(FROM LEFT) WADEYE’S Yakbar and Kurt, Beechworth’s Luke Brock, Wadeye’s Marcus, Thamarrurr Youth Corporation’s Tom Crawley, Wadeye’s JJ and trainer Daniel refined their butchering skills as part of a recent course at the Mayday Hills premises.
Full story page 3.
BILLSON’S brewery has cited cost of living pressures and a change in consumer behaviour as key drivers behind its decision to cull jobs at the Beechworth factory.
The “devastating but necessary” decision was reportedly conveyed to workers earlier this week, with Billson’s Brewery director Nathan Cowan confirming the business was undergoing a restructure on Tuesday.
The exact number of jobs expected to be impacted by the decision is yet to be confirmed, with Mr Cowan noting rising
costs of energy, freight, ingredients, raw materials and “the third highest spirit tax in the world” had driven the move.
“As a regional Australian family business, it’s critical we recalibrate our operations to ensure our long term competitiveness in a category dominated by large foreignowned multinationals,” he said.
■ Continued page 2
COMMUNITY members are being encouraged to share their thoughts, as Indigo Shire Council seeks to develop an Urban Tree Canopy Strategy.
The strategy, which will aim to develop a plan which maps out how the shire will manage, protect and
enhance tree cover within its townships, has been described as a “critical” step amid increasing climate change concerns.
The strategy will focus on tree canopies in eight major townships, namely Barnawartha, Beechworth, Chiltern, Kiewa/Tangam-
■ From page 1
“These changes have undoubtedly impacted the team, and in turn, will impact the Beechworth community and the wider region.
“It’s a devastating but necessary response – we will continue to provide support to our team through this difficult process.”
Mr Cowan said he was proud of the revitalised business, which was first opened in 1865 before being re-launched some six years ago.
“Over the past six years, we’ve worked tirelessly to revitalise the business by developing a unique range of flavourful drinks and restoring the historic brewery into a vibrant tourist destination, and we are proud of our achievements in both of those areas,” he said.
“We continue to experience tremendous support from our retail partners, and together we remain committed to delighting out con-
balanga, Rutherglen, Stanley, Wahgunyah and Yackandandah.
It will also include strategic actions to promote growth, protection and equitable distribution of trees in the towns, provide direction to create greener, healthier and more sustainable town-
ships through the planting of resilient trees, and guide the tree replacement program for ageing trees across the shire.
Community members can share their thoughts via a council-run survey, with input then to be taken to local landcare groups
and the Indigo Environment Advisory Committee to develop a draft document.
The community will then be able to provide feedback on the draft document.
The strategy is also being developed as part of the Naturally Cooler Indigo
sumers all over the country.”
Beechworth Inc. president Katrina Witherow said it was a “terrible” blow to the Beechworth community.
“Beechworth has that many empty shops already and then to have this happen, it’s just like a double whammy - there’s a lot going on in Beechworth at
the minute,” she said. “It’s terrible - times are hard enough as it is, let alone a major employer like this having to restructure.
“They are one of our major employers and they have drawn a lot of people into the workforce there which has been good, but then to
have it broken down, it’s really sad for everyone concerned.
“It’s sad for the community, (and) it’s sad for the town to see this happening.”
She said the company had previously been a key supporter of local initiatives such as Beechworth Inc.’s Christmas lights project.
Project, funded by Emergency Management Victoria which aims to upscale council’s street and park tree planting to increase natural shade.
For more information, visit https://engage.indigoshire.vic.gov.au/urbantree-canopy-strategy.
WODONGA police are investigating following the alleged armed robbery of alcohol last weekend.
Officers believe two men approached a Melrose Drive bottle shop in West Wodonga around 9.20pm on Friday, when one of the men allegedly stole drinks.
A staff member attempted to follow the man, but was then allegedly threatened with a machete by a second man, who then stole a slab of beer.
There were no physical injuries.
Both men reportedly fled the scene in a blue sedan.
