Beechworth Chain Gang club members Max Wood (le ), Zachary Hoare, Ruairidh Grigg, Austin Corish, Brendan Grigg, Archie Grigg and Shane Corish enjoyed taking part in a NICA “Try-It-Out” session in the pilot program on Saturday.
■ Story page 3.
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
POLICE have seized allegedly stolen and homemade guns during a Rutherglen raid as part of a major crackdown on supply of rearms and prohibited drugs in the region.
NSW police arrested a 36-year-old female and a 44-year-old male at the property, with more than 130 charges relating to rearm, break and enter and the ongoing supply of prohibited drugs and supply of commercial quantities of drugs, mainly ice in New South Wales and Victoria.
On Thursday, January 9, o cers from NSW police Stike Force Nettin
executed a raid on a King Street address in Rutherglen with assistance from Victoria Police.
During the search, an allegedly stolen ri e, a privately manufactured rearm, ammunition, rearm parts, tools, and equipment used to manufacture rearms were seized.
At a separate location in the Albury police district o cers executed a warrant and located ve privately manufactured rearms and parts.
They also seized six rearms, a vehicle, two jet skis and property,
which police will allege were stolen.
The alleged o enders were arrested at the Rutherglen property and taken to Wodonga Police, before being extradited to New South Wales, where they were taken to Albury Police Station.
The 36-year-old and 44-year-old were denied bail at Albury Local Court on January 10 and they are set to reappear at the same court on Tuesday, March 4.
The woman was charged with 102 o ences while the 44-year-old man
was charged with 31 o ences relating to gun manufacturing, rearms supply, other gun o ences, drug dealing, police pursuit and burglary o ences relating to RFS shed break-ins. Strike Force Nettin was established by o cers in the Albury police district to investigate the manufacture and supply of rearms and prohibited drugs across the Murray River region and border towns. Investigations under Strike Force Nettin continue, with more arrests expected.
By CORAL COOKSLEY
WORKS are on the horizon this year for the Yeddonba Indigenous Rock Art site and walkway in the Chiltern–Mount Pilot National Park closed for nearly five years.
A Parks Victoria spokesperson said at the end of December last year regulatory approvals and permits necessary to engage a suitably qualified contractor for the elevated walkway at Yeddonba with procurement to commence in later this month had been obtained.
“Construction is expected to begin mid2025 subject to the successful completion of the tender process and availability of building materials,” the spokesperson said.
“The rock art restoration works will also be completed by independent specialists following the completion of the upgrades.”
In April last year Parks Victoria advised planned works for the walkway restoration and Aboriginal rock art conservation originally forecast to begin in early 2024, had been delayed due to a lack of suitable responses to their tender.
The spokesperson said at the time Parks Victoria had aimed to appoint a contractor in mid-2024.
Three months later Parks Victoria advised a second procurement process was being run with a range of works to prepare for the walkway upgrade and rock art conservation project “soon underway”.
In October 2023 a spokesperson had advised the rock art conservation works would address various impacts to the site and protect the cultural values of the landscape.
As a culturally significant site the spokesperson said Parks Victoria were consulting with Traditional Owners throughout the project.
Parks Victoria in 2021 had identified a number of structural defects from an inspection of the walkway and access to the art site was closed for safety reasons.
Ongoing closure has meant continued lack of access for locals and tourists alike to the significant cultural site and tourist attraction.
The spokesperson said Parks Victoria will continue to keep the community updated on progress.
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By CORAL COOKSLEY
MEMBERS from the Rotary e-Club of Change Makers and guests tucked into the delights of Sri Lankan cuisine on Saturday at the Quercus Beechworth Neighbourhood House.
The fundraising event drew a cohort of close to 70 people from near and far with the lunch prepared by chef extraordinaire and Rotarian, Pieter Siebel.
Sri Lankan-born Australian chef Mr Siebel, based in the Victorian town of Heathcote Junction near Kilmore, has connections to local indigenous people in Sri Lanka.
The chef became aware of an underprivileged school there and started a project supported by the club to help the school.
“The school had been running for 35 years without any proper sanitation and water,” he said.
“The fundraiser is to help its underprivileged children.
“There’s no other way for them to get out of it other than parents educating their children to send
them to university or to get a proper job.
“These kids then go back and support their parents in villages, so it’s a complete cycle, and we’re trying to work more on that.”
Mr Siebel said another project included e orts to document the local indigenous language with a dictionary available both online and as a hard copy, with completion aimed for mid-2025.
“They have a spoken language very much like our Aboriginal languages over here and it’s never been written down,” he said.
The dictionary has been developed by the Rotary e-Club with a Rotary Club in Sri Lanka and its community.
“Funds raised here are going to both projects and the dictionary will be available for future generations to access,” he said.
Rotary e-Club of Change Makers president Kevin Carey hails from Bellarine near Portarlington.
“He said the project is an example of the club’s overseas community projects,” he said.
“The school needs a lot of assistance.”
President elect for 2025/26 Susan Benedyka from Byawatha in the Rural City of Wangaratta said numerous club members had travelled up to four hours to be at the event.
She said several club members at the function had visited club projects working alongside the indigenous Vedda people of Sri Lanka, particularly around Dambana.
“To work alongside our club member and chef Pieter Siebel to produce great Sri Lankan food, directly raising money to support our projects in Sri Lanka was wonderful,” she said.
“It builds our club spirit, helps us all work together for a common cause, and gives a tangible link between our fundraising and the work we do on the ground.”
Ms Benedyka said Pieter also runs culinary tours of Sri Lanka giving him the chance to visit Dambana regularly.
The president elect with club member Robyn Jones – a former maths and English teacher – had previously been on a tour with a
rst visit to the Dambana school at that time.
“We enjoyed the wonderful tour, then continued on to visit the school with members of our sister Rotary Club in Badulla –about two hours from Dambana – to look at our projects at the school and deliver some English classes,” she said.
