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BEECHWORTH - CHILTERN - RUTHERGLEN - STANLEY - YACKANDANDAH Friday, December 22, 2023

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from staff and management of the Ovens and Murray Advertiser Our next publication will be Friday, January 12, 2024

LOCAL CRAFT ON SHOW: (Clockwise from left)Beechworth’s 10-year-old Lily Barlow (left) with eight-year-old brother Koby, innovative creator Brayden Schilling, 12-year-old Violet Carr with friend 12-year-old Larni Armstrong and 11-year-old Hazel Carr had fun with fidget toys at last Friday’s Quercus community Christmas market.

Christmas craft

Orlando lands 99.05 ATAR Page 3

Residents snap p up p locally-made y goods g as Beechworth embraces festive spirit p

PLAYING with fidget toys has paid off for a young local with his first stall at the Quercus Beechworth annual community Christmas market drawing significant business. Beechworth Secondary College student Brayden Schilling’s passion for design and 3D printing saw him create a range of colourful gadgets to sell on Friday

BY CORAL COOKSLEY ccooksley@ nemedia.com.au

afternoon. The young innovator had no trouble in drawing interest from all ages at his first market. “I’ve made a whole bunch of these for myself and friends at school,” he said.

“I decided that maybe other people would like some of these and sure enough they have attracted a great crowd of all age groups.” Brayden said he made fidget toys for the kids as well as useful products for anyone older. “The fidget toys have been selling faster than I expected,” he said.

Among them were flexi T-Rexes, gyroscopes, planetary gears to spin around fingers, clickers, and replacement clips for zippers. It is no surprise the inventor will be studying Systems Engineering in Year 12 at school next year where he said 3D printing can tie into the subject. Brayden is also studying business management

adding to his skills to run his new-found business. For watercolour artist Jessica Foster, the market had been a first-time event. “I love zooming in on the little details of nature where I paint tiny flowers in a bit more detail or tiny frogs or just little scenes and make them bigger and more vibrant,” she said. ■ Continued page 2

Indigo Interview Page 9

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Page 2 - ADVERTISER, Friday, December 22, 2023

Beechworth combined church Christmas events THIS year’s Christmas Church events: Anglican, Christ Church 27 Ford Street: Sunday Sung Eucharist, Sundays @ 9.30am; Service of nine Lessons & Carols, Wed, Dec 20, 2023 @7.30pm; Family Christmas Eucharist, Sunday, December 24, 2023 @ 9.30am; Early Midnight Mass, Sunday, December 24,2023 @ 9pm; Sung Eucharist & Carols, Monday, December 25 2023 @ 9.30am; Enquiries: Father Matthew Healy on 0438 224 986 or vicar3747@gmail.com. Catholic Church, St Joseph’s 9 Church Street: Sunday Mass, Sundays @ 9am; Christmas Eve Mass, Sunday, December 24, 2023 @ 5.30pm; Christmas Day Mass, Monday, December 25, 2023 @ 9am; See notice board at the Church. The Salvation Army, Beechworth Corps 35 Ford Street: Sunday Worship, Sundays @ 10.30am; Christmas Day Service, Monday, December 25 2023 @ 9.30am; Enquiries: Major Pauline Middleton on 03 5728 3245 or pauline.middleton@salvationarmy.org.au Uniting Church, St Andrew’s, Cnr Ford & Williams streets: Sunday Service, Sundays @ 10am; Christmas Day Service, Monday, December 25, 2023 @ 10am; Enquiries: 0417 745 105.

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Rise in occupational violence prompts paramedic plea AMBULANCE Victoria is calling on the Hume community to support paramedics to continue saving lives this festive season, amid reports paramedics are reporting an assault or attempted assault every 15 hours. Between July and November, 20 incidents of occupational violence (OV) were reported by Hume paramedics, while 35 cases were recorded in the 2022/23 financial year. OV incidents increased by 14 per cent across the state last financial year, with 580 cases reported, and Victorian paramedics are continuing to report a rise in violent assaults and verbal abuse. Injuring an emergency worker in

