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Ambulance lag

REPEATED calls to improve ambulance response times across Indigo Shire have seen little improvement, with recent data indicating urgent care patients are waiting almost 25 minutes for paramedics on average.

BY CORAL COOKSLEY ccooksley@ nemedia.com.au

Ambulance Victoria figures released last week indicated Indigo Shire’s average response time

for code one patients (incidents requiring urgent paramedic and hospital care) was 24 minutes and 43 seconds on average in the fourth quarter of 2022/23.

Ambulance crews were called to some 212 code

one patients compared to the 204 responses during the same period last year, responding 52 seconds faster on average compared to 2021/22. Response times for code two patients (incidents are acute and

time sensitive, but do not require lights and sirens) had an average response time of 48 minutes and 44 seconds, with paramedics attending to some 109 patients during the same timeframe.

■ Continued page 2

KNOCK KNOCK: Beechworth Lions Club president Iris Mannik (OAM) with club treasurer Christine Luckman and the heritage Lion’s head door knocker at the refurbished Gang Plate Layers Cottage. Story page 10.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

BEECHWORTH - CHILTERN - RUTHERGLEN - STANLEY - YACKANDANDAH

Sue Gold to fill council vacancy

SUE Gold has been named as former Indigo Shire councillor Larry Goldsworthy’s replacement, after the long-time councillor and one-time mayor resigned from council in June.

A countback for the vacant position on Indigo Shire Council was held by the Victorian Electoral Commission on Wednesday morning, with Ms Gold beating out Troy Dillon, Peter Watkins, Kate Sutherland, Sheila Rademan, Remo Parente, Frank McLoughlin, Neil Gerard Funston, John Harvey, Carol Lenaz and Geoffrey Palmer.

Ms Gold was given 48 hours to detail she still held the necessary qualifications to serve as a councillor, and on Wednesday afternoon confirmed she would be declaring for the position.

She said an official declaration was expected to be filed yesterday afternoon.

Ms Gold will be the second councillor elected to Indigo Shire Council on a countback during the current council term, after Cr Emmerick Teissl replaced former mayor Jenny O’Connor after she vacated the position last February.

Ambulance lag

■ From front page

It marked a seven minute and 21 second improvement on last year’s figures.

Despite the improvement, Indigo Shire’s average response time was the ninth worst in the state of 79 Local Government Areas (LGAs), with only 26.9 per cent of urgent calls attended within 15 minutes.

Ambulance Victoria’s official response time targets aim to attend 85 per cent of code one incidents statewide within 15 minutes.

Additional paramedics have been deployed across Hume region in the last month in an effort to curb ambulance response times.

The fourth quarter of the 2022/23 financial year was the state’s third busiest on record, with ambulances across Victoria subject to a 5.5 per cent increase in demand for urgent care.

Ambulance Victoria Hume regional director Narelle Capp said some 16 graduate paramedics had been recruited in the Hume region over the last month, in an effort to combat staff shortages felt across the state as a result of winter weather and subsequent staff furloughs.

The additional 16 Hume staff add to a 102-strong boost to paramedicine across the state.

April to June saw ambulances called to 97,509 code one cases statewide, which is more than 5000 additional ‘lights and sirens’ cases compared to the previous three months.

“This is a huge 29.3 per cent increase from 75,398 code one cases five years ago before the pandemic hit,” Ms Capp said.

Pushing for greater dementia awareness

By CORAL COOKSLEY

SHOCK after the death of 95-year-old Claire Rowland spurred a former local dementia educator into action to develop training programs for police and emergency response crews around Australia.

Mrs Rowland had lived in Cooma and died in hospital after being twice tasered by police in a nursing home earlier this year.

She had previously been diagnosed with dementia.

Rutherglen advocate for people living with dementia and their carers, and retired teacher, Penny Bingham, said greater community awareness about dementia is needed, and to build better training for aged care staff too.

“Our ‘Changing Minds’ carer support group based in Beechworth has been advocating this for the past eight years,” she said.

Ms Bingham ran two meetings last month to raise dementia awareness for first responders, where small g roups of representatives from local police, SES, Ambulance Victoria and healthcare organisations attended.

“People with dementia often have diminished capacity to communicate verbally and

communicate through their behaviour, and it’s about recognising that,” she said.

