FIRE truck sirens will buzz and tins will rattle when re brigades from Beechworth, Wooragee, Stanley and Yackandandah hit streets in their communities to collect for The Royal Children Hospital’s Good Friday Appeal next week.
Funds raised for this year’s 94th appeal will support the hospital’s vital programs, research and advanced equipment.
Beechworth brigade captain Travis Nicholson said the annual fundraising e ort holds special signi cance for local re ghters.
“The Royal Children’s Hospital provides vital care to kids from across Victoria, including many from our own community,” he said.
“As emergency service workers, we see rsthand how important specialised paediatric care is, and we’re proud to support this worthy cause year a er year.”
Brigade volunteers will be stationed throughout Beechworth’s town centre on Good Friday with their distinctive uniforms as they collect donations from residents and visitors to the town.
Mr Nicholson said fundraising tradition has become a cornerstone of the brigade’s community service over several decades.
“Members have faithfully dedicated their time at Easter to support sick children and their families,” he said.
“Even during challenging times like bush re seasons, our members have always made supporting the Good Friday Appeal a priority.
“It’s become part of our brigade’s identity and something we all look forward to participating in.”
Beechworth Fire Brigade encourage all local residents and visitors to give generously when they see re ghters helping to ensure the Royal Children’s Hospital can continue providing world-class care to Victoria’s children.
Look out for the big red trucks where volunteers can accept cash can or electronic donations can be made too.
■ Continued page 3
Anne Shanley with Matilda Collier on her knee, Graeme Weldon with daughter Chloe and Kaylor Collier with son Charlie at Saturday’s Storytime session at Beechworth Library. Story page 2. PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
Countdown to the Golden Horseshoes Festival begins
By CORAL COOKSLEY
FIVE passionate history
bu s dressed in colourful period costumes from a bygone era drew a great deal of attention when the cohort took to the streets on Saturday.
They were promoting the Golden Horseshoes Festival (GHSF) coming up over next week’s four-day Easter long weekend.
The free family friendly festival is set to draw thousands into the town between 18 to 21 April, certain to be full of history, entertainment and bustling markets. With the annual volunteer run event having di erent themes each year, this year’s festival celebrates ‘Cultures through Time’.
GHSF committee member Heidi Freeman said the festival draws on Beechworth’s history tapping into the Victorian era and the town’s Irish, Celtic, Chinese and Indigenous history.
“We have new bands joining and new cultures with the Filipino group from around the North East and Indian dancers from the region,” she said.
For the rst time a cultural stage will be on display from
Wodonga’s Bonegilla Migrant Centre.
Ms Freeman said local resident Kathryn Chivers, with her Chinese ancestry, had been wonderful in promoting Chinese history.
“We have a huge variety of activities from 9am until 4pm on the Saturday and the Grand Parade this year starts earlier at 2pm,” she said.
“We have all sorts of live entertainment for the town to enjoy and celebrate Easter again this year.
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YOUR OVENS AND MURRAY TEAM
“A wonderful group of volunteers has worked tirelessly to promote Beechworth heritage - an important tourism drawcard, and we hope that with continued local support and sponsorship, we’ll be able to do it again next year.”
Beechworth’s Ute Je cott has loved making the period costumes since her kids were little equating to around 30 years.
“I like sewing them and their history with the ingenuity involved in making
shapes that could hug a gure so neatly with fairly sti fabric that’s not stretchy,” she said.
Ms Je cott said the time taken to make costumes varies but usually takes around two weeks.
“The ones with ru es take longer, but I use a traditional ru er that ts onto machines that were available in the 1870s onwards when sewing machines came in,” she said.
“I do this for Beechworth
as well as for my own enjoyment and I like seeing friends wearing them and the swirling fabrics.”
Ms Je cott said it all started when her children were youngsters and asked how they could be part of a festival as there were many.
“I made them a costume, and people loved it, and they did too,” she said.
A well-known local, Ms Chivers said more than 10 shadow boxes with a variety of fascinating Chinese
items from Opera masks, lotus shoes to antique items have been used for history displays in shop windows around town.
History snippets have been included in displays among them some historical Oven and Murray Advertiser articles.
“The legacy of our Chinese pioneers is signi cant and like other cultures, understanding our past is crucial to moving forward,” Ms Chivers said.
From the Walk of Witness and a golden putter event on Good Friday, to the Grand Parade on Saturday, tapping toes to vibrant local music, listening to pipe bands, the Beechworth Old Cranks Motor Club‘s ‘show and shine’, face painting for the kids to an Easter fun run and everything in between - there’s something for everyone.
On Sunday’s agenda is the local Lions Club’s Easter egg hunt and a Dawn Service being held at Gorge Rock, while the Wooragee Easter market is set to draw a big crowd on Easter Monday.
For more information about the festival and program visit www.beechworthgoldenhorseshoes.com.au
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A MUCH-LOVED librarian read her last stories to youngsters on Saturday morning with many young families drawn to the monthly session held at Beechworth Library.
Beechworth Library’s Anne Shanley had worked with Indigo Shire libraries for more than six years before embarking on retirement this week.
