OM070325SamReiher

r

Fo

u l Yo ca LY ire Lo K Sh EE igo W r Ind

BEECHWORTH - CHILTERN - RUTHERGLEN - STANLEY - YACKANDANDAH Friday, March 7, 2025

edit.omadvertiser@nemedia.com.au

INSIDE

$2.00 inc GST

omadvertiser.com.au

CREATIVE

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

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

Indigo Interview Page 4

2025 golf season opens Page 11

Fire levy furore Indigo Shire council votes unanimously to oppose state government’s new Fire Services Property Levy 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].

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

Delivering for our community

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

INDEPENDENT FEDERAL MEMBER FOR INDI

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

117 Murphy Street, Wangaratta 03 5721 7077 79 High Street, Wodonga 02 6024 6284 helen.haines.mp@aph.gov.au

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

Authorised by Helen Haines 117 Murphy St Wangaratta VIC 3677

Advertisement

Page 2 - THE ADVERTISER, Friday, March 7, 2025

Fire levy furore

omadvertiser.com.au

Walk, talk and support the two-day trek

By CORAL COOKSLEY

■ 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.

FOR the first time in seven years this month’s Bridge to Bridge (B2B) walk steps out to head in a different direction on day one in three weeks’ time.

Walk, talk and support is at the heart of the annual event set to kick off 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 finish 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 five-kilometre option for people if they would like to join in but not walk the distances on each day.

“We finish on Sunday with refreshments at the Everton Hotel with lunch provided by the Rota-

ON A MISSION: B2B committee members - founder Lisa Cartledge (left), Mads Quirk, Helen Lowndes and Sally Hayden at a meeting this week.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley ry Club of Beechworth,” she said.

Lisa said the event has drawn interest from both new, and existing walkers keen to try something different.

“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 finishing 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.

Est. 1855

37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta VIC 3677 Phone: (03) 5723 0100 Fax: (03) 5721 9447 www.omadvertiser.com.au Classifieds 5723 0101 or classifieds@nemedia.com.au Display Advertising: 5723 0100 or sales@nemedia.com.au Editorial: 5723 0109 or edit.omadvertiser@nemedia.com.au Published by Hartley Higgins for North East Media Pty Ltd, 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta, 3677.

Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Editor Jeff Zeuschner.

Copyright: All advertising and editorial content of this issue is the copyright of North East Media Pty Ltd and cannot be used without the company’s permission.

NEWSPAPER DEADLINES: • Display ads, bookings ........ 12 noon Monday • Display ads, copy ............... 12 noon Monday • Classifieds........................... 3pm Wednesday • General News ...................... 9.15am Monday • Sports results ....................... 9.15am Monday • Letters .................................. 9.15am Monday

YOUR OVENS AND MURRAY TEAM

MORE THE MERRIER: Happy times are guaranteed at the annual celebration of the the annual COUNTDOWN IS ON: Japanese band The 5678s will be performing at this year’s hop. hop harvest.

Music to your beers

Bridge Road Brewers presents The High Country Hop 2025

Correspondent Coral Cooksley

Editorial co-ordinator Bailey Zimmermann

Advertising Sales 5723 0100 sales@nemedia.com.au

Follow us www.omadvertiser.com.au Member

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 offers a day packed full of

craft 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 craft brewing community,” he said.

“We can’t wait to welcome everyone back for the 10th edition.”

Hop highlights include:

 Fresh-Hop Brews: Exclusive seasonal beers brewed with freshly harvested hops.  Live Music: Featuring Kaiit, The 5678s (Japan), Darren Hanlon, Benny & The Flybyniters, and Sky High Trio.  Craft Brewers: Including Bridge Road Brewers, Kaiju!

Beer, Loveshack Brewing Co, Mountain Culture Beer Co, Range Brewing, and Wildflower 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.

THE ADVERTISER, Friday, March 7, 2025 - Page 3

omadvertiser.com.au

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 five 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 fight 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.

