Top honour
WOORAGEE’S Sue Brunskill has been recognised for outstanding service to conservation and the environment in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours List announced with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on Monday, 9 June.
Ms Brunskill OAM said she felt incredibly honoured in being recognised for her work.
“I would like to acknowledge that there are so many people and volun-
BY CORAL COOKSLEY ccooksley@
nemedia.com.au
teers undertaking great work in the environment,” she said.
“It’s recognising all of them as it’s not just about me.”
The passionate land carer is the Wooragee Landcare president and has been a member of the group for
more than three decades.
Ms Brunskill said vital on-ground work is needed with help from volunteers as government organisations now have fewer physical field workers.
“One of the reasons is helping to mitigate consequences of climate change,” she said.
“It’s more important than ever with an erratic climate.”
Ms Brunskill’s passion for the land
began with growing up on a farm which was strengthened by a realisa tion of Australia having an incredible environment after travelling around Australia and then overseas.
“I studied relevant courses after re turning from overseas then worked hands-on in the environmental field restoring bushland at Ku-ring-gai Council in Sydney,” Ms Brunskill said.
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page 2
PROUD: Wooragee’s Sue Brunskill
King’s Birthday Honours List.
from females during May.
Shutterstock.com/Valeriy Honcharuk
Are we facing a mental health crisis for boys?
KIDS Helpline is encouraging boys and young men to take time to prioritise their mental health this week, as part of International Men’s Health Week.
Yourtown CEO Tracy Adams said males are shown to have significantly reduced help-seeking for mental health concerns compared with female, with Kids Helpline recording an average of 57 contacts daily from males in May, compared with 195 contacts from females.
“Unfortunately, young males aged between 15–18 years of age are the least likely to seek mental health support due to societal stigma, often delaying seeking professional counsellor help until they are in crisis,” Ms Adams said.
“Many boys - though certainly not allhave trouble talking about emotions and feelings because social norms have encouraged them to conform to a masculine ideal that emphasises values like stoicism, toughness, and competitiveness.
“These social dynamics have long-term implications for their mental health.
“We need to twist the prism a little bit about how boys view mental health and their own emotional health.”
Kids Helpline (free call 1800 55 1800) offers boys and young men a safe, inclusive space to open-up and connect with a free, professional, confidential 24/7 service.
Remembering World War II veterans
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A TRIBUTE to commemorate World War II veterans with the opening of a sculpture installation ‘Silent Watch’ last month at the Stanley Cemetery had special memories for a local.
The sculpture project created by Yackandandah sculptor Xavier Pinard has followed memorial plaque installations for World War II veterans finished five years ago.
Local Barry Sinclair lived most of his life in Stanley until a move to Beechworth nine years ago.
“I have five uncles who returned from the war who are have memorial plaques for World War II veterans including distant relations,” he said.
He said veterans had made a sacrifice in going to war to protect their country like his father did in World War II as well.
Mr Sinclair said his father who was also remembered in the memorial plaques, was in Changi – renowned for its Japanese prisonerof-war camp in Singapore – for four years.
“It’s important to remember sacrifices made,” he said
“My father is buried here in the Stanley Cemetery.”
REMEMBERED: Beechworth’s Barry Sinclair (right) with Stanley’s Vietnam veteran Bob Malone at the recent opening of the sculpture installation at the Stanley Cemetery.
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Top honour for Sue
■ From front page
“This position supported 500 volunteers working in bush regeneration.
“I loved seeing the difference that came from helping to make improvements in the environment.”
With a move to Albury from NSW 1992, the avid land carer joined a group of volunteers undertaking regeneration work on the city’s regional crown reserve of Monument Hill and then worked as their Landcare co-ordinator.
Relocating to Wooragee in 1993, Ms Brunskill has been a member of Wooragee Landcare since then.
skill is educating people on how they can make a difference as a majority of Australians now live in urban areas.
on flora and fauna.
“It’s exciting to see people see things that they’ve never seen before,” she said.
An example is a project in Wardens Lane with the transformation from a weed infested area to an enjoyable picnic area with a table and bench seats for the general public to enjoy.
“We received funding and have interpretive signs about different plants with their habitat value and Aboriginal uses,” Ms Brunskill said.
“We encourage people to visit and observe the Kingfisher in the tree and the other birds and animals.
“We have also seen an important growth of interest in cultural burning as a land management tool as well as its cultural value.
“Landcare groups across Australia are doing that now.”
Ms Brunskill has been the Wooragee Landcare group editor of the monthly newsletter for several years, a committee member on the Mid-Ovens Landcare Network Consortium for 14 years, as well as a Wooragee Landcare representative and a past secretary for five years.
YOUR OVENS AND MURRAY TEAM
“I’ve worked for a number of local environmental organisations as well as teaching conservation and land management at TAFE for 20 years until 2017,” she said.
“Teaching was a fantastic experience with lots of field work.”
Ms Brunskill said she was driven by the vital need of caring for the environment in making positive changes and seeing the difference.
“I can’t do anything about polar bears, but I can physically do something about gliders and woodland birds and insects,” she said
Another driver for Ms Brun-
“I’ve been involved in education and still work with Landcare groups, and everyone can make a make a difference with their gardens to be more pollinator or bird-friendly in creating a habitat,” she said.
Ms Brunskill and the Wooragee Landcare members continue to support the Wooragee Primary School Junior Landcare group.
“We have a Landcare library at the school now available to our members too,” she said.
With a passion for environmental education Ms Brunskill takes people on bush walks and helps organise many of the Wooragee Landcare workshops
“The bush isn’t just for conservationists, it’s an important habitat for everyone to explore.”
