CASEY Lykles with daughter Freya (4) and Brad Ladgrove with son Archie in the background the painting and arts section for youngsters at Saturday’s Speing Ditch, attracting around 1000 people to Stanley. Story page 3
Indigo Shire council votes unanimously to oppose state government’s new Fire Services Property
THE forecast doubling of the existing Fire Services Property Levy has raised the ire of Indigo Shire councillors who are united in advocating against it.
From 1 July, the levy will be renamed the Emergency Services Volunteers Fund (ESVF) and it will rise from 8.7 cents to 17.3 cents per $1000 capital improved value [CIV].
If
BY SHANE DOUTHIE sdouthie@ nemedia.com.au
Property owners will be slugged with the increases and councillors have particular concern about its implementation with the state
government levy becoming part of the local government rates collection and with little detail where it will be spent.
Under the new fund, emergency services volunteers will be exempt from paying the tax on their primary place of residence, but it leaves everyone else with yet another cost burden
that Indigo Shire councillors do not want their staff to collect.
In seconding the motion put forward by Cr Jane Dowsley for the mayor and CEO to advocate against the new levy at last Tuesday night’s monthly council meeting, Cr Diane Shepheard summed up the feeling among councillors.
“We’re under a rate cap system
Levy
and aware of every cent we’re spending of ratepayers money and having to budget tightly yet the state government is putting a 100 per cent increase in this fee that we are to implement and go on our rate notices,” Cr Shepheard said.
“The community will absolutely think we have done this.
■ Continued page 2
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
Fire levy furore
■ From front page
“We’ll have to answer the phone calls, we’re the ones who have to work out who is exempt; we just don’t have the IT or the people to work this.
“They [state government] has the exact same list of ratepayers that we have, they could easily be doing this themselves.
“We also don’t know what this is going to be spent on.
“If it’s coming from this region it it coming back to this region?
“It’s a question they haven’t answered yet.”
The councillors voted unanimously for the Indigo Shire Mayor Sophie Price and CEO Trevor Ierino to advocate against the new Emergency Services Volunteer Fund and called on the state government to reduce the tax burden for ratepayers by lowering the increase to a reasonable increase that is aligned to CPI; removing the requirement for local councils to collect this tax on behalf of the state government; and to confirm the tax that is collected from Indigo Shire residents will be used for the benefit of local emergency service organisations.
Cr Price said Indigo Shire Council will join with other Victorian councils including Wodonga, Wangaratta and Mansfield to demand change to the new levy.
“The state government should collect their own taxes; they should not impose a tax of theirs on a different level of government,” she said.
“Were we consulted? No.
“Do we have a say on the matter? No.
“Is it appropriate? No, it’s not.
“This is being heard far and wide, all the councils are in agreement, and I cannot believe they would ask us such a thing.”
Mayor Price said she looks forward to advocating against this with the state government.
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Walk, talk and support the
By CORAL COOKSLEY
FOR the rst time in seven years this month’s Bridge to Bridge (B2B) walk steps out to head in a di erent direction on day one in three weeks’ time.
Walk, talk and support is at the heart of the annual event set to kick o at the end of the month to raise awareness of suicide, foster conversations around mental health, and encourage connection and support.
The event has drawn interest of people from around the region, and from Melbourne and Sydney so far with registrations still climbing.
The community-driven event is a journey of solidarity, remembrance, and hope taken by hundreds of people every year.
B2B founder Lisa Cartledge said this year’s walk two-day event held over the weekend takes in the picturesque rail trail with a 27km walk from Beechworth to Yackandandah on Saturday.
“On Sunday, we’re walking 20km from Beechworth to Everton along the rail trail and will nish at the Everton hotel,” she said.
Lisa said walkers will have morning tea and lunches provided by community support along the way on both days with a hop on or bus option available for people to Beechworth at from any stage of the walk.
She said the walk included a last ve-kilometre option for people if they would like to join in but not walk the distances on each day.
“We nish on Sunday with refreshments at the Everton Hotel with lunch provided by the Rota-
ry Club of Beechworth,” she said.
Lisa said the event has drawn interest from both new, and existing walkers keen to try something di erent.
“We have a lot of repeat walkers, and the walk has created a real camaraderie,” she said.
“Dyson support us every year with our bus which Mads [Quirk] drives as well as Wangaratta Coach back to the start point.
“We have our friendly support bus so people can walk a little and leapfrog ahead of the group.
“A two-day event is more achievable for more people and we’re keeping it centred at Beechworth so people don’t have to worry about accommodation.”
Committee member and sup-
port bus driver Mads Quirk said it’s great to be part of something so open and honest about mental illness and suicide.
“It becomes a weekend where we can talk without judgment or without fear,” she said.
“We celebrate lives lived as well as those lost because it’s an ongoing issue that needs to be addressed and it’s still happening.
“We’re here to walk, talk and support.”
Committee member Sally Hayden said she encouraged men from around 25 to 55 years old to walk with the group as well and with their partners to stimulate conversation too.
Committee member Helen
Lowndes said Sunday lunchtime will be a celebration of the end of the walk.
“We’re nishing at that time as we want people to stay and talk,” she said.
“Our main aim is to put on the best event that we can to support the people who need to walk, talk and support.
“We thank all our volunteers who make our walk possible.
“They give up their weekend to make us all safe.”
For more information to join the walk or support the cause visit www.b2b.org.au for tickets, donations, merchandise and social media links.
Registration closes at midnight on Monday, 24 March.
YOUR OVENS AND MURRAY TEAM
THE High Country Hop returns on Saturday, 22 March in Beechworth.
Hosted by Bridge Road Brewers and supported by Hop Products Australia, the festival which began in 2015, celebrates the annual hop harvest and showcases fresh-hop beer collaborations with Australia’s leading brewers. With a lineup of International and Australian artists, the festival o ers a day packed full of
cra beer, live music, and familyfriendly fun.
Ben Kraus, owner of Bridge Road Brewers, said the High Country Hop has steadily grown in popularity over the last decade.
“The High Country Hop is a celebration of our region, our farmers, and the incredible cra brewing community,” he said.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone back for the 10th edition.” Hop highlights include:
Live Music: Featuring Kaiit, The 5678s (Japan), Darren Hanlon, Benny & The Flybyniters, and Sky High Trio.
