TO ENTERTAIN
Haines wins third term
By STEVE KELLY
INDEPENDENT Helen Haines
swept to a resounding victory to return to the seat of Indi for a third successive term.
Dr Haines has 58.37 per cent of the two-candidate-preferred (TCP) vote, with nearest rival Liberal James Trenery on 41.63pc (TCP).
From 98,952 votes counted, the rst preference vote was up on the 2022 election for Dr Haines with
42.88pc (40,153), a swing of 2.20pc, while Mr Trenery accumulated 30.89pc (29,247 votes).
Next was Labor - Mitch Bridges with 8.01pc, One Nation - Athol Thomas (6.99pc), The Greens - Alysia Regan (3.24pc), Legalise Cannabis - Ben Howman (2.89pc), Family First - Michael White (1.76pc), Libertarian - Tim Quilty (1.59pc), and Independent - Mark McFarlane (1.41pc).
It was a comprehensive win
across many polling places for Dr Haines on election day, with the totals indicating many voters were happy with what the Independent has delivered over the last six years.
This was re ected in votes counted across the Indigo Shire, with Dr Haines out-polling all candidates except at Tangambalanga, where Mr Trenery gained the most votes.
Beechworth recorded the most resounding win for Dr Haines with-
in the shire, beating out Mr Trenery 696 votes to 196, while she held comfortable margins in Yackandandah (510-179), Stanley (204-54), Wahgunyah (302-135) and Chiltern (333-172).
The votes were much tighter in Rutherglen (450-291), Wooragee (194-98) and Barnawartha (183162) while Mr Trenery held sway in Tangambalanga (226-218).
It was a buzzing room of supporters dressed in the well-known
orange attire at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre’s Memorial Hall on Saturday night, energised by the win, as Dr Haines made her winner’s speech at about 9.30pm.
In her speech Dr Haines made strong reference to the 940 active volunteers across the electorate that stretches from Wodonga to King Lake and coined the term for them, the Cockateers.
■ Continued page 2
STELLAR cast of performers at rehearsals for the farcical play ‘Clue’. The show will hit the stage
weekend and next weekend at Beechworth Servicemen’s Memorial Hall. Story page 5
PHOTO: Beechworth Theatre Company
Haines wins third term
■ From front page
“I’m standing in front of you all again with such pride in my heart, such privilege to be re-elected as a member of the house of representatives in the magni cent federation seat of Indi,” she said to raucous applause.
“But the victory is not mine, the victory is yours, all of the people of Indi, those who voted for me and those who didn’t because I know that having independent representation in the seat of Indi has not only made Indi a better place, but has made the nation a better place.”
She acknowledged Anthony Albanese’s return as Prime Minister and she said she’s looking forward to continuing her work and she cited her strong relationships with other MPs in the house or representatives.
Dr Haines referred to the scrutineers as the “guardian angels of democracy” for the work they do, and the extended campaign period was also noted.
37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta VIC 3677
“We’ve been at this for a few months, we thought the election was coming a little earlier than it has and I’ve been saying to folks, I feel like I’ve been living in a perpetual Wednesday, but it’s Saturday now, right,” she said.
“It is an amazing story we have to tell here, what started as a local movement with 12 people in the library up the road who just wanted an MP to listen to them, truly is now a movement right across Australia.
“We have got so many people on the ground in Indi and so many others like us across Australia, thousands
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YOUR OVENS AND MURRAY TEAM
of volunteers, potentially millions of voters voting independent.”
Dr Haines spoke about the vision for the future, holding major parties to account, scienti c action on climate change, and making sure it is a fair Australia.
“I want to see us do better in housing, lower the cost of living, better health and childcare, the infrastructure we need to make sure we can continue to thrive,” she said.
“It truly is the biggest honour of my life to represent the people of Indi.” She said it’s about making sure our
aged care, mental health and childcare services are up to scratch and better, ensuring telecommunications work, and supporting a better democracy.
Mr Trenery was disappointed with the loss but he said he enjoyed the campaign and meeting a lot of great people along the way.
“There were several thousand people who supported us and we had more volunteers and signs out than we’ve ever had,” he said.
“It was not a good result for either country or Indi, from my perspective.
“Mans eld was strong and there
were other small booths where we had wins which was absolutely magni cent.
“Overall we didn’t move very far compared to the last election, and we’ll wait for the nal count but it looks like it’s going to be the same, which is better than the national result.
