Ovens and Murray Advertiser 070624

FIRST NATIONS ART PASSION

Beechworth

Road funding boost

INDIGO’S road construction and maintenance program has received a major funding boost.

Indigo Shire Council is set to receive almost $9.5M over five years through the Australian Governments Roads to Recovery Program.

Mayor Sophie Price has welcomed the news, saying this is a much-needed boost

Indigo Shire Council is set to receive almost $9.5M over five years for local road works g$y

for local road safety and network improvements.

“We’re grateful to the Australian Government for this significant increase in funding. Road safety and the condition of our roads, particularly following the floods of the last few years, is one of council’s, and

our community’s highest priorities,” she said.

“We’ve been advocating to both the State and Federal Governments that more support is needed to address our damaged and deteriorating road network, so this is fantastic news.”

The Federal Government has committed to progressively double the program’s funding to $1b annually from 2024-25. Through the program, local councils can decide how, when and where the funding will be spent.

Cr Price said while it is too early to determine the full

list of works the funding will enable, local priority projects will be at the top of the list.

“In addition to the infrastructure investment already allocated in our draft budget, this funding means that we can significantly boost our program of roadside drainage, major patching, pavement rehabilitation and resealing works,” she said.

“We’re still working through how this will look but we look forward to sharing what’s happening, when and where once we work through the details.”

■ Continued page 2

Contemporary Artspace’s Nina Machielse Hunt (left) holding ‘Ngalyod and Nomumuyak’ by artist Ivan Namirrkki with art collectors

Elizabeth Kingdon and Michael Rowe.

■ More on page 2

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

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YOUR OVENS AND MURRAY TEAM

Unique First Nations artwork to be on show in Beechworth

By CORAL COOKSLEY

A SHARED passion for Indigenous art has seen a unique First Nations art collection on show in Beechworth.

Beechworth Contemporary Art Space’s Nina Machielse Hunt was excited to have 20 artworks displayed from the personal collection of North East Victoria’s Elizabeth Kingdon and Michael Rowe.

Passionate about First Nations art, Elizabeth and Michael have been supporting Indigenous artists for the past nine years.

“One of the great advantages of collecting this art is that it has taken us all over Australia to places we would never otherwise have travelled and has been a great journey for us,” Michael said.

“We’ve been to some remote communities and have met fantastic people both Indigenous

and non-Indigenous.

“It’s been a real eye opener to us and it’s not just the art it’s the topography - the coastline beauty of those vast spaces and colours around salt lakes, mountains and in some deserts.

“Seeing it from a small plane you can see the colours that are in some of the artists’ work.”

Libby and Michael have undertaken voluntary work at the art centre in Balgo, WA, and Nina has previously worked in two Indigenous art centres in the central desert and in North East Arnhem Land.

The three said Indigenous art centres are crucial for preserving First Nations cultural heritage, by ethically supporting the artists and the communities they live in.

“It’s a privilege to work with our First Nations people and then to meet serious and astute collectors and to experi-

ence their extensive collection, knowing it has had a positive impact on communities,” Nina said.

Nina said she is displaying the collection in Beechworth as a unique opportunity for the region to enjoy and potentially purchase one of the artworks.

“I’m thrilled to offer these dynamic visual languages from remote communities across Australia,” she said.

“Each artwork is from a different (and remote) corner of the country from the Kimberley and Arnhem Land to the Western and Central Desert.

“We offer an incredible selection of paintings with on display that offer different various language groups iconography, stories and dreaming displayed.

“These are incredibly important contemporary interpretations of First Nations oral history stories that have been passed

down and are now tangible objects with paintings on canvas or bark.”

Nina said some of the artists have featured in major exhibitions at national galleries as well as winning prestigious painting awards.

The displayed collection starts today and runs until July 1, at 89 Ford Street from 10am to 4pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this exhibition contains images and names of people who have passed away.

Resale royalties will be paid to artist, family or estate as per Australian copyright laws. Private viewings can be made by contacting Nina on 0421 072 098.

For the catalogue with details visit www.beechworthcontemporary.com.au.

Winterwords kicks off next week

By CORAL COOKSLEY

WINTERWORDS kicks off next week with Beechworth Books’ Nadia David excited to be chatting to her father Ian David at a Sunday session about his award-winning writing for Australian screen.

“I’m hoping people get a sense of his intellect and take an opportunity to talk to a screen writer,” she said.

