Beechworth’s Pennyweight
Winery’s Stephen Morris on a hike on one of the nation’s most challenging trails in remote and rugged country.
STORY PAGE 7
Council extends stay
Current Mayday Hills childcare centre providers to remain on site while new lease is negotiated
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
Indigo Shire Council has voted unanimously to extend the stay of the current Beechworth childcare centres at their Mayday Hills site, months after being told they would be cast out for a new provider.
Councillors met on Tuesday afternoon to vote on recommendations to terminate the Expression Of Interest (EOI) process
for a new provider and extend current occupancy agreements following the withdrawal of the chosen provider, Alpine Children’s Services, in April.
Current providers Beechworth Community Early Years Learning Centre (BCEYLC) and Beechworth Kindergarten made a joint proposal to council last week to remain at Mayday Hills and for council to enter negotiations with
both providers to extend current lease arrangements.
At the meeting, council’s evaluation found the remaining EOI proposals failed to provide a suitable outcome that aligned to the intent of the EOI and met the need of broader community interests and expectations.
Mayor Sophie Price said council was taking immediate action to provide certainty for local families,
rather than continue with the EOI process.
“Our priority is ensuring Beechworth families have access to quality childcare and kindergarten services,” she said.
Councillor Scott Landells carried the motion to terminate the EOI which was seconded by councillor Jane Dowsley.
Cr Landells said it was appropriate to end the process.
“We can all be experts in hindsight but this is an opportunity to be informed by hindsight and make a sound long-term decision that meets the broader early childhood goals here in Beechworth,” he said.
“There’s a bigger discussion to be had here and I look forward having this item come before our next council meeting at the end of July.”
■ Continued page 2
Council extends stay
of current childcare operators of Mayday Hills site
■ From front page
Cr Dowsley defended council’s EOI process and remained satisfied with council’s decision to award the lease to Alpine Children’s Services, but agreed longterm certainty needed to be addressed.
“This process has caused stress to many people, those who supported council’s decision and those that support both existing tenants,” she said.
“I look forward to resolving this lease renewal as soon as possible… it has taken too long, and we need to provide longterm certainty for the community as soon as possible.”
Cr Price said the EOI process was “robust” and appropriate but the decision to terminate the EOI provided a clear path forward while council worked towards longer-term arrangements.
“We recognise how important these services are to our community and the stress that uncertainty causes families,” she said.
Council has directed the CEO to engage with the current occupants, Beechworth Community Early Years Learning Centre and Beechworth Kindergarten, to explore new lease arrangements that would allow both services to continue operating at the site.
Cr Price said council was committed to working with both current operators and the broader community to ensure early years services continue to meet local demand and the requirements of the whole community.
An open forum was not permitted at Tuesday’s meeting, with councillors expecting question to be heard at the next meeting set for Tuesday, 29 July at Beechworth’s council chambers.
Community learns about traditional fire practices
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A jam-packed event hosted by Kiewa Catchment Landcare Groups in partnership with Duduroa Aboriginal Corporation at the Yackandandah Community Hall last month drew people from far and wide.
People travelled from around the North East, Gippsland, Mallacoota and as far as Yass and Culcairn in New South Wales.
The crowd gathered to hear cultural conversations about traditional fire practices and the importance on the landscape with a question and answer forum with local Duduroa Elders Uncle Allan Murray and Uncle Phil Murray with Luritja/Aranda Elder Uncle Vince Forrester from the Northern Territory.
They were joined by author of ‘The Biggest Estate on Earth’ and historian Professor Bill Gammage as well as local landholder Bridget Doyle.
Professor Gammage said the session explored important learning and local knowledge from Aboriginal people, the significance of cool fires, that there is a best time to burn and that preventing a fire is better than fighting it.
“Landcare groups are taking take up good knowledge, and even in the last 10 to 15 years, dramatic improvements can be seen,” he said.
He was also an advisor on Indigenous affairs to the Malcolm Fraser and Bob Hawke governments in the 1980s.
