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More than 2000 art lovers embrace their wild side

BY CORAL COOKSLEY ccooksley@ nemedia.com.au

FOR local sculptor David Taylor, 800 people through the door at the ‘Beechworth Botanica and Animal Magnetism’ exhibition on Easter Saturday to see artwork like his was an outstanding number.

Mayday Hills Art Society (MDHAS) organisers have rated the fourth showcase held every second year running as part of the Golden Horseshoes Festival as another tremendous success.

More than 2000 art lovers visited the exhibition at the memorial hall, running over the Easter long weekend until last Friday.

David said after a varied career he took up sculpturing in steel after he retired.

“I get enormous pleasure in picking up steel and creating something,” the former Sydney sider said.

The self-taught sculptor said he moved to Beechworth with his wife two years ago.

“I’ve been sculpturing for around 10 years and I am inspired by the Beechworth environment, particularly with birds,” he said.

“Without any drawing I just pick up a bit of scrap steel and start creating.

“It’s been a fabulous exhibition, great for tourism and good to network with like-minded people in the art society which is a gem.”

MDHAS co-founder Christine Cansfield-Smith said 162 works were on show by 68 artists from the local area, regionally and interstate.

There were three special guest artists - wildlife artist William Ritchie from Newcastle in NSW, botanical artist Jennifer Wilkinson from Hobart in Tasmania as well as David Taylor.

“Exhibits were world-class quality,” she said.

Christine said exhibition goers came from far and wide, with some guests travelling from the northern rivers in NSW, attracted by the

wildlife category introduced two years ago.

The co-founder said the exhibition had grown by around a third for entries, with enormous interest in wildlife as a drawcard.

“MDHAS president Jennie Munday opened the exhibition and local musician Stephan Bulmer played a collection of Spanish music on his guitar to entertain guests,” she said.

BE FREE: Beechworth sculptor David Taylor with one of his works titled ‘Flying free’ at the recent Beechworth Botanica and Animal Magnetism exhibition.

Claire Mitchell

Cross-country cyclist to pass through the region

WODONGA cyclist Dan Owen is entering home territory more than 4000km into a 5471km journey from Fremantle to Sydney to raise money for Country Hope and support local kids with lifethreatening illnesses.

Dan, an IT worker at Mars Petcare, Wodonga, set off on the “Indian Pacific Wheel Ride,” with 36 other riders from across the world on March 16. He is one of only 9 riders left on the self-paced and un-supported ride.

Dan, who celebrated his 50th birthday last Monday, pedalled through Gippsland this week and will cross the mountains through Omeo and Falls Creek into the North East this weekend.

He has instructed wife Jo, an Albury nurse, not to visit as he passes through Beechworth and Yackandandah this weekend, as the temptation to go home could be all too much.

Instead, she will be waiting at the Sydney Opera house next week (another 900km up the road) to take him home.

But given Dan will be battling physical and mental fatigue and home sickness when he reaches the region, locals are being asked to come out and cheer him on as he passes through.

Dan’s location can be tracked in real time on https://ipwr24. maprogress.com/?n=2.

Dan has a $10,000 fundraising target, so he is hoping his epic ride will inspire people to give generously to help support Country Hope.

“Every donation counts and helps support families in need during their most challenging time in their lives,” Dan said. For more information about

Kelly Trials exhibition primed for opening

THE highly anticipated opening of the new Kelly Trials exhibition in the Beechworth Courthouse is only weeks away.

The opening will take place on Monday, April 29, when an official invite-only opening will occur in the morning, before it becomes available to the public from approximately 2:00pm onwards.

Visitors can expect a combination of traditional museum displays, original artefacts, museum signage and modern projection technologies to allow visitors to step back in time and experience these significant events.

The jointly funded project by Indigo Shire and the State Government has been in the works for around six years.

Originally the exhibition was set to open in November last year until asbestos was located in the building’s roof cavity.

Asbestos removal works were successfully completed in December and contractors re-engaged to complete the exhibition installation back in March.

Dan’s ride or to donate or follow his progress, visit his website www.countryhope.com.au/ ridedanride.

SETBACK: Plans have been delayed for the Yeddonba Indigenous Rock Art site rectification.

Yeddonba work plans delayed

By CORAL COOKSLEY

PLANS by Parks Victoria to start works early this year at the Yeddonba Indigenous Rock Art site in the Chiltern–Mount Pilot National Park have been delayed.

The site has been closed for around four years due to a number of structural defects identified and the elevated walkway and access to the art site remain off limits for safety reasons.

A Parks Victoria spokesperson advised this week suitable bids for the tender had not been received.

“We have to run with another procurement process,” the spokesperson said.

“The project to restore the walkway and conserve the Aboriginal rock art were originally forecast to begin in early 2024, has unfortunately been delayed due to not receiving suitable responses to our Parks Victoria construction tender.

“It’s important we get this project right, so over the next few months we’ll run another procurement process to find a suitable contractor for the project.

“Similar to the past tender, the upcoming procurement will look at a wide range of contractors, including businesses who operate in the local area.”

The spokesperson said Parks Victoria aims to appoint a contractor in mid-2024.

