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ADVERTISER, Friday, February 18, 2022 - Page 1

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BEECHWORTH - CHILTERN - RUTHERGLEN - STANLEY - YACKANDANDAH Friday, February 18, 2022

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Jenny bids council adieu Page 2

Blaze destroys Chiltern home Page 3

STRUMMED: Indigenous artist Glennys Briggs with her husband Ian who entertained the crowd at last week’s art exhibition opening. Story page 6.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

Golden Horseshoes Festival big time comeback BEECHWORTH’S Golden Horseshoes Festival recognised as the town’s biggest event on the calendar has rebounded this year with plans in full swing for the Easter long weekend.

Volunteer organising committee chair Jim Didolis said a call-out for parade entries that close on March 15 as well as for volunteers is well underway to ensure the traditional community

BY CORAL COOKSLEY ccooksley@ nemedia.com.au

event’s success.

As the annual Easter festival had a forced chop in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic with a smaller managed version last year, this year’s planned festival with COVID-safe protocols has a full street parade as well as

SPECIAL of the WEEK

exciting new additions.

Mr Didolis said with times and some activities for the main event being held on Saturday, April 16 still to be finalised, the parade should take off around 3pm from Church Street, then travel along Ford Street as in preCOVID years.

The parade will be led by a rider in the saddle of a horse shod earlier in the day with gold-plated horseshoes that

commemorates the legend of Daniel Cameron on which the festival is based.

In 1855 Mr Cameron led a political rally held in Beechworth for better goldminers’ conditions and brings the legend to life.

An Indigenous Welcome to Country with a smoking ceremony will take place for the festival’s opening on Saturday around 11am while Hung Hing Chinese Lion

Dance Association performers will add to the colourful parade planned to start around 3pm.

Mr Didolis said among other attractions will be all-time favourites such as an amusement park set up to entertain the kids in the Police Paddocks, musicians playing on stage in front of the Empire Hotel and North East Muzzleloaders.

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Historic centre of learning Page 7

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Page 2 - ADVERTISER, Friday, February 18, 2022

G ld H Golden Horseshoes h Festival big time comeback A Quercus Beechworth market is planned at its Ford Street location with a Rotary market in Queen Victoria Park too while a Lantern market will be held in the Chinese Gardens from 5pm.

A first-time history lesson adventure organised by the local Lions Club and Indigo Shire Council with an Easter egg treasure hunt map that took off on Sunday last year with great success is also on the agenda.

With a small band of eight committee members and not many volunteers at this stage, Mr Didolis said the group welcomed local community members w as well as those from across the shire to put up a helping hand to ensure the festival’s success.

“It’s only eight weeks away with volunteers in a variety of roles needed and who are crucial,” he said. w Mr Didolis said the event drew tourists from around the region, across Victoria and interstate.

“It does a lot for the local and surrounding area economy too,” he said.

Among financial support from some businesses and individuals in town, Mr Didolis said the event had received assistance from its major sponsor IGA as well as Bendigo Bank with logistical asw sistance and other support from Indigo Shire Council.

Expecting a large crowd to enjoy a variety of activities, Mr Didolis said v “people were bursting at the seams” to go out last year where a huge number attended the downsized Saturday event.

Enquiries on parade entries and floats can be emailed to goldenhorsesfestival@gmail.com where entry forms will w be then be emailed.

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Former mayor bids farewell to council

By CORAL COOKSLEY FORMER Indigo Shire mayor and councillor Jenny O’Connor has remained tight lipped after an abrupt retirement from Indigo Shire Council earlier this week.

Ms O’Connor did not seek re-election as mayor at council’s special statutory public meeting held in November last year due to personal reasons after the loss of her father but remained as a councillor.

She said the decision to make the unexpected move had arisen from new opportunities on the horizon.

“I’m considering other options but they may not eventuate,” she said.

In recounting some of her significant contributions to council and shire communities in her roles that spanned a decade as a councillor with four of those years as mayor, Ms O’Connor said while in the mayoral role she had advocated to state and federal governments on behalf of the Indigo Shire community.

She said one crucial time had been lobbying for funds for small businesses following the direct smoke impact and lack of visitors to the shire from the devastating 2020 summer bushfires where the local economy crashed.

“We had been bypassed by the government for funding, businesses needed support and I successfully lobbied the government for funding for $10,000 grants for them and other grants for grapegrowers,” she said.

“I’ve also been an advocate on climate change for decades and supported the climate emergency action plan adopted by council.

“Being a leader among other councils

HAVE A GO: Former mayor Jenny O’Connor urges others to think seriously about standing for local government elections. around the state means council had a big input into the climate change arena.