Images of two men who police believe may be able to assist with their enquiries have been released.
The first man is described as Caucasian and was wearing a tan coloured baseball hat, black t-shirt and black shorts.
The second man was reportedly wearing a white-coloured hoodie, cream-coloured skinny jeans and black shoes.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV or dashcam footage or information us urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppers.com.au.
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A LOCAL partnership with a youth Indigenous organisation in the Northern Territory is giving young people additional skills needed in a remote community.
Beechworth butcher Luke Brock from Kerrupjmara Meats has joined forces with Thamarrurr Youth Corporation with offices in both the isolated NT community of Wadeye and the Alpine Shire town of Bright.
The corporation’s aim is to improve the lives of First Nations peoples from the Thamarrurr region.
Luke said he and his team trained young Indigenous people from the ages of around 18 to 30 to learn to be butchers.
He said the next group would be made up of young women.
Working with Thamarrurr Youth Corporation. Tom Crawley from Bright said the idea behind the project was to place people back on their country with the learning and preserving their knowledge.
He said the outcome will help feed the community as there are massive issues with a lack of food.
“Shopping is quite expensive up there and the meat is really poor quality and not affordable,” he said.
Tom said Wadeye was the largest remote community in the Northern Territory, and a long way from the closest city of Darwin.
He said the program will empower young people to feed their families and feel proud about what they’re doing.
“Once we can get this trailer up there we can then put it into practice in Wadeye,” he said.
He said a purpose-built trailer had been funded by the Northern Territory government through the corporation, being used initially for training in Beechworth.
Butchers-in-training on the inaugural 10-week course are learning how to operate equipment and process meat after gaining other skills in slaughtering livestock.
“Six young men are in this course with four trainers to help me,” Luke said.
“We’ve been lucky enough to have people donate their livestock for us so these young people can learn, and we process cattle and have processed some sheep.”
Luke said young people build up their skill base to go out and provide for their families.
MEMBERS from an online service club without boundaries helping to make positive changes to local and international communities met in Beechworth last weekend.
District 9790’s Rotary e-club members met for a face-to-face strategic meeting held at the local Rotary Club Hall in Queen Victoria Park on Sunday.
Past president Clive Walker said the Rotarians discussed many topics, including how to increase membership and take on new and exciting projects to help people around Australia and the world.
The e-club is one of 400 globally which meets regularly online to carry out Rotary International activities.
“The club has 19 members from various towns across Victoria and New South Wales with our president residing in Japan,” Mr Walker said.
He said the club is helping a primary school and a local medical clinic in Cambodia as well as providing a water well and reticulated water and improved sanitary facilities to a school in Sri Lanka.
“Local projects include supporting young adults to participate in Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) programs, and together with other Rotary clubs is establishing an arboretum at Kilmore with trees from Rotary International countries around the world,” he said.
Club members also set up shop at the Beechworth kiosk on Saturday selling a variety of goodies, among
them key rings, produce and plants to raise funds to invest in community and international projects.
Mr Walker said the kiosk provided a forum to connect with the community and visitors to the town as well as the chance to promote the club and its activities.
A social lunch followed Sunday’s meeting at the local Chinese restaurant.
The club celebrated its eighth birthday last Friday when on February 23 in 2016 it officially became a chartered club in its own right taking over the charter from the Riddle Creek Rotary Club.
For anyone interested in joining the club with its online meetings or to find out more contact Kathryn Chivers in Beechworth on 0428 282 968.
“Around every two weeks we will swap to a different outstation.
“The young people will take their family out, load up with a heap of meat, butcher and cryovac (vacuum pack) it and then take it home and distribute it to family.”
Luke said the plan was to include such things as fish and mud crabs - not just cattle and other livestock - meaning the operation could run throughout the year taking the wet season into account.
“We’re creating a whole new industry in town,” he said.
The corporation will run the trailer in Wadeye where it will create jobs.
