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AN EASTER TRADITION

Paramedics

AMBULANCE Victoria

(AV) staff and paramedics, who are campaigning for better conditions under enterprise bargaining agreement industrial action, say burnout is a major contributor to staff turnover.

Margaret’s

cite forced overtime, fatigue as major issues they want addressed in EBA ,gjygnegotiations

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

to get the message across that work conditions need to change.

Ms Honey has been with AV for three years and under protected industrial action she and her colleagues want

North East paramedic Taylor Honey said staff are collectively forced to work 800 hours overtime a day across the Victorian service, impacting work-life balance and the retention of staff.

She explained that a regular shift can be 10-14 hours and to work added forced overtime impacts employees’ abilities to have a good work-life balance.

“A 14-hour night shift can turn into 16 hours and we really want to make sure we’re

alert and getting home and seeing other family members before they go off to work or school, or attend planned occasions,” she said.

“This is all really important and when that doesn’t happen you have to put provisions in place to pick your kids up or drop them off to school, like ringing the daycare and a friend to pick them up.

“It doesn’t seem sustainable for a lot people and that’s why there is a large proportion of people who are unable to stay with the service.”

Ms Honey said a study by RMIT and Swinburne found that one in five paramedics are looking to leave the service within the next 12 months.

■ Continued page 4

Rallying for the for the appeal

Indigo Interview

Easter run for Easter run fun

last last hurrah

14,000 enjoy festival to remember

By CORAL COOKSLEY

ORGANISERS for the Golden Horseshoes Festival (GHSF) have rated the Easter long weekend’s event as another terrific success, drawing an estimated crowd of around 14,000 people to the town from near and far.

More than 31 colourful creative floats along with walking community groups - such as Freeman on Ford - entered by various organisation and businesses reflected the community spirit.

With great weather, Beechworth buzzed as event goers enjoyed a variety of entertainment and activities.

Entertainment was headlined by musicians Pete Denahy – a five-time Golden Guitar winner from Yackandandah– with his band The Surreal McCoys, joined by The Baker Boys from Melbourne.

From Light Horse Brigade reenactments, theme parks, an animal nursery, a show and shine to the Rotary Market at Queen Victoria Park, there was something for everyone.

GHSF committee chair Jim Didolis said Indigo Shire mayor Sophie Price officially opened the festival on Saturday morning with the ‘Welcome to Country’ delivered by Corryong artist, didgeridoo craftsman and player Jon Juda.

Mr Didolis said the event had been everything the committees and all involved had hoped for.

“An enormous amount of work had been taken by everyone,” he said.

Woman dies following Rutherglen Main Street collision

A 77-YEAR-OLD woman has died following a collision in Rutherglen’s Main Street on Thursday.

Police said a Ford SUV collided with a pedestrian near the intersection of Main Street and Warrens Lane at about 9.10am.

The pedestrian, a 77-yearold Rutherglen woman, was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries but passed away on Friday, March 29.

According to police the driver of the Ford stopped at the scene and was not injured.

The exact circumstances surrounding the collision are being investigated.

Anyone who witnessed the crash, with dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Victoria’s tally for lives lost on the road this year stands at 73, compared to 83 last year.

SWEET SENSATION:

“It’s amazing to see what people do and it’s great to see that community spirit is alive and well.”

Mr Didolis said people looked forward to the parade and lined the street well before it started.

“We love what we do and it’s great to know it’s appreciated,” he said.

Mr Didolis said the committee looked forward to new volunteers stepping up to take on committee roles, as well as volunteer on the day.

“For the festival to be successful we need ongoing support,” he said.

The festival brought major benefits to the local economy, with accommodation booked out.

“We have great sponsors and we couldn’t run the festival without them, as well as the help received from the Corrective Services team,” Mr Didolis said.

Local musician and entertainer Pete Denahy said the festival was great for him as a performer.

“It’s great to see local businesses rally behind the festival and the event is ter-

rific for the town and the region,” he said.

“There were people everywhere including Beechworth bakery, cafes and pubs.

“With such a great atmosphere and a percentage of first time visitors too, I’m sure it won’t be their last time visiting,” he said.

Beechworth Rotary Club’s John Costello said the Rotary market had been busy with the best numbers of people attending since Covid.

“They didn’t seem to spend as much as they have in previous years due to the economic downturn, but attendance numbers had been encouraging,” he said.

As the club’s major annual fundraiser funds raised contribute to such as shelter box for overseas humanitarian aid, student exchanges, special one off community projects and long term community commitments.

Mr Costello said cars parked for Easter Saturday stretched to near the hospital as well as in the streets at the back of the primary school.

“There were a lot of people in town,” he said. Best parade entrant nominated by Beechworth Bakery

was been awarded to Freeman on Ford while Drag’d Out Beechworth won the

Last concert for choir’s musical director

By CORAL COOKSLEY

AN INCREDIBLE musical directorship spanning more than three decades has been remembered as an exciting time for Beechworth’s Margaret Phillips.

The dedicated and talented musician retired from leading local choir Beechworth Singers with an appreciative audience at her last concert, Psalm Sunday, held at Beechworth’s Uniting Church last month.

Margaret said a huge range of different music had been covered over the time of her directorship, which audiences had enjoyed.

Beechworth Singers has sacred choral music, jazz, madrigals typical of the Renaissance and early Baroque periods, as well as music from popular shows including the Lion King among its repertoires.

