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BEECHWORTH - CHILTERN - RUTHERGLEN - STANLEY - YACKANDANDAH Friday, February 9, 2024

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Taxi service despair Residents left in the lurch amid local transport shortfall

INSIDE

Rutherglen Art Prize entries open

BY CORAL COOKSLEY ccooksley@ nemedia.com.au

SOME Beechworth residents have been left in dire straits with little access to transport after a Beechworth-based taxi service shut down last week, prompting calls for an expanded transport service in the town.

Retired ABC Radio food broadcaster and food writer Barb Lowery, who lives in Beechworth, is dependent on the taxi service to meet her needs.

Ms Lowery said an opportunity existed in the town for another taxi service to start up.

No longer able to drive, the local resident said she relied on the taxi service for grocery shopping and attending medical appointments, as well as catching up with friends in town.

Ms Lowery said a community bus could be an option to help people.

“It would be handy to have one that perhaps commences in town and does a small loop around Beechworth which would be really helpful for people to get to the supermarket, shop, or catch up with a friend,” she said.

“I have to say to friends when you’re going down town next, would you be good enough to call me and could I come with you but then I

$2.00 (inc.GST)

Page 4

Indigo Interview Page 9

DIFFICULT: Beechworth’s Barb Lowery hopes another taxi or community bus service will start up to cater for community members’ needs.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley still have to get back home”.

Ms Lowery said taxis are vital to get to medical appointments and dentists.

Not having access to a taxi

service has made life difficult for the retiree now needing to rely on family when visiting or friends which is not always convenient for everyone.

“I can only wait until my family can help or I can make an appointment around their visit,” she said.

■ Continued page 2

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Page 2 - ADVERTISER, Friday, February 9, 2024

Chiltern, Rutherglen win big on community grants RUTHERGLEN Lions Club and the Chiltern Goods Shed Committee are set to be major beneficiaries of a state grant scheme supporting not-for-profit groups leasing rail land, buildings and other assets through VicTrack.

The Indigo Shire groups join 66 other not-for-profit initiatives around the state set to benefit, with the grants expected to aid groups in managing community spaces including art galleries, museums, libraries, creative spaces and community hubs.

Groups applied for grants of up to $10,000, helping them meet regulatory obligations relating to safety or environmental management, and restorations or refurbishments to their buildings or land.

Minister for Public and Active Transport, Gabrielle Williams, said the funding would make a major difference for the groups involved.

“This funding will make a huge difference to the many groups that lease VicTrack land and buildings across the state and will help them to continue to support their communities,” she said.

“I would like to thank everyone who has a community lease with VicTrack for the work they do to preserve our state’s rail history, and to manage buildings and land so they can be used to benefit local communities.”

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Golden Horseshoes Festival ramps up for Easter return

By CORAL COOKSLEY BEECHWORTH’S annual Easter event this year is expected to draw thousands from near and far for a weekend of family fun, markets and local flair.

The long-time Golden Horseshoes Festival, which has run for around 60 years, is being held over the Easter long weekend from March 29 to April 1.

The event will have a delightful blend of family-friendly activities, lively markets, and community-driven events PARADED: The 8th Indi Light Horse Heritage re-enactment troop showcasing the best of Beechfrom the North East in last year’s Golden Horseshoes Festival Grand worth’s modern culture and loParade.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley cal charm. entertainment for the crowd.

Committee president Jim great finish to the day,” he said.

A family carnival held in the “We have generous sponsorDidolis said the volunteer-run event brings the community ship from businesses around Police Paddocks will be a hub together as well as attracting town and every year they’re of excitement with thrilling rides, games, and entertainhere for us for the event.” visitors to the town.

The event this year has been ment suitable for all ages.

“The festival is a great ecoThe Rotary Market is back nomic boost to Beechworth,” driven by a dedicated eightagain as a festival highlight member committee. he said.

Mr Didolis said new volun- with an expected 100 stalls ofMr Didolis said community spirit thrives during the festi- teers were always welcome to fering a diverse array of handmade crafts, fresh produce, val, with everyone joining in keep the vibrant event going.

The colourful Grand Street unique items and everything in making for a fantastic day in Parade held on Saturday will between. the town.

Market-goers can enjoy the “It’s great to see Beechworth have floats, live music, and lovibrant with a party atmos- cal performers creating a fun friendly atmosphere created phere and the street parade is a atmosphere of celebration and by Beechworth Rotary Club’s

commitment to community service.

A lively marketplace also takes place around the town’s main street with local artisans, craftspeople, and culinary delights.

From handmade treasures to delicious treats, the markets offer a unique shopping experience for visitors.

The festival will also have a diverse line-up of live performances, showcasing the talent Beechworth has to offer.

From toe-tapping tunes to soulful melodies, the stage will come alive with local artists and musicians.

The modern Golden Horseshoe Festival dates back to the early 1960s when the Lions Club was behind organising a series of annual parades between Christmas and New Year until the early 1970s.

The festival is based on legendary Daniel Cameron - a candidate in the 1855 campaign to elect a parliamentarian for Ovens goldfield communities to Victoria’s Legislative Council.

