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Ambo times still lag

PARAMEDICS may have responded faster on average to the most seriously ill people in the Hume Region between January and March this year, but Indigo Shire’s statistics remain appalling.

From January to March, paramedics across Victoria responded to 65.2 per cent of Code 1 cases within the state-wide average target of

15 minutes - up from 60.2 per cent in the previous three months, with Indigo Shire’s far below at 29.3 per cent.

That was an improvement on the same time last year of 24.6 per cent and far better than the abysmal response times of 19.6 per cent in the previous quarter but

Liberal MP for Benambra

was less than impressed.

“I take some comfort from the fact that ambulance response times have come down from the previous quarter - a bit over two minutes for Indigo Shire

g

and more than three minutes for Towong,” Mr Tilley said.

“I take no joy from the fact Towong continues to have the poorest response times in the state, the wait on aver-

age still almost 27 minutes, and Indigo remains in the bottom 10.”

He said the “elephant in the room” in all of this was Wodonga.

■ Continued page 5

GET SET: A Beechworth Golden Serpents Dragon Boat Club crew at the start line of one of the races at last week’s Australian Dragon Boat Championships held at Albury Wodonga Gateway Lakes, who picked up one bronze and two silver medals in a sucessful campaign overall. Full story and more photos on page 2.

Nationals success for Golden Serpents

By CORAL COOKSLEY

BEECHWORTH Golden

Serpents Dragon Boat Club took out silver and bronze medals in the Australian Dragon Boat Championships held last month at Albury Wodonga Gateway Lakes.

With the club competing for the first time in the championships, head coach Kellie Jones said wins of one bronze and two silver medals had been amazing for the two-year old club.

Teams from every state around the nation competed between April 20 to 25 for the annual championships.

Held in different states around Australia, teams head to Western Australia for next year’s event.

“We are so excited and proud,” she said.

Kellie said the crew’s hard training on Lake Sambell throughout the dragon boat

season had paid off with club success.

With the Australian Championships the pinnacle of the dragon boat season, the head coach said teams had worked hard towards the event right from the start.

As dragon boating is a team sport, Kellie said she is very proud of all club members.

“We have wonderful members who not only paddle, but coach, team manage, are on the committee, volunteer, collect boats and equipment, help fundraise, take photos and ferry kids around to regattas,” she said.

“It’s a big family, and everyone contributes to our club successes.”

The club’s teams competed in various races across four days.

On the first day in the Senior A Mixed 10s, the club’s mixed crew worked their way

to the grand final with a silver medal scored for second place while Currumbin from Queensland won by .5 second.

Some Beechworth members paddled with the Victorian State Regional team where teams from the different states raced against each other.

Our team comprised dragon boat club members from Mount Beauty, Warriors, Brave Hearts , Gippsland Water Dragons, Yarrawonga, and Beechworth.

Kellie said the team scooped four gold medals in the Women’s 10s 500 metre race, Open 10s 500 metre, mixed 20s 500 metre, and the Team Pursuit race.

“Our juniors also paddled with the Victorian Junior State team with kids from all over Victoria with the team winning three silver medals.”

With junior racing on day four, Golden Serpents juniors raced with the Australian Dragon Boat Junior Development crew - the Australian Joeys - where the team clinched gold and silver medals.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity and wonderful experience for our juniors to meet other kids and paddle with them in their own category,” Kellie said.

Kellie attributed dedication to training and teamwork for the club’s success since it started.

“We have a great crew, train hard together on the water and our new paddlers have developed a real passion for the sport.”

She said the club had given the local community a sport where the whole fam-

ily can join in.

In contributing to the overall sport, Kellie said the club is committed to junior development and growing the junior category within the state.

Kellie said with a growing junior team, the club plans to continue introducing kids to a non-traditional and different sport.

FAST MOVING: A Beechworth Golden Serpents Dragon Boat Club crew in a category race at last week’s Australian Dragon Boat Championships held at Albury Wodonga Gateway Lakes.

Time for flu jabs

By CORAL COOKSLEY

FOR Dorevitch Pathology’s Bianca Young, a jab in the arm with an annual influenza vaccination protects the community against the highly contagious viral respiratory tract infection.

Working at Beechworth Surgery, Bianca said in her role she encountered many immune compromised patients needing to be kept safe and while working in a doctor’s surgery, she could also be exposed to infection.

“The local community should get on board to keep everyone safe, and if people do get the flu, then it’s going to be less severe,” she said.

Beechworth Surgery nurse Claire Tomlinson said everyone eligible for the vaccination should get the shot.

“There has been a lot more international travel this year with more influenza coming from the northern hemisphere,” she said.

Claire said people also needed to continue to test themselves with RATs if experiencing flu symptoms to make they don’t have COVID-19.

Beechworth Surgery’s practice manager Nerida

Stephenson said the influenza season in Australia usually peaks in August or September each year.

“With optimal protection from influenza vaccination in the first three to four months following vaccination, it is recommended to have the vaccination when the national influenza immunisation program commences which is generally April,” she said.