“We generated everything from within Indi and it was a real local campaign and not a lot of dollars or people coming from outside Indi.
“That’s ne and we were pretty happy with that, but to get that result it was absolutely fantastic.”
Community grants and sponsorships up for grabs
By CORAL COOKSLEY
BEECHWORTH’S Leanne Vickers and treasurer for recent startup pickleball club in the town is keeping ngers crossed for a grant or sponsorship from Bendigo Bank – Community Bank Beechworth & District.
Among representatives from community organisations, Leanne joined last week’s information evening on Wednesday held by the bank in the Beechworth Town Hall.
Attendees had the chance to gain knowledge needed to navigate the bank’s new online application process, nd out about eligibility and how to register.
The bank announced its 2025 grant and sponsorship earlier last month with applications kicking o from last Thursday, 1 May.
Ms Vickers said the pickleball club – a growing sport around Australia - started last October at Baarmutha Park.
“Pickleball is something for everyone of all ages and abilities,” she said.
“We want to do the best we can for the community in running the sport.
“We’re looking for sponsorship or a grant so that we can run some more ‘come and try days’ for more people to come along and have a go.”
A guest speaker from Bendigo
Bank - Community Enterprise Foundation manager Trish Madden - travelled from near Bendigo to Beechworth for the special event.
Ms Madden said people needed to plan ahead before applying.
“Think about what your project is going to be - short, medium, or long term and do your research,” she said.
On the hunt for funding, Blake Edwards and Katie Friedlieb representing Totally Renewable Yackandandah (TRY) said energy literacy is a key item on TRY’s agenda.
“It’s about helping people understand their bills and getting assessments in their homes and
businesses so they can understand what appliances to install or upgrade or what works need to be done,” he said.
Mr Blake said among assets for the community, TRY were on the lookout to install community batteries and expand EV chargers town-wide for Yackandandah for more vehicle take-up.
He said the face-to-face time at the information evening gave people the chance to get speci c details.
Beechworth Bendigo Bank board chair Ben Merritt said he hoped people gained knowledge about the application process to
take advantage of available funds in four months’ time.
“To get to that point, they have to apply for the grants and sponsorships, and we’ve just launched our online application process so they can ll out an application,” he said.
“We will then review the application for potential funding.”
Mr Merrit said people can drop into the local branch for more information.
“If an answer can’t be given immediately, the branch team will contact me or our marketing grants and sponsorship manager for information needed,” he said.
Mr Merritt said the Beechworth and District Community Bank distributed $70,000 to community organisations in 2024/25, and a minimum of $50,000 for each of the last eight years.
“Beechworth and District Community Bank has reinvested more than $700,000 back into the community in its 14 years of business,” he said.
“We have a minimum of $50,000 available for sponsorships and grants in the 2025/26 nancial year.
“This amount may increase, as 80 per cent of all pro ts are invested into community projects and organisations.
“The more pro t the bank makes, the more money gets put back into the community.”
FINGERS CROSSED: Beechworth Pickleball Club treasurer Leanne Vickers with guest speaker Bendigo Bank’s Community Enterprise Foundation manager, Trish Madden, at last week’s community information evening. PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
Beechworth revs up a successful drive
By CORAL COOKSLEY
PERFECT autumn weather set the scene for engine lovers streaming into town for last weekend’s annual ‘Drive Back in Time’ hosted by the Beechworth Old Cranks Motor Club.
Organisers from the club rated Sunday’s show and shine event as a great success, with around 160 vehicles more than 25 years old entered from near and far.
“We’re really happy with the numbers,” club treasurer Peter Deith said.
Despite being down on numbers from last year, Mr Deith said this year’s successful event - held the same time every year – had competed with other big events around the region.
With people coming and going all day, organisers estimated a crowd of some 3000 people were drawn to the event, with numbers in town equal to previous years.
Mr Deith said a ra e with three generously donatated prizes was also a huge success, with tickets sold out for the rst time.
“We had 2500 tickets printed,” he said.
Stanley CFA ran a barbeque of sizzling sausages running out with a quick restock or two.
Motorbike enthusiast
Beechworth’s Max Cowie with his 1904 Eureka made in Melbourne as well as an-
other on show attracted a great deal of interest from the crowd.
The motorcycle was part of an exciting rst-time event feature, with a collection of motorbikes marking di erent decades up to the present day.
