ENGAGED COMMUNITY
Kylie and Pat Giltrap with daughters Stella and Charlie were among a strong crowd paying their respects at last Friday’s ANZAC Day service in Beechworth. See full coverage of Indigo Shire services inside.
■ Full story page 3
Kinder future up in the air
By CORAL COOKSLEY
ALPINE Children’s Services withdrew its intentions of running childcare and kindergarten services at the Mayday Hills premises in a surprise announcement just hours before Indigo Shire Council’s meeting on Tuesday.
Recently awarded the lease by Indigo Shire Council as the sole provider to take over the Mayday Hills site, existing occupiers Beechworth Community Early Years Learning
Alpine Chrildren’s Services withdraws from EOI of Beechworth centre, next steps to be decided
Centre (BCEYLC) and Beechworth Kindergarten were set to be ousted from Mayday Hills from January next year.
BCEYLC had rallied against council’s decision, showing frustration on a lack of community consultation and transparency in the process.
A picnic gathering drawing more than 100 BCEYLC supporters went ahead be-
fore Indigo Shire Council’s meeting Tuesday night, with many of them attending the meeting and spilling from the gallery to the foyer.
BCEYLC Board president Lauren Malins said the group still attended the meeting to show council its strong support for the centre to remain in its current location.
“We hope council takes
on our feedback, that the process should be community led and there needs to be community consultation about what the future of early years education in Beechworth looks like,” she said.
Ms Malins said a process also needed to be formed for existing occupants of the building based on feedback from the community.
“If the process is open and transparent, we will always accept the outcome and questions can be answered,” she said
She said current occupants fundraised and built the facility 30 years ago.
“It was always an understanding that these occupants would be there for as long as they wish to remain, or as long as the building stood for the 99-year lease,” she said.
■ Continued page 6
Grant to help grow local tourism from ground up
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A GRANT from the state government’s regional tourism investment fund received by Indigo Vineyard is set to help boost the local economy with increased visitation to the area.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos announced successful recipients of the Regional Tourism Investment Fund 2024 in mid-April.
Indigo Vineyard is one of 15 tourism businesses with small scale projects across the state to receive the funding.
The vineyard, with its awardwinning wines located in Everton Upper foothills, will this year start to build a new 20 by 12 metre cellar door wrapped around accessibility.
Indigo Vineyard founder Rob Hawkings said planning had been in the making for the last four years.
Besides a larger area, Mr Hawkings said the new amenity will include a kitchen, and accessible toilets for people needing more user-friendly facilities.
He also said the existing 24 square cellar door space only seats around 10 people with the garden area and other external seating relied upon with comfort experience di culties faced in wet, cold or hot weather.
ference in having space for people to be able to wine taste, dine, and have undercover space all through the year with heating and cooling giving them a better experience,” he said.
the opportunity for more people to visit.”
Votes to roll in throughout shire on election day
A MAJORITY of Indigo Shire residents will hit the polls on Saturday to elect Indi’s federal MP for the next three years.
Seven early voting centres throughout Indi saw 19,378 voters lodge their ballot papers last week.
While no pre-polling voting centres were available in the Indigo Shire, they will remain open until Friday 6pm in Wangaratta and Wodonga.
Polling places on election day voting, 3 May, will be open from 8am to 6pm in the Indigo Shire.
They will be located at: Stanley Safer Place Recreation Reserve, Beechworth Senior Citizens Club, Wooragee Centenary Hall, Chiltern Senior Citizens Hall, Barnawartha Soldiers Memorial Hall, AE Henderson Pavillion (Rutherglen), Wahgunyah School of Arts, Yackandandah Public Hall and Tangambalanga Community Hall.
The nine candidates vying for your vote in the Indi federal election are: Independent incumbent federal MP Helen Haines; Mitch Bridges (Labor); James Trenery (Liberal); Athol Thomas (One Nation); Alysia Regan (The Greens); Tim Quilty (Libertarian); Michael White (Family First); Ben Howman (Legalise Cannabis); and Mark McFarlane (Independent).
Dr Haines has held the Indi seat for two terms after taking over from fellow Independent Cathy McGowan in 2019.
“It’s going to make a real dif-
“It will be helping to increase the frequency of overnight stays and money spent in the Beechworth wine region and provide
The grants to support new and innovative tourism infrastructure projects have been designed to attract more visitors to Victoria’s regions.
The Regional Tourism Investment Fund 2024 is part of the $170 million Regional Tourism
and Events Fund to create more jobs, support our important tourism businesses and attract more visitors to experience all that is on o er across regional Victoria.
Indigo Vineyard on Saturday celebrated its 25th vintage with guests coming from as far as Darwin.
Ms McGowan famously beat former Liberal MP Sophie Mirabella in a tight contest in 2013 and again at the 2016 election.
In 2019 Dr Haines won 51.4 per cent of the vote over Liberal Party candidate Steve Martin, despite a 4.1pc swing to the Libs.
She backed up in 2022 to beat Liberal candidate Ross Lyman after achieving a 7.55pc swing in her favour.
POWERING VICTORIA FOR VICTORIANS
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
Beechworth ANZAC Day service draws huge crowd
By CORAL COOKSLEY
FOR cousins Tim and Terry Scanlan and Rhonda Martin the main address for Beechworth’s ANZAC Day service delivered by Beechworth Secondary College (BSC) students had been a proud moment.
BSC captains Poppy Voight and Aya McInerney shared the story of two local brothers Ronald John Scanlan (Terry and Rhonda’s father) and Hedley Milton Scanlan (Tim’s father) who both served in the Second World War.
