MYRTLEFORD’S David Hogg (back le ), an original toy run organiser David Colyer, Jo Botting, Mr Hogg’s nephew Connor Hogg (10, front le ), niece Lola Hogg (12), major Pauline Middleton in the side car with Trevor Botting at Sunday’s annual toy run event.
■ Story page 4
By CORAL COOKSLEY
AN information evening with an inaugural fundraiser to stop a proposed 24-hour roadhouse development near Rutherglen drew a 160-strong crowd of community supporters on Saturday night. Another 50 people had expressed interest but were unable to attend.
A total tally of $3222 was raised on the night for the ghting fund from sale of drinks, food and a ra e with an additional $500 that morning from concerned and prominent Rutherglen citizens.
Members from Friends of Lake Moodemere – an incorporated group set up to ght the proposal - addressed the crowd gathered at Lake Moodemere Estate outlining
the background and e orts undertaken so far to prevent the service station and truck stop from being built on ood prone land near Sunday Creek.
The group raised many concerns about the development including contamination of the nearby waterway.
The application for a planning permit by Outlook Property
Services P/L (with TFB Wine Investments and BE Judd Holdings being owners of the land) is for the roadhouse to be built on the edge of the Lake Moodemere Conservation Reserve at the intersection of Federation Way and the Murray Valley Highway, Rutherglen on prime agricultural land.
■ Continued page 3
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A DRIVE to increase doctors for Beechworth Surgery a ected by the ongoing national shortage kicked o on Wednesday with a $1000 reward available in its ‘Find Doctors for Beechworth’ campaign.
The general practice is o ering the reward to local community groups of your choice for all the good work they undertake if you connect them to a GP to join the Surgery.
Practice owner John McColl said three doctors are being sought with three community groups each to potentially receive $1000 for the good work they undertake.
“Our core value is providing high quality healthcare for our patients, and we want them to be able to do that in a timely manner,” he said.
“We know it’s frustrating for them if that’s not possible.
“We continue to try regular ways to recruit doctors and have also engaged a UKbased specialist GP agency.”
Mr McColl said the campaign arose from a patient asking what could be done to help.
“By spreading the word, we hope someone may have a contact somewhere in Australia that leads us to a new doctor,” he said.
“The practice owner said
strong support has been received from community groups such service and sporting clubs and businesses.
“All GP practices in the region face the same issue and more needs to be done to attract and retain doctors in smaller towns.
“By the end of January
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•
YOUR OVENS AND MURRAY TEAM
next year, we will have equivalent of 4.1 full-time doctors for a population of around 4500 people and by the end of August we’ll be down to 3.3 while two years ago we had the equivalent of 5.5 full-time doctors.
“We need at least two new full-time doctors which would give us 170 extra ap-
pointments a week.”
Beechworth Surgery practice manager Jane Pearce said people who leave the area o en come back to attend the Surgery, along with new people moving to town.
“Numbers are growing, but we’re not able to nd the GPs to help,” she said.
For local cartoonist and
café owner Adrian Osborne, he said it’s imperative to get more GPs moving to the area.
“It improves health outcomes for the community and gives the community more health options as well,” he said.
“Anything that reduces wait times and improves the
quality of healthcare to the community is a bonus, and this initiative is de nitely one way to go about getting that outcome.”
Mr Osborne said resources are needed to keep up with population growth.
“Beechworth is a fantastic place to live if you’re healthy and don’t have ongoing medical or chronic health concerns,” he said.
“Even though we’re 20 minutes away from the next regional hospital, it’s imperative to have quality health care in the town and this initiative is something we can all get behind.”
Mr Osborne had a major motorbike accident 22 years ago where a signi cant part of his recovery was due to reliable, quality medical care while living in a regional community.
He said it led him to train as an and Ambulance Community O cer (ACO) in 2015 to work alongside paramedics as a rst responder.
Beechworth and district community groups and businesses can register their campaign support at www. surveymonkey.com/r/RegisterFDFB and will be provided with materials to share.
The campaign runs until the end of May next year.
For further details visit www.beechworthsurgery. com.au/find-doctors-forbeechworth/.
BEECHWORTH Health Service and Hume Rural Health Alliance (HRHA) have announced the introduction of a fully consolidated Patient Administration System (PAS) across the 14-member health services in the Hume region.
The new system introduces a region-wide patient identi er to improve the continuity and connection of patient care.
Hume Rural Health Alliance chief information o cer, Neelu Kaur, said this has been one of the most complex implementations of the Patient Administration System ever undertaken.
“HRHA is pleased that we could deliver a connected Patient Administration System for the rst time in the region’s history,” she said
“This is a great achievement which has been earned through collaboration.
“We thank all the health services’ teams for their support for this major transition, and the activity in the years leading up to this.
“As always, we are looking towards the future investments in digital health to bridge the healthcare gaps in our regional communities.”
