne, Lucas Higgins, Jai Callaway and Chris Fauvel outside the VICSES Mansfield Unit.

PHOTO: Trinity Knight

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Unwind at revitalising places like Alba Thermal Springs & Spa.

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New route for Mansfield Tour

By TRINITY KNIGHT

THE Mansfield Tour organised by the Mansfield Mount Buller Cycling Club (MMBCC) will return on March 16 and 17, 2024 for the ninth consecutive year.

Up to 300 cyclists will be competing in eleven grades across three races with upwards of 400 spectators attending.

On Saturday morning, stage one will begin at Stonleigh Road (near the corner of Monkey Gully road) which is a ten kilometre individual time trial starting at 8am.

A new stage two route named the Col du Tolmielet references the famous mountain climb Col du Tourmalet in the Tour de France.

On Saturday afternoon, distances for cyclists undertaking the 111 kilometre road race will vary by grade and skill level.

The route is an anti-clockwise loop starting at Mansfield-Whitfield Road turning left at Barwite road onto Old Tolmie road and finishing back at the beginning.

On Sunday, stage three begins at 8am in front of the Mansfield Commercial Complex on Mansfield Mt Buller Road starting with a 17 kilometre sprint and 46 kilometre race finishing at Mt Buller.

Race director Jarrod Appleton is a member of MMB-

CC and got involved with the event six years ago. “I’ve been a bike rider all my life and came to Mansfield twelve years ago then joined the bike club,” he said.

“It’s really fantastic and

RISING STAR: In 2023 Talia Appleton won the Mansfield Tour and strives to win again this year. PHOTO: Supplied

 MANSFIELD TOUR 2024: Gearing up for the event’s ninth consecutive year on March 16 and 17.

 NEW HEIGHTS: A new route has been introduced in stage two named the Col du Tolmielet which is a steep climb.

PHOTOS: Jean-Pierre Ronco

there are lots of passionate people.”

Mr Appleton took on the role as race director this year after the previous organiser stepped down.

“There are always new challenges that we have

to deal with,” he said. “We’ve wanted to include the Col du Tolmielet race for years, but have never been able to get a police permit.

“I’ve done some negotiations with the police and informed them of what is nor-

mal in other places and they approved it this year after I explained that the descent back from Tolmie will not place riders at risk.”

Mr Appleton’s 18 year-old daughter Talia Appleton will be taking part in the Mans-

field Tour this year in the elite women’s category again after she won the race in 2023.

Ms Appleton is a rising star in Australian cycling and has represented Australia at the last two world championships.

She won the Oceania Championship J19 last year and last month she raced in the highest international level at the Tour Down Under in Adelaide and the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race in Geelong.

“She was in last year’s national road series which is the highest level and she was regularly finishing top five to top ten in those races,” Mr Appleton said.

“Every year that passes she just gets better and does particularly well with steep climbs.

“She’ll be difficult to beat.”

Mr Appleton said the Mansfield Tour is a stepping stone to international racing.

“We’ve hosted international riders in the last five to six years,” he said.

“Jay Vine rides for the UCI WorldTeam UAE Team Emirates and has won a king of the mountains jersey at the Tour of Spain.

“And we’ve never had rain at this event and I’m hoping that will happen again, because blue skies are always better.”

Sock hop Sock shindig raises over $6000

Catriona and James Wilson with Brendan and Jacki Fraser, Mark and Sharon Warren, and Liam Wilson took on the mammoth task of creating a night to remember.

Thanks to more than 40 incredibly generous local sponsors and donations $6110 was raised for Mansfield’s Rosehaven facility to be allocated towards much needed furniture to go outside each guest bedroom.

Planning for the 1950’s Sock Hop shindig began well over a year ago following a successful Roaring 20’s soiree two years before.

Tables of up to 10 party goers were sold with each of the tables uniquely decorating their tables in true 1950s style with all of tables looking amazing.

The Buzzcat diner came alive with red carpet entry and plenty of Brylcreem and bobby socks.

Brendan and Mark created the ultimate diner setting complete with a handcrafted bar and booths, checkered flooring, neon signs, a duke box, milk shake station and even two diner “waitresses”.

DJ Liam “Bugsy” Wilson joined the diner to play popular tunes from the 1950s right through to today and had everyone up dancing

through the evening.

Jacki and Sharon worked their magic on the decorations to create a stunning display of giant ice creams cones with every detail covered right down to the sprinkles on top.

Their artistic flair continued with the hugely popular photo booth they put together with sock hoppers able to capture all of fun moments of the evening.

Kristy Gardiner and Paul Appleby also impressed the crowd with their roller skating skills throughout the night.

The Wilson family always like to have a few surprises at their parties and this was no exception.

There was a genuine American flag raised that was given to Catriona as a 17 year old exchange student in 1986.

Everyone was then upstanding for the Star Spangled banner.

Guests were treated to a surprise 1950s flash mob choreographed by Liam who rehearsed with the “Sock Hop Team Captains” over

several weeks and they did a fantastic job.

And no diner is complete without pizza deliveries thanks to Flaming Pizzas, Mansfield.

Croupier Lucas Lehman ensured that poker was running throughout the night to a keen group of punters.

Catriona and James were thrilled with the money raised and would like to thank everyone who purchased auction items on the night.

“It has been an absolute pleasure for us all to be able create an immersive evening of colour, dancing, music and fundraising for such a great cause”, Catriona said.

Catriona and James would personally like to thank Jacki, Brendan, Sharon and Mark for all of their hard work and their donations to Rosehaven, all of the local businesses who generously sponsored the event, Rose Gilder for sponsoring the best dressed award, Lucas Lehman for donating his time and to everyone who supported and attended our sock hop.

BEETON: Also known as Amelia Turner who won the prize for best outfit for her 1950s housewife inspired attire.

CREATIVE TEAM: Mark and Sharon Warren with Jackie and Brendan Fraser transformed the church hall into a 1950s diner.

N:Alsoknownas

endan hiswife BEETON Turne TIVE TIVETEAMMMark RSBEET

COOL ROCKERS: Dressed to impress were couple Tony and Mel Bretherton.

PHOTOS: Catriona Wilson

ON A ROLL: Skaters Kristy Gardiner and Paul Appleby added some fun to the night.

PRETTY IN PINK: Jo Arrowsmith was rocking the 50s with this outfit at the sock hop.

A DEDICATED small team of volunteers have completed a project that has led to an impressive outcome in improving the acoustics in the Tolmie Hall.

The hall is a venue for a wide range of activities, from pilates, casserole nights, dances and music events to playgroups, weddings and parties.

The hall committee acknowledged that over many years it has been a wonderful asset to the community, but there has always been one big issue: some really challenging acoustics.

With hard hard timber surfaces the sound bounced around making voices difficult to hear and music suffering in its sound quality.

The current committee has tossed around ideas for a few years, but thanks to a chance comment during a meeting with a committee member from the Merton Hall, the seeds of an idea were sown.

The comment was that they had heard hanging doonas/ quilts on the walls of a building made for a good cheap option to improve acoustics.

Tolmie Hall’s committee member Linda Terry could see the potential and came up with a plan that would not only improve the acoustics, but decorate the hall with fun, colourful hangings with contributions from community members.

After putting out a call for second hand doonas, within a week, more than enough had been donated to cover all the vacant wall space.

These were set up to hang on rods off the picture rails and about 50 metres of curtain material sourced to cover them.

The plan was to have one side plain cream for events where the décor needs to be neutral, and the reverse

HOMELY: An arty solution and a way to repurpose quilts to provide sound proofing.

side, decorated to be bright and colourful for most other occasions.

Getting the coloured side done was a labour of love by a few individuals – Linda herself did an applique of the view of Mt Buller from her kitchen; Janet Downing did a wonderful applique of the equestrian secretary’s office and surrounds at the Rec Reserve, plus another abstract design, and Barb Hubbard did a colourful houses design.

The community was asked to write what they loved about Tolmie on calico squares which were then sewn into another cover.

The playgroup and local families did their handprints on one, and photos of all the various Tolmie activities were printed on material and sewn

together for another.

Finally, local artist Fiona Wood set about getting lots of children (and a few adults) to paint an abstract of circles on the last cover during the recent Tolmie Christmas market.

But how about those acoustics?

Well, the difference is nothing short of amazing according to the hall committee.

At the recent High Country Halls Music Festival, sound engineer Rolf Koren was thrilled with the improvement in sound compared to the previous year, everyone can hear the instructor so much better at pilates, and the lively conversation at casserole night is significantly clearer and easier to hear.

MANSFIELD

An ingenious solution to solve noise issues in the Tolmie Hall.

Monday SOCIAL DAY Pool Table, Xbox, Down Ball, Basketball

Tuesday DUNGEONS & DRAGONS

Fantasy Tabletop Roll Playing Board Games

Wednesday FITNESS / MINDFULLNESS

Yoga, Cardio, Hit Meditation on the big screen, Local Walks

Thursday GAMES DAY Board Games, Cards Large Outdoor Games

Study Space Available Daily

Music Room Available Daily (Bookings Essential)

SOUND BARRIERS: The donation of quilts which decorated by community members solved the noise problem.

COMMUNITY

EFFORT:

PHOTOS: Supplied

Soundproofing Tolmie Hall with a novel idea

THE Bald Archy Prize, a cheeky take on the prestigious Archibald Prize for Australian portraiture artworks, is opening in Mansfield from March 22.

“It is an absolute coup for Mansfield to be hosting this event for the very first time and as the only location in Victoria this year,” said Arts Mansfield president Gill Belle.

Ms Belle said many locals will remember the irreverent, quirky portrait exhibition which was shown at Swanpool at the cinema for five years.

The baton has been passed onto Arts Mansfield after the former hosts decided they could no longer continue and recommended Mansfield as an alternative site for the exhibition.

Artist Peter Batey established the competition in 1994 as a light-hearted alternative to the much more serious art award.

The annual event now in

its 28th year has become a quirky competition gaining a significant following for its humour, wit, and the oftenunconventional interpretations of its subjects.

Arts Mansfield describes the focus of the Bald Archy as being satirical and humorous representations of wellknown Australians including politicians, celebrities and sports people.

Winning subjects have included Kerry Packer, Shane Warne, John Howard, Pauline Hanson, Dame Edna and a host of other Australian icons.

To throw in an even quirkier aspect to the Bald Archy Prize, it is the only art competition in the world judged by a sulphur crested cockatoo, a truly Australian twist.

The exhibition will run from March 22 to April 21 at 101 High Street.

The event will also be open over the Easter period.

Tickets are $8 and avail-

NEW EXECUTIVE: The Arts Mansfield AGM was held in January with the election of (from left) Kathryn Ruddick as secretary, president Gill Belle, treasurer Craig Dixon and vice president Emma McPherson. PHOTO: Supplied

able on the Arts Mansfield website.

There is an exclusive viewing for Arts Mansfield members at 6pm March 22 and also a call out for volunteers with three-hour shifts available from 10am to 4pm from Thursday to Sunday.

Email artscouncilmansfield@gmail.com for expressions of interest and encour-

age a friend to join you.

This exhibition can only happen with the support of generous sponsors with various opportunities for interested businesses and individuals still available.

If you’d like to talk about sponsorship packages, email artscouncilmansfield@ gmail.com or contact Gill for details on 0409647092.

TWO FACES: Prince Charles and Dame Edna

Everage, a previous winner in the Bald Archys.

COMING SOON

Bald Archy exhibition coup for Mansfield

PHOTO: Supplied

Turning of Turning of the sod a a community success

CONSTRUCTION has already begun on the Mansfield Heritage Museum and to mark the momentous occasion an official turning of the sod was conducted last Wednesday, with a 200-strong crowd in attendance to witness the historic event.

Taking place at the Mansfield Station Precinct, Independent federal member for Indi Dr Helen Haines, Mansfield Shire Mayor Cr Steve Rabie, Mansfield Shire Council CEO Kirsten Alexander and President of the Mansfield Historical Society Graeme Stoney AM oversaw proceedings, following a smoking ceremony and welcome to country performed by Aunty Angela ten Buuren and Aunty Bernadette Franklin.

The turn-out on the day was indicative of strong community support for the project, with the Mansfield Historical Society thrilled at the realisation of the organsation’s long-held dream.

President of the Mansfield Historical Society Graeme Stoney AM said it was a red letter day for Mansfield.

“The community is about to have a museum after 40 hard years of lobbying,” Mr Stoney said.

Mr Stoney commended council on their support of the museum and the allocation of vital federal funding.

“It was one of those milestone decisions which has already acted as a catalyst for investment and development of the whole Station Precinct,” he said.

BY EMMA OLIVER eoliver@ nemedia.com.au

With construction underway, Mr Stoney took the opportunity to announce the society’s fundraising campaign to assist with the fitout of the facility.

“We have a big job ahead of us, not least is preparing the exhibits ready for display and then assisting the public when the doors open,” he said.

“We plan to present a museum using the latest technology, which will hold the interest of our next generation.

“This is going to cost at least 600 thousand dollars.

“The Mansfield Historical Society is launching a public appeal for that money.

“Mansfield is going to be asked to put its hand in its pocket and to please contribute.

“I am confident Mansfield will.”

Mr Stoney confirmed that the society had received some very generous donations in recent months to the fit-out, however he reiterated that there was still a long way to go.

“We are now going public and we ask everyone to be involved,” he said.

“This project is to preserve Mansfield’s proud history going back to the very start of time.”

Mansfield Shire Council Mayor Cr Steve Rabie confirmed that residents had been calling for the estab-

OFFICIAL MOMENT: Aunty

ATTENTIVE AUDIENCE: Numerous members of the community and representatives from assorted interest groups were present to witness the official proceedings.

lishment of a museum to preserve Mansfield’s proud history before it was lost.

“The Mansfield Heritage Museum promises to contribute to the creation of a vibrant hub with the potential to host community events; present an active gateway to the Mansfield township; provide a linking point in the local pedestrian and bicycle network; provide educational opportunities as well as celebrate our local indigenous and cultural heritage,” said Cr Rabie, quoting his predecessor, Cr James Tehan.

“I would like to recognise the efforts of the Mansfield Historical Society – its members and volunteers – and

the decades of hard work and lobbying, and the tenacity shown.

“Today is the culmination of all that hard work and effort.

“It has paid off.”

Independent federal member for Indi, Dr Helen Haines commended Aunty Bernadette Franklin on a beautiful beginning to an incredible project, with Dr Haines also celebrating the realisation of the long-held community vision for a heritage museum.

“We are witnessing history here today - living breathing history,” Dr Haines said.

