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BEECHWORTH - CHILTERN - RUTHERGLEN - STANLEY - YACKANDANDAH Friday, January 19, 2024

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ART LOVER NORTH East artist Jennifer Paull showcased her landscape in pastel to teach U3A participants about using the medium during a two-day workshop earlier this week, alongside U3A member Neil Townsend. ■ Full story page 5 PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

Dragon boaters ramp up training Page 3

Local ‘foodie’ course begins Page 5

Blaze response boost Prison partnership p p reaps p benefits for rural brigade g firefighters g SEVERAL Beechworth CFA Rural Fire Brigade members undertook vital training to use a new water pump trailer at Lake Sambell on Monday. The pump means faster efficient water fills to trucks from lakes and dams in times of bushfires. Built by the Beechworth Correctional Centre’s Industries’ metal fabrication team, the project has been a partnership between the centre, Beechworth Fire Brigade

BY CORAL COOKSLEY ccooksley@ nemedia.com.au

and Billson’s Brewery. A Department of Justice and Community Safety spokesperson said the team had worked hard to finish the trailer ahead of the 2024 bushfire season, allowing fire trucks to be filled with water in under four minutes.

The trailer will replace small and slow portable pumps. Key features of the trailer include twin insulated food and drink coolers, a roof-mounted solar panel, an electronic control panel with USB charging points to charge phones and radios and LED lights for night responses. Beechworth Rural Fire Brigade captain Bruce Forrest said the Correctional Centre’s team worked on the project from start to finish

before an official handover at the Correctional Centre last week with a demonstration of the trailer’s capabilities. “Today we’ve been able to take brigade members through every equipment feature on the trailer so it can be used operationally across the whole district,” he said. “The trailer can be operated by any trained member of the brigade.” ■ Continued page 2

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By CORAL COOKSLEY

Published by Hartley Higgins for North East Media Pty Ltd, 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta, 3677. Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Editor Jeff Zeuschner. Copyright: All advertising and editorial content of this issue is the copyright of North East Media Pty Ltd and cannot be used without the company’s permission. NEWSPAPER DEADLINES: 'LVSOD\ DGV ERRNLQJV ........ 12 noon Monday 'LVSOD\ DGV FRS\ ............... 12 noon Monday &ODVVLILHGV ........................... 3pm Wednesday *HQHUDO 1HZV ...................... 9.15am Monday 6SRUWV UHVXOWV ....................... 9.15am Monday /HWWHUV .................................. 9.15am Monday

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TRAINED UP: Beechworth CFA Rural Fire Brigade volunteers Sally Hayden (left), Russell James, Bret Lacey, Kelli Hicks, Pat Hayden, David Lang, Warwick Deuis and Captain Bruce Forrest at the training session with the new water pump trailer this week at Lake Sambell. PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

Blaze response boost ■ From page 1

Editor Ryan Malcolm

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Captain Forrest said the trailer was also set up with a shade awning on one side for the volunteer operator. “If another brigade pulls up, we can fill up their tank within the four minutes and provide them with refreshments while waiting,” he said. “The trailer not only adds value to Beechworth’s CFA Rural Fire Brigade but across the district because it will be used at many different fires.” Captain Forrest said with new

trucks the brigade needed a bigger quick-fill pump to fill them in a fire. “Trailer building started around October last year and it’s an amazing piece of equipment,” he said. “Three fire brigade members with around 120 years of combined experience drew up a rough plan and the Correctional Centre team helped with the design. “The Correctional Centre team turned the project into fruition in under three months. “ Captain Forrest said the vehicle is high quality, very func-

tional, works well and is believed to be the first water pump trailer built by the metal fabrication team. The Department of Justice and Community Safety spokesperson said staff worked with people in custody to help them build skills through training, education, employment and community reintegration programs. ”This ensures they have the best chance of leading safe and productive lives when they return to the community,” the spokesperson said.

WOORAGEE residents are invited to a social fun day at the Wooragee Hall from midday this Sunday. A barbecue and salads will be provided courtesy of Indigo Shire Council funding. The event fronts as a great chance to socialise with people you know and to meet others living in the area. Children are welcome and organised games will be provided. Confirmation for catering purposes is requested. For more information and to RSVP, visit https:// events.humanitix. com/community-bbqlunch.