Victoria carries a mandatory minimum six-month jail sentence. Ambulance Victoria Hume acting regional director Stuart Reid said there had been some horrific behaviour experienced by paramedics in the last year. “We’ve seen some disgusting acts, including a paramedic being kicked in the groin, a female paramedic groped while fitting a patient with equipment and even a crew on nightshift being harassed by someone banging on the building as they were trying to rest,” he said. “We have zero tolerance for these disgusting and illegal acts, and we do not accept occupational

violence as ‘part of the job.’” Mr Reid said paramedics would leave a scene if they felt unsafe. “Our people’s safety comes first, and they will always be supported not to enter a scene or to retreat if they believe they are at risk,” he said. “For us to provide treatment to you or your loved ones, we need a safe environment to work in. “We recognise emergency situations can be stressful, but becoming angry or aggressive will not help you or the patient paramedics are trying to help.” Mr Reid said paramedics were trained in a variety of strategies to assess, manage and de-escalate vio-

lent or aggressive scenes, and noted the prevention of OV was a priority area for Ambulance Victoria and staff were encouraged to report each instance. He said emergency service worker safety should be paramount as the festive season approaches. “Many Victorians are out celebrating at this time of year, but for our paramedics it’s one of the busiest and toughest periods,” Mr Reid said. “We would ask all Hume residents to help our paramedics care for the community by being respectful towards them and if you are involved in an emergency incident, doing your bit to assist.”

Seniors celebrate annual Christmas lunch By CORAL COOKSLEY

GREAT TIME: Senior citizens members Glenis Spencer (left) and Peggy McKinley enjoyed the Senior Citizen Club’s traditional Christmas lunch. INSET: ENJOYED: Senior citizens had a fabulous time at their recent traditional Christmas lunch.

AROUND 20 Senior Citizens Club members tucked into a sumptuous lunch for their recent traditional Christmas gettogether. Held at the club’s hall in Harper Street everyone chipped in with delicious contributions for the country-style smorgasbord. Member and MC for the event David Box entertained the group as he strummed his ukulele for a sing along of Christmas carols. Another member Cath Buckingham sang accompanied by local musician Sandra Williams on piano. Club secretary Heather Hulett said it was a moving performance. “Brad Buckingham gave a monologue with ‘Father of the Bride’ too,” she said. “Peggy McKinley made shortbread Christmas gifts for everyone who attended.” Ms Hulett said the event had been entertaining and relaxing. Among activities held at the Senior Citizens’ Hall include cards (Euchre), craft (textiles, fibre and yarn), Beechworth Exercise Activity and Training Group Inc. (BEAT), Tai Chi Qigong and table tennis with croquet on outside lawns.

Residents snap up local craft for Christmas

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■ From page 1

“It was nice that people were very interested in looking at my artwork and quite a few were happy to buy it as well.” Beechworth’s Fran Waterman and her family have visited the market every year. She said the communityminded and local event could be enjoyed after school hours. “We always find things that local people have made that we can purchase,” she said. “My daughter Violet and her friend Larni are starting year seven next year and we jumped at the chance to see Brayden from the local secondary school,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity to support him and get the girls excited by what the high school has to offer.” Beechworth’s Tina Barlow said visiting the community market is a family tradition. “We spend time as a family enjoying all the local craft, products and produce,” she said. Quercus Beechworth

HAPPY CHRISTMAS: Jessica Foster (left), Linda Erskine and Glenis Spencer teamed up with a stall for their fabulous creations at last Friday’s Quercus community Christmas market. manager Paivi Watson said people visiting the market wanted to see what locals offered. “It’s also about connecting, having fun and a good opportunity to buy Christmas presents made by local people,” she said. “We’ve had a lot of youth and kids’ stalls this year too. “I think people like to support the kids and encourage

them to make their own little business and earn some pocket money.” Among other activities available were dance performances from Quercus Beechworth’s kids dance classes, games, hula hoops, and face painting drew interest too. Quercus volunteers had helped to organise and run the market.

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ADVERTISER, Friday, December 22, 2023 - Page 3

Passion for study sees local student secure 99.05 ATAR By CORAL COOKSLEY A BEECHWORTH youngster who landed a 99.05 ATAR has attributed his success to studying subjects he was passionate about. Wangaratta High School student Orlando Bulmer said studying subjects of interest as well as exploring topics outside the curriculum had led to his outstanding result. “It’s a good idea not to study just for the sake of exam grades but a certain amount of commitment is necessary to succeed in exams and other study,” the high achiever said. Orlando said the ATAR was not really the be all and end all as its main purpose is just for university admission and a ranking at the end of the day. “There’s always different options that you can pursue to get into your desired course,” he said. Orlando said he studied literature, ancient history, maths methods, specialist maths, physics, and studied Year 12 biology last year. “I really enjoyed specialist maths because