He led a political rally on a horse shod with shoes of gold held in Beechworth for better conditions for goldminers on which the festival is based and brings the legend to life.

Taxi service despair

Est. 1855

■ From page 1

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 0130 or edit.omadvertiser@nemedia.com.au Published by Hartley Higgins for North East Media Pty Ltd, 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta, 3677.

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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.

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FUTURE DOCTORS: NHW has welcomed 16 new interns for the next 12 months.

The next generation of rural doctors

By CHLOE JAENICKE NORTHEAST Health Wangaratta (NHW) has welcomed 16 new interns to start their 12 month intern year.

The prevocational doctors will be completing rotations in medicine, surgery, emergency and rehab within the local community in primary health care.

Three of the 16 - Will Keenan, Samuel Mclean and Jason Stiles - are Wangaratta locals who have grown up in the area.

Jason went to Glenrowan Primary School and Wangaratta High School and chose NHW for internship due to its supportive culture for junior doctors.

“NHW is a great training

hospital, and I completed my studies here, so it was an easy choice as number one,” he said.

Being part of the Melbourne University rural clinical school, Jason has completed many of his placements locally.

“Having grown up here, having family nearby, I love the area for its hikes and access to the mountains,” he said.

“All my friends from medical school also fell in love with the area and it was an easy choice in the end.”

Jason said he decided to become a doctor to move to a more clinical role from his previous job as a medical scientist.

He hopes to work rurally in the future and to learn some more practical skills through the internship.

“This year I just want to

focus on learning the most I can from internship and using some practical skills in the emergency department,” he said.

“I have an interest in critical care but infectious diseases ties in well with my previous role as a scientist.“ Samuel was born in Wangaratta and is keen to continue to be a part of the rural community and is still heavily involved in his parents’ cattle farm.

He did his placement at NHW in 2023 and recognised the organisation for its “exceptional support for junior doctors”.

The interns will be undertaking an induction before being staggered into clinical shifts across the organisation.

“I have a walker, which helps with stability, but I couldn’t possibly walk downtown, and I would never be able to get back up the hill where I live”.

Beechworth resident 92-year-old Margaret Medcalf could not believe a taxi service no longer existed in the town.

“I have lived in the town for 40 years and there has always been a taxi,” she said.

“I’m lucky I can walk into town but some people who live way out have no access to transport to get into town.

“A friend has had an operation and relies on family for transport but when they are not available, she used the taxi.

“I feel sorry for people who rely on a taxi who can’t get out and do things for themselves.”

Mrs Medcalf said her grandson or son-in-law helped her when they were free, but she still occasionally needed to use a taxi.

“If I shop and can’t get a taxi and my son-in-law or grandson are unavailable as they work, I’ll need to walk home with my shopping,” she said.

“Every town should have transport for the community.”

Beechworth Health Service chief executive officer Dr Mark Ashcroft said the health service does not have any plans to establish and operate a bus or other transport service for shopping or similar transport requirements.

“However, we would be happy to work closely with an external provider or other party to assist any associated planning,” he said.

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ADVERTISER, Friday, February 9, 2024 - Page 3

Guilty plea in wake of fatal crash with Rutherglen cyclist FAMILY members of a Norong cyclist have told of their “shock, grief and disbelief” after the 59-year-old was struck and killed by a motorist on the Rutherglen-Springhurst Road last January.

A 23-year-old Wangaratta woman on Wednesday pleaded guilty to a charge of dangerous driving causing death, as the Wodonga County Court heard the woman had allegedly been accessing social media applications on her phone in the immediate lead-up to the crash on January 27.

Anthony ‘Tony’ Reeckman was pronounced dead at the scene shortly before 9am, after the defendant rear-ended the victim’s bike at a speed estimated by police to be between 79 and 86kph.

No evidence of emergency braking or turning by the defendant was identified.

Crown prosecutor Danielle Guesdon said the defendant’s Hyundai Tucson had stopped and completed a u-turn, before the woman attempted to perform CPR on the victim while speaking to a triple zero operator around 8.12am.

Analysis of the woman’s phone found she had allegedly sent and received messages on Snapchat while driving, and had Instagram open on her phone at the time of the collision.

She told the emergency operator, as well as other attendees at the scene, the sun had obscured her vision in the lead-up to the crash.

In an interview at Wodonga Police Station in the hours following the crash, the defendant reportedly told officers she had not been using her phone leading up to the crash, and often left her screen unlocked so her parents could track her loca-

tion through an application.

In victim impact statements read to the court on Wednesday, Mr Reeckman’s sister and his longterm partner each shared their grief after hearing the news of his death.

His sister said she had trouble sleeping and experienced anxiety when spotting cyclists while out driving herself.

She said Mr Reeckman was “the happiest (she) had ever seen him” in the lead up to his passing, after selling the family farm and retiring alongside his partner.

She said she was grateful the defendant had stopped and attempted to render assistance, noting stories of cyclists left in gutters were too commonplace.