Beechworth Health Service interim chief executive o cer
Susan Plath said Hume PAS Connect serves as an essential tool for improving patient care by providing a uni ed, region-wide patient identi er.
“This system enhances our
ability to accurately track patient care across various services, leading to better coordination and continuity of care,” she said.
“Additionally, the improved data quality facilitates more accurate reporting to the Victorian Government, which is crucial for securing the necessary funding to support our community’s health services.
“By streamlining patient in-
formation and enhancing reporting capabilities, Hume PAS Connect ultimately contributes to a more e ective and responsive healthcare environment for all.”
HRHA has trained around 2500 sta across a 40,000 square kilometre region to prepare for the introduction of the new Patient Administration System.
The following health servic-
es have been involved: Albury Wodonga Health, Alexandra District Health, Alpine Health, Beechworth Health Service, Benalla Health, Corryong Health, Goulburn Valley Health, Manseld District Hospital, NCN Health, Northeast Health Wangaratta, Seymour Health, Tallangatta Health Service, Yarrawonga Health and Yea and District Memorial Hospital.
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
AN asset sale of Beechworth’s iconic Billson’s Beverages to a “con dential” party is expected to conclude in January as the company’s future was secured last week.
Creditors of Billson’s met on Thursday, December 5 to vote not to put the company into liquidation and engage in a deed of company agreement.
Billson’s housed in a 160-year-old local brewery entered voluntary administration in July.
Creditors were faced with three available options to vote on; whether company control would be returned to directors, entering a deed of company agreement or enter liquidation. They voted to execute the proposed DOCA, recapitalising the company and safeguarding the roles of the remaining 42 employees with Billson’s.
Administrators recommended entering the DOCA, as it o ered the best return for creditors.
An administrators report
received by creditors at the meeting outlined the proposed restructure, which reverted control and management of the company back to the director, Nathan Cowan and the existing shareholders.
But this would not include assets subject to an assets sale which administrators launched in August, in order to recapitalise the company.
The report said the process resulted in significant interest and received seven non-binding offers, which have since been
narrowed down to one.
“Since October 23, administrators have been negotiating with an unrelated, preferred bidder on nalising an asset sale,” the report said.
“The asset sale is with an unrelated, con dential party and remains subject to ongoing negotiation at this stage.
“It is intended under the asset sale, the counterparty will acquire Billson’s Beverages alcoholic ready to drink business and the key intangibles, the majority of which are owned by Billson’s Holdings.”
The report said the asset sale is planned to be completed on or around January 31, 2025.
The proposed DOCA voted on by creditors sees the company’s $12.2 million debt to NAB paid in full as a secured creditor, while unsecured creditors will get between seven to 10 cents on the dollar.
ed as some of the company’s top di culties. Mr Cowan and partner Felicity released a statement last Thursday informing their community of the news, which received more than 34,000 likes and 3600 comments on Billson’s Facebook page.
“This marks a pivotal milestone for us of which we are truly grateful,” they said.
The report outlined the key events leading up to the appointment of administrators on July 31, with a decline in sales, cost-of-living pressures and intense competition cit-
“The restructure will allow us to refocus on what we love most: the Beechworth venue experience, our range of traditional avours and the sites pristine alpine spring water.”
By CORAL COOKSLEY
THE SUN shone brightly on Saturday for the last Farmers Market in Beechworth for this year with a great Christmas vibe from singing carols, music and a nativity booth.
Beechworth Salvation Army’s Linda Erskine said the nativity scene and chance to have photos taken from dressing up at the Salvations Army’s booth had drawn a good number of interested people and children
while many people had the chance to listen to some carol singing.
Salvation Army’s Suzanne Cropley made seven smaller nativity costumes for children this year.
“They’re easy to make, the bright colours made a di erence, and the children enjoyed dressing up in them,” she said.
Beechworth Anglican Christ Church members from the Kelpie choir - spread Christmas cheer singing carols.
■ From page 1
The group ‘Friends of Lake Moodemere’ is raising funds to cover legal costs for a January compulsory hearing at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) set for January 16 next year with developers.
and erosion caused from ooding,” Ms Pfei er said.
“Then out of the blue came letters to all of us who had written objections that this matter was now being taken to VCAT and it was out of their hands and VCAT would make the decision.”
Friends of Lake Moodemere member Robyn Pfei er said if mediation failed a further hearing will take place from March 17 to 20.
The planning permit received by council in September last year had been advertised in May this year.
The applicant has now bypassed council taking the application to VCAT.
“We met with councillors on site prior to this last election to inform them of our concerns, to show them the site, the movement of water,
Ms P e er said an opportunity existed for mediation with an alternative block of land on o er for the development further a eld on the Murray Valley Highway without an environmental impact.
She said a community meeting had been organised for June 20 this year with an opportunity for the developers to talk to the community but that had been cancelled.
“We went ahead and held a community information on the night with more than 70 people attending,” she said.
At a council meeting on Tuesday night, director of planning and corporate services, Greg Pinkerton said council had been waiting for requested information about the planning permit application from the applicant.
