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BEECHWORTH - CHILTERN - RUTHERGLEN - STANLEY - YACKANDANDAH

Capital challenge

By JAMIE KRONBORG

INDIGO Shire Council has been told its near-$20 million 2023-24 capital works program continues to face labour and service shortage risks.

Capital works and infrastructure services manager Nathan Mullane reported to the council’s August 29 meeting that suppliers and contractors need more staff to keep up with current workloads.

At the same time, council procurement’s often “hampered by low response rates” when seeking pricing and services from

businesses in the open market, Mr Mullane told councillors.

The council also faces challenges from cost overruns affected to some extent by staff and service availability.

“There are a small number of projects where costs are expected to exceed available budgets and we may need to defer some items in the capital budget to facilitate these overruns,” Mr Mullane said.

On the bright side, the council’s been advised that an additional $616,300 from the federal government’s local roads and community infrastructure

funding programs will be available for road projects this financial year.

The council’s current budget includes almost $1.1m from this program.

Mr Mullane said a recommendation would be presented to Indigo’s September council meeting about the extra funding allocation.

“With the road network heavily affected by the wet conditions of the past two years, the significant need is to increase our repair works to sealed pavement through the sealed road rehabilitation and

major patching programs,” Mr Mullane said.

In his progress report, Mr Mullane said Chiltern Community Hub construction was almost finished, Chiltern Caravan Park works, including toilet and show amenities block renovations, were underway, and a new synthetic playing surface at Kiewa Bowls Club had been installed.

Almost $420,000 from the council’s $19.9m annual capital works budget for council and community-controlled assets was spent in July, the first month of the current financial year.

WINNING SMILES: Beechworth Secondary College student Alistair Merrit (left), maths teacher Taylor Dowling, with a school captain Lexi Bussell and Year 12 student Will Usher-Clarke had heaps of fun on Monday celebrating Book Week. Story page 6.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

Police say fatal error cause of Chiltern collision

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

POLICE have confirmed four people killed in a collision at Chiltern Valley early last Thursday morning were two couples in their 70s travelling from central New South Wales to Melbourne.

The four people are believed to have left in the early hours of Thursday morning on their way to see family and friends, stopping at Chiltern for a coffee break before heading back out onto the Hume Freeway at Wenkes Road.

Speaking to media on Friday, Victorian Assistant Commissioner for Road Policing, Glenn Weir, said for “whatever reason”, the vehicle re-joining the freeway from Wenkes Road failed to give way and it was struck by a B-double.

“It is another tragic reminder of how what appears to be a moment’s inattention has such tragic outcomes,” he said.

“You can travel 300km and do the right thing for 299.9km, but one mistake is unforgiving.

“The impact of trauma for all of those poor families that were involved; it’s devastating.”

The truck driver, a 30-year-old man, was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The truck belonged to Ron Finemore Transport, based in Wodonga.

“You can imagine the shock he is in, a guy going to work, was just driving his truck and has been confronted with something

that is beyond his control, which has resulted in being involved in such a tragic incident,” Assistant Commissioner Weir said.

He said the Wodonga based company was cooperative with police, providing dash-cam footage and will be assisting the Major Collision Investigation Unit with their investigation.

The truck driver was cleared of alcohol or drug use at the time of the incident and was believed to have been travelling to Sydney, having just returned to work after a period of time off

Assistant Commissioner Weir

said Victoria Police are aware of the high volume intersection at Wenkes Road where there have been 10 reported accidents over 10 years, and will consider recommendations at the conclusion of their investigation.

“It’s not ideal to have people joining a 110km/h road from 0-110km/h, but the cost to put an over pass or long slip lanes is very expensive and it’s that balance for government and road authorities on how they go about it,” he said.

The tragic collision preludes a statewide police warning on road

safety for all motorists in September, which was the deadliest month on Victoria’s roads last year.

According to data from the TAC, the four fatalities on Thursday bring the total Ovens and Murray and Goulburn Valley road toll to 45, more than 20 per cent of the state’s total.

Assistant Commissioner Weir said Victoria Police are trying to understand the causes of an increase in road trauma across the North East, particularly in the number of multi-fatality incidents.

Beechworth Co-op workshop next Saturday

By CORAL COOKSLEY

BEST times to sow, plant and techniques for an even seed germination will be some of the tips given at a Beechworth Co-op workshop to be held next Saturday.

