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BEECHWORTH - CHILTERN - RUTHERGLEN - STANLEY - YACKANDANDAH Friday, April 4, 2025

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BEECHWORTH Secondary College students Charlie McLachlan (left) and Alistair Merritt can’t wait to be emcees at the Golden Horseshoes Festival.

■ Story page 4.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

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INSIDE

Dig into Beechworth Page 3

Continuing the fight Nearly 250 signatures support formal ‘kinder call’ complaint submitted to council

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

Hills site currently occupied

by BCEYLC and Beechworth Kindergarten from next year and disband existing tenant, BCEYLC and Beechworth Kindergarten.

ACS will take over as tenants from 1 January next year.

While Beechworth Kindergarten told the Ovens and Murray Advertiser last week they were supportive of the decision, BCEYLC board

BEECHWORTH Community Early Years Learning Centre (BCEYLC) and parents are vowing to “continue the fight” after being ousted for an out of-town childcare provider last week.

Alpine Children’s Services (ACS) was awarded the lease as the sole provider to take over the Mayday

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The complaint, authored by Beechworth parent Emma MacPhee, garnered nearly 250 signatures from parents, community members, and local businesses.

Outlined in the 22-page document were concerns around governance, transparency and community engagement in council’s decision making process.

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members and parents have taken immediate action to dispute it after packing council’s foyer during the Tuesday, 25 March meeting.

A formal complaint was submitted to Indigo Shire Council regarding its handling of the Expression of Interest (EOI) process and decision to award the lease for the Mayday Hills early years facility to Alpine Children’s Services.

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Page 2 - THE ADVERTISER, Friday, April 4, 2025

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Childcare centre, parents rally to protest council’s kinder call ■ From page 1

COLLABORATION IS KEY: Alpine Children Services is intending to work with council and existing childcare and kindergarten providers at Beechworth before the scheduled take over of the site from 1 January next year.

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“This was not just a property lease decision - it was a change to a long-standing, community-governed early years’ service that affects more than 150 families,” Ms MacPhee said.

“There was no meaningful community engagement, no transparency in how applicants were assessed, and no clear explanation of how this decision serves the best interests of local children, families, or the broader community.”

The community not-for-profit organisations have been located at the site for 25 years after a joint community venture to build facilities.

The letter claims council’s expression of interest process didn’t include an adequate risk assessment - including risk to BCEYLC’s immediate expansion plans, excluded community input in the development of EOI criteria and involved no community representation on the assessment panel.

The complaint also claims councillors failed to keep an open mind in their decision, with correspondence shown by a councillor referring to the outcome as “already decided” days before the vote.

More than 90 questions were submitted to council prior to the meeting, with 12 of them answered and the rest split into themes and put on notice.

Ms MacPhee said BCEYLC wanted council’s lease decision rescinded and to ensure there would be community representation in the assessments of applicants aligned with council’s policy framework.

“We are not just raising concerns - we are offering a collaborative path forward,” she said.

“This is a chance for the council to correct course, rebuild trust, and genuinely work with the community it represents.”

BCEYLC held a community barbeque on Tuesday in Beechworth which attracted 130 people in support of the centre.

Parent Carly Jacobs, who attended the event, said the gathering of community solidarity was more than just a building, it was about protecting a communityled service and “continuing the fight”.

“One thing is clear: Beechworth won’t be silenced and

FIGHT GOES ON: BCEYLC supporters gathered in huge numbers for the Indigo Shire Council meeting last Tuesday night.

“We understand the concern” – Chosen kinder provider endeavours to work with community

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN THE incoming childcare and kindergarten provider for Beechworth is intending to “make every effort” to accommodate current attendance and wait list priorities and staff at the Mayday Hills site.

Alpine Children’s Services (ACS) was awarded the lease of the Mayday Hills early years facility last week after Indigo Shire Council considered offers from five applicants following an expression of interest process.

The Bright-based not-for-profit provider of long daycare will replace existing providers Beechworth Community Early Years Learning Centre and Beechworth Kindergarten from 1 January next year.

ACS currently operates single service models in Bright, Myrtleford and Mount Beauty, all based in the Alpine Shire.

The service will initially offer 87 places across both childcare and kindergarten and plans to significantly expand and diversify their service offering to meet the needs of local families.

ACS chief executive officer Tanya Scott said the service understood the concern shown by families in the aftermath of council’s decision.

“Change is always difficult, especially when children are involved,” she said. we’re not done,” she said.

Also present at the gathering was incumbent Indi MP Helen Haines, who had recently proposed a plan to create hundreds of new childcare places and increase capacity in Indi by up to 10 per cent.

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“At this stage, ACS has been announced as the approved provider, but no details have been negotiated with Indigo Shire.

“We look forward to these discussions taking place, so we can ensure a smooth transition for all children, families and staff.”

