PROUD AS PUNCH
Beechworth Secondary School celebrated their Year 12 dux, Samantha Pearce (right) at their presentation night Wednesday night who was pictured with proud mother Jane Pearce.
BIG BUILD
Building works start next year for last stage of Beechworth Montessori School master plan
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A $1.8 million building grant received by Beechworth Montessori School earlier this year has seen work in progress with tenders for works planned to commence early next year.
The school tipped in $400,000 for the $2.2million build, which teacher Ben Sockett said would be the -
nal stage of the school’s expansion master plan.
“We’re in the process of all tendering for contracts to get shovels in the ground soon,” he said.
“The school received the rst grant back in 2013 through the Victorian Schools Building Authority to complete the rst stage of our master plan and the building.
“We then we received the second
grant four years later to complete the hall and this third grant will enable us to complete the full master plan for the school.”
Mr Socket said new learning spaces, specialised woodwork and art rooms, a specialised music room, new toilet facilities, and a large outside learning area will be created.
“We hope to start building in
March and get it nished by the end of next year,” he said.
“It’s been a dream for the school since the master plan when we moved to purchase this site and wanted to develop this school.”
Mr Sockett said the building had previously been derelict before the school moved into the building back in 2013.
■ Continued page 5
PHOTO: Patricia Broom
Regenerating the landscape
By CORAL COOKSLEY
LOCALS and visitors alike are set to enjoy a regenerated reserve area in Wooragee previously riddled with blackberries and weed infestation.
A celebration of the site at Warden Lane took place last Thursday with Independent Member for Indi Helen Haines invited to see its transformation, as well as providing a showcase to people who may not have visited the area before.
Since 2005 Wooragee Landcare volunteers have spent hundreds of hours spraying, removing fences, willows and poplars at the licenced site adjoining Reedy Creek.
A 2019 Communities Environment Program grant via Dr Haines’ o ce helped turn the public land into an educational space.
Wooragee Landcare president Sue Brunskill said the grant covered plant purchases, signage about Indigenous use of plants, 30 nest boxes along Reedy Creek and a nest box interpretation sign located at the Wooragee Hall.
“Designing of signs –Indigenous use of native plants, and nest boxes – took many hours researching and liaising with Indigenous representatives,” she said.
“Beechworth Men’s Shed made the nest boxes and helped put them up and there is a photo included on the sign to encourage people to put up the boxes.
“This can greatly help birds and mammals as there is a shortage of hollows in many places.”
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YOUR OVENS AND MURRAY TEAM
Members of the group made a sturdy picnic table and seats from a fallen tree on a local property using a portable Lucas timber saw mill.
“The Wooragee Landcare group holds monthly working bees to care for this land, and the area is now
a lovely picnic area where people can sit by the creek, learn about local vegetation, and observe many birds such as Kingfishers and Blue Wrens,” Ms Brunskill said.
“They can hear the lovely reed warbler and a rakali (gorgeous native water rat)
has been seen there too.
“The reed warblers always seem to be calling, and the frogs are breeding in the frog pond.”
Ms Brunskill said among native plants are butter y attracting Lomandras, native grasses such as Kangaroo and Tussock – great hab-
itat for small animals and lizards, as well as butter ies, and River Bottlebrush ‘Callistemon sieberi’.
Another is Silver Banksia or Honeysuckle – a widespread plant in the area - but not as common as it used to be and an important habitat for insects, honeyeaters and nectar eating mammals like gliders
“First Nations people used it for nectar, medicine and ceremony,” Ms Brunskill said.
“We have also planted some smaller shrubs like correas, Mountain Mirbelia and small plants like daisies with many of these plants suitable for attracting birds to gardens.”
Dr Haines said landcare is one of Australia’s great success stories.
“This project epitomises what happens when committed local people come together and apply science, hard work and loads of enthusiasm into regenerating the landscape,“ she said.
“They have created a beautiful local wayside stopping point with a restored ecology brimming with frogs, birds and insects.
“I thoroughly enjoyed visiting, meeting the members, reading the story board and walking the site.
“Congratulations to Wooragee Landcare.”
Partnership project to focus on North East carer support groups
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A GRANT of $21,000 from Carers Victoria has meant a partnership project can focus on carer support groups, expand support networks, share learning, and connect with local services.
Neighbourhood houses in Chiltern, Beechworth and Yackandandah, Beechworth Health Service, Indigo Shire Council and Indigo North Health joined forces for the initiative receiving the State Government funded grant.
The team for the project ‘Continued Connections: Indigo Carers’ is now calling for carers to take part following an earlier successful carer-led co-design project by the cohort earlier this year with $40,000 funding from Carers Victoria to focus on carers.
Project coordinator Tanya Grant said around 200 carers from across the shire took part in the earlier venture with the development of a carers’ companion and folder to le information as a direct outcome.
“Carers were telling us that’s what they needed, and they also wanted something that would help them plan,” she said.
Beechworth Health Service health promotion and community engagement o cer Gabriella Tange said the carers’ companion is a guide to support carers with information in one spot.
Ms Grant said the project this
time round is aimed at carer support groups.
“We also want to get the carers companion out there too and it will be available for people to download o project partner websites as well,” she said.
The Carers’ Companion, folder and resources are available from Chiltern, Beechworth and Yackandandah neighbourhood houses.
