Beechworth’s Ava Florence (10) sold products with help from her brother Rafael (7) at last Friday’s Christmas community market in Beechworth.
h’s s Ava v 0) so s ld l it ith help roothher t last st risistmmas y mark r et e orth. h
FAMILY research for more than a decade has led to the discovery of a 104-year-old unmarked grave in the Beechworth Public Cemetery with a granite memorial headstone linked to history now in place.
Melbourne’s Debbie Williams researched family history for more than 15 years sparked by questions from her late father about his heritage.
Ms Williams said she had researched her entire family tree finding the grave of her great, great grandfather William McFeeters.
“I did bring Dad up here six years
BY CORAL COOKSLEY ccooksley@ nemedia.com.au
ago to look for William’s grave,” she remarked.
is that connection to the farm, stone and William,” she said.
“A well-known identity, William lived in a little shack at Reids Creek, had a horse and cart and drove to Chiltern and Rutherglen and all around the area selling his fruit trying to make ends meet.”
Ms Williams said she found a beautiful large stone for the headstone on the McFeeters farm where another descendant lives who she visits.
“I think it is lovely now that there
“I said to Dad we’ll get back here one day but he passed away a couple of years ago, and this was something I wanted to do for him and to get William’s name on his grave.”
Born in 1839 in Northern Ireland, William had migrated to the region with his wife Isabella in 1862.
“He and Isabella had nine children - one died when a baby and another at aged three,” Ms Williams said.
■ Continued page 2
MARKED AT LAST:
Melbourne’s Debbie Williams organised a special headstone for the previously unmarked grave of her great, great grandfather Beechworth Public Cemetery.
History marked
■ From front page
“The rest married and the Beechworth cemetery is full of his descendants.
“Every time I drive down the hill towards the McFeeters’ farm, I always think of him because he had a heart attack on his cart when returning to the family farm from a day’s selling and didn’t make it home.
“He died on April 27, 1905, and luckily, his wife and daughter were on board to take his body back to the farm.
“I admire William and his tenacity, because it would have been very hard back then.
“It’s been a culmination and full circle of my research on William and finding everything I could about him, his life, children and family.”
Ms Williams said family members would now visit his gravesite as well as other gravesites of family members in the cemetery too.
The family history researcher also had a plaque made at the Broadford Cemetery where William’s wife is buried.
“I know their stories now and feel really happy with names on their graves,” she said.
Ms Williams said William McFeeters’ legacy lived on as his family members had multiplied with many spread across different areas including Broken Hill.
Beechworth Public Cemetery Trust chair Rosemary Barnett said the cemetery has policies and guidelines for clarity, among them memorial headstones on its website, as well as a noticeboard near the main entrance gate.
She said in this instance the special rock to be used prepared by a stonemason with the plaque had been approved by the trust.
All cemeteries have policies and guidelines for compliance with more details available at the Victorian Department of Health website.
Early explorers Hume and Hovell commemorated
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A COMMEMORATION to mark the 200-year anniversary of the Hamilton Hume and William Hovell expedition drew around 50 locals and guests to the cairn built in 1924 not far from the Stanley village centre on Sunday, November 24.
penal colony, free settlers had arrived and were looking for more land to farm and to graze sheep.” Mr Absley said.
“Explorers Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson had found a way across the Blue Mountains in NSW opening up the inland to pastoralists and now eyes were turned to the south.”
expedition, surveyor for Victoria, H. Hansford mapped Hume and Hovell’s journey through Victoria using Hovell’s diary as the source as Hume’s diary had been lost.
tion had been found about David McKenzie (1876-1964) who wrote a book after building the cairn.
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The journey through the area is described as having passed through Back Creek, Stanley and down to Murmungee where the sites were marked with cairns erected in 1924 to commemorate the centenary of Hume and Hovell expedition passing through the area.
Organised by the Stanley Athenaeum, former member Greg Absley, with a love of history, delivered an account of their journey while Peter Harper from the Albury Historical Society also spoke about their expedition.
Mr Absley delivered his presentation with a description of the expedition as well as some challenges to determine which route had been undertaken through this region.
“By 1824 - 36 years after the First Fleet arrived and started a
With the expedition mainly funded by Hume and Hovell, Mr Absley said the pair sought to explore if good farming land existed between the southern boundary of the colony near Yass in New South Wales and the ocean at Bass Strait – a return trip of around 1900km.
“Both men took three servants each, five bullocks, two carts, several hunting dogs and four months’ worth of provisions,” he said.
They crossed the Murray River, Ovens and another 10 before reaching Port Phillip Bay at Corio Bay near Lara.
Upon their return with the party but without bullocks or dogs that died, the explorers reported the discovery of good land with streams and rivers.
In 1924, 100 years after the
“His interpretation of the route had been the basis for the local communities to erect the centenary monuments at prominent places with a total tally of 37,” Mr Absley said.
Mr Absley said author and researcher Alan Andrews in his book published in 1981 had challenged the route undertaken as well as Stanley surveyor and Athenaeum member Leigh Privett recently questioning the route too.
The Athenaeum’s Chris Dormer said the Stanley monument had been built by two locals David McKenzie and Mr Beard with Mr Beard’s first name unknown.
She said money had been raised to build the cairn by the Stanley School committee with a school concert with the stone pulled from Bald Hill not far away.
From research undertaken including with Victorian Collections, Ms Dormer said informa-
“He was a prominent member of the community, a local farmer and orchardist and an elder of the Presbyterian Church,” she said.
“Two sealed bottles had been buried at the cairn site 100 years ago with names of people at the school and a school periodical issued locally in Beechworth.”
Indigo Shire mayor Sophie Price attended the event where she laid a wreath for the commemoration.
Ms Dormer said a wreath laying had been held at the 1924 commemoration too.
Indigo Shire councillor Roberta Horne and Wangaratta Historical Society’s Rhonda Diffey also attended the special event.
Ms Dormer said the group then visited the Stanley Athenaeum to see the exhibition ‘They Passed This Way’ open until June next year to commemorate the expedition. where the party trekked south from Appin to Lake George in New South Wales continuing into Victoria.