OVER-THE-MOON: Wangaratta High School dux this year Orlando Bulmer is looking forward to studying at university next year. PHOTO: Coral Cooksley I’m just really interested in that advanced maths field,” he said. Orlando hopes to undertake a Bachelor

of Science (Advanced) (Honours) at ANU or Melbourne University. “It’ll be pretty surreal moving away from home

but I think it will be a very exciting adventure,” the 18-year-old said. A violinist too, Orlando said he managed to

combine table tennis and biweekly music lessons with his studies as well as rehearsals for the Murray Conservatorium for a concert held last weekend. He has been a member of the Murray Conservatorium for around five years playing in various ensembles there since high school. Orlando said he enjoyed swimming carnivals, inter school table tennis competitions, and being a member of the debating club while at school. “Debating is really useful in helping to keep informed about various different issues,” he said. Orlando said he had supportive parents and teachers. “We have really amazing teachers at Wangaratta High School,” he said. “They were always supportive throughout my secondary school journey and I can just attribute success to my high school as it reflects the excellent teaching really. “When you’re in the thick of it near the end of the year and going through piles of exam papers teachers’ feedback was invaluable.”

Salvos spread festive cheer across region

By CORAL COOKSLEY

MOTORBIKE lovers with big hearts recently rumbled around the countryside for their annual toy run for the Salvation Army organised by Yackandandah biker Trevor Botting. Captain Pauline Middleton said more than $1000 was raised, including $200 from the Happy Valley Hotel. “It was a hot day for riding motorbikes, but we did have around 50 people attending our barbeque lunch

who braved the hot humid weather,” she said. “The meat for the barbeque came from our local Beechworth CCs butcher and other food came from the local Ritchies IGA Supermarket.” Captain Middleton said food supplies for the barbeque helped to keep the numbers up for distributions needed for the Christmas Cheer Handout. “We are very grateful to not only the motorbike riders but others who helped as well.”

She said many generous donations from the community to the Salvation Army’s Christmas Cheer Fundraising effort held outside Beechworth NewsXpress, plus others who gave privately, had been gratefully received too. “This also includes food donations from Wooragee Primary School, and the Wodonga Food Share. “Well done to Beechworth and the surrounding region as well as to the Beechworth Salvos team who helped others.”

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NORTH East Water (NEW) has taken out a major climate change prize in an innovative joint project dedicated to finding environmentally friendly alternatives to cement. Victorian Water Minister, Harriet Shing MP, recently announced NEW as the winner of the Water Minister’s Climate Innovation Challenge 2023, run by the Intelligent Water Networks. NEW’s winning project is a collaboration with Yarra Valley Water and Barwon Water and focuses on finding low carbon cement alternatives for use in the water industry. NEW’s manager of planning and liveability, Jill Fagan, said cement was a key component in concrete, which is a major contributor to global carbon emissions. “Cement generates approximately eight per cent of the world’s carbon emissions, and in the water sector, concrete is used extensively for pipes, water tanks and treatment plants”, she said. “Victoria’s water sector contributes one per cent of the state’s total carbon emissions, and with a commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2035, innovative projects like this are essential in meeting that target.” The winning project was awarded a $30,000 grant to identify and examine the suitability of low-carbon cement alternatives for use in water industry applications. “Traditional cement is produced in very high temperature kilns, which release a lot of carbon dioxide,” Dr Fagan said. “This project team will look at lowcarbon cement options that are made using less heat or can make use of industrial waste products, to reduce emissions. “The initiative aims to fast-track the uptake of low-carbon cement products within the water sector, potentially becoming a blueprint for the Australian water industry. “Through this project we also hope to influence the use of environmentally friendly concrete alternatives more broadly across other regions and industries.” NEW chair, Stephen Brown, said the innovative and collaborative project showcased the water sector’s leadership in reducing emissions. “It positions the sector to adapt to likely changes in emissions regulation and sets a precedent for sustainable practices within our industry,” he said.