Beechworth RSL Sub Branch president John Eldrid welcomed around a 500-strong crowd to this year’s ANZAC Day commemoration.
The special event marked 110 years since the ANZACs landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915 during World War I.
The 11.30am main service followed a march down Ford Street to the cenotaph at the Beechworth Town Hall Gardens with people clapping as the marchers walked past.
The BSC captains said in their presentation ANZAC Day is one of remembrance, re ection, and deep respect.
“ANZAC Day reminds us not only of the past but of the enduring values that were forged in those di cult times mateship, courage, endurance, and sacri ce,” Aya said.
“These values are the very foundations of our communities, carried forward by generations of Australians who continue to serve, support, and remember.”
Drawing on the local story the Poppy and Aya said Ronald, known to family and friends as Ron, served in the Australian Army as a member of an anti-aircraft regiment
signing up as a 23-year-old.
Hedley Milton known as Mick joined the Royal Australian Navy, serving aboard HMAS Launceston.
“Mick was present in Tokyo Bay during the formal Japanese surrender, witnessing rst hand a pivotal moment in world history, the end of a long and devastating war,” Aya said.
They said both brothers had dedicated years to the Beechworth RSL committee as well as holding o ce bearer roles during that time.
“Their leadership and commitment re ect the heart of ANZAC values not just in wartime, but in building strong, connected communities in peace,” Poppy said.
The pair said Ron and Mick’s story like many others is one of family, service, and sacri ce.
Aya said as a young person he re ected on how lucky people are to live with the freedoms that others fought so hard to protect.
“Freedoms we o en take for granted, but were hard earned,” he said.
“Hearing stories like Ron and Mick’s helps me understand that ANZAC Day isn’t just about history, it’s about gratitude.
“Their legacy lives on not just in memorials, but in the way we choose to live, carry ourselves, and remember.
“Going to the services is more than just attending, it’s about remembering and respecting all of the soldiers that fought and gave their lives for our country and our way of life.”
Mr Eldrid’s address included remembering all those who paid the ultimate sacri ce, those who served in the Australian Defence Force on active service stretching from the Boer War to Afghanistan and those currently serving.
“ANZAC Day is a day to remember all men and women of the Australian Defence Force, regardless of the time and where they served,” he said.
Terry Scanlan said his father was typical of most returned servicemen, never speaking about war experiences, but spoke about comradeship.
Yackandandah community remembers the fallen
YACKANDANDAH’S ANZAC Day ceremonies held at Memorial Park, Wellsford and High Streets last Friday had unprecedented attendance with around a 300-strong crowd at the dawn service.
Master of Ceremony Lincoln Ablett said the haunting strains of “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes echoed as a formation of horses and riders solemnly lined both sides of Memorial Park’s entrance gates.
“Soldiers from the nearby Army School of Health based formed a digni ed catafalque party, slow marching to mount guard around the Memorial, their precision adding gravitas,” he said.
As emcee (MC), Mr Ablett said he shared the storied history of the Australian Light Horse - skilled mounted infantry whose bravery in Sinai and Palestine campaigns World War I was legendary.
“Paired with resilient Waler (breed) horses, they navigated harsh deserts, show-
casing Australia’s adaptable, tenacious spirit,” he said.
Mr Ablett said local resident and regular bugler Chris McGorlick’s soulful rendition lent authenticity.
“The Yackandandah Hotel hosted a hearty gun re breakfast - bacon, eggs, hot co ee, and tea - for a gold coin donation,” he said.
“The community march, a cherished tradition, featured veterans, local groups, the Army School of Health, and the local Wodonga Marching Band, with children’s enthusiastic participation.”
Yackandandah’s locals lined the streets, cheering.
At The Soldier’s Memo-
rial Park, Max Murphy from Yackandandah Primary read “The ANZAC Requiem,” while Niamh, Elliarna, and Sarah from Osbornes Flat Primary recited “Poppies.”
The Yackandandah School Choir’s stirring performance of “The Spirit of the ANZACs” and the National Anthem moved many.
Dozens of wreaths, laid by community groups and individuals, adorned the memorial.
The Senior Citizens Club provided a warm morning tea, fostering re ection while the day concluded with a lively “two up” game at the Star Hotel, uniting locals and visitors in camaraderie.
Chiltern commemorate at dawn and midmorning services
By CORAL COOKSLEY
“He would always put other people in front of himself, spoke about the good and happy stories and said there are no winners in a war,” he said.
Community connection with the Beechworth ANZAC Day service stood out for local resident Pat Giltrap at the commemoration.
“It’s great to see the kids participating and understanding of ANZAC Day and to have connection, and bond with grandparents and other family members who have served and understand,” he said.
Beechworth Anglican Church priest Fr Matthew Healy delivered the prayer and Beechworth Singers musical director Colleen Arnott led singing for the Australian and New Zealand national anthems.
Wreath laying by community, business and service organisations, schools and individuals took place before the service ended.
A moving dawn service was held at 6am followed by a Gunre breakfast in the Beechworth Serviceman’s Memorial Hall.
THE dawn and main service for Chiltern’s ANZAC Day commemorations drew big crowds last Friday.
More than 200 people attended the dawn service with the 11am service swelled to more than 500 people.
Following the ANZAC Day service, veterans, families, community groups, schools and other organisations marched from the Soldiers Memorial Park down Chiltern’s main street to the Memorial Hall.
Co-organiser Ian Anfruns said this year’s talk focused on local Chiltern serviceman Private David Towers, who survived World War I but had contracted Tuberculosis (TB) in the trenches.
“He died two years a er returning to Chiltern,” he said.