Ms Scott said ACS intended to “make every effort” to accommodate current attendance and wait list priorities and would meet with each staff member with the intention of employing suitable team members from within the existing team.

“This will enable a seamless transition, ensuring consistency of care for children currently attending both services,” she said.

“What ACS brings is a wealth of experience in community not-for-profit operations, in fully staffed services, and experience in managing complex waiting lists.”

Ms Scott said while changing to a single operator within the building would change the licence and governance arrangements, services to families and children should not change significantly.

“ACS adapts its programs, operating hours, and staffing to ensure that it can accommodate as many children as possible,” she said.

“ACS understands the needs of working parents to have safe, nurturing places for their children.”

Dr Haines was not taking sides at the gathering, as it was a local government issue, but took the time to listen to concerned parents.

Indigo Shire Council chief executive officer Trevor Ierino confirmed he had received the

complaint from Beechworth Community Early Years Learning Centre and said council would take time to work through it.

“The complaint will be dealt with in accordance with Council’s Complaints Handing Policy,” he said.

Many haven’t accessed School Saving Bonus ALMOST a third (30 per cent) of the $400 School Saving Bonus remains untouched and the state government encourages families to access the funding.

The Labor government’s School Saving Bonus provides cost of living relief to hundreds of thousands of families, who have so far saved more than $150 million on the costs of school essentials.

More than 700,000 transactions have been processed since the bonus was launched in November, with families saving more than $60 million on uniforms, $58 million on camps and excursions, and $31.8 million on textbooks.

Families have until 30 June to use the $400 School Saving

SPEND IT NOW: Families have until 30 June to use the $400 School Saving Bonus to purchase uniforms or textbooks, either through approved suppliers or at secondhand uniform and textbook shops run by schools. Pictured is Premier Jacinta Allan promoting the bonus.

Bonus to purchase uniforms or textbooks, either through approved suppliers or at secondhand uniform and textbook shops run by schools.

Any money unspent by this date will automatically transfer to a family’s school account, with parents able to use these remaining funds on school

activities like camps, sports or excursions.

Non-government school families who have a healthcare or concession card are also eligible to receive the bonus.

These schools decide how to allocate the bonus to best accommodate their families and students.

THE ADVERTISER, Friday, April 4, 2025 - Page 3

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Choir sings ‘Dig into Beechworth’ festival start A PERFORMANCE by one of the University of Melbourne’s finest college choirs in Beechworth’s historic Anglican Christ Church, guided walks below the town’s impressive trees and a hosted tour of the Hotel Nicholas historic photograph collection are features of this year’s National Trusts’ Australian Heritage Festival.

The 14 choristers of Queen’s College Chapel will launch the event program, called ‘Dig into Beechworth’, by singing in Christ Church a program called ’60 minutes of bliss’ on Saturday, 5 April.

The concert will include works by musicians ranging from Italian late Renaissance composer Giovanni Palestrina to The Beatles.

On 12 April hotelier Ross

and Lorraine Lucas will lead a guided tour of historic photographs in their extensive Hotel Nicholas collection, including many images associated with the gold rush and the bush-ranging Kelly Gang.

On 13 April, in Quercus Beechworth’s Oregon Hall, Beechworth History and Heritage chair Jamie Kronborg will speak about the life and life-saving work of Beechworth-born Jean Macnamara.

As a medical scientist, Dr Macnamara led research into poliomyelitis therapy and went on to campaign for the release of the myxoma virus to combat Australia’s rabbit plague in the mid-20th century.

On 26 April and 10 May the festival will feature ‘Tree-

BRANCHING OUT: A guided tour group exploring Beechworth historic trees, including these giant sequoia in Town Hall Gardens. storeys’, guided 90-minute walks of Beechworth’s historic trees and treescape, drawing on extensive work and information gathered by the former Beechworth Treescape Group during its

campaign to prevent the felling of some important trees.

On 17 May heritage adviser and architect Deborah Kemp and Jamie Kronborg will discuss ‘Democracy: digging for the vote’, and the condi-

tions that led miners to rally against the extortionate gold licence.

The miners’ campaign against “taxation without representation” developed well ahead of the Eureka re-

bellion near Ballarat in December 1854.

The last festival event will be ‘Autumn afternoon’, a concert in Christ Church on 24 May by soprano and The Beechworth Singers’ director Colleen Arnott and musician Sandra Williams performing works written for Nellie Melba and others written by Grainger, Gershwin and Australian composer Carl Vine.

For information and tickets go to beechworthhistoryandheritage.com/post/diginto-beechworth.

Funds raised from ticket sales support Beechworth History and Heritage Society’s volunteer work and events and the maintenance of Christ Church’s important, heritage-listed pipe organ and grand piano.