Following council’s procedures with written questions, the mayor directed questions from Robyn P effer to Mr Pinkerton.
Ms P e er asked a number of questions including whether council would support the Friends of Lake Moodemere in opposing the proposed development, whether that support would be given to the January VCAT meeting and what steps would be taken to ensure Sunday Creek was not compromised by allowing
the development within the Lake Moodemere and Sunday Creek catchment area going ahead.
Questions were also raised related to environmental accountability, whether the petrol station should be approved in this ood prone area, knowing that contaminated stormwater, including PFAs (long lasting chemicals), could irreversibly, damage these waterways extensively used by local irrigators endangered species, platypus tourists and recreation users.
Another question related to the negative impact on tourism by the development and local businesses supported by assets like the bike path and Lake Moodemere and how did the council plan to mitigate in-
creased tra c, noise and light pollution from a 24/7 petrol station to ensure it does not negatively impact visitor experiences.
Mr Pinkerton said as the planning application will be decided by VCAT and not by council, questions about how various issues such as storm water and run o tra c will be dealt with by VCAT.
“Despite being a decision that’s out of the hands of council, an important part of the VCAT process will be for this council to state a formal position in relation to the application, and then we will need to represent that position of Council at the VCAT hearing,” he said.
Mr Pinkerton said council will be presented with a report at the February meeting that assesses the planning
application against the requirements of the planning scheme and the legislation, including the matters that were included in the questions.
“The decision that council makes at the February meeting is the one that we will then argue at VCAT,” he said.
“Unfortunately, until the February decision is made, it’s not appropriate to answer those questions about council’s position on the various subjects.”
A new website www.savelakemoodemere.com.au has been created to raise awareness and gather support for the protection of Lake Moodemere including a “how you can help” section with links to a GoFundMe page, a petition, and a Facebook page.
By CORAL COOKSLEY
HEADS turned in the main streets of Beechworth on Sunday when motor bikes rumbled into town while a bright red hot road hauler packed with Christmas presents followed.
The annual run toy run in its 21st year drew a cohort of 74 motorbike riders with generous hearts for the Salvation Army to brighten Christmas for many children.
Cash donations also trebled from last year’s tally with more than $3000 raised.
“The toy run is so important for the community,” Beechworth Salvation Army major Pauline Middleton said.
“It’s hard if you haven’t got the money for presents for your little kiddies, your grandkiddies, or whoever you’re looking a er as there’s an expectation there’ll be something for children at Christmas.
“At this time of the year, we celebrate that Jesus came as a gi to the whole world and it’s sharing God’s love to people.
The motorbike riders have taken an opportunity to give to others and we’re the hands that pass it on.”
Yackandandah’s motorbike rider Trevor Botting, who has helped organise the run for around the last six years, said one of the origi-
nal organisers David Colyer took part in the run on Sunday.
“People are doing it tough and we as a motorcycle community just like to do a little bit to help those in need where we can,” he said.
“It’s not much for us to do, but for those kids on Christmas Day, it’s everything, and that’s what matters.
“Today riders started in Wan-
garatta, some in Wodonga, but the ride overall started at Happy Valley Hotel, we came up through Tarrawingee, then toward the Hume Highway around the back of Rutherglen, to Chiltern and then Beechworth.”
Anne Scali with her husband Nick with the Peterbilt hot road hauler said helping people in
need is a special thing to do especially in today’s society with what’s going on.
“It’s hard out there for everyone and we love giving and helping people,” she said.
“I think the Salvation Army does a great job and hopefully we can put a smile on some families’ faces.”
By CORAL COOKSLEY
Anglican Christ Church, 27 Ford St.
Sunday, December 22 at 7.30pm: Advent 4 Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols.
Tuesday, December 24 at 7pm: Mass of the Night.
Wednesday, December 25 at 9.30am: Family Mass and Carols.
Enquiries: Father Matthew Healy on 0438 224 986 or vicar3747@gmail.com.
Catholic Church, St Joseph’s, 9 Church St. Mass on Sundays at 9am. Tuesday, December 24 at 6pm: Christmas Eve Mass at 22-26 Windham St, Yackandandah - outdoor and BYO chair.
Wednesday, December 25 at 9am: Christmas Day Mass. Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at 9am: New Years Day.
The Salvation Army, Beechworth Corps, 35 Ford St. Sunday worship, Sundays at 10.30am.
Monday, December 16 to Friday, December 20 at 10am-4pm: First Christmas interactive display. Wednesday, December 25 at 9.30am: Christmas Day Service.
Enquiries: Major Pauline Middleton on 03 5728 3245 or pauline. middleton@salvationarmy.org.au.
Uniting Church, St Andrew’s, Cnr Ford and Williams Streets. Service on Sundays at 10am. Wednesday, December 25 at 10am: Christmas Day Service. Enquiries: 0417 745 105.