The former secondary school teacher has always had a passion of working with children of all ages.
Among her librarian roles had been the storytime presenter at both Beechworth and Rutherglen libraries as well as running a variety of school holiday programs.
“I’ve been the luckiest person in the world to have had the opportunity to share my passion for stories, reading, literacy and cra and getting people involved and loving everything that we do in the library,” Ms Shanley said.
“Story times in particular have been sheer pleasure meeting little babies with their parents and introducing them to the world of books, reading and literacy and a love of language.
“I’ve seen many of the babies since they were weeks old and growing up to six-year-olds.”
Ms Shanley said the Saturday morning sessions are important for families to start on the road of appreciating language, literature, and developing their love of reading books.
“The session brings families together with socialising important for them too,” she said.
For Beechworth’s Bec Weldon, Ms Shanley had been a huge part
of her early motherhood journey.
“We adore Anne and our kids adore Anne too,” she said.
“We’ve been coming to the library since my rst my son, who is now three, was around one month old and rst meeting her when our mother’s group attended.
“For the rst year of Harry’s life before daycare we would see Anne on a Friday or Monday, and she watched our kids grow.
“Anne has seen their progression from crawling to walking to talking to singing, to jumping and playing.”
we’re going to miss Anne,” he said.
“It’s good watching the kids learn to interact with each other too and being a more con dent in a social situation.”
“Anne has always remembered our kids’ names and who we are.
“She has been incredible and valuable to us all, and we’ll really miss her.
David McMillan said his family had been enjoying the Saturday story sessions for close to two years.
“Our daughter Nellie not quite a one-year-old then, loved it and
Kaylor Collier said the Saturday sessions are great as parents who work nine to ve during the week see their children engage with other kids.
“There’s a sense of community and belonging, and you get to meet the other parents as well,” she said.
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
SIGNIFICANT HISTORY: Beechworth’s Kathryn Chivers with a shadow box to promote Chinese pioneer history and culture.
PHOTOS: Coral Cooksley
GRACEFUL: Golden Horseshoes Festival promoters last Saturday Helen Freeman (le ), Heidi Freeman, Ute Je cott, Cheryl Keylock and Linda Erskine walked around town.
Celebrating the Finer Things in Life
By CORAL COOKSLEY
NEXT week’s Easter Saturday is full of special memories for longtime business owners in Beechworth.
The day marks 35 years of trading for The Finer Things in Life run by Elizabeth and Steve Mason from when the shop rst opened its doors.
“That morning, we opened our doors to many wonderful years ahead and the town was bustling with excitement as the well-established Golden Horseshoes Festival was in full swing,” Elizabeth said.
“We had an amazing day’s trade - one which in today’s economy is considered a healthy one.
“We felt buoyed by our decision to open a much-loved business idea in Beechworth.
“Our life in Beechworth, raising our family, getting involved in many community projects and organisations has in re ection made us feel very proud, but also very privileged and grateful for
the support we’ve had over all these years.
“It’s not hard to become passionate about the extraordinary history we have in the town.
“A er digging into some family history, we discovered my great, great, great grandparents arrived here from Liverpool with ve children in 1853 to set up trading in Ford Street to the gold miners.”
Elizabeth said both her family as well as her husband Steve’s family have strong connections to Beechworth.
“Steve’s mum Valerie Mason was the rst female shire president (mayor) in Beechworth in 1974,” she said.
“The love and passion we have for our business is as strong as the day we opened, at a time when many of my colleagues are retiring,
“l feel blessed to have the opportunity to head to work with a great sense of joy.
“It’s a business that provides beautiful products to
the loveliest customers.
“We now have 10 little grandchildren who love poking around the shop, and our daughter has established a similar shop in Rutherglen.
“Maybe one day the next generation will take the reins.`
Among memories on the rst day of trade, Elizabeth
said people peeked through the window and knocked on the door on the Friday night before the store opened the next day.
market had been developed where people love what the business o ers with key ingredients of her love for both jewellery and customers.
the business direction with its unique products.
Elizabeth and Steve have been able to combine their love of travel and creative passion for the business.
“It gives us the opportunity to source from all over the world and we endeavour to have jewellery that’s not commercial and is unique which are our points of difference,” Elizabeth said.
“We carry some fabulous products and are the only store out of America stocking a unique range.
“We have many designer jewellery items hand-cra ed in Vietnam and I’m heading there soon to have necklaces made while we also go to Europe and England on buying trips.
By CORAL COOKSLEY
ORGANISERS have rated this year’s Bridge to Bridge (B2B) walk a huge success with 125 people from around the region and beyond taking part.
The cohort included committee members and volunteers to help run the event with walkers stepping out in a di erent direction for the rst time in seven years for the two-day event.
Walk, talk and support is at the heart of the annual event to raise awareness of suicide, foster conversations around mental health, and encourage connection and support.
Committee member Julie Banks said the revised format from a three-day to two-day walk had received great feedback.
The walk took to the picturesque rail trail with a 27 kilometre walk from Beechworth to Yackandandah on Saturday, 29 March and people trekked 20 kilometres from Beechworth to Everton on Sunday, 30 March.
