Ovens and Murray Advertiser 190424

STRIVING FOR COMMUNITY

Senior MICA paramedic

Paul Stefaniak wants to see improved ambulance resourcing for rual communities

Emergency demand

Paramedics have started protected industrial action for better ambo resourcing pg

PARAMEDICS in Victoria have ramped up their industrial dispute with Ambulance Victoria (AV) claiming the ongoing lack of adequate ambulance resources across the state including in Indigo Shire.

BY CORAL COOKSLEY ccooksley@ nemedia.com.au

Officers have claimed Ambulance Victoria does not provide 24-hour ambulance coverage to Beechworth, Chiltern, Tallangatta, Corryong, Myrtleford, Mt Beauty and Bright communities.

According to local paramedic Paul Stefaniak, Ambulance Victoria provides daytime coverage for 11 hours, after which the paramedics are expected to take the ambulance home and work ‘on

call’ for a further 13 hours.

The paramedic said the ‘on call’ resource model is outdated and when an on-call ambulance is called out during the night paramedics are entitled to take a 10-hour fatigue break.

Mr Stefaniak said this leaves communities without an ambulance for 10-hour periods for a significant number of days each month.

“Ambulance Victoria mandates that 14 hours is the maximum shift length that any paramedic can safely work due to their fatigue management policies but these policies do not apply to ambulance branches that work a call roster,” he said.

“Ambulance Victoria and the State Government believe one paramedic is sufficient to provide optimal patient care,

when up to two paramedics crewing is the minimum standard in Melbourne and larger rural centres.”

In Chiltern, Tallangatta, Corryong, Myrtleford, Mt Beauty and Bright a single paramedic is paired with a member of the community who has completed a certificate two in emergency medical first response.

■ Continued page 2

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

Local paramedics are fighting for better resources

■ From page 1

Mr Stefaniak said first responders are unable to diagnose and treat conditions that professionally trained paramedics can.

“This places increased responsibility and stress on the paramedic without a qualified partner to share the cognitive load of clinical decision making,” he said.

Ambulance Victoria regional director for clinical operations Hume, Steve Doyle, said Ambulance Victoria respects its people’s right to take protected action.

“AV continues to negotiate in good faith with employee representatives towards a mutually beneficial Ambulance Victoria Enterprise Agreement 2024 (AVEA 2024),” he said.

“Across the state, AV’s various specialised teams work together to ensure our patients receive the right care at the right time.

“Consistent with other rural areas across Victoria, Indigo Shire is serviced by paramedics, first responders, air ambulance and secondary triage teams, which provide care, transport or advice matched to the needs of the patient.”

An AV spokesperson said total emergency incidents for the Indigo Shire area have remained steady since 2021.

The AV operating model for branches in the Indigo Shire area is consistent with many other rural areas across the state.

The Beechworth branch was changed to dual-paramedic crewing in recent years while other branches have single paramedics supported by first responders such as an Ambulance Community Officer (ACO).

On-call paramedics are dispatched alongside a first responder to ensure patients receive expert paramedic care while the first responder is able to assist the paramedic on scene and drive the ambulance.

Singing to the tune of vital research

By CORAL COOKSLEY

PEOPLE from near and far have the chance to join an educational day of singing under the badge of Molly’s Song early next month at the Beechworth Memorial Hall.

The event is a fundraiser for the Dementia Australia Research Foundation.

Well-known music director of Wangaratta’s Vocal Dimension, Matthew Schultz, with many years’ experience in leading community choirs will be leading this year’s get-together.

Beechworth’s Libby Day said Mr Schultz has degrees in music and education and studied pipe organ, trumpet as well as conducting choirs.

“He also plays the cornet with the Wodonga Brass Band and trumpet with Jazzaratta and the Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra,” she said.

“Mr Schultz believes making music together is a communitybuilding activity.”

Libby kicked off the first successful Molly’s Song event last year in Beechworth where more than 60 people experienced a fabulous day of singing and harmony.

The proactive fundraiser had been a trail blazer in Queensland

had taken hold - singing kept our love alive.”

Libby said the Dementia Australia Research Foundation needs help to find a cure or treatment.

“We need support to raise funds so that all music lovers can continue to participate in the joy of song,” she said.

“Enjoy song, harmony and friendship raising money for an important cause.”

“A Day of Singing” is to be held on Saturday, May 4 in the Beechworth Memorial Hall from 10.30am to 3pm.

raising many dollars for research for more than 15 years before moving to Beechworth following the loss of her mother Molly aged 85 from dementia after being diagnosed in her mid-seventies. She said back then dementia was not in the five leading causes of death for Australians.

Dementia Australia now cites dementia as the second leading cause of death for Australians, while it is the leading cause of death for women around the nation.

Libby said among a number of recommendations by Dementia Australia for brain health included good nutrition with a balanced diet, mental exercise, taking care

of your hearing and vision, staying social and physical exercise.

Dementia Australia’s ambassador is Australian musician and vocalist Mark Seymour and former frontman and songwriter for the band ‘Hunters and Collectors’.

Mr Seymour said singing had bonded his family when growing up with his mother Paula, largely responsible for cultivating that life with an enduring culture in his own and sibling’s families.

“But more profoundly, in the closeness and support singing gave us as we gathered round our parents in the last months of their lives,” he said.

Paula died of dementia, but she sung long after the symptoms

Red Cross Beechworth branch will be providing lunch with gluten free and vegetarian options available.

Lucky door prizes have been generously donated by Beechworth Gold, Beechworth Honey, Ivy Phillips clothing shop and Beechworth Books.

For more information and tickets visit www.trybooking. com/events/landing/1194193? or go to the Molly’s Song Facebook page.

Libby said people unable to make the day and would still like to donate can visit the link to the fundraising page at https://fundraising.dementia. org.au/fundraisers/libbyday.

For enquiries contact Libby Day on 0418 409 636.

Local landcare group starts revegetation at Lake Sambell

By CORAL COOKSLEY

MORE than 40 landcare lovers from Beechworth and surrounding areas gathered at the southern end of Lake Sambell on Saturday to support an exciting landcare revegetation project.

Lake Sambell Landcare Project (behind the clay banks) is a joint effort between Beechworth Urban Landcare Sustainability (BULS) group and Indigo Shire Council with help from the Beechworth Correctional Centre community team.

Funding with two grants for a combined total of around $9000 from the North East Catchment Management Authority distributed through landcare has made the project possible.

BULS secretary Libby Hosking said with a clean-up of weeds, pine trees and other vegetation, 560 plant species, mainly donated by Council, have been dug in over the last two years improving accessibility to the small area.

Ms Hosking said the project’s plants include a variety of native grasses and some larger trees.

“They are ones that would have originally been growing around this area during the gold rush days,” she said.

Local Beechworth historian and author Vivienne McWaters delivered an informative presentation on the history of ‘Lit-

tle Bourke Street’, the former name of Lower Stanley Road.

Ms McWaters had explored the area over many years where a Chinese historic village had once been on the site during the gold rush.

The author had researched Chinese history after discovering many artefacts with a num-

ber of them now on display at the Burke Museum.

Ms Hosking said the project started in 2022 and will continue based on BULS receiving another grant later this year.

“Many volunteer opportunities exist to help with BULS projects for the community,” she said.

To join in contact Ms Hosking on 0417 286 639 or email secretary.buls@gmail.com.

The BULS secretary said the project is among others including the Beechworth Botanic gardens, Upper Spring Creek, and The Glades (between Lake Sambell Beach and Silver Creek).

