SERIOUS concerns about the provision of health care services to meet the needs of rural and regional communities across the North East have been aired at a special meeting of Indigo, Alpine and Towong Shire Councils.
Mayors and councillors from the three councils held a historic joint meeting in Beechworth on Tuesday where they voted
unanimously to take a united stance to advocate for better health services for the region, including a single site hospital built on a greenfield site in Albury-Wodonga.
Held at Beechworth Town Hall, the three councils endorsed several advocacy action items including calling for the State Governments of Victoria and New South Wales to pause the current
redevelopment plans for the Albury Hospital and redirect efforts towards a new single site facility development in either Albury or Wodonga.
Indigo Shire Mayor
Sophie Price said with the current healthcare infrastructure plans, the communities of Alpine, Indigo and Towong are genuinely facing the prospect of substandard health services for decades to come.
“If governments do not understand that this issue is at the heart of what our communities want us to advocate for, then they seriously do not understand our communities,” she said.
“Health services are the most important issue for all three shires and this is far too important for us not to continue to fight for.”
Alpine Mayor, John For-
syth said Albury-Wodonga Health is the third largest health service in Victoria, servicing a population base of 300,000 people and yet the funding being put forward by the Victorian Government falls well short of what is required to provide the region with quality health care services.
Towong Mayor Andrew Whitehead gave a personal account of how his young
son had to be airlifted to Canberra to get the necessary care required for a broken leg and the impact this had on his family having to travel so far to be by his son’s side.
“To not have a trauma centre that is up to the standard of care that he required in a regional centre the size of AlburyWodonga is not ok,” Cr Whitehead said.
■ Continued page 2
Christine Cansfield- Smith (left), Robert Davidson and Beth Davidson with gumboots collected so far to be donated to war-affected kids in Syria. Story page 2
Councils unite in Beechworth to advocate for better health outcomes
■ From page 1
Indigo Councillor, Sue Gold said at the meeting the decisions being made on Tuesday would determine the capacity to respond to the future health care needs of a growing region.
All three Mayors agreed there has never been a greater level of collaboration, not only between the three councils but also health care professionals and advocates, surrounding councils and the community on a single issue.
Included in the resolution was for the CEOs of each council to advocate for and communicate the adopted position with the Victorian, NSW and Federal Governments and the board of Albury Wodonga Health.
Wooragee house found in flames
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
A WOORAGEE home was found alight last Friday morning while no one was inside.
A CFA spokesperson said units from CFA, FRV, Ambulance Victoria and police attended the house fire on Beechworth-Wodonga Road at around 10:12am on August 9, with the house in flames and the fire spreading to the roof.
Eight units from Yackandandah, Beechworth, Wooragee, Indigo Valley and Stanley worked to extinguish the flames which were deemed under control 30 minutes later.
The CFA spokesperson said the cause of the fire was unknown and will be investigated.
A Beechworth Fire Brigade spokesperson said as a reminder, people should have working smoke alarms and ensure their heaters are clean.
Knitting for war-affected kids receives generous supply boost
By CORAL COOKSLEY
WINTER supplies for an annual overseas humanitarian project have been boosted with children’s gumboots from a recent call-out in Beechworth.
The request made by local resident Beth Davidson caught the ear of Mayday Hills Art Society co-founder Christine CansfieldSmith.
Christine said society members got behind the request with many St Andrews Uniting Church parishioners donating boots.
Beth for eight years has been a has been a member of the Aussie Knitting for War-Affected Kids (AWAK) helping children with warm clothing and other items in the war-torn country of Syria.
The crafter is also the local coordinator for volunteers across the shire.
“Gumboots are the most requested item from the people in refugee camps,” she said.
Christine said the best thing about the project is packs are delivered straight to camps.
“Thousands of children in these camps desperately need things for a northern winter,” she said.
“As it snows, they need these items to stay alive, not just to be warm.”
Beth originally joined a group
safe area in Northern Syria –and we’re supporting the school now too,” she said.
“We’ve packed around 200 pairs of gumboots but there are more than 500 kids at the school.
“It’s very rewarding as we receive photos of distributions with happy kids receiving the items.
“We also send packs with a knitted or sewn soft toy included to mothers and babies at hospitals clinics.
“They are very appreciative, and we’ve seen videos of babies being put into their woollen clothes and wrapped in a blanket.”
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of knitters and crocheters on ravelry.com.
She said AWAK started up around a decade ago from a callout for donations on the online platform by an AWAK founding member Liz Irving, who had been working in the camps in Kurdistan.
“It was very cold, she felt sorry for the children and her family so she started knitting and sending knits over,” Beth said.
“It was a really good cause, a group of friends started doing it, and I joined in too.
“We have more than 2000 members in our Facebook group with an active group of around 1600.
“We have quite a lot of knitters, but some people buy clothes for us because we send extras in the packs.
“We send packs to refugee camps with items for babies and under school age children and with children starting school at seven, we send to the school for seven to 15-year-olds.
“We send stationary, books and pencil cases too.”
Beth said items in the pack included a jumper, mittens and gloves crafted from wool {for warmth and safety), undies, socks, track pants, long sleeve t- shirt, singlets and gumboots.
“The association started a school in a UN green zone – a
AWAK also supports children in Syria living in orphanages and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
Once packed, Beth said bags are trucked to the Australian Syrian Association of Victoria in Melbourne, repacked into a container with items from other organisations including knitted blankets from ‘Wrapped with Love’ then shipped to Syria.
She said a humanitarian nongovernment organisation (NGO) organises distribution.
For Indigo Shire locals wishing to donate much needed gumboots, join the knitting crew or contribute with other items, contact Beth on 0418 243 378.
The cut-off to receive items is the end of August.
Junior public speaking competition success
By CORAL COOKSLEY
PRIMARY school students from around the North East shone with their speaking skills at a Lions zone/region junior competition held in Beechworth on Sunday.
Beechworth Lions Club hosted the event held at the Servicemen’s Memorial Hall.
