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Climate coverage

A NEW climate action platform launched in celebration of World Environment Day this week aims to allow Indigo Shire Council to accurately track and report on its efforts to address climate change.

‘Our Climate Action’ is set to create a public

BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au

interface to track, document and report on its climate action and goals, becoming one of the first councils in

Up to Worth of FREE Accessories

Australia to embrace the new software.

Mayor Sophie Price said the platform would allow council to demonstrate how it is embedding climate action into its activities.

“We are committed to ensuring a sustainable

future for the whole of Indigo Shire and we apply this lens and focus on every aspect of our decision-making,” she said.

We’re thrilled to be able to demonstrate this and celebrate World Environment Day with the

launch of this exciting new platform.”

Indigo Shire became one of the first Australian councils to declare a climate emergency in 2019, and has also set a net zero by 2035 target for the shire’s greenhouse gas emissions.

■ Continued page 2

FAREWELL: Beechworth Rotary Club president Larry Goldsworthy (left) and Rotary Club of Appin Park Wangaratta president Caroline Bernie (right) with Rotary Youth Exchange student Henning Goertzen from Germany at last week’s farewell dinner. Henning has spent the last 12 months in Australia spending time within each of the local communities. Story page 5.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

Shining a light on healthy eating

By CORAL COOKSLEY

HEALTHY eating and nutrition featured in presentations at a breakfast sponsored by Uncle Tobys at the Beechworth Men’s Shed (BMS) last Thursday.

Organiser BMS president Ian Smith said the well-attended event drew members from other sheds around the region.

Australian Men’s Shed events co-ordinator Marty Leist with Men’s Health Project Officer Stuart Torrance travelled from the NSW town of Newcastle for the event while Uncle Toby’s senior customer business manager Brendan Kearney tripped from Wahgunyah.

“Stuart and I travel around the country visiting Men’s Sheds and helping to organising events such as this one to promote the camaraderie in the Men’s Sheds by getting members together where they can have conversations,

share ideas and stories,” Mr Leist said.

Mr Leist said Uncle Tobys had been undertaking work in the Riverina as the organisation cares about farmers and their retiring workforce.

“What we love about Uncle Tobys is they are aware of their corporate responsibility to their workforce and try to

make connections for their retirees to the Men’s Shed.”

As the first breakfast initiated by Mr Smith, the association plans to take it on board as a strategy for other sheds to promote healthy eating.

“From this event Uncle Tobys intends to explore supporting other men’s sheds in the Riverina to do

Council launches new

a new venture in Beechworth for young Indigenous men from the Wadeye community in the Northern Territory.

Beechworth Honey’s Amanda Hausler delivered a fascinating account of bees, the 140-year-old family history of the business, and honey health benefits.

Beechworth Health Service

dietitian Prescilla Chan provided insights into healthy eating with an interesting quiz stretching from recommended daily salt intakes, standard drinks in a week to how many heart beats are there in a day (being 100,000) and everything in between.

the same thing,” he said.

Mr Torrance said Men’s Sheds are about community, reducing social isolation, getting guys together for camaraderie.

“We’re reaching out to them with health messages as we know diet and exercise are the main status for all health,” he said.

Urgent call

“We’re finding that we need to be healthier and while we know what we have to do, I think the message that we’re conveying to the Men’s Shed is the little things that they do to become healthier rather than a whole life change.”

Beechworth’s Luke Brock delivered ‘Welcome to Country’ as well as speaking about

Ms Chan said themes on healthy habits had been a focus on making small changes in eating habits that go a long way.

From a nutrition perspective some key messages had been focusing on wholegrain and plant-based foods, eating mostly fruit and vegetables and paying attention to alcohol intake.

for

O and A blood donors as flu season hits

By CHLOE JAENICKE

AUSTRALIAN Red Cross

Lifeblood is urging Wangaratta people with O and A blood groups to donate as the cold and flu season, combined with ongoing COVID–19 cases, has created a perfect storm for a potential blood donor shortage.

Around 2000 donors across Australia each week are cancelling or rescheduling appointments due to cold and flu symptoms, and it is expected to get worse in the coming weeks.

Lifeblood spokesperson, Shae Burns, said Lifeblood data shows that higher numbers of people are cancelling their donations due to cold, flu, and COVID–19 symptoms this year compared to last year.

“We are expecting those cancellations to increase

over the coming weeks so are asking people of O and A blood types to book a donation,” she said.

“More than 80 per cent of the population has an O or A blood type, meaning these are the types most needed by patients.

“O Negative is the universal blood type and is used to treat patients when their blood type is unknown.

“It‘s often stocked in ambulances and rescue helicopters to be used to treat trauma patients who can require huge quantities of blood in a short amount of time.”

Fewer than seven per cent of the Australian population is O Negative, making it one of the rarer blood types, however its versatility means it makes up 16 per cent of the blood

ordered by hospitals. To combat the seasonal drop in donors, Lifeblood has partnered with emergency services across the country to launch a blood drive to help secure blood stocks over the winter months.