By STEVE KELLY
RENTERS in the North East are paying the highest price for water in the state due to a tari structure with a bias on consumption over service charges.
North East customers’ typical tenant bill was the highest in the state last nancial year at around $526, with bills increasing by 15 per cent, according to a the latest
Water Performance Report 2023-24.
In regional Victoria, tenants’ typical bills increased by $43 (14.1pc) to $349 in 2023-24.
The statewide annual typical bill for tenants increased by $30 (7pc), from $428 in 2022-23 to $458 last year.
Higher average tenant bills are primarily linked to North East Water’s tari structure, with about 55pc of an average
customer’s bill made up of volumetric water charge and 45pc made up of water and wastewater xed charges.
In Victoria, tenants only pay for their water usage (volumetric charges), meaning their bills are directly inuenced by how much water they use.
This di ers from owneroccupiers, who pay both xed charges and usage charges. For owner occupier house-
holds, consumers in the North East had the fourth cheapest bills in the state.
In regional Victoria, the typical owner occupier bill increased by $93, from $1124 in 2022-23 to $1217 in 202324 but the typical bill in the North East was about $1000 per annum.
This is correlated with a 7.8pc increase in annual household consumption in regional areas and a 7pc in-
HUME Riverina Community Legal Service (HRCLS) responded to the devastating Black Summer bush res of 2019-20 by launching the Bush re Recovery Project to provide legal assistance to a ected communities.
“In the a ermath of disaster, people tend to experience greater and more complex legal problems which compound without assistance, so we stepped forward to support local recovery,” said Sarah Rodgers, manager and principal lawyer, HRCLS.
“We realised from the outset that making connections with community organisations and councils, and fostering partnerships to establish trust within communities, would be the key to reaching people most in need.
“Working with North East Multicultural Association was very important reaching communities.”
The Bush re Recovery Project saw HRCLS work in partnership with UMFC Financial Counselling, Gateway Health, and Centre Against Violence (CAV), to provide legal assistance alongside
nancial, health, and social support.
In addition, HRCLS recognised it would not be able to meet the level of legal need without assistance and strengthened referral pathways to specialist community legal centres and legal organisations providing pro bono support.
“Through these three tiers of partnership, the Bush re Recovery Project assisted 267 clients between April 1 2022 and February 4 2024 with critical, holistic legal assistance,” Ms Rodgers said.
“We also worked on capacity building within a ected communities through the promotion of legal awareness using legal health checks and distributing emergency preparedness information packs.”
A recent independent evaluation of this project identi ed:
“Local networks and partnerships facilitate delivery of more coordinated and holistic services to people a ected by disasters.”
In a region experiencing greater frequency of disaster events, HRCLS is looking to promote the
crease in in ation.
Owner occupier water bills in regional Victoria were across the board higher than metro areas with the regional average up 8.3pc to $1217 compared to the metro average up 4.5pc to $986 per annum.
Water authorities urge customers to adopt watere cient practices to reduce their water use and in turn lower their bills.
As part of North East Water’s current price submission process, customers will have the opportunity to deliberate on the billing structure and its suitability for the next price period beginning in 2026.
Across the state just under a quarter or 24pc of all residential customers were on a concession which assists low-income households with water and sewerage bills.
I READ with concern comments by Tim McCurdy MP (in December issue of North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer) supported by Shadow Minister for the Environment James Newbury, that “our rivers need to be cleaned out so that water and debris will flow downstream, allowing rivers like the King and Ovens to build up with fallen trees is appalling “.
The ooding of rivers is caused by high rainfall and runo , not fallen vegetation in rivers - simple as that, which is a proven fact.
The clearing of rivers in the past led to increased erosion and siltation and was a disaster for fish such as Murray Cod.
Many a stream was turned into an eroded, widened, silted up, shallow eyesore.
It was also a very expensive, as it required heavy machinery.
ndings of this evaluation report to ensure that collaborative and holistic legal assistance is part of early response services to disaster in the future.
The report concluded:
“As the project reaches its term, there is scope to celebrate the strong community connections created and support provided. But there is also concern that the lessons from this and other, disasters may be overlooked and the sca old of support may be withdrawn, leaving communities and service providers facing the prospect of starting from scratch next time round.”
HRCLS thanks all partner organisations and both the Federal and Victorian governments for funding to develop the Bush re Recovery Project.
The evaluation report of the Bush re Recovery Project by E ective Change and information on the project, is in the HRCLS Annual Report 2023-24 Strategic.Targeted.Responsive. A celebration and re ection, is available at, www.hrcls.org.au/ hrcls-publications/.
Fortunately however, the Ovens and King rivers are now healthier, and have seen a resurgence of Murray Cod numbers in recent years, as many local anglers will attest to.
This is due in large part to the gradual rehabilitation of native bank vegetation along the rivers, and allowing logs and fallen branches to remain in the river.
The clearing of rivers was a destructive and expensive practice that did not reduce ooding.
It served no useful purpose whatsoever.