“Robyn has set up an exchange of letters written in English between primary school aged children in Dambana and Wangaratta Primary School.
“The reactions of children both in Dambana and Wangaratta have been joyful.”
The Rotarian online club is part of Rotary District 9790 stretching from Deniliquin in NSW to Holbrook, Corryong and south to Melbourne’s northern suburbs from Heidelberg to Eltham in the east and Sunbury in the west. Beechworth Rotarian Kathryn Chivers is secretary.
The club without geographical boundaries welcomes members from anywhere in Australia and around the world.
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A LOCAL mountain bike club is excited about a United States-based youth development organisation, with its program using mountain bikes to create cycling communities for young people.
Beechworth had been chosen as part of a pilot program as one of ve places across the ACT, NSW and Victoria.
Participants took o in “Try-It-Out” sessions from the local mountain bike park at Alma Road on Saturday.
Beechworth Chain Gang (BCG) president Lynn Frerichs said the program run by the organisation National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) was a great concept.
The event drew young enthusiasts from around the region including Wangaratta and as far as Minyip in Victoria’s Wimmera region, Gippsland and Melbourne.
Mark Eedle from Canberra-based Trek, Asia Paci c working with NICA’s project leader Eddie Freyer to bring the program to Australia, said around 30 kids took part with some parents too.
“NICA in essence is for young people in school years six to 12, so around 11 or 12 years old through to about 17 but it’s also for the parents,” he said.
“In America 75 percent of volunteer coaches are par-
ents and today we’ve had a number of parents join in and do the program.”
Mr Freyer runs a program for the state of Idaho - one of NICA’s largest leagues around the United States.
Ms Frerichs compared the program to what Auskick has done for football (AFL) and NICA is trying to do similar for mountain biking.
“It’s a great program to encourage kids to be embraced in a community of like-minded people working together and having fun on bikes,” she said.
“It’s also a great t for our club because once kids nish our junior ride program we start with more development programs.
“NICA is the perfect piece of the puzzle that’s currently missing.”
With Beechworth Chain Gang helping out on Saturday where some members took part too, Ms Frerichs said she had been very happy with the safe and well-designed event.
“Every session started with a bike safety check, we did a few games, and then we went on a ride, and raced the section we rode,” she said.
“It was fun and a good way of layering di erent skills being learned from games to riding and then racing.”
Mr Eedle said people with di erent levels of mountain bike abilities had enjoyed themselves.
“AUSKICK”
He also said Saturday’s event reinforced the NICA program as one that mountain bikers and others have engaged with and supported re ected in the large turnout.
the program can potentially be,” he said.
“Beechworth has been a great example of when a local bike club understands what NICA all is about and
A HOST of Australia Day events on Sunday, January 26 are set to be held across Indigo Shire including local entertainment, awards presentations, guest speakers and ag raising and lowering ceremonies.
Awards celebrate contributions of individual, community organisations and businesses in the region.
The prestigious awards are designed to pay tribute to those who make extraordinary contributions or who are outstanding achievers in the community.
Beechworth: 8am to 9.30am at the Memorial Hall, Ford Street for a community barbecue, award presentations and entertainment, hosted by Beechworth Lions Club, Rotary Club of Beechworth, Beechworth CWA and Beechworth Scouts.
Barnawartha: 8am to 9.30am at the Soldiers Memorial Hall, High Street for a community barbecue and award presentations hosted by the Barnawartha Soldiers Memorial Hall Committee.
Chiltern: 9.45am to 12pm at the Tourist Park, Main Street for a community morning
HONOURED: Indigo Shire’s Citizen of the Year, Chris Dormer was named Indigo Shire’s ‘Citizen of the Year’ at last year’s Australia Day celebration in Beechworth. PHOTO: Coral
tea/barbeque, entertainment and award presentations, hosted by the Black Dog Creek Fishing Club
Kiewa-Tangambalanga: 11am to 1pm at Kiewa Memorial Park, Kiewa East Road for a community lunch, awards presentation and entertainment, hosted by the Tangambalanga Lions Club.
Rutherglen: 7.45am to 9.30am at the Lions Park, Douglas Street for a community breakfast, entertainment and awards presenta-
tion, hosted by the Rotary Club of Rutherglen.
Wahgunyah: 9.30am to 11.30am at Willows Recreation Reserve, Wahgunyah for a community barbecue, hosted by the Wahgunyah Progress Association.
Yackandandah: 8.30am to 9.30am Community barbeque breakfast at Isaac Park, Isaac Avenue hosted by the Yackandandah Lions Club, supported by Yackandandah Garden Club and Yackandandah Men’s Shed.
He said the pilot program nishes with a race at Mount Stromlo in Canberra on February 22.
Mr Eedle said he hoped for a successful outcome to the pilot program in securing a
TRAVELLED: Anthony Reed with his family travelled from Melbourne to Beechworth for the event taking part in two sessions one with his 10-year-old daughter Claudia (photographed) and another earlier one with his son 12 -year-old Lachlan on Saturday. LEFT: JOINED IN: NICA’s project leader Eddie Freyer (back le ) with some of the group who took part in one of NICA’s pilot program “Try-It-Out” sessions on Saturday. PHOTOS: Coral Cooksley
long-term future for NICA in Australia.
Twelve-year-old mountain biker Ruairidh Grigg said the program o ered advanced skills.
“It’s a good thing to try out more options,” he said.
Ms Frerich’s son Zachary Hoare said the program of-
fered an inclusive interactive sport that brings people together, not separates them.
“It’s not all just downhill like most races and is more cross country which is my style,” he said. For more information visit www.nicaausmtb.org.au/tryit-out-events.
Wangaratta's premier audiology clinic
JENNY Davidson was born in East Gippsland and her family later moved to Melbourne.