The third workshop is part of this year’s Co-op workshop’s ‘Sow it, Grow it’ series held this year for people to learn how to successfully grow their own food at any scale of operation either in pots or in several veggie gardens.

Co-op president Fiona Wigg said the second workshop held earlier in May at Fat Goose Farm focussed on soil preparation with additions of compost and growing green manure crops to increase nitrogen levels.

“This workshop will also be held at Fat Goose Farm with Charlie and Fay Robinson and follows on from preparing the soil to sowing seed and planting out seedlings,” she said.

“There will be advice on what to sow or plant and when, best techniques for an even seed ger-

mination, and how to protect precious seedlings from voracious pests and sneaky diseases.”

Fiona said the second workshop drew around 25 participants for an entertaining range of activities, among them planting broad beans for a green manure crop and making compost from newspaper, leaves, manure and woody garden waste.

“There was a lot of discussion about soil amendments, nutrients and composting techniques shared with many of us going home

to put it into practice,” she said.

The Co-op’s first workshop on preserving from an abundant veggie and fruit garden kicked off in late February with the last in the series on offer next month. The workshop on Saturday, September 16 runs from 10am to 2pm with the event free for members with a small charge for non-members.

“Everyone is welcome to join in,” Fiona said. For tickets visit website beechworthfoodcoop.org.au.

CONFRONTING SCENE: Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives say a failure to give way at the Wenkes Road intersection on the Hume Freeway cost four people their 70s their lives last Thursday morning.

Long Walk for a Voice to Parliament travels through Beechworth

By CORAL COOKSLEY

A LARGE crowd of locals on Monday joined Essendon football legend and First Nations people’s advocate Michael Long on a walk and talk from the Beechworth Chinese Gardens to Baarmutha Park.

Mr Long is currently on his long 19-day walk from Melbourne to Canberra to support the constitutional recognition campaign for Indigenous people and a Voice to Parliament.

Addressing the crowd before the walk started, Mr Long said the journey kept discussions going.

“The referendum is not about political parties, it’s about Australians talking with their heads but most importantly, their hearts,” he said.

He said the statement from the heart from Aboriginal people is about acknowledgement.

Mr Long said constitutional recognition meant advocacy on fundamental issues faced by Indigenous people such as housing, education and mortality rates, and helped close the gap.

“We live in one of the greatest countries of all and we all have a role to play,” he said.

“We need to be part of the decision-making part of getting this right and as all Australians take ownership – it’s not a handout, it’s a hand up and it’s time we moved forward as a nation.

“This is the moment where we need to have those discussions around the coffee table at work with our friends, or neighbours. “

Mr Long said he hoped a

‘yes’ result would have an impact in all areas for Indigenous people.

“Some states are more challenging than others but 100,000 people were advocating on the weekend, knocking on doors,” he said.

“Conversations are being held everywhere by different groups and organisations that people don’t see.

“It’s like here in Beechworth where there’s a lot of discussion going on.

“There’s a sense of pride and I feel that here.”

Mr Long said 60,000, years of Australian history with Indigenous culture is an important part of Australia’s identity as a nation.

“We have a lot of work to do in the next four to six weeks,” he said.

Beechworth’s Cate Ferguson - a Wiradjuri woman born and raised in Junee who then lived in Wagga for many years on Wiradjuri country – was one of three people invited to deliver insightful personal perspectives at the end of the walk.

Mr Long brought forward his 20th anniversary of his original 2004 walk for a voice and a vision for first people’s full participation in the political, social, and economic life of the country.

The Walk also raises funds for charities ‘Walk the Talk’ and Ganbu Gulin to improve and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and life opportunities.

Mr Long has an outstanding football career but has failed to shield Mr Long from racial abuse, he championed the development of a racial abuse code adopted by the AFL in the 1990s.

SUPPORT: Beechworth’s Cate Ferguson (right) with AFL football legend Michael Long on Monday in Beechworth.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

INSIGHTFUL: AFL football legend Michael Long addressed the crowd before the walk from near Beechworth’s Chinese Gardens to Baarmutha Park on Monday.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley.

