WINE CONNOISSEUR
This year’s chairman of judges Russell Cody adjudicated, if necessary, at this year’s Rutherglen Wine Show. Story page 3
Hope for Billson’s
THE fate of Billson’s Beverages may be decided in the next month as administrators remain optimistic of its sale and recapitalisation prospects.
BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au
Indicative offers for the Beechworth-based business close on Friday, September 13, around five weeks after entering the sale process. McGrath Nicol administrator Rob Smith said offers were progressing well and as planned, with more than 40 Australian and overseas companies showing interest for the business.
“It gives us continued optimism about a successful outcome of the sale and recapitalisation process,” he said.
“It’s a positive number and it goes to Billson’s being a really successful brand of business in the past and continuing to be so.
“It’s garnered a wide variety of interest which is encouraging.”
Following the closure of indicative offers, Mr Smith said the group would be asking preferred bidders to move into detailed due diligence and expecting final offers to be made by
mid-October.
“We’re looking to enter a final sale agreement by the end of October,” he said.
The popular Beechworth brewery entered voluntary administration on July 31, citing a rapid downturn in consumer spending, and punishing government excise duties as contributing factors.
Supreme Court of Victoria documents submitted on September 5 show at the
time the administrators were appointed, the company owed at least $22 million in debts and liabilities to creditors.
Of that amount, more than $12.2 million was owed to the NAB with $1.8 million in tax, $1.1 million in employee entitlements and $3.3 million to other creditors.
Following the administrators’ July 31 appointment, 53 employees
were laid off with 49 workers remaining.
The company had previously slashed jobs in February amid cost pressures.
Associate Justice Simon Gardiner said should a sale not be achievable, it was likely the administrators would have to cease operations and wind down the business to realise any remaining assets.
■ Continued page 2
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
Optimism remains in survival of Billson’s
■ From page 1
“The administrators contend however, the sale is ultimately structured to maximise the sale proceeds and provide the best opportunity for the secured creditors to be paid out, with any surplus funds to be made available to unsecured creditors,” he said.
“They consider that maintaining business operations is important while a sale remains a reasonable possibility, as it ensures that a going concern sale is feasible.”
Mr Smith said the business has remained open and will continue to be open throughout the sale process.
“The business is trading well and we’re preparing for a really big spring and summer,” he said.
“The business is making preparations for a big September school holidays in Beechworth and we’re expecting a busy few weeks and we’re launching new products.
“We understand and know the business is a significant part of the Beechworth and North East community and a key tourist attraction for the area.
“It bodes well for a successful outcome for the business, the community and the North East region.”
In an update posted to Facebook last week, previous Billson’s owners Nathan and Felicity Cowan thanked the local and wider community for their support following their voluntary administration announcement.
“Whilst the last five weeks have been difficult and disruptive, we want to thank all of our wonderful customers, retail partners and suppliers for sticking by us,” they said.
“We’re feeling very optimistic and hope to have some exciting news to share with you in the not too distant future.”
Beechworth Incorporated forges ahead
By CORAL COOKSLEY
BEECHWORTH Incorporated’s re-elected president Katrina Witherow looks forward to working with the team to represent businesses, strengthen Beechworth and to engage with the community.
Ms Witherow’s (Dalcheri) reappointment took place at the AGM held on Tuesday night at Hotel Nicholas with people elected or re-elected to the committee - Ian Longfield (Beechworth Sweet Co,) vice-president, Brooke Goldsworthy (Beechworth Honey) secretary, Sue Humphris treasurer, Ian McVea (NewsXpress) minute secretary, Ruby Bennett (Gold Fields Greengrocer as well as ‘Butter Pilates’) event coordinator, and Deb Donkers (Benev), Erin Davis Hartwig, (Old Stone Hall and Beechworth Photographers), Clare Cooper (CC Quality Meats), Scott Saunders (Australia Post Beechworth), Ian McVea (NewsXpress), Lorraine Lucas (Hotel Nicholas) and Coral Cooksley
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YOUR OVENS AND MURRAY TEAM
(Ovens and Murray Advertiser) as committee members.
Prior to re-elections Ms Withrow chaired the meeting and presented a report for a successful 12 months.
Among highlights included a Bendigo Community Bank grant last year for the ‘Light up Beechworth at Christmas’ project with $50,000 towards decorations and installation, and $5000 to purchase a shipping container for storage.
Another grant for more than $57,000 has this year been received for additional decorations.
“We could not have done this without the opportunity given by our local Bendigo Community to our community,” Ms Witherow said.
The president thanked the Christmas lights subcommittee, Sue and Roger Humphris, Brooke and Russell Medcraft, Marty and Mark and Marissa from Primo Electrical with their contract helpers too.
Ms Witherow said two successful events had been held for
members last year with one at Beechworth Bakery with talks by Beechworth Bakery director Marty Matassoni and Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE) CEO Matt Pfahlert.
Another including a membership drive held at Bridge Road Brewers had guest speakers Sally Wright from the Stanley Pub as well as Indigo Shire tourism manager Susannah Doyle presenting an update on the Victorian Goldfields World Heritage Bid in a 15-council partnership.
Ms Witherow said the evening clinched 43 new business, and five new community memberships.
The president said among projects is an advertising package aimed to reinvigorate a long-needed vibrancy for the business sector as well as liaison with Indigo Shire on the future of events to support festivals, organisers and volunteers.
She said a new logo had been created while works remain in progress for the strategic plan, website, social media commu-
nication development with the community embracing the Face Book page.
The president also spoke about Beechworth History and Heritage, Beechworth Incorporated, Old Beechworth Gaol and the Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE) forming the Beechworth Historic Precinct Partnership (BHPP) with its goals following National Heritage listing in August of historical Beechworth building in the precinct.
She said Beechworth Incorporated’s purpose is to connect and support the Beechworth business community, foster positive relationships and collaboration with economic growth and community development.
“Beechworth Incorporated formerly known as a Beechworth Chamber of Commerce is a member-based not for profit association run by a volunteer committee,” she said.
Ms Witherow thanked committee members and everyone for their support.