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 flood and environmental risk to the site.

Cr Dianne Shepheard outlined

ON A MISSION: Friends of Lake Moodemere members Robyn Pfeiffer (left) with Belinda and Michael Chambers at the fundraiser to fight the proposed development held at Lake Moodemere Estate last Saturday evening.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley other issues raised by the Planning Department covering suitability in the farming zone and environmental issues.

They also included surrounding wineries, impacts on water quality in Lake Moodemere and flow on impacts to irrigation water, flooding and overland flows, 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.

Cr Horne said an approved safety audit needed to be undertaken to the satisfaction of Indigo Shire Council.

“This facility would require the construction of a roundabout at the intersection to effectively control the traffic,” 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 after Council’s 25 February meeting.

A practice day hearing was held on 27 February between the three parties’ solicitors.

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 after.

“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.”

Friends of Lake Moodemere member Robyn Pfeiffer 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.

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.

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

WE’RE ONLINE! omadvertiser.com.au Subscribe Today!

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 first

FUN: Yackandandah’s Gem King with daughter Ruby (3) at the painting and arts section for youngsters on Saturday.

CHOP: North East and Border Axeman’s Association members Brendan Moncrieff (left) with Fabian Harding both from Wangaratta showcased wood chopping skills at Spring Ditch.

JUMPING FUN: Youngsters Archie Ladgrove (left), Laurie Bird, Brooke Williamson, Sidney Kelly and Celeste Knight get ready for the sack race at Spring Dith last Saturday.

PHOTOS: Coral Cooksley

FAMILY AFFAIR: Mallory and Tim Watson with daughter Edith (3) had fun at Spring Ditch last Saturday.

PUMPED: Melbourne-based band Afrobiotics were among bands entertaining the crowd.

showcasing his skills along with team members.

Fabian said the team had the first wood chop at Spring Ditch when the event kicked off 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 efforts 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 fire brigade, Athenaeum, Landcare, Stanley Recreation Reserve committee and the village’s community post office.

The event co-founder said planning is underway to lock in the event for next year.

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 first 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

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

omadvertiser.com.au

RED CROSS CALLING: Some of the local members Helen Roberson (left), Maureen O’Flaherty and branch chair Julia Smith will be taking donations and selling raffles tickets for a great variety of prizes outside IGA this month.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

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 after disasters.

“We also help older people who are lonely stay connected with their community through Telehelp and also help families separated by war and conflict find each other,” she said.

“We’re also ready to support Australians for the next unknown such as a flood or bushfire.”

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 affected by such disasters as bush fires and floods 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 floods appeal in Queensland, the patient transport program assisting the Beechworth area with as well as the domestic disaster and recovery program.

“Locally, people benefit because all profits go to the Red Cross as it’s a not-for-profit organisation,” Ms Smith said.

Beechworth Red Cross branch members will be collecting donations and selling raffle tickets for locally crafted 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 raffle 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.

VOLUNTEER: Darren ‘Tracka’ Trevaskis enjoys the challenges of his role as Rutherglen SES Unit controller.

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 Darren ‘Tracka Rutherglen as a customer services and truckdriver for Trevaskis the past two and a half years.

The agribusiness provides What brought you to your valuable products and role/career? services to local farmers, After being a local wineries and contractors. concreter for 26 years it was time for a change and AGNVET was looking for a reliable local person to fill the role.

What do you love about your work?

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 “WOOF [WE SERVICE MUCH them as well.

What do you do in the MORE THAN JUST MOWERS]” community?

I volunteered for Come visit us at Rutherglen Football Club for 30 High St, Beechworth, 3747 more than 15 years. for all your servicing needs Started off being the runner for the seconds footy team then became the team’s manager for a decade.

(03) 5728 2531 I joined the committee contact@beechworthmachinery.com back in 2014 helping with sponsorship and all day-toBeechworth Machinery Hub day jobs around the ground.