HAPPY HARMONIES: People tuned at last year’s event to sing in harmony led by Libby Day (left), Leonie Brien and Colleen Powell to help raise vital funds for dementia research.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

Beechworth-Wodonga Road reopens following delayed works

By CORAL COOKSLEY

BEECHWORTH-Wodonga

Road reopened last week at Rising Sun Creek following a further road closure on April 2.

Road crews removed the temporary Bailey Bridge which provided access while works were planned and delivered, crews also finalised repairs to the road surface.

During works, a detour used during the initial road closure had been in place using Beechworth-Chiltern Road and Reids Way.

Repair efforts at Rising Sun Creek included restor-

ing stones at the culvert on Beechworth-Wodonga Road and reinforcing the culvert wall.

Culverts at Star Lane and Rising Sun Creek have seen temporary diversions, reductions to single lane traffic and traffic lights in place since early April last year.

Delays had been experienced along the BeechworthWodonga Road across peak tourist and holiday seasons.

Beechworth’s Golden Horseshoes Festival (GHSF) committee chair, Jim Didolis, said reports over the Easter long weekend indicated traffic had been impacted for this year’s festival.

Mr Didolis said vehicles heading to Beechworth from the north along the road had

By ANITA MCPHERSON

MANY local landholders have taken up the opportunity to have their properties professionally mapped for free, as part of an initiative of the Ovens Landcare Network (OLN).

The OLN received funding from the Australian Government under the Smart Farms, Small Grants Program to assist 220 landholders, who are members of their local Landcare group, to develop property maps across the Ovens Catchment.

The organisation will also run a series of workshops in May providing targeted technical support and advice to landholders around the improvement of natural assets on their properties.

Project officer Sally Day said she will work with landholders to develop an A1 sized colour laminated property map detailing the location of property boundaries, fencing, waterways and roads, with the potential for other features such as water points and paddock names to be added.

She said the map is designed to be used as a tool for planning works and activities on-farm.

While many have taken

banked up from Star Lane back to the Yackandandah turnoff, with some motorists turning around and not pro-

ceeding to the festival.

“Unfortunately, that reduced the number of people attending the festival,” he said.

Two sets of traffic lights had existed at Star Lane as well as at Rising Sun Creek with the Bailey Bridge.

Nearby residents had cited problems with noise pollution from the Bailey Bridge, with the delay in repairs also causing a serious community concern with high bushfire risk during summer.

A Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson said repairs had begun on the damaged culvert at Star Lane

advantage of the opportunity to have a map created, from locations in Bright, Beechworth, the King Basin through to Rutherglen, there is still time for more to register.

“The map benchmarks the current arrangement of fencing and allows an aerial view of the property to assess needs for shade, shelter, improvements to farm watering systems, grazing systems and protection of natural assets and so on,” Ms Day said.

“It can be displayed on a wall in the shed or house and to use wipe-board markers to sketch ideas and record important information on their map, like dates paddocks are sown, or spray rates.”

Ms Day will then develop a draft map for review, with participants able to book in for a 90-minute consultation to finalise it and explore opportunities for improving natural resource management and/or productivity

on the property.

A range of resources will be available to support the discussion including information on weed control, management of farm dams, designing revegetation sites, fencing and managing erosion.

The project is running until mid-May and is available to Landcare members, with registration at https://tinyurl.com/ OLNpropertyplans or contact Sally Day on 0437 136 162.

in Wooragee expected to be completed by mid-2024.

“Near Star Lane a lane closure reduced speeds, and a 20-tonne load limit remain in place on Beechworth-Wodonga Road as crews address the culvert damage,” the spokesperson said.

Department of Transport and Planning executive director for Loddon Mallee and Hume, Anthony Judd, said the department thanked the community for their patience.

“We ask motorists to allow for extra travel time until crews complete works to repair the road surface,” he said.

Teens set ablaze Centennial Park tree

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

THREE teenagers have been given a caution by police after setting fire to a tree behind Centennial Park.

A CFA spokesperson said police and six CFA units from Beechworth, Stanley and Wooragee responded to a tree fire on Sunday, April 14 at around 3:45pm.

The fire on the corner of Church Street towards the Beechworth Gorge was ablaze for around 30 minutes as the tree sustained minor damages.

Police said after initially deeming the fire has suspicious, the force tracked down the trio of teenagers who set fire to the tree and would receive a caution.

No one was injured as a result of the fire.

PHOTO:

NEARING COMPLETION: Beechworth-Wodonga Road are scheduled to be completed by mid-2024. PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

Victorian history teachers drawn to Beechworth for regional summit

By CORAL COOKSLEY

A COHORT of Year 12 Beechworth Secondary College students is excited for the school to be hosting History Teachers Association of Victoria’s (HTAV) Regional Summit next weekend.

With a love of history school captain Felix Woodford and vice-captain Issy Noble said they both liked seeing how historical events connected to shape today’s society.

With Beechworth selected for this year’s summit and hosted by the college, history teacher Alastair Jack said an awareness had arisen for a need to bridge a gap with regional colleagues.

“I was part of a teaching excellence program last year, which brings regional teachers into metropolitan areas,” he said.

Mr Jack said another location choice is Beechworth’s rich history.

“We have so much history here whether it’s indigenous or colonisation history, or Ned Kelly – these experiences can be given to metro teachers,” he said.

Mr Jack said the college had been initially contacted in 2019 with the plan to have the summit held in Beechworth in 2020 but covid and lockdowns prevented it.

He said HTAV summits had been held on-

line since then until last year.

“We’ve been working with HTAV and is fantastic that it’s now happening,” he said.

“I’m really looking forward to one particular seminar with Emeritus Professor Peter McPhee AM from Melbourne University who is a Australian historian specialising in the French Revolution.

“He is regularly quoted in history books and is one of the historians where I ask students to remember his quotes for their essays and exams.”

Professor McPhee is also the HTAV patron.

Mr Jack said BSC hosting the conference is another example of the massive change at the college in the last five years.

“We have new staff with their ideas along with new facilities that mean we can proudly host things like this,” he said.

“There is a momentum that this is a place where things happen and where we give opportunities to not just our students, but in this case to our staff.”

Mr Jack said the college prides itself on academic excellence and opportunities while the education provider is a hugely rewarding place to work and to be a part of.

Excited principal Patricia Broom said it is the first time the conference has not been held at Ballarat’s Sovereign Hill.

“It’s great for the town and community, and it’s lovely to showcase what we do up here,” she said.

“We have so much to offer and jumped at the chance to invite the association into our area.

“Our teachers are excited to show off what we do at the school.”

The conference with a line-up of workshop convenors among them from various public and private secondary schools as well as Melbourne University, La Trobe University and the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) will be held between Friday 26 April to Sunday 28 April with the last day marked for delegates to visit various historical sites around Beechworth.

Casella Family Brands goes solar on grand scale

CASELLA Family Brands, Australia’s largest family-owned drinks business, switched on the largest solar facility in the Australian beverage industry last week, on its site in Yenda, New South Wales.

Known for producing Australian wines including Yellow Tail, Peter Lehmann Wines, Brand’s Laira of Coonawarra, Baileys of Glenrowan and Morris of Rutherglen, the company said the Yenda solar facility has 8730 solar panels, capable of generating 11.53 GWh of clean electricity per year.

It says this will offset 7800 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, which is enough to meet the electricity needs of approximately 1900 Australian homes, or equivalent to planting 325,000 trees.

The solar farm will provide approximately 35 per cent of the Yenda site’s electricity, and it will use all the clean electricity it produces, reducing the company’s environmental impact.