Students from years three to six from various schools represented four Lions Clubs in Zone 9 – Beechworth, Lavington, Thurgoona and Yackandandah as well as Henty in Zone 10 – had won club level competitions two weeks ago making them eligible for Sunday’s contest.
Indigo Shire students Richie Burston (Yackandandah Primary School), Eddie Nelson (Beechworth Primary School), Pippa Graham (Yackandandah Primary School) and Willow Firth-Waters (Beechworth Primary School) represented their schools with pride.
North Albury’s St Anne’s Primary School students clinched wins for both Year 5/6 and Year 3/4 categories.
Excited Ethan Wilson from year six and Sophie Burrell from year four as winners head to the finals at district level later this month, to be held in Tocumwal.
Runner up for the Year 3/4 category was Yackandandah Primary School’s Richie Burston, while Thurgoona Primary School’s Affan Syed was the Year 5/6 runner up.
One of three judges Pieter
Mourik from Albury Wodonga’s Toastmasters said self-confidence stood out for all 10 competing students.
“This was an excellent example of how very young people can be prepared for all public speaking requirements they will have in further education, job applications and even for communicating with their friends and family,” he said.
“Being at the beginning of their education, skills in public speaking will put them ahead of their peers who don’t have them.”
Dr Mourik said the Lions program leads the way for primary schools to have public speaking opportunities for their school.
“Students are learning from each other too and I think Lions should be congratulated on the program as well as participating primary schools,” he said.
Lions District 201V6 and Zone 9 chairman John Eldrid said besides encouraging primary school students to speak in public, they research a topic, craft a speech and talk about the topic within a time frame.
“Schools are really on board with the program as they see its value and are fully behind it,” he said.
Calibre of speakers with the students getting up and having a go had been a highlight for Mr Eldrid.
Nine-year-old winner Sophie said she enjoyed participating in the competition.
“It’s good to for people to learn to talk and not be shy and I want to keep doing it,” she said.
Year six winner Ethan said public speaking skills sets people up for the future.
“It goes on your resume that would help you get a job, and also helps you be more social in talking to others too,” he said.
Eight-year-old Richie in year three said the competition was a chance get ideas across and con-
vince other people.
“You get the opportunity to practice speaking in front of other people for when you are an adult too,” he said.
Affan said he always liked writing speeches and speaking. The competition has five levels – school, club, regional, district and state.
WINTER WARMTH: Beechworth’s Beth Davidson with a warm winter pack destined for kids in war ravaged Syria.
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
PUBLIC SPEAKING CHAMPS: Year 3/4 region finalists Meg Todori (left) from St Paul’s Lutheran School in Henty, Zoe Maclaine (Thurgoona’s Border Christian College), runner up Richie Burston (Yackandandah Primary School), Eddie Nelson (Beechworth Primary School) and winner Sophie Burrell (St Anne’s North Albury) at last Sunday’s junior public speaking competition.
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
Administrators begin sale process of Billson’s Beverages
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
EXPRESSIONS of interest have been made regarding the sale of Billson’s Beverages as the Beechworth brewery formally begins its sale process.
Administrators Robert Smith and Matthew Hutton from McGrathNicol listed the expression form on Monday, August 12, quantifying the interest “for the recapitalisation and/or sale” of the business or assets.
Around 50 expressions of interests were
submitted within the first day of advertising.
The expression of interest form states the award-winning destination of Beechworth and it’s loyal and supporting local community as key selling points in the potential sale.
“The business represents a generational opportunity to acquire an established brand, quality assets and high performing team which has grown the business to c.$100m turnover in six years,” it reads.
“Outstanding opportunity for strategic player or bolt on for financial sponsor with interests in the beverages market.”
The expressions of interests cutoff was 5pm on August 15.
The business, owned by Nathan Cowan and his wife Felicity had expanded rapidly since they took over in 2017, growing in revenue by 160 per cent from 2020 to 2024.
The company went into voluntary administration on July 31, citing a rapid downturn in consumer spending, and punishing government excise duties as contributing factors.
It comes after Billson’s cutting of several jobs in March this year due to “cost
Red Cross celebrates 110 years
By CORAL COOKSLEY
CLOSE to 90 people from around the region and across Victoria gathered at the Memorial Hall on Tuesday to celebrate a special double anniversary for both the Australian Red Cross and local branch.
The day marked 110 years since the Australian Red Cross was founded with the Beechworth Red Cross branch created five days later on August 18, 1914.
Beechworth Red Cross branch chair Julia Smith said Red Cross has been able to reflect over those 110 years.
“We have been able to look back on what we have done, what we have accomplished and how relevant Red Cross still is in our society today,” she said.
Ms Smith said the branch originally known as the Beechworth Women’s Patriotic League made up of 60 women made clothes and gathered provisions to send to soldiers at the front in World War I.
“Twelve pounds was raised at that first meeting with material bought to begin making shirts and night shirts with a case packed with clothing, towels, tea, sugar bags, and magazines sent overseas a few weeks later,” she said.
Over the next four years 9418 articles of clothing were made.
Ms Smith said the league officially became a Red Cross branch in March, 1915.
“We now fundraise for both domestic and international Red
Cross programs and appeals, as well as for local projects,” she said.
In raising funds Ms Smith said the annual Red Cross Calling appeal in March as well as the branch’s catering service are well supported by the local community.
“Most of our members are also Red Cross Emergency Services volunteers who are trained in registering people on behalf of Victoria Police when they are evacuated in fires, floods and other emergencies,” she said.
“Members offer both personal and recovery support after those events too.”
Red Cross Victorian State director Nichola Krey, travelled with a team from Melbourne to be at the event.
“Branches like Beechworth are the heart and soul of Red Cross,” she said.
“We can’t do our work here in Australia or abroad without branches like Beechworth with everything they do.
“All the individual and collective efforts in Beechworth, every bake sale, every catering service, all the money they raise, and the volunteer hours we see make Red Cross what it is today.
“I don’t think you see many organisations lasting the test of time for 110 years, and not only lasting the test of time, but remaining so relevant for the Australian community.”