“I am also proud of the community’s work around the shire on renewable energy.”

While Ms O’Connor continued to build partnerships and relationships with local communities in her roles, she said supporting people and organisations with community events that mattered to them such as Anzac Day and the annual citizenship ceremony where local residents from overseas become Australian residents.

“It was a huge honour and I loved those opportunities,” she said.

“The shire’s heritage is highly significant and it’s great to see more work being done in that space.

“I also wanted to see First Nations and aboriginal history understood across the shire and I have been pleased to be involved with the heritage committee where a lot of work is being undertaken.

“A reconciliation action plan is being developed but there is a long way to go.

“I’m delighted to see projects and clear direction, and a better understanding of Indigenous heritage and culture taking place.”

Ms O’Connor said among other special times as mayor had been seeing the groundbreaking repatriation of Dja Dja Wurrung artefacts to their traditional owners by Beechworth’s Burke Museum.

She said she had been proud of the town to see a commitment in supporting LGBTIQA+ in the community at the first diversity march held in Beechworth six years ago .

“We’ve been very successful in receiving grants for the Chiltern community hub as well as for cycle trails from Beechworth to Yackandandah and a future one for Rutherglen,” she said.

Ms O’Connor said the COVID-19 pandemic with people locked down with long periods of isolation was another major challenge for council.

“We couldn’t do the things we normally do,” she said.

Ms O’Connor encouraged encouraged others to stand for local council saying being a councillor in a rural area came with a high profile but people can also make a difference to their communities.

“It’s a great thing to do but people need to have broad shoulders,” she said.

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Chiltern home destroyed in blaze

By RYAN MALCOLM A CHILTERN home has been completely gutted by a fire which originated in an adjoining garage early on Tuesday morning.

Firefighters were called to the Albert Road blaze at around 2.19am, to find the home fully alight after flames travelled from the garage through the

roof of the building.

In total, some 40 firefighters and 17 vehicles attended the scene, undertaking asset protection on either side of the home as the flames threatened to impact neighbouring houses.

The male occupant managed to escape the blaze, with Ambulance Victoria crews called to the scene to treat the

homeowner for shock.

According to a CFA spokesperson, the fire was brought under control around 3am, before the scene was declared safe at 5.41am.

Fire investigators, detectives and arson chemists attended the scene, with the investigation into the cause of the fire to remain ongoing according to a police spokesperson.

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A bright future for local singer BEECHWORTH teen Asha Bright is no stranger to performing, but the recent Wangaratta leg of the All Ages Tour was something special.

The Byron Bay-born musician moved to Beechworth with her family when she was 10, has been writing music since the age of 11 and taught herself guitar at age 13.

“I think growing up near Byron had an impact on my love for music as it’s such a music oriented place,” she said.

“I have been singing as long as I can remember but taught myself guitar at around 13 years old with the help from youtube and my dad.

“My dad has been playing guitar since I was born and brought a lot of music into my family, I definitely got my love for music from him and my little sister also sings and plays guitar so we are a pretty musical family.

“I started writing my own music around 11 years old; I remember i would get my mum to give me a topic to write about and then I would go off write a silly little song about love and rainbows or something like that.

“I think I started performing when I was 13 at

a jazz academy, although you could say I started performing at age three when I got a whole cafe singing bah bah black sheep with me.”

Asha recently performed at The Vine Hotel for the state-wide All Ages Tour, opening for Teenage Joans and The Chats.

Her musical mentors, well-known duo This Way North, backed her up as her band on the day.

“This Way North are the most incredible mentors in the world; I’m so grateful to have them support my music career,” she said.

“I met Leisha when she taught at my school one day and since then both she and Cat have helped me with a whole range of music related questions, dilemmas and queries.

“Being able to play these gigs with them has been an absolute blessing, it’s been a crazy amount of fun.

“To play an all ages show so close to my hometown has been amazing and especially with these huge artists I’m supporting, to get this opportunity living in a regional area has been incredible.

“I love performing because it’s so much fun and I love being able to write things I struggle to say.

“I really appreciate

when people hear my songs and are able to relate to them, whether they are relating to what I actually wrote the song about or whether they are able to come up with their own idea about what the song is about.

“I struggle so much to describe my music because it’s constantly changing and evolving, but i’d like to say maybe a mix of alternative, indie and pop.”

Now at age 17, Asha said she has a gig “nearly every weekend these days”.

“I’m playing at some local pubs and the last show of the All Ages Tour in Wodonga at The Cube with JK47 and Allday.

“I have also been organising a festival on February 19 in Beechworth called Under the Pines which I’ll be playing at as well.