“We’re now mapping what’s happening with carer groups in Indigo, but also in surrounding local government areas (LGA)s,” Ms Grant said.
“This will give us a great op-
portunity to see where there are gaps, but also to help the three neighbourhood houses start up some carers’ groups.”
Ms Grant said neighbourhood houses are pivotal for the selfsustaining initiative with carers connected to the project.
“The neighbourhood houses will have resources and information to share,” she said.
“We had a carers advisory group that was part of the last project, and we’re calling for expressions of interest from carers again because we really want the project to be led by carers to hear what they think and what
they need.”
Ms Tange said needs identied in the rst project included some carers looking for more structured capacity building on creating their knowledge and awareness in a more formal information delivery besides conversations to navigate the system.
Ms Grant said a carers network in Wangaratta is in place with organisations working with carers.
“We’ve linked in with them as well as to other projects not in our LGA that also received funding and have connected in with them too,” she said.
“This means we can share resources across a few of the projects which is fantastic.
“Networking is so important, and the carers companion is also available in Wangaratta.
“We want to build community capacity with support available from neighbourhood houses.
“It’s about ensuring that the information is out there so people don’t have to do it on their own anymore and they can connect with one another.”
The project also explores structured information sessions and potential online carer groups to enhance support for carers.
To register interest contact Gabriella on 03 57 280 200 or email info@beechworthhealth. org.au.
Bob Bath, Sue Berwick, Dirk de Zwart, celebration. PHOTO: Karen Bowley
members Terry Shipway and Sue Brunskill with Independent Member
CELEBRATED: Wooragee Landcare members Maree Missen (back le ), Pieter Mourik, and Sue Brunskill with Graeme Missen (seated le ), Libby Mourik, Terry Shipway and Independent Member for Indi Helen Haines with Anne Stelling in the background.
PHOTO: A McCaig Photography
Samantha Pearce BSC dux for 2024
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A BEECHWORTH Secondary College (BSC) student who graduated in this year’s 12 cohort was thrilled to be named dux of the school.
Samantha Pearce received her award at an impressive BSC award presentation held at the college on Wednesday night.
Samantha in receiving an ATAR of 91.6 attributed her VCE result to choosing subjects she was passionate about.
“The content of subjects was really interesting and made studying easier,” she said.
The BSC graduate said she is thinking about undertaking a Bachelor of Arts degree at either Monash or Melbourne universities while undecided about a degree specialisation.
With a love of English being her favourite subject throughout her secondary studies, Samantha said she plans to study in an area of writing.
“I was thinking about being a journalist, but now I’m sort of leaning into creative writing,” she said.
Samantha enhanced her learning skills studying a Year 12 subject ‘Extended Investigations’ this year through the Centre for Higher Edu-
cation Studies (CHES) in Melbourne.
“We travelled to Melbourne and had university sta talk to us, you chose your own research topic and wrote a sort of mini thesis,” she said.
“My topic was how does social media increase ideological polarisation in young people.”
Samantha said she was delighted to receive a top mark with an ‘A’ grade.
Students have a chance to undertake extensive research in an area of interest when studying the subject helping to ground them for university studies as well.
Besides studying English, and Extended Investigations at CHES, Samantha also studied Humanities, Legal Studies, History and Literature.
Samantha said she had valued supportive teaching sta while studying at Beechworth Secondary College and also studying with her friends had been fun.
“Teachers knew what we wanted to do, and they were very helpful in getting us there which I’m grateful for,” she said.
College principal Patricia Broom
Indi Helen Haines is calling on community groups to apply for volunteer grants.
Indi Volunteer Grants program opens for local community organisations
COMMUNITY organisations throughout the Rural City of Wangaratta are being invited to express an interest in applying for the 2024-25 Volunteer Grants program.
said Samantha is a passionate writer being her area of interest.
She said ‘Extended Investigation’ is a new Year 12 subject which Samantha studied at CHES.
“I watched her presentation, and it was really interesting,” she said.
“Samantha is an independent learner and thinker and loves her reading and writing.”
Samantha said travelling could be on the horizon for a possible gap year in 2025 or she may head straight to university in Melbourne.
Young creative wins poster design
By CORAL COOKSLEY
AN EXCITED Beechworth Primary School student’s competition win means an extra special spot at next year’s Golden Horse Shoes Festival.
Year 4 student Greta Jameson won the recent design competition for the poster and program with its theme ‘Cultures through Time’.
The youngster has clinched the chance to o cially open the festival with the town’s mayor, be part of the parade as well as receiving a hamper full of surprises.
Greta said the festival is a great way to bring people together.
“Beechworth is really connected to festival with its history and it’s good for tourists too,” the 10-yearold said.
The young creative said she wanted to have lots of colours in her poster as well as Beechworth history such as goldmining.
“I did some planning rst, then changed it a bit adding some more detail, and then I did the nal copy, and then I was happy with it,” she said.
Independent federal MP for Indi, Helen Haines, said grants of between $1000 and $5000 are available to support the work of local community organisations to increase participation in volunteering and enable the inclusion of vulnerable people.
Dr Haines said there are two streams of grant funding in the 2024-25 Volunteer Grants program.
Stream 1 funds the purchase of communication or insurance items that will bene t a community organisation’s volunteers.
“I was really happy and jumping around with joy as I was very excited when I won.
“We only moved to Beechworth in October last year and I’m happy because I’ve already had a bunch of cool opportunities and fun things happen already.”