Tilley seeking Albury Wodonga Health documents

THE State Government has failed to provide critical documents related to the redevelopment of Albury Wodonga Health’s Albury Hospital, says Member for Benambra Bill Tilley.

In early March, his parliamentary colleague, the Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell demanded the release of all documents related to the planning and redevelopment of Albury Wodonga Health campuses, dating back to 2020.

The Documents Motion, supported by the cross benches, was passed in the upper house of the Victorian Parliament.

But the deadline to produce the documents expired more than a week ago.

Mr Tilley said it was symptomatic of a government that can’t handle the truth.

“They talk about transparency and inclusion, but they refuse to show us the paperwork,” he said.

“If the decision to redevelop the Albury site was based on mer-

DOCUMENTS MISSING: Benambra MP Bill Tilley said the State Government has failed to provide critical documents related to the redevelopment of Albury Wodonga Health’s Albury Hospital

it, they wouldn’t have spent a million dollars on another consultancy, they wouldn’t have needed to bury the

original Master Plan that recommended a greenfield build.

“The papers released in the NSW Parliament

showed the 2021 consultation was a charade, the choice of the Albury site – with all its pitfalls, pre-determined by bureaucrats.

“If these papers were to ever see the light of day, they’ll confirm this was a lazy decision based on politics rather than the medical needs of 300,000 people.”

Ms Lovell fears the full documentation will never be released.

“The culture of this Government blatantly disregards our democratic institution—the Parliament—and by extension, all Victorians,” she said.

“Last week we had the outgoing Ombudsman saying Labor has ruled by fear, public servants axed for saying what they thought.

“Freedom of Information requests are taking 10 months instead of 30 days.

“And despite the demands of the Parliament, we remain in limbo over the longoverdue report on the establishment of a second injecting room.”

EMBRACING THE RIDE: Wodonga cyclist Dan Owens will pass through Beechworth and Yackandandah this weekend on his 5471km journey to Sydney.

Entries for BAC’s Autumn exhibition are closing soon

By CORAL COOKSLEY

A PASSIONATE metal sculpture artist will be among many creatives with work on show at Beechworth Arts Council’s (BAC) fast approaching ART in Autumn exhibition next month.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural launch, the exhibition for local artists returns for a second season in the historical Beechworth Town Hall.

Murmungee’s Catherine Sonnemann is a cattle farmer with her husband where her free time has been taken up by her passion of metal sculpture for the last eight years.

“As a farmer I work with metal on a regular basis fixing farm implements such as gates and decided to use my skills - self-taught - to give myself some leisure time or hobby,” she said.

Catherine said her aim is to bring fauna to “life” in metal using blacksmithing/forging and more modern methods of working with metal.

“I love the medium of metal, where I can manipulate not so random pieces into something of beauty,” she said.

The artist said she can remember each moment for all her work taking on a personality.

In contact with many animal species including endangered ones both in Australia and overseas, Catherine said she decided to make metal representations.

“These may be the only true representations of these species in years to come in metal,” she said.

Catherine said she loves the liquidity of metal when in the forge, manipulating a hard metal recycled or upcycled from the farm to form something representative of soft like an animal.

Excited to be exhibiting her work next month the recently new BAC member said the showcase is a big exposure for artists as well as the event a tourism drawcard.

She said the arts council is a great place to network.

The exhibition will showcase

artworks across a wide variety of mediums including painting, print media and sculpture with some of the Indigo Shire’s most enduring and up and coming artists participating.

BAC president Darren Pope said the arts council has an open access policy with new local artists welcome to exhibit their artworks.

While preference is given to artists who live in Beechworth and Indigo Shire, he said artists from neighbouring regions are also welcome to submit works for consideration.

Beechworth Arts Council is In-

digo’s longest, continually running community arts organisation, celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2025.

The exhibition will run daily from 10am to 4pm from Friday, May 3 to Sunday, May 5 at the Beechworth Town Hall at 101 Ford Street, with an official launch on Thursday, May 2 at 6pm by special guest speaker Regional Arts Victoria chief executive officer, Jo Porter.

For more information and The ART in Autumn entry form with a deadline for submissions of Wednesday, April 24 visit www. beechworthartscouncil.org.au.

Smoke from burns could linger longer

PLANNED burns on public land will continue to ramp up across the North East over coming weeks.

And while conditions are ideal for burning, authorities are warning weather patterns may cause smoke to linger over parts of the state overnight and through to early morning.

A 24ha burn at the Beechworth Gorge is among burns planned over the next week or so.

Also planned are:

 84ha burn at Ridge Track near Glenrowan and 2893ha burn at Mt Emu at Tawonga;

 two burns near Stanley totaling 200ha; and

 burns at Eurobin Gap Track near Porepunkah and Barwidgee near Myrtleford.

Forest Fire Management

Victoria chief fire officer Chris Hardman said milder, stable conditions were ideal for the planned burns, which keep communities safer from bushfires.

“With the current favourable weather and forest conditions, we are dedicating all available resources to deliver planned burning,” he said on Friday.