“It was challenging at times to find music for choir members, but exciting to see what the choir could produce,” she said.

Margaret said she took up the position of musical director following the sudden passing of her husband Doug soon after their move to Beechworth.

“Doug as the musical director had been experienced with choirs in Melbourne,” she said.

Margaret said Beechworth Singers

being part of the Three Choir Festival was a highlight.

“It means the choir can work with an orchestra, join other choirs and can work with them on arrangements we couldn’t do by ourselves,” she said.

Brought up in a family of musicians, with her mother an organist and father a violinist, Margaret said she played the recorder at school as

a youngster, and still plays the instrument as well as the electronic keyboard.

Margaret said she takes part in other community activities, among them the Women in Harmony singing group she started sometime ago and will be accompanying Wangaratta choir Vocal Dimensions on the keyboard.

Beechworth Singers president Phil-

lip Adams said the choir has a tremendous reputation performing a variety of concerts in the North East.

“Margaret has developed herself as a musical director, developed a choir with an excellent reputation and will be missed,” he said.

“She is always someone who gets on with the job.

“Margaret is involved in so many things and has made a valuable contribution to the Beechworth community with the choir.”

Beechworth Singers’ Colleen Arnott has stepped up to take the musical directorship reins.

A member of the choir since 2015, the experienced soprano singer said she loved singing with such a great group of people.

“I really enjoy the concerts,” she said.

“I will be looking at more of the same, but putting my own stamp on the role.”

Colleen said she looked forward to learning the technical side of the group as well as encouraging new members to join the successful singing group.

Phillip said he looked forward to Colleen building upon what Margaret had achieved for the choir.

A presentation honouring her work with the choir followed the concert.

FINAL TUNE: Retiring musical director Margaret Phillips (fifth from the left in the front row) with Beechworth Singers at the Psalm Sunday concert held at the Uniting Church at the end of last month. PHOTO: John Purkis

Beechworth Honey’s ‘bee-keepers” with the semi following behind them.

BAKERS DELIGHT: Beechworth Bakery entertained the crowds in the parade.

MARCHING ON: The 8th Indi Light Horse troop had the chance to remind people of the light horse history. PHOTOS: Trevor Ierino.

Golden Horseshoes Festival Committee Perpetual Trophy for the best parade entry.

Communities contribute more than more $50,900 for appeal for

By CORAL COOKSLEY

INDIGO Shire communities have dug deep into their pockets with a combined tally of more than $50,900 raised by local fire brigades for the Royal Children Hospital’s Good Friday Appeal.

Tins rattled and fire truck sirens buzzed in short bursts as volunteers hit the streets with the funds raised contributing to a statewide CFA tally of $1,819,800.

The CFA has been a major fundraiser for the past 73 years.

Beechworth Fire Brigade has organised the Good Friday Appeal in the town and surrounding areas for more than 40 years together with Wooragee, Stanley and Yackandandah Fire Brigades collecting from their communities.

Area Coordinator for the collection Tracy McVea said truck sirens worked overtime across the district, letting everyone know the

CFA were out and about ready to collect.

“This year Beechworth and the district raised a combined tally of more than $24,000,” she said.

Tracy said funds raised were a testament to community support for the vital service, not just for children in Victoria, but across Australia.

Beechworth Fire Brigade’s Rohan France said more than 70 Beechworth brigade supporters collected with volunteers travelling in fire trucks and knocking on doors, while others walked main streets asking for donations.

“They were supported by our organisers and counters at the fire station who kept the crew on track, fed, and counted the tally as it came in,” he said.

“We give a special shout out to the staff from WAW Beechworth Branch who have again helped in our little tally room.”

SET TO GO: Eight-year-old

Archie Garcia ready to rattle the tin for the Good Friday Appeal.

Fire Brigade area coordinator for Cornish Town, Rutherglen and Carlisle, Bill Slattery, said Rutherglen Scouts and SES volunteers helped the CFA raise more than $17,500.

“We were over the moon with the community response,” he said.

Mr Slattery said everyone knows someone who has had a child in the Royal Children’s Hospital or someone has experienced their own child receiving treatment.

“People are very generous for people who are unwell, but especially kids,” he said.

Mr Slattery said donations had increased from around $15,000 two years ago to this year’s $17,500.

Chiltern Fire Brigade captain Shannon Beacon said Chiltern’s effort by the brigade, SES, Girl Guides and Lions Club achieved a tally of $9430.

Regional and rural Victoria’s overall tally from all contributors topped $5,261,913 with a final tally for the appeal statewide standing at a record-breaking $23,368,724.

Rebecca Cowan, executive director of the Good Friday Appeal, said the 2024 Good Friday Appeal wass incredibly grateful to the thousands of committed collectors, volunteers, devoted tin rattlers, dedicated area managers, corporate partners, community groups and the people of Victoria.

TOP DONATION COLLECTOR:

Beechworth’s Liana France has been a recipient of world class care by the Royal Children’s Hospital and has collected for the Good Friday Appeal for eight years.

Liana France tops individual local collection

By CORAL COOKSLEY

BEECHWORTH’S Liana France topped individual collections as part of the Beechworth Fire Brigade drive for the Royal Children Hospital’s Good Friday Appeal last week with $914 raised.

The teenager has helped collect for the appeal for eight years.

Liana experienced treatment and care by Royal Children’s Hospital’s (RCH) following an accident just after ANZAC Day last year.

The now 14-year-old was rushed to the hospital by Air Ambulance Victoria where she spent more than two months as a patient.

