is set to celebrate its 40th birthday with a street festival on Saturday. More details on the festival and the bakery’s legacy in the Beechworth community since opening in 1984 can be found in our feature inside today’s Ovens and Murray Advertiser. PHOTO: Kurt
Rutherglen’s Nate Palubiski continues to make waves in the shooting arena gg
NATE Palubiski is making waves in the clay target shooting arena.
The 17-year-old from Rutherglen recently completed a six-week trip to America where he competed in some of the top events in the world.
His first event was the Beretta Cup which was a warm up for the World Championships where he placed fourth in the World Cup, sixth in the team event and 26th in the Individual.
Palubsiki then turned his attention to the US Open Juniors where he made it into the top 25 overall.
He came 11th in the FITASC event,
BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au
10th in five stand and seventh in the American Field Sporting.
Palubiski said it was an enjoyable trip.
“It was an awesome trip,” Palubiski said.
“The (shooting) clubs over there are out of this world, they’re so well run and everyone involved are really encouraging even if they
don’t know you.
“Shooting’s such a big sport over there, their clubs are run like a business and every worked gets paid – the biggest club I was at over there was worth $1 million.
“It was such an enjoyable time and I can’t wait to get back over there.”
Competing against some of the best young shooters in the world, Palubiski said he learned plenty.
“I learnt too much, it’s almost hard to recall everything I learned,” he said.
“I think the biggest thing for me was that the best shooters just never give
up, I learnt that you’re never out of it until the last target.
“You just have to get fighting, so many of the better guys fight and fight and their results speak for themselves.”
While over in the states, Palubiski had a session with elite American shooter Todd Hitch where he picked up a number of tips and tricks.
“I had a coaching lesson with one of the best shooters in America while I was over there which was really cool,” he said.
■ Continued page 5
BEECHWORTH
Romanes (left), Sarah Swain, Jo Matassoni, Marty Matassoni, Pete Fartuszynski, Laura Glinski, Danielle Fry
Anthea Webster
famous bakery
Hickling
2024 council election
QUESTION: How will you manage and justify council rate increases given current cost of living challenges for ratepayers and renters? (Answers limited to 120 words or less)
Council must assure ratepayers that their rates are going towards basic services and maintaining and improving infrastructure. Survey after survey has shown that these are the things the majority of residents want. They do not want local government to indulge in expensive “extras”. Council must justify every cent it spends and allow genuine community input to budgets no matter how “inconvenient” that may be.
Our communities rely on council to provide our services, council should not increase rates above the rate cap.
Council has ageing infrastructure and facilities and the community has ever increasing high expectations when it comes to service delivery. This places council in an unenviable long-term position in striking a balance between timely asset maintenance and renewal and how this cost should be met by ratepayers. Strategies to alleviate upward pressure on rates include council’s economic development strategy, which expired in 2023. Renewing this strategy to give us a 10 year blueprint is key as new revenue streams and investment in long-term profitable ventures require thorough consultation, research, identification and action. Cost of living pressures being experienced by most within our community are real. Fortunately, council’s hardship policy is there to assist any ratepayer seeking flexible payment arrangements.
It’s important to explain why rates need to go up and to be confident that we’re operating effectively and efficiently. Being open and honest with the community is essential. Council’s job is to fund essential services and community projects. We should also invest in efficiency saving where possible to reduce the need for higher rates in the future. We need to hear from the community about which projects are most important and delay less urgent spending to ease pressure on rates. By comparing our rates and spending with other councils, we can find better ways to manage budgets. To gain support for rate changes, we need to show how the extra funds will benefit the community and address people’s concerns.
Managing and justifying council rate increases during a cost-of-living crisis requires careful consideration. My approach will focus on:
Efficiency: I will conduct a thorough review of Council’s budgets and delivery programs, ensuring every project and initiative delivers value-for-money and clear community benefit.
Value: It is crucial that Council continues to provide high-quality essential services. I will advocate for ‘Smart City’ strategies: utilising digital technologies and data-driven solutions to innovate and reduce the cost of delivering these essential services.
Transparency: I will champion improved community engagement, to ensure every ratepayer understands how their contributions are being allocated and can see tangible outcomes that justify their rate contributions.
Rates are determined by the State Government, and the council itself is confronted with escalating costs in service provision. My responsibility is to advocate for a balance, acknowledging the cost of living challenges our community endures. The council is obligated to maintain essential services, including childcare, aged care, repairs to infrastructure and waste collection. These fundamental services are crucial to our community’s well-being. Adopting a financial sustainability plan is vital, one that commits to streamlining services to ensure financial stability. As a councillor, my focus will be on cost reduction and the efficient delivery of appropriate services. I am committed to lobbying for increased federal and state funding to address the financial burden shifted onto councils.
I recognise the current financial challenges faced by our community. Any potential rate increase would be considered with utmost care and transparency, prioritising responsible financial management. I would endeavour to encourage council to actively seek efficiencies and alternative revenue streams elsewhere to minimise the impact on ratepayers. If an increase was unavoidable, it would be a thoroughly detailed report as to why and would outline clearly how the funds would be distributed to benefit the community via essential services and infrastructure improvements. I’m committed to open communication and collaboration with ratepayers on this issue at any time.