Jenny and her partner Ian loved the Rutherglen district and a er spending most of their working lives in Melbourne, bought a property near the Murray River and shi ed to Rutherglen in 1997 to grow olives.
What did you do workwise?
I had been a nurse and continued to work as a community health nurse specialising in health promotion in Rutherglen.
Meanwhile Ian and I planted an olive grove which became a small commercial operation producing high quality extra virgin olive oil.
What brought you to your roles/career?
I feel as if I had, and still have, many roles, from health educator to olive grower and now a native plant enthusiast and volunteer.
A er moving to the country my interests have become connected to the environment.
What do you love about your work?
I think a sense of purpose has always been important to me and I have been fortunate to nd this, in nursing then later a er moving to the Rutherglen district and becoming part of the community here.
What do you do in the community?
I have been involved with landcare for 25 years and am proud of our work helping to restore habitat for native wildlife.
I am also a keen member of the Friends of Chiltern - Mt Pilot National Park.
Along with our tasks we enjoy the natural environment of the park with its fascinating wildlife and spring flowers.
Is there an important community issue that you think needs addressing?
I rmly believe that the natural environment is our most precious asset.
The natural environment of Indigo Shire is the envy of visitors to our region.
However, the pressures of development do pose a threat to our local towns.
If not managed carefully, there is a risk that these developments may a ect the village atmosphere of towns such as Rutherglen. What would you do to solve, change, improve that situation?
I think the community needs to be involved when new developments are planned. It means respecting the natural environment and ensuring that there is always a generous allowance of green space.
Encouraging native trees and garden plants along with plenty of water for birds and
other wildlife in our warming climate will help to keep them in our towns, adding to our own quality of life.
What do you see as one of the most important current world issues?
I rmly believe climate change is the biggest challenge the world faces now.
Australia has seen catastrophic re and ood in recent years, both connected to climate change and destined to become more common, as we can readily see.
The need to work together to reduce greenhouse gases is really urgent.
If the person you would most like to meet came to Indigo Shire (past or present) or was already here, who would that be, what would you show them, and why?
I would love to meet Henry Handel Richardson (author of “The Getting of Wisdom”) who spent time in Chiltern as a child.
I would take her to Lake Moodemere to see its exceptional peace and beauty, with possible sightings of platypus and Rakali and many beautiful birds.
She might even enjoy the Rowing Regatta!
What book are you reading?
“Australian Magpie” - a study of one of Australia’s most loved birds written by award-winning author Gisela Kaplan who is an Emeritus Professor in Animal Behaviour in the School of Science and Technology at the University of New England, Armidale, NSW.
By CORAL COOKSLEY
INDIGO Shire residents have a chance to check out a host of programs o ered by Indigo University of the Third Age (U3A) at its annual expo and enrolment day next Thursday, January 23 held in the Beechworth Memorial Hall from 10am to 12pm.
Besides people enrolling, U3A president Neil Townsend said everyone is being the given the opportunity to explore its programs and activities.
“There’s a lot of new classes coming online and we’re
inviting people to see what they are,” he said.
He said tutors will be on hand to explain topics and give information about classes.
“People will have a really good selection of programs and activities to choose from and can join up on the spot,” he said.
Mr Townsend said U3A gets bigger and better every year.
“We now feel very secure with our premises and are able to make long term plans,” he said.
“We’re encouraging new
members to be part of a really great community.
“People make new friends and have a good time doing things they enjoy.
“I spent my whole working life wanting to be an artist and paint, and it took retirement to actually get a chance to do it.
“I’m having the time of my life, and I think a lot of other people are doing the same.
“We have nearly every day booked out and are looking at other programs as well.
“We’re growing and the more we grow and the more interest we have in our U3A
community, more classes can be created to share.”
Mr Townsend said the U3A is excited to have close to 170 members with the aim to increase membership this year to 200.
“In the last couple of years, we’ve had really had a big jump up in numbers,” he said.
Indigo U3A provides opportunities for life long learning and social contact for retired and semi-retired Indigo Shire residents. For more information about U3A visit https://indigou3a.org.au/
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A PRESENTATION night
showcasing achievements of Beechworth Secondary College (BSC) students was held on December 18 last year at the school’s state-of-the-art facilities.
Year 12 graduates Emma Timmins and Felix Woodford were among recipients clinching Australian Defence Force (ADF) Long Tan awards while Isaac Lombaert and Dan Russell took out ADF Future Innovations awards.
This year’s University of Melbourne Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Award was presented to Year 12 graduate Jade Lawrence.
Local businesses and community organisations supported the school with their longstanding variety of awards for student achievements.
Among a host of awards including one from Indigo Shire Council, Charlie Lang received a Splatoon’s Artistic Award for $2000 while a community member again donated $3000 towards supporting senior students to access university or further study at TAFE.
BSC principal Patricia Broom said businesses and other organisations in the community o ering awards are aware of the additional
EXCITED: A delighted Splatoon’s Adrian Osborne presented a $2000 artistic talent award thrilled Beechworth Secondary College Year 12 graduate Charlie Lang at the BSC presentation night.
challenges for students in a rural setting to access further education.
Beechworth Secondary College presented awards for achievers from Year 7 to 12 including one for BSC Sports Leadership as well as to Samantha Pearce being crowned Dux of the school.
The Masonic Lodge also presented an award of $2000 to support senior students.
Ms Broom said the range of interests and number of students from all year levels who took up opportunities o ered or initiated community support type actions had outstanding outcomes evidenced on the night.
“The community should have every con dence in the young people of the area as they are remarkable,” she said.
Ms Broom said BSC top per-
forming students achieved ATARs of more than 90 where only 12 per cent of all students in the state achieved an ATAR of 90 or above.
“Several students successfully completed university level subjects via the Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) while completing the VCE,” she said.
“We cater for all areas of interest and our students
studying VET subjects also had outstanding results.”