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YOUR OVENS AND MURRAY TEAM
Also a senior researcher at the Australian National University’s Humanities Research Centre, Professor Gammage is known for a decade long work on how Aboriginal people managed the land.
He uncovered a complex system of Aboriginal land management using fire and the life cycles of native plants to ensure plentiful wildlife and plant food.
First Nations fire knowledge holders and practitioners Uncle Allan and Uncle Philip have helped deliver fire management practices on Country for 15 years.
Professor Gammage said forums such as the one held show how Aboriginal people burn with awareness of protecting plants and animals and in a way to make the country healthier.
“Comparatively that’s only a small number of people and mainly undertaken on private land.”
He said bureaucratic processes created big obstacles for fire management on public land where lengthy submissions can take four years to get approval.
“We need much more local and quick time management and when the right day comes, you can seize it and burn,” he said.
Delighted to see many land holders and like-minded people at the event, Uncle Vincent said protecting the environment needs to be tackled together.
Uncle Vincent has been a founding member of a number of Aboriginal organisations in central Australia.
“We have a big problem out there, but I believe it’s achievable in overcoming it and we can pick it up in small steps,” he said.
“We need to take time out, respect each other’s knowledge and work together.”
Event facilitator Mary Anne Scully said the Kiewa Catchment Landcare Groups has been incredible building on a decade of work since 2015.
“The group has hosted workshops and how to burn forums inviting traditional owners from all different parts of the country to share knowledge,” she said.
She said the day built on a decade of commitment bringing people together in looking at ways cool burns can be conducted in the local catchment area.
“Over the last decade Kiewa
Landcare has brought together traditional owners, land holders, CFA, interested people in the community, government agencies, policy people at all different times over the last decade to look at how can we come together to recognise the benefits of 40,000 years of practice in our community,” she said.
Uncle Vincent invited us to look at our landscape differently and to recognise broader connections beyond our own geography.
She said organisations such as the CFA in Victoria and the Rural Fire Service in New South Wales are looking at ways to incorporate the knowledge and practice.
The Fire Forum was supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program under the Natural Heritage Trust and the North East Catchment Management Authority.
Community-led volunteer driving group discussion
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A community-led volunteer driving model in Beechworth will be up for discussion following a recent callout for community feedback by Senior Citizens’ Club member Gerri Boland.
Ms Boland has been researching viable transport options for the benefit of the community as a taxi service no longer exists in the town.
The meeting to discuss a community-led volunteer driving group option for older residents is being held on Wednesday, 30 July from 10:30am to 11:30am at the Beechworth Senior Citizens Club located at 1A Harper Street.
A proposal to be considered is around the availability of volunteer drivers for up to two hours per week on Thursdays between 10am and 3pm for local trips only.
If you are an older resident who is no longer able to drive and who would like to have an
arrangement with a trusted community member who could take you to local venues your attendance will be welcomed.
Local venues include but not least, such places as the supermarket, hairdresser and Beechworth Surgery.
Prospective volunteer drivers who would be interested in assisting older Beechworth residents who are no longer able to drive will also be welcomed.
Indigo Shire Council’s Kate O’Toole will be present to provide information about limited options in the shire for medical appointment transport.
Ms O’Toole will also clarify confusion around community transport.
Morning tea will be provided after the discussion.
RSVPs are not required to attend.
For further information or if you would like to request a lift to the meeting, please email Gerri at beechworthscc@gmail.com.
propose a community transport model at the upcoming meeting. Photographed with local resident Christine Calthorpe who had relied on a taxi.
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
Author pens pocket of unique Alpine history
By CORAL COOKSLEY
An author talk at Beechworth Library earlier this month shone the light on a small pocket of Alpine history largely unknown between the years of 1939 and 1945.
‘Pearl Bradshaw. Princess of Hotham’ follows an earlier book ‘Snow, Fire and Gold’ penned by Stephen Whiteside about Bill Spargo and his wife Evelyn Piper.
Stephen – a walker and skier - said his inspiration for both books began from the discovery on a bushwalk in 1982 of Spargos Hut he had known about some years earlier.