ROCKY’S WISDOM

IF YOU’RE NOT SURE IF WE CAN FIX IT…JUST POP IN OR GIVE US A CALL

SES is a great place to meet people and to learn life saving skills all while helping the community.

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.

I am currently the Rutherglen SES Unit controller enjoying the challenges of the role and have been a member for five years.

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 floods 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 affected roads are

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?

The rise in cost of living.

This is having a major effect on lower income earners as it makes it harder for people to afford 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?

I’d love to meet American actor and film producer Mark Sinclair known professionally as Vin Diesel and invite him to the Rutherglen Rumble on 26 April.

The event started after the 2022 floods with more than $40,000 raised for people displaced by the floods 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 Netflix.

Currently watching ‘The Rookie’ – about a rookie cop going through the academy at middle age and becoming a police officer.

A great story line, action and humour.

THE ADVERTISER, Friday, March 7, 2025 - Page 5

omadvertiser.com.au

Yackandandah locals giving 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-sufficient with sustainable practices.

It’s not the first 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 qualified voluntary teachers supported by FCE

STACKED: Taught skills by teachers at the orphanage and school children made 40,000 mud bricks used to build dormitories.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Last year’s team Yackandandah’s Jordan Mackley (left), Bernard Vandeberg from South Africa, Yackandandah’s David Clark and Bennie Mouton from South Africa helped with the school and orphange project. 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 campfire and in a very basic kitchen.

“We’re trying upgrade kitchen facilities with concrete floors where there were none before, and over the next couple of years we’ll brick the building and make it flyproof,” David said.

“Interested people in helping are welcome to join the crew with specific 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

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.

IMPROVEMENTS: Concreting the floor for new kitchen facilities

“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.

18 DAY JAPAN UNCOVERED

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 specifically 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.

PHOTO: Georgie James Photography “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 flourished with grant support.

“From upgrading sports equipment to helping establish come and try events, these grants contribute to making a real difference

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 find guidelines and apply online by visiting the Indigo Shire Council website at www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au/ getactive.

FROM

13,080

$

* PER PERSON TWIN SHARE

SOLO TRAVELLER SAVINGS AVAILABLE - ENQUIRE IN STORE! *Conditions apply. See in store for full terms and conditions.

Helloworld Travel Albury Dean St P: (02) 6021 7933 E: albury@helloworld.com.au Helloworld Travel Wangaratta Murphy St P: (03) 5721 5888 E: wangaratta@helloworld.com.au Helloworld Travel Wodonga High St P: (02) 6024 7655 E: wodonga@helloworld.com.au

Page 6 - THE ADVERTISER, Friday, March 7, 2025

omadvertiser.com.au

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.

TOP RINGERS: Ancient Society of College Youths bell ringer members from the UK Simon Meyer (left), Sue Meyer, Paul Wootton, Beechworth bell ringer Graeme Heyes, Society bell ringers Liz and Stuart Hutchieson, Stephan Hall and Goulburn’s Dr Christopher O’Mahony at Christ Church Beechworth after ringing a peal of six bells on Thursday.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

Beechworth hears some of the world’s best bell ringers

By CORAL COOKSLEY LOCALS had the chance to hear magnificent sounds of peals from Christ Church’s six-bell tower last Thursday afternoon 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 different 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 first 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 after 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 different trips too.

“We’re doing a trip between Melbourne to Sydney and then to Brisbane,” he said.

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.”

SEED YOU IN SIX MONTHS

SAVE $9,060^

ENDS 31st March 2025

INC GST

4124CT, 3m TINE

BUY NOW, PAY LATER

WAS $58,960^ INC GST $ ^

NOW 49,900

INC GST

*T&C’s Apply ^The prices advertised does not include freight and pre-delivery charges

T h i n k Seeding T h i n k

271 Tone Rd Wangaratta VIC 3677 (03) 5722 9933

“It’s my first 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-

Brendan Breen 0427 202 737

NO REPAYMENTS FOR SIX MONTHS* across the Aitchison range.