Cra Brewers: Including Bridge Road Brewers, Kaiju! Beer, Loveshack Brewing Co, Mountain Culture Beer Co, Range Brewing, and Wild ower Brewing & Blending, alongside
High Country’s best brewers, distillers, and wineries.
Family Fun: Enjoy activities for all ages in the Arty Party Village, including Box Wars.
The High Country Hop starts at 11.30am and runs until 8pm at Beechworth’s Historic Precinct Reserve (Police Paddocks). Tickets are on sale now for $59 (includes $10 of drink tokens) with family tickets also available at www.thehighcountryhop.com.au.
COUNTDOWN IS ON: Japanese band The 5678s will be performing at this year’s hop. MORE THE MERRIER: Happy times are guaranteed at the annual celebration of the the annual hop harvest.
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
Rutherglen 24/7 servo VCAT hearing adjourned
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A VICTORIAN Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) hearing about the proposed 24/7 service station and truck wash in Rutherglen has been adjourned for ve months.
The hearing from 17 to 21 March had followed a compulsory conference held on 16 January with solicitors representing Indigo Shire Council, the developer/applicant and Friends of Lake Moodemere – an incorporated group set up to ght the proposal.
At the meeting there was no request for an adjournment by any of the three parties.
Developers last year took the application for a planning permit for the proposed development out of council’s hands taking it to the VCAT.
The application for a planning permit had been submitted by Outlook Property Services P/L on behalf of BE Judd P/L and TFB Wine Investment P/L.
At last week’s monthly council meeting councillors made a unanimous decision asking council not to support the proposed development following lengthy discussion citing their concerns.
other issues raised by the Planning Department covering suitability in the farming zone and environmental issues.
Cr Horne said an approved safety audit needed to be undertaken to the satisfaction of Indigo Shire Council.
Council did not oppose the adjournment while Friends of Lake Moodemere did.
VCAT granted the adjournment.
Indigo Shire Council CEO Trevor Ierino said in late 2024 council management expressed concerns about the timing of the compulsory conference being prior to the February 2025 council meeting, and the main case being held very soon a er.
“Council therefore suggested to the applicant that the case should be adjourned to a later date to allow Council’s lawyer to receive instruction at the February meeting and prepare for the main VCAT hearing,” he said.
“This request was initially not supported, however when the applicant recently requested an adjournment it was appropriate for council to agree to this change.
“This rescheduling assists with council’s preparation for the case.”
Friday, 7 March (tonight) RUTHERGLEN TASTES OF ART PRIZE 2025
Gala Opening night with winning works unveiled. Rutherglen Memorial Hall. Commences 6.30pm. For tickets visit www.trybooking.com/CVYYA
The exhibition runs from 8 – 16 March with $5 entry. Students complimentary. Saturday, 8 March CWA INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATION
Town Hall Gardens. 6.30pm. BYO meal to share as well bring as a chair. Open invitation for the community to join CWA members and share both a meal and achievements.
At last week’s meeting director of planning and corporate services, Greg Pinkerton said among a number of issues the proposed development had not adequately considered the ood and environmental risk to the site.
Cr Dianne Shepheard outlined
They also included surrounding wineries, impacts on water quality in Lake Moodemere and ow on impacts to irrigation water, ooding and overland ows, and amenity for the local residents.
Cr Roberta Horne also raised her concerns with road safety.
She said the Department of Transport responsible for the roads should ensure road safety is the developer’s responsibility if the application is successful.
“This facility would require the construction of a roundabout at the intersection to e ectively control the tra c,” she said.
Friends of Lake Moodemere member Belinda Chambers said the move for the adjournment had been made by the applicant/developer the following day a er Council’s 25 February meeting.
A practice day hearing was held on 27 February between the three parties’ solicitors.
Friends of Lake Moodemere member Robyn Pfei er said their documentation had been prepared in the time given to all parties.
“Councillors voted unanimously to accept the motion that Indigo Shire Council should not approve this development,” she said.
“It’s already a very dangerous intersection with deaths and it’s just going to get worse if it goes ahead.”
A successful fundraising night held last Saturday evening by Friends of Lake Moodemere drawing around 100 people raised $25,000 to help cover legal costs.
IF you have an event you’d like added to this calendar, please email edit.omadvertiser@ nemedia.com.au WE’RE
Spring Ditch draws 1000 to country carnival atmosphere
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A BEAUTIFUL warm day with a country vibe set the scene for this year’s family friendly Spring Ditch held last Saturday at the Stanley Recreation Reserve’s sportsground.
For Stanley’s Watson, family the day had been laid back and welcoming.
“I think that’s says a lot about people in Stanley too and the event attracts people from everywhere,” Mallory Watson said.
“It’s a great way to come out and see everyone and is a get together for many people as well.”
Organisers rated this year’s Spring Ditch a great success despite numbers being slightly down from last year, attributed to tough economic times.
The event drew around 1000 people.
Spring Ditch co-founder Lex Fletcher said volunteers helping to run the event had been unbelievable with the day running without a hitch.
“We had diverse activities, there was so much to do for the kids and we had great feedback from families,” he said.
“Everyone loved the music.”
First time Spring Ditch event goer Brad Ladgrove from Bright said the event had been a good day out with great activities for the kids.
Melbourne-based bands Afrobiotics and Magic Bean Guillotine, Minnie and The Moonrakers from Bright, Albury Wodonga band Lucey with Beechworthian musician, songwriter and guitarist Samara Bright entertained the crowds. Samara, performing for the rst
time at the event, said being a main act was a privilege with the organisers’ support for small artists.
Singer from the band Lucy - Rutherglen’s Tilly Pin - said the band loved playing in Stanley at the local pub.
“It’s the rst time we have played at Spring Ditch and it’s been a chance to meet other musicians as well,” she said.
North East and Border Axeman’s Association returned with Wangaratta axeman Fabian Harding
showcasing his skills along with team members.
Fabian said the team had the rst wood chop at Spring Ditch when the event kicked o four years ago.
“We’ve had a break, it’s fantastic to be back this year and it means a lot to us,” the axeman said.
“I grew up with wood chopping and can remember being here for the chop at the Stanley sports carnival.”
Guest federal member for Indi Helen Haines addressed the
crowd mid-afternoon.
“We’re here today because of the extraordinary vision, hard work and e orts of Rickki and Lex who have inspired a band of amazing volunteers to join them,” she said.
