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

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Problems with prep rollout Page 7

Council adopts budget plan

Page 3

Bushrangers face tough run Sport

Changing Minds to continue under the UMFC umbrella

By SHANE DOUTHIE

HAPPY RETURNS Beechworth Primary School captains Lily Jobson and Miles Brokensha and principal Sue McDonald with a stunning birthday cake celebrating the school’s 150th birthday. Full story page 2.

PHOTO: Gary Coombe

POWER, PERFORMANCE, AND RELIABILITY

After a decade of service to the Indigo Shire community with the support of Beechworth Health Service (BHS), the Changing Minds Carer Support Group will now come under the auspices of Upper Murray Family Care (UMFC).

Changing Minds Carer Support Group is an informal, social group of people who care for family members or friends who are experiencing memory loss or living with a diagnosis of dementia..

The official changeover was held on Wednesday, 2 July at the Grand Oaks Resort at Mayday Hills.

The group began as an initiative driven by local

people when Beechworth became a ‘Dementia Friendly Town’ and since then the group has grown in experience and respect in providing a solid grounding of support by shared experience, education and knowledge.

The group is guided by volunteer carers with first-hand experience of travelling the journey of dementia.

BHS supported the work of the group and provided them administration support.

The group works together with Dementia Australia and local allied health professionals to provide a comprehensive base from which carers can best manage their situation.

■ Continued page 5

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

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SWEET TREATS: There was a rich assortment of colourful cakes for everyone to enjoy.

CAKE TIME: Back from, left Egypt Abdalla, Zac Whitmore, Miles Brokensha, Isla Novasad, Lanna, Quale. Front, Pros PHOTOS: Gary Coombe Tomlinson, Jack Ritzen, Ewan Alderton, and Lily Jobson enjoy the birthday cakes.

TRIPLE TREAT: (From left) Harlow Novasad, Lily Stone, and Fletcher Goonan.

Celebrating 150 years of Beechworth Primary School Beechworth Primary School celebrated its 150th birthday on Wednesday, 2 July, with the school community coming together to reflect and remember.

Beechworth PS principal Sue McDonald said it was a momentous day for the entire school community.

“We are truly proud to be celebrating 150 years of education here at Beechworth Primary School today,” she said.

“We feel incredibly fortunate to have such beautiful, spacious grounds and to still be teaching and learning in our historic building, with its distinctive gothic windows and soaring ceilings.

“The charm and character of the building have been carefully preserved over time.

“Recent renovations from 2020 to 2022 have restored the school to its former glory while thoughtfully updating the facilities.

“These improvements have

BACK TO SCHOOL: (From left) Billy Pritchard, Esme Halleur, Cheryl Norman, Harriet Mason. created modern, flexible learning spaces that support creativity and collaboration - ensuring that while we honour our past, we’re also embracing the future of education.”

Beechworth Primary School was

originally opened on 2 July, 1875.

The main building was designed

by Mr Henry R. Bastow, chief of the Government Architectural Department and was described at the time as one of the most handsome and most complete of its

PROUD MOMENT: Principal Sue McDonald addressed the crowd. kind to be found in the colony.

The contract for the building was let on 19 October, 1874 and the first stone was laid on the four-acre site by local builders Greig & Wilson.

The capacity of the building may

be guessed from the fact that it will be 10,000 square feet (929sqm) of flooring, not including halls and passages and was intended for the accommodation of 1000 children.

The infant classes were to be accommodated on the southern side towards Spring Creek as being less exposed to the sun, it will be cooler in summer where they continue today.

Interestingly, in the classrooms there was no separation of the sexes, but in the playground boys and girls were strictly prohibited from playing with each other.

Today there are 200 students spread across the school.

A celebration week to be held in term four from 13 to 17 October will have in-school learning and exploration for students with a special presentation event to be held on Friday, 17 October.

Festivities will continue over the weekend to engage the wider community and past students.

Looking back to 1875 From the ”The Ovens and Murray Advertiser” of 3 July, 1875 On Friday, 2 July, 1875, a procession of more than 1000 children, led by the Forester’s Band, marched from the old school (No. 36) in Loch Street, via Church Street and Ford Street, to S.S. 1560 where they were speedily lined up in semi-circles on either side of the main entrance by head teacher E.S. Harris, the staff of the new school and teachers from district schools.

OPENING CEREMONY AND CHILDREN’S TREAT5 “The streets of Beechworth presented a rather unusual, but a very pretty site.