A second solar system with 936 panels will provide clean energy to power its wastewater treatment plant, capable of generating 890.47 MWh of electricity per year, and contributing 30 per cent of the facility’s electricity needs.

Founder and managing director of Casella Family Brands, John Casella, said he was proud to unveil the company’s investment in clean electricity through its two new solar systems.

“As well as reducing our footprint, we are making a direct contribution to the Australian wine industry’s GHG emissions reduction goals via the products we make and supply, as we all strive to ensure a sustainable global wine sector,” he said.

Wine Australia CEO Dr Martin Cole said Casella Family Brand’s new solar farm is another signal of the recognition from Australian grape and wine businesses to act now towards a lower carbon future for all.

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KEEN LEARNERS: Beechworth Secondary College is set to host HTAV’s Regional Summit next weekend, which Year 12 history students Sam Pearce (left), Issy Noble, Felix Woodford, Samara Bright, Sophie Cowan and teacher Alastair Jack will be excited to feature in.

Community helping community

By CORAL COOKSLEY

FOR Beechworth’s Andrew Madden, attending last week’s Give500 event held at Quercus Beechworth meant the discovery of an incredible community resource.

A small number of people drawn to the event learned about The Border Trust’s Give500 program across the Border region.

Executive officer Sue Gold said the event had been a great opportunity for organisations to find out about small project funding, as well as broadening awareness of the Border Trust and its work.

Ms Gold said the trust – a community foundation - has a number of donors in Beechworth and surrounds.

“People also wanted to know how to donate and be able to make a positive difference to the community,” she said.

The executive director said the Border Trust (running since 2005) offered an annual community grant program, the Give 500 program and ad hoc grants throughout the year.

“Funds are given to non-profits across the North East local government areas of Indigo, Towlong and Wodonga in Victoria, and Albury, Greater Hume and Federation in NSW,” she said.

Mr Madden said the trust with its dedicated people were an amazing organisation tailored for what they can do.

“People can ask for a donation or donate,” he said.

“I learned a lot and we can put our $500 hat in the ring to help on the Border.”

The campaign leverages the power of collective giving, combining individual donations to make a significant local difference.

Donated funds are pooled, with

LEARNING CURVE: People drawn to last week’s Give500 event in Beechworth learned about the Border Trust’s programs.

the size and value of the annual Give500 grant pool determined by the number of donations made, with a $500 donation equalling one donor vote.

Local community members, families, groups and businesses are invited to become a Give500 donor by donating $500 to the Give500 program.

Last year Give500 donors awarded the major grant of $18,000 to The Carevan Foundation’s Ruffy Swags Project - a collaboration between the Carevan Foundation

CLUB Corowa witnessed an electrifying night of performances as internationally acclaimed band Birds of Tokyo took to the stage on March 8 in support of mental health awareness, raising $10,819.92 for the Black Dog Institute.

The sold-out concert, a testament to Club Corowa’s reputation for delivering unforgettable experiences, began with the dynamic beats of DJ Verse@ille, setting the stage for an evening of entertainment.

Local favourites Empress and Aces further fuelled the excitement, leading up to Birds of Tokyo’s headline performance.

Birds of Tokyo, known for their chart-topping hits and captivating live shows, delivered an unforgettable performance, showcasing their signature blend of anthemic rock melodies to a packed audience.

Beyond the music, the event served as a powerful platform for fundraising and advocacy.

Through the generosity of concertgoers, the $10,819.92 raised

and Uniting Care Vic/Tas, producing swags for people facing adversity.

Event participants heard from representatives about the project at last week’s event.

The Beechworth Correctional Centre provides the workforce to produce swags for the program, giving inmates at the facility positive direction as they contribute to the community.

Donations to the 2024 Give500 fundraising campaign are open until June 30.

Ms Gold said the Border Trust is inspired by the kindness and care seen in its generous community of Give500 donors all striving to create positive local change.

She said the next activation event is being held in Corowa.

“We have free grant writing workshops in June for community organisations too,” she said.

For more information on the Border Trust and grant writing workshops visit www.bordertrust. org.au.

Birds of Tokyo rock Corowa in support of mental health awareness

will support the Black Dog Institute’s crucial initiatives in mental health research, education, and clinical care.

In addition to supporting the Black Dog Institute, Club Corowa invited local mental health advocate Daniel Hateley from the Fight is Real initiative.

Daniel’s efforts, including community barbeques and exclusive merchandise sales, further contributed to this important cause.

Club Corowa chief executive of-

ficer Peter Norris expressed pride in the venue’s ongoing commitment to bringing exceptional talent to the region.

“We are deeply grateful to Birds of Tokyo for lending their talent and voice to such a meaningful cause,” Mr Norris said.

“Their performance helped us shine a light on mental health awareness while providing an unforgettable experience for everyone in attendance.

“It was an incredible night with

Flu shots starting to stock at local pharmacies

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

NORTH East residents are being reminded not to forget about their annual COVID vaccinations as flu vaccinations begin to roll out.

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia urged all eligible Australians to get their flu shots early this year with an “alarming” number of flu cases reported across the country.

In the first quarter of 2024 there were 26,836 influenza cases reported nationally by the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System.

By February, case numbers were already double the number reported the same time last year.

Bruce Robertson, owner of Robertson’s Pharmacy in Wangaratta, said influenza vaccinations have started to arrive at the pharmacy, but it wasn’t observing the high number of cases in flu locally as there was nationally.

“We’re still seeing a bit of COVID more so than the flu,” he said.

“From what we’ve seen in our pharmacies there’s no particular trend with flu getting around yet, there’s lots of bugs and bad colds but not the traditional flu symptoms.

“The Federal Health Department think it’s going to be a bad flu year… everyone likes to go for the exception, but most years are what I call normal.”

The flu season typically runs from May to October.

The Federal Health Department characterised the 2023 influenza season by an early peak and longer duration, but overall lower clinical severity and societal impact than many preCOVID-19 pandemic influenza seasons.

Mr Robertson said it was important those locally who are susceptible to flu-like symptoms to get their flu shots and to not forget about their COVID vaccination.

a sold-out crowd from across the region.

“Thanks to all who attended and supported – you’re making a real difference in our community.”

Commenting on the event, Roundbox Events expressed their privilege in bringing such remarkable concerts to Club Corowa and raising funds for a worthy cause.

“Over the course of 12 months, we consider ourselves the luckiest people to work with such a great group of people to bring these concerts to life,” they said.

“Having raised money for flood relief with Eskimo Joe and Daryl Braithwaite, the community fundraising with other big band artists, and now Black Dog Institute with this last concert, we can’t wait to bring the next big performers to Club Corowa and to raise money for other worthy causes in the community.”

Club Corowa extends its heartfelt thanks to Birds of Tokyo, Empress and Aces, the Black Dog Institute, Fight is Real initiative, and all those who attended or supported the event.

“We are getting a bit blasé about COVID, but for some people it’s still a nasty thing,” he said.

“It will be a steady uptake of flu shots but there’s no massive demand from the public, people who have a regular flu shot they get around to it and they know when they’ve got to do it.

“People who are susceptible to the flu should absolutely get a vaccine, that advice doesn’t change from year to year.”

According to the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), people who received an influenza vaccine in late 2023 are still recommended to get the flu vaccine in 2024.

ATAGI also advises that flu vaccines can be given on the same day as other vaccines, such as COVID.

Ask your community pharmacist about your flu vaccine or visit www. findapharmacy.com.au to book an appointment.