Max said starting up the Eureka is easy if it res.
“If it doesn’t, it takes a lot of pedalling, but it’s terri c to hear it run,” he said.
Max said 1904 was the rst year that the Australian-assembled bike had the motor bolted into the frame.
“They had been clipped on the front of a push bike frame in previous years with the history of the bike’s type dating back to 1896,” he said.
“It’s very basic and you’re the computer – when you’re riding, you’re listening to the motor, adjusting air mixture, fuel, and spark – all by listening.”
Stanley motor bike lover Col Kid, rapt in the Eureka, said the bike was a beauty for the era.
A cruise around town named a er the late Keith Harms - who had been a
long-time member of the Beechworth Old Cranks Motor Club - drew a fabulous variety of vehicles with motor lovers showing o their prized metal possessions.
Beechworth’s Vinnie Webb showcased the family’s 1954 Chevrolet rebuilt over the last few years.
With the body found on a property and a chassis searched for, a frame built for the body to sit on with the chassis, the restoration was completed 10 months ago.
Wangaratta’s Matt Thom-
son from Rat Race Garage undertaking the build said the Chev has a 70s chassis, 2010 VT Commodore running gear with modern steering and disc brakes.
Yea’s Geo Woodyard hasn’t missed a beat for 27 years, rolling in his glistening black 1969 Mustang at this year’s show and shine.
“We’ve been coming here every year since 1997 except for one and originally with two cars,” he said.
“It was just with my wife and brother, now it’s with my
wife, brother, son, and three of my mates as well who all have cars.
“We love the weather, town and people and it’s a nice place to visit for the weekend.”
The weekend jump-started with a tractor trek on Saturday morning followed by a welcome lunch for entrants in town on the day, with a mystery run to local points of interest nishing up at Pennyweight Winery.
Old Cranks Motor Club secretary Dianne Ryan said the club received great support from local businesses for the ra e with three locals winning rst, second and third prizes.
“Accommodation had been fully booked in Beechworth over the weekend and restaurants full,” she said.
“Trophies cra ed by the local men’s shed were absolutely fabulous and winning entrants were happy to receive one.”
Mr Deith said pro ts from the club’s biggest fundraiser is invested into the community to support projects and worthy causes around town.
On the agenda is continuing the rst-time scholarship offered this year for young people embarking on a career in an automotive industry.
The Crossley engine, which cranked up for the day and attracted an interest from a good crowd, also needs ongoing maintenance.
Trip down memory lane for Beechworth couple
By CORAL COOKSLEY
LAST weekend’s Drive Back in Time was an exciting trip down memory lane for Beechworth’s Kathleen and Andrew Gosden.
The couple were delighted to see two vintage carsa 1923 Rolls Royce and 1927 Chevrolet on show - earlier owned by Kathleen’s father Des Chick from Wangaratta.
“My father restored the Chevrolet in the mid to late 70s,” she said.
“We had a farm and as kids we learned to drive in the car around the paddock before he restored it.”
Kathleen said her father bought the 1923 Rolls Royce in 1969 and used it as a wedding car for the family as well as for friends.
“I’m one of ve girls who had the Rolls Royce as our wedding car, and the ‘Chev we used for the bridesmaids,” she said. With a love of vintage cars Beechworth Old Cranks Motor Club member and retired engineer Linton Schier bought both vehicles last year.
Kathleen said Drive Back in Time was a fabulous event bringing people together with a common in-
terest of keeping special cars on the road.
“It also brings a whole lot of people into a beautiful part of the region,” she said.
“We’ve just joined the old cranks and the club prides itself not only on cars, but the social side is important to them as well.
“On Saturday, we went on a mystery tour to Whorouly along the back roads and were given a quiz as a competition where we had to read the clues.
“We jumped into a Mini Moke owned by a couple from Melbourne who generously o ered us a li and
we won the competition.
“We’ve had a fabulous weekend, and we’re so fortunate that my father’s two cars were purchased by Linton.
“The two cars are still local, and Linton asked if we would like drive them in from Stanley today, and we haven’t driven them for a long time.
“My father was one of the inaugural members of the Wangaratta Veteran, Vintage and Classic Car Club.
“He’s 95 years old, he will see videos of the cars and think it’s fabulous to see they’re still on the road.”
sister and brother-in-law Colleen and Craig O’Meara from Glenrowan with the Rolls Royce also used for their wedding car.