Mr Reeckman’s partner of seven years said the “worst day of (her) life was the last day of his”, and not-

ed she had been out riding her own bicycle and had been unreachable to police.

She said she heard from a friend a cyclist had died near Rutherglen, and felt as though she had been “punched in the stomach” when a policeman confirmed the cyclist’s identity.

“He was a huge part of my life which now just feels dull, empty and sad,” she told the court.

“It’s not fair – Tony deserved this time in his life, and he was robbed of it.”

She said the court process and regular adjournments over the last year had prevented her from moving on.

Defence lawyer Jo Swiney said further psychological material was still required to allow the defence to lodge submissions in the matter, which will return before the court in April.

Feral pig control measures in place throughout shire FERAL pig control works have begun in the Ovens and Indigo valleys to reduce impacts on the environment.

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) project officer feral pig control, Geoff Beach, said landholders were being urged to report feral pig damage to better target works in the Beechworth, Chiltern, Mudgegonga, Stanley, Yackandandah and Baranduda Range areas.

“Feral pigs pose a serious threat to the natural environment and agricultural productivity,” he said.

“They can be difficult to control due to their intelligence and reclusive nature.

“Diggings, scats, tracks, wallows, tree

rubbings and fence damage are all indicators of feral pig activity.

“Information from landowners and remote cameras are being used to target our works to areas where pigs are more prevalent.”

Control measures including baiting, shooting, and trapping are being used to reduce feral pig numbers as part of the project.

For more information about the state’s Protecting Biodiversity Program, visit https:// www.environment.vic. gov.au/biodiversity/ investing-in-biodiversity/ protecting-biodiversity.

CAUGHT OUT: Cameras have identified feral pigs across Indigo Shire in recent weeks.

PHOTO: DEECA

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GOTAFE is encouraging school-leavers to make the most of the current expanded eligibility for its ‘Free TAFE’ initiative.

Thousands of Victorian secondary school graduates last week received second round Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) offers for their preferred TAFE or university course, with four more rounds to come for students who are still awaiting results.

Many more students are also applying directly to TAFEs outside of the VTAC offers process.

Eligibility for Free TAFE was first expanded in 2023, with the changes retained amid an expanded course offering for 2024.

It means community members no longer need to meet specific age, upskilling or reskilling requirements.

Certificate III in Hospitality and Certificate III in Commercial Cookery are among the courses set to be offered free of charge for those eligible in 2024.

GOTAFE acting executive director education, Luke Surace, said Free TAFE armed students with skills for in-demand careers without the worry of the cost of tuition fees.

“In 2023 increased eligibility for Free TAFE saw some 1638 students studying a Free TAFE course at GOTAFE,” he said.

“The eligibility changes made for 2023 have remained in 2024, with the addition of more courses and further opportunities for students who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

“The Victorian Skills Plan predicts that onethird of jobs in 2026 will require skills aligned to VET qualifications.

“Free TAFE supports training in those areas of high demand and those facing shortages.”

To find out if you are eligible for Free TAFE, visit https://www.gotafe.vic.edu. au/freetafe.

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Sanitary promise overlooks Wooragee toilet shortfall PLANS to add sanitary bins to all CFA station toilets has flushed out the lack of action on the long-overdue replacement of the Wooragee fire sheds, according to Northern Victoria MP Wendy Lovell.

Speaking before the state’s Legislative Council on Wednesday night, Ms Lovell said the current sheds were obsolete, with one having been erected in 1927 and another a 30-year-old Zincalume temporary structure, both without an in-house toilet.

She said the brigade currently uses a makeshift meeting room in the old shed after previously holding open-air meetings in the driveway.

According to Ms Lovell, the brigade received a detailed explanation of the rollout of sanitary bins in CFA toilets in December, despite the fact the only nearby toilets are council-managed for the local community.

She said the toilets were heavily used as part of the Beechworth to Yackandandah bike trail, and urged Minister for Emergency Services, Jaclyn Symes, to visit.

“This is a project the (then) minister agreed was a priority in 2020,” Ms Lovell said.

“It has been the number one priority for District 24 for several years only to be ignored in successive budgets.

“The OHS Act requires employers to, so far as is reasonably practicable, provide adequate facilities for the welfare of employees at any workplace under their management and control – I think it’s reasonable to expect that adequate facilities might be a dedicated toilet.

“In this place we talk about equality and inclusion, we want more women in the CFA and yet it is the one-per-centers like this that continue to be the barrier.”

Benambra Liberal MP Bill Tilley said the Liberal Party had promised $1.5m to building modern fit-for-purpose fire sheds at Wooragee ahead of the 2022 state election.

“This latest show of ignorance is just another example showing that those in Melbourne have little or no understanding of issues out here and Wendy was right to call it out,” he said.

“A landholder has gifted the CFA the land and now the minister must ensure that the new fire sheds are funded in the May state budget.”

DRAWCARD: Some of the crowd at last year’s Rutherglen Tastes of Art Prize Gala Opening Night.