GOOD CAUSE: Birds of Tokyo recently helped raise $10,819.92 for the Black Dog Institute at their recent Club Corowa performance.

ALL EARS: Beechworth locals Russell James (left) and Bev Smith with Alex Berry at the Give500 information session held at Quercus Beechworth last week.

PHOTOS: Border Trust.

HotHouse Theatre appeals for donations

By SHANE DOUTHIE

HOTHOUSE Theatre, a cornerstone of contemporary Australian theatre on the border, is shedding light on the financial challenges of producing original works.

As they continue in their mission to produce regional stories for national stages, they are calling on the region to get behind the cause.

The company has launched a fundraising campaign, “Stage Your Support - Your Donation Doubled,” and is inviting locals and theatre enthusiasts to help them reach their ambitious goal of raising $18,000 by May 31 to support the development of the next great regional story.

In an exciting development, Creative Australia is supporting HotHouse Theatre through the Plus1 program matching every dollar raised up to the goal of $18,000, effectively doubling the impact of each donation.

“Box office revenue consistently falls short of covering the substantial production costs, presenting a challenge to sustaining our commitment to fostering the growth of regionally-

based artists,” said new HotHouse chief executive officer, Terese Casu.

Artistic director Karla Conway said every great regional story you see premiere at HotHouse takes three years of investment from development through to production.

“Regional stories matter,” she said.

“It is not enough to only bring stories in from the city, our stories belong on professional stages, here and around the country, but it will take the commitment of the whole community to make it happen.”

By donating to the Plus1 Program, supporters will become an integral part of sustaining the rich tapestry of Australian theatre in our region.

Donor generosity will be proudly showcased on a special donor screen in the Butter Factory Theatre foyer and on the website.

Donors who are able to donate $1000 or more will be invited to join the HotHouse giving circle called the Incubators who will receive unique opportunities to participate in the behind-thescenes events at HotHouse,

special VIP invites and social events throughout the year and opportunities to engage more deeply in the development of our future.

“Supporters play a crucial role in helping us bring regional stories to national stages and contribute to the longevity of exceptional theatre on both local and national platforms,” added Terese.

“With just a few weeks left until May 31, we are asking our community to get behind us to ensure we are able to continue creating exceptional theatre locally, such as our recent hit The Plan (and Other Plans) by Grace Rouvray and Bridie Connell, that was loved by audiences young and old.”

Beyond funding the upcoming commissions and productions, HotHouse Theatre aims to build a more extensive and robust community of supporters.

This deeper connection is vital for the company’s unique position in the region, and we want our supporters to have authentic opportunities to engage and feel connected to the work that is developed here and play an active role in shap-

ing our future. Regional works from HotHouse have been gaining national attention.

Their smash hit All the Shining Lights recently won the AWGIE Award for Best Theatre for Young Audiences.

Last year HER and Unprecedented received publication, the latter touring into regional NSW, VIC and QLD.

HotHouse Theatre invites all lovers of theatre to be part of this important journey.

To contribute and double your impact, visit www.hothousetheatre.com.au.

In March HotHouse premiered another smash hit –The Plan (and Other Plans), and they are now in development on the next great work from the region.

HELP THE SHOW GO ON: HotHouse Theatre invites all theatre lovers to donate to their fundraiser to help ensure they can continue to create outstanding local productions such as The Plan (and Other Plans) pictured. PHOTO: McCormack Photography

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

4 What is a knightly or heroic champion known as (7)

8 Name a US seaport in western Washington (7)

9 What is a renewing of interest in a theory, etc, of the past (7)

10 What is the nickname of the Canberra NRL team (7)

11 Which protein hormone maintains the balance of glucose metabolism (7)

12 What is a returned soldier called (6)

14 Name a member of the clergy (6)

18 Which term describes

Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

QUICK THINK E-QUATIONS MINI WORD FIND

Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.

WHICH WORDS

SOLUTIONS SUDOKU BIYWORD

Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

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.

EV’s charge up a new lease on transportation

RUSSELL Klose was born in Melbourne and moved to Yackandandah with his family when seven years old. He returned to Melbourne then shifted to the NSW north coast city of Coffs Harbour. Russell then relocated back to Yackandandah when married and having children, citing the town as great place to bring kids up and has lived in Yack ever since.

What do you do workwise?

I started out working at Yackandandah Motors (apprenticed to my father) as an apprentice motor mechanic. It offered a great variety of work - a country garage working on farm machinery, lawnmowers, chainsaws, cars and so on. I was a ‘Jack of all trades’ because we needed to actually make things and repair things as so many parts weren’t readily available.

I then opened Jappo Donks in Wodonga with my wife Julie and we owned it for 30 years. It was great being able to give second hand parts and tyres from Japan a second life in Australia.

It was fun and felt worthwhile as we saved so much good stuff being scrapped when still having lots of life.

After retiring, I was asked by Yackandandah local Matt Grogan (one of the original Totally Renewable Yackandandah members) and my son Cam Klose (a climate activist) to start importing and selling second hand electric vehicles (EVs) by using my friends and connections in Japan.

It was a perfect fit with the Yackandandah ethos of being renewable and climate friendly. Kilowatt Cars was born. At Kilowatt Cars, we find that making used, affordable

EV’s available is a valuable community resource, and in our own way, are doing our bit to try and make a difference in regards climate change.

The EV’s (Nissan Leafs) are checked in Japan (battery and body condition) before importing, making them a great, reliable, excellent alternative to buying new, which is a great win for people’s pockets and the environment.

What do you do in the community?

Since starting Kilowatt Cars, I’ve learnt much about EV’s and electrification in general.

It’s definitely something I wasn’t expecting, but very much enjoy.

What do you see as one of the most important current world issues?

Climate change.

Instead of working to solve climate change, we don’t seem to be doing anything - the will just doesn’t seem to be there.

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?

her (many) by speaking out against her, she keeps bringing her message to the forefront.

She truly has pushed a lot of people’s buttons right to the very top and created awareness of the climate crisis.

I would love to show her what steps Yackandandah as a community is doing to try and cut down on its carbon footprint.

What book are you reading?

The Three Body Problem (Science Fiction) By Chinese author Liu Cixin.

 Thursday, April 25

ANZAC DAY SERVICES

 Barnawartha

10.00am - Memorial Service and laying of wreath at War Memorial

 Beechworth

6.00am – Dawn Service at Cenotaph, Town Hall Gardens

11.00am - March commences from corner Ford and Church Streets to Cenotaph

11.20am – Memorial Service and laying of wreath, Cenotaph

 Chiltern

6.00am – Dawn Service at War Memorial

11.00am – Memorial Service and laying of wreath at War Memorial

11.20am – March commences from War Memorial to Soldiers Memorial Hall

 Kiewa-Tangambalanga

5.45am – Dawn Service at Cenotaph

8.45am – March commences from St Mark’s Church, Huon-Kiewa Road, along Kiewa East Road to Cenotaph

9.00am – Memorial Service and laying of wreath at Cenotaph

 Rutherglen

5.55am – Dawn Service at Cenotaph, Memorial Gardens

8.55am – March commences from Jaspers Corner to Cenotaph

9.00am – Memorial Service and laying of wreath at Cenotaph

 Wahgunyah

9.30am - March commences from School of Arts Hall, Foord Street to Memorial Garden immediately followed by Commemorative Service and laying of wreath at Memorial Garden

 Yackandandah

5.45am – Dawn Service at Memorial Gates

9.30am – March commences from William Street to Memorial Gardens

10.00am – Memorial Service and laying of wreath at Memorial Gardens

 Saturday, April 27

CHILTERN LIONS CLUB. Fun movie night experience. Chiltern’s Star Theatre, Main Street, Chiltern. 6.45pm. ‘Smiley’ from 1956 starring Colin Peterson, Chips Rafferty, Ralph Richardson, Reg Lye, John McCallum.