“Knowing how to approach the person, how to respond appropriately, and how to communicate is the essence of what I’m talking about in

the video workshops being produced.”

Ms Bingham has first-hand experience as her husband died in July three years ago from a dementia diagnosis he had battled for seven years.

She studied a diploma of de-

mentia care at the University of Tasmania to understand the condition and to support him.

Ms Bingham is set to produce three modules delving into separate topics with the first covering basic information about the brain, understanding dementia, statistics, recognising and responding to symptoms, and communication.

The second module looks at behaviour and distraction diversion strategies in response to behaviours.

“Keeping someone with dementia adequately engaged in maintaining their interests is vital too,” she said.

The final module covers risk factors, dementia prevention and links to support services as well as one to University of Tasmania for people who would like to pursue their interest and understanding of dementia.

Well-known aged care community advocate Maria Berry said an estimated 400,000 Australians live with dementia (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare) with the number set to climb.

“With Penny’s contributions across our region, her lived experience, background and knowledge, I can see no one better to do this,” she said.

Leading academics to support Voice to Parliament discussion

LEADING law academics

Kim Rubenstein and James Blackwell will join Independent Indi MP Helen Haines to speak to the Beechworth community at a Voice to Parliament Referendum information session later this month.

The session, hosted by Indigo for Yes, will be held at Quercus Community House on Ford Street from 12.30pm

on August 22.

It’s one of four sessions taking place in North East communities to enable people to hear a constitutional introduction to the proposed Voice to Parliament.

Professor Rubestein is a University of Canberra professor in the business, government and law faculty, while Mr Blackwell is a Wiradyuri

man and research fellow in Indigenous diplomacy at the Australian National University in Canberra. He is also a member of the Uluru Dialogue, based at the University of NSW, working to support the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

People wishing to attend the free event are urged to arrive early for seating and to bring

their own lunch, while question time will be available following the discussion. Indigo for Yes volunteers will also have event fliers and other information materials about the proposed Voice to Parliament available from the town’s kiosk near the Ford and Camp streets roundabout on Saturday, August 19 between 8am and 1pm.

PASSIONATE ADVOCATE: Rutherglen’s Penny Bingham is developing training programs about dementia for police and emergency response crews around Australia.

Locals pay their respects to fallen Beechworth soldier

By CORAL COOKSLEY

A MOVING service in Beechworth last week honoured the life of a young soldier killed in action in the Vietnam War as well as all Vietnam War servicemen and women who lost their lives in action during the conflict.

Australia entered the war in 1962, and withdrew its forces a decade later.

Paul John Navarre (formerly Crawley), 21, died on June 6, 1970 and is buried with his mother in the Beechworth cemetery.

The 11am service led by Beechworth Sub-Branch RSL president John Eldrid at Private Navarre’s graveside was part of the Vietnam Veterans Vigil held in cemeteries across Australia on Thursday, August 3 remembering the fallen.

Mr Eldrid directly addressed Private Navarre.

“We are standing here this morning at your grave to thank you for your service to your country and for giving up your life whilst doing what your country asked you to do,” he said.

“I want you to know that today, at this hour, there are people like us all around Australia standing at the graves of your mates who were also were killed in action.

“All around Australia we are saying thank you for your service and for the service of your mates.

“We want you to know that you are not forgot ten

that your sacrifice was not in vain. The world is a better place for the actions of every sailor, soldier, and airman from ANZAC times right through to today.”

Beechworth RSL member Alison Williams had traced relatives with Private Navarre’s niece Nicole Jenkins and her husband Tim Hamilton travelling from Melbourne.

The couple joined Vietnam veterans from Beech-

worth, Myrtleford, Bright as well as local community members for the service.

“Today recognised his sacrifice,” Ms Jenkins said.

Alison read a letter from Private Navarre’s sister Julia, who lives in Perth, where she had recounted fond memories of her brother as well as a visit from him when she lived in Beechworth before he went to Vietnam.

Ms Jenkins said Paul had

been a much-loved member of the family.

“My mother Denise was very upset about Paul going to Vietnam,” she said.

Nicole said Paul had been an influence on her brother Evan in Perth, who became a doctor as the young soldier had planned to undertake medical studies to become one.

Nicole said she had fond memories when young with Paul’s visits to her

then-Sydney family home.