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Training ramps up for local dragon boat club members HALFWAY through the dragon boat season means paddling hard and fast for local club members taking up the challenge of regattas. Beechworth’s Golden Serpent Dragon Boat Club president Brendan Maher said 44 members will head to Falls Creek on the long weekend to race in a regional regatta. At around 1600 metres above sea level, the Falls Creek Dragon Boat Regatta is the highest dragon boat event in Australia and has been held at Rocky Valley Lake for more than a decade. “It will be a fun regatta and we have the most members going ever since the club formed three years ago,” Brendan said. “It’s in our backyard and we’re really excited.” Brendan said training will ramp up following the

BY CORAL COOKSLEY ccooksley@ nemedia.com.au

meet with a focus on the State Championships in March, which are set to be held at Carrum Downs near Frankston. “We’ll then build on that to be ready for the Australian Championships which will be in Perth in April,” he said. “We have a number of members who have been successful in getting into the regional team for Victoria as well as members in the state team to represent Victoria. “We’re well represented and should have a junior state team too that we’re building up.” Brendan said the club is going from strength to strength with new members

PULLED IN: Beechworth Golden Serpent Dragon Boat members finish a training session at Lake Sambell on Monday afternoon this week. PHOTO: Coral Cooksley enjoying the sport and beginning to compete. Having been involved for around 14 years, Brendan said dragon boating was a lot of fun. “There’s the fitness side of it too and over the years

we’ve made many friendships through paddling, not only around Australia, but overseas as well,” he said. He said the Beechworth Dragon Boat Club is fortunate to have many families involved as well as couples.

Besides attracting members from Beechworth people from around the region including Albury-Wodonga, Myrtleford and Mount Beauty have been drawn to the club. Brendan and coach Cindy

Ellis represented Australia along with some members from other North East dragon boat clubs last year in the crew. The team won gold medals in the 16th International Dragon Boat Festival World Championship held in Thailand in August. The paddling pair had been selected for the Auroras Australian Dragon Boat team after undergoing a vigorous benchmarking process. Brendan said Dragon Boat Victoria has helped the local club with a dragon boat from its new fleet to replace an aged one, which had originally been gifted by another club. He said fundraising will be undertaken to help pay for the new one which has helped the club to retain two boats.

Successful family friendly event on again this year By CORAL COOKSLEY

SANTAS HELPERS: Beechworth Fire Brigade volunteers Damien Jones (left), Rohan France, Santa and David Garcia at last year’s Christmas family fun night hosted by the Beechworth Rotary Club. PHOTO: Patricia Broom

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Local business sponsors – Billson’s Beechworth, Beechworth Bakery, CC Quality Meats and Nelly’s Niche SANTA’S red suit matched the colour – chipped in with food and drinks of the big red truck he travelled in supporting the club to make the free when arriving with a blip of the siren event possible on top of the Fire Brigade just before Christmas at Lake Sambell’s Sandy Beach area to the delight of many and Indigo Shire’s support. John said some Beechworth youngsters. Secondary College students trained up Beechworth Fire Brigade volunteers to provide face painting for the excited with big hearts helped Santa to get to kids. his destination and hand out a haul of “It’s great to bring Rotary into the lollies for the kids at family fun night community for people to know about hosted by the Beechworth Rotary Club what we do as we are part of the on December 21 last year. Beechworth Fire Brigade’s Rohan France community and support the community too,” he said. said it was great to help Santa out. The Rotary president said the family “It was a busy time coming up for him as well as the reindeers and we were able friendly event brought people together. “It’s a great way to connect with each to help the reindeers rest their legs,” he other,” he said. said. “And we loved seeing smiles on the The popular event in its second year drew around 400 people, with the crowd kids’ faces.” Rohan said the event is about enjoying a free sausage sizzle as well as community supporting community. drinks. “We are part of the community and Rotary Club president John Strang service the community in lots of different said the club plans to run the successful ways besides fighting fires and safety event again this year. education. “It has been well received by the We’re always willing to a lend a hand.” community,” he said.