“From east and west and south and north, all the subdivisions of the compass, children of all sorts and descriptions were hurrying

towards Loch Street.

“It was difficult to ascertain the fact that some of them really were girls, as their costumes were so dazzlingly brilliant as to cause temporary blindness.

“Big-girls with an assumption of great demureness, but a wicked look in the corner of their eyes for all that; Medium-sized girls, who seemed perplexed as to whether they were big or little, and looking a little troubled thereat; and little toddling things, conscious of looking nice, and of buns and lollies to come, and so smiling at mankind in general.

“Then the boys, with their spotless clothes, shiny hair, and clean hands and faces, how good they looked.

“Those boys never wore out the knees of their trousers at marbles,

nor played truant, nor punched Bill Jone’s head.

“Oh, no! Other boys might do these naughty things, but these boys never.

“The only sad feeling which this gracious spectacle suggested to the observer was that if very good children generally die young, there could be a terrible mortality among these young innocents soon”.

Following a short address by Mr Frederick Brown, Shire President, in which he remarked that the crowd (estimated to be in excess of 3000 people) was the largest he had ever addressed in Beechworth, Mr Brown, then introduced the Premier of Victoria, (and local member for Ovens) the Hon. George Briscoe Kerferd.

Mr Kerferd (an early pioneer

of the Beechworth district) was received with prolonged and most enthusiastic cheers.

“The duty he was called upon to perform was one of the most pleasing, which as a public man, had ever fallen to his lot,” he said.

After a memorable address in which he highlighted the advantages of education, the importance of teacher training and the high calibre of the staff appointed to the school, he thanked the Board of Advice and in conclusion formally declared the school open.

“The Ovens and Murray Advertiser” of 3rd July 1875, succinctly described the concluding moments of the opening as follows – “Cheers having been given for the Queen and the usual

champagne having been disposed of, the refreshments for the children were distributed by a number of willing hands, much to the gratification of the youngsters who generally appeared to enjoy food for the body, rather than speeches.”

The ceremonies of the demonstration ended with a fireworks display opposite the Market Reserve and a Ball at the Oddfellows Hall, “Which came off with great éclat reflecting the highest credit on the programme committee.”

The school opened with Mr Edward S. Harris as head teacher and enrolment of 1073 pupils.

Mr. Harris was assisted by Mr Arthur E Scott (ex-HT. of School No. 61, Beechworth), five female teachers and five pupil teachers.

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

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Slight rise to water bills for 2025-26

BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE: Indigo Shire Council’s 2025/26 budget includes $4.6M for new, renewed, and upgraded roads, bridges, and pathways.

Council adopts budget and council plan

Indigo Shire Council has adopted its new four-year Council Plan, revised Community Vision and 2025/26 Budget, delivering on community priorities while navigating significant state-imposed financial pressures.

Mayor Sophie Price said the documents have been directly shaped by what residents across the shire told council were most important through extensive community engagement initiatives.

“Our engagement reached 1900 community members, with 284 active contributors providing clear direction on their priorities,” Cr Price said.

“Their responses reinforced the need for us to focus on road maintenance, infrastructure renewal, and community wellbeing, priorities that have directly shaped our budget.”

She said despite significant

financial pressures facing all Victorian councils, Indigo Shire has delivered a budget that maintains all current services while introducing several important new initiatives.

Cr Price said the rate increase comprises two distinct components.

“The first is the standard 3 per cent rate cap increase set by the Victorian Government and the remaining 4.54 per cent is not new money for council, it’s the exact same amount we would have collected through our Environmental Management Contribution, just collected differently as required by the Minister for Local Government’s best practice guidelines,” Cr Price said.

“This change does not increase council’s total revenue by a single dollar and was approved by the Essential Services Commission as genuinely revenue-neutral.

Saturday, 5 July

BEECHWORTH FARMERS MARKET

8am -– 12pm. Always held on the first Saturday of every month.

Great variety of fresh, local produce. Craft and food stalls. Located at the Anglican Christ Church, cnr of Ford and Church Streets.

JIMEOIN BRINGS PANDEMONIUM TO WANGARATTA

At 7.30pm. Jimeoin looks forward to sharing lots of handy tips with the Wangaratta audience when he presents Pandemonium at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre.

One of Australia’s most popular comedians, he’ll teach

you how to make your bed with very little effort, how to prank your partner and get away with it, and how to talk dirty in a nice way.

Laugh yourself stupid and maybe come out with a life hack or two, with limited tickets available now at wpacc. com.au.