Golden Horseshoes committee
representative Lisa Kirton said it was a tough decision with talented artwork received.
“We were delighted with the entries and it so important to engage young people,” she said.
Ms Kirton said the festival committee’s strategy is to involve kids beyond being spectators and enjoying the festival by being a little more immersed and contributing to it.
“There’s so much talent in the community, and it’s great to tap into, and it generates some excitement about the festival too,” she said.
Primary age school children were invited to take part in the competition who attended local schools or lived in Beechworth’s postcode 3747.
Ms Kirton said the festival com-
mittee has planned for the competition to be ongoing every year.
“We’re also looking for other avenues for the kids to take part and feature them in many ways,” she said.
The long running festival drawing crowds from near and far is set for a family fun time over the Easter long weekend from April 18 to 21 next year.
Stream 2 funds the purchase of items or services, or running volunteer-led activities, with the main purpose for supporting the development of children under 18, or adults whose volunteering activities supports children’s development and wellbeing.
“This year, the grant focuses on funding important but o en expensive costs involved with volunteering - like insurance premiums, phone bills and technology purchases, which are becoming increasingly more expensive,” said Dr Haines.
“There is also a strong focus on supporting the development and wellbeing of our young people.
“I am always inspired by the passion and hard work of volunteer groups that I meet with across Indi and they tell me that grants like this go a long way in supporting volunteers to continue their important work.
“I encourage not-for-pro t community organisations across Indi to consider putting in an expression of interest.
“Applications will be assessed by a panel of community members, with successful applicants then invited to apply to the Department of Social Services for a grant.”
Details on the eligibility criteria and how to apply can be found at: https:// www.helenhaines.org/ resources/grants/volunteergrants-2024-25/
OVER-THE-MOON: This year’s Beechworth Secondary College graduate Samantha Pearce has been named dux of Beechworth Secondary College. PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
Helping community into new age
Angus Florance
ANGUS Florance was born in the Murray River town of Cobram, Victoria.
Four years ago with his wife Karla and their children, the family moved to Beechworth.
What do you do workwise?
I work for Microso as a specialist in Modern Work, focusing on helping organisations enhance productivity and collaboration.
Currently, my role involves introducing and coaching customers on the capabilities of AI through Microso 365 Copilot.
What brought you to your role/ career?
I’ve always been fascinated by technology - it’s been a big part of my life.
Over time, I moved into sales and marketing roles, and I love it because I get to see the real impact technology has on people and businesses.
What do you love about your work?
I love the exibility of being able to work from anywhere.
But what I enjoy most is knowing that the work I do can have a meaningful impact on the world, helping people and businesses achieve more with technology.
What do you do in the community?
A BRAVE NEW WORLD: As part of Beechworth’s Angus Florence’s role, he introduces customers on the capabilities of AI through Microso 365 Copilot.
I’m the president of Beechworth Montessori School, where I work with a great team to support our students and community.
I also volunteer with Karla’s community basketball program, Beats & Bounce, which encourages kids to stay active and enjoy the sport.
It’s a great way to be involved in the community and share something we’re passionate about. Is there an important
community issue that you think needs addressing?
Ensuring kids in the community have the skills and opportunities to thrive is a key issue for me.
By fostering entrepreneurship and creating opportunities, we can help kids build a bright future.
What would you do to solve, change, or improve that situation?
I would focus on creating more programs that connect young people with local opportunities in
education, business, sporting and community projects.
Supporting small businesses and startups through grants or mentorship could help foster entrepreneurship and create jobs.
What do you see as one of the most important current world issues?
One of the biggest issues today is the impact of social media on society, but especially on kids and young adults.
They’re exposed to so much content - o en un ltered and harmful - and it’s reshaping how they see themselves and the world.
As we enter a new era with AIgenerated content, the risks only increase.
We need to be extra vigilant, guiding kids to engage with technology safely and encouraging them to spend less time online and more time connecting with real people in their communities.
If the person you would most like to meet or knew came to Indigo Shire or was already here, who would that be, what would you show them, and why?
If I could meet anyone, it would be Jim Stynes.
As a lifelong Melbourne supporter, I’ve always admired his journey - not just as a footballer but as someone who dedicated himself to helping young people.
I’d take him to a Beats & Bounce session to show how sport is building con dence and connections in our local kids.
His focus on community and youth aligns perfectly with what we’re trying to achieve here.
What book are you reading?
‘Nexus’ by Yuval Noah Harari.
It’s a fascinating look at how technology is shaping our world and how we can navigate these changes while staying grounded.
It connects well to the challenges we face, like the impact of social media on kids and the need to focus on real connections in their communities.
Local group takes action to help build community resilience
By CORAL COOKSLEY
INDIGO Regen, with its mission of creating and celebrating regenerative practices to nurture the health of local communities, biodiversity and the planet, made its rst appearance at the Beechworth Farmers’ market earlier this month.
President Lesley Milne said the Beechworth-based organisation incorporated last month and developed from a group of people concerned about global warming and the climate crisis.
“We want to take meaningful action in our community by working with di erent community groups in town to develop circular econo-
mies, and to help our community become more resilient in the face of increasing extreme weather events and the unfolding climate crisis,” she said.
Working together with Indigo Shire Council, Ms Milne said the group aims to be involved with local organisations among them Halve Waste, local schools, U3A, the Old Beechworth Gaol, and Quercus Beechworth Neighbourhood House.