A hop on and o bus option was also available for people to take a break.
“We were really thrilled with numbers and great participation and walked with familiar faces
and new ones,” Julie said.
“Numbers were up a little for this year.”
Julie said the walk was a chance for shoulder-to-shoulder conversations and it was not an endurance walk.
“We made our rst sale before we o cially opened the doors and that was a good omen,” she said. Elizabeth said a niche
The business also sells period style homewares but Elizabeth’s passion for vintage designed and handcra ed jewellery has given
“I look forward to going to work and we have wonderful sta that is important for business.
“As a tourist town we have lots of customers while we also have great support from the community.”
“We want to get the message out there about support and help people get the elephant out of the room and it’s a great opportunity to start conversations,” Julie said.
Julie said one of the highlights this year was a group of former police force members from Melbourne walking for the third consecutive year.
Another was two young men from CFA in Corryong walking to remember how many lives were lost from suicide in their area.
“We also care about our walkers and want everyone to be safe and had warm up sessions before the walks.
“It was great to see more than 100 people doing warm up exercises.”
The walk was also supported by two St John Ambulance volunteers who rode bikes.
Julie said there was a great team of committee members and vol-
Tins ready to rattle for Good Friday Appeal
■ From front page
Good Friday Appeal chairperson Penny Fowler said any fundraising e ort or donation big or small makes a di erence contributing to groundbreaking research, cutting edge medical technology and training for sta .
unteers with community support too including catering for lunches and morning and a ernoon teas.
“A few of us have participated since the walks started eight years ago too,” she said.
“The walk nished at the Everton Hotel where we ran a ra e, everyone talked and then headed back to Beechworth.
“Beechworth’s Alison Williams also volunteered to be the photographer.
“I think we make an impact and if we help one person on a walk we know we have succeeded.”
“Last year more than $23 million was raised by the appeal,” she said. Ms Fowler said this would not have been possible without the support of generous volunteers, fundraisers, donors and partners who spend countless hours helping to raise funds.
The Good Friday Appeal is committed to supporting The Royal Children’s Hospital in extending care beyond the hospital to improve health outcomes for all Victorian children no matter where they live. For the second consecutive year the hospital is investing $3 million to bring high-quality care closer to home for children in regional areas. For donations to the Beechworth Fire Brigade please visit social media pages or access the link tree at https://linktr.ee/ BeechworthFireBrigade.
SHOULDER-TO-SHOULDER: Walkers had a great chance to have conversations again in this year’s B2B walk.
VOLUNTEERED: Committee members Beechworth’s Robyn and Neil Funston giving a helping hand again this year at the B2B walk. PHOTOS: Alison Williams
SHEER JOY: The Finer Things in Life’s Elizabeth Mason loves her vintage-designed and handcra ed jewellery, homewares and her customers. PHOTOS: Coral Cooksley
A love of building community connections to make a difference
Georgia O’Connor
GEORGIA O’Connor grew up in Barwon Heads and moved to Beechworth 11 years ago with her husband.
What do you do workwise?
I look a er our two little kids and work part-time as a community wellbeing o cer for the Rural City of Wangaratta.
I also support my husband’s business Halliday Design.
What brought you to your role/ career?
I travelled eastern Europe in my 20s and became fascinated by the Roma communities there.
I started researching and understanding how centuries of discriminatory governmental policies had disadvantaged that community until present day.
I was fascinated by their resilience and enduring culture despite it all.
It led me to want to contribute positively to the development of my own community, to try and help li everyone in our community up.
What do you love about your work?
I love building connections with community members and working alongside all kinds of people motivated to make a positive di erence in our region.
What do you do in the community?
I’m the president and co-founder of End MND North East Vic and Albury.
We fundraise for Motor Neurone Disease, which is close to my heart as I helped care for a family member with the disease.
We support the Beechworth Football and Netball Club’s annual ice bucket challenge and family fun day and will be held on 31 May this year.
We also coordinate weekend away packages within North East Victoria which are generously donated by businesses.
We use the packages to fundraise and promote tourism in our area.
The latest package is an incredible weekend away in
18-month-old Alby.
Milawa – including donations from Brown Brothers, the Lancemore Milawa, and Henleys Wine Bar and Kitchen - which will be rst prize at the Rock O MND gala in Geelong on 24 May this year.
I do it because I love promoting our region and connecting the community, and I nd it healing to give back and try to make a di erence.
Is there an important community issue that you think needs addressing?
I think there are a lot of people in our wider region missing a
sense of human connection and purpose.
What would you do to solve change or improve that situation?
For those feeling lonely or socially isolated – small steps in building connections and interactions.
Whether that’s leaving the house for a co ee, striking up a chat with someone down the street, or volunteering with one of the amazing local community groups.
For those feeling well connected – being open minded and having time, respect and warmth for
everyone you encounter.
What do you see as one of the most important current world issues?
I worry about society’s obsession with mass consumption and the associated waste, environmental damage and human exploitation.
I wonder if we could reorientate towards a model that prioritises the environment and our health and wellbeing.