“Emergency Service workers are used to coming to the rescue in times of need and emergencies, and at this time of year they will also help save lives by donating blood and plasma,” Ms Burns said. One blood donation is needed every 18 seconds in Australia, with around 33,000 donations needed every week to meet demand.

Make an appointment to donate at Wangaratta donor centre this winter by calling 13 14 95, visiting lifeblood.com.au or through the Donate Blood app.

CONCERTED EFFORT: Chiltern Community Hub’s new solar panels are part of a focused effort to address climate change locally.

PHOTO: Indigo Shire Council

COFFEE CHAT: Beechworth Health Service’s Kelvin Clarke (left) with Beechworth Men’s Shed members Hans Van Aken, Cliff Cousens and Joe Rinaudo at last week’s Uncle Tobys breakfast.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

HEALTHY TALKS: Australian Men’s Shed Association’s Marty Leist (AMSA) (left), Beechworth Honey’s Amanda Hausler, Beechworth health Service dietitian Prescilla Chan, AMSA’s Stuart Torrance and Beechworth men’s Shed president Ian Smith at last week’s Uncle Toby’s breakfast.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

LIFEBLOOD CHAMPION: Romina McEwan gave blood for the 20th time on Thursday, June 1 and encouraged others to give blood this cold and flu season.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Artists showcase work in Chiltern

By CORAL COOKSLEY

FOUR artists are showcasing their work in a range of mediums at an exhibition at Chiltern’s Old Court House from today until Sunday.

One artist, Beechworth’s Chris Dormer, said the showcase came together through a mutual friend Louise Hazelton.

“Louise was inspired to bring together emerging and established artists to share their work, experiences and interests,” she said.

“Paintings, print works, textiles and sculptures highlight how each artist explores the expression of colour, texture and form in various mediums relating to the environment and where we live in a myriad of ways.”

Chris Dormer – a printmaker and fibre artist - creates visual images around nature, the environment and the everyday.

“I often use selected materials sourced from the natural world and my garden, and then combine them with printmaking techniques to explore new

ideas in different dimensions,” she said.

Upper Murray artist Barbara Pritchard’s collection of work reflects her core values of respect for the environment by working with reclaimed and eco-dyed textiles to construct transcendent garments and contemporary sculptures pieces.

New governor of

“My large textile work, the statement by Indigenous activist and actor Shareena Clanton proclaiming her YES to the Voice referendum, is included in the exhibition,” she said.

Wodonga’s emerging abstract artist Serena Barry is devoted to expressing her love of colour and organic forms found within Australian landscapes.

Serena’s love for the picturesque countryside and its farming lifestyle often inspires her work.

Among awards Serena has received are the ‘Indigo Shire Youth Award’ for her abstract artwork ‘Ocean Utopia’ as well as ‘Young Artist’ for her artwork ‘High Tide’ at the Federation Art Exhibition in Corowa in 2021.

EMERGING: Abstract artist Serena Barry is devoted to expressing her love of colour and organic forms found within Australian landscapes.

Practicing art for 40 years, Louise Hazelton sees herself as an intuitive artist who uses various mediums, watercolour, oil, acrylic and metal 3D.

She occasionally uses flax leaf as a brush to break the brain brush fear.

With a basketing craze

for two decades, Louise also works with the strength and nature of fibre to develop various forms from formal baskets to random weave.

The exhibition is open daily from 10am to 4pm in the Chiltern’s Old Court House at 58 High St.

New local dementia care support pathways

NEW resources are available in the North East to support people who have been diagnosed with dementia or are experiencing cognitive decline, their family, and carers.

A two–page brochure and four–page information booklet detail where people can go for further help and advice and include a new online Dementia Directory.

The directory has been developed to make it easier for people to find trusted sources of information and advice.

However, early diagnosis is important to enable a person with dementia and their family to receive help in understanding and adjusting to the diagnosis.

It lists the contact details for regional assessment services and support groups, with information all in one place.

The booklet briefly outlines the process of getting a dementia diagnosis, initial and ongoing management options, and tips such

NOW AVILABLE: A two–page brochure and four–page information booklet detail where people can go for further help and advice and include a new online Dementia Directory.

as having a support person at appointments, taking notes and some questions that people can ask their doctor.

The resources, which

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have been distributed to local general practice clinics and council offices, can be viewed online, any time, at murrayphn.org.au/dementiapathways/.

Murray Primary Health Network (PHN) chief executive officer Matt Jones said people need to be supported to live well in their community for as long as possible.

“Current estimates show that almost half a million people live with dementia in Australia and as more people live longer, this number is expected to increase,” Mr Jones said.

“In times of need, it can be overwhelming for people to know where to go for support, which is why access to easy–to–understand information in a central location is vital.”