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
FAMILY AFFAIR: Geo and Wendy Woodyard have joined Drive Back in Time’s show and shine for 27 years.
INTRIGUED: Stanley’s Col Kid chatted to Beechworth’s Max Cowie about his 1904 Eureka motorcycle.
SUPER COOL: A motor enthusiast with a hot rod joined the cruise around town on Saturday. PHOTOS: Coral Cooksley
Stanley Art Exhibition draws creative community together
By CORAL COOKSLEY
PROFESSIONAL art summed up a recent exhibition ‘Round the Bends’ in Stanley by an artist taking up her brush again a er a busy few years teaching.
Stanley’s Leah Stephens, who recently moved to the small village, felt connected to community through showcasing her work.
“I was so impressed with how many community members were heavily invested and involved,” she said.
“It’s helped me get back into my own art practice.
“It gives you that sense of belonging to the local creative community.”
Stanley artist and coordinator for the regular event Janet Sutherland said the exhibition had been running almost every year since 2007.
“We started again a er COVID and we hope this group of artists will keep the momentum going to continue as an annual exhibition,” she said.
Around 40 creative works from 10 artists and other creatives included paintings, ceramics, textiles and sculptures in the exhibition held at Stanley’s Soldiers Memorial Hall.
The opening on Saturday, 26 April for the nine-day exhibition drew lo-
cal art lovers from Stanley and beyond.
Ms Sutherland said the exhibition gave local artists using all mediums a chance to have their work on show to the public.
“The exhibition was a fundraiser for the Stanley Hall and the Stanley Collective,” she said.
The collective runs the post ofce and the Stanley Hall with funds needed for maintenance.
Woolshed Valley artist and Beechworth Contemporary Artspace’s Nina Machielse Hunt opened the exhibition.
“Stanley, with just under 400 people are so creative and supportive of each other and these exhibitions are really important for communities such as this,” she said.
“There are not too many opportunities for artists to exhibit their work and the artists’ work hard, and it’s all voluntary.
“I’ve worked in other small communities, and it’s all about everyone getting together, and helping our creatives express themselves, because it’s incredibly vital for any community to give people a voice.
“It’s important for communities to come together, and it’s wonderful that such a small community can create an incredible momentum.”
Woman “didn’t know” shipping container part
PROPERTY owners in Violet Town were le confused when a stolen shipping container involved in a $90,000 the from Beechworth appeared at their home a er a weekend away, a court has heard.
Appearing at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court this week, a 53-year-old former Wangaratta woman admitted to
having received the stolen container a er it was found at the property she was house sitting for in mid-November last year.
The court heard two people entered a Flat Rock Road quarry worksite at Beechworth in the early hours of 16 November last year walking around stor-
age sheds and machinery.
A white Mercedes Actros prime mover with a long green trailer was caught on CCTV arriving at a weighbridge at 4:20am.
Around an hour later, the truck was seen leaving the premises with a shipping container on the trailer.
The court heard about
$80,000 worth of equipment including bearings, electric motors, shackles and spare parts were stored in the container, with the container itself worth around $10,000.
Police released images and CCTV of the truck with the stolen shipping container and alleged o enders on 25 November to appeal for public assistance.
Police found the truck used to steal the container was from a Wangaratta business, with CCTV showing a male o ender entering the company truck yard at 2:15am the morning of the o ending and leaving in the prime mover.
On 27 November, Wodonga investigators located the shipping container at a Violet
of $90,000 theft
Town address on Andersons Road and returned it back to the Beechworth quarry.
The equipment had been removed from the container and the property owners had no knowledge of the container or if it was stolen, having been away the weekend it arrived at their home.
The court heard the 53-year-old accused was house sitting at the Violet Town home and arranged for the container to arrive there, not knowing where it would come from.
She was arrested on 30 December, telling police she wanted to use the container for storage and there was nothing of value in there when it was dropped o at Violet Town.
Defence counsel Geo Clancy said his client was moving properties, now living in Wodonga.
Mr Clancy said his client admitted she should have made further enquiries about where the container was coming from before receiving it.
Magistrate Ian Watkins imposed a $900 ne and said while the defendant’s role in the o ending was of a lesser nature, she still played a part.
“The whole criminal enterprise relies on someone like you assisting the actual thieves,” he said.
One of the accused thieves alleged to have taken the container was charged and due to appear at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on 19 May.