“I believe it was 1978, that the idea for a museum was first suggested.

“So time definitely

honours the brave.”

Dr Haines attributed the success of the project to collaboration and community working together towards a clearly-defined vision.

“Generous local support has added to the strength of the project,” she said.

“Construction has begun on the museum but this is not due to just one grant from the Commonwealth.

“It is the many grants and donations - both big and small – that have made this vision a reality and that’s also what creates community.

“This project is vital in preserving local history.

“It is extremely important that the shire has this place to keep its stories and to be

able to share what it is at the heart of this marvellous place we call Mansfield.”

Dr Haines added that the project is a culmination of a long-identified need for a secure and functional building to store, display and archive the shire’s extensive heritage collection.

“The enduring persistence of the Mansfield community to pursue this project is absolute testament to the value you place in your stories, the value you place in the culture of this district, and way you want to keep it alive,” she said.

“I am delighted to be turning the sod on this amazing project.”

■ More photos page 19

Bernadette Franklin, Aunty Angela ten Buuren, Mayor Cr Steve Rabie, Mansfield Historical Society president Graeme Stoney and Independent federal member for Indi Dr Helen Haines took part in the turning of the sod.

ARTEFACT: Graham Amor, representing the Amor family who established and ran the Mansfield Courier until the 1970s, presented Graeme Stoney with a boomerang of local significance that had been in his family since the late

OF THE

Ann Ware, curator of the new Mansfield Heritage Museum took part in the smoking ceremony.

(From left) Mansfield Shire Council CEO Kirsten Alexander, with Mayor Cr Steve Rabie, Mansfield Historical Society President Graeme Stoney, Independent federal member

Dr Helen Haines, Aunty Angela ten Buuren and Aunty Bernadette Franklin.

WATCHING HISTORY: School captains from Mansfield Primary School watched the turning of the sod.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Bern Sims helped conduct the smoking ceremony and welcome to country to kick off proceedings.

1800s. Pictured behind Graham Amor is Andrew Crockett.

MAN

PEOPLE: Mayor Cr Steve Rabie officiated at the turning of the sod ceremony.

PHOTOS: Sandra Lee Photography

MARCH 9

Potters Market as part of the Mansfield Pottery Festival

March

 MARCH 2: Mansfield Hunting and Fishing Outdoor Expo, High Street median strip - 52 stalls showcasing everything outdoors. Food, beverages and cooking demonstrations. From 9am. Free entry.

 MARCH 2 - 3: Open Gardens - the Barwitian Garden, 35 Fern Street Barwite, 10am4.30pm. Antique Perennials (wholesale nursery) will have a stall for plant sales, adults $10, tertiary students $6 (with ID), under 18 free. Tickets at the gate or via TryBooking.

 MARCH 3: Tour de Trail, a family friendly out-and-back cycling event along the Mansfield end of the Great Victorian Rail Trail to two destinations. Organised by Friends of the GVRT, here’s the link for more details: https://www.trybooking.com/ CNIKR

 MARCH 3: Clean Up Australia Day – 10am to 12pm – beginning at the Mullum Wetlands and finishing at the Mansfield Botanic Gardens. For more information contact Up2Us Landcare Alliance on landcare2@up2us.org.au or 5779 1593.

 MARCH 4: U3A Mansfield meeting at Mansfield Library (enter by back door). 10am morning tea before a 10:30 start. Libby Vasey will present UNIT 2: ‘Jessie Mary Vasey’. New members always welcome. Call Trish 0437 357 829

 MARCH 8: Poets of Pottery Exhibition (Opening celebration Mansfield Pottery Festival), Masonic Hall, 6pm to 7.30pm, all welcome. Free entry.

Regular Events:

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

 CWA Craft Days: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays

10am, 2nd Thursday 6pm and 4th Wednesday at 6pm, each month.

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

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

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

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

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

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

MARCH 3

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

 Mansfield Multicultural Group – Every second Tuesday of the month at 6pm at MACE.

 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 The Witches Brew

 MARCH 9: Visualising the Environment: Environmental Photography Masterclass with Alison Pouliot. For more information or to book, contact Up2Us Landcare Alliance, www. up2us.org.au/events or 5779 1593.

 MARCH 9: Potters Market as part of the Mansfield Pottery Festival, High Street median strip, 10am to 2pm

 MARCH 9: Peppin Hub Inc - Car boot sale$20 per vehicle, add $10 with trailer. Wood raffle draw. 10am to 2pm. Contact Chris 0438 279 312.

 MARCH 9: Merrijig Rodeo, McCormack Park, gates open 12pm, main event 6.30pm. Tickets online.

e APR Clean Up Australia Day at the Mullum Wetlands

APRIL 7

CWA craft and produce market

 MARCH 9 -10: Poets of Pottery Exhibition, Masonic Hall, 10am to 4pm.

 MARCH 9 - 10: The Cobber Supreme Stock Dog Challenge, Mansfield Showgrounds.

 MARCH 10: Swanpool Motor Festival, Albert Heaney Oval, 2426 Midland Highway, Swanpool. 8am to 3pm, $5 entry, $10 display vehicles. Swap meet, market stalls, refreshments and live entertainment.

 MARCH 18: U3A Mansfield meeting at Mansfield Library (enter by back door). 10am morning tea before a 10:30 start. Libby Vasey will be showing film clips of a significant woman in her family. For membership enquiries please call Trish 0437 357 829.

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

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

 Preschool storytime 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

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

Tom Curtain Tom returns to Mansfield with new tour new tour

MANSFIELD welcomes multiple Golden Guitar winner, Tom Curtain for his third visit this Friday, March 1 at the local showgrounds as he again hits the road to celebrate the release of his fifth studio album ‘Nothin’s Gonna Stop Us’ which debuted at number one on the Australian iTunes Country Music Chart in October 2022.

Tom is touring his national award-winning outback show, ‘Katherine Outback Experience’ and live music show ‘Why We Live Out Here’ through Queensland, NSW, Victoria and South Australia.

“There’s something in there for everyone, from young kids through to grandparents,” said Tom.

The Outback Show comprises an hour of horse training and working dog demonstrations including hands-on fun for the kids and two hours of live music by Tom and fellow singer

songwriters Chris Matthews, Melissa Fraser and Laura Frank.

“Our show on the road is a snapshot of the experience in Katherine,” Tom said.

“It’s more about the training of the animals and we are passionate about making it really family orientated.

“It’s raw and real.

“Guests love the interaction with the animals and feel like they get extra value for the training tips we share.”

Tom’s tourist attraction, Katherine Outback Experience, won gold and silver respectively for best tourist attraction in Australia at the 2021 and 2022 National Tourism Awards and more recently was awarded the best tourist attraction at the Northern Territory Tourism Awards for the fifth consecutive year.

A cause close to Tom’s heart is Dolly’s Dream.

As an official ambassa-

dor, Tom uses his music and shows as a platform to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and wellbeing in our rural communities.

“We are still getting a lot of really positive responses to my song, Speak Up, because unfortunately the message resonates all too well with the communities we visit,” Tom said.

“We hear from a lot of families saying that the song has given them an opportunity to talk to their kids

about the lyrics and what’s going on in their lives.”.

Tom manages to squeeze in visits during his touring to various schools to spread the anti-bullying message and will be at Mansfield’s St Mary’s Primary School on Wednesday February 28.

Tom is touring with his wife Annabel, their two youngest children Harry and Lottie, four singer/ songwriters, three staff, eight horses, twelve dogs and three goats.

“Logistically it’s a bit tougher this year with two busy toddlers on the road but it’s all part of the adventure,” said Tom.

“This is the eighth consecutive summer we have toured and every year we are getting better at it with small improvements and new technology.”

Gates will open at 5pm for 6pm start on Friday, March 1 for the Mansfield gig at the Mansfield Showgrounds on Mt Battery Rd.

There are a range of ticket options including student, family and senior rates.

Children five years and under and carers are free.

It is also recommended that you bring your own chairs as seating may be limited,.

Bookings are on sale now via https://www.tomcurtain. com.au/tour/

A barbecue and a bar will be run by the Mansfield Agricultural & Pastoral Society with eftpos available on the night.

KID FRIENDLY: Tom Curtain’s show always include audience participation for the young ones especially with the working dogs. PHOTO: Jake Wilton Photography

PLANS AFOOT: Despite a very full schedule last Wednesday, Independent federal MP for Indi Dr Helen Haines squeezed in a visit to the historic stables to talk with members of Mansfield and District Potters about their exciting plans for a community pottery studio.

Dr

ON DISPLAY: All vehicles will be in the draw to win a prize in the thousands donated by local businesses and a $500 cash prize.

Swanpool motor festival returns

THE Swanpool motor festival, coordinated by non-for-profit Albert Heaney Oval Committee, will be held on Sunday, March 10. It will raise funds to maintain the oval and facilities.

Over the past six years entrant numbers at the festival have grown from 30 to over 400 people.

This festival is unique because vehicles are not judged, but prizes donated by local businesses are drawn out of a hat and awarded to owners.

Every vehicle, car, motorcycle, truck, tractor or boat has the same

chance to win a prize.

Last year’s prize pool was just under $8000.

This year it will remain in the thousands with a first time prize of $500 cash to be awarded to one lucky owner at the end of the day.

There will be swap meet and market stalls along with food vans, coffee, drinks and ice cream.

One of the highlights of the festival is live music performed by the local band “Rattler” who provide entertainment for entrants while they enjoy a very relaxed day looking at display vehicles and having a meal on the football oval.

GEARING UP: The Swanpool motor festival will return for the sixth year with over 400 people expected to attend the event.

Pictured with

Haines (from left) Lynn Taylor, Linda Junghenn, Marly Brown, Fiona Wareham and Karen Pirie.

2023 Sportsperson of the year

MOUNTAIN bike

superstar Elise Empey won 2022 Sportsperson of Year at the presentation night last year at the Mansfield Golf Club.

Elise grew up bike riding mountain bikes with her family and it seemed a natural progression to race Gravity Enduro and Downhill.

In 2021, Elise was the U19 National Downhill Champion (selected to the Australian team), 2021 Overall Elite Women’s Vic Gravity Enduro and in 2020 U17 National Downhill Champion.

In 2021 and 2022 Elise competed in the Elite Women’s Category in the Victorian Downhill series and she came second in an elite Women EWS Qualifier at Falls Creek. She was the fastest junior

qualifier enabling her to race in the U21 World Enduro Series.

Elise won back-to-back junior titles on the national stage and represented Australia in the world championships in France and raced alongside her brother Matthew in the World Cups.

Along with winning the sportsperson award she completed year 12 and graduated from Mansfield Secondary College.

Elise has a very bright future ahead and there is no doubt with her passion for downhill riding that she will go far.

RIDING STAR: Elise Empey took out the 2022 Sportsperson of the Year award at the Mansfield Golf Club last year for all of her achievements in mountain bike riding and racing.

Bess Gillard

Michael Bretherton

Major

The people behind the scenes make clubs work

Major Sponsor

FIRST QUARTER: NORTHEAST BUSHRANGERS

FIRST QUARTER SPONSOR: O’KELLY

NORTHEAST Bushrangers president Bess Gillard earned the first quarter nomination for Sports Club Person of the Year.

The Bushrangers are an elite pathway for basketball teams competing in Melbourne.

“We have over 12 teams and 150 participants on a Friday night playing in the Victorian Junior Basketball league,” Bess said.

Bess played basketball in her youth and was drawn to the game’s fast–paced and team–oriented nature.

Many years later, her interest in basketball was spiked again when her son

1 3

moved to Melbourne.

Bess decided to join the Mansfield District Basketball Association board and served as president for several years.

She helped implement various improvements for the club including new coaches, referee certificates, membership numbers and a new stadium.

Bess stepped down as president in June 2022 and is now enjoying her role on the Northeast Bushrangers board.

She hopes to continue to grow and educate coaches.

Above all, Bess just wanted to make a difference in the community.

THIRD QUARTER: EAGLES JUNIOR FOOTBALL

THIRD QUARTER SPONSOR: O’KELLY

ESTEEMED Eagles junior footy coordinator Michael Bretherton received the third quarter nomination for Sports Club Person of the Year.

Michael served as the U10 and U12 junior football coordinator last year and also worked alongside Sue McCormick to organise a women’s AFL team in Mansfield.

This year, Michael has taken on the role of Junior Footy club President after the fantastic Nick Berry.

Michael’s regular footy reports to the Courier provided excellent, high quality coverage filled with anecdotes, detail and high praise for his players.

Alli Walker

Leonie Berry

SECOND QUARTER:

MANSFIELD SWIMMING CLUB

SECOND QUARTER SPONSOR: O’KELLY

MANSFIELD Swimming Club President Alli Walker earned the second quarter nomination for Sports Club Person of the Year.

A very good swimmer

herself, Alli has been the driver of success for the club these past few years and, at short notice, had to turn coach at the start of last year too.

Her enthusiasm zand dedication for the clubwhich she has been a part of for over 15 years - led to the 2023 swimming season being one of Mansfield’s most successful ever.

Nine swimmers qualified for events in the All Juniors in Melbourne – where only one or two would in previous years.

2 4

FOURTH QUARTER:

One young swimmer walked away with three silver medals - an outstanding achievement for him and the club.

Four swimmers also made it to the Victorian Country Championships in January last year in Wangaratta - the first time the club have had swimmers qualify for this prestigious event in twenty years.

Some of these competitions have not seen representation from Mansfield in many years and members of the club credit for these successes.

The swimming club, which now hosts 65 members, has seen dramatic growth over the past few years with Alli at the helm.

MANSFIELD NETBALL CLUB

FOURTH QUARTER SPONSOR: O’KELLY

MANSFIELD Netball Club’s U18 girls’ basketball coach Leonie Berry has received the fourth quarter nomination for Sports Club Person of the Year.

Beyond coaching, she played netball and celebrated her 450th game in 2022.

Leonie now shares the skills she has learnt over the years with younger generations.

Some of her career achievements include eight club best and fairests, three runners up, one league best and fairest, alongside coaching A Grade, B Grade, B Reserve and U15s.

2023 Sportsperson of the year

Dan Robertson Tennis

Ben Ross

 DAN Robertson, who last year rekindled his top form on the tennis court, took out the men’s singles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles at the MTA club championships is the January nominee for sportsperson of the year.

Robertson had been successful in the men’s doubles for the past three seasons winning two titles with Andrew Downey and with Guy Taylor last year.

Robertson instigated the return of the club championships and worked hard for them after a decade in recess.

He was active with a win in men’s singles and mixed doubles and runner-up in men’s doubles in the first year of reinstatement.