If the person you would most like to meet or knew, came to Indigo Shire or was already here, who would that be, what would you
Saturday and Sunday April 13 and 14
OFF-GRID LIVING FESTIVAL:
Chiltern. A weekend to celebrate and investigate sustainable living.
A great opportunity to meet industry experts (from many fields), discover hard-to-find and one-of-a-kind products, learn from unique craft people, watch presentations, engage in talks and connect with likeminded friends. Gates open Saturday 9am to 6pm and
show them, and why?
I’m inspired by severe burns survivor and athlete Turia Pitt. She has gone through unimaginable su ering and displays incredible resilience.
She’s into running and bike riding and I’d love to show her our rail trails.
What book are you reading?
‘A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived’, by British geneticist, author and broadcaster Adam Rutherford.
It’s about what DNA analysis reveals about human history.
Sunday 9am to 4.30pm. Visit www.offgridevent.com. au for more information and program.
Saturday 26 April BEYOND THE BENDS EXHIBITION
Exhibition opening at Stanley Memorial Hall. 3pm. Stanley artists are holding their regular art exhibition. This group of diverse practitioners has been meeting and exhibiting together since 2007.
This shifting group consist of ceramicists, sculptors, textile artists, printmakers, painters and some who will have a go at just about anything. To exhibit, artists need to be village residents or an expat with a past connection. There has been a lot of behind-the-scenes activity with a dedicated website where work can be submitted for consideration. Submissions must be made no later than the 17 April at the new website artistsofstanley. com.
BUSY: Beechworth’s Georgia O’Connor combines looking a er her children, working part-time and supporting her husband’s business. Photographed with her youngster
Coral Cooksley
Resource for carers launched this week
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A RESOURCE developed from a project outcome by Beechworth Health Service in partnership with other organisations launched on Tuesday is set to help unpaid carers in Indigo Shire.
The 28-page booklet known as the Carer Companion supports individuals and families in a caring role dened as people who provide unpaid care and support to family members and friends who have a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness, an alcohol
or other drug issue, or who are frail aged.
The launch held over this week at carer sessions took place at Quercus Beechworth Neighbourhood House on Tuesday and the Yackandandah Community Centre on Wednesday.
Another session with a launch of the booklet will be held next Thursday, 17 April at 10.30am at the Chiltern Neighbourhood House.
The booklet stemmed from the Connecting Carers in Indigo project funded by the state government - a carer-led co-design joint ven-
ture with Beechworth Health Service in partnership with Neighbourhood Houses in Chiltern, Beechworth and Yackandandah, Indigo North Health and Indigo Shire Council.
Indigo Carer project coordinator Tanya Grant said the launch across Indigo Shire drew people from networks beyond the shire as well as a volunteer from a carers group in Tallangatta.
“The Carers’ Companion was developed in the rst round of funding whereas this round is getting get it out there and giving it to car-
ers through the launch and letting them know it’s available,” she said.
“This resource is for any carer no matter where they live.
“We’re so proud of what we have been able to achieve, and the feedback has been so positive.”
Ms Grant said an art activity led by artist Lisa Bishop had been undertaken by participants at the launch as well as feedback sought about what they would like to see for carers groups.
Long time advocate for carer support and project
participant, Beechworth’s Lorna Nash said the companion was crucial for carers.
“Carers have to be organised and this is something where they can keep all of their information together in one place,” she said.
“As caring roles progress, carers will have information at their ngertips.
“This has been something our carers group has been hoping for over the years because it’s so important to have information in one spot.”
Beechworth graphic designer Fiona Larkings in-
volved in the design said the project had been exciting.
“We’ve been able to design something as a useful tool where such things as medical information, power of attorneys, wills and contacts are all in one spot,” she said.
Ms Larkings said if someone else needed to take over as the carer, the Carers Companion with a folder helps with the transition.
“It’s been really rewarding, and we have both a printed and digital version,” she said. For more information visit www.beechworthhealthservice.com.au.
Before you know it, your house is up in flames.
PHOTOS:
Lake Sambell chosen as new home for catfish
NEARLY 300 freshwater catfish are set to be relocated into Lake Sambell as the Victorian Fishing Authority (VFA) looks to continue the species’ road to recovery.
Victorian populations of freshwater catfish are continuing to grow with more than 25,000 of the native species to be relocated to new homes in the state’s north.
VFA chief executive officer Travis Dowling said the catfish have been moved from a large private dam near Lancefield and lakes at the Mallee towns of Hopetoun and Woomelang to 10 waterways and the VFA’s Arcadia Native Fish Hatchery.
“This effort follows three relocations of catfish in 2023 and 2024 from the Glenelg River in southwest Victoria to restore four new catfish populations in northern Victoria within the species’ natural range,” he said.
“We were then made aware of other populations of catfish that may be suitable for relocation, so our fisheries managers undertook assessments including genetic testing and found these fish would be well suited to a change of scenery.”
Fish from Woomelang and Lancefield ranged in size from three centimetres to 45cm.