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Page 4 - ADVERTISER, Friday, December 22, 2023

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Student excellence celebrated with awards

By CORAL COOKSLEY

BEECHWORTH Secondary College (BSC) Year 12 graduates Will Usher Clarke (pictured) and Cooper Waller have clinched $5000 scholarships to help with further studies. The college celebrated outstanding student achievements from Year 7 to 12 at its annual award presentation night held recently in its state-of-the-art facilities. Various organisations, local businesses and community service groups provided many awards and scholarships as well as the college with its achievement awards. Youthrive’s John and Mary Moore Scholarship received by Will includes mentoring and leadership development in 2024 to support further studies while Cooper’s scholarship supports him undertaking a TAFE course and electrical apprenticeship. Creswick-based Youthrive is dedicated to supporting young

people in rural Victoria to help in personal, professional and leadership development. For the first time Quercus Beechworth offered three community study support scholarships to help senior students access further education. Year 12 graduates Lucas Geisseler will have his plans to undertake a degree in psychology and law bolstered through a $1500 scholarship, while a $750 scholarship will help Chloe Sacco with her tertiary studies. Another $750 scholarship will help Year 12 student Dan Russell complete an extension maths course where he travels to Melbourne each term. Dux student Rokia Diallo Gladstone was also awarded the Melbourne University Principals’ Scholarship worth $5000. Rokia is one of around six per cent of students across the state awarded a VCE Baccalaureate where a language and a higher level of math had been undertaken in VCE studies. College principal Patricia Broom said a number of students could be given an award for every subject.

“It was a chance to acknowledge the hard work and effort of many who try their best as well,” she said. “Our teachers support individuals to be successful, as we can build strong, supportive connections, and they achieve more than expected.” Ms Broom said students had also been recognised for their strong sense of community, volunteering, school involvement and beyond, and being passionate about a particular subject area. “We have some amazing future leaders coming through,” she said. “The level of community support is exceptional, and we are fortunate to be able to live and work here.” BSC Council president Gael Evans-Barr said she could not be prouder of the staff at Beechworth Secondary College. “They are exceptional humans who go above and beyond to support students, taking the time to understand what makes them tick and what their aspirations are,” she said.

“Although our graduating class has done very well this year, and the college is very proud of the graduating year, students are more than their ATAR at BSC and we are all very excited to see what this year’s cohort achieve in the future. “The time staff spend out of hours to encourage student’s passions and interest is extraordinary. “ Ms Evans-Barr said the college has real programs and avenues for support and encouragement. “This school is out front and centre making a difference, much like the fabulous donors that provide scholarship support here tonight,” she said. “The school is there every step of the way and will do everything within their means to create an opportunity for students who show interest in a particular area - even driving kids to Melbourne Uni for classes in medicine and maths.” Samara Bright and Felix Woodford were announced as captains for next year along with vice captains Isabelle Noble and Hamish Bradley.

Art exhibition a fabulous success By CORAL COOKSLEY

ARTISTIC: Creatives Deb Borleis (left), Robyn Donnelley, Del O’Mara, Margaret Barwood, Brenda Nicholson and Barry Ellis had their work on show at the recent U3A inaugural art exhibition. CREATIVE: Artists Deb Borleis (left), Margaret Barwood and Jen Cowie showcased their work at the recent U3A inaugural art exhibition.

showed what we do and achieve and also hopefully incited some interest from others in joining AN INAUGURAL exhibition U3A,” he said. held in Beechworth with a “Everyone who attended showcase of diverse works drew commented they were surprised close to 100 art lovers to view in both the quality and variety creations earlier this month. Around 30 artists from Indigo of work.” Besides art groups, Indigo U3A displayed their works at U3A also offers walking, cycling, the organisation’s premises in books, music, films, science, Harper Avenue. current affairs and philosophy U3A’s Neil Townsend said art groups, with next year’s proclasses have been offered for gram set to increase. more than three years with the More information about U3A number of people and classes and courses can be checked out increasing every year. at its expo and enrolment day He said the exhibition boosted members’ confidence in their on Tuesday, January 23 next work as well as providing a reali- year at the Beechworth Memosation of quality sometimes not rial Hall. People can also visit the U3A seen by a self-conscious artist. website www.indigou3a.org.au “The exhibition displayed for more information. our work to the community,

Letters to the editor Post office restoration given rave reviews OUR heritage-listed post office restored. Congratulations to the owners of the “Old“ Post Office. What a great restoration. What a great contribution to maintaining Beechworth heritage. Thank you. What we need now is for complementary work by council to pressure wash

the footpaths; remove the “inappropriate” drinking fountain (now a 30 month “work in progress”), and present the public toilets in something resembling decency. Acting CEO Pinkerton’s response to the pigeon poo issue (O&M, November 16) is nothing more than bureaucratic mumbo jumbo…blame shifting, shared responsibility and lack of ownership. Post Office owners: well done and thank you. Council: Just do it. We deserve better. We pay for HERITAGE RESTORATION: Beechworth’s former post better Geoffrey Palmer, office has been the subject of a major restoration in PHOTO: Coral Cooksley Beechworth recent months.