Council welcomes inquiry recommendations
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
YOUR OVENS AND MURRAY TEAM
INDIGO Shire mayor, Sophie Price has welcomed the findings of a State Government inquiry into local government funding and services, saying many of the recommendations if implemented will have a significant impact on Council’s future financial sustainability.
The Legislative Council Economy and Infrastructure Committee has tabled its findings which includes 48 recommendations addressing rate capping, grants, cost shifting, core services and the financial sustainability of local councils.
Chaired by Northern Victoria MP Georgie Purcell, the com-
mittee sought input from all 79 councils and other stakeholders such as ratepayers in the state.
Cr Price said Indigo Shire provided a submission and gave evidence to the inquiry, and she was pleased that many of the issues raised are reflected in the report, specifically the impacts of cost shifting by the federal and state governments onto local councils.
“We particularly welcome the recommendation that the Federal Government’s annual Financial Assistance Grants be increased to one per cent of federal revenue and that there be a more streamlined approach to disaster recovery funding, which has been very challenging for us over recent years,” she said.
“Importantly, we are now calling on the State Government to take the report seriously and implement the recommendations as soon as possible.”
As detailed in the report, Indigo Shire Council noted that Victorian councils are unable to evolve or adjust to the changing needs of their community.
Council shared its constraints in attracting and keeping skilled and experienced infrastructure staff, struggling to compete with private sector remuneration.
“Indigo Shire Council highlighted the limited housing options for staff, which made it difficult to attract and retain potential candidates,” the report read.
Indigo Shire Council watchdog Indigo Community Voice also made submissions as part of the inquiry.
According to the report, president Herb Ellerbock gave evidence of a significant rise in the rates paid by rural owners in the shire and believed the key reason for the rise was the use of differential rates by Indigo Shire Council.
The report called for reviews of the ratings system and rate cap formula, increased untied funding for councils to address key areas such as roads, and the consideration of growth funds to support infrastructure for different groups of councils experiencing rapid growth.
COMMEMORATED: Around 50 locals and guests gathered at the Stanley cairn built in 1924 to mark the two-hundred-year anniversary of the Hume and Hovell expedition.
Haines backs new worldfirst social media laws
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
FEDERAL MP for Indi Helen Haines saw a “cause for intervention” in voting in favour of the Federal Government’s world-first social media laws last Friday.
The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill passed parliament last week to ban people under the age of 16 from using platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook.
Messaging platforms like WhatsApp, as well as YouTube and gaming platforms, are not covered under the new laws.
Dr Haines previously cited she was undecided on her support of the Bill and sought further details and consultation from the Indi community before making her decision.
She said she scrutinised the legislation and raised her concerns relating to privacy and data, but
an amendment made in the law to prevent social media companies from using government-issued ID documents or Digital ID services to verify users’ age was a key component in her decision.
“As parents, one of our most constant concerns is the wellbeing of our children,” she said.
“The negative effects of social media, including bullying and access to damaging material, have had significant, and sometimes tragic, consequences for children and their families.
“For some young people, social media has helped them find comfort with their sense of self, given them a voice, or find likeminded people.
“We must make social media safer for all Australians.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the media on Friday morning and said the new law, which no other government has, and many parents have tried
to implement, is necessary to protect mental health and wellbeing of our children and adolescence.
“Parents can have a different discussion with their young ones...a different discussion that will result in better outcomes and less harm for young Australians,” he said.
“We’ve got your back is our message to Australian parents.”
The laws will not come into effect until late-2025 and it will be under the onus of tech companies to keep under 16s off their platforms.
Penalties of up to $50 million can be enforced among companies who do not take “reasonable steps” to ensure users are aged 16 or over, while there are no penalties in place for young people or parents who flout the rules.
Dr Haines said she was committed to robust, ongoing scrutiny of how the Bill will work in practice as the completion of a trial of age-assurance technology
was expected to be completed by mid-2025.
“The government and the community must be alive to the impacts, both positive and negative, and be prepared to adapt and change course, if necessary,” she said.
“Protecting young people online will take more than simply this social media ban, and I acknowledge that Australia is taking a big leap into the unknown with this policy.
“I am prepared to look at changes on this as we see how it works in practice.”
Dr Haines said big tech companies have a duty of care that requires them to design platforms that are safer for all users.
“It includes giving people more control over their data and the algorithms that are used to manipulate them… and it includes prioritising reforms to the Privacy Act, something I and others have repeatedly called for,” she said.
Strong community support for local Fair
FOR the fourth year in a row, the Yackandandah community came out in hundreds to support the local Christmas Fair.
With an unpredictable weather forecast organisers - the Yack Women’s Shed - moved the fair from the Memorial Gardens to the Public Hall.
Shed coordinator Chris Zerbst said the weather did not dampen the spirits of stallholders or patrons.
“Twenty-seven local vendors willingly supported the event by downsizing their site space to ensure everyone fitted in,” she said.
“There was a plethora of locally crafted goods to choose from and Xmas presents were bought in abundance.
“A myriad of beautiful items were handcrafted by the mosaic team, the woodworkers, the sewers and individual donations.
“The Women’s Shed ensures the event is a Fair, not just a market, and this year was no exception.
“Entertaining children is a prime focus and with the help of a grant from the Yack Community Centre, free face-painting by was given by Jayne Graham.”
Ms Zerbst said three roving per-
formers, an elf, a gingerbread man and Santa entertained children and adults while live music performed by young violin busker, Zach Spargo with his guitar as well as the Women’s Shed’s singing and uke group ‘Shedettes’ delighted the crowd.
“Bubbles greeted patrons as they entered the hall with thanks to Indigo Shire Council for the free use of their bubble machine,” she said.
Ms Zerbst said kids had fun too with several Christmas craft projects from rock painting, colouring to Christmas creations with paddle pop sticks while Santa arrived with a bagful of small presents to hand to children.
The team of shed volunteers make the annual Fair possible starting months ahead always set for the first Sunday in December.
“It is the pulling together when needed, that binds the friendship and cohesiveness of our vibrant community group,” Ms Zerbst said.