Mr Anfruns continued to speak about Private Tower’s cousin, Private Bob Reese a World War II infantry pioneer captured in Java along with Lieutenant Colonel Ernest Edward Dunlop, also known as ‘Weary’ Dunlop.
“They were tasked to work on Burma railway with Private Bob Reese dying of malaria and pellagra and buried Thailand,” he said.
Lieutenant Colonel Dunlop, well-known for his medical work with Australian prisoners of the Japanese in World War II, survived the war. He was also well-known for welfare work on their behalf a er the war.
Thirty family descendants of Private Bob Reece attended the service and further commemorations in the Memorial Hall.
HONOURED: Indigo Shire mayor Sophie Price with councillor Scott Landells placed a wreath Soldiers Memorial Park on ANZAC Day. PHOTO: Trevor Ierino
A love of teaching visual arts
LEAH Stephens was born in Healesville located in the wine and food region of the picturesque Yarra Valley and moved to Stanley in July last year.
What do you do workwise?
I began teaching three days a er moving to Stanley in a Mobile Art Cra Centre (MACC) teacher role.
I’m based at Whorouly Primary School and teach the visual arts curriculum to nine schools spanning Carraragarmungee to Harrietville and Oxley to Tawonga.
Secondary school trained in visual arts and design, I found I really loved teaching primary aged children to develop and master visual arts practices whilst exploring and expressing their ideas.
What brought you to your role/ career?
Having studied a ne art degree post VCE art, I wanted to be both a nurturing and creative role model and teacher for students as my teachers were for me.
I hold student social, emotional and creative growth in high regard
to our local community and environment.
Animal advocacy is also a passion of mine as I believe we need a vast improvement in the well-being and protection of all non-human animals, in both animal agriculture and due to human impact within the natural environment.
What do you see as one of the important current world issues?
and recognise the power of creative expression and problem-solving capabilities in building con dence and resilience in young people. And to be honest, truck driving whilst living in Perth was no longer doing it for me.
It was a great way to explore the region, yet I wasn’t bene ting others from my former training, nor was I ‘being there’ for, or inspiring young hearts and minds.
I love the work I do – it is an extremely rewarding profession.
What do you do in the community?
I was a volunteer wildlife rescuer in the Yarra Valley for many years and would love to pursue similar volunteer work locally.
I volunteer to give back
Is there an important community issue that you think needs addressing?
The environmental, animal welfare, and global food security impacts of outdated animal agricultural practices, from smallscale to large-scale industrial operations.
What would you do to solve change, improve that situation?
I would drive public awareness campaigns, creating transparency around practices that cause unnecessary su ering and environmental impact, enabling consumers to seek kinder alternatives, and empowering individuals to make choices that create a kinder world.
I would love to build momentum
in assisting those that pro t from animals to move towards kinder practices and alternative initiatives.
The connection between climate change and animal agriculture.
If the person you would most like to meet came to Indigo Shire (past or present), or was already here, who would that be, what would you show them, and why?
Animal advocate and investigator Lynn White, who conducted ground-breaking investigations in the Middle East, South East Asia and Australia.
I believe Lynn’s public awareness campaigns paved a way for a more compassionate leadership.
I would show Lynn the stunning Beechworth Gorge and Victoria’s High Country.
What book are you reading?
‘The Resilience Project – Finding Happiness Through Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness’ by Hugh Van Cuylenburg.
A huge bene t to the students I teach.
OOPS! A DEAD’UN: Actors in rehearsal for Beechworth Theatre Company’s ‘Clue’ set to have audiences in stiches and guessing ‘whodunnit’ with performances between 9 and 18 May at the Beechworth Servicemen’s Memorial Hall.
Saturday, 3 May (tomorrow)
BEECHWORTH
FARMERS MARKET: 8am to 12pm. Always held on the first Saturday of every month. A great variety of fresh, local produce. Craft and food stalls. Located at the Anglican Christ Church, cnr of Ford and Church Streets.
BEECHWORTH BRANCH CWA:
Mother’s Day Street stall. At the Kiosk corner of Ford and Camp Streets. Delightful selection of homemade treats, handcrafted gifts, and thoughtful surprises. Every purchase helps support local initiatives.
Saturday 3 May and Sunday 4 May
BEYOND THE BENDS: Art exhibition by Stanley artists. This group of diverse practitioners has been meeting and exhibiting together since 2007. This shifting group consist of ceramicists, sculptors, textile artists, printmakers, painters. Exhibition’s last day is on Sunday.
DRIVE BACK IN TIME:
Annual showcase of classic, vintage and veteran cars, motor bikes and engines. Tractor trek, welcome barbeque lunch, Keith Harmes Cruise Back in Time on Saturday. Main ‘Show and Shine’ event for vehicles 25 years and over is on Sunday. For more information visit https:// beechwortholdcranksclub. com/
From Saturday 9 May
Two men go shopping after stealing credit card, phone
BEECHWORTH THEATRE CO:
A WANGARATTA magistrate has told a Chiltern man that he and his co-accused had performed “one of the lowest forms of theft” when they stole a wallet and a phone from a Wangaratta gym change rooms and went on a shopping spree.
their way to the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre change rooms, where the co-accused took a phone and a wallet.
The court heard this week that on 1 February about 9:45am the Chiltern man, together with his co-accused Wangaratta accomplice, went into Bunnings and stole spray paint and a pair of gloves each valued at $157.
They were captured on CCTV leaving in a white rental car belonging to an Evans Street resident.
At 12:55pm the pair made
Throughout the afternoon the two offenders would use the stolen card to purchase a 10-pack of bourbon from Dan Murphy’s and $110 worth of items from Big W. Magistrate Ian Watkins said stealing items from a change room was one of the “lowest forms of theft out there”.