Jackie Hayden Stanley artists Wendy McKayTaylor at the exhibition opening.
and Marie Salinger at the exhibition opening.
ARTISTIC: Stanley artists Leah Stephens (le ), Mary-Rose Riley (and exhibition curator), Janet Sutherland, guest speaker Nina Machielse Hunt and artist Lewis Monson at the recent exhibition opening of ‘Round the Bends’. PHOTOS: Coral Cooksley
SES volunteers giving back to community
By CORAL COOKSLEY
FOR Beechworth SES volunteer Chris Novak, shifting from Melbourne for a tree change to a small country town has given him a chance to give back to community.
Chris, with fellow volunteer Samantha Getty, spoke to community members and visitors alike at Saturday Beechworth Farmer’s market about the local SES role emergency service.
The volunteer-based organisation manages emergency response to storms, floods, tsunamis and earthquakes across the state.
“I enjoy the challenge and learning new tasks - things I don’t normally do in my dayto-day job,” Chris said.
“There’s training given and
and road crash rescue adding to their skills.”
Chris said learning new skills as part of the volunteerbased organisation added to his personal development and gave him more confidence to administer first aid in potential emergency situations encountered in everyday-life.
Samanatha said she loved being engaged with the community in her volunteer role.
ing person,” she said.
Beechworth SES controller Charles Dean said SES revolves around helping the community in emergency situations with the team as first responders.
“Being an SES volunteer is a chance to help people when they need it most and is a very immediate service to the community,” he said.
“It’s an essential service or our town and helps make our town more resilient.”
Charles said the operation with volunteers called upon runs around the clock all hours across seven days a week.
CHALLENGES: Beechworth SES volunteers Chris Novak and Samantha Getty spoke about the vital role of SES and volunteers at Saturday’s Beechworth farmers Market.
when you when you sign up as a volunteer, there is a certain pathway you need to go through with SES courses.
“Once people pass initial
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
training, volunteers are eligible to do some more specialist courses such as search and rescue, four-wheel driving, high angle rescue response
“I do tree jobs and search and rescue,” she said.
The volunteer enjoys the challenge of an all-hours call-out.
“I haven’t been on a search and rescue for a couple of years now, but probably the last one was up at Hotham just before it started snowing heavily searching for a miss-
“People also get to join a great team of communityminded people with social aspects as well.”
Charles said training is undertaken at regional headquarters in Benalla.
“We’re helping the community like other community organisations but in our case it’s in an emergency situation when people need it the most,” he said.
The local controller also said more people who volunteer would boost numbers for the local team, helping to share attendance at emergency situations.
“People are welcome to come along to 7.30pm training sessions held every Tuesday night at 1 Radcliffe Road, Beechworth for more information,” he said.
“We will be delighted to show them around and provide more information or we can be contacted by email at beechworth@ses.vic.gov.au.”
Nurse practitioner explains role at U3A next week
By CORAL COOKSLEY
INDIGO U3A (University of the Third Age) continues to boost its reach to people in the community catering for a variety of interests with new courses.
Exciting programs and one day sessions are now on offer to anyone interested regardless of age providing people are prepared to abide by the organisation’s rules and regulations.
U3A president Neil
Townsend said next Wednesday, 14 May is a one-off session for two hours from 2.30pm with local nurse practitioner Steve Voogt to explain what a nurse practitioner does.
Mr Voogt - a Gerontic Nurse Practitioner - with close to 40 years of experience in the healthcare sector in different specialisations has worked across Australia and overseas.
He has been a registered nurse practitioner for the
last 16 years following his extensive career as a registered nurse.
Mr Townsend said among new courses is a facilitated non-partisan discussion group about politics as well as mobile phone photography and another ‘Adventures in Photography’ for people with digital cameras.
Former mayor Beechworth’s Jenny O’Connor, facilitating the non-partisan discussion groups, said she loved talking about politics
and learning from other people about the topic.
“It’s not party political and just a generic discussion group where people from whatever viewpoint can come along,” she said.
“There’s a lot happening internationally and people are often interested in more than local politics and about how different systems work.”
Ms O’Connor said the sessions are for like-minded people with interesting discussions.
Mr Townsend said U3A now has 185 members with membership still climbing.
“With membership growth and interest there are more suggestions about what people want to do,” he said.
Courses usually run at the old Beechworth Railway Station 3B Harper Avenue.