Indi campaigns commence Battle lines for electorate have been drawn with federal election called for 3 May

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN THE battle for the federal seat of Indi has begun in earnest, with candidates quickly pivoting into full campaign mode following Prime Minister Anthony Albanese officially dissolving parliament last Friday morning and calling a federal election on 3 May. The announcement, just days after Labor handed down its 2025/26 federal budget, kickstarts a fiveweek election campaign for candidates.

Incumbent Independent Helen Haines, Liberal James Trenery, Labor’s Mitch Bridges, The Greens’ Alysia Regan, Family First Party’s Michael White, One Nation’s Athol Thomas and Libertarian Party’s Tim Quilty have already declared their candidacy.

While the Nationals, who polled 3.7 per cent of the primary vote in the 2022 Indi election, are a non starter, other candidates are likely to emerge before nominations close on 10 April.

Incumbent Independent MP Helen Haines will be seeking her third term this election and said she would

be fighting for what matters to Indi, not party politics.

“We set our own priorities right here in Indi and I’ll keep fighting for a fair deal for us and for regional Australia,” she said.

Dr Haines outlined key election pledges going into her campaign would include the Border community’s fight for a new Albury-Wodonga hospital, further local infrastructure to unlock new housing, improve health services, access to childcare and telecommunications and government accountability.

“I’ve got a strong track record and worked across party lines and with governments of both stripes,” she said.

“Whether that’s been fighting for stranded communities during the pandemic, relief for communities impacted by bushfires, shaping the national agenda with housing solutions, and securing a National Anti-Corruption Commission, I’ve had local impact and national influence.

“We share a vision of what Indi is and could be.”

Liberal candidate James Trenery is looking to win the

Indi seat for his party for the first time in 12 years.

For the Liberals to overcome the orange wave, Mr Trenery would need to pull off a near nine per cent swing from the 2022 election.

He said he is looking to deliver on the community’s call for change.

“Here in the North East, the past three years have been tough… we have not got our fair share,” the former Indigo Shire councillor said.

Mr Trenery has pledged to follow through with his party’s plan to halve the fuel excise and drop the price of fuel by around 24 cents per litre, as well as delivering on cheaper energy with a mix of renewables, and “getting tough” on violent crime.

“Our Liberal plan will lower the cost of living immediately,” he said.

“We can’t afford another three years of Labor and Helen Haines.”

Wodonga social worker Mitch Bridges will be vying for the seat as Indi’s Labor candidate, and said this election “is a clear choice between Labor building Australia’s future and strength-

ening Medicare with an $8.5b boost, or Peter Dutton, who will cut services and make you pay”.

“I’m committed to supporting our community with real solutions...under the Albanese Government, we’ve eased cost-of-living pressures through energy bill relief, tax cuts, and investments in affordable housing and childcare,” he said.

“We’re also improving the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to make medicines more affordable, and our industrial relations reforms have improved working conditions and provided better security for workers.”

Taggerty-based Alysia Regan, who is The Greens’ candidate, said the Indi electorate was being left behind in terms of housing.

“This election, we can’t keep voting for the same two parties and expect a different result,” she said.

“Labor and the Coalition are both backing new coal and gas and worsening the climate crisis… meanwhile, regional Victoria is experiencing more climate-related disasters, including

bushfires and floods.

“I’m proud to be part of a party that is fighting for no new coal and gas, publicly owned renewable energy, cheaper groceries, and a rent freeze.”

Family First Party of Australia have announced Michael White as their candidate for the Indi seat while Wodonga accountant and former councillor and state upper house MP Tim Quilty is running for the Libertarian Party.

Athol Thomas of Wodonga and the Kiewa Valley will stand for One Nation, hoping a background in cattle farming and focus on the agricultural sector will bring him votes.

“I want to provide an alternate for a lot of people who have become disenfranchised with Liberal in particular,” he said.

“One Nation policies are fantastic policies that are clearly geared towards the reduction of cost-of living, reduction of energy costs and future growth for Australians.

“They’re all policies that impact Indi quite significantly and I don’t know if Helen

Haines has presented anything forward in her six years of being in parliament that have assisted the electorate in any of those ways.

“People really need to delve deeper into what political parties offer...it’s not just what’s at face value that comes across a lot of mainstream media.”

One Nation tallied the fourth most primary votes in the 2022 election under candidate Beth Stevens, with 5.28pc.

Other parties to have candidates run in the last election including the Animal Justice Party and United Australia Party (Trumpet of Patriots Party) have yet to announce if they’ll contest Indi.

Indi has been held by an Independent since Cathy McGowan beat then Liberal incumbent Sophie Mirabella at the 2013 election.

ENROL TO VOTE: The Australian Electoral Commission has advised that you must be correctly enrolled by 8pm Monday, 7 April, to vote in the federal election.

For more details go to the AEC website.