Sunday, 13 July

“We want to be completely transparent with our community.

“This change simply moves how we collect the same amount from a flat fee to a property value-based system.

“It’s a requirement of state government policy, not a decision to raise additional funds.”

The budget includes an $11.87M Capital Works program of which $3.3M is being carried forward from the current budget to complete projects already approved.

Roads and Infrastructure (Community’s Top Priority 73.4% rated “very important”) $4.6M for new, renewed, and upgraded roads, bridges, and pathways. $200,000 increase in road maintenance funding. $750,000 for the replacement of McFeeters Road bridge in Beechworth.

songwriter Damien Leith. Pub Choir led by Colleen Arnott.

Accompanied by Sandra Williams on piano. Visit www. trybooking.com/events/ landing/1411500 to buy tickets.

$90,000 to provide a footpath link from the new Rutherglen aged care facility to the town centre.

Community Facilities $500,000 (in addition to $100,000 in the current budget) to replace the roof at the Beechworth Town Hall. $180,000 to repair the roof at the Burke Museum. $1M to upgrade facilities at the Rutherglen Caravan Park. $250,000 for a new pump track at Yackandandah (grant funded).

Community Enhancement $90,000 for streetscape beautification works across the shire. $25,000 for trail maintenance to support expanded rail trail and mountain bike networks. $40,000 to plan for the future of the shire’s tourism in preparation for World Heritage Listing.

l al r r ou o F y oF

BeeCHwOrtH

sand & sOil

Come in and browse our large range

RUTHERGLEN MARKET

9am – 12.30pm. Seasonal and regional produce.

Always held on the second Sunday of every month.

Visitors encouraged to bring their own bag, basket or esky MOLLY’S SONG PUB and to minimise waste.

CHOIR The market changes with the seasons - buy fresh 2pm – 5.30pm. produce at its best. Support Beechworth’s Hotel the local Lions Club dishing Nicholas. up egg and bacon rolls and Fundraiser for Dementia Australia Research Foundation. has done from the very first market. Rutherglen Lions Park, Special guest performance Douglas Street.

by Irish/Australian singer,

North East Water customers will see a small increase in water and sewerage charges from July.

Tariff’s will increase by 0.45% plus inflation, with the average residential customer bill rising by approximately $33 per year, or 63 cents per week.

General Manager Corporate Strategy and Performance, Nicholas Moore, said despite the adjustment, which is in-line with the approved 2018–26 price path set by the Essential Services Commission (ESC), North East Water’s bills remain well below the Victorian regional water corporation average.

North East Water also has the second lowest average bills nationally for water corporations categorised as ‘large’, and in 2023-24 our bills were as much as $500 lower than the national average water bill1.

“North East Water’s average residential customer using 200 kilolitres of water per year will now pay around $1,114 annually,” Mr Moore said.

“The tariffs will continue to support the delivery of essential water and sewerage services to more than 120,000 people across 39 towns in our service region.

“The increased revenue will help fund critical infrastructure projects across the north-east region aimed at ensuring water security, service reliability, and environmental sustainability in a growing region.”

Mr Moore added, “At the end of our current price period in June 2026, over $300 million will have been invested in new and upgraded water and wastewater infrastructure, which is more than double the original estimate of $141 million.”

“In 2025–26 alone, customer bills will help fund more than $90 million in vital infrastructure upgrades.”

Mr Moore also acknowledged that some customers may need support with their bills.

“We understand that cost-of-living pressures are real. That’s why we have a dedicated support team available by phone or email to assist customers who may be struggling to pay,” he said.

A range of support options is available, including: • concession card discounts • government relief and rebate schemes • payment extensions and flexible plans • referrals to financial counselling services For more information on financial support, visit www.newater.com.au/help or call 1300 361 633.

A full list of 2025–26 tariffs is also available on the North East Water website.

Additionally, North East Water is now finalising its next price submission, which will set prices and service standards from July 2026 for an expected five-year period. This follows on from more than two years of engagement to hear the views of customers and the community.

North East Water’s proposed price submission will be reviewed by the ESC, followed by a public consultation phase, with a final determination anticipated by the end of June 2026.

To stay informed about the process, visit www.newater.com.au/ps.

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Page 4 - THE ADVERTISER, Friday, July 4, 2025

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Contributing to community

Monuments to hypocrisy

Frank McLoughlin Frank McLoughlin was born in western Sydney but also lived in India, China and Singapore before moving to Rutherglen in September 2018.