“I got a shock when we found the hut, because it looked as though it was still occupied,” he said.
“Closer inspection revealed this not to be the case, but it had remained crammed full of necessary items for everyday living protected by its remoteness.”
Stephen’s intrigue set the scene five years later when he started to delve into history to
exploring who had lived in the hut above the snow line near Mount Hotham.
“I already knew the hut had been built by William Benjamin (‘Bill’) Spargo and had learned that an English woman Evelyn Maud Piper had lived there too,” he said.
Pearl Bradshaw, who had managed the Hotham Heights
Chalet with her late husband Jim for nine consecutive winters, from 1937 – 45, had been among Stephen’s interviewees further sparking his interest.
“The Bradshaw’s had employed Bill Spargo as a ‘useful’ at the Chalet, prior to his discovery of the rich Red Robin gold reef in 1941,” Stephen said.
Many interviews including
from descendants had been undertaken with information found on Trove too.
“Pearl’s life had been fascinating, and I returned to interview her a second time in 1987,” he said.
Looking for a new project at the end of last year following publication of ‘Snow, Fire and Gold’ Stephen said he returned to Pearl Bradshaw interviews for his latest book.
Beechworth librarian Julie Skeggs said Stephen had an interesting tale to tell of his original interviews with Pearl Bradshaw over 30 years ago.
“We had a lovely gathering looking back at a slice of Alpine history and the life of Pearl and Jim Bradshaw,” she said.
“The talk drew a warm audience with memories shared of the high country and many of the colourful characters involved in the early days of ski tourism.”
Stephen said he successfully nominated Spargos Hut for registration with Heritage Victoria when known as the Historic Buildings Council.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Historical integrity needs to be in the right hands
Now that Beechworth’s colonial era administrative precinct has been inscribed on the National Heritage List and World Heritage Listing becomes a realistic prospect, the time has come to make sure that professionals with recognised heritage credentials are appointed to manage this rare asset.
The ongoing precinct signage fiasco shows that facts and historical interpretation become expedient when tourism and marketing can make decisions with unbridled ease. Risk management provides check and balance. It appears none was used here.
The new signs show, as one example, that Beechworth town hall was built in 1870 (not, in truth, in 1859-60) and fail to acknowledge the paired hall and former council chambers as an extraordinary expression of colonial gold miners’ shared democratic ambitions turned to reality. And there are other errors. At what real and reputational cost this debacle has been allowed to occur is yet to be admitted.
At the highest executive level, Indigo Shire Council has advised me that it will not answer which organisations funded the signage, at what cost the signage will be repainted and text errors fixed, which organisation will pay the remediation cost, and what steps the council will take to ensure that it truly consults on these and other material precinct matters in which the community is the most important stakeholder.
One of the North East’s favourite authors, Margaret Hickey, will launch her new novel at the Wangaratta Library on Thursday, 24 July.
In an event organised by local store Booktique, the acclaimed local writer will discuss her latest chilling rural crime thriller, ‘An Ill Wind’, at the Docker Street library.
The Beechworth-based author of ‘Cutter’s End’, ‘Stone Town’, ‘Broken Bay’ and ‘The Creeper’, has been on tour with her book since late June, visiting Western Australia and New South Wales, and is now on the close-to-home and Victorian leg.
Local events include Albury’s Booktique store on 23 July, Wangaratta Library on 24 July, Mansfield on 1 August, Beechworth on 7 August and Wodonga on 2 September.
of a small Victorian town.
High on a hill above Carrabeen, 300 wind turbines spin relentlessly - except one, now eerily still, with a body hanging from its blade.
Detective Sergeants Belinda Burney and Will Lovell are drawn into a complex investigation when the victim is revealed to be Geordie Pritchard, a wealthy local philanthropist and owner of the wind farm.
Suicide at first seems the likely explanation, until Geordie’s widow Lucinda insists her husband was murdered - and she has the death threats to prove it.