Ms Broom said the median study score for all subjects increased this year with BSC keeping abreast of other secondary schools within the region.
“We can be con dent to achieve well with our teachers and resources if students are willing to put in time needed.
“We have a very supportive environment and access to additional support from excellent, experienced teachers, and small class sizes - the bene t of a smaller school.
“With a focus on students, our dedicated teachers go out of their way to support them.
“Graduates go onto their chosen pathway be it taking up university studies or apprenticeships with lots of them having gained apprenticeships or early entry to universities.”
BSC council president Gael Barr-Evans said the school also punched well above its weight.
“Our VCE cohort achieved top results across our region with some seriously impressive unit scores,” she said.
“But the most important thing is every graduating student has a successful pathway to their dreams.
“We are all proud of our graduates, pleased with the growth in our current students, and excited to welcome our biggest Year 7 cohort in 2025 this school has ever seen.”
“We have a small cohort, all students did well and we’re punching our weight at a high level against other schools within the region be it state, independent or catholic in being on par with them,” she said.
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
VICTORIAN and Australian re ghters are unlikely to be deployed to assist in ongoing wild res ravaging Los Angeles, according to the Australia’s resource sharing centre.
The US city has been met with scenes that resemble a disaster movie this past week since the res broke out on January 7.
As of 2pm Monday at least 24 people have been reported dead, and more than 12,300
properties and businesses have been lost.
An Australian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council spokesperson said the situation would be monitored, but it would be unlikely any Australian resources would be called upon, with closer resources in Canada.
“While Australia and the US have a strong relationship of international support, we have not received a request for assistance to support the wild re response in
“unlikely” to be
California,” they said.
“We are a global community who come together at the best and worst of times and we hope further losses are minimised.”
An arrangement between Australian and US emergency services bodies signed in 2017 means either can request frontline assistance from the other.
The increased demand for air tankers during the northern hemisphere winter would not impact those resources
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
BILLSON’S Beverages is set to be acquired by makers of arguably the world’s most popular so drink in the Coca-Cola Company.
The company announced late last year it had entered an agreement to acquire Billson’s, who recently avoided liquidation and entered a deed of company agreement with creditors to continue operation of the beloved ready-to-drink products.
Billson’s directors Nathan and Felicity Cowan said they “wholeheartedly” believe the brand is in the best possible hands for it to thrive into the future.
“We are thrilled to have entered into an agreement to sell the Billson’s brand and alcoholic ready-to-drink (ARTD) range to a company like Coca-Cola,” they said.
“This will allow us to dedicate ourselves to what we love most: the Beechworth venue experience and our historic cordial range.
usually sent to Australia, according to a State Government Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action spokesperson.
The spokesperson told the Wangaratta Chronicle the state had multi-year contracts in place to ensure it has the appropriate aircra available when needed.
“Victoria also has access to more than 100 aircra from national and state resource sharing arrangements to help ght res and keep the com-
munity safe,” they said.
“Victoria has 54 aircra in its core eet this higher-risk weather season, including rebombing aircra , air supervision and airborne information gathering aircra .
“Victoria’s emergency services sector is thinking of its counterparts and communities in California during this di cult time.”
Australia and the US have a long history of cooperation in re ghting US re ghters were deployed to Australia as
recently as the 2020 bush res along the east coast of the country.
CFA Chief O cer Jason Heffernan said all CFA members had the people of Los Angeles in their hearts and minds.
“Victoria all too well knows the devastation of out-of-control bush res,” he said.
“We send our condolences to the family of those who have perished, and sympathy for those who have lost it all as a result of the ongoing re crisis.”
“We’ll also have more time to focus on our passion for soda, liqueurs, beer and alpine spring water.”
Billson’s entered voluntary administration in July 2024, with a decline in sales, cost-of-living pressures and intense competition cited as some of the downfalls of the company.
In a creditors report tabled by McGrathNicol administrators in a November creditors meeting, a “con dential” party had been in negotiations with administrators since October 2024 about acquiring an asset sale in order to recapitalise the company.
The “con dential” party has been revealed as the Coca-Cola Company.
As mentioned in the report, current owners of Billson’s, the Cowans will remain as directors and continue to produce their well-known cordial, soda, and beer range under a new brand name and to operate their hospitality business in Beechworth.
Coca-Cola Company vice
president of marketing, ASEAN and South Paci c, Matthias Blume said Coca Cola was excited to add Billson’s to their portfolio of Australian brands.
“This acquisition allows us to expand in the dynamic and growing ARTD category in Australia and aligns with our vision to provide a bev-
erage for every occasion, always keeping the consumer at the centre of everything we do,” he said.
“Of course, we know that o ering options with alcohol brings new responsibilities for us, and we take these seriously.
“Our Responsible Alcohol Marketing Policy determines
how we responsibly go to market with alcohol brands.”
Mr Blume said the Billson’s team has built the brand through innovative avours and great-tasting drinks, creating a passionate community of “ avour chasers”.
“We are looking forward to expanding on those foundations and bringing great-tast-
ing Billson’s products to even more Australians,” he said. A Coca-Cola spokesperson said the company had no current plans to expand Billson’s beyond Australia.
The acquisition is targeted for completion on January 31, when The Coca-Cola Company is expected to take ownership of the brands.
By STEVE KELLY
POPULATION growth in certain North East towns has impacted water consumption and resources during 2024, with Bright topping the list for tree change residents and tourists.
North East Water acting managing director John Day said year-toyear variations in water consumption are primarily in uenced by climate factors such as heat and rainfall, with customer behaviour o en re ecting these conditions.
He said population growth is another key driver of water use, and aside from climate in uences, it has likely contributed to notable increases in recent years.
“This trend is particularly evident in Bright, where water consumption has risen well above the
By CORAL COOKSLEY
MORE than 50 happy kids with big smiles all round greeted Santa and his sack full of lolly bags he arrived at Lake Sambell’s Sandy Beach on December 21 last year.