What do you do workwise?

I work as a software product manager and consultant in the project management and accounting field.

What brought you to your role/career?

My family was always into manufacturing, and over the years it just seemed natural to embrace technology to enhance outcomes in this area.

What do you love about your work?

Product management for one of the world’s largest business systems companies means a lot of interaction with people from different countries and backgrounds. Helping them resolve issues and deliver great outcomes is the spice that keeps me engaged.

What do you do in the community?

I have just finished two years as president of the Rotary Club of Rutherglen and still serve on the board of Destination Rutherglen. It is important that people contribute what they can to improve their communities – we can’t just leave it to government or somebody else to get involved.

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

Respect! Respect for others, respect for the law and respect for self. Not that arrogant selfentitlement and disrespect for others that is often displayed as violence and vandalism.

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

Work on the biggest sign of disrespect – domestic violence.

It is the biggest betrayal of trust

COMMUNITY ENGAGED: Rutherglen’s Frank McLoughlin – a Rutherglen Rotary Club member and immediate past president, as well as a Destination Rutherglen board member – enjoys helping his community. and expression of contempt for another person that anyone can commit.

Education and example are keys – educating people that they are not allowed to engage in acts of domestic violence, and they are allowed to call it out.

Adults need to set the example by using better ways of expressing their opinions and frustrations with respect.

Showing that they can accept that there are differing views, without feeling threatened and becoming defensive or aggressive.

Children learn more from what we do than what we say.

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

The outbreak of wars in so many parts of the world. It must be having a huge impact on the environment, on the quality of life for so many, and the frightful amount of money being wasted destroying infrastructure. All that money could have been used to resolve real issues and improve lives.

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?

Wout van Aert – a Belgium

racing cyclist for professional racing team Jumbo Visma. I would really like to show him that the northeast region offers some of the best cycling to be had in Australia. The rail trails, quiet roads, brilliant towns and then of course there’s the food and wine on offer.

What book are you reading?

I am re-reading a book called “Where the pavement ends.”

It is about the travels of a solo woman cyclist through Russia and China in the mid-1990s.

A truly inspiring journal of a person’s travels that had me pack up my bike and ride the eastern edge of the Himalayas when I lived in China.

For many of us, Wednesday last week probably passed routinely with work, family and daily chores occupying a busy life.

But it was a special day for many residents of Beechworth.

For it was on this day four years ago the CEO advised us, via Your Indigo, that “… we agree with the recent feedback we have received, it looks out of place and we shall change it. We got it wrong” The subject was of course, the then recently installed water bubbler near the main roundabout in Beechworth. “…give us a bit of time while we figure out how best to correct this” was the CEO’s plea.

Four years on and the bubbler still there appearing as secure as ever!

Convince me the delay is not evidence of a policy that reads along the lines : “Ignore the noise … it will die down. We don’t need to do anything” I wonder if community concern over the recent desecration of the Historic Precinct in Beechworth will suffer similar fate.

Signage, recently erected outside the several historic buildings in the Precinct and at the High Street entrance to the Police Paddock, present in stark contrast to the historic features of the heritage buildings that are the nationally significant collection of 19th century government buildings once described as one of Australia’s best preserved historic sites.

The use of 50mm RHS steel as a framing material for the story boards is abjectly unsuitable, its crudity surpassed only by the peacock blue colour it has been painted.

It is a pity there seems to be so little appreciation and respect for what our cultural and built heritage is about.

I hope this time, we will not have to wait four years or more to have the community’s voice heard.

The signage needs to be removed.

Geoffrey Palmer, Beechworth Editor’s Note: Indigo Shire CEO Trevor Ierino said in last week’s O&M Advertiser that council is committed to working closely with Heritage Victoria to reach an agreed outcome and implement necessary changes to the signage.

“Our priority is ensuring the signage frames are sympathetic to the precinct’s heritage character and serve to enhance this nationally significant site,” he said.

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 03 5721 9447 Fax Post Ovens & Murray Advertiser North East Media 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta, Vic 3677

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

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Changing Minds to continue under the UMFC umbrella ■ From front page

One of the founders of the group, Penny Bingham, said the baton had been passed on to UMFC “due to the ageing of the current volunteer facilitators.

“We were just a little group, unfunded but with plenty of knowledge who provided support for many care givers over the years,” Penny said.

“It started with three of us (Penny, Lorna Nash and Debbie Tully) in July 2015 and grew from there.

“We were each family carers and were looking for support to deal with loved ones affected by dementia and decided to create our own group.