SPREADING THE MESSAGE: AFL football legend Michael Long leads the way for a walk and talk from near Beechworth’s Chinese Gardens to Baarmutha Park on Monday.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley.

Letters to the editor Community managed and marginalised

IF nothing else, our town and shire communities are about the involvement by residents in decision-making, policy development and project implementation with the benefit of creating a sense of local ownership whilst also ensuring a measure of public transparency and accountability.

Such was the way with the periodic community forums and to a limited extent, the open forum at council meetings.

Advisory committees of council also provided similar opportunity for community engagement.

In recent times, the format of these partici patory forums has been subtlely changed with restrictions, limitations and constraints placed upon how, when and where the community, as a collective, can engage with both the council and shire management.

The collective community forums were at first splintered into subject-specific groups and have now been abolished; at council meetings, ratepayers were at first instructed how they should present their questions - they are now not even permitted to ask their questions, and advisory committees have been abolished or restructured to limit, and in some cases, remove participation by local residents and ratepayers.

These changes have been initiated and managed by council and council’s administration.

What we are left with is a conglomerate of disparate, fragmented and possibly discordant groups of “communities” lacking common and shared purpose, direction and cohesion.

Rather than a single community with diverse and shared interests we have been managed into communities of sectional and self-interest.

While the notion of town and shire communities remains, it remains just that…. notional, with opportunities for personal social interaction significantly diminished.

Rather than being the facilitator of collective community discussion and cohesion, and providing for the emotional and personal interaction of its members, Indigo has preferred the role of executioner, encouraging the growth of sectional and self-interest communities ignoring general interest, participation and involvement.

While its residents are wired for connection of the human kind the shire appears focused on connection of the plug-in variety.

Surely it’s time we recognised we have been “managed” and in the process, marginalised.

The old “divide and rule” tactic is manifestly obvious in Indigo’s community engagement strategy.

Geoffrey Palmer, Beechworth

Councillors elected to provide feedback

At the August council meeting of Indigo Shire, Cr Roberta Horne gains respect for stating the facts relating to what councillors are responsible for when they are elected by the people for the people.

She correctly states during a decision regarding a Wahgunyah forum, that community involvement is the councillors’ principal stated value and that they are there to inform, to listen, to acknowledge and provide feedback.

For Cr Sophie Price to accuse Cr Horne of reflecting, is in my opinion, indulging in conjecture.

Suzanne Grant, Chiltern

Editor’s note: Cr Horne was made to apologise by Cr Price at last Tuesday’s meeting, after she raised questions around

community satisfaction per a recent JWS survey of 400 residents. See story ‘Wahgunyah secures public forum’ on page 2.

Local news sees boost in enrolment

I would like to congratulate Coral Cooksley for her excellent articles in the Ovens and Murray Advertiser.

Recently, she did a “piece” on my wife Libby, who had just been elected president of Albury Wodonga Toastmasters, August 25th.

We have had many positive remarks from friends and even strangers, and have attracted five new members to our club; this is a record.

We look forward to reading more articles from Ms Cooksey.

Pieter

Mourik, Wooragee

HELPING HAND: Wangaratta’s Gateway Health campus will offer affordable mental health services to the region.

PHOTO: Paul Smith, SUPERGOAT media

Lions donation helps sick kids

By CORAL COOKSLEY

A GROUP of interstate adventure enthusiasts with a passion to help sick children hit dirt roads on a fundraising drive towards the end of last month with Beechworth on the itinerary, in order to thank the local Lions Club for their donation.

Trek4Kidz director, Terese Markham said Trek had been raising money for the Starlight Children’s Foundation for 27 years.

“What makes Trek4Kidz so special and different from other charity rallies is the committee and people who run the trek are all volunteers,” she said.

“This means 100 per cent of donations received are passed on to Starlight, allowing them to brighten the lives of sick and hospitalised kids.

“This year there were 30 cars of varying ages and categories with a support vehicle ‘Sweep’ to make sure everyone gets in to town safe each day.”

This year’s annual event held between August 19 to 26 took off from Newcastle with Mudgee, Temora, Swan Hill, Bendigo and Beechworth stopovers with a finish at Yass.

Beechworth Lions President Iris Mannik, Lions members Christine Luck-

man and Pauline Middleton met the convoy on the Trek’s last day at Beechworth Bakery where Trek4Kids members officially thanked Lions for their $500 donation.