“The neighbourhood house is where our rst project, the ‘Cool Seat’ project – an example of a circular economy - is going to begin,” she said.
“Kitchen waste will enrich the
community garden through compost from a worm farm under the seat.”
The initiative, inspired by similar successful projects in Melbourne and Sydney, aims to reduce methane production caused by food waste going to land ll.
Ms Milne said the group’s aim was to model how the composting seats containing worm farms might be used elsewhere around town.
The group hopes to raise awareness of how people might reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing food and textile waste and share strategies for growing more food locally and protecting wildlife habitats.
RAISING
AWARENESS: Indigo Regen president Lesley Milne sitting on the ‘cool seat’ with Judy HawkingBurnett behind the costume as Gang Gang Cockatoo, Libby Rouse as Pygmy Possum and Chris Robinson as Bogon Moth raised awareness of the organisation’s mission earlier this month.
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
SES issue hiking warning amid surge in park rescues
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
VICSES volunteers are urging hikers and bushwalkers to take additional precautions this summer a er a recent spike in incidents requiring emergency assistance.
Mount Bu alo National Park was among several sites which have kept VICSES volunteers busy since January, prompting several highpro le search or rescue operations across the state.
Last month VICSES Bright Unit volunteers undertook their eighth rescue at Mount Bu alo for the year on November 16, due to reports of a climber stuck on a rock face.
The crew worked as part of a multi-agency approach to guide the climber to safety and into the care of Ambulance Victoria.
VICSES Bright Unit Deputy Controller, Marcus Warner, said slips and falls in the area were quite common, but it’s also very easy to get lost, become disorientated or fatigued if you are not adequately prepared.
“Don’t underestimate the terrain or the weather - the natural environment can be unpredictable, and a bit of planning and foresight can make all the di erence,” he said.
“Also ensure you drive to the conditions on your way up the mountain and back, fatigue can be a killer on our roads, especially a er a long day in the mountains”
Other spots where our volunteers have frequently been called to rescue hikers include Eurobin Falls and Woolshed Falls.
On Friday December 6, a SES spokesperson said VICSES Bright and Myrtleford volunteers were called to support Victoria Police in accessing 2x persons at the Mt Beauty Gorge around 7pm.
The spokesperson said they had become lost while hiking in the area.
Volunteers were able to access the area and the pair were deemed t to be walked out from the scene, and were subsequently transferred into the care of Ambulance Victoria.
With adverse weather conditions prevailing across the state in re-
cent weeks, and an expected uptick in tourism during December and January, visitors to the regions are being urged to understand their limitations and avoid placing themselves or volunteer emergency responders at risk.
you’re going, and when you might be expected back from your walk or hike.”
have impacted your planned walking track.
Paramedics heavily in favour of new pay deal
A CLEAR majority of Ambulance Victoria paramedics have voted in favour of a new pay deal said to make Victorian paramedics among the highest paid in Australia.
Almost 80 per cent of eligible employees voted in the ballot which closed on Monday, December 16, with 97.3 per cent voting in favour of the deal.
A er more than 20 months of negotiations and seven months of industrial action, the Victorian Ambulance Union (VAU) reached an in-principal agreement with Ambulance Victoria and the State Government in September on a new pay deal which will see wage increases from 17 per cent to 33 per cent over the next four years.
Secretary of the VAU, Danny Hill, said the overwhelmingly positive vote was far higher than anything the union could have hoped for.
“There is always more to do in ambulance, including ramping, response times, workload and sta morale… this outcome will allow us to focus our full attention on working through those matters with AV and government,” he said.
Mr Warner said it was vital to download the Emergency+ App on your phone and monitor the VicEmergency App for warnings in your area.
“Ensure you ll the Parks Victoria ‘intentions book’ o en available at the car park of your location,” he said.
“This helps emergency services understand the number of people in your party, who you are, where
Works set to start on $2.2m school build
■ From front page
“When you look around, you see amazing facilities we have now which is fantastic,” he said.
Mr Socket said the school continued to grow with facilities to accommodate new students needed as well as having state-of-the-art of facilities for new and existing students.
“We have to have the best possible facilities for them and specialised rooms really allow for that,” he said.
Building works are expected to start in March and be completed by the end of next year.
Recently appointed principal Jane Carrington, who took up the helm two weeks ago, said the school community was very excited.
Montessori mother and committee of management vice president Lyn Frerichs said having more space, particularly for the specialist rooms for creativity was important for children.
“It will be a more cohesive place for children to learn and grow,” she said.
Committee of Management
president Angus Florence said the new facilities added another dimension to the school with students having more opportunities with greater access to new resources as well as full utilisation of the site.
Mr Florence said the grant showed the hard work by school staff and the committee in successfully acquiring the grant.
Each search requires around eight VICSES volunteers in three vehicles, for an average of four hours, amounting to thirty-two hours of volunteer time per rescue.
This does not include the work undertaken by Parks Victoria, Ambulance Victoria, and Victoria Police Search and Rescue personnel.
Parks Victoria urges people to be well prepared and choose the right hike for their abilities and the conditions.
Parks Victoria district manager, David Petty said it was important to consider how recent weather might
“We’re urging all hikers and bushwalkers to be extra cautious this summer,” he said.