“As influenza continues to circulate, it is never too late to be vaccinated.”

While nationally influenza cases have increased one hundred-fold compared to the same time last year, Nerida said a surge in cases has not been seen so far in Beechworth.

Influenza vaccines are recommended for everyone over six months of age, where infants and children aged between six months and five years are eligible for a government funded flu vaccine from their GP.

Nerida said booster COVID-19 vaccinations are also recommended with infections still prevalent in the community.

“Anyone over the age of 18 who has not had a COVID-19

vaccination, or an infection in the past six months, is encouraged to book in for the vaccine,” she said.

“And anyone over the age of 50 who tests positive to COVID-19 is encouraged to contact their health care provider to see if they are eligible for anti-viral treatment.”

The practice manager said staying up to date with vital COVID-19 vaccinations helped protect vulnerable community members at risk of developing severe complications.

“Remaining diligent is key to keeping yourself and your community safe,” she said.

“Flu vaccines are available in consultation with your doctor or by booking into a flu vaccination clinic at the surgery.”

Beechworth Pharmacy also offer COVID-19 and flu vaccines where both doses can be given simultaneously if eligible.

“Staying home while experiencing cold or flu like symptoms helps stop the spread of the virus while practising good hand hygiene and social distancing should still be undertaken,” Nerida said.

Funds boost helps others

By CORAL COOKSLEY

A LOCAL community bank grant has boosted funds for Beechworth Boomerang Bags to help with the volunteer organisation’s ongoing community assistance in the town as well as around the country.

Boomerang Bags’ Iris Mannik said the group had helped donate hundreds of bags over the last few years with toiletry products for disaster relief in times of fires and floods.

With bags made in the town along with those by other Boomerang Bag groups in nearby areas, Beechworth Boomerang members had recently helped deliver them over the last 18 months to a number of flood

struck regions.

Some trips included to the flood ravaged New South Wales town of Lismore, and Victoria’s severely flooded Echuca last year as well as Kyabram earlier this year.

Trauma teddies donated by the Lions Club had been included for delivery to Echuca too.

“Beechworth Boomerang Bags were picked up by Rochester volunteers as well in Echuca to be used for food parcels, while others had been taken to the Rochester relief centre,” Ms Mannik said.

Thrilled Boomerang Bags member Anne Wilson said the $500 funding from the Beechworth Commonwealth Bank (CBA) will help support fu-

ture disasters.

Local CBA branch manager Katie Ryan said the bank was delighted to give back to the community through its community grants to voluntary organisations like Boomerang Bags, “They do such wonderful work,” she said.

Beechworth Boomerang Bags is part of a worldwide effort to tackle the problem of soft plastic bag use by replacing them with alternative sustainable options with recycled material.

The now global community driven project began in Australia by Boomerang Bag creators Tania Potts and Jordyn De Boer in Queensland’s Burleigh Heads a decade ago.

ROLL UP THE SLEEVES: Dorevitch Pathology’s Bianca Young given her flu shot by Beechworth Surgery’s nurse Claire Tomlinson.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

ALL SMILES: Local CBA manager Katie Ryan (left) with Beechworth Boomerang Bag members Howard Moreton, Iris Mannik, Anne Wilson and CBA team member Andrew McCorlick at following last week’s community grant presentation .

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

Driving up energy efficiency

By CORAL COOKSLEY

WITH energy bills skyrocketing around the nation more than 50 interested people took part in last Saturday’s ‘Home Energy Efficiency Expo’ hosted by local volunteer community group Totally Renewable Beechworth (TRB).

TRB president Peter Anfruns said participants had the chance to learn more about energy cost reduction while creating more comfortable homes as well as reducing greenhouse emissions.

“Keynote speaker, Lucinda Flynn, from Melbourne-based ‘Going Green Solutions’ spoke about very practical ways for people to improve home energy efficiency,” he said.

“Some attendees who thought their homes were energy efficient said they had learned new ways to conserve energy.”

“Lucinda also encouraged participants to take advantage of environmental volunteer opportunities.”

Ms Flynn said some energy saving basics within homes can be applied to various situations regardless of the house age or budget.

“I really don’t want people to feel like energy efficiency is outside of their reach as

cheapest energy is the energy not used.”

“One of the simplest ways to reduce energy use and carbon emissions is by reducing what you use at home where we all have some degree of control.”

“It means we’re all capable of participating in the movement to reduce emissions.”

Among guest speakers had been Indigo Power’s electricity retail general manager Donald Mace with an outline of a six-step blueprint as the roadmap for community groups to follow in achieving 100% renewable energy.

Developed with communities, steps outlined were electricity retail with community energy hubs, shared energy between customers with relevant software as well as the roll-out of rapid small-scale deployment of the best clean energy technology.

Others included community participation in shared community owned infrastructure for community benefit along with giving back to the community.

Mr Mace said Indigo Power is a fully Australian and community-owned certified social enterprise where half the profits are returned to its communities.

“Indigo Power is an alternative local electricity retailer that is here for the community,” he said.