“I’m still only young myself, but my advice for people starting out in music would be, start doing open mics, they are everywhere and they will help you gain confidence performing live, just keep it fun and be patient with yourself; it takes time.”

To follow Asha’s musical journey, and keep up to date with upcoming gigs, follow her social media @ thisisashabright.

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RISING STAR: Beechworth resident Asha Bright recently performed in Wangaratta for the All Ages Tour.

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ADVERTISER, Friday, February 18, 2022 - Page 5

Life membership for 50 years of service

By CORAL COOKSLEY FOR a long-time Beechworthian it has been hard to believe that 50 continuous years has been clocked up as a Returned Serviceman’s League (RSL) member.

Local resident and Vietnam War veteran Terry Walsh received life membership to the organisation with a certificate presentation held at the Beechworth RSL sub-branch last month.

Mr Walsh remembered being called up for National Service in 1969 when living in North Springvale with WW2 veteran and staunch RSL member George Smith and his wife.

“Unbeknown to me, while I was on active service in Vietnam, George nominated me for membership of his RSL Sub-Branch in Caulfield,” he said.

“On my return home from Vietnam in December 1971, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I had already been a full member of the RSL for three months.”

During his working life, Mr Walsh has been an RSL member at Traralgon, Boronia, Ringwood and in Beechworth since 2003.

“I was Beechworth SubBranch president for two years from 2006 to 2007,” he said.

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%HHFKZRUWK 6DQG 6RLO 3W\ /WG MILESTONE: Beechworth RSL member Terry Walsh last month received life membership to Returned Serviceman’s League with a certificate presented on behalf of the RSL by Beechworth RSL Sub-Branch president John Eldrid.

As an RSL member, Mr Walsh continues to enjoy the comradeship that is part and parcel of life in military service.

Mr Walsh had been the general manager of Melbourne Legacy where he held the position for 15 years before he made the “tree change” to Beechworth 19 years ago with his wife Gail.

“My service background and RSL membership had been key factors in my appointment to the role,” he said.

“In smaller rural communities such as Beechworth the RSL and Legacy work hand in hand caring for the widows and widowers of deceased members of

the Armed Services.”

“I have now been closely involved with Legacy for 44 years and am hopeful of yet another 50-year service milestone in that organisation.”

With the need for the RSL to reinvent itself over the last 50 years, Mr Walsh said while the focus remained on returned and service members, the organisation now embraced anyone who shares a connection through the past or present service of a family member.

“My wish is that anyone who has served in the forces, or who shares our ideals, comes and joins the comradeship of our vibrant, local subbranch,” he said.

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Page 6 - ADVERTISER, Friday, February 18, 2022

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Unique Indigenous art exhibition on show in Beechworth

By CORAL COOKSLEY A CONNECTION between two artists to tell First Nations’ stories had led to a unique exhibition ‘After the Fact’ with a launch at Beechworth Contemporary Art Space last Friday.

Gallery owner and artist Nina Machielse Hunt said an important exhibition for the town showcased the artwork of Burraja Art Gallery curator and First Nations artist, Taungwurrung - Yorta Yorta and Wiradjuri elder Glennys Briggs.

“We’re very lucky for our community to experience something unique and special,” she said.

“We have had a similar journey and after meeting Glennys, I wanted to communicate with First Nations people where we could do that through art,” she said.

Wodonga-based Ms Briggs grew up on a First Nations reserve known as Cummeragunja on the banks of the Murray River as a fourth generation to live on the reserve until 14 years old.

Ms Machielse Hunt said the artist had been fortunate to grow up with family where cultural knowledge had been passed down to

her from her parents, grandparents and an uncle which had given Glennys strong ties to her cultural heritage.

Ms Briggs practises printmaking, possum skin cloak making, basket making, painting and sculpture.

Using visual art with a wide range of traditional and contemporary media to communicate ideas to family and the wider community about her culture, Ms Briggs said she undertakes a great deal of research.

“I’m constantly looking for the next project, study Indigenous work and family history where I’m loving my work,” she said.

Following a move from Queensland last year, Ms Briggs said she had been Burraja Gallery curator in Albury for about 12 months.

“Instead of being away overseas and in cities around Australia exhibiting, it is good to be back home because I feel connected on country and have family around me,” she said.

Ms Briggs is also a musician and has also travelled around the nation performing with her husband Ian. The Buraja Gallery cu-

rator said she had always been interested in art since she was young and she had studied dressmaking and design too.

Ms Machielse Hunt said Glennys had many stories to share.

“As an artist and musician, she is very creative with many artistic vehicles to communicate her ideas with one of them being art,” she said.