“And to make matters worse, he buys booze with it,” he said.
Magistrate Watkins adjourned the matter for sentence on 14 July and encouraged the man to seek alchol counselling.
Farcical murder mystery is set to hook audiences with lots of laughs and guessing when Beechworth Theatre Company (BTC) performs ‘Clue.’ The play Clue originated from the wellknown murder mystery board game Cluedo and is adapted from the 1985 film, Clue. Friday performances for 9 and 16 May are from 7.30pm to 10pm, Saturdays on 10 and 17 May from 4.30pm to 7.30pm, and Sunday 11 and 18 May from 2pm to 5.30pm. For tickets visit www. stickytickets.com.au/itidl/ clue_on_stage.aspx or sold at the door unless sold out prior
IF you have an event you’d like added to this calendar, please email edit.omadvertiser@ nemedia.com.au
PHOTO: Beechworth Theatre Co.
IN HER ELEMENT: Leah Stephens moved to Stanley in July last year and enjoys her time teaching in a Mobile Art Cra Centre (MACC) role.
Leah Stephens
Tree walkers branch out
HORTICULTURAL con-
sultant Col Gladstone led a guided walk through Beechworth’s historic treescape on 26 April as part of Beechworth History and Heritage Society’s participation in this year’s Australian Heritage Festival.
The former Mayday Hills head gardener and consulting arborist and Beechworth History and Heritage chair Jamie Kronborg spoke throughout the walk, called Treestoreys, about Beechworth’s geology and history and development of botany and science in the community.
This includes remnant woodland, perhaps best represented by large whitebarked brittle gum growing around Mayday Hills and Baarmutha Park, and introductions of exotic species a er colonisation from the 1850s.
The walk, in which 17 people took part, started with the historic cork oak, blue atlas cedar, bunya bunya pine and kurrajong in the grounds of Anglican Christ Church and similar trees, plus old and new pine and other spe-
cies, growing in Centennial Park behind the Ovens Hospital façade.
The group then walked elm-lined Finch Street and up to Town Hall Gardens before moving to Queen Victoria Park with its historic and new plantings of pine species and to Beechworth’s famed ‘but but’ or ‘butt butt’ tree - Eucalyptus bridgesiana - used in gold rush times as a community message board and meeting place in Tanswell Street.
Along the way the walkers heard about colonial government botanist Ferdinand von Mueller, his gi s of plants to Beechworth and relationship with Robert O’Hara Burke, senior police inspector at Beechworth in the mid-1850s who went on to lead an illfated transcontinental expedition from Melbourne to the Gulf of Carpentaria.
The next Treestoreys walk, designed by Mr Gladstone and Beechworth’s Jan Milhinch, will take place on 10 May, starting at Christ Church at 10:45am.
Bookings can be made by visiting https://www.trybooking.com/DAOBO.
Crowdfunding plea for community batteries
BEECHWORTH will be one of five target communities across the North East that could benefit from a community battery crowdfunding campaign.
Indigo Power is launching a $750,000 community equity crowdfunding campaign that aims to establish 10 new community batteries.
“This is a high-impact investment,” Indigo Power managing director Ben McGowan.
“Every dollar invested in this raise will be multiplied more than six times, thanks to a $4.2 million grant secured from ARENA and an $800,000 loan from Bank WAW, which is currently in final negotiations.”
The network will provide up to 5.8 megawatt hours of storage.
These batteries will be located at emergency relief centres and other important community sites.
■ From front page
“There was no requirement to go out for a public tender because the facility was built by the community for those services.”
At the council meeting mayor Sophie Price read a statement received from Alpine Children’s Services from a social media post advising the community.
Cr Price said it was important to advise the community of the news prior to council’s meeting, where a petition was being tabled and forum questions had been expected.
“We are a community not-forpro t service that always seeks to operate in harmony with our families, children, and sta ,” the Alpine Children’s Services statement read.
“We place signi cant value on being an integral part of our community and working in partnership with families.
“We actively support our sta and treat each one like the valued member of the team that they are.
“However, a er much consideration, we feel we cannot do this in Beechworth at the current time.”
Cr Price expressed both sadness and disappointment at the announcement. She said council has full condence in the EOI process and out-
come and stressed that any decision on what happens next cannot be assumed.
On Wednesday, Indigo Shire
Council chief executive o cer Tre-
vor Ierino said no immediate decision on what happens next has been made.
“Council will need to meet to determine the future of the Mayday
Target communities across regional Victoria and southern New South Wales include Beechworth, Myrtleford, Mount Beauty, Bright, Seymour, Wangaratta, Tumbarumba, and Warburton.
Hills occupancy lease,” he said. He said Council will also need to consult with a range of stakeholders including the Department of Education.
Mr Ierino said sta have noti ed the existing Mayday Hills kindergarten and childcare tenants and will endeavour to meet with all parties as soon as possible.
BCEYLC Board member Maggie McGowan said any steps in redoing the EOI process needed to follow council policies, especially community consultation.
BCEYLC questions submitted for the council meeting generally about EOI processes at council had been taken on notice and could not be answered on the night due the short time frame from receiving the notice.
Ms Malins said BCEYLC remained committed to continuing early years care and education for the Beechworth community.
“We also believe it’s important to continue to ensure that community-run organisations are supported through fair and transparent decision-making,” she said.
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
Some of the Beechworth Community Early Years Learning Centre supporters gathered for a peaceful picnic prior to Indigo Shire’s Council meeting on Tuesday night. PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
2025 federal election Indi Candidates
Q1 Explain three things you would pursue as Indi’s MP, to help ease cost of living expenses?