By CORAL COOKSLEY
THIS year’s annual Rutherglen Tastes of Art Prize is shaping up to be another tremendous success with more than 550 entries received from over 320 artists around and beyond the region.
Yarrawonga award-winning artist Kate Gorman is this year’s judge with well-known photographer Jules Boag judging four photographic sections – people, place, illustrative and landscape.
In judging, Ms Gorman said she will be looking for eye catchers where traditional artwork principles have been used.
“There needs to be a balance with tone, shape, lines and colour capturing the viewer’s interest,” she said.
The judge said she will be looking for techniques applied with brush strokes as well across all works depending on the medium.
She said artworks will be contemporary and traditional
but equally important.
Ms Gorman said art exhibitions were not just for cities, where many people would not travel to Melbourne to see one.
“They are more likely to enjoy a local show that opens minds to local art,” she said. She said the standard and variety of local artwork is also important for the local show, with local exhibitions serving as a stepping stone for regional artists to develop their confidence.
“The exhibition is going to be interesting and exciting and I’m looking forward to seeing local art,” Ms Gorman said.
“The world still supports art, and we need that escape from the everyday and has an important role in our life.
“It’s like an escape into another world like any artform and is also good for mental health.”
Ms Gorman has painted full time since 2002 and said she has always been creative.
“I became hooked on art from painting with my late father John Leahy who lived
in Corowa,” she said.
ArtsRutherglen committee member Irena Webster said the team had been extremely busy behind the scenes preparing for the exhibition being held between March 9 and 17.
Works arrive next Tuesday, set up takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday with judging on Thursday before the exhibition’s Friday opening.
Ms Webster said some larger sculptures have been entered this year while painting/mixed media had been the most popular category.
“If people would like a painting for their walls. we have them,” she said.
A $5 entry fee is required for the exhibition at the Rutherglen Memorial Hall, which runs during the town’s food and wine festival.
The gala exhibition opening night is next Friday night at 6.30pm.
For more information and opening night tickets visit www. artsrutherglen.com.au.
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15% pay rise over four years and 10-hour shifts is not good enough for V/Line workers pyygg/By STEVE KELLY
V/LINE trains will come to a grinding halt next Friday if plans for stop work industrial action over 13 hours goes ahead.
The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) has notified V/Line of its intention to take a 13-hour stoppage from 3am to 4pm, with operations staff including conductors, train controllers, stations and customer service staff and authorised officers to walk off the job.
The action comes as part of the RTBU’s enterprise bargain-
ing agreement push for equity between regional V/Line staff and their metro counterparts, including pay and conditions.
A letter to union members on February 26 details the current offer of a 15 per cent wage increase over four years (up from 12pc), made up of 3pc increases per annum, a modernised operations allowance of 1pc per annum, and a 0.5pc cash payment on July 1 each year.
Under the offer, regional staff will have to work up to a 10-hour shift instead of the standard eight hours, and they are also
expected to travel 80km or up to one hour a day to sign on to start work at various locations, as part of a master roster.
“The state wages policy is being used to hold back regional workers and create a two class transport network,” RTBU branch secretary Vik Sharma said.
“Into the ninth month of bargaining, the Allan Government has endorsed a dud deal that would leave regional workers worse off than their metropolitan counterparts.
“V/Line workers are seeking a fair and reasonable enterprise
agreement that reflects the conditions already accepted by other employers across the industry.”
Commuters are urged to make other travel arrangements on March 8.
“This industrial action will regrettably impact regional commuters and cause significant disruptions to services,” Mr Sharma said.
The RTBU has been negotiating with V/Line management since June last year, and workers have been taking industrial action since December.
A PARTNERSHIP to nationally boost a social enterprise schools program is set to empower rural youth around Australia.
One of Australia’s largest, independently-funded corporate foundations, the AMP Foundation has provided $2.5 million to extend the Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE) program.
ACRE and the AMP Foundation recently made the exciting announcement at an event held at ACRE’s headquarters in the Old Beechworth Gaol.