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Vibrant autumnal hues at high country gardens REGIONAL garden lovers are in for an Easter weekend treat as Open Gardens Victoria opens two charming private gardens from 10am - 4.30pm on Saturday 19 April and Sunday 20 April, just a short half hour drive apart.

The Rowe Garden is located just 10 minutes south of Beechworth on 17 Black Forest Lane, Stanley.

The area is renowned for its cool climate and fertile soils, providing the perfect growing conditions for apples, stone fruit, berries, and nuts.

Owners Libby Kingdon and Michael Rowe started work on the gently sloping two and a half acre site four years ago, and its rapid establishment is a testament to the ideal growing conditions of the area.

Architect, garden designer, and owner of nearby PlaneTrees Estate, Genevieve Milham, was engaged to create the initial garden plan.

“Our brief was to provide plenty of car parking, to have access to the sheds, and to establish a low-maintenance ‘park-like’ garden, which would become more elegant and interesting with the passage of time,” Michael said .

A few existing mature trees, notably a majestic elm in the turning circle and two significant weeping myrtles, provided the starting point for the plan.

The horizontal and vertical axis of the garden, with a

striking birch walk, fountain in the centre and a large round brick entertaining area, are key design elements.

The garden is bordered by an extensive range of birdattracting native plants.

Llangrigg Park is a three acre garden located on 434 Lyons Road, Tarrawingee, just off the Great Alpine Road and a short 15-minute drive from Wangaratta.

Owners Julie and Robert Lamond retired to the property ten years ago.

“We were attracted by the Manchurian Pears lining the driveway and other significant trees throughout the property, including elms, golden and claret ashes, which provide a lovely autumn colour, and eucalyptus,” Robert said.

“Apart from the trees and a few roses, there was no garden.”

Llangrigg Park is located on the lands of the Yorta Yorta people.

Open Gardens Victoria wish to acknowledge the Traditional custodians and we pay respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate or via https:// opengardensvictoria.org.au/ The-Rowe-Garden and http:// opengardensvictoria.org.au/ Llangrigg-Park.

For more details about these upcoming events, visit https://opengardensvictoria. org.au/.

A golden opportunity for two young locals

By CORAL COOKSLEY A GOLDEN opportunity to be emcees (master of ceremonies) at Beechworth’s biggest event on the calendar at Easter was an exciting prospect for two local teenagers.

Beechworth Secondary College (BSC) year 10 students Alistair Merritt and Charlie McLachlan can’t wait for the much-loved Golden Horseshoes Festival’s to arrive in less than three weeks’ time.

The pair will be emcees for the festival’s main event on Saturday, 19 April.

Charlie said the festival was a fantastic community event and wass pleased to have been offered the role.

“It will improve my public speaking and leadership skills and ability to think on the spot,” he said.

Charlie said as an MC he represented his school with it’s incredible students, staff and facilities.

As a Beechworth local Alistair said he loves going to the Golden Horseshoes Festival.

“I haven’t been an MC before and looking forward to implementing my audience engagement skills,” he said.

Alistair said he was enjoying working with event organisers and learning new skills too.

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YOUR HOSTS: CHARLIE MCLACHLAN (LEFT) AND ALISTAIR MERRITT WILL MC BEECHWORTH’S BIGGEST EVENT ON THE CALENDAR AT EASTER. PHOTO: KURT HICKLING

“It’s a great community, great environment and the festival bonds the community,” he said.

BSC teacher Jacob Myers said both students are involved in student leadership at the college.

“Our school is an important aspect of the community and equally important is presenting in the community at such a large event,” he said.

“It gives students confidence in presenting ideas as well as helping their public speaking skills.

“It’s important to have students participating and visible, it’s great to showcase talents we have at the school and to get people onto a big stage.”

Mr Myers said school representation highlighted leadership programs at BSC, opportunities to try different things and help out in the community.

GHSF secretary Lisa Kirton

said the committee this year aimed for youth participation and for them to embrace community.

“Young people have always been a highlight in the parade, but we wanted to give them an opportunity to be more immersed and contribute to the festival,” she said.

“We engaged the primary school with a design competition for the poster and program and have the college involved with master of ceremonies.

“It shows an increase for all generations to participate in every aspect of the festival by creating opportunities and has been one of our driving forces.

“It’s exciting to have student participation.”

For the first time a cultural stage has been added to the main stage and arena with Filipino dancers from around the North East and border re-

gions, as well as Indian dancers from Albury-Wodonga.

“We have culture from First Nations people to Anglo-Celtic to Chinese heritage too,” Ms Kirton said.

“We’re celebrating a range of local talent with musicians as well as arts groups and local theatre.”

Ms Kirton said with more entertainment this year the time slot kicks off earlier than last year for the main Saturday event starting at 9am while the Grand Parade begins at 2pm.

“It’s lovely that people want to be part of the parade and there’s lots of enthusiasm, excitement and affection for the festival,” she said.