Other guest speakers included BRD Studio’s architect and builder Tim Smith where he sparked new ways of thinking for those building new homes while local landscape architect Jenny

Indian gave insights into the role of trees and vegetation in cooling and heating home as well as enhancing mental health.

Indigo Shire mayor Sophie Price welcomed attendees where a brief outline of Indigo Shire Council’s climate initiatives had been given too.

Mr Anfruns said TRB is powering ahead in continuing to support and work with Indigo Power to install a community battery in Beechworth.

“This project should receive funding from the Federal Government,” he said.

Saturday’s event had been funded by Indigo Shire

Council and the Department of Energy Environment and Climate Action under the environmental volunteering program.

The Expo organised by community volunteer group TRB had also been supported by Beechworth Urban Landcare and Sustainability.

FORGING AHEAD: TRB president Peter Anfruns (left), ‘Going Green Solutions’ Lucinda Flynn, Indigo Power’s Donald Mace and BRD Studio’s Tim Smith at Saturday’s ‘Home Energy Efficiency Expo’ held at Quercus Beechworth.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

Yackandandah ANZAC Day record crowd

By CORAL COOKSLEY

STIRRING sounds of ‘Amazing Grace’ played on bagpipes resonated around Yackandandah while the sound of dozens of local riders on horseback rode into place lining the gates along either side of the Memorial Park entrance for the start of this year’s ANZAC Day moving dawn service.

Organisers estimated last week’s dawn service drew a record number of around 500 people while hundreds lined the streets including children to watch the march down the main street ending at the Memorial Park for the 11am ANZAC Day service.

Master of ceremonies

(MC) Lincoln Ablett said this year Vietnam veteran and local Wal Cameron addressed the crowd.

“He recalled his first ANZAC Day dawn service in Yackandandah attended by around eight people conducted by Dave (Postie) Norman and the late Ray Melbourne,” Mr Ablett said.

“It wasn’t long before Wal decided to take the helm and slowly but surely raised the ANZAC spirit and the numbers we see here today.”

As MC, Mr Ablett shared some of the lesser told history of women during WWI with Yackandandah Primary School’s Violet MacCalman reading the “The ANZAC Requiem”.

Special guest and local resident, Flight Lieutenant Dr Emma Polkinghorne from the Army’s School of Health in Bandiana, delivered a moving address while local bugler Chris McGorlick brought a special touch to the service.

“Yackandandah Hotel hosted a gunfire breakfast again this year too”, Mr Ablett said.

Mr Ablett said Yackandandah continued its strong tradition of marching as a community with local g roups, veterans and was joined by the Army School of Health soldiers with a long-standing arrangement with the town’s local marching band.

Yackandandah Primary School Gabrielle Gargiulo read “The ANZAC Requiem” while Osbornes Flat Primary School Isaac Schmidt read the poem “We remember those on ANZAC Day.”

Dr Polkinghorne de-

Which Way? Safe active travel in Beechworth

Survey results are in!

Thank you to the 54 community members who took the time to complete the survey including parents, carers, teachers, primary and secondary students, and local businesses! This information helps to increase our knowledge about how, where and why people choose pathways to get around town.

What you told us:

Most popular locations where we ride, walk and scoot to are:

Queen Victoria Park, Lake Sambell, Supermarket, Rail Trail and Cafes

People choose the shortest, quickest route, defined footpaths, safest pathways and rail trail to get around.

Some key safety tips:

Do not step out in front of cars at the main roundabout

Do not step into gutters

Be careful when riding your bike on the road

Be mindful of others: Drivers and riders please be courteous and considerate

Drive slowly in town

Look out for cars

Use the rail trail + footpaths

Watch for bikes

Look where you walk. Don’t run. Give way to vehicles. Always look before crossing

Let other pedestrians know you’re passing (bike or running)

Areas that may benefit from improvement:

Crossings: including roundabout, state of the footpaths / pathways, crossovers in the main street

Accessibility: accessible pathways for older people, motor scooter, wheel chairs and prams, additional sealed pathways / footpaths connecting areas of towns

Safety: speed limits across within the town, speed of vehicles, pedestrian safety, safe crossing points and information

Connecting and increasing number of pathways

livered a moving address while Yackandandah’s Primary School choir performed a wonderful rendition of “True Blue” and “The Australian National Anthem.”

Wreath laying by local community g roups and individuals followed the deep moving service.

Mr Ablett said people then enjoyed a wonderful morning tea hosted by Senior Citizens Club members before closing the day where many joined in a traditional game of “two up” at the Star Hotel.

National Volunteer Week 15-21 May 2023

National Volunteer Week 2023 is a celebration of our power to drive change and ensure volunteering is inclusive of all members of the Australian community.

It is a great time to celebrate and recognise volunteers’ vital work and say, “Thank you”.

This year’s theme is The Change Makers and acknowledges the work of volunteers and their positive impact on the communities. It recognises the support that volunteers provide to their communities and encourages people to consider volunteering.