“He’d give us a safe ride up and down the street on the back of his motorbike and was a cool uncle,” she said.

Beechworth Christ Church vicar Matthew Healy recited Psalm 23 and recommitted Private Navarre to God’s care with a prayer from Psalm 85.

Mark Stephens then played and sang John Schumann’s iconic song ‘He was

only 19’ about being called up for service and going to Vietnam.

For Stanley’s Bob Malone – a Vietnam War veteranthe vigil offered a special time to remember comrades who lost their lives.

Beechworth longtime resident Dorothy Ball had attended on behalf of her family in Melbourne.

Dorothy had known Private Navarre’s mother in Beechworth.

REMEMBERED: Private Paul Navarre’s grave with a wreath, flowers and wattle sprigs laid at last Thursday’s service.

PHOTO: Jamie Kronborg

HONOURED: Beechworth RSL member Alison Williams (left), president John Eldrid, Private Navarre’s niece Nicole Jenkins with Beechworth’s Dorothy Ball at last Thursday’s vigil held at Private Navarre’s graveside in Beechworth Cemetery.

PHOTO: Jamie Kronborg

New home-based salon ticks boxes for local hairdresser

By CORAL COOKSLEY

A DECISION to have a purpose-built home salon has paid dividends for Beechworth hairdresser Lucy Tozer.

A work-balance lifestyle beckoned Lucy as she had the perfect space for the new ‘Hair Construction’ premises in garden surroundings for her busy business with longtime valued clientele.

Lucy said the salon, which has relocated from near Ritchie’s IGA supermarket to 4 Dowling Court near the rear of the town’s Mitre 10 Hardware store and the historic Butt Butt tree, privately fronts the street for convenient access with easy parking.

Lucy has been hairdressing since she was a teenager, working on Saturday mornings and evenings in a London salon before taking up an apprenticeship there.

After a move to Victoria’s North East from the United Kingdom, the passionate hairdresser has run her business ‘Hair Construction’ in Beechworth for 33 years.

“I had a salon in Melbourne that I used to run as well and operated both until a decision to have children meant

I closed the city salon and focused on my Beechworth practice,” she said.

“I love being creative and am a ‘people-person’.

“I have such amazing clients that I feel like I’m catch-

ing up with friends every day.”

Lucy said she catered for all age groups.

“If I have elderly clients who are unable to come in, I visit them at their home and occasionally go to Beech-

worth Health Serve to help residents with their hair,” she said.

Over the years the hairdresser has supported her profession by engaging apprentices as well as helping

with secondary school work experience programs.

Lucy has two hairdressers – Raff Sampson and Anna Jenkins - sharing her salon too, and the trio tend to focus on different hair

Letter to the editor

care specialities.

“I seem to be most busy with hair colour and foils at the moment,” she said.

Longtime client Natalie Carey loves the new salon.

“It’s very homely and makes you feel comfy,” she said.

“I love coming here because it’s like a social visit as well.”

Always interested in helping people, Lucy has made time to be a volunteer where she recently finished a twodecade stint working with SIDS and Kids Australia, has worked with the Albury Wodonga FoodShare, and has helped with fundraisers for different causes.

Helping the homeless in Wangaratta with haircare is next on the horizon.

Lucy works Tuesday, Thursday and Friday each week from 9am up to 8pm with occasional appointments on Saturdays while Raff works on Mondays from 9.30am to 5pm where he offers walk-in haircuts, and Anna works on Tuesdays.

For appointments contact Lucy on mobile 0419 221 618, Raff on 0407 685 3766 and Anna by text (SMS) only on 0427 228 722.

Council elections leave food for thought

When it comes to the management of our shire, we have no alternative but to elect councillors who may or may not possess appropriate and relevant skills, experience and qualifications.

It is after all, a business that is both diverse in its activities and complex in the management of those activities.

In the case of Indigo, it is a $36m+ business.

Few other small or even medium size businesses, operate with such diversity and complexity with each activity competing for scarce resources.

Those elected may or may not do the job electors hoped they would.

None the less we continue with the same process every four years, sometimes to return to office again and again representatives who, as a council, the community may consider do a less than adequate job,

But what is the alternative?

Basically there isn’t one and so like sheep we continue down a well-worn track.