Certainly, the wind farm has ripped the rural town in two.
Some welcome the jobs and prosperity it brings, others are enraged by the loss of farming land.
enough to want him dead?
As the town reels from the shock, long-standing divisions erupt; some residents embrace the economic boost, while others mourn the loss of farmland and community identity.
An award-winning author and playwright, and a dedicated local English teacher and university lecturer, Margaret brings her signature storytelling to this gripping new tale.
During her visit to the Wangaratta Library from 6pm on Thursday, 24 July, she will discuss the inspiration behind ‘An Ill Wind’, her writing process, and the real-life issues that shape her compelling fiction.
Historians, heritage advisers and tourism officers have distinct roles requiring qualifications and particular skills. They should work together, yes. But a tourism officer is not a historian or heritage adviser, and when one ignores the other important ambitions fall quickly to pieces, as the community and Heritage Victoria have witnessed on this occasion.
The precinct’s management should be in the hands of a trusted, knowledgeable, experienced person with recognised heritage credentials unafraid to champion the community’s interest and historical integrity. Tourism then wouldn’t have to make it up. It would have a great story to tell.
Jamie Kronborg, Beechworth
The new book explores the tensions and secrets that surface when a massive wind farm is constructed on the outskirts
In short, Pritchard was both saint and sinner. But who in the small community hated him
The event is free, but bookings are essential, and can be made at https://events.humanitix. com/host/wangaratta-library, or by contacting library staff on 5721 2366 or emailing library@ wangaratta.vic.gov.au
WEBSITE: Author Stephen Whiteside has shone the light on a small pocket of largely unknown Alpine history
PRIVILEGED:
Beechworth’s
Steven North feels privileged to support, provide care for, advocate for and work with disabled people in trying to achieve their goals.
A rewarding career
Steven North was born in Beechworth and ventured out into the world studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Warrnambool before living in the Springvale/ Keysborough area of Melbourne. He moved back to Beechworth with his family on Christmas Eve 2013. What do you do work wise?
I am a disability support worker. What brought you to your role/ career?
I was bought to the role of a disability support worker by two things – chance and life experience. My daughter, Izobel was born with Skraban-Deardorff syndrome. Izobel has an intellectual disability and through her care, I chose to work with people living with a disability. What do you love about your work?
Out of any employment roles I have ever had, being a disability support worker has been the most rewarding. It is
Steven North
a privilege to support, provide care for, advocate for and work with disabled people in trying to achieve their goals.
What do you do in the community?
I volunteer my services to the Spring Ditch Festival and Metal in the Mountains Festival.
In the past I have volunteered at the Beechworth Music Festival and continue that with Spring Ditch.
Festival organisers Lex and Rikki are remarkable people, who have brought an absolute asset to Beechworth in the form of musical festivals.
Every time it comes around, I
am happy drop what I am doing to help in any way. Is there an important community issue that needs addressing?
There are so many issues that need addressing, but one highly prominent one is the housing crisis. Locals not being able to reside in their hometowns and an alarming rate of homelessness in our nation.
What would you do to solve the change or improve that situation?
Far greater minds than mine have been left with few workable solutions regarding this. Somehow there needs to be a greater supply of more affordable housing solutions, whether that is a rent to buy government initiative. Or tax incentives to investors for long term leases to tenants.
What do you see as one of the most important current world issues?
The impact of the internet and artificial intelligence on
humanities capacity to navigate reality. Literacy rates are plummeting, reasoned thought is atrophying, and attention spans are dwindling.
If the person you would most like to meet or knew, came to Indigo Shire or was already here, who would that be, what would you show them and why?
Outsider artist extraordinaire Gary McCosh from Warrnambool. I would love to get his work exhibited at Beechworth Contemporary Art space. Gary’s work is an amazing mélange of social commentary, dad jokes and paintings expertly carried out in Art Brut fashion. I would also love to get Gary’s take on the town centre blue signs fiasco.
What book are you reading?