BHS is celebrating volunteer week and saying ‘Thank you’ to their volunteers at the Old Railway Station on Wednesday 17 May 2023 at 10.00am. For more information please contact Volunteer Coordinator, Marianne on 03 5728 0200

ics and the health system by saving Triple Zero (000) for As a wave of COVID-19 furloughed decreased from a peak of 112 on January 5,

“However, now is not the time to be complacent,” Ms

ready rising again and will continue to do so as we head

ff f

“That’s why I encourage all Victorians take care of lar check-ups with your GP or specialist and get your

ity Primary Care Centre in

Stay healthy this winter season!

As a community we can help to prevent the spread of flu and other infections by following the following tips:

Wash your hands: Wash your hands regularly. Cover coughs and sneezes: Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

Bin your tissues: Throw used tissues in the bin immediately.

Avoid sharing: Don’t share cups, plates, cutlery and towels with other people, if you can.

Keep surfaces clean

If unwell, stay home and look after yourself

Check in with others who may be unwell

Remember to keep your vaccinations up to date

Get a flu shot: 2023 Influenza vaccines are available. The influenza vaccine is recommended for people aged 6 months and over and provided free to those most at risk from influenza and its complications.

COVID -19 Boosters are available for those eligible. Contact your local pharmacy to make a booking.

MOVING SERVICE: Dozens of local riders on horseback rode into place lining the gates along either side of the Memorial Park entrance for the start of this year’s Yackandandah ANZAC Day dawn service.

PHOTO: Lincoln Ablett

MAKING A STAND: Liberal MP for Benambra, Bill Tilley was less than impressed with the lagging ambulance response times released in the Indigo Shire region from January to March.

Local gymnast ready for nationals

By CORAL COOKSLEY

A YOUNG Beechworth gymnast selected to represent Victoria will tomorrow head to the Australian Gymnastic Championships being held at Gold Coast.

An excited Georgia Stefaniak will compete on four apparatus - floor, beam, vault, and uneven bars - in the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) National level 10 at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre.

Selection to the team of Victoria’s top six gymnasts followed three state trials.

The team will compete against other six-member state teams from around Australia.

This year is Georgia’s fifth Australian Championships with her first one at 12 years old.

The gymnast recently competed at the 2023 Victorian State Championships in Geelong, where she scored second place on

beam as well as winning the Floor Artistry Award.

“A highlight through my gymnastic career was winning the Victorian State championships in level eight in 2018,” Georgia said.

“I was not expecting it at all and when they called my name up first, I was shocked.”

Five years ago in the local Australia Day Awards, Georgia was presented with the Indigo Shire Emma George Sporting Scholarship which helps young people pursue their sporting activities at regional, state or national competition levels.

The 17-year-old had represented Albury’s Flyaway Gymnastics for 11 years before joining Indigo Gymnastics in Beechworth where she has been training under the coaching guidance of Glenn Evans for the past ten months.

Starting as a youngster,

Georgia competed in a kindergym for 12 months when the family lived in Melbourne.

With a family move to Beechworth when five years old, she was enrolled in a pre-development stream at Flyway Gymnastics in Albury and has never looked back since.

A determined Georgia has worked her way up to national levels to be ranked as one of Victoria’s most consistent performers.

The year 12 Trinity Anglican College student said she managed to balance her studies with gymnastics.

“The school has a program for high level athletes to give more time on assessments and homework which is really good and has helped while competing,” Georgia said.

“I really enjoy competing and I’ve made a lot of new friends through gymnastics, and good connections.

“I’m excited about competing in the championships but little bit nervous too.”

Indigo Gymnastics head coach Erin Machuk said Georgia is a great role model for the gymnasts at lower levels.

“We’re so proud of what she’s been able to accomplish and it’s very exciting,” she said.

“Georgia has shown anything is possible if you have the drive, passion, coaches and facilities.”

Last Saturday Georgia took part in the 2023 State Team Recognition Day held in the State Gymnastics Centre in Melbourne where Gymnastics Victoria welcomed more than 300 athletes from all gymsports, coaches, officials, and parents.

More than 1300 athletes from around Australia and New Zealand are expected to compete in the Gymnastics Australia event.

Raising awareness of worldwide work

By CORAL COOKSLEY

EVERY step counted on Saturday when Beechworth Country Women’s Association (CWA) members and friends joined women worldwide in celebrating the international network for the annual ‘Walk the World’ to raise awareness of its vital work.

Some members with friends dressed in national costume for the short walk from the Chinese Gardens to the CBD.

Local CWA president Kathryn Chivers said the walk cel-

ebrated the strength of the longstanding philanthropic organisation with its work for the welfare of women and their families.

“Women all over the world in their respective countries help each other through the CWA,” she said.

Beechworth’s CWA celebrated eight decades of contributing to the local community last year.

Kathryn said the local CWA is an inclusive branch with culturally diverse members where she encourages women of all ages to join in.

“There are no barriers in joining and we embrace all cultures,” she said.

Many fundraisers have been undertaken by the local CWA where funds have been invested back into the community for numerous projects.