“I knew I was collecting for a good cause, but I just didn’t think I would ever be a recipient of that support,” she said.

“The clinical care I received at the Royal Children’s Hospital was world class and saved my hand, but a key difference at RCH is the school program, the Starlight and Livewire youth engagement programs, the mobile library, and the visiting volunteers who just drop in for a chat.

“It is great to know just how much this will mean to other kids in the future.”

Rutherglen winemaker Marc Scalzo named a world master

CHIEF winemaker at De Bortoli Wines Rutherglen Estate, Marc Scalzo, is one of 13 Australian winemakers named among the Top 100 Master Winemakers of the Year 2024 by The Drinks Business.

The Drinks Business Top 100 list is an annual guide celebrating the world’s top winemakers and their wines.

The accolade recognises Marc’s contribution to the world of winemaking, specifically for the 2022 De Bortoli Rosé Rosé, which clinched the Master Medal

in The Drinks Business 2023 Global Rosé Masters. De Bortoli Wines said in a category overwhelmingly beset with wines from all over Europe, its Rosé Rosé was the only Australian Rosé to receive the ultimate accolade - the title of Rosé Master for its outstanding expression.

It says since its inception in 2018, the De Bortoli Rosé Rosé, with its intense aromas of peach and pomegranate and a textural savoury dry finish, continues to be a driving force behind Australia’s pale dry Rosé

movement, captivating wine enthusiasts worldwide.

The Drinks Business Top 100 Master Winemakers of the Year 2024 are chosen from wines that attained a Masters medal in the Global Wine Masters; a series of blind tasting competitions which draws entries from across the world.

De Bortoli Wines said Marc, known for his respectful, balanced and lively winemaking approach, is an integral part of the De Bortoli Wines family, infusing his passion and expertise into every vintage.

Cultural connection is bolstering BSC humanities

By CORAL COOKSLEY

A FRIENDSHIP between two teachers is forging a close connection between Beechworth Secondary College students and students at a leading bilingual and Aboriginal education provider.

Recently appointed Humanities teacher Finn Pedersen thought having an old school friend teaching at the remote Yirrkala School - situated 4136 kilometres from Beechworth in the Northern Territory’s East Arnhem region - would be a great match for his Indigenous unit.

“Forming connections across cultures is paramount in the humanities classroom,“ he said.

“I reached out and he thought it was a really good idea too.”

Mr Pedersen said with students living in hours apart, it was a fantastic opportunity for a valuable educational cultural exchange.

He said a long-term plan would include Beechworth Secondary College students visiting the school up north, as well as Yirrkala School students visiting Beechworth.

“We’ve undertaken the learning in class about the background of the kids are up there such as languages they speak,” Mr Pedersen said.

“We’ve learned about their culture, exchanged some drawings about our local bird life as well as letters the students wrote.

“I sent them up to my friend, he’s read and shown them to his class and then his students have sent back some videos letting us know what languages they speak at school.”

Mr Pedersen said the next step is setting up a video conference between the two classes, with the biggest step for year sevens to head north on a school trip.

He said some photos interesting exchanged included Yirrkala School students catching a shark with fishing spears, while Beechworth students showed

themselves fishing with rods. “Their culture is very integrated into the school because it’s bilingual and they do some of their lessons in their local language as well as English,” he said.

“Students go out on camps and learn how to look after the land, learn about their local tra-

ditions and culture, including learning how to use a spear and learn the English language.

“With Indigenous history from lesson one, I was thinking how we bring the real world into the classroom, because kids learn so much better.

“It’s been really fun and the

kids have got a lot out of it.”

With time spent working in Sweden, Mr Pedersen said he is on a mission to help connect the secondary college to people he knows around Australia, as well as globally.

“Our teachers at the college are driven and we want to do our best,” he said.

WE DESRVE BETTER: North East paramedic Taylor Honey is flying the flag for paramedics across the state as part of protected industrial action for better working conditions to provide a work-life balance. PHOTO: Steve Kelly

Paramedics cite forced overtime, fatigue as major issues

■ From page 1

“We want to retain an experienced workforce and one that isn’t burnt out, isn’t fatigued.

“I really love my job and I want to continue to love my job and the provisions that we’re working towards will really help to ensure that happens.”

The State Government has offered a three per cent pay increase per annum but Ms Honey said this was not the stumbling block.

Ramping at hospitals is an ongoing issue that Ms Honey said delays care to the community when they’re stuck at hospitals, something she said needs a better management plan in place as well as the service.

As part of their industrial action, staff have messaging on the side of ambulances and paramedics are also not taking billing information from patients, and doing paperwork manually rather than electronically to make it more difficult administratively for AV, without consequence to patients.

Ms Honey said AV needs to commit to finding a solution rather than forced overtime.

“This might look like more funding for paramedics, for the virtual ED, and the referral communications services that helps to triage who needs an ambulance,” she said.

Ambulance Victoria chief executive Jane Miller said AV respects their people’s right to take protected action during these negotiations.

“Most importantly, if Victorians have an emergency and you need an ambulance, you will get one, and patient safety will not be impacted,” she said.

“AV continues to negotiate in good faith with employee representatives towards a mutually beneficial Ambulance Victoria Enterprise Agreement 2024 (AVEA 2024).”

Region streets ahead with donor registrations

By STEVE KELLY

NORTH East Victoria has one of the highest rates of organ and tissue donors with places like Wangaratta at 35 per cent registered, but there’s a push from parliament to make it even better.