“Four years ago when they last visited this area, Beechworth Lions Club catered for the Trek4Kidz breakfast and the funds raised were donated back to them,” Iris said.

“Neil Currall from Trek4Kids and Wo olgoolga Lions Club – in NSW near Coffs Harbour - contacted Beechworth Lions again to cater for 70 people for breakfast, but due to our

small numbers we had to decline but included them in this year’s Lions Club disbursements.”

Trekkers on the weeklong event explore different regional areas by motor ve-

hicle where Lions or Rotary Clubs host breakfasts or lunches on their stopovers.

A Lions club of Woolgoolga member for the past 30 years, Neil said his daughter had accompanied him from his first adventure 18 years ago with Trek4Kidz with club sponsorship.

“It’s the best father –daughter annual bonding adventure ever,” he said.

“As I became more involved with the Trek, I joined the committee and took on the role of ‘Sweep’ and catering.”

Neil said the $500 donation from Beechworth Lions had been overwhelming and unexpected.

“Thank you to Lions and all the wonderful people of Beechworth, a beautiful town and community,” he said.

Terese said at the last count their small g roup of Trekkers had raised a whopping $210,000 with dollars still climbing.

Trek4Kids was originally started by a small group of like-minded people from Tuross Heads on NSW’s south east coast.

Trek has visited more than 482 towns, 57 schools and raised more than $2,536,965 for the foundation since it started. with close to $300,000 raised on this year’s trip.

BIG THANKS: Trek4Kidz’s Neil Currall with Beechworth Lions’ members Christine Luckman and Pauline Middleton at Beechworth Bakery where Trek thanked Lions for their donation.

Beechworth Secondary College celebrates Book Week

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By CORAL COOKSLEY

BEECHWORTH Secondary College (BSC) students and teachers had fun dressing up as their favourite book characters to celebrate Book Week on Monday.

The event had been delayed due to competing school commitments.

A first prize was given for the best-dressed student and teacher with everyone receiving a prize for joining in.

Organiser BSC English teacher Alli Baker said a number of students from Years 7 to 12 participated in the voluntary event.

Alli said students dressing up created a sense of fun, with literacy skills as well as being playful and experimental helping to increase student engagement in secondary schools.

“We want all students whether they’re readers or not, to be keen on building their literacy skills,” she said.

“Kids who love books and reading are not always in other activities at school and is a way of those students being seen too.”

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Winning the best dressed teacher prize as the mad hatter from Alice in Wonderland, maths teacher Taylor Dowling said celebrating Book Week provided an opportunity to share interests with books.

Year 8 student Alistair Merrit

took out first prize dressed up as the Jolly Swagman from Waltzing Matilda.

“I think book week is really important because we all read books a lot and they help shape who we are and I think it’s important to represent that,” he said.

Runners up were school

captain Lexi Bussell and Year 12 student Will Usher-Clarke dressed as Mary and Joseph from the Bible.

For principal Trish Broom Book Week was a time to get excited about reading, literacy, and learning.

“Learning can be fun,” she said.

The Children Book Council of Australia (CBCA) running since 1945 has a goal to engage the community with literature for young Australians. Book Week held from August 21 to 25 with this year’s theme ‘Read Grow Inspire’ brought young people and books together all around the nation.

COLORFUL BOOK CHARACTERS: BSC teachers Allie North (front left), Chris White, Kellie Jones, Allie Baker, Amanda Hawkins (back left), Sarah McKay, Michael Bocse, Storme Bishop, Alistair Jack, Taylor Dowling and Emma Clark joined in the fun with students to celebrate this year’s Book Week.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

Beechworth inks new name

By JAMIE KRONBORG

BEECHWORTH Incorporated has been formally adopted as the new name of the Beechworth and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Fourteen members at the organisation’s annual meeting at the Hotel Nicholas on August 23, chaired by retiring vicepresident Helen McGowan, approved the change.

A new website and social media accounts are also being developed to promote Beechworth Inc activities and opportunities.