Since 2015, each year the Minister for Local Government sets the rate cap amount based on the forecast Consumer Price Index, for the 2024 – 2025 financial year it is 2.75 per cent. If the council wants to apply for a higher cap they need to demonstrate community support and a critical need for spending on a service or project. In tough times it is hard to justify even the rate cap rises but council runs a lean budget and works with the community and staff to prioritise spending in the budget engagement. I see no need to raise the rates above the ministerial approved and recommended cap.
Council works within a rate capped environment where the increase is determined by the State Government through the Essential Services Commission. For the eight years that I have been on council there has been no increase above the rate cap, and real consideration given to how any increase will affect our ratepayers. This conversation has been had even more so in recent times as we balance the need to maintain assets and the need to recognise the cost of living challenges for people in our shire.
The majority of those I’ve spoken to are keen to retain the rate cap imposed by the Victorian Government. Community members understand that rates need to be considered in conjunction with property valuations. While rate rises are inevitable a level of certainty is required for effective financial planning to manage the financial burden and avoid potential rate spikes. By continuing to work with a diverse group of ratepayers and business people armed with the right skills, a fair and equitable rate system could be agreed upon to give to the community confidence in the process.
I work on the assumption that any proposal for a rates increase would be accompanied by the justification for the increase. My task would be to assess that justification, taking into account what problem it seeks to address, the impact of both not addressing and addressing that problem, and any alternative ways to address the problem. I would seek to ensure that a rates increase is for a worthwhile cause and that not increasing rates would not have a detrimental effect.
Our Q&A series with all candidates concludes in next week’s edition. Candidates will answer the following: Why should people vote for you?
(Answers are restricted to a maximum 120 words)
John HARVEY
Graham PARTON
Sophie PRICE
Bernard GAFFNEY
Greg BOURKE
Scott LANDELLS
Emmerick TEISSL
Jane DOWSLEY
Roberta HORNE
Diane SHEPHEARD
Lisa TURNER
Aussie songs from a bygone era to entertain at Beechworth Singers concert
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A CONCERT by Beechworth Singers being held tomorrow is set for the audience to take part in joining the choir in singing two well-known Aussie songs.
The performance titled ‘Love, Loss and Larceny’ with songs from a bygone era has been brought forward by a month for the choir to then focus on its Christmas program.
Music director and conductor Colleen Arnott said a Celtic concert would usually have
been held in November.
“Originally I hoped it would be part of the Beechworth Heritage Festival which unfortunately, did not go ahead this year,” she said.
“I had pretty much chosen Celtic and colonial songs that I liked as well as Shenandoah which is an American folksong but couldn’t come up with a theme and put it to the choir.
“Margaret Hinton came up with the theme and each of the songs fit at least one of the categories”.
Audience participation is lined
up for sea shanty ‘Bound for South Australia’ and one of the nation’s most famous and iconic folk songs ‘Click Go the Shears’. Among other delightful songs include Botany Bay, Londonderry Air, Scarborough Fair and Waltzing Matilda.
Ms Arnott said the choir had been preparing for the concert since the one held in August with around three months of rehearsals.
“For me, this concert is all about enjoyment for both the audience and choir,” she said.
The performance with Beechworth musician Sandra Williams accompanying the choir on keyboard is the third one for the singing group this year while it is the second under Ms Arnott’s leadership.
The conductor said a Christmas concert is set for Saturday, December 14.
Tomorrow’s concert at Beechworth’s Uniting Church located at 115 Ford Street starts at 2.30pm with tickets at $15 each while children have free entry.
Afternoon tea will be provided.
Love of community stems from career of lifesaving care
JULIA Brinsdon Farr was born in Wodonga and lived in Melbourne and London before a move to Yackandandah eight years ago.
What do you do workwise?
I am the nurse unit manager of the Acute and Urgent Care Centre at Beechworth Health Service.
What brought you to your role/ career?
I originally started studying science at Melbourne University. After a gap year and some travel, I decided I wanted a flexible job that I could do in many different settings and speciality areas over a lifetime. A nursing degree led me to post graduate studies in emergency nursing, tropical medicine, human factors engineering and management. I have worked in oncology, as a clinical nurse specialist in emergency, in malignant haematology and palliative care research, and in clinical governance prior.
What do you love about your work?
Nursing has given me great variety and flexibility. I love working in a small regional health service where the community feels a strong sense of ownership and connection to the health service. Likewise, those that work in the hospital have a stronger connection to the community they serve and understanding of how their work supports their community.
What do you do in the community?
I am the Beechworth Dragon Boat Club president and a member of the Yackandandah Folk Festival Community Choir committee. I volunteer for the Beechworth Dragon Boat club because it is a fantastic
sport for people of all ages and strength. I love that I can paddle in the same boat as my daughter, and I find training meditative as I can switch off, just do and not think. I help coordinate the fabulous mass community choir each year for the Yack Folk Festival where I get to meet so many people in our community. I also enjoy the fantastic buzz you from singing together with more than 100 other people.
Is there an important community issue that you think needs addressing?
Housing in Beechworth and Yackandandah is a real issue. Lack of rentals and entry level properties for ownership is very challenging.
A community needs dynamic and engaged people to be moving into towns and staying to keep our communities thriving. I’m concerned that many young people growing up here will not be able to afford to stay.