Other areas in the region include Alpine, Mansfield and Towong - all with a 33pc donor registration, while Strathbogie Shire has 32pc.

But when it comes to the whole state, Victorians are lagging behind with just 23pc of the population registered donors compared to the national average of 36pc.

To promote donor registrations, a committee of parliament wants people to be given the option to register for organ

and tissue donations at the time of applying for or renewing their driver’s licence.

South Australia already has the option to become organ donors when renewing a licence and that state has 73pc of the population on the donor register.

A Legislative Assembly Legal and Social Issues Committee’s report ‘Register and talk about it’ makes 74 findings and 41 recommendations, including to encourage more registrations through improved accessibility and awareness of the Australian Organ Donor Register (AODR) and better promotion of family discussion about donation.

“It’s so important that people both register and have a conversation with their family about their donation wishes,” com-

DONOR REGISTRATION PERCENTAGES ACROSS VICTORIA:

mittee chair Ella George said.

“We know that will significantly increase the likelihood that a family will consent to a donation going ahead.”

“But we learned that many families find the strength at a time of intense sadness to recognise that they can help others.”

While Victorians were able to record interest in becoming a donor on driver’s licences for a short period, this has not been possible since the early 2000s.

donation wishes with family.

“Educating young people is vital,” Ms George said.

“We need to increase awareness so more young people register to become a donor and share their donation wishes with family, making Victorians better prepared should they ever be asked to provide consent to donation for a loved one.”

The committee received almost 50 submissions, held seven days of hearings and heard from local, interstate and international experts, as well as representatives of diverse communities and donor families who bravely shared their personal stories.

The rate of registration for young people is particularly low, with just 10pc of people aged 16 to 25 having registered a donation decision on the AODR.

“It can be incredibly confronting to be asked to consent to a loved one becoming a donor,” Ms George said.

The committee identified building awareness and discussion opportunities about donation among young Victorians as a key opportunity, and makes a series of recommendations to encourage this cohort to register and share their

The committee also considered living stem cell and living kidney donations, and discovered much more can be done to promote both.

Australia imports most of its stem cell donations from overseas: but this reliance would be reduced by encouraging more young people to register on the Australian Bone Marrow Donor Registry.

CULTURAL LEARING: Beechworth Secondary College are having a great time connecting with students in the remote Yirrkala School in the Northern Territory.

CONNECTED: Beechworth Secondary College teacher Finn Pedersen was excited about connecting students to an Indigenous school in the Northern Territory. PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

The heat map shows Wangaratta and the rest of the north east with a healthy level of registered donors but other areas like metro Melbourne and the north west have low rates.

Off-Grid Living Festival to make sustainable solutions fun

THE Off-Grid Living Festival returns for its sixth year, promising a beacon of hope and inspiration in a world often overshadowed by environmental concerns.

Scheduled for April 6 and 7, this unique event aims to demonstrate that sustainable living isn’t just necessary; it can also be enjoyable and enriching.

Amidst growing concerns about economic struggles, climate change and the urgency to adopt eco-friendly lifestyles, the Off-Grid Living Festival stands out as a celebration of resilience, innovation, and community spirit.

Attendees will discover a vibrant array of exhibits, workshops, and activities designed to showcase practical solutions for sustainable living, all while fostering a sense of camaraderie among like-minded individuals with an exciting mix of education and entertainment for all ages.

“We believe that sustainability shouldn’t be viewed through a lens of doom and gloom,” festival director Kate Nottingham said.

and experiences, offering practical tips for incorporating eco-friendly practices into everyday life.

In addition to educational offerings, the festival will feature live music performances, local artisan markets, and unique and delicious food vendors, creating a festive atmosphere that celebrates the joys of sustainable living.

“The Off-Grid Living Festival is more than just an event; it’s a gathering of people who share a vision for a brighter, greener future,” Ms Nottingham said.

“We invite everyone to join us in discovering the beauty and abundance of off-grid living, and to be inspired by the positive impact we can make when we come together as a community for collective change.”

“That’s the essence of what the Off-Grid Living Festival is all about.”

From off-grid energy solutions to permaculture gardening techniques and

“Instead, it’s an opportunity to embrace creativity, self-reliance, and a deeper connection with nature.

traditional skills, the festival offers something for everyone interested in reducing their ecological footprint and embracing a more harmonious way of life.

Highlights include: Engaging workshops: Ex-

pert-led sessions will cover a wide range of topics, including solar power installation, composting, rainwater harvesting, and sustainable architecture.

Interactive demonstrations: Attendees can watch

and learn from blacksmiths, DIY solar installers, homesteaders, butchers, survivalists and more.

Inspiring talks: Renowned speakers from the sustainability movement will share their insights

The Off-Grid Living Festival will take place at it’s new venue, the Chiltern Racecourse and Recreation Reserve, on April 6 and 7.

Tickets are available for purchase online at www.offgridevent.com.au.

For more information and updates, follow the festival on social media (@offgridlivingfestival).

Accreditation and Aged Care Services

and experience of care for all people across all program areas including community, primary care, aged care and acute services.

For Aged Care residential services, an overall Star Rating System of between 1 and 5 stars was introduced and is monitored by the Aged Care Safety and Quality Commission. It is designed to help older Australians and their representatives make more informed choices about their aged care. This rating system is across 4 sub-categories including Staffing, Compliance, Quality Measures and Residents Experiences. The star rating system serves as a guide and BHS encourages anyone interested in seeking residential

to visit us on site to see first-hand our commitment to each of the 4 star rating sub-categories.