A1 I’ve already fought for and secured a $2.3 billion commitment to cheaper home batteries to lower household energy bills. If reelected I will fight to: Take on the big supermarkets by establishing a Supermarket Ombudsman that protects shoppers and farmers. I would also put all big businesses abusing their market power on notice by legislating an economy-wide divestiture power. Lower household energy bills for all households by creating a scheme that enables homeowners to install batteries and other energy efficiency upgrades at no upfront cost. Lower energy bills for small business and primary producers energy by creating a $30,000 tax write-off.
A1
First, I’ll fight for fair wages and secure jobs—Labor’s IR reforms are already helping workers get a better deal. Second, I’ll support Labor’s tax cuts that are now delivering more money into the pockets of working people. And third, I’ll push for continued cost-of-living relief through energy bill support, cheaper medicines, and access to free TAFE and child care. Labor is easing the pressure now - and building a fairer future.
Q2 In your final pitch to the Indi electorate, why should they vote for you?
A2 Being Independent works for Indi. Whether that’s fighting for stranded communities during the pandemic, relief after bushfires, shaping national housing solutions, or securing a National Anti-Corruption Commission, I’ve had local impact and national influence. There’s no big party telling me how to vote or not to fight for something because it’s not on their list. I am laser focused on working for Indi and a fair deal for regional Australia. I’ll keep working for the infrastructure we need to unlock housing and improve health services, access to childcare and better telecommunications. I’ll keep working to hold the government to account, to restore integrity and stamp out corruption. I’m working with you and for you, and I’ll keep fighting for Indi.
A2
I’m running to be Indi’s voice in a Labor Government that’s delivering for working people. From cost-of-living tax cuts and cheaper medicines to fairer workplace laws and regional job growth, Labor is backing communities like ours. I’ll fight for better services, more local opportunities, and a fair go for every town. With me, Indi won’t be left behind - we’ll have a seat at the table and someone who puts locals first.
A1
Only the Liberals have a plan for immediate cost of living relief and long-term measures to bring down inflation. We are suffering from the worst cost of living crisis in a generation. This is not good enough. The Liberals will cut the fuel tax in half, saving you 25 cents on every litre of fuel. This is a saving of $1,500 over 12 months for a family with two cars. This will happen immediately. The Liberals will deliver a Cost of Living Tax Offset to more than 64,710 local taxpayers, meaning 93% of tax payers in Indi will receive up to $1,200 in tax relief when they lodge their tax return for the upcoming financial year. We will also rein in wasteful government spending that is fuelling inflation and get interest rates down.
A1 One Nation is dedicated to easing cost of living pressures. We propose halving fuel excise for three years, saving 26 cents per litre, reducing transport and food costs. We’ll reduce electricity bills by 20% by prioritising affordable coal and gas, with renewables for peak demand. Couples with dependent children can file joint tax returns, splitting income to lower taxes and support family finances, reducing childcare reliance. These policies aim to put money back in people’s pockets, strengthening family units and communities, complementing our broader cost of living relief initiatives.
A1 The Greens are working for solutions to genuinely solve the climate and environment crisis, the housing crisis and the cost of living crisis, not just tinker around the edges. We’re working to bring down the cost of groceries, to stop unlimited rent increases, deliver low rate mortgages, and phase out the billions in government tax handouts to property investors with more than one property, to give renters and first home buyers a chance. We’re fighting for better rights and higher pay for working people. We’d restore the billions Labor has cut from the NDIS and lift income support to make sure no one is living below the poverty line.
A1
It’s not a cost of living crisis, it is a Cost of government crisis. Government taxes and bureaucracy and regulation are making Australia too expensive. We will cut income taxes to a flat 20% on incomes over $50K, and abolish excise tax on fuel and alcohol. We will reform energy policy to cut power prices. And we will reduce government participation in the economy, freeing up resources. We will stabilise the money supply and end the inflation tax, and cut government deficits and interest payments. Cut back migration to reduce house prices. The government is the cause of rising prices, and the Libertarian party has the solution – less government.
A1 Family First is focused on electricity prices at this election. The mismanaged transition to renewables requires government to now rapidly build new reliable generation to avoid grid instability and price spikes. Gas is the best choice with a reservation policy to keep prices down. There are also huge inequities in what people pay for electricity. It’s often the poorest who pay the most. We need to restructure electricity retailing to ensure that no one is missing out on winter heating because they are being charged rip off tariffs of four times the wholesale price. Family First also wants to cut red tape around housing construction and introduce family friendly tax structures.
A2 I’m running for parliament because I believe it’s time for change in Indi, to get Australia back on track. My wife Amanda and I own and operate a small business, run a farm at Talgarno, and like so many people across the North East, pay a mortgage and support our family. Just like you, we’re feeling the cost of living pinch. Everything is so much more expensive now than it was three years ago, when Albanese and Labor came to government - that’s why I believe it’s time for change. Peter Dutton and our Liberal Plan will lower inflation, create cheaper energy, build affordable homes, create safer communities, and deliver quality health care. It’s time for change in Indi to get Australia back on track.
A2 As a local mechanic and farmer from the Kiewa Valley, I am tired of Canberra’s neglect. Indi’s challenges include - housing shortages, farmland threats, economic and cost of living pressures. As your elected representative, I will genuinely listen to your concerns, ensuring true representation. One Nation’s bold vision to protect agriculture, boost housing, and ease financial burdens will support farmers, cut red tape, provide immediate cost of living relief and boost Australia’s economic future without reliance on hard working Australians to fund it. I’ll fight for Indi’s unique needs - safeguarding water resources, stopping unwanted renewable projects and increasing housing availability and affordability - while delivering prosperity. Vote for me to put Indi first with One Nation’s practical, common-sense solutions.