Retailer Katrina Witherow (Dalcheri) was re-elected president for a second term, Australia Post Beechworth manager Scott Saunders elected vice-president, Sue Humphris

(Lake Sambell Caravan Park) elected treasurer and Lorraine Lucas (Hotel Nicholas), Marty Matassoni (Beechworth Bakery), Brooke Medcraft (Russellbrooke Wine Tours), Mark Primerano (Mark Primerano Electrical), Ian McVea (Beechworth NewsXpress) and Coral Cooksley (The Ovens and Murray Advertiser) were elected committee members.

Ms Witherow said Beechworth Inc had major planning underway to transform Beechworth’s main streets for the Christmas season this year with new festive decorations and lighting.

The organisation last year secured a $50,000 grant to fund the project, which is being championed by Mr Primerano.

“We’ve had the Quercus Beechworth Christmas Market and Christ Church Beechworth Anglican Parish Council come on board for this season of celebration, too,” Ms Witherow said.

“In the lead-up to this annual meeting we managed with help of Beechworth Bakery and Marty Matassoni to have a networking event where we had positive feedback from the business representatives who attended.

“That event attracted six new financial members.”

Ms Witherow said Beechworth Inc was also working to activate a specialist community art installation project in the town next year.

“It will bring our community together and we expect

that many people will come to Beechworth to view the the installation.”

Ms Witherow said the organisation was looking for administrative support and members at the meeting asked if Indigo Shire Council might be able to help.

Indigo economic development co-ordinator Justin Forrester, who attended, said he would follow-up the suggestion to see what assistance might be possible.

No one at the meeting nominated for the role of Beechworth Inc secretary.

Ms Witherow thanked Hotel Nicholas and publicans Lorraine and Ross Lucas for continuing to host Beechworth Inc meetings.

The ultimate guide for tourists and locals

POOR SHOW: Anti-Voice graffiti in Beechworth’s historic Star Lane has been condemned by Beechworth History and Heritage Society.

NEW DIRECTION: Beechworth Incorporated incoming president Katrina Witherow (centre) with members at the organisation’s annual meeting at the Hotel Nicholas.

PHOTO: Jamie Kronborg

ACROSS

1 Viticulture is the cultivation of what fruit (6)

8 Name a renowned harness racer, ... Adios (8)

9 Name one of the seven dwarfs (6)

10 In which US State is Chicago (8)

11 Which term describes an acquired male offspring (6)

12 Which peninsula lies in Arnhem Land (4)

13 What is a knotty protuberance on a tree (5)

16 What are cormorants also known as (5)

19 To be in a state of wonder and amazement, is to be what (4)

21 Which term describes that which is ingenious (6)

22 To be free from commotion or tumult, is to be what (8)

23 Name a particular woodwind instrument player (6)

24 What are tabular surfaces of high elevation (8)

25 Name the units of inductance (6)

DOWN

2 What was the former name of Myanmar’s capital city (7)

3 What do we call one who forces wool into bales, etc (7)

4 Sidney Reilly earned a living doing what (6)

5 Name animals of the cat family (7)

6 What is a cylindrical rocket-launcher (7)

7 Name a particular temperature scale (7)

13 Who were the secret state police of Nazi Germany (7)

14 What is a calendar of the days of the year (7)

15 Name a resinous varnish (7)

E-QUATIONS

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

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD QUICK

17 Which barbed, spearlike missile is used in catching whales (7)

18 To speak or act against, is to do what (7)

20 Which piece of leather runs round the lower part of a shoe’s uppers (6)

Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.

WHICH WORDS

BIYWORD

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

CLUES:

City (coll): The Big ... (5)

Hobo (5)

Inquire inquisitively (3)

One of the beat generation (7)

People who edit (7)

Tall and lean (5)

Thermal energy storage

To-do list

Try out

Untruth

SOLUTIONS SUDOKU

THINK

Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

Chiltern given life saving boost

THE Chiltern community will be better able to save lives, with the township joining Ambulance Victoria’s Heart Safe Communities program to improve survival rates for people suffering cardiac arrest.

Launched in 2019, the program teaches locals how to perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED).

Chiltern ambulance community officer Jane Martin said the program had empowered the region.

“Cardiac arrest occurs when a person’s heart suddenly stops beating and can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime,” she said.

“Starting chest compressions and early application of an AED is crucial to give a cardiac arrest

patient the best chance of survival.

“The Heart Safe Communities initiative helps community members feel confident to take action in someone’s time of need.”