Visit www.beechworthgoldenhorseshoes.com.au for more information about the festival being held over the Easter four-day weekend from Friday, 18 April to Monday, 21 April.

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THE ADVERTISER, Friday, April 4, 2025 - Page 5

A loved career in early childhood education

Letters to the editor Council’s decision deprives the community

Margaret Carey MARGARET Carey was born in the NSW country town of Yass and lived in Sydney for many years.

When she and her husband retired, the couple eventually settled in Stanley in 2023, drawn to the area for its music, art and natural beauty.

What did you do workwise?

My last role was as a director of a community based long daycare centre, but I have had various roles throughout my working life including being part of the original Sustainable Schools Program and at another time running art programs for under five-year old’s based on a Reggio Emilia approach.

What brought you to your role/career?

After finishing at the National Art School in Sydney, I worked as a as a cook in the early childhood sector and was in awe of the way educators ran the educational program and interacted with the children.

I drew much of my parenting from what I had seen in action.

I also worked as a corporate services officer for Community Childcare Cooperative (now known as Community Early Learning Australia) then took on the role of director engaging in education, sustainability, connecting with nature and art.

We developed a rewarding kitchen garden program and beach kinder program.

What did you love about your work?

Children and their joyful spontaneity, their humour and their wonderful imagination.

Every day when you go to work you feel like a rock star as you are greeted by very enthusiastic and loving children.

There were many challenges in the role, but it always felt meaningful and profoundly moving, particularly when you were able help a child or family in need.

What do you do in the community?

I HAVE worked in the community-based early childhood sector for many years.

As a retired centre director, I have been interested in the fate of the Beechworth Community Early Years Learning Centre.

I presumed that common sense would prevail and the council would support the community that they are meant to serve, in line with their vision statement and much touted ‘community-centred’ guiding principles.

However the outcome at the council meeting proved that council does not actually listen to the community at all.

I have witnessed the best and worst of early years service provision and I can assure you as soon as you divest from the small and successful communitybased model, that has support from staff, committee, families and many more, you are divesting from the community.

If for some reason (because the council rationale is not particularly transparent) they are guided by some tissue thin fiscal excuse they have completely failed to grasp the importance and wealth of a community based service in the shire.

Margaret Carey, Stanley

Red Cross thankful for Community Support PASSION: Stanley’s Margaret Carey found her career in the early childhood care sector meaningful and moving, particularly when helping a child or family in need.

I have spent a substantial part of my life working for or in community-based organisations.

When the community was starting a playgroup in Stanley, I threw my hat in the ring because I thought I could help in a positive way.

I am also involved with the group Stanley artists which will be having an exhibition in late April.

Is there an important community issue that you think needs addressing?

I have been watching from afar the current issue with the Beechworth Childhood and Early Years Learning Centre.

My background is community-based services, and I am appalled that Indigo Council seems to be removing the parent management committee, which is the absolute centre of connection with the immediate community.

The council, for some

inexplicable reason and in direct contradiction to their own guiding principles, want to hand governance to an organisation that is not even part of the Indigo Shire.

Currently there is a highly suitable and qualified governance body, one very connected with the community it serves and with the educators who run the centre.

Why would the council wish to destroy that important relationship?

They should be listening to the families and educators and have the best interests of the children as the priority.

What would you do to solve change, improve that situation?

I would ensure that the current model stays in place and continues with the expansion plan that the parent management committee already has.

It would ensure more places for children and a

continued connection with the community.

What do you see as one of the important current world issues?

Greed.

It seems that many people place money above all else.

Such a narrow perspective diminishes, not only the breadth of human experience, but the world that we are responsible for.

If unchecked the fallout will be environmental and social disaster.

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?

I would have loved for my parents if they were still alive, to see the beautiful spot we live in.

They would have loved it.

What book are you reading?

‘The City of Lost Intentions’

by A. Valliard, described as ‘a guide for the artistically waylaid’.

Being Independent works for Indi.

As an Independent, I have local impact and national influence. I’m fighting for what matters to you, not party politics.

W helenhaines.org T 03 5721 7077 E helen.haines.mp@aph.gov.au Authorised by Helen Haines, 117 Murphy St Wangaratta VIC 3677

THE Beechworth Red Cross Branch would like to thank the Beechworth community for joining the many thousands of Australians this year who generously supported the Red Cross Calling appeal.

Beechworth branch members organised a raffle and a collection of donations towards the appeal and raised $2406.65 which will support the life-changing work of Red Cross - whether it’s making a daily check-in phone call to someone older and living alone, lending a hand to newly-arrived migrants or by being ready to support Australians for the next unknown, like floods or a bushfire.

If you haven’t donated yet, there is still time.

Please go to www.redcross.org.au or call 1800 733 276.

Julia Smith, Beechworth Red Cross Branch chair

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 available space.