The jolly gentleman giving his reindeers a break arrived in a glistening red Beechworth Fire Brigade truck with the siren blipping on approach to the family fun night hosted by the Rotary Club of Beechworth.
Organisers estimated a crowd of 120 people had been drawn to the festive event in its third year with Santa very popular on the night.
ve-year average,” Mr Day said.
The ve-year average in Bright is 846 megalitres, where 1022ML was used last year.
Mr Day said similar patterns have been observed in Mount Beauty, Beechworth, and Wahgunyah.
Wangaratta property holders used 218ML less water in 2024 compared to the previous year, however, the region’s towns elevated the overall gure to be slightly higher.
Some 3084ML was used by Wangaratta and Glenrowan water users last year, Oxley was down 12ML, Moyhu up 19ML, Whit eld remaining at 21ML for the year.
Across the region Beechworth was up 14ML, Yackandandah up 9ML, Wahgunyah and Rutherglen up 37ML, Myrtleford up 21 ML, Bright up 103ML, Mt Beauty up 68ML.
Water usage across most of the region’s towns increased slightly in 2024 compared to the previous year, with consumption in many areas either above or consistent with the ve-year average.
The authority has developed a ‘water availability metric’ and it considers volumes in storage as well as entitlement and allocation volumes for both surface water and groundwater.
The metric represents the percentage of water that’s available and it is currently at 63 per cent which is above average for this time of year.
NEW is continuing to develop a preliminary business case for additional groundwater bores and an innovative, large-scale managed aquifer recharge (MAR) system in Wangaratta.
The project aims to supplement
Wangaratta’s surface and existing groundwater supplies during drought and periods of low river ows, helping to reduce the frequency and severity of water restrictions for the community.
Mr Day said they are now assessing the feasibility of integrating new groundwater bores with a comprehensive environmental monitoring program.
He said this will not only strengthen water security during dry periods but also o er a reliable backup during instances of poor water quality caused by oods or bush res.
“We are currently working to identify where we will install observation and trial bores this year, to nd the most suitable site for the groundwater extraction and recharge,” he said.
“If it’s found feasible, the project
Past club president Larry Goldsworthy with his Rotary o ce bearing term nished at the end of December last year, said the important annual community event brought people together to take a moment and enjoy the festive season.
“We have a great community and events like this help to foster that,” he said.
While a free event, Mr Goldsworthy said people had the chance to make a donation.
“We collected more than $200 that will help in the Vanuatu Earthquake relief e ort by Rotary International,” he said.
People tucked into sausages provided by CC Butchers for the sizzling barbeque with bread supplied by Beechworth Bakery and drinks from Beechworth Honey.
Christmas carols were played which added to the festive spirit.
Mr Goldsworthy said the Beechworth Rotary Club looked forward to holding the
would require further funding to proceed, and be delivered in three stages, with an estimated total cost of $45 million.”
The authority reminds people that ‘permanent water saving rules’ are in e ect across Victoria.
These mandatory rules include using trigger nozzles on all hoses, only operating watering systems between 6pm and 10am, and avoiding the use of hoses to clean concrete paths or driveways.
“We encourage everyone to keep water conservation front of mind,” he said.
“Small actions, like running dishwashers and washing machines only when full or taking shorter showers, can make a signi cant difference in water usage.”
For more information on how to save water visit www.waterwise.tips
Sunday, January 19
BEECHWORTH
THE club is cranking up the historic Crossley engine located in Wallace Park, Albert Road (in front of the Bowling Club) around 2.45pm to 3pm. A barbeque is being held prior to the event for club members. Some prized possessions of classic cars will be on show too.
History:
The Crossley engine was located in the old railway shed under the control of the Beechworth Old Cranks Motor Club after being fully operational at the Mitta Mitta sawmill for some years.
The engine and generating plant was originally purchased new by the Zwar Brothers Beechworth Tannery in March 1936.
The tannery had originally installed crude oil engines in 1926 to assist in meeting electricity requirements, and also the United Shire of Beechworth that had entered into an agreement with the tannery to supply electricity to the shire.
community event again this year.
The Rotary Club of Beechworth will host another barbeque at the upcoming Beechworth Australia Day event
being held at the Memorial Hall on Sunday, January 26.
The Rotary Club, Beechworth Lions Club, CWA, and 1st Beechworth Scouts organise the event supported by Indigo Shire
Council as well as some other helpers on the day.
Lions Club’s Iris Mannik said donation boxes will be available for each community service group.
The first electricity lamps powered by electricity generated at the tannery were illuminated on June 8, 1927.
The original plant was updated to a new plant driven by the Crossley engine and came into operation on May 26, 1936 where it ran for the next for 10 years until the former State Electricity Commission (SEC) of Victoria took over supply of electricity to the town on July 1 1946.
The engine is one of only a handful of this type of engine remaining, and the Beechworth Old Cranks Motor Club Inc. has made it a priority to have the engine heritage listed and restored by Old Cranks Club members together with Beechworth Rotary Club to become a stationery operating engine located in the new shed in Wallace Park.
The alternator originally driven by the engine cannot be rebuilt but remains in place alongside the fully operational engine.
It goes without saying that the engine is part of the heritage of Beechworth, being the sole provider of electricity to the town for a decade.
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By CORAL COOKSLEY
A PLAY ‘The Long and Winding Road Village’ written by Indigo U3A president Neil Townsend about living in the Third Age will be performed at U3A premises in Harper Avenue next Friday.
Mr Townsend said the play evolved from a drama summer program when regular classes are not held.
“Usually we have two or three other non-structured classes happening and are a bit of fun,” he said.
“It’s about people living in a retirement village called the long and winding road and set in a cafe called the Octopus Garden.”