The foundation’s general manager Nicola Stokes and its tomorrow makers program manager, Lucy Watson, with past Wooragee Primary School student program participants gathered with ACRE staff to celebrate the announcement.
Ms Stokes said the foundation was proud to partner with ACRE to provide the funds over the next five years.
“Many more schools can be involved, and many more children with creative ideas, energy and innovation can make a positive difference in
the communities that they live and hopefully work, in the future,” she said.
ACRE co-founder and chief executive officer Matt Pfahlert said a number of goals and synergies were shared by ACRE and the foundation with efforts to
empower young people and foster enterprising futures throughout Australia.
“The Social Enterprise Schools program that ACRE runs is part of an international collaboration with six countries,” he said.
“Expanding across the
country means that young people in rural Australia and beyond will get a chance to learn the mindset, skills and behaviours, so that in the future they can see themselves as not only seeking a job, but creating their own.
“This is vitally important in rural areas so they can have great and fulfilling lives.
“I’d really like to thank the AMP Foundation, Nicola their general manager and Lucy their tomorrow makers program manager, who
have been incredible in understanding the vision we have for Social Enterprise Schools.
“We’re so thrilled and we can’t thank them enough for their contribution to what we think is going to be an incredible partnership and make the lives of many more young people from right across Australia a really fulfilling one.”
Ms Stokes also acknowledged Wooragee Primary School’s participation in the program and Social Enterprise Schools lead teacher Jess Marshall.
“I’d like to thank the school and Jess for being visionary enough to take on this program and understanding the skills and the opportunity that you give young people,” she said.
“It is great to see how North East Victoria has embraced social enterprise as a really important mechanism to build sustainable economies where people don’t have to leave the place they grew up and love just to get a jobthey can actually create a job and environment, and economy within their own communities.”
TOES will tap along with Celtic music when an internationally famed Irish fiddler visits Beechworth for the first time to perform at Hotel Nicholas next week.
Manus McQuire has teamed up with Aucklandbased multi-instrumentalist Adam Ogle who has a Celtic music background for a tour throughout March performing at a variety of festivals and venues in NSW, Victoria, ACT and Tasmania.
Hailing from Ireland, Mr McQuire said he hoped the audience will take away a sense of what Irish music and culture are all about.
“It has an importance in shaping who we are, in this modern complex world,” he said.
Mr McGuire became widely-recognised more than five decades ago when he won the prestigious Fiddler of Dooney award in the Irish National fiddle competition when 14 years old.
Among a string of musical achievements and awards since then have been 16 albums, three solo fiddle albums and he was voted Male Irish Traditional Musician of the Year in the US in 2006 by Irish American News in Chicago.
He co-founded the Brock McGuire band in 2000 with the group receiving a number of accolades and awards including the ‘Irish instrumental band of the decade’ by Irish American News.
Mr McGuire performs and teaches fiddle music mainly in the United States and in Australia.
Mr Ogle is a multi-instrumentalist playing guitar, mandolin, and bodhran and a well-respected singer who has toured the world as a musician for Indian Ink Theatre Company.
He previously performed with Mr McGuire at the 50th Auckland Folk Festival in January last year.
The show continues Hotel Nicholas’ entertainment focus to include overseas touring artists, many of
whom are Celtic. Hotel Nicholas co-owner Lorraine Lucas said this had been picked up again after COVID.
“We’re looking at ways of attracting overseas artists to Beechworth on their way between Melbourne and Sydney,” she said.
Lorraine said performances offered since around 2007 have drawn many people from near and far, with many spending a night or weekend in Beechworth helping to boost the local economy.
With Celtic lovers flocking to the town for performances prior to COVID, Lorraine said when multi-instrumental Irish folk musician Finbar Furey performed
people came from as far as Toowoomba in Queensland as well as Griffith and Deniliquin in NSW.
“It’s really important to have these artists, and Celtic music is a genre that always has gone very well in Beechworth because of its Celtic roots.” she said.