ENJOYED: Rutherglen Sculpture Trail artist George van de Ven (left), artist and teacher Diane Kotzur, artist Kerrie van de Ven-Ware and Gallery 294 Corowa coowner Jeff Wilmot at last year’s successful exhibition.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

Local exhibition set to showcase creative talent

By CORAL COOKSLEY

ART lovers have the chance to view hundreds of artworks from around the region and Australia at next month’s Rutherglen Tastes of Art Prize.

The ArtsRutherglen event in its seventh year follows last year’s successful event with huge support from artists with more than 450 entries and over 80 artworks sold as well as while serving as a drawcard for tourists.

ArtsRutherglen committee member Irena Webster said around the same number of entries was expected this year.

Celebrated Yarrawonga painter Kate Gorman and widelyexhibited and well-known photographer Jules Boag will judge entries.

Ms Webster said the exhibition from March 8 to 17 was a

great chance for artists to exhibit their work and showcase their creativity, while the event provides a valuable forum too.

“It gives us all an opportunity to see what other artists are creating around the region and from around Australia,” she said.

“The exhibition is a benefit for both artists and people who purchase their works as well”.

Creatives are in the running to share a total prize pool of more than $14,000 across several different categories including painting/mixed media, different photography sections - illustrative, people, places and animals, work on paper and 3D artworks, as well three youthcentric awards.

Ms Webster said ArtsRutherglen had been appreciative of community support and generous sponsorship from local

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She said feedback received for last year’s showcase applauded the high standard of works submitted.

“Judges put significant energy and concentration into deciding the winners of each category,” she said.

Ms Webster said Rutherglen High School was well represented last year in the Youth Category with artwork entered largely from southern New South Wales and North East Victoria.

“There was also a good representation from Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane and an entry from Western Australia,” she said.

Last year’s attendance was the

largest since the exhibition began due to a well targeted print and social media promotional campaign targeting interstate and local visitors.

Ms Webster said increased visitation to the town had boosted the local economy with increased trade noted by businesses around town.

The exhibition and sales run during the town’s food and wine festival at the Rutherglen Memorial Hall.

Ms Webster said last year’s gala opening event had been a big hit for artists and visitors with a sold-out evening.

This year’s gala opening night kicks off on Friday, March 8.

Artworks can still be submitted by next Sunday, February 11 by visiting artsrutherglen.com. au and following prompts to enter on Trybooking.

CANADIAN FOLK MUSIC TO RING THROUGH YACKANDANDAH CANADIAN troubadour Scott Cook will return to Yackandandah to perform next week, the first time he’s visited Indigo Shire since touring the North East in 2019.

Accompanied by partner and bandmate Pamela Mae for the first time, Mr Cook will perform at Yackandandah’s Old Courthouse on February 17, ably supported by a number of local artists including Candice McLeod, Gabby Vening and Paul Wookey who will add their own musical magic to the evening.

Having grown up on the Canadian prairies after being born in West Virginia, Mr Cook’s unique blend of folk music has been well-regarded the world over in recent years, having been nominated for the Canadian Folk Mu-

WELL-RENOWNED: Canadian folk singer Scott Cook will return with partner Pamela Mae to perform at Yackandandah’s Old Courthouse next week. sic Award three times.

The second single of his most recent album, ‘Tangle of Souls’, was the second most-played song of 2020 on Folk Alliance International’s folk radio charts, and won top honours for the folk category in both the 2020 UK Songwriting Competition and the 2020 Great American Song Contest.

His seventh recording, Tangle of Souls comes packaged in a cloth-bound, 240page hardcover book of road stories accumulated since first quitting his job teach-

ing kindergarten in Taiwan to begin touring in 2007.

He has since played in Canada, the US, Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere, and spent four years performing at the Yackandandah Folk Fest.

Doors open at 7pm with the night’s entertainment expected to begin at 7.30pm, courtesy of ArtsYackandandah.

Space is limited, and tickets can be purchased by visiting https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1154536.

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ADVERTISER, Friday, February 9, 2024 - Page 5

Beechworth singers prepared for exciting year of performances

By CORAL COOKSLEY

A LOVE FOR MUSIC: Beechworth Singers director Margaret Phillips and president Phillip Adams looks forward to another exciting year for the choir.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

A LOCAL choir is set to draw audiences with packed out venues in another exciting year of concerts to be rolled out for the local community.

Beechworth Singers with its repertoire of sacred choral music, jazz, madrigals - typical of the Renaissance and early Baroque periods - and popular music has been entertaining the Beechworth community for 45 years.

With a love of the choir, Margaret Phillips has been the director for more than three decades.

She said helping people to improve their singing and sound production for the choir was an uplifting and rewarding experience for both singers and the director.

“The choir brings people together,” she said.

Margaret said there was a mix in levels of experience and skills with people who can read music and sing a piece straight away while others need to learn, and all skills are drawn upon.

The director said any-

one interested in singing can join.

“People who would like to join maybe are not strong singers but will be helped along as there are many members willing to help,” she said.

“Membership has grown significantly over the years, and we rehearse weekly.”

Beechworth Singers president Phillip Adams said the choir had more members than singers, with between 20 and 30 of the choir’s 35 members regularly singing.