“It will also be about seeing the dynamics and insights between daughter and father as they speak intellectually about their work.”

Nadia said it can be challenging living in a country town to have exposure to those working in film and television.

“It’s hard to have access to the industry which is hard one to

break into as well,” she said.

Nadia said her father’s career has spanned 50 years with his life work telling people’s stories with some making people feel uncomfortable.

“He has an interesting technical writing style,” she said.

“His screen plays are driven by narrative and character and all his work has been written around crime and justice.

“He has been teaching screen writing too and understands the process and is a generous writing mentor.

“It will be a really fun discussion.”

Ian is a recipient of every major industry award for film and television writing in Australia along with a string of other awards.

He also lectured in screenwriting for more than a decade at the University of Sydney and is presently writing a book.

Winterwords gets underway with an action-packed program starting next Wednesday with the opening of an art exhibition followed by a play reading by Beechworth Theatre Company in the Memorial Hall.

Beechworth Books is holding its soup and mulled wine night the following night next Thursday.

Co-owner Charles Dean said the relaxed evening gives people a chance to talk to the authors giving talks at Winterwords.

“It’s a really nice mingling and chatting and sharing a love of books,” he said.

“People have the chance to buy a signed copy of books too.”

Actor and writer Stephen Hall said he will be aiming to join in at the Beechworth Bookshop event too.

The official opening takes place on Friday evening followed by Stephen’s performance set to entertain the crowd.

Major funding boost to improve local roads

■ From page 1 Roads to Recovery funding for each local government area is determined based on factors such as population and road length.

The increase in funding will be phased over the fiveyear period to avoid putting pressure on inflation, supply costs and the construction labour market.

Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said local councils “are our trusted delivery partners and they know where the work on local roads is most needed to improve safety”.

PAVING THE WAY: Indigo Shire Council is set to receive almost $9.5M over five years through the Australian Governments Roads to Recovery Program.

Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Minister Kristy McBain said councils across Australia have consistently asked for more support so that they can better maintain and upgrade their road networks, especially with the severe weather events that have so heavily impacted local infrastructure in recent years.

“We have listened to local councils’ calls for

more support and will significantly increase the funding available to them – making it easier for councils to progress priority road projects that their communities are calling out for,” Ms McBain said.

PHOTO: Barbara Kearns.

Beechworth Health Service farewells outgoing CEO

Dr Mark Ashcroft leaves health service after eight years with the gygorganisation

By CORAL COOKSLEY

BEECHWORTH Health

Service

(BHS) farewelled chief executive officer Mark Ashcroft today after eight years with the organisation.

Dr Ashcroft said working as part of the team with the board and BHS staff together has seen significant achievements clocked up during his time.

He said there is a lot to be proud of with the health service in a financially responsible position, offering high quality and safe care and is an organisation with a strong community relationship.

Among many achievements has been an influence on Victorian State policy with falls management. Another is presently influencing Commonwealth policy with work undertaken in partnership with others around the Indigo 4M model of care - what Matters, Medication, Mental Health and Mobility.

The innovative project led by BHS worked with Indigo North Health, Indigo Shire, Upper Hume Primary Care Partnership and Yackandandah Health on practical ways for older people to live longer.

“We’re really excited about the refreshed building works presently being undertaking too,” Dr Ashcroft said.

The departing CEO said one of the great things about BHS is the way the board and the health service plan with strategic directions

developed by inviting community service partners, staff, volunteers, and others into the room to plan together.

Winterwords

“That’s incredibly empowering for a health service,” he said.

Dr Ashcroft said the board was keen to make sure BHS continues to think about thriving, not just surviving, with a continuation of its innovative work to benefit the community.

“We’re an incredibly resilient organisation irrespective of what’s happening in the policy environment at any given time in Victoria or nationally,” he said.

“Having grown up in town, it’s been great to be able to have worked in and contributed to the community that I live in with my family.”

BHS Board chair Harry Thomas said over Dr Ashcroft’s eight years the relationship between the board and Dr Ashcroft has been outstanding.

“As CEO, Mark had the board’s support giving him reassurance when speaking to his executive team and staff with confidence,” he said.

“Both the board and CEO like staff to feel well supported and happy.

“The community also sees there is good communication from the board to the CEO and then to staff

“It works right across the board for both the community and the health service.”