“Many people who established early Beechworth were of Celtic backgrounds.”
Visit https://events. humanitix.com/manusmcguire-and-adam-ogle3kecr27r to book tickets.
Dinner starts from 6pm with the show kicking off at 8.30pm next Thursday, March 7.
To book a table phone 5728 1051, or for enquiries call 0427 281 052.
Find out how traceability can benefit your business by visiting Agriculture Victoria’s website today.
• Take a look at short videos of traceability in action on farms across Victoria
• Hear from industry experts in the Traceability Podcast series on systems, standards, and technology
• Join the Traceability Community to connect with industry stakeholders
• Read the Traceability Quick Start Guide and find tools to help with decision-making. Visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/traceability for more information.
NATIONAL RECOGNITION: Yackandandah playwright Brendan Hogan is thrilled to have received a prestigious AWGIE award for penning a script commissioned by HotHouse Theatre.
Australian Writers’ Guild
A WELL-KNOWN local playwright has been recognised in receiving one of Australia’s most prestigious writing awards.
Yackandandah’s Brendan Hogan received an ‘AWGIE’ award for penning a script commissioned by HotHouse Theatre for the stage show ‘All the Shining Lights’, having first been conceived by Carm Hogan. The play had its world premiere on the border in November 2022.
The award for ‘Best Theatre for Young Audiences’ in the theatre and audio categories was
presented to Mr Hogan at the 56th AWGIE Awards.
The Australian Writers’ Guild held the gala event at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney on Thursday, February 15.
The annual AWGIE Awards recognise outstanding achievement for performance writing in television, film and theatre.
Mr Hogan said using a local creative and performance team, the home-grown hit drew inspiration from the daring Uiver rescue of the Dutch DC-2 airliner, and the role Albury residents played in its rescue in 1934.
The playwright said it was a huge honour and enormous recognition of the amazing things HotHouse Theatre was undertaking.
“It not only supports and fosters the talents of local artists in our community, but also elevates local stories and regional voices to a national platform,” Mr Hogan said.
“We have some amazing talent in the region and this award just goes to show that what we are creating here on the Border is just as good, if not better, than what is being created in the cities.
“We should be so proud of what we are creating.”
I’ve heard this song a million times, but never like
ACROSS
1 What was the former name of Alice Springs (6)
8 Name a renowned US boxer, Sugar Ray ... (8)
9 To stick fast, is to do what (6)
10 What is the convex or concave upper surface of a column of liquid (8)
11 Name a class of mysterious rites of the nature of sorcery, etc (6)
12 Which city was “not built in a day” (4)
13 Name a constellation in the southern hemisphere (5)
16 What are the slender parts of bottles (5)
19 What are small hotels known as (4)
21 To increase in size, is to do what (6)
22 To have looked back upon, is to have done what (8)
23 What are sun-dried bricks (6)
24 Name a particular instrumentalist (8)
25 What are compositions also known as (6)
DOWN
2 Name an immature form of frog (7)
3 What are lists of things to be done (7)
4 Name a fit of trembling (6)
5 What is an inhabitant more commonly known as (7)
6 To be in possession of ESP, is to be what (7)
7 When one grinds one’s teeth, one does what (7)
13 Name an alternative term for a germ (7)
14 What is salvation achieved by absorption into Brahman (7)
15 What is a hinged, movable flap of an aeroplane wing (7)
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
17 When one uses the services of a person, one does what (7)
18 What was the former name of Cape Canaveral (7)
20 To be calm, quiet, or composed, is to be what (6)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
1 BONSAI
(a) A dwarf tree growing in a pot
(b) A Buddhist priest
(c) A Japanese paper-folding art
2 DENIGRATE
(a) To give a name to
(b) To deny
(c) To blacken a reputation
Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.