“Rikki and Lex have created a signature event on our calendar with Spring Ditch and I congratulate them for their vision and their work.”
Third time Master of Ceremonies
John Walker said Spring Ditch was a great North East event with live
music, activities such as the golden gum boot toss, sack races, apple and spoon races and more and it had been a great family event.
Lex said donations from fundraisers were still arriving and would be shared between Stanley’s re brigade, Athenaeum, Landcare, Stanley Recreation Reserve committee and the village’s community post o ce.
The event co-founder said planning is underway to lock in the event for next year.
PUMPED: Melbourne-based band Afrobiotics were among bands entertaining the crowd.
FAMILY AFFAIR: Mallory and Tim Watson with daughter Edith (3) had fun at Spring Ditch last Saturday.
Fabian Harding both from Wangaratta showcased wood chopping skills at Spring Ditch.
FUN: Yackandandah’s Gem King with daughter Ruby (3) at the painting and arts section for
at Spring Dith last Saturday.
PHOTOS: Coral Cooksley
CALLING: Some
and selling ra les tickets for a great variety of prizes outside IGA this month.
Making a difference with Red Cross Calling
By CORAL COOKSLEY
CONTRIBUTIONS by locals to fundraising for this month’s Red Cross Calling appeal is set to boost resilience among Australians.
Beechworth, Wooragee and Stanley residents have chipped in for years along with communities across the country in donating to Red Cross to help people from facing crises alone.
Last year the local community donated $1805 to the local Red Cross branch for the appeal.
Beechworth Red Cross branch chair Julia Smith said support helped people before, during and a er disasters.
“We also help older people who are lonely stay connected with their community through Telehelp and also help families separated by war and con ict nd each other,” she said.
“We’re also ready to support Australians for the next unknown such as a ood or bush re.”
Ms Smith said the local Red Cross branch has a trained emergency services team with around two thirds of members belonging to the crew.
“They help people a ected by such disasters as bush res and oods both in this area as well as others,” she said.
“There are many ways to support Red Cross, to help people going through tough times, or to support various domestic programs such as patient transport programs.”
Ms Smith said money from the local branches’ main fun-
draising activity of catering within the local community is sent to patient transport.
“There are two cars - one in Wodonga and one in Wangaratta - to help people in Beechworth and surrounds get to local or Melbournebased medical appointments,” she said.
“It’s a free service from door to door with advanced bookings organised through Red Cross in Melbourne.
“It’s very much in demand by the local community.”
Ms Smith said the local branch can specify where funds are allocated.
Donations of $2000 had been recently made to the oods appeal in Queensland, the patient transport program assisting the Beechworth area with as well as the domestic disaster and recovery program.
“Locally, people bene t because all pro ts go to the Red Cross as it’s a not-for-pro t organisation,” Ms Smith said.
Beechworth Red Cross branch members will be collecting donations and selling ra e tickets for locally cra ed goodies outside the Ritchies IGA Supermarket on Thursdays and/or Friday mornings and on Saturdays throughout this month.
“We encourage everyone to come along and make a donation or buy a ra e ticket to win some wonderful prizes,” Ms Smith said.
Members will be able to accept EFTPOS and credit card donations, or payments.
For more information about Australian Red Cross programs visit www.redcross.org.au.
A love of Rutherglen
DARREN ‘Tracka’ Trevaskis was born in Deniliquin NSW.
His parents moved to Rutherglen when he was two-years-old.
“I really loved growing up in Rutherglen, have been here for 45 years and it’s great to be part of a small community,” he said.
“I married my wife Emma in 2001 and have two daughters, Chloe and Sarah.”
What do you do workwise?
I have worked for farm warehouse AGnVET in Rutherglen as a customer services and truckdriver for the past two and a half years.
The agribusiness provides valuable products and services to local farmers, wineries and contractors.
SES is a great place to meet people and to learn life saving skills all while helping the community.
What brought you to your role/career?
state government funded. The government should be looking into more resources for our area.
What do you see as one of the most important current world issues?
A highlight was in 2017 when the club raised $93,000 for Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre making it a special year for the club, and I was thrilled to be named club person in 2018.
I still enjoy watching local games and helping on the barbeque or in the bar when needed.
The rise in cost of living. This is having a major e ect on lower income earners as it makes it harder for people to a ord basic necessities like food, housing, and healthcare. If the person you would most like to meet came to Indigo Shire (past or present), or was already here, who would that be, what would you show them, and why?
A er being a local concreter for 26 years it was time for a change and AGNVET was looking for a reliable local person to ll the role.
What do you love about your work?
I am currently the Rutherglen SES Unit controller enjoying the challenges of the role and have been a member for ve years.
I’d love to meet American actor and lm producer Mark Sinclair known professionally as Vin Diesel and invite him to the Rutherglen Rumble on 26 April.
I enjoy the variety of work in a great team environment. I love being out in the open and on road delivering supplies to farmers and catching up with all the locals in the shop serving them as well.
What do you do in the community?
I volunteered for Rutherglen Football Club for more than 15 years.
Started o being the runner for the seconds footy team then became the team’s manager for a decade.
I joined the committee back in 2014 helping with sponsorship and all day-today jobs around the ground.
SES is a great place to meet people and to learn life saving skills all while helping the community.
Once a month I help the Lions Club at the farmers market with their barbeque. Is there an important community issue that you think needs addressing?
Fixing the roads.
Road conditions around Rutherglen are the worst I have seen.
Since the oods in 2022 their condition has badly deteriorated. What would you do to solve change, improve that situation?
It’s a hard one to solve as the worst a ected roads are
The event started a er the 2022 oods with more than $40,000 raised for people displaced by the oods This year, money is being raised for Gateway Health with over 500 cars bike and trucks. Vin is a big car enthusiast he and would draw a massive crowd. What books are you reading?
I don’t read books, but I enjoy watching movies and series on Net ix. Currently watching ‘The Rookie’ – about a rookie cop going through the academy at middle age and becoming a police o cer.
A great story line, action and humour.
RED CROSS
of the local members Helen Roberson (le ), Maureen O’Flaherty and branch chair Julia Smith will be taking donations
Darren ‘Tracka Trevaskis
Yackandandah
a helping hand in East Africa
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A SMALL band of volunteers in Yackandandah are giving a helping hand to improve the lives of young people in a small village’s orphanage and school in the country of South Sudan.