Fish were moved to the Ovens River (580 catfish), upper Broken Creek (290), Campaspe River near Elmore (163) Phyland Lagoon at Gunbower (181), Beechworth’s Lake Sambell (290), Dunyak Moira at Merrigum (171), Harcourt Park Dam in Bendigo (165) and a dam near Upotipotpon (290), while 18 large fish were released into Sandilong Creek near Mildura.
Last week, an additional 23,000 fish were salvaged from Lake Lascelles at Hopetoun and have been taken to the Arcadia hatchery near Shepparton for genetic testing.
The majority will be released into suitable waters in coming weeks with around 75 mature fish
being retained at the facility for future breeding.
“Relocations like these can help fast-track the recovery of wild populations which means creating more recreational fishing opportunities in year to come,” Mr Dowling said.
“We’ll explore opportunities to produce catfish in years to come at
our Arcadia hatchery, which is being tripled in size thanks to a $15 million Victorian Government investment.
“This complements our work with the Arthur Rylah Institute to recover threatened species at our Snobs Creek Conservation Hatchery and we’re also building a Macquarie Perch Recovery Hatchery to return ‘Macca’ and trout cod
populations to their former glory.”
Freshwater catfish can only be taken by anglers from waters of the Wimmera Basin with a minimum size of 30 centimetres and a bag limit of two.
For more information on catch limits pick up a free Recreational Fishing Guide at a tackle store or download the VicFishing app.
POLICE will once again be out in force across the North East during April and are urging motorists to take extra care when travelling during the busy school holiday period.
Police are preparing for an influx of travellers hitting highways and major arterials, heading to holiday hotspots across the region.
The North East has been no stranger to heavy enforcement in recent times coming off one of the biggest Wangaratta-based operation in living memory from 20 to 23 March on the Hume Freeway, which saw 450 drivers detected flouting the law.
Despite lower-than-average road trauma experienced during March, which is historically one of the state’s worst periods for road trauma, police are urging motorists not to be complacent as April gets underway.
In April 2024, there were 17 lives lost on Victorian roads, with three quarters of these occurring on regional roads, including fatalities occurring in Boweya, Seymour and Mansfield.
Of the 17 lives lost during April last year, 11 occurred within 15 kilometres of the deceased’s address.
Assistant Commissioner, Glenn Weir, said last year’s road trauma insights were a stark reminder the risk of road trauma was always present.
“Whether you’re a driver, passenger or pedestrian, road safety is everyone’s responsibility and it’s up to all of us to play our part in making the roads safer,” he said.
There have been 75 lives lost on Victorian roads in 2025, equal with 75 at the same time last year, with more than half of this year’s fatal collisions occurring on regional roads.
The North East has seen a tragic start to the year on local roads, with recent police data showing five lives lost and 47 serious injuries recorded due to motor vehicle collisions.
Police will be prioritising road safety with several localised operations to be conducted in highrisk areas, culminating in a major statewide road policing blitz over the Easter and ANZAC Day period.
Operation Compass will see police highly visible and enforcing across the state’s roads, commencing on 17 April and running for an extended 10-day period.
For more information and tips for staying safe on the roads during April, visit the Road Safety page on the Victoria Police website.
Italian festival set
BRINGING together the best of the North East’s vibrant Italian culture, authentic food and entertainment, Myrtleford will once again host one of the longest-running and most anticipated regional Italian festivals, La Fiera, from Friday, 16 to Sunday, 18 May.
Over the past 17 years, La Fiera has grown from a small community celebration to an unmissable weekend where both locals and visitors can immerse themselves in traditional Italian food, wine, culture and sport.
Thousands of visitors head to Victoria’s famed High Country during the autumn months every year and La Fiera will continue to welcome them with the autumnal tradition of roasting chestnuts, which has long been a favourite for the kids, while adults will be sure to sample local Alpine Valley wineries, including Italian varietals such as Barbera, Teroldego, Sangiovese and Vermentino to name a few.
Kicking o the festival on Friday evening, comedian James Liotta will take the stage at the EMPAC Theatre for the rst regional performance of his show ‘Mamma’s Still Not Happy’.
Tickets for the show include canapes on arrival cra ed by Masterchef semi- nalist Elise Pulbrook and made with stunning local produce.
La Festa, scheduled for the Saturday, is a ticketed event which includes a full schedule of food from our ‘circoli’ (clubs), as they present authentic food from their regions, Trentino, Vicenza and Trieste, as well as wine and live entertainment.
“We’re thrilled to be back for our 17th year as La Fiera continues to grow, bringing new regional o erings and our biggest entertainment program yet for La Festa,” event organiser, John Reynold-Smith said.
“Entertainment is at the heart of any festival, especially an Italian one and we aim to have something for everyone.
“On the main stage we will have Siesta Cartel, Solo Antico, Top Shelf Duo, roaming artists and more.
“In Jubilee Park we will have the Children’s Hub with a full program, proudly sponsored by the Bright and Myrtleford Community Bank.”
The festival concludes on Sunday with Il Mercato, an Italian-themed edition of the Myrtleford Farmers’ Market, showcasing local producers with seasonal produce and artisan stalls, regional wines, food and Italian entertainment.
