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ADVERTISER, Friday, February 16, 2024 - Page 1
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School’s sustainability focus Page 3
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NOISY: Residents Lisa O’Connor and Maree Nankervis have had enough of the loud noise generated by the Rising Sun Creek bridge which is disrupting their home life. PHOTO: Sage Davidson
Culvert works close
Indigo Interview Page 9
Repairs p at Rising g Sun Creek to begin g as residents share noise frustrations
By SAGE DAVIDSON & CORAL COOKSLEY THE long-awaited repair of the Beechworth-Wodonga Road is expected to commence this month, almost 12 months after two culverts suffered extensive floodrelated damage. The culverts, at Star Lane and Rising Sun Creek, have seen temporary diversions, reductions
to single lane traffic and traffic lights in place since early April last year, with delays along the Beechworth-Wodonga Road across peak tourist and holiday seasons. Regional Roads Victoria had initially assured locals the repairs would be completed by September 2023, however, further delays pushed the works into 2024. In a recent statement, RRV said
Wodonga Road residents, who say the temporary Bailey Bridge at the Rising Sun Creek has resulted in significant noise pollution in the area. Nearby resident Lisa O’Connor said her family “can’t keep the windows open at night”, due to the consistent rumblings of the bridge which echo through the valley. ■ Continued page 2
works at the Rising Sun Creek would likely be completed by next month, weather permitting, while ongoing discussions were being held with Heritage Victoria to inform the repair of the Star Lane culvert. The ongoing saga has impacted Beechworth residents attempting to travel throughout the North East, as well as Beechworth-
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Repairs at Rising Sun Creek to begin as residents share noise frustrations ■ From front page
She said the bridge had also disturbed animal life in the area, noting a drop in wildlife spotted in the vicinity and detailing how cows usually kept in a paddock close to the bridge were now often observed keeping as far from the bridge as possible. Another resident, Maree Nankervis, said the noise was “like a freight train going through the house”, keeping her awake at night. “The tranquillity of country life has essentially gone,” she said. Beechworth resident Robin McLeish said it’s not before time for the repair work to start. He said RRV had seemed to have a continual list
of excuses for the delay which had been difficult to accept. Mr McLeish said when the problem had been first raised the department could not find a contractor. He also said he was never aware of a heritage listing for the culverts where a permit was then needed to undertake the work. “No-one has ever told us about the culvert’s structure,” he said. Mr McLeish said the delay in repairs and a one lane Bailey Bridge has been a critical safety concern where difficulties could arise for state emergency vehicles such as ambulance, fire trucks and police together with
travellers needing to leave the area should there be a bushfire. Heavy machinery is expected to be used during the upcoming repairs at the Rising Sun Creek, with a short-term road closure to be applied at the completion of works to allow the removal of the Bailey Bridge. Indigo Shire chief executive officer Trevor Ierino said roads across the shire were continuing to be improved. “We are really pleased to receive this update and for these long-awaited works to get underway,” he said. “Meanwhile, I want to assure you all that works on repairing and upgrading roads under council man-
TOO LOUD: Residents Lisa O’Connor and Maree Nankervis have shared their frustrations around noise pollution caused by the Bailey Bridge at Rising Sun Creek, which has been in place for almost 12 months. PHOTO: Sage Davidson agement are progressing. “In addition, flood repair works to a number of roads and bridges is pro-
gressing well in both the east and west of the shire and this will continue over the coming months.
“We appreciate your patience and understanding while we carry out these important works.”
Police warn amid expected romance scam hike By RYAN MALCOLM LOCAL residents are being urged to remain cyberaware during the season of love, with an uptick in online scams anticipated in the vicinity of Valentine’s Day. Some $3.7m was lost to dating and romance scams by Australians in February alone last year, according to Scamwatch data, as scammers attempted to gain the trust of singles before stinging them for their money. According to Wangaratta
crime prevention officer Leading Senior Constable Helen Parfett, scammers often spent weeks or months talking to their victim online, before playing on emotional triggers in an effort to obtain money, gifts or bank and credit card details. “They tell you to invest your money or cryptocurrency in ‘opportunities’ that turn out to be fake, leaving you broke and broken-hearted,” she said. Throughout 2023, some
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3652 reports of dating and romance scams were made to Scamwatch, with $34.3m lost, the majority of which occurred in June and July ($4.5m and $5.5m respectively). Only 32.6 per cent of reported scams involved financial losses. Scammers nabbed almost $15m from their victims after making initial contact via social media, while mobile applications accounted for more than $8.1m. The age demographics
most hard-hit by romance scams included 45 to 54 ($7.1m), 55 to 64 ($10.6m) and over 65s ($7.6m), while the 35-44 age bracket were reportedly targeted the most often, lodging 647 reports to Scamwatch. To avoid being the victim of a scam, LSC Parfett urged locals to stop, think and protect when communicating online. “Don’t give personal information or act on investment advice from someone you have met online
– if in doubt stop communicating,” she said. “Scammers can use different profile pictures and lie about who they really are, especially online. “Act quickly if something feels wrong – contact your bank immediately if you’ve invested money. “Help others by reporting scams to Scamwatch.” Residents are also encouraged to ask for pictures of the person they are talking to, which can then be compared with
pictures on websites such as Google or TinEye, or even seek to speak to the person over the phone or video chat. If you believe you have been scammed, report the person to the website, app or social media platform, and ensure you contact your bank if you have provided financial details to the would-be scammer. For more information, visit https://www.police. v i c .g o v.a u /c yb e r c r i m e and-online-scams.