Local plumber David Clark with the town’s Jordan Mackley leading the project in Chukudum, spent three weeks in the East African country last month as part of a six-member volunteer team – four Australians, one from Uganda and one from Zambia.
The crew helped continue to build the facilities David and Jordan worked on when the pair first visited in 2023.
David said the team imparted skills and knowledge to educate the local community to be self-su cient with sustainable practices.
It’s not the rst time David and Jordan have helped communities in Africa.
They both helped build a school in Zambia 12 years ago for a mission known as the Foundation for Cross Cultural Education (FCE).
Jordan returned there staying for a decade before he moved back to Yackandandah two years ago with his wife and young family.
“There’s 100 kids with 60 orphans and 40 students living at the orphanage and school in Chukudum called the Amazing Grace Community (AGC) on 10 acres and there’s no charge for education,” David said.
“Crops are grown to teach the kids farming practices and to support them.
“They’re being taught English, maths, science and history by quali ed voluntary teachers supported by FCE
and getting an education to help them progress into adulthood.”
The orphanage has been rebuilt with small mud hut buildings while an American couple built four classrooms.
Cooking takes place for the 100 children on an open camp re and in a very basic kitchen.
“We’re trying upgrade kitchen facilities with concrete oors where there were none before, and over the next couple of years we’ll brick the building and make it yproof,” David said.
“Interested people in helping are welcome to join the crew with speci c skills not needed but a willingness to learn.
“From donations and initiatives we’ve raised around $30,000 to pay for project materials.”
Funds have been raised by various initiatives such as barrels in Yackandandah and
Bright to place empty cans for the volunteers to cash with Yolk Festival helping at their event with barrels too.
Another is the purchase of cattle sold at the January market this year.
“It’s been very rewarding because people here are interested,” David said.
He said the aim is to help the orphanage and school project become more operational.
“Last year seeing the kids’ faces when water came out of a tap was incredible,” he said.
“They had pumped 20 litre drums of water for years, but to be able to turn on a tap without work was mind blowing for them.”
David also draws on the experience of his father-inlaw Max Maddock as a past builder in Sydney.
Yackandandah-born Max had been undertaking these types of projects for around
Getting active for a healthy community
LOCAL groups have a chance to access grants of up to $5000 for physical activity across the shire with applications now open for Indigo Shire Council’s 2025 Get Active Indigo Grant program.
A total funding pool of $30,000 is available for eligible clubs, groups, committees, and service providers with projects speci cally designed to increase physical activity or support delivery of physical activities within Indigo Shire.
Mayor Sophie Price said she was enthusiastic about the program and described it as one of the many ways council supports the community’s health and wellbeing.
“Physical activity is the cornerstone of healthy communities, and through the Get Active Indigo Grant program, we’re investing directly in the grassroots organisations that help get our residents moving,” she said.
GOOD FUN: Kids get active learning to play tennis in Chiltern.
40 years before retiring and returning to the town.
Projects undertaken had been run by the Christian School in Sydney while Max had earlier worked for an organisation called Mobile Mission Maintenance with people helping from both Australia and around the world.
“We already have people from the past who would like to help,” Max said.
With skills taught by teachers, the kids at the orphanage and school helped to make 40,000 mud bricks.
“We sent $US900 dollars to the orphanage earlier this year to employ a local bricklayer from Uganda with the
dormitories now professionally built with the bricks,” David said.
He also said most students are children from around six to 15 years old.
Jordan and David are members of the Discovery Community Church in Yackandandah with the project supported by the church.
“These grants enable local groups to develop innovative programs, improve facilities, and create more opportunities for everyone in our shire to lead active, healthy lives.”
Cr Price also highlighted the program’s success in previous years where several community initiatives have ourished with grant support.
“From upgrading sports equipment to helping establish come and try events, these grants contribute to making a real di erence
across our communities,” she said.
Eligible projects may include come and try days, small scale infrastructure projects, program development or community events centred around physical activity.
Applications for the grant program are open now and close on 31 March.
Interested organisations can nd guidelines and apply online by visiting the Indigo Shire Council website at www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au/ getactive.
Alleged
standover man could seek release through Supreme Court
AN alleged criminal syndicate “soldier” could seek bail in the Supreme Court of Victoria after being denied release in Wangaratta.
The 23-year-old faced Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court from custody on Monday, 24 February after he was accused of striking terror into the local community during an alleged extortion of a Murphy Street tobacco store on 4 July 2023.
The Doreen man was also accused of extortion of a Wodonga store the same day, with both shops subjected to arson overnight on 27 July 2023.
Defence counsel Marlene Kizana said she was preparing a bail application for the Supreme Court of Victoria, as the matters were set to be contested after negotiations with the prosecution.
The 23-year-old had bail denied at the Wangaratta court on 13 February by Magistrate Simon Zebrowski, who said he hoped to make an example of the alleged “gangland soldier” in deterring extortion attempts statewide.
He is alleged to have entered Ramseen Gifts demanding a staff member in her 60s to close down the store within 24 hours or it would be burnt down.
“We’re here to come take over this shop, if you are not out by the next 24 hours, there’s going to be big, big headaches for this shop,” he allegedly told a staff member over the phone.
The victim of the alleged Wangaratta extortion told the accused she lived at the store and was trapped inside it during the Murphy Street arson, with the woman in her 60s extracted by CFA.
The Doreen man was taken into custody on 23 January after police released footage of the alleged Wangaratta extortion.
The 23-year-old is accused of being a standover man for a criminal syndicate vying to gain control of the state’s tobacco market, which has seen nearly 130 Victorian tobacco stores firebombed since March 2023.
Investigators from Taskforce Lunar believed the 23-year-old and his yet to be identified co-accused were sending videos of their extortion threats to their manager at a Hawthorn based tobacco store, who shared the videos in a group chat.
The court previously heard no charges have been laid for the arson of Wangaratta and Wodonga stores, but the same vehicle was allegedly present in the incidents.
The matter will return for contest at the Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on 3 April.
Beechworth hears some of the world’s best bell ringers
By CORAL COOKSLEY
LOCALS had the chance to hear magni cent sounds of peals from Christ Church’s six-bell tower last Thursday a ernoon by some of the world’s best bell ringers from a 400-year-old society in London.
Beechworth bell ringer Graeme Heyes said the group from the Ancient Society of College Youths founded in 1637 in London is on a bell ringing tour travelling around Australia for about three weeks.