Ms Krey said Red Cross is one of the most recognised organisations in Australia.
“When there is a disaster or a crisis, you will always see our Red Cross volunteers at evacuation centers and at sites of mass casualties like Burke Street Mall and bush fires,” she said.
“You will always see Red Cross volunteers there ready to support their community, however they can.”
Cr Peter Croucher on behalf of Indigo Shire Council welcomed guests as well as congratulating the branch on its special milestone acknowledging the valuable contribution to the community by its members.
Unable to attend, Federal member for Indi Helen Haines sent her congratulations.
“I would like to acknowledge the efforts of all members and
volunteers, past and present, whose dedication and community spirit have kept this fabulous branch going and continued to service the Beechworth community and surrounds,” she said.
Ms Krey presented 10-year long service awards to local members - treasurer Wendy Kelly, Judy and Stephen Burnett, Janet Friend and Jennifer Perrin. Beechworth musician Sandra Williams accompanied local singer Kath Buckingham on keyboard as she sang “The Rose of No Man’s Land” published in 1914 written as a tribute to the Red Cross nurses at the front lines of the First World War followed by “Red Cross Nurse” published in 1942.
of living pressures and a change in consumer behaviour”.
Mr Cowan said he was “devastated” by the collapse of the business.
The Beechworth venue has remained open seven days per week and their online store has operated as usual.
Billson’s is a family-owned beverages businesses based in Beechworth and was established in 1865.
Its range of cordials and ready-to-drink cans continue to sell in local chains such as Dan Murphy’s, BWS and Liquorland.
Vietnam veterans venerated
By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE
LOCAL servicemen from across the Alpine and Indigo Shire are set to be commemorated this Sunday with the annual Vietnam Veteran’s Day ceremony being hosted by Bright RSL sub-branch.
Bright RSL president Phil Keeghan said they were expecting around 30 attendees on the day.
“The ceremony is planned for an 11am start; we will be outside, in front of the Long Tan Cross Memorial which was made by RSL member Retired Major Warren Barnard,” he said.
“The day is a celebration of the sacrifice those veterans endured during this conflict.
“The aim of the meeting is to commemorate the lives of our fallen servicemen and women in Vietnam and their efforts.
“The goal is to get together and connect with other local servicemen, who we might not see that often and support each other.
“There are some Vietnam vets in the surrounds...they’re pretty quiet and keep to themselves.
“Previously, when they returned to the area from service, they weren’t given a heroes welcome but we have since rectified that.
“After the ceremony, we will serve a light lunch and snacks and have a catch-up, as well as a performance of ‘I was only 19’ by Mark ‘Lazy Harry’ Stephens.
“The RSLs in Beechworth, Mount Beauty, Bright and Myrtleford take it in turns each year to host the event.
“For the future, we hope to stay afloat by keeping the membership up.”
Vietnam Veteran’s Day will be held this Sunday, August 18 from 11am at 5A Camp Street, Bright.
You can find your local RSL branch at https://rslvic.com.au/locations.
TASTY TREAT: Longest serving Red Cross Branch member Helen McIntosh with Gwen Gray and Lesley Smart cut the special anniversary cake.
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
Pay rise for early educators while keeping fees down for families
By JORDAN DUURSMA
INDI Independent federal MP Helen Haines is hopeful a 15 per cent pay rise for Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) workers can help attract and keep more workers, while also benefiting parents who rely on the vital services.
The Federal Government last week confirmed the increase will be phased in over two years, and include a 10 per cent increase from December 2024, and a further five per cent increase from December 2025.
The increase is tied to a commitment from child care centres to limit fee increases to under 4.4 per cent over the next 12 months ensure workers can be fairly paid without the costs being passed on to families.
The wage increase also applies to workers in outside school hours care services, creating benefits for the parents of school aged children too.
This means a typical ECEC educator who is paid at the award rate will receive a pay rise of at least $103 per week, increasing to at least $155 per week from December 2025.
Dr Haines said the pay increase is good news for early childhood educators, particularly with cost-of-living having such an impact right now.
“It’s also good news for the families who rely on early childhood education and care, because we know the shortage in staff is a major factor in long wait lists and difficulty in accessing care, particularly in regional and rural areas.”
Dr Haines was visiting childcare centres in Indi last week as part of Early Learning Matters Week, and said she saw first-hand the pride and dedication that early childhood educators apply to their work.
“Early childhood educators play a key role in helping children develop important foundational skills that impact their lifetime, and their pay should reflect the value of this work,” she said.
New councillor prospect
Shire resident Scott Landells has tossed his hat in the ring for October council elections g
By CORAL COOKSLEY
WITH a passion for community and a keen interest in local government, Indigo Shire resident Scott Landells has tossed his hat into the ring for the forthcoming October council election.
Scott’s experience spans more than 14 years working with two local government agencies in community development as well as in transport, pedestrian infrastructure and road safety planning.
The prospective councillor said valuable experience gained with Indigo Shire Council for three years from 2010 had given him a strong understanding of the unique characteristics of all shire communities.
In maximising opportunities for the shire, Scott said if elected as a councillor a team-oriented approach would prevail working with councillors as well as with communities on their priorities.
“There are a lot of things that I care about and if putting them under one heading, it would be preserving the shire and communities,” he said.
“I think that that’s something strongly felt across all communities.
“It doesn’t matter whether we’re talking about Cornishtown, small farming communities 10km up the road from Chiltern, or Indigo Valley, there is still a strong sense of community.
“I think we’re coming into a really challenging period where we’ve all seen the headlines in recent times that the State Government is going to build new homes.
“Population growth for our shire comes with certain challenges with development, its growth and how healthy that is for communities.
“People want to see healthy growth and development in line with the character of the towns and villages.
“I think that that’s really important because we love living in these communities with their great way of life.”
As populations increase, Scott said among those challenges would include sufficient infrastructure including supermarkets, car parks, local schools as well as footpaths, sewerage and water, roads and aged care facilities.