The recently passed Local Government Act (2020) enshrines the existing arrangement in certainty.

But how about giving ratepayers the choice of an elected council or an appointed administrator.

Why not include on the ballot paper an additional box where ratepayers can state their preference for an appointed administrator or continue to complete the ballot paper to elect councillors.

Yes…it would require a change to the Local Government Act but that is unlikely to occur without significant and wide spread support for an alternative.

Change will not occur unless there is debate and the canvassing of ideas.

Let us at least start the debate.

Geoffrey Palmer, Beechworth

SOCIAL: Beechworth’s Natalie Carey loves the feel of the new home-based salon for Lucy’s ‘Hair Construction’ business.

Photo: Coral Cooksley

Students connect with Indigenous culture

By CORAL COOKSLEY

EXCITED local primary students connected to Indigenous culture when a smoking ceremony opened a new yarning circle at Beechworth Primary School last Friday.

The special event celebrated National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day held annually on August 4.

Captivated children were all ears with many questions asked when Yorta Yorta, Dhungutti, Wiradjuri-raised man Jaara Moran from Directions Life Care in Albury spoke about the meaning of the smoking ceremony he had given, the yarning circle and more about Indigenous culture.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people use yarning circles to learn from one another, build respect, and share knowledge.

“A yarning circle is when people come together, and yarn about anything,” Mr Moran said.

“It’s been a big part of our culture for more than 60,000 years.

“I’m really glad that I’m here today as I never had this opportunity growing up at school.

“I’m very happy to contribute to the learning about First Nations cul-

ture and traditions for future generations.

“It’s a big privilege to be able to share what I know with the school kids, because they are the voices and future of this lovely nation.”

Mr Moran works mainly with Aboriginal children but his age range stretches from four to 50-year-olds.

Among his traditional stories were an emu dance with differences shown between male and female dances, showing possum skins that had been used to wrap and carry babies as well as a crafted wooden hunting club.

He also explained how outlines of emus could be seen in the night sky between stars.

Principal Susan McDonald said the circle edged with large granite rocks is set in a quiet space of nature among gum trees in the school grounds, and some classes will be held there regularly too.

“We can sit down with each other and being in a circle, no one has a stronger presence than anyone else, talk and share ideas, feelings and thoughts in a comfortable and natural setting (while) grounding ourselves with the earth and nature,” she said.

Ms McDonald said the school continued to strengthen recognition of

First Nations peoples on how they contribute to, and enrich society.

Two primary school youngsters Gunditjmara boy Cooper Surrey and Gunaikurnai girl Pyper Jennings helped Mr Moran design a yarning circle centre piece symbol soon to become a mosaic with its design theme about community and communication.

The design included a river depicting Woolshed Falls as well as outward

pointing triangles signifying people and voice.

A portable fire pit will be used within the area at times too while a native garden will be planted nearby to complement the yarning circle.

Ms McDonald said the yarning circle supported mental health, communication and belonging.

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day has been celebrated with all Australians for 35 years.

HELPING HANDS: Directions Life Care’s Jaara Moran being given a helping hand with a yarning circle symbol by Beechworth Primary School students Gunditjmara boy Cooper Surrey and Gunaikurnai girl Pyper Jennings last Friday.

Coral Cooksley

PHOTO:

CONNECTED: Directions Life Care’s Jaara Moran captivated students at the school’s first Indigenous yarning circle held last week.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

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Love for art rekindled through exhibition

By CORAL COOKSLEY

A LOCAL creative’s passion for art was reignited when given an opportunity to showcase work in a recent Beechworth art exhibition.

Beechworth-based artist Jackie Hayden is set to delve into more of her intriguing works influenced by her overseas travels.

Inspiration for her artwork included photographs drawn from living in Kuwait for two years as well as three years in Papua New Guinea in the mid to late 80s.

Jackie had been a primary teacher in international schools where she taught all subjects across the curriculum to children from various backgrounds and cultures.

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She travelled to Iraq a number of times between the IranIraq war and the Gulf War while living in Kuwait.

“I saw how difficult life had been for the Iraqis during the Iran-Iraq war,” she said.

ing, proud of their culture and pleased people were returning to their country.”

Jackie said her work had been inspired as a reaction to a quote from an Iraqi refugee after the Tampa crises and around the time of offshore processing implementation.