“People who join might sing for one concert for a variety of reasons and many of them sing in four as we usually do four concerts a year,” he said.

Songs last year were performed from shows including the Lion King, West Side Story, Oliver and Fiddler on the Roof.

“A highlight last year was the Three Choir Festival with Paul Tasker as conductor and an orchestra, and was such a success,” Margaret said.

The choir some years ago combined with Wangaratta-based Vocal Dimension Choir and Murray

Concert Choir when the late David Carolane started the festival after a move to the North East.

Margaret said the choir provided another avenue for artistic endeavour for local residents.

“There’s a lot been written over the years about the benefits of choir of singing,” she said.

“It’s also not just singing on your own doorstep, it’s actually getting together with people who are singing, and the benefits derived from that.”

“It’s a lot of fun but is a community-building activity too.”

Among other concerts throughout the year include annual Christmas and Celtic performances with Scottish, Irish and Welsh songs.

An Easter concert is coming up and will be part of a program of sacred music on Palm Sunday prior to Easter.

Weekly rehearsals held in the Uniting Church Hall on Ford Street Beechworth kicked off last Thursday at 7.15pm.

For membership enquiries visit rehearsals and speak to Margaret.

Page 6 - ADVERTISER, Friday, February 9, 2024

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GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

A A K E N D L G N R E F M O E K I R O T I N L I S L E N T E T O D A E D

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

Some letters are used more than once.

Agent Almost Ankle Dead Dot

5 What is a TV program

14 Who was known as “the

that has been broadcast at least once before (6) 6 Which point is directly opposed to the south (5) 9 Which term describes potatoes (6) 10 What serves as a reminder of what is past (7) 12 Which dish is served at dinner before the main course (6)

Black Prince” (6) 16 To move in a slow manner, is to do what (6) 18 What is something added (5) 19 Name a colloquial term for glasses (5) 21 What is a more or less rigid floating platform (4) 22 Which term describes the unit of inheritance (4)

1 FLUME (a) The barb of an anchor (b) An artificial channel for water (c) A soft down from cotton 2 IRRISION (a) Annoyance (b) A sudden invasion (c) The act of laughing at another

BIYWORD

230

W 22

SUDOKU

© Puzzles supplied by AUSPAC MEDIA

CROSSWORD

7

6

4

5

3

2

1

DOWN 1 Swear to 2 Brain section 3 African flower 4 Stride

ACROSS 1 Word of regret 5 Electrical unit 6 Cousin of a bassoon 7 Whimper

Solve the crossword.

Each answer has four letters.

SOLUTIONS

220

WHICH WORDS: 1 (b) An artificial channel for water, 2 (c) The act of laughing at another

QUICK THINK

BIYWORD

220

A C L S A D N S B E N S B E O S C E R T C I R U

GS

CLUES: Brisbane-Cairns Highway (5) Doctors (3) Gemini: The ... (5) Light plain cake (5) Senior account executive (3) Sketches (5) Small printers measures (3) Vitally important (7) Wager (3) Warning fires (7)

599 -220

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.

19

SUDOKU

220

QUICK THINK

U×K X-U X÷W X-J I+Z W+W U+K

Tea Tern Toga

WHICH WORDS

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

I J K U W X Z

Lent Liked Loin Old One

MINI WORD FIND

E-QUATIONS

End Fern Fine Fried Irk

ACROSS: 1 Alas, 5 Volt, C 6 Oboe, 7 Weep.

D R S DOWN: 1 Avow, 2 Lobe, B R U C E © 3 Aloe, 4 Step.

B E A C O N S T W I N S S A E L

means “therefore” (4) 2 Name the spiny plant chiefly native to the hot, dry regions of America (6) 3 What is a short, full, ballet skirt (4) 4 Helen Mitchell was known as Dame Nellie ... (5)

E-QUATIONS I:6, J:19, K:2, U:3, W:11, X:22, Z:5

DOWN 1 Which conjunction

A A K E N D L G N R E F M O E K I R O T I N L I S L E N T E T O D A E D

of wool (6) 7 What is an animal, as distinct from a human being (8) 8 Which persons suffer from Hansen’s disease (6) 9 Name a diminutive hero of folk tales (3,5) 11 What is otalgia more commonly known as (7) 13 What is the flower of a plant (7) 15 To be powered by atomic energy, is to be what (7) 17 What was once scattered over the floor of a butcher’s shop (7) 20 Which breakfast dish consists of oatmeal, or the like (8) 23 What do we call a person confined in a hospital, etc (6) 24 Which bitter alkaloid is obtained from coffee (8) 25 Name the second book of the Old Testament (6)

E C T M E R I N O C R E A T U R E E O G C T L E P E R S T O M T H U M B E T U U E A R A C H E B L O S S O M T N E E T R E N U C L E A R S A W D U S T O E N W P O R R I D G E I N M A T E A T E E R C A F F E I N E E X O D U S T R E

ACROSS 4 Name a prized variety

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ADVERTISER, Friday, February 9, 2024 - Page 7

Scholarship helps Will settle into university life

By CORAL COOKSLEY A YOUNG Beechworthian has been given a helping hand with a scholarship to settle into university life in Melbourne.