Ms Brunskill has worked on educational guides about the bush, weeds and sustainable gardens with other volunteer colleagues too.
The passionate longtime volunteer said teamwork provides good achievement outcomes.
“Being part of a team is important too for community building, it’s sociable and fun,” Ms Brunskill said.
Ms Brunskill said the reward for volunteering in caring for the environment is bringing people on the journey with education.
The proactive volunteer received a high commendation in the Victorian Landcare awards four years ago.
Ms Brunskill was a foundation member of the Indigenous Flora and Fauna Association and a member for around 30 years before it ceased running.
She was an industry member with Amenity Horticulture, and the Landscaping, Conservation, and on the Land Management Industry Reference committee for five years.
Ms Brunskill is also a member of the Australian Association of Bush Regenerators and Beechworth Urban Landcare and Sustainability.
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
SUE BRUNSKILL
Story time sessions fire up youngsters
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A TALK with activities by Beechworth Fire Brigade volunteer Hannah Hunt drew interest from parents and children alike at last Saturday’s story time session at the Beechworth Library.
For local resident Stephanie Eagle it’s fantastic to have different people within the community coming to see the kids.
Stephanie with her twoand-a-half-year-old toddler Amelia De Freitas joined last Saturday’s 10am time slot for an hour.
“It’s great to have community connections and to realise what’s out there in the community for both for myself and the kids,” she said.
“The kids loved playing with the equipment.
“I think Amelie might be inspired to be a fiery one day as she loved the light and trying on the hats.”
Stephanie Eagle said the
library’s story time sessions for youngsters is great for social development.
“They see other kids their age and can interact with them and it’s good for the kids to grow a love of reading,” she said.
Another parent, Isabelle Carr from Melbourne, said stories are valuable for kids and littlies.
“Seeing other children is helpful too, it was a lovely morning and lots of fun,” she said.
“It’s wonderful to be able to come up from Melbourne and feel like we can be part of the community as well.”
Beechworth Fire Brigade had joined the session as the library plays a vital role in community connections.
Librarian Margaret Citroen said around 15 adults and 16 children took part.
“It’s really lovely for a Saturday morning as people have other things on too,” she said.
Margaret said Saturday morning story times held once a month drew a regular crowd.
“It’s an opportunity for people who work to be able to come and still do those things that other people can do during the week,” she said.
“It was great to us to have Hannah here this morning.
“She explained that she just likes to show kids what she would look like if, in the unfortunate event, she needed to go to their place, and she wouldn’t look quite so scary because she had all her fire protection gear on.
“She’s just dressed up to protect herself and it was a great session.”
The next story time sessions for youngsters with a Beechworth Fire Brigade volunteer will be held in the library at 10am on Monday, 16 June and at the same time on Friday, 27 June.
FUN: FESTIVAL WINE LOVERS HAD A LOT OF FUN WITH A SPLASH OF COLOUR AT LAST’S WEEKEND’S ROAM RUTHERGLEN.
PHOTOS: CHLOE SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY
ROAM RUTHERGLEN A SUCCESS
By CORAL COOKSLEY
CHILLY weather and rain didn’t dampen spirits of wine lovers drawn to Roam Rutherglen held over Saturday and Sunday of the June long weekend.
Wine Makers of Rutherglen executive officer Annalee Nolan said against the odds of the weather gods, the event had been a great success.
While regional numbers are as yet unknown for this year, Ms Nolan said it is known that weekend activities between the winery events and the Rotary market generated in excess of $4 million into the regional economy.
“During the quiet winter months, this is a very welcome shot in the arm for many local businesses,” she said.
“More than 7000 people
braved the elements and showed up in support of Australia’s longest running wine festival.
“The rain didn’t dampen the creativity of colours and costumes that were in full swing either.”
Ms Nolan said ticket sales remained in-line with last year’s event.
“The weather meant that our wineries had to work extra hard and go the extra mile to
try and keep people safe and as comfortable as possible,” she said.
Barrel halls turned into discos and dance floors with extra items brought in such as heaters and marquees.
With the festival running for more than five decades Ms Nolan attributes its longevity to being a unique event showcasing the fun side of wine to the next generation of wine drinkers.
“Its creative, playful and does an incredible job of helping put Rutherglen on the map for a largely younger demographic,” she said.
“It gets groups of people together for a fun day out and a lot of effort is put in by our winemakers to deliver a safe and sustainable experience for everyone of all ages.”
The longest standing wine festival in the country had seventeen of Rutherglen region’s cellar doors open to host wine lovers.
The program had premium tastings, live entertainment and unique sensory cellar door experiences.
Kids, seniors travel for free from 2026
FREE public transport for under 18s, and seniors on weekends be available from 1 January 2026.
Families will be able to save up to $755 a year per child (the cost of a yearly student pass).
The new youth myki can be used like any other myki, to tap on and travel through ticket gates at stations and when getting on a bus or tram.
Seniors will also have more freedom on weekend public transport, with the area they can travel for free extending from two neighbouring zones, to the whole state.
Passengers with a senior myki will need to carry their Seniors Card while travelling and use their Senior Myki to touch on and off as usual – but myki cards won’t be charged.
Cardholders will continue to be eligible for a 50 per cent discount off the full fare on weekdays.
To be eligible for a Seniors myki you must have a Victorian Seniors Card. Victorian Seniors Card holders must be permanent residents of Victoria, aged 60 or over and work less than 35 hours a week.
Festival shuttles with more than forty running had hop on and hop off experiences too.