“It’s going to take quite a lot of work from a planning perspec-
tive to get that right and work with communities,” he said.
“It’s council’s role to develop and undertake plans and projects that have been identified as priorities by the community, then where necessary, to advocate for funding from State and Federal Governments.
“A councillor’s role is to ensure that effective strategies are in place to implement the council plan.”
Scott has been an Indigo Shire resident for close to two decades and has raised a family during that time.
He has also managed the local radio station Indigo FM run by volunteers for 14 years.
Besides working in councils, other roles have included working in education to marketing and public relations, and volunteering in local arts and tourism groups in Rutherglen and Chiltern.
Search on for our next leaders
APPLICATIONS are now open for the 2025 Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Annual Program.
Since its inception in 1998, the annual program has been instrumental in supporting individuals to develop the essential skills needed to navigate community leadership in a regional setting.
Over the years, more than 500 graduates have gained valuable insights into community dynamics and leadership practices through the program.
The program includes team-based activities that apply skills in real-world settings, enhancing abilities in governance, project management, teamwork, advocacy, and public speaking.
The program is now fully resourced through partnerships and funding arrangements with philanthropic organisations, businesses and community groups, highlighting the collective investment in local leadership development.
AVCL executive officer Madeline Hines emphasised the importance of continued access to place-based community leadership development.
“In recent years, the North East and Border region has encountered a range of challenges that have significantly affected individuals, organisations, and communities at large,” she said.
“To foster resilience and ensure the ongoing vitality and sustainability of our area, it is essential that we continue to provide local opportunities to cultivate diverse and capable leaders.”
Using the North East and Border region as a vibrant classroom, program participants explore values-based leadership, examining their motivations, strengths, and biases.
They join a diverse peer group and engage in dynamic sessions designed to foster personal and professional growth.
“We are pleased to offer
new pathways for locals to support leadership development that is meaningful, visible and impactful,” Ms Hines said.
“This includes opportunities to invest in an individual through workplace or scholarship funding arrangements, or to enhance the collective capacity of the cohort by sponsoring a program day, retreat, or event.”
The 2025 program promises a comprehensive learning experience, featuring 15 full days, including place-based days around the region, a study tour to Melbourne and two overnight retreats; in addition to a launch event, a final celebration, and several online skills sessions.
For more information about applying or supporting the program, visit www. avclp.org.au or contact program manager Irene Pritchard at leaders@avclp. org.au or executive officer Madeline Hines at eo@avclp.org.au
TEAM PLAYER: Indigo Shire resident Scott Landells is driven to preserve the shire and its communities if elected to council.
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
North East wines feature in acclaimed awards
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
HALLIDAY Wine Compan-
ion has announced its highly anticipated award winners for the year, with All Saints Estate taking home Fortified Wine of the Year.
The Wahgunyah-based winery scored a perfect 100 points on its Museum Muscat NV to win the prestigious award for the second year running.
Winemaker Nick Brown said it was a deeply gratifying accolade to take home the award.
“It’s a true testament to the hard work and dedication of not just me, but the generations of winemakers who have crafted this wine over its 100plus years,” he said.
“The judges admired its luscious, rich character, which is a hallmark of high-quality fortified wine from Rutherglen.
“This is a very proud moment for us.”
The winery also received a five red star winery rating at the awards, recognising the “exemplary quality and typicity” of its wines.
Another North East wine to feature in the awards was Brown Brothers, who scored a near-perfect 98 points with its 2018 Patricia Pinot Noir Chardonnay Brut to win Sparkling Wine of the Year.
Winemaker Cate Looney said she was immensely proud for the winery to receive such acclaimed recognition.
“It is a testament to the dedication of our entire team and the exceptional terroir of the King Valley for sparkling wine,” she said.
“This recognition motivates us to continue pushing boundaries and crafting wines that resonate with both wine connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike”
“The 2018 vintage was consid-
ered a warm year but we source our fruit from the Whitland’s plateau where we are buffered from the hotter conditions and can retain exceptional acidity in our sparkling fruit.
“It certainly was not an easy vintage for sparkling wine, but we have great access to exceptional fruit.”
A former Winemaker of the Year winner, Ms Looney has been credited by the winery for propelling the sparkling wine to new levels. More than 7500 wines were
Shire Council postal election
Vote by post this October
Ballot packs will be mailed to voters enrolled in the Indigo Shire Council general election from Monday 7 October. Complete and return your ballot material ASAP. Ballot material must be in the mail or delivered to the election manager by
If you will be away
If you will be away when ballot packs are mailed, or your address has changed since Wednesday 7 August, you can request for your ballot pack to be redirected by completing the online redirection form at , or call 131 832.
Requests for redirection must be received by 5 pm on Monday 9 September.
Large print and braille ballot papers
Large print or braille ballot papers are available for voters who are blind or have low vision – please register by 5 pm Tuesday 10 September. To register, call 03 8620 1314 during business hours.
Early votes
If you will be away during the voting period (7 – 25 October), you can go to your local election office to vote in person, from 10 am on Wednesday 18 September.
The Indigo Shire Council election office is at:
Ground Floor
8 Albert Road Beechworth
Red Cross offer primary school a helping hand
By CORAL COOKSLEY
DELIGHTED Beechworth Primary School (BPS) captains and vice captains accepted a generous donation on behalf of the school from the local Red Cross Branch at the Branch’s 110th anniversary celebration on Tuesday.
Local Red Cross branch treasurer Wendy Kelly presented a cheque for $1000 to help students from families doing it tough.
School principal Sue McDonald said the school felt honoured to be presented with the cheque at such a special event.
“It is wonderful to have our local organisation recognising and responding to the needs of our students to ensure that no-one is left in need or left out,” she said.
“It is a misconception that all families in our community are doing well financially and are able to provide everything that a child needs at school.”
Ms McDonald said funds will be used to buy stationery and workbooks for those who cannot afford the annual stationery pack.
tasted for the 2025 Halliday Wine Companion from over 1100 wineries.