The award announced this week by the local Rotary Club has given Beechworth Secondary College 2023 graduate Will Usher-Clarke a $2000 financial boost with the Jack Tully Scholarship.

Will said the transition from rural to city living is an expensive one, with expenses such as the bond he has already paid for accommodation.

“It takes quite a chunk out of what you’ve got,” the 18-year-old said.

“I think it makes quite a big difference and helps being confident in moving forward and being kind of independent from home.

“With this support and help it’s a lot easier to move.”

Will starts his threeyear Bachelor of Science at Monash University later this month following the university’s orientation week for new students.

With a passion for healthcare, Will aims to continue studies in medicine after completing his science degree.

“It’s a long road and I’ll need to take it step by step,” he said.

Will said his passion for rural health means a future plan to return to his community or within a nearby regional area to practice.

Finishing work last Sunday the excited university student took this week off to prepare for his move to the city.

Beechworth Rotary Club president John Strang said the club was delighted to give this year’s award to Will.

“The scholarship supports young people moving ahead

HAPPY ALL ROUND: Beechworth Rotary Club president John Strang (left) with the club’s secretary Simon Kelly congratulated Will Usher-Clarke (middle) on receiving this year’s Jack Tully Scholarship.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley with a career, and young people are the future of our community,” he said.

Beechworth Rotary Club secretary Simon Kelly said receiving the award is a confidence builder for young people.

The Rotarian said many families in country Victoria sent students to Melbourne or Sydney for university studies.

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“Apart from the university fees, they have accommodation fees and travel costs,” he said.

“We looked at the situation and asked the question what could we do to alleviate that in a small way, and that’s how the scholarship started,” he said.

The scholarship is awarded in the memory of the late Jack Tully – a local business-

man and long-standing Rotarian who left a legacy with the club to help university students with their studies.

For more than a decade around 10 graduates from local or other high schools living within the region have been scholarship recipients.

Applicants need to live within a 20km radius of the Beechworth Post Office.

Scholarship applications open around October every year with a usual closing date of December 31.

The club encourages Year 12 students to explore the scholarship opportunity as soon as they get a chance.

Information about the award can be found at https://portal.clubrunner. ca/9584

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Herbicides and weed killers Insect spray, pesticides, rat poison Oven cleaner Pool chemicals Solvents Thinners, turps and paint stripper Transmission fluid Wood preservatives and finishes And other items found at home with these symbols:

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Saturday 10 February 2024 11.00 am to 2.00pm Beechworth Transfer Station 1620 Diffey Road, Beechworth

Scan the QR code, visit sustainability.vic.gov.au/ detoxyourhome or call 1300 363 744

Detox your Home events are drive-through and contactless.

For safety reasons we can’t accept containers of more than 20 litres or 20 kilograms. Chemicals can’t be emptied out of their containers and the containers cannot be returned to you, so bring them in the original packaging or disposable containers.

Page 8 - ADVERTISER, Friday, February 9, 2024

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ADVERTISER, Friday, February 9, 2024 - Page 9

Emergency response speeds up across North East

By RYAN MALCOLM

COMMUNITY-FOCUSED: Beechworth’s Damian Jones loves the Highland Games, is running rural games for this year’s Spring Ditch event in Stanley and is training be a CFA firefighter in the Beechworth Fire Brigade.

PHOTO: Brooke Lintern Photography

Damian stokes athletic passion in High Country DAMIAN Jones was born in Melbourne but spent some early years in Glenelg Shire’s historic rural town of Casterton in the far southwestern region of Victoria. His dad was a veterinarian there before the family settled in the Melbourne suburb of Brighton. He moved to Beechworth last March after meeting and falling in love with a local girl.

What do you do workwise?

I work in sales for Red Energy owned by Snowy Hydro. It’s great to work remotely for an Australianowned and operated company.

What brought you to your role/career?

I believe having an Irish ancestry gift of the gab makes it easy for me to relate to people which is 90 per cent of the role. I am looking at a major career change into secondary education though.

You are never too old to reinvent yourself.

Damian Jones What do you love about your work?

I love having a chat with people because everyone has a great tale to tell.

What do you do in the community?

I’m training to be a CFA firefighter in the Beechworth Fire Brigade as I believe it’s a great organisation where you can directly be of service to your community.

This year I’m also running the rural games at Spring Ditch being held at the Stanley Sports Ground on March 2 where we will have local teams competing for bragging rights.

Teams will be competing in four old traditional throwing events - standing stone throw,

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standing heavy weight for distance, weight over the bar and steinstossen (Swiss variant of stone put - throwing a heavy stone overhead for the longest distance) to see who is the region’s champion. This will be a great event and if it goes well, I may look at organising a family fun highland gathering in our region. It’s time to bring the pipes, the dancers and the heavy games athletes to the High Country!

With my love of the Highland Games and competing when I get the chance, I hope to get to the Braemar Gathering in Scotland later this year.

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

It would be nice to see the local council provide transport for the community members who don’t have access to getting around for their daily tasks and needs.