1 January. A better deal for seniors will also be introduced.
DANCED AWAY: Barrel halls turned into discos and dance floors for wine festival revellers over the long weekend.
FUN: Beechworth’s Stephanie Eagle with her toddler Amelia De Freitas (front), Beechworth librarian Margaret Citroen (back left) with her son visiting from Melbourne Jonathon Citroen with six-month old baby Caspian and wife Isabelle Carr at Beechworth Library on Saturday.
FREE JOURNEY: Parents of children who use public transport regularly will realise significant savings after free travel is activated from
Passionate about community engagement
Hunt was born in the United States and moved to Australia in 2009 during the recession.
She has lived in Beechworth for the last two and a half years.
What do you do workwise?
I currently work as a customer service officer.
What brought you to your role/ career?
This role is a part of a bigger journey for me.
I’m passionate about community engagement or outreach work.
I saw this position as a valuable opportunity to stay connected with the public while gaining hands-on experience towards my long-term goals.
What do you love about your work?
While it may not be my ultimate career destination, this role has been valuable.
It’s strengthened my communication skills, deepened my understanding of community dynamics, and taught me how to work effectively with a wide range of people.
I see this as an important stepping stone that’s helping me build the skills and confidence I’ll need in future roles focused on community impact.
What do you do in the community?
I am the community engagement coordinator, health wellbeing officer and an active firefighter for the Beechworth Fire Brigade, as well as an adult Scout leader for 1st Beechworth Victoria Scout Group.
With CFA, it’s about protecting the community in critical moments.
With Scouts, it’s about preparing
the next generation with the skills and values to thrive.
Both roles challenge me, keep me grounded, and let me give back in meaningful ways.
They also offer ongoing opportunities to learn new skills –whether it’s emergency response techniques, leadership strategies, or mentoring approaches.
Are there any important community issues that you think need addressing?
Roads require upgrades to improve safety and accessibility, public transport options are poor or non-existent, and improving communications infrastructure.
What would you do to solve change or improve those situations?
To improve the situations, working with the appropriate stakeholders to explore ways to maintain and repair roads, advocate to transport providers for better weekend public transport options, and help identify opportunities or
SHOPPED:
incentives for someone to start or re-establish a local cab service.
Also expand reliable high-speed internet and mobile coverage.
By investing in better roads, transport and communications we can strengthen the community’s connection and support local businesses, residents and have the resources they need to thrive.
What do you see as one of the most important current world issues?
Misinformation and digital threats – the spread of false or misleading information online, often amplified by AI, is weakening public trust in governments, elections, and honest communication.
Addressing this issue requires international collaboration, stronger digital education, and clear, balanced policies to help protect democratic values and social stability.
If the person you would most like
Saturday, 14 June
to meet or knew, came to Indigo Shire or was already here, who would that be, what would you show them, and why?
Entrepreneur Timothy Ferriss – he’s all about optimising life, learning quickly, and pushing boundaries - physically, mentally, and professionally.
I’d love to hear how he thinks rural communities like ours can adopt smart strategies to support wellbeing, remote work, and innovation.
I’d take Tim on a tour of Indigo Shire’s best hiking and sightseeing spots.
We’d get outdoors, reset the mind, and challenge the body.
Then we’d use our Argentine grill at home to cook meals with local high-quality produce and meats.
What book are you reading?
I am reading ‘Unseen Academicals’ by the late English author Sir Terry Pratchett OBE. I am in the mood for reading all the series.
AN EVENING OF SOPHISTICATION IN ELDORADO:
The St Jude’s Restoration Fundraising Committee invites you to an evening of Art, Wine and Cheese to be held in the historic, heritage-listed St Jude’s Church from 6pm. Delight in local art, and sculpture and mingle in the timeless ambience of this sacred space while enjoying the beautiful violin of Sasha Hill. Tickets are available at https://events.humanitix.com/art-wineand-cheese-night, or over the phone by calling 0403 292 673.
SPOON CARVING: Join Nat Ord for a Beginner Spoon Carving Workshop in Chiltern from 10am-4:30pm. Learn safe hand-carving techniques to create your own spoon to take home and use. You must be 14 years or older to do the workshop. You must wear enclosed shoes during the workshop. For more information, contact 0468 394 808 or info@natord.com.au.
Sunday, 15 June
LIONS CLUB MARKET: Yackandandah Lions Club Market from 9am. Produce and products ranging from olives, handcrafted soaps and candles, wines, plants, clothing, jewellery and more. Wellsford Street.
Rutherglen Country Fair draws huge crowd
By CORAL COOKSLEY
RUTHERGLEN Country Fair organisers rated Sunday’s event a huge success despite the cold and gloomy weather.
The biggest fundraising event on the local Rotary Club’s calendar drew an estimated 8000 to 10,000 market lovers to the town up from the anticipated 5000 to 8000.
Club president Frank McLoughlin said both stallholders and retailers experienced good outcomes on the busy day.
“We had 184 stalls over 290 sites,” he said.
“The market is recognised by stallholders as the biggest in the state.
“We have a loyal following of stallholders, too.
“Held at the same time as Roam Rutherglen, the market adds more flavour for people to visit Rutherglen for the weekend.
“Everyone was relaxed and happy even though the weather was bleak and miserable.”
Mr McLoughlin said between $15,000 to $17,000 from funds raised would be invested back into the community with projects.
He also said a variety of good retailers had increased over the last five years on Main Street with the market bringing a level of awareness to the traders.
“Stallholders come from far and wide from Melbourne across Victoria and southern NSW on the border,” he said.