“Live Forever. The Rise, Fall and Resurrection of Oasis” by John Robb. A tome on what is the world’s last and great traditional rock ‘n roll band. God bless, the Gallagher Brothers.
A chance to help festival stay on next year’s calendar
By CORAL COOKSLEY
The Golden Horseshoes Festival (GHSF) committee is holding its Annual General Meeting in two weeks’ time at Beechworth’s Hotel Nicholas.
Anyone who would like to join the committee or be on a sub-committee to help run the biggest annual event on the Beechworth calendar is warmly invited to attend.
From now until Monday, 11 August
INDIGO SHIRE COUNCIL:
Celebrating Culture through Art during NAIDOC Week 2025
Council has announced an exciting opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to create commissioned artwork that celebrates the region’s rich cultural heritage and contributes to the growing cultural collection. Artists with connection to Country and communities within the Indigo Shire footprint are invited to submit an Expression on Interest for the cultural commission. Commission value
$5,000 (all inclusive). Submissions close 5pm on Monday 11 August. For more information visit https://engage. indigoshire.vic.gov.au/first-nationsnaidoc-art-commission
From now until Monday, 1 September
THE BEECHWORTH BIENNALE
Second edition returning 7–9 March 2026, Calling for artists across local and regional communities to take part in the unique public art event. Biennale invites artists to create site-responsive artworks that engage with the rich and layered history of Beechworth and the broader region. Artworks will be displayed throughout the historic township, offering a free and immersive art experience for visitors and locals alike.
Expression of interest submissions close 1 September 2025.
Visit www.beechworthbiennale. com.au for more information and application details.
Saturday, 19 and Sunday, 20 July (this weekend)
CHILTERN JAM SESSION WEEKEND
12pm - late Saturday; 10am – 6pm Sunday. Chiltern’s annual mid-winter weekend of jamming and open mics. Musicians of any standard are welcome to come along. Also featuring a poet’s breakfast on Sunday morning. Telegraph Hotel and Lulu & Didges Café, Conness St ,Chiltern.
Sunday, 20 July
YACKANDANDAH MARKETS
9am to 1pm. Wellsford Street. Regional produce, variety of stalls - hand-crafted soaps and candles, wines, plants, clothing, jewellery and much more. There is something for everyone.
Friday, 25 July
GOLDEN HORSESHOES FESTIVAL XMAS IN JULY FUNDRAISER
The action-packed family day draws around 15,000 festival goers to town over the Easter long weekend.
GHSF secretary Lisa Kirton said the volunteer team is
seeking more community support with volunteers for the event as well as volunteers to be on the committee.
GHSF volunteer Sonja Northridge said taking part is a great way for people new to town to socialise and bring skill sets together.
The passionate volunteer had been a tourist to Beechworth with her family before a move to the town in October last year.
The AGM will be held upstairs at Hotel Nicholas with a 7pm start on Wednesday, 30 July.
Fun trivia night and silent auction. Two course “White Christmas” meal. Heaps of prizes and giveaways, including Auction has all locally donated items. A jolly-good time with and a touch of holiday magic. Hotel Nicholas. Starts at 6pm. For more information and to buy tickets visit https://events.humanitix.com/ beechworth-xmas-in-july-2025
Sunday, 27 July
KERFERD ORATION
11am at the Beechworth Soldiers’ Memorial Hall. Leading advocate for children and youth spanning more than four decades Gillian Calvert AO, will deliver the 23rd George Briscoe Kerferd Oration titled ‘Their Future Our Choice: Creating an Australia that works for young children. Visit www.kerferdoration.org for more information and to reserve a seat for the free event also livestreamed. Sponsored by WAW, Quercus Beechworth and Indigo Shire Council.
Heyday of Mayday to be revisited at fundraiser
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A social worker, psychiatrist and the last manager who worked at the former Mayday Hills Mental Hospital will on Saturday, 30 August deliver accounts of the hospital’s rich history through their lens.
The hospital was decommissioned in 1995 after 128 years of operation.