Also, it would be nice to have Spring Creek bridge repaired at the Gorge. This

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is an incredible asset to our town that can’t be utilised right now until Parks Victoria start rectification works.

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

The war in Gaza. The number of innocent lives being lost is vile.

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?

One of Liverpool Football Club’s former and greatest soccer players and captain, as well as a captain for England, Steven Gerrard. I’d take him to the Gorge for some coldwater therapy. I think he would enjoy that having been a professional athlete.

What book are you reading?

‘Si Senor - My Liverpool Years’ by Roberto (Bobby) Firmino. It’s a revelatory memoir from the Liverpool legend and global football star.

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LIGHTS and sirens ambulance responses across Indigo Shire have improved by almost four minutes on the same time last year, the second largest improvement in the state over the last 12 months.

New data released by Ambulance Victoria for the second quarter of 2023/24 indicated some 197 patients had required a ‘code one’ emergency response by paramedics between October 1 and December 31, with ambulances arriving within 21 minutes and 41 seconds on average in Indigo Shire.

Some 34.5 per cent of code one patients were reached within Ambulance Victoria’s 15-minute target, a 14.9 per cent improvement on the same quarter last year.

Twelve months ago, some 214 patients required an emergency callout, with crews on scene within 25 minutes and 20 seconds on average.

Improvements were also seen in code two nonemergency response times across the shire, with local units shaving almost 11 minutes off their 54 minute and four second average in Q2 of 2022/23, while treating one additional patient.

Across the state, the average response time to code one emergencies fell to below 15 minutes for the first time in more than two years, while Mansfield, Benalla and Wodonga shires were among the state’s biggest improvers.

Rural City of Wangaratta paramedics improved by nine seconds on average, as ambulances attended 67.4pc of patients with 15 minutes.

Alpine Shire paramedics shaved 50 seconds off last year’s average response time, while Strathbogie Shire paramedics were on scene almost a minute quicker on average.

Ambulance Victoria Hume regional director Steve Doyle said the progress across the state was encouraging.

“The productivity commission’s recent report on government services shows Victoria has Australia’s most trusted paramedics and leads the nation in cardiac arrest survival and pain management,” he said.

“Our dedicated paramedics and first responders are to be commended for the outstanding care they deliver to communities across the state.”

The news comes as planning ramps up for the State Government’s Centre of Excellence in Paramedicine, with Victoria University recently matching the government’s initial $10m commitment.

The centre is expected to open in 2026, and feature high-tech training equipment, life-sized replicas of environments for paramedics to practice simulated emergencies, and serve as a hub for already-employed paramedics to maintain their skills.

“The latest data makes it clear that despite record levels of demand, our dedicated healthcare workers are making sure Victorians continue to get the care they need,” she said.

“This new Centre for Excellence in Paramedicine will be a home of the latest technology and make sure our paramedics are getting the training they need to deliver the care Victorians deserve.”

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Birds of Tokyo Double VIP Pass Competition Terms & Conditions:

Participants must purchase the Ovens & Murray on Wednesday 7th February or Wednesday 14th February and complete the entry form found in the Regional Extra. Completed forms must be lodged at the Wangaratta Chronicle office by 4pm Tuesday 27th February to be eligible. Original entry forms only – photocopies will not be accepted. The winners will be chosen at random from submitted entry forms at the Wangaratta Chronicle office after 4pm Tuesday 27th February 2024. Management’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

The prize winners will be notified directly and announced in the Wangaratta Chronicle on Friday 1st March 2024. If one or both of the prize winners do not respond to notification within 12 hours, the prize will be re-drawn. Tickets valued at $119 each.

Prizes cannot be redeemed for a total cash amount and will be awarded by way of Birds of Tokyo VIP double pass tickets, equaling four (4) tickets total to two (2) separate winners, conditions may apply. VIP experience includes access to pre-concert VIP suite, complimentary grazing table and drinks from 6pm, VIP lanyard with $25 bar credit and early entrance at 7pm. Employees of North East Media Pty Ltd are not allowed to enter.

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ADVERTISER, Friday, February 9, 2024 - Page 11

SPORT

Dedicated few brave heat for stableford competition

By DYLAN POOL ONLY a handful of golfers ventured out on Sunday morning to beat the heat for a round of Stableford.

Daryl Rowe returned to the winners list after only recently returning from a lay off to win with 35 points.

Andy Croome was runner up with 30.

Nearest the pins went to Daryl on the 5th and Rod Shaw on the 10th.

A smaller than usual crowd of 11 players turned up for twilight on the front nine on Thursday afternoon.

The winner was Dylan Pool with 24 (18+6), runner up was Josh

Carr with 21 (20+1), and Willem Love who was in the same group as the other two came third with 20 (17+3).

No nearest the pins went off, so the club held onto the Beechworth Bakery voucher, while Emilio Miranda took home the cash with his nearest chip on the 9th.

Willem Love finished off the night winning the Drummond Golf voucher in the raffle.

This coming Sunday golf will revert back to 11:30am for 12 as long as the forecast temperature isn’t high again.