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Letters to the editor

Take pride in Australia’s achievements AUSTRALIA Day on January 26 marks the beginning of modern Australia, a country that has become one of the great democratic nations of the world since it was first settled by the British in 1788. Does anyone really believe that no Europeans would have come here during the great age of exploration? Does anyone believe that a giant fence would have been erected around the Australian continent protecting the original inhabitants from outside influences? Yes, there was violence, injustice and mistakes. There has also been democracy, freedom of speech and the rule of law. Australia has turned out to be a pretty good place, having very little to be sorry for. It has welcomed millions of people from all over the world to new lives of safety, freedom and prosperity. We should be proud of our achievements, not sorry. We need to protect our way of life that, more than ever, is under threat from internal and external enemies. Take pride in Australia and celebrate what we have when compared to many other places in our troubled world. John Harvey, Beechworth

LETTERS to the editor must be signed with the full name, address and contact telephone number of the author provided. Letters under 250 words are preferred and we reserve the right to edit letters to fit available space. Nom de plumes will only be published at the editor’s discretion. Opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by the Ovens and Murray Advertiser. Email edit.omadvertiser @nemedia.com.au Fax 03 5721 9447 Post Ovens & Murray Advertiser North East Media 37 Rowan St, Wangaratta, Vic 3677

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Indigo U3A offers five new courses this year

By CORAL COOKSLEY

AN Indigo U3A member with years of experience in the hospitality industry will be running one of five new courses on offer to members this year among its educational, recreational and social programs. Details about ‘Let’s Talk about Food’ as well as other courses and activities run by the voluntary senior group can be checked out at U3A’s information and enrolment event being held at the Beechworth Servicemen’s Memorial Hall on January 23 between 10am and 12 noon. ‘Foodie’ course mastermind Neil Townsend said next week’s event was a great chance for people over 50 years old in the community to meet tutors and chat about courses. “If you haven’t been before, come along, find out what it’s all about and join straightaway and sign up for your classes on the same day or enrol online,” he said. Neil said U3A offered many opportunities and benefits to people. Speaking from experience in joining the group after moving from Sydney, Neil said he came to the town without knowing anyone. “I’ve been here for three years now and have the biggest circle of friends I could have ever imagined,” he said. “I’m in my new home, have new friends and have something to do every day. “It’s an opportunity to meet people and I’m here up to five days a week. “I spent my all my life wanting to paint and now I am.” Among five new courses are Dance Scottish, a beginner’s

CHUFFED: Neil Townsend will be sharing his professional hospitality knowledge this year in a new U3A course ‘Let’s Talk about Food’. PHOTO: Coral Cooksley course to have fun learning to play the ukulele and sing or do both, poetry and discussions, a First Nations eight-week history course developed by First Nations people as well as ‘Let’s Talk about Food’. “In the course on food among topics we will talk about are food, diet, recipes, menu planning, swapping recipes – it’s all about something we love around food,” Neil said.

He said some courses are held off site such as well as a monthly jazz appreciation night held at the RSL Club. “Membership is gradually creeping up every year and there’s always room for more people,” Neil said of the 150-strong group. “The more people we have, the more opportunity we have to provide new classes and we’re always looking for people to come along and share their skills with

an informal class of their own. “We’re a volunteer organisation and it’s a lot of fun.” For more information on U3A and its existing 18 courses and activities stretching from bike riding, family history stories, to coffee mornings and everything in between as well as the five new courses visit next week’s information and enrolment session or the U3A website at www.indigou3a.org.au.

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Community painting in pastels By CORAL COOKSLEY IMPRESSIVE creative work shone at a two-day art workshop by an awardwinning artist for Indigo U3A (University of the Third Age) members this week. Nine members from U3A’s Scribblers group enjoyed the 9.30am to 4pm sessions under well-known artist Jennifer Paull, held at the Old Beechworth Railway Station in Harper Avenue. Jennifer - an oil and pastel artist - hails from near Benalla. She is also a signatory member of both the Victorian Artists Society and the Pastel Society of Victoria Australia. U3A participant Mike Bydder said it was terrific being a member of the supportive U3A group. Mike said he joined the Scribblers cohort about four years ago. He said the workshop gave participants the chance to gain more experience and knowledge. “It’s just good to be able to come along and learn how to draw and paint and the group is terrific,” he said. “It was good to watch Jennifer go through the process that I really enjoyed.”