CLUES:
Another helping (coll) (7)
Antonym: old (3)
Include (3)
Reconnaissance (abbr) (5) Reserve (abb) (3)
Sat (5)
Somebody Else’s Problem (3)
Squid ink (5)
Tendon (5)
Unseated ruler (7)
Solve
MAGGIE McGowan was born in Corowa and moved to Indigo Valley when she was six years old. She lived there until she was 18, then shifted to Melbourne for university studies. Maggie lived in the Northern Territory for many years, before relocating to Beechworth in 2020.
What do you do workwise?
I currently run two businesses with my partner Laura - a coworking space in Beechworth, called somewhere here co, and Silent Cofounder, a business support agency.
What brought you to your role/ career?
Business is a wild adventure and often people need support. My first foray into business was starting the clothing label Magpie Goose. It was a side project while I was working as a lawyer but it took off, and I ended up taking a long break from my legal career to run the business. I learned so much and it was such an enriching experience. Following our move to Beechworth, we made the decision to transition the business to Aboriginal ownership, and spent two years handing over the operations. After that we decided to share the skills and expertise we developed with other entrepreneurs and business owners through Silent Cofounder. The coworking
space was created because we needed it to exist! Being able to leave the house and step into a productive environment with other professionals has been life changing.
What do you love about your work?
I particularly love supporting people to create strong brands, using authentic storytelling, and creating compelling content.
I’m passionate about contributing to the community in the place where I live, and the coworking space has enabled me to do this in a creative yet practical way. For those that don’t have a workplace to go to, it can be very isolating. Through somewhere here co, we’re making it easier for businesses and entrepreneurs to establish a professional presence and collaborate with others. It’s more than a workspace - it’s a community.
What do you do in the community?
I am currently on the board of the Beechworth Early Years Learning Centre. There is a
waitlist for childcare of over 80 kids, which I believe is one of the greatest impediments to economic development in the Indigo Shire. It’s a feminist issue as it affects mostly women, and it’s a mental health issue. We need to be able to ‘share the care’ – when we don’t, women and families are left in a precarious position.
Is there an important community issue that you think needs addressing?
Childcare as above.
What do you see as one of the most important current world issues?
The genocide in Gaza committed by the Israeli government. 30,000 people killed (mostly women and children) is unfathomable. We must have a ceasefire, and a strong proposal for a Palestinian state.
If the person you would most like to meet came to Indigo Shire (past or present), or was already here, who would that be and what would you show them?
If I had the power to bring someone to the Indigo Shire, I’d summon my Dad who died of cancer when I was 19. We would go rock hopping in the Chiltern Mount Pilot National Park.
What book are you reading?
I just finished ‘Lola in the Mirror’ by Trent Dalton. It’s a ripper yarn.
INDI federal Independent
MP Helen Haines has introduced a bill to Parliament to reform how Commonwealth funding is managed to increase fairness, transparency and accountability.
The Accountability of Grants, Investment Mandates and Use of Public Resources Amendment (End Pork Barrelling) Bill 2024 seeks to end ‘pork barrelling’ by increasing transparency and accountability of government spending of taxpayer money in grant programs.
Pork barrelling is the practice of directing government funds to projects in marginal electorates to win votes, without regard to evidence of the project’s merit.
“Taxpayer money should
be spent on the needs of communities not the wants of the major parties,” Dr Haines said.
“Funding decisions should be evidence-based, with grants awarded on merit and need.
“At election time, the major parties use taxpayer money to shore up votes in marginal seats.
“Rorting grants programs wastes money and destroys public trust in government processes.”
Dr Haines has worked closely with the Centre for Public Integrity to draft the bill, which would: require all grants programs to have clear and publicly available selection criteria;
ensure robust reporting to the parliament to increase accountability; and create a parliamentary committee with oversight of grant administration and guideline compliance
“My bill would require ministers to report to the Parliament when they have delivered money to their own electorates or gone against the advice of their department when awarding grants,” Dr Haines said.
“Sunlight is the best disinfectant, and by forcing ministers to front up and explain themselves if they go against official advice, we are less likely to see dodgy decisions made on the eve of elections to win votes.”