ENRICHING

The Off-Grid Festival in Chiltern aims to make sustainable solutions fun.

Emergency services kept busy over Easter weekend

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

FOUR North East travellers avoided serious injury after their car crashed on Beechworth-Wangaratta Road on Monday morning.

Police were called to a single vehicle incident at 10:30am, just outside of Beechworth, near the Duncans Lane intersection.

The road was temporarily blocked as police, paramedics and firefighters arrived at the scene.

Ambulance Victoria said a man in his 20s with upper body injuries was driven to Northeast Health Wangaratta in a stable condition.

Police said the driver was issued an infringement notice for failing to have full and proper control of the vehicle.

Beechworth Fire Brigade was kept busy over the long weekend with four separate call outs in the space of 24 hours.

Members of the brigade along with CFA crews from Wooragee and Stanley were called to a fire near the Baarmutha Park clubrooms at around 7:40pm on Sunday night.

CFA Victoria said a fire was found unattended in a fire pit when crews arrived which was quickly extinguished.

Following the car rollover on Monday morning, a structure fire was reported on Ford Street with six fire trucks called to the scene.

CFA Victoria said a small fire had been ignited in a lighting unit at 11:56am on Monday, which was deemed safe 15 minutes later.

Indigo U3A forges ahead

By CORAL COOKSLEY

NEW friends, amazing learning experiences, fun and adventure are on the agenda when people join Indigo U3A.

Newly elected president Neil Townsend at last month’s U3A AGM said with a capable team, his mission for the voluntary seniors’ group was to work towards offering a greater variety of U3A programs this year.

“We want to make sure there is something for everyone,” he said.

“We hope more people will

be enticed to join and can see what they can enjoy as a member.”

Part of the U3A Victorian network, the Indigo Shire group caters for retired or semi-retired people in their ‘third age’ with educational, recreational and social programs.

“Once we near to retirement or have retired, we leave jobs that have kept our hands and minds busy,” Mr Townsend said.

“It is imperative we continue to be active in body and mind.”

Mr Townsend said U3A also

gave people a chance to take up a course or activity they may have always wanted to do, but never had the time.

“I spent all my working life wanting to get artistic and creative, now I am doing that four days a week,” he said.

Indigo Shire director of Community and Economic Development, Sally Rice, delivered an informative talk as guest speaker on council’s planned engagement with the community this year on a range of topics.

Among them will be public health and wellbeing and its

10-year community vision.

Other U3A office bearers are vice president – Michael O’Flaherty, treasurer – Richard Maskiell and secretary –Michael Evans with committee members Judith Doughty, Rod Hawkes, Leslie Finedon, Nellie Unsted, Sandra Davidson and new members Ray Saunders and Robyn Fetherstonhaugh.

The AGM was held at Indigo U3A’s premises at the Old Railway Station in Harper Avenue.

For more information about U3A visit www.indigou3a.org. au.

“Magical” Yackandandah Folk Festival

By SAGE DAVIDSON

LAST week’s Yackandandah Folk Festival was a brilliant success.

With Backwoods Distillery, the Yackandandah Creek Distillery and the Yackandandah Bottom pub as new venues, the growth of the festival is helping to bring benefits to the community in various ways.

The lineup at the festival involved various artists from across the country, with some as far as Alice Springs like Barry Skipsey, and other local bands including the Forgotten Land.

Amelia Frankel, an emerging artist and Yackandandah local, said that as usual the festival was filled with lots of talent, and it was great to see artists who were all unique from each other.

Amelia played for the first time on the emerging artists stage, and said the positive atmosphere towards artists at the festival helped her feel at ease.

“I was shocked with the level of support and kindness shown towards me and other artists,” she said.

“It is an absolutely perfect space for giving performing a go.”

This encouraging and supportive atmosphere has helped build the festival over the years, with an increase in tourists at the event, something that is helping to support local businesses within Yackandandah and surrounds.

The Sunday markets the festival provided also helped aid local organisations and shop keepers, with a wide range of jewelry, soap, pottery, food and clothing on offer.

Amelia said the festival felt magical as a little kid, and was great at ensuring kids have a fun time in the parade and through other various activities.

“It still holds an element of this magic for me because the Yackandandah community is so great and organising an event which all will enjoy,” she said.

FIRST PERFORMANCE: Amelia Frankel performed on the Emerging Artist’s Stage for the first time this year. PHOTO: Sage Davidson

NEW REINS: Newly elected Indigo U3A president Neil Townsend with his team looks forward to offering something for everyone.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

Indigo Shire to receive mobile coverage boost

A VITAL program giving free mobile phone boosters for up to 800 households in Indigo Shire has been extended until March next year.

For Donna Hall and her family located between Beechworth and Chiltern, the booster hook up in November last year through the Rural Connectivity for Recovery and Resilience Project (Connectivity Project) has improved mobile reception.

The lack of mobile phone reception inside her house had been a huge concern for Ms Hall, especially for emergencies.

“Once we were inside, we were completely cut off from the world,” Ms Hall said.

The Halls had no telephone reception in their home while satellite Wi-Fi inside did not extend outside their home.

Ms Hall said when outside flicking in and out of Wi-Fi had been problematic.

“We couldn’t talk on our phones inside unless we had the Wi-Fi and couldn’t talk outside unless our Wi-Fi was turned off,” she said.