“Reducing fine fuels such as grass, leaves, bark, shrubs and fallen branches means fires are less intense and slower to spread, making it more likely that firefighters can keep bushfires small and contained before they pose a risk to communities.”

Fire Danger Period to end across region next week

THE Fire Danger Period (FDP) for the Indigo Shire will finish at 1am on Monday, April 15, and for the remainder of the North East region in the municipalities in CFA’s District 12, 13, 23 and 24.

While restrictions are lifting in these areas, CFA still expects the grassfire risk to remain across the state, so Victorians need to be alert and prepared.

CFA Deputy Chief Officer North East Ross Sullivan said the mild conditions across the region with an increase in rain has allowed for fire restrictions to ease.

“With the wet weather looming, the end of the Fire Danger Period will be an opportunity for some

landowners to burn-off again before we hit winter, and for those in the agricultural sector to prepare their crops,” Mr Sullivan said.

“We’re seeing reduced fuel loads and those green shoots coming through, however residents should continue checking local conditions are safe before undertaking these activities.

“We may still see some days of elevated fire risk, so please monitor hot, dry and windy days.”

Landowners must still register their burn-offs, check weather conditions and follow local council laws, as well as EPA laws and applicable regulations.

“Registering your burn-off en-

CHANGE OF APPROACH: As the Fire Danger Period comes to a close authorities are ramping up their planned burns throughout the North East.

sures that if smoke or fire is reported, the incident is cross-checked with our register, which prevents firefighters from unnecessarily responding,” Mr Sullivan said.

“When conducting burn-offs, remain alert and always have resources on hand to extinguish the fire.”

Landowners can register their burn-off online at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au or call 1800 668 511.

If possible, landowners should also notify their neighbours and others nearby who may be sensitive to smoke so they can take necessary precautions.

Tips for looking after your health when there is smoke can be found on EPA’s website.

Keep your burn off safe and legal:

 Check fire restrictions in your area and always register your burn

at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au.

 Check and monitor weather conditions – particularly wind.

 To avoid unnecessary calls to emergency services, notify your neighbours beforehand.

 Leave a three-metre fire break, free from flammable materials around the burn.

 Have sufficient equipment and water to stop the fire spreading.

 Never leave a burn-off unattended – stay for its entire duration.

 If your burn-off gets out of control, call ‘000’ immediately.

Tips for looking after your health when there is smoke can be found on EPA’s website.

CREATIVE: Murmungee’s Catherine Sonnemann is excited to showcase her sculptures in Beechworth Arts Council’s (BAC) ART in Autumn exhibition.

Beware of poisonous mushrooms sprouting

HEALTH authorities are warning about the dangers of poisonous mushrooms, including death cap mushrooms and yellow-staining mushrooms, which occur in Victoria during autumn as the weather becomes wetter and cooler.

Victoria’s acting chief health officer, Dr Evelyn Wong, said that anyone who collects and consumes wild mushrooms of unknown species is putting themselves at risk of potential poisoning and serious illness, and that consuming a death cap mushroom may result in death.

In an alert notice issued this week, Dr Wong said that unless you are an expert, do not pick and eat wild mushrooms in Victoria.

“Children should not touch wild mushrooms with their bare hands and animals should be kept away from them,” the advice notice reads.

“Pets can develop a range of illnesses from eating wild mushrooms, including gastroenteritis-type syndrome to severe life-threatening disease and death.

“Dogs are more likely than cats to ingest mushrooms.

“Remove any mushrooms from

your garden before pets have a chance to eat them...wear gloves and carefully place in a bag and dispose of them in a closed rubbish bin.”

Mushrooms purchased from a supermarket, greengrocer or other reputable source are safe to eat, the notice reads.

Dr Wong said there is no home test available to distinguish safe and edible mushrooms from poisonous mushrooms, and cooking, peeling or drying poisonous mushrooms does not remove or inactivate the poison.

Death cap mushrooms

Death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides) are extremely poisonous and consuming just one mushroom can kill an adult.

Symptoms of poisoning by death cap mushrooms can include violent stomach pains, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Even if initial symptoms subside serious liver damage may have occurred that may result in death.

These mushrooms grow under oak trees and the caps are 40-160 mm in diameter.

The cap ranges in colour from pale yellow-green to olive brown and the

CARVING UP HISTORY OF THE HALL

THE design and construction of Beechworth’s town hall interior will be the focus of the first of three National Trust Australian Heritage Festival events in Beechworth between April 20 and May 12.

Independent heritage adviser Deborah Kemp and Beechworth History and Heritage chair Jamie Kronborg will present a Saturday afternoon talk in the town hall on April 20.

The talks will explore if Beechworth’s colonial architects and builders were influenced by the Scottish-born Adam brothers’ sophisticated Neoclassical style.

“In 1859 and 1860, Scottish builders raised Beechworth’s town hall in coursed granite and created its superb neoclassical interior entirely from wood,” Mr Kronborg said.

“With Deborah’s expert help, we’ll walk people through why the hall is unique.