A2
We’ve now seen Labor adopt a number of Greens policies – 50c fares in Queensland, wiping 20% of student debt, making it free to see the GP. With more Greens, we can finish the job – expand Medicare further to include dental, roll out 50c fares across the country, wipe all student debt. There will be a minority government and the Greens are within reach of winning seats right across the country. Last time there was a minority, the Greens got dental into Medicare for kids. This is our chance to deliver it for everyone. This election, vote 1 Greens to keep Peter Dutton out and get Labor to act.
A2 Australia is sliding out of control into economic and social disaster, and the major parties want to double down and do even more of what caused the problem. It won’t work. We have these cargo-cult candidates who think they can just supplicate to Canberra and endless money will come from the magic money tree to solve their problems. It won’t work. We need serious people to take charge and stop the fall. As a former MP, I have a track record of standing up and fighting for our rights, for sensible social and economic policy. The Libertarian Party is the only one with a workable plan to turn things around. We need real action now, not more politicians lies.
A2 Family First is a true conservative party that isn’t afraid to tackle the hard questions. There are many complex issues where an MP owes his or her constituents a carefully considered judgement - I can’t say exactly how I would vote on everything ahead of time. What I can guarantee is that when it comes to moral issues, support for our democratic principles such as freedom of speech, and support for policies that give first priority to what is best for our kids, I am not going to shift my ground. We need a party with a vision of how we can maintain and build a good and great society. In Australian politics Family First is the better story.
A1 A2
We have been unable to contact this candidate, nor get a response from his party. The following is taken from the party’s website.
REDUCE HARM: The criminlisation of cannabis use is a decades old, failed policy that disproportinately harms young and Indigenous people and leads to massive upheaval in the lives of otherwise law abiding citizens. CREATE JOBS: Legalising and regulating cannabis will bring one of the nation’s leading cash crops under the rule of law. This will create jobs and economic opportunities in the formal economy instead of the illicit market. SAVE MONEY: Scare law enforcement resrouces will be better used to ensure public safety while reducing corrections and court costs. Governments would acquire significant new sources of revenue for regulating cannabis sales. PROMOTE CONSUMER SAFETY: Cannabis product testing is becoming a standard requirement for legalised cannabis markets. This means consumers are better informed about the cannabis they use.
A1
First I would seek major income tax reform to get out of Labor’s recession policies. We must have a long term view to remove income tax all together. The Liberal’s GST only added more to the Federal Government’s coffers, with no relief as promised by them. Secondly, tear up the Paris Climate Accord which is just a redistribution of wealth, over all things, the weather! Climate gate is a lie mate, and will only enslave you and your future. Thirdly, greater support for builders, just like we supported the car industry. The only difference is that the car industry left anyway, while the builders still remained. This housing crisis was spurred on by Labor/Green and Orange Teal immigration ideals, and left us on the streets. What about us? The people who built this country were only shown the kerb!
A2
Indi needs to be kept out of the hands of the corporate climate gangsters, the solar factories are a testament to that. We need far greater mental health long stay facilities, and two great hospitals on the border helping to do that. I will fight for your rights and freedoms to choose medical bodily autonomy, and bring justice to those harmed and forgotten about by the current medical system. We only get one chance to right the wrongs of the government of the last six years, and this is it.
Ben Howman Legalise Cannabis
Alysia Regan Greens
Athol Thomas One Nation
Helen Haines Independent
Mark McFalane Independent
Michael White Family First
Mitch BridgesLabor
Tim QuiltyLibertarian
James Trenery Liberal Party
Scouts lead new joint venture for remembrance of local veterans
By CORAL COOKSLEY
AROUND 30 members from the 1st Beechworth Scout group last Thursday placed small Australian ags on graves to honour veterans who served in the Australian defence forces and buried at the local cemetery.
The rst-time joint venture between the local Scouts group, Beechworth RSL Sub-Branch and Beechworth Cemetery Trust marked remembrance for the veterans on ANZAC Day.
Local resident Graham Lade both a Beechworth Cemetery Trust and RSL member said the special event
helped young people gain an important awareness of sacri ce made by the servicemen and service women.
“Without their sacri ce we wouldn’t have the great country we have today,” he said.
“It’s in a completely di erent time to that of young people but it’s part of the Anzac the history and young people are future custodians.”
Mr Lade said young people can gain a greater understanding of history by visiting the cemetery and seeing veterans’ graves.
“We speak to schools as well as this is another part of education for our future generations,” he said.
Mr Lade also said the Beechworth
RSL initiative aims to be an annual event.
“The ags will be here for a couple of weeks until collected,” he said.
One of the 1st Beechworth Scouts group leaders Rohan France, said every year the group takes part in the ANZAC Day commemoration.
“We like to be involved in community activities, and this is another form of that outreach,” he said.
“We’re in contact with the Beechworth RSL president John Eldrid and he mentioned about placing some ags on veterans’ graves in the cemetery.
“This aligns perfectly with what
we want to do, which is have our youth members engaged in learning about history as well.
“It links them to the service of those in the past where they can see that young men and women from this town went o to serve in war.
“In many cases, the age di erence is not that great from some of our older youth members to those who served in wars and really brings it home for some of them.
“And it gives the link that it’s not a distant thing that happened to others elsewhere as it’s something that happened to everyday people from where we live.”