The aspiring playwright said the play tapped into an era of Beatles music and some names too.
“Different people come to the café and they have a story to tell and dreaming about yesterday,” he said.
“At the end of the show, we will probably all have a sing along.
“It’s sort of a social commentary with a little comedy and a bit of seriousness.
“There’s eight in the cast and they’re having a great time with the play being directed by drama teacher Wendy Mckay-Taylor.”
Mr Townsend said people are invited to come along and enjoy themselves.
CREATIVE: Indigo
U3A president Neil Townsend’s play will be performed next week.
“This is also a prequel to a new creative drama class we’re starting this year with information available at next week’s enrolment day on Thursday,” he said.
“The new class will run every week and at the end of each term we’ll do a performance.”
The play starts at 5pm on the platform at the old Beech-
worth Railway station. Tea and coffee are available but BYO refreshments, snacks and maybe an outdoor chair as there is limited seating available.
To register attendance, visit https://indigou3a.org.au/ courses-activities/ Entrance is a gold coin donation.
By JORDAN DUURSMA
LOCAL voices are helping contribute to a federal parliamentary inquiry into the health impacts of alcohol and other drugs.
Federal MP for Higgins, Michelle Ananda-Rajah, who is a member of the standing committee conducting the inquiry, visited Wangaratta and the North East last month and met with key local organisations - from health experts all the way through to childcare workers - to hear directly from those with lived experiences about the health needs of the community.
Dr Ananda-Rajah said the feedback from local organisations will be critical in helping identify what’s working and what needs to change.
She said the committee’s inquiry into the health impacts of alcohol and other drugs, is focused on improving the effectiveness of treatment services, community programs, and workforce support across Australia.
“Healthcare is delivered by people, it’s not delivered by robots,” she said.
“The health workforce is critical to delivering high quality care and I want to do everything possible to encourage and support young Aussies aspiring to work in healthcare.
“I’m interested in how we grow a peer led workforce,
meaning people with lived experience who have gone through addiction and come out the other end.
“How do we take that group of people and skill them up in a credential way so they can provide care to others.”
Dr Ananda-Rajah said the inquiry is exploring the full spectrum of alcohol and drug use, from prevention and treatment to recovery.
She said the committee aims to assess whether the current systems are adequately supporting individuals, families, and communities a ected by alcohol and other drug-related harms, with a view to making recommendations for more coordinated, equitable, and innovative policy responses.
Dr Ananda-Rajah said the system is highly fragmented and is exacerbating the harm that patients and families are experiencing.
“Our job is to unscramble
PRIVATE allied health and other primary health professionals in the region who were previously ineligible can now access free interpreter services - in person, on the phone or via video - to ensure patients from non-English backgrounds receive information in a language they understand.
Murray PHN is providing funding that enables local professionals to call or book in a time with a National Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) credentialed interpreter, in one of more than 150 languages, at no cost.
The Murray PHN region is home to more than 55,000 people who speak a language other than English at home, with Punjabi, Italian, Mandarin, Arabic, and Malayalam being the most commonly spoken languages.
Murray PHN’s recent Murray Health Report on multiculturalism outlines local data and community and health professional feedback on the health and service needs of this population group.
Murray PHN acting chief executive officer Jacque Phillips said that while many migrants attain high proficiency in English, others face challenges in understanding healthcare information that is not in their native language.
“For some people from multicultural backgrounds, language barriers play a part in them failing to get healthcare they need, and this can put people’s healthcare outcomes at risk,” she said.
“It is important that culturally and linguistically diverse communities are supported to access timely interpreter services and translated health information.
“Being able to communicate clearly helps to provide more accurate diagnoses and effective treatment.
COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT: Federal MP Michelle Ananda-Rajah highlighted the importance of hearing from the community during her visit to Wangaratta Headspace last month. PHOTO: Ailie Witting
this and come up with a model of care that is scalable and equitable, meaning both patients in the regions and metropolitan have the care they need, when they need it,” she said.
“The stigma associated with addiction is what is holding people back.
“At a personal level, there is a sense of unworthiness, embarrassment and shame, people with an addiction disorder experience discrimination and at an institutional level, we have hospitals and clinics that also discriminate against these patients, unwittingly but introduced barriers to care.”
Dr Ananda-Rajah said talking about addiction is the rst step to reducing stigma.
“Its good as a community that we are destigmatising mental health but addiction is a subset of mental health, and that is one of the last frontiers that I think we need to break down,” she said.
“It gives people a better understanding of their medical condition and improves their understanding of instructions for managing their health and wellbeing.”
Interpreters are required to maintain patient privacy and confidentiality.
There is no cost to patients or eligibility exclusions - even people without a Medicare card can access this service.
The Interpreting for Allied Health and Primary Care Pilot Program is funded until June 30, 2025.
Eligible healthcare professionals include:
• Audiologists
• Dentists
• Dental hygienists
• Diabetes educators
• Dietitians
• Exercise physiologists
• Mental health nurses
• Occupational therapists
• Optometrists.
• Physiotherapists
• Podiatrists
• Psychologists
• Social workers
• Speech pathologists
• Urgent care clinic staff
• Other primary care practitioners. Health professionals can visit Murray PHN’s website for more information, at https://bit. ly/40aED34 or email multicultural@ murrayphn.org.au.
Community members seeking to access additional resources can visit https://murrayphn.org.au/ community/refugee-health/.