Child care service shortage in Beechworth
By CORAL COOKSLEY
WITH a lack of adequate childcare service places in Beechworth, two doctors living in town are unable to work locally.
Parent and rural doctor Corey Putkunz with her partner also a doctor would love to work at the local surgery except their two children are on the Beechworth Community Early Years Learning Centre (BCEYLC) waitlist preventing them working in Beechworth.
“This impacts the broader community of Beechworth, not just our family,” Dr Putkunz said.
Another parent Sarah Reid with her toddler on the waitlist for a year, drives to Wangaratta to access a family day care service and then back to Beechworth to work.
The frustrated environmental scientist said without family nearby is stressed by daily travel.
“My work hours are reduced because of the driving and the
arrangement puts all sorts of limits on my career and our family situation,” she said.
With 120 children on the BCEYLC waitlist for childcare, BCEYLC board president Lauren Malins said the service has consistently sought ways to maximise use of the purpose-designed childcare centre.
A recent announcement by the Indigo Shire Council to run an EOI process for a single tenant in the building has the potential to halve the wait list.
Ms Malins said the childcare provider intends to submit an application to the EOI process.
“If successful, the extra space could enable an additional 30 childcare and kinder spots per day, possibly reducing the waitlist by half,” she said.
“There is a long history of exploring ways to offer more childcare places because it is affecting the health, wellbeing and economic situation of many young families.
“Parents, mainly women, can’t return to work if they don’t
have childcare.
“Many families are driving out of town to access childcare services or unable to work because they can’t get childcare in other towns either.”
With limited space at the centre, only 12 care spots for babies under two, and 12 for toddlers aged two to three are available.
The building purpose-designed to meet early years regulations is divided in half with both Beechworth Community Childcare Centre and Beechworth Kinder occupying separate space since 1998.
After many years of talks about merging services, the childcare centre obtained a kinder license in 2021 with a rebrand to the Beechworth Community Early Years Learning Centre.
Ms Malins said in anticipation of a merger under one name and site, both organisations developed a new constitution with Beechworth Kinder deciding not to proceed for several reasons.
“Through 2023 and 2024 we continued to seek opportunities
to work with
on how best to maximise use of the building and meet the needs of the community, to no avail,” she said.
BCEYLC provides childcare and kinder services to 57 children per day, a total of 88 families per week, in their part of the building.
“Many of these families may only have one or two days of care and are seeking more days so they can return to work,” Ms Malins said.
“BCEYLC exists to serve the early years needs of Beechworth and district communities, their children, families and staff.
“The centre’s philosophy is to provide quality care and education, equity of access, and inclusion to enable parents to work, so it is part of our remit to look into all options.”
The State Government subsidises 15 hours of free kinder per week for three and four year old’s offered by different models across three services providers in Beechworth.
Beechworth Kinder
THRILLED: Beechworth Community Bank’s Jackie Hall (left) presented a big cheque to Beechworth Incorporated committee members Sue Humphris, Deb Donkers and Katrina Witherow at Tuesday’s AGM.
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
Council candidates begin nominating for council
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
FOUR Indigo Shire Council candidates have officially nominated for the council election to be by postal vote from October 7.
As of Thursday morning, Mayor Sophie Price, fellow councillors Diane Shepheard and Bernard Gafney along with Graham Parton had officially lodged nominations according to the Victorian Electoral Commission website.
Nominations opened on Monday and will close at 12 noon on Tuesday, September 17.
As earlier reported in the Ovens and Murray Advertiser , among Mr Parton’s top priorities as a potential councillor
included preservation of heritage and the unique character of shire towns and villages, protecting the environment as well as balancing infrastructure and planning for the shire’s growth.
Scott Landells has also announced his intentions to nominate for council who said if elected as a councillor a team-oriented approach would prevail working with councillors as well as with communities on their priorities.
Candidates will be updated progressively on the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) website during the nomination period.
A ballot draw, to determine the order candidates are listed on the ballot papers, will be conducted on September 18.
Contact details for candidates provided for public use will be available on the VEC website as candidates are listed during the nomination period.
A list will also be posted at the end of the day at each council’s election office.
Candidates have the option of completing a questionnaire to allow voters to compare candidates’ experience.
Answers, where provided, will be available on the VEC website from Wednesday, September 18.
Candidate statements and photographs, where provided, will be available online from September 18.
Ballot packs will be posted to all enrolled voters from October 7, containing a ballot paper, together with their statements.
Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne said councils should reflect the communities they represent.
“I encourage local leaders to consider nominating in the upcoming local government elections,” she said.
“Our reforms will create a uniform code of conduct across all councillors and introduce mandatory training, supporting good governance at councils and ensuring they focus on the needs of the communities they represent.”
You must post your ballot or drop it off at the election office before 6pm on Friday, October 25.
Election results will be declared on Friday, November 15.
Beechworth man admitted to ICU following main street accident
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
A BEECHWORTH man was in ICU for at least two days following an e-bike accident at the Ford and Camp Street roundabout on Monday.
Sergeant Mal Clarke of Beechworth police said emergency services attended the incident at around 2:15pm.
The 74-year-old hit the cobblestone curb at the roundabout as he was travelling along Ford Street, which threw him off the bike and onto the road.
Sgt Clarke said the man landed heavily and was assisted by those in the vicinity.
“No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved, he appears to have just misjudged the curb for one reason or another,” he said.
Sgt Clarke said sustained an injury to the hip and was taken into Wangaratta hospital for surgery.
The 74-year-old also suffered a medical episode throughout Monday night.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Sgt Clarke said the Beechworth local remained in ICU with non-life threatening injuries.
TASTED: Fifth-generation winemaker from one of Australia’s oldest
judge David Morris
Lennie Lister
judge Amy
winemaker and associate
the Australian
and now
Wine uncorked for judging
By CORAL COOKSLEY
HUNDREDS of bottles of wine from around the nation have been uncorked this week for wine tasting at the 136th Rutherglen Wine Show held in the Henderson Pavillion.