Nom de plumes will only be published at the editor’s discretion. Opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by the Ovens and Murray Advertiser.

Email edit.omadvertiser@nemedia.com.au Fax 03 5721 9447 Post Ovens & Murray Advertiser North East Media 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta, Vic 3677

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REGIONAL PUBLICATIONS The Chronicle Phone: (03) 5723 0101 email: classifieds@nemedia.com.au Booking deadline: 2pm business day prior to print.

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BRAND NEW BOAT PACKAGE, Stacer 379 Proline boat, Bimini Boat Cover, Honda 15 HP outboard, 7 Year warranty Stacer trailer, 12 months rego, Safety Gear, $11,000. Ph 0429 082 292.

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CLASSIFIED GUIDELINES > CAR ADVERTISERS Private vendors of motor cars advertised for sale must include in their advertisement • Cash price of motor car • If car is registered, registration number • If unregistered, the engine number > PHOTOGRAPHS All photographs appearing in this issue that are taken by our photographers are available as reprints. > FOUND ADVERTISEMENTS All found advertisements are published free.

Simply provide the details of your find for publication. > PERSONAL ADVERTISERS • All personal photos submitted for printing in this issue must be collected within the next 4 weeks.

• All engagement and marriage notices must carry the signatures of BOTH parties, if under 18 the parents’ signatures as well.

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MUST SELL

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MAZDA 2023 CX3 auto hatch, reg CHC333, one owner, immaculate condition, service books,11,875kms,RWC, $27,750 REDUCED PRICE $26,950. Phone Maxwell.K.Batey on 0419 547 308.

PUBLIC NOTICES

GERMAN Shepherd pups purebred male/ female, $800 each, fully vaccinated and vet checked, born 1/2/2025 at Myrtleford, both parents available source ID: MB138819, Microchip numbers: 956000017027384, 956000016168238, 956000016195105, 956000016196708.

Contact Betty 0408 573 241.

ur l Yo oca LY ire K Sh L EE igo W r Ind Fo

BOOKING DEADLINE

SANDIFORD The funeral service to celebrate the life of Pat Sandiford will be held at Beechworth Memorial Hall, 101 Ford Street, Beechworth on Friday, April 11, 2025, commencing at 1.30pm.

Private cremation.

BEECHWORTH - CHILTERN - RUTHERGLEN - STANLEY - YACKANDANDAH Friday, March 28, 2025

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A NATION FIRST Beechworth Fighting Gully Vineyard’s Mark Walpole has garnered success by growing two Australian first grape varieties at his Stanley-based vineyard.

■ Story page 3 PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Indigo Interview Page 4

Kinder carousel

BEECHWORTH Community Early Years Learning Centre and Beechworth Kindergarten will be ousted from its Mayday Hills site following Indigo Shire Council’s awarding of a lease to a new child service provider from January next year.

The community not-for-profit organisations have been located at the site for 25 years after a joint community venture to build facilities.

More than 100 parents and residents gathered at council’s chamber, spilling into the foyer, showing their opposition to the recommendation, while more than 90 questions outlining parents’ concerns had been submitted for the meeting.

0

BY CORAL COOKSLEY

ccooksley@ nemedia.com.au

Council will be negotiating the lease with Alpine Children’s Services after accepting a recommendation to grant the lease following a comprehensive Expression of Interest (EOI) process.

Current occupants, Beechworth Community Early Year’s Learning Centre (BCEYLC) with its close to

four-decade history and Beechworth Kindergarten running for 60 years will need to transition from the site by the end of the year.

BCEYLC president Lauren Malins said both the centre and kindergarten in 1995 formed a working group to find a suitable new location with support from council for their future, with all supporting the existing location.

The working group applied for successful state and federal government funding and with community fundraising works in 1997.

Page 5

DEPOSIT

60

MONTHS

Wanderers out of finals Page 11

$49,900

FINANCE 30%

“Money raised was managed by council on behalf of both organisations as a project sponsor,” Ms Malins said.

The building was handed over to council at the end of the project for insurance and maintenance purposes for major repairs such as a roof replacement with minor repairs undertaken by the both child care services, on the understanding that council was the caretaker for the current occupants.

■ Continued page 2

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PUBLIC NOTICE TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES

Residents are advised of temporary road closures for the following event: Off-Grid Living Festival 7:30am-1:30pm 12-13 April 2025 Chiltern Equine Park, Racecourse Road, Chiltern, VIC 3683.

CHECK OUT OUR

NORTH EAST JOBS

Closed Roads: Wenkes Road and Wenkes Road Exit, Hume Highway - no access to any traffic Skerry Street - local traffic will have access to properties

Affected roads with changed conditions: Mclean Street Mackay Street Railway Access Road Conness Street Bridge Street Racecourse Road Main Street Back Springhurst Road Chiltern Valley Road

Local commuters are advised of upcoming changes in traffic conditions scheduled for 7:30am-1:30pm Saturday and Sunday, with peak traffic times expected to be 8:30am-11am Saturday 12 April.