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“People really struggled, Saddam Hussein had sculptures of soldiers along the waterfront in Basra pointed across the water at Iran, and he was also rebuilding the world heritagelisted city of Babylon,” she said.

“Iraqis were lovely, welcom-

“I have empathy for people trying to escape to create a good life for their children and wanted to convey what I had seen in some way to help with awareness of their plight.”

Jackie said she returned to Australia to spend time with

her family before going to live in England when Kuwait was invaded by Saddam Hussein.

Living in the Victorian town of Castlemaine after her arrival back home she explored her creative side in dabbling with a technique developed after undertaking a print making workshop.

Intrigued with culture, religion, and dress of the two countries where she had lived, Jackie used photographs set on unique artistic backgrounds.

Among her methods she used acrylic paint on plyboard, polystyrene, printed writing, PVA to

adhere photographs, a mixture of PVA and water to secure and cover the photos as well as a mixture of paint and PVA to create the texture and lines applied differently to each artwork.

Works included photographs of children she taught, people in Egypt and Kuwait, and men in traditional dress at a Bagdad market.

Jackie’s exhibited three works were are titled ‘What’s the difference between me and you?’, ‘Look at me, Look at you’ and ‘It’s just the clothes I’m wearing’.

PASSION FOR CREATIVITY: Jackie Hayden’s work was recently showcased in Beechworth.

ACROSS

1 What is the bowl-shaped depression at the mouth of a volcano (6)

8 To leave one’s native country to settle in another, is to do what (8)

9 When one is becoming old, one is doing what (6)

10 Name the chronic inability to sleep (8)

11 When one rides a pushbike, one does what (6)

13 Where do some operations take place (8)

16 What are large outdoor fires (8)

19 Name a person with a high degree of skill in a certain subject (6)

22 Name a strong, lustrous white metallic element, symbol Ti (8)

24 What is another name for a stoat (6)

25 Which term describes religious ardour or zeal (8)

26 To struggle roughly, is to do what (6)

DOWN

2 Name a particular type of football (5)

3 What do we call a test of patience or endurance (5)

4 To record officially, is to do what (8)

5 What is a preference that inhibits impartial judgement (4)

6 To be punctual is to be what (6)

7 When one withdraws one’s labour, one goes on what (6)

12 What is a traditional social unit in Scotland (4)

14 Which term suggests a right of way (8)

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.

15 Name another word for a profligate (4)

17 Who “asked for more” (6)

18 Name a vessel for holding wine, or the like (6)

20 Which light shoes are used for dancing (5)

21 Which term pertains to the kidneys (5)

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD QUICK THINK

23 Name the mythological goddess of the rainbow (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

1 VESTIBULE

a) A room in which church vestments are kept

b) An entrance hall

c) A scarf on a pastoral staff

2 WIMPLE

a) Part of a nun’s dress

b) An instrument for boring holes

c) A willowing machine

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:

Ball holder (3)

Bush tea maker (5)

Emissions trading scheme (3)

Grab suddenly (3)

Noblemen (5)

Not artificial (7)

Of the nose (5)

Outcomes (7)

Produce an egg (3)

Scots English: potato

SOLUTIONS SUDOKU

Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

Pharmacist care pilot to alleviate GP shortages

PEOPLE will be able to bypass GPs and access a number of treatment options via pharmacists following the passing of a bill through Victorian Parliament last week.

Amendments to the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 have now passed both Houses, meaning that pharmacists will soon be able to treat minor skin conditions, reissue oral contraceptives, and supply medication for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs).

It has paved the way for pharmacists to become authorised prescribers as part of a statewide pilot.

Community pharmacists

can participate in the pilot through an opt-in EOI process and will have to meet certain conditions before they can start providing services, including mandatory training and an assessment of the facilities available at the pharmacy.

The Victorian Budget 2023/24 invested $20 million to establish the pilot, which is aimed to increase access to affordable and timely primary healthcare options from a trusted source.

The government expects the move to free up GPs to provide care to patients with more complex needs and reduce non-urgent presentations to busy hospital emergency departments.

Minister for Health MaryAnne Thomas said the pilot will test an expanded role for community pharmacists and will help Victorians struggling to get an appointment with a GP.