Four days of judging in the longest running wine show in Australia started on Monday and finished yesterday, with the Australian Fortified Wine Show running alongside as one of the biggest in the nation.
Show committee chair Chris Pfeiffer from Pfeiffer
Wines said 1000 entries had been received, including 130 fortified wines.
Calabria Family Wines and McWilliams senior wine maker, a wine judge and highly respected wine experts in the industry, Russell Cody is chairman of judges for the first time at this year’s show.
Mr Cody said on Tuesday the Semillon had been a highlight with chardonnays and rieslings to be judged on the day.
“Shiraz was judged yesterday with some delicious shiraz having a lot of structure
and poise,” he said.
“We also judged a lot of the Iberian varieties, such as Tempranillo Touriga, which is synonymous to this region within the Portuguese style of wines.
“And some of those as dry reds were magnificent.”
Mr Cody said wine shows have significantly helped to improve the quality of Australian wines over the past few decades with wine flavours evolving over that time.
He said it’s harder to judge now as all the wines have improved, but judges are
well experienced in their fields.
“Judges look for more lighter, delicate wines, and they have to fit that in with all the different styles, so it’s a much different to judge but it’s a lot more fun,” he said.
“Entries have gone up by 25 for the Australian fortified wine show year which is fantastic.
“This year we have nine judges and nine associate judges in three panels.”
Mr Pfeiffer said the committee is pleased with this year’s entries holding the show’s numbers
“We’ve been undertaking considerable work on improving the Australian fortified wine show which is already is the best in Australia to draw more exhibitors,” he said.
“With their beautiful flavours and complexities, it also helps maintain the standards in the wines too and they’re not forgotten.”
Mr Pfeiffer said the show has an education component with master classes including training up judges who don’t see fortified wines.
With the shows incredibly
long history, Mr Pfeiffer said he and the committee are custodians to keep the tradition going.
An exhibitors tasting is being held on Thursday, September 26 from 10am to 3pm at the Henderson Pavilion while a presentation dinner is being held on the evening from 6.30pm to 11pm at Tuileries Restaurant.
A public tasting follows on Friday, September 27 from 6.30pm to 10pm. For more information and bookings visit www.rutherglenwineshow.com.au.
WINE GALORE: Chairman of judges Russell Cody with some of the many entries still to be judged
winemaking families
wine consultant and
(left), associate judge Brown Brothers’ wine maker Tom Canning, associate judge and wine maker
with
Smith both from Warrabilla Wines, wine consultant and judge Glen Thomson with assistant
judge Nick Gardner from Campbells Wines at this week’s Rutherglen Wine Show incorporating
Fortified Wine Show too.
PHOTOS: Coral Cooksley
NICE DROP: Stanton and Killeen wine maker and associate judge Adrian Foot tasted wines at this at this year’s Rutherglen Wine Show
Special guest speakers at film night
MEMORIES: Chiltern identity and retired
Andrew
in the Australian dystopian thriller Mad Max produced in 1979. PHOTOS: Coral Cooksley
Fired up for Fired up for recruiting
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A FILM resonating with audiences decades after its release was recently shown at Chiltern’s Star Theatre with a special addition on the night.
The timeless classic Mad Max shown by Chiltern Lions Club’s FLICS (Film Lions International Chiltern Society) drew a 60-strong audience with Chiltern’s famed retired actor Andrew Gilmour and the film’s vehicle mechanic Rob Orchard from Beechworth giving talks.
Mr Gilmour played the part of the lawyer Silvertongue in the Australian dystopian thriller produced in 1979 starring Mel Gibson, while Mr Orchard had been the chief mechanic keeping cars running in the low budget film.
The locals delivered insights into the movie created by Australian film director, screenwrit-
er and producer, George Miller, co-creator and producer Byron Kennedy along with their own journeys leading to their respective roles.
Mr Gilmour said his love of acting while studying law and business at Melbourne University sparked when a friend invited him to join him in auditions for American playwight Eugene O’Neill’s “Ah Wilderness,” with the university’s Melbourne Theatre Company.
“It was the first time in my life I had a script in my hand, and I was given the part of the main character Richard,” the 98-yearold said.
“Somewhere along the way, George Miller heard of me and offered me the part of Silvertongue.”
Mr Gilmour said director George Miller had been easy to work with on the set.
“Directors are important because it’s their ultimate responsibility, and as a director when casting they know what can be drawn out of you as an actor and George was one of those people,” he said.
“A big hit on a low budget I think it is the most successful film Australia has ever made.”
As a 22-year-old, Mr Orchard said he scored his job through a friend who worked at Crawford Productions and then freelanced.
“He let me know a movie had come up called Mad Max about cars, Byron met us and I got the job,” he said.
“We only had one vehicle per character with no spare vehicles and I had to keep them going without blowing the budget otherwise it was all over.
“We made the cars look powerful and I put brake fluid on the tyres that wouldn’t destroy the
rubber where it would burn off and just blow a lot of smoke giving the effect, as we couldn’t afford new tyres.”
Mr Orchard said he helped as a stuntman as well including a police wheel lock up, a toe cutter bike scene on the edge of cliff and a scary high speed shooting incident.
He said the film opened doors and changed his life.
“I get opportunities to meet many people when I give talks as they want to know about the film that has generated so much,” he said.
Mr Orchard said George Miller remained a close friend.
Mr Gilmour is known for his roles in a string of television series including A Thousand Skies, All the Rivers Run II, Blue Heelers, Neighbours and The Sullivans and in films such as Crackerjack, Smitten and The Wild Pony.
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A BUSY recruitment drive at Saturday’s local Farmers Market clinched interest from several locals to join Beechworth Fire Brigade as volunteers.
The brigade’s officer-incharge Travis Nicholson said boosting volunteer numbers means a strong crew is available to respond to emergencies.
While many skills gained cut across a number of manual operations such as how to drive trucks, and using all types of tools and equipment, Travis said many life skills are learned as well.
“Emergencies don’t just happen where fire trucks are needed, they can happen at home or anywhere,” he said.
“Volunteers learn how to handle emergencies - a life skill that can be applied to any situation.”