Enjoy a BBQ meal. $35 p/p. Film followed by discussion about the film, actors, themes followed by supper (scones with jam and cream ) and FLICS membership.

Bookings: Lois Hotson: hotson@ westnet.com.au. ph: 0457 262358; Lions: chilternlionstreasurer@gmail.com or in person at the Chiltern Post Office.

This has led to me giving talks with various groups – such as Farmers for Climate Action - about EV’s and electrification.

Greta Thunberg. She is so young, with such conviction and has had a noticeable effect on discourse in the world. Even those who disagree with

Great read about where planet Earth has its first encounter with an alien species delving back into the past, present and future.

Really well researched and written, with a fresh take on an old theme.

Direct debit: BSB 803070 Acct No 100020201 Lions Club of Chiltern Inc. Activities Account Please include surname in the reference line. Bookings and payment by Wednesday 24 April for catering purposes.

 Saturday, April 27 to May 31

BEECHWORTH ARTS COUNCIL: ‘OLD CROCKS’. A collection of still life artwork by Valerie Crosse and Darren John Pope. Beechworth Library, 101 Ford St. Meet the artists in an art chat on May 18 from 12noon to 2pm. Free. MAKING

A DIFFERENCE: Yackandandah’s Russell Klose with business partners has embraced Yackandandah’s ethos of being renewable and climate friendly with a second-hand EV business.

Russell Klose

KITCHEN HAND Casual contract

For further information please contact

- (03) 5728 0342

Closing Dates: 01/05/2024

Application instructions can be found on our website

As we are an Aged Care Facility, the COVID 19 vaccination

A copy of your vaccination status’s are required upon

To apply and for full details on the positions, please log on to: www.beechworthhealthservice.com.au

Full-Time Educator Position

This position is 5 days, Mondays to Fridays

9am – Memorial Service and laying of wreath at Cenotaph

5.55am – Dawn Service at Cenotaph, Memorial Gardens

8.45am – March commences from Jaspers Corner to Cenotaph

9am – Memorial Service and laying of wreath at Cenotaph

9.30am – March commences from School of Arts Hall, Foord Street to Memorial Garden immediately followed by Commemorative Service and laying of wreath at Memorial Garden

5.45am – Dawn Service at Memorial Gates

9.30am – March commences from William Street to Memorial Gardens

10am – Memorial Service and laying of wreath at Memorial Gardens

ANZAC Day road closures

Residents are advised of temporary road closures for ANZAC Day marches on Thursday 25 April 2024. Motorists are requested to take care and follow all road closure directions.

10.45am - 11.30am:

Ford Street between Church and William Streets and William Street between Ford and Loch Streets

11.20am – 11.30am: Conness Street between Soldiers Memorial Park and Soldiers Memorial Hall

8.45am - 9.10am:

Jaspers Corner down Main Street, left into High Street, right into Murray Street to Memorial Gardens

8.45am - 9am:

Kiewa East Road between Huon-Kiewa Road and Kiewa-Bonegilla Road

9am – 10.30am: Foord Street, Wahgunyah, from Victoria Street to and including John Foord Bridge and Blanche, Short, Barkly and Mill Streets where they intersect with Foord Street

9.30am - 10am: High Street between William Street and Wellsford Street PUBLIC

We seek an energetic and committed educator to join our team.

of Early Years Learning training or equivalent and have a Current Police Check, Working With Children Check,

IZUZU

Expressions of interest for further information and position description

please telephone Mandy on (03) 5728 2378 or email BCEYLC@gmail.com

Application close Friday, May 17, 2024

FORGENUINESALE, the chance to purchase the complete package when it comes to heading off on the trip of a lifetime! The package includes a 2010 Toyota GX V8 trayback ute with extended cabin and steel and canvas canopy over rear tray, the ute has done a genuine 51,200kms, it has been fitted out with over $30,000 in extras, reg (1MP2DP). The caravan is a 2016 Jayco Silverline Outback, 21’6” in length, the Silverline was the top of the range in that model, it is fitted with all of the quality appliances you would expect in a van of this quality, it is also fitted with a queen size electric slide out bed, it has travelled approx 6000kms, all on bitumen surfaces, the van comes with over $10,000 worth of extras, it is a must see to believe what is included in this package. Would possibly sell the ute and van seperately, $150,000 negotiable, must sell. Ph 0407 218 028.

Beechworth’s Section one side holes out a thriller

By DYLAN POOL

SOME mixed results for Beechworth’s pennant teams last week.

The Section one side had a nail biting 3/2 victory over Albury at Tarrawingee.

At number five Zane Howard had a great 4/3 victory and keeps his unbeaten record in tact.

Dave Lang had yet another

close loss at number four going down on the 17th hole.

Dean Howard was made to go all the way at number three, being down for most of the round before getting up on the last hole.

Dylan Pool had the better of the of his young opponent and got up 5/4 at number two.

Darren Edwards at number one had a day he would

rather forget and lost 4/3.

With this win, the side remains firmly in touch for the finals and are hoping to knock off the top side Wodonga at Beechworth next Sunday.

The Section two side had a close 3/2 loss against Myrtleford at Benalla.

At number five Mick Deuis didn’t have the best day going down 6/5.

Phil Pelgrim was made to go all the way but fell just short going down on the last hole playing at number four.

Simon Carracher was defeated 3/2 at number three.

Andy Croome again played the whole course and got up on the last hole at number two, while Vaughan Saunders had a good 4/3 victory at number one.

After winning their first

CADMAC RESERVES

Yackandandah

Beechworth

BEST: Yackandandah: James O’Connell, Lachlan Maslen, Xavier Lane, Will Lawson.

BEST: Yackandandah: Ethan Roach, Judah

Hood, Ethan Patrala, Josh Martin, Jordan Eaton, Ben McIntosh. Beechworth: Degan Dolny, Liam Stephens, Connor Stone, Willem Love, Finn Jakobsson, Christopher Doherty.

GOALS: Yackandandah: Ethan Roach 5, Judah

Hood 1, Johann Jarratt 1, Cameron Newbold 1, Ethan Patrala 1. Beechworth: Brad Fendyk 3, Christopher Doherty 2, Connor Stone 2, Lachlan Armstrong 1, Campbell Fendyk 1, Willem Love 1, Dylan Pritchard 1, Kane Scott 1, Liam Stephens 1. Chiltern 3.3 4.6 7.8 9.13.67

Kiewa Sandy Creek 3.0 4.2 7.2 8.4.52

BEST: Chiltern: Mitchell Hemming, Mark

Doolan, Kyle Cooper, Jeremy Luff, Benjamin Mason, Connor Garside. Kiewa Sandy Creek: Tristan Mann, Tim Hallinan, Nic Carney, Joshua Hicks, Jack Haugen, Jamie Paul.

GOALS: Chiltern: Mitchell Hemming 3, Luke

Daly 2, Mark Doolan 2, Ethan Boxall 1, Brad

Hibberson 1. Kiewa Sandy Creek: Jamie Paul 3, Jack Haugen 2, Joshua Hicks 1, Jacob Murphy 1, Connor Newman 1.