As part of this project, clinical management and referral pathways have been updated and training will be provided to support health professionals in caring for their patients with dementia.

Funded by the Federal Government, as part of the response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, these resources have been developed by six PHNs – Murray, Eastern Melbourne, Gippsland, North Eastern Melbourne, Tasmania and Western Victoria – in partnership with Dementia Australia.

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VICTORIA’S NEXT GOVERNOR: Professor Margaret Gardner is set to become Victorian governor on August 9.

For some people, there are barriers to diagnosis that can include the belief that memory problems are a normal part of ageing, the perceived stigma attached to dementia and fear about the future.

Learning from animal leaders in the wild

By CORAL COOKSLEY

EVENTGOERS at this year’s Winterwords Festival have a chance to hear how close humans are to other species on the planet and what can be learned from observing their lives.

Wildlife researcher, zoologist and former senior curator for more than two decades at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo, Erna Walraven, said leaders such as great apes observed in nature tells a lot about leaders seen in human societies.

Erna has observed wild animal societies in the field and in human care where she has been given a unique perspective on leadership in nature.

“I have examined wild leadership characteristics from lions to elephants, African wild dogs, meerkats, hyenas, gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos and many more species,” she said.

A conclusion drawn from her research is animal societies, and the individuals within them, thrive or fail by the quality of their leadership.

“We have evolved to have expectations of the type of leader we want to follow, and I saw this happen in animal groups I cared for, and drew parallels to human society,” she said.

Erna said she had settled

Obsessed with crime writing

By CORAL COOKSLEY

on zoology after having jobs in many different fields.

“I’ve always loved animals and found my lifelong calling,” she said.

Among a number of books written by Erna is ‘Wild Leadership’ published by New Holland in 2019, followed a year later by LangenMüller in Germany and the Delachaux et Niestlé in France in 2021.

A fascinating talk by the researcher will be delivered at the town hall on Saturday 24 June at 1.30pm. Visit www.winterwords. com.au for tickets, more information, program sessions and registrations where needed.

AWARD-WINNING author, playwright and screenwriter Gabriel Bergmoser from Melbourne will be among special guests at the fast-approaching Winterwords Festival in Beechworth later this month.

Gabriel, a crime writer, will be joining local crime writer Margaret Hickey in a 3pm session at the town hall on Saturday, June 24.

The author said he had been obsessed with crime stories since reading ‘Red Dragon’ at an inappropriately young age.

“I think a good crime book is like a roller coaster ride where you’re totally safe, but it can feel dangerous, like we’re getting up close and personal with something darker and deadlier than we’d probably encounter in day-to-day life,” he said.

“As somebody with a fairly normal life, I get a twisted kick out of writing wild, slightly implausible, blood-soaked yarns and I hope readers do as well.”

former senior curator at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo, Erna Walraven will deliver a fascinating talk about leadership at the Winterwords Festival.

Looking forward to joining Margaret on a panel, Gabriel said he imagines sharing many funny stories along with writing insights with the audience.

“Marg and I both have our third thriller novels out this year, so I can’t wait to chat with her about the process

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of keeping work fresh while still giving readers what they want,” he said.

Gabriel said it’s important for him not to downplay that writing is a tough job to be successful.

“Likewise, it’s making sure that aspiring authors know there is not some big

secret to getting published,” he said,

“I try to convey that talent is only one small part of the author equation as passion and persistence are far more important.”

“If there is a secret, it’s the combination of those two things.”

The writer said there is always a special vibe when different authors get together sharing their ideas and stories at festivals.

With an exhilarating experience coming up for the writer, Gabriel said he has loved Beechworth his entire life.

Gabriel said it’s vital for rural communities in continuing to host festivals where people have the chance to participate in fantastic discussions with authors.

“There are so many voracious readers in country towns who might not get the chance to head to Melbourne for author events,” he said.

Among his achievements, in 2015 Gabriel won the prestigious Sir Peter Ustinov Television Scriptwriting Award for his pilot screenplay ‘Windmills’ and was flown to the International Emmys in New York to accept.

Gabriel and Margaret will also chat about writing short stories as well as writing for theatre and film.

The Winterwords Festival with its 26 scheduled sessions around town and Stanley runs from Wednesday, June 21 to Sunday, June 25. Visit www.winterwords. com.au for more information, program sessions and registrations where needed.

Speed reduction in Beechworth slows down

By CORAL COOKSLEY

A 40KPH speed zone through the Beechworth CBD and some nearby streets which was slated to be implemented from the end of May has been delayed.

An Indigo Shire Council spokesperson said supply

chain issues have been experienced, with an unknown timeframe for the signage to be erected.

The speed reduction from 50kph to 40kph had followed a rigorous assessment process undertaken by council’s traffic liaison committee, which comprised of council of-

ficers as well as staff from Victoria Police and Regional Roads Victoria.