Besides a recruitment exercise on Saturday, Travis said the crew delivered fire safety messages for the approaching summer season to the community.
“We talked about preparation for summer such as burning needed on rural properties and what a prepared property looks like,” he said.
“It’s important to register a burn off too by calling 1800 668 511.” Travis said town residents need to have an understanding of fire danger ratings.
“Not everyone lives on a rural property and people need to prepare around their homes such as having gutters cleared,” he said.
Among other fire hazard reductions include dead vegetation removal around properties, as well as firewood stacks from around houses to create defensible spaces.
Travis said the brigade
has a social side too with a robust and jovial crew.
“For newcomers to the town, it’s a great way to meet people and we have a lot of volunteers who have done exactly that,” he said.
Beechworth Fire Brigade’s Rohan France said training for new recruits started next month with qualifications gained in November.
“A diverse family of choice is gained as a volunteer and we have the coolest trucks (giant tool kits on wheels) in town,” he said.
“It is a near instant way to gain an awesome friendship group with a variety of interests and skills, with links made throughout the community too.
“And no matter where
you are in the world, you will be part of the sister and brotherhood of firefighters.” For more information about being a firefighting volunteer find the fire truck with the crew tomorrow while extra information about how to apply can be checked out at www.cfa.vic. gov.au/volunteers-careers/ volunteer-with-cfa/apply-tovolunteer.
52 Sydney Road Beechworth, VIC 3747 (03) 5728 0200
www.beechworthhealthservice.com.au www.facebook.com/BeechworthHealthService
PACE@indigo
PACE@indigo is our free, evidencebased exercise and education program for individuals with heart and lung conditions. The program is available in Beechworth & Yackandandah.
To learn more about PACE@indigo, please us contact at:
Phone: (03) 5728 0200
Email: BHSIntake@beechworthhealth.org.au
Volunteers needed!
Planning is underway for this year’s Beechworth Community Christmas Lunch!
Our working party is seeking volunteers to help with setup, packing hampers, and assistance on Christmas Day.
If you’re able to lend a hand, please join us in making this special event successful once again in 2024.
Register with Quercus by 29 November, 2024. All volunteers must have a valid National Police Check. For more information contact Quercus on 0403 865 095 or email: volunteers@quercusbeechworth.com.au
CATCH-UP: Beechworth Fire Brigade volunteer Nicki Munro chats to Heather and John Jameson (also a volunteer) with their four-yearold son Archer on Saturday.
TEAMWORK: Beechworth Fire Brigade volunteers Nicki Munro (left), Neil Tyson, David Box, Jess Hercott and David Garcia helped with a recruitment drive on Saturday.
PHOTOS: Coral Cooksley
actor
Gilmour played the part of lawyer Silvertongue
The lasting impact of women’s pain revealed
By JORDAN DUURSMA
THE State Government’s landmark Inquiry into Women’s Pain has revealed the significant impact pain conditions like endometriosis, pelvic pain and migraines are having on the lives of Victorian women and girls.
Women and girls have shared their experiences of sexism and misogyny, feeling ignored or dismissed by clinicians who attributed their pain to psychological and personality factors, as well as culturally unsafe care.
The stories and experiences generously shared by Victorian women and girls in the survey, via written submissions and forums over recent months, will now form the development of recommendations to improve the way women’s healthcare is delivered in Victoria.
Women’s Health Goulburn North East chief executive officer, Amanda Kelly, said the results of the survey of more than 13,000 respondents are not a surprise, however it was very important to have a clear picture of the state of women’s health right across Victoria.
“We are very pleased to see the inclusive nature of the survey ensuring that many non Englishspeaking women were afforded a chance to respond, as well as the uptake by women living in
regional and rural Victoria,” she said.
About 40 per cent of women who participated in the survey were from regional and rural Victoria, and their insights highlighted the importance of being able to access the right care closer to home.
“We were able to provide detailed feedback to the inquiry with the generous input of women across our regions,” Ms Kelly said.
“We’ll be looking with interest at the report and recommendations that come from the inquiry to see how they will support women in our region.”
The results come at the same time as the State Government prepares to launch its $5 million Mobile Women’s Health Clinic.
Operated by BreastScreen Victoria to make free healthcare more accessible for women living in rural and regional parts of Victoria, the new mobile women’s health service will hit the road in late October.
The mobile clinic will offer a variety of women’s health services including sexual and reproductive health information, advice, clinical services and referrals to other necessary specialists.
“The launch of the Mobile Women’s Health Clinic, the sexual and reproductive health hubs and the expansion of the Breast
Screen service are a fantastic start to addressing the issues that regional women face in accessing the health care we all need,” Ms Kelly said.
“We’re looking forward to supporting the uptake of these services and ensuring that all women across our region have improved access.”
A spokesperson for the Premier’s office confirmed Wangaratta will be home to one of 20 new women’s health clinics promised by the State Government.
Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, thanked everyone who took part in the survey for their help making a difference.
“Women and girls, in Northern Victoria and all over our state, have shared their stories and experiences to this landmark inquiry,” she said.
“This inquiry is part of the State Government $153.9 million women’s health package to deliver the care women and girls deserve.”
Women’s Health Goulburn North East in conjunction with Women’s Health Loddon Malle have just launched their own research and recommendations report on women’s experience of sexual and reproductive health services in the region.
You can view the research and recommendations by visiting whealth.com.au.
The Australian Government, represented by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, is seeking to purchase up to 70 gigalitres per year (GL/y) of permanent water rights across 5 selected catchments in New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria. This is to help to deliver the 450 GL/y of additional environmental water, and to implement the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
Interested owners of eligible water rights in these catchments are invited to submit a tender response stating the price at which they want to sell their permanent water rights to the department. The decision to participate is completely voluntary.