What would you do to solve change, improve that situation?
I believe there is a better balance that could be achieved with smaller blocks in new subdivisions with the council concentrating on local requirements for increased efficiency and sustainability of new builds and less on heritage factors.
What do you see as one of the
most important current world issues?
I believe there are many issues that need addressing in the world such as man-made climate change and achieving gender equality and the cultural change that this requires across all facets of our lives.
Having said that the negotiation of an immediate cease fire in the Gaza Strip should be a political priority for all nations to end the humanitarian disaster that is occurring right now.
Who would be someone you would most like to bring to Indigo Shire, what would you show them, and why?
An old friend Melika who lives in South Africa who I would love to come to my beautiful part of the world. I think she would love the heritage main streets of Beechworth, Yackandandah and Chiltern. I would tell her with pride about our community owned organisations such as our petrol station, YCDCo and our energy retailer Indigo Power.
Then I would sit with her in my sitting room with a cup of tea and watch all the native birds and the occasional kangaroo that stops outside.
What book are you reading?
I have just finished reading ‘Hello Beautiful’ by Ann Napolitano.
Saturday, October 19
BEECHWORTH TOWN
GARAGE SALE: 9am to 4pm. Around 20 garage locations as well as 5 people booked in at Beechworth Primary School. Maps are available from Beechworth Newsagency, Beechworth Mitre 10, Coffee Staines, Kells Kitchen, Beechworth Primary School and 47 Sydney Road Beechworth. Gold coin donation for maps with proceeds returning to the school.
Sunday October 20
RUTHERGLEN AGRICULTURAL SHOW: 8.30am to 5pm. Free entry. Horse program, cattle handling/parading, sheep and fleece exhibits, farm produce, poultry exhibits, pavilion competitions including home crafts, photography, arts/crafts, and horticulture. Many displays of unique skills including the dog high jump, NEBAA Wood Chop, Tentpegging Victoria and In The Groove drummers to name a few. Limited number of market stalls for picking up a bargain too. AE Henderson Pavillion and Showgrounds, 171 High Street.
IF you have an event you’d like added to this calendar, please email edit.omadvertiser@ nemedia.com.au
JOYFUL: Tomorrow’s concert follows Beechworth Singers performance of ‘Songs of the Stage and Screen’ held at the Town Hall in early August.
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
COMMUNITY CONNECTED: Julia Brinsdon Farr’s nursing career is one of variety and flexibility.
Julia Brinsdon Farr
Local community groups honour Dame’s humanity
BEECHWORTH’S Friends of the Burke Museum and Beechworth History and Heritage Society commemorated the life and life-saving work of doctor and orthopaedist Jean Macnamara at a presentation attended by 60 people in Beechworth town hall on Saturday.
The event – chaired by Friends’ president Daniel Goonan as part of the Ian Jones Memorial Lecture series established by the Friends in recent years – celebrated the contribution of humanitarians and care organisations to Beechworth and the wider world.
Annie Jean Macnamara, born in 1899 in Beechworth where her father, John, was clerk of courts, went to Beechworth public school.
She completed her secondary education at Presbyterian Ladies College in Melbourne and afterwards studied medicine and surgery at the University of Melbourne.
She graduated with honours in 1922 in the company of Kate Campbell, a paediatrician, medical scientist and haematologist Lucy Bryce, ear, nose and throat surgeon Jean Littlejohn and immunologist, virologist and later Nobel Prize recipient Frank Macfarlane Burnet.
“She was clever, forthright and simply outstanding, later saving lives and livelihoods in their thousands through her work on the polio virus with Macfarlane Burnet, developing advanced therapies for the treatment of poliomyelitis and advocating – relentlessly – for the trial and release of the myxoma virus to combat Australia’s devastating mid-20th century rabbit plague,” Beechworth History and Heritage chair and presenter Jamie Kronborg told the audience.
“With polio and myxomatosis Dame Jean wrestled an essential dilemma at the heart of her vanguard medical and scientific career.
“She had to work strategically to contain one virus and its debilitating and deadly impact, particularly for young Australians, and battle head-on persistent opposition to the release of a second to save the country’s farm sector.
“She succeeded in both quests but search any publicly available contemporary local listing of significant people associated with Beechworth and you’d be hardpressed to find her name.
“We should work to change that.
“As a Rockefeller Foundation fellow in America in 1933 she was asked to the White House to talk about advanced poliomyelitis research and treatment with President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the world’s most visible polio survivor.
“She was created Dame Commander of Order of the British Empire for her work on polio at just 36, probably one of the youngest people of any period to that time to receive such a high honour.
“She was named a Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medallist at 54 and she’s a farmers’ champion still
for her dogged determination to force Australia’s mid-20th century governments to release the myxoma virus to combat rabbits then estimated to number one billion and destroying the environment and farming.”
Friends’ former president Kate Sutherland set the scene for the Macnamara presentation, speaking about Beechworth humanitarians from the past, including William Nam Shing and Michael Freeman, and organisations that continue to provide daily and other support for people and the community, including the Red Cross, State Emergency Service, Salvation Army, Indigo Atauro Friendship Group and Quercus Beechworth.
“The United Nations (UN) defines ‘humanitarianism’ in terms of preventing and alleviating human suffering arising from conflict or calamity,” Dr Sutherland said.