Friday, June 14

MAYDAY HILLS ART SOCIETY. 5pm. Talk by Sue Hiatt from Beechworth Wildlife Shelter about help and care of wildlife in the region. She has been involved in animal welfare for about 30 years and has had many years working for domestic animal rescue and re-homing organisations. 5pm. Drinks and nibbles. $5 donation. Members and guests welcome. Downstairs gallery. Kurrajong Way, Mayday Hills. RSVP bibart@bigpond. com.

New EV chargers open in Chiltern and Rutherglen

INDIGO Shire Council have opened new electric vehicle (EV) chargers for use at Chiltern and Rutherglen this week.

These chargers were installed by Evie Networks with council’s support, as part of council’s commitment to supporting the community to switch to low emissions vehicles.

This brings the total number of 50kW fast-charging facilities available for public use on council land to four, joining chargers in Beechworth and Yackandandah.

Chiltern’s new EV charger can be located at at the community hub, while Rutherglen’s charger is situated at the Murray Street carpark.

FAREWELL: Beechworth Health Service departing CEO, Dr Mark Ashcroft with BHS Board chair Harry Thomas this week at the health service.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

Innovative vision is nationally recognised

By CORAL COOKSLEY

A LOCAL youth group has been recognised for their innovative community work with a category win in a national award.

Indigo Shire’s Future Proof Action Group won the Young Legends category award announced at Keep Australia Beautiful National Tidy Towns Sustainability Awards gala event held in Western Australia early last month.

One of two local entry organisers Iris Mannik delivered the trophy to the group last Thursday after accepting the award on their behalf at the presentation.

Group spokesperson, 18-yearold Mieke Bosland, said winning the award had been exciting, with their project presentation well received by the judges.

She said the group’s goal is to empower young people to be agents of change and contribute to building disaster resilience, preparedness and recovery within their communities.

“We attend fortnightly meetings where we plan events, create resources and attend training sessions,” she said.

“At Future Proof we create further preparedness for disasters in our community through

various events and resources, aiming to create awareness surrounding natural disasters within our community and running events that bring people together.”

The group of nine youths from across the shire kicked off in February last year.

Mieke said the group advises council on several topics and is centred on up-skilling young people so they are better prepared to face future emergencies.

“Training is received on emergency management, youth advocacy, media and event management and promoting community connectedness within Indigo Shire following the hardship of the various disasters over the last few years,” she said,

The group has run stalls at Spring Ditch held in Stanley for the last two years with a variety of activities designed to educate young people about natural disaster awareness and preparedness.

Other events have included a youth-led community event for an all-ages music festival called “Unite Indigo”.

“Being a part of this group has allowed us to create the events that we want to see in our own shire,” Mieke said.

The 18-year-old said one of the group’s favourite aspects is how to connect with other likeminded young people in the community, as well as neighbouring communities.

“It’s a great way to make new friends with similar interests,” she said.

Mieke said confidence is boosted with their ideas accepted as young people allowing them to believe in their vision for Indigo Shire community needs.

“It’s empowering to be given

funding to action our ideas, and a platform to have our voices heard by council members who can guide us on our journey to create projects aimed for young people,” she said. Iris said the national Judge from NSW had been impressed with the group’s ability to handle all judges’ questions and scrutiny, as well as their maturity during judging.

“Young people are our future, and we need to give them all the encouragement that we can,” she said.

Democracy focus for Kerferd Oration

By CORAL COOKSLEY

VETERAN ABC journalist Barrie Cassidy will deliver the 22nd George Briscoe Kerferd Oration titled ‘The Fragility of Democracy’ at the Beechworth Memorial Hall on Sunday, July 7.

Wangaratta-born Mr Cassidy grew up in Chiltern and undertook his secondary schooling at Rutherglen High.

With a career spanning five decades, Mr Cassidy had been a press secretary to former Prime Minister Bob Hawke as well as being a Washington and Brussels correspondent.

Kerferd chair Ross Kearney said Mr Cassidy’s understanding and insights into the political scene in Australia and overseas are particularly important in 2024.

“This year well over two billion voters worldwide are eligible to cast their vote in government elections, including in India, Russia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Mexico, United Kingdom, and the United States,” he said,

“For many voters, their election is not the free and fair process we believe we experience in Australia.”

Mr Kearney said Mr Cassidy will participate in a Q&A session after his Oration.

In the lead up to the event, different questions over four weeks will be posed to and answered by a local community member.