To read the Approach to Market and submit a tender, please visit AusTender – www.tenders.gov.au - and search for water rights purchasing
MORE INFORMATION:
For more information on voluntary water purchasing, visit www.dcceew.gov.au/watertender
ASSISTANCE:
For help with using AusTender, visit help.tenders.gov.au
If you can’t access AusTender or have questions about the tender process, please email watertenders@dcceew.gov.au
HOW TO SUBMIT:
Closing date: 12 midday, 11 September 2024 Visit www.tenders.gov.au/atm and search for 2024_2454
• Download and read the Approach to Market documents
• Login or Register as a new user
• Complete the tender form and submit your response
Chat with Jodie from our Wangaratta office, who has recently
to the Cook Islands
SUPPORTING WOMEN: State MP Sonja Terpstra, state MP Kat Theophanous, Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Vicki Ward, Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas and acting chief executive officer of BreastScreen Victoria Luke Neill at BreastScreen in Heidelberg representing the joint effort going forward to bring new services directly to women in regional Victoria.
TIME FOR CHANGE: Women’s Health Goulburn North East chief executive officer Amanda Kelly commend the State Government’s Inquiry into Women’s Pain.
WASP website goes live for mental health support
THE Wangaratta Area Suicide Prevention group (WASP) officially launched its new community website this week to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day and R U Okay Day on Thursday, September 12.
The new website WASP Wangaratta offers an up-to-date directory of 230+ local services, community resources, helplines, organisations and support groups that offer crisis support, counselling, information and research about mental health and suicide prevention.
Some 5000 beer coasters have been printed with a QR link to the website and the small community group has distributed them to 22 local hotels and sporting groups around the Wangaratta area.
Venues have been asked to place the coasters in their public places to make them visible to customers this week.
Hospitality venues and sporting organisations act as vital social community hubs and are often the places where family, friends and community members come together to talk when they are struggling.
The group hopes that people in crisis, or parents, family members, friends or individuals within the community looking to support someone who is at risk or that has previously attempted suicide, or is dealing with suicide loss, might take a coaster home, discretely or otherwise, and utilise the resources and helplines within the website directory.
WASP committee member Kylie Barton said Wangaratta and its surrounding local communities experience some of the highest psychological distress levels across Victoria.
“While there are hundreds of organisations, helplines and online services out there to help
support better mental wellbeing and suicide prevention, finding the appropriate resources and helplines quickly and without the distractions and challenges of social media platforms and the millions of pages of content online takes time and, in many instances, can be overwhelming,” she said.
“For this reason, one of our major WASP projects for 2024 was to create a dedicated website that pulled all of this information into a single directory.
“The large pool of more than 230 diverse resources is well linked, easy to access and can be filtered for tailored help-seeking content; including specific helplines and resources.
“The website has real-time accuracy and contains clear, relevant and safe messaging.
“It is user friendly, easy to access and simple to navigate.”
Ms Barton said the group be-
Be careful with bright coloured dye, says EPA
A SERIES of incidents that turned creeks and stormwater drains bright blue, green or orange has prompted a call to plumbers and other tradies to be extra careful with the coloured marker dye they use in their work.
EPA Victoria said the dye, called fluorescein, is nontoxic but very concentrated, so even where it doesn’t affect the environment, it can still cause problems by diverting EPA investigators from more serious pollution.
EPA North East regional manager, Renee Palmer, said it can also be distressing for communities and Traditional Owners to see natural waterways stained an unnatural colour.
“Fluorescein is most often used by plumbers to check pipe connections or spot leaks,” Ms Palmer said.
“It is useful and non-toxic, but it is also highly concentrated, so it’s easy to overdo it.
“EPA will investigate any contaminant in a waterway in case it’s a hazardous chemical, but this year
we’ve responded to numerous incidents involving fluorescein that took up investigators’ time and could easily have been prevented.
“That means tradies being extra careful when using fluorescein.
“If you accidentally use too much or notice it entering the stormwater system, report it to EPA.”
The recent incidents involving fluorescein have provided a visual demonstration of how the community’s streets, gutters and drains are pathways to our waterways.
“Anything you wash into a stormwater drain will end
up in our creeks, rivers and oceans,” Ms Palmer said.
“EPA will investigate and can issue fines, but prevention is always a better protection for the environment.
“A little fluorescein goes a long way, so we are calling on plumbers and anyone else working with dye to make sure they follow the manufacturer’s instructions.”
If you see bright coloured dye or other contaminants entering a stormwater drain or waterway, take a photo and call EPA’s 24-hour hotline on 1300 372 842 or provide details online at epa. vic.gov.au/report-pollution/ reporting-pollution.
Free training aims to create community suicide safety net
A FREE, evidence-based suicide prevention training course is now available to anyone living and working in the Murray Primary Health Network region, which covers 100,000 sq km of central, north western and north eastern Victoria.
Murray PHN is funding Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) online training, which takes just 60 minutes and helps people to identify the warning signs of someone at risk of suicide, the confidence to speak to them about their thoughts and the tools to connect them with professional care.
Each year, in the second week of September, two awareness days - World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) on September 10 and R U OK? Day on September 12 – aim to encourage action and promote the importance of good mental health.
This year’s WSPD theme of “Changing the narrative on suicide” encourages individuals, communities, organisations, and governments to engage in open and honest discussions about suicide and suicidal behaviour.
By initiating vital conversations, people can help to break down barriers and create better cultures of understanding and support.
lieves there are less than five such websites across the country that house this number of resources, in a single portal.
The website was funded by a $2850 grant from Ski For Life, a South Australian charity that assists communities, groups and individuals to use conversations and community engagement to raise awareness of strategies that support good mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention.
WASP also received a donation of $5000 from Transmotto and their dirt bike riding community at their enduro race held in Wangaratta in 2023.
The website was designed by Kody Deretic | The Child In Me in conjunction with WASP and took months of research and 100s of hours of development.
To view the website, visit https://www.waspwangaratta.com. au/.
Murray PHN chief executive officer Matt Jones said suicide prevention training helps to create a local safety net, when significant numbers of people in a community are equipped to respond to suicide.
“Sometimes we may feel unsure about what to say or do when someone is acting out of the ordinary or admits they are “not ok”, he said.
“QPR training can help prepare people to have these important conversations.
“The more community members who are trained to understand and identify people who may be in distress, the more chance we have as communities to prevent deaths by suicide.