“Timely care is so important, even for basic health conditions, and this trial will explore the effectiveness of expanding the range of care pharmacists can offer to help Victorians access the care they need, when they need it,” she said.

The 12-month pilot will be evaluated with recommendations provided to government to help inform longer-term decision making around the prescribing role of community pharmacists.

CREATIVE: Beechworth’s Marcus Foley has had a life-long passion working as a gold and silversmith since his RMIT study days.

Passion for his craft

MARCUS Foley was born in Bendigo and with his partner Dore moved from East Gippsland to Beechworth two years ago this week.

“We love it here in Beechworth. As a child I spent a lot of time out in the bush at Kangaroo Flat near Bendigo where Crusoe Reservoir and its many water races were built during the gold rush to channel water to Bendigo’s goldfields. Similarly, here in the surrounding forests, there are many water races and gold diggings that remind me of my childhood,” he said.

PHARMACY SUPPORT: Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas (pictured last year) believes the new pilot will test an expanded role for community pharmacists.

Volunteer grants program opens for local community organisations

EXPRESSIONS of interest are now open for Federal Government grants of between $1000 to $5000 to assist eligible not-for-profit community organisations support the efforts of their volunteers by enabling the inclusion of vulnerable people and promoting volunteer participation.

Wangaratta-based Indi independent federal MP Helen Haines said the 2023-24 Volunteer Grants always generate strong interest locally.

The grants funding is

available for specific uses including:

• purchasing eligible small equipment for volunteer use;

• contributing to volunteer transport costs;

• training courses for volunteers;

• adapting practices to support volunteers’ safety;

• costs of background screening checks for volunteers; and

• activities that promote awareness of or increase participation in volunteering.

“In previous years, recipients of these grants have invested in first aid training, purchased iPads and sound equipment, and covered the costs of promoting and recruiting new volunteers,” Dr Haines said.

Details on the eligibility criteria and how to apply can be found at: helenhaines.org/resources/grants/volunteergrants-2023-24/. Expressions of interest must be received by 5pm Friday, September 1.

And for Dore, who is from Germany, the historic buildings made with heavy solid walls and high ceilings remind her somewhat of her homeland. The North East is unique and has so much to offer.”

What do you did you do workwise?

I have worked as a gold and silversmith since studying it at RMIT in the early 80s. Since the early 90s, Dore and myself have run our own studio, making jewellery and occasional hollowware. Although over the past eight years or so, Dore has transitioned to being an artist, producing wonderful paintings. Just me on the tools now.

What brought you to your role/career?

Like most kids I spent a lot of play time making things. Lego, Meccano, model balsa wood planes and more. Making stuff is fun. Tech school then was mucking around on lathes, fabricating aluminium and copper utensils, woodwork, and pottery. All very hands on. Years 11 and 12 were at Bendigo High School where there was a jewellery workshop and I spent most of my spare time there. The careers teacher put the RMIT goldsmithing pamphlet in my hand, and the rest, as they say is history.

What did you love about your work?

Still, after all this time, the biggest thrill is seeing the look on a client’s face when they first see their new piece of jewellery I’ve made for them. It’s a wonderful relief when they’re so happy.

Marcus Foley, Beechworth

What do you do in the community?

Since moving to Beechworth, I’ve not been able to take the time for volunteer work as our renovations to our home and studios have taken precedence. Back in East Gippsland I did spend a lot of time out in the bush digging and maintaining MTB trails. I am looking forward to helping on tree planting days sometime soon. Trees are life.

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

It would have to be the potholes, wouldn’t it?

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

Disinformation, both political and corporate is a terrible scourge. It infiltrates and distorts every issue that people face world-wide making every problem even more difficult to resolve.

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 mum. We sadly lost her 10 years ago and she would have been so happy to see what we have done to our building up at Mayday Hills. I’d take her down to Tanswell’s, and then, upstairs on the balcony have a couple of drinks to enjoy another beautiful Beechworth sunset.

What book are you reading?

I’ve recently picked up a new book from Beechworth Books ‘Be Mine’ by American author Richard Ford.

Gang Plate Layers Cottage shaping up

By CORAL COOKSLEY

THOUSANDS of volunteer hours have helped significant restoration work for the Gang Plate Layers Cottage in Harper Avenue, which is headed for completion around Christmas this year dependent on some additional funding.