Local identity Scott Landells will answer the first question, to be published in the Ovens and Murray Advertiser on June 14.

Scott has been asked to answer the question “In recent years, surveys have been finding people trust governments less and less, has the quality of government really declined, or do we just know more about what they do”?

The Kerferd Oration committee invites the community to engage in an online conversation with the question placed on its Facebook page on the same day.

BHS Building Works

BHS is excited to announce the commencement of the new Community Street Project and the Community Walk Project for residential aged care areas building works.

Over the last 14 years, we have witnessed the strength of the kindness shown by the many volunteers who have made the Beechworth Community Christmas Lunch such a successful event.

In 2023, the lunch distributed over 200 meals on Christmas Day and we are now looking to form a Community Organising Committee to ensure the ongoing success for this much needed festive lunch.

If you have an interest, skills and passion to work together to provide and coordinate this local event, we would like to hear from you. We are looking for people who are compelled to ensure care and respect is available for everyone in our community at Christmas.

The new committee will be supported and empowered by the 4 committed supporting organisations, Beechworth Health Service, Quercus Beechworth, Salvation Army Beechworth and Indigo Shire Council, who will assist with volunteers and budget management.

To register your interest or to learn more about how to become involved, please contact Gabriella Tange on 03 5728 0200 or email gabriella.tange@beechworthhealth.org.au by Friday 5 July 2024.

The objective of theses combined projects remains the creation of an age friendly environment inclusive of engaging spaces to support and encourage social networks, and provide a sense of community for families, staff, residents, and visitors.

The project will include the following improvements:

• Redevelopment of our main RAC function area to create an inviting “community area” for people.

• An on-site café for our staff, volunteers, residents and community to enjoy fabulous food and beverages.

• Conversion of three shared bathrooms to six individual ensuites for our residents.

• Dedicated outdoor pathway intertwined with and linking our beautiful gardens for residents, staff, and families.

BHS celebrates

ALL SMILES: Members of the Indigo Shire’s Future Proof Action Group with Mieke Bosland receiving their national trophy from Iris Mannik last week at council’s chambers. PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

Local artwork on show in Chiltern

By CORAL COOKSLEY

PAINTINGS, print works and sculptures by emerging and established regional artists will be showcased this weekend at the Chiltern Courthouse.

Works with a wide range of mediums and styles in ‘The Six Artists’ exhibition will display artist creativity, experiences and interests highlighting colour expression, texture and form about environment and place.

North East artists Sharon Barry, Chris Dormer, Louise Hazelton, Stephanie Jacovac, Serena Rachel and Abi Thompson will have their creative works on show.

Practicing art for four decades and undertaking various courses, intuitive artist Louise Hazelton uses various mediums, watercolour, oil, acrylic and metal 3D. At times Louise also uses flax leaf as a brush to break the brain brush fear while the artist also runs workshops for beginners.

Louise said the Courthouse offers an incredible hanging space for artworks.

“It’s the second time Chris and I have organised the exhibition here making it affordable without any third party involved,” she said.

Well known for her colourful textiles and novel clothing, Abi Thompson’s recent work revolves around an immersion in sight and sounds of landscapes and colours and texture impressions.

She recently completed and installed a largescale triptych (a work of art divided into three sections) titled ‘Murray Meander’, commissioned by Albury Hospital for its new Emergency Department.

Emerging abstract artist Serena Rachel expresses colour and organic forms found within the Australian landscape.

Her love for the picturesque countryside and its

farming lifestyle inspires her artworks using bright coloured acrylics with a range of techniques.

Serena was awarded the ‘Indigo Shire Youth Award’ at the Rutherglen Tastes of Art Exhibition four years ago.

Printmaker and fibre artist Chris Dormer will include prints and sculptural works focusing on nature, the environment and the everyday.

Using selected natural materials sourced from the local environment and her garden, Chris combines them with printmaking techniques to explore new ideas in different dimensions.

Sharon Barry’s art responds to the Australian landscape and rural scenes both locally and further afield, in particular the Vic-

torian and NSW high country.

The artist with a number of local awards pursued her lifelong dream to be a painter with acrylic and oil as her main mediums.

Award-winning Stephanie Jakovac’s paintings, mosaics and sculptures are inspired by her personal life experiences as well as observations of people and landscapes.

The artist has held solo exhibitions overseas as well as receiving numerous Australian and international awards.