“Indeed, the UN believes there is a civilian right to protection and assistance. Moreover, assistance is provided when individuals’ capacity to cope has been exceeded.
Indigo Shire Council postal election
An election is being held for Indigo Shire Council.
Check the mail for your ballot pack
Ballot packs containing voting material were mailed to enrolled voters from Monday7October.
This is a postal election only.
If you do not receive your ballot pack by please visit vec.vic.gov.au to complete the online replacement form, or call to arrange a replacement.
Candidates
Candidates who have nominated for election are listed in the ballot packs and at vec.vic.gov.au
A photo and candidate statement will also be included if provided by candidates. Responses to a candidate questionnaire, if provided, are available at vec.vic.gov.au
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LIFE-SAVING WORK:
Josephine SamuelKing (back left) with the portrait of her grandmother Dame Jean Macnamara, her mother Merran Samuel and brother Fraser with presenters
Jamie Kronborg (front left), Kate Sutherland, George Petrou, musician Mark Stephens – who wrote and performed a song honouring Dame Jean – and Burke Museum Friends’ president Daniel Goonan.
PHOTO: Gary Coombe
“In my presentation, I would like to draw from the UN’s conception of humanitarianism and reveal to you the manner in which some expressions of humanitarianism have been revealed in Beechworth in the past 170 years.
“Humanitarians existed in Beechworth from the time the town was established and during the Gold Rush, when Beechworth was abuzz with people from Europe and China.”
Melbourne designer and artist George Petrou towards the end of the presentation unveiled his recent portrait of Dame Jean Macnamara, which will feature in a forthcoming book titled ‘The Art of Humanity’.
Josephine Samuel-King, Dame Jean’s granddaughter, then spoke on behalf of her mother Merran, who also attended – one of the two children of Jean Macnamara and Ivan Connor – and Josephine’s brother Fraser.
She said the family was looking to establish a foundation to recognise Dame Jean’s life and work and hoped to do that in concert with Beechworth.
How to return your ballot pack
Promoting healthy lifestyles with veterans
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A CHOICE of two physical exercises is on Beechworth RSL’s agenda at the Memorial Hall on Sunday to mark Veterans Health Week (October 3 to 20).
President John Eldrid said the event on Sunday ‘eat well, get active’ focuses on promoting a healthy lifestyle with healthy eating and exercise.
“It is a free event for veterans and their families with a barbeque followed by a screening of the movie, ‘The Healing’,” he said.
Mr Eldrid will give a welcome at 9.30am followed by a chance for people to opt for QiGong or an easy 40-minute walk around Lake Sambell.
The QiGong class run by Stanley’s Rob and Lee Whamond is gentle exercises for all ages with emphasis on breathing and balance.
Mr Eldrid said a short presentation will then be given on healthy food choices by a local dietician.
“People will also help prepare salads for the barbeque lunch being organised by the Red Cross,” he said.
The movie is about a lifesaving welfare program bringing traumatised racehorses and military veterans together in a healing process.
The movie sparking interest in the ground breaking program is described as one where the Australian Defence Force and Racing Industry response to the crisis effecting veterans and ex-racehorses could be revolutionising.
Mr Eldrid said like many other sub-branches across Australia, Beechworth RSL had been successful in receiving a grant from the Department of Veteran Affairs to run the event.
Put your completed ballot paper in the ballot paper envelope, complete the declaration, then post it ASAP using the reply-paid envelope provided, or hand deliver
Ground Floor
8 Albert Road
Beechworth
Voting is compulsory
Voting is compulsory for all voters who were enrolled at 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August. This includes state-enrolled and council-enrolled voters.
Your completed ballot pack must be in the mail or hand delivered by
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U3A celebrates Seniors Week with cultural immersion day
By CORAL COOKSLEY
INDIGO U3A celebrated Seniors Week at its premises with a vibrant ‘Cultural Immersion Day’ held on Monday drawing a large cohort of members with an open community lunch for locals.
Yorta Yorta elder from Albury, Uncle Phil Murray, shared his knowledge of traditional handcrafted tools over lunch explaining each specific use over thousands of years with engaged locals keen to learn more about First Nations culture.
Uncle Phil said he was al-
ways happy to get involved in opportunities to talk about Indigenous culture.
“It’s sharing and keeps our culture going and for everyone to know what we’re about,” he said.
“It’s not just about everyday life, it is about learning and sharing and it has been good to be invited to this event.”
U3A members were hooked in two basket weaving workshops held in the morning and afternoon run by local artist Cate Ferguson - a Wiradjuri woman born and raised in Junee who then lived in Wagga Wagga
SPECTACULAR
A stunning colourful electric light show of the Aurora Australis –a natural phenom – captured the awe of people around the shire and southern states providing another bonanza for photographers this year. Taken at Lake Sambell at 5.20am, Friday October 11.
for many years on Wiradjuri country before a move to the North East.
Yackandandah’s Vicki Johnson said she had always been intrigued with traditional basket weaving.
“I’ve never been able to do it and it’s a lovely, peaceful way of learning a new craft,” she said.
Beechworth’s Julie Murray enjoyed the weaving workshop too.
“It’s the first time I’ve done it and once you get the gist of it, there’s a rhythm just like knitting,” she said.
Cate said she found sharing
her knowledge and skills in basket weaving rewarding.