Dan started playing tennis as a junior in Mount Franklin, then

MAJOR SPONSOR: MANSFIELD GOLF CLUB JANUARY SPONSOR: EISNER‘S AMCAL PHARMACY

after moving up to competitive began football, cricket, basketball and squash, winning a state school championship.

At 17, he took up golf and then played amateur golf overseas progressing into the professional level.

After many years away from Mansfield, he returned to tennis and loves being back playing it.

He is dedicated to developing his skills and bringing others along with him.

Dan’s natural ability combines well with his desire to excel, and his dominance shone through in the 2022 club championships.

Dan is a worthy nominee of the January sportsperson award because he always strives to improve his skills in tennis while supporting other members in the local community.

MTB Junior

MAJOR SPONSOR: MANSFIELD GOLF CLUB FEBRUARY SPONSOR: MARTINS GARAGE

 MOUNTAIN bike rider Ben Ross competed in a number of competitions and events last year with excellent results.

Ben headed to Thredbo to compete in the Australian MTB Inter-Schools competition to compete in the Osprey X-Country competition against 178 other grade six students from around the country, making his mark on National level.

He placed first in division four (grade five and six) at the event, following up a fantastic 11th place in 2022 as a year five student.

The achievement came as no

surprise to those who follow Ben, with incredible performances at a variety of events leading to this.

In February 2022, Ben joined 32 other riders from the Mansfield District at the Falls Creek Mountain Bike Interschools, placing second in the year five and six boys competitions behind a year six student who claimed the national age group title in Tasmania.

Congratulations to Ben on all of his achievements and the February 2023 nomination for sportsperson of the year.

Connor Gibney–Schelfhout Archery

MAJOR SPONSOR: MANSFIELD GOLF CLUB MARCH SPONSOR: MANSFIELD HUNTING & FISHING

 AFTER winning a number of state-wide tournaments last year Connor was awarded the March nomination for sportsperson of the year.

The 16-year-old won the male under 18 barebow recurve section in the annual Moomba short range tournament and later triumphed at the national field championships in Geelong, taking first place over two days of shooting.

Connor favours an Olympic freestyle recurve style, instead of the barebow recurve style.

His winning streak continued during the Victorian State Clout

competition at Yering District Archers.

Connor’s fell in love with archery at 12 years-old inspired by heroic archers in film and literature.

He visited the North Eastern Archer’s club in Benalla and started to see a competitive side to the sport.

Connor’s dream is to be one of the best archers in Australia and hopefully reach the Olympics.

“The most rewarding part is when you are able to step onto a national platform and watch as your arrow lands in the centre of a target,” he said.

Jess Dolling Netball

MAJOR SPONSOR: MANSFIELD GOLF CLUB APRIL SPONSOR: ALPINE CIVIL

 NETBALL superstar Jessica Dolling is the April nominee for Sportsperson of the Year.

Jessica became Mansfield’s only player in the U17s GOTAFE Goulburn Valley Netball Representative Squad.

She was named Best and Fairest last year at the Mansfield Football Netball Club awards.

The talented centre player is following in the footsteps of her mother, Sue Dolling, who won Sportsperson of the

Year three years ago. U17s Head Coach Latoya Wards said Jess normally plays centre or goal attack, but is impressive in any position she plays.

“She always gives 110 per cent in training no matter what,” Ms Wards said.

Jessica started netball at the age of nine and has developed into a strong and passionate player proficient across court positions making her a worthy nominee for the award.

Sophia Hill Equestrian

MAJOR SPONSOR: MANSFIELD GOLF CLUB MAY SPONSOR: WILLIAMS HUNT BETT

 EQUESTRIAN Champion

Sophia Hill claimed a podium at the Adelaide Five Star Event in 2023 on her thoroughbred Humble Glory and is the May nominee for sportsperson of the year.

The duo competed in front of thousands over three days and came third.

“Competing at a five

star event has been a life–long dream of mine and it’s something Hughie and I worked towards for six years,” she said.

Sophia was the only competitor in Adelaide to jump double clear – meaning she received no penalties in the jumping stage of the tournament.

Sophie also won three events at the Tonimbuk International Horse Trials and triumphed at the EV Summer Horse Trials.

When she’s not competing in national equestrian tournaments, Sophia devotes her time to training fellow riders and horses.

Ben Christopher Football

scored 24 goals and aided by his height, is a dominant presence inside the 50 and is one of the league’s top ranked

Former Eagles Senior coach Chad Owens said Ben is a terrific competitor.

The centre

“The thing with Benny is that you know you are always going

to get maximum effort,” he said. “He plays a variety of roles and is always dominant on the field. “You can just always count on him.” Congratulations to Ben for all of his hard work across the 2023 season who has resulted in him being nominated for the June 2023 sportsperson award.

 MANSFIELD Eagles senior player Ben Christopher was named as best on field three times in the 2023 season and at the beginning of last year was selected for the GOTAFE Goulburn Valley Football Netball league senior football side.

half-forward

players for marks.

MAJOR SPONSOR: MANSFIELD GOLF CLUB JUNE SPONSOR: MANSFIELD PRINTING

2023 Sportsperson of the year

Luke Murray

Rod Sargent

MAJOR

 LOCAL Mansfield golfer Rod Sargent is the August nominee for Sportsperson of the Year following a strong year.

The Sargent surname has been synonymous with sporting success for many years and Rod is no different continuing the family tradition with his achievements.

Rod was the recipient of several monthly medals and won the Bill Reardon Memorial trophy

in May 2023.

Mansfield Golf Club Captain Tom Swan said Rod performed brilliantly throughout the year.

“Rod is a key player for our club and has represented us across many competitions,” Tom said.

“He’s a terrific bloke.”

Congratulations to Rod for all of his efforts and a fantastic year of golf in 2023.

Mia Tanner

SPONSOR:

Football Golf Netball Bowls

Zac Salmon

Dirt Motorbike

MAJOR SPONSOR: MANSFIELD GOLF CLUB NOVEMBER SPONSOR: McCORMACK FUNERALS

 BONNIE Doon senior’s forward Luke Murray had a stellar season, managing to score at least one goal every game without fail. His consistent effort and drive to get the ball between the goal posts translated to 56 goals across the 2023 season.

Bonnie Doon Coach Ken Murray was very impressed with Luke’s drive and determination throughout the year.

“When you have a guy who kicks 10 goals in a game that is a bit of a standout,” he said.

“He kicked 10 goals six, or seven, so it could have been quite a bit more.”

Following Luke’s consistent approach across the season he is a well deserved nominee for the 2023 July sportsperson of the year award.

SPONSOR: PROACTIVE

 ZAC Salmon turned eight last year in October and received the November 2023 sportsperson nomination. He’s already well on his way to achieving his dream of one day becoming a professional dirt bike racer.

2023 was Zac’s first season of racing and he exceeded everyone’s expectations, with the year two student ranked third in the state in the 50cc

seven to year nine old class. Held in Broadford on November 19 2023, the Victorian State Titles were two days of “hard and fast” racing with Zac on his KTM 50 up against competitors from across the country. Zac took out first place in six out of seven events at The Harley Club of Victoria dirt track rounds.

Adding to his credentials

Harry McFarlane

 NETBALL superstar Mia Tanner had a successful year in 2023 stepping up her game both on and off the court and helped take the A Grade Bonnie Doon team to the finals rounds of the Ovens and King Football and Netball League (O&KFNL).

Mia’s prowess was noticed far and wide, earning her the rising star award at the O&KFNL presentation night in August last year.

“I was shocked every time my name came up, I really did not expect it,” Tanner said on the award.

“I was just focusing on making Bonnie Doon the best that we can be all year. “I’m shocked, but pretty proud.”

On top of this, she shared her skills with the next generations, coaching the under 15s side through to the grand final missing out on premiership glory by only a few points. A talented sportsperson with a bright future and a well-deserved August nominee for the Sportsperson of the Year award.

MAJOR SPONSOR: MANSFIELD GOLF CLUB OCTOBER SPONSOR: MARKS IGA

 JOHN Foots has been a member of the Mansfield Bowls Club for almost 20 years.

He joined in 2004 and participated in all kinds of competitions and events put on by the club, slowly improving his skills in both group and singles competitions, but couldn’t land the winning spot of a solo championship.

This all changed in September

last year when he became the men’s champion for the first time. The amount of effort and selfimprovement required to achieve this is admirable, earning him the 2023 October Sportsperson of the Year nomination.

On top of this he has been a dedicated member of the club, working as the green keeper for 15 years and helping out where he can.

and putting more trophies and medals on that proverbial shelf, Zac is also ranked 14th in his class having placed at the Australian Dirt Track Championships. Racing against the country’s best racers over two big days just north of Newcastle, the event reinforced Zac’s commitment to the sport and his vision of one day racing professionally.

Hard Enduro MTB

MAJOR SPONSOR: MANSFIELD GOLF CLUB DECEMBER SPONSOR: BETTA HOME LIVING

 CHAMPION rider and Mansfield local, Harrison McFarlane, had a successful season in 2023.

At just 17 he won the Victorian Hard Enduro Bronze Class Championship, beating riders with decades of experience

As the name implies, Hard

Enduro is a form of intense endurance off-road racing involving rocky terrain, streams, steep hills, sand, extreme mud and other obstacles.

The Victorian Championship encompasses five different rounds and points are awarded to riders according to placings.

Harry finished on 1870

points in, 80 points ahead of the runner-up. He will compete in the 2024 Hard Enduro Silver Class Championship, a prospect he is really looking forward to. Congratulations to Harrison for a fantastic year and receiving the December nomination for sportsperson.

2023 Sportsperson of the year

first quarter nominee

WINNERS: The U14 girls and boys Gold Basketball Rep teams won the Junior Country Basketball Championships and received the first quarter nomination for Sports Team of the Year.

U14 girls and boys Gold Basketball Rep teams

MANSFIELD’S U14 girls and boys Gold Basketball Rep teams won the Junior Country Basketball Championships in Ballarat.

Both teams played nine matches over three days and competed in division four.

The U14 Girls team fought hard and battled Wonthaggi in the championship grand final.

Thanks to superb defence and several rebounds, the

Mansfield team won by 28 points.

The U14 Boys had hoped to complete in the division three sections, however just missed out.

They had an impressive three days which cumulated in a 25 point victory against Terang in the grand final

Both teams were ecstatic with their victory, a credit to all their hard work during the 2023 season.

third quarter nominee

Major

Teams who mixed it up the best in 2023 2 1

Following their fantastic performances the first quarter nomination for Sport Team of the year is well deserved.

EXCITING COMEBACK: Bonnie Doon Bombers the Ovens and King premiership winners took the glory last year after a disappointing loss at the Grand Final in 2022 proving they are well deserving of the fourth quarter nomination.

Bonnie Doon Football Club

Major Sponsor

SUPERFAST: The HyUndies racing team competed in the Winton Rumble 18-hour endurance event, finishing up second and third in their class and are the second quarter nominees for the Sports Team of the Year Award.

The HyUndies racing team

MANSFIELD’S own HyUndies racing team were very successful at the races in the North East and beyond in 2023 and it earned them the second quarter nomination for the Sports Team of the Year.

The team had two teal coloured, Captain Underpants logoed, super–fast HyUndies Race Cars. Car 68’s four drivers were: Stuart Wadsworth, Brett Smith, Tony Browne, and Brett Stevens.

The fantastic Mia

second quarter nominee fourth quarter nominee

Wadsworth also drove in Car 68 giving the men the much needed female flare on track.

Car 78’s four drivers were:

Paul Allen, Kit Rundle, Steve Ward, and Aaron Trecento, the junior driver keeping the old fellas on schedule.

These mates self–fund everything they do including entrance and accommodation fees, food, and fuel.

There was no prize money for the competition but drivers

get a very nice trophy from Motor Events Racing.

HyUndies entered the Motor Events Winton Rumble 18-hour endurance event, finishing up second and third in their class.

The HyUndies cars raced practically side by side during the first hour, with only 0.6 seconds between car 68 in P1 and 78 in P2 in their class - an impressive result for a selffunded and volunteer-led team.

4 3

NO one could doubt the prowess of the Bonnie Doon Bombers in 2023.

The Ovens and King premiership winners took the glory last year after a disappointing loss at the Grand Final in 2022, vindication to another year of hard

work by the whole team.

Coach Ken Murray was immensely proud of what the team and club had done, coming from near the bottom of the ladder at the start his tenure.

“We’ve had a big five years to get us to where we are at this point,” he said.

A momentous and exceptional win making Bonnie Doon Bombers deserving of the third quarter nomination for Sports Team of the year.

CHAMPIONS: The U18s girls basketball team had a successful season with back-to-back wins making them a worthy nomination for Sports Team of the Year.

Under 18 Girls Basketball

THE under 18s girls side had an excellent end to 2023, winning their final tournament in Shepparton in early December last year are the fourth quarter nominees for Sports Team of the Year.

It was their third competition in four weeks, with the side developing a good

rhythm, winning five from five preliminary matches.

The grand final against a strong Bendigo side was a nail-biter, as the score teetered between glory and runner up places.

In the end the Eagles won the Greater Shepparton Basketball Tournament, winning the

grand final by only one point.

Before this, the team won the Wangaratta Basketball Tournament as well, beating the Wodonga Wolves by five points in the grand final.

The team had an excellent season and will continue to be a formidable force in competitions to come.

Education in Focus

CUC-OM welcomes new students

THE Country University Centre Ovens Murray (CUC-OM) in Mansfield has welcomed an influx of new students commencing a range of higher education studies in 2024.

This federally funded initiative is a free study centre for any student studying a course through any university, TAFE or higher education provider.

New and existing students are taking advantage of the free high-speed internet, free printing, dual screen computers, height adjustable desk and academic support at our centrally located space within MACE.

The centre is open 5am to 11:45pm, seven days a week and staffed four days a week by Tara Saville, Learning Skills Advisor/ Education Coordinator and Sally Mitchell, Widening Participation Officer.

“The flexibility of being able to come in

before and after work, seven days a week is what makes accessing CUC-OM so easy, it’s right in town,” said Paddy Purcell, who’s studying a diploma of counselling and specialising in equine therapy, continuing to utilise his current skill set.

“Tara and I feel that our centre is providing an important resource for local people who are studying in the Mansfield region,” said Sally.

“In years to come these graduates will be employed or start businesses in the area, providing valuable skills and services for the Mansfield community.

“It’s a great feeling to have helped our students realise their dreams of living and studying in their hometown.”

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

TIME:

Breakfast will be served from 7.15am.