Ms Martin said by empowering bystanders to begin CPR and use an AED, a patient’s survival rate could increase by more than 70 per cent.

“Currently about 20 Victorians suffer a cardiac arrest each day and only one in 10 survive,” she said.

“The minutes between a cardiac arrest occurring and paramedics arriving are an important time for bystanders to act.

“Anyone can save a life in three simple steps: call, push, shock – call triple zero (000), push hard, push fast on the middle of the chest, shock using an AED.”

In Chiltern, more than 150 community members have been engaged with the Heart Safe Communities program, with increases in the number of active GoodSAM responders and registered public AEDs throughout the year. GoodSAM volunteers are alerted via mobile phone if someone is suffering a cardiac arrest nearby, and are subsequently given directions to the nearest AED.

Two 24-hour, public AEDs have been installed at the Chiltern Men’s Shed and St Joseph’s Primary School, while a further AED will be donated by Ambulance Victoria later this year.

Chiltern joins Beechworth as the only Indigo Shire townships registered under the Heart Safe Communities initiative.

Time to act to save climate

ANDREW Kinniburgh was born in Melbourne and grew up in Ringwood living an idyllic childhood. His father was from Glasgow, Scotland and mother is Australian. Andrew met his partner Sue in France, high in the French Alps, though the couple actually grew up just suburbs apart. They live on 12 acres of land in Beechworth with two dogs, a one-eyed cat and an 80-year-old house that is slowly being renovated.

What do you do workwise?

I currently run my own small business as a bookkeeper specialising in small and micro businesses.

What brought you to your role/career?

I have had a varied career taking on many roles. I started working for Telecom (now Telstra) back in 1985 where I was a technical officer fixing faults on the network, then progressed to a project manager and finally a program manager role. While working for Telstra I was also a ski instructor up at Mt Buller for a number of years. After 18 years I left Telstra and with Sue moved to Dinner Plain where we had purchased ‘Brandy Creek’, a supermarket and café. After nine years of making the best coffee in town, we moved down to the valley in Myrtleford, but I continued to work up in the ski resorts for a couple more years. We finally found our little piece of paradise here in Beechworth which is where I started my bookkeeping business.

What do you love about your work?

Throughout my career I have enjoyed helping people, understanding what makes them tick and moving forward together.

What do you do in the community?

My business takes up a lot of my time, so I don’t currently do any volunteer work, but for many years back in Melbourne I was a leader in

Andrew

the Scouts Australia.

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

The biggest community issue we face both locally, nationally and globally is climate change. The fires raging in Canada at the moment are unprecedented and as the climate changes to hotter and drier we in Beechworth and Australia are going to be facing this ongoing threat again and again.

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

Climate change. If we as a globe can’t move beyond self-interest and begin to make meaningful changes to reduce the impact of climate change, our children will be facing a daunting future.

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 would like to bring my mother and father to Beechworth to show them the life we have built. My father died in 2009 and never got to see Beechworth. Dementia is slowly robbing my mother of her memories though she loved to visit and wander around our garden.

What book are you reading?

‘The Thursday Murder Club’ by Richard Osman. Love a good ‘who dun it’!

QUICK RESPONSE: Chiltern ambulance community officer Jane Martin and St Joseph’s Primary School principal Jenny Hogan showcase one of Chiltern’s new 24/7 AEDs.

LITTLE SLICE OF PARADISE: Andrew Kinniburgh spent considerable time throughout the North East before settling in Beechworth.

Kinniburgh, Beechworth

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HERITAGE ACT 2017

Registered Heritage Place No H1549, Permit Number P36077 FORMER BEECHWORTH GAOL REFORMATORY RESERVE, WILLIAMS STREET BEECHWORTH, INDIGO SHIRE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT an application under Section 93 of the Heritage Act 2017 for a permit for a 24-lot subdivision has been lodged with the Executive Director, Heritage Victoria.

A copy of the application is available for inspection at www.heritage.vic.gov.au or at the offices of Heritage Victoria between the hours of 10.00am and 4.00pm, by appointment only. Telephone (03) 7022 6373 to make an appointment.

Any person may lodge a submission in respect of the application within 14 days of publication of this notice. Submissions must be in writing and addressed to: Heritage Victoria PO Box 500 Melbourne 8002.