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

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ADVERTISER, Friday, December 22, 2023 - Page 5

Bravery and service of locals in line of duty celebrated By CORAL COOKSLEY BEECHWORTH Rural Fire Brigade members, family and friends gathered at a special awards presentation earlier this month held at the brigade’s fire station premises. More than 30 members were recognised for years of exceptional service stretching from CFA five-year certificates to medals marking between a decade and 50 years of active involvement. Long-time dedicated volunteers captain Bruce Forrest, John Clarke and Rob Tully each received medals for 50 years of service. A highlight of the evening included Rob receiving CFA life membership. Rob said he had been completely taken by surprise in receiving life membership. “It is a tremendous honour,” he said. The volunteer recalled joining the Beechworth Civil Search and Rescue Squad now known as the SES as a young boy at school before joining the fire brigade. “When starting to work in the orchard I thought my time might be better spent in the rural fire brigade as

it was more related to the work I was doing,’ he said. “Being in the fire brigade has been a wonderful education.” Rob said firefighting had changed over the years with advances in areas such as equipment, expertise and efficiency. “When you think about starting to what it is now, there is a big difference,” he said. Rob said 50 years ago aircraft or trucks capable of going into the bush did not exist. As a volunteer he said it was rewarding to protect the community as well as satisfying to put something back into the community. With Victoria having a history of bad fires, Rob said he felt CFA Victoria was one of the best firefighting organisations in the world with its members welcomed in other countries to fight fires. A strong memory for Rob is when the fire brigade stopped a bad situation from getting worse by putting out spot fires on his property in the 2003 bushfires. Rob spent five consecutive years as a lieutenant while the late Keith Harms

had been captain. He said there was great camaraderie in the brigade. Brigade captain Bruce Forrest said he also gained a great deal of satisfaction in protecting the community while finding volunteering rewarding. “You learn from peers and pass on knowledge to the next generation,” he said. “With bush firefighting you learn basic skills as every situation is different such as terrain and weather and you have to look at the conditions.” Bruce said volunteers placed time into training where he has clocked up qualifications along the way. “There are plenty of opportunities to learn new skills for various roles or just be a firefighter,” he said. Growing up on a farm in Miepoll north of Euroa, John Clarke joined the local fire brigade when his father signed him up as a 16-yearold while still at school. “The fire truck needed the numbers and you did whatever was needed to be done,” he said. “Back in those days crop residue was burnt and you

REWARDED: (From left) Beechworth Rural Fire Brigade captain Bruce Forrest, CFA District 24 assistant chief fire officer (ACFO) Brett Myers, John Clarke and Rob Tully at the presentation. PHOTOS: Gail Smith. had to know how to control fires.” With a move from the farm which he then ran to Beechworth 11 years ago, John was approached to join the local rural fire brigade. He said a new group of friends had been made by joining the brigade. CFA District 24 Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) Brett Myers presented all awards.

CAMARADERIE: Beechworth rural fire brigade members, family and friends at the presentation.

Page 6 - ADVERTISER, Friday, December 22, 2023

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37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta VIC 3677 Phone: (03) 5723 0100 Fax: (03) 5721 9447 www.omadvertiser.com.au Classifieds 5723 0101 or classifieds@nemedia.com.au Display Advertising: 5723 0100 or sales@nemedia.com.au Editorial: 5723 0130 or edit.omadvertiser@nemedia.com.au Published by Hartley Higgins for North East Media Pty Ltd, 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta, 3677. Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Editor Jeff Zeuschner. Copyright: All advertising and editorial content of this issue is the copyright of North East Media Pty Ltd and cannot be used without the company’s permission. NEWSPAPER DEADLINES: 'LVSOD\ DGV ERRNLQJV ........ 12 noon Monday 'LVSOD\ DGV FRS\ ............... 12 noon Monday &ODVVLILHGV ........................... 3pm Wednesday *HQHUDO 1HZV ...................... 9.15am Monday 6SRUWV UHVXOWV ....................... 9.15am Monday /HWWHUV .................................. 9.15am Monday