“It was an extraordinary administrative building on the Ovens goldfield when it was commissioned and its remarkable interior

can tell us so much. “We’ll discuss its exacting Neoclassical design and how the wooden interior and its fine embellishments were likely created. “We’ll then delve into the tantalising possibility that its architect-builder brothers drew inspiration from their own knowledge of the work of Robert and James Adam, who defined Neoclassical style in 18th century Britain.

“Those attending will also hear live music played by Sandra Williams on the hall’s midnineteenth century English-built chamber organ, first installed in 1886 and reinstalled in 2018, and share afternoon tea.”

The talk will start at 2pm in the town hall at 103 Ford Street.

Tickets at $10 adult and $8 concession will be available at the door (cash only).

Proceeds will go to the National Trust.

Go to https:// www.nationaltrust. org.au/ahf_event/ wood-and-wonderneoclassicism-incolonial-beechworth/ or call or text 0409 912 967 for more information.

‘cultivated mushrooms’ (Agaricus bisporus) and to edible wild mushrooms such as the field mushroom (Agaricus campestris).

In urban areas the yellow-staining mushroom is unfortunately much more common than edible mushrooms. It can grow in large troops in lawns and gardens.

Emergency help

People should urgently attend an emergency department if they believe they’ve eaten a poisonous mushroom.

Digital driver licences to be rolled out

VICTORIANS will soon have the option to carry their driver’s licence on their phone.

ridges on the underside of the cap are white.

The base of the stem has a membrane ‘cup’.

Yellow-staining mushrooms

The yellow-staining mushroom (Agaricus xanthodermus) is the cause of most poisonings due to ingestion of wild fungi in Victoria.

Consuming yellow-staining mushrooms causes nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting.

The severity of symptoms varies with the amount eaten.

This mushroom looks very similar to regular purchased mushrooms or

They should also take any remaining mushrooms with them for identification.

In most cases, the sooner treatment can begin, the better the outcome...do not wait for symptoms to occur before seeking medical attention.

Contact the Victorian Poisons Information Centre immediately on 13 11 26 (24 hours a day, seven days a week, Australia wide).

Keep and photograph a sample of the mushroom that was consumed to share with the Victorian Poisons Information Centre for expert identification of the mushroom.

RARE BUILD:THE design and construction of Beechworth’s town hall interior will be the focus of the first

After a successful trial in Ballarat, the State Government’s digital driver licenses will begin rolling out across the state next month.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne and Minister for Government Services Gabrielle Williams said consultation is ramping up this month with organisations that rely on photo identification including bars, restaurants, retailers, Victoria Police, and Australia Post to ensure they’re prepared for the rollout.

Minister Horne said that in May, more than 4.5 million Victorians who are fully licenced drivers, motorcyclists, or heavy vehicle operators will be the first eligible to download digital driver’s licences as part of the statewide launch.

She said digital licences have undergone rigorous privacy and security testing, boasting features like a dynamic hologram and a timed QR code that businesses and authorities can scan to verify authenticity and prevent fraudulent use.

The licences can also be updated in real-time if there are changes to licence conditions or personal information like home addresses.

Victorians who have downloaded either the VicRoads or Services Victoria app will automatically receive their digital licence through their app once it has been processed in May and will be alerted either by push notification or email.

Learners and probationary licence holders will be able to access their digital licence by 2025.

Visit the VicRoads or Service Victoria websites to find out more about digital driver licences.

STAINED APPEARANCE: Health authorities have issued an alert amid a growing concern in autumn’s cool conditions.

REMEBRANCE: Last year’s ANZAC Day march headed down Ford Street to the Town Hall Cenotaph for the ANZAC Day service.

Service ready for ANZAC Day salute

By CORAL COOKSLEY

A WORLD War I soldier from Beechworth awarded a military cross will be honoured at this year’s local ANZAC Day service.

Beechworth Secondary College students will deliver the main address about Lieutenant Archibald Blair Churchill, where 14 of his descendants

will attend the service. Beechworth RSL sub branch president John Eldrid said Lieutenant Churchill had been the second member of the branch to receive an RSL league of Australia life membership.

Mr Eldrid said the soldier served in war from 1916 to 1919.

He said planning is well un-

derway for this years’ service along the same lines as the one held last year.

A dawn service will be held at 6am followed by a gunfire breakfast in the Memorial Hall.

A march down Ford Street will start at 11am where participants will gather at the corner of Church and Ford Streets at 10.45am to step out to the

Concrete fraudster admits to $170,000 scam

A MAN has pleaded guilty to more than 50 charges related to scamming $170,500 from North East customers for concrete services never provided.

Appearing remotely at Wangaratta Magistrates Court from custody on March 28, the 48-year-old man admitted to 51 charges of obtaining financial advantage by deception.

Reckless driver hit with two year ban

A 19-year-old has been banned from driving for two years due to multiple instances of reckless driving.

On January 25, 2023, the defendant had been witnessed driving erratically along Federation Way heading towards Wangaratta, where he drove his car off the road where it rolled, leaving him with serious injuries.

After being airlifted from Benalla to a Melbourne hospital, a blood test found he had blood alcohol reading of 0.191 and also had cannabis in his system.