The coordinator thanked everyone involved from shed members, stall holders, sponsors to the community who never fail to turn up.
Truck driver cleared of wrongdoing in fatal Chiltern collision
A WANGARATTA truck driver has been cleared of wrongdoing following a Coroner’s finding into a fatal collision which killed four people on Wenkes Road near Chiltern in August 2023.
The 32-year-old’s prime mover hit a Subaru SUV on the northbound lanes of the Hume Freeway on August 31 last year around 10:25am after the SUV failed to give way at the Wenkes Road intersection.
The Coroners Court of Victoria heard Trevor Breen (76) and wife Lorraine (73) took off from Wagga Wagga with Trevor’s sister Kerry Capes (69) and husband Noel (73) earlier that morning.
The four were on their way to the Mornington Peninsula and had just stopped for a coffee break in Chiltern as Mr Breen resumed driving.
At the same time, a truck driver was towing two freighter trailers with his red prime mover towards Sydney.
Coroner Simon McGregor said as the Subaru approached the Wenkes Road intersection to enter the freeway, Mr Breen failed to give way to the oncoming truck travelling east.
“This omission caused the collision which resulted in the death of the four occupants of the Subaru,” he said.
Mr McGregor said multiple witnesses and dash cam footage of the truck showed its driver was concentrating appropriately and had no opportunity to avoid the collision.
“I am further satisfied the driver of the truck could not avoid the collision despite his best efforts,” he said.
Mr McGregor conveyed his sincerest condolences to all four victims in the collision along with their families.
Billson’s creditors vote on company’s future
CREDITORS of Beechworth’s Billson’s Beverages met on Thursday to vote on whether to keep the company running or enter liquidation.
The meeting on December 5 also decided the financial arrangements of the brewery and whether or not to pay in full outstanding employee entitlements and superannuation.
A report received by creditors outlined the key events leading up to the appointment of administrators in July 2024, with a decline in sales, cost-of-living pressures and intense competition cited as some of the company’s top difficulties.
Creditors also heard details of how administrators from McGrathNicol sought a new buyer for the company.
More to come in next week’s Ovens and Murray Advertiser.
SHOPPED: The Yackandandah community had the chance to buy local products and crafts at the town’s annual Fair last Sunday.
READY: Yackandandah Women’s Shed member and volunteer Robyn Koller at the helm for the Shed’s stall at last Sunday’s Fair.
New president named for Beechworth Men’s Shed
By CORAL COOKSLEY
MEMBERS from the Beechworth Men’s Shed gathered at its premises for an Annual General Meeting last Wednesday with Graham Lade taking up the reins as president.
Long time member Ian Smith stepped down from the presidency role, not seeking re-election to the committee.
In a roundup of shed projects and activities for the year the outgoing president outlined significant achievements clocked up by the shed over the last 12 months.
Among events and activities, the shed had joined forces with the Murray/Hume Shed Cluster Group for successful workshops run on Dementia Awareness supported by Dementia Australia as well as one on Heart Health Awareness assisted by Priceline Pharmacies.
He said membership growth has been reasonably strong.
Mr Smith thanked members managing various projects with their knowledge and expertise.
He said “off the street” repairs had significantly increased funds for the shed while the cubby house (chook shed) continued to raise around $1000 every year while kindling sales remained steady.
Beechworth Primary School visits had recently recommenced too.
“The joy of seeing the faces of the boys and girls as well as our members is great to see,” Mr Smith said.
“The shed relationship with the Beechworth Correctional Centre grows stronger with the prisoner integration program continuing with great results.
“The maintenance-community teams do a wonderful service for the shed.
Mr Smith thanked the Beechworth Health Service Board including past CEO Mark Ashcroft and BHS’s Gabriella Tange for their enthusiasm and expertise invaluable to the shed.
“We appreciate the assistance and support we gain from local business community and will continue to
support them too,” he said.
Enjoying many years at the shed since its inception, Mr Smith said he looked forward to continuing as a member enjoying the fun and benefits the shed generates.
Newly elected president Graham Lade said his aim is to build upon the great work Ian has done over the years.
With the main purpose of the Men’s Shed being mental health and well-being of members Mr Lade said he would look to increase activities including social as part of the connection to the shed as well.
While building on the Shed’s core values Mr Lade said people will be encouraged to join for a range of activities.
“There is a concept that being a shed member is about wood working but not everyone is hands-on and there is more to the Men’s Shed,” he said.
“I will be canvassing members for their ideas for the shed, foster shed events and work at helping to increase membership.
“There’s a good crew on the committee.”
Invited guest Bernard Gaffney chaired the meeting.
Pedestrian access possible to Spring Creek Bridge in the Gorge early next year
By CORAL COOKSLEY
PARKS Victoria has commissioned and completed several independent engineering assessments of the Spring Creek Bridge in the Gorge since the last community update in June this year. The Beechworth Historic Park bridge in the Gorge scenic drive section closed in October 2022 has been off limits to the public since then due to safety concerns about its structural integrity after floods.
A spokesperson said the assessments included a site investigation, condition assessment, geotechnical investigation, soil contamination assessment, hydrological assessment, and feature survey of the impacted site.
“Early indications show reactivation of pedestrian access may be possible,” the spokesperson said.
“If this is confirmed, Parks Victoria will prioritise repairs to the stone wingwalls to enable safe pedestrian access.”
Draft wingwall structural drawings have been prepared for Parks Victoria while an external engineering consultant has reviewed and is finalising the drawings.
“We aim to put forward a tender for these repairs in early 2025,” the spokesperson said.
MEN’S SHED FOCUSSED: Beechworth Men’s Shed members vice-president Joe Rinaudo (left), past president Ian Smith, president Graham Lade, secretary Chris Brett with treasurer Brian Thornton at last week’s AGM.
True meaning of Christmas
By CORAL COOKSLEY
THE COMBINED churches of Beechworth are set to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas tomorrow at the Farmers Market.
A scene to take photos with hay bales, a baby doll representing the birth of Jesus Christ and sheep will be on display.
Salvations Army’s Linda Erskine said families can arrive dressed up or use costumes provided where photos can be taken from 10am to 11.30am.