Victoria won more varietal awards than any other state for this edition, including White Wine of the Year, Wine of the Year, Sparkling Wine of the Year, and Fortified Wine of the Year.
The Awards also marked the release of the wine-enthusiast’s bible, the 2025 Halliday Wine Companion, which is now available in stores nationally.
“We have provided uniforms, BPS hats and shoes for students and the funds also allows us to assist in payments for excursions and other events including travel to sports carnivals for struggling families,” she said.
“The contribution makes a meaningful difference to those in need at our school and we thank the Red Cross for their generosity and kindness.
“The donation shows that the Red Cross truly cares about the needs of the young people within our community and understands the importance of education, fitting in and not missing out.”
Beechworth Red Cross branch chair Julia Smith said members like to donate funds locally as well as donating to Australian Red Cross domestic and international appeals and programs.
“This year, we felt that it was important to help students’ families in need in Beechworth by donating $1000 to Beechworth Primary School,” she said.
How to nominate as a candidate
To nominate as a candidate, you must:
• be an Australian citizen and enrolled on the voters roll for Indigo Shire Council AND
• be eligible to become a councillor should you be elected AND
• have completed the mandatory candidate training before lodging your nomination with the election manager.
To nominate, complete the nomination form and lodge it with the election manager together with the $250 nomination fee. Nomination forms can be lodged by appointment during business hours from Monday 9 September until 12 noon on Tuesday 17 September at the election office.
Visit vec.vic.gov.au for more information and to pre-complete your nomination form using the online Candidate Helper. The online Candidate Helper will be available from Tuesday 20 August.
If you use the online Candidate Helper, print your pre-completed form and make an appointment to lodge it with the election manager along with the nomination fee.
Call the election manager from Monday 9 September on 131 832 to make a nomination appointment.
12 noon Tuesday 17 September.
Candidate information session
6 pm Wednesday 4 September at Election Office, 8 Albert Road, Beechworth
Candidate information kits containing nomination forms and other electoral information will be available online and from the election manager.
State-enrolled voters can register for free VoterAlert SMS and email reminders at vec.vic.gov.au
FIVE STAR: All Saints Estate Wines took home the Fortified Wine of the Year at the 2025 Halliday Awards while also receiving a five-red star rating.
Government urged to solve housing crisis
By JORDAN DUURSMA
LOCAL bodies are continuing to call on governments to do more to fix the housing crisis and end homelessness.
They recently participated in the Victorian Homelessness Network’s (VHN) display of 6000 origami houses at Parliament House, representing 10 per cent of the 60,000 social homes needed in Victoria, as part of a campaign to raise awareness of the urgent need for more social housing.
The last Census in 2021 showed, on any given night, at least 30,000 Victorians were without a home, including 6800 children.
Ovens Murray and Goulburn Local Area Service Network homelessness coordinator, Renee Murtagh, said the display at Parliament House was very moving, it was colourful and really shone a light on the need for urgent action.
Participating agencies from the local region included Beyond Housing, Wang Night Shelter, Wangaratta Centre Against Violence, Junction Support Services, Rural City of Wangaratta, MIND, Mungabareena Aborigional Corporation, NESAY, Yarrawonga Health and the Salvation Army.
“The campaign successfully brought together representatives across homelessness services in Victoria and met with MP’s on the steps of Parliament House for meaningful conversations about solutions to Homelessness,” Ms Murtagh said.
“All MP’s involved in talking to our group of representatives were keen to understand what can be done differently and how they can continue to keep housing, homelessness and the cost of living as top priority.
“Advocating for the needs of all people to have safe, secure and long-term housing is a continual conversation that occurs not only at events like this but in an ongoing way throughout the year with all levels of government.”
Local choir hooks concert audience
DANCED AWAY: Beechworth Choir member Marelle Whitaker and her husband Ian treated the audience when they danced to “Cheek to Cheek” at the choir’s concert last weekend.
HARMONIOUS: Beechworth Singers entertained a captured audience at their August 3 concert led by musical director Colleen
Purchasing of water rightsRestoring our Rivers 2024 Selected Catchments Open Tender
The Australian Government, represented by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, is seeking to purchase up to 70 gigalitres per year (GL/y) of permanent water rights across 5 selected catchments in New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria. This is to help to deliver the 450 GL/y of additional environmental water, and to implement the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
Interested owners of eligible water rights in these catchments are invited to submit a tender response stating the price at which they want to sell their permanent water rights to the department. The decision to participate is completely voluntary.
To read the Approach to Market and submit a tender, please visit AusTender – www.tenders.gov.au - and search for water rights purchasing
MORE INFORMATION:
For more information on voluntary water purchasing, visit www.dcceew.gov.au/watertender
ASSISTANCE:
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By CORAL COOKSLEY
TOES tapped a fortnight ago as a local choir captured the ears of music lovers in a packed Beechworth Town Hall.
Beechworth Singers presented a number of classic melodies from ‘Songs of the Stage and Screen’ on Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4.
Choral selections stretched from Oliver, The Lion King, Sister Act, to the Wizard of Oz and Beauty and the Beast with many others in between accompanied by local musician Sandra Williams on piano.
Musical director Colleen Arnott said the event had exceeded expectations.
“It was a joy from the beginning to end,” she said.
Singing with the choir for nine years, Colleen said she took on the role of musical director in April this year when Margaret Phillips retired from the position.
With a love of jazz, Colleen said among her favourite songs for the concert had been working with “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” from the 1936 film ‘Born to Dance’ and “Cheek to Cheek” from the
1936 film ‘Top Hat’.
A surprise treat for the audience was choir member from Chiltern - Marelle Whitaker with her husband Ian - dancing to “Cheek to Cheek”.
Peter and Julie Richardson travelled from the rural community of Table Top for the concert.
“It was wonderful, the singing was fantastic and I liked the music from the shows, particularly the couple of jazz items with the dancing too,” Peter said.
Colleen said she loved seeing the joy on the choirs faces.