“We want to share conversations with as many people as we can.”

Ms Briggs has also studied contemporary Indigenous Art with a specialisation in print media and has both public and private collections in Australia and around the world.

Ms Briggs’ cousin Paul Briggs, a special community member of the Yorta Yorta people and chair of the Kaiela Institute in Shepparton, officially opened the exhibition with Dhudhuroa/Yorta Yorta man John Murray providing the smoking ceremony.

The exhibition runs from now until March 7 from 10am to 5pm from Thursday to Sunday at the Beechworth Contemporary Art Space gallery, 29A Camp Street.

PROUD: Indigenous artist Glennys Briggs (left) with family members Belinda Briggs, Paul Briggs, local artist and gallery owner Nina Machielse Hunt and Wodonga’s John Murray at last week’s art exhibition opening.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley.

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ADVERTISER, Friday, February 18, 2022 - Page 7

New author finds Beechworth ideal place for writing

By CORAL COOKSLEY A NEWLY arrived writer to Beechworth early last month has found the town a perfect place with its tranquility to pen his third book in a fictional trilogy series.

Author Robert Barclay had his first book ‘The Diary of Katy Yehonala’ published in November last year with the book listed for the prestigious Miles Franklin Literary Award this year.

Looking for a place to continue his writing, Mr Barclay said he fell in love with Beechworth as well as its history.

“Beechworth reminds me of the English countryside where I grew up too,” he said.

Mr Barclay with his family migrated to Australia in 1965.

The story about three generations of strong but flawed Chinese women follows the life journey with its trials and tribulations of the hero Katy born in China to a traditional Chinese mother where she grew up during the Cultural Revolution as well as Katy’s musically talented daughter who performs around the world playing the piano.

Mr Barclay said Katy’s mother and her daughter Clara mirrored the old and new China respectively.

Katy’s daughter Clara is the new China on the world stage as she performs around the globe as a gifted pianist.

“Katy is caught in the middle between the old and new China,” Mr Barclay said.

Predominantly a love story with life experiences takes Katy to England, back to China on different occasions, to Africa then Australia

First primary school taps into new Historic Precinct education program

By CORAL COOKSLEY

PENNING: New Beechworth resident Robert Barclay settled in Beechworth last month as the perfect place to write.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley where she settled with an Australian husband.

With a husband who disappeared while working in Cambodia, the soon-to-be published second book is a quest to find him based on a discovered manuscript he had written.

Mr Barclay said his books had been influenced from his time living in China as well as Cambodia and many other parts of Asia as well as first hand-experience in the Vietnam War. With an understanding of China through living in the country, Mr Barclay said he hoped some things had been placed into perspective with a good story, as well as telling a story about what happens in Cambodia.

He said ‘The Diary of Katy Yehonala’ took two years in the making with pen on paper but the story had been an idea for around 40 years.

“I’ve had a love of writing since when I was about six years old,” he said.

His inspiration for writing and also charity work for children is derived from war-ravaged villages and children affected by the inhumanity of adults.

A PRIMARY school from near the Mornington Peninsular has been the first school to tap into an exciting new education program for their students offered from Beechworth’s Historic Precinct that kicked off on Wednesday.

Ticking all the boxes for student engagement, Pearcedale Primary School principal Simon Anderson said the interactive program had been a big hit with the year six kids.

“We’ve been coming here for years on school excursions and now have an educator telling them really interesting things too,” he said.

Mr Anderson said a reenactment court session had also been run in the Old Courthouse for the students.

“It’s been so much more meaningful for the kids and they have been really excited,” he said.

Burke Museum and Cultural Heritage manager, Cameron Auty said details about the new program - an extended one - had been sent to 1800 schools last week.

“Our Historic Precinct education officer Alanna Morgan has undertaken a lot of work in developing the education program which is linked to the Australian primary and secondary school curriculum at the right year levels,” he said.

“We’ve gone from having two or three options for the schools to eight options where teachers can select the best one for their group

INTERESTED: Pearcedale Primary School year six student Tahlia Kracht has a closer look at an artefact with Burke Museum’s Alanna Morgan on Wednesday as part of a new education program.

PHOTOS: Coral Cooksley

ENGAGED: Year six Pearcedale Primary School students had fun learning about history with a new interactive program at the Burke Museum on Wednesday. of students.

“The interactive program has given us much better capabilities to deliver what’s needed in talking about artefacts and using technology such as videos and iPads.”

Historic Precinct education officer Alana Morgan who started her position in August last year with a move

from Melbourne to Beechworth, said she loved sharing history knowledge.

“I wanted to develop programs that are engaging, the kids have been engaged and were great,” she said.