Please note that any written submission received will be treated as a public document.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

HERITAGE VICTORIA

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

A farmer’s view of emission opportunities

A FORUM in Beechworth on September 13 will help farmers and agricultural service providers to understand on-farm requirements and supply chain demands as the world moves to a low-carbon economy.

Agricultural consultant Cam Nicholson will provide an overview of where carbon requirements are headed and the evolution of possible emission reduction technologies.

He will explore options farmers have to maintain business flexibility while starting to participate in the carbon space.

Program topics include:

• The continuing evolution of greenhouse gas mitigation – in Australia and globally;

• Possible actions to reduce emissions and sequester carbon – now and in the future;

• Calculating your farm’s carbon emissions and emissions intensity.

Mr Nicholson is a director of Nicon Rural Services, a consulting business near Geelong working with the grazing and cropping industries.

He has 35 years of experience in farm advisory, as well as a beef and sheep farmer.

Mr Nicholson and his

LOW CARBON CONNECTION: Agricultural consultant Cam Nicholson will provide an overview of where carbon requirements are headed and the evolution of possible emission reduction technologies at a farrmers’ forum in Beechworth on September 13.

partner Fiona Conroy have a long interest in improving, measuring and understanding the benefits from managing the natural resources on their farm. They run a self-replacing, commercial performance recorded Angus herd and a superfine wool Merino flock with a focus on productivity, animal welfare and environmental management.

The main focus has been on soil, water, vegetation and fauna.

Their actions include extensive tree planting, fencing off water storages, reticulation into troughs, soil testing every paddock every three years (since 1993), as well as bird and fauna monitoring.

Mr Nicholson said more recently they have been interested in understanding

the opportunities and future market challenges around carbon accounting and reporting.

The forum will be held on Wednesday, September 13, between 10am and 3.30pm at The Priory, 8 Priory Lane, Beechworth.

Tickets are $20pp + booking fee (including lunch) and are available at https:// events.humanitix.com/understanding-carbon-withcam-nicholson-beechworth.

For more information contact Lachlan Campbell at lachlan.campbell@necma.vic.gov.au or 0400 852 452.

This event is supported by the North East CMA and Agriculture Victoria, with funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

Firewood collection areas now open for spring

FIREWOOD collection areas opened in state forests last Friday.

Victorians are now able to collect free firewood for personal use from state forest firewood collection areas until Thursday, November 30.

Forest Fire Management Victoria acting deputy chief fire officer, Jarrod Hayse, said firewood collection was only allowed in designated firewood collection areas during a firewood season.

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He urged collectors to play it safe and check local weather conditions as well as their planned route before heading into the forest.

“Coming out of winter, access to some firewood collection areas might be restricted until tracks dry out and conditions are safe,” he said.

“When collecting, please drive only on formed roads, be aware of the environment around you and safety of yourself and others as trees may fall or drop limbs without warning.”

Mr Hayse said people can collect up to two cubic metres per person per day with a maximum of 16 cubic metres per household per financial year.

He encouraged people who rely on firewood for heating and cooking to plan their needs early.

“Firewood collected during the spring and autumn seasons needs at least 8-12 months to cure and be dry before use,” Mr Hayse said.

“We prioritise firewood availability for local communities and those who depend on firewood as their primary source of heating and cooking.”

Firewood collection from designated collection areas in the Upper Murray will be restricted to residents of Towong Shire and specific post codes within adjoining local government areas, including: City of Wodonga within postcodes 3691 and 3690; Indigo Shire within postcodes 3691 and 3695; and Alpine Shire within postcodes 3691, 3697, 3698 and 3699.

Financial assistance is

available for people on low incomes who buy firewood: www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/energy-concessionand-support.

Find your local collection area here: www.ffm.vic.gov. au/firewood/firewood-collection-in-your-region.

“Most people do the right thing and stick to the collection limits, but people should know authorised officers will be patrolling parks, forests and reserves to catch those who aren’t,” Mr Hayse said.

Officers can issue on-thespot fines of $769 to those caught breaking the rules, and serious offences have a maximum penalty of $9615 and/or one year in prison.

Community members can help by reporting any suspected illegal firewood collection on 136 186.

STICK TO THE RULES: Forest Fire Management Victoria officers will be out and about to ensure people are collecting firewood legally.