“UMFC have the resources and salaried staff to continue that service into the future.”

Changing Minds started as a pilot project through Dementia Australia and the Municipal Association of Victoria and grew from there.

“Changing Minds was a safe place for care givers to vent their feelings if needed; there was plenty of laughter and a few tears, and people felt secure,” Penny said.

“It lasted 10 years which proves its success.”

Penny thanked all the people who

Kath Kerin, UMFC Executive Director, Child, Family and Community Services said this transition marks a new chapter - one that promises ongoing support, connection, and care for those navigating the challenges of dementia.

“At Upper Murray Family Care, we believe that supporting carers is not just about services - it’s about standing beside them, listening, and walking the journey together,” she said.

“We’re proud to carry forward the meaningful legacy of Penny, Lorna and Debbie through Changing Minds - continuing to honour and support those whose dedication and compassion profoundly shape MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Penny Bingham, Laura Nash and Debbie Tully who founded the Changing Minds group. the lives of the people they care for.”

Do you care for a family member the facilitators, whose unwaver“Please know, that despite the had been involved with the group or friend experiencing memory loss ing dedication and compassionate difficulties, the frustrations, the over the last decade. or living with dementia? leadership have shaped the group sleep deprivation, ultimately, “There was a wonderful camaraYou’re warmly invited to join the since its inception. derie within the group and it helped there is great solace in knowChanging Minds support group: As they step down from their roles ing you have done the best you turn my life around,” she said.

Time: 10:30am – 12:00pm this July, the community, along with could.”

“I just need to thank each one of When: First Wednesday of every UMFC expresses heartfelt gratitude for UMFC said the Changing Minds you for enriching my life over the month Carer Support Group in Beechworth their remarkable contribution to the past 10 years.

Where: The Grand Oaks, 22 Oak has been a lifeline for carers of peo- well-being of local carers and families.

“For me, the Changing Minds To honour their legacy and ensure Ave, Beechworth VIC 3747 project and the carer group were life ple living with dementia. and has To learn more or get involved, continuity, the Support Options served as a vital source of strength changing. So thank you all. please contact Support Options at and connection for carers of people program through Upper Murray “Each of you is a hero. Each is, or Family Care (UMFC) will take on the UMFC on 02 6055 8000, or explore living with dementia. has been, the rainbow in someone UMFC’s website: – umfc.com.au facilitation of the group.

They were also full of praise for else’s storm.

Telstra coverage boost on the way for Hume communities New or improved Telstra mobile coverage will be delivered across a host of Hume communities as part of a $10 million local investment to help deliver the most advanced, resilient and reliable mobile network in the region.

The series of upgrades and new construction projects is being rolled out over the next 12 months, and follows Telstra’s announcement earlier this year that it would increase its national mobile network investment by $800 million over four years to deliver the connectivity needed to support customers in years to come.

Telstra regional general manager for Eastern Victoria Jenny Gray said the multi-million dollar funding would help deliver better coverage and performance in the region, now and into the future.

“We have a long history of investing in regional communities, and we know mobile connection plays

such a huge role in all our lives as well as our futures, whether we’re on the road, at home or the office,” Ms Gray said.

“Data carried across our mobile network has more than tripled over the last five years.

“This investment will help us further expand our mobile coverage and increase the capacity on our 5G network.

“Our investment includes 30 new projects to upgrade our mobile network in locations such as Wangaratta and Benalla.

“We’re also in the process of building a new site in Beechworth and scoping other opportunities to further expand our coverage.”

Telstra has begun upgrading hundreds of mobile sites at its busiest locations around the country with Ericsson’s AIR 3284, the world’s first 5G triple-band radio – a technology that boosts capacity, improves coverage and is central to building

a high-performing, programmable network.

“Customers near the upgraded sites should see and feel a difference with noticeable improvements to speeds and overall experience from this year especially while using their mobile in busy areas,” Ms Gray said.

“This includes better streaming, faster uploads, and more reliable connectivity during peak times.”

Satellite to mobile technology In addition to benefiting from the significant investment on the ground, eligible Telstra customers with a compatible phone can now also access Australia’s first satellite to mobile product – Telstra Satellite Messaging which allows customers to send and receive a text message via Starlink Direct to Cell satellites when they’re outside the reach of Telstra’s mobile coverage area.

“This capability will enable basic

texting on your phone in some of Australia’s hardest to reach places,” Ms Gray said.