“By planning ahead, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience in Victoria’s beautiful parks.”
Remember to call 132 00 if you require emergency assistance from VICSES, and Triple Zero (000) in life-threatening emergencies.
For more information visit: www. ses.vic.gov.au/plan-and-stay-safe/ on-holidays.
You can also check the Parks Victoria website for changes of conditions at www.parks.vic.gov.au/coclisting.
“It’s taken 20 months of bargaining and industrial action to get to this point; it’s an exhausting process, but the strong endorsement from the workforce makes it all worth it.”
Other aspects of the new deal include improvements to access to single days o , conditions of employment and better allocation to rural branches.
It also includes new rules to reduce forced overtime for non-urgent cases.
Ambulance Victoria interim chief executive o cer, Andrew Crisp, said the agreement would deliver tangible improvements for its Victorian emergency service workers.
“Importantly, the agreement recognises the need to deliver a better end-of-shi experience, so more paramedics can nish work on time,” he said.
“The agreement delivers a signi cant package of entitlements and conditions which will allow Ambulance Victoria to cement its position as one of the world’s leading ambulance services.
“Ambulance Victoria looks forward to continuing to work closely with our people and the VAU and United Workers Union to implement the new enterprise agreement.”
The agreement will now be submitted to Fair Work Commission to be nalised.
EXCITED: Montessori School’s Ben Sockett with principal Jane Carrington in the area where building works will take place. PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
Christmas magic in Beechworth
By CORAL COOKSLEY
CHRISTMAS
A
wonderland with its magic woven into a spectacular colourful show can be seen in Beechworth’s John Street again this year.
It’s a special time for Jenny Coupe-Clegg who loves creating the festive display in memory of her mum as well as for the local community to enjoy.
“She loved Christmas and made it a special time for us,” Jenny said.
“My brother also made the Christmas tree in memory of her.”
“It’s nice to do something for the community too and I love to see the kids’ happy faces and even the adults.”
Children receive a candy stick to hang on their Christmas tree for Christmas Day as well.
Jenny also has a donation box with funds raised given to di erent community organisations every year.
Among them are the Salvation Army for people in need, local primary schools for kids needing uniforms and other items, and the Fire brigade who do a great job in protecting the town.
“People don’t have to donate to come in,” she said.
Jenny started putting the lights and decorations up in August as it’s a big job.
“Each day before opening it takes me three hours to set up and another two hours to pack precious and in atable decorations away,” she said.
Jenny said the next opening is tonight at 7pm.
“I open up early so the little ones can have a look,” she said.
Construction sites, businesses advised to secure workplaces this Christmas
BUSINESSES and construction sites closing for the Christmas holiday period should make sure they have properly secured their sites, facilities and equipment, according to EPA Victoria.
Factories, warehouses, construction sites and many other businesses will need to take steps to make sure they have secured their operations, so they do not pose an environmental risk.
“Everyone has to act to prevent pollution under the General Environmental Duty which is part of the Environment Protection Act 2017,” said EPA CEO Lee Miezis.
“That means taking the necessary steps to ensure machinery is properly turned o , chemicals are properly stored and there are no leaks escaping the site to stormwater drains.
“It also means security and re
management systems such as alarms and sprinklers are working and rewater containment systems are operational.
“Building sites should also be managing any litter they create.
“That can o en be as simple as making sure the skip bin lid is closed and that wa e slab styrene in particular is properly tethered on site.
“EPA o cers are working over
the holiday period and will enforce compliance, with heavy penalties for anyone not talking their responsibilities seriously.”
EPA said they have been in in frequent contact with the construction industry and has published the civil construction, building and demolition guide(publication 1834) for people whose role involves site planning or environmental management in support-
ing activities and projects of all scales and complexity.
For more information go to epa. vic.gov.au/for-business/ nd-a-topic/ construction-industry-guidance/ hazards-and-risks-in-construction. And for more information on managing stormwater runo issues, visit epa.vic.gov.au/ for-business/find-a-topic/prevent-water-pollution/urban-stormwater-management-guidance.
LIGHTING THE WAY: Jenny Coupe-Clegg began putting up her Christmas lights in August.
MAGIC: A Christmas wonderland in John Street.
PHOTOS: Jenny Coupe-Clegg
Stop the drop in blood donations this festive season
AUSTRALIAN Red Cross Lifeblood has launched its annual Christmas Blood Blitz to ensure blood supplies are available for patients over the festive season.
More than 850 donors are still needed every day between December 18 and January 2.
Lifeblood executive director of donor experience, Cath Stone, said there are countless reasons to roll up a sleeve and give blood or plasma this festive season.
“People of all ages will rely on blood and blood products in the coming weeks including those with immune conditions and cancer, trauma patients, and
women having babies,” she said.
“It is vital to have a constant stream of donors to ensure patient needs are met.
“We know it’s a busy time of year and people may be travelling or simply out of their everyday routines, but the most meaningful item you can put on your Christmas ‘to do’ list today is to lock in a blood or plasma donation and keep it.”
Lifeblood needs more donors over the next two weeks to keep up with the growing demand for blood and plasma products over the festive season.
Ms Stone said if you’ve been
considering becoming a donor, now is an ideal time because it is historically quieter in Lifeblood’s donor centres.
“Make the season your reason,” she said.
“We urge you to direct your festive spirit into helping others by showing up and lling a donation chair.