The Halls and their two young children live off-grid and are dependent on a full solar system.

She said the family became reliant on a generator for six months last year with the loss of the solar system from a fire incident.

“We had no reliable internet connection, limited communication and it was difficult if there was an emergency and many calls were missed,” she said.

The Connectivity Project, ran locally by Wodonga’s Community Business Connect (CBC), received $2.3 million funding from the Federal Government.

CBC Technology manager Dan Fewster said a pilot project in the Nariel Valley three years ago had produced good results for many people without mobile reception at home. “Community Business Connect was established with the express purpose of helping regional communities navigate technology challenges for social and business benefit,” he said.

Connectivity program installations started in February last year with 200 boosters installed so far.

A further 300 people have registered while the program can fund the installation of up to 800 boosters.

The program also includes an educational component given by phone with information about the booster’s use, how to best maximise its benefit and guides users on their communications options in the event of an emergency.

Indigo Shire residents missing out on communication from family or

2024 Victorian Landcare Grants now open

THE Victorian Government Minister for Environment

Steve Dimopoulos has announced the opening of the 2024 Victorian Landcare Grants, with $3.55 million available to support volunteers in caring for the state’s landscapes and biodiversity.

Applications will close on April 30 2024.

The grants are open to environmental volunteer groups and networks, including Landcare groups and networks, Friends groups, Conservation Management Networks, Committees of Management, Coastcare groups and Aboriginal groups.

Project grants of up to $20,000 are available for on-ground works and community education projects focused on enhancing the natural environment, including native vegetation and wildlife, waterways and soils.

Support Grants of up to $500 are available to assist with administrative and operational expenses of groups and networks.

friends or having difficulty with online services can register via an online survey to ensure eligibility to be included in this program at www.cbconnect. com.au/rcrr.

Last year, the Victorian Landcare Grants provided $367,250 to fund 25 onground projects and educational activities within north east Victoria.

Support grants of $500 were allocated to 16

environmental volunteer groups in the North East CMA region to assist with administration and running costs.

The grants will help achieve targets set in Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2037, the Victorian Government’s 20-year plan to protect our environment and native species.

North East CMA chief executive officer, Katie Warner, said the Victorian Landcare Grants aimed to fund projects that addressed local, regional and state land and environment priorities.

Ms Warner said they also aimed to sustain Landcare and other environmental volunteer groups and networks by providing support grants, particularly for those groups whose continuing existence would benefit from this support.

“We continue to work closely with the Landcare groups and networks within our region to help them to meet land and environment goals that are developed within our communities,” she said.

For more information and to apply for the 2024 grants before the 30 April 2024 closing date, go to the North East CMA website at https:// www.necma.vic.gov.au/ Solutions/Grants-Incentives/ VLG.

IMPROVED RECEPTION: Local resident Donna Hall has welcomed a much-needed mobile phone boost to her home.

3 Name an island in the eastern West Indies (8)

7 Name the legendary twin brother of Pollux (6)

8 Who is remembered as Dirty Harry, saying “Go ahead, make my day”, Clint ... (8)

9 Name the thin one of a renowned comic film duo (6)

10 To sanction, is to do what (8)

11 What are crude mixtures of finely divided minerals (6)

14 To lower in dignity, is to do what (6)

17 What is the melting of the insulation of a nuclear reactor called (8)

18 Name the German physicist known for pioneering research in

Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.

WHICH WORDS

Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.

A freedom to explore through visual art

Marie Salinger

MARIE Salinger was born in Dublin, Ireland and lived there until 16-years-old when her parents decided to move to Australia.

She arrived in Melbourne in 1977 along with mum dad and five younger siblings. Marie and her husband Tom moved to Stanley nine years ago and have lived in North East of Victoria since then.

What do you do workwise?

I am a visual artist based at Mayday Hills in Beechworth. My creative practice incorporates painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, and photography.

I studied art at Melbourne State College (a former teacher training college before amalgamation with Melbourne University) and in 2018, following a long career as an arts educator, committed to my visual arts practice full-time.

I really enjoyed teaching art and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my love of art with many students over the years.

I still do some teaching in schools and I also run art classes at my studio.

My art practice explores the natural world and what lies out of sight, including the organic marks created by scribbly gum moths under the bark of gum trees.

I like to work intuitively responding to the ebb and flow of life.

My solo exhibition Solas (Gaelic for light) which opens at MAMA, Albury on April 5 brings together a new body of works which are deeply personal delving into places where art, nature and healing intersect.

What brought you to your career?

I have memories of drawing and painting from a

very early age and my parents were always supportive and encouraging.

However, I never really considered becoming a teacher until a chance meeting on a train with my former Year 12 art teacher.

The course of my life transformed when she suggested becoming an art teacher.

I quickly changed my university preferences and so began an incredible, fulfilling career path for me.

What do you love about your work?

Everything. I wake up in the morning and feel energised to get to the studio.

I love having the freedom to explore and work with materials and ideas and am so grateful to have the gift of art in my life.

What do you do in the community?

I am a member of the Beechworth Arts Council in an advisory role.

It is exciting and rewarding to help bring together exhibitions and events for the community to enjoy.

I am also a member of the Mayday Hills Art Society which is a really supportive environment providing creative spaces for artists working in a wide range of media.

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

The historical buildings and gardens at Mayday Hills are a superb community asset that I would like to see preserved for future generations to enjoy.