Bill O’Connor, Beechworth
Help is here to give a festive cheer
THE festive season can be a joyous time for many people, as they take a well-earned break from work and school and spend time with family and friends.
It’s a time to rest and reset for the new year.
Yet for others, this time of year can be particularly di cult, and the holidays may not feel “jolly” at all. It can bring additional nancial pressures, relationship strain, or pressure to host the perfect Christmas.
The season to be merry can also amplify feelings of isolation and loneliness, especially for those who are separated from family or have lost a loved one.
So, as we head into the holiday break, regardless of what you’re dealing with, please know that you don’t have to face this time alone.
The Beyond Blue Support Service is free, con dential, and available around the clock, including on Christmas Day.
You can call 1300 22 46 36 or chat online to us at www. beyondblue.org.au/get-support.
It’s really common to put o seeking help because we can’t quite nd the words to express our needs.
But when you contact us, you don’t have to know what to say. Our skilled counsellors will meet you where you’re at and guide you towards where you need to be.
And nally, a big thankyou to everyone who has donated to Beyond Blue this year.
Our support service is run purely on donations, so your kindness and generosity allow us to always be there when people need us the most.
Georgie
Harman, CEO of Beyond Blue
MARTA Lette was born in south west Sydney and moved to Kiewa six years ago to care for her father.
What do you do workwise?
I am a calligrapher and Celtic artist.
Calligraphy attracts several in depth commissions per year, which are a joy to create as each one draws out di erent aspects of my artistic abilities.
I tutor calligraphy oneto-one and teach Celtic art online.
I do a few local annual events where I demonstrate calligraphy by writing kids names on bookmarks, talking with them about art and handwriting.
I enter exhibitions each year with my Aussie-Celtic paintings and drawings of our native wildlife.
What brought you to your role/career?
A love of beautiful lettering as a child led me to search for my place in the arts world.
I started in graphic arts when it was all handwork,
Marta Lette
typesetting, Letraset, cut and paste with paper, bromides and making physical paper or metal plates for printing.
Later, I discovered calligraphy classes where I immediately felt at home and never looked back.
What do you love about your work?
I love the meditative quality of my work.
I love working to a brief where I can bring to life someone else’s hopeful ideas.
I love the way I can instil my values, heritage and sense of belonging into a piece of artwork.
It’s lovely guiding students to nd their creative grooves and helping to build their self-belief.
What do you do in the community?
All my time outside of my work is dedicated to caring for my aging parents who live separately in two states and assisting my daughter and grandsons.
When time allows, I love to be involved in community art group activities and community gardens.
Is there an important
community issue that you think needs addressing?
I support the push for a green eld site to build a new hospital in AlburyWodonga.
I am passionate about the changes needed to create harmonious family environments where domestic violence becomes a horror of the past.
What would you do to solve change or improve those situations?
Regarding domestic violence, I speak up when witness to coercion or abuse.
I call out misogynistic discord or behaviour.
I support others who work to create the necessary changes.
I add my voice for a green eld site for a new hospital.
What do you see as one of the most important current world issues?
We must educate ourselves about how we can each contribute to reducing negative impacts on our natural environment.
The precautionary principle is essential in every decision by governments, corporates and communities.
Caring for each other and for our natural world is essential to our survival. If we keep going the way we have been, then the Earth’s stable systems will continue to unravel and make life unliveable for us all.
If the person you would most like to meet or knew, came to Indigo Shire or was already here, who would that be, and where would you take them?
My cousin Hannah, who has never travelled here from Germany.
I would bring her home to Kiewa, then drive her to Myrtleford.
We would visit the gallery, enjoy a lovely meal, visit Lake Bu alo and listen to the black cockatoos calling. What book are you reading?
When I have time, it’s historical ction and Australian novels.
By CORAL COOKSLEY
SAVING lives has been at the heart of a de brillator installed at Indigo U3A premises at the old railway station in Harper Avenue.
mated external de brillator (AED) installed about three weeks ago has been placed outside the building just o the platform, making for easy public access.
correctly use it too.”
bank customer relationship manager Jack Morrissey with U3A members Peter Reed and Lesley Finedon with the ‘big’ cheque for the defibrillator. PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
Wednesday, December 25
BEECHWORTH COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS
LUNCH: A lunch for everyone. RSVP date extended.
Friday, December 13 last day for RSVP. Along with our community partners, Beechworth Health Service is pleased to support the
The purchase has been supported with a grant of $1950 from the Community Bank Beechworth and District (Bendigo Bank).
U3A president Neil Townsend said the 24-hour publicly accessible auto-
Christmas lunch this year.
In its 15th year, the event has continued to support the community to celebrate the special day. Dine in and takeaway options available.
To RSVP or for more information, call Quercus Beechworth on 0403 865 095 or online at www.trybooking.com/CWTWI.
“It’s very handy for the public and especially for anyone on the rail trail and is as much for the community as it is having it handy on our premises,” he said.