Motorists are requested to take care and follow all road closure, advisory and detour signage.

Queries related to this temporary road closure can be directed to info@indigoshire.vic.gov.au. www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au

2017 Ford Transit CamperVan,54,000km, (1KG6TW),$62,000, for more information ring Phil 0418 994 147.

1 7 F T 1 9 7 6 Yo r k Caravan, $6000. Call 0493 221 685 and leave a message, I will get back to you when I can.

in today's Regional Extra for more employment opportunities.

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THE ADVERTISER, Friday, April 4, 2025 - Page 7

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SPORT

Local mountain bike club grabs trophy from long-time reigning champions

By CORAL COOKSLEY

Ms Frerichs said around 10 mountain bike clubs participate in the LOCAL mountain bike event running for about club - Beechworth Chain a decade with one club Gang (BCG) - took out a trophy for winning the Al- joining in from Wagga pine Junior Race series for Wagga.

“It’s an awesome event the first time on Saturday. with kids from four-yearsAn excited club presiold to 15-year-olds and dent Lynn Frerichs said above participating,” she despite a rainy start to the day in Bright, the race said.

Ms Frerichs said the continued with the BCG series is a big event with kids thriving.

70 to 100 bike riders “The series consists involved. of races hosted by clubs “There’s some cross around High Country Victoria during the season country and gravity enduro events and each where points are scored, with a series trophy at the event averages around 25 to 40 kids,” she said. end,” she said.

The president said Ms Frerichs said the win mountain biking is a had been a few years in great outdoor sport giving the making. young people more time “We had been gunning outside and less time on for this one,” she said. screen.

Consistent efforts had “They have such a good been put in by the club’s time, and the sport is great juniors over the season for camaraderie, friendto take the series trophy off the long-time reigning ships, and for physical and mental health,” she said. champions, the Alpine “Mountain biking Cycling Club. is unique as there are “Everyone rides and constant terrain changes everyone receives a lolgiving great learning lipop at the end with the winning club receiving the experiences for kids and trophy,” Ms Frerichs said. adults.”

FUN: AJ (left), Elbert, Max, Remy, Hugh, and Marley enjoying lollipop prizes after the race.

PROUD: Beechworth Chain Gang youngsters Nell (left), Zac and Jenson bringing the Alpine Junior Race series trophy to Beechworth for the first time since the series PEDALLED: Beechworth Chain Gang member Zac Hoare on stage began. two of the gravity enduro race.

Mixed results in pennant for Beechworth Golf Club

By DYLAN POOL AFTER quite a few messages and phone calls and last minute injuries we managed to send out two pennant sides for the third round of pennant.

A win and a loss was recorded.

The section one side was on the winning end of a 3&2 result against Thurgoona at Yarrawonga and the section three side unfortunately went down 3&2 against the home side Benalla.

In the section one match it wasn’t looking great as debutante Simon Pfahlert at number four and Dylan Pool at number one were finished rather early coming

up against opponents who were much better than them around the greens.

With Simon going down 6&5 and Dylan 5&3.

At number two the steady Darren Edwards did as he usually does and recorded a 4&2 victory.

It was down the Howard’s, Yogi and Zane.

Yogi was one up or square most of the day and this continued up until the 17th hole where he had to give a shot, but knocked a fantastic shot to about two feet from around 150 metres, to head into the last hole one up.

Yogi had a putt from about eight foot for par on the last hole to win the match, but unfortunately he missed and

extra holes was a possibility.

But lucky for him his opponent missed a shorter putt and he recorded a one up victory.

Zane Howard at number five was down most of the day.

With him three down with five to go.

He put the cart into turbo and must have got a rev up from Maisy in the passengers seat, as he won the next four holes to be one up with one to go.

Zane squared the last hole to win his match one up.

Next week there is a week off then the team takes on Wodonga at Chiltern.

As mentioned earlier the section three side had the

tough task of taking on Benalla at Benalla.

Vaughan Saunders must of had a day he would rather forget going down 4&3 at number one, John Sheehan took his match the whole way, but was unfortunately on the wrong end of the last hole decider, ending his match one down.

At number three the captain Phil Pelgrim also went the whole way, but the shot he received on the last hole must have helped him as he won one up.

Graeme Pool after a call up this morning at 7am after Tyson Carey had to withdraw due to injury, came up against a class player and didn’t help himself with the

flat stick apparently and went down 5&4.

Simon Carracher at number 4 recorded a good second win from just as many matches winning 2&1.

The team also has next week off and will travel to Corowa in two weeks to take on Yackandandah.

We are looking for a few players for the section three side at Corowa in two weeks with a couple away on a golf trip and another two unavailable.