Yackandandah teen to tackle challenging ‘Alpine Walk’ By SAGE DAVIDSON EILA Thornton, a Yackandandah local, has recently been selected to take part in ‘the Alpine Walk’ hike with nine other young people. The hike is run by two outdoor education centers, Mittagundi and Wollangarra, who each select five young people from courses across the year. The Alpine Walk is a 150km hike which aims to help fundraise for both centres and occurs over 11 days. Walkers begin at Mittagundi, which is located on a 400 acre property near Glen Valley on the Omeo Highway, and finish at Wollangarra, located near Glenmaggie, in Gippsland. It was established in 1978 by Ian Stapleton upon the beliefs that “young people, mountains, purposeful work and challenge are natural partners”. Those selected are young people who have “shown considerable support, enthusiasm and passion for Mittagundi/ Wollangarra and have demonstrated their leadership and resilience capabilities” according to Mittagundi’s website. Eila was selected after she completed both a ten-day outdoor program in September 2023, and the “wood chop” follow-up course.
STARTING POINT: The walk will start at Mittagundi (pictured), before the 10 walkers make their way through the alpine valleys towards Gippsland. PHOTO: Sage Davidson Ahead of the Alpine Walk, walkers undertake a significant amount of fundraising to cover the cost of the hike and raise money for either Mittagundi or Wollongarra, which both largely run off of donations. Eila said she “aims to raise
around $2000 before the hike”, which begins on March 30 and goes up until April 11. In order to reach this target Eila will be holding a second hand clothing stall at the Yackandandah Folk Festival on March 24 as well as reaching out to people for donations.
Eila said Mittagundi was a place which had allowed her to “meet many like-minded people”, and that the Mittagundi environment, which has no electricity and a ban on technology, “really allowed me to get to know people away from distractions”.
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Sustainability focus flourishing at Montessori By SAGE DAVIDSON BEECHWORTH Montessori school is one of many Victorian schools participating in Sustainability Victoria’s ResourceSmart Schools program, a program which is helping the school to embed sustainability throughout the cohort in various small ways. The school commenced participation in the program around three years ago and has rapidly made progress in improving sustainability across the school, particularly with their green areas and waste management. Students joined the team for a variety of reasons, but a common one was a shared interest in caring for animals, people and the READY TO ROLL: Beechworth Montessori’s sustainability action team of 2024 is ready to start making changes world we live in. Their sustainability action where the SAT comes in,” she said. The teams also take action proving biodiversity. team (SAT) is generally made up A big part of the program has Asha Dilkes-Hoffman, a teaching of a group of year five students through waste education sessions, who come up with sustainability helping to teach both students assistant at Beechworth Montessori involved the older students runand staff which items belong in and SAT coordinator, said the pro- ning waste sessions, organisprojects and aims. gram had also given the school an ing planting days and helping to Waste reduction has been a big different bins. The program has also helped opportunity to further connect with choose native plants for the biodipart of Montessori’s sustainability versity garden. The program has the school focus on biodiversity, some of the Montessori values. aims. “Montessori education is very and continues to help build leadPast SAT students have com- with a big emphasis on ‘Schools much about giving children op- ership within the school whilst pleted waste audits in every class- Tree Day’. Students planted trees in an ef- portunities to lead, develop inde- simultaneously creating a more room across the school to determine baseline data and measure fort to improve the school’s green pendence and enact change on sustainable and environmentally spaces, something critical for im- things they care about and this is aware school. for improvement.
Second dwelling legislation to face rural challenges INDIGO Shire residents are being urged to consult with council’s planning department before making plans to cash in on new legislation which allows residents to build a small second dwelling on their land without a planning permit. The State Government recently green-lit the new legislation, which applies to land where there is already an existing dwelling. Under the new regulations, the second dwelling must have a floor area equal to or less than 60 metres, be sited on the same lot as an existing dwelling, be self-contained and must have an access path from the front street. A building permit is required in each case. However, a council spokesperson said many rural properties in the North East would likely fail to meet the requirements of the new legislation, particularly in Indigo Shire where there were “a number of different property overlays”. “The best way to ensure that you have the right advice for your property is to contact our planning team before proceeding with your project,” the spokesperson said. “Even if you don’t need a planning permit, you will require a building permit for a “second dwelling” which includes granny flats, tiny houses on wheels and transportable buildings.”