The defendant was interviewed by police on March 21 at the Wangaratta Police Station and admitted to drinking before driving but couldn’t recall if he had cannabis.

The defendant was also found driving 110kp/h in a 50kp/h zone in the heart of Rutherglen where he fled from police, didn’t properly display his red P plates and refused to cooperate with police when asked to get out of the vehicle on April 1 of last year.

He was first spotted by police in a rental car on Douglas Street, before fleeing down Reid Street, onto Drummond Street.

The offender then sped down Murray Street before turning onto High Street, when he became stuck in traffic at the Main Street intersection and forced out of his vehicle by police.

On May 31 of the same year, the defendant also stole his father’s ute and phone and purchased a skateboard and cannisters of nitric oxide cannister with his father’s money, which are no longer in his possession, before being found by police on Murphy Street.

The defendant admitted to stealing the car and making purchases with his dad’s phone.

Defence Lawyer, Nancy Battiato, said her client has had mental health issues for most of his life, has experienced periods of homelessness and is currently working towards rehabilitating himself with the help of medical professionals.

Magistrate Peter Mithen gave the defendant the minimum licence disqualification for drinking and driving due to his honesty and good prospects for rehabilitation.

Town Hall cenotaph, with the main service commencing at 11.30am followed by light refreshments at the RSL.

Mr Eldrid said RSL delegates will deliver services at Beechworth Health Service for residents and staff as well as a service held at Beechworth Correctional Centre.

Wreath laying will take place after the service.

“This was out of control behaviour but to your credit you were very honest with police,” he said.

“You are not experienced on the road after three months of driving and you weren’t in your right mind.

“You need to do a 180 degree attitude change and there are some bridges that need to be built.”

Mr Mithen also ordered the defendant to pay $1000 to the court fund within two years.

Between June 2022 and January 2023, the offender posed under concreting business Goonawarra Concreting based in Benalla.

Benalla police found the man had quoted works without visiting a majority of his victims’ sites, obtaining upfront deposits and ongoing payments.

The court previously heard the man had scammed $170,500 from around 25 customers in the region for concrete works he never undertook.

When approached for refunds, the man told customers the business would not offer refunds or would cut communications with the customer entirely.

The man only visited and started work for one of his 25 customers; for half a day and with work done to an “unsatisfactory standard”.

The man has spent 422 days in custody at the Marngoneet Correctional Centre.

Fatal crash at Taminick

POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal crash in Taminick on Thursday morning.

It is believed a vehicle towing a horse float was travelling along GlenrowanBoweya Road when it veered off the road hitting a low-lying tree branch, just before 8.30am.

The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, who is yet to be formally identified, died at the scene.

One horse died at the scene and the second horse was euthanised.

The exact circumstances surrounding the crash are yet to be determined and investigations remain ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the crash, with dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

Around 10,000 visitors go Off-Grid at Chiltern Festival

OVERCAST skies on Saturday failed to dampen enthusiasm with a 5000-strong crowd attending the first day of the Off-Grid Living Festival in its new Chiltern location.

And with the sun shining on the Sunday in the balmy mid to high 20s, organisers once again welcomed similar numbers through the gate, with many return visitors to the two-day event.

The festival wasn’t just a significant drawcard for locals and those across the North East, a steady stream of vehicles were coming from further afield, with trains to the township also full with attendees.

Other visitors came from as far away as Western Australia and the Northern Territory, whilst others made the pilgrimage across the border with guests from Griffith in New South Wales and Canberra making a weekend of the event.

Festival director Kate Nottingham confirmed the festival always draws interest from across the country.

“It has become the largest festival of its kind in Australia,” she said.

BY EMMA OLIVER eoliver@ nemedia.com.au

“There is nothing as diverse as Off-Grid, with its array of products, services, skills and knowledgesharing in areas of sustainable, alternative, offthe-grid and eco-living.

“We cover the whole gamut from electric vehicles and latest technology to traditional skills and homesteading.

“The emphasis of the festival is on people walking away with skills and knowledge to become selfsufficient and lower their carbon footprint that they can then employ in their day-to-day lives and within their community.

“This is about change and how to enact that change, and then hopefully spread the word.”

This year is the festival’s sixth, having only missed one year due to COVID lockdowns.

“The inaugural event was a one-day festival,” Kate said.

“We planned for 2000 guests and got 4000.

“The demand was there, and we realised early on that we needed to go up to two days to accommodate

that interest, which we did the following year.”

The second festival had the market on the first day with workshops a focus of the second.

“There was a huge uptake for the workshops which proved very popular,” Kate said.

“We then decided to mix it all in together, add talk stages and make it interactive.”

Every year organisers have looked to improve on the event, allowing the festival to grow organically guided by community feedback and responses.

The emphasis of the festival is on people walking away with skills and knowledge to become self-sufficient and lower their carbon footprint that they can then employ in their day-to-day lives and within their community.

- FESTIVAL DIRECTOR KATE NOTTINGHAM

“It’s also got bigger each year, but we’ve arrived at the point where it’s big enough,” Kate said.

“The emphasis going forward is now on just making it the very best festival it can be.