“They ring the bells at St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and all the top churches in London,” he said.
Society secretary Simon Meyer –a bell ringer since the age of seven and now in his 60s - said di erent groups of ringers travelled to various places around the world.
“We have members not only all around London, but in all other countries where there are ringing bells with a total membership of
2000 in the world,” he said.
Mr Meyer said he rang for the rst time with bell-ringer Jim Jefferies (who travelled from Albury) at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Wangaratta last Thursday morning prior to visiting Beechworth.
“He’s someone who I’ve had lots of correspondence with because he’s a member of our society,” he said.
“In his 80s now, it’s been lovely to ring with him.”
Mr Meyer said he also enjoyed meeting Graeme Heyes a er corresponding with him too.
Arriving in Perth from the UK the group then tripped to Adelaide and Melbourne with some embarking on a road trip taking in Beechworth and other towns with church bells.
He said half the group of around 40 from the UK had split to travel to Hobart and around Tasmania with others doing di erent trips too.
“We’re doing a trip between Melbourne to Sydney and then to Brisbane,” he said.
“It’s my rst time to Australia and the third time our Society has toured Australia.
“There is only seven of us on this leg and we’ll all join up again in Sydney.”
Mr Meyers said bell ringing is fascinating, a pleasant physical exercise, has a mental challenge learning about aspects such as methods-based patterns and mathematical permutations with the focus on accurate ringing a good mental exercise.
“The social side is also important to all ringers too,” he said.
“It’s an absolutely fabulous thing to do, and I’d encourage anyone to take up the free hobby.”
Australian member of the Society bell-ringer Christopher O’Mahony from Goulburn had also joined the group on the tour.
Mr O’Mahony had been part of an Australian bell ringing group on tour two years ago.
“There’s a wonderful charis-
ma of gathering and hospitality among bell ringers,” he said.
“Whether you’re in England, Australia, New Zealand or North America, you can turn up at any of maybe 10,000 churches around the world and be made welcome.”
“It’s been our turn to welcome these wonderful bell ringers from the UK and we’ve made very welcome over there too.
“We want to preserve this wonderful historical exercise and are doing quite a bit of recruiting, and at the same time adding new sets of bells to churches.”
Mr O’Mahony said young people could undertake bell ringing to qualify for the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme too.
“It’s also a badge in scouts and girl guides and we encourage these groups to have a try,” he said.
“It was lovely to see so many enthusiastic people come to listen today including young people.”
Beechworth a er ringing a peal of six bells on Thursday.
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
Promise of bulk-billing, more doctors
By STEVE KELLY
MEDICAL advocacy bodies have welcomed the roll-out of bulk-billing to all Australians but a local GP has warned of a critical GP shortage if not addressed as a priority.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered Labor’s major election promise as an instrument to help reduce the cost of living while also addressing key health sector challenges in a ordability and accessibility for everyday Australians.
Under the plan Labor said nine out of 10 GP visits will
be free from out-of-pocket expenses by 2030 under an $8.5 billion Medicare election funding promise. Labor said will deliver more doctors and nurses into Medicare, with 400 nursing scholarships and the largest GP training program in Australian history, funding the training of 2000 new GP trainees a year by 2028.
Indi MP Helen Haines welcomed the government’s announcement that will deliver 18 million bulk billed GP visits each year, more nursing scholarships and more places for GP training programs.
“This announcement could be a positive step towards reducing the persistent, intergenerational healthcare inequities experienced by rural Australians,” Dr Haines said.
“If re-elected as the Independent Member for Indi, I will be watching closely to ensure these measures meaningfully address the shortfalls in regional and rural Australia.”
Dr Haines made special note of the $265.2 million to expand GP training must include Rural Generalist training places, “so that we get more GPs in the bush”.
She also said $48.4 million for an extra 100 Commonwealth Supported Places for medical students must include places in universities like LaTrobe University and University of Melbourne’s Rural Medical Pathway, which enables medical students to stay in their communities while they study and train to become a doctor, increasing their likelihood of staying and working in rural areas.
“As a former nurse, midwife and health research, I have long advocated that training rural students close
to home is the most e ective way to get more rural doctors,” she said.
Liberal candidate for Indi James Trenery said it has never been harder and more expensive to see a doctor than it is right now.
“GP bulk billing has collapsed from 88 per cent under the Liberals to 77pc under Anthony Albanese, “ Mr Trenery said.
“Last nancial year alone there were 40 million fewer bulk billed GP visits under Labor, in comparison to the Liberal’s last year in government.
“To address this, a Dutton
Women on Farms Gathering 2025 all set for Benalla
FINAL preparations are being made for the 2025 Women on Farms Gathering (WoFG) in Benalla next week.
The three-day event - from March 14 to 16 - in its 35th year, brings together female farmers from across Australia to showcase and champion their local farm enterprises and the successes of their rural community.
The Victoria Drought Resilience Adoption & Innovation Hub is sponsoring this year’s gathering, themed “Stronger together, Shaping our future”, with a focus on healthy land, healthy women and healthy futures.
WoFG chair Louise Armstrong said the Vic Hub’s sponsorship has been critical to getting the gathering o the ground.
“It has allowed us to keep the registration cost for the event a ordable at a time when it’s even harder for women to be seen to spend money ‘on themselves’,” she said.
“We know the critical role that women play in strengthening rural communities and industries, and assisting them in navigating changing times.
“The 2025 gathering presents an opportunity to celebrate past achievements and experiences of resilience, and contribute to a positive future.”
The program will showcase the progress and personal growth of rural and regional women from Benalla and surrounds, embracing diversity of experience across age, climate conditions and business enterprises.
Dr Sara Hely, director of the Vic-
HEALTHY LAND, HEALTHY WOMEN, HEALTHY FUTURES, 14-16 MARCH
Liberal government will invest $9 billion into Medicare to address Labor’s healthcare crisis and ensure Australians have timely, a ordable access to a doctor.
“We will match the $8.5 billion investment into Medicare dollar-for-dollar to x Labor’s mess and restore bulk billing back up to Coalition levels.
“We have also previously announced that we will invest $500 million to restore critical Medicare funding for mental health support, a er it was slashed in half by the Albanese government.”
RESCUE: Emergency services were made to go through di icult terrain at Whites Track to reach injured motorbike rider.
toria Drought Resilience Hub and a keynote speaker at the event, emphasised the crucial role of women in regional communities.