Guest speaker Clare Hanlon will present from 7.30am followed by a Q&A session.

VENUE:

FCJ College Marie Madeleine Centre 52-54 Arundel Street Benalla 3672

Professor Clare

Susan Alberti Women in Sport Chair, Victoria University Co-Chair Inclusion & Diversity Advisory Group, AusCycling

FCJ College Alumni

Clare is known for breaking down barriers and increasing opportunities for women and girls as leaders and players in sport. As an internationally recognised scholar, collaborations span from global giants including PUMA to local sports clubs, alongside partnerships with federal, state and local governments. Clare’s journey is marked by triumphs, support networks, and personal hurdles, all shaping her pathway to success.

Dedicated study spaces

Dual screen computers

Fast, reliable internet Printing facilities

cademic support

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

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

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

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

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

Lucie Mitchell – Bachelor of Educational Studies – Swinburne Online

Discover more or register at cucovensmurray.edu.au

Hanlon

FCJ COLLEGE BENALLA

STUDY

Paddy Purcell is studying a diploma of counselling and specialising in equine therapy, and finds the CUC facility in Mansfield very convenient.

Education in Focus

WELL-ROUNDED: The IB Diploma Program encourages students to be wellrounded, worldly, and curious.

Principals Report

Mansfield Primary School is excited to welcome back all our wonderful students and embrace our 60 new Prep students for 2024, making our MPS community almost 500 strong.

Here at Mansfield Primary School we have 3 core beliefs that underpin everything we do. They are based around learning, wellbeing and inclusion.

We believe every child has the right to learn; to be challenged, supported and to succeed. Our commitment to teaching and learning means that all staff work collaboratively with each other, families and students to ensure that every child, at every ability, thrives. We believe every child has the right to be safe; to feel supported and be heard.  Wellbeing is the ongoing commitment that all staff work collaboratively with families, students and the wider community to ensure that we are all safe, all feel supported and are all heard. We also believe every child has the right to be a child; to play, to laugh and to learn with their peers. Disability Inclusion is the ongoing commitment that all staff work collaboratively with families, students and the wider community to ensure that every child, at every ability, thrives.

With this in mind, Mansfield Primary School has expert staff leading and working within each of these areas.

Our learning team is led by our Assistant Principal Dean Bush. Dean is supported by 2 Learning Specialists- Stacey Currie and Lauren Briggs.  Stacey and Lauren mentor and support staff around their teaching practices to ensure that we provide vibrant and dynamic learning opportunities for each of our students.

Our wellbeing team is led by our Assistant Principal Robyn Robinson. Robbie is supported by 2 Wellbeing Support Workers- Maggie Scott and Fiona King. Maggie and Fiona work with individual students and families. They run wellbeing intervention programs and support families to seek external supports.  Jen Driessen also joins our wellbeing team this year as our Wellbeing Lead. Jen will work with staff to implement our amazing wellbeing curriculum and support teachers to implement our whole school expectations.

Our inclusion team is led by myself as the Principal. I am supported by Renee Kent our Disability Inclusion Learning Specialist. Renee works with our staff and families to ensure that all our students have what they need to thrive at school and have an individualized plan for their learning. Our Educational Support Staff Team Leader Billie Leatham is a vital part of our school. Her team of 16 staff work in classrooms with students to support their learning and make sure that adjustments are made so that all students can fully participate in everything that MPS has to offer. Our Literacy intervention team work with small groups of students to improve their literacy skills. We’ve seen amazing results and are so happy to have Amy Jacob, Kim Scott and Leah Fados back with us in 2024. We’ve welcomed a number of new teachers and ES staff to the team this year and we’re so excited that they have joined our diverse and dedicated team.    I’m so proud of the passion and commitment our staff show in making Mansfield Primary School the best it can be!

PLAY-BASED: Steiner’s play-based kinder and prep allows children to be children longer.

A complete education

By GLENN HOOD MANSFIELD Steiner

School offers a complete education from kinder through to year 12.

Our staff understand the importance of each stage of child development and are committed to implementing a curriculum that meets and fosters growth at each stage.

Our play-based kinder and prep allows children to be children longer.

It prepares them for learning through activities such as preparing nutritious homemade food, teaching responsibility through cleaning and caring for our physical environment.

Activities such as woodwork and sewing, build confidence based on being able to make things for themselves.

In primary school, students have the same class teacher and classmates through these six years of their education.

The unique relationships built with students, families, and classmates allow for

a depth of experience that is simply not possible in shorter timeframes.

The curriculum’s structure also reflects the value we place on deep learning by integrating movement, music, and art.

Main lesson occurs each day for 1.5 hours and follows a theme or topic for three weeks which allows teachers to approach learning from multiple perspectives and move beyond surface understanding. In secondary school, students begin a new chapter with a class guardian that will accompany them in their secondary schooling.

This again allows for strong relationships that support students and families through the early teen years.

The main lesson structure is retained in years 7-9 and then shifts during year 10 in preparation for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP).

The IB Diploma Program encourages students to be well-

rounded, worldly, and curious.

It leaves all doors open for future studies (students receive an ATAR score as in VCE) and intentionally aims to educate young people to be both discerning and open-minded, instilling strong senses of freedom and responsibility.

The students bring a real richness of creative exploration to the upper years’ focus on deepening thinking and analytical skills; they come at this work from a distinctive standpoint that intuitively recognises how our learning about the world all fits together.

The student’s experience is built on a structure where staff across all year levels contribute to the whole.

Kinder, primary, and secondary staff communicate and share their approaches; they attend the same meetings because we know that the success and happiness of students is a result of our coordinated effort, including the efforts of families.

from Kindergarten to Year 12 (IB dip)

mansfieldsteiner.vic.edu.au

Education in Focus

MANSFIELD Kindergarten is the community’s only not-forprofit kindergarten.

It is led by a parent committee which ensures all children are provided quality education within a safe, nurturing, stimulating and caring environment.

The focus of education is the child and the kindergarten strives to empower children by using their thoughts and ideas to develop the program.

The three and four-yearold kinder children have been construction overseers these last few weeks.

They have been watching the renovations taking place in the front and rear yards, and watched the diggers, bobcats, scissor lifts, drills and concrete pouring.

As part of the kindergarten’s

redevelopment plan there will be new classroom, renovations of an existing room and updated landscaping, and these exciting advances have the children mirroring the work in their own play.

At Mansfield Kinder the children participate in a variety of real-world learning experiences embedded in the curriculum.

The children water the gardens, cook quinces growing on the kinder’s trees and make smoothies from the mint and berries.

They demonstrate pride in their environment and help sweep the paths, redesign and relocate rocks and sand outside.

The children are involved in their routines and set the tables for morning tea.

The construction works have

MANSFIELD KINDERGARTEN

been an additional opportunity for the children to increase their real-world learning and translate this in to their own play.

Wheelbarrows and metal shovels in the mud pit, tubes and pipes in water play, and diggers and dump trucks in small world play. The budding foremen and women are inspired and have a sense of purpose as they play alongside a real construction project.

Once completed, the 70-yearold kindergarten, which has served well, will be completely updated and an even more amazing educational space for our community’s young children to grow and learn, for generations to come.

If your family is interested in becoming part of our fully funded kinder community, please contact us.

MINI CONSTRUCTION WORKERS: (From left) Colton Foots, Lily Nieuwenhuzien and Jude Clingan relocating excess sand from the old sandpit. PHOTO: Supplied

A

still available for 2024

Did you know that the Victorian government offers two years of free funded kindergarten?

This means your 3 and 4 -year-old’s can access 15 hours kindergarten per week next year, with NO FEES.

Mansfield Kindergarten has been offering exceptional educational programs for both 3 and 4- year old children for 71 years. We are not-for-profit; parent- run; community minded and have outstanding teaching staff. Coupled with this, our gardens, facilities and activities

Tel: 5775 2445

64 Ailsa Street, Mansfield

Email: office@mansfieldkindergarten.com.au

www.mansfieldkindergarten.com.au

Not-for-profit kinder offers a quality education

block providing ample space both indoors and out. Just a few minutes drive from leafy laid-back Jamieson township, an idyllic holiday spot all year round.

Live permanently, holiday here or earn an income with high demand for permanent and holiday rentals. The property is set up as a holiday rental and is being offered furnished, walk-in walk-out basis. easy reach, along with the waterways of Lake Eildon

making this the perfect retreat for all seasons.

dishwasher. New reverse cycle split system and fans throughout. Open plan living with lots of natural light and windows. Three bedrooms freshly carpeted, new blinds and fans. Renovated bathroom and laundry with great storage. Freshly painted inside and out, concrete stumps. Undercover rear deck overlooking the backyard, fenced yard, kids cubby house, swings and storage shed.

3 1 1

Agent Nutrien Harcourts

Amanda Nieuwenhuizen

0407 770 548 / 5775 1444

amanda.n@nutrien.com.au

Location 3417 Mansfield-Woods Point Rd, Jamieson

Land size 1821sqm

For Sale $650,000-$695,000

•

•

VIOLET TOWN | Maher & Mc Diarmids Rds

• Mixture of productive well drained loamy soil, ideal for grazing or cropping.

• The properties are perfectly situated close to the townships of Euroa and Violet Town.

• Easy access to the Hume Freeway and outstanding views to the nearby Strathbogie Ranges.

2024 and offers must be submitted on the forms provided either in writing or by email to Bruce Biggs at 206 Bridge St Benalla Vic 3672 - bruce.biggs@nh.com.au or to Russell Mawson at 13 Binney St Euroa 3666 russell.mawson@nutrien.com.au by close of business on the 26th of March 2024

For the Expression of interest and sec 32 paperwork please contact the selling agents or the Benalla office on 03 5762 2188 or the or Euroa office on 5795 2535.

BALMATTUM | Horse Gully Road

Diverse and highly sought after 412-acre lifestyle property. • To be Sold by Expression of Interest

• Stunning 412-acre lifestyle property at Horse Gully Rd Balmattum

• Perched on a high point of Horse Gully Rd with 360 degrees elevated views to the surrounding landscape.

• Several house sites with rocky outcrops & seasonal waterways throughout the property (STCA).

• Features red gum & stringy bark trees, native pastures with some clover, several natural springs for stock use.

• Large parcels of diverse land such as this are highly sought after and increasingly hard to find.

The Expression of Interest opens on the 20th of February 2024 and offers must be submitted on the forms provided either in writing or by email to Bruce Biggs at 206 Bridge St Benalla Vic 3672 - bruce.biggs@nh.com.au or to Russell Mawson at 13 Binney St Euroa 3666 russell.mawson@nutrien.com.au by close of business on the 26th of March 2024

For the Expression of interest and sec 32 paperwork please contact the selling agents or the Benalla office on 03 5762 2188 or the or Euroa office on 5795 2535.

For any further information please contact Bruce Biggs on 0400 519 670 or Russell Mawson on 0428 576 197.

Retail beef prices to remain high: analysis

By STEVE KELLY

BEEF lovers will continue to pay high prices at the supermarket or butcher checkout over the next four years, based on forecasts by Wangaratta global meat trader and analyst, Simon Quilty.

Mr Quilty forecasts that any discounts in retail prices for beef products will be short lived and will return to current price levels, if not higher into 2025, 26 and 27.

“Right now and in the last year figures show we’ve had large production in Australia, mainly driven by the dry conditions in 2023,” Mr Quilty from Global AgriTrends said.

“Volumes of exports have been up at record levels for sheep and lamb, but also for beef, but what’s important to note is that large exports don’t equal good demand.

“In actual fact we sold into all these markets last year at a discount due to oversupply and economies that were

struggling - it was challenging.”

Mr Quilty said 2024 is a transition year on many levels and globally they expect beef suppliers to tighten and in particular from Australia, the US and South America.

“In 2025 we then start to move into a large rebuild program globally and when rebuilds occur, supply tightens because females are retained and prices move higher,” he reported.

In the export scene, he said to realise record prices over 2025, 26, and 27, markets need to improve and economies around the world need to get better.

“The assumption I have in my forecast is that we move on from the issues that we’ve got, including Japan going into recession and the

UK in recession, but we’re expecting by 2025 that these markets will have come out of the worst and improve,” he said.

“To get those record prices, we need stronger economies around the world, therefore demand to improve, but also supply to tighten.”

For some time people have been aware of the large per kilo variance in price people pay for beef products at the supermarket checkout, compared to what the beasts sell for at the yards.

Mr Quilty said this variance is due to the lack of labour at meat processing facilities.

He explained that without labour it’s difficult to process and therefore a bottleneck occurs and what’s coming out the other end is restricted

and prices are at higher levels.

But the labour shortage is expected to change, with Mr Quilty reporting that five meatworks are coming online on the Eastern Seaboard, so the problem with beef will alleviate itself.

“In the sheep meat sector there is no new capacity coming online, so the problems are likely to remain in this sector,” he said.

“We’re expecting improved prices on sheep meat (lamb and mutton) in 2025-26 and possibly 2027, but I fear that the ability to turn the tap on so easily in this sector, that could be short lived, and by 2028 prices could fall again.”

Domestic demand for beef and lamb has been up, as has the volume sold domestically, and lamb sales performing considerably well.

Juicy plums have feral pigs in a jam

FRUITING plum trees are helping track and trap feral pigs in north east Victoria.

“The tasty and nutritious fruit is a known favourite of feral pigs searching for food,” said Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) Project Officer Invasive Species, Jonathan Melling.

“As ripe fruit drops to the ground, feral pigs will routinely come back to the same area night after night creating a perfect spot to set up motion cameras, feeder stations, and traps.

“The plums are supplemented with a feed mix of fermented grains and an attractant to further entice feral pigs into the traps.

“Once the whole drove is observed to be regularly feeding, traps are set to trigger, thereby maximising the efficacy of different control methods.”

The works are part of a pig control project being undertaken in north east Victoria to reduce the significant damage feral pigs cause to the environment, cultural heritage sites, and agriculture.

Feral pigs also present a serious biosecurity risk through the spread of parasites and diseases.

Key locations for the works include around Corryong, Myrtleford and Mansfield.

The project will continue for the next 16 months and is funded through the Victorian Government’s $32 million Protecting Biodiversity Program which is reducing the impact of invasive species across the state.

For further information about the Protecting Biodiversity Program visit Protecting Biodiversity program (environment.vic. gov.au)

For further information about the project contact 136 186 or email feral.pigs@ deeca.vic.gov.a

EXPORT VISION: Wangaratta’s Simon Quilty of Global AgriTrends shares some of his knowledge about how the meat markets are likely to perform in the coming years.