CREATIVELY FOCUSED: U3A member, Scribbler tutor and participant Deb Borleis (left) with her work, artist Jennifer Paull with U3A and Scribblers’ group member Kylli Vasey with her work at this week’s workshop. Scribblers tutor and volunteer for the weekly-run art group Deb Borleis said she had invited Jennifer to run the special workshop as the group enjoyed working in pastels. U3A member Neil Townsend said the workshop had been a great opportunity to learn from a professional artist. Jennifer led the group

by demonstrating with one of her landscapes in pastel, with most participants electing to undertake the same one she worked on while others delved into other subjects. “They’ve all done extremely well, I’m very proud of all of them as they are virtually all beginners and I’m really impressed,” Jennifer said.

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“I’ve had the best time today, and I hope they’ve all enjoyed themselves as much as I have.” Jennifer said the course is good for anyone, anywhere who felt they would like to be creative in some way. “It doesn’t matter what you do but pastel is a wonderful medium,” she said. “It’s easy to use and

ARTISTIC: U3A and Scribblers’ member Mike Bydder enjoyed this week’s art workshop with North East artist Jennifer Paull. PHOTOS: Coral Cooksley messy but it’s a lot of fun, very versatile and I love it.” An artist for more than 50 years, Jennifer said she started painting in oil using the medium for a long time before taking up working in pastel in 2005. Jennifer’s artwork stretches from portrait and human figure to still life and landscapes.

Regular exhibitions held in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, New York and Victoria’s North East followed her first exhibition in 1983. An exhibition of her work in August last year held at the Art Gallery on Ovens in Wangaratta had been Jennifer’s fourth exhibition at the local artistrun community gallery.

Detox your Home is coming to Beechworth Detox your Home is Victoria’s free, safe way to dispose of unwanted household and garden chemicals – without harming your health or the environment.

Here's 5 things you can do: Register today for Sustainability Victoria’s free household chemical drop-off day, supported by Indigo Shire Council. 1. Get your COVID-19 or flu vaccination if you are due for one.

2. Practice social distancing or wear a mask if you can't.

3. Stay at home if you are unwell. Make sure you avoid any sensitive settings, including hospitals and aged care facilities.

Detox your Home accepts: Acids and alkalis Aerosol cans Ammonia based cleaners Anti-freeze, coolant Brake ﬂuid Car care products and waxes Cooking oil Cosmetics, nail polish and remover Detergents, bleach, disinfectants and drain cleaner Fertilisers Fire extinguishers Floor-care products and waxes Fuels: petrol, diesel, kerosene, other Glues: water-based and solvents Hand sanitiser

Herbicides and weed killers Insect spray, pesticides, rat poison Oven cleaner Pool chemicals Solvents Thinners, turps and paint stripper Transmission ﬂuid Wood preservatives and ﬁnishes And other items found at home with these symbols:

For a full list of chemicals accepted, visit: www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/ accepteditems

Wash or santise your hands often.

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To register

Cough or sneeze into your elbow.

Saturday 10 February 2024 11.00 am to 2.00pm Beechworth Transfer Station 1620 Diffey Road, Beechworth

Scan the QR code, visit sustainability.vic.gov.au/ detoxyourhome or call 1300 363 744

For more public health advice, go to awh.org.au/omphu

Detox your Home events are drive-through and contactless. For safety reasons we can’t accept containers of more than 20 litres or 20 kilograms. Chemicals can’t be emptied out of their containers and the containers cannot be returned to you, so bring them in the original packaging or disposable containers.

Page 6 - ADVERTISER, Friday, January 19, 2024

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LARP community to carve own path in rural city Australia Start-up p fantasyy roleplay p y initiative receives overwhelming g local response p online By RYAN MALCOLM KNIGHTS, elves, witches and goblins could soon become a common sight in Wangaratta, amid overwhelming local interest in establishing a live action role play (LARP) community in the rural city. Inspired by the fantasy genre and popular table top games such as Dungeons and Dragons with roots dating back to the 1970s, LARP shares similarities with historical re-enactments popularised around the globe, with “more of an emphasis on creating your own story”, according to local convener Jacob Selwood. A Facebook post about the upstart initiative made by Mr Selwood last week garnered almost 300 comments from rural city residents, with many expressing their interest in participating or observing, or offering to assist in the construction of LARP-specific foam weapons or plastic armour. “Currently I’m a part of a different LARP group called ‘Stormglow’ which operates in Albury/Wodonga – I noticed we had about half a dozen members who were from Wangaratta so I put it out there to see if anybody else was interested, and apparently, a lot of people were interested,” Mr Selwood said. “Usually a scenario is played out with two opposing factions, sometimes even three opposing factions depending on how many people and they run scenarios like capture the hill or storming a castle. “There are officials who run it called ‘sheriffs’ – those individuals are sort of like referees, they make sure everyone’s following the rules and such. “I was expecting maybe 20 or so people being interested – it’s kind of got to about 10 times that at the mo-