YOUR OVENS AND MURRAY TEAM

Editor Ryan Malcolm

Correspondent Coral Cooksley

Sport Bailey Zimmermann

Advertising Sales 5723 0100 sales@nemedia.com.au

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V/Line extends reservationonly trial on Albury trains A TRIAL of reservation-only seating on V/Line trains travelling along the Albury line will continue over summer, and will extend to seven days a week over the busy holiday period. Beginning earlier this week and running through to the end of February, all V/Line services on the Albury line will be fully reserved, in a move expected to provide more certainty for passengers travelling throughout the summer and upcoming school holidays. The trial was first introduced on weekends and school holidays in September after more than 70 per cent of passengers surveyed by V/Line staff supported a move to reservationonly seating on busy services. The move followed a number of reported overcrowding issues in the wake of the introduction of the regional fare cap earlier this year, which saw those without a reserved seat forced to stand or sit on the floor for all or part of their journey in busy unreserved carriages. As of Monday, weekday services are now also subjected to reservation-only seating. An additional Saturday service to Melbourne and a return Sunday service to Albury will also be introduced to run throughout the summer months. Minister for Public and Active Transport, Gabrielle Wil-

GRAB A SEAT: All Albury line trains this summer will be subject to reservation-only seating. liams, said more than 250,000 trips had been taken on the Albury line since the introduction of the regional fare cap earlier this year. Further consultation is expected to continue over the coming months before a decision is reached over whether reservation-only seating will be implemented permanently.

“The regional fare cap continues to be extremely popular on the Albury line and by extending this reservation-only seating trial, we’re giving passengers more certainty about seating over the summer period,” Ms Williams said. “With fairer fares, extra services and more booking certainty, we’re working hard to sup-

port Albury line passengers and their travel needs, ensuring they can attend major events, visit family and friends or explore the best of what Victoria has to offer this holiday season.” Passengers who require special assistance should call 1800 800 007 between 6am and midnight to discuss their needs before they travel.

Marian College

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ADVERTISER, Friday, December 22, 2023 - Page 7

Concerns raised over Billson’s packaging CANCER Council Victoria has slammed a decision by the Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code (ABAC) scheme, after it only partially upheld complaints against Billson’s Brewery’s product packaging and social media posts for its ready-to-drink vodkas. Cancer Council Victoria (CCV) had previously lodged a complaint to ABAC about bright, colourful packaging found on Billson’s ‘Tangle’ and ‘Twister’ ready-to-drink al-

cohol products appealing to children and promoted on Tik Tok. The complaint was not upheld, however, a second complaint about the company’s ‘Lamington’ vodka featuring appealing baked goods on its packaging was upheld as having strong or evident appeal to minors. CCV alcohol programs manager Alison McAleese said it was the fourth time this year Billson’s had come under fire for its product packaging and “negligent”

marketing tactics. “This recent decision demonstrates the voluntary, industry-led ABAC scheme is clearly failing the ‘pub test’ to protect our children and young people from harmful alcohol advertising,” Ms McAleese said. “This year alone ABAC has received and dismissed 20 complaints about Billson’s ready-to-drink alcohol products, with only 10 complaints upheld. “What’s also concerning is ABAC’s lack of sanctions

to deter companies like Billson’s from rolling out new sweet-flavoured alcohol products with colourful can designs to replace similar drinks previously found to breach the code.” A 2017 Australian survey found 43 per cent of 12-year-olds and 85pc of 17-year-olds had tried alcohol. “Industry has set its sights on hooking young people on alcohol early with fruit, candy or dessert-flavoured drinks and

colourful packaging to attract attention and build brand awareness,” Ms McAleese said. “With the recent backlash around ‘Hard Solo’ that saw ABAC back down from its initial pre-vetting decision, it’s clear this voluntary scheme, backed by the alcohol and advertising industries, is failing our young people.” Billson’s Brewery was contacted for comment, but was yet to respond at the time of going to print.

COMPLAINT UPHELD: Cancer Council Victoria says a complaint against the packaging of Billson’s Lamington flavoured vodka premix can had been upheld by the Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code.

Local fire brigade celebrates Christmas By CORAL COOKSLEY

MERRY CHRISTMAS: Excited children had a chance to see Santa at Beechworth Fire Brigade’s Christmas get-together on Sunday. PHOTO: Courtesy Beechworth Fire Brigade.