Wedding bells ring in Jamieson

JAMIESON ON THE LINE with Carmel Dixon

JAMIESON residents

Genevieve and Ian Bolwell and their family, attended the marriage of their daughter Bec and Scott Ersvaer on Friday evening February 23.

The service was conducted at the Ersvaer property on Mt Battery Road Mansfield.

The theme for the occasion was a traditional Norwegian wedding ceremony, with marriage celebrant Barbara Taylor conducting the service.

The attendees at the wedding were Bec’s three daughters Bella Cervi Bolwell, Aby and Ivy Heron and Scott’s son Justin and daughter Ruby.

Fathers of the bride and groom, carried family ceremonial swords a traditional custom in Norway, representing protection of the new couple.

The hand fasting ceremony was also part of the tradition where Bella, Aby and Ivy with Justin and Ruby presented the ceremonial ribbons.

The service was held outdoors under an archway constructed for the occasion.

Following the service, the 50 family and friends repaired to the Meeting Place (home) and enjoyed a fine dinner of delicious fresh pizza.

Jamieson resident and

family friend Andrew Dwyer, was pizza chef and kept the diners delighted with his delicious fare.

The Bolwell family were well represented with sons Jacob and family from Brisbane, Ben and his family from Wodonga and daughter Jess and family from Jamieson.

It was a very happy family reunion.

Congratulations.

FRIDAY and Saturday were very busy for 15 volunteers, who worked over the two days with Count Rudi Paoletti, under the auspices of Jamieson and District Historical Society board member Karen Alderson, who was instrumental in organising the erection of the refurbished historical

places signs.

The signs had deteriorated over the years from weather damage.

Twenty nine brand new signs were erected at their original sites from corner of Chenery Street, to the Island, from the arboretum, to the school to the cemetery.

Grey, Nash and Brown streets all have signs.

It was a herculean effort with Jamieson volunteers, Nick and Grant from Howqua and Rudi’s team.

They worked for the two days.

Lunch was provided by Andy at the general store; local home owners Maureen and Jim Doig were delighted to pick up the luncheon bill, provided to eat at the Memorial Hall.

The new signage will delight walkers who often walk the ‘Historical Places Walk’ around Jamieson.

THANK you to those involved, your generosity of time, labor and funds was exemplary.

Congratulations on a job well done.

Our thanks to local resident Kate Berg, her family and Café Team, for the fabulous two years opening and running the Jamieson Café.

The time to spend more time with her young family, rest and a change of direction are in order.

Kate and your team all cared for and delighted your local and visiting clientele.

We wish you well.

LAST week principal

Sonja, the teaching staff and students of Jamieson Primary school welcomed back Mr Joel Wilson for a day. Past and present students all enjoyed his fun approach to learning.

It was the first opportunity for him to admire the new renovations to the school.

Earlier in the week the students walked down to the Big Pool Playground by the river.

While they were there, they saw Tom Bennet from the Jamieson Caravan Park, cutting the lower limbs from a large tree.

It wasn’t long before it became a community effort, the students enjoyed helping Tom by dragging the cut branches onto a large pile.

The first bought lunches for the school students from the General Store, was a great hit with the chicken and chips packs proving very popular.

THE school has been successful in obtaining a grant from the Variety four wheel drive children’s charity which will go toward purchasing a second basketball hoop.

The cheque is to be presented to the school on Friday March 8.

This is looking to be a major event.

Congratulations.

THE Jamieson Community Group meeting will be held on Tuesday March 5 at 7pm in the Jamieson Memorial Hall.

A very interesting period, to hear what is happening in the town and aspire to what you may be able to add, ideas and new vision all to make Jamieson the place to be.

THE second seniors lunch will be held on Wednesday March 6 at the Courthouse Hotel Commencing at 12pm. Phone the hotel on 5777 0503 for bookings.

This is a wonderful opportunity to meet with neighbors and friends for chat and a lovely meal.

All welcome.

Friday evening, at their Mt Battery Road property. PHOTO: Supplied

Planning and Environment Act 1987

MANSFIELD PLANNING SCHEME

Notice of the preparation of an amendment to a planning scheme Amendment C57MANS

Overview

The Amendment seeks to implement the recommendations from The Mansfield Planning Scheme Review of November 2022 and The Mansfield Open Space Strategy, January 2023. The amendment is primarily focused on updating various clauses and sections of the Mansfield Planning Scheme, ensuring alignment with the Planning and Environment Act, 1987, and integrating key policies and strategies, including open space provisions, that have previously been adopted by the Mansfield Shire Council but not yet incorporated into the Planning Scheme.

For further details, refer to the explanatory report about the amendment.

Details of the amendment

The Mansfield Shire planning authority has prepared Amendment C57 to the Mansfield Planning Scheme.

The Amendment applies to all areas of the municipality of the Mansfield Shire.

The amendment proposes to implement the recommendations of The Mansfield Planning Scheme Review, November 2022 (the Review). The Review analysed the performance of the Mansfield Planning Scheme and a number of strategic documents adopted by Mansfield Shire Council, but not implemented into the Mansfield Planning Scheme. The Amendment implements the Review by revising the Municipal Strategic Statement, many local policies contained within the Mansfield Planning Scheme and introducing new requirements for public open space contribution and subdivision from the Mansfield Open Space Strategy, January 2023 (MOSS).

You may inspect the amendment, any documents that support the amendment and the explanatory report about the amendment, free of charge, at:

the Mansfield Shire Council website at engage.mansfield.vic. gov.au;

during office hours, at the office of the planning authority, 33 Highett Street Mansfield, Victoria 3722 at the Department of Transport and Planning website https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/planning-schemes/ amendments/amendments-on-exhibition or by contacting 1800 789 386 to arrange a time to view the amendment documentation.

CAR ADVERTISERS

Private

PHOTOGRAPHS

FOUND ADVERTISEMENTS

All found

PERSONAL ADVERTISERS

Any person may make a submission to the planning authority about the amendment. Submissions must be made in writing giving the submitter’s name and contact address, clearly stating the grounds on which the amendment is supported or opposed and indicating what changes (if any) the submitter wishes to make.

Name and contact details of submitters are required for the planning authority to consider submissions and to notify such persons of the opportunity to attend planning authority meetings and any public hearing held to consider submissions.

The closing date for submissions is Friday 19 April. A submission must be sent to:

Attention: Strategic Planning

By Post or in person: 33 Highett Street Mansfield, Victoria 3722

By Email: strategic.planning@mansfield.vic.gov.au

The planning authority must make a copy of every submission available at its office and/or its website for any person to inspect free of charge until the end of the two months after the amendment comes into operation or lapses.

Kirsten Alexander

Chief Executive Officer

Mansfield Shire Council

NOTICE OF INTENT

In accordance with its community engagement policy and section 115 of the Local Government Act 2020, Mansfield Shire Council informs the community of its intention to enter into a Land Lease Agreement with the following party: Mansfield State Emergency Services (SES) for a Land Lease at the Mansfield Emergency Services Precinct, Lot 4 & 5, 166 Maroondah Highway, Mansfield.

The proposed agreement is set for a duration of 10 years with an option for a further 2 terms of 10 years.

This will be available for consultation for the period of 28 February 2024 to 13 March 2024. For further information, please contact Kym Killeen, Property Management Officer via email property@mansfield.vic.gov.au or phone at 03 5775 8555.

Kirsten Alexander Chief Executive Officer

NOTICE OF INTENT

In accordance with the discontinuance of the road reserves process reference as applying the Road Management Act 2004, Council makes a decision to plan to discontinue the relevant section of the following road reserves (using the power under Schedule 10 Clause 3 of the Local Government Act 1989)

1. Corner of Valley Fair Rise and Village Way, Macs Cove

2. Peppin Drive, Bonnie Doon.

3. Corner of Hutchinsons Road and Nanda Court, Bonnie Doon.

4. Adjacent to Jamieson Primary School, off Chenery Street

Council publicizes this decision and asks for submissions regarding the discontinuance, allowing 28 days. (Per sections 207A and 223 of the Local Government Act 1989) from 28 February 2024 to 26 March 2024. For further information, please contact Kym Killeen, Property Management Officer via email property@mansfield.vic.gov.au or phone at 03 5775 8555.

Kirsten Alexander Chief Executive Officer

Maintenance Role

Beolite Retirement Village is looking for a part time handyman to assist with on-site maintenance for 3-4 hours per week.

The role will perform in-home and common area maintenance as required for Beolite and for our residents.

The role may be suited to a retired or semi-retired person with prior experience in maintenance or building industries. Must possess excellent verbal communication skills and be respectful in all interactions with our residents.

A current Police Check will be required from the successful person.

Email villagemanager@beolitevillage.org or call Bek on 0419 092 010 to discuss the position further.

REDUCED!

MY 2019 Nissan Juke Nismo RS. AWD, auto in stunning black, this fun packed small 5 Dr hatchback has been lovingly cared for by p resent older owner, regretful sale, making way for campervan, less than 25,000kms on clock, Mansfield, all books, service records, keys, RWC etc, reg (BOP081). $25,250. Call Paul on 0488 444 650.

CARAVANS & CAMPERS

WANTED

Shipping container 20’/40’ or open top container or damaged

Ph 0418 329 444

HANDCOCK, Clarence Ian.

9/9/1934 – 25/2/2024

Passed away peacefully at St Catherine’s Hostel surrounded byfamily.

Loved husband of Eileen (dec).

Father to Debbie, Richard, Aaron and Cathy. Father-in-law to Brendan, Julie and Rob. Grandfather of 9. Great-Grandfather of 11.

Back in Eileen’s embrace.

HUGGINS, Arthur. February 9, 2024.

A true softly spoken gentleman. RIP.

ROBERTS, Kristy Lynette. 16/12/78 – 11/2/24

It is with the deepest regret that the family of Kristy must inform you of her untimely death on the Gold Coast.

Part-time

Mansfield

Please call

333

2009 Ford Mondeo XR5, m anual, 180,00km, (1SM6DN), adaptive cruise control, bluetooth, sunroof, all-round parking sensors, service history, $8500. Ph 0458 583 608.

JAYCO Sterling

2013 22ft, immaculate condition, slide ou t queen bed, full annex and veranda and lots of extras, (V71417), $40,500. Ph 0438 511 958.

owner, always garaged, service records, new tyres, leather seats, powered windows, sunroof, remote locking, many features ahead of its time, 458,790km, RWC, registration till August, (RTM 834), REDUCED TO $13,500. Phone John

2019 Black Series Alpha, used twice, excellent condition, additional annexe and top rack, $6500 negotiable. Call 0417 154 229.

Kristy will be remembered as a very talented craft business woman with a wonderful sense of humour, compassion and knowledge.

In the sky with little Thomas. We will miss her dearly.

~ Shane, Harper, Kris, Andrew, Suzie, Lachlan, Atlas, James, Xavier, River, Arlo, Luca, and the out-laws Rex, Erin, Liz, Conner, Jack.

BEXLEY

The funeral service to celebrate Helen’s life will be held on Friday, March 1, 2024 at McCormack Chapel , 11 Highett Street,

HANDCOCK

The service to celebrate the

of Mr Clarence Handcock will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Monday March 4, 2024

the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery. memory of Clarence to Dementia Australia can be made online at www.dementia.org.au/get-involved/ways-donate Mason Park Funerals 5721 5060 masonpark.com.au

Wangaratta & District Cricket Association

A GRADE ROVERS UNITED BRUCK DEF DELATITE

ROVERS UNITED BRUCK 1ST INNINGS

Josh O’Donohue lbw: Matt Stevenson ...........................38

Bailey Dale c: Alec Ritchie b: Lincoln Toy ..........................3

Luke Whitten b: Matt Stevenson ......................................22

Jeremy Wilson b: Lachlan Scales ......................................9

Jacob Beattie b: Mitchell Purcell........................................5

Matthew Whitten c: G Fraser b: A Storer .........................25

Paddy McNamara (c) lbw: Matt Stevenson ....................14

Josh Ansell c: Alec Ritchie b: Matt Stevenson ..................5

Jacob Schonafinger b: Lachlan Scales ...........................11

Connor Dennis st: Mitchell Copey b: Alec Ritchie ............3

Matthew Winter not out....................................................1*

Extras ...................................................................................19

Total........................................................................... 10 / 150

Overs ................................................................................72.1

Bowling: Lincoln Toy (c) 15/3/30/1, Lachlan Scales 18/3/40/2, Matt Stevenson 10/4/18/4/1, Alec Ritchie 6.1/4/4/1, Mitchell Purcell 6/1/15/1, Archie Storer 17/5/30/1.

DELATITE 1ST INNINGS

Gregor Fraser c: ? b: Jacob Beattie ..................................14

Mark O’Loughlan lbw: Jeremy Wilson ............................11

Alec Ritchie c: Josh Ansell b: Jeremy Wilson....................5

Mitchell Copey c: D Winter b: Jeremy Wilson.................26

Lachlan Scales lbw: Jeremy Wilson ................................17

Nicholas Bogar c: P McNamara b: J Wilson ......................7

Conor Reeves not out......................................................18*

Matt Stevenson b: Matthew Winter ...................................1

Sam Bell run out: M Winter, Connor Dennis...................11

Mitchell Purcell c: D Winter b: P McNamara .....................4

Archie Storer b: Paddy McNamara ....................................1

Extras .....................................................................................0

Total........................................................................... 10 / 119

Overs ................................................................................74.1

Bowling: Jacob Schonafinger 18/9/19/0, Paddy McNamara 11.1/3/18/2, Jacob Beattie 7/0/12/1, Jeremy Wilson 20/5/28/5, Josh Ansell 7/2/15/0, Matthew Whitten 1/0/1/0, Matthew Winter 6/2/10/1, Drew Winter 4/0/13/0.

BEECHWORTH DEF BY WANGARATTA MAGPIES

WANGARATTA MAGPIES 1ST INNINGS

Cooper Matheson lbw: Kayde Surrey .............................46

Lachlan Hadden c: C Fendyk b: D Fitzpatrick...................2

Jack Davies (c) c: M White b: Dean Fitzpatrick ...............70

Fraser Ellis b: Richard Worcester......................................13

Nicholas Pell lbw: Richard Worcester..............................10

Nic Bonwick lbw: Dean Fitzpatrick....................................4

Ryan Malcolm run out: Timothy Cogger.........................16

Matt Gathercole c: H Scalzo b: T Cogger .........................28

Charlie Stafford b: Timothy Cogger...................................7

Chris Clement b: Timothy Cogger .....................................2

Thomas Clayton not out...................................................2*

Extras ...................................................................................18

Total........................................................................... 10 / 218

Overs ................................................................................73.4

Bowling: Timothy Cogger 8.4/1/29/3, Dean Fitzpatrick 13/2/31/3, Richard Worcester 22/3/57/2, Campbell Fendyk 13/1/37/0, Clancy Ellett 4/0/24/0, Kayde Surrey 11/6/20/1, Henry Scalzo 2/0/13/0.