For more information about U3A courses and activities as well as registration visit www.indigou3a.org. au or email courses.indigo. u3a@gmail.com.
ENJOY
CAPTURED INTEREST: Jenny O’Connor with some U3A members at the new weekly group discussion on politics.
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
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COWELL (nee Hill), Marie Louise.
14/3/1962 – 2/5/2025
It is with great sadness that the family of Marie announce her sudden passing on Friday, May 2, 2025.
Dearly loved wife of David. Loving Mum of Simon and Ebony, Matt, Daniel and Tahnee. Adored Nan of Phoenix, Monique, Jerimiah and Braxton.
There’s a place in our heart that is yours alone,
A piece in our life that no other can own. The tears in our eyes, we can wipe away, But the memories of you will always stay.
REED (nee Bristow), Olive Margery.
15/2/1928 - 27/4/2025
Beloved wife of Frank (dec) and mother of Jenny, Ken (dec) and Barb. Adored Gran of Lauren, Alex, Emily, Emma and Daniel. GG to Camden and Adeline. Our hearts are aching and we miss her so much.
Funeral on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 12.15pm at Wilson Chapel Springvale, then Box Hill RSL afterwards. Donations to Leukaemia Foundation in lieu of flowers.
FUNERAL NOTICES
COWELL
The service to celebrate the life of Mrs Marie Louise Cowell will be held in the Eldorado Memorial Hall, 94 Main Street, Eldorado on Friday, May 16, 2025 at 2pm. Burial will follow at the Eldorado General Cemetery. Marie’s service can be viewed via livestream at www.masonpark.com.au/livestreaming/ Mason Park Funerals 5721 5060 masonpark.com.au
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
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Beechworth set for Mother’s Day classic
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
INTRIGUE surrounds the TDFL match of the round this week as Beechworth host senior football’s reigning premier Yackandandah, desperate to get their season back on track.
The Roos have su ered from somewhat of a premiership hangover so far this season, winning their rst game last week in ve tries, while the Bushrangers are holding rm at second spot on the ladder.
While their form may not re ect the team that won 18 straight games on their way to a ag last year, Beechworth coach Jack Neil said his side will need to be at their best to come away with the four points this weekend.
“They’ve got to make up for a bit of lost time and they won’t be leaving anything undone,” he said.
“We expect it to be a really challenging game that will require us to execute really well to
get a win.
“I’m con dent if we play our best footy we’ll give it a red-hot shake, but it’s just one of those games where it’s a genuine 50/50, the team that turns up on the day will be the team that should get the points.”
The Bushrangers have bounced back with two comfortable wins following their rst loss of the season against KiewaSandy Creek last month.
A 10-goal haul from Lachie Armstrong saw Beechworth to a 154-point win against DederangMount Beauty and a strong second half propelled them to a 48-point win against Wodonga Saints last week.
Neil said the team had an opportunity to implement di erent strategies throughout both games.
“You don’t want to be arrogant in those sorts of games but you know if you play anywhere near your best you’ll go close to winning,” he said.
“It was just a few things we’ve
Pelgrim takes May Monthly Medal
By DYLAN POOL
ON Sunday Beechworth Golf Club held their May Monthly Medal for the men.
The winner of the day was Phil Pelgrim (16) with 66 nett on a countback from first time Sunday comp player James Dart (20) also with 66.
Coming in next with 67 nett was Dean Howard off a 13 handicap.
Nearest the pins went to Jacob Howard on the 10th and Dave Clark on the 17th.
Great to see Darty joining in the competition and we hope to see him often.
Next Sunday we know it’s Mothers Day, but why not fulfil your duties in the morning for breakfast or brunch and come on out at 12 noon for a four-ball event.
We would love to see some more come out and join in on a Sunday.
We know there are a lot of golf-
ers locally that either decide to play somewhere else on a Sunday or stay at home, and we would love to see you out supporting your local club.
been trying at training, di erent ways we might respond in a game whether it be slowing the game down or speeding the game up we just did regardless of the situation.
“It was good for us to see what it was like and learn a bit about di erent parts of our game.”
Neil said a er a slow start to his o season, Connor Stone’s class has started to come to the fore while mid elder Lukas Jakobsson has proved a consistent performer through the rst part of the year.
“I think over the last few weeks we’ve really grown on how we’ve played as a unit rather than relying on individuals to get a result,” he said.
Coming up this Saturday, the Bushrangers will be close to full strength, sweating on the tness of spearhead goal kicker Armstrong who was a 50/50 chance to play.