“We are now in the perfect location to deliver our vision and have some amazing people on board with incredible ideas on how to develop the festival.”

Wangaratta-based Brent Ibom from My Slice of Life conducted numerous workshops over the weekend festival on butchering and small goods making.

HEALTHY PLANTS: Craig Hulbert from Alpine Perennials was doing a brisk trade at the festival, with the reasonablypriced plants from his Harrietville nursery proving popular.

QUALITY GUARANTEED: Leigh Blackall, designer and maker of Peak Oil Company products, creates outdoor clothing and equipment in Eldorado.

THE GOOD DROP: Hank and Carrie Thierry from Mansfield’s Swiftcrest Distillery were the only alcohol proprietors allowed on-site, thanks to their unique status as one of the world’s only completely off-grid and environmentally friendly distilleries.

“Brent had sell-out sessions with about 40 people in each workshop, and when he was going over the bookings the vast majority came from further afield,” Kate said.

“It just emphasises that people are happy to travel to the event and are keen to get involved, and with increasing demand for workshops on the subject of butchering and things like sausage and salami making Brent is keen to expand what’s on offer in 2025.

“Alongside the popular homesteading tent, he has proposed a standalone butchering and ethical

hunting tent which is already generating interest and we’re keen to make it a part of Off-Grid.”

The festival registered strong attendance at all the talks and workshops (both free and paid), with vendor talks and demonstrations at individual stalls also drawing a crowd.

Stanley-based Charlie Showers from Black Barn farm drew a particularly large crowd for his free demonstration on grafting fruit trees.

Food vendors across the site appeared to be doing a roaring trade, and with all

INSET: THINGS TO DO: Over 300 stalls and numerous tents, stages and hubs spaced out across the Chiltern race course, ensured the near 10,000 strong crowd were kept entertained over the weekend.

cups and plates reusable and washed onsite to reduce waste, the washing station a hive of activity as the festival committed to practice what it preached.

“The dishwashing station was actually a highlight for some people,” Kate laughed..

“In the end, we generated only four red bins of nonrecyclable rubbish after 10,000 people went through over the two days.

“We did have cardboard and of course food waste which went into the green bins and this is now going to be composted.

“It was a great achievement all round.”

Kate also commended the Indigo Shire for its ongoing support of the festival with mayor Sophie Price opening the festival on Saturday.

“The Chiltern Tourism Group were also invaluable, organising the shuttle bus ferrying people in and out of the historical township, running the service until 11pm at night on the Saturday so that campers onsite could visit Chiltern’s hospitality venues,” she said.

“They really embraced the opportunity to showcase their beautiful town and region.”

Kate said a significant part of the smooth running of the event was thanks to volunteers from the Chiltern SES, who spent the entire weekend supervising parking and facilitating the campground.

“We had over 250 campers onsite, plus all the exhibitors, across two separate campgrounds,” said Kate.

“The SES oversaw the whole operation seamlessly with such a friendly and accommodating attitude, it was just a great welcome to the festival.”

Although exhausted after delivering a full weekend of workshops, talks and entertainment and the logistical challenge of accommodating 300 stalls and assorted stages across multiple arenas, Kate was riding high on the success of the event.

“I’m already fielding calls from people who want to know next year’s dates and log it in the calendar,” she said.

PAVING THE WAY: Bendigo-based Jackie Yong is Soilz Alive a former hairdresser and salon owner, who pivoted her career to develop a large-scale composting business in Stanhope. Merging her two interests, Jackie uses hair offcuts from sustainable salons, transforming this beauty byproduct into a nutrient dense compost for people’s gardens.

ROLLICKING GOOD FUN: Whisky Dram got crowd members up and dancing with their pirate-inspired shanties a swing-your-partner success.

NO FEAR: Kenzie Poole from Snakes Alive cuddling a croc.

OLD SKILLS: Bill Tracy from Echuca with Beau, draught horse ploughing in the arena.

ARTISAN CHEESE: Moussa Taouck from Little Cedar Farmhouse Goat Cheese, is pictured with one of his Saanen goats. Moussa and wife Victoire produce handcrafted artisan goats cheese at their 70 acre Winton farm.

SPLASH OF COLOUR: The event was child friendly with numerous spaces and activities to keep the younger generation engaged.

1 What are ships’ radio operators called (6)

8 Name the legendary hero of Homer’s lliad (8)

9 What is a narrow passage of water connecting two large bodies of water (6)

10 Name a style of bowling (8)

11 Which English surgeon was the first to use antiseptics in surgery (6)

12 What is sometimes seen by the naked eye as a new star (4)

13 Name the lower part

4

5 Name a conservative Australian political party (7)

6 What is a calendar of the days of the year (7)

7 What, in chemistry, are compounds that are isomeric with one or more other compounds (7)

13 Name a malignant tumour that attacks the bones (7)

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

14 Name a State in the central United States (7)

15 What is a violation of allegiance to one’s sovereign (7)

17

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

a)

b)

SOLUTIONS SUDOKU BIYWORD

Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

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.

An artist at heart explores passion

JUDI Moncur was born in Melbourne, grew up in the outer suburb of Eltham, moved to Canberra in her 30s, and later to England where she met her husband.