BEECHWORTH WANDERERS 1ST INNINGS

Kayde Surrey b: Matt Gathercole.....................................11

Brenton Surrey (c) c: C Matheson b: Zac Guilfoyle ........46

Campbell Fendyk run out: Charlie Stafford ...................16

Clancy Ellett c: Lachlan Hadden b: Zac Guilfoyle ..........23

Will Prebble c: ? b: Matt Gathercole .................................17

William Vlahos lbw: Zac Guilfoyle......................................7

Rama Schultz c: C Matheson b: Charlie Stafford ...........16

Henry Scalzo c: Ryan Malcolm b: Zac Guilfoyle .............11

Timothy Cogger not out....................................................2*

Dean Fitzpatrick b: Charlie Stafford ..................................1

Michael White did not bat....................................................-

Extras .....................................................................................8

Total............................................................................. 9 / 158

Overs ................................................................................63.2

Bowling: Matt Gathercole 17/4/33/2, Thomas Clayton 11/3/24/0, Zac Guilfoyle 20/3/73/4, Fraser Ellis 9/3/17/0, Charlie Stafford 6.2/3/9/2.

WANGARATTA MAGPIES 2ND INNINGS

Cooper Matheson c: R Schultz b: T Cogger ....................25

Nic Bonwick not out ........................................................30*

Ryan Malcolm not out .......................................................4*

Extras .....................................................................................3

Total............................................................................... 1 / 62

Overs .....................................................................................8

Bowling: Timothy Cogger 4/0/28/1, Dean Fitzpartick 1/0/12/0, Campbell Fendyk 3/0/21/0.

2023/24 season

SCOREBOARD: Saturday, February 24

REACH OUT: Wicketkeeper Nick Ferguson gets a workout against Milawa.

SEND IT DOWN: Andrew Cook was in full flight bowling the first of his three wickets.

FULL FLIGHT: Charlie Watts in bowling action.

A RESERVE: Ovens Valley United 10/245Thomas Chettleburgh 76 Aneeque Azam 5/66 def Yarrawonga Mulwala 10/147 Justin O’Brien 46 Nathan Cooke 5/26. Wangaratta Magpies 10/218 def Rutherglen Unites 10/38 & 10/72. Benalla Bushrangers 8/211 Mathew Hadj 55 Alasdair Brett 3/32 def City Colts 10/120 Mitchell Feldtmann 29 Simon Briggs 6/36.

B GRADE: Benalla Bushranger 2/118 Josh Hart 40 Ross MacKinnon 1/6 def Merton 9/108 Ross MacKinnon 39 Stewart Mcleod 4/11. Rutherglen United vs City Colts results not available. Yarrawonga Mulwala 7/149 Hudson Gilles 85 Simon Godfrey 3/20 def Rovers United Bruck 9/126 Simon Godfrey 24* Marcus Hargreaves 3/17. Delatite 8/121 def by Milawa 9/137. Beechworth Wanderers 10/30 Lachlan Fitzpatrick 5 Josh Harris 5/8 def by Ovens Valley United 8/138 Josh Harris 35 Fill-in 4/12. Wangaratta Magpies 10/116 Dylan Corcoran 52 Michael Walker 4/36 def by Greta 4/158 Aidan Callegari 57 Fill-in 2/14.

C GRADE: Benalla Bushrangers 5/164 Jordan Smith 78 John Salafia 2/30 def Greta 9/134 Marc Sealey 46 Ian Costello 3/23. Beechworth Wanderers (Stanley) 10/156 Darby Weet 46* Josh Bozzola 3/28 def by Yarrawonga Mulwala 2/169 Glenn Sullivan 43*.

UNDER 16: Beechworth Wanderers 10/145 Henry Scalzo 49 Mitch Francis 3/18 def Yarrawonga Mulwala 10/110 Lucas Tonna 41 Alex Beatson 2/20. Greta/OVU 9/103 Benjamin McMasters 44 Ryder Levy 3/7 def by Benalla Bushrangers 9/126 Lucas Ham 38 Euca Boonzaayer 3/12. Delatite 10/90 Nicholas Hoskin 35 Reid McNamara 3/8 def by Rovers United Bruck 7/159 Ryan Parsons 86* Harry Craddock 2/11. City Colts vs Rutherglen United results not available.

UNDER 14 : results not available

UNDER 12 BLUE: Ovens Valley United Orange 4/97 Dakar Hilton 20 Luke Jones 3/6 def Wangaratta Magpies

White 8/76 Luke Jones 25 Louis Sanderson 3/2. Beechworth Wanderers 4/108 Gabriel Rodda 22 Thomas Sealey 1/10 def Greta 7/105 Bodi Jackson 26* Gabriel Rodda 2/19.

UNDER 12 GOLD: Yarrawonga Mulwala Bulls 4/156 Blair Anthony Livingston-Laing 33* Thomas Snell 2/3 def

Benalla Bushrangers Blue Tom Lambert 18 Finn O’Brien 1/4. Benalla Bushrangers Green 2/92 Jack Hart 29 Noah Anderson 2/1 def Benalla Bushrangers Red 1/91 Louis Horne 25 Jack Hart 1/3.

OVENS VALLEY UNITED

YARRAWONGA MULWALA 1ST INNINGS

YARRAWONGA MULWALA DEF

Zach Moore b: Gurjot Gosal ................................................8

Matt Knight c: N Impink b: Gurjot Gosal .........................14

Brock McCabe c: S Phillips b: Gurjot Gosal.......................2

Ben McDonald c: S Phillips b: Conner Forde ....................1

Kyle Archibald (c) c: G White b: James Neary...................1

Ben Welsh lbw: Conner Forde..........................................69

Adam Dodd st: N Impink b: Glenn White ..........................7

Angus McMillan (c) c: S Phillips b: C Thomason.............25

James Irvine (vc) c: J Neary b: Gurjot Gosal ...................10

Matt McCabe c: N Impink b: Glenn White .........................3

Angus Heslin not out .........................................................4*

Extras ...................................................................................10

Total........................................................................... 10 / 152

Overs ................................................................................66.4

Bowling: Cooper Thomason (c) 6/1/20/1, Gurjot Gosal 19.4/8/32/4, James Neary 12/6/16/1, Conner Forde 7/3/12/2, Glenn White 14/2/32/2, Samuel Piazza 5/0/23/0, Marcello Vescio 3/0/9/0.

OVENS VALLEY UNITED 1ST INNINGS

Nicholas Impink b: James Irvine .......................................4

Samuel Piazza c: Ben Welsh b: James Irvine ...................2

Glenn White c: Matt Knight b: Angus Heslin .....................5

Seamus Phillips retired out ..............................................18

Marcello Vescio b: James Irvine.........................................0

Kane Fitzpatrick c: Matt Knight b: Angus Heslin ..............6

Cooper Thomason b: Matt McCabe ................................19

Dylan Bursill c: Matt Knight b: Matt McCabe ..................31

Conner Forde run out: A McMillan, B Welsh ...................23

Gurjot Gosal c: James Irvine b: Matt McCabe...................4

Noah White not out .........................................................21*

Extras .....................................................................................7

Total........................................................................... 10 / 131

Overs ................................................................................50.5

Bowling: James Irvine 15.5/4/55/3, Angus Heslin 7/2/22/2, Matt McCabe 10/4/22/3, Brock mcCabe 9/2/13/0, Angus McMillan 9/4/14/0.

CITY COLTS DEF BY BENALLA BUSHRANGERS

BENALLA BUSHRANGERS 1ST INNINGS

Priyank Chohan b: Matthew Lister ..................................84

Michael Honman b: Kent Braden ....................................61

James Carboon b: Matthew Lister ....................................2

Ross Cavill lbw: Kent Braden..............................................7

Jonty Priest c: Tyler Nanson b: Kent Braden....................5

Lucas Ham c: Tyler Nanson b: Matthew Lister .................6

Kallum Croxford b: Kent Braden......................................22

Conor Brodie c: Tyler Nanson b: Kent Braden ...............21

Tyler Begnone b: Matthew Lister .......................................3

Gary Priest (c) not out .....................................................25*

Mitchell Wheelens b: Tyler Nanson ...................................1

Extras .....................................................................................4

Total .......................................................................... 10 / 241

Overs ................................................................................74.1

Bowling: Josh Nanson 6/0/30/0, Tyler Nanson 5.1/0/24/1, Archie Crispin 6/0/21/0, Jed Marek 4/1/15/0, Matthew Lister 25/6/65/4, Aaron Thrum 4/0/24/0, Kent Braden 24/7/59/5.

CITY COLTS 1ST INNINGS

Mitchell Giggins (c) b: Priyank Chohan ...........................31

Aaron Thrum b: Conor Brodie ...........................................1

Thomas Moore b: Conor Brodie ........................................3

Jessie Smith b: Conor Brodie...........................................34

Archie Crispin c&b: Priyank Chohan .................................1

Justin Solimo c: Conor Brodie b: Priyank Chohan ..........6

Jed Marek c: Gary Priest b: Ross Cavill..............................0

Ross Moore b: Conor Brodie...............................................6

Corey Petersen not out .....................................................2*

Kevin Feldtmann lbw: Conor Brodie.................................0

Matthew Lister c: Jonty Priest b: Priyank Chohan...........6

Extras .....................................................................................9

Total............................................................................. 10 / 99

Overs ................................................................................47.1

Bowling: Conor Brodie 14/3/28/5, Tyler Begnone 6/0/21/0, Ross Cavill 14/5/18/1, Priyank Chohan 13.3/5/24/4.

CITY COLTS 2ND INNINGS

Corey Petersen b: Tyler Begnone ......................................3

Matthew Lister lbw: Tyler Begnone ...................................8

Jed Marek c: Gary Priest b: Tyler Begnone .......................0

Mitchell Giggins (c) run out: Ross Cavill ..........................54

Jessie Smith not out........................................................42*

Thomas Moore not out ...................................................13*

Archie Crispin did not bat ....................................................-

Kevin Feldtmann did not bat ..............................................-

Ross Moore did not bat ........................................................-

Josh Nanson did not bat .....................................................-

Tyler Nanson did not bat .....................................................-

Extras ...................................................................................12

Total............................................................................. 4 / 132

Overs ...................................................................................24

Bowling: Conor Brodie 3/1/8/0, Tyler Begnone 8/1/23/3, Lucan Ham 4/0/27/0, Jonty Priest 6/0/40/0, Mitchell Wheelans 3/0/25/0.

PHOTOS: Ken Rainsbury

Ladies successfully defend charity day title

LADIES GOLF

By LINDA TERRY

A GOOD field of 11 turned out for nine holes last Tuesday – in beautiful conditions, so why not, and there were some ripper scores.

Kylie Egan is in great form lately and she won the day with 20 points for the nine holes off the front.

Glenis Skinner was not far behind on 19, as was Pam Abbott on the same.

Pam seems to feature a lot

in the winners circle on Tuesdays.

Last week on Wednesday a good field of 29 played one of their monthly summer cup rounds, and this time it was Jenny Koraus’s turn to shine with a fabulous 41 points to win overall and B Grade, while Shelly Comerford could do no wrong in her round, to come in with 39 points to win A Grade.

Runners up were Robyn Baker with 37 in A Grade and Sue Crow with the same in B Grade.

Third were Nicki Cooper (33)

and Patsy Smiles (36) in the two grades respectively.

Nearest the Pins went to Jenny Koraus (third and 12th), Shelly Comerford (seventh) and Donna Sedgman who was visiting from Eagle Ridge (second on 18th).

Saturday was a particularly quiet day as most were saving themselves for the annual hospital charity day last Sunday.

Linda Brook took the win in the par comp however with one under.

The Hospital Auxillary Golf Day on Sunday was as always, a

fabulous effort by the auxillary to raise funds for our local hospital and a huge field packed the course.

The winning women’s team was for the second year in a row, Robyn Baker, Sam Bailey and Kylie Egan with a score of 65.17.

The runner up team was Jane Morrisey, Jan Bedford and Meredith Burrell with 69.

The Women Vet’s winners were Susan Kinloch, Lorraine Wilson and Lyn Poulson with 70.34.

Photos next week.

ON COURSE: Jenny Koraus played beautifully and is here watching the outcome of one of her drives at the monthly summer cup round. PHOTO: Supplied

SEALED IRISH HANDICAP PUSHES CYCLISTS

CYCLING

By DAMIEN GRUNDY MANSFIELD MT BULLER CYCLING CLUB

ANOTHER great week of fun dirt racing and a warm welcome to another first-timer, Lachlan Storer.

For a twist everyone started together for this race with handicap time corrections being applied to the completed times at the end of the race.

The course was longer at 2.37km per lap than the previous cross country night and lap numbers were similar so a longer race was the challenge for the riders.

Three lappers were to race 7.1km and the fast people at six laps had 11.85km ahead.

Luckily it wasn’t too hot, though definitely on the warm side.

A field of 14 riders

greeted the starters yell of “go”.

Ruby Dobson was in attendance and so there was a very fast bunny to chase.

She led up the first climb and despite a small mechanical issue towards the end of the first lap, and a wrong turn at the start of the second, was untroubled to finish as the fastest on-course completing six laps in 43min 18sec at an average speed of 19.7km/h.

The first rider to complete their allotted number of laps was Ariel Stava completing her three laps in 31min 32sec.

And so the riders continued to finish and the “sealed envelope of handicap time corrections” was opened and times duly corrected.

Once all the riders had completed their allotted laps and calculations were

completed, the night’s winner with a strong ride was Steve Curnow with a corrected time of 41min 17sec.

This was a promising sign as Steve is travelling to Forrest this weekend to compete at the Otway Odyssey.

Good luck Steve.

In the minor placings we had Ariel Stava in her second race this season finishing second.

Cam Dobson in third, Luke Vivash in fourth and Adam Baker fifth.

Full results have been posted here.

Congratulations to all competitors and we hope to see you all in two weeks for the Long, Long Lap of Riflebutts Dirt Crits extravaganza.

The usual prize money has generously been quadrupled for this race so don’t miss out.

THE PODIUM: Cam Dobson (left), fourth; Ariel Stava, second; Steve Curnow, first; Luke Vivash, third and Adam Baker, fifth.