It’s a joy to pass on these skills and plugging a new group of people into something new and seeing what they accomplish,” she said.
U3A president Neil Townsend said the event focused on expanding an understanding of First Nations cultural practices while U3A has long been a champion of lifelong learning.
“With the help of Joy Philips and through our network of members, and our First Nations learning class led by Joy, we continue to foster this im-
portant education within our community,” he said.
“Joy has made a fabulous contribution to U3A and our community, because with her leadership, she has just completed a very well-structured program called First Nations.
“It’s an opportunity for everyone to come along and understand more.”
On behalf of U3A, Joy also gave the Acknowledgement to Country.
U3A held the event in partnership with Indigo Shire Council as part of Indigo Senior’s Festival.
Shire access and inclu-
sion officer Kelly Sutherland cultural immersion day had been a major festival event.
“We were funded through the State Government Victorian Seniors Festival to put this on for the community,” she said.
“We’re hoping to capture as many people within our community who want to foster a sense of inclusion and making sure that all of our seniors feel honoured and celebrated during festival.”
Photos from the cultural celebration can be viewed on the Ovens and Murray Advertiser website.
Shooting his way to stardom
■ From front page
“A lot of the things he taught me were mental tips because the top shooters in the world are a fair way ahead in that area.
“He was saying that Australia is a fair way behind America in shooting so everything he told me I took on board.”
Palubiski now turns his attention to Australian Nationals where he will be looking to be selected in the Australian junior team which will tour Canada.
“I’ve got a few national events coming up and the goal is to be selected in the Australian junior team that will tour Canada,” he said.
“There’s three events so I’ll be doing plenty of training over the coming months while still trying to keep up with my school work.
“It can be tough balancing school work with shooting but I feel like I’m doing okay with it at the moment.
Wangaratta's premier
SHOOTING STAR: Nate Palubiski just returned home from a six week trip in America.
PHOTO: Jeff Zeuschner
PHOTO: Michael Hoare.
IMAGINATIVE: Beechworth’s Dot
INVENTIVE: Beechworth’s Laurie Bird (7) with brother Ralph
and brother Miles
enjoyed being creative at a Beechworth Library’s ‘Cardboard Constructions’ session.
Library fun over school holidays
By CORAL COOKSLEY
AROUND 115 kids across Indigo Shire had heaps of creative fun at libraries over the school holidays.
With the aim to have engaging and interactive activities for children, library officer Anne Shanley said school holiday programs catered for primary school children from five to 12- year-olds.
“We ran two holiday sessions at each library and one at Tangambalanga with nine sessions in total,” she said.
Sessions included Bee-Bots designed for five to eight-year-olds with other different programs for up to 12-year-olds.
Designing a road and maze with their programming their Bee Bots to navigate hooked youngsters at a Yackandandah library session.
Ms Shanley said Bee-Bots are fun and exciting robots designed for young children.
“They are easy to operate, and children have the chance to begin learning sequencing, estimation, problem-solving and basic elements of coding,” she said.
“As well as these “skills of our future,” children also develop their abilities in teamwork, creativity and problem solving.”
Yackandandah and Chiltern libraries hosted ‘Bee Bots’ while Beechworth and Rutherglen libraries ran ‘Cardboard Constructions’ with a ‘Paint a Flowerpot’ session held at Tangambalanga.
Imagination went wild in upcycling cardboard at a Beechworth library session with creations from rocket boosters, Ned Kelly
armor, a cubby house and everything in between.
Yackandandah, Beechworth, Chiltern and Rutherglen libraries also hosted ‘Graphic Novels are Great’.
Ms Shanley said holiday programs are popular with some booked out.
“It is pleasing that our families travel across the shire to different libraries for their children to take part,” she said.
“Children can socialise, make friends and build positive relationships.
“Two children exchanged ad-
dresses to become pen pals at these holidays sessions too.”
Ms Shanley said holiday programs also gave children a chance to explore activities not covered in school with an opportunity to ignite new interests and passions.
“Our programs often involve the community, bringing together children, some parents and facilitators in a collaborative effort to enhance children’s experiences,” she said.
A former secondary school teacher for many years, Ms Shanley has worked with Indigo Shire libraries for nearly six years.
“My passion is working with children of all ages, and I love the opportunities in this role to meet new parents and their babies and to also work with young children in a more informal environment than the school classroom,” she said.
“The positive interactions and wonderful relationships that I’ve been able to develop has been very rewarding.”
Ms Shanley said school holiday programs are a vital opportunity to showcase Indigo Shire libraries collections as well as their valued position in the community.
School holidays a buzz at bee school
By SAGE DAVIDSON
BEECHWORTH Honey’s Bee School, in addition to their school group sessions, coordinated Kids Bee Workshops during the school holidays.
Amelia Bourke, a teacher at the Bee School said these workshops aim to “ignite a sense of curiosity about bees”.
Beechworth Honey aims to help give young learners an understanding of the vital importance of bees beyond making honey and learn a few simple ways that they are able to help protect bees and the planet.
“The 60-minute workshops are interactive sessions in which kids get to take on the role of a queen bee, guard, cleaner, wax producer, nurse or
forager bee,” Ms Bourke said.
“Kids get to see how bees make honey and this links to the impact bees have on the environment they live in.