Returning to Australia Judi taught in Canberra before retiring and shifting to Beechworth seven years ago.

“We loved the place when we visited - it had so much character and struck a chord in both of us,” she said.

What did you do workwise?

I have always loved painting and drawing, and studied art briefly when 17 years old before leaving home at 18.

I married young and did various jobs before completing year 12 at night school while working.

Later I studied English, History and Psychology at Melbourne University.

I began teaching when I was 30. What brought you to your role/ career?

To be honest, it wasn’t my chosen career.

In an alternative universe, I would have studied art properly, or have been a journalist, but as a single mother of a young child, and with a humanities degree, there were few real choices available then, and I couldn’t afford to study further.

I also did life drawing and

sketching occasionally, but my interest in art had to go onto the back burner.

What did you love about your career?

I came to love teaching.

I taught mostly seniors, it was about supporting their learning rather than a ‘one size fits all’ approach, and we were better funded and supported in those days.

I also participated in hiking and cross-country skiing expeditions with the school.

We had a lot of fun on those trips.

Later I worked in a coordinating role on a teaching project for a while, but I disliked the public service environment and was keen to get back to teaching. What do you do in the community?

After retiring I began paintingsomething I had always wanted to do but never had the time.

Since moving to Beechworth, I’ve been involved in a few art-minded groups and I’m now secretary of the Beechworth Arts Council.

I also tutor Portraiture at Indigo U3A.

They’re a fun and motivated group.

I enjoy volunteering in the arts area, and I think it’s important to have more people involved.

Sometimes it’s just helping someone develop their skills and watching their progress, and sometimes it’s doing the less interesting but essential administrative stuff.

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

I would like to see more funding for the arts, because so often it

is underrated and receives less funding than other things.

I think creativity needs to be fostered in people of all ages because it is such an important aspect of mental health and wellbeing.

I think we need a dedicated space for artists and workshops in Beechworth - something many communities already have.

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

Climate change and species extinction is without a doubt the most pressing challenge we face in the future because it’s the very basis of human life on earth.

I’m also concerned about the effects of multiple wars on the world and how this will impact world politics and social systems, not to mention the likelihood of pushing climate and social equality issues into the background.

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 cousin Alison, who lives in the north west of England.

She’s a committed local history nerd and teaches family history at U3A.

She would be amazed by the old buildings in Beechworth, and I would show her all the historic precinct, as well as less visited sites, like the cemetery and the Chinese burning towers.

What book are you reading?

I’ve just finished Daniel Mason’s ‘The North Woods’, about the history of a remote part of New England.

North East winemakers uncork end to China tariffs

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

AFTER a three year freeze in trade, the Federal Government last month announced that China was lifting heavy tariffs on Australian wine, and wineries across the North East were thrilled with the news.

Beijing imposed trade sanctions on $20 billion worth of Australian export products during an unsettled trade period in 2020.

China’s duties on Austral-

ian wine effectively made it unviable for Australian producers to export bottled wine to that market, which was worth $1.1 billion in 2019.

Gapsted chief executive officer Andrew Santarossa said the move was a positive one.

“There is an immediate sense of positivity and as an industry we needed this lift,” he said.

“As wine companies navigate a return to the Chinese market in some capacity, it

will ease pressure on the Australian domestic sales market.

“This positivity and possible economic benefits are crucial to the many wine companies and growers that are experiencing some of the most challenging financial times.

“I am hopeful that government steps up and supports our industry.

“Reinstating the Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) would be timely and important assistance

to get out there to better understand today’s Chinese market and promote our wines.”

The Brown Family Wine Group (BFWG) at Milawa was one of Australia’s biggest exporters of wine before the tariffs were imposed, having spent 20 years investing in the market.

BFWG winemaker and brand ambassador Katherine Brown said the winery was thrilled to have the opportunity to start the long-

awaited re-entry into the popular market.

“We’ve got three staff members who are based in China and we’ve kept them on with the optimism the tariffs would be lifted at some stage so we could hit the ground running and get back into the market as soon as possible,” she said.

“Something we’re really excited about is in the past four years we haven’t been in the market, there’s a whole group, a few million

in fact, of people who are now of legal drinking age so we’re looking to tap into these new consumers.

“There’s going to be a really big Moscato and Cienna focus as we look to move our way forward into these markets.”

While the market re-entry will provide a significant reprieve to the winery’s trade, Ms Brown said the group would need to be patient before they could return to pretariff figures in the market.

NOWOUT The ultimate guide for tourists and locals

ARTISTIC: With a life-long love of painting and drawing Judi Moncur took up art after retiring and moving to the Beechworth.

Judi Moncur

Local father and son to captain state teams

By CORAL COOKSLEY

A LOCAL Golden Serpents Dragon Boat Club coach has been elected as co-captain of the Victorian Regional State team competing in the Australian Championships being held in Perth next week.

Kyran Ellis will share the role with coach and club captain Lisa Davey from the Brave Hearts Dragon Boat Club in Albury Wodonga.