The program takes in the Burke Museum, the Historic Courthouse and Telegraph Station targeting particular year levels that comple-

ments content taught in the classroom.

Mr Auty said students have the opportunity to explore the museum’s collections through a mixture of inquiry and object-based learning which provides hands-on activities merged with critical and creative thinking.

He said the interactive programs enhanced technology helped the museum be more student-friendly and accessible.

Delivered by qualified historians, teachers and tour guides, Mr Auty also said that the program offered a unique and enriching learning experience for young minds.

“Whether they’re exploring collection items, re-enacting a trial in an original setting or wandering through town exploring the lived history of Beechworth, students will be able to solve historical mysteries, uncover some of the lesser known people of Beechworth and really immerse themselves in the experience,” he said.

Indigo Shire Mayor Bernard Gaffney said the innovative new program is one way where heritage is honoured and celebrated in Indigo Shire.

“There’s no better way to celebrate and ensure its place in our future than by educating the next generation about its importance,” he said.

Mr Auty said the program had been funded through the Victorian Department of Education Strategic Partnership Program as well as Indigo Shire Council.

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Altered GAT puts literacy, numeracy to the test VICTORIA’S senior secondary students will have their literacy and numeracy skills measured against new standards in a reformed General Achievement Test (GAT) this year.

The changes to the GAT, to be held on Wednesday, September 7, would explicitly report students’ literacy and numeracy scores to bring the Victorian GAT in line with similar tests in other states and territories.

First announced in 2018 as part of a broader review and reform of senior secondary pathways to be phased in over coming years, the new standards will indicate whether students have demonstrated the literacy and numeracy skills expected of someone completing secondary school, offering an indication of their readiness to move onto further education, training or employment.

While the new standards will be reported on students’ VCE or VCAL certificates, they will not contribute to a student’s ATAR unless the GAT is required to calculate a score - for example, if a student requires a Derived Examination Score after missing an exam due to illness.

The later-than-usual test date has been arranged to allow time to ensure the revised GAT is valid and reliable, and for teachers and students to understand the changes; the test is expected to return to its traditional June date from 2023.

The GAT will be split into two sections: section A will assess literacy and numeracy skills; and section B will assess skills in English, mathematics, science, technology, the arts and humanities, with an increased focus on critical and creative thinking skills.

As in previous years, no special study will be required for the GAT. Past study of subjects like English, mathematics, science and history prepares students for the test by building their general knowledge and skills in writing, numeracy and reasoning.

Indigo Shire students are among 90,000 Victorians expected to sit the GAT this year, including senior VCAL students who will participate for the first time, along with all students enrolled in one or more VCE or scored VCE VET Unit 3-4 sequence.

The change comes as Victoria prepares to transition to a new integrated senior secondary certificate from 2023, which will bring together VCE and VCAL within the VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate options.

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ADVERTISER, Friday, February 18, 2022 - Page 9

B2B three-day walk for suicide awareness sets off from Beechworth next month

By CORAL COOKSLEY WALK, talk and support is at the heart of the annual B2B three-day trek from Beechworth to Bright at the end of next month with an ongoing goal to crush suicide stigma and promote depression as treatable for suicide prevention.

B2B founder Lisa Cartledge said the walk being held from Friday, March 25 to Sunday, March 27 supported people who had been bereaved by suicide and to remember the people they have loved and lost without the shame and stigw ma associated with suicide.

“Slowly but surely we’re helping to make change and raise awareness,” she said.

“It’s a very slow burn but I’m sure that people within our community know that it’s okay to talk about people loved and lost and that’s a great thing.”

In opening up conversations, Ms Cartledge said people needed to know that they can join the walk and talk.

“Sadly everyone knows

someone who has lost a loved one to suicide and it’s a chance for people to walk and feel supported,” she said.

“Everyone is welcome as there are so many of us touched by suicide directly or indirectly or who suffer with mental ill health.”

“There’s a hop on and hop off bus all the way over the three day walk so people do not have to be super fit or an athlete.”

The first leg on day one from Beechworth to Everton begins at 8.30am at the Rail Trail, Albert Road which finishes up at Everton while day two starts at Everton and continues to Myrtleford with day three from Myrtleford to Bright.

“A popular option is where walkers can meet us at Porepunkah and walk the last five kilometres,” Ms Cartledge said.

With support from local businesses, Ms Cartledge said service organisations - Beechworth and Myrtleford Rotary clubs as well as Bright Lions Club - supported the walk too.

A raffle is also running

with prizes donated by Beechworth Machinery, the Empire Hotel, Bilanc Fitness and Belmont at Beechworth.