“Women in regional communities are o en the unsung heroes when times are uncertain in our farming communities,” Dr Hely said.
“But without them, community resilience and our ability to bounce back would be signi cantly impacted.
“As a woman who grew up in a farming community and saw the devastating impacts of drought and climate volatility, my own mother and the mothers of others were the ones I turned to.”
Dr Hely will share stories of community leaders in drought resilience and discuss individual contributions to this e ort.
Presenters at next week’s gather-
ing include AgriFutures chair Cathy McGowan and Benalla farmer and landscape architect Sue Campbell OAM.
For more information see: https://vicdroughthub.org.au/newsevents/events/event/women-onfarms-gathering.
To book tickets, please go to: https://events.humanitix.com/womenon-farms-gathering-benalla.
Emergency services complete lengthy rescue at Wonnangatta
A RIDER who suffered a broken leg in a remote North East track was rescued following a lengthy emergency services operation, recently.
Police said the solo male rider lost control of his motorbike on a steep section of Whites Track in Wonnangatta while travelling solo.
Ambulance Victoria Wilderness Rescue paramedics were deployed along with officers from Mount Beauty police.
Police said the rescue took several hours due to the difficulty of the terrain, with vehicles coming across tress blocking roads and water crossings on their path.
Emergency services eventually reached the man who was flown to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
JOIN US: The Women on Farms Gathering 2025 organising committee (from le ) includes Julie Flack, Gail O’Brien, Anna Lottkowitz, Louise Armstrong and Marion Rak met up in Benalla on Monday.
Name public servants linked to robodebt
By STEVE KELLY
THE National Anti-Corruption Commission’s (NACC) investigation into the robodebt scandal needs to be public and the six people at the centre of claims should be named.
This is the view of Independent MP for Indi Helen Haines as she also calls for reform of the commission to create more transparency.
The robodebt scheme was an automated debt collection program that raised incorrect debts from welfare recipients in Australia.
Dr Haines said the robodebt scandal is one of the worst examples of public maladministration in Australia’s history.
“Tragically, people lost their lives because of this scheme,” she said.
“We cannot, and must not, ever forget the impacts of robodebt and there must be accountability for those involved.”
A er NACC initially declared it would not pursue an investigation into the six people referred by the ro-
bodebt royal commission, on 10 February the commission con rmed it will now investigate.
“That initial decision, from June last year, was an early misstep for the new commission,” Dr Haines said.
“It drew more than 1000 complaints to the NACC inspector Gail Furness.
“I welcome the decision by the independent reviewer of this initial decision, Geo rey Nettle KC, that the NACC should investigate the six individuals.”
The NACC will now decide whether or not to hold public hearings in its investigation of robodebt.
Dr Haines said this involves considering whether exceptional circumstances will apply.
“It is important that the NACC now undertakes an impartial and fair investigation of the six individuals referred by the Royal Commission into robodebt.
“That referral was provided to the NACC in a ‘sealed section’.
“I believe it is now time to make public that sealed section which
names the six individuals.”
names introby
If re-elected, Dr Haines will introduce legislation to improve transparency of the National Anti-Corruption Commission by removing the unnecessary ‘exceptional circumstances test’ the NACC must consider when deciding to hold a public hearing.
“This would mean that the NACC can hold public hearings when it is in the public interest to do so,” she said.
“Unfortunately, the work of the NACC to date has been undertaken mostly behind closed doors.
“We need more transparency to trust that it is doing its job properly.”
“Unfortunately, the work of the NACC to date has been undertaken investigaof profound disappointment, including the commissioner’s con ict of
Previously an inspectors investigation report informed that across the complaints addressing the NACC’s decision not to pursue an investigation into robodebt, there were expressions of profound disappointment, including the commissioner’s con ict of interest.
Other themes covered a lack of public accountability for former ministers and Australian Public Service employees.
during Mad March
POLICE are urging motorists to pay extra care and attention on the roads this month, with March considered to be the most dangerous period on the state’s roads.
The warning comes as police launch Operation Arid this Friday, a statewide road police e ort targeting highrisk driving behaviour and non-compliance over the Labour Day long weekend in an e ort to reduce road trauma.
While March is traditionally known in Victoria for a full calendar of major events, festivals, sports and entertainment, it is also synonymous with having the highest volume of road trauma in both metropolitan and regional Victoria.
Acting Assistant Commissioner, David Byrt, said police don’t want to see another March with high numbers of injury collisions and fatalities.
“We need everyone to do their part, and our number one message is to stay alert behind the wheel and never be complacent – it can only take one second of distraction or a simple driving error for a collision to occur,” he said.
“We’ll be out in force across the state and doing our bit to ensure everyone is being safe, adhering to the road rules and not putting others at risk.”
Historically, March has the highest average injury collision volume of any month of the year, almost 10 per cent higher than any other month.
We’ll be out in force across the state and doing our bit to ensure everyone is being safe, adhering to the road rules and not putting others at risk.
- ACTING ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER DAVID BYRT
Injury collisions where speed was a factor, where a motorcyclist or heavy vehicle was involved, and young drivers were involved also all peaked in March.
In 2024, there were 30 lives lost during in March, the second highest for the year behind November (36) and marking the worst March on record since 2011, with 34 lives lost.
Of the 30 lives lost during last March, more than half were drivers and two-thirds occurred in regional Victoria.
There were 10 lives lost in the state’s east including in Wangaratta, Wodonga and Shepparton areas.
These high-risk locations will be among key areas of focus for police during this weekend’s Operation Arid.
It comes as regional fatalities are already up 34 per cent on the same time last year, with 35 lives lost on regional roads compared to 26 at the same time last year.
There have been a total 58 lives lost on Victoria’s roads
in 2025, higher than 49 at the same time last year.
There have been four fatalities in the rst four days of March.
Police are warning motorists there will be zero tolerance for poor driving and dangerous behaviour, with state and local highway patrols to be highly visible and enforcing across metropolitan and regional roads.
There will be widespread alcohol and drug testing, particularly around major events taking place across the state, with police reminding drivers that they can be tested anywhere, anytime.
Speeding will also be a major focus, with police handing out 2843 speeding o ences during last year’s Operation Arid enforcement period.
Operation Arid commences on Friday, 7 March and concludes on Monday 10 March 2025. For more information and tips for staying safe on the roads this long weekend, visit the Road Safety page on the Victoria Police website.