ACROSS
1 Name a source of electromagnetic radiation (6)
7 Who formulated the theory of relativity, Albert ... (8)
8 Which term describes lively intelligence (6)
9 To begin, is to do what (8)
10 Name a herb of the trifolium genus (6)
11 Which parts of the cricket ground are nearest the wickets (8)
14 What is a discussion between two or more persons (8)
18 Name an infectious, eruptive fever of warm climates (6)
19 Name a popular game played in the USA (8)
21 What are oval drupes more commonly known as (6)
22 Which small car is used to make short trips (8)
23 Name an open item of footwear (6) DOWN
1 To have allayed or satisfied, is to have done what (8)
2 Which Tuesday is Pancake Day (6)
3 When one goes to bed, one is doing what (8)
4 Which prefix means “against” or “opposed to” (4)
6 To have become limp and drooping, is to have done what (6)
12 What are areas of land on which cattle are hand-fed (8)
13 Name a cake topping of nuts, sugar, spices etc (8)
16 Which term describes extra space, time money, etc (6)
17 What is a standardbearer known as (6)
20 What is a call used in hailing, especially on ships (4)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
1 KERF
(a) A fair in the Low Countries
(b) A silk cloth made in Ghana
(c) The groove made by a saw
2 PHENOLOGY
5 What is Australian English, humorously regarded (coll) (6)
Letters have a number
Some
15 Who used wings made of wax and feathers, and flew too close to the sun which melted his wings and he drowned in the Aegean (6)
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.
(a) The study of organisms as affected by climate (b) The practice of assessing a person’s character by the shape of the skull (c) The science of language
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:
Animal: ... Bear (5)
Cart (5)
Cavalry sword (5)
Cheap wine: red ... (Coll.) (3)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (3)
September (abb) (3)
Sundries (7) Talks incoherently (7)
Wet paper pellet (3) Wood nymph (5)
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COLLIE, Noel.
13/2/1937 – 23/12/2024
Passed away peacefully surrounded by love at Yackandandah Health on Monday, December 23, 2024. Dearly loved husband of Rose (dec). Loved and adored Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle and Friend. Resting peacefully.
USED once going outback/near new (built Nov 2019), top rack and additional annex included, $6000 neg. Ph 0417 154 229 or 0401 422 650.
HONDA NC700SA, great bike in good condition, lots of extras, 45,200km, Vic reg till October 2025 (1L2JR), I’ve turned 70 and am downsizing, $3200. Phone Ian 0448 952 349.
Wodonga | (02) 6024 1093
2014 Jeep Wrangler Sport Unlimited, convertible hard top, automatic, petrol 3.6 litre, loads of accessories, such as fog lights, hill descent, etc. goes anywhere, looks awesome in hard to get red, RWC, rego (2AD5JL), $21,500, Mansfield. Ph 0403 359 006.
2016 Mercedes GLA180, metallic blue, 120,000km, reg till Nov 25 (CIZ403), with warranty to Sep 28, economical 7.9l/100km, very good condition, RWC supplied, $22,000. Contact Joan 0422 261 537.
HOLDEN Barina 2002, 1MT 4VP, $1600, 105000 kms. Serviced regularly. Phone 0419 338 794.
By DYLAN POOL
LAST Thursday Beechworth Golf Club had a great field of 24 players for Twilight on the back 9. With the drier conditions and plenty of run, high scores are needed to feature in the prize money.
The winner of the night was Jackson Wells with a huge 27 points (21+6).
Runner up and winner of the Bridge Road Brewers voucher was Alastair Palmer with 25 points (21+4).
The Beechworth Bakery nearest the pin on the 10th was won by Kerin Rowbottom and the Alpine Indigo Accounting six pack on the 17th was won by Alastair Palmer.
Willem Love claimed all the cash
Ball winners were Darren McCormick 24, Jarryd Pritchard 24, Rod Shaw 23, Paul O’Loughlin 22 and Dylan Pool 22.
by chipping in on the 14th.
The CC’s Quality Meats & Smokehouse voucher in the raffle was won by visitor John Purtell.
On Sunday, 11 players fronted up for the first round of the Summer Cup.
Zane Howard (19) blitzed the field with 41 points, Dave Clark (13) was runner up with 38 points.
By CORAL COOKSLEY
YOUNG people from across the shire have taken part in a variety of creative library workshops over the summer school holidays.
Three sisters in Yackandandah – Penelope, Amelia and Chelsea McNicol – had plenty of fun on Tuesday morning with amazing creations using K’NEX marble runs and magnetic tiles at their local library.
The trio were among 10 youngsters from five to 12 years old in the session supported by Beechworth Toy Library.
Indigo Shire library workshops facilitator Andrea Browne said five parents at the event joined in.
“There was a lot of parent and child collaboration to make sophisticated marble and ball runs,” she said.
“These sometimes had catastrophic collapses but were quickly rebuilt and refined.
“Others were happy to make creative animals with wings, feet and googly eyes and they all had a ball.
“The K’NEX sets were generously loaned from the Beechworth Toy Library.”
Creativity also shone when Beechworth twins Emma and Madalyne Shallue with local Emily Edwards crafted pompom
in an afternoon National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) Kids on Tour workshop held at the Beechworth Library.
The NGV visited Chiltern and Beechworth libraries for a second year with artists working with the NGV to create fun, artbased workshops for a variety of ages.
“The pompom session was lovely, and the girls had a good eye for colour,” Ms Browne said.
The activity had been designed by Gomeroi Yinarr artist Sophie Honess for 12-year-olds and over to be inspired by the natural world around them.
“It’s a fun time to keep us entertained,” Emma said, while her sister Madalyne added “I think it’s really good that the library is doing this to keep people active”.
Ms Browne said school holiday activities in local Indigo Shire libraries are fantastic and builds community.
“The children become familiar with the library and borrow books to take home and all for free in their own town,” she said.
An NGV Kids on Tour workshop around Bogong Moths designed for five-year-olds and above will be run by the Beechworth Library on Monday, January 20 for an hour starting at 10.30am.
Ball winners were Hollie Goodwin (14) 36 and Phil Pelgrim (18) 35. Nearest the pins went to Dave Clark on the 3rd and Jamie Dolny on the 10th.
The next round of the Summer Cup is this coming Sunday. 11:30 for 12noon hit off.