Beechworth to Bridge (B2B) started five years ago as a 22-day 720 kilometre walk to the Sydney Harbour Bridge where Ms Cartledge walked with her three adult children and supporters after the loss her husband Sean four years prior.

“When we walked to Sydney from Beechworth in 2018 we were supported by the Dysons Bus Group who continues to support us every year too as the company believes in the cause,” she said.

“We also have a committee member who lives in Dubai who walked with us then and she continues to zoom in and support us too.

With registrations closing around March 15, more information about joining the walk can be found by visiting the B2B website at b2b.org.au, searching for b2bridge on Facebook and Instagram.

ON A MISSION: Some of the B2B committee members Sally Hayden with pooch Micky (left), Jo Westra, Jenny Chambeyron, John Sheehan with Lisa Cartledge invite people to walk with them for this year’s March event.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

SHARING KNOWLEDGE: Beechworth’s Naomi Ingleton loves meeting and working with people from all walks of life.

Concerned about staff and housing shortages for businesses NAOMI Ingleton was born in Gippsland and grew up spending time between there and Melbourne.

Moving to the North East for three weeks work in 2000, she never left the region living in Beechworth for two years from that time before shifting around the King and Alpine valleys with a return to Beechworth about four years ago.

What’s your job?

Don’t they say if you love what you do you’ll never work a day in your life?

I have had a couple of jobs in town. Running a food and agriculture accelerator program for start-up businesses and kitchen garden teacher at Saint Joseph’s Primary School last year.

This year I’m focussing on my own business FarmacyCo - a little herbal apothecary and juice bar in the main street.

I also consult to food businesses on product development mainly in the dairy industry that me travelling around the county.

What brought you to the last two roles?

I’m an Ayurvedic practitioner where one practices preventive healthcare and promotes health and well-being using diet and lifestyle, and am studying a Bachelor in Health Science in Western Herbal Medicine.

As for consulting, I ran the Myrtleford Butter Factory for 15 years making butter, so I get a lot of companies wanting me to help out with their production.

What do you love about your job?

I love sharing my knowledge with people, meeting people from all walks of life and making products that can help them through illness and also to maintain health.

What do you do in the community?

I’ll be back volunteering at the school with the kitchen garden program this year and I’m always ready to help out hospitality businesses in town when they are short staffed.

What’s the most important current community issue for you?

Staff and housing shortages is a major issue for all businesses in the area.

Naomi Ingleton, Beechworth What would you do to solve, change or improve that situation?

It’s a real conundrum.

We need tourists to support our businesses but at the same time Airnbns have taken many of the long-term accommodation out of the market.

It’s a national issue as well as COVID having had an impact on itinerant workers in Australia.

Hospitality is suffering from plenty of other historical issues too.

I don’t have any answers.

What’s the most important current world issue for you?

Apart from a global pandemic, homelessness and statelessness.

We are so lucky to live in Australia.

If the person you would most like to meet came to Indigo, or was already here, who would that be and what would you show them?

There’s no one in particular but I love taking people to the Yeddonba Aboriginal Cultural Site in Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park.

It’s a shame it’s been closed to public for so long now.

Why do you love showing people that?

It’s one of the only local First Nations’ sites where we can see rock artwork that illustrates the art of the Dhudhuroa people.

It is a sacred space that has a powerful ambiance where you can feel the magical wisdom of generations as you explore the rock formations and it’s a great spot for meditation.

What book are you reading?

I’m mainly reading university course work at the moment but for fun I’m reading ‘Energetic Herbalism’ by Kat Maier.

Page 10 - ADVERTISER, Friday, February 18, 2022

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19 TOTALLY RENEWABLE BEECHWORTH: 'Battery Fever. Free community renewable event on all things related to batteries - tech, types, applications and projects. 12pm to 3pm. Beechworth Serviceman's Memorial Hall. 101 Ford Street. Register at https:// www.eventbrite.com.au/e/battery-fever2022-tickets-248546618627 CovidSafe protocols FIRST TIME YOUTH MINI MUSIC FESTIVAL: 'Under the Pines.' 4pm to 8pm. Town Hall Gardens. Free entry and barbeque.

CovidSafe protocols in place. Part of Indigo Shire's FreeZA program. Bring a rug or chair to sit on.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20 BEECHWORTH URBAN LANDCARE SUSTAINABILITY group (BULS) working bee. 9am to11am The Glades. More information contact secretary Libby Hosking on mobile 0417 286 639, email secretary.buls@gmail.com or visit The Glades on the morning.

BEECHWORTH CHRIST CHURCH. First of concert series for this year. 2..30pm. Christ Church, Ford Street starting at 2.30pm.