Tyrrell touts school-based action to address rising road fatalities By RYAN MALCOLM THE State Government has been urged to introduce a driver education module in Victorian secondary schools, in an effort to cut down on road fatalities following recordbreaking figures in 2023. Northern Victoria One Nation MP Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell spoke before the Legislative Council upon its return from its summer hiatus last week, urging the State Government to introduce basic driver safety skills and vehicle maintenance programs for students in years 10 to 12 across Victoria. She highlighted the “tragic” loss of 60 young people aged between 16
and 25 last calendar year as an indicator more needs to be done within the curriculum to prepare young people for when they get their driver’s licence. “Many of these horrific deaths may have been avoided had our young drivers been exposed to a more thorough and rigorous introduction to our road rules, safety and the importance of vehicle maintenance,” Ms Tyrrell said. Some 295 people lost their lives on Victorian roads last calendar year, the state’s worst figures in more than a decade. RoadSafe North East director John Weinert said the body’s ‘Looking after our mates’ and ‘Safer vehi-
cles innovation’ programs were available to all secondary schools and sporting clubs to access. He said VicRoads, through the Department of Transport and Planning, also had a ‘Road smart’ program which was delivered through schools for year 10 or equivalent students in Victoria. Ms Tyrrell said establishing further courses available to all Victorian year 10 to 12 students through their schooling would enable qualified educators to correctly teach vital and potentially life-saving knowledge as students prepare to get their learners or probationary licences. “Last year’s road toll statistics show that many
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young drivers lack education, understanding and respect on our roads,” she said. “And while some parents and carers have outstanding road safety skills and knowledge to pass on to their children, a schoolbased educational course dedicated to road safety, driving skills and basic vehicle maintenance would better prepare them for their first years on the road. “I do not wish to see our young people being lost on the roads because they were denied the time, patience and correct guidance from those who are deemed responsible enough to show them how to be safe drivers.”
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ACTION NEEDED: Northern Victoria MP Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell has called for a school-based program to be introduced across the state focusing on driver skills in response to rising road fatality figures.
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Off-Grid Living Festival to write exciting new chapter By SAGE DAVIDSON THE well-renowned OffGrid Living Festival is happening in Chiltern this year, taking over the Chiltern Racecourse Reserve after moving from its historic home in Eldorado. The festival, set to run on April 7 and 8, helps to empower people to revert to more sustainable practices and get off the grid. With over 250 exhibitors, people can meet industry experts, engage in talks on a variety of sustainability fields and come together with others who share an interest in sustainability. The festival was founded in 2018, since which it has grown enormously as word as spread across Australia, going from an attendance of around 3000 people to over 10,000. The event is set to move to Chiltern this year in an effort to meet demand.
“This new space will allow exhibitors to get really creative with their stalls,” event organiser, Kate Nottingham said. The change in location also helps to make it more accessible, with many people being able to catch the train to get to the event. According to Kate “the town has really gotten around the event”, organising shuttles running from the train station (which will run up until 11pm) as well as a few businesses hosting their own events as a part of the festival. This year the event involves a new featured area called the electrification area, which features electrical vehicles, electric farming equipment and talks about the transition into the realm of renewable energy. This switch from fossil fuels into renewables is something that has be-
SHOWING SUPPORT: Attendance at the Off-Grid Living Festival has swelled to more than 10,000 in recent years. PHOTO: Paul Smith come increasingly prominent over the past few years, particularly with Australia’s new commitment to reach Net Zero by 2050 as outlined in the 2022
Annual Climate Statement. The festival also incorporates other workshops and talks about bushcraft and traditional survival skills. “Although our festival is
really focused on the solutions to becoming more sustainable, it’s also focused on making it fun,” Ms Nottingham said. “Lots of people might
just come for the music or fun activities, but often everyone leaves with a few simple tips on how to live a more sustainable lifestyle.”