“We’ve recently had a good training session for U3A members at on how to
According to the Heart Foundation, research shows that the overall rate of survival from a cardiac arrest is incredibly low but acting quickly can save lives.
If a bystander uses a debrillator, the survival rate is around 50 per cent compared with 27 per cent if waiting for paramedics.
Community Bank Beechworth and District Bank
customer relationship manager Jack Morrissey said the bank existed to support the community.
“We try and do our best to support the community with seventy to eighty per cent of earnings reinvested into the community,” he said.
Mr Morrissey said debrillators are vital units for saving lives but most of the time people are likely not to think about having one.
INDEPENDENT federal MP for Indi Helen Haines has welcomed the Coalition’s adoption of her target for 30 per cent of funding for critical housing infrastructure to go to regional communities.
Dr Haines has been pushing for at least 30 per cent of housing funds to be guaranteed to regional areas, through introduction of her own legislation in September 2023 and again in November 2024.
The Coalition con rmed last week that 30 per cent of its pro-
posed $5 billion Housing Infrastructure Fund would be quarantined for regional, rural and remote Australia.
Dr Haines said the opposition’s fund would build critical enabling infrastructure that unlocks new housing and means both the major parties now have positions that resemble the policies she has pushed for more than two years.
“The cost of housing is causing signi cant stress on households in Indi, whether they are paying their mortgage or rent – and part of the reason for that is that we
don’t have enough housing,” she said.
“A major barrier to opening up new land for housing in regional areas is the enabling infrastructure and amenities such as sewerage and water connections, roads and footpaths, and electricity poles.
“It’s not shiny, but it’s critically important.
“I’m glad that the Coalition has now picked up what I’ve been talking about for over two years, and that’s the need for 30 per cent of housing funds to be put
aside for regional communities.”
Dr Haines recently met with Housing Minister Clare O’Neil and said she would continue to push the government to commit to dedicated housing funding for regional and rural Australia ahead of the election.
“It is clear that as an Independent, listening to the needs in our region here in Indi and coming up with solutions, that we can in uence the policies of both the major parties and secure better outcomes for regional communities,” she said.
THE Hume region has the second highest number of teenagers under 15 holding down a part-time job in regional Victoria, according to the latest data.
Data from Victoria’s child employment regulator shows kids in regional Victoria are more likely to join the workforce before the age of 15 than those in metropolitan Melbourne. Victoria’s child employment laws require businesses to hold a child employment licence before they employ anyone under 15 and to notify Wage Inspectorate Victoria of any children they employ.
By STEVE KELLY
LIBERAL candidate for Indi
James Trenery is con dent he can win the seat of Indi at the 2025 Federal Election, a vision he shared at the opening of his Tone Road, Wangaratta campaign ofce last Friday.
Supported by Victorian Senator Sarah Henderson and two dozen local Liberal stalwarts, Mr Trenery admitted it would take a large swing in his favour if he is to defeat Independent Helen Haines, but he said he was doing everything he can to make it happen.
“The margin last time was eight per cent, but it’s a big undertaking to do this and I wouldn’t have done this if I didn’t think I could win,” Mr Trenery said.
“It’s a lot of hard work and
you’re starting from a long way behind but I think we can win.
“One of the things that’s changing is the apathy is gone in the community, the apathy disappeared when people got a power bill.
“They want to see result and good policies to x that and they want that discussion to take place.
“It’s the same as the housing and I’ve got kids living at home because they’re trying to save up for a house because they and their friends can’t even get a rental.”
He praised the Wangaratta business community for their support and their desire to see change in Indi.
“The Wangaratta business community is unique and they have been absolutely fantastic,” he said.
“You’ll go to an event and 40-50
people will turn up, it’s not competitive and they want to know what they can do to support the community.”
The Liberal Party hasn’t held Indi since Sophie Mirabella lost the election in 2013 to Independent and Dr Haines’ predecessor Cathy McGowan.
But Ms Henderson said Mr Trenery is getting out to every corner of the community, connecting with every group and organisation, which goes a long way to winning their support.
“James has been door knocking and some people have never seen a politician on their doorstep in Indi before, it’s really exciting,” Ms Henderson said.
Mr Trenery will open a campaign o ce in Wodonga at some time in the new year.
Licence data shows 52 per cent of licences are issued to regional businesses and 49pc of kids in the workforce are in regional Victoria – that’s despite census data suggesting there are three times as many kids living in metropolitan Melbourne.
Of regional areas, Barwon South West has the greatest number of kids under 15 working at 216, which represents 18pc of the state’s total. Hume is next with 173 (14pc), followed by Gippsland at 111 (9pc). This data does not include children working in the entertainment industry, which has an industry speci c licence. With data suggesting kids in regional areas are more likely to be looking for work over the summer holidays, the Wage Inspectorate is encouraging regional businesses to make sure they understand the state’s child employment licensing system, and rules around supervision, rest breaks and working hours.
Child employment licences are free, and businesses can employ multiple children under the one licence.