“QPR training takes only an hour and is particularly beneficial for those who regularly interact with a large range of people, including hairdressers, baristas, bankers and sporting club members.
“My hope is that as many people in our region as possible take up this opportunity and complete the training.”
For more information and to register go to murrayphn.org.au/qpr.
If you are in an emergency or at immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, please contact emergency services on 000.
Other services include Lifeline at 13 13 14 or lifeline.org.au or Suicide Call Back Service at 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au.
NEW WEBSITE: WASP chair Trevor Jenvey and committee member Kylie Barton, with (right) Wangaratta RSL general manager Chris Simsen and Casey Jasseup celebrated the launch of the WASP website.
PHOTO: Chloe Jaenicke
AN UNWANTED BLOOM: Pictured is the result of fluorescein, a non-toxic dye used by plumbers and other tradies, is washed into our waterways.
Northeast Mums for Peace to rally for peace in Palestine
ANOTHER ’Peace for Palestine’ rally will be held in Wangaratta this Sunday, September 15 in King George Gardens.
‘North East Mums for Peace’ have been holding a monthly rally since June and they will be joined by Indi Independent MP Helen Haines this Sunday, who will address the crowd.
Jessica Carson from North East Mums for Peace said September marks a year of the “ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people”.
“It’s nearly a year of witnessing some of the most horrific images on our screens - I am left grappling with a profound question: What does it truly mean to be human?” she said.
“In our tranquil corner of the North East, we live in relative comfort and freedom, going about our daily lives - working, spending time with family, and enjoying the privileges many around the world can only dream of.
“Yet, while we revel in these blessings, the people of Palestine are trapped in a relentless cycle of fear, destruction and grief.
“The contrast between my own life as a mother, filled with the simple joys and safety of raising my children, and the brutal realities faced by Palestinians, forces me to confront an uncomfortable truth.
“How can we continue with our lives as though these atrocities
Driver charged after speeding on the wrong side of freeway
are distant or irrelevant?”
Ms Carson said turning a blind eye to the suffering of others diminishes our own humanity and implicates us in the violence and oppression.
“Accepting such horrors in one place risks normalising them everywhere,” she said.
“To be human, then, is to rec-
ognise our shared dignity and to act with empathy and justice.
“It means standing in solidarity with those who suffer, regardless of the distance between us.
“As the humanitarian crisis in Palestine deepens, it is crucial that we do not remain passive.
‘We must act, demand justice, and stand with those enduring
A SPEEDING driver who was tracked travelling in the wrong direction on the north bound lane of the Hume Freeway last Thursday night, September 5 between Wodonga and Glenrowan has been charged with multiple offences.
Police said the 33-year-old female driver from Shepparton allegedly drove her grey Mazda 323 south in the north bound lane of the Hume Freeway at speeds in excess of 120kph between Wodonga and Wangaratta.
Police said the Mazda was first spotted by police in Wodonga about 7:55pm.
Officers followed the vehicle for an extended period before stop sticks were successfully deployed on the Hume Freeway at Glenrowan about 8:35pm.
During the incident, officers initiated road closures to ensure the safety of the public and other road users.
The female driver and a 29-year-old man passenger from Shepparton were arrested at the scene.
The woman was charged with dangerous driving whilst pursued by police, reckless conduct endangering life and driving in a speed/manner dangerous to the public.
unimaginable suffering.
“Our global humanity hinges on our response.”
Ms Carson said Sunday’s peaceful, family-friendly walk aims to show solidarity with the people of Palestine and to advocate for justice, with all members of the community welcome to join at 3pm in King George Gardens.
She was bailed to appear at the Wodonga Magistrates Court on December 17.
The Shepparton man was released without charge.
There were no injuries to any parties.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam or CCTV footage, are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www. crimestoppersvic.com.au.
RALLY FOR PEACE: North East Mums for Peace are holding another Peace for Palestine rally at 3pm this Sunday, September 15, in Wangaratta’s King George Gardens. INSET: PEACEFUL PROTEST: The Palestine rally aims to be a peaceful, family friendly walk to show solidarity with the people in Palestine.
Loving parent finds a love for Beechworth
AVERILL Halleur was born in Melbourne and grew up in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges.
“I made the move to Beechworth just over two years ago with my husband and two munchkins - we are incredibly happy here,” she said.
What do you do workwise?
I am a specialist in strategic sourcing and international trade and enjoy casually working as a pilates instructor.
My most important role to date though is as a mama to my two beautiful children. What brought you to your role/career?
I was recruited in the last year of my double degree by a large player in the steel and mining sector and was excited at the opportunity to work in a primary industry of that scale and with such a global orientation.
I was proud to be working for an Australian company and intrigued to enter a field that is still somewhat new territory for women - this is changing fortunately.
What do you love about your work?
First and foremost, it would be the opportunity to engage with people from all walks of life - metallurgists to lawyers, freight providers to finance teams, warehouse managers to executives.
As part of that, I have been fortunate to undertake a lot of travel both nationally and overseas too which is a passion of mine.
Beyond that, I love how dynamic and fast paced the industry is and have particular interests in strategy, best practice and issue resolution. What do you do in the community?
I have been fortunate
enough to be involved as a volunteer with the Beechworth Kindergarten committee since 2023 as the committee’s president.
It is such a beautiful community of families and offers such an incredible learning environment and program.
It is a real gem within our community and has a longstanding history, so it is a privilege to be involved.
And, as a parent, I really value and take a lot of joy from being engaged in my daughter’s learning experience. Is there an important community issue that you think needs addressing?
Limited childcare spaces and forward constraints on kindergarten places (notably four-year-old capacity with the roll-out of the State Government’s pre-prep program in 2027) are key
issues for young families within the community.
What would you do to solve change, improve that situation?
We need engagement, funding and planning/ approval support from Indigo Shire, state and federal governments, to improve early years education and care capacity in a sustainable way that supports the differing needs and values of families by preserving the variety of service offerings we currently enjoy.
What do you see as one of the most important current world issues?