“I hope the audience enjoyed what we had to offer and they might sit back and think they would love to do that,” she said.
“We would like more people to join us.
“We have people with various abilities in the choir where some people can read music while some people cannot.
“People just need to keep a tune going and there are people around them singing the same notes.”
Colleen said the next concert is being held in mid-October with Celtic, Australian and other nationality folk songs.
Beechworth foundation students celebrate 100 days
By CORAL COOKSLEY
BEECHWORTH Primary
School foundation students celebrated 100 days of school on Tuesday.
The day reflected learning achievements with a sense of community in belonging in the school.
The cohort of five and sixyear-olds had fun in dress up for the special occasion which focused on anything to do with the number 100.
“We celebrate 100 days of school every year for our foundation students,” school principal Sue McDonald said.
“This year, we’ve taken it to another level by having a dress up with our teachers who are dressed up as students.”
Ms McDonald said the special day gave the youngsters a chance to look back on how much they had learned and achieved in 100 days.
“It’s a great sense of community, and a great opportunity for the whole school to celebrate that foundation students have been here for 100 days,” she said.
“They have been on a tour of the school in their dress ups and receive con-
gratulations from other year level students so it’s nice for the other students too.”
The youngsters had been on the tours with their grade six buddies as well.
Ms McDonald said the important buddy system for Foundation students at the school started with Grade 5 students.
“They get to know their buddies really well and helps them when they transition to school from kinder or childcare so they have someone who they are familiar with and can support them,” she said.
ENJOYED: Peter Richardson, choir members Sue Berwick, Rhonda Holden and Wendy Sellar with Julie Richardson at last weekend’s concert.
Arnott at the Town Hall.
PHOTOS: Coral Cooksley
DRESSED UP: Foundation students Ellie Whitmore (left), Pietro Abdalla, Mia Schweizer, Hannah Flint and DJ Dugmore had fun on Tuesday dressing up and celebrating 100 days at school.
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
University students go rural with Neighbourhood House
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A UNIVERSITY student placement initiative with Quercus Beechworth Neighbourhood House has been found to be a winning situation for both organisations.
Quercus Beechworth manager Paivi Watson said the Melbourne University led program with other universities for city-based students studying occupational therapy (OT) encouraged placements in regional and rural settings.
The venture ‘Going Rural Health’ run by the University of Melbourne Department of Rural Health has been developed with funding from the Australian Government Multidisciplinary Training program.
The program supports students in a nationally recognised nursing, allied health or other health science undergraduate or postgraduate degree in any Australian university.
Paivi said the five-toeight-week placements with two OT students recently working alongside volunteers for five weeks had been a success.
‘It’s the first known program in a community
centre or neighbourhood house and first time students have been placed in a rural setting,” she said.
“We’re expecting two new students in September for eight weeks and who will pick up the previous students’ work.”
Paivi said Melbourne University had approached Quercus Beechworth with the neighbourhood house wanting to take the program on.
“We have almost 100 volunteers and we like to make sure that they are supported.,” she said.
“Our main purpose is to support our volunteers and look at different ways of how we can do it.
“The project gives us an opportunity to give our volunteers tools from an OT perspective such as how to manoeuvre things safely and we can also provide a wellbeing program to our volunteers as it also includes mental health well being too.
“Occupational health therapists are highly trained in mental health, as well as the physical side of things.”
Paivi said Quercus Beechworth hoped for a good
pilot program outcome where it could be rolled out to other neighbourhood houses.
“The students made lots of recommendations for several different types of resources including equipment we could use in the bookshop and the Op shop that would assist volunteers,” she said.
Quercus volunteers and social enterprises coordinator Siobhan Pilkington said the initiative gave Quercus the chance to explore grant opportunities to implement recommendations too.
Quercus Bookshop volunteer Jo Newman said students had been pleased to be at Quercus.
“They seemed to enjoy the break away from the city and see how we do things in the country,” she said.
“The program makes us think about what we’re doing and is safe, and we have to keep an eye on customers so they stay safe too.”
Paivi said students felt welcome by volunteers and staff as well as needed.
“It’s a win- win situation beneficial for all, and we got so much out of it,” she said.
Welsh wanderer
LUKE Sutton was born in Wrexham – the largest city in North Wales surrounded by rural and agricultural regions.
The city steeped in history is located between the Welsh mountains and the lower Dee Valley near the border with Cheshire in England.
“Those who know of it will know we have the best football team in the world (soccer, sorry),” he said.
The club was founded in 1864 and is the third oldest professional in the UK and the oldest in Wales.
Luke has lived in Beechworth for most of this year with a move from Myrtleford after living there for some time.
What do you do workwise?
I am an advertising consultant, and I have recently taken on a new role at North East Media (NEM).
NEM is an independent group which owns and publishes print and digital media, among them but not least - the Ovens and Murray Advertiser, Wangaratta Chronicle, Myrtleford Times and Regional Extra.
What brought you to your role/career?
In 2023, I graduated from The University of Chester with a BA(Hons) in Business and Marketing Management.
The very next day I took a 23-hour connected flight to Sydney, Australia and the rest is history.
I travelled all around Australia until I was halted by a beautiful town named Beechworth, and more importantly, my beautiful partner.
Ever since I have fallen in love with the community and knew I would be brought to a role that allowed me to be right in the middle of it.
What do you love about your work?
People, and getting to have interactions with the community around me.
I’m a people person and love a good chat.
What do you do in the community?
I am the under 13s football coach (soccer I mean, again) at Myrtleford Savoy Soccer Club.
Football is in my blood, and no matter where I was in the world I’ll always find a way to coach and play the beautiful game.
Is there an important community issue that you think needs addressing?
Men not speaking up for women.
It has become too normalised for men to make passing derogatory or degrading remarks in conversations with ‘the boys’ about women, and it is route one from a passing remark into harassment and assault.
Men need to speak up and call people out for those comments - it is not okay, and it never has been.
What would you do to solve change, improve that situation?
Stand up against it.