Harris
hits a crisp
14
FIELDED: Samuel Elkington gathers the ball.
JUNIOR cricketers recommenced their representative seasons on Sunday, taking on Cricket Albury Wodonga sides in Junior Country week.
The Under 12 Blue side bounced back from a three-wicket loss to CAW Thunder on Sunday to record a crushing eight-wicket win over WDCA Gold on Monday.
The derby win was steered by George Pfahlert (33*) and Patrick Coleman (26*), who helped chase down Gold’s 10/175 just two down in the 20th over.
The Under 13 Blue side is undefeated from their first two games.
They successfully defended their 7/162 total against CAW Thunder, with runs coming from vice-captain Byron Dodd (43) and Louis Sanderson (38*), before keeping Thunder to 7/101.
Finn Mitchell was the pick of the bowlers with 2/8 from his three overs, while Billy McMahon picked up 2/21.
The Thunder will meet WDCA Gold next, who have yet to record a win despite strong batting, especially from Thomas Snell who made a half century in the Under 13 derby.
In the under 14 division, WDCA Gold are within striking distance of the grand final following a comprehensive win over WDCA Blue on Monday at Norm Minns Oval. Gold made 121 all out from 38 overs, with solid knocks from Luke O’Brien (35) and Kobe Ackroyd (20).
Taylor Thomson was unstoppable for WDCA Blue, taking 4/12 from eight overs. In reply, WDCA Blue were bowled out for just 70 runs, with Harrison Skelton (4/15) and Luca Solimo (3/10) doing the damage.
The under 15s sit in the middle of the table, with a narrow win and a tight loss so far.
A unique craft workshop ‘Nature Dream Catchers’ run by Laura from Forever Young Creative Kids Collective is also being held next Tuesday, January 21 at the Yackandandah Library for an
The workshop has been designed by Deanne Gilson, a proud Wadawurrung woman in Ballarat with her art and culture looking after the environment.
hour from 2pm. Bookings via www.indigoshire. vic.gov.au/Community/Libraries for Dream Catchers designed for five to 12-year-olds are needed as places are limited.
Visit www.indigoshire.vic.gov. au/libraries for more overall information.
WDCA lost by four wickets to CAW Thunder, with Noah White (48) and Nicholas Hoskin (47) on fire with the willow, and Hugh Spring taking 2/11, before edging out CAW Stars.
Noah White again was top scorer, making 69 runs from 60 deliveries to help his side post 10/163.
Kai Dervish backed White up with the ball, taking 4/8 from just three overs to knock Stars over for 153.
GROUND BALL: Kayde Surrey was electric with the ball last Saturday against Benalla, taking a vital 3/10 to steer Beechworth home to a crucial 25-run win.
Marc Bongers
BEECHWORTH’S A grade side secured their rst win since October 26 last Saturday as they hang on to their slim chances of qualifying for the one-day grand nal.
The Wanderers grinded out a much-needed gutsy win in their return to cricket from the mid-season break, hanging on by 25 runs at Baarmutha Park against Benalla.
BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au
missal of Stepien for 42 o 32 balls at 2/62 to bring Beechworth back into the game.
Captain Brenton Surrey said it was a must-win for his side.
“It wasn’t our best win but it was good to get the job done and bank some points in what’s a pretty tight comp,” he said.
Beechworth elected to bat rst and made a promising foundation for their innings behind opener Clancy Ellett
(33) and Jackson Cull (20).
The pair were dismissed in quick succession before a quick re 30 o 24 balls by Jack Ryan gave the run rate a li .
But as Ryan was caught at 4/119, it was slim pickings for the rest of the order, as the Wanderers lost their last seven wickets for just 15 runs.
The total of 134 didn’t look to be enough as Bushrangers captain Brayden Stepien got his side o to a yer at the top of the order.
Kayde Surrey came on with the ball to claim the key dis-
Surrey said it was a key moment in the game.
“We didn’t do a lot wrong with the ball, he got on to a few and he’s obviously a talented player,” he said.
“It was good to remove him when we did, it would’ve been nice earlier but we were able to put on the squeeze from there reasonably well.”
The Benalla middle order occupied time at the crease but made limited impact on the scoreboard.
Jonty Priest gave hope for the visitors making 19 runs before being bowled by Ryan, to leave the Bushrangers reeling at 8/113.
They would be bowled out for 119 to give Beechworth their rst win since October 26.
Ryan (3/14) along with Surrey (3/10) took the key wickets for the Wanderers throughout the innings with Brenton Surrey pitching in with 2/20.
Surrey said the return of both Jack and Matt Ryan into the side this season had given the Wanderers a needed boost of experience.
“They’re seasoned cricketers, they played a lot of cricket down here as kids, in Melbourne, and Matt played in Albury last year which was a good experience,” he said.
“We’ve had questions about some of our top cricketers here where our bottom
order was probably a little thin.
“You develop the kids and give them a go as much as possible but it’s god to have their experience to draw back on.
“You put any side with cricketers of that caliber in them and they’re only going to get better.”
The Wanderers will return to Baarmutha Park on Saturday to take on Yarrawonga Mulwala in the last one day game of the season.
Currently Beechworth sit fourth in the one-day standings, needing a big win and results to go their way to make a miraculous jump into the top two to qualify for the short-form grand nal.
Surrey said it would not be an easy task against the formidable Lakers, who will be playing their rst game of 2025 a er the bye last week.
“They’ve been the benchmark for 10 years,” he said.
“They bat all the way down, their depth has held them in good stead for a long time.
“You’ve got to keep winning with the comp as tight as it is to get a bit of a gap from the bottom couple and hopefully nish in the top four at the end of the season.”
Neither B grade or C grade took to the eld last weekend, but both sides will return on Saturday as B grade face Rovers United Bruck and C grade take on Yarrawonga Mulwala.