The exhibition started today and runs until Monday daily from 10am - 4pm daily at the Courthouse, 58 Main Street.

For more information contact Chris Dormer on 0458 606 922 or by email at chris.dormer3@gmail.com.

COMMUNITY-MINDED: Beechworth’s Kathryn Chivers takes part in a number of volunteerrun organisations and has worked behind the scenes on the Chinese Gardens restoration for the last 27 years

KATHRYN Chivers was in born in Ballarat and moved to Stanley in 1971, then shifted to Beechworth.

What did you do workwise?

I have previously worked in many carer roles, including young people out of school hours, working with the elderly as well as being a disability support worker since the 80s.

I worked at the former Ovens and Murray Hospital for the aged for 12 years and in the disability industry for 12 years too.

I was working as an independent support worker for nine years prior to leaving the field last year.

What brought you to your role/career?

Like most support workers, it’s because there is someone in the family with special needs and because I care about people.

I supported my interest as a carer by studying a Certificate IV in Disability Support at Wangaratta TAFE gaining high distinctions as well as undertaking studies in aged care.

What did you love about your work?

Not having to worry about age-appropriate activities as I could act like a clown and receive a warm smile.

I found my support roles very rewarding where I could help with coping strategies and loved to see people achieve milestones.

What do you do in the community?

As a very community-minded person and as most people who know me would know, I wear several volunteer hats.

I’m secretary of the Rotary e-Club of Change Makers – part of an International Rotary organisation.

We are in contact with people all over the world with a member living in Japan.

All members bring their skills and knowledge to the table.

We have projects in Australia as well as overseas education and health such as sansitisation at a school in Sri Lanka.

I’m also the Beechworth CWA Branch president – another volunteer run community organisation supporting the community.

Another is being behind Plasticwise Beechworth in helping with information for the community as well as being on the Beechworth Heritage Festival committee with a Chinese component.

Since 1997 I’ve been involved in the ongoing improvement of the Chinese Gardens here. Is there an important community issue that you think needs addressing?

That’s an easy one for me – recycling and poster litter.

What would you do to solve change, improve that situation?

I believe this is a joint effort for everyone to do the right thing and follow the five ‘Rs’ of recycling - refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and then recycle.

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

Wars in the Middle East and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

We need world peace, where people from all nations regardless of cultures and religion can live in peace.

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?

That would be my Chinese great grandfather. I would show him the Chinese Gardens in Beechworth, as I would like to make him proud of what I’m trying do for all our Chinese pioneers in acknowledging their contribution to Beechworth and the legacy they left behind such as market gardens and contributions to the former Ovens and Murray hospital.

What book are you reading?

The New Gold Mountain – The Chinese in Australia’ by C.F. Young.

Kathryn, Chivers

ON SHOW: North East artists Louise Hazelton (back left), Stephanie Jakovac, Chris Dormer, Sharon Barry, Serena Rachel and Abi Thompson are thrilled to showcase their work this weekend at the Chiltern Courthouse.

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Program

your Wangaratta Chronicle, Ovens and Murray Advertiser, Myrtleford Times and Alpine Observer

Monthly Medal decided at Beechworth Golf Club

By DYLAN POOL

LAST Sunday a good field assembled for the Beechworth Golf Club June Monthly Medal.

Daryl Rowe returned the best score of the day and won the medal with a score of 93/68.

Andy Croome was runner up with 86/70, they were followed by Rod Shaw 97/72, Jamie Dolny 86/72, George Ward 94/72 and Aaron Haw 91/73.

Dean Howard took home the only nearest to pin with his tee shot on the 10th.

Daryl now joins Willem Love and Andy Croome on the Medal of Medals to be played in November.

Last Wednesday we had another good roll up of players for a Stableford event.

Coral Ward won the day with a great score of 40 points off a 23 handicap.

Runner up was Gail Smith (18) also with a great score of 39 points.

They were followed by Jacqui Cato 37 (28), Nada Guyatt 33 (26), Doyna Collins 33 (35), Glenda Marshall 32 (14), Judy Pierce 31 (30) and Rod Shaw (25) 30.

Nearest to pin on the third went to Jacqui Cato and Glenda Marshall won the longest drive.

Also last Sunday Dylan Pool travelled to The Rock near Wagga and came runner up in the A Grade Scratch over 27 holes, beaten in a playoff.