COVID leaving mark on regional healthcare By SAGE DAVIDSON
STAYING POSTIVE: Local GP Dr Christie Rodda remains positive about the improvements that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the healthcare system despite the immense challenges. PHOTO: Sage Davidson
THE COVID-19 pandemic continues to have enduring effects upon the local healthcare system, with changes - both positive and negative - which are set to alter the practice of medicine in the North East and wider Australia for a very long time. According to a Jean Hailes National Women’s survey done in 2022, 40 per cent of women said that their physical and mental health had deteriorated since the pandemic began. The impacts of this have been severe in rural areas, with remoteness playing a significant factor in the risk of mental illness for young people, according to the survey. However, despite such
consequences, local general practitioner Christie Rodda said awareness around mental health initiatives had improved in the wake of the pandemic. Within Beechworth, the celebration of days such as RU OK? Day reflects this growing awareness, indicating the increased sense of comfortability in starting conversations about mental health. Dr Rodda said the pandemic had also helped to destigmatise previously unspoken topics such as burnout. “Before COVID a lot of the time people were expected to just push through in terms of burning out at school and work, but now we are seeing stigmatisation around speaking up about burnout and taking
breaks,” she said. The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally altered the workforce, with many people retiring earlier or working on a part-time basis. However, the extensive pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic upon the healthcare system have not yet subsided, with surgical delays remaining an issue, as well as the effects of long COVID remaining somewhat unknown. However, Dr Rodda said the pandemic had had a lasting effect on hygiene practices in the community. She said “hygiene practices have been permanently changed,” in an effort to protect “vulnerable members of the community” in a way in which pre COVID-19 society did not. Simple
hygiene practices such as washing hands, sneezing and coughing into your arm have been gently reinforced and socialised into young children. Both telehealth and electronic prescriptions have become a regular fixture, allowing people increased accessibility to specialist doctors and medication, according to Dr Rodda. She said the pandemic had also seen a fundamental shift in the public’s attitude towards healthcare workers. Dr Rodda said there was a “great outpouring of appreciation” for them during this period of time, with a stronger sense of community within the healthcare system emerging despite the immense pressures of the pandemic.
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Democracy under the spotlight in upcoming Kerferd Oration By CORAL COOKSLEY A FORMER high-profile political journalist and current affairs television presenter with a notable career spanning more than five decades will this year deliver the 22nd George Kerferd Briscoe Oration to be held at the Golden Oaks Resort at Mayday Hills on July 7. Chair Ross Kearney said the Kerferd Oration committee was delighted to announce Barrie Cassidy as this year’s orator. “Barrie will speak about democracy in Australia as well as in other countries,” Mr Kearney said. “His long history as an analyst, journalist, and incredibly deep thinker on this topic places him in a great position to provide a very interesting Kerferd Oration.” “On an international scale this year might be described as one of elections taking place in a large number of countries. “And those elections are being run in processes described as democratic are a very different form of democracy to what we experience in Australia. “Barrie’s oration will have a lot of very interesting in-
sights and some challenging ideas for all of us to think about.” Wangaratta-born Mr Cassidy, who later grew up in Chiltern, began his career in regional newspapers. He joined the Melbourne Herald as a court reporter and later became a federal political correspondent for radio and television. Among various roles throughout his career has been a former Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery president and personal press secretary and senior political advisor to formerPrime Minister Bob Hawke. He was a correspondent for The Australian newspaper in Washington and as an ABC European correspondent based in Brussels. Mr Cassidy also played a key role in creating the ‘ABC Insiders’ where he hosted the political discussion television program for 18 years until 2018. The veteran journalist has also hosted ABC News Breakfast, Offsiders and One Plus One. Among awards, Mr Cassidy was presented with the Melbourne Press Club’s Lifetime Achievement prize at its annual Quill Awards in 2019.
DEMOCRATIC FOCUS: Famed journalist and political advisor Barrie Cassidy (pictured in 2021) will speak at this year’s Kerferd Oration. PHOTO: Adrian Vaughan The Kerferd Oration committee brings an eminent speaker to Indigo Shire with the aim to challenge thinking and foster community discussion around an important topic. Mr Kearney said the Oration’s aim was to engage people to continue the conversation. In the lead up to the Oration he said different ac-
tivities around the topic to engage the local and broader community for their thoughts will use several strategies including the Ovens and Murray Advertiser, other media as well as various social media platforms. Mr Kearney said the Kerferd Oration had been a successful community event since its inception with remarkably talented and in-
formative orators discussing a broad range of ideas over the years. The annual Oration was first held in 2003 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the naming of Beechworth. The free community event sponsored by Quercus Beechworth, Indigo Shire Council and WAW will also be livestreamed.
Lunch will be provided after the event where a gold coin donation will be requested. For more information about the event contact Mr Kearney on 0400 355 481. Further coverage of the event will roll out over coming weeks in the Ovens and Murray Advertiser as well as other North East Media publications.
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Juniors turn out in Beechworth mountain bike showcase
By SAGE DAVIDSON
Beechworth’s first junior MTB competition of the year was a huge success, with a turnout of over 100 kids taking part at the weekend. The competition came as the fourth in the Alpine Cycling Club’s junior MTB race series, occurring across mountain bike parks in Bright, Mount Beauty, Yackandandah, Albury and Beechworth. Ian Burns, one of the main organisers behind the Beechworth competition, said Saturday’s event was one the “biggest turnouts for Beechworth”. The Beechworth Chain Gang have been steadily growing the junior mountain bike scene in Beechworth, with a junior ride program for ages five to 11 which runs every Thursday night. According to the president of the BCG, Lynn Frerichs, the chain gang has “over 80 kids participating in weekly training sessions with certified volunteer coaches during the school terms”. One issue which affects MTB competitions across Victoria is the underwhelming representation of girls. This is something that has affected the Alpine Cycling Club’s junior competition, with some categories, such as the girls under 13s being unable to run in the Beechworth competition due
to a lack of participation. Despite this, the Beechworth Chain Gang plans to continue improving the numbers of girls taking part in their junior ride program, with hopes of more representation encouraging participation. The recent addition of the Indigo Epic trail, a mountain bike trail which runs between Beechworth and Yackandandah, has also helped to build participation in Beechworth’s mountain biking scene for both juniors and adults. Ian Burns said the BCG was “excited to continue to make improvements to the mountain bike park” as they intend to carry on with growing the club. The next junior race, the fifth in the series, is set to occur in Albury on Saturday, March 19.