Candidates urged to support local news
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Council must allow community a voice
WHEN council elections were announced last August and I read the CV’s of candidates, I was hearted at the prospect of a new, principled and energetic team of people managing both the business of our shire and the community interests of its residents.
Six months on and I am having doubts.
Council’s recent decision on the Beechworth Early Learning Centre, is an example of the cause of my misgivings.
Maybe the rst meeting of the new council was warning of what was to come.
At that meeting, councillors voted unanimously in favour of Cr Price continuing as mayor for not a one, but a two-year term.
The need for continuity and consistency were the primary arguments for maintaining the status quo.
With four new councillors in a seven person council, surely the message from ratepayers was clear.
We were largely over continuity and consistency and interested in change.
A er ve meetings as a new Council, the message is clear - we have got continuity and consistency.
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YOUR OVENS AND MURRAY TEAM
COUNTRY Press Australia wants candidates at the 3 May federal election to support a policy demanding a fairer share of government advertising be allocated to regional and local newspapers.
Country Press Australia president Andrew Schreyer said there was an overwhelming need for the next federal government to do more to address the challenges faced by producers of essential public interest journalism, and for the government to do so more swi ly.
“It’s extremely disappointing to our industry to see major citybased media entities and overseas owned tech giants such as Meta receive such a signi cant share of government advertising, especially when the government openly recognises the role our papers play in our democracy,” he said.
“And it is even more alarming when you consider these same social media platforms provide a haven for mis and dis information, for mistruths, and for scams that have caused great distress to many vulnerable Australians”.
Mr Schreyer said the more than 240 regional and local papers that are part of Country Press Australia have rightfully earned a high level of trust within the communities they serve, and that social media platforms cannot o er the same levels of truth, integrity or accountability that local media does.
He said it was also important to realise that local papers continue to provide a beacon of truth for local issues and candidates, and in many cases the local paper is the sole provider of hyper-local
place-based public interest journalism.
“Our papers have an important responsibility to report on local candidates and issues, to hold candidates and government organisations accountable and to be a voice for local communities in regional, rural and other local communities across Australia,” Mr Schreyer said.
“Local papers generally rate highly for trustworthiness compared to other news sources, with many studies con rming people tend to trust local news more than national or social media because it is closer to their communities and less in uenced by political or corporate agendas.
“Here in Australia, research by the University of Canberra’s Digital News Report has consistently found that local newspapers are among the most trusted news sources, yet our government continues to direct tens of millions of Australian taxpayer
dollars to overseas-owned social media platforms that don’t operate to the standards we expect of local media and of ourselves.”
Country Press Australia has called on the next federal government to adopt a policy that reects the Victorian government model of an average one-page per week of government advertising in all eligible regional and rural newspaper as part of a ra of policies that also include tax credits for journalist labour costs and funding for cadet journalists in regional and rural areas.
“Country Press Australia has briefed both major parties on the policies it believes need to be incorporated into reforms to better support public interest journalism in this country,” Mr Schreyer said.
“If our politicians truly value the important role of local newspapers, then they must also do more to ensure that this overdue support is delivered as soon as possible.”
At the March meeting of Council, more than 100 interested and concerned residents involved with the Beechworth Early Learning Centre were welcomed by the Mayor and instructed “ we expect you to listen in but not participate …..”
Really?...Really!
But that is what Council has endorsed in its Governance Rules as being an appropriate meeting format...no interaction between Councillors and ratepayers is permitted at a Council meeting.
Councillors - time to updated the 1920’s dictatorship philosophy and enter the 21st Century.
Council - repeal the draconian conditions contained in Sec 35 of the Governance Rules and allow residents a voice.
What are you afraid of? Why will you not provide, in any format, a forum for public personal interaction between residents and Councillors? Geo rey Palmer, Beechworth
(le ), Beechworth Cemetery Trust member Robert Scott, Scout Nikita France, Venturer Jack Dobson with Beechworth Cemetery Trust as well as local RSL member Graham Lade at last Thursday’s placing of flags on veteran’s graves.
Grigg and Evelina Novak placed flags to remember Australian defence force veterans buried at the local cemetery. PHOTOS: Coral Cooksley
Do you know how to make your vote count?
Federal election, Saturday 3 May 2025
It’s important that you understand how to vote correctly.
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On the white ballot paper you are voting for representatives of your state or territory in the Senate.
Don’t worry if you make a mistake. Just ask for another ballot paper and start again.
White ballot paper – you can choose to vote either above or below the line
EITHER
Vote above the line Number at least 6 boxes for parties or groups, in the order of your choice.
Vote below the line Number at least 12 boxes for individual candidates, in the order of your choice.
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Residents are advised of temporary road closures for the following event:
Drive Back In Time Sunday 4 May 2025, 7:30am - 3pm Closed road: Ford Street, Beechworth between Camp Street and Williams Street
Motorists are requested to take care and follow all road closure, advisory and detour signage. Queries relating to this temporary road closure can be directed to info@indigoshire.vic.gov.au www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au
www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au
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Cycling legends join Rutherglen Vintage Bike Ride
■ From back page
“There’s a lot of camaraderie and it’s great to see so many professionals from back in the day,” he said.
Delighted with the turnout Mr Gri ths said it was fantastic to receive so many entries, among them people tripping from across Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and NSW.
“We do this for the community, it’s good for business and the town thrives,” he said.
With funds raised from entry fees and a ra e for this year’s event, Mr Gri ths said the Rutherglen Rotary Club is donating pro ts to a charity set up to help Para-cyclists as well as the Wahgunyah CFA.
One of three judges for fabulous out ts worn by cyclists on the Vintage ride – Wendy Purcell from Kyneton and a rider in the inaugural event – said she participates in costume events and tweed rides.