Letting someone know that is not okay can help prevent them from ever believing that it is right.
What do you see as one of the most important current world issues?
Violence towards women.
The rates for sexual assault towards women in Australia and the rest of the world is too high, it should be zero.
No assault towards a woman is justifiable, yet every woman has a story, and that must change for the next generation.
If the person you would most like to meet or knew, came to Indigo Shire (past or present), or was already here, who would that be, what would you show them, and why?
The only person alive I have any desire to meet is my beautiful partner, who is a Beechworth local born and raised.
So, I guess in a second, I would say my brothers, and would take them to The Ageing Frog Fish Bar, which is worth a 23-hour connected flight for.
What book are you reading?
I’m not a great reader and prefer to spend my free time listening to true crime podcasts over reading.
THE COUNTRY LIFE: Quercus Beechworth volunteer and social enterprises coordinator Siobhan Pilkington (left) with general manager Paivi Watson are thrilled with the University of Melbourne initiative at the neighbourhood house.
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
FOOTY FAN: With soccer in his blood, Luke will always find a way to coach and play the game no matter where he is in the world.
Luke, Sutton
ACROSS
1 To hold before others, is to do what (6)
8 Name another term for a lift (8)
9 What is an institution for the care of the insane (6)
10 Name the back plumes of various herons (8)
11 To be scattered about, is to be what (6)
12 What is a production quota of a day’s work (4)
13 What are places or towns where ships load and unload (5)
16 To follow in order, is to do what (5)
19 What is a solid, bounded by six equal squares (4)
21 To be wicked, is to be what (6)
22 Name a chain of islands in the West Indies (8)
23 What are words spoken in undertones (6)
24 To recognise something, is to do what (8)
25 What is an orderly manner of procedure (6)
DOWN
2 Name an Italian dish of rice, fried in butter, with steamed onion, etc (7)
3 What is the thick-shelled edible nut of certain cultivated varieties of hazel (7)
Letters
4 To send back into custody, is to do what (6)
5 Which term describes an arithmetical mean (7)
6 What are figurines also known as (7)
7 What, colloquially, is an item provided without charge (7)
13 Name a massive stone structure with a square base and sloping sides meeting at an apex (7)
E-QUATIONS
14 Colloquially, to board a goods train illegally, is to jump the what (7)
15 When one produces a cut-out item of fine art, one does what (7)
17 What are children’s nurses called (7)
18 What is a small guitar-like musical instrument (7)
20 Name another term for compositions (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 EPINOSIC
(a) Unhealthy
(b) Taking place at the earth’s surface (c) Pertaining to desire
2 INUIT
(a) Indigenous people of Alaska
(b) An indirect reference
(c) One who lodges in the same house as another
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:
Bob the head (3)
Cardinal compass point (5)
Garment’s edge (3)
Hot beverage (3)
Imagine (5)
Legless reptile (7)
Map book (5)
Pairs (7)
Social networking sites (3)
Trips (5)
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The Funeral Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Pauline Howes will be held at Beechworth Anglican Christ Church, 29 Ford Street, Beechworth on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 commencing at 1pm.
Following the service the cortege will leave for burial at the Beechworth Public Cemetery, General Cemetery, Balaclava Road, Beechworth.
GOING overseas must sell immediately, 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee (too many cars), only one previous owner, and in immaculate condition, all up to date service books, always garaged, only been off-road twice, all hwy kms, 3 litre diesel motor, 3.5 tonne towing capacity, Redarc electric brakes, RWC provided, 166,400km, reg (WAG541), $9500 ono, immaculate. Ph 0407 050 979.
& Christine Haddrick
Wangaratta Chronicle, Ovens and Murray Advertiser, Myrtleford Times and Alpine
FIREWOOD
Mixed loads
Bulk loads only and garden sleepers
Phone 0448 933 999
TOYOTA Yaris, 2007, YRS, auto, RWC, service history, no accidents or mechanical issues ever, perfec t condition, low km, 107,000km, $9300, (USF560). Phone Alan 0400 541 599.
2015 Hyundai i30 Trophy, min t condition, leather seats, alloy wheels, 150,000kms, full service history, RWC provided, rego till Nov 24 (1EK1PD), $14,000. Ph 0404 704 300.
FORD Fairmount Sedan V8 2000, high mileage, Seymour to Melbourne every day, runs well, rego (2AN3XE) and roadworthy, $7000. Ph 0419 881 573.
HYUNDAI Getz 2005, runs well, clean vehicle, rego till Dec 2024 (1VV8SV) and roadworthy, $4000. Ph 0419 881 573.
NISSAN Navara STX 2009 4x4, still runs but has blown head gasket, located Tolmie, $2000, VIN: VSKCUND4OAO335189. Ph 0437 242 054.
East Media’s digital North East Media’s editions have been
Beechworth golfers star at St James tournament
By DYLAN POOL
LAST Sunday there was no official competition at Beechworth, mainly due to a number of our members heading to St James for their tournament.
It was a great day and the club did a fantastic job with the food and the presentation of the course.
Dylan Pool had a great day, winning the scratch event with a 71 off the stick, to beat Vaughan Saunders by a shot.
Vaughan claimed the A grade handicap prize with a nett 72.
Also in the A Grade, Xavier Palamarczuk won the runner up in the A Grade Scratch with a 75.
In the B grade, member John Sherritt was runner up in the scratch with a 92 off the stick.
Dylan also won the longest drive.
But the biggest win of the day no doubt went to Jacob Howard who took home the massive meat tray with first prize in the raffle.
Last Wednesday the women played their August Monthly Medal.
Gail Smith won the medal with a 75 nett, with Glenda Marshall was only one shot behind with a 76 nett.
Next to follow were Nada Guyatt 79, Judy Pierce 79 and Deb Tully 81. Glenda Marshall claimed nearest to pin on the fifth.
Next Sunday there will be a stableford event at Beechworth.
Arrive at 11:30am for 12 noon hit off Wednesday golf, arrive at 8:30am for 9am hit off
ON THE ‘OPPO: Kayde Surrey turns to his left while under pressure
PRECISION: Cam Fendyk looks to pinpoint a kick.