Carols and craft can be enjoyed as well.
Beechworth Salvation Army Corps Major Pauline Middleton said the community event Carols by Candlelight will be on hold again this year has been temporarily replaced with an alternative program with the Bible story, craft activities for children and the photo booth.
Major Middleton said activities aimed for the non-commercial messages about Christmas with its true meaning.
The Salvation Army Corps in Beechworth will also be celebrating Christmas in its front hall at 35 Ford St from December 16 to 20 with
a nativity display.
The ‘First Christmas’ will have a nativity scene where a walk through can be experienced through the first stages of Christmas.
Open to the community from 10am to 4pm with free entry, kids of all ages welcome too where craft activities are available, photos can be taken while tea, coffee and drinks for the kids will be available as well.
Ms Erskine behind the nativity scenes said she wanted to show people that Jesus is the reason for the season and is not a cliche.
“There’s lots of proof that Jesus lived, died and rose again,” she said.
“I want to make that true meaning of Christmas come through and sometimes immersing yourself in what was like at the time makes it seem more real.”
Ms Erskine said she plans to make the hall look like ancient Israel as much as she can.
ALL ABOUT CHRISTMAS:
Beechworth’s Salvation Army’s Linda Erskine is behind an immersive nativity experience for the community.
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
Councils unite to support solar savers program
AN alliance of six regional Victorian councils, including Indigo Shire, have come together to assist residents and business who find the options and pitfalls overwhelming when considering upgrading to solar, storage batteries, a quality system for hot water, or reverse cycle heating and cooling.
The shires of Alpine, Indigo, Mitchell, Murrindindi, Strathbogie and Greater Shepparton City Council, all members of the Goulburn Murray Climate Alliance, are supporting the regional Goulburn Murray Solar Savers program.
The program combines a fully vetted installer and products, as well as comprehensive information on each of the products, including the available rebates.
The program also undertakes random audits on installations, giving peace of mind to customers that service and safety are a priority.
Goulburn Murray Climate Alliance Executive Officer, Carole Hammond said Goulburn Murray Solar Savers is a regional offshoot of a larger metropolitan Solar Savers program.
“Our councils were researching what we could do to assist regional and rural residents, and Solar Savers was a logical fit,” she said.
It’s a tried and tested model which has been working for the residents of 19 metropolitan councils for a number of years.
Goulburn Murray Solar Savers will soon expand its energy efficient technology offer to include induction cooktops, home and business electric vehicle chargers, insulation, draft proofing and home energy scorecard assessments.
The official launch of the Goulburn Murray Solar Savers program was held on Thursday at Alexandra Shire Hall, Perkins Street, Alexandra at 1pm.
Keep up to date with news on www. goulburnmurraysolarsavers.org.au and www. gmca.org.au.
For further information please contact Carole Hammond on 0411 544 858.
Beechworth sparkles in light for Christmas
By CORAL COOKSLEY
BEECHWORTH is set to sparkle for the festive season with colourful decorative lights officially switched on last Friday night.
The Beechworth Inc project ‘Let there be Light’ supported by a Community Bank Beechworth & District (Bendigo Bank) grant has extended last year’s festive show to be brighter than ever.
While inclement weather dampened picnic plans for an invited community to join the 8pm light up event at the Benev – the town still glittered with colour despite the rain.
Christmas lights can be seen around town among them in the Beechworth’s CBD, a hero tree in the Town Hall Gardens, the Anglican Christ Church, the Old Beechworth Gaol the Benev building and its historic tree in Warner Road.
Beechworth Incorporated wrapped up their year with a Christmas party for members held at the Benev prior to the Christmas light start up dazzle.
In an address to members president Katrina Witherow said the committee had been thrilled in securing grants for 2023 and 2024 for the lighting up Beechworth Christmas project including a shipping container for storage.
Ms Witherow said other significant milestones had been achieved among them creating a strategic plan, hosting three successful events for members, and forging partnerships with local organisations.
Events had included a session at Beechworth Bakery, with coowner and managing director, Marty Matassoni giving members an entertaining overview of his career with a fun bread making session thrown in too.
Another had been an informative talk from Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE) founder and chief executive officer Matt Pfahlert at the Old Beechworth Gaol where the social enterprise is based.
At an event held at Bridge Road Brewers – Stanley Pub’s Sally Wright spoke about her
career while Indigo Shire
Council’s Susannah Doyle provided in depth briefing and update on the Victorian Goldfields UNESCO well-progressed bid as part of a central Victorian 15 Shire collective.
“We’ve also formed a partnership with the Beechworth Historic Heritage Society, ACRE (Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship) at the Old Beechworth Gaol and Indigo Shire to work closely together on future planning following our newly listed National Her-
itage buildings at the precinct,”
Ms Witherow said.
“We launched our membership drive at the end of our financial year and have been overwhelmed with the response and the support that we gained.”
Ms Witherow said Beechworth Inc is also negotiating with key stakeholders for the creation of a tourism marketing plan for the town.
“Over the last few weeks, we launched a shop local campaign too with the support of our businesses to encourage Christmas
shopping in our shops and keep the dollars in our towns for Christmas,” she said.
Ms Witherow said the Christmas lighting set-up had been a lot of hard work by project committee members.
“They are just amazing people, it’s all volunteer run, and we are all time poor with our own businesses to run, what we have achieved is amazing” she said.
Beechworth Inc. was previously known as the Beechworth Chamber of Commerce.
North East to see increased fire risk this summer
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
MOST of the North East is expected to see an increased fire risk this summer, according to the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) outlook for the season.
The summer seasonal outlook was released last Thursday and said a lack of autumn-winterspring rainfall affected much of the North East.
“The current level of landscape dryness in these areas is strong enough that without significant rainfall, the flammability of fuels in forests, woodlands and heathlands will remain high with elevated potential for fires to start and spread,” the AFAC outlook read.
“Grasslands in these areas have superficial green-up, concealing underlying dryness.”
Areas towards Indigo and Alpine shires in particular are expected to see a greater risk of fires.
CFA is urging Victorians to take extra care this summer after vegetation fires jumped more than 50 per cent during the 2023/24 Fire Danger Period (FDP).