PHOTO: Bruce Halket

Lightning backdrop for intense tennis

TUESDAY NIGHT

By MICHAEL WHYTCROSS

AFTER a last-minute cancellation of last week’s matches due to severe thunderstorms and fallen trees on Elvins street which impacted power lines, Tuesday night tennis was back this week.

Despite a backdrop of ominous clouds and lightning which again threatened to halt play, the tennis was intense as the ramp up to the finals continues.

The match of the round saw Wasps edge out Hornets 30 games to 28 which included some power hitting and crafty court coverage.

Despite going down in the first set with Bill Jones, Guy Taylor stormed home against Dan Robertson, who couldn’t muster his inner Karate Kid “Daniel San” and won the final two sets in nail-biting tiebreaks.

After a week of success at country week, Michelle Pigdon and her Redbacks took on the improving Bullants although went down 35-14.

With Chelton Crow and Dion Theodossi filling in for the Redbacks, Bullants dominated through Keira McDonagh and Andrew Downey who won all three of their sets comfortably.

Spitfires got the better of Cicadas, winning 30 games to 19.

Will Smith played exceptionally well, winning all three of his sets and was supported by Karyn Fraser on her return to form after injury!

With club championships just around the corner, everyone is looking forward to the business end of the season in what continues to be a very even competition!

Ladder: Cicadas 53.5, Hornets 43, Wasps 39, Spitfires 37.5, Redbacks 36.5, Bull ants 33 Jumping Jacks 26.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

By BRONWYN SLY

WEDNESDAY night tennis was back after the disruption last week due to the storm and subsequent damage.

Everyone was excited to be back out playing and taking every match as a warmup leading into Club Championships and finals.

The Outlaws, starring the O’Loughlan family + 1 were up against the Rascals.

Nick Ferguson and Carolyn Murray were first up against Mark and Max O’Loughlan who clearly came with something to prove, Mark and Max came away with the first set 6-1.

On the other court was a very up and down set with Dustin Ersvaer joining Jane Swinburne for the Rascals against Outlaws Courtney O’Loughlan and Bronwyn Sly.

The Outlaws mounted a massive comeback, turning a 5-2 deficit into a win, taking the set 7-3 in tiebreaker.

The next 2 sets followed much the same pattern with Mark and Bronwyn nudging out Nick and Jane in another 7-3 tiebreaker.

Max and Courtney worked well together in their match

against Dustin and Carolyn, winning 6-3.

The final sets saw Mark and Courtney flexing their muscles to beat Nick and Dustin 6-1.

Carolyn stepped out for her last game of the season, before she galivants around Australia, playing with Jane against Max and Bronwyn.

While she couldn’t come away with the win, going down 6-3, Carolyn left the court with a smile.

The Outlaws came away with the overall win with 36 games to 18.

We can all agree that the star of the night was Jane ‘brick wall’ Swinburne who was impenetrable at the net.

The Hustlers took on the always smiling Diablo who continue to challenge their opponents each week.

Hustlers Matt Lowe and Cass Daykin played Jeremy Veneman and Claudia James in the first set, coming away with a 6-3 win.

Will McAlister and Steph Herridge made light work of Dafydd James and Mikaela Richardson, taking the set easily with a 6-1 win.

The results of the first set obviously didn’t sit well with Mikaela who came back with a vengeance when she joined Jeremy to take on Matt and Steph.

Unfortunately, her tenacity didn’t get them over the line, Diablo went down four games to six.

The dominance of the Hustlers continued for the last three sets, seeing them lose just one more game for the night.

The final score was Hustlers on 36 games while the Diablo’s secured a commendable ten games.

No-one was more excited that tennis was back after a week off than the Raiders, their screams of delight filling the warm evening air.

Top of the table Raiders took on the Bandidos who had Ramil Quinan joining them for the night.

Up first was David Aldous and Kimberley Marsden from the Raiders against David Mims and Jo Brabazon.

The Raiders won the set comfortably, coming away with a 6-1 victory. On the other court Emma Kay and Ramil fought hard against Jemma Purcell and Sophie Yencken but went down 6-3.

The next two sets saw the Raiders win convincingly.

In the final sets Kimberley and Sophie took on Jo and Ramil, winning 6-0.

Jemma and Emma joined the Davids for the final set which went down to the wire. The Raiders escaped with the win in a tiebreaker.

The scores on the night definitely didn’t reflect the quality of the tennis played.

The Raiders came away with the win, 36 games to 12.

Ladder: Raiders 65, Outlaws 56.5, Hustlers 56, Bandidos 41.5, Rascals 31, Diablo two.

THURSDAY NIGHT

By HELEN CROCKETT

UNEXPECTED rain showers with attendant lightning and thunder were the backdrop for Thursday’s enter-

taining tennis matches.

Although the three winning teams were clear winners on the night the games were well contested and marked by good rallies.

Alice Kilpatrick hit the jackpot when Cal Bono, Alex Macphee and Cam Sheeran all stepped in to play for an injury-stricken Monopoly.

The teams began with lengthy first games in an entertaining arm wrestle.

Ultimately Cam and Cal outclassed Dustin Ersvaer and Rhonda Carpenter in their opener.

Alex Macphee showed his credentials as a player combining superbly with his newfound teammates.

Cam was better for his second run; Cal enjoyed his return to Thursday night and Alice found her rhythm in the higher-level mix.

Lightning flashes unnerved players and a rain interrupted last set separated those keen for early refreshments from those wanting to play out the contest.

Monopoly took every set and the seven match points to even up with Equalisers who dropped to third on the ladder.

Backgammon was lifted by the return of Nigel Watts, showing he had lost none of his quality form and winning their only two sets for the night. With seesawing results in the first four sets Legends played determined tennis to take out the final two and seal victory although the last match on court saw a close tussle between Carol Watts and Hel-

to the clubhouse.

The match between Checkers and Scrabble was predictably attended by much laughter and noise.

In the opening set Al Crockett and Suzie Wellborne had a long battle with Michael Mc Cormack and Jo O’Brien before winning a hard-fought tie break seven points to five, however the remaining run of sets went largely to Checkers, with particularly strong wins by their ladies.

End of play saw an impressive additional five match points for the ladder leaders.

Ladder: Checkers 60, Legends 51, Equalisers 50, Monopoly 50, Backgammon 25, and Scrabble 16.

Juniors by Jo O’Brien

We had 27 junior comp players over six sections take to the courts last Saturday morning.

The competition was very close as the players gear up for the Junior Club Championships next Saturday

Entries are open for all MTA Junior Members, and we wish all our junior members the very best as they compete within their age groups.

The Community Play Hot Shots program also had 20 enthusiastic children back on court developing their skills.

Once again, a huge thank you to our parent and teenage volunteers who make Saturday morning Junior Tennis so much fun.

LEARNING NEW SKILLLS: Liam Delany demos backhands. PHOTO: Rhonda Carpenter

RASCALS AND OUTLAWS: Jane Swinburne, Carolyn Murray, Dustin Ersvaer, Courtney, Mark and Max O’Loughlan.

PHOTO: Bron Sly

HORNETS AND WASPS: Geoff Hutchison, Cal Bono, Dan Robertson, Shane Hutchinson, Guy Taylor, Sarah Fox, Ilena Meek, and Bill Jones. PHOTO: Karyn Fraser

CICADAS: Jaden Findlay, Greg McDermott, Kathryn Murray, and Simon Young.

PHOTO: Karyn Fraser

REDBACKS: Michelle Pigdon, Michael Whytcross, Dion Theodossi, and Chelton Crow.

PHOTO: Karyn Fraser

is match th na

TEAM WORK: Arthur Gerrans and Estelle O’Neil assist under blue sky.

PHOTO: Rhonda Carpenter

Bowls club has brilliant week in O&M pennant

BOWLS

By LYN FOOTS

THE Mansfield Bowls Club had a brilliant week in the Ovens and Murray Pennant with both the A4 side and the Midweek A3 side making their respective grand finals.

Last Saturday saw the A4 side travelling to Wangaratta to play Rutherglen in the preliminary final and after the allotted 84 ends the teams could not be split with the score at 71 shots a piece.

An extra end for each rink was required to decide the winner with Mansfield winning five shots to one to record a fabulous win.

Rick Nichols, Chris Laws, Keven Nikkelson and Lyn Holland were in front all day and never looked threatened winning 20/15.

Shifty, Irene Fuller, Yvonne Robinson and Ross Parsons lead from the get-go taking a good win 25/15.

Dizzy, Nick Klein, Don Cameron and Doug Morley had a close game all day with the score changing on numerous ends.

Mansfield held the lead by one shot on the 19th end but Rutherglen stormed home to win seven shots in the last two ends to take the win 23/18.

The last rink of Winston Taylor, Gary Fuller, Vicki Klein and Tom Tomic struggled for most of the game with Rutherglen proving too strong to take the win 19/13.

Mansfield will play Swanpool in the grand final this Saturday with a venue yet to be decided.

The midweek qualifying final saw the Mansfield A3 side playing Wodonga at Wangaratta and Mansfield played wonderful bowls to take a solid win 62 shots to 39.

John Foots, Noel Jackson, Irene Fuller and Enid Smith had a close game early but held their nerve to win four of the last five ends to take the win 20/12.

George Peterson, Mark Betta-

ny, Chris Laws and Marian Ryan were in control by the middle of the game and never looked back winning 20/11.

The final rink of Elaine Peterson, Ray Close, Jenny Walsh and Brian Revell played solidly all day never allowing Wodonga to get settled taking a good win 23/16.

Mansfield are straight into the grand final and await the winner of the preliminary final this week between Wodonga and Dederang to see who they play next Tuesday in the grand final.

Last Tuesday’s home pennant saw wins to the Orange team of Lyn Holland, Kathleen Bock and John Lobbe over the Green team of Nikko, Trevor Thompson, Renee Prosser and Anne Wileman 19/15 and the Pink team of Marco Bohren, Yvonne Robinson, Belinda Snider and Theo Scheltinga had a nice win against the Gold team of Carolyn Close, Heather Ingpen and Alan Hatcher 23/19.

The White team of Dom Diaz, Steve Lewis and Tony Wilkes had a great win against the Blue team of Mike Harrison, Glenda Revell and Michelle Mios 30/16, the Red team of Mick Walsh, Doug Morley, Ian Morley and Anne Tilbrook had a win over the Black team of Alan Dobson, Tom Ingpen and Philip Jensen 23/17 and in the final game the Yellow team of Tony Pridham, Peter McNeil and Brian Sinclair snuck home against the Lime team of Winston Taylor, Tom Tomic, Coral Taylor and Ida Rachele 25/15.

The final ladder sees the White team on top with 46pts +119 followed by the Pink team on 36pts +51; Lime 32pts +32; Red 32pts +26; Green 28 pts –14; Yellow 26pts –14; Orange 24pts –3; Blue 22pts –34; Black 22pts –37 and the wooden spooners this year is the Gold team with 14pts –114.

The finals begin this week so good bowling to all teams involved.

Under 18s girls basketballers are gold performers

BASKETBALL

By LISA JUDGE

Mansfield Under 18s Girls Basketball

LAST weekend the Mansfield Gold girls travelled to Benalla to play in the division one Benalla basketball tournament.

The girls started the day coming out with two wins and a loss having to fight hard the next day to gain their spot in the grand final.

They went into the grand final playing hard to come out on top with the win.

These girls have had a fantastic tournament season coming away with four grand final wins and they have state championships in a few weeks time in Bendigo.

Then for most of the girls except a couple they will be finishing up their junior representative basketball and what a high to finish on.

We are very proud of these little champs for such an awesome season.

Also last week the vote count for the Best Player for Home Pennant was held with all players enjoying lunch and friendship.

After a very close count the winner was announced as Yvonne Robinson with 9 votes from runner up Mike Harrison with eight votes.

Congratulations to both players.

Friday’s social bowls saw 10 players having some fun the winners on the day being Dom Diaz, Peter McNeil and Anne Wileman with 2 wins 36 pts from John Lobbe and Shane O’Brien with 1 win 22pts.

Sunday saw the final of the Men’s A/B Medley with winners being Ray Robinson and Peter McNeil over Trevor Thompson and Shane O’Brien 12 shots to one.

Congratulations to all.

BOWLS REPORT FEBRUARY 18

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS WEEK

THURSDAY saw the final of the ladies championship triples with the winners on the day being Jenny Walsh, Vicki Klien and Enid Smith over Marian Ryan, Kathleen Bock and Belinda Snider 20/11.

Congrats to both teams on a great effort.

Friday social bowls saw 13 players enjoying the day with the winners being George Peterson, Alan Dobson and Harry Smith with two wins 34pts.

The Saturday saw the A4 side playing the qualifying final against Swanpool at Benalla with Swanpool winning the day 91 shots 78 to go straight into the Grand final in two weeks.

Mansfield has a second chance and will play Rutherglen at Wangaratta this Saturday.

Steve Spence, Irene Fuller, Yvonne Robinson and Jenny Walsh were slow out of the blocks and could not recover going down 25 shots to 18.

Graeme Tyers, Nick Klein, Don Cameron and Doug Morley

had a really close tussle and the score was one shot the difference after the 14th end 13/14.

Swanpool lifted, scoring 12 shots in the last seven ends to take the win 26 shots to 18.

Rick Nichols, Mick Walsh, Nikko and Lyn Holland were down 11 zip after five ends but with lots of grit and determination they won the day on the very last end 20 shots to 19.

The final rink of Winston Taylor, Gary Fuller, Vicki Klein and Tom Tomic had a ding dong battle all day with their opponents and after the 21 ends Mansfield snuck home by one shot 22/21.

Sunday saw the champion of campions at Wangaratta with Mansfield being represented by John Foots and Irene Fuller.

John had a first round bye and after a long wait he played Rick Robinson from Beechworth and after a close tussle Rick took the win 25 shots to 11.

Irene played Carol Fair from Kiewa Valley and after giving Carol a 10-nil lead fought back fabulously to go down swinging 13 shots to 25.

Congratulations to both players on representing our club with great bowls and wonderful sportsmanship.

You have done us proud.

Sunday also saw the Men’s A/B Medley with the morning winners being Trevor Thompson and Shane O’Brien over Rick Nichols and Tony Wilkes 8/7, Chris Laws and Alan Hatcher had a win over Mick Walsh and Brian Sinclair 10/6.

The last morning game saw Ray Robinson and Peter McNeil defeating Nikko and Doug Morley 5/1.

Steve Lewis and Nick Klein had the bye.