Down to the wire
■ From back page
The Dogs will be the only team to have not played finals last year, replacing Barnawartha as this year’s fifth placed side.
Cartledge said a top-three finish would be front of mind as they look to knock off the surging Thurgoona.
“We really don’t want to sit up there all year and fall out in the last round,” he said.
“We’ll back ourselves in regardless of where we finish, but the top-three is something you strive a for as a minimum at the start of the season.
“We want to give ourselves every opportunity for finals, but having said that, if it doesn’t go our way we’ll have to work out a way forward from there and go again.”
More trees needed to sustain healthy planet
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A SENIOR research associate from the University of Melbourne has advocated for greater green space in Australia at a packed out National Science Week event in Beechworth.
Dr Gregory Moore drew a 70-strong crowd the Beechworth Library to celebrate National Science Week (August 10 to 18) on Saturday.
The researcher delivered a talk about trees and species survival with their many economic and health benefits, saying greater green space with trees would create a $5 billion a year savings in costs associated with type two diabetes and heart and blood pressure related diseases.
He said the health diseases related to inactivity and obesity where studies show more people actively and passively recreating in greater tree green spaces created health benefits and a reduction of the diseases.
Some study examples included why women lived longer while they had shorter stays if hospitalised with fewer prescription drugs.
“In tree green spaces birth weights of babies were higher, educational development
of kids was more rapid and there was less vandalism and crime in those places too,” Dr Moore said.
Among many other benefits and values, shading and cooling was discussed in his presentation and the positive role big trees play in greenhouse gas reduction.
“Obviously greenhouse gas is one of the big issues facing us as a planet and affecting climate change,” Dr Moore said.
As an example, Dr Moore said 100,000 trees would sequest carbon worth by at least $30 million based on Australian calculations.
Dr Moore said Beechworth and some surrounding areas are well treed with a high canopy cover of 30 per cent compared to a city, which is often around 10 per cent.
He said there is a danger of losing the canopy cover with removal from development.
“The local community has to be vigilant to maintain the relatively high level,” he said.
Beechworth’s Bob Bath said he noted from the talk how much bureaucracy worked against tree preservation and adequate forest coverage as well as in towns
and cities.
Margaret Considine from Chiltern said she felt Dr Moore’s frustration in working for years trying to improve urban environments.
“We’re still going downhill and not even treading water,” she said.
Margaret said people not knowing the value of trees from both health and economic perspectives with some people still caught in the old mindset of needing to clear trees was a problem.
Beechworth Library’s Sarah-Jane Harrington said library sessions such as the one on Saturday gave an audience a chance to hear from an expert on issues close to home.
“Dr Moore has given us a good insight and a deeper dive into just how important and how much trees are worth with a dollar value, health value, climate value, future of our species, as well as other species’ value,” she said.
Dr Moore has been a regular guest speaker on Melbourne radio, writes articles for The Conversation and was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2017 for services to the environment, particularly arboriculture.
SUCESSFUL EXCURSION: John Sherritt was a part of a strong contingent of Beechworth Golf Club members to impress at St James last weekend, coming runner up in B grade.
TOP OF THE CROP: Dylan Pool took out the annual St James Golf Club tournament on Sunday shooting 71 off the stick in A grade.
ENJOYED: Sandy (left) and husband Dr Gregory Moore, Beechworth’s ecologist Dr Richard Loyn, local Sue Berwick with Sandy Salmon and Bernadette Thomas from Gapsted at Saturday’s presentation.
ALL EARS: Kerrie Warburton from Osbornes Flat (left) with Beechworth’s Sally Anfruns, Debbie Tully and Jill Keith enjoyed Dr Moore’s presentation on Saturday.
DEEP DIVE: Beechworth Library’s Sarah-Jane Harrington with Dr Gregory Moore at last Saturday’s informative talk on economic and health benefits of trees. PHOTOS: Coral Cooksley
Down to the wire
A DOUBLE chance spot is on the line for Beechworth against Thurgoona this weekend after failing to secure a top three berth last week.
The Bushrangers were dealt a blow at the hands of Kiewa Sandy Creek who prevailed by 74-points at Coulston Park last week.
Beechworth’s
BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au
top-three
aspirations hinge on the final week of the TDFL season.
second half in the 6.8 (44) to 18.10 (118) defeat.
up for, so they did that and put us under the pump.
It was just Beechworth’s third loss of the season and it kept the Hawks within grasp of snatching thirdplace off the Bushrangers if they are unable to take care of business at Baarmutha Park tomorrow.
It was a dirty day all around for Beechworth, having lost their bench by the end of the first half to injury and played with 17 players on the ground at times throughout the
Dylan Prithchard and Will O’Meara suffered hamstring injuries while Riley Stone was ruled out with concussion all before half-time.
The Bushrangers were leading at quarter-time and were within range at halftime, but ran out of legs as the game went on.
Coach Tom Cartledge
said his team wouldn’t be dispirited by the weekend’s outcome considering their challenges on the day.
“Sometimes these things happen, it doesn’t matter what level of sport you play you can have an off day and things won’t fall your way,” he said.
“To Kiewa’s credit they played very well, they had a couple of big milestones which they needed to stand
“The boys did fight it out the whole, but the damage was done early and it was real hard to get control after that.
“We’ve got try and reset and be ready to go again.”
Usual suspects Liam Stephens, Kayde Surrey and Clancy Ellett performed admirably in the loss to be named as the Bushrangers best.
Despite the casualty ward of last week the Bushrangers are set to recall big bodies Lachie Armstrong and Skip Pieper back into the side from their own injuries.
Thurgoona will also be featuring in finals this year and are set to face the Hawks, Chiltern or Beechworth in the elimination final.
■ Continued page 11
BRACE FOR IMPACT: Hamish Malsem and Beechworth were outclassed by Kiewa Sandy Creek last weekend, going down by 74-points.