The market has raised more than $400,000 since the club began the event with funds distributed for community projects.
Winemakers of Rutherglen and Destination Rutherglen have supported the Rotary Club in helping to organise the fair.
Hannah Hunt
Market lovers had a smorgasbord of goodies to choose from at the Country Fair while checking out the town’s retailers too.
PHOTO: Rutherglen Rotary Club
HANNAH
DEDICATED VOLUNTEER: Beechworth’s Hannah Hunt enjoys giving back to the community in her volunteer roles with the Beechworth Fire Brigade as well as an adult Scout leader for 1st Beechworth Victoria Scout Group.
Cubby house proves a popular raffle prize
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A CUBBY house built by a Beechworth Men’s Shed member has raised $2600 in funds for equipment and community projects from a raffle drawn last week on Wednesday.
Member Allan Mansfield said the build took most of last year between other shed projects.
The aim had been to have the cubby house sold in the lead up to Christmas, but it wasn’t quite finished with a decision then to hold raffle.
“Our new president Graham Lade had jumped on board, went around town and talked to people,” he said.
“In no time we had other prizes for the raffle, got the raffle tickets printed and went from there.”
Mr Mansfield said promotion included selling raffle tickets at the town’s kiosk, the Wooragee Easter Market and sitting outside the IGA supermarket.
The cubby house turned heads when the Men’s Shed took part on the Saturday parade at the Golden Horseshoes Festival over the Easter long weekend as well.
Mr Mansfield said funds raised will help buy more equipment needed and as well as for shed and community projects.
FINE CRAFTSMAN: Allan Mansfield at one of the machines used to make parts for the cubby house.
AusNet aerial inspections starting June 16
EACH year AusNet’s Aerial Operations team inspects around 40,000 poles on our electricity network with helicopters. These inspections aim to help identify, monitor and repair wear and tear on powerlines and poles.
Specialised helicopters and crew thoroughly inspect overhead powerlines and poles to ensure the electricity supply across the AusNet distribution network remains safe and reliable.
Helicopters significantly reduce the time taken to inspect an area, enabling a bird’s-eye view for us to identify, monitor and repair any wear and tear or potential risks to supply, such as deterioration on the topside of poles.
The Beechworth Men’s Shed member said he found the project rewarding, received good feedback from people and enjoyed the build.
He also said interest is on the rise
“A small extension partly constructed at the shed is costing ‘an arm and a leg’ too,” he said.
with requests from some community members to build more including a local primary school.
A West Wodonga resident won the cubby house valued at $2100 while other winners for second, third and fourth prizes hail from Beechworth. Second prize was a night’s accommodation for two people at the Beechworth Motor Inn.
Employers in Victoria’s community services, contract cleaning or security industry must be registered with the Portable Long Service Authority.
By registering you can ensure your workers are eligible for portable long service leave – leave that moves with them – even when they change employers in the same industry.
So, make sure you and your workers are registered.
To register your workers and find out more
Third prize was a Karcher WD3 wet and dry vacuum cleaner donated by Beechworth Mitre 10 while the fourth prize was a handcrafted chopping board made by the Men’s Shed.
AusNet is undertaking aerial inspections from 16 June in the following areas: Bandiana; Baranduda; Barnawartha; Barnawartha North; Bonegilla; Browns Plains; Carlyle; Charleroi; Dartmouth; Ebden; Eskdale; Gooramadda; Huon; Killara ; Mitta Mitta; Rutherglen; Sandy Creek; Tallandoon; Tallangatta; Tallangatta South; Tangambalanga; Wahgunyah.
DUG DEEP: Beechworth Men’s Shed member Allan Mansfield (right) digs deep for the winning prize with president Graham Lade addressing members at the draw on Wednesday at the shed. PHOTOS: Coral Cooksley
PARADED: Heads turned when the Beechworth Men’s Shed took part in the Golden Horseshoes Festival Parade with the cubby house at Easter.
PHOTO: Alex Corral, Yack Drone
Exhibition celebrates creatives
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A PHOTOGRAPHIC exhi-
bition launch took place in Beechworth’s historic precinct last Thursday marking 50 fabulous years of arts and creativity by Beechworth Arts Council (BAC).
BAC’s Chris Dormer said the ‘Beechworth Family Album – Portraits of Creative Beechworth’ project had been the next chapter in the Beechworth Family Album – a photography project started in 1984 and produced every decade since then.
The exhibition curated by BAC committee member Ali Rowe celebrated Beechworth’s artists and crafts people with self-portraits in a creative display taken by pro-
fessional photographer Marc Bongers.
Ms Dormer paid homage to the late Dianne Mangan who was a creative photographed for the exhibition.
“Dianne was a skilled and accomplished ceramist, and the portrait is one of her working on the wheel,” she said.
“It was her family’s wish that she be included in the exhibition.”
Thursday’s exhibition also took in a selection of photographers with some of their work when capturing and documenting Beechworth people, places and activities in each of the decade chapters.
Among them were Stephen Henderson for the first
exhibition in 1984, Richard Williams for 1994, Stephen Routledge for 2004 and Pam Magennis for 2014 each with a different theme and focus.
Ms Dormer said it took a while to get the 2024 exhibition off the ground recording the Beechworth creative community with the project and launch held this year.
“As it’s the fifth time the Beechworth Family Album has been held, we’ve decided to celebrate with banners for each of the project years with the photographer, coordinators, theme and project outcomes,” she said.
Ms Dormer said the original project arose from going through photographs from the Burke Museum to select images for the Beechworth
tapestry in the Town Hall with a reflection on future photographs.