CALL TO ARMS: (Left to right) Jacob Selwood, Nathan Campbell, Matthew Gambold and Kylie McConnell are playing a key role in establishing a live action role play community in Wangaratta. PHOTO: Ryan Malcolm ment I think, so it’s a lot more than I expected but I’m very enthusiastic about setting this up now.” The ‘Warcry Wangaratta’ Facebook page has since swelled to 175 members, and while Mr Selwood said there were still some hoops to jump through, namely council approval and insurance costs, he had been buoyed by the overall positivity around the initiative. Those participating in a ‘Warcry’ battle night will be expected to pay a cost of $7.50, with weapons also

available to rent for an additional cost. Those electing to spectate will be able to do so for free. A potential venue is also yet to be decided, however, Mr Selwood said the events would likely take place at either of Merriwa or Apex parks. “I’ve had dozens of people reach out towards me asking how they can help essentially, even food vendors asking if they could cater for it,” Mr Selwood said. “There definitely appears to be

a real appetite for this to happen, a lot of people are looking forward to it. “I have actually approached the council about it and they are very much enthusiastic for it as well. “It’ll most likely be a weekly event and occasionally we’ll have bigger events, but usually it’ll just be a weekly thing where people can come and participate or have a week off if they need to.” For more information, search ‘Warcry Wangaratta’ on Facebook.

Lesley completes journey to ordination By CHLOE JAENICKE NORTHEAST Health Wangaratta (NHW) regional infection and control consultant, Lesley Lewis, was recently ordained as a priest at the Holy Trinity Cathedral Wangaratta. The ordination took place on Saturday, December 2 with Ms Lewis surrounded by colleagues from NHW as she was ordained by the Bishop of Wangaratta, Right Reverend Clarence Bester. Rev’d Lewis said a persistent sense that she was being called into ordained ministry took a real turning point in 2017 while in the Anglican Communion delegation at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. “While in this delegation I experienced an inspirational model of women’s ministry that had a poise and grace that was something that I could commit to,” she said. “Following ongoing spiritual reflection I entered a discernment process with the church to formally explore the sense that God is calling me into ordained ministry.” Rev’d Lewis said there was a rigorous evaluation and selection process due to ordained ministry being considered to be a vocation and a calling rather than ambition.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT: NHW colleagues Helen Tiffin, Kim Comensoli, Lesley Lewis and Jason O’Keeffe came to support Rev’d Lesley Lewis when she was ordained. “The process of discernment to ministry involves a journey of growth and maturity in faith and involves many elements,” she said. “While my journey began with a personal or subjective sense of calling, it continued with an objective evaluation by the church through its vocational and discernment processes.” The evaluation includes consideration of the individual including personal characteristics, vocational and faith characteristics, professional capacity and qualification. To meet these requirements Ms Lewis completed a Graduate Diploma of Divinity at the University of

Divinity and is currently completing a Master of Theological Studies. She also completed ministry development and training with supervised ministry under the direction of an ordained priest which involved serving in multiple parish settings including the Wangaratta West, Alpine, Beechworth and Yackandandah parishes. Rev’d Lewis said the ordination was a deeply spiritual experience for her. “It felt like I was finally stepping forward into the space where God intends me to be; and a new beginning by following this calling to work for the mission of God in worship, prayer

and service for others,” she said. Over her 40 year career at NHW Rev’d Lewis has had many highlights including serving as an elected member of the executive council of the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control and international recognition as the first Australian recipient of the prestigious Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) International Ambassador Award. She was also a part of a two year secondment to the Department of Health public health pandemic response initiatives and was recognised by NHW as one of the 2023 recipients of the Quality Improvement and Consumer Experience Clinical Excellence and Patient Safety Award. While being an ordained priest is a new vocation for Rev’d Lewis, she said it is a journey that is parallel to her nursing career. “My role as an infection prevention and control consultant does not involve ministry and therefore my work at NHW will not change,” she said. “While this does not alter my work responsibilities, the personal growth and experiences that I am receiving through my ministry is giving me a wider holistic view and interpretation of the world around me.”