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

(tonight)

CHILTERN ARTIST COLLECTIVE. Exhibition opening. Doors open 7pm. Drinks and nibbles provided. Admission: $5 cash. Guest speaker - artist and muralist Kirrily Anderson. Enquiries and RSVP to Bill and Lois Hotson: 0457262358 or email hotson@westnet.com. au.  Saturday and Sunday, April 6 and 7 (this weekend)

CHILTERN ARTIST COLLECTIVE: Creative works exhibition of local artists works - paintings, photographs and 3D items including metal sculptures, ceramics and felting. Historic Chiltern Court House. 10am to 4pm. Entry by gold coin donation. Funds raised will help court house upkeep. Eftpos to be available for sales. The old gaol behind the courthouse will also be open for viewing where stories can be heard from the past.

MAYDAY HILLS ART SOCIETY: Also today (Friday) as well as this weekend. Botanica and Wildlife art exhibition. 10am to 4pm. Memorial Hall, Ford Street, Beechworth. Artwork and merchandise for sale.

CHILTERN OFF-GRID LIVING FESTIVAL. Chiltern Racecourse and Recreation Reserve. 9am to 5pm. A diverse array of products, services, skills & knowledge sharing in areas of sustainable, alternative, off the grid and eco-living. Tickets available for purchase online at www.offgridevent.com.au.

 Wednesday, April 10

BORDER TRUST: Beechworth activation event. For people involved with a local not-for-profit or value the benefits of collective giving. Learn more about the powerful local impact of its Give500 program. Learn how a $500 donation is combined with those of others to create a grant pool that supports life-changing programs across the Border region including Beechworth, Wooragee and Stanley. Community groups can apply and be in the running this year. Quercus Beechworth Hall, 26-30 Ford Street, Beechworth. 5.30pm – 7.00pm. RSVP at https://www.trybooking. com/CQEFU.

 Sunday, April 14

I am extremely concerned about our climate crisis and the ongoing lack of respect and love for this incredible planet.

If the person you would most like to meet came to Indigo Shire who would that be, what would you show them, and why?

I would love to take a walk in the Beechworth Gorge with the late Irish poet John O’Donohue and to hear his thoughts on the beauty of this landscape.

What book are you reading?

‘The Creative Act: A Way of Being’ by Rick Rubin in which he argues that creativity is an intrinsic aspect of human nature, accessible to all individuals regardless of their background or artistic inclinations. It is a wonderful, empowering and inspiring book.

CHILTERN CANCER CRUISE (Car and bike show): On the banks Lake Anderson in Alliance Street. 9am – 3pm. Bring your car and bike and share details of your vehicle with other enthusiasts. It’s a fundraiser with all donations going to Albury Wodonga Cancer Foundation.

 Saturday, April 27

CHILTERN LIONS CLUB. Fun movie night experience. Chiltern’s Star Theatre. Main Street, Chiltern. 6.45pm. ‘Smiley’ from 1956 starring Colin Peterson, Chips Rafferty, Ralph Richardson, Reg Lye, John McCallum.

Enjoy a BBQ meal. $35 p/p. Night includes BBQ tea, film followed by discussion about the film, actors, themes followed by supper (scones with jam and cream ) and FLICS membership.

Bookings: Lois Hotson: hotson@westnet.com.au. ph 0457 262358; Lions: chilternlionstreasurer@gmail. com or in person at the Chiltern Post Office.

Direct debit: BSB 803070 Acct

CREATIVE: Beechworth-based visual artist Marie Salinger loves the freedom to explore and work with materials and ideas.

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES

Residents are advised of temporary road closures for the following event:

Off-Grid Living Festival 6-7 April 2024

Chiltern Equine Park, Racecourse Road, Chiltern, VIC 3683.

Salary Range: $88,738 – $104,630 per annum

Contact: Sara Watts Email: sara.watts@education.vic.gov.au

Are you interested in working with young people? Do you have a passion for health promotion and health education? An exciting opportunity exists for a highly self-motivated Registered Nurse (Div 1) to join the Secondary School Nurse Program in the Ovens and Murray Area – North Eastern Victorian Region. This is a fixed-term full-time 1.0 FTE position ending 14/04/2031.

When applying, please ensure you respond to the key selection criteria. Department of Education is committed to diversity. The Department places considerable effort and resources into responding to the needs of staff with a disability. People from disadvantaged groups are encouraged to apply for this position. If you require assistance, with the recruitment process, have accessibility or adjustment requirements, please communicate with the contact person listed on this job advertisement or contact the People Division via email: schools.recruitment@education.vic.gov.au

Information about the Department of Education’s operations and employment conditions can be obtained from the following websites: www.education.vic.gov.au and http://www.education.vic.gov.au/hrweb/ Pages/default.aspx.

Applicants are encouraged to apply on-line via the Recruitment Online website at www.education.vic.gov.au/schooljobs

Please refer to Job Opening: 1406208

Applications close: 5 April 2024

Golden putts tap in record fundraiser

By DYLAN POOL

LAST Friday Beechworth Golf Club held their annual Good Friday Golden Putter.

Thank you to the 63 players who took part and helped raise a record of $2000 for the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Thanks must go to everyone who helped out on the day with the golf and the afternoon tea.

Thanks to Baarmutha Wines for their donation as well.

Visitors from Myrtleford, Yackandandah, Tarrawingee, Warburton, Whitfield, Dederang, Corowa and possibly a couple of others attended the course.