Close to hitting a fouryear mark since works began, the project, which was instigated by Beechworth Lions Club, aims to provide a home base for local community organisations without one as well as for the Lions Club.

Local Lions president Iris Mannik OAM said the project had been considered worthwhile with its community benefits.

Works had been slowed by the COVID-19 pandemic interruptions.

Around $110,000 has been invested into the project from federal, state and local government grants.

“We are so proud of what Lions has achieved,” Ms Mannik said.

“And in particular with Christine Luckman’s many volunteered hours including

research, bargaining and bartering for materials and fixtures.”

Only one of three gang plate layers cottages left standing in the nation, club treasurer Christine said the cottage with significant history is believed to have been built in the 1890s.

The cottage now sports a fresh look recently painted with heritage colours inside and out as well as new carpets, kitchen and bathroom flooring laid.

Total funding so far has come from state government, federal government and Indigo Shire Council, along with voluntary labour from Lions Club members, discounted materials from local businesses, some donations of items from local community groups as well as working bees, and some individual donations.

With Boomerang Bags now without a home due to the sale of the building where they were housed, Iris said the organisation hoped to share a room with the Lions Club when the project is completed as both organisations work together on disaster relief projects

such as floods and fires.

The project was shortlisted in this year’s Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria (KABV) Sustainability Awards in the Cultural Heritage Category, which was judged last Friday.

Christine said from a heritage aspect, among items retained had been marine pine ceilings and a double distinctive corner fireplace with an interesting spiral chimney.

“We have replaced the front verandah which is perfect for the period of the cottage,” she said.

“We had a lot of trouble getting the floorboard timber.”

Christine said she found a heritage Lion’s head door knocker of the period from a second-hand outlet.

“We want the building to be environmentally friendly and economical to save on running costs for the future too,” she said.

The project has been a three-way partnership between Beechworth Lions Club, Indigo Shire Council and Beechworth Corrections Centre with help from its community work team.

IMPRESSIVE: Gang Plate Layers Cottage front with new veranda, roof, north side wall, and split system.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

Jamie Dolny continues winning form

By DYLAN POOL

LAST Sunday the August Monthly Medal was played at Beechworth.

Jamie Dolny has added to his medal from May, winning again with a score of 89/73 while the runner up was Andy Croome with 91/74 freshly back from his trip up north.

Andy also won nearest the pin on the 10th.

Four players also travelled to Cosgrove for their annual tournament.

Xavier Palamarczuk was the only player on the day to break 80 and won the A Grade scratch competition with 78 off the stick.

John Sherritt was done on a three way countback for the C Grade handicap

title with a 77 nett.

Graeme Pool won a prize he had never won before by claiming the B Grade longest drive and Dylan Pool won a ball in the ball comp.

It’s disappointing to see such low numbers at Beechworth on a Sunday considering how good the weather was, yes there were a couple away at a tournament, but it would be good to see a few more out supporting the club by either turning up on a Sunday or representing the club at other local tournaments.

Hit off time is 11:30am for 12noon.

You can play only nine holes at that time if you want to as well.

Having said that the St James tournament is on this coming Sunday and there are men’s and women’s events.

St James is only about a 50 minute drive from Beechworth so please support them.

We rely on our members supporting the other North East clubs, as they will support us when out tournament comes along.

Hit off is 9 for 9:30am shotgun start.

Last Wednesday the women played the August Monthly Medal.

Gail Smith was the winner with 77 nett, Deb Tully was runner up with 84.

Next Wednesday golf will be on again from 8:30 for a 9am hit off.

Pipped at the post

■ From back page

“We persevered and it was good in the second half to come out, turn it around and get it back on our terms to a degree.

“In the last five or six minutes our backline was under some pretty heavy pressure and we let one slip through, but you can only rebound so many attacks and we couldn’t quite cover every single one.

“We’re not too deterred really, we played a half of footy and we lost by four points, so if we can tighten up a few things we’re right in the hunt all the way.”

A strong midfield showing from Connor Stone, Tristan Stead and Hamish Malsem brought the Bushrangers back to life in the second half, winning more ball at the contest and nullifying the Roos’ lethal run and carry game.