Day events across the shire

A HOST of Australia Day events are set to be held across Indigo Shire next Friday, including local entertainment, awards presentations, guest speakers and flag raising and flag lowering ceremonies. Beechworth: 8am at the Town Hall Gardens, Loch Street for a community barbecue, award presentations and entertainment, hosted by Beechworth Lions Club, Rotary Club of Beechworth, Beechworth CWA and Beechworth Scouts. Barnawartha: 7.30am at the Soldiers Memorial Hall, High Street for a community barbecue and award presentations hosted by the Barnawartha Soldiers Memorial Hall Committee. Chiltern: 9.45am at the Tourist Park, Main Street for a community morning tea, entertainment and awards presentation, hosted by the Black Dog Creek Fishing Club. Kiewa Tangambalanga: 11am at Kiewa Memorial Park, Kiewa East Road for a community lunch, awards presentation and entertainment, hosted by the Tangambalanga Lions Club. Rutherglen: 7.45am at the Lions Park, Douglas Street for a community breakfast, entertainment and awards presentation, hosted by the Rotary Club of Rutherglen. Wahgunyah: 9.30am at Willows Recreation Reserve, Wahgunyah for a community barbecue and awards presentation, hosted by the Wahgunyah Progress Association. Yackandandah: Council is currently seeking volunteers to run the Yackandandah Australia Day event in 2025, after being unable to coordinate a 2024 event. Those interested in volunteering their community group are urged to visit https:// au.openforms.com/ Form/210a41555772-4db2-ba562b9d167bb360.

ADVERTISER, Friday, January 19, 2024 - Page 7

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Fighting to protect her community Elizabeth Gill ELIZABETH Gill was born in Beechworth before a move to South Gippsland when she was young. She returned to Beechworth with her family in 1998 and shifted to Chiltern nine years later. She said it was the “best move we ever made” by returning to her North East home. What do you do in the community? I joined the CFA (Country Fire Authority) 10 years ago. I am a firefighter, driver, junior leader, peer support officer and community engagement officer. I do it because I wanted to be part of something that was community focused. What brought you to your role in the CFA? My family has a long association with the CFA going back generations. My children joined the Junior Volunteer Development Program (JVDP) in Chiltern and I ended up joining as a junior volunteer program leader. From there it was a progression to fire fighting and driving the trucks (which is the best fun in case anyone is wondering).

DEDICATED CFA VOLUNTEER: Chiltern’s Elizabeth Gill joined the CFA to be part of something community-focused. The JDVP runs in brigades across Victoria with the aim to introduce 11 to 15-year-olds to CFA by giving them safe, enjoyable and challenging activities. What do you love about being a volunteer?

I love the ‘can do’ attitude of volunteers. They just seem to get things done, and I love that. Besides protecting local communities, where has being a volunteer taken you such as to the recent Queensland floods? And why is it important to be able to

help other communities outside the area? I’m part of the peer support program at CFA, so we head off all over the north of the state and as far as Gippsland and at a moment’s notice to support brigades and individuals. Fires don’t respect

borders so we can be anywhere. Being available to communities outside our area is important because that’s what we do, and other volunteers are here for us when we need them too. Is there an important community issue that you think needs addressing? I have been so impressed with the Chiltern Athenaeum volunteers who have been working and fundraising to install climate control systems in the building. The Athenaeum is an amazing place, and its volunteers are an amazing group of people doing an important job. What do you see as one of the most important current world issues? Well, we could talk about climate change, but that would take a whole page, wouldn’t it? If the person you would most like to meet came to Indigo Shire (past or present), or was already here, who would that be, what would you show them, and why? I would love my dad to be able to be here to see how Indigo Shire is developing. Dad died in 2016. He was the shire engineer in Beechworth in the 1960s and had a great passion for local history and people. What book are you reading? I’m reading ‘A Kentish Lad: The Autobiography of Frank Muir.’ It is a great read written by the late British entertainer who seemed to communicate effortlessly.