*Offer of finance at 4.99% interest per annum is available only to approved ABN holders on specific new machinery sold and delivered by 31st March 2025.

Commercial credit lending criteria applies.

Offer requires a minimum of 30% deposit/equity at settlement followed by 30 monthly repayments that commence six months after the loan settlement date.

Hayden Murray 0409 814 296

www.mcgregor-machinery.com.au

THE ADVERTISER, Friday, March 7, 2025 - Page 7

omadvertiser.com.au

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 affordability 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 effective 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 financial 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 off the ground.

“It has allowed us to keep the registration cost for the event affordable 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

BIG RESCUE: Emergency services were made to go through difficult terrain at Whites Track to reach injured motorbike rider.

Emergency services complete lengthy rescue at Wonnangatta

JOIN US: The Women on Farms Gathering 2025 organising committee (from left) includes Julie Flack, Gail O’Brien, Anna Lottkowitz, Louise Armstrong and Marion Rak met up in Benalla on Monday. 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 often 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 significantly 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 effort.

Presenters at next week’s gather-

Chipping Timber Slabs Land Clearing

l al r r ou o F y oF

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.

sand & sOil

Come in and browse our large range

Stump Removals Land Clearing Storm Clean Up

An Arboriculture Company www.justtreesaustralia.com.au

Pruning & Hedging Firewood & Mulch Sales

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.

BeeCHwOrtH CH O

Tree Removals

0435 624 017

Liberal government will invest $9 billion into Medicare to address Labor’s healthcare crisis and ensure Australians have timely, affordable access to a doctor.

“We will match the $8.5 billion investment into Medicare dollar-for-dollar to fix 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, after it was slashed in half by the Albanese government.”

Open HOurs MOn tO Fri 8aM-5pM saturday 8aM-1pM

• Washed Sand • Bricky Sand • Plumbers Grit • Aggregates • Bagged Cement • Top Soil • Vegie Mix • Pine Bark • Gabion

• Softplay • Eucey Mulch • Mushroom Compost • Scoria • Diggers Compost • Riverstone • Old Red Bricks • Various Road Bases • Granite Rocks

1617 Diffey Road, Beechworth admin@taylorstransport.com.au

(03) 5728 3193

Page 8 - THE ADVERTISER, Friday, March 7, 2025

omadvertiser.com.au

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.”

After 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 confirmed 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, Geoffrey 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.”

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.”

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 conflict of interest.

Other themes covered a lack of public accountability for former ministers and Australian Public Service employees.

INVESTIGATION ACTIVATED: GEOFFREY NETTLE FOUND THAT THE NACC SHOULD INVESTIGATE THE SIX INDIVIDUALS CONNECTED TO THE ROBODEBT SCHEME. PHOTO: HIGH COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Don’t be complacent on the roads during Mad March ON ALERT: Police in the area will be on high alert throughout out the long weekend targeting rebels on the road.

Your phone can help you hear!

Ask us how...

Wangaratta's premier audiology clinic

angaratta udiology

82 Docker St Wangaratta|www.wangarattahearing.com.au|Phone: 03 5722 4433

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 effort targeting highrisk driving behaviour and non-compliance over the Labour Day long weekend in an effort 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 first 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 offences 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.

THE ADVERTISER, Friday, March 7, 2025 - Page 9

omadvertiser.com.au

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD 3

8 9 10

13

14

15

16

Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally.

Some letters are used more than once.

17 18

Aided Also Ape Bear Date

19 20 21

6 What are sofas also

Drew Eggs Give Lae Lava

for heating the water for making tea (7) 16 What is a picture, as of a scene (7)

1 CHARLATAN (a) A mere talking pretender (b) The edible leaf stalk of artichoke (c) A dance characterised by spasmodic knee action 2 DEBENTURE (a) A contention in words (b) A complete break-up or collapse (c) A written acknowledgement of a debt

Letters have a number value

Some values are in the right hand cells.