Employing a child without a licence is a crime and may be penalised.
ACROSS
1 Name a Greek or Roman deity (6)
8 Which Siberian peasant posed as a monk (8)
9 To be red-faced, is to be what (6)
10 Name a crewed orbiter, used in the US space shuttle program (8)
11 To be more irritable, is to be what (6)
12 Name a repository for money, jewels, papers, etc (4)
13 What, colloquially, are sausages (5)
16 What are pits in which liquid is collected (5)
19 To encourage by aid, is to do what (4)
21 What is a meal also known as (6)
22 Name a large S American snake of the boa family (8)
23 What are funeral songs or tunes (6)
24 What is a song performed by a man under the window of his sweetheart (8)
25 Which term describes a holiday place (6)
DOWN
2 Name a knightly or heroic champion (7)
3 To be lying in concealment, is to be doing what (7)
4 What are authoritative directions (6)
5 Which term describes globular masses (7)
6 What is reversion to an earlier type (7)
7 What are dishes served at dinner before the main courses (7)
13 Name a renowned Austrian composer, Johann ... (7)
14 What are matters of interest or concern (7)
Letters have a number value
Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
15 Which hotel bars are the dearer ones (7)
17 What are referees also known as (7)
18 Name the French chemist considered to be the founder of microbiology (7)
20 What might we call a merchant (6)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
1 PECCANCY
(a) A trifling fault (b) Richness (c) Sinfulness
2 RATIOCINATE
(a) To approve and sanction (b) To reason (c) To put on an allowance
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:
Bachelors of Arts (3)
Film studio’s outdoor area (7)
Firm (5)
Loose coil of yarn (5)
Mobility aids (7)
Ordinary (abb) (3)
Small lizard (5)
State of matter (3)
Under (5) Was victorious (3)
Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.
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Publication
2012 MAZDA CX5, Reg 1YO 2ZV, 218,000kms, Fastidious Owner, priced to sell $11,500 with RWC, Phone Max Batey 0419 547 308.
Friday, January 17 Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 3pm
We would like to wish all our advertisers and readers a Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year!
2012 MAZDA CX5, Reg AAR 254, 225,000kms, Fastidious Owner, priced to sell $11,500 with RWC, Phone Max Batey. 0419 547 308
KAWASAKI KDX
250 SR, great bike, in VGC, currently REC REG1993 md, $3400. Phone 0407316788.
2005 Toyota Corolla Ascent Hatchback (TIZ667) May 15. 126,000km, manual, 17" alloy wheels, TRD upgrades, tinted windows, excellent condition $8000. Ph 0438 988 608.
2010 Mazda CX7 SUV, auto, sold with RWC, 163,000km, reg till Jan 25 (YBD451), $7900, LMCT9246, 44 Newman Street, Wangaratta. Ph 0428 257 221.
2015 green manual Mitsubushi Mirage, towbar, 167,000km, rego till Feb 25 (1GH7HB), RWC, $3500. Ph 0428 257 221.
CAMPER TRAILER, in very good order, REG and ready for camping, (bought a caravan so no longer needed) $2400. REG
By DYLAN POOL
THE nal round of the Beechworth Golf Club Men’s Championships was held last weekend in a lot more pleasant conditions than what we have experienced the last week or so.
Another great eld of 18 players assembled for the stroke event.
Also great to see Jackson Wells play in his rst 18 hole comp a er joining in twilight this year.
The top position for the daily comp was a hotly contested a air, with three players returning scores of 65 nett.
Phil Pelgrim was crowned the winner by way of a countback with 84/19/65 thanks to his great 39 o the stick on the back nine.
Andy Croome claimed second position with 80/15/65 which relegated his passenger in the cart Daryl Rowe to third with 87/22/65.
Balls went to Jacob Howard 76/9/67 and Zane Howard 87/20/67.
Nearest the pins went to Dylan Pool on the 3rd, Zane Howard on the 5th, Andy Croome on the 10th and Josh Carr on the 17th.
The Club Championship
results are as follows:
Club champion and A grade champion: Vaughan Saunders 206 (68,69,69).
Runners up: Darren Edwards 218 (66,77,75), Jarryd Pritchard 218 (74,71,73)
B grade champion: Jacob Howard 227 (72,79,76).
Runner up: Graeme Cordy 245 (85,79,81) C grade champion: Phil Pelgrim 252 (85,83,84)
Runner up: Stuart McIntosh 259 (86,82,89)
54 hole handicap champion: Phil Pelgrim (20) 192 (65,63,64)
by way of a countback in the daily competition.
Runner up: Jacob Howard (11) 194 (61,68,65)
2024 Eclectic winners were Dylan Pool and Jacob Howard with a nett score of 56.5.
Next Sunday will be a much less stressful stableford round, arrive at 11:30am for 12pm hit o .
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
BEECHWORTH’S A grade side may nally take the eld this weekend following a unique extended mid-season break.