INVESTIGATION ACTIVATED: GEOFFREY NETTLE FOUND THAT THE NACC SHOULD INVESTIGATE THE SIX INDIVIDUALS CONNECTED TO THE ROBODEBT SCHEME.
PHOTO: HIGH COURT OF AUSTRALIA
ACROSS
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD
3 What is the national legislative body of the USA (8)
7 Name the head of a Muslim State (6)
8 Which military staff officer assists the commanding officer (8)
9 What, in the USA is a five-cent piece (6)
10 To inoculate, is to do what (8)
11 Name a renowned movie dog (6)
14 What are beginnings known as (6)
17 What is a radio or TV broadcast of news reports (8)
18 Name groups of fish crowded fairly close together (6)
19 Who often plays the music in a church (8)
20 Name a volcanic mountain in eastern Turkey, Mount ... (6)
21 What is a beginning or a development (8)
DOWN
1 Name a tropical climbing orchid (7)
2 Who wrote Oliver Twist, Charles ... (7)
3 Name a cup for the wine of the eucharist (7)
6 What are sofas also known as (7)
11 Name the 16th President of the USA (7)
12 What are waste matters that pass through sewers called (7)
15 What is a metal urn for heating the water for making tea (7)
16 What is a picture, as of a scene (7)
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
1 CHARLATAN
(a) A mere talking pretender
(b) The edible leaf stalk of artichoke
(c) A dance characterised by spasmodic knee action
4 Name a French post-impressionist painter, Paul ... (7)
13 Which aromatic substance is burnt for its fragrant odour (7)
E-QUATIONS 7
5 To be indirect, is to be what (7)
14 To remain too long, is to do what (7)
Letters have a number value
Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
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.
2 DEBENTURE
(a) A contention in words
(b) A complete break-up or collapse
(c) A written acknowledgement of a debt
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:
Bird: Jabiru ... (5)
Dark yellowish-brown (5)
Disease-transmitting organism (7)
Farm animal (3)
Means of access (7)
Movement of a dog’s tail (3)
Music: principal tonality (3)
Twist to remove fluid (5)
Unofficial vote: ... poll (5) Was seated (3)
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KING (nee Miller), Lyn (Lynette). 1/3/1941 – 1/3/2025
Passed away peacefully on her 84th birthday at the Myrtleford Lodge.
Adored wife of Jim (James) King. Cherished mother of Belinda (dec), Jamie and Jenny.
Beloved Ninny (grandmother) to Ebony and Luca.
Mother-in-law to Maurice and step Ninny to Jenna and Georgia.
Daughter to Ted and Eileen Miller. Much loved sister of Allan (dec), Lance and Glenn (dec).
Dear sister-in-law to Rosie, Helen, Priscilla, Walter, Shirley, Patricia, Stephen, Edith, Cheryl, David and Judith.
Favourite Aunty to all her nieces and nephews. Finally united with your beautiful Belinda.
Always so loving, thoughtful and kind, what beautiful memories you leave behind. You may have left this world behind, But you will never leave our hearts and mind.
With tears we saw you suffer, We watched you fade away, Our hearts were slowly breaking As you fought so hard to stay.
~ The grief and heartache we feel Bears witness to the depth of our love. You never failed to do your best, Your heart was true and tender. You simply lived for those you loved, And those you loved remember. Life is not measured by the years you live, But the love you gave and the things you did.
Softly within the shadows, There came a gentle call, With farewells left unspoken, You quietly left us all.
Now you are peacefully sleeping Away from all your pain, But the love in our hearts will always remain.
Words are few, thoughts are deep, Memories of you are ours to keep.
Special thanks to the wonderful team at Myrtleford Lodge for your care and support of Lyn for the past ten years.
KING (nee Miller), Lyn (Lynette).
1/3/1941 – 1/3/2025
The funeral for the late Lyn King will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025 at 3pm at St Pauls Anglican Church, Myrtleford and Myrtleford Lawn Cemetery. Then to the Myrtleford Golf Club for food and refreshments.
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2007 NISSAN PATROL Ti, manual, mods, approx 190k on the clock, available early May, selling due to moving interstate, $30,000 ono, open to negotiation, (1YP8XF). Contact Jason 0434 590 566.
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
Family owned and operated www.northeastfunerals.com.au 03 5722 2525
TOYOTA Hilux 2013, 169,000km, 5spd manual, 4x4, full service history, no offroad, no accidents, black duck seat covers from new, new tyres, reg (1AL4YU), RWC, $32,000. Phone Allan 0400 541 599.
ROYAL Enfield 350 Hunter 2022, great learner’s bike, 3400km long rego, still under warranty, 2U4PN. Ph 0411 519 496 or 5721 3727.
AUSTRALIAN off-road camper trailer, made in Australia, full annexe, hot water, many accessories, excellent condition $22,000. Ph 0427 002 860.
2025 season opens for Beechworth Golf Club
By DYLAN POOL
ON Sunday we held our opening day for the 2025 season.
The weather was good and the a ernoon tea was fantastic as normal.
An ambrose was played with 19 players in attendance.
The winners of the day with 60 o the stick for a nett 54 2/3 were Jackson Wells, Dave Clark and Dylan Pool.
Runners up with 69 o the stick for a nett 56 1/6 was Jamie Dolny, Stuart McIntosh and Jenny Hogan.
Third was Andrea Voogt, Phil Pelgrim and George Ward with 72 o the stick for a nett 57.5
Nearest the pins went to
Phil Pelgrim on the 5th, Tyson Carey on the 7th, Jenny Hogan and Andy Croome on the 10th and Rod Shaw on the 17th.
Gail Smith won the meat tray in the ra e.
Last Wednesday was the opening day for the 2025 season o Wednesday golf.
A two person aggregate stableford was played.
The winners were Gail Smith and Ellie Hirst with a combined score of 64 points.
Runners up were Jan Lang and Deb Tully with 62 points.
Nearest the pins went to Doyna Collins and Jan Lang.
On Thursday and small eld of 13 players assembled for twilight golf on the front nine.
The winner taking home
the cash was Josh Carr with 26 points (20+6).
Runner up winning the Bridge Road Brewers voucher was Jarryd Pritchard with 24 (20+4) on a countback from his old man Brian who had (18+6).