Also this Sunday is the North East District Golf Association opening day at Benalla.

 BONDING OVER GOLF: Jarryd Pritchard and son Ted plan their next shot during a recent twilight event at Beechworth Golf Club.

Consistency returning in midst of tennis season

By GREG CLYDESDALE

ROUND three of the Beechworth Tennis Club’s summer season was again played in good spirits in great conditions.

Players are beginning to find some consistency in their game.

For some this means a consistent improvement, while for others there is pleasure in contributing consistently to the team results.

Burder Industries, with the consistent Ben Croome providing a lesson in placement and control, and Matilda Taylor improving as

the night went on, again won four sets to two. Myrtleford Furnishings and Floors were not disgraced, however, as they were only defeated by two games on the night.

Substitute Rod Watson was the most reliable and consistent player for them on the night.

Teams Indigo Real Estate and Alpine Indigo Accounting played out a three sets each draw, with Indigo edging ahead 27 games to 23.

Paul Stefaniak had the edge on Angus Connolly on the night, and while that was balanced out by a consistent team input by Renee Rinau-

do, Adam Fendyk and Anna Mackinley, Diamund Kelly and Andrew and Billy Taylor proved the reliable support for Paul.

Sue Fendyk and Mick Cavellin had John Sheehan join them as a substitute for Team Normac in a consistent display to win 32 games on the night.

Pritchard Plumbing team never gave up, however, with Tonya Sey consistently proving their strength.

Shingleback Off Road team also had a clear 30 games to 19 over Alpine Survey but the outstanding performance was Taj Brundell who substituted for both

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Simon Maughan and Alice Cooper.

Jeremy Schmolzer, Ben Sockett, Christie Bence and Karen Potter had to work consistently hard against Taj who combined well with both Darren and Ruby McCormick. February 14 sees Alpine Indigo Accounting playing Myrtleford Furnishing and Floors, Burder Industries take on Pritchard Plumbing, Alpine Survey and Mapping meets NorMac Rural and Beechworth Coffee Roasters play Shingleback Off Road.

Indigo Real Estate will enjoy the night off with the bye.

ON THE ATTACK: Team NorMac Rural’s John Sheehan prepares for an aggressive serve.

Page 12 - ADVERTISER, Friday, February 9, 2024

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QUALITY REPAIRS & SERVICE

QUALITY REPAIRS & SERVICE

Close chase awaits Cityy Colts set Wanderers 175 to win to maintain g grasp p on finals spot p as season enters final month

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

BEECHWORTH’S A grade side will need to chase 175 for victory tomorrow if they’re to hold on to a finals spot entering the closing month of the season.

Sent out to bowl by City Colts captain Mitch Giggins, the Wanderers restricted the away side to 174 at Baarmutha Park to have the game hanging evenly in the balance.

Forced to bat out the final two overs of the day, Beechworth were dealt a huge blow with Kayde Surrey bowled by Kent Braden, to have the Wanderers at 1/2 at stumps.

Beechworth captain Brenton Surrey said the match was still there for the taking despite Kayde’s dismissal, with a plaeasing performance in the field throughout hot conditions.

“We battled on, they batted pretty well, we bowled ok; and the scores reflect the game well at this stage,” he said.

“We took a couple of good catches and we stuck at it with the ball.

“They were probably a bit disappointed their bottom four didn’t get an extra 30 or 40 runs, but that’s the case most weeks, you’re always after that little bit extra.”

Having put up totals of 54 and 97 with the bat in their last two innings, City Colts were eager to find form with the bat.

Opening pair Giggins (38) and Aaron Thrum (19) set the tone early before Braden (34) played a steady innings to give City Colts the upper hand through the early stages.

With the Wanderers in need of a breakthrough at the top of the or-

CASH IN: Brenton Surrey and his Beechworth side will be vying for 175 to win against City Colts at Baarmutha tomorrow. der, the ball was thrown to young Will Prebble, who came through with the big wicket of Giggins along with Ben Feldtmann and Justin Solimo, to finish with a tidy 3/15 off his five overs.

Solimo (24) along with Tyler Nanson (28) made crucial middle order runs for City Colts who were bowled out in just under 70 overs, with their tail failing to fire a shot.

Surrey said it was pleasing to see Prebble earn due reward with his bowling.

“It was the same with young [Henry] Scalzo who bowled just as well but didn’t get the reward, but it’s always good to see kids get a go and it’s even better when they get some nice rewards,” he said.

Doing the hard yards throughout the day was Cam Fendyk, who was

the pick of the bowlers to finish with 3/25 off 17 overs, which included seven maidens.

Fendyk and Clancy Ellett will be restarting the innings tomorrow, as they along with Surrey hold the key to a successful run chase, with middle order runs hard to come by this season.

Surrey said he will continue to back his young side through the

PHOTO: Janet Watt

middle order to play a positive brand of cricket, despite the results not having fallen their way so far.

“You’ve got to keep putting them in there; they’re only going to get better with experience,” he said.

“We’ll play a positive brand of cricket and definitely look to score and try and get the basics right and hopefully that’s enough.”

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