“In 1984 the Arts Council applied for funding for an artist in residence who was Mr Henderson,” she said.
“Marc has done a great job for this exhibition, and it really is a wonderful snapshot of the creative people who make Beechworth a wonderful, vibrant place.”
Mr Bongers presented an insightful account of his work with the challenges faced as well as the enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Federal member for Indi Dr Helen Haines in officially opening the exhibition said she found the work extraordinary.
She said it was also fitting
to have a beautiful image of the late Dianne Mangan in the exhibition.
“There are many people across our broader community, but most especially across the arts community, who are deeply grieving her very tragic and untimely death,” she said.
Dr Haines said artists are courageous people willing to go to places and tell stories that others don’t see or think with the showcase of the many images of previous generations,
“To get these snapshots is really quite extraordinary with many people in the room captured in these images,” she said.
She thanked the BAC for its vision and the commu-
nity in creating the ideas and spaces.
For graphic designer Matt Kinsey the exhibition had been a rewarding experience.
“I’ve been able to have a sneak peek at all the old imagery that the Burke Museum has from previous projects,” he said.
Long time Beechworth photographer Gary Coombes snapping photos for the launch also donned his 1984 Family Album t-shirt for the special occasion.
Around 70 people packed the Sub Treasury Building for the celebration.
The exhibition now running at the Beechworth Library until 30 June is an Indigo Shire and WAW supported event.
ENJOYED: Beechworth’s Jocelyn Hollis (left) and Pamela Thomas with federal member for Indi Dr Helen Haines.
GREAT NIGHT: Beechworth Council (BAC) members Chris Dormer (left), Estelle Patterson, with Federal member for Indi Dr Helen Haines, BAC member Heather Sparks, photographer Marc Bongers and BAC members Ali Rowe, Judy Hawking Burnett and Matt Kinsey at last Thursday’s exhibition launch. PHOTOS: Coral Cooksley
Rewarding photographic project
By CORAL COOKSLEY
CAPTURING
photographs of creatives with their passion of craft, spaces worked in and what makes them tick has been an incredible experience for a local photographer.
Marc Bongers said recording the next chapter of ‘Beechworth Family Album - Portraits of Creative Beechworth’ with his camera had been an incredibly rewarding experience.
‘Everyone was doing something that they love, and I was in the process of doing what I love doing,” he said.
“Everyone one was a little nitty gritty about what they do, why they do it, how they do it and moulded the way I assessed how I was going to take the photos.
“I wanted to try and work where they created their art into my photos too.
“The challenge I had and really enjoyed, was going into everyone’s different studio spaces.”
Mr Bongers said while he’s often captured artists’ work in presentations, it’s another thing to bring
someone into the artist’s space where the work is created.
An exhibition brief for black and white photos had been a perfect fit for Mr Bongers.
“Black and white photography is an area of what I love and goes back to my roots where I first started,” he said.
The photographer said he has loved taking photos since he was a ten-year-old.
In helping to record artistic creativity in the community Mr Bongers said a lot of his work is documentary style photography.
“I’ve worked for North East Media for over 20 years and that’s part of documenting what goes on,” he said.
“This is effectively going to be a time capsule of photos of a selection of artists in Beechworth and it’s great to be a part of it.”
The exhibition held in the Sub Treasury building in Beechworth’s historic precinct ran over the long weekend until Monday.
The exhibition now relocated to the Beechworth Library runs there until 30 June.
REWARDING: Professional photographer Marc Bongers at last Thursday’s launch of the ‘Family Album Portraits of Creative Beechworth’.
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
INSIGHTS: Stanley photographer
Stephen Routledge in front of the banner at last Thursday’s exhibition launch showcasing some of his work taken for the 2004 Family Album. PHOTOGRAPH: Coral Cooksley
Local photographer remembers
By CORAL COOKSLEY
BEECHWORTH Arts Council’s Family Album which captures history once every decade over 50 years recalled a special time for Stanley’s Stephen Routledge.
The local photographer was one of four photographers featured in this year’s ‘Beechworth Family Album – Portraits of Creative Beechworth’ over five decades with each having a banner in the exhibition, while the photographer has a display of local creatives with portraits.
Mr Routledge had snapped the 2004 chapter of the Beechworth Family Album with the theme ‘Through the eyes of our youth.’
Six schools had participated in workshops with photographs taken of 20 school students in moments captured in time.
The project provided a visual insight for the community about the past
and contemporary culture and environment of Beechworth and its surrounding district.
“I know some of these people quite well and some of them I haven’t seen since I took the photographs,” Mr Routledge said.
The photographer applauded the Family Album’s continuity capturing the community.
“The way they have put this exhibition together is good and it’s lovely to see a record of history about Beechworth kids,” Mr Routledge said.
“You can tell everything in a picture, and you don’t need words.
“My favourite camera was a Minolta with some of the 2004 photographs taken with the camera while some were taken on a large format Cambo camera.
“It was good fun.”
Mr Routledge said he has loved photography since he was a ten-year-old.