Festival celebrating diversity returns to Wangaratta AFTER a successful inaugural event in 2023, Wangaratta will host the next Pride Fair Day on Friday, February 9 at Batchelors Green on Tone Road. The large free, family friendly festival aims to celebrate LGBTQIA+ music and culture, and will be showcasing local and national musicians and performers. LINE Wangaratta executive officer Allison Winters (they/them) said Pride Fair Day is so important for the local LGBTQIA+ community. “The last year has seen the cancellation of pride events statewide and an increase in homophobic and transphobic commentary in the media and at kitchen tables,” they said.

“We’re showing our community and the general population that celebrating our culture, history and survival is vital. “Young people growing up in regional areas can see the hate and that doesn’t make it a safe place. “We’re determined to show everyone that the LGBTQIA+ community brings value, both socially and economically.” The event organising committee has comprised nine organisations, led by LINE Wangaratta and including Rural City of Wangaratta, Grit and Resilience Program, Indigo Shire, VACCA, Mental Health and Wellbeing Local, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Catholic Care and

JOIN US: Elena Sewell-Dolphin (left), Allison Winters (centre) and Denise Pirko have rolled out the rainbow carpet inviting the community to help celebrate Pride Fair Day on February 9 at Wangaratta Lions Park - Batchelors Green on Tone Road. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling Centre Against Violence. The 2023 event hosted at King George Gardens had an overwhelming 500 peo-

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ple attend, much larger than event organisers expected. The move to Wangaratta Lions Park - Batchelors

Green, next to the police station in Wangaratta, allows for a larger stage, more seating, and a larger number of stalls and food trucks. “We have over 60 stalls currently registered to attend, including 10 food trucks, with visitors coming from Melbourne, other regional areas such as Ballarat, Bendigo, and Shepparton as well as interstate visitors coming,” Allison said. “This is massive for Wangaratta and our region. “There will be free activities at stalls from local services and organisations, as well as market stalls from local businesses selling wares, craft items, books and more. “There will also be a lot of

family-friendly free activities including face-painting, showbags, jumping castles and lawn games. “Allies are very much welcome at the Pride Fair Day. “We wouldn’t be where we are now without our fabulous allies, so we encourage them to come along to the Fair Day with their friends, co-workers and families and join us in celebrating diversity together.” The Pride Fair is a free event that will be held from 4-8pm, Friday, February 9, at Batchelors Green Park, Tone Road, Wangaratta. More information about LINE Wangaratta at www. linewangaratta.org or www. facebook.com/linewangaratta/.

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JOHNSTONE, Hilary Ann. 12/4/1964 – 12/1/2024 Passed away suddenly at home on January 12, 2024. Daughter of the late George and late Eileen (Bonnie) Johnstone of Wooragee. Much loved sister of Ian, Neil and Kevin. Loved sister-in-law of Wen, Nicole and Katie. Special Aunty to Shaun, Kirsty, Carly, Ashlee, Lachlan, Owen, Bryce, Jason and Jaymee. Also a loved Great Aunty.

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JOHNSTONE, Hilary. 12/10/1964 - 12/1/2024 Beloved sister of Ian and Wen. Loved Auntie of Shaun, Kirsty, Ashlee and Carly. Great-Auntie of Alex, Madi, Peyton, Summer, Will, Tallon, Arlie and Marley. Taken too soon. Now sleeping with the angels. Forever imprinted in our hearts.

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JOHNSTONE, Hilary Ann. Passed away on January 12, 2024. Much loved sister to Kevin, sister in-law to Katie, Aunty to Jason and Lauren, Jaymee and Terry, Great Aunty to Lachlan, Sophie, Georgia and Madeleine. In our hearts you will always stay loved and remembered every day.

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ADVERTISER, Friday, January 19, 2024 - Page 11

SPORT

Sun brings out best in Summer Cup By DYLAN POOL

HOTLY CONTESTED: The 158th Rutherglen Regatta attracted more than 600 competitors last weekend.