READY TO RACE: the under 9s set off on their race. PHOTOW: Sally Huguenin
Winners from Saturday’s events: Boys and girls under fives - Nash Treloar Girls under sevens Matilda Gray Boys under sevens Hugh McCann Girls under nines Sienna Vivash Boys under nines Ewan McInerney
Girls under 11s - Zoe Caswell Boys under 11s - Alex McCann Boys under 13s Hamish Retchford Girls under 15s - Ruby Burns Boys under 15s - Levi Billings
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Siesta Cartel coming to Da Vinci Club A BAND of musicians whose music stems from tradition, from the sounds that raised them – sounds of Italian migration - will perform the Da Vinci Social Club in Wangaratta on Saturday, March 2. Formed in late 2018 in Melbourne, Siesta Cartel is described as a ‘unifying musical movement’. On a mission to preserve the culture they were born into, Siesta Cartel uses their music to unite and entertain. The band aims to teach the next generation that these memories must be kept alive, and to never forget where they came from. Having wowed the crowd at Melbourne’s Italian Festa last November, Siesta Cartel is coming to Wangaratta to perform live on Saturday, March 2 at the Da Vinci Social Club. Tickets are $75 for non-
FAMILY TRADITION: Italian–Australian musical group Siesta Cartel will perform at Wangaratta’s Da Vinci Social Club on March 2. members ($65 for members) and include a three-course meal. Doors open at 5.45pm, with entrees beginning at 6.30pm and tickets must be
purchased before the event. To book, visit events.humanitix.com/siesta-cartellive-at-da-vinci, email dvsc. wang@gmail.com or call Pip on 0409 307 606.
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Walking the rainbow carpet By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN PRIDE Fair Day has made its case as a permanent feature on the Rural City of Wangaratta’s events calendar after a successful sequel event on Friday evening. Nearly 1000 people attended Batchelors Green to help celebrate and immerse themselves in LGBTQIA+ music and culture through a variety of festive stalls, activities and live performances. People from as far as Sydney, Wagga Wagga and Melbourne trekked their way down for the festival with 80 per cent of attendees coming from the rural city. LINE executive officer Allison Winters said it was inspiring to see the positive local response to the event. “It’s really comforting for us to know with 80 per cent of attendees from the local area, I think it’s showed us there is such support locally,” Allison said. “It’s really amazing meeting all of the different people who were blown by how big the event was, how many stalls there were and by the fabulous music. “I think we’ve seen from the numbers and the feedback this year that people want it, they value it, they love it and it’s bringing not only a benefit for the local
community in terms of social connection and safe and welcome spaces, but there’s also an economic benefit as well. “A big thanks goes to the Wangaratta community and council for supporting the event and showing that it’s wanted in the community.” After an overwhelming inaugural event at King George Gardens last year, festival organisers made the shift to the bigger Batchelors Green venue which doubled the attendance, with more stalls, activities and bigger performances proving to be a hit. The event also received significant State Government and council support for its LGBTQIA+ focused festival, receiving a total of $14,000 in funding to put on the festive community event. Allison said after receiving feedback from attendees, they’re excited to be planning and expanding on Pride Fair Day’s program as a featured, annual event in the years to come. “We found Batchelors Green to be so great with all of that shade, trees and playgrounds; it’s an underutilised venue I think,” Allison said. “All of the local businesses that had stalls, some
REPRESENT: (From left) Beechworth Drag’d Out’s Sarah Belle and Emma Orlandi enjoyed Friday’s festivities. of them commented that it was the best stall at a market they’ve ever had and we’re definitely going to bring this event next year and hopefully it can become a permanent annual event in Wangaratta.” Allison said conversations have taken place with
Indigo and Alpine shires to host a similar Pride Fair Day event on a smaller scale across the region, to open the doors to communities who have limited opportunities to attend LGBTQIA+ focused events. “We had quite a few people from Albury-Wodonga
who visited and asked for a big event that’s local to them as well,” Allison said. “Some of those smaller geographically places like Bright or Mansfield don’t get opportunities to have anything like this and this is our chance to meet a new community and bring
these events to them. “Linking in with local community groups and council are going to be really important to make these events community led and not just bringing Pride Fair Day to them but making sure it’s what they want and what they need.”