“It will be helpful to get a message out or to be contactable in remote areas where our mobile network doesn’t reach.

“While satellite to mobile messaging is an exciting new technology it’s important to remember the service will initially be limited to messaging only while outside with a clear line of sight to the sky.”

1000 upgraded public phones in disaster-prone areas Public phones in the region are among 1000 across the nation to have also been upgraded with free Wi-Fi and extended battery backup to help keep communities connected during times of need.

Public phones in 41 Hume locations are among those to have been upgraded including in Marysville, Shepparton, Toolamba and Woods Point.

Working for you.

My office assists thousands of constituents with Centrelink, Medicare, NDIS, My Aged Care, telecommunications and immigration issues.

If you need help with any Commonwealth service, please email, phone or visit my office.

Wangaratta: 117 Murphy Street, Wangaratta | 03 5721 7077 Wodonga: 79 High Street, Wodonga | 02 6024 6284 helen.haines.mp@aph.gov.au | helenhaines.org | @helenhainesindi Authorised by Helen Haines, 117 Murphy St Wangaratta VIC 3677

“The shifting nature of seasons means that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and unpredictable. If you’ve had to evacuate, a payphone might allow you to contact family and friends to let them know you are ok,” Ms Gray said.

Ongoing mobile network investment The latest investment builds on the $11.8 billion investment Telstra has made in its mobile network nationally, including $4.3 billion in regional areas over the past seven years.

“We’re incredibly proud of our network which is the largest and most reliable mobile network in Australia – delivering more coverage than anyone else,” Ms Gray said.

“We will continue to push the boundaries to deliver the best possible connectivity experience for our customers.”

Page 6 - THE ADVERTISER, Friday, July 4, 2025

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INSIDE

WINTER WONDERLAND BEECHWORTH’S Paul Fitzgerald captured photos around 10.30am on Wednesday of the first snowfall for this year’s winter season at Mount Stanley. Paul also captured the interest of many people and by late Wednesday evening attracted 2.6K likes from his social media post on the Beechworth community Facebook page with 229 shares and 103 comments while numbers are likely to still be climbing Mount Stanley around 19 kilometres from Beechworth and nine kilometres from the Stanley village is 1050 metres above sea level. BOM had forecasted snowfalls above 600 metres on the day lifting to 800 metres during the evening on Wednesday.

PHOTO: Paul Fitzgerald

Teens charged over vandalism Page 3

Indigo Interview

Page 4

Local ambos under strain

Kerferd Oration

Indigo Shire resources are being called to Twin City cases as response times lag focus on youth

ONGOING critical challenges faced by the local regional health system saw the Chiltern ambulance called to Albury-Wodonga 462 times last year to cover local ambulances ramped up at hospital emergency departments.

The alarming figure was revealed from a recent question on notice to the Victorian Health Minister MaryAnne Thomas by Benambra MP Bill Tilley.

Figures also indicated Beechworth Ambulance was

BY CORAL COOKSLEY

ccooksley@ nemedia.com.au

sent to cover Border shortfalls on 175 occasions, Tallangatta 125 times and even Corryong, 122km away, was called in 14 times.

The latest data from the Victorian Agency for Health Information show Chiltern and Beechworth ambulances in Indigo Shire as well as Tallangatta and Corryong in

Towong Shire are among the worst in the state for emergency ambulance responses.

It also follows the state government’s latest budget decision to fund just nine of the 16 short stay beds at Albury that act as a circuit breaker to demand for emergency beds.

Mr Tilley said it showed how ramping at Albury Wodonga Health robs districts of ambulances.

“Indigo and Towong shires are repeatedly in the five

worst performing districts when it comes to ambulances needed in a life-threatening emergency,” he said.

“Those ambulances are in Albury-Wodonga, when they should have been looking after their communities.”

Mr Tilley said the solution was not as simple as more hospital beds.

“Ambulance ramping is partly the result of the lack of beds for patients but there are other factors at play here,” he said.

“People are struggling to get into their GP, some can’t afford the cost and so they turn to emergency departments (EDs) as an alternative.

“Increasingly they turn up at emergency far sicker than they should through not seeing their local GP. “The emergency departments at Albury and Wodonga see between 200 to 210 patients each day and has just 44 beds.”

■ Continued page 2

Page 6

Huge test for ‘Bushies Page 12

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

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Puzzle for NERPSA amid pre-prep rollout

By SIMONE KERWIN As Wangaratta prepares for the rollout of increased ‘pre-prep’ hours for four-year-old kinder in 2026, the North East Regional PreSchool Association has a puzzle to assemble around the new arrangements.