Indigo Shire Council’s Infrastructure Services director Ian Ellett had initially said in early April that council had anticipated the change would occur over the coming weeks.

to implement a 40kph zone through the Beechworth CBD have been hamstrung by supply chain issues.

AWARD-WINNING author, playwright and screenwriter Gabriel Bergmoser from Melbourne will be among special guests at the fast-approaching Winterwords Festival in Beechworth later this month.

PHOTO: Jack Dixon-Gunn

SLOWING DOWN: Plans

Broadening visions of the world

By CORAL COOKSLEY

ROTARY members from Appin Park and Beechworth packed out the local club house in Queen Victoria Park for a farewell dinner to an exchange student from Germany.

Supported by both Rotary Clubs, 17-year-old Henning Goertzen arrived in Australia close to 12 months ago where he stayed with host families – two from each club - over the year while also taking in secondary school studies.

In delivering an entertaining presentation with a wrap-up his of his time in Australia before returning to Germany on Sunday, Henning spoke of his many adventures as well his stay with host families.

Some travel around the country had been arranged by Rotary Youth Exchange Australia (RYEA) for inbound exchange students, while Henning also tripped with his host families.

Among adventures included Coffs Harbour, Phillip Island, Alice Springs, the Great Ocean Road and Torquay.

“On an RYEA trip we stayed in the Northern Territory for about 10 days and worked at an Aboriginal school where we helped renovate the garden, build benches and rebuild the

fire pizza oven,” Henning said.

“Among trips with my host families I was taken to the Australian Open too which was a great experience as well as going for a hot air balloon ride.”

Henning said the Rotary Exchange experience had been one where he met many people through the Rotary Exchange orientation as well as the other inbound students.

“People say it is the

world’s greatest youth exchange program and I agree with that from my experience,” he said.

With equivalent years in both countries Henning was placed in Year 11 when he arrived before progress-

ing into Year 12 this year, and will return to Year 12 studies when back in Germany.

Speaking fluent English, Henning said he still faced challenges at the beginning in classroom lessons where

he had to concentrate to understand conversations.

“As soon as I got the grip of the language it was just like being at school in Germany.” he said.

Beechworth Rotary Club president Larry Goldsworthy said two clubs working together on the exchange program worked well in making the exchange possible.

He said the Rotary Exchange program meant clubs could offer programs to young people in the community.

“Henning’s exchange here is reciprocated by us sending people overseas as well,” he said.

“The program is about increasing our understanding of the world around us.”

Rotary Club of Appin Park Wangaratta president Caroline Bernie said exchange students experienced diversity in communities as well.”

Stanley’s Emilie Vincent returned from a six-month Rotary Youth Exchange in Germany earlier this year.

With her family hosting Henning, she regarded the experience as an extension of her exchange in Germany.

“When I arrived home I had another three months with Henning where we learned from each other’s perspectives.”

FABULOUS EXPERIENCE: Appin Park Rotary Club’s Rotary Youth Exchange student Jemima Pizzini (left) for 2024, Exchange student Henning Goertzen and Beechworth Rotary Club’s 2022 Exchange student Emilie Vincent at last week’s farewell dinner.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

Local Kinder Kulture initiative shares stories

By CORAL COOKSLEY

PARENTS with their youngsters celebrated National Reconciliation Week at a Beechworth Library story session last Friday.

First Nations storytellers led the Kinder Kulture workshops, which were run with interactive and creative ways to learn about Aboriginal arts and culture at Indigo Shire libraries.

A parent Averil Halleur said listening to an elder had been beneficial for little people to have a greater awareness of First Nations people and their culture with their wonderful stories, while children were able to engage in activities including colouring in native animals.

Boandik Nations elder Aunty Marlene Plunkett from the NSW Riverina

town of Walla Walla, said the workshop meant youngsters became involved in learning about First Nations culture at an early age.

“Learning about our culture becomes normal as they’re growing up and we’re all friends,” she said.

“If you start teaching at a young age it sticks, rather than trying to teach it when they’re older.

“Parents get a lot out of it too because they can continue the teaching.”

Aunty Marlene said one of two books read had been by an Australian of the Year and former Aussie Rules footballer Adam Goodes who writes children’s books.

The Aboriginal elder spoke about artifacts as well as clap sticks, boomerangs, and native animals traditionally hunted for food.

“National Reconciliation

Week is all about education and getting everyone on board to learn about First Nations peoples’ culture,” Aunty Marlene said.

“If you teach young ones and then all the way through school their knowledge is reinforced, they know about who First Nations people were, they are still here, and how we go about our cultural traditions.”

Beechworth’s Library

Anne Shanley said the story time sessions give children the chance to broaden their horizons and to be exposed to different types of storytelling and books.

“We did some interesting crafts, and Aunty Marlene had lots of artifacts that children could touch and pass around, and it was fantastic to see them embraced it,” she said.