“Kids also get to look at real
bees under the microscope, explore and discover pollinatorfriendly plants, all specifically designed to educate and excite young minds.”
The workshops are designed
for kids aged between four to 11 years old, and each child entry cost includes a free entry for one adult per child.
Kids Bee Workshops at the Bee School run each holiday, spots can be secured on the Beechworth Honey website.
Beechworth Honey’s Bee school collaborated with the Wheen Bee foundation to create the Centre for Bee Education.
“The centre provides a wealth of learning resources and tools on the important role bees and other pollinators play in the environment and food production systems,” Ms Bourke said.
The centre is accessible for both teacher and student resources, more information can be found at wheenbeefoundation.org.au.
BUSY BEES: Beechworth Honey’s Bee School hosted school holiday workshops for children aged four to 11-years-old.
(10), Ewan Brokensha (7)
(10)
Cook (5) with her brother Ted (8) had heaps of fun with their creations at the a ‘Cardboard Constructions’ session held at Beechworth Library.
HOLIDAY FUN: Youngsters from near Ballina in NSW - Thea Griffiths (7) with brother Max (5) visiting Beechworth with family had a chance to join in a session and scored some help from library officer Anne Shanley for their rocket booster.
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YOUR OVENS AND MURRAY TEAM
U3A opens its doors for visits next week
By CORAL COOKSLEY
LOCALS around Indigo Shire have a chance to check out courses and activities run by Indigo U3A (University of the Third Age) next week.
The organisation’s open week is part of Indigo Shire’s Seniors Festival.
U3A president Neil Townsend said doors are being opened for everyone to come along and join scheduled classes.
“People can also see why we have so much fun here and they can sit in or join in with our classes,” he said.
“There’s an online schedule listed in our website and Facebook page, and we would just like interested people to let us know they are coming along so we can make sure there’s enough paint or whatever is needed in a class.
“We have a great range of courses and up to about 19 offered with lots of ad hoc ones too.”
Mr Townsend said classes are offered five and sometimes six days a week.
“We have also been given a five-year lease from the Council for our premises here at the Old Railway Station,” he said.
“This gives a sense of purpose and an opportunity now
to have more activities on site.”
Mr Towsend said the group has 163 members with an aim to increase numbers to 200.
“Once upon a time many people thought of U3A as an organisation just for retired people,” he said.
“It’s not and is for anyone who wants to join.
“People may be in their 40s
•
or early 50s and don’t work full time or have spare time and would like to be involved.”
He said among the great range of many courses are travel, philosophy, book club, scribblers and lots of art classes.
“There’s so much available, and the more people join in, the more we can do,” he said.
“People may come with ex-
periences or talents that we do not have and are willing to share and that’s what it’s all about.”
For more information about next week’s open week from October 21 to 27 at the Old Railway Station at 3B Harper Ave, Beechworth visit the Indigo U3A webpage at www.indigou3a.org.au, email indigo.u3a@gmail.com or phone 0492 830 612.
Authorised by Greg Bourke, Kiewa LPO, 31 Kiewa E Rd, Kiewa
CREATIVELY FOCUSED: U3A member, Scribbler tutor and participant Deb Borleis (left) with her work, artist Jennifer Paul and U3A and Scribblers’ group member Kylli Vasey at a workshop earlier this year.
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
ACROSS
1 Which elementary particle is present in every atomic nucleus (6)
7 Name a State of the southern central US (8)
8 What is a former name for stockings (6)
9 What is an occlusion of blood (8)
10 To be scurrilous in speech, language, etc, is to be what (6)
11 Name an alternative term for stupidity (8)
14 Which people sell soldout sporting tickets at an exorbitant price (8)
18 Salem is the capital of which State in the north-western US (6)
19 A bell pepper (USA) is called what in Australia (8)
21 Name the hard, aromatic seed of the fruit of an E Indian tree, used as a spice (6)
22 Name a disease of the peripheral nerves, caused by a deficiency in vitamin B (8)
23 To be ingenious, is to be what (6)
DOWN
1 Which gland, situated near the stomach, secretes an important digestive fluid (8)
Letters
2 What was the given name for Mr Edison, the US inventor (6)
3 To suddenly plunge downwards, is to do what (8)
4 What is a stick, with a crooked head, used in golf (4)
5 Which cottage is common in alpine regions (6)
6 When one entertains, one does what (6)
12 What is the inability to sleep called (8)
E-QUATIONS
13 What is the witching hour known as (8)
15 Name the red table wine of Bordeaux, France (6)
16 Name a renowned movie dog of yesteryear (6)
17 Who is under obligation to another (6)
20 What is the head cook known as (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 TAHINA
(a) A paste made of crushed sesame seeds (b) A South African weaver bird (c) A Maori woman
2 VOUCHSAFE
(a) To guarantee to be true (b) To maintain solemnly (c) To condescend
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:
East North East (3)
Explode like a balloon (5)
February (abb) (3)
High body temperature (5)
Inns (7)
Play against (coll) (5)
Quite a few (7)
Rapid Access Vehicle (3) Rodent (3) Variety
(5)
Solve
Phone: (03) 5723 0101
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2pm business day prior to print.
Phone: (03) 5723 0101 email:
Booking deadline: 3pm Monday prior to print.