Rutherglen 2.1 5.4 5.7 7.8.50

Thurgoona 5.1 8.3 12.615.13.103

BEST: Rutherglen: Dylan Van Berlo, Samuel Edmondson, Mitchell Cofield, Reed Bonat, Michael Cooper, Tyler Ferraro. Thurgoona: Tyson Neander, Charlie Williams, Callum Dunstan, Zac Gibbons, Bailey McAlister, Thomas Osmotherly.

GOALS: Rutherglen: James Tanner 2, Michael Cooper 1, Matthew Halton 1, Jyda House 1, Thomas Kilpatrick 1, Luke Knight 1. Thurgoona: Jake Bruce 3, Bailey McAlister 3, Tyson Neander 3, Mat Howard 2, Ewan Hampton 1, Blair Osmond 1, Tom Rake 1, Charlie Williams 1.

Beechworth: Isaac Enslow, Henry McCormick, Samuel Westra, Matthew Ross, Austen Fendyk.

GOALS: Not available.

BEST: Chiltern: Parker Phelan, Luke Vandermeer, Corey Sorensen, William Shannon, Daniel Caton, Daniel King. Kiewa Sandy Creek: Noah Attree, Zachary Mona, Jake Knight, Joshua McKay, Ethan Deery, Mason Brown.

GOALS: Chiltern: Wayne Shannon 4, Dylan Van

Klaveren 3, Brodie Oates 2, Ned Quinn 2, Caleb Boxall 1, Daniel King 1, Parker Phelan 1, Corey Sorensen 1, Luke Vandermeer 1. Kiewa Sandy Creek: Jay Berry 1, Mason Brown 1, Mitchell Harris 1, Joshua McKay 1.

BEST: Rutherglen: Hayden Weller, Caleb

Andison, Ian Kay, Aaron Field, Bennett Thomas, Bailey Scholes. Thurgoona: Corey Fenton, Curtis Simpson, Aidan Jenkin, Sandy Stieber, Elijah Farrah, Jarrem Toon.

GOALS: Rutherglen: Jakeb Meyer 2, Caleb Andison 1, Ben Ratcliffe 1. Thurgoona: Elijah Farrah 3, Nathan Cook 2, Tom Harrington 1, Daniel Kannenberg 1, Sandy Stieber 1.

JEKKA SOLAR SOLUTIONS

17’S

two matches, this loss just puts a hurdle in the way for their finals aspirations, but with two rounds still to go, finals are still in their sights.

Next week the side travels to Chiltern.

On the home front, Rod Shaw had a win in the Stableford competition with 36 points, George Ward was runner up with 34 points.

Next to follow were Pe-

ter Smith on 33 points and Jamie Donly on 31.

Jamie claimed two nearest the pins on the third and 10th.

As was mentioned earlier, Pennant will be at Beechworth this week so if anyone wants a social round at the course you will have to play before 9am for 9 holes or you can play anytime after 1pm.

Bushrangers senior football, A grade netball record first wins of season

■ From back page

After a tough opening pair of matches to start the season, Beechworth’s schedule opens up in the next fortnight, returning home to face Wodonga Saints tomorrow.

Coach Tom Cartledge will line up for his first game of the season after serving the remainder of his suspension from last year and star recruit Tristan Lenaz is also yet to return to the lineup.

The Saints have slid to a 0-2 start for their season, slipping up a slim lead at half-time to Tallangatta to lose by 48-points last week.

On the court, Beechworth’s A grade prevailed in a thriller against the Roos, winning by the

BEST: Yackandandah: Tallis Mcintosh, William Enright, Hugo Gosling, Jack Chattin, Mitch Waller, Joseph Murphy. Beechworth: Owen Stone, Eli Saunders, Vaughn Bussell, Thomas Stefaniak, Luke McAuliffe.

GOALS: Yackandandah: Austin May 3, Joseph

2, Oscar Bayne 1, Jack Chattin 1, Angus Dickins

1, Tallis McIntosh 1, Mitch Waller 1. Beechworth: Owen Stone 5, Charlie McLachlan 2, Oskar English

1, Gabriel Humphreys 1, Oli Kavanagh 1. Chiltern 2.3 4.5 7.6 13.7.85

Kiewa Sandy Creek 3.3 4.11 9.13 11.13.79

BEST: Chiltern: Jai Hymus, Rama Schultz, Flynn Byrnes, Flynn O’Neill, Coby Shannon, Mitch Borrell. Kiewa Sandy Creek: Bill Butko, Murray McCabe, Will McCoy, Tyler Tschirpig, Zayden Dixon, Leigh Gericke.

GOALS: Chiltern: Rama Schultz 3, Mitch Borrell 2, Scott Hodgetts 2, Jye Symonds 2, Flynn Byrnes 1, Jai Hymus 1, Mitchell King 1, Flynn O’Neill

1. Kiewa Sandy Creek: Leigh Gericke 2, Charlie Johnson 2, Ethan Slocombe 2, Ethan Bergman 1, Bill Butko 1, Jarryd Carberry 1, Zayden Dixon 1, Tyler Tschirpig 1. Rutherglen 3.3 8.9 11.1214.16.100 Thurgoona 1.1 2.1 4.2 4.3.27

BEST: Rutherglen: Flynn Verhulst, Mitch Francis, Archer Colvin, Eli Keys, Aidan Berriman, Ethan Gregor. Thurgoona: Caius Lowe, Clifton Newton, Jed McGown, Tailem Frazer, Hunter Balfour, Domenic Vaccaro.

GOALS: Rutherglen: Ethan Gregor 5, Charlie Poole 5, Flynn Verhulst 2, Laiton Hetherington 1, Charlie Kafarela

1. Thurgoona: Domenic Vaccaro 2, Max Willis 1.

T&J ROOFING UNDER 14’S

Yackandandah

8.1 10.4 13.617.10.112

Beechworth 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0.6

BEST: Yackandandah: Jalen Davis, Will McGregor, Patrick Murray, Max Taylor, Blake Maybury-Crow, Naisen James-Hillier. Beechworth: Charlie Pieper, Jacob Wood, Hayden Neville, Archer Warner, Stanley Burke, Jobe Warner.

GOALS: Yackandandah: Max Taylor 5, Zachary Spargo 4, Harvey Gosling 2, Blake Maybury-Crow 2,

barest of margins 45-44.

After both teams experienced heavy losses last week to flag favourites Chiltern and Kiewa Sandy Creek respectively, the sides went back and forth for all four quarters, with the Bushrangers hanging on to their three-goal three-quarter time lead to win by one.

Rachel Cavalin was the standout with 23 goals at goal attack while Tegan Chambeyron held up the defensive end.

There was also a thill of excitement in the junior football as the under 17s redeemed their tight loss last week with a tight win of their own by four points over the Roos.

Edward Boddenberg 1, Jalen Davis 1, Will McGregor 1, Judah McIntosh 1. Beechworth: Luke Blazer 1. Chiltern 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.1.13

Kiewa Sandy Creek 1.5 2.7 4.10 5.11.41

BEST: Chiltern: Jaden Nichol, Brody Shannon, Ted Buchanan, Tommy Pritchard, Jordan

Lombaert, Mitchell O’Neill. Kiewa Sandy Creek: Samual Pollard, Mitchell Hodge, Mitchell Webb, Jack Sharman, Henry Miller, Cooper Wilton.