“A blood donation is a sel ess gi that can not only save lives but improve the quality of lives, and can give people more precious moments with their loved ones.”
Anyone who donates this festive season will have their arms wrapped in a vibrant limited-edi-
tion bandage designed by artist and plasma recipient Kat Macleod, until Sunday, January 5.
The bandage is inspired by the generosity and kindness of Australia’s donors.
It is the perfect wrapping for your lifesaving Christmas gi to those who need blood.
Lifeblood Wangaratta Donor Centre will be open throughout the holidays, on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays but closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
To book a donation, call 13 14 95, book online at lifeblood.com. au or on the DonateBlood app.
Know the fire risks before hitting the road this holiday season
THE CFA is urging everyone travelling this holiday season to ensure they know what fire district they are travelling to and to regularly monitor the fire danger ratings for that area.
People should reconsider their travel on days of Extreme Fire Danger Rating and know what you can and can’t do on a Total Fire Ban Day – particularly those who are camping and having barbeques.
Do not travel to Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating areas – your life may depend on the decisions you make during a catastrophic day.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said it was important to take a break this holiday season however, no Victorian can afford to take a break from fire safety.
“We know people have a lot to think about this festive season but taking a few minutes to plan and prepare could save the lives of you and those you love,” he said.
“On hot, dry and windy days, have a backup location to visit that is not in a high-risk bushfire area.
“If you’re staying in a bushfire risk area, the safest option is to leave the night before or early in the day on a catastrophic or extreme day.
“If you are visiting a holiday home over the summer period, making sure the grass is mowed, and gutters are clean are just some of the things you can do to prepare for the fire season we are expecting.”
Victorians are urged to download the VicEmergency app and set up watch zones for the location they’re visiting.
That way the app will issue a notification for any fires or other emergency incidents in the area.
The CFA website has more resources and information on how to have a happy and fire safe holiday season.
Truck fire closes Hume Freeway northbound lanes
A TRUCK carrying ammable liquid became fully involved with re on the Hume Freeway early last Friday morning at Chiltern.
A CFA spokesperson said 16 CFA units alongside FRV responded at around 3.44am, December 13.
“Units responded from Wangaratta, Chiltern, Barnawartha, Browns Plains, Wangaratta North, Rutherglen, Tarrawingee, Bowser, and Springhurst,” she said.
“Crews discovered a truck fully involved in re, including a trailer.
“The truck was carrying ammable liquid and the re was spreading to nearby grass.”
An advice warning was issued for the smoke in the area.
EPA and an excavator were called to the scene to assist with clean-up.
Incident was deemed under control at 5.33am.
All northbound lanes of the Hume Freeway were closed between Springhurst and Chiltern.
Motorists were diverted onto Rutherglen-Springhurst Road before taking the Murray Valley Highway, and returning to the Hume Freeway at Barnawartha North.
Detours added up to 15 minutes to the regular journeys on the freeway.
Due to the scale of the re, an extensive clean-up of the site ensued, a er which time crews assessed the road damage and the repairs required.
Real-time tra c conditions were available at tra c.transport. vic.gov.au.
Ambulance Victoria paramedics responded to the incident but emergency treatment of transport was not required.
Emergency volunteers exemption from property tax
By STEVE KELLY
NEW State Government tax hikes costing council rate payers about $60 extra per annum will help pay for a cash injection to Victoria’s emergency services.
It will mean that CFA and VICSES active volunteers and life members won’t have to pay what will be the equivalent of the existing Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL) from July 1, 2025 when it is renamed the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF).
The residential ESVF tax will rise from the current 8.7 cents per $1000 capital improved value (CIV) to 17.3 (cents per $1000 CIV).
Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes said every dollar of this new fund will support VICSES, Emergency Management Victoria and other emergency services as well as the CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria.
North East CFA mechanics awarded National Emergency Medals
TEN CFA District Mechanical
O cers (DMOs) from the North East region have been honoured with National Emergency Medals for their e orts in the 2019-2020 Australian bush re crisis.
The National Emergency Medal is part of Australia’s Honours and Awards system and recognises signi cant or sustained service to others in a nationally signi cant Australian emergency.
At a presentation on Tuesday, December 10 at the Wangaratta CFA DMO Workshop, the recipients became the latest of more than 5500 CFA members to receive the honour for the 2019-2020 res.
CFA board member Ross Coyle presented the medals and said they were an important recognition of the valiant e orts of CFA members.
“The National Emergency Medal is a formal recognition that Australia appreciates the e orts and contributions of CFA members during the 2019-2020 bush re crisis,” he said.
“It is a great honour to receive this medal, and I hope it goes a small way to thanking our members for their service.”
Shepparton DMO, Violet Town re ghter and medal recipient
Will Mackrell, who was based out of Wilberforce in NSW for a week, said it was an honour to be formally recognised.
“I was positioned with a strike team alongside three other DMOs and we did all the operational checks of their trucks, making sure that any faults that were found during the day or during use were recti ed that night so it
could head out again the next day,” he said.
“As a team we were doing all the preventative check overs, making sure the radiators and air lters were clean, and that the tyres and trucks overall were in a good condition.
“Our strike team were tasked with mopping up, blacking out, and asset protection, so we were lucky enough to be a bit away from the re ground.”
Will recalls the days being long, with early starts to make sure everything was ready to go for all the crews rst thing in the morning.