“This is more about vintage cyclists and it’s also lovely to see people who have known known each other since they were young cycling athletes still getting together and riding bikes,” she said.
Pennant sides bow out in close contests
By DYLAN POOL
GREAT conditions last Wednesday for those that assembled for a Stableford round.
It’s great to see Pam Nankervis back on the winners list, winning the day with 38 points. Runner up was Jan Lang with 35 points.
There was a bit of a gap to the rest of the eld.
With Gail Smith 29 and Doyna Collins 29 the next best.
Nearest the pins went to Jan Lang on the 7th and Gail Smith on the 10th.
Last Wednesday the April Monthly Medal was played.
Only two shots separated the top four players. With all four of them breaking their handicaps.
The winner was Gail Smith (18) with 67 nett.
Runner up was Deb Tully (26) 68.
Next to follow were Doyna Collins (34) 69 and Nada Guyatt (24) 69.
No nearest the pins were recorded.
On Sunday unfortunately was the last game for the season as both sides failed to make the nal.
The section one side had the task of beating Chiltern at Thurgoona to set up a date in the nal against Albury.
Unfortunately we were on the wrong end of a 3&2 result.
The contest was close with three matches going to the 18th hole.
Dylan Pool didn’t make the 18th hole, nishing early going down 4/2.
At number two Darren Edwards tried his hardest to get the side into the nal easily winning his match 7&6.
Despite having to give 10 shots to his opponent.
At number three Sam Johanson made his debut for the club and won on the last hole a er having to give 14 shots.
Andy Croome was made to go the whole way, but having to give shots on the last four holes was too much
of a task in the end, going one down.
At number ve Dean Howard was in the same situation as Andy having to give a lot of shots at the end of the 18 holes and also giving 11 for the day and lost two down.
A fair e ort from the team having to give a combined 48 shots for the day.
Our Section three side unfortunately lost ve nil to Benalla at Wangaratta.
The result looks worse that it was, as three of the matches went to the last hole or into extra holes.
Josh Carr lost on the 20th hole, John Sheehan went down 3&2, Phil
Pelgrim took his match to the 19th, Tyson Carey unfortunately went down 4&3 and Simon Carracher lost two down on the 18th.
We would like to thank all the players who represented the club this season.
It is a fantastic e ort to ll two teams for our little club.
We had 19 di erent players ll the teams over the season.
Also congratulations to Dylan Pool who had a hole in one at Benalla on the 3rd hole last Friday on their ANZAC Day competition.
See you all out on Sunday, if not before.
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Whether it be by ultra luxurious yacht or river cruising. Discover our exciting range of worldwide destinations, enriching experiences, and all-inclusive journeys available for 2025 and beyond. Please RSVP for catering purposes.
CAMERADERIE: Cycling legends Phil Anderson (le ) and Wayne Hildred with Bright’s cycling enthusiast Peter Varley at last weekend’s cycling event in Rutherglen.
ALL VINTAGE: Canberra couple Catherine Gough and Michael Johns with their daughters fiveyear-old Portia and eight-year-old Vivien had a great time in the Vintage Bike Ride in Rutherglen last weekend.
PHOTOS: Coral Cooksley
GOLDEN SHOT
Dylan Pool retrieves his ball from the third hole in Benalla on ANZAC Day a er hitting his second hole in one this year.
■ Story page 11
Host of cycling legends join Rutherglen Vintage Bike Ride
By CORAL COOKSLEY
CANBERRA couple Catherine Gough and Michael Johns with their family travelled to Rutherglen last Saturday for the Vintage Bike Ride in its second year organised by the town’s Rotary Club.
“We fell in love with the beautiful Rutherglen region when we visited last year,” Catherine said.
“I teach and run a swing dancing school which is
1920s and1930s style in Canberra, so I get very attracted to vintage events and this was right up our alley.
“There are no hills on the rail trails and it’s a very family friendly event.”
An organiser and Rotarian Greg Gri ths said a cyclist reunion had been part of the day’s ride drawing more than 250 cyclists for the combined event.
Among well-known former cycling greats competing in national and international events participating in
the reunion was Phil Anderson, who delighted the crowd with a captivating account of his cycling career over a barbeque lunch for event goers.
Now retired from racing, Mr Anderson said he had undertaken a triathlon in Rutherglen around the mid-90s.
Among many awards and honours received for his contributions to cycling received an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) medal in 1987.
Competing in 13 Tour de France events back in the 80s
and 90s, Mr Anderson said he nished ve times in the top 10 and won some stages.
“My claim to fame was the rst non- European to wear the yellow jersey,” he said.
Mr Anderson was the rst Australian to lead the Tour de France in the 1981 race with 71 other victories over 14 years from 1980.
The cyclist said the Rotary event gave him a chance to catch up with a bunch of guys from his generation.
“We all go through racing
together, elbowing and trying to beat each other and then we retire from racing,” he said.
Mr Anderson said there’s no better place than Rutherglen to catch up to tell and share the stories.
New Zealand former racing cyclist and pioneer Wayne Hildred made his mark in Victoria winning the Australian national road race title in 1982 and 1986.
Mr Hildred said he raced in the 80s and 90s as well as a
number of other events with many people at the reunion he hadn’t seen for a long time.
“I went to Europe and lived just down the road from Phil and raced in the 1981 and 1982 races that he rode in, and we used to train together,” he said.
Bike enthusiast Peter Varley from Bright and a cyclist for around 40 years, said Wayne is a longtime friend with Phil an idol when he started cycling.
■ Continued page 11