Visit https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ baroque-music-for-harpsichord-andsaxophone-tickets-255046630337 or phone Kate on 0357281893 for registration. Tickets: $40 each $25 for concession. CovidSafe protocols.

YACKANDANDAH LIONS CLUB MARKET. 9:00am-1:00pm. Wellsford Street. Huge range of produce and products. Something for everyone. Lions sausage sizzle too.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22 U3A 'Scribblers with Olga'10am-12pm.Creative learning sessions including mark making and drawing techniques. Beechworth

Railway Station, Harper Avenue. Bookings essential. Non-members contact courses. indigo.u3a@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23 U3A 'Everyday Philosophy'10.30am12.30pm. Michael Evans leads the group through historical, ethical, and personal aspects of selected topics. Zoom and onsite at the Beechworth Railway Station. Bookings essential. Non-members contact courses. indigo.u3a@gmail.com.

U3A 'Poetry Writing' 1.30pm-3.30pm. Tutor Joy Phillips explores poetry and how to write it. First of five, fortnightly sessions. Beechworth Railway Station, Harper Avenue. Bookings essential. Non-members contact courses.indigo.u3a@gmail.com.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24 U3A 'Bike Group.' 9.30am -11.30am. Held weekly. Meet at the Beechworth Railway Station. Bookings essential. Non-members contact courses.indigo.u3a@gmail.com.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25 U3A Coffee Morning - 10.30am-12pm.

George Kerferd Hotel, Mayday Hills outdoor area. Bookings essential. Non-members contact courses.indigo.u3a@gmail.com.

U3A 'Games' 2pm-4pm. A variety of games, including Backgammon and Scrabble. Bring your own game and take up the challenge!

Bookings essential. Beechworth Railway Station, Harper Avenue. Non-members contact courses.indigo.u3a@gmail.com.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27 MAYDAY Hills Art Society. Movie - Mao's Last Dancer. 3pm. Upstairs Playhouse Theatre.

RSVP essential to bibart@bigpond.com by Thursday 24 February.

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ADVERTISER, Friday, February 18, 2022 - Page 11

Friday twlight golf commeces tonight There were 20 players for Twilight competition on the back nine at Beechworth Golf Club last Thursday.

We welcomed a couple of new golfers, with Chris Campbell and Elliot Smiles joining in.

We hope they enjoyed the company and hospitality and will return.

Brian Cropley started the round off in style with a two for five on the 10th hole on his way to a winning score of 26 (20+6).

Runner up for the Coffee Staines - Cafe & Carvery voucher was Kerin Rowbottom with 25 (18+7).

Ball winners were, Graeme Cordy 24, Josh Carr 23 and Warwick Deuis 23.

Nearest the pin on the 10th went to Josh Carr, the Alpine Indigo Accounting nearest the pin on the 17th went to Steve Piddington, Dave Atkins took home the cash for his chip on the 14th and the half dozen nearest second shot on

the 13th will jackpot in two weeks time.

Dylan Pool also had an eagle two on the par four 12th.

Kerin Rowbottom took home the Flippin’fresh Seafood Wodonga voucher in the raffle.

On Sunday in the third round of the Summer Cup a countback was required to decide the winner with Jamie Dolny (18) edging out Andy Croome (18) both with 35 points.

Ball winners were George Ward (21) 34 and Dave Atkins (28) 33.

Nearest the pins went to George Ward on the 7th and Andy Croome on the 17th.

This coming Sunday will be the final round of the Summer Cup 12:30 for 1pm.

Don’t forget Wednesday golf is still going with an 8:30am hit off.

Friday Twilight also commences today. Hit off between 3pm and 5pm.

This season will run for six weeks.

FAIRWAY FUN: Jamie Dolny on action during Sunday’s round.

Wanderers W d set to b benefit fi from funding BEECHWORTH Wanderers are one of 128 Victorian grassroots cricket clubs sharing in $378,000 of funding during round one of the Cricket Victoria 2021/22 Grassroots Cricket Fund (GCF).

The GCF is a joint initiative between Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers’ Association that will provide up to $30 million to grassroots cricket across Australia over the life of the fund.

The funds will ensure clubs and centres maintain their position as pillars of local communities by providing equipment and using grants to fund the development of coaches and volunteers and the adoption of marketing and recruitment initiatives to attract new participants.

Wanderers president Patrick McCarthy said it was excellent to recieve the funding.

“The funding has helped us purchase new cricket equipment for our Woolworths Cricket Blast participants and our junior cricketers,” he said.

“Having appropriately sized equipment for the youngest members of our club creates a great environment for them to develop their cricketing skills.”