The semi finals in the afternoon saw Trevor and Shane defeating Steve and Nick 6/1 and Ray and Peter defeated Chris and Alan 15/1.

This Sunday’s final will be played at 1pm between Ray and Peter and Trevor and Shane.

EPIC: The quest to catch cod is aided by Live Scope sonar technology.

Epic quest: conquering Lake Eildon’s monster cod

LAKE Eildon, renowned for its pristine waters and diverse aquatic life, has recently become the focal point for anglers seeking the ultimate thrill of landing massive Murray Cod.

The secret to this newfound success lies in the revolutionary Live Scope technology, a game-changer that has transformed the art of fishing on these waters.

Anglers have reported unprecedented success in targeting massive cod using Live Scope, a cutting-edge sonar technology that provides real-time, high-definition imaging of the underwater terrain.

The ability to see fish movements and structures with remarkable clarity has opened up new avenues for precision fishing, and Lake Eildon has become a hotbed for this angling revolution.

The key to a successful Murray Cod expedition on Lake Eildon lies in strategic planning and utilising Live Scope to its full potential.

Many anglers have found success by identifying submerged structures, drop-offs, and ledges where cod tend to congregate.

The Live Scope’s live imaging capabilities enable anglers to make informed decisions on lure presentation and maximise their chances of a massive cod encounter.

One favoured technique is to employ a combination of swim baits and large soft plastics, mimicking the prey that these colossal cod are known to feast upon.

The real-time feedback from Live Scope ensures that anglers can adjust their tactics on the fly, presenting the lure in the most enticing manner possible.

Monitoring water temperatures has been a crucial factor in the success of these cod expeditions.

As cod tend to be more active in specific temperature ranges, anglers have honed in on the optimal conditions for a fruitful outing.

Water temperatures ranging between 20°C to 25°C have proven to be particularly productive for enticing these massive cod.

The magic often happens during the early morning or late afternoon when cod are more active and likely to be on the hunt. Experienced anglers recommend focusing on areas with significant underwater structure and drop-offs, as these are prime locations for massive cod to ambush prey.

Recent reports from seasoned anglers reveal awe-inspiring catches, with Murray Cod exceeding the meter mark becoming increasingly common.

The thrill of witnessing these monstrous fish on the Live Scope screen before hooking them adds an extra layer of excitement to the already adrenaline-pumping experience.

In conclusion, Lake Eildon has emerged as a mecca for anglers seeking the thrill of landing massive Murray Cod, thanks to the revolutionary Live Scope technology.

Those who embrace this cutting-edge sonar system, strategically plan their fishing expeditions, and factor in water temperatures are reaping the rewards of unforgettable encounters with these legendary freshwater giants.

CHAMPION BASKETBALLERS: A winning side performs at Benalla; Andrew Murray coach (left back), Tilly Thornton, Jess Dolling, Isabelle Byrne, Jaspa Robinson, Molly Judge, team manager Lisa Judge, Stella Brackels (left front row), Bri Weigh and Demi Murray.

PHOTO: Supplied

U16s lose to Rovers United Bruck

CRICKET

By MARK O’LOUGHLAN

THE final match of the 23/24 season saw Delatite host RUBCC at the beautiful Lord’s Reserve.

Rovers won the toss and elected to bat first on a good wicket for batting.

Harry Craddock continued his good recent form and collected two early wickets, both caught and bowled.

Wickets continued to fall and things were looking great for Delatite with Rovers in a spot of bother at 5/38.

A 22 run partnership for the sixth wicket was a pretty annoying for the boys, but that was nothing compared to the 79 run partnership for the seventh wicket, which was also the last wicket due to Rovers only having eight players.

Instead of chasing a relatively low total, the boys were faced with a very decent run chase.

Tom Logan-Williams and Henry Berriman chimed in with two wickets and Charlie Watts continued his improvement with the ball, snaring one.

The run chase got off to the worst start possible, with Max O’Loughlan getting a very good ball first up which dismantled his stumps.

Regular wickets fell after that, but a 53 run partnership for the fifth wicket between Nick Hoskin (35) and Harry Craddock (23) provided some hope.

When that was broken, it all finished rather quickly with Delatite being dismissed for 90.

Nick Hoskin, Harry Craddock and Charlie Watts were the award winners this week.

The 23/24 season finished with few wins for our boys, but there was very encouraging improvement from every member of the team as the year went on.

Everyone is super keen for next year already.

Thank you to all parents and friends for their support of the team, Kane Hoskin for coaching the side and Naomi Campbell for everything that she does.

The Delatite Cricket Club would also like to thank our junior sponsors Delatite Dental, Roundabout Cafe and O’Malley’s Pizza for their generous support throughout the season.

KEEPING UP: A hard day on the pitch for Nick Ferguson.

HE GOES:

LOWDOWN: Tough day for keeper Nick Ferguson.

PHOTOS: Ken Rainsbury

Milawa win over

Delatite at home a blow

CRICKET

By DAVID FOSTER B GRADE CRICKET

Wangaratta & District Cricket Association - B Grade Delatite 8/121 defeated by Milawa 137

THEY say catches win matches but it’s not always true.

In Delatite’s B Grade’s match against Milawa at Mansfield’s Lords Reserve, the visitors were barely able to catch a cold let alone a cricket ball but still ran out victors by 16 runs.

The secret to Milawa’s success was to bat first and be aggressive.

It didn’t necessarily pay off every time but 137 runs ended up being enough to defend successfully.

Opener Jason Papworth led the way with a rapid 33 and captain Nathan de Vries wasn’t far behind with 27.

Contributions from Ryan Brereton 23, David Radeski 20 and Russell Ferguson 12 all added up on the well-grassed Lords’ surface.

Arriving in town one batter short, Milawa was dismissed four balls short of its allotted 36 overs.

Andrew Cook has been a force with the ball all season for Delatite and his profitable

3/29 was no exception.

Cooper Martin compelled the batsmen to take notice as he recorded 2/2 from 8 balls.

Nick Hoskin was lively while capturing 2/20 and single wickets went the way of Michael Burrows 1/24 and Charlie Watts 1/25.

Wicketkeeper Nick Ferguson put in a blinder again behind the stumps with three spectacular catches.

Standing nearby in the slips cordon Brett Bradley also pulled off a magnificent grab.

Each showing a reliable pair of hands in the outfield were Richy Philip with two catches and one to Jake Berry.

Delatite’s batting prowess has had a question mark hanging over it all season.

Thanks to Milawa’s plethora of dropped catches the side managed to reach more or less its average score, in this case 8/121, but not enough to embarrass second-placed Milawa.

Darcy Bullen could have dug a hole for himself on dropping a sitter but recovered immediately once the ball hit the turf to run out one of the Delatite openers for a diamond duck.

Delatite captain Nick Ferguson made a determined 37 but once he departed batting firepower

diminished and the run rate fell behind.

Innings from Brett Bradley 16, Paul Brond 13 not out, Cooper Martin 11 and Nick Hoskin 10 proved insufficient to get Delatite across the line.

Fierce striker Richy Philip was called away on firefighting duties just as he was readying himself to enter the fray. His loss definitely put a spanner in the works of Delatite’s run chase.

Lackadaisical running between the wickets also cost Delatite valuable runs.

The coach will no doubt have some training drills in mind during the week to sharpen up the batters.

Milawa’s bowling attack was steady rather than venomous but did the job.

Ben Day consistently landed the ball in the right spots to earn the figures of 4/24.

Ryan Brereton with 2/31 was the support act. This Saturday sees Delatite B’s final game of the season.

It takes on cellar dwellers Wangaratta Magpies at the Lords Reserve on Saturday Delatite’s form has been on the up recently but no opposition can be taken lightly.

Delatite falls short in Wangaratta

CRICKET

By PETER M SCALES

THE Delatite batsmen found the going very difficult as they set about chasing Rovers United-Bruck (RUB) CC’s total of 150 from the previous Saturday.

Runs were extremely hard to come by on the up-and-down pitch, coupled with the lush outfield of the WJ Findlay Reserve.

Gregor Fraser and Mark O’Loughlan started the run chase solidly in the first ten overs, however they bogged down in the second ten, with RUB’s bowlers stringing together a series of maidens.

Off-spinner Jeremy Wilson was introduced into the attack and bowled a marathon 20-over spell.

He turned the game in the hosts’ favour dispatching five out of Delatite’s top six batsmen, for just 28 runs.

Mitch Copey showed some return fire with a top-scoring 26, while Connor Reeve fought hard to hang on with 18 not out.

The side was all out in the last over of the day for an underwhelming 119.

This result puts any hope of playing finals out of the equation, but the team will be hoping for a strong finish to its season when it travels to Beechworth the next two Saturdays to take on the Wanderers CC.

Merton bested by Benalla

CRICKET

By ROHAN BERRIMAN

MERTON travelled to Benalla to take on the top side at the showgrounds turf wicket.

Merton batting first made 9/108 Ross Mackinnon 39 and James Benton 13 the top scorers.

Benalla captain S McLeod 4/11 made scoring tough for the visitors on a lush outfield.

Benalla opener Josh Hart 40 and Brett Pollard 30 hammered any loose bowling while Merton missed a few chances in the field, the undefeated home side cruised to victory in the 23rd over.

Mackinnon and Henry Berriman the only wicket takers and a few fill in players helped out the Merton side.

The season’s final match at Merton is this Saturday versus the in form Yarrawonga; hopefully Merton can scratch together a side for this match with the 2004 and 2012 premiership sides in attendance celebrating their achievements in the Alexandra/Euroa leagues.

DOWN

Wicketkeeper Nick Ferguson hits the ground.

U12s cricket delivers with a sting

JUNIOR CRICKET

IN their last outing on the Recreation Reserve for the season, the Bushrangers managed an upset despite being one player short, with a little help from an unwanted visitor.

After winning the toss for the third time in a row, the Bushrangers this time changed strategies and chose to send in the Stars.

Despite the early loss of opener Billy Briggs for three the Stars managed regular scoring, with each of the next three batters hitting at least a boundary before retiring, with Noah Heaysman topping the scorecard with 15.

A couple of mid-innings wickets fell during a slowdown in the run-rate which saw only four further runs coming off the bat from the remaining six batters.

The Stars finished with a modest but defendable 3/59 from 22 overs, with Roy Mercieca the pick of the bowlers with 1/4.

In their reply the Bushrangers made one of their strongest starts to the sea-

son, but not without its share of drama.

Play was interrupted for several minutes early in the innings when keeper Noah Heaysman was stung on the big toe by an unprovoked European wasp, with vengeance meted out on the aggressive invader by both fielders and batters.

Once play resumed Jack

Jacob (14 runs) was joined in retirement by Mercieca (11) and Max Strong (8), and Xavier Heaysman (13) was on track to join them and eclipse them all when an over-enthusiastic swing brought him undone, bringing about the second hitwicket in as many weeks.

The remaining Bushrangers could not maintain the pace, and all remaining batters bar Cody Place (8) fell early for little or no runs.

This was of little concern however, as the Bushrangers had passed the winning total in their tenth over.

Another healthy dose of ‘extras’ helped the Bushrangers to victory and an excellent total of 5/89 off only 17 overs.

DELATITE U14S LOSE TO BENALLA

JUNIOR CRICKET

By ANDREW COOK

MANSFIELD’S U14s welcomed the Benalla Bushrangers to the Recreation Reserve for their second day of the last round for season 202/24.

The team has been blessed with perfect weather for every game this year and Saturday’s conditions were the best yet; blue skies and no dew on the ground to make a mess of the ball.

Defending a modest total of 101 runs, Delatite struck quickly with two wickets in the first two overs to brothers Cooper and Nixen Martin before any runs had been made off the bat.

Unfortunately the Bushrangers steadied the ship before any further damage could be done, lead by an excellent and watchful 21 from Angus Leavold.

Two quick wickets from Eamon Nealon brought the game

onto a more even keel, with the match well balanced at the halfway point with four wickets down and half the runs required scored.

After the break, Harry Berg chipped in with a couple of wickets however the game soon slipped out of Delatite’s grasp, as did a number of straightforward chances grassed by their fielders.

An excellent 8th-wicket partnership of 42 followed by a 9thwicket partnership of 26 helped Benalla to a commanding win, finishing their 40 overs on 8/161. With this loss the U14s’ season has ended, finishing only a couple of places outside the final four.

The team will only have a few players age-out in 2024/25 whilst the experience has been invaluable for the several players 12 years or younger, so the club is optimistic for the U14s’ prospects next season.

BENALLA BUSHRANGERS WIN: Roy Mercieca was the pick of bowlers with 1/4 at the Recreation Reserve.

Baker takes the cake

CYCLING

By IAN CONRICK

ANY cyclist considering a casual ride would wander outside to feel the wind, look to the sky and say, “It’s on tonight.”

Yes.

Thursday night Mansfield Mt Buller Cycling Club raced out on the Mansfield-Whitfield Road with the turn around point at Long Lane finishing on Graves Road; a distance of 22km with 13 riders on the start list for the handicap race.

It means that you can be graded with fellow contestants; that could be a school teacher, a security officer, a sign writer or a poor, old, Aussie battler who’s had Vegemite soup for lunch.

But we all have the same goal - to grab the moment; to say to ourselves, “I’ve had a 30 minute nana nap this afternoon” or “I’ve had a handful of nuts and a mini chocolate bar” and call on your group and say, “Let’s have a crack at winning this race.”

They might reply, “Mate, I’m cooked, done, you go.”

Or you’re thinking about going around to your motherin-law’s for a warm cup of tea.

By now those other blokes

have got the jump on you and then you’re further delayed as a you’re stopped to give way to a vehicle.

That’s fine; as the wind has swung around onto my back and I’m flying to the finish line.

My legs are burning and the lungs screaming for a rest but what a great nights’ racing.

Congratulations to the winner, Adam Baker, followed by Ian Conrick and Adrian Dowd.

Fastest time went to Bruce Halket.

With fellow riders and their families we enjoyed a meal at the Mansfield Hotel, thanking the Brown family for their ongoing support of the MMBCC.

To the volunteers, as always, many thanks for your help.

Also to Tony Copland, our photographer, the person behind the snaps and shots.

As always we welcome visitors, families and the like to have a ride or race with the club look at www.mmbcc.org. au for further details.

Next week’s race is a new event; the circuit is the Owens Creek Road / Merinda Way Loop, two and a half anticlockwise laps starting at the cemetery, probably for a good reason.

Major

IN FORM: Adam Baker turns onto Old Tolmie Road and prepares for the ‘Coombesberg’ on his way to winning. PHOTO: Tony Copland