As part of the campaign for the End Pork Barrelling Bill, Dr Haines will host an interactive community forum at The Cube in Wodonga from 7pm on Wednesday, March 6.
At the event, Dr Catherine Williams, executive director of the Centre for Public Integrity will outline the prevalence of pork barrelling and how the major parties use it for political benefit.
Geoffrey Watson SC will host a ‘hypothetical’ panel discussion that will demonstrate how a lack of transparency and accountability has led to wasted public money and distrust in government.
The event will also be live streamed.
To register to attend in person or online, go to www.helenhaines.org/end-pork-barrellinginteractive-community-forum/.
Read more about the bill here: https:// www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/ Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/ Result?bId=r7153.
Friday, March 1 (tonight)
Mayday Hills Art Society: 5pm. A chance to understand the science of genetics. Dr Pieter Mourik will deliver a fascinating account on a recent genetic discovery in human evolution. $5 entry donation. Refreshments provided. MDAHS is located in Kurrajong Way at Mayday Hills. Enquiries Christine CansfieldSmith on 0412 126 219.
Saturday, March 2
SPRING DITCH: 10am – 8pm. Fun filled family event with a smorgasbord of original and diverse Australian music. Stanley Recreation Reserve, Pioneer Road. Ticketed event. Visit https://events. humanitix.com/spring-ditch-2024.
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BEECHWORTH’S finals hopes will come down to the final round of the season.
The Wanderers A grade side were unable to cement their top four spot against Wangaratta Magpies last weekend at Baarmutha Park, going down by 58 runs.
Chasing their target of 217
set the week prior, a 10-man home side were restricted from grappling any real momentum during the chase and were bowled out for 158.
The Wanderers made a change to their opening partnership for the first time this season as captain Brenton joined his brother Kayde at the crease.
The experienced pairing
was short-lived after Kayde was bowled on 11 by Matt Gathercole, and a direct hit run out of the ever-reliable number three Cam Fendyk for 16 had Beechworth in early trouble.
Spinner Zac Guilfoyle started hitting his stride and removed the dangerous Clancy Ellett for just 23 runs, and when Surrey edged on to
Cooper Matheson behind the stumps for 46, the Magpies were on top with Beechworth at 4/103 with most of their damaging batters in the sheds. The undermanned Wanderers lost their final wicket in the 64th over, which gave the Magpies time to boost their points total with the bat, finishing the day at 1/62 from eight overs.
With the Magpies now ahead of Beechworth in third and City Colts just 0.4 points behind in fifth, the Wanderers season will come down to a ‘win or go home’ battle against Delatite at Baarmutha Park.
The Mansfield-based team was unable to chase down 152 against second-placed Rovers United Bruck last week knocking them out of the fi-
nals race, but will be eager to play spoiler to Beechworth’s run into March.
Beechrorth’s C grade finished their regular season last week with a narrow loss against YarrawongaMulwala while B grade’s season will end tomorrow at Greta, after they were bowled out for 30 in their loss against Ovens Valley.
BEECHWORTH’S junior golfers will be given the tools to expand their game through specialist golf clinics over the coming weeks.
Weekly sessions commencing March 10 will provide clinics for under 9s, under 13s and over 14s on four Sunday mornings stretching into early April, hosted by former pro golfer Penny Graeber.
A $50 cost will cover all four sessions, and will grant all participating juniors a junior membership at Beechworth Golf Club through to March 2025.
Both the under 9s and under 13s programs have space for 15 participants, while only six spots are open for those over the age of 14.
To sign up, contact Jacqui on 0427 009 784 or email jacart@ gmail.com before the day.
There is no room for walk-in participants.
A full schedule of the clinics will be conveyed once participants have secured their place.
ROUND six of the Beechworth Tennis Club’s summer season saw another beautiful evening where the conditions for playing was matched by the enthusiasm of substitutes stepping in for absent players.
It is great that the new courts and the social nature of the competition has drawn so many players to the courts.