GOALS: Chiltern: Chase Ferguson 1, Tate Walton 1. Kiewa Sandy Creek: Tom Delaney 1, Ollie Dove 1, Mitchell Hodge 1, Jake Nusser 1, Mac Wilson 1. Rutherglen 4.1 9.3 9.3 11.5.71

Thurgoona 1.0 1.1 2.1 3.1.19

BEST: Rutherglen: Aiden Sibraa, Dustin Fisher, Elijah McFarlane, Arthur Morris, Hugo Poole, Seth Goodman. Thurgoona: Charlie Czuczman, Maxwell Kimball, Jake Goonan, Archer Glenane, Lewis Merlin, Xander Wheatley.

GOALS: Rutherglen: Dustin Fisher 2, Kaden Saunders 2, Aiden Sibraa 2, Liam Colvin 1, Jaylen Cracknell 1, Nash Eloy 1, Bryce Maloney 1, Arthur Morris 1. Thurgoona: Jaxon Carr 2, Cohen Lieschke 1.

TDNA

A GRADE: Yackandandah 43 def by Beechworth 44; Chiltern 38 def by Kiewa Sandy Creek 42; Rutherglen 18 def by Thurgoona 84.

B GRADE: Yackandandah 54 def Beechworth 33; Chiltern 58 def Kiewa Sandy Creek 44; Rutherglen 17 def by Thurgoona 72.

C GRADE: Yackandandah 78 def Beechworth 18; Chiltern 45 def by Kiewa Sandy Creek 59; Rutherglen 41 def by Thurgoona 51. 17

WINNERS GRIN: Beechwort’s A grade netball side had a thrilling win at Yackandandah by one goal last week.

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

BEECHWORTH have affirmed their finals aspirations this season with a stirring 21-point over rivals Yackandandah.

It’s the first time in 10 years the Bushrangers have walked away from Butson Park with the four points in an inspired four-quarter performance against last year’s preliminary finalists.

The two teams could barely be separated in the first half as the Bushrangers held a six point advantage at the long break.

But inaccuracy in front of goal from Yackandandah opened a window of opportunity for the travelling Bushrangers, kicking 5.1 to 2.5 in the third quarter to secure a break on the scoreboard.

Beechworth would hang on in the final 30 minutes to record a 13.8 (86) to 9.11 (65) victory.

Degan Dolny backed up his stellar game last week with another big performance in defence against the Roos, thriving with extra responsibility upon his shoulders.

Also enjoying a strong start for their season has been Liam Stephens, Connor Stone, Willem Love and Christ Doherty, who played important roles in the side’s maiden win.

Yackandandah recruit Ethan Roach proved his worth for the opposition kicking five of his team’s nine goals while Jordan Eaton impressed against his former side.

■ Continued page 11

Gateway Health welcomes new CEO

By JORDAN DUURSMA

GATEWAY Health has appointed a new chief executive officer (CEO), after an extensive search for the right candidate for the community.

Trent Dean officially started as CEO on Monday, March 25, bringing a wealth of health care expertise and a passion for servant leadership and sustainable change.

Mr Dean said he was motivated to become involved in health administration after several years of providing direct patient care, coupled with clinical safety and quality roles.

“I was offered the nurse unit manager position for a 31-bed adult surgical ward at Mater Health Services,” he said.

“Following this, I accepted a range of corporate risk and assurance roles, not only within the healthcare industry, but also oil and gas (Coal Seam Gas) and community services industries.

“I was motivated to bring servant leadership, and sustainable change, into our health system focusing on strong clinical governance and ongoing staff learning and development.”

■ Continued page 6

◆ NEW CEO: Trent Dean has been welcomed as CEO of Gateway Health. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

VET CORNER How can I keep my birds entertained, alert, and interested in their environment? with RSPCA - kb.rspca.org.au

BIRDS in the wild spend most of their time seeking food, but in captivity they are provided with food in the same place at the same time each day.

This leaves about 80 per cent of the day with virtually nothing to do.

Understandably this leads to poor welfare, but the good news is there are options available to alleviate this boredom and frustration.

For example, rather than leaving food in a bowl, letting your bird forage for food scattered over the floor of the cage or aviary or placed in small cardboard boxes or paper parcels that have to be chewed open to access the food is great to keep them busy.

Another option is to add toys, swings, ladders, mirrors etc to the cage or aviary and increase the space available to let your bird fly, run, or swim.

Creating sensory experiences involving sight, hearing, smell, and touch can be very beneficial.

Providing ‘a room with a view’, background noises, videos, toys, etc. can improve a bird’s welfare.

It must be used with caution, as some birds may become visibly stressed with loud sounds, certain images, or a lack of security/ privacy.

Social interactions between birds, and between birds and people are also important.

It can be indirect, where your bird can see or hear other animals, such as when a bird is in an outdoor cage or aviary.

Direct social interaction includes cage mate pairing, social rooms or flights with numerous birds interacting, and allowing contact between enclosures.

However, this may need to be carefully supervised until it is clear the birds can safely intermingle and there is an escape mechanism in case aggression occurs.

Birds also enjoy problem solving, learning, and choosing and controlling some feature in their environment.

These may include items that give birds choices about how they spend their time.

An example of this could be leaving the indoor cage door open (under supervision), giving your bird the freedom to come and go as and when they want, but without the opportunity to venture outside into a world of potential threats.

of threats.

This Day in History, 1929

TWO NEW HALLS

April 17, 1929 seemed to be a day crowded with ceremony.

In the morning, the Bishop of Sandhurst blessed the new convent chapel in Wangaratta.

The chapel, with its beautiful Italian marble, had been erected at a cost of £3000.

Then in the evening, two district halls were opened.

Mrs H C Vincent cut the ribbon to open the new hall built to serve the Happy Valley Soldier Settlement.

£900 for the building of the hall and and extra £200 to buy a pianola had been raised.

Dancing continued until dawn to the music of the Boomerang Boys, plus pianola.

The same evening, the district’s oldest resident, William Bourke, who could remember when there were only five homesteads along the King River, opened Edi Upper Hall.

During the evening, Sir John Bowser took the opportunity to announce his retirement from parliament, after representing the district for 30 years.

Trout fishing in streams is the standout choice

THE standout species of fish to target at the moment is trout.

I know that I have said it a few times recently, but it’s the truth.

The trout fishing is better than any other fishing in the region at the moment.

All of the streams that have trout in them are worth fishing right now.

Small, dark coloured soft plastics have been working very well for me.

The trout have been attacking them.

I spent a few hours wading up a tributary of the Buffalo River last week where I caught a whole heap of rainbow trout, one after another and all on a small black soft plastic.

This great trout fishing won’t last forever.

Soon the trout will start to make their way upstream and pair up, ready to start spawning late in May.

Once this happens the trout fishing will become a lot more inconsistent and trout will become harder to catch.

For now though, it is all systems go in the trout streams.

As far as the Murray cod fishing is concerned, once again it is a similar story to last week.

The cod fishing is quite ‘hit

and miss’ right across North East Victorian rivers at the moment, and the best cod fishing over the past week has been in Lake Mulwala.

There has once again been a lot of cod caught throughout Lake Mulwala, including the top end of the lake near Bundalong.

Last Friday afternoon I attended the carp fishing competition at Winton Wetlands.

It was a great afternoon for everyone, but the fishing was very slow.

There must have been close to 100 lines in the water for the three hour duration of the competition, with just seven carp caught in total.

That’s in stark contrast to the 200 or more that were caught at last year’s event.

◆ ON THE BITE: Trout fishing has been great in many North East Victorian streams over the last few weeks. Small black soft plastics such as the Strike Tiger Micro Minnow have been working very well for me.

with Rob Alexander WANGARATTA

Bakery Bright store celebrates six years of success

THIS year marks a significant milestone for Beechworth Bakery, which proudly celebrates 40 years in Beechworth and six years in Bright.