Dolny builds on strong season

By DYLAN POOL

ON Sunday, Beechworth

Golf Club held its men’s September monthly medal in perfect spring weather.

Jamie Dolny again showed he puts the effort in when it counts, winning his third medal of the year with a score of 85/69, runner up only one shot behind was Peter Smith (19) with 70 nett.

Jacob Howard took home a ball with 83/72.

They were followed by Graeme Pool (17) 73 and

Dylan Pool 73.

Nearest the pins went to Peter Smith on the third hole, Jamie Dolny on the fifth and Dylan Pool on the 10th.

There is only one monthly medal left for the season, so let’s hope someone else wins and we have a bit more competition for Jamie come the final in November.

This Sunday is the Chiltern Golf Club men’s tournament.

It is a 10am for a 10:30am start, and a great day and feed is guaranteed.

Upsets cause Tallangatta league finals carnage

By DANIEL SAVILLE

IT may be hard to believe, but the second round of Tallangatta league finals were even more unpredictable than the first.

In last Saturday’s second semi-final, where the winner would automatically progress to the grand final in a fortnight, Kiewa-Sandy Creek showed why they are the team to beat in a ruthless display against Yackandandah.

The Hawks, who only lost one game during the regular season, extended their lead at every break to finish with a 50-point win – 13.16 (94)

to 6.8 (44).

The biggest story of the weekend was pre-season premiership fancy Beechworth being knocked out of the TDFL finals series in a stunning straight-sets exit.

A rampaging Chiltern showed no mercy in the 55-point drubbing, where they kicked nine goals to two after quarter-time, thanks to impressive hauls from Mark Doolan (five goals) and Kyle Cooper (three goals).

The Swans’ victory sets up a preliminary final showdown against Yackandandah on Saturday afternoon for a spot in the big dance, where both teams will back them-

selves to reach the final game of the season.

If recent results are anything to go by, with a 64-all draw in their first meeting followed by a 10-point win to the Roos in Round 13, all three possible results remain a genuine chance.

A combined margin of nine goals across both A grade finals highlights the evenness of the TDNA competition with only two finals remaining.

In a shock result on Saturday, Yackandandah were behind on the scoreboard at the first, second and third break, but were in front when it mattered most to defy the

Because Community Matters

odds and beat the previously undefeated Kiewa-Sandy Creek by two goals (40-38).

Thurgoona has quickly forgotten about last year’s finals loss to Chiltern after exacting revenge against the same opponent in last Sunday’s sudden-death semifinal, with a dominant second quarter the key to their victory.

The seven-goal win (48-41) means that Thurgoona will advance to Saturday’s preliminary final and will play a Kiewa-Sandy Creek side looking to make amends, with the winner to play Yackandandah in the season decider on September 16.

BURST OF SPEED: Cam Fendyk tries to weave through traffic at Sandy Creek.

CLOSE BEHIND: Peter Smith (pictured) was runner up in Sunday’s September monthly medal competition.

Bushies’ bow out

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

FOR the second week in a row a humbling loss at Sandy Creek has ended Beechworth’s season, going down to rivals Chiltern by 55 points.

After a hot start, the Swans asserted complete control on the game, stifling Beechworth’s contested ball game and kicking nine goals to two after quarter-time to advance to the preliminary final.

Bushrangers co-coach Brayden Carey said his team were simply outplayed.

“They’re a very good side Chiltern, we knew they were going to be a challenge going into the game and unfortunately we weren’t able to keep up with them after quarter-time,” he said.

“We went in with the right intentions but unfortunately just couldn’t get the job done.

“The boys will re-assess, we know where we lack and we’ll work on that over the preseason to hopefully come back bigger and stronger next year.”

Coming off a hefty loss to Yackandandah the week prior, Beechworth were right amongst it at quarter-time as Kayde Surrey kicked his second goal on the siren to make it a one goal game at the break.

But it was as close as the Bushrangers would get all day, having to wait until the last quarter to have kicked their next goal, as the Swans ran away with a comprehensive 13.15 (93) to 5.8 (38) win.

■ Continued page 11

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MEAT IN THE SANDWICH: Connor Stone is met with fierce Chiltern pressure, as was the story for most of last Saturday as the Swans ran out 55 point winners.