Between October 1, 2023, and April 1, 2024, CFA responded to 2145 vegetation fires including grass, bush and farmland across Victoria, compared to 1415 incidents in 2022/23.
This increase was accompanied by a 21 per cent rise in fire investigations, revealing that many incidents were caused by avoidable factors.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said reducing fire risk this season is critical given the summer outlook for a hot and dry season ahead.
“Many of the incidents we investigated - such as escaped burn-offs and machinery-related fires - were preventable with proper preparation and compliance with fire safety regulations,” he said.
“Fires on Total Fire Ban days remained a major concern during the last FDP, with 449 incidents recorded.”
Of the 449 incidents 21 per cent were caused by escaped burn-offs, nine per cent by campfires, eight per cent were deemed suspicious and five per cent were linked to machinery fires.
“Total Fire Ban days are declared to minimise the risk of fires starting and spreading, so it’s critical we see fewer avoidable incidents on these days,” Mr Heffernan said.
“Simple precautions like adhering to restrictions, planning ahead, and ensuring equipment is safe can help protect lives and property on these dangerous days.”
Mr Heffernan urged those facing increased fire risks this summer to plan ahead, maintain their properties and adhere to fire restrictions to help protect the community.
“Always check fire danger ratings, make sure your machinery is in good working condition, and clear vegetation around your property to reduce the risk of fire spreading,” he said.
“Together, we can make a real difference this season and help protect what matters most.”
For more information on fire safety and preparation, visit CFA’s website.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
Beechworth Health Service would like to wish our residents, families, patients, staff and community a very Merry Christmas and a safe, happy and healthy New Year.
We thank you all for your support, care and commitment to all and for all your contributions throughout the year. A reminder, the Urgent Care Centre will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A Lunch for Everybody
Please join in the Beechworth Community Christmas Lunch at the Beechworth Servicemen’s Memorial Hall on Christmas Day. The lunch is avaibale for people in the Beechworth and surrounding communities to attend.
This year, the Christmas Lunch is once again offering two options for the community: Takeaway Christmas lunch meal OR Dine in and share a meal with others
*Deliveryavailableuponrequest.PleasecallQuercustomakearrangements. To register call Quercus on 0403 865 095 by Friday 13 December
The event is made possible through sponsorship from Community Bank Beechworth & District – Branch of Bendigo Bank and donations from Bank WAW, local groups, schools, early childhood services and businesses.
FESTIVE SEASON: Sandra Williams (left), Jim Didolis, Heidi Freeman, Narelle and Ian Longfield, Lorraine Lucas and Katrina Witherow at last Friday’s Christmas get-together. PHOTOS: Coral Cooksley
HAPPY: Darren (left) and Jo Smith, Louise Ritchie, Matt Pfahlert and Gina Bladen at last Friday’s Christmas party.
ENJOYED: Beechworth Inc members Sue (left) and Roger Humphris, Warren and Jenny Lucas with Mark Primerano at the Christmas party.
Community Christmas market a festive success
By CORAL COOKSLEY
BEECHWORTH’S 10-yearold Ava Florence had a chance to sell hand crafted products at last Friday’s Quercus Beechworth Community Christmas market for three hours from 4pm.
Ava with her seven-year-old brother Rafael as a helping hand, had a great time chatting to prospective customers at the set-up in the market’s young entrepreneurs section.
With help from her grandpa to make candles, Ava said she recently started the business venture ‘scrubco.shop’ with her cousin Mia Florence with a body scrub product too.
“The market is great because it encourages young people and its really nice to have this business,” the youngster said.
Ava’s dad Angus Florence said he loved the idea of en-
trepreneurship for young people.
“Especially at this age it builds confidence in speaking to people and learning about selling, the value of money and goods,” he said.
“They’re really good skills to have and the earlier they can learn, the better.”
Locals supporting locals summed up benefits for Beechworth’s Claire Garcia with her hobby of making colourful wallets, bags and bookmarks among the range in her business ‘Billy Button Creations’.
“It’s a great way for me to not only do my craft but getting to know people, have regular customers and it’s a bit of fun before Christmas too,” she said.
“I like making bags, purses and practical things for people, and I love floral fabrics because I’m a horticulturist by profession.”
Quercus Beechworth Neighbourhood Centre manager Paivi Watson said the market in its fourth year is a showcase of people’s handmade craft
“It’s affordable, we keep the stall prices low so anyone can join in,” she said.
Ms Watson said people have the chance to socialise too as connection is always important.
“We are part of the Indigo Recovery Network, and we always talk there about how important connection is in building resilience in the community,” she said.
Ms Watson said research showed connected communities recovered more quickly from disasters than those not prepared.
Myrtleford ceramic artist Jessica Ruiz often visits Beechworth to take part in Quercus Beechworth workshop as well
as sell her colourful porcelain pottery at markets.
“This market helps to connect the community, people shop, catch up with friends and bring the kids, and there’s food that connects people too,” she said.
Beechworth teen and young entrepreneur Eva Doyle has a love of crochet.
She said the Community Christmas market offered an opportunity for small businesses run by youth and kids without the competition of bigger farmer and craft markets.
“I make a lot of baby blankets, toys, bandanas as well as other items,” she said.
Quercus Beechworth volunteer Amanda Hibbert said the event is all about community.
“Seeing everyone enjoying the community gardens and buying local handmade craft was great,” she said.
TEAM EFFORT: Adam Woodcock (left) with Nick and Amanda Hibbert promoted Pickleball with some fundraising.
CREATIVE: Beechworth’s Jessica Peters and William Groves with Myrtleford ceramic artist Jessica Ruiz at her stall.
HELPING HANDS: Beechworth’s Kerrie Connor (left) with Kylie Stephens at the Friends of Atauro Island stall to help raise funds for projects.
INTERESTED: Young Beechworth entrepreneur Eva Doyle chatted to locals Laura Nicholson and Christie Bence about her craft at last week’s community market.
PHOTOS: Coral Cooksley
CHATTED: Beechworth’s Anita Roach with her sevenyear-old daughter Lucy checked out Claire Garcia’s colourful creation.