Under the stewardship of Marty Matassoni, the bakery continues the legacy of excellence set by founder Tom O’Toole, delivering exceptional food and service to loyal customers.

◆ BIRTHDAY

CELEBRATION: The Beechworth Bakery Bright store's sixth birthday celebration will feature A Model Ford Bakery Van for kids to enjoy.

with Beechworth Bakery

To commemorate this dual celebration, everyone is invited to join Beechworth Bakery in honouring six years of deliciousness in Bright. Festivities begin with the cutting of the cake on Tuesday, April 30 at 11am, featuring the

iconic A Model Ford Bakery Van for kids to enjoy and snap memorable photos.

Throughout the week, locals and visitors can indulge in the famous Beesting Sale and Pie Sale, with a buy one, get one for just 10 cents offer, available from Monday, April 29 to Friday, May 3.

As part of Bright’s Autumn

Festival, Beechworth Bakery will participate in the Al Findlay Memorial Gala Day on Saturday, May 4, featuring the Gala Parade a highlight of the region’s festivities. This celebration is more than just a milestone; it’s a testament to the bakery’s team’s dedication and the community’s unwavering support.

Beechworth Bakery is immensely grateful for the opportunity to serve and eagerly anticipates many more years of creating traditions and serving delicious treats.

Join Beechworth Bakery Bright, where every bite tells a story, Beechworth Bakery: Creating traditions since 1984.

Don’t miss out on the Beesting and Pie Sale from Monday, April 29, to Friday, May 3.

Be sure to join the celebration with the cake cutting and bakery van visit on Tuesday, April 30, at 11am.

Beechworth Bakery Bright is located at 5 Ireland Street, Bright, and is open from 6am to 4pm daily.

◆ BIG MILESTONES: This year is filled with significant milestones for Beechworth Bakery.

Gateway Health welcomes new CEO

■ From page 1

Mr Dean was born in Sydney and spent his early childhood in Hobart, before moving to Toowoomba.

He later relocated to Brisbane for tertiary studies and work, going on to complete degrees in nursing, health service management, commerce and law.

Mr Dean is also a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is currently completing a Doctor of Public Health, with a grounded theory thesis exploring the process to identify mental health conditions in people with intellectual disability.

He started his health career as a paediatric nurse at the former Royal Children’s Hospital in Brisbane, and initially worked within the General Surgical Ward where he also treated burns and liver transplant patients.

Mr Dean said his roles at the Royal Flying Doctor service and Mercy Connect impacted his overall approach to health administration.

“The legacies of these organisations have heavily inspired my approach to health administration and leadership, (highlighting the) ongo-

ing need to advocate, and respond to health and social issues in innovative and meaningful ways, without fear or favour,” he said.

Mr Dean said there are a number of key strengths that define Gateway Health’s way of working.

“Our way of working is relationship based and builds on our deep connection to the communities we serve,” he said.

“Our committed focus on the health and wellbeing of priority populations, including First Nations people, members of the LGBTIQA+ community, refugees, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse background living in our region, and ensuring individuals feel welcome, safe, accepted, and celebrated.

“Our experience through the pandemic and ongoing responses to bushfires and floods, has demonstrated and affirmed our strengths and capability to adapt, to be flexible and to find innovative ways to make it easier for people and communities to access the help and services they need.”

Mr Dean said over the next six years, Gate-

way Health is seeking to deliver quality services that are designed to reach people experiencing the greatest health inequity.

“This is where we can make the greatest difference in health and wellbeing outcomes,” he said.

“We will develop innovative ways to make services more accessible where people live, and actively work with our partners to advocate for and create pathways so community needs can be met.

“Focusing on providing the best possible experience and outcomes for our clients, whilst maintaining our focus on health promotion, prevention and early intervention as the hallmark of community health’s role in the wider health and social service system.”

Mr Dean said he felt incredibly fortunate to be leading Gateway Health’s exceptional team, and looked forward to working closely with the Wangaratta community and its wider surrounds.

“Any offers of support from our local residents are welcome, including donations, sponsorships and volunteering,” he said.

FEATURE STORY

◆ COMMUNITY COLLABORATION: Meredith Lane, speech pathology clinical lead at Gateway Health is looking forward to working with new CEO Trent Dean.

Your local Wangaratta Chronicle has brought together local employers and local employees for generations

...and it is no different today. People prefer to work close to home, to save on transport costs, the frustration of travel and to be closer to family.

Both our printed and digital newspapers have a highly engaged local audience looking for news, sport, local information ...and jobs every week!

Offering the ultimate Kincrome bundle deal

KINCROME is offering a bundle deal including their Ratchet Jack Stand 3000 pair and their Hydraulic Garage Jack- Rapid Life 2800kg.

The jack stand incorporates a patented ratchet design for better tooth engagement, increased safety and useability in professional workshop environments and is designed to comply with Australian Mandatory Standard AS 2538:2016.

Each Jack Stand is precision machinewelded, ensuring increased strength and stability under load.

Alongside the jack stand is the Hydraulic Garage Jack that covers a large range of sizes and weight ratings to suit just about every professional lifting application.

This includes not only low-profile rac-

ing cars but also heavy duty 4WDs and SUVs.

The garage jack comes with a Two-Year Trade Warranty, steel castors, twin pistons for rapid lifting to load, protective handle sleeves and built-in parts tray. They are also fitted with a grease nipple on the main lifting arm for lubrication when required.

This bundle set is available now at North East Fasteners and are designed to ensure they can withstand both professional and DIY use.

Three o-clock-itis

Before and after eating lunch: get away from the desk or work area: do a mini meditation, sit in the fresh air for 10 minutes to digest, go for a walk etc.

3. Enzyme rich foods:

What they do: optimize the way food is broken down after you eat it.

Often when you feel tired after eating it is because the food has gone through your stomach without completely breaking down.

This triggers an allergy like response making you feel tired.

If you don’t have enough protein with breakfast and lunch you will get an energy drop within 20 minutes to 1 hour after eating.

Examples: eggs, natural yoghurt, nuts and seeds, lean meat, fish

How much to eat: One serve of protein the size of your palm.

2. Taking a break at lunch time

What it does: our body can use up 80 per cent of its energy just to digest food.

So, if you eat and then go straight back to work your body is going to feel fatigued and sluggish. Setting up a ‘rest and digest’ response before and after eating will really help.

Examples and when to do them:

Food Examples: lemon in water, apple cider vinegar, more fresh fruit and vegetables, digestion promoting herbs: turmeric, ginger, garlic, oregano, basil, parsley, rosemary, peppermint, etc.

When to have them: about 10 minutes before you eat or as part of the meal.

Putting it all together:

Use lunch breaks as an opportunity to down shift and recharge for the second half of the day.

Drink some lemon in water 10 minutes before you eat, whilst you start to unwind from the busy day.

Eat a protein and vegetable rich lunch and then go for a little gentle walk in the fresh air.

If you are still tired after eating you may be having a food reaction to something you are eating or need to supplement with enzymes.

◆ VERSATILE BUNDLE: The Kincrome bundle featuring the Ratchet Jack Stand 3000 pair and Hydrauluc Garage Jack- Rapid Life 2800kg is perfect for both professional and DIY projects.

with Rodney Dean, NORTH EAST FASTENERS

with Sophie Lorback, NORTH EAST NATURAL HEALTH