Phone: (03) 5723 0100
Phone for quarterly booking deadline
Phone: (03) 5723 0100
Booking deadline: Second Friday of month
Phone: (03) 5723 0101
Booking deadline: 12 noon Monday prior to print.
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Beechworth Golf Club Annual General Meeting. To be held on Sunday 17th November 2024 at 4:30pm in the Club House all members welcome and light snacks provided.
Nominate now for the 2025 Australia Day Awards Help celebrate the outstanding achievements of local citizens in your community by nominating someone you know who deserves an Australia Day Award.
Award Categories Include: Indigo Shire Citizen of the Year
Indigo Shire Young Citizen of the Year
Indigo Shire Community Organisation of the Year
Emma George Junior Sporting Scholarship Application forms are available from Council offices and online.
Nominations close Sunday 10 November 2024. www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au/australiaday
PUBLIC NOTICE
FIRE HAZARDS
Ratepayers are advised that inspections of properties for fire hazards, or potential fire hazards, by the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer will commence in Rutherglen, Wahgunyah, Chiltern, Barnawartha, Yackandandah, KiewaTangambalanga, Beechworth and Stanley townships over coming weeks depending on weather conditions.
Owners/occupiers whose properties are overgrown with grass, weeds or other vegetation or contain rubbish which constitutes or will constitute a fire hazard, are requested to clean them up as soon as possible.
Following the inspections, Fire Prevention Notices will be issued, where necessary, requiring hazards to be removed within fourteen days of the notice. Non-compliance with directions will result in work being carried out by Council at the expense of the owners.
The Country Fire Authority Act 1958 prescribes the penalty for non-compliance of $1,976 for an on the spot fine, or a fine of up to $23,760 or twelve months prison or both.
Residents are also advised that permits to burn are required to be obtained from the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer, or by the Country Fire Authority, by any person wishing to burn off during the Declared Fire Danger Period.
Further information relating to fire prevention should be directed to Nick McDonald, Municipal Fire Prevention Officer on 03 57288000.
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MOTOR VEHICLES
Dragons wake at official opening of boating season
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A BEAUTIFUL spring day on Saturday set the scene for the dragon boat opening season with an ‘Awaking the dragon’ ceremony held by the local club at Beechworth’s Lake Sambell.
The blessing of boats on the day based on Chinese tradition included burning of incense, offerings of fruit and flowers and eyes dotted with paint to awaken the dragon from sleeping over winter.
A sprig of a spring onion placed in the dragon’s mouth for feeding after a long sleep, rice thrown in the water for river gods as well as paddlers getting back into the boat to paddle hard out from shore then
with paddles in to stop the boat to represent bowing dragons were part of the ceremony too.
Golden Serpents Dragon Boat Club president Julia Brinsdon Farr said three boats took to the water on Saturday with 43 paddlers as well as 10 new members on the day including some who had joined over the last few weeks.
With more than 50 paddlers on the water, event volunteers and a good cohort of spectators to see the blessing of the boats Julia said the event had been fantastic.
She said a training session had been held prior to ceremony.
With dragon boating a team sport and recreational activity Julia said the crew had lot of trust in
each other as they worked together in racing.
“The more synchronised the further you go where following the sweeps instructions needs to be followed so as not to rock the boat,” she said.
“Dragon boating is also a chance to be in a team with family members and I paddle with my 15-yearold daughter.”
The president said paddlers with different skill sets are in the boat with various physical and ability levels with always a spot in the boat for anyone interested in taking up the sport.
Dragon boating offers the chance to compete at national (Auroras Australian Dragon Boat team both
junior and senior), state and club levels.
The club competes in regattas including at Falls Creek, Geelong, Docklands and ACT on Lake Burley Griffin.
Julia read an acknowledgement to country while part of the blessing included a brief history of dragon boating and the significance of ‘Awakening of the Dragon’.
Part of the blessing ceremony also included a reading about the Chinese legend on how dragon boating began more than 2000 years ago.
For more information about the sport and Beechworth Dragon Club visit www.revolutionise.com.au/ beechworthdbc/home/.
Beechworth Wanderers open season in style
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
BEECHWORTH Wanderers A grade begun their 2024/25 campaign with an emphatic 62-run win over City Colts.
Sent into bat first at Bill O’Callaghan Oval, the Wanderers had their struggles early at 3/57, before skipper Brenton Surrey (65) and Jack Ryan (55) combined for a 104-run stand.
The partnership could’ve been broken much earlier, had the Colts held onto their chances in the field.
After the pair departed, courtesy of Josh Nanson, the Wanderers batted out their overs to post a difficult score to chase.
The season couldn’t have started any better with the ball for Beechworth as Tim Cogger struck Tyler Nanson on the pads first ball of the innings and departed LBW.
While Mitch Giggins (49 off 49) was a steadying presence with the bat, consistent wickets stifled any chance for City Colts to gain mo-
mentum as they were rolled for 140 within 34 overs.
Cogger led from the front with 4/22 opening the bowling while Kayde Surrey pitched in with a tidy 3/6 off just four overs.
Beechworth A grade have the bye this weekend before their home opener against Ovens Valley the following week.
In the B grade, Beechworth went down by five wickets to Rovers United Bruck at Mayday Hills in their first game of the summer.