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SANTA arrived in style in a fire truck with a bag of goodies for the kids at last Sunday’s Beechworth CFA Fire Brigade Christmas gettogether. Some 50 people joined in including current volunteer members and new recruits with partners and kids at the brigade’s premises in Victoria Road. Beechworth’s CFA community safety officer David Garcia said the annual event was also a thank you to families for putting up with brigade members not being

home when they have training commitments. “Members need to leave their families at all hours to serve the community too,” he said. The brigade community made a tasty selection of salads and desserts to accompany roasted and smoked meats prepared by the brigade for a scrumptious Christmas dinner. David said at the end of a fabulous night trucks moved out of the main garage at the station to make way for the fun event and were returned after the tidy up ready for the next call-out.

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ADVERTISER, Friday, December 22, 2023 - Page 9

Wooragee move frees Carolyn’s equine passion SUMMER READING: Pizzini Wines Natalie Pizzini shares her amazing family story in the latest edition of North East Living, which is out now. PHOTO: Sandra Lee Photography

Carolyn Haley CAROLYN Haley was born in Melbourne and moved to Bobinawarrah in North East Victoria in her late primary school years. She attended Bobinawarrah Primary School with nine students and rode her pony Danny Boy to school. Her first job through late secondary school, was at Brown Brothers Winery. After living in Melbourne, Phillip Island and Yarrawonga, Carolyn and her husband bought a beautiful property in Wooragee two years ago. What do you do workwise? I started at Billson’s Brewery a few months ago as the senior finance manager. Being part of such a vibrant, growing company is very exciting. I love that Billson’s is so focussed on community and is undertaking stunning restorations of some old Beechworth buildings. What brought you to your role/career? I decided to try accounting in year 11 as I enjoyed maths, and my dad was an accountant. This led to me undertaking a traineeship at Coopers and Lybrand Chartered Accountants after secondary school, whilst studying part-time to complete my university degree and further studies. I moved on after a year as I didn’t take to audit (boring), even though it taught me some valuable lessons for my future career. What do you love about your work? The financial information and results of a company tell a story of the company journey, challenges faced, successes, decisions and opportunities. I love seeing a team evolve with its knowledge and skills, systems and processes to become a high functioning team for an organisation. What do you do in the community? After meeting our neighbours, who were also new to Wooragee and discussing the challenge of meeting people locally, I started a Facebook group called Wooragee Community Group, just for those who reside in Wooragee. This was modelled off the success of the Yackandandah and Beechworth groups. We then hosted the first neighbours catch up and there has been one every month since hosted by different members of our community. It’s grown a life of its own. Is there an important local community issue that you think needs addressing? That Australia, ‘The Lucky Country,’ has so many people homeless and such a lack of affordable housing and

One family’s journey to Pizzini Wines in Whitfield

HORSE LOVER: A move to Wooragee has meant horses are back in Carolyn’s life. Photographed riding her heart horse and brumby ‘Shrimp’ from Kosciuszko National Park. rental properties is a disgrace. Our local community shares these same issues. Every person should be able to have a roof over their head as a basic right. What do you see as another important issue that concerns you? Something close to my heart is the culling and aerial shooting of Australia’s brumbies. Particularly in Kosciuszko National Park where the Heritage Horse Act allows for 3000 of them. Locals who live and work with the brumbies advise there are already significantly less than that, the government paid counts are flawed and not possible. Lack of cruelty claims are false with horses shot and foals orphaned left to die. Brumbies are being unfairly targeted compared to damaging feral animals such as pigs and

deer. Relocating and rehoming should be the funded model if numbers must be reduced. My brumby from Kosciuszko National Park is my heart horse. 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? My Mum is my heroine and idol, grew up in the country with horses and loves this part of the world. These days her visits are few and mobility limited, living with Parkinsons and scoliosis. I wish she could share more of our beautiful environment. I’d give anything to take her riding like we did so much together when I was a youngster and take her to Mount Pilot National Park.