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THE IGET IT, I THINK BIT
Lose yourself at one of Victoria’s renowned galleries or artist workshops. You’ll find plenty to your taste – or not. And that’s the fun of it. Get curious at cultural institutions like Bendigo Art Gallery. VISITVICTORIA.COM
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Regional housing hope from summit WA NG A R AT TA- b a s e d federal Independent Indi MP Helen Haines is calling for urgent action to address a “blind spot” for federal support to help address the current housing crisis in regional Australia. Speaking at last Friday’s National Regional Housing Summit in Canberra, Dr Haines told an in-person crowd of 200 and 100 attending online that the Federal Government needed to do better to address the regional housing shortfall, detailing the “contextual challenges” which differentiate regional and metropolitan housing needs. Having introduced her Unlocking Regional Housing bill to parliament last September, Dr Haines said at least 30 per cent of housing funding going forward should be directed towards solutions in regional, rural and remote Australia. “I don’t think that it is willful neglect of our governments, but I do think that regional Australia is a blind spot for the Federal Government,” she said. “In my meetings with the Housing Minister (Julie Collins), I have urged her to commit one-third of the
HELP THE REGIONS: Independent Indi MP Helen Haines spoke to an in-person crowd of 200 at the National Regional Housing Summit in Canberra on Friday. Housing Australia Future Fund to projects in regional, rural and remote areas; a fair share when almost one third of Australians live in the regions. “In my view, the government has missed the contextual challenges of regional Australia’s housing shortage by lumping it alongside the urban shortages experienced by our city cousins, when we know the regional challenges are different. ‘There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to solving the housing crisis. “Regional Australia needs a $2b Regional Housing In-
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21 U3A: New. Classical Guitar-Lecture/Recital. 2pm – 4pm. “Classical Guitar- a lecture / demonstration.” Once only. A talk by Stephan Bulmar about its scope and history. Music will be performed from throughout the ages including the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical and Romantic to the modern era more popular music for the finish. Audience question time included at the end. Venue: Beechworth Railway Station Harper Ave, Beechworth.
THURSDAY, MARCH 7 U3A: New. Poetry – ‘Translations and Recent Pieces’. One day course. Join Stephen Masters for an afternoon of poetry and discussion. 2pm – 4pm. A poetry selection from outside the
frastructure fund, because councils need a leg up to build the sewerage and drainage, pavements and pipes that will prepare land for new homes to be built – it’s about building communities not just houses.” Speaking earlier in the week, Regional Australia Institute chief executive officer Liz Ritchie said significant investment in housing was required to match an increased metropolitan to regional relocations figure almost 12 per cent above the pre-COVID average. The call followed the release of the Federal Government’s State of Australia’s Regions 2024 report. “To fill the job vacancies available in our regional communities, we need to ensure that workers have somewhere to live – to build more houses in our regional communities, we need skilled tradespeople,” Ms Ritchie said. “To have more skilled tradespeople, we need to ensure our regions have the education facilities to deliver that training. “We cannot look at these issues in isolation, they must be addressed holistically.”
English-speaking world, bringing a myriad of different ways of interpreting existence. There is a wealth of beauty and ancient wisdom, sometimes laced with humour in poetry from numerous nationalities throughout the world. This exploration will be followed by a sample of Stephen’s recent works on a wide range of mesmerising topics glimpsed through the eyes of an acute observer of behaviour, status, power and people generally. Includes insightful meetings brushing the lives of many encompassing the ultra-wealthy to those beaten down by life and many chance encounters in-between. Venue: Beechworth Railway Station Harper Ave, Beechworth. For further information on courses visit website atwww.indigou3a.org.au or email indigo.u3a@gmail.com
ART PASSIONATE: Yackandandah artist Sue Lees loves helping her students develop their own artistic skills and style to start their journey into the world of painting and drawing.
Sue loves persuing her art calling
SUE Lees was born in Totland Bay, Isle of Wight, England. She moved to Australia with her family in 1971. Sue first moved to Yackandandah in 2011 where she met her husband Craig Ramsay. The pair loved the place so much they bought an old place in the town and discovered the joys of renovating. The couple moved away for a few years then returned to stay. What do you do workwise? I retired from my work in community development a couple of years ago. I had managed various community centres for around 30 years as well as other aspects of community work. Currently I am doing a bit of casual teaching, basic drawing and painting for adults. I am also attending art classes to further my skills. I regularly work on commissions, specialising in animal portraits, mostly dogs, cats and horses. I’ve also painted other loved pets, cows, sheep, rats, guinea pigs, and a lizard. I enjoy entering and attending our region’s art exhibitions. It is great to be able to see others’ art works, as well as the pleasure that the occasional sale gives me. I have been voted for two “People’s Choice” awards in the last year - at Eskdale Art and Photography Exhibition and our hometown’s Fresh and Unframed exhibition. This has helped me to gain confidence and given me the impetus to further develop my skills. What brought you to your role/career? Having had a background in finance, I fell into my role as a community worker almost by accident and stayed in that sector until my retirement. As community centres focus on skills development, I took on a few adult education roles whilst I was employed teaching computer skills and various arts and crafts. What do you love about your work? I am passionate about art. I love helping my students to find that with the right support, they can develop their own artistic skills and style to start their journey into the world of painting and drawing. It doesn’t get any better than seeing a student view their work for the first time with a sense of satisfaction and achievement.