Create remaining values using 285 clues in centre cells.

BIYWORD

E-QUATIONS

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

SUDOKU

6 7 8 5 1 3 9 2 4

3 5 2 8 9 4 7 6 1

© Puzzles supplied by AUSPAC MEDIA

CROSSWORD

4 1 9 6 7 2 3 5 8

7

4

8 4 5 9 2 6 1 3 7

6

3

7 2 1 3 5 8 6 4 9

5

2

9 6 3 1 4 7 5 8 2

1

5 8 7 2 3 1 4 9 6

8 B:2, D:4, 3 F:24, 4 K:8, O:26, 2 R:16, X:6 1 7 B D F K O R X 2 8 3 2 4 24 8 26 16 6 7 2 9 1

DOWN 1 Tent city 2 Nuncupative 3 Japanese soup 4 Insulation slab

WHICH WORDS: 1 (a) A mere talking pretender 2 (c) A written acknowledgment of a debt

9 6

ACROSS 1 Rummage 5 Opera solo 6 Spar 7 Chart

BIYWORD

1 3

Solve the crossword.

Each answer has four letters.

A I R T A K R W C N R W D O S W E O S Y G R T Y

SOLUTIONS

275

GS

3

6 7

QUICK THINK

113o015

8 4

275

ACROSS: 1 Comb, 5 Aria, C 6 Mast, 7 Plot.

S A T DOWN: 1 Camp, 2 Oral, S T R A W © 3 Miso, 4 Batt.

D O O R W A Y W R I N G K E Y R

SUDOKU

2

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)

6

© Auspac Media - meq0285

015

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

A

2

O-F K÷B K+R X+B B+F D×D K-B

Sting Wage

WHICH WORDS

E-QUATIONS 7

B D F K O R X

Line Poet Radio Sable Stag

15 What is a metal urn

known as (7) 11 Name the 16th President of the USA (7) 12 What are waste matters that pass through sewers called (7) 13 Which aromatic substance is burnt for its fragrant odour (7) 14 To remain too long, is to do what (7)

2 9 4 7 6 5 8 1 3

12

1 3 6 4 8 9 2 7 5

11

V D C O N G R E S S A V E C A L I P H N C A D J U T A N T G S T N I C K E L L E I M M U N I S E L N C I V E O N S E T S L A S S I E E N U A A I N E W S C A S T M B C A E S H O A L S V E O R G A N I S T L E S A R A R A T R U N A S C E N C Y

climbing orchid (7) 2 Who wrote Oliver Twist, Charles ... (7) 3 Name a cup for the wine of the eucharist (7) 4 Name a French post-impressionist painter, Paul ... (7) 5 To be indirect, is to be what (7)

O D R E W R S A E A A E L T G D E L A E I A I B V O V N T A A P E G G S

6

QUICK THINK

DOWN 1 Name a tropical

5

7

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)

4

MINI WORD FIND

legislative body of the USA (8)

2

E-QUATIONS B:2, D:4, F:24, K:8, O:26, R:16, X:6

1

O D R E W R S A E A A E L T G D E L A E I A I B V O V N T A A P E G G S

ACROSS 3 What is the national

MINI WORD FIND 275

975

Page 10 - THE ADVERTISER, Friday, March 7, 2025

omadvertiser.com.au

BY PHONE 5723 0101

BY EMAIL

classifieds@nemedia.com.au

5721 9447

37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677

FAX

Classified Information Ovens and Murray Advertiser

OPEN HOURS 9AM TO 5PM MON-FRI

BOOKING DEADLINE By 3pm Wednesday prior to printing.

CREDIT CARD FACILITIES WE ACCEPT

REGIONAL PUBLICATIONS The Chronicle Phone: (03) 5723 0101 email: classifieds@nemedia.com.au Booking deadline: 2pm business day prior to print.