Donations are made to state-wide projects to support natural disaster recovery such as floods and bushfires too.

Local Beechworth members are part of a more than a 5000-strong state membership with the CWA Victoria founded in 1928.

TOP COMPETITOR: Beechworth’s Georgia Stefaniak competes next week in the Australian Gymnastic Championships being held on the Gold Coast. More photos of Georgia on page 11.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

WALKED: Beechworth’s Lourdes Lucani (left), Cecilia Huggins, Gina Edwards with daughter Emily, Barbara Edwards, Liz Suhr, Marianne Edwards, Mazela Gicole and Kathryn Chivers get set to walk into town to mark CWA international event ‘Women Walk the World’ last Saturday.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

BTC to bring Cosi play to Beechworth

By CORAL COOKSLEY

MADNESS, mayhem, and joy will prevail when talented Beechworth Theatre Company (BTC) performers bring to life crazy characters in the hilarious Aussie stage classic, Cosi.

Written by Australian playwright Louis Nowra first performed in more than 30 years ago at Sydney’s Belvoir Street Theatre.

The character Lewis, a young, first-time director who needs money, is hired to direct a play as part of a therapeutic program meant to keep asylum patients interested and to ‘bring them out of their shells’ as the social worker, Justin, tells him.

BTC director Janet Tweedie said the theatre production had stuck to the original play written in 1992 set in a Melbourne mental hospital in 1971.

The play had been adapted to the screen in 1996 with a modified version of the original play.

“It’s a crazy, heart-warming, comedy that speaks to a generation,” she said.

“The play includes amazing characters, and biting social commentary about love, fidelity, social

and gender stereotypes, and the definitions of madness.”

“A semi-autobiographical account of a young man’s first job post university, ‘Cosi’ presents an Australia that is certainly different to Australia now.”

Among themes explored are madness and sanity, the continuing double standards of expectations of love and fidelity for men and women.

Another is the ‘coming of age’ of a young man as he struggles to cope in a situation that is way over his head and tests his ideas of friendship and the relative importance of ‘the greater good’ verses immediate human relationships.

“What stands out as different, is the play is set in the midst of the Vietnam War and an Australia struggling with unprecedented change with the impact of the sexual revolution, the Women’s Liberation Movement, and a continuing post WWII boom,” Janet said.

“The language of the play reflects the attitudes of the day, brilliantly painted by Louis Nowra, and gives us a challenge that is at times subtle and at times harshly overt.”

The director and team decided to retain the original script to convey important messages the playwright had imparted.

Janet said she hoped the audience would sit back and enjoy a trip into the early 70s.

“Think about how far we’ve come, but also how far we still have to go, and revel in the madness,” she said.

Beechworth actor Dylan Firth with his role as manic depressive Roy - an enthusiastic participant in the new program - said the theatre production has a great cast portraying the interesting strong characters.

“It’s been so much fun,” he said.

Being performed at the Beechworth Servicemen’s Memorial Hall, performances are scheduled for Friday, May 12, Saturday, May 13, Friday, May 19 and Saturday, May 20 at 7.30pm, with a Sunday matinee session on May 21 at 2pm.

For bookings visit stickytickets at https://www. stickytickets.com.au/ nm2x6/beechworth_theatre_company_presents_ cosi_by_louis_nowra.aspx.

For more information contact Janet Tweedie on m 0422 390 941.

wangarattasubaru.com.au

MAYHEM: Tricky situation for patient Doug (played by Joe Moran) is placed in a stranglehold by another patient Cherry (played by Lyndal Perry) in Sunday’s Cosi rehearsals.

PATIENTS LEARNING LINES: Some of the performers in the BTC play ‘Cosi’- Dylan Firth (left as Roy), Mack Oswald (Lewis), Elroy Bos (Zac), Julie Groth (Ruth), Joe Moran (Doug) and Lyndal Perry (Cherry) at Sunday’s rehearsals.

PHOTOS: Coral Cooksley

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

ACROSS

4 Name the official printed reports of the debates and proceedings of parliament in Australia (7)

8 Which colourless, pungent gas is a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen (7)

9 To be fully developed in body and mind is to have become what (7)

10 Name a unit of sound intensity (7)

11 What describes the obscuration of the light of a satellite by intervention (7)

12 What are organisations of persons with common cultural interests (6)

14 Name the art of painting on fresh lime plaster (6)

18 Which musical direction suggests moderately slowly and evenly (7)

21 What are shades of colour, expression, meaning, etc (7)

22 Name the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II (7)

23 To be pompous or bombastic in speech, is to be what (7)

24 Who brings a racehorse up to scratch (7) DOWN

1 Which soft material is used for stuffing, packing, etc (7)

2 Name the loose overgarment used by an artist (5)

3 To have treated someone with disdain, is to have done what (7)

4 Which Shakespearean character was the Prince of Denmark (6)

5 Name a former province in eastern South Africa (5)

6 Which term means pertinent or by the way (7)

7 To use evasive methods, is to do what (5)

13 Name a state in the Central United States (7)

E-QUATIONS

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

SUDOKU

15 What might we call that which turns round, as on an axis (7)

16 To be illegally between the ball and the opposing team’s goal line, is to be what (7)

17 Which person supervises the morality of others (6)

18 Name a WA racecourse (5)

19 Name a particular synthetic polyamide (5)

20 What in rugby is an alternative term for a scrimmage (5)

LQUICK THINK

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

BIYWORD

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

CLUES:

Built up polyp excretions (5)

Coat (5)

Dine (3)

Dreamlike (7)

Light emitting diode (3)

Loams (5)

Milk producing farms (7)

Mixture (5)

Public transport vehicle (3)

Saturday (abb) (3)

SOLUTIONS

Housing top priority ahead of budget

INDEPENDENT Federal MP for Indi Helen Haines wants the government to fund measures to open up housing supply in the regions in the upcoming 2023/24 Budget, to be handed down next Tuesday.

The housing crisis is being felt across the North East region, where 40.6 per cent of renters are experiencing housing stress.

“Housing is an issue across Australia, but here in our region we know that the dire lack of housing supply is a major factor contributing to the crisis,” Dr Haines said.

“What we need is a dedicated Regional Housing Infrastructure Fund, which would provide funding for enabling infrastructure that would help open new housing developments, like sewerage, drainage, parks and other amenity.

“It would also provide local government assistance to fast–track planning approvals and reduce red tape.”

Dr Haines is also calling for $2.1 million for site

preparation work at the old Wangaratta Ovens College site, where the Rural City of Wangaratta has appointed not–for–profit Nestd to develop new social housing.

“We have projects ready to go in Indi to kickstart building more houses, and we need the government to play its part,” she said.

Dr Haines also called for funding to improve access to health care in regional, rural and remote Australia.

“Last week Albury Wodonga Health declared a Code Yellow, and we are only at the start of winter,” she said.

“The government has announced a series of measures to strengthen Medicare and I look forward to seeing more detail and working out what that will mean on the ground in our community.

“The budget must also include measures to help regional Australia‘s economic development.

“Our roads need tens of millions of dollars of investment to be made safer but also to help our local economies thrive.

“In the October budget the government announced two new funding programs for regional Australia – the Growing Regions Program and the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program.

“Yet there is still no detail on how these programs will work or when they will open for applications, we need that certainty on Tuesday evening.”

Cost of living relief is at front of mind for Dr Haines, who has already campaigned to raise the rate of JobSeeker and measures to reduce energy bills.

“After mortgage or rent payments, energy is the most expensive household bill and we need to help households reduce their bills by replacing inefficient gas appliances with high–efficiency electric appliances, powered by renewables,” Dr Haines said.

“This budget needs to include a comprehensive package to help households increase solar panels and home batteries, and to replace appliances which are costing people more money.

Giving back to support local community

MELBOURNE born Liz Suhr has lived in Alice Springs, Mt Martha, Bairnsdale, and lastly on a co-op in remote, rural East Gippsland. With her husband Phil, she moved to Beechworth 15 months ago following the recent fires which impacted the co-op, and the increasing heavy rain events which made their dirt road out impassable.

What did you do workwise?

I am a retired nurse where I mainly worked in palliative care, but lastly helped people in the community complete their Advance Care Plan.

What brought you to your role/career?

Growing up in a family of health providers, nursing was a reality I understood. My passion for palliative care came from observing how the skill of this specialty maintained my mum’s dignity, gave her effective symptom relief, and supported our family unit on the journey of acceptance of her terminal diagnosis and at the end, those precious days of saying goodbye.

Liz Suhr, Beechworth

has been that the Beechworth community shares my values of inclusivity, respect, support for those requiring it, and action on climate change with the development of our community battery. I am delighted to have Helen Haines as my federal MP.

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

Friday May 5

‘ART IN AUTUMN’ EXHIBITION: Beechworth Arts Council. Runs daily until Sunday May 7. 10am to 4pm. Beechworth Town Hall, 101 Ford Street.

ART TALK. Mayday Hills Art Society. 5pm. Stephan Bulmer on classical guitar. Drinks and nibbles. Gold coin donation. Kurrajong Way. All welcome. RSVP bibart@bigpond.com.

Saturday May 6

MOLLYS SONG: 10am to 3pm. People around Beechworth, the shire and beyond can sing along under the badge of ‘Molly’s Song’ at the Beechworth Servicemen’s’ Memorial Hall to raise funds for dementia research. For more

information contact Libby on 0418 409 636 or visit the Molly’s Song Facebook Page.

DRIVE BACK IN TIME: Hosted by Beechworth Old Cranks Motor Club. 10am. Tractor trek. Welcome barbeque lunch for entrants at Old Railway Goods Shed. $10 per car followed by a run to local points of interest. 4.30pm: Keith Harms Street cruise around the town.