The results for teams has
been shaken up, however, as the best players continue to show the benefits of playing each week and knowing their teammates’ capacities.
Normac Rural with their settled combinations led by Mick Cavallin had a clear five sets to one win over Shingleback Off Road.
While Jeremy Schmolzer, Ben Sockett and Karen Potter missed their reliable partner Christie Bence they battled hard to provide spirited competition with Char-
lotte Brundell. But with Sue Fendyk improving her game every week she partnered Mick, Will Sargent and Olivia Bennett to the comfortable win.
Ben Croome returned for Burder Industries and piloted his team with regular Matilda Taylor and subs Rachel Cavallin and Joan McIntosh to an equally impressive five sets to one win.
Will Stanistreet , Ann Henderson and Simone Sockett missed John Sheehan as Rod
Watson stepped in for some spirited games but the class of Croome shone through as team Burder answered every challenge.
Pritchard Plumbing had their full team, who have all been improving every week and took a narrow one game win on the night over Indigo Real Estate who may have missed Andrew Taylor more than they thought.
Ben Ryder and Kelly Clarkson started strongly and with Arcady Sitchenko
and Tonya Sey lifting their game held off Paul Stefaniak, Diamund Kelly and Billy Taylor, supported by James. A similar one game cliffhanger was played out between Alpine Indigo Accounting - putting the “fun into finance” apparentlyand Alpine Survey and Mapping.
This time Darren McCormick, Simon Maughan, Alice Corcoran and Ruby McCormick had the last laugh over Josh,
Sophie, Adam and Renee. Alpine Survey and Mapping have the bye on March 6 and there are sure to be some further opportunities for substitutes to shake up the results while regular teams consolidate their partnerships.
Burder play Alpine Accounting, Pritchard play Roasters, Normac play Real Estate while Shingleback play Furnishing in the penultimate round of the season.
Brenton Surrey topscored with 46 last weekend as Beechworth went down by 58 runs to Wangaratta Magpies at Baarmutha Park.
CHILTERN Football Netball Club is starting to see the impacts of their decision to make football and netball free of cost for their junior players.
ways to alleviate financial pressure and attract more juniors to the club.
The club made the generous announcement late last year they would be willing to compensate as much as $12,000 in registration fees for their entire junior football and netball grades through sponsors, in an effort to help counter the rising cost of living and decreased numbers in country sport participation.
According to president Tom Lappin, the club has seen a big improvement in under 17s football participation compared to this time last year and seen strong numbers in their junior netball grades.
But Lappin said there was still room for improvement in securing numbers in the under 14s football side, which are currently shorthanded.
“It’s certainly had an impact, is it the impact we would like it to have; not quite yet,” he said.
“We don’t have a lot of junior kids around our local area; it goes through stages and at the moment the fact is that there aren’t many locals.”
Wodonga Saints earlier this year became the second TDFL club to compensate their junior footballer registration fees, hoping to save families around $300.
Lappin said the club had received many messages of gratitude from parents and the community since the committee came to their decision, as they looked for
“It’s good to see some of the other clubs following along, we’re all in the same boat and we’ve got to look at why the kids aren’t playing,” he said.
“The parents who have kids of junior age, they’re trying to buy houses, put food on the table and buy cars and kids sport can become pretty expensive.
“We’re trying to get kids to play who haven’t played before and parents who maybe couldn’t afford for their kids to play but they would like to.”
Lappin said the club will continue to monitor the impacts of their free junior participation initiative when their season begins next month, and they will be hoping to attract assistance from sporting bodies like the AFL.
“The disappointing part for us is that the AFL just don’t seem to see how hard it is,” he said.
“Of course it hurts us financially because we have to pay out all of the fees ourselves, but I think the AFL need to have a serious look at how they can encourage these kids to not only play but keep the ones who are playing.
“Registration fees carry an insurance part of it and if the AFL could cover junior insurance or anything else it would help, but they just don’t seem to be too concerned about it.”