Available space and staffing are both factors in NERPSA’s efforts to meet the state government’s requirements for the rollout of preprep, which began this year in six municipalities across Victoria.

The transition will see an increase to a universal 30-hour-aweek program of play-based learning for all Victorian four-year-olds, as part of the state’s Best Start, Best Life reforms.

Next year, the rollout will include the Rural City of Wangaratta, as well as Benalla, Wodonga, Mansfield, Strathbogie and seven other local government areas, where 16 to 20 hours (increased from 15) will be offered in 2026, extending to up to 25 hours by 2029 and up to 30 hours by 2031.

The program will also offer up to 25 hours per week from 2026 for priority groups (children who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander; children from a refugee or asylum seeker background; and children who have had contact with Child Protection), extending to 30 hours by 2028.

The state government said the staged schedule, which continues until metropolitan Melbourne’s rollout in 2034, would allow time to grow the workforce, and build the infrastructure and services to prepare for expanded programs.

However, NERPSA manager Leigh Chadban said the association - a provider for 14 services including long day care and integrated kinder across three local government areas (Rural City of Wangarat-

LEARNING WHILE PLAYING: Mae Begley, Eliza Ismale and teacher Jenni Gladstone enjoy some fun at Wangaratta West Kindergarten.

Local kinders are scheduled to join the state government’s rollout of ‘pre-prep’ hours in 2026.

KINDER FUN: Penelope Febvre and Wyatt Dunstan were among the Wangaratta West Kindergarten children enjoying their session on Tuesday.

PHOTO: Simone Kerwin ta, Indigo Shire and Benalla Rural City) - was currently working out how it would manage the rollout of extended hours in kinders including Coronation, Appin Park, Christopher Robin, James Tilson, Wangaratta West, Glenrowan, Moyhu and Whorouly.

Ms Chadban said the increased hours would work well for long day care services, including those run by the Rural City of Wangaratta, but not so easily for NERPSA’s sessional kinder services.

“There are lots of implications from increasing by just one hour,” she said.

“We need to be able to do it sustainably and viably, and some of our services won’t be able to do that; having space and having staff are impacting factors.

“All of our services have had changes this year, and 80 per cent last year as well, and the overwork

capacity for our staff is increasing annually.

“Adding more change is going to be extremely difficult.”

As part of its registration process for next year, NERPSA has conducted a survey asking parents what they would like to see, what impact it would have if there was a change in the make-up of hours offered, and why they choose to send their children to sessional kindergarten.

“We want parents’ input as well, because if there are changes, we want them to suit families,” Ms Chadban said.

“In the rollout that’s happened this year, the couple that I’ve looked at have just added an extra day, but we don’t have the capacity to do that; with the staff we have, we can’t just increase hours.

“We have just advertised to replace staff who are leaving and can’t fill those roles.

“We’re looking at all of our information, from families, staff and modelling based on registrations, to find solutions.

“I’d rather have less hours and be able to achieve it, because if we don’t have the staff, we can’t do it.”

Registrations for NERPSA services closed in late June, and Ms Chadban said the association would look at proposed numbers to consider how it could proceed.

“Last year we were changing models in August/September, increasing to two groups, and changing days and hours, which was not ideal for families’ planning,” she said.

Rural City of Wangaratta director community and infrastructure Marcus Goonan said Wangaratta Children’s Services (WCS) would increase to 20 funded hours for fouryear-olds in 2026.

“Long day care providers are generally well-positioned to adapt

to these changes, while our standalone kindergartens may require more significant adjustments to accommodate the increased hours,” he said.

Mr Goonan said the WCS was well-staffed, but there was a strong need for qualified early childhood teachers and Diploma-trained educators across the broader Wangaratta community, to meet current waitlist demands and support the 2026 pre-prep rollout.

He said there had been positive feedback from families regarding the increase in hours for fouryear-olds, and the 25 hours offers for priority cohorts would further enhance access and equity in early childhood education.

Mr Goonan said the Rural City of Wangaratta was in the final stages of approving its Kindergarten Infrastructure and Services Plan, which assesses both infrastructure and staffing needs across the region.

“The addition of new services such as Bright Beginnings, and the expansion of Wangaratta Country Buddies - both offering programs for three and four-year-olds - will help meet growing demand,” he said.

“However, ongoing recruitment and staffing support will be critical to ensure a smooth rollout of the pre-prep initiative.”