A cooking masterclass hosted by James Mele (The Meat Room) and Elise Pulbrook will also be on o er.
La Fiera also has so much more; starting Thursday, visitors can enjoy a range of events, including long lunches at wineries, Italian movie
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Kinder decision lacks transparency
INDIGO Council’s management of the agenda item relating to the Beechworth Early Learning Centre has shown that most of our councillors and the executive are unaware of the transparency policy that they developed and adopted.
Why was this item listed on the agenda?
What was the issue that required council to intrude into the operation of the kindergarten and the childcare centre?
Where was the basic information that would have enabled community members to reach a decision as to how they consider the two organisations should operate?
Where was the information on current numbers of children
attending the services, the capacity of the current facilities, the anticipated need for future accommodation and the nancial performance of both organisations?
Council presented the item as a “faita compli” (a thing that has already happened or been decided before those a ected hear about it, leaving them no option but to accept it).
night, a spirited La Fiera Cup soccer match, the Old School Museum ‘Migration Exhibit’ and this year an inspiring Billy Doolan art exhibition.
“La Fiera wouldn’t be possible without the support of its sponsors; Bright and Myrtleford Community Bank, Bendigo Bank,” Mr Reynold-Smith said.
“Their commitment to the local community helps bring this much-loved festival to life each year.”
“La Fiera is dedicated to making the festival sustainable which remains one of our key focuses, encouraging recycling, composting and the use of compostable packaging by all stalls.
“A er successfully introducing FOGO bins last year, we’re continuing to work with Myrtleford and District Landcare Group and the Myrtleford Community Garden to reduce our impact while delivering the best festival possible.”
For the full weekend program, additional details and ticket bookings to James Liotta’s show and to Saturday’s ‘La Festa’ event, visit the La Fiera website: https://la era. com.au/.
Council decided that they would no longer provide individual leases for the kindergarten and the childcare centre but instead would seek expressions of Interest for one organisation to lease and manage the Early Learning Centre.
The decision to have Alpine Children’s Services take over management of the Early Learning Centre with a ve-year lease is unacceptable and should be rescinded since council has given no information as to why the current arrangement should be terminated.
Council should work with the centres and address any issues that might exist and renew the existing leases or establish an alternative solution that will ensure both centres remain in Beechworth under the existing management. Support for community operations is what we expect from our councillors. Robin McLiesh, Beechworth
FESTIVAL
with friends.
PHOTO: Louise Benini
Indi pollies welcome PBS co-payment cap
By STEVE KELLY
THE Consumers Health Forum of Australia (CHF) has welcomed the reduction of the maximum co-payment under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to $25 from January 2026, a move that has gained bipartisan support from Labor and the Coalition.
CHF CEO Dr Elizabeth Deveny said it is a major win for Australian health consumers and something CHF has consistently advocated for.
“Every dollar matters when people are choosing between food, bills and essential medication, and this is a significant win for health consumers struggling with the rising cost of living,” she said.
“What we have heard from consumers ever since the rise in cost-of-living is they have had to choose between paying for essentials or filling their prescriptions.
“This will ease the burden for millions.”
Indi candidates for Indi from respective parties and the Indi incumbent also support the cost saving measure.
experienced a 179,391 reduction in Medicare Bulk Billing services.
“This means 179,391 doctor appointments where members of our community had to pay more to see a doctor now, than they did three years ago.
“This is a 8.4 per cent reduction in bulk billing across Indi, since 2022 when Helen Haines was re-elected and Labor came to government.”
MEDICATIONS MADE CHEAPER: Indi politicians welcome PBS announcement to cap co-payment at $25.
Labor candidate Mitch Bridges said “After nine years of Coalition damage and the worst health minister (as voted by doctors) since Federation, Labor is making great legwork in making lifesaving treatments available, but we know there’s plenty still to do”.
Liberal candidate James Trenery said a Dutton Coalition government will guarantee cheaper medicines and lower the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme co-payment to $25, in line with
Zamrznuti Tonovi / Sutterstock.com
its proud record of supporting a strong PBS in Australia.
“This will ensure Australians have more affordable access to the medicines and treatments they need, at a time when healthcare has never been more expensive,” he said.
“Labor’s cost-of-living crisis is forcing Australians to make difficult decisions about their health – decisions that no Australian should have to make.
“Under Labor and Helen Haines, the electorate of Indi has
Indi incumbent Helen Haines said people with chronic health conditions are often most vulnerable to cost-of-living pressures and reducing the PBS cap will make a big difference to their regular budget.
“When people avoid getting their medications because they can’t afford it, it not only impacts their quality of life but puts further strain on our health system,” Dr Haines said.
“As an Independent, I support good policies that work for Indi and this is one of those policies.
“We’ve seen a lot of ‘me too’ from the Coalition in quickly matching many of Labor’s election promises, so I was pleased to see them agree to this measure to give certainty to Australians they will receive this relief.”
Free comedy shows sharing a story of hope
A ONE-of-a-kind comedy show is set to tour the North East this weekend.
Murray PHN is funding four community events to help normalise conversations around mental health and encourage people to seek help earlier.