Excited Golden Serpents president Brendan Maher is part of a 34-strong Golden Serpents team heading to the west as well for the contest.

“Being selected shows our commitment and dedication to training, fitness and developing skills to compete in national championships,” he said.

“We’re delighted Kyran was nominated as co-captain.

“It’s also exciting that his son Dorian and club member was nominated as cocaptain with our member Ella Jones in the Victorian state junior team.

“Some of our members are competing in the state team in Seniors A, B and C categories.”

Mr Maher said for the first two days members will compete in the Seniors A category while the last two days they will compete in premier categories.

“It’s exciting for the club that’s only three years old,”

Mr Maher said.

“It’s great that Beechworth is put on the map in Perth as there will be 3000 competitors from around Australia.

“We have family members and couples too who paddle.”

Mr Maher said it’s a great sport for all ages and a lot of fun.

Co-captain for the Victorian Regional State team Mr Ellis said it is exciting, a real honour, awesome for the club.

“We train hard and it’s a great team effort,” he said.

A family affair for the Ellis’ with Kyran’s wife Michelle, son Dorian and daughter Heidi in the team, but they will be in different boats.

The championships will begin on Wednesday, April 17 and will run until Sunday.

Juniors caught in Masters fever

By DYLAN POOL

Bushies’ hit by Swan song

■ From back page

Degan Dolny was a standout across half-back to be named best afield for the red and blue while recruit Brad Fendyk slotted into the midfield seamlessly.

Finn Jakobsson, Connor Stone, Liam Stephens and Cam Fendyk found their impressive form of last year in no time, to also be named among the home side’s best.

Things won’t be much easier for the Bushrangers this week as they come up against another flag fancy in Yackandandah, who will also be looking to rebound off a 28-point loss under lights to Kiewa-Sandy Creek.

Cartledge said he won’t be looking to change things up dramatically at Butson Park

and will be backing his side in for the challenge.

“This week we’ll just be doubling down on our game style, make sure we’re across it,” he said.

“Everyone knows how to do the basics, it’s just executing them at the right time and what situation within the game.

“We’re looking forward to the challenge again of a side who will be up there at the end of the year and we’ll roll the dice again and see what happens.”

In other results, Beechworth’s A grade netball toughed it out under lights against Chiltern, going down 72-26, while the under 14s flew the flag for the Bushrangers, winning by five points in a thriller.

THE golf course was a hive of action on Sunday, with 30 or so juniors rounding off their four week program.

All our juniors had a lesson with the wonderful Penny Greaber, who was absolutely amazing, and all our golfers finished better than they started.

Huge thanks must go to Jacqui Pierce and Rod Shaw who got the junior golf up and running, and also the other members and parents that helped each week, even some adults who aren’t members and didn’t have any kids put their hand up and came and helped.

It has been great to see so many out on the course of recent times and we hope to see it continue.

In the April Monthly Medal on Wednesday, Willem Love was the run away winner with a great score of 73/67, five shots clear of Gary Pool 87/72 and Dylan Pool who was in the same group came third with 76/73.

Nearest the pins went to

and fittingly Andy Croome was the first to knock it on the

new 10th green. It was great to play the new greens on the 10th and 18th, big thanks to Croomey

who has put in a power of work and time.

I’m sure everyone will agree they look great.

DEVELOPING SKILLS: A team of 34 Golden Serpents will be competing in nationals next week.

PHOTOS: Golden Serpents Dragon Boat Club.

Jamie Dolny on the third, Willem Love on the fifth

ROW: It will be a family affair for some of the Golden Serpents at nationals next week, with a family of four set to compete.

BATTLE ON: Beechworth will be looking to rebound against Yackandandah tomorrow after a 49-point loss to Chiltern to start their season.

▲ NATIONALS READY: Kyran Ellis will captain the Victorian Regional State team while his son, Dorian will captain the junior team.

Bushies’ hit by Swan song

BEECHWORTH have had their home opener of the 2024 season spoiled by reigning premiers Chiltern, going down by 49 points.

In tough conditions at Baarmutha Park, the pressure was on early as just four goals were kicked between the teams in the opening

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

half, with the Swans hanging on to a 17-point lead at the main break. But Chiltern proved why they were winners of the last

two senior football premierships as they kicked away in the second half as the game opened up, and finished with a 11.14 (80) to 4.7 (31) win.

Beechworth coach Tom Cartledge said his team battled hard throughout the day, but couldn’t fault the

“Our tackling pressure was really good, we just made some crucial errors at critical times and Chiltern being as well oiled as they are, they’ve been together for a couple of years a majority of that

group and they just capitalised on a mistake and rebounded really well,” he said.

“We fell into some old habits quite quickly and we just need to do a bit more work on our game style and make sure we’re all fully across it so it becomes second nature to us.

“We’re certainly not disappointed with the effort or anything like that, we’re a new group and we’ve got a bit of building to do.

“It’s a long season and we’re definitely not worried.”

■ Continued page 11

slick second half display from the Swans.

Golden Serpents Dragon Boat Club members training hard on Lake Sambell as they prepare to head to the Australian Championships in Perth this weekend.

Golden Serpents Dragon Boat Club