ACROSS
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD
4 Name a kind of soup or stew (7)
8 Name a sour liquid (7)
9 To depart in a sudden manner, is to do what (7)
10 Which newspaper is about one half of the broadsheet page size (7)
11 Name a form of pasta cut into flat sheets (7)
12 What are heavy oneedged swords (6)
14 What is a number of puppies brought forth at one birth (6)
18 When one reduces to an average, one does what (7)
21 What is the official proving of a will as valid (7)
22 Which term describes one who mends shoes (7)
23 What is the first letter of a proper noun (7)
24 To be merciful, is to be what (7)
DOWN
1 Which gods come to earth in a human form (7)
2 What do we call those who seek social rank (5)
3 To not be distinguished by birth, is to be what (7)
4 What is another term for a crib (6)
5 What is a fertile place in a desert region (5)
Letters
6 Which term describes dry weather (7)
7 What is a chain of hills known as (5)
13 Name a kind of distilled whisky (7)
15 To be senselessly foolish, is to be what (7)
16 Name a brilliantly coloured parrot (7)
17 What is another term for lively intelligence (6)
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.
18 To surpass others, is to do what (5)
19 Name a thin silk net, used in millinery, dressmaking, etc (5)
20 What do we call a Hindu religious ascetic (5)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
WHICH WORDS
BIYWORD
Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.
CLUES:
Atomic particle (7)
Describe sentence parts (5)
Garden tool (3)
Graze for payment (5)
Man whose wife became salt (3)
Meadow (3)
Neighbouring (5)
Speaking style (7)
Tear (3)
Uneven (5)
Drink driving strike rate shock during Operation Regal
By JORDAN DUURSMA
ONE in every 335 drivers tested by police have been caught drink driving during a four-day blitz across the state’s roads.
Operation Regal saw police highly visible and enforcing over the King’s Birthday long weekend, in an effort to reduce road trauma.
Despite challenging weather conditions across the weekend, police conducted around-the-clock roadside alcohol and drug testing.
There were 205 drink driving offences detected from 68,673 preliminary breath tests – a strike rate of one in every 335 drivers.
A further 168 drug driving offences were detected from 2740 roadside drug tests – a strike rate of one in every 16 drivers.
More than 40 per cent of all offences detected were for speeding, with the majority of those caught between 10km/h and 25km/h over the speed limit.
Over 430 drivers who shouldn’t have been on the road at all because they were either unlicensed, disqualified or suspended from driving were caught during the operation.
Police also issued 499 infringements to motorists for disobeying traffic signs or signals, 174 for mobile offences, and 90 for seatbelt noncompliance.
Beechworth Correctional Centre celebrates a 20-year milestone
By CORAL COOKSLEY
BEECHWORTH Correctional Centre celebrated a 20-year milestone running at its modern complex on Tuesday with the Minister of Corrections and the Corrections Victoria Commissioner travelling from Melbourne for the special occasion.
The minimum-security prison opened in 2005 replacing HM Prison Beechworth.
Minister for Corrections Enver Erdogan said the former prison HM Beechworth and Beechworth Correctional Centre have a combined 160-year history.
He said the goal of the prison system is to keep the community safe in the short term with the long-term investment in programs for employment prospects for the men in custody.
“This means men leave with confidence and skills when returning back into the community,” he said.
The minister said among programs such as working with injured wildlife for recovery, training rescue dogs in a partnership with Wodonga Dog Rescue, and in the environment helping Landcare benefited the men in gaining skills as well as
the broader community.
Commissioner Larissa Strong said the day celebrated commitment, achievements and impacts made by officers and staff who have worked at the correctional centre over the last two decades.
“More than 6000 prisoners have spent time in the Beechworth Correctional Centre over the last 20 years,” she said.
“The Beechworth team have given those men the opportunity
of a second chance to focus on their end date and their return to the community.”
The commissioner said part of the Beechworth facility’s success was how well it combined its focus on reintegration with giving back to the local community. She also said the contrast between the former 1860 jail compared to the 2005 commissioned correctional centre is a reminder of how far the prison has come.
Beechworth Correctional Centre’s general manager Patrick McCormick started working at the facility in October last year.
He said he was part of the decommissioning team in the closure of the former Beechworth prison in 2004.
“I was also part of the commissioning team in the design and oversaw the building of this facility with its opening in 2005,” he said.
“It’s fantastic working in a release prison – one that is intrinsically linked to its local community.”
Mr McCormick said officers and staff have changed lives and will continue to influence, shape and change lives in the future.
All three officials praised the work of officers and staff for their work and service.
Staff presentations followed with five, 10, 15, 20, and 35 year service awards.
Among them the corrections centre operations manager Salley Hayden received a twenty-year service award.
Ms Hayden said she started in 2003, but awards can take time to be presented.
She said the 150 guests celebrated the special day.
The total 6005 traffic offences detected during Operation Regal included 2638 speeding offences, 499 disobey signs/signals, 435 disqualified/ suspended/unlicenced drivers, 205 drink driving offences from 68,673 preliminary breath tests, 174 mobile phone offences, 168 drug driving offences from 2740 roadside drug tests, 107 vehicle impounds, 90 seatbelt offences, 546 unregistered vehicles.
Road Policing Acting Assistant Commissioner, David Byrt said it was very disappointing that police detected so many motorists disregarding the road rules over the weekend, especially during some treacherous weather conditions.
“It is even more difficult to avoid a collision in wet weather or when visibility is poor if you’re speeding, distracted, or driving while impaired, and yet we caught so many people blatantly taking those risks,” he said.
“The number of drivers who were caught driving while alcohol or drug affected this weekend is completely unacceptable.
“These drivers are not only a serious risk to themselves, but to all other road users.
“Police will continue to enforce against those who engage in risky driving behaviour, and we make no apologies for this.
“It only takes one poor decision and a split second to cause a tragedy.”
With wet weather and poor visibility increasing as winter sets in across Victoria, police are urging motorists to take extra care on the roads and be on the lookout for vulnerable road users – particularly pedestrians and motorcyclists.