Myrtleford Times and Alpine Observer Phone: (03) 5723 0101 email: classifieds@nemedia.com.au Booking deadline: 3pm Monday prior to print.

North East Tourist News Phone: (03) 5723 0100 email: sales@nemedia.com.au Phone for quarterly booking deadline North East Farmer Phone: (03) 5723 0100 email: nefarmer@nemedia.com.au Booking deadline: Second Friday of month Mansfield Courier Phone: (03) 5723 0101 email: classifieds@nemedia.com.au Booking deadline: 12 noon Monday prior to print.

CLASSIFIED GUIDELINES > CAR ADVERTISERS Private vendors of motor cars advertised for sale must include in their advertisement • Cash price of motor car • If car is registered, registration number • If unregistered, the engine number > PHOTOGRAPHS All photographs appearing in this issue that are taken by our photographers are available as reprints. > FOUND ADVERTISEMENTS All found advertisements are published free.

Simply provide the details of your find for publication. > PERSONAL ADVERTISERS • All personal photos submitted for printing in this issue must be collected within the next 4 weeks.

• All engagement and marriage notices must carry the signatures of BOTH parties, if under 18 the parents’ signatures as well.

• Birth notices require signatures > ADDITIONS • Bold heading • A various selection of logos are available. > INTERNET In lodging an advertisement with us you agree that we may publish the advertisement on our website. The general terms and condition that apply to publication apply also to publication of material on our website.

DEATH NOTICES 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.

FUNERAL NOTICES

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.

MOTOR VEHICLES

MAZDA 6GT wagon, 2014, 2.2litre twin turbo diesel, 6 speed auto, leather interior, 129,000 km, Mazda serviced since new, rego expires October 2 0 2 5 ( 1 D Z 7 Z L), excellent condition, $14,000. Ph 0438 556 959.

MAZDA 2023 CX3 auto hatch, reg CHC333, one owner, immaculate condition, service books, 11,875kms, RWC, $27,750. Phone Maxwell.K.Batey on 0419 547 308.

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Family owned and operated

03 5722 2525 www.northeastfunerals.com.au

EXPRESIONS OF INTEREST 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

If you don't use it...

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 l e a r n e r ’s b i k e , 3400km long rego, still under warranty, 2U4PN. Ph 0411 519 496 or 5721 3727.

Special thanks to the wonderful team at Myrtleford Lodge for your care and support of Lyn for the past ten years.

Sell it!

Personal Notices

may be placed before 2pm the business dayprior to publication

AUSTRALIAN off-road camper trailer, made in Australia, full annexe, hot water, many accessories, excellent condition $22,000. Ph 0427 002 860.

Classifieds get results.

5723 0101

CreditCard& Eftposfacilities Why not charge your advertisement to Mastercard or Visa?

classifieds@nemedia.com.au Phone: 03 5723 0101

5723 0101

Classifieds

THE ADVERTISER, Friday, March 7, 2025 - Page 11

omadvertiser.com.au

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 afternoon tea was fantastic as normal.

An ambrose was played with 19 players in attendance.

The winners of the day with 60 off the stick for a nett 54 2/3 were Jackson Wells, Dave Clark and Dylan Pool.

Runners up with 69 off 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 off 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 raffle.

Last Wednesday was the opening day for the 2025 season off 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 field 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 raffle.

This coming Sunday will be our first Monthly Medal for 2025.

Hit off time is 11:30am ar- CHEERY FEED: Players enjoying their afternoon tea rival for 12noon. after golf on Sunday.

BEECHWORTH A3 SUFFER GRAND FINAL HEARTBREAK MANSFIELD continued their recent domination of opponents Beechworth when they claimed victory in the A3 grand final 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 final scores flattered Beechworth, with Mansfield well in control for most of the day, with the Beechworth charge too little, too late.

Final scores: Mansfield 88 shots def Beechworth 83 shots.