HEAR CLEARLY, EVEN WHEN

Winter WHISPERS

Tiny Art Show 2025 – Portraits of Indigo Warm up your creativity this winter with Indigo Shire Libraries’ Tiny Art Show.

The beloved annual event is back for 2025, and this year’s theme - Portraits of Indigo - invites you to capture the spirit of our people, pets, and places in miniature.

Artists of all ages and abilities are invited to take part.

Whether you’re sketching a neighbour, painting your pooch, or trying out pastels

for the first time, all creative mediums are welcome.

Let your imagination shine - one tiny canvas at a time.

How to Enter: Collect a tiny canvas from any Indigo Shire Library branch.

Create your artwork in line with this year’s theme.

Submit your completed canvas and entry form by 12:00pm, Saturday, 20 September 2025.

Exhibition Dates: Your artwork will be proudly displayed at your local library from 6 October to 2 November.

Artworks can be collected from Monday, 3 November.

Entry is free and includes all materials.

Entry forms are available at your local branch or can be downloaded from Indigo Shire Council’s website.

L e t u s hel p impr o v e y o ur hear ing Ask our audiologists at Wangaratta’s premier audiology clinic 9am - 5pm Monday - Friday 82 Docker St, Wangaratta Phone: 03 5722 4433 www.wangarattahearing.com.au

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

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Bushrangers face tough run

The Beechworth Bushrangers suffered a disappointing result last week against Thurgoona in round 12.

After expecting a win, the Bushies lost 8.11 (59) to 13.12 (90) The Bushies started strong with a solid first quarter and created plenty of chances in the second, though both sides struggled to convert.

The match turned in the third, with the Bulldogs taking control through a dominant scoring burst.

Despite being hit hard by winter illness and injury, the team showed great grit and determination, highlighted by Roy’s courageous efforts and Shaun’s vintage form.

Standout performances from Tom Catledge, Cam Fendyk, Degen Dolny, and Clancy Ellett, supported well by Hugh Kavanagh and Finn Jakobsson, proved the team’s resilience even in defeat.

Beechworth A grade netball also faced a hard match, losing 24 to 34 against Thrugoona.

The odds were stacked against them going into the game with injuries, illness, and a last-minute shuffle to get their team on court.

Rolling in with a strong starting seven and a talented bench, they gave it a red-hot crack.

While the scoreboard didn’t reflect the fight, the Beechworth Football & Netball Club reported the girls battled it out from the first whistle to the last.

Matilda Collins and Issy Way made their A grade debuts and absolutely held their own.

Matilda was cool, calm and collected, disrupted Thurgoona’s flow with some smart defensive work and nailed four stunning goals with just one miss.

Issy (hustling from 15s) at just 13

TRIUMPHANT TRIO: Sunday’s Ambrose winners Peter Smith, Dylan Pool and Dave Clark.

Three amigos take out Beechworth Ambrose event

STANDOUT PERFORMANCE: Cam Fendyk was among the players recognised for their standout performances last week during round 12. years old stepped up with no fear and 110 per cent effort.

Sitting seventh on the ladder, Beechworth A grade netball is expected to face another difficult round as they take on Chiltern who are placed first on the ladder.

On Facebook this week, Beechworth Football & Netball Club

(BFNC) announced they are proud to host the Annual Indigenous Round on home soil - a celebration that holds deep significance for the community.

The Bushies will go head to head with Chiltern.

The BFNC and wider Beechworth community are encouraged to head

out to the club to show their support.

The Indigenous Round is a significant event in the life of the BFNC. The BFNC honour and acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we live, work, and play, paying their deepest respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

It was another great winters day for golf last Sunday at Beechworth Golf Club.

It was even more fantastic to have 15 players out on the fairways including four women for an Ambrose event.

This meant five teams of three.

The winners with a six under par scratch score of 62 for a nett 56.5 was the team of Peter Smith, Dave Clark and Dylan Pool.

Runner up were the team of Dee and Graeme Cordy and Stuart McIntosh with a two under 66 for a nett score of 56.83, less than half a shot behind.

In third with 59.66 was Andrew Field, Andy Croome and George Ward.

Only one nearest the pin went off and that went to Dylan Pool on the 10th.

Everyone enjoyed the day and also the afternoon tea that was on offer afterwards.

This coming Sunday will be a Stableford with the normal 11:30am for 12noon hit off.

Last Wednesday golf was washed out.

Wednesday golf is open to all, with an 8:30am for 9am start.