Sergeant Shaun Hillier of Wangaratta Highway Patrol said as motorists enter Alpine areas, police remind them of the associated risks of travelling in hazardous weather conditions.
“If you are attending the Alpine areas, ensure you and your vehicle are prepared,” he said.
Police will remain highly visible on the roads across the state, with targeted operations to take place over the coming weeks focusing on vulnerable road user safety.
CELEBRATION: Minister for Corrections Enver Erdogan (left), Beechworth Correctional Centre’s operations manager Sally Hayden, Corrections Victoria Minister Larissa Strong and Beechworth Correctional Centre general manager Patrick McCormick at the 20year celebration on Tuesday.
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COWELL, Patricia Margret “Pat”.
10/5/1933 - 5/6/2025
Passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at Yackandandah Health. Aged 92 years.
Dearly loved wife of Walter (dec). Loved mother of Sandra (dec), Steven, David, Robert and Annette and their families.
Reunited with Walter and Sandra.
The funeral service for the late Patricia “Pat” Cowell will be held at The Beechworth Memorial Hall, 101 Ford Street, Beechworth at 1pm on Friday, June 20, 2025.
At the conclusion of the service the cortege will depart for The Beechworth Lawn Cemetery.
Beechworth (03) 5728 1052
Anyone with information regarding the current whereabouts of Bradley Neighman, son of the late Marguerite Puzey-Barter, please contact Trent of Robertson Hyetts, Bendigo, on trent@robertsonhyetts.com.au
INCUBATOR, Saunders, 288 egg, $700.
QUALIFIED MECHANIC
Yackandandah Automotive Services are currently seeking a dedicated and reliable individual to join our team.
If you have a strong work ethic, technical expertise and a commitment to providing exceptional customer service, we want to hear from you!
Key responsibilities:
• Conduct diagnostics, repairs and maintenance on light vehicles, including cars and 4WD’s
• Perform routine inspections and services to ensure vehicle safety and reliability
• Use specialised tools and equipment to carry out repairs
• Keep accurate records of work completed and parts used
• Provide recommendations to customers regarding necessary repairs or services
• Maintain a clean and organised workshop environment
Requirements:
• Proven experience as a Light Vehicle Mechanic or in a similar role
• Formal qualifications in Automotive Mechanics or a related field (e.g. Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology)
• Strong knowledge of vehicle systems and repair techniques
• Ability to work as part of a team or independently
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Good communication skills, ability to interact with customers professionally
• Valid driver’s license
Desirable:
• Experience with modern common rail diesel systems
• A/C repairer’s license and wheel alignment experience an advantage
• Willingness to keep updated with industry developments and technologies
Why join us?
• Family owned and operated • A supportive and friendly working environment
• Well-equipped workshop • 9-day fortnight work weeks • Competitive remuneration
How to apply:
Contact Matt on (02) 6027 0508.
Send your resume by email to yackauto@bigpond.com Drop in at 3 Turntable Lane, Yackandandah.
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TOYOTA Corolla Ultima model 2003, auto, remote locking, front airbags, 268,000km, new brake pads, one owner, RWC, (1AV4AP), $3800, located Porepunkah. Ph 0428 575 225.
MITSUBISHI Tray
Top Ute, 2WD 410,00km, motor rebuilt, 5 month rego (CU57VL), $2800. Ph 0439 766 211.
2016 Honda Jazz VTI-S, 54,500km, cruise control, bluetooth, reverse camera, aircon, 12 months registration (1MK4SY), RWC, new tyres, full-service history, one owner, excellent condition $15,000. Please call Brendan 0494 193 965.
MUSSO 4WD, dual cab, 2006, diesel, 200,00km, in good condition, no rego (VIN: KPADA1EKS7P029981), $4,500. Ph 0439 766 211.
Box Trailer
in 2018 by Wangaratta Trailer Sellers, must sell, located Wangaratta, $600 nonnegotiable. Ph 0431 072 232.
BOX trailer, well built, $350. Ph 0439 766 211.
DESIGNER van, built 2013, double axle, new tyres and brakes, toilet and shower combined, aircon, single beds, double water tanks, 90L fridge, excellent condition, $44,000 ONO. Ph 0460 582 811.
GREAT little cabana, needs some work, gas stove works, fridge works on gas and electricity, needs a light bar to tow, unregistered, doesn’t leak, will make good extra room, $2000 ONO. Ph 0424 053 334.
10FT 6 Boat, on a new trailer, 9hp motor, $900. Ph 0439 766 211.
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RoadSafe urges drivers to take it slow in ice and snow
THERE is so much to love about a trip to the snow, but for first-timers and those not experienced in winter alpine driving, there can also be some anxiety around getting there.
Community road safety organisation, RoadSafe North East, has put together a Top 10 Tips for alpine driving, to ensure regional Victorians can safely access all the snow-fun, with confidence and care.
“Recent snowfalls and the promise of more to come, means many local drivers and visitors to the region will be heading to the ski resorts, some for the first time,” said RoadSafe North East’s Aaron Scales.
“Whether it’s for a day trip or to stay and play, we are appealing to drivers to follow some simple basic rules if driving in icy and snowy conditions.
“We are working in partnership with Victoria Police to educate drivers about the need for careful, cautious driving in alpine areas and how they can minimise the risk, with concentration and patience.
“It’s not about instilling fear in drivers, especially first-time visitors to the snow, but equipping them with the skills and confidence to get there safely and stress-free, if road conditions do deteriorate.”