Also to all who worked on the course, and to Jamie and Sam Dolny for the raffle prizes.

The men’s winner for the day was Jamie Dolny with a score of 79/64, runner up was Ben Ryder 82/66 on a countback from Tyson Carey 85/66.

Ball winners were Vinnie Webb 87/67, Dean Howard 82/67, Stuart McIntosh 88/68, Dayne Carey 85/68 and Willem Love 76/69.

In the Women’s event the winner was our visitor from Whitfield, Rachael Richards, with a great score of 64 nett off a 34 handicap.

Runner up was Jacqui Pierce with 110/65.

Egg-cellent fun run draws record participants

A RECORD 415 runners took to the Baarmutha Park course for Beechworth Football Netball Club’s Easter Fun Run last Saturday.

A beautiful sunny day blessed joggers as the largest turn out in the event’s short history saw participants run the 10km, 3km and team events.

The big winners on the course were Patrick Jaffe in the men’s 10km (34:43), Victoria Mitchell in the women’s 10km (39:06), Ryan Webley in the men’s 3km (11:25) and Larissa Webley in the women’s (12:21).

The Webley family also took out the 3km family event with a total time of 48:18, beating the Cavallin family with a time of 54:18, while Bridge Road Brewers won the team event.

The event committee were extremely pleased with the work of more than 40 volunteers who turned out to set up courses, take registrations, marshall, stand at water stations and cooking breakfast, which sold out in no time.

In the non handicap event Joel Whitehead was the winner with 91, runner up was Ricky Parkinson with 94.

Nearest the pins went to Adam Dean (Dederang) on the fifth, Margo Northey (Yackandandah) and Tyson Carey on the 10th, Rachael Richards and Stuart McIntosh on the 17th.

Thanks again to all who supported the event, what a great day.

Ball winners were Judy Pierce 103/66, Glenda Marshall 81/68, Michelle Spicer 115/70, Jenny Hogan 116/71 and Zoe Gephart 98/71.

Beechworth to take on reigning premiers in opening round

■ From back page “I’d rather measure ourselves against the best straight away than get three rounds in, have three easy wins and think we’re further ahead of ourselves than what we are, and get brought back down to reality by one of these stronger sides,” he said.

“It’s a good way to start the year, we’ve got Chiltern and then Yack next week so we’ve got a really strong start and we just want to put or best foot forward.”

The TDFL and TDNA seasons kicked off on Good Friday, with Rutherglen dismantling Wahgunyah to the tune of 98 points in the seniors while the Lions had the better of the Cats on the court with a 55 to 34 win.

The action begins at Baarmutha Park from 9am with the under 14s, with the seniors hitting the field at 2pm and the A grade netball set to have action under lights, starting at 5pm.

A GOOD BREW: The team from Bridge Road Brewers were winners of the 3km team event.

A FAMILY EFFORT: The Webley family consisting of Nathan (left), Larissa, Ryan and Xavier were winner of the 3km family event, with Ryan and Larissa also taking home first place in the men’s and women’s 3km respectively.

FAST TO THE FINISH: Victoria Mitchell at the finish line as the winner of the women’s 10km.

ON YOUR MARKS: Runners stand ready before the commencement of the 3km run.

KEEPING UP WITH MUM: Amy Heath at the finish line with children Archer and Hunter who all competed in the 3km run.

A GOLDEN TOUCH: Men’s winner of the Beechworth Golf Club Golden Putt Jamie Dolny presented with his much coveted prize by president Jacob Howard.

KICKED TRUE: Degan Dolny and his side are raring to take it up to the reigning premiers tomorrow at Baarmutha Park.

A WINNING RUN

PICTURE perfect conditions greeted 415 runners for Beechworth Football

Netball Club’s Easter Fun Run on Saturday, which saw Patrick Jaffe (pictured) the first to the finish line in the men’s 10km run.

■ Full story page 11

and take their opportunities.

Beechworth coach Tom Cartledge said after a long summer the team was champing at the bit to get amongst the action.

“It’s always nice when round one rolls around, you’ve got something tangible to turn a bit of effort in, it should be fun,” he said.

“We’ve definitely got a challenge ahead, but it would be nice to kick the year off really strongly.”

The Bushrangers have been a feel-good story in the past two seasons, returning from finals wilderness to achieve two straight top three finishes, despite only one win in five finals games.

But the team has been dealt blows to their list this season, with the retirements of Mitch Anderson, Brent Ryan, Tristan Stead, Jai Middleton and co-coach Brayden Carey.

Cartledge, now the sole coach of the side this season, said while some experience has left the team, he was looking forward to seeing a younger outfit stand up

“The majority of our group have stuck around and most of them have played together in the past two years and played some good senior footy with some finals experience under their belt,” he said.

“They’ve got about 40-odd senior games played and their young adults now, so they’re primed and ready to go.

“Clancy Ellett has been really impressive all off-season and Kane Scott has stepped up and I think he’ll go really strongly.

“We’ve got a bunch of lads who are around 20 years-old like Will O’meara, Degan Dolny and Liam Stephens who are champing at the bit for more opportunity, so I’m keen to see what they can do.”

Despite beating Chiltern in both regular season games last year, the Swans saved their best until it mattered last season, knocking the Bushrangers out of finals on their way to a nine game winning streak to end the season and claim the premiership.

Cartledge said testing themselves against a team many expect to be in the running for a three-peat this year in round one was an exciting way to start the season.

■ Continued page 11