Murray PHN CEO Matt Jones acknowledged that men’s mental health issues often go unrecognised.
“We know that men are disproportionately represented in suicide statistics and there are a range of barriers that prevent them from seeking support.
“What we need are different approaches so that mental health is recognised as being just as important as physical health.
“Involving those with lived or living experience provides hope, through shared understanding and awareness,” Matt said. “Humour can also help to break down barriers.”
The free shows are being delivered by South Australian comedian and suicide prevention advocate Marc Ryan, who is also known as ‘The Beautiful Bogan’ after featuring on ABC’s ‘You Can’t Ask That’ Bogans episode - one of the most watched in the series.
Drawing from his own mental health struggles, Marc uses comedy to address the often-taboo subjects of post-traumatic stress disorder, severe anxiety, depression, and living with thoughts of suicide stemming from childhood trauma.
years has shaped his life.
While the topics may seem heavy and could be triggering for some, Marc’s performances blend humour with heartfelt stories in the hope of encouraging others to get the help they need and to remind them that they’re not alone in their struggles.
Marc says that living with mental illness for more than 27
“I’ve navigated marriage, fatherhood and fostering children while battling internal struggles.
“By telling my story, I hope to help others understand that mental health is an experience that many of us share.
“It’s time we remove the veil of shame and have real conversations to help with the healing.
“We need to be comfortable to talk about the tough stuff be-
cause it’s real and affects us all,” Marc said.
The performance is suitable for audiences aged 18+ due to containing strong language and discussing living with thoughts of suicide.
Event booking details are available at each venue.
If you are in an emergency situation or at immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, please contact emergency servic-
COMING SOON TO THE NORTH EAST:
Marc Ryan uses comedy to address the often-taboo subjects of posttraumatic stress disorder, severe anxiety, depression, and living with thoughts of suicide stemming from childhood trauma.
es on 000. Other services include Lifeline – 13 13 14 or lifeline.org. au or Suicide Call Back Service –1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au
Marc Ryan, The Beautiful Bogan will be appearing on 11 April at The Pavillion, Bright; 12 April at Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre, Wangaratta; 13 April at The Cube, Wodonga; 16 April at National Hotel, Bendigo.
PHOTO:
ACROSS
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD
1 Name the twin brother of Pollux (6)
7 Who was Augustus also known as (8)
8 What are some punctuation marks (6)
9 What is a cestoda (8)
10 Name the branched horn of a deer (6)
11 Which term describes hoof-like (8)
14 Lincoln is the capital of which US State (8)
18 Name a private in the Royal Australian Engineers (6)
19 Which aromatic inner bark is much used as a spice (8)
21 Who wrote Animal Farm, George ... (6)
22 What are mines of wealth (8)
23 When one throws, one does what (6)
DOWN
1 Which plant has tuberous rootstocks and nodding flowers with reflexed petals (8)
2 Name a US child film star, later a diplomat, Shirley ... (6)
3 What are platforms for public speaking (8)
4 To be above or upon, is to be what (4)
5 Which term describes frank admission (6)
Letters have a number
6 Name a hook-billed, fleshy-tongued bird (6)
12 What is the policy of a government to make more information about public affairs freely available (8)
13 What are rare green varieties of beryl, highly valued as gems (8)
15 Name a renowned US inventor, Thomas ... (6)
16 What is an airstrip known as (6)
Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
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.
17 What are swarming broods of progeny (6)
20 Which term describes a labyrinth (4)
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
CONTESSERATION
(a) The act of forming friendship or union (b) Joining together of timber (c) Transmission of a disease by direct contact
2 FURTIVE
(a) Raging (b) Stealthy (c) Timid
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.
Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.
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Residents are advised of temporary road closures for the following event: Golden Horseshoes Festival 7am-5pm Saturday 19 April 2025
Closed roads: Ford Street, Beechworth between Williams Street and Church Street Camp Street, Beechworth between Loch Street and High Street
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GLORY DAYS: THE 1982 BEECHWORTH O&K RESERVES PREMIERSHIP WINNING TEAM.
reserves O&K premiership team.
By DYLAN POOL
BEECHWORTH Golf Club held their last Twilight for the season last Thursday and had a great eld of 23 players for a cross country Ambrose event.
Amazingly the team of three were the victors, although we did let them play a fourth shot so it was fair.
Out of six teams there was only one shot that separated all of the teams.
The winners were Jason West, Simon Pfahlert and Greg Lee-Conway
with a nett score of 27.17.
Runners up were Phil Pelgrim, Daryl Rowe, Dave Clark and John Costello with 27.44 and in third was Jamie Dolny, Jarryd Pritchard, Rod Shaw and Tony Stockdale.
Nearest the pin on the 3rd went to Jamie Dolny, Brian Pritchard won the nearest second shot to the 5th green and also the nearest chip to the 16th green.
Kerin Rowbottom took home the butchers voucher in the ra e.
At the end of the night we crowned the champions of the season.
■ From back page “It’ll be great for spectators to see the lights in action,” she said.