Sue Lees What do you do in the community? Between renovating our current house, making our gardens and attending classes, I’ve been a bit time poor. So, apart from helping out at my previous community centre in Wodonga, I am only just starting to think about volunteering, but it’s on my radar. Is there an important community issue that you think needs addressing? I think Yackandandah is a shining example of the community addressing its own social, environmental, and cultural issues. What do you see as one of the most important current world issues? As an idealist, I would like to see humanity have more compassion, care and acceptance of others. I would like to see the end of war, corruption, greed and hate. But in reality, I see the most important world issue is our planet and the need to continue to increase awareness in the amount of action needed to avoid the destruction of our environment. If the person you would most like to meet came to Indigo Shire or was already here, who would that be, what would you show them, and why? I really like British-Australian TV and film star Miriam Margolyes. She has an authenticity, curiosity and honesty with just the right measure of wickedness! I think she would enjoy many of the social and cultural aspects of our community together with our abundance of historically significant structures and stories. What book are you reading? I read a variety of books, but I enjoy Philippa Gregory’s historical novels because they’re like history lessons with lots of interesting bits thrown in.
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Participants must purchase the Ovens & Murray on Wednesday 7th February or Wednesday 14th February and complete the entry form found in the Regional Extra. Completed forms must be lodged at the Wangaratta Chronicle office by 4pm Tuesday 27th February to be eligible. Original entry forms only – photocopies will not be accepted. The winners will be chosen at random from submitted entry forms at the Wangaratta Chronicle office after 4pm Tuesday 27th February 2024. Management’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. The prize winners will be notified directly and announced in the Wangaratta Chronicle on Friday 1st March 2024. If one or both of the prize winners do not respond to notification within 12 hours, the prize will be re-drawn. Tickets valued at $119 each. Prizes cannot be redeemed for a total cash amount and will be awarded by way of Birds of Tokyo VIP double pass tickets, equaling four (4) tickets total to two (2) separate winners, conditions may apply. VIP experience includes access to pre-concert VIP suite, complimentary grazing table and drinks from 6pm, VIP lanyard with $25 bar credit and early entrance at 7pm. Employees of North East Media Pty Ltd are not allowed to enter.
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ADVERTISER, Friday, February 16, 2024 - Page 11
Strong performances across the baseline By GREG CLYDESDALE ROUND four of the Beechworth Tennis Club summer season saw a period of consolidation last week. All players are becoming used to the true bounce of the new all weather courts and the evening light as the court lights take over. Matches are closely contested and the evenings are being extended as results are close and rallies becoming longer. The number one players are all consolidating with their teammates who are all improving. It is not surprising that the players who have played each week are consolidating their results, while players who have made disrupted appearances are all improving. Paul Stefaniak and Mick Cavellin are leading the aggregates while the mercurial Ben Croome is making all players improve with
his presence after missing games early on. His team Burder Industries is pushing up the ladder with a narrow win over Mick’s team Nor Mac. Ben is combining with Kimberley and Matilda Taylor who are showing their reliability with Kevin Ormrod, while Will Sargent, Sue Fendyk and Olivia Bennett are also improving each week. Beechworth Coffee Roasters, with Will Stanisteet and the reliable John Sheehan, had a five sets to one win over Indigo Real Estate where Paul had a team of substitutes who battled hard but could not beat the combinations of Will and John backed up by Anne Henderson and Simone Sockett. Team Alpine Indigo Accounting has the determined Adam Fendyk who gets better as the night goes on and Renee Rinaudo who are combining well with Angus Connolly and Anna McKinley to win
READY FOR ACTION: Shem Rinaudo (blue shirt) and team mate Tom Holles worked hard but were unable to come away with the win during round four’s matches. some exciting matches. Their four sets to two win over Shingleback Off Road was a good reward for their efforts. Ben Sockett, Christie Bence and Karen Potter missed their usual number one Jeremy Schmolzer who was replaced by Rod Watson, who has been a very
reliable substitute in past weeks. The result showed the significance of playing with regular partners to improve the understanding of strengths. Placements and movement are becoming more important as players become more confident of
Golfers set sights on high scores By DYLAN POOL LAST Thursday there was a good turn out of 17 players for twilight golf on the back nine. High scores were needed this week to feature in the prize winners. Dayne Carey won the night with 26 points (20+6), Jamie Dolny took home the club voucher for runner up wuth 24 (21+3). Ball winners were Kerin Rowbottom 23 (20+3), Dylan Pool 22 LONG DRIVE: Dylan Pool has been a consistent performer at (18+4) and John Sheehan 22 (17+5). Beechworth Golf Club over the summer. The Beechworth Bakery nearAndy Croome was runner up Sunday at 11:30 for a 12 noon hit est the pin on the 10th went to Josh Carr, while the Alpine Indigo with 36 points and now has a new off to find out. Also next Sunday morning from Accounting nearest the pin on the handicap of 16 much to his disap9:30 to around 11:30 we are holding 17th went to Brian Pritchard and Ja- pointment. Nearest the pins went to Andy a junior golf clinic. son West took home all the cash by All are welcome, equipment is Croome on the 10th and Zane Howchipping in on the 14th. supplied, bring your own if you Kerin Rowbottom also won the ard on the 17th. Next Sunday is the final round of have it. CC’s Quality Meats & Smokehouse If you are a junior or have a junior the Summer Cup. voucher in the raffle. There are quite a few players who is interested please give Rod a On Sunday, six players fronted up on the rather warm afternoon for a still in contention, but can they all call on 0428351291 to register your catch Zane Howard who holds the interest, or turn up on the day. stableford round. There will be a small cost of $5 Jamie Dolny (17) won the day lead. You will have to come out next per junior. with 38 points.