Celebrating National Reconciliation Week

By CORAL COOKSLEY

A WORKSHOP to celebrate National Reconciliation Week showcased youngsters’ skills in learning the local Indigenous Dhudhuroa language to parents at Montessori last Friday.

Dhudhuroa language teacher Kylie Giltrap said the sleeping language – a casualty of Australian history – is being revitalised.

“It’s an important thing for our kids to learn the reasons for it becoming a sleeping language and why it is now being awakened,” she said.

“This is reconciliation in action and is significant being a grassroots program as the language existed locally.”

Principal Ben Sockett said the language revitalisation program available

through the Victorian Education curriculum can now be studied in some schools from primary to VCE in Year 12.

“It fits with our school’s Reconciliation Action Plan which acknowledges the traditional owners of this land,” he said.

“Children have an hour lesson once a week where Kylie introduces them to the language and how to produce the different sounds, and we undertake outdoor activities as well in the program.”

Kylie also teaches the Dhudhuroa language at Wooragee Primary School, the first Indigo Shire school to introduce an Indigenous language to its curriculum program in 2018.

The program had been accessed through Bright P12 College where work had been undertaken with

the Dhudhuroa Waywurru Nations Aboriginal Corporation to deliver the program some years ago.

Montessori’s Dhudhuroa language program began in Term 1 this year.

A language reclamation program started more than 25 years ago through the Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages with research for a draft dictionary completed in 2008 which has seen the revival of Indigenous languages in Bright and Beechworth areas being undertaken.

More than 250 indigenous languages exist throughout Australia with at least 38 of those in Victoria.

A music workshop followed the Montessori presentation, and parents were also invited to view students’ artwork on display throughout the school.

Chain Gang pays tribute to local land

By CORAL COOKSLEY

A LOCAL mountain bike club joined in celebrations held around Indigo Shire for National Reconciliation Week last week.

Beechworth Chain Gang Club president Lynne Frerichs said the club’s junior ride program director Brendan Grigg delivered a moving Acknowledgement of Country.

“Brendan wanted to make sure we all paid our respects to the traditional owners of the land that we live, work, play and ride on,” Lynne said.

Wangaratta's premier audiology clinic

The president said around 25 to 30 adults every Thursday help 60 kids between the ages of five and 11 to learn how to ride bikes as part of the junior program.

“It’s such a huge and

amazing program and we ride on country every week,” Lynne said.

The club manages the Beechworth Mountain Bike Park located around two kilometres north east of the town as well as

Flametrees

The

CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: Some of the parents with their youngsters at last week’s library workshop - Meg Eutin with daughter Emile (left), First Nations elder Aunty Marlene Plunkett with Liana Beatson and son Lenny, Averil Halleur with daughter Esme and Jamie Bloom with daughter Juniper, and youngsters Matilda Collier (front left) with Eliza Beatson.

LEARNING: A musical workshop with music teacher Amber Vincent followed the Indigenous Dhudhuroa language one last week.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

which runs alongside the Murray to Mountains rail trail about five kilometres south west from the CBD.

club also shares management of the Indigo Epic Trail with Yack Tacks.

RESPECT: Beechworth Chain Gang Club junior riders paid their respects to traditional owners of the land last week. PHOTO: Lynne Frerichs

Calls for online vilification review

By RYAN MALCOLM

AN increased focus on extending anti–vilification legislation to combat extremism could limit the impacts of online discourse, and improve the welfare of minority groups, according to Northern Victoria MP Georgie Purcell.

In the wake of the Rural City of Wangaratta‘s postponement of the annual Rainbow Ball - which was set to be held last weekendamid “confronting commentary” and threats to disrupt the event circulating online, the Animal Justice Party MP said more needed to be done to combat a “concerning trend” of extremist commentary towards minority groups, particularly in the LGBTQIA+ space.

Local police and council officials elected to postpone the event, initially slated to be held at Wangaratta Turf Club on Saturday night, amid safety risks for those planning to attend.

“It‘s in line with a concerning rise in extremist commentary that is making LGBTQIA_ people feel unsafe in their own communities, and I think what‘s particularly sad in this case is that we know young people, particularly in regional areas who are coming out and working out who they are, can struggle the most,” Ms

Purcell said.

“It has real–life implications for them and who they fundamentally are as a person, and it goes to show why we need to invest more in not just queer services but also mental health services.

“We know that the people who do this are very organised and they‘re particularly organised online, and that‘s the concerning thing about the internet in that anyone, anywhere can make someone feel unsafe.”

In a statement, Local LG-

BTQIA+ advocacy group LINE Wangaratta denounced the actions of social media commentators, but thanked police and council for their support in postponing rather than cancelling the annual Rainbow Ball.

“Events like this aim to create a safe place for our young people to celebrate being their full selves,” the statement read.

“The threats of violence towards event organisers and LGBTQIA+ community members are completely un-

acceptable, and we remain committed to coordinating LGBTQIA+ events in our region and advocate for a safe and inclusive future for our fabulous community.”