The other ball winners were Ben Ryder and Rod Shaw with 23 points each.
No nearest the pins were recorded.
Jackson Wells took home the cash for nearest chip on the 9th and Alastair Palmer won the CC’s Quality Meats and Smokehouse voucher in the ra e.
This coming Sunday will be our rst Monthly Medal for 2025.
Hit o time is 11:30am arrival for 12noon.
BEECHWORTH A3 SUFFER GRAND FINAL HEARTBREAK
MANSFIELD continued their recent domination of opponents Beechworth when they claimed victory in the A3 grand nal at Wangaratta on Saturday.
Mike Harrison, Stephen Lewis, Noel Jackson and Brian Revell were the big winners for the Eagles posting a 25-11 rink win, while Mick Walsh, Ray Robinson, Graham Smith and Enid Smith won 28-22 against a strong Beechworth rink skipped by Rickie Robinson.
George Peterson, Elaine Peterson, Chris Lewis and Marian Ryan went down 20-26, and John Foots, Peter Roberts, Mark Bettany and Shane O’Brien also went down 17-24.
The nal scores attered Beechworth, with Mans eld well in control for most of the day, with the Beechworth charge too little, too late.
Contract awarded for Baarmutha Park nets
INDIGO Shire Council has awarded the contract to carry out the design and construction of the Baarmutha Park multi-purpose sports nets to iDwala Pty Ltd.
The project, valued at a total of $602,000, is funded by Sport and Recreation Victoria ($100,000) with contributions from council ($225,000), Beechworth Wanderers Cricket Club ($20,000), Cricket Australia ($30,000) and the Beechworth and District Community Bank ($150,000).
The project will transform the ageing, non-compliant three-lane cricket practice nets into a modern, all-weather multipurpose facility designed to accommodate a variety of sporting and recreational activities.
Final scores: Mans eld 88 shots def Beechworth 83 shots.
Mayor Sophie Price said the multi-purpose facility will enhance recreational and sporting opportunities for the Beechworth community and surrounding areas.
“We’re pleased to award this contract and move forward with this project,” she said.
“This investment shows councils commitment to community wellbeing through quality sporting facilities that promote both physical activity and social connection.”
Beechworth Wanderers Cricket Club president Brenton Surrey said it was reward for the cricket club’s committee’s work in advocating and progressing the development.
“They’ve done a hell of a lot of work to get a really good outcome, the club’s worked really hard since the funding was announced in the last state election,” he said.
“Hopefully in the next couple of weeks we can get a better understanding of how things
“It’s no just cricket, it will be a really good asset for the community.”
Works are scheduled to commence in autumn 2025.
You can stay up to date with the project via council’s website.
ROLLED OUT: Rickie Robinson and Beechworth’s A3 went down in the grand final at Wangaratta to Mansfield 88-83.
Beechworth on the cusp of finals
BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au
BEECHWORTH’S A grade will be playing o in the two-day nals for a second straight season despite a 51-run loss to Wangaratta Magpies.
Defending 224, the Magpies were clinical in their approach with the ball at Baarmutha Park, taking care of the fearsome Wanderers’ top order and rolling Beechworth for 173 all out in the 69th over.
Captain Brenton Surrey said while his team showed plenty of ght towards the end of the innings, the top ve ultimately didn’t put enough runs on the board.
“They bowled pretty well and we didn’t bat as well as we could’ve,” he said.
“Our bottom ve batted really well, we had them looking over their shoulder a little bit so I’m not too disappointed with how it all played out.”
It took just three overs for the Magpies to nd their rst wicket, with Dean Simmons getting Jackson Cull out caught for just four runs.
Clancy Ellett dug in with the dangerous Kayde Surrey before Fraser Ellis came into the attack and worked his magic.
Ellis found the edge, with Surrey back in the pavilion for just seven o 22.
Pitching the ball up, Ellis then trapped Ellett on the crease and in front of the stumps, dismissed LBW for 18 o 40 rocks.
The Wanderers were reeling at 3/37, but Jack Ryan, Brenton Surrey, and Will Prebble would ght hard to keep the run chase on its feet.
Surrey would toil hard for his 18
WANDERERS SECURE FINALS SPOT WITH ONE ROUND TO PLAY DESPITE LOSS TO WANGARATTA MAGPIES
runs, facing o 72 deliveries before chipping a Rhys Grant delivery to a elder, while Will Prebble would see out 83 balls before falling for 30.
Some lower order runs by Cam Fendyk (30 0 46) and Henry Scalzo (20 o 46) gave the Wanderers a faint chance needing around 70 runs with three wickets in hand, but it was too little, too late.
The 10th and nal wicket would fall midway in the 69th over, with Fraser Ellis skittling Tristan Lenaz for 14 to complete his ve-wicket haul.
Ellis’ 5/13 from 14.3 overs was instrumental in getting the ‘Pies over
TOILING AWAY: Will Prebble equal top scored with 30 in Beechworth’s run chase last weekend against
the line, battling illness to perform for his team.
Unless Ovens Valley United, sitting in h, pull o an extremely one-sided victory against the Magpies and the Wanderers collapse against last placed Benalla, Beechworth will nish in the top four.
The door is still open for a home nal with a strong win and a Magpies loss, however unlikely.
Knowing the high likelihood of playing nals in two weeks’ time, Surrey said their match in Benalla would be a good chance to ne tune their game before the high stakes season begins.
“We’ll be trying to bounce back this week and worry about ourselves more than Benalla go in and play some positive, quality cricket,” he said.
In other grades, Beechworth’s B grade were outmatched by Yarrawonga Mulwala at Lonsdale Reserve despite a valiant e ort with the bat.
Lewis Richards brought up a half-century (51 o 102) and batted well with Rama Schultz (24 o 47) to nish with 3/127 a er the rst innings.
The Lakers thought were able to chase the total within 23 overs, with
opener Hudson Gillies (74* o 67) stealing the show.
While in C grade, the Stanley Wanderers are just one game away from nishing the regular season unbeaten a er an eight wicket win over Greta White.
Wickets were shared all around as Greta were bowled out for 75, with Dean Chambeyron taking 3/8. Darby West (37 o 36) led the way with the bat to have the total chased down within just 14 overs. C grade will have the bye next week while B grade will host Benalla at Baarmutha Park in their last game of the season.
Wangaratta, but it wasn’t enough as the Wanderers fell short by 51 runs.