A growing lack of tolerance and respect for differing cultures, races, belief systems, socio-economic conditions, etc.
This intolerance is becoming increasingly present in political rhetoric and the public sphere, and is being
expressed physically in military aggression and wars waged.
The targeted hate, social injustice, inequity and oppression that all stem from this concern me greatly.
If the person you would most like to meet or knew, came to Indigo Shire (past or present), or was already here, who would that be, what would you show them, and why?
I would actually flip this question around a little bitmy great-great grandfather was local larrikin and wellknown coach driver Mick Dougherty.
If he were able to come back, I would love for him to show me his favourite places, hear about his encounters with Ned Kelly and his many passes over the alpine region.
What book are you reading?
‘Wifedom’ by Anna Funder which I am thoroughly enjoying.
OPPORTUNITY:
Schubert’s epic Trout Quintet with world-class pianist Stefan Cassomenos and the core members of the MCO will perform in Yackandandah next week.
Wednesday, September 18
ARTS YACKANDANDAH: Melbourne Chamber Orchestra (MCO) Quintet Trout. Doors open 6.30pm. Pre-show composer talk at 7.00 pm. Main event at 7.30pm. Yackandandah Public Hall, 36 High Street.
Features MCO members Stefan Cassomenos and Sophie Rowell, Emma Sullivan, Merrewyn Bramble and Blair Harris. Written when the composer was just 22, Schubert’s Trout quintet remains one of the most joyous, life-affirming works in the chamber music repertoire. Featuring the unusual combination of piano, violin, viola, cello and double bass, Schubert’s music invites us to enjoy endless harmonic and melodic inventiveness.
Hummel’s fiery First Piano Quintet opens the concert, itself the inspiration for Schubert’s Quintet with this unusual combination of violin, viola, cello, double bass and piano. A student of Mozart and much loved by Beethoven, Hummel was one of the most dazzling pianists of his time. It is this energy that dances off the page, leading one to well understand how it inspired Schubert to write The Trout.
A rare opportunity to delve inside the world of the composer as a performer and the inspiration behind their work.
Pianist and composer Stefan Cassomenos will present a short pre-concert talk commencing 30 minutes prior to the performance start. This talk is included in the price of admission, and – aside from purchasing a ticket – no registration is necessary.
Supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.
Booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/ CTRTA
Saturday, September 21
CHILTERN LIONS CLUB ‘FLICS: ‘The Australian Story’ 1952 G. First full colour Hollywood blockbuster filmed in Australia. Stars Maureen O’Hara, Peter Lawford, Richard Boone with Aussie icons Chips Rafferty and Charles Tingwell. 6.45pm. Chiltern Star Theatre. Cost: $35 - includes BBQ tea, film showing, discussion.
Bookings and pre-payment essential by Wednesday 18 September by contacting Lois Hotson : hotson@westnet.com.au / ph 0457 262358; chilternlionstreasurer@gmail.com, in person at the Chiltern Post Office or by direct debit: BSB 803070 Acct No 100020201 Lions Club of Chiltern Inc. Activities Account with surname in the reference line.
COMMUNITY PASSION: Averill Halleur feels privileged to be the president of the Beechworth Kindergarten with its long-standing history.
Averill Halleur
Phone: (03) 5723 0101
Booking deadline:
2pm business day prior to print.
Phone: (03) 5723 0101 email:
Booking deadline: 3pm Monday prior to print.
Phone:
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National win sparks aim for international competitions
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A THRILLED young Beechworthian won the Division two Girls Alpine Multiclass Giant Slalom in the Snow Australia National Schools Championships in Perisher last week.
Beechworth Secondary College year nine student Liana France representing her school clinched a gold medal.
Liana said winning the race had meant a lot as a win had been a goal for many years.
“It was an honour to win especially as skiers are the best from around Australia,” the 15-year-old said.
“The discipline of this race was Alpine Giant Slalom so the course set for us was a physical challenge and I think my biggest struggle was to make some of the turns were pretty tight.”
Having nailed the win, Liana said she now has her sights on competing in international competitions.
“I am going to head to Europe for competitions as well as participate in an intensive training program run by International Racer (IR),” she said.
Independent alpine ski racing organisation IR supports the ambitions of young racers.
“I intend to gain some more competition points which will increase my chances of getting picked up by the Paralympic team which is my end goal,” Liana said.
“In December this year I am
going to Italy with International Racer to do some skiing summer training in the Dolomites.”
Liana said her aim is to win gold for Australia at the Winter Para-
lympics Games.
“I am already starting my journey to get there as I have done para futures which is a scouting camp for young talent as well as
I was training with the Paralympic high-performance team for a week in Falls Creek,” she said.
Liana - a Falls Creek Race Club member - has also competed by invitation in the Australian Children’s Carnival.
“The carnival is for the best young skiers out there from all ski race clubs competing against each other representing their clubs,” she said.
“This is in addition to the interschools state competition which then qualified me for Nationals.”
Liana said she has loved the sport since a two-year-old when she watched an episode of Peppa Pig with skiing in the show.
“I was hooked, so we went to the Aldi ski sale and for my third birthday my parents put me on skis, and I immediately fell in love with it,” she said.
“All of next summer I would put on two pairs of socks and slide down our hallway and practice my pizza’s and French fries.
“Every year we kept going back to the snow and now here we are and I’m still in love with it.
“Skiing is such a great sport as you get this rush of adrenaline and when you’re in full control of your skis it feels like you’re flying down the run, and it really is an unmatched feeling.”
Australian Para-Alpine Team member - visually impaired athlete Georgia Gunew - presented the gold medal to Liana at the championships.
Concerns raised over Ron Barassi Medal name
FOR the first time in history, the 2024 AFL premiership captain will be awarded the Ron Barassi Medal, named in honour of one of the biggest figures in the sport, but not everyone is completely on board with the new medal.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon announced the medal in early September, set to be awarded alongside the Premiership Cup, Norm Smith Medal and Jock McHale Medal on the biggest day on the AFL calendar.