Climate change hitting North East region hard
By STEVE KELLY
SEVERAL regional councils have gathered in Wangaratta to tell a state inquiry about the difficulties they have in mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Meeting on Wednesday, representatives from Rural City of Wangaratta, Indigo and Moira shire councils responded to questions via an Inquiry into Climate Resilience, with committee members including Northern Victorian MPs Rikkie-Lee Tyrell, Gaelle Broad and Wendy Lovell.
Committee chair and Labor MP Ryan Batchelor gave an overview of the inquiry’s function of looking into how well the public and private built environment is adapting to climate change.
“We’ve been looking at how roads and bridges and community infrastructure like community halls, to people’s homes are constructed and looking at how resilient they are in the face of the changing weather,” he said.
He said temperatures are getting hotter, there are more extreme rainfall events and stronger winds and is the infrastructure up to scratch?
There has been a large focus on the way people build their homes and the comfort and liveability of homes, everything from insulation, energy efficiency, to the colour of people’s roofs.
“We’re really aware of the impact of flooding and disasters on communities and how we build back from those disasters,” he said.
Indigo Shire director - infrastructure services Ian Ellet spoke about the rain over the last week and the ability to have good drainage to keep roads clear as the number one priority.
He said when flash flooding and intense storms occur, the material from the roads can wash away.
“We are seeing more of those becoming frequent rather than a really rare event,” Mr Ellet said.
Wangaratta council directorsustainability and culture Stephen Swart spoke about the storms, floods and bushfires that have hit the municipality in recent years.
“These events and their aftereffects significantly affected our communities, environment and our economy,” he said.
Mr Swart suggested that the burden of the impacts of climate change is greater on regional areas due to lesser populations and rated income.
He spoke about the impacts of the 2020 bushfires, the 2022 floods and the 2024 power outages in the Rural City of Wangaratta.
“Thanks to funding from Emergency Management Victoria, the Rural City of Wangaratta is currently developing a climate adaptation plan for council operations and service delivery,” he said.
Following a question from Nationals MP Gaelle Broad relating to the effectiveness of subdivisions in Wangaratta, Mr Swart referred to housing supply limitations in recent years due to infrastructure delays (sewerage system capacity issues).
“One of the challenges for us as a rural council is we compete with other councils around us for devel-
opment and growth,” Mr Swart said.
“If we have requirements that are in addition to what those same developers have in neighbouring councils, they may make decisions not to develop in Wangaratta.
“It’s always a fine balance between making sure we attract the growth and development but also making sure these things are really well planned.”
He said if planning scheme policies can be applied more consistently across the state it would help all councils with this and resourcing.
“Resourcing engineers and building surveyors is a real struggle at the moment and has been for a number of years and consistency and policy direction will definitely help us on that side,” he said.
“Policy direction in the planning scheme could be strengthened at a State Government level.
“In my mind it’s not very strong
policy when it comes to these resilience specific policies.
“We are not hearing from the communities that planning decisions should be centralised, for example solar and wind farms.
“However, I do think there is room for policy to be centralised and being applied consistently across the state.”
He said an example of is the State Government controlling the bushfire management overlay and it is applied across the state but the same does not apply with a flood overlay.
Ms Lovell asked about the State Government infrastructure barriers in councils achieving their growth targets in the next 25 years.
Mr Swart said the Rural City of Wangaratta has been provided with a target of 5700 additional homes by 2051.
He said council can achieve the number but was not so sure about whether there will be enough infrastructure to support the growth.
In reference to the sewer capacity issues in recent years, Mr Swart said there is a lot of work that still needs to be done to make sure that doesn’t happen again.
New updates on My Schools website
PARENTS, carers and wider school communities can now access the latest information on schools in the area on a national website.
The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) My School website has been updated with 2024 NAPLAN data and other school-level information.
ACARA CEO Stephen Gniel said with detailed information on around 10,000 schools right across Australia, ACARA’s My School is the only website that provides parents, carers and the community with clear and transparent information on every Australian school.
“ACARA’s role is to provide detailed, accessible, timely and meaningful school education performance information,” he said.
“ACARA’s My School provides that through the publication of nationally consistent, school-level data for all Australians to see.
“We need to know how our schools are doing, but it is also important that this information is presented in a way that considers the individual circumstances of a school, especially its level of socio-educational advantage, which our reporting takes into account.
“That’s why the full suite of data on ACARA’s My School is so valuable for Australian parents and carers as well as the broader community.”
The December 2024 My School update includes: 2024 NAPLAN results for schools; 2024 school profile and enrolment data; 2024 school attendance data for semester one; 2023 school financial information, including recurrent funding and capital expenditure; 2023 vocational education training participation and outcomes; and 2023 year 12 certifications.
MAKE IT BETTER: Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee MPs listen to planning and infrastructure directors from Moira, Wangaratta and Indigo councils about climate change impacts and how systems could be improved.
PHOTO: Steve Kelly ould
Finding a new home in Beechworth
HEATHER Jameson was born in the regional town of Te Puke, in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand.
She moved to Australia with her husband 18 years ago and has lived in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne where both the couple’s children were born.
“We made our move to Beechworth in late 2023 and have not looked back - the lifestyle here is just what we had been hoping for,” she said.
“Since moving here, I discovered that my great grandfather, Guy Addison Morris, was born in Rutherglen in 1889.
“I love this connection to the region and would love to delve deeper into his story.”
What do you do workwise?
I’ve recently joined the Quercus Beechworth team as operations coordinator.
I’m now overseeing the volunteer program, social enterprise and community activities going forward.
What brought you to your role/ career?
I’ve had quite a diverse career history, predominantly as a trainer in the coffee industry, but have experience in commercial kitchens, social enterprise, fashion and hold a Bachelor of Physical Education from Otago University.
I felt my background would be well suited to this multifaceted role, plus working in a community facing position is a long-held goal of mine.
Heather Jameson
What do you love about your work?
No two days have been the same since joining the team and we’re spoiled by our surroundings at Quercus.
I’m learning a lot about the Neighbourhood House sector and its positive impact within our community.
Meeting and learning from our network of volunteers has been a highlight thus far.