“We might have to nd other avenues to goal which could be a good thing, the last couple of weeks we played better footy when we weren’t really predictable going into the key forward all the time so it could be a good opportunity for someone to come up,” Neil said.
Across the fence, Beechworth’s A grade are o the mark in season 2025 a er beating the Saints 40-32 in a special milestone match.
Olivia Cavallin debuted in A grade at 13-years-old, and shared the goal ring with her mum, Rachael.
The Cavallins would convert 28 of the Bushrangers’ goals as a strong defensive performance elevated the team to its rst win of the year.
It will be an extra special occasion when the two closely situated rivals meet tomorrow with the Bushrangers hosting a Mother’s Day a ernoon tea at the commencement of the senior football.
A $10 entry fee will come with a glass of bubbles on arrival and a ra e to raise funds for Beechworth To Bridge will also be available.
Then a er the festivities of the day, football legend Kevin Sheedy will make his way into town to host a sportsman’s night at the Baarmutha Park club rooms from 7pm.
Tickets are from $40 which include a taco dinner and can be purchased via the BFNC Facebook page.
Young Beechworth dragon boat paddlers make history
■ From back page
Cindy Ellis and Brendan Maher were selected for the senior C team while Dorian Ellis with twin brother Aaron and Ethan Grosser have been selected for the under 18 team.
Julia said as the president of BDBC, she could not be more prouder of the paddlers, coaches, captains, sweeps, drummers, committee and volunteers in the club and everything they have achieved this season.
“Not only have we had a successful Auschamps regatta but for BDBC members to be selected for the Auroras is a tremendous honour, not just for the individuals but for the club and the Beechworth community,” she said.
Beechworth Dragon Boat Club training sessions are held on Lake Sambell.
The club welcomes new members of all ages and abilities to join them when the new season starts up again in August.
For more information or to get involved, visit https://www.revolutionise.com.au/ beechworthdbc/about.
International Regatta Centre.
PHOTO: Beechworth Dragon Boat Club
MAN OF THE MONTH: Phil Pelgrim took out the men’s May Monthly Medal in Beechworth last weekend.
TEAM EFFORT: Beechworth will need to bring their best against a hungry Yackandandah side on Saturday.
PADDLED HARD:
Young Beechworth dragon boat paddlers make history
Under 18s crew take out six gold medals at national championships, qualify for international event
BEECHWORTH Dragon Boat Club’s (BDBC) under 18 crew made history on multiple fronts at 2025 AusChamps held from 26 April to 1 May at the Sydney International Regatta Centre.
BDBC president Julia BrinsdonFarr said Beechworth’s young paddlers made a clean sweep of their events, winning six gold medals - claiming first place in the 200 metre, 500 metre, and 2km races across both mixed and open small boat categories.
“With just 13 athletes rotating through 10-paddler race formats, the team displayed exceptional stamina and teamwork,” she said.
“Many races saw tight and exciting contests with the highly competitive Sydney Zodiacs.
“The under 18 team was led by co-captains Liana France and River Scott-Crameri, whose leadership on and off the water helped drive the team’s success.
“Following their standout performance at the Auschamps,
the club expects to receive an invitation for an under 18s crew to compete at the 2026 International Club Crew Championships in Taiwan.”
Julia said this year marked the first time a Victorian club fielded its own full under 18 team at the AusChamps.
“Previously, junior paddlers from Victoria had to compete in combined teams known as ‘the Joeys’ alongside junior paddlers from other states,” she said.
“Until now, the under 18 division has been dominated by clubs from New South Wales.”
BDBC teams paddled to exciting success with the club achieving its most successful campaign to date.
Julia said a crew of 42 paddlers, coaches, sweeps and drummers proudly represented the club at the premier event bringing together the top dragon boat teams from across Australia and New Zealand.
“BDBC’s senior crews delivered strong performances, reaching two grand finals and three semifinals - a remarkable result for a regional club,” she said.
Adding to the celebration, Julia said five BDBC members have been selected for the Australian national dragon boat team –the Auroras – to represent the country at the World Dragon Boat Racing Championships in Germany in July.
■ Continued page 11
Beechworth Dragon Boat Club’s under 18 crew worked hard winning six gold medals at the 2025 AusChamps held in Sydney at the Sydney International Regatta Centre.
PHOTO: Medal Shots