Sunday May 7

DRIVE BACK IN TIME ‘Show and Shine.’ 8am onwards. Showcase of old cars, bikes and engines 25 years old and over. Ford Street between Camp and Williams Street, and Old Police Paddocks. Visit www.beechwortholdcranksclub.com for more information.

IF you have an event you’d like added to this calendar, please email edit.omadvertiser@nemedia.com.au

When my son was two years old, he suffered a life-threatening stroke, so I have also had the experience of sitting powerlessly by the bedside of someone you love having to trust medical staff with their life.

These life experiences gave me the desire to work in palliative care.

What did you love about your work?

Seeing my client and their family as a ‘whole unit’ and helping them advocate for what is important to them.

What do you do in the community?

I volunteer at the local op-shop and have joined the Beechworth CWA. I feel grateful to have the opportunity to give back to and support our local community.

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

I feel I am too new in the area to have insight to comment. So far, my experience

Simply, action on climate change. I get overwhelmed by what needs to change, so I focus on those things I can do in my life as I feel change starts at home. We are fortunate enough to have been able to install solar panels and a battery that can charge our Tesla, we compost our food waste and I have started my vegie garden. We also plan to install water tanks, and when I shop, I try to buy seasonal, locally grown foods as well as living by the ‘reduce reuse recycle mantra’ - for example with denim rejected by the opshop, I make chair covers and shoulder bags.

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

My wonderful brother Pete, who passed away six years ago from cancer. He is my role model on climate action and was so supportive through my hard times. He would be thrilled to see the contentment I have living here, the history and beautiful surroundings, walking around Lake Sambell and Mayday Hills, the wineries and riding trails but especially the community vibe.

What book are you reading?

‘The Belgariad Series’, by David Eddings.

SUSTAINABLE LIVING: Beechworth’s Liz Suhr feels combatting climate change starts at home.

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Community Representative

July 2023 – June 2026

Applications are sought for an independent committee member, with an interest in the provision of health care to join the Clinical Governance Committee of Beechworth Health Service (BHS).

The Clinical Governance Committee is a subcommittee of the Board, and its objective is to oversee the clinical systems and frameworks that are in place at BHS. The independent committee member role is one of two such roles on this sub-committee. The independent community committee members help ensure effective and accountable systems are in place at BHS to monitor and improve the quality, safety and experience of care at BHS. Relevant experience or knowledge in either a corporate or a clinical environment would be advantageous.

This position is voluntary and the role is to provide an objective, independent, community oriented perspective to assist the BHS Board in discharging its responsibilities.

A role description and nomination form can be obtained from www.beechworthhealthservice. com.au or telephone (03) 5728 0200.

WILLIAMSON, Thomas Norman John. 17/10/1961 - 24/4/2023

Died peacefully on April 24, 2023 at Stanley. Aged 61 years.

Loved partner of Alison. Youngest son of Mary (dec) and Norman.

Loved brother of Mark, Anna, Frances, Evie, and their partners.

Loved Uncle and Great Uncle to their children and grandchildren.

He got his wish, to die at home.

Special thanks to the palliative care team at Albury Wodonga Health, Beechworth Surgery and Beechworth Health Service, especially the District Nursing Service. A fine craftsman, maker, and builder, and well known volunteer with the Stanley CFA.

WILLIAMSON

Family and friends of the late Thomas Williamson are warmly invited to attend the funeral service to be held at the Stanley Soldiers Memorial Hall at 11am on Thursday, May 11, 2023.

The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed at conwayfuneralhome.com.au

GRASSY WOODLANDS Conservation & Research Forum

Hear from industry-leading speakers bringing together the scientific and farming learnings for the conservation and restoration of the Grassy Woodlands of north east Victoria.

Friday, 12 May 2023

9.00 AM - 4.30 PM ( + optional dinner) - Tickets $20pp

Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway 29-37 Ryley St, Wangaratta

This project is supported by the North East CMA, with funding from the Australian Government's National Landcare Program.

Register now at : https://events.humani tix.com/grassywoodlands-forum

Applications should be forwarded to: Chief Executive Officer, Beechworth Health Service, PO Box 20, Beechworth Vic 3747 info@beechworthhealth.org.au

Applications close: Friday, May 26, 2023.

Telstra plans to upgrade an existing telecommunications facility located at 124 Red Hill Road Beechworth VIC 3747 (Plan PC373886) www.rfnsa.com.au/3747001

1. Telstra Limited (A.C.N 051 775 556) are currently upgrading existing mobile network facilities to allow for the introduction of 5G to Telstra’s network. As part of this network upgrade, Telstra proposes the installation of NR/ LTE2600 (5G/4G) technology at Beechworth. Proposed of four (4) existing Panel antennas, removal of three (3) remote radio units (RRUs) and the installation of three (3) RRUs and associated ancillaries. All internal equipment will be housed within the existing equipment shelter at the base of the facility.

2. Telstra regards the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”) based on the above description.

3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or written submissions should be directed to Michael Cheung, Aurecon Australasia Pty Ltd (A.B.N 54 005 139 873) via email to: Michael.Cheung@aurecongroup.com or via post to: Michael Cheung, Aurecon Pty Ltd, Level 3, 25 Grenfell St, Adelaide SA 5000 by 5pm on 19 May 2023.