What do you do in the community?
I’m hoping I’m able to contribute more to the community now that I am working part-time hours.
In my new role I look forward to creating a dynamic and exciting program of activities via Quercus, for the new year and beyond.
Is there an important community issue that you think needs addressing?
I’d love to see the Gorge Bridge reopened not only as a recreational asset, but for necessary accessibility for bushfire vehicles.
What would you do to solve change or improve that situation?
I’m aware this is currently in the
hands of Parks Victoria, but hope for a positive resolution for the community soon.
If anything, accessibility via foot or bicycle would be a great improvement.
What do you see as one of the most important current issues?
It’s a perfect time of year to promote conscious consumption and the impact of our choices.
I’ve been finding a balance myself over the past few years and while I don’t always get it right, I’ve seen a lot of improvements in our habits since shifting my mindset. Shopping locally, making my own clothes where possible and minimising food waste have been my initial areas of focus.
If the person you would most like to meet or knew, came to Indigo Shire or was already here, who would that be, what would you show them, and why?
Australian food icon, Maggie Beer.
I’d love to show off our charming town, historic sites, and take a drive through the orchards in Stanley. Then chat about a shared love of good produce and her vibrant career over a glass of wine. What book are you reading?
I just received a copy of “Force of Nature - Te Aumangea o te ao Tūroa”, written by David Young and my sister, Naomi Arnold.
It’s a vast book celebrating New Zealand conservation organisation, Forest & Bird’s 100-year history.
Bumper Murray cod season
SOME of Victoria’s most popular inland fishing spots will be drawcards for anglers this summer as the annual Murray cod fishing season opened last weekend.
Cod opening is Christmas come early for many freshwater fishers and follows the annual three-month closed season – applicable to most waters north of the Great Dividing Range – which gives the iconic native species a chance to breed in peace.
Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO Travis Dowling said while large impoundments such as Lake Eildon, Rocklands Reservoir and Lake Eppalock are now open year-round, summer
presents terrific fishing opportunities in rivers, creeks and smaller lakes.
“Cod opening weekend means people flocking to productive waters like the Ovens, Goulburn, Campaspe, Loddon and Lindsay rivers, Gunbower Creek and many more, now that the big breeding fish have had time to lay eggs and rest on the nest,” he said.
“These waters are go-to spots for families, with riverfront camping spots at a premium, caravan parks packed, people eating at local pubs and cafes, filling up and buying bait at service stations and enjoying all that regional Victoria has to offer.
“We’ve stocked more fish than all other Australian states and territories combined, including more than three million Murray cod each year thanks to the Victorian Government’s Go Fishing and Boating Plan, to make sure events like cod opening are circled in people’s calendars.
“There’s great experiences to be had whether you base yourself in a regional centre close to several fishing spots like Shepparton, Eildon, Mansfield, Horsham, Wangaratta, Bendigo or Mildura, you stay at a smaller town or even a waterfront camping site.”
Mr Dowling said Murray cod could be caught on
relatively simple gear and were often found among woody habitat such as submerged logs and fallen trees.
“Cod are readily caught on lures like StumpJumpers and spinnerbaits, cast from a boat or the shore. Alternatively, bait fishers enjoy
success using yabbies, bardi grubs, worms or just a bit of cheese or chicken,” he said.
“Persistence and patience are the keys to success when chasing Murray cod, whatever method of fishing you choose to tempt them.
“Our fisheries officers will be out across northern Vic-
toria helping people care for their catch with the right handling techniques and ensuring anglers let fish go that are outside the 55 to 75cm slot limit.”
More information on bag and size limits can be found at www.vfa.vic.gov.au/murraycod
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HENRY, Lyn (Ailsa). Passed away peacefully. Aged 77 years. Loving wife to Nick. Devoted Mum to Hamish and Heidi. Proud grandmother to five. She will be sadly missed by all.
CARAVANS & CAMPERS
2010 Ford Falcon XT sedan, 130,000km, very good condition and well looked after vehicle, reg (1FH9AX), rwc, $7500. Phone Dave 0431 685 549.
BARGAIN!
TRAVELLER Australia Penthouse (Y32913),
2019 Toyota Corolla Accent auto, RWC, Vic plates, Reg 1MC-5HL, 22,500 km, services. Mum can no longer drive, Wangaratta. $21,500. Ph Geoff after 5pm 0408 089 276.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Lyn (Ailsa) Henry will be offered at Quercus Hall, 26 Ford Street, Beechworth on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at 3pm. Family owned and operated www.northeastfunerals.com.au 03 5722 2525 and ope p ra r ted unerals.com.au u 2
Remember your loved one in a lasting way
The memory of a much loved family member or friend can live on through a donation to your local health service Northeast Health Wangaratta. This is a direct way of helping us to continually improve patient care and comfort, ensuring the availability of comprehensive health services in our local community.
Family and friends can make a donation in lieu of flowers in recognition of the medical care and attention provided.
The bereaved family will be notified of your memorial gift according to your wishes and you will receive a tax-deductible receipt for your donation. To make a donation or to request information about memorial service donations or remembering Northeast Health Wangaratta in your will, please contact -
KAWASAKI KDX
250 SR, great bike, in VGC, currently REC REG1993 md, $3400. Phone 0407316788.
2010 Mazda CX7 SUV, auto, sold with RWC, 163,000km, reg till Jan 25 (YBD451), $7900, LMCT9246, 44 Newman Street, Wangaratta. Ph 0428 257 221.
2015 green manual Mitsubushi Mirage, towbar, 167,000km, rego till Feb 25 (1GH7HB), RWC, $3500. Ph 0428 257 221.
CHECK OUT OUR NORTH EAST JOBS in today's Regional Extra for more employment opportunities. Published every Wednesday in your Wangaratta Chronicle, Ovens and Murray Advertiser, Myrtleford Times and Alpine Observer
CAMPER TRAILER, in very good order, REG and ready for camping, (bought a caravan so n o longer needed) $2400. REG T48 771. Phone 0407 316 788.