The current day senior Bushrangers will be entering their clash against Kiewa-Sandy Creek full of confidence after taking down last year’s grand finalists
Beechworth to debut new Baarmutha Park lights
Chiltern last weekend.
Both teams enter the game as the only undefeated sides after two games into the season.
The Hawks are considered one of the teams to beat once again this year and they’ll have extra motivation to claim bragging
rights over former coach Jack Neil, who guided the Hawks to grand finals in 2022 and 2023. Gates will open at 12pm with the juniors getting underway from 12:15pm, with the A grade netball starting from 6pm and senior football to kick off from 6:15pm.
Lights out on big twilight season
It must be noted that 439 rounds were played over the 23 rounds, Andy Croome played the most rounds (22).
The encouragement award (worst 10 rounds) was hotly contested with Alastair Palmer coming second with an average of 13.3, but the winner was Jackson Wells with his 10 round average of 13.1.
At the other end of the scale, Andy Croome came in third place with his average of 19.2, Brian Pritchard was runner up with 19.3 and the champion for the 2024/25 season was Jason
West with an average of 19.8.
We must thank Rod Shaw for organising and cooking the BBQ every week, Jamie for the bar each week, Cat and all the other helpers on the course and Dylan for running the show.
Also thanks to our sponsors for this season Bridge Road Brewers, Alpine Indigo Accounting, Beechworth Bakery and CC’s Quality Meats & Smokehouse.
Without your support twilight golf wouldn’t be the success it is.
On Sunday we held our April Monthly Medal.
Eleven players were in attendance. New member Simon Pfahlert took home the medal with a great score of 80/65 to win by two shots from Phil Pelgrim (17) 67 nett. Ball winners were Dylan Pool (2) 68 and Zane Howard (19) 68. Dylan claimed nearest the pins on the 3rd, 10th and 17th, the other two went unclaimed.
This coming Sunday will be a Stableford event for those not playing pennant.
Also Good Friday is less than two weeks away, start getting ready for that.
Happy 35th Birthday
LIGHT IT UP: Baarmutha Park will showcase its new lights in a grand occasion on Saturday, celebrating five past premierships over four decades and two leagues.
BACK-TO-BACK: Beechworth claimed premierships in 2000 and 2001 in their final years in the O&K.
CHAMPION AT DUSK
Beechworth Golf Club honoured their Twilight Golf champion for season 2024/25, Jason West a er the final round of a successful summer season last Thursday.
PRIME TIME
Beechworth to debut new Baarmutha Park lights with premiership reunions and major milestone
PAST and present Beechworth Football Netball Club legends are set to grace Baarmutha Park on Saturday in what is set for an historic sporting night for the community.
Five premierships; four decades and two leagues apart are set to be celebrated as the Bushrangers host league powerhouse Kiewa-Sandy Creek in what will be the club’s rst home night game in its history.
Club co-president Emma Carey said the night would be a massive occasion for the town and the club was excited to showcase Baarmutha Park under dark.
BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au
Danielle Bell our canteen manager has spent hours planning with the crew to make sure we have everyone going and Dan Cooper has pre-cooked the burgers for us as the butcher in town.
“Bec West and Bree Chambeyron have spent hours putting together the volunteer roster for this one.”
Kel Clark, who was a part of the 1982 reserves premiership side as a budding 18-year-old, said he was eager to organise a celebration with his former teammates, having not had a reunion in the 43 years since.
“We’ve always talked about having a reunion and I raised it with the committee three or four months ago,” he said.
“The committee said they had never had a 2010 reunion as well, and it just grew from there.
“It’s pretty cool we get to use our lights, having a night game we’ll have a bigger crowd than normal which is exciting,” she said.
“We’re set for a ripper day,
First-time reunions will be taking place for Beechworth’s Ovens and King League 1982 and 1993 reserves premierships and 2000-01 senior premierships.
There will also be a reunion of the club’s most recent senior ag in the Tallangatta league in 2010.
“Some blokes haven’t seen each other for 10, even 20 years, it’s going to be fantastic.”
Beechworth’s back-to-back triumphs as the Bombers in 200001 broke a 21-year drought in the seniors before the club switched leagues in 2003.
The reserves’ 1982 and
1993 teams were the last two Beechworth reserves teams to win premierships in the grade.
In 2010, the seniors were able to break through for their rst premiership in the Tallangatta league a er falling short in the grand nal a year prior.
Carey said a large majority of the premiership winning past players were expected to be at the ground Saturday.
“Other people who have commitments during the day can still do their thing and then come,” she said.
Prior to the A grade tipping o on the courts at 6pm, a separate major milestone will be celebrated in the B grade with Coby Surrey bringing up her 350th senior match.
Surrey has been a pillar within
the Bushrangers netball scene since the club moved to the Tallangatta league, having had multiple coaching stints and mentored a majority of the current playing group.
A pre-game presentation will take place at the start of the B grade from 4:50pm.
The new $360,000 lights were erected at Baarmutha Park in August last year a er the club secured around $320,000 in grants from Indigo Shire Council and Sport and Recreation Victoria.
Carey said the committee were eager to mark the historic night game on a grand occasion, bringing forward the combined reunions in their home opener of the season.