The Wanderers’ match with Yarrawonga Mulwala was abandoned last week as the Stan Hargreaves Oval pitch was deemed un t for play following a heavy downpour of rain last Friday night.
While other xtures were played out as one day matches across the WDCA, Beechworth’s A grade were made to sit out on action for a fourth straight weekend, following two bye weeks and two straight washouts.
But, unless circumstances unforeseen to Bureau of Meteorology forecasts hit on Saturday, the Wanderers look set to play out their one dayer against Wangaratta at Norm Minns Oval.
The Magpies are coming o back-to-back wins following successful run chases against the Lakers and Benalla, with Jimmy Thewlis coming into strong all-
round form with bat and ball.
The last time Beechworth were on the pitch was on November 9 against Rovers United Bruck, when they were bowled out for 46 on a second day of a two-day xture.
Beechworth are unbeaten in their previous two one-day games so far this season.
In other grades, B grade fell by seven wickets to Milawa a er having thir match moved from the turf pitch of Baarmutha Park to Mayday Hills.
They will take on Delatite in Mans eld this week in search of their rst win before the Christmas break.
C Grade on the other hand are yet to lose a game, winning their sixth straight in a smashing 108run win over Benalla blue at Stanley.
Chris Nuck led the way with an unbeaten 69 while wickets were shared with the ball, with Kane Niklaus, Jed Enslow and Ryan Niklaus nishing with two each.
C grade will head to Gapsted to take on the Gorillas on Saturday.
Attached photos are of Vaughan Saunders (A Grade Champion), Jacob Howard (B grade Champion) and Phil Pelgrim (C Grade and 54 hole nett winner).
TEN local sporting clubs have been named recipients of the State Government’s Sporting Club Grants Program announced this week.
These grants support clubs to purchase uniforms and equipment, upskill volunteers, coaches and o cials, and improve their accessibility and engagement with local communities.
The clubs were a part of 875 total grants to go to more than 740 clubs, who will share in more than $1.2 million of funding.
Among the Indigo Shire recipients were Beechworth Pickleball Club, Beechworth Wanderers Cricket Club, Allans Flat Tennis Club, 1st Beechworth Scout Group, Rutherglen Badminton Club, Rutherglen Golf Club, Rutherglen Lawn Tennis Club, Yackandandah Golf Club, Yackandandah Riding Club, Rutherglen Lake Rowing Club and The Beechworth Chain Gang.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence the program was a major boost for local clubs across the state.
“We’re making sure clubs have the skills and equipment they need to thrive, and get more people involved,” he said.
“We want our local sporting clubs to be backing the next generation of local champions – and these grants provide them the chance to do just that.”
BY CORAL COOKSLEY ccooksley@ nemedia.com.au
WITH close to half of Beechworth Chain Gang members women and girls in the mountain bike club, a $354,100 Federal Government grant under its $200 million Play Our Way program will make the sport more enjoyable for its community.
Funds will be used for a purposebuilt combined shelter, toilet, and storage area, designed to improve safety, comfort, and accessibility for all Beechworth Mountain Bike Park users.
The upgrade is a key step in fostering a vibrant and diverse mountain biking community, ensuring everyone can fully enjoy the park.
Club president Lynne Frerichs said toilets had not been available for cyclists for 24 years until last year when the club purchased a Portaloo.
Ms Frerichs said among new facilities will be two toilets, storage for club tools as well as for a hiredout bike trailer.
An undercover area has been included for parents and to be used for events such as marshalling too.
“There’s a lot of parents who come and support their kids, but they don’t have anywhere to sit or gather,” she said.
The president said the club had 260 members with around 85 kids participating weekly in the junior ride program and a teenage program with around 12 young people.
“There’s a bunch of other teenagers too that are well beyond our coaching programs who take
part in racing and events with half the club under the age of 18,” she said.
“My hope is having this facility will encourage more girls and women, diverse people and people with a disability to participate more in the sport.
“If we can encourage more women and girls speci cally to participate, we’ll all be better o as a society and be happier and healthier.”
Ms Frerichs said having nearly
the club as female members was unique.
“Hopefully we can continue that trajectory because once they get into it, they love the joy and the feeling of being on a bike,” she said.
“Now that we’ve taken barriers away, hopefully more people can enjoy the sport.”
Ms Frerichs said council had undertaken leg work with costings and geotechnical assessments for State Government fund-
ing, but had been unsuccessful.
“We took that information and applied to the Play Our Way Program and we were successful,” she said.
“It’s been a really great combined e ort with council.”
The Play Our Way program is designed to remove barriers, address discrimination and promote equality for women and girls to participate in sport and physical activity.
$354,100 FEDERAL
Victorian Senator Lisa Darmanin congratulated the club on a fantastic achievement in ‘gearing’ up the park for the whole community.
“This new facility is a gamechanger for the park,” she said.
“By providing essential amenities, it will make the space more inviting and practical for women and girls, encouraging more people to get involved and enjoy the sport.”