In total, 432 clubs and centres nationally successfully applied for first round grants and will share $1.3 million in funding part of the total $2.5 million available in GCF grants this season.

A second round of grant applications will open from Monday, February 14 for a three week period, allowing clubs and centres

that did not receive a grant in the first round to access funding that can be used to purchase products through GCF partners such as defibrillators via the Community Heart Program, portable 2G Flicx pitches from Flicx UK and Kookaburra training packs.

For more information and grant applications visit grassrootscricketfund.com.au.

Beechworth Wanderers CC results A grade: Delatite C.C. 2/118 E Ree-Goodings 50* MW Stevenson 41* def Beechworth Wanderers C.C. 115 J Ryan 35 K Surrey 30 JB Sanford 5/37 MW Stevenson 2/0 AC Ritchie 2/13.

A reserve: Beechworth Wanderers C.C. 74 M Hicks 26 A Storer 6/6 def by Delatite C.C. 7/115(cc) AP Storer 44 B Thompson 3/10.

C grade: Beechworth Wanderers C.C. 8/97(cc) D Pool 33 D Martin 2/14 M Bruce 2/16 P Smith 2/16 PK Katta 2/22 def by Ovens Valley United C.C. 5/275(cc) P Smith 92 N Cooke 83 R Schultz 3/28.

Under 16: Rovers United Bruck C.C. Green 7/101(cc) S Francis 2/16 def Beechworth Wanderers C.C. 65 C McNamara 3/5 B Fisher 2/4 B Pellegrino 2/4.

Under 14: Beechworth Wanderers C.C. 93 W Prebble 48 R Levy 2/2 C Binion 2/8 def by Benalla Bushrangers C.C. 7/169(cc) J Priest 50* L Ham 31 H Carter 2/13.

Under 12: Beechworth Wanderers C.C. 4/105 def Yarrawonga Mulwala C.C. Rams 76 G Pfahlert 3/0 T Young 2/4 F Duff 2/12.

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Page 12 - ADVERTISER, Friday, February 18, 2022

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WDCA Beechworth women grand finish

By WILLSON MACK

KEY: Alex Randell shapes as one of Beechworth’s key players this weekend.

THE WDCA/Beechworth women’s side is gearing up for their biggest game of the year.

The girls will be eyeing revenge when they come up against Echuca at Tongala Recreation Reserve on Sunday after going down to them in last year’s big dance.

The record between the two sides this season remains at a stalemate with WDCA/Beechworth winning the 30 over game but losing in the T20 match.

WDCA/Beechworth manager Andrea Belci said it’s exciting for the girls.

“It’s an exciting time, especially considering how challenging this year has been,” Belci said.

“We’ve had people in and out of isolation so it’s been hard to keep the same team on the park.

“The competition’s been really close this year and we didn’t know who we were playing until last weekend.

“It was out of Shepparaton and Echuca but Echuca managed to get through.”

It’s been tight tussles between the two grand finalists this year with Echuca winning the first game with a few overs to spare and then WDCA/Becchworth took out the second match on the final ball of the day.

“The girls that played in last year’s grand final will definitely be looking for a bit of revenge,” Belci said.

“I think we’re better placed to win this year than we were last year too.

“Having Kate Burns as coach is why we’ve finished on top.

“She’s provided structure that we didn’t have last year and also experi-

ence having played state cricket.

“Fingers crossed we perform on Sunday.”

WDCA/Beechworth women’s profiles Alex Randell - 110 runs for the season opening with a highest score of 35.

Has power and poise and helps set the standard at the top of the innings.

Crystal Stevens - Opens the batting and can score with high frequency. 97 runs with a high score of 29. A strike bowler who has 5 wickets at 3.80 average.

Kate Burns - (Captain Coach) 139 runs with a highest score of 39. 11 wickets with a best of 5 for 4.

Cath Wood - Vital player to the team with 64 runs from 3 games. Best bowling of 1 for 14.

Alyssa Priest - Great fielder who has best bowling figures of 2 for 6.

Sophie Panozzo - A strike bowler who can swing the ball with great accuracy. Best bowling of 2 for 9.

Breanna Wojtowyez - Wicketkeeper who can power hit when needed at the batting crease.

Neve White - A valuable member of the team that bowls through the middle overs with success.

Kaitlyn Ritchie - Leg spinner who has the knack of getting class wickets.

Can turn the strike over when batting.

Emmaline Howard - fast bowler who attacks the stumps and is hard to face.

Can bat in the tough final overs.

Abby McConchie - took a hat trick early in the season and has the ability to win a game from her bowling.

Andrea Belci - Heartbeat of the team on and off the field.

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