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GAZAL Zodiac pop top caravan 17 ft, registered, tare 1150 atm 1450, very good condition, new awning, Reco 3-way fridge, diesel heater, gas/electric hot water, external shower, 2 water tanks, led lighting throughout, windguard aerial, 1500w invertier, 200w solar panel on roof, 2 batteries, p rivacy screens and walls, $16,000 ono. Ph 0428 398 360.

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David Lindenmayer Professor of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Australian National University

David Watson Professor of Ecology Charles Sturt University

DINNER SPEAKER ONLY

Section one team onto pennant final

By DYLAN POOL

LAST Wednesday in perfect golfing conditions the women played a Stableford multiplier event. The winners with a score of 69 were Coral Ward and Nada Guyatt, the runners up only one point behind on 68 were Gail Smith and

Debbie Tully. There were also some great individual scores with Glenda Marshall (19) 39 points, Gail Smith (22) 37 points, Debbie Tully (25) 33 points and Coral Ward (22) 33 points.

Nearest the pins went to Glenda Marshall on the 3rd and Gail Smith on the 5th.

Wednesday golf is 8:30am for a 9am hit off Reminder to everyone that the men are also encouraged to play on a Wednesday.

The final round of pennant was played on Sunday.

Both teams had a great win.

The Section one handicap side had an emphatic 5 nil

win over Wodonga at Thurgoona.

The Section two side had their first win of the season against Mansfield at Corowa.

Vaughan Saunders won 4&3, John Sheehan won 4&2, Andy Croome lost 1 down, Simon Carracher won 2 up and Mick Deuis won 1 up.

Good luck to the Section

one side who play against Thurgoona at Mansfield next Sunday in the final.

The team for Sundays final is Darren Edwards, Dylan Pool, Jacob Howard, Dean Howard and Dave Lang.

Thanks to Zane Howard who is part of the team and Steve Piddington who filled in last week.

Cartledge said he has been impressed with his team’s ability to run out games so far this season, which has been a 10 goal last quarter in their previous game against

“We stuck with our ness across the board helped us a fair bit in that langatta], and it certainly has in this early part of

The Bushrangers will head to Wahgunyah this dandah last week by a Cartledge said he will be placing an emphasis on keeping focused to the team’s own brand of footy, regardless of the

“The crucial thing is to stick to our game plan, really be disciplined on our brand of footy and not get carried away with the situation or get ahead of

HIGH ACHIEVER: Beechworth’s Georgia Stefaniak will be competing at the Australian Gymnastic Championships this weekend at Gold Coast on four apparatus - floor, beam, vault, and uneven bars - in the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) National level 10.

“We’ve still got to win a game of footy and play our way, we don’t want to be going in there getting tinue our team brand of

f f f f

PURE FORM: Beechworth’s Georgia Stefaniak is ranked as one of Victoria’s most consistent gymnastic performers and will look to repeat her silver medal state championship success in the national championships this weekend.

For all the best in Indigo sports action. Phone (03) 5723 0100

Bushies’ survive scare

By BAILEY

AN undermanned Beechworth Bushrangers were put to the test last weekend, but proved too strong over a hungry Tallangatta side by 25 points at Baarmutha Park. Leading by just three points at half-time over the one-win Hoppers and 12 points at three quar-

ter-time, the Bushrangers used a strong three goal to one last quarter to edge out the challenge 13.12 (90) to 9.11 (65).

Co-coach Tom Cartledge said it was pleasing to see his team grit their way to victory without eight of their regular senior side members due to unavailability and injury.

“It was certainly a challenge; it was good to have one that was so tight and contested,” he said.

“We had a bit of fluctuation in our side so it was good to bring a few blokes in and fight it out which showed a bit of character.

“It was a great opportunity for them, we love bringing up a few juniors but also a couple of blokes

who have been playing well in the reserves, that’s the whole idea that they can get their opportunities.

“They played really well, particularly in the second half where blokes had to stand up and take the game on; they certainly did that and it was probably the difference in the end.”

Captain Cam Fendyk led from

the front with a best on ground performance which included three goals while Kane Scott and Connor Thornton in their senior debuts impressed in the win.

The win keeps the Bushrangers undefeated to start their season trailing only Kiewa-Sandy Creek by percentage at the top of the ladder.

■ Continued page 11

The Gigante excels in uneven terrain due to its class leading range of disc movement, and its precise depth control, provided by the large depth control wheel on each disc. The single disc system is perfect for all conditions, especially with undulating terrain. With minimal disturbance it creates a fine tilth in the slot, creating a perfect germination zone and a consistent firm closure, thanks to the independently mounted press wheels.

STRIDING AWAY: Brenton Surrey and the Bushrangers continued their undefeated start to 2023 with a gritty 25 point win against Tallangatta at Baarmutha Park last weekend.

ZIMMERMANN