Positioned in a highly visible location in Mount Beauty and Bright during the ski season, the RoadSafe NE Variable Messaging Sign (VMS) is targeting drivers on their way to ski resorts at Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Mt Buffalo, with the rolling messages: ICE & SNOW. PLEASE DRIVE SLOW and BE SNOWSAFE. CAR-
RY CHAINS. SLOW DOWN.
Aaron Scales highlighted that winter driving can be a particularly challenging time for drivers, even before they enter higher alpine areas.
“You cannot see black ice - it generally forms at night, in the early mornings or on sections of the roads that haven’t been exposed to sunlight, like under
tree cover,” he said.
“If you hit black ice, you will have little or no control over your vehicle.
“Avoid accelerating, braking hard or turning the steering wheel quickly - if you try to struggle against the ice by braking hard or steering in the opposite direction, you increase the risk of spinning out.
“It’s best to remain calm and apply the brakes gently to slowly regain traction.
“We are asking drivers to please slow down in areas known for black ice.
“Signs will alert drivers to areas where it’s likely to be found, including near Ovens, Harrietville and Eurobin on the Great Alpine Road.”
TOP 10 TIPS FOR SNOWSMART DRIVING
1. Get up to date road conditions before your trip visiting VicTraffic or downloading the VicTraffic app
2. Always carry chains. Resort authorities will advise when and where to fit chains.
3. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration on snow or ice. Braking takes longer in icy conditions so always allow for plenty of room between you and the car in front.
4. If you hit ice, remain calm and apply the brakes gently to slowly regain traction.
5. Take corners very slowly and steer gently and steadily to avoid skidding. Never brake if the vehicle skids, instead, ease off the accelerator and steer slightly into the direction of the skid until you gain control.
6. If stuck in snow, do not spin the wheels or rev the vehicle, as this will dig the vehicle further in. Instead, put the vehicle into as high a gear as possible and slowly manoeuvre the vehicle lightly forwards and backwards to gently creep out.
7. ICE AND SNOW REMOVE IT BEFORE YOU GO: Make sure you clear ALL snow from your vehicle - you can be hit with a hefty fine and loss of demerit points for driving with snow on the roof of your vehicle. It is a danger and a hazard. Carry an ice-scraper to clear the bulk of the snow, ice and frost, and use the vehicle’s heater and fan in conjunction with the air conditioner.
8. Engage low gear when you drive down a mountain.
9. Drive with your headlights on low beam during daytime to improve your visibility to other road users. Make sure you turn on your vehicle’s fog or head lights when the weather turns bad.
10. Do not use Cruise Control. When driving in snow, it is important that you have full control over your vehicle at all times. Using cruise control can mean that you are less able to quickly react to poor road conditions and situations. And if your vehicle skids while on cruise control, it will likely continue accelerating, which can make the situation worse.
Busy weekend ahead for Beechworth Golf Club
BEECHWORTH Golf
Club will feature the June Monthly Medal and the qualifying round for the George King Memorial handicap matchplay event this Sunday.
“We would love to see as many coming out for a game,” Dylan Pool said.
“Remember if you only want to play 9 holes on a Sunday you are most welcome too,” he said.
“Men and women welcome.”
All Sunday golf, unless otherwise advised, is 11:30am for 12pm hit off.
Sunday Program for the rest of June:
Sunday, 15 JuneMonthly Medal, Matchplay Qualifying.
Sunday, 22 JuneStableford.
Sunday, 29 JuneAmbrose.
Those interested in coming to the Victoria Sandgreen Championships at Charlton in late August, please let Dylan Pool know.
There will be a bus organised if there is enough interest and accommodation is also sorted for up to eight people.
The team leaves on Thursday, 21 August and returns on Monday, 25 August.
This is a great few days away supporting a fellow small Sandgreen club.
To keep up to date, follow Beechworth Golf Club on Facebook, for more information contact (03) 5728 1056.
Beechworth players primed after bye
Bushies ready to face off against the Wahgunyah Lions
BEECHWORTH’S senior footballers are primed and ready for this weekend’s home game against the Wahgun-
The Bushrangers are sitting third on the TDFL ladder at 6-3 and they will be eager to bolster their position against the struggling Lions, who are
Coach Jack Neil said following a bye last weekend due to the King’s Birthday long weekend the players are rested and ready for the game.
“After a week off everyone should be feeling fresh and we’ll look to approach this game with confidence,” he said.
“It has given players time to reju-
BY JORDAN DUURSMA jduursma@ nemedia.com.au
venate their energy a bit and has let a few little injuries recover.
“They’ll be a lot more motivated to get back into it for sure.”
Neil said some key players to keep an eye on in the upcoming game are forwards Brad Fendyk, Lachie Armstrong and Tristan Lenaz.
“Lachie Armstrong might come back in and play first game after a while so it’ll be worth having a look,” he said.
“If the weather is nice any of our forwards will be worth watching, as well as some of our midfielders which are pretty consistently the centre of attention.”
Neil said the club is in good spirts after community’s positive response to the recent END MND fundraiser held at the Beechworth Football and Netball Club (BFNC) which saw more than $5700 raised.
“Being part of the community and giving back is a big part of being in a regional football and netball club,” he said.
“There’s a lot of businesses in the community that support the football
club financially and obviously and the club obviously tries to return that in kind with patronage but also like doing things that contribute to common causes within the community which is a standout at Beechworth.
“There’s often things going on in that space.
“We will have the Indigenous round in a couple of weeks as well and there are a lot of players at the moment doing the Push-up Challenge for mental health.
“I think the community around the club is very much centred around doing stuff for the community, which is positive to see.”
TO: AMC Photography