ROLLED OUT: Rickie Robinson and Beechworth’s A3 went down in the grand final at Wangaratta to Mansfield 88-83.

Sunday March 16th, 2025

OVER $10,000 PRIZE MONEY

↪ MARATHON (42.2 km)

SPORT

READY FOR A MAKEOVER: The Baarmutha Park cricket nets will undergo an upgrade throughout the 2025 cricket off-season.

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.

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 progress.

“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.

Post Event Party

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

↪ HALF MARATHON (21.1 km) ↪ 10KM - FUN RUN ↪ 5KM - FUN RUN

↪ 2KM - P.S. CHALLENGE

↪ COMMUNITY CHALLENGE

For all the details and to register: www.northeastsports.com.au/wangarattamarathon

Page 12 - THE ADVERTISER, Friday, March 7, 2025

omadvertiser.com.au

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

QUALITY REPAIRS & SERVICE

QUALITY REPAIRS & SERVICE

Beechworth on the cusp of finals

WANDERERS SECURE FINALS SPOT WITH ONE ROUND TO PLAY DESPITE LOSS TO WANGARATTA MAGPIES

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

BEECHWORTH’S A grade will be playing off in the two-day finals 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 fight towards the end of the innings, the top five 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 five 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 find their first 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 off 22.

Pitching the ball up, Ellis then trapped Ellett on the crease and in front of the stumps, dismissed LBW for 18 off 40 rocks.

The Wanderers were reeling at 3/37, but Jack Ryan, Brenton Surrey, and Will Prebble would fight hard to keep the run chase on its feet.

Surrey would toil hard for his 18

FINDING A WAY: MATT RYAN LOOKS TO FIND A GAP.

NO RUN: BRENTON SURREY DEFENDS AT BAARMUTHA PARK ON HIS WAY TO SCORING 18.

TOILING AWAY: Will Prebble equal top scored with 30 in Beechworth’s run chase last weekend against PHOTOS: Janet Watt Wangaratta, but it wasn’t enough as the Wanderers fell short by 51 runs.

runs, facing off 72 deliveries before chipping a Rhys Grant delivery to a fielder, while Will Prebble would see out 83 balls before falling for 30.

Some lower order runs by Cam Fendyk (30 0ff 46) and Henry Scalzo (20 off 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 final wicket would fall midway in the 69th over, with Fraser Ellis skittling Tristan Lenaz for 14 to complete his five-wicket haul.

Ellis’ 5/13 from 14.3 overs was instrumental in getting the ‘Pies over

the line, battling illness to perform for his team.

Unless Ovens Valley United, sitting in fifth, pull off an extremely one-sided victory against the Magpies and the Wanderers collapse against last placed Benalla, Beechworth will finish in the top four.

The door is still open for a home final with a strong win and a Magpies loss, however unlikely.

Knowing the high likelihood of playing finals in two weeks’ time, Surrey said their match in Benalla would be a good chance to fine 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 effort with the bat.

Lewis Richards brought up a half-century (51 off 102) and batted well with Rama Schultz (24 off 47) to finish with 3/127 after the first innings.

The Lakers thought were able to chase the total within 23 overs, with

opener Hudson Gillies (74* off 67) stealing the show.

While in C grade, the Stanley Wanderers are just one game away from finishing the regular season unbeaten after 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 off 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.

REGULARLIVEMUSIC

BE

EC

HW

OR

TH

-W

AN

GA

RA TT A

RD

Thursday - Friday - Saturday - Sunday - Monday Lunch & Dinner

WANGARATTA 14KM

GREAT ALPINE RD MYRTLEFORD 34KM

PETFRIENDLYBEERGARDEN MONDAYPARMANIGHT

T H E P L O U G H I N N 2 3 2 2 B E E C H W O R T H - W A N G A R AT TA R O A D TA R R A W I N G E E 5 7 1 9 2 4 5 0