Remember this Sunday is the Mixed Foursomes Championships.

Pick your own partners and if you’re able to let Dylan know your pairings before the day on 0458562250.

If you haven’t found a partner before the day, still turn up and we

Old helping the young

■ From back page

“Hopefully these kids can stay at the club as they go through into seniors and ultimately you end up with a club full of local people.”

The old boys will be out on the tools and putting together another trailer of wood to raffle off for the junior footballers in the next three to four weeks.

“In one day we chopped a good eight metres of wood last time, had a ‘barbie’ and good day out ourselves, so I think everyone’s a winner in this case,” Cavallin said.

Leading into the King’s Birthday bye week, the senior

Bushrangers remain just percentage off top spot after dismantling Mitta-Mitta at Eskdale to the tune of 115 points.

Nine different goal kickers chimed in to finish the 19.23 (137) to 3.4 (22) rout, as Pat Wernert, Clancy Ellett and Willem Love played starring roles.

On the court, Beechworth’s A grade were dealt a blow in keeping with the top five in the 49-32 loss to the Blues.

The two teams entered the round with a 4-4 record and one game outside of the sought after finals placings, as Mitta took advantage of a dominant second quarter.

will find you one on the day, men or women.

As was mentioned last week this is a great event also for our regular nine hole players and beginners, as you only play every second shot and you won’t be too worn out if you are playing in the Ambrose the following day.

Afternoon tea will also be provided on Sunday.

Could members please bring a plate of afternoon tea.

Hit off time for Sunday is 11:30am for 12 noon start.

See you all there.

No change for Indi electorate boundaries

THE federal electorate of Indi will not have its boundaries changed in the Australian Electoral Commission’s (AEC) proposed redistribution of electoral boundaries.

The AEC’s redistribution committee proposes the abolition of the inner city seat of Higgins, and distribution of its electors to the surrounding seats of Chisholm, Hotham, Kooyong, Macnamara and Melbourne.

It also proposes the boundary alterations of 34 seats across Victoria, however, Indi is one of four electorates that will not have any boundary changes under current plans.

The review follows a determination by the Electoral Commissioner last year that Victoria is entitled to 38 seats, down from 39 at the last election, based on population data.

Individuals and organisations are now able to submit feedback to the Redistribution Committee’s proposed divisions on the AEC website.

A VALUABLE CHOP: Beechworth Old Boys recently raffled off a trailer load of wood to raise money for Beechworth FNC’s junior netballers in an effort to ease some financial stress within the club.

BOUNDING TO THE BREAK: Beechworth’s Brad Fendyk and the senior Bushrangers head into the King’s Birthday weekend bye on an eight-game winning streak, after a commanding 115-point win over Mitta-Mitta last Saturday.

Old helping the young

Beechworth Old Boys are raising funds for junior Bushranger participation this ygjgppyyear

BEECHWORTH’S Old Boys have rallied to help junior Bushrangers and their families play and participate in the red and blue with fundraisers for the club.

The old boys organised a wood raffle last week, held after Thursday night training at Baarmutha Park, with all funds going towards boosting participation of the club’s junior netballers.

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

The old boys went on to raise $1328 after raffling their trailer of red wood to try and help ease the financial stress on families at the club.

Old boys coordinator Mick Cavallin said as a majority of members have families and

juniors playing sport, they know how the current costof-living pressures have had an impact on paying fees for junior sport.

“We understand what it’s like to be going through some tough times, so we thought getting together and chopping a bit of wood and raffling it off would alleviate some stress for families involved in the club,” he said.

“We want to help the families out because we’re a pretty tight community club, there’s a lot of families involved in it.”

The old boys’ efforts for the club’s juniors follows an increased focus across the TDFL and TDNA in financial assistance for junior players. Chiltern had agreed to pay player fees for all juniors in all grades this year, while Wo-

donga Saints covered costs of all under 14 and under 17 footballers.

Cavallin said the club would facilitate how they would spend the money raised in the raffles, which would most likely go towards purchases of junior uniform or junior coaching clinics coordinated by guest coaches, which is what a portion of the netballers’ money will be

spent on.

“It’s absolutely crucial the juniors remain a part of the club,” he said.

“You want the kids to come to an environment where they feel comfortable and safe and if we can help alleviate some financial burden for the families, it’s another reason for them to come down here and want to be here.

■ Continued page 7