Local psychologist and broadcaster Neil Barassi, cousin of the legendary Ron Barassi, believes if a grand final honour is to bear Ron’s name, it should be the Premiership Cup itself rather than a medal.
“While I acknowledge the profound honour, I believe that, considering Ron’s contributions and accomplishments, the suggestion of the Ron Barassi Premiership Cup might serve as an even more appropriate homage to one of the sport’s legends,” he said.
“In America, the NFL honours its legend with the Vince Lombardi Trophy, and it seems fitting that the AFL Premiership Cup should similarly commemorate one of its greatest figures.
“Awarding a medal to the winning premiership captain is a significant honour, but should the Premiership Cup ever bear a name, I believe Ron’s name should be etched onto it.
“This would honour not just his role as a premiership captain but
also his contributions to the sport at large.”
Barassi, an inaugural Legend of the Game when the Australian Football Hall of Fame was founded in 1996, was a part of 10 premiership sides – six as a player with Melbourne, two as a coach with Carlton and two as a coach with North Melbourne –the equal-most premierships with Norm Smith of any person in VFL/ AFL history.
However, Syd Coventry (Collingwood), Dick Reynolds (Essendon) and Michael Tuck (Hawthorn) are the most successful captains, with four VFL/ AFL premierships each.
While Ron Barassi was an incredible captain, skippering the Melbourne Football Club to two premierships in 1960 and ’64, Neil feels the impact the great man had on the game extends far beyond simply captaining a side.
“When Ron returned to coach the Sydney Swans, after a game between Melbourne and Sydney, Ron expressed his commitment to ensuring the survival of the then-struggling Swans, stating that their demise would spell disaster for any serious national competition,” he said.
“Ron’s vision for the future saw the VFL evolve into the AFL, a transformation that is now part of history.”
The 2024 AFL grand final will be played on Saturday, September 28, from 2.30pm.
Cartledge to step down from coaching ranks
■ From back page
“He and Brayden Carey got us out of a huge amount of trouble, we had a mid-season split in 2021 with the previous coach and the only thing that made that bearable was that Tom was coming on as coach, which was great.
“As always in finals you need 21 fit players and a whole lot of luck, which we’ve struggled a bit with over the last three years.
“The effort Tom has put in has been exemplary, you can’t be measured on premierships.”
The Bushrangers were knocked out of the 2024 finals at Sandy Creek in the semis, as their opponents that day Chiltern prepare for a grand final tomorrow against Yackandandah.
Fendyk said the club will look to begin their search for a new senior coach throughout the offseason.
“We’re looking for someone to try and bring our focus from our juniors to our seniors, develop a game plan, style and culture at the club that can be carried through into future years as well as whatever we can bring into next year,” he said.
“I think it was the first time we had two teams in finals this year since 2010, so certainly our goal is to be there or thereabouts again.
“Our goal next year is certainly to make sure we have better stocks through our reserves and get to finals in that grade.”
In a mix of good news, Cartledge also announced his re-commitment to the club as a player, which he said was an easy decision.
“The club’s great, the committee’s great, it’s a great bunch of lads to play footy with each week,” he said.
Success at Chiltern for Beechworth golfers
By DYLAN POOL
LAST Sunday Beechworth Golf Club had six members travel to Chiltern for their men’s tournament.
A couple of members had success.
Vaughan Saunders won the A grade scratch title, Zane Howard was runner up in the C Grade handicap, Jacob Howard won the A Grade longest drive and Dylan Pool and Tyson Carey won a ball.
This coming Sunday we will be holding our qualifying round for the George King Memorial Matchplay Championships.
Arrive at 11:30am for 12 noon hit off
Reminder to all that we have a couple of events coming up that we need all our members to support. Also please spread the word to your golfing friends.
Friday September 27 (AFL Public Holiday) is a two person ambrose, any combination.
Arrive at 9:30am for 10am hit off Men’s Annual Tournament, Sunday, October 13.
Arrive at 10:30am for 11am hit off
Entries to Dylan Pool on 0458562250 for both of these events.
Also Women’s Bowl on Wednesday October 16.
GOLD: Australian Para-Alpine Team member Georgia Gunew (left) presented the gold medal to Liana at the championships
HONOUR THE LEGEND: Neil (left) and Ron Barassi celebrate the Demons’ 2021 premiership.
SLALOM SPECIALIST
Liana France racing on course in the Australian Interschools Skiing Championships Female Div 2 Multiclass Giant Slalom last Friday, where she won gold.
■ Story page 11
Cartledge steps down
Tom Cartledge will stay on at Beechworth as a player only in 2025 as team looks for new coach g ypyy
BEECHWORTH are on the search for a new senior football coach after Tom Cartledge announced he would be stepping down from the role after three years.
The former Beechworth junior told the playing group following their 35-point semifinal loss to Chiltern of his decision which he made to the committee in the weeks prior.
BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au
Catrtledge, along with cocoach Brayden Carey, oversaw the senior side’s return to Sandy Creek action 2022, falling a game short of a grand final appearance.
The team would make semi-finals over the next
two years as Cartledge was given the reigns on his own this year.
Cartledge said for the betterment of the playing group, he thought the time was right to move on.
“I feel like I’ve taken them as far as I can with my skill set and footy knowledge and it’s a good platform for someone else to come in now and take them that next step,” he said.
“I’m not trying to chase any coaching accolades or anything like that, I just want to see the group progress further.”
Cartledge said he would look back proudly over what he has achieved with the club, going from league easy beats to consistent Sandy Creek contenders.
“To go from being that side that might’ve had that
one quarter lapse each game and getting blown out of the park to becoming a top five, top three team each year, I’m really proud of that turnaround,” he said.
“To put the team up there as a team other sides don’t want to play rather than writing us off early in the year, I’m really happy with that progress.”
Beechworth FNC president
Adam Fendyk said the committee became aware of Cartledge’s desire to step down in the later part of the season and the club thanked him whole heartedly for his service.
“Tom’s fantastic, there’s no doubt his leadership on and off the field is second to none, he’s a ripping fellow and super proud to have him around at the club,” he said.
■ Continued page 11