Batting first, the Wanderers were bowled out for 131 with six batters passing double figures topped by Steven Weldon (24) and Dylan Pool (24).
Despite some moments with the ball, Rovers proved to have too much firepower with bat in hand, chasing down the total in 26 overs.
Jed Enslow was the pick of the bowlers taking 2/31.
Next week B grade take on Rutherglen while C grade begin their season at Stanley against Gapsted.
TOURNAMENT CHAMPION: Josh Carr (right) claimed Beechworth Golf Club’s Men’s Annual Tournament last week shooting 72 off the stick. Carr claims annual men’s tournament
By DYLAN POOL
ON Sunday we held our 2024 Men’s Annual Tournament.
A total of 37 players took part from St James, Yackandandah, Strathmerton, Tarrawingee, Myrtleford, Corowa and Howlong.
Josh Carr was the 2024 tournament champion with a great scratch score of 72.
Dylan Pool was the scratch runner up with 74.
Handicap winner was Dave Clark (14) with 67 nett. Handicap runner up was Ken Miller (Tarrawingee, 15) 68.
A grade 9 holes out was won by Steve Piddington with 33 nett.
A grade 9 holes in winner was Jacob Howard with 32 nett.
In the B grade the run away winner was John Bromley (St James, 36) with a fantastic score of 43 points.
B grade runner up was Angelo Garraffo (Tarrawingee, 22) with 39 points on a countback from fellow Tarrawingee member Peter Nolan (26) 39 points.
B grade 9 holes out winner was Mick Deuis with 20 points on a countback from Peter Billsdon (Yackandandah).
B grade 9 holes in winner was James Macallman (Yackandandah) 20 points on a countback from Daryl Rowe.
Nearest the pins went to Dylan Pool on the 3rd, Dave Clark on the 5th, Manny Tanirau on the 7th, Kevin Dunn 10th and Shane Rohrich on the 17th.
Big thanks to Gail Smith for helping out with the lunch and making the scones, they were great.
Dean Howard for the set up out the front, lunch, running the drinks around and the majority of the clean up.
Jamie Dolny for the bar and drinks cart.
Also to Jacob Howard for helping out with groups, results and presentations.
Also again to Graeme Cordy on the course, Andy Croome who just about has the golf club as his second home and everyone that has turned up to working bees and volunteered on the course.
This coming Sunday there is a group of us heading to Tarra for their tournament.
WAITING: Jack Ryan contributed in a match-winning 104-run partnership with Brenton Surrey, finishing with 55 off his own bat. PHOTO: Marc Bongers
CELEBRATED: Golden Serpents Dragon Boat Club enjoyed the opening season ceremony and paddling on Lake Sambell on Saturday.
PADDLED: Golden Serpents Dragon Boat Club paddlers on Lake Sambell on the official opening day of the dragon boat season.
AWAKE: Golden Serpents Dragon Boat Club paddler Liana France awakens the dragon by painting its eyes at the ceremony held on Saturday at Lake Sambell. PHOTOS: Christine Gabiel and Diane Edmondson
Old foe to lead Beechworth in 2025
Bushrangers sign former Kiewa-Sandy Creek, Dederang-Mount Beauty coach Jack Neil ggy,gy
CRUSHED
BRENTON Surrey opened the 2024/25 season in trademark style, top scoring with 64 in his team’s win.
■ Story page 11
PHOTO: Marc Bongers
BEECHWORTH have landed a major coup in highly regarded TDFL leader Jack Neil as senior coach for next season.
Neil will replace Tom Cartledge as coach, who will be remaining in the side as a player only next year after leading the senior side to three straight finals campaigns.
Outgoing president Adam Fendyk said former coach Brayden Carey had reached out to Neil as he assisted with the search for a new senior coach.
“We’ve seen him as an opposition coach along the way so we knew his credentials somewhat, but he turns out to be a ripping fellow and a great fit for what we’re doing,” he said.
Neil boasts an impressive coaching resume at three other clubs following more than 200 games with Dederang-Mount Beauty as a player.
He coached Upper Murray side Federals to a premiership in 2016, oversaw a competitive Bombers outfit throughout 2018-19 and took Kiewa Sandy Creek to two straight grand finals in 2022 and 2023.
Fendyk said bringing in someone with the coaching experience of Neil from outside of the club would spark fresh ideas and exciting new ways to go about their football.
“He’s got some serious coaching prowess and importantly some real experience at other clubs
BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au
through coaching and playing,” he said.
“We’re a whole lot more insular for the most part, I’ve been around Beechworth, Tom’s been around Beechworth most of his life, Brayden’s similar; so to have someone who has been at some of the pinnacle clubs in the competition and find out what they do and how they do it is pretty interesting.
“There’s nothing like experience to make things better for you.”
Fendyk said he expected Neil would provide a major boost to the whole football club program.
“We’ll be encouraging the other coaches to work with him and vice versa so that we’re able to at least have players in seniors, reserves and thirds moving into senior football ready,” he said.
“We want to develop players moving into other grades as well.”
The club held their AGM on Thursday night, with Fendyk, who has served as club president for eight years in two separate stints since 2010, announcing he would be stepping down from the role.
“Like Tom has said, I think it’s time for another voice for people to hear, I’m starting to get sick of my voice myself,” he said.