“When the strike team initially travelled up, one of service trucks went up too with a ranger vehicle all stocked with our tools, air lters and oils so we had everything we needed,” he said.
“We had all the trucks we were looking a er all parked up at the staging area, and one by one we would check them over utilising our service vehicles.
“Because we knew where they were headed, we knew what conditions they’d be under and what xes were likely to be required, so if they were going through tight bush tracks, we expected damage, or if they’d done paddock work, then the radiators were going to be full.”
CFA’s mechanics play a vital role in keeping CFA’s eet in the best shape they can be to attend all types of emergency incidents across the state.
At a campaign re, their expertise becomes even more crucial to keep our trucks in ne form on the reground and our re ghters safe.
“Because our volunteers give our state so much, active CFA and VICSES volunteers and life members will be eligible for an exemption from paying the ESVF on their primary place of residence – such as their home or farm – providing even more incentive for Victorians to consider volunteering in our emergency services,” Ms Symes said.
“We’ve also announced a $250 million package that will set up a VICSES and CFA fleet replacement program, delivering new and upgraded trucks, tankers and pumpers.
“We’re also doubling our Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment grants, upgrading the VicEmergency app and boosting VICSES training.
“Volunteers love what they do –they don’t do it for the recognition.
“But they should have the equipment, training and support they need to keep our communities safe.”
Like the FSPL, the ESVF will be calculated based on a fixed charge that varies by property type, and a variable charge based on property value.
Pensioners, veterans and single farm enterprises will continue to receive concessions.
And the ESVF will still be collected through local councils.
The ESVF announcement was part of a string of tax hikes in government’s mid-year budget update last Friday.
AFSM. William Mackrell, Wayne Vearing, Paul Grant, Stephen Roman (le , seated), Andrew Creasy, Sean Botting. were awarded National Emergency Medals for their e orts in the 2019-2020 Australian bushfire crisis (not pictured - Keith Thompson).
HELL FIRE: A truck carrying flammable liquid caused an inferno on the Hume Freeway at Chiltern early last Friday morning.
ACROSS
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD
4 Which natural harbour forms the port of Sydney, Port ... (7)
8 What is a part of a kitchen set apart for meals (7)
9 Name an alternative term for an umpire (7)
10 Name the outer and thinner two bones of the lower leg (7)
11 To subjugate someone, is to do what (7)
12 What is a label or a ticket (6)
14 Which term describes keen insight (6)
18 What, in the US, is 25 cents (7)
21 What are antennae known as (7)
22 Which term describes the peak (7)
23 Name the studio of an artist (7)
24 What are subterfuges (7) DOWN
1 To have benefited morally, is to have done what (7)
2 What might we call social climbers (5)
3 Who is trained for track and field events (7)
4 Name the largest of the Channel Islands (6)
6 What is a sneering or cutting remark (7)
7 Who is the daughter of one’s sister (5)
13 To be in utter disorder, is to be what (7)
15 Name the son of Queen Elizabeth II (7)
16 What is a place set apart for young children (7)
E-QUATIONS 7
5 Where are light refreshments served (5)
17 Which term describes plays (6)
Letters have a number value
Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
E-QUATIONS
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
18 To cite, is to do what (5)
19 Name a renowned London newspaper (5)
20 Name a herb of tropical and subtropical regions (5)
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
1 APHAGIA
(a) Inability to express thought in words (b) Want of feeling
(c) Inability to swallow
2 BRUME (a) Fog (b) A wild horse (c) A wild climbing plant
BIYWORD
Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.
CLUES:
African snake (5)
Carved stone for necklet (5)
Dove’s call (3)
Farm birds (5)
Host (7)
Magazine (abb) (3)
Mined material (3)
Overindulges (7)
Overweight (5)
Unit of land area (3)
Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.
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Publication date: Classifieds deadline:
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2014 Jeep Wrangler Sport Unlimited, convertible hard top, automatic, petrol 3.6 litre, loads of accessories, such as fog lights, hill descent, etc. goes anywhere, looks awesome in hard to get red, RWC, rego (2AD5JL), $21,500, Mansfield. Ph 0403 359 006.
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2012 MAZDA CX5, Reg 1YO 2ZV, 218,000kms, Fastidious Owner, priced to sell $11,500 with RWC, Phone Max Batey 0419 547 308.
2012 MAZDA CX5, Reg AAR 254, 225,000kms, Fastidious Owner, priced to sell $11,500 with RWC, Phone Max Batey. 0419 547 308
OUT OUR NORTH EAST JOBS in today's Regional Extra for more employment opportunities. Published every Wednesday in your Wangaratta Chronicle, Ovens and Murray Advertiser, Myrtleford Times and Alpine Observer
HONDA NC700SA, great bike in good condition, lots of extras, 45,200km, Vic reg till October 2025 (1L2JR), I’ve turned 70 and am downsizing, $3200. Phone Ian 0448 952 349.
Crucial last game of 2024 for Wanderers
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
BEECHWORTH’S A grade will be looking for a quick turn of fate to end their 2024 calendar year as they look to stay in contention for the One Day crown this season.
The Wanderers were outclassed in all facets of the game by the Wangaratta Magpies in their rst hit out in a month at Norm Minns Oval last weekend, going down by 81-runs.