Rutherglen regatta enjoys bumper turnout THE 158th running of Australia’s oldest rowing regatta at Lake Moodemere last weekend was a huge success. This regatta dates back to 1860 and 160 years later, it still continues to grow and create excitement. Over 600 competitors entered the regatta for over 300 races over the two days of racing. Clubs from around Victoria entered the regatta with strong contingents from many of the strong

Melbourne clubs such as Essendon and Mercantile rowing clubs. The features of the regatta were the Victorian Sprint Championships for the open events on Sunday. The competition was strong for all the events with many races going down to the last stroke of the race. The award for the most successful club at the regatta was narrowly won by Essendon Rowing Club from Mercantile Rowing

Club and Corowa Rowing Club. Mercantile Rowing Club’s Andrew McNeil said the event had been a huge success. “We love coming to this regatta,” he said. “The feel of the regatta is great and it is the best regatta of the season to get a lot of races under the belt. “We will be coming back next season for sure with even bigger numbers.” It was also great to see the

newly formed Lake Eildon Rowing Club competing at their first ever regatta along with many smaller clubs which travelled great distances to reach Rutherglen. The Murray Rowing Association would like to thank all of its volunteers, sponsors, Indigo Shire Council and supporters for enabling us to host this regatta which frequently gets voted as the best regatta in Rowing Victoria’s annual awards.

LAST Thursday we had 14 players front up on a hot afternoon for twilight golf on the back nine at Beechworth Golf Club. Kerin Rowbottom had an afternoon to remember, winning the competition with a great score of 24 points (22+2), while the runner up for the club voucher was Emilio Miranda with 23 (21+2). Ball winners were Jarryd Pritchard 21 (17+4), John Sheehan 21 (17+4) and Brian Cropley 21 (13+8). Ben Ryder took home the cash for his nearest chip on the 14th. Last Wednesday there was a good turn out for a Stableford event. Nada Guyatt had a great day scoring 38 points, with runner up Pam Nankervis securing second with 32 points on a countback from Gail Smith. On Sunday we held the second round of the Summer Cup. Daryl Rowe in his first round of 18 holes in a while, took home the win with 34 points, the runner up was Andy Croome with 33 and Jamie Dolny ran in third with 32. After two rounds, Brian Cropley and Andy Croome are out in front with 63 points, followed by Zane Howard on 62. The next round of the Summer Cup will be held on Sunday, January 28. This coming Sunday the event will be decided on the day depending on the numbers. Sunday hit off from 11:30 for a 12noon start.

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Wanderers geared up for red ball finals push AFTER missing out on a white-ball finals place despite some incredible cricket, Beechworth Wanderers’ A grade squad have their eyes firmly fixed on the red ball format. Beechworth played their final one day match for the year on Saturday, restricting Yarrawonga Mulwala to 7/173 before belting 3/204 in reply. Skipper Brenton Surrey broke the Lakers’ 62 run opening partnership by bowling Matt Knight for 34 before Clancy Ellet picked up the wicket of Jobe Fraser with his second ball of the day. A tenacious knock from middle order batter Brock McCabe (43 not out) helped stabilise the innings as wickets fell to Ellett (3/25) and Kayde Surrey (2/26). There were danger signs early in the run chase, with Kayde Surrey and Ellett dismissed cheaply, and Beechworth in trouble at 2/34. However, Campbell Fendyk and Brenton Surrey would rescue the Wanderers’ innings, piling on 163 runs for the third wicket. Surrey was the aggressor, belting 91 runs from his 86 deliveries including 10 fours, overtaking teammate Ellett as the A grade’s leading run scorer for the season. Fendyk up the other end was happy to soak up pressure and rotate the strike, finishing with an unbeaten 69 not out from 111 deliveries. The pair remained defiant,

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

and passed the total in the 37th over. The partnership ended with five deliveries left in the day, when Brenton was caught off the bowling of Ben McDonald. Surrey said it was pleasing for a partnership to form and get the result. “The guys applied themselves pretty well, we were in a bit of early trouble, and once you build a partnership and the old white ball goes pretty soft pretty quick, it’s hard yakka for the bowlers,” he said. “I suppose the pleasing thing is the concentration of the batters stayed up nice and high and didn’t give any chances. “If you can do that in the one day game when the ball gets soft and doesn’t move, you can always make a big score. “We just tried to find a bit of a groove, get a bit of a partnership going which we were able to do, and once the ball got old and soft, the wicket was good, the outfield was good, and being hot and windy over there in the afternoon is hard for the bowlers.” The Wanderers host Rovers United Bruck this weekend in the first of four two-day clashes before the finals, sitting third on the red ball ladder and fourth overall.

RUNS THERE: Brenton Surrey top scored with 91 in the Wanderers’ final one-dayer on the weekend.

PHOTO: Janet Watt

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