Indigo Shire Mayor Sophie Price said the postponement showed there was still more to be done to promote inclusivity.

“Unfortunately, this demonstrates how much more work we ahve to do to create genuinely inclusive communities and why days such as IDAHOBIT, which we so

proudly celebrated a few weeks ago, need to exist to show we stand with our LGBTQIA+ community,” she said.

“As leaders, we need to continue to educate and advocate for better opportunities for our young people to feel safe, welcomed and loved, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.”

Ms Purcell said it was important the State Government worked to address online vilification, and noted MPs were still waiting to

hear the government‘s response to an inquiry into extremism in Victoria, which was commissioned last year.

The report, filed by the Legal and Social Issues Committee, tabled a number of recommendations, including exploring funding research investigating the links between extremism and family violence, anti–women or anti–feminist sentiment, and masculinity to identify opportunities for counter–extremism measures.

A government response was initially expected by the end of February.

“The majority of this violence and hatred is actually happening online now and I think we need to look at ways we can further protect people when they‘re using social media, when they receive emails or they receive messages,” Ms Purcell said.

“Attacks on these groups used to be in real–life and in the real world, but they‘re happening in the digital space now and we have to address it or it just becomes even more rogue than it already is.

“(A government response) is overdue and it‘s time that they did, because there are some very good recommendations that would help to protect people from this circumstance that has happened in Wangaratta.”

ONLINE PROTECTION: Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell has called on the government to review anti–vilification laws to prevent online extremism, following the postponement of Wangaratta‘s Rainbow Ball.

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 What is the vital principle in humans (6)

8 Name a French Protestant (8)

9 Which tablet of metal is set on a wall for ornamentation (6)

10 What is another name for an arthropod (8)

11 What is a formal opinion given (6)

12 Name the capital of Fiji (4)

13 Name one of the species of diminutive beings said to inhabit the interior of the earth (5)

16 What is a long lock of hair (5)

19 Asana is a pose in what (4)

21 What is an Australian banded anteater (6)

22 Name the 2011 Brownlow Medal winner (4,4)

23 Which term describes resources available (6)

24 A chipmunk is a type of what (8)

25 What is a set of correlated members (6)

DOWN

2 What is a knightly or heroic champion (7)

3 Name a celebration of a particular mass (7)

4 What are subjects of discourse, discussion, etc (6)

5 Name a small roundish citrus fruit used chiefly for preserves (7)

6 To belong to former times, is to be what (7)

7 What are sudden interruptions to the supply of blood to the brain (7)

13 Name a branch of applied mathematics (7)

14 That which is inauspicious or threatening, is what (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.

SUDOKU

15 What is something unpleasant to look at (7)

17 Which were the names of twelve kings of ancient Egypt (7)

18 To disturb or agitate suddenly by surprise, is to do what (7)

20 What describes historical records, generally (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:

Amount outstanding (7)

Arrangement (5)

Cathode ray tube (3) Closes up (5) Count (5)

Desiccate (3)

Expressions of awe (3)

Protective screens

Wept

Yards

QUICK THINK

Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

SOLUTIONS

Community reminded about fire safety

By CORAL COOKSLEY

MORE than 150 people chatted to Beechworth CFA members when the group promoted fire safety at Saturday’s Farmers’ Market.

As Victorians rugged up for the first day of winter last week, the state’s fire services have been reminding the community to pay close attention in the kitchen as cooking is the single largest cause of fire in residential homes.

Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) and CFA responded to around 900 kitchen fires across the state last year, with many the result of people leaving stovetops unattended.

Kitchen appliances need to be in good working order with the stove top, griller, oven, range hood and cooking area free from built up grease, dust and oil.

Most fatal fires occur in sleeping areas but most residential fires start in the

kitchen and over the last 10 years, 15 per cent of fatalities and serious injuries have still occurred from kitchen fires.

“Make sure there is a fire blanket in the kitchen as well as a fire extinguisher,” Beechworth’s CFA community safety officer David Garcia said.

“It’s a reminder about home safety at this time of year where wood burner flues and chimneys need to be also checked to make sure they’re clear as well as checking smoke alarms.

“Ensure mobile phone are not charging on soft surfaces is another key message.”

Mr Garcia said smoke alarms should be checked every six months, batteries replaced every 12 months with the alarm replaced every 10 years.

“Smoke alarms powered by a 10 year-long life battery should be in all bedrooms and living areas of home

and if affordable have interconnected smoke alarms,” he said.

“When any alarm activates, all smoke alarms when interconnected will sound throughout the house.”

Mr Garcia said the local CFA is recruiting too.

“I’ve only been in the brigade just over a year after a move from Melbourne two years ago, and it’s a great way to meet people in the town,” he said.

CFA’s Rohan France said woodfired stoves and heaters should have dry hardwood placed in them once a month, with the baffle remaining open.twice.