A er a relatively even start to have Wangaratta at 3/61, the game was taken away from the Wanderers by Jack Davies who made an unbeaten 82, supported by a quick 57 o 44 balls by Kyle Winter-Irving in the middle order.
Beechworth paceman Matt Ryan led from the front in his return to the attack with gures of 3/36 o his eight overs, with the Magpies nishing with 5/239 o their 40 overs.
Despite losing gun opener Kayde Surrey for just six, the Wanderers started well o the back of Jack Ryan’s 56 and Brenton Surrey’s 39, puttin on a 91-run partnership.
However, both fell in reasonably quick succession and Beechworth would go on to lose 7/58 to be all out for 158, well short of their target.
The A grade Wanderers will nd themselves back in Wangaratta this weekend as they face Rovers United Bruck in a crucial match for the rami cations of the One Day standings.
Currently the Magpies stand clear on top, but just 0.2 points separate Ovens
Valley, Rovers and Beechworth in a battle for second spot and a chance to play o for silverware in February. Rovers have won ve straight games in all formats since their opening round loss to Yarrawonga Mulwala.
In other grades, Beechworth’s B grade nally made it on the winners list this season securing their rst win over Delatite at Mans eld.
Batting rst, solid contributions from the top four of Rama Schultz (25), Michael Schultz (31) Jacob Howard (28) and Lewis Richards (13) set a strong target of 7/154.
Delatite made inroads early behind opening batsman Rick Mills (41), but the middle order failed to re a shot as the Wanderers ran away with the 56-run win at Lords.
Ben Cogger (2/20) and Archer Warner (2/8) did the damage with the ball while Lachie Fitzpatrick, Rick Fitzpatrick and Alex Beatson took a wicket each.
Meanwhile C grade continued their dominant season at Gapsted, chasing down 118 in 20 overs to win by eight wickets.
A er Taylor Thomson (going under the alias Fill Inn) took 4/15 bowling rst for Beechworth, it was Darby West who stole the show with the bat, making an unbeaten 82 to go with his own 2/21 with the ball to steer Beechworth home.
B grade will take on Merton at Merton before their Christmas break, while C grade take on Greta white at Moyhu.
Creating cycling communities for youth
■ From back page NICA has grown over the years with 32 leagues around the nation and 15,000 volunteer coaches.
“I run a program for the state of Idaho and it’s one of the largest leagues in the country,” Mr Freyer said.
Mr Freyer said NICA asked him to take the lead on the project working with Mark Eedle from Canberrabased Trek, Asia Paci c.
He said three of the four Olympians representing the United States in cross country mountain biking in the Olympics held in Paris last summer had been riders from the program.
“It’s a lifelong sport with so many great health
bene ts associated with it and has a great social component with people coming together as part of a community,” he said.
“This program introduces kids to that lifestyle.”
Mr Freyer said if the template works in Australia supporting a NICA international division it can be replicated in other countries around the world.
“One of our core values and in our mission is to build a thriving cycling community that kids can be a part of,” he said.
“And now we have an opportunity to create a global community for these kids.
“There could be exchange programs in the
future where kids from one country can take part in an exchange program in another country with a NICO family.
“It’s all about broadening that community and making it available for kids all over the world.”
Trek Bicycle, Asia-Pacific’s advocacy and engagement manager, Mark Eedle said Trek is a major supporter of NICA in the States and is supporting the pilot program.
Mr Eedle said the pilot series will nish with a race at Mount Stromlo in Canberra on February 22. For more information visit www.nicaausmtb.org. au/try-it-out-events.
CREATING CYCLING COMMUNITIES: NICA’s Eddie Freyer (le ), Beechworth Chain Gang members Michael Hoare, Lynne Frerichs (president) with Trek Bicycle, Asia-Pacific’s Mark Eedle at the Beechworth Mountain Bike Park.
CRUNCH TIME
JACK Ryan plays a nice shot o the back foot at Norm Minns Oval on his way to 56 last weekend, as the Wanderers look for a win back at Wangaratta tomorrow against Rovers United Bruck before the Christmas break.
■ Story page 11
Creating cycling communities
Beechworth one of five spots in Victoria, NSW and ACT selected for pilot mountain bike program
By CORAL COOKSLEY
BEECHWORTH has been chosen as one of ve places across the ACT, NSW and Victoria for “Try-It-Out” events by a United States-based youth development organisation using mountain bikes with the program taken o shore for the rst time.
The National Interscholastic
Cycling Association (NICA) dedicated to building strong minds, body, character and communities through mountain biking is running a pilot program to test the waters for a possible launch in Australia next year.
Beechworth Chain Gang’s president Lynn Frerichs said the club is helping as needed to support the local event.
Ms Frerichs also said NICA approached the club for the roll out on January 11 next year as well as Indigo Shire Council for permission.
“We embraced the event as we want to get as many people riding bikes as possible,” she said.
“It’s better for health and the environment.”
NICA’s Eddie Freyer, asked to
lead the project, said the organisation runs the program for 12 to 17- year-olds from beginners and upwards with no experience needed.
“We have been exploring the possibility of expanding the program internationally,” he said.
“There was a group of folks here in Australia who knew
about what we were doing in the ‘States’ and reached out to us to see if the program could potentially run in Australia.”
Founded in the United States 15 years ago, Mr Freyer said 25,000 kids participated in the youth program across the country with 75 per cent of coaches being parents.
■ Continued page 11
PHOTO: Marc Bongers