With Kiewa Sandy Creek still undefeated, the top three teams are now almost certainly locked into position, meaning a mouth watering rematch is most likely set for

ROUND RESULTS:

NORTH East Bushrangers Basketball (NEBB) is a collaboration between local North East basketball associations with the commitment of “Creating Realistic Pathways for all North East Athletes”

Eleven NEBB junior teams compete in the Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) - the highest level junior competition in Victoria.

One NEBB Youth League Men’s (YLM) team competes in the semi-professional Big V competition.

Big V & VJBL consist of teams from both metropolitan and regional Victoria.

U14 Boys 1 Abandoned Ringwood 1

U14 Boys 2 38 def Whittlesea 4 30

(Top Scorers: Joseph Milton 14, Ethan Damon 8, Brock Buckland 7)

U14 Girls 1 47 def Diamond Valley 2 30

(Top Scorers: Ella Mercieca 23, Maisy Moscrop 7, Lily Purss 6)

U14 Girls 2 21 def by Whittlesea 2 27

(Top Scorers: Maria Hanley 5, Kaity Ford 5, Winnie Heffernan 4)

U16 Boys 1 64 def Camberwell 1 32

(Top Scorers: Dashiell Smith 15, Cooper Clark 12, Jett Milligan 8)

U16 Boys 2 34 def by Melton 2 46

(Top Scorers: Seth Graham 8, Lenny Lonergan 6, Josh Vearing 5)

U16 Girls 1 59 def Altona 1 46

(Top Scorers: Lily-Anne McClure 12, Indiana Phillips 12, Kiera Freeman 10)

U16 Girls 2 41 def Diamond Valley 5 28

(Top Scorers: Sophia Kotzur 12, Ebony Chapman 7, Elliana Gray 6)

U18 Boys 1 44 def by Dandenong 2 47

(Top Scorers: Lochie Harvey 19, Cooper Newton 12, Coen Ainsworth 8)

U18 Boys 2 52 def by Bellarine 80

(Top Scorers: Harry Stripeikis 11, Nic Watson 11, Jac Green 8)

the qualifying final in three weeks’ time.

Beechworth will be looking to send off their last home game of the season in style as they come up against the winless Wahgunyah tomorrow.

Cartledge said the focus will shift to managing their way through the next two weeks with their finals fate already sealed.

“This week we’ll be looking to give some guys who maybe haven’t had as many games in the seniors as they would have liked a bit of a run and rest some guys,” he said.

“The following week against Kiewa is looking like it’ll be a bit of a dead rubber as neither side would be going out to necessarily hurt each other so we’ll probably approach that one with a bit of caution and make sure we’re fit and healthy for the following two weeks.

“If we beat Kiewa in round 18 it probably doesn’t change anything, if we beat them second week of the finals, it changes everything.”

U18 Girls 0 Forfeit Diamond Valley 1 20 North East Bushrangers volunteers are a crucial part of the club.

BIG WIN: Beechworth’s Xavier Palamarczuk took out the A Grade scratch event at Cosgrove Golf Club last week.

INTENT: Bushrangers vice captain Hamish Malsem (pictured laying a tackle in round 14) was among Beechworth’s best at the weekend.

MAINTAINING FOCUS: Beechworth co-coach Tom Cartledge said the team won’t be deterred from the narrow loss to Yackandandah last weekend as they build towards finals, starting with their final home game against Wahgunyah tomorrow.

Pipped at the post

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

BEECHWORTH’S late comeback heroics fell short last Saturday, as the Bushrangers went down to Yackandandah by four points in one of the games

of the season.

Brayden Carey sent the home crowd into pandemonium as he put the Bushrangers in front for the first time in the match midway through the last quarter, erasing a

four goal half-time deficit.

A tense tussle ensued as the Bushrangers looked to hang on in a low-scoring struggle, before Roos forward Nick Donaghey kicked his third goal late in the game, which

proved to be the decider in the 7.10 (52) to 7.6 (48) thriller.

Co-coach Tom Cartledge said the team left themselves with too much ground to make up after a third consecutive one

goal half against a top-two side.

“The boys never gave up; we do like to back ourselves in as a second half side but we just couldn’t get anything to go our way in the first half,”

he said.

“We were a bit fumbly, dropped marks blokes usually take and it even came down to the luck of the bounce, it just wasn’t falling our way.

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