Friends of the Burke Museum has joined forces with Mayday Hills Society for the ‘Heyday of Mayday’ event – part of the group’s ongoing fundraising efforts for the museum to help with maintenance.
One of three presenters and former social worker at the hospital Beechworth’s Sandra Davidson said the hospital has had a lasting impact on the local community including both patients’ and staff.
“It is an integral part of the history of Beechworth,” she said.
Friends of the Burke Museum member Kate Sutherland said it’s important to highlight and celebrate the hospital’s contribution to the work, growth and development of Beechworth.
She said the Victorian government wanted to support towns like Beechworth with the hospital in the town during the gold rush.
“The significance of the role Mayday Hills played in the development of Beechworth can
be overlooked,” she said.
Ms Davidson said the hospital portrays the history of mental health in Beechworth.
The last manager and presenter Doug Craig worked at the hospital until 1991 and is the author of the Lion of Beechworth – an extensive account of the hospital’s history from 1867 - 1995.
A psychiatrist who worked at Mayday Hills, Dr Max Wellstead, will also be talking about the impact of Mayday Hills on
the field of mental health.
Local poet and a former hospital staff member Frank Prem will also be reciting some of his poetry of his time at the hospital.
“We’re grateful in having Mayday Hills Art Society (MDHAS) and Bendigo Bank interested in supporting this event and enriching the community,” Dr Sutherland said.
There will be a photographic display on the day with some copies of photos sourced from more than 100 years of the hospital’s op-
eration held at the Burke Museum.
Dr Sutherland said the local Australian Red Cross branch with be catering for the afternoon tea.
The event being held at MDHAS premises - 9A Oak Avenue, Mayday Hills with the entrance on Kurrajong Way, runs from 2pm to 5pm with an allocated time for attendees to ask question.
The cost is $30 for Friends of the Burke Museum and MDHAS members, $40 for non-members and includes afternoon tea.
open until 1 August, with judging to take place from 8 September.
PHOTO: Rutherglen Wine Show
Entries open for 137th Rutherglen wine and fortified shows
Entries are open for the 137th Rutherglen Wine Show and 2025 Australian Fortified Wine Show with about 1000 entries expected for this year’s event.
Judging will take place from 8 to 11 September, with an exhibitors tasting to be held on Thursday, 25 September from 10am to 3pm in the Henderson Pavilion, Rutherglen.
A presentation dinner will also be held on Thursday, 25 September at 6.30pm at Tuileries Restaurant at De Bortoli Wines, Rutherglen, with a public tasting to follow on Friday, 26 September from 6pm to 10pm in the Henderson Pavilion (bookings required).
The committee and judges, led by McWilliams senior winemaker Russell Cody, are particularly excited about the continuing growth of the dedicated Iberian classes, reflecting the increasing interest in these wines in Australia.
To find out more visit rutherglenwineshow.com.au, with entries closing on 1 August.
the exterior of the administrative buildings at Mayday Hills.
PHOTO: Victorian Collections
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DESPATCH OFFICER
Agri-Gene P/L, Australia’s largest privately owned genetics company located at Wangaratta, has a challenging full-time position available for a Despatch Officer. Duties will include handling of bovine semen and embryos, packing and despatching stocks to A.I. Centres throughout Australia and co-ordinating import and export shipments.
Applicants should be:
1. Computer literate with the ability to learn new systems.
2. Experienced in stock control and inventory systems.
3. Excellent time management and organizational skills.
4. High level of Customer Service and teamwork.
5. Hold a current Drivers Licence.
6. Interest in the A.I. Industry and Animal Breeding is desirable
If you would like to apply for this position, please send your Resume to the General Manager, Chris McIlroy at accounts@agrigene.com.au Applications close Monday, August 4th, 2025.
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2005 Landcruiser GXL, auto, v8 petrol, grey metallic, 335,000kms, new tyres, bull bar, tow ball, 1 owner, excellent condition, reg till March (V1577), RWC, $26,000. Ph 0428 791 333.