So if anyone would like to play at Corowa for only $10 please let Dylan know.

The club needs your help to fill the side.

Thanks to everyone who did step in help out this week.

FINAL PUTTS: Beechworth Golf Club twilight golfers putt it out in the penultimate twilight round of the season.

ROUND RESULTS U14 Boys

42

def by

Shepparton 1 64

U14 Girls

30

drew

Camberwell 3 30

U16 Boys 1 65

def

Kilsyth 2 23

U16 Boys 2 54

def

Shepparton 1 48

(Top Scorers: M. How 10, J. Key 8, L. Harcus 8)

(Top Scorers: N. Thomas 7, L. Dunlop 6, G. Crowe 5)

(Top Scorers: B. Buckland 13, P. Whitehead 11, S. Wright 11)

U16 Girls

45

def

Geelong 1 40

U18 Boys 1 43

def by

Chelsea 1 45

U18 Boys 2 26

def by

Sunbury 3 57

(Top Scorers: M. Moscrop 8, C. Liddell 6, A. Gray 6) (Top Scorers: L. Cashman 14, S. Kain 8, L. Russell 6) (Top Scorers: R. Casanova 8, S. Wills 6, J. Payne 5)

(Top Scorers: C. Potter 12, R. Grant 12, C. Keatch 9)

North East Bushrangers (NEB) is a collaboration between local North East basketball associations with the commitment of “Creating Realistic Pathways for all North East Athletes.”

2025 sees seven NEB junior boys and girls teams compete in the Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL), the highest level of junior competition in Victoria.

Page 8 - THE ADVERTISER, Friday, April 4, 2025

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For all the best in Indigo sports action. Phone (03) 5723 0100 QUALITY REPAIRS & SERVICE

QUALITY REPAIRS & SERVICE

Bushrangers pinch one late Beechworth comeback from 14 points down at three quarter time to win opening round thriller BEECHWORTH surged home in the final quarter to erase a 14-point threequarter time deficit to win their season opener in Thurgoona.

The Bushrangers kicked six goals to two in the last 30 minutes to leave the Bulldogs licking their wounds at the full-time siren, with scores reading 14.7 (91) to 12.12 (84).

Beechworth coach Jack Neil said it was an exciting way to secure his first win at the helm.

“It was probably reflective of our first real hit out of the season, there was a bit of rust in the first half, but the boys did a great job in the second half, fitness really came to the fore,” he said.

“Most of our senior group have trained consistently and hard throughout the summer and it’s a nice reward for effort.

“We made some adjustments at half time and as a group the guys stuck to that which was great.”

Thurgoona jumped the Bushrangers in the first half to hold a three-goal lead at the main break with West Australian recruit Cody Howard living up to the hype.

The Dogs held sway in the third quarter, but their dominance wasn’t reflected on the scoreboard, kicking 2.5 to Beechworth 3.1 to keep the door ajar.

The Bushrangers would ultimately pounce on the opportunity, with former coach Tom Cartledge and Austen Fendyk kicking clutch goals in the last to secure the seven-point win.

Neil said at half time the coaching group honed in on defensive weaknesses of the Dogs and tried to speed up their ball movement.

“It was more being proactive with our gameplan, we were just a bit reactive so we changed things a little,” he said.

The usual suspects stood

SUCCESS

THRILLED young riders from the Beechworth Chain Gang raise the Alpine Junior Race Series trophy after being named champions for the first time.

■ Story page 7

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

out for Beechworth led by reigning best and fairest winner Degan Dolny, who was well supported at the other end of the ground by Lachie Armstrong who kicked five goals.

Cam Fendyk was also at his best in the midfield with Cartledge’s fitness coming to the fore in the last quarter, kicking two critical goals.

Beechworth will be faced with another massive task this weekend heading to Chiltern to take on the Swans.

Chiltern made a big statement last weekend, crashing the party of Yackandandah’s 2024 senior premiership flag unfurling to win the grand final by 12 points.

Neil said the Swans’ outside dominance would produce a whole new challenge to the inside dominant ‘Dogs.

“We still have plenty of things to work on, this week’s training was still about building our game plan out,” he said.

“Chiltern have a lot of runners and a big ground, it’ll be a completely different challenge going from a team like Thurgoona on a small ground to Chiltern on a big ground.”

Connor Stone, who made a late commitment to continue playing with the side this year, injured his hand on the weekend and will miss the clash.

On the court last Saturday, a new-look A grade Beechworth side were outclassed

by Thurgoona 43-24.

The team welcomed back Eidenne Surrey and Sarah Robinson from absences last year while newcomer Lainey Alexander impressed in the attacking third.

Action will kick off in Chiltern with the juniors from 9am.

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Thursday - Friday - Saturday - Sunday - Monday Lunch & Dinner

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