Still time to make a donation to the Christmas Gift Appeal
THE Upper Murray Family Care (UMFC) and Centre Against Violence (CAV) Christmas Gift Appeal is nearing the finish line but there are still many ways the community can make a donation.
This year, the aim is to support even more people in need across our region by providing gifts to those who otherwise may have missed out.
Last year, more than 384 children and young people received Christmas presents through the appeal.
These gifts were distributed across North East Victoria and Southern NSW, from Corryong to Benalla and Mansfield, as well as Albury, Wodonga, and Wangaratta.
This figure doesn’t include the additional children who were able to be supported through donations shared with other community organisations.
UMFC and CAV wish to kindly thank those who have already generously donated and the sponsors
and supporters helping fundraise for the appeal including Helen Haines MP, Wangaratta West Primary School, Hume Bank, Charlie’s Restaurant, Wangaratta Chronicle and Oak FM.
The appeal will wrap up shortly on December 18, with staff distributing individual gifts to children and young people starting next week.
Every donation received goes directly to help vulnerable local children, young people, and families.
You can donate physical items, such as new toys, sporting equipment, school supplies, or gift cards, at UMFC Wangaratta (36 Mackay Street), UMFC Wodonga (27-29 Stanley Street), Helen Haine’s offices in Wodonga and Wangaratta or make a monetary donation via the UMFC Give a Gift Appeal page.
These funds will go toward purchasing gift vouchers, experiences, Christmas items (trees, decorations), school supplies, and other identified needs.
Rain makes for tricky sand greens at Beechworth Ambrose
By DYLAN POOL
A SMALLER field of 17 players to the Beechworth course for twilight golf around the back nine last Thursday.
The winner with a fantastic score of 25 points (23+2) was Bill Love.
Runner up who took home the Bridge Road Brewers voucher was Brian Pritchard with 23 (20+3).
Ball winners were Ben Ryder 21, Daryl Rowe 20, Dave Clark 20 and Jarryd Pritchard 20.
The Beechworth Bakery nearest the pin on the 10th went to Brian Pritchard and Jarryd Pritchard took out the Alpine Indigo Accounting nearest the pin on the 17th.
Dan Balzer won the cash for the nearest chip on the 14th.
To go along with every-
thing else he had won, Brian Pritchard also took out the CC’s Quality Meats & Smokehouse voucher in the raffle.
An Ambrose event was played on Sunday in great weather.
The course was surprisingly dry after 150mm plus of rain in the last week.
The sands were tricky though, you needed to find the right channel sometimes to get to the hole.
The winners with a great score of 4 under 64 for a nett 55 7/8 were Jacob Howard, Zane Howard, Stuart McIntosh and George Ward.
Runners up were Dean Howard, Andy Croome, Rod Shaw and Phil Pelgrim 67 off the stick, nett 55 1/4.
Third were Jamie Dolny, Graeme Pool and Dylan Pool
with 69-63.5.
Nearest the pins went to Stuart McIntosh on the 10th and Zane Howard on the 17th.
Next Sunday is the final round of the Club Championships.
Seeded draw for the top six players in each grade.
Everyone else is welcome to participate in the daily comp.
Arrive at 11:30am for 12 hit off
The Beechworth Golf Club would like to thank the Beechworth Community Bank for their grant to fund the replacement of batteries and pads for the Defibrillator out the front of the golf club.
As a 24 hour accessible unit this is vital for the community.
Thanks to the Community Bank for your continued support of the whole community.
IN THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS: The office of Indi Independent MP Helen Haines is accepting donated gifts on behalf of the UMFC/CAV Christmas Gift Appeal. Pictured are (from left) Laura Tonkin (CAV), Dr Haines, Jess Blum (UMFC), Kelly Timms (UMFC) and Georgia Spence (UMFC) encouraging others to make a donation. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
SPARKING HOPE
Waiting game for Wanderers
Beechworth’s A grade hoping to take
ROUND six of WDCA action will revert to one-day games after last Saturday’s fixture was washed out.
WDCA officials called games off early on Saturday morning, while junior affairs were cancelled on Friday night.
This Saturday’s A grade games will now be played as 40 overs each way, with under 16s and under 14s to follow suit.
Along with WDCA club games, junior representative cricket also took a hit
BY BAILEY
ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au
with the Shepparton Challenge abandoned for the second consecutive week.
WDCA president Justin Kelly said it was a tough few days logistically.
“It was a frustrating week, especially for the curators who had to roll wickets,” he said.
With the washout last week, it has now been a
month since Beechworth’s A grade side hit the pitch, with their two-week bye concluding the week prior.
But rain may persist this coming Saturday with a forecasted 90 per cent chance of two to 20mm of rain expected to fall in Yarrawonga according to the Bureau of Meteorology, with a possibility of a storm as of 9am Thursday.
Captain Brenton Surrey said it was an odd situation to be in and the team was doing all they could to get consist-
ent sessions in the nets.
“There’s not much we can do about it, we’re having a hit at training when we can to try and get something out of it,” he said.
“It’s a little like September and October weather at the start of the season with the rain washing out sessions, but it is what it is.”
Beechworth’s A grade prepare to take on a vulnerable Yarrawonga Mulwala side who are coming off two straight losses.
The Wanderers’ only loss
this season has come from their only two-day match, while they are undefeated in the white ball format.
Surrey said the switch from a two-day match to a one-day game would make things more unpredictable and he won’t be taking the Lakers lightly.
“Yarrawonga Mulwala at Yarrawonga is always a tough challenge, they’ve been the benchmark for the past 10 to 12 years now and we’ll have to be on our game,” he said.
“It’s a pretty even competition this year so you’ve only got to be off with you’re bowling for a bit or lose a few wickets in quick succession to lose the game.
“We’ve played patches of good cricket so far this year so hopefully we can keep that up.”
The match will be hosted at Stan Hargreaves Oval, Yarrawonga from 1pm.
B grade will be hosting Milawa at Baarmutha while C grade will take on Benalla blue following their washouts last week.
BEN Merritt from Beechworth Community Bank presents a cheque to fund the replacement of batteries and pads for the defibrillator at the Beechworth Golf Club, with members Doyna Collins and Gail Smith accepting the funds.