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Remarkable hiking feat for local trekker
By CORAL COOKSLEY
Coming eye to eye with a copperhead snake while scaling a rockface to stay on a walking track was one of the many incredible challenges faced by a local trekker in the wilderness.
Physical stamina, resilience, determination and perseverance would be some of the attributes to describe Beechworth’s Stephen Morris.
The Pennyweight winemaker embarked on a personal challenge – an incentive to overcome a health challenge too – in six stages over three years to hike the Australian Walking Track –one of the nation’s most challenging trails in remote and rugged country.
Not for the faint-hearted, the 660-kilometre walk required strategic planning, mapping, top navigation skills, and preparation including food supplies began at the historic township of Walhala in Gippsland’s alpine wilderness.
Stephen emerged at the final finish at the Namadgi Visitor Centre in Tharwa village in the Australian Capital Territory’s Paddy’s River district.
The trail took in crossing the highest peaks of Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT including Mount Kosciusko, and Bemberi Peak in the Brindabella Ranges.
In a recent debriefing Stephen’s team of supporters including Beechworth stalwarts Gail Smith and Bruce Forrest celebrated his remarkable adventure.
The cohort were needed for organising trek drop offs and pick-ups at various locations as well as food drops and keeping track by satellite GPS.
Completing the trek over
60 days from the beginning of 2022 to end of last year with seven separate stretches, Stephen had scheduled his walk with extensive planning between vintages as well as radiotherapy treatment for cancer in 2023.
Trekking dependent on the weather also threw some of the most challenging obstacles to navigate. Beside coming face to face with the snake while climbing, hanging on to a chain crossing a river in freezing water was another.
“I was saying my prayers about crossing the Big River between Mount Bogong High Plains and Falls Creek and after heaving rain,” Stephen said.
“It was exciting but I’m sure I wouldn’t have waded
across had I not met two young people who gave advice on how to get across.
“There were many sections along the track where trees had fallen too, needing to go bush to get around some of them while carrying a huge pack and find your way back.”
One of the most difficult tracks in Australia and challenging sections on the walk in the depths of the Victorian High Country known as the Viking, takes around four days to complete 40 kilometres.
In mountainous terrain and isolated country there are no ladders or proper track to hike to the Viking summit with spectacular scenery.
“There is a small cave
Andrew dominates the Field for Monthly Medal
By DYLAN POOL
A good field of 14 players turned out at Beechworth Golf Club last Sunday on a rather windy and fresh winters day.
The July Monthly Medal was what was on offer.
Our newest member Andrew Field seemed to be playing a different course to everyone else as he won the day with a fantastic two under off the stick 66 off a five handicap for a nett 61.
Which was good enough to win by 10 shots from the runner up Hollie Goodwin 85/14/71.
Relegated to third was Peter Smith with 90/19/71.
Other ball winners were Dylan Pool (2) 72, Jacob Howard (9) 72, Dean Howard (12) 72 and Rod Shaw (22) 72. Nearest the pins went to Darren McCormick on the 5th, Hollie Goodwin and Dylan Pool on the 10th.
Just a heads up to everyone that the crows are on the prowl.
Just ask Darren McCormick who had two yellow balls stolen in two consecutive holes.
A very icy start last Wednesday for golf. It was a three person fourball event, with the winners for the day being Donya Collins, Marije van Epenhuijsen and Hollie Goodwin with a score of 50.
Next was Glenda Marshall, Pam Nankervis and Jacqui
TOP TWO: Winner of Sunday’s Beechworth Golf Club July Monthly Medal Andrew Field with runner up Hollie Goodwin.
Cato with a score of 44.
In third was the team of Gail Smith, Deb Tully and Coral Ward with a score of 36.
Pretty sure everyone was happy to get back to the club rooms for some of Gail’s delicious warm soup.
Well done everyone for braving the cold.
This coming Sunday we have six members heading to Oaklands for their tournament.
At Beechworth there will be a Stableford event, arrive 11:30am for 12pm hit off.
known as the Chimney with a dangling rope to use to get up and you have no choice but to climb up it,” Stephen said.