“That will burn all the creosote out of the flue and keep it clean,” he said.

Mr France said smoke alarms throughout the house are vital as most people have mobile phones, other electronic devices and battery chargers in bedrooms.

A passion for Beechworth

BROOKE Medcraft was born in Sydney and lived in the southern suburbs until a move to Beechworth two and half years ago. She returns to the NSW city every month but loves living in Beechworth three out of four weeks per month.

What do you do workwise?

While I work full-time for my husband’s Sydney-based finance business as the director of sales and client engagement, I also run “Russellbrooke Wine Tours” which is based in Beechworth, giving visitors to the town a chance to discover the scenic wine region of Beechworth, Bright, Rutherglen and the King Valley.

What brought you to your role/career?

When we bought our gorgeous house in Beechworth in June 2020, we had a fairly detailed plan to renovate so in January the following year, I began a new career working with my husband in his financial business as well as being able to start up the wine tour business where we can both now work from home in Beechworth.

nity event involving the whole town and people from all over the world to celebrate the art of drag. Our committee members are a group of locals who believe everyone has the right to live their best life regardless of colour, race, sexual orientation, age or creed.

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

June

STANLEY ATHENAEUM: Exhibition. ‘Stanley Pubs, Ales and Tales’.

Informative illustrated story panels and locally found objects convey the community.

importance and essential role of hotels during the gold rush era.

Visit the exhibition at the Stanley Post community hub (old Stanley school), Main Street.

Open Monday to Friday 8.30 - 10.30 am and 3.30 - 5.30pm, Saturday 9.00 - 11.00 am or by appointment - contact: 0458 606 922 or 03

5728 6702

Closed Sunday, Public Holidays and Red Code days

Saturday, June 10 and Sunday, June 11

WINE MAKERS OF RUTHERGLEN: Roam

Rutherglen Winery Walkabout) will showcase the region’s creative winemakers, progressive varietals and picturesque locations. For tickets, online brochure information, bus timetables and more visit www.explorerutherglen.com.au

Friday, June 16

INDIGO ATAURO ISLAND FRIENDSHIP GROUP: Curry night fundraiser. 6.30pm10pm. Baarmutha Park Function Centre, Beechworth. For details visit https://events. humanitix.com/atauro-curry-night-fundraiser

Wednesday, June 21

Stanley Landcare AGM. Stanley Memorial Hall. 5.00pm with BBQ following. BYO drinks. AGM includes a summary of the year’s activities and election of new office bearers.

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

What do you love about your work?

I am a “people person” and thrive on the company of others. I enjoy every aspect of getting to know new people, while at the same time, harnessing long term relationships. In my role as director of sales and client engagement, I’m responsible for maintaining relationships with our client base who in most cases are either at the end of their careers or already well into their retirement. Our business oversees the financial welfare of many people who have placed their trust in my husband’s financial advice business. The wine tour business gives us the opportunity of meeting people from all around the world. We are fortunate to be in a town where tourism is rife and there is a great deal of interest in our wineries which rate in the top one per cent in the world.

What do you do in the community?

I’m very honoured to be part of the Drag’d Out Beechworth committee, which is a queer positive, all-inclusive commu-

I recently joined the Chamber of Commerce committee which I’m excited about because we have so much opportunity in Beechworth to become one of the most successful towns in North East Victoria from both a commercial and tourism perspective. My biggest concern is that we will fall behind other competing towns for tourism if we don’t establish bigger and better venues for entertainment, accommodation and above all else, restaurants to cater to visitors.

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

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?

My dad, who passed away 15 years ago. Dad was a very traditional family man who would have loved the people in Beechworth, almost as much as we do. I think he would have loved the beauty of our gorgeous landscape and the incredible history that really separates Beechworth from all other towns.

What book are you reading?

‘End Game’ by David Baldacci, a book about international espionage.

FIRE SAFETY FLAGGED: Beechworth Urban Fire Brigade captain Tracy McVea (left), recent recruit Susan Reid, CFA community safety officer David Garcia with his seven-year-old son Archie and wife Claire at Saturday’s Farmers’ Market.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

PEOPLE PERSON: Beechworth’s Brooke Medcraft loves getting to know new people, harnessing long term relationships and meeting travellers from all around the world.

Brooke Medcraft, Beechworth

John & Christine Haddrick

2017 Holden Astra R Hatch Auto, REG (1JB6VS), 39,000kms,

PUBLIC NOTICE

Temporary Road Closures

Indigo Shire residents are advised of a request for temporary road closures for the following event:

• Rutherglen Country Fair

Sunday 11 June 2023, 6am - 6pm Main Street between Herrins Lane and the Douglas Street, Howlong Road and Murphy Street Roundabout

For further information please contact Creative Communities on 03 5728 8000 during office hours.

www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au

Phone: 1300 365 003

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

Numbers up for local ambrose golf event

By DYLAN POOL

IT was great to see such a strong turnout last Sunday for Beechworth Golf Club’s ambrose event.