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their shot making. Teams Alpine Survey and Mapping and Myrtleford Timber and Floors were evenly matched to win three sets each, with Darren and Ruby McCormick settling in as reliable teammates alongside Alice Corcoran and Simon Maughan. Greg Clydesdale gave Si-
mon plenty of practice for his crisp volleying which was matched by Paige Campbell, who is building that aspect of her game. The long arm of Shem Rinaudo kept his team in many rallies while the running Tom Holles efforts were not enough to drag his team to a win. With every team competitive, next week’s matches on February 21 see Alpine Survey playing Alpine Accounting, Indigo Real Estate playing Pritchard Plumbing, Shingleback playing NorMac Rural and Beechworth Coffee taking on Burder Industries, which will again show how even the competition is, but also how the combinations of regular teammates are likely to prevail. Myrtleford Floor have the bye so Tom Holles, Shem Rinaudo, Greg Clydesdale and Paige Campbell, will have to consolidate their game on the practice court this week.
Destiny in their hands ■ From back page
Fendyk said he was extremely impressed with how Prebble handled the pressure of the moment. “Will was fantastic, he came out with the most pressure out of everyone, we still needed 80 or 90 runs and he might’ve ended up on 20 but he was doing all of the scoring early in his innings, so he did a great job and Richie finished it off for us.” The win took Beechworth to third on the ladder with two games to play, but face a decisive match tomorrow against the in-form Wangaratta Magpies, who are just two points behind the Wanderers in fifth. Behind a bowling attack which has conceded just one score past 110 in their three-game winning streak, the Magpies’ strength will be tested against Beechworth’s top four batters, who have been the strongest in the league this season. Fendyk said he was looking forward to the challenge, with a win almost certainly booking the Wanderers in for finals. “I think to guarantee finals we need one out of the next two with how the draw looks, but Maggies have hit a bit of form after Christmas so they’ll take some beating and we’ll need to bring our best,” he said.
UP FOR THE CHALLENGE: Cam Fendyk has been in impressive all-round form this season, and is looking forward to facing the challenge of a class Wangaratta Magpies outfit tomorrow. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling “You want to be facing the best bowlers every week and the pitch and the outfield at Beechworth has been really good, it’s nice to get out there when the fast bowlers are bowling and it’s really coming onto the bat well.”
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SOLID IN DEFENCE: Richie Worcester played a vital innings in Beechworth’s run chase in their victory last week, as the Wanderers look to bring a stop to Wangaratta Magpies’ three-game win streak tomorrow. PHOTO: Janet Watt
Destiny in their hands of the order stood tall with Brenton Surrey (56), Cam Fendyk (43) and Clancy Ellett (28) leading the way to secure their first home win at Baarmutha Park for the season in five tries. Fendyk said it was the most complete performance the team has
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN BEECHWORTH’S A grade side control their own finals destiny after a crucial five wicket win over City Colts last Saturday. Having been set 176 for victory the week prior, the Wanderers’ class at the top
put together all year. “It was good to chase down a relatively decent score and it was an even spread across the board,” he said. “We’ve played all the top sides at home and just had a shocker against Benalla, so our home losing streak
wasn’t anything mental, it’s just how the game goes. “It was certainly good to get a win, there haven’t been many times where we make over 200 or win when Kayde makes one, but it’s the second time we’ve done it this year now.” After restarting at 1/2,
Fendyk and Ellett put on a strong partnership to give the home side the upper hand in the early proceedings, before both were dismissed in quick succession to bring City Colts back in to the game at 3/76. While experiencing some troubles throughout
the season, Beechworth’s middle order batting rose to the occasion behind Richie Worcester (24) and Will Prebble (17) who both served as pivotal anchors with Surrey’s half-century, finishing the day on 9/204 off 77 overs. ■ Continued page 11
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