“The idea is your backpack is tied onto the rope, you climb up and then pull your pack up.
“I found it wasn’t too bad with cracks in the rock to put your feet in on the way up and then worked out how to lift my eighteen-kilo pack as I had time on my side to think about it.”
Stephen said he often edged his way down embankments to a creek for water and then back up again.
“Finding a flat site to camp not too far from water should be easy but often it’s not,” he said.
“Sometime huts can be used as shelter but at other times you’re in the middle of nowhere with nothing.”
Stephen had invested in a good hiking pack including tent, sleeping bag and boots to ensure some degree of comfort with a careful daily allocation of meals and snacks.
“There’s also many things going on out there in the wilderness and it’s extraordinary how information gets passed along by people when you see them,” he said.
In separate stints of around seven days or more, Stephen walked from Victoria’s Mount Victor to Mount Hotham, from Mount Hotham to the Omeo Highway, then trekked
from there to Thredbo with a failed attempt from Thredbo to Valentine’s Creek due to flooding.
Later he started again at Thredbo hiking to Kiandra and then from there to Tharwa.
“I never focused on the finish and kept pulling myself back to the moment walking for the enjoyment and the experience,” Stephen said.
“Writing in the hikers’ visitor book, I said it was such a privilege to be out there.
“It was wonderful to be in that amazing environment with its breathtaking scenery and being so close to nature.”
With great medical results received the year after he started, Stephen’s oncologist had said “keep walking”.
TO: Coral Cooksley
For
GREEN AND GOLDEN SERPENTS: Beechworth
Golden
Paddling hard for Australia
Five Beechworth Dragon Boat Club members are representing their country in the world championships
By CORAL COOKSLEY
An excited cohort of local dragon boat members selected for the Australian team Auroras started paddling fast and hard this week at the 17th IDBF Dragon Boat World Championships.
Five members from the Beechworth Golden Serpents Dragon Boat Club joined others from around the nation to represent Australia at the championships being held in Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany.
Proud to be wearing green and gold representing their country, twins Ethan and Aaron Grosser
with Dorian Ellis are competing in the Auroras under 18s crew while Cindy Ellis and Brendan Maher are competing in the Senior C crew.
The world championships kicked off on Monday and runs until this Sunday, 20 July.
The Auroras is made up of different aged group crews - U18, U24, Premiers, Senior A, Senior B and Senior C.
Beechworth Dragon Boat Club president Julia Brinsdon-Farr said world championships are held every two years.
“Alternate years have an international club crews’ event which is for the best clubs from each country rather than the
national teams of each country competing,” she said.
Maher said teams are racing over distances of 2km, 1km, 500m and 200m opens in both women’s and mixed.
“The journey to the championships commenced last October when we all attended a selection camp,” he said.
“Our training started on New Years Day continuing for the past six months at six days a week with a combination of gym, cardio and paddling.
“We had to self-monitor and report results weekly.
“Training also included travelling to Melbourne every
weekend for the past two months.
“We also attended divisional training camps in Sydney and Queensland.”
This is the juniors’ first time at the world championships, the second time for Cindy and the third time for Brendan.
Ellis and Maher both competed as part of the Auroras crew in the world championships held in Thailand in 2023.
Brinsdon-Farr said the Beechworth Golden Serpents Dragon Boat Club was incredibly proud and excited to have five of members representing Australia and competing on the world stage.
“The standard required to make the Aurora squad is very high, and each of them has worked exceptionally hard to get there,” she said.
“Their commitment, drive and enthusiasm have been a real inspiration to the rest of the club.”
Brinsdon-Farr said the club is seeing benefits flow back into the local paddling community.
“They are bringing back valuable knowledge, skills, and insights from working with top-level coaches and training programs, which is lifting the standard across the club,” she said.
“It’s a fantastic achievement, and we’re all cheering them on.”
Serpents Dragon Boat members Cindy Ellis (left), Ethan Grosser, Dorian Ellis, Aaron Grosser and Brendan Maher in Germany as part the Auroras crew.