Some 23 players went around in fantastic conditions.

We had quite a few visitors as well which was great to see, and also a few of our newer members playing.

The winners of the day were the regulars Jamie Dolny and Brian Cropley who paired up with visitors Wendy and Dennis Adams who are currently travelling around the country.

They had a great score of 55 7/8.

The runners up were the other team of four, which comprised of Jan and Dave Lang, Mick Deuis and John Sheehan who had 58 3/8.

They were then followed by Doyna Collins, Graeme and Dylan Pool with 59 1/2.

Xavier Palamarczuk, Dave and Mark Darwin (61 1/8), Stuart and Linda

McIntosh and Craig Beverly (62 2/3), and Andy Croome, Ryan Hayes and Peter Smith (67 1/8) also performed strongly.

The encouragement award went to Gail Smith, Nada Guyatt and Phil Pelgrim who had 69 2/3.

Nearest the pins went

to Nada Guyatt and Dylan Pool on the 5th, Xavier Palamarczuk on the 10th and Dave Lang on the 17th.

Sunday will be a stableford event.

Sunday, June 18 will be the Monthly Medal. while the top 8 will qualify for the matchplay championship.

Max out on everything

We will also play the 2022 Medal of Medals. The players for the Medal of Medals are Andy Croome, Dave Lang, Peter Smith, Jamie Dolny and Vaughan Saunders.

Congratulations must also go to Gail Smith who has had two wins in the

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Let’s not forget the All-New Amaraok’s impressive levels of new technology, premium exterior and interior styling, and excptional standards of comfort. When you drive a ute maxed out like this, there’s nothing you cant do.

Bushies’ back on track

■ From back page

“We had Parker Voigt play his first senior game and (he) played really well in defence, Angus Parker came up and played well up forward,” he said.

“It was just pleasing to see the blokes that do step up and play senior football play a role and play it well.

“It is difficult [managing the injuries] and it’s probably what has let us down (recently), that cohesion we’ve had with a regular side but we knew that when we went out recruiting that was how it was going to be and we had to work through that.”

Peter Jeffries (concussion), Connor Thornton (ribs), Jordan Eaton and star recruit Tristan Stead were among the withdrawals from last week, with some relief expected to come in the return of Billy O’Meara and Finn Jakobsson who will be available this week after coming off long-term injuries.

A trip to Wodonga awaits Beechworth tomorrow against the 10th placed Saints, with a chance to climb back within reach of the top two at the halfway point of the season with the undefeated Yackandandah and KiewaSandy Creek facing off

last two weeks in the women’s tournaments.

Gail won the B Grade at Yackandandah in the NEDGA Sandgreen Championships and then followed it up with a win in the B Grade at Tarrawingee last Friday in their bowl.

Carey said the Bushrangers are tracking as he’d hoped at the start of the year, with a top three finish in their sights.

“We’re hopeful our form can continue and we can turn the tables when we play the sides we have been beaten by in Kiewa and Yack again to hopefully have a strong finish to the season,” he said.

TEAM EFFORT: Sunday’s ambrose competition winners (from left) Jamie Dolny, Wendy Adams, Dennis Adams and Brian Cropley.

Bushies’ back on track

DESPITE a growing injury list, Beechworth’s senior footballers were able to land back on the winners list in style with a 101 point win over Dederang-Mount Beauty on Saturday.

The Bushrangers were forced into a number of changes due to injury after their last game against KiewaSandy Creek, with up to 10

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

players rotated from their side.

All eyes were on how the Bushrangers would start the game after having only kicked one goal in the first half of

their previous two matches.

But the Bushies’ rose to the occasion, quickly asserting their dominance with a six goal opening term while holding the Bombers to just the one goal in the first half.

Beechworth continued on their merry way in the second half with a comprehensive performance, winning 19.16 (130) to 4.5 (29)

at Baarmutha Park.

Co-coach Brayden Carey said it was pleasing to see the team make a fast start and put in a four quarter peformance.

“It was well-spoken about that we needed to start well and it was good that were able to; it held us in good stead for the rest of the game and we capiltilised in each quarter

from then on,” he said.

“We got back our onewood which is hunting the footy, especially in numbers, which we sort of pride ourselves on.”

Vice-captain Hamish Malsem stood up in the midfield with a best on ground peformance while team leading goal kicker Lachie Armstrong added

to his tally with four goals. Bayden Mom was also excellent in his first game in the seniors this season. Carey said regardless of the “terrible” injury list growing over the past week, it was exceptional to see the reserves players step up and immediately play a role in the senior side.

■ Continued page 11

NUMBERS AROUND THE BALL: Hamish Malsem and Degan Dolny lurk around the pack at Baarmutha Park as the Bushrangers reclaimed winning form over Dederang-Mount Beauty with a 101 point win.