ROBERTO and Rosetta Pizzini were among the nearly 200,000 Italians to head to Australia in the 1950s. They left their home in the Trentino region of northern Italy and settled in the Myrtleford area, where they worked together with Roberto’s brothers and their wives to build a new life. They began as sharefarmers in the booming Australian tobacco industry, trying to acclimatise in their new environment, working hard and enduring basic conditions. Eventually Roberto and Rosetta became known as Robert and Rose and keen to integrate, they learnt English and made friends in the community. By the 70s the tobacco industry was facing challenging restrictions, the farms were split up and Robert and Rose settled in Whitfield, at the site of Pizzini Wines today. Robert had always grown grapes as a hobby and one of the first things he did upon arriving in Whitfield was to plant a little vineyard and grow a grape variety from his homeland, making wine for family and friends. The couple’s sons Rinaldo and Alfredo

(Fred) both got involved in the business and when Fred married Katrina they went on to establish the business we’re familiar with today. Natalie Pizzini shares the amazing story of her family heritage, how the business grew and its focus today, in the summer edition of North East Living, which features Natalie on the cover. We also take a tour through the awardwinning passive home of John Hennessy and Joan Simms in Beechworth, find out what drew threetime AFL premiership player Steve Johnson back to North East Victoria, and learn about how the Into Our Hands Community Foundation is supporting important initiatives in the local community. We also meet Bright-based pianist and composer Emili Rackemann, have a rest and refresh at All Saints Estate’s flagship restaurant KIN, and explore some High Country bushwalks. It’s all in the latest edition of North East Living magazine, available for $7.95 from local newsagencies or the Wangaratta Chronicle office in Rowan Street, Wangaratta.

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ADVERTISER, Friday, December 22, 2023 - Page 11

SPORT

fixture Golf to continue through festive season TDFL revealed

By DYLAN POOL

LAST Thursday we had 17 players go around the back nine for twilight golf at Beechworth Golf Club. The winner with 22 points (20+2) was Lachie Milhinch. Runner up was Darren McCormick with 21 (20+1). Ball winners were Kerin Rowbottom and Ben Ryder, both with 20 points. The Beechworth Bakery nearest the pin on the 10th went to Darren McCormick,

while Dylan Pool won the Alpine Indigo Accounting half dozen on the 17th and Andy Croome chipped in on the 14th to take home the cash for the nearest chip. Dave Atkins won the CC’s Quality Meats & Smokehouse voucher in the raffle. Last Sunday was the first round of the Summer Cup. The daily winner was Brian Cropley with 35 points, the runner up was Andy Croome with 33 followed by Zane Howard on 32.

No nearest the pins went off. Thursday twilight golf will continue as usual during the festive season. Hit off between 4:50 and 5pm. Sunday golf will also be played on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. 11:30am for a 12 noon start. This Sunday, Christmas Eve will be an Ambrose event, if there are sufficient numbers.

THE 2024 Tallangatta and District Football League fixture has been released, with the season set to commence on Saturday, April 6. Beechworth will host reigning premiers Chiltern in the opening round, before travelling to preliminary finalists Yackandandah in week two.

IN RANGE: Rod Shaw takes aim during a recent round.

CONFIDENCE IS KEY: (From left) Casey Wilkinson, Eliza-Beth Brennan, Rebecca Wall, Rowena Gould, Floret Meredith, Amber Croft and Ada Mickan are feeling more confident on their bikes courtesy of the Granite Girls program. PHOTO: Anne Stelling

Female mountain bike participation spikes A LOCAL grant initiative has proved a major boost to mountain biking in the region, with more than 100 women signing up to participate in professional coaching and social rides within the Beechworth community in recent months. Beechworth Chain Gang’s Granite Girls 2.0 program saw an “astounding” 104 women and girls from across the North East embrace the

initiative, which was supported by a Charles Sturt Community University Partnership (CUP) grant. Indigo Shire Council and the Victorian Government also leant funding to the program, which saw Wodonga-based ‘Fastlane Bikademy’ provide professional coaching to female mountain bikers over a six month period. According to Beechworth Chain

gang president Lynn Frerichs, the participants had reported feeling more comfortable when riding a bike, and had increased the regularity of their rides with friends and family since enrolling in the program. She said the camaraderie built during the program had been “exceptional”, with many participants rekindling lifelong friendships. “The Beechworth Chain Gang

appreciates the CUP program for assisting in achieving our goal of inspiring females to mountain bike more often, enjoying the physical, social and mental health benefits of connecting with like-minded individuals while immersed in nature,” she said. For more information about the Granite Girls program, contact Ms Frerichs at presidentbcg@gmail.com.

2024 TDFL Fixture Round 1: Beechworth vs Chiltern - April 6. Round 2: Yackandandah vs Beechworth – April 13. Round 3: Beechworth vs Wodonga Saints – April 20. Round 4: Dederang-Mount Beauty vs Beechworth - April 27 @ Mount Beauty Round 5: Beechworth vs Kiewa Sandy Creek – May 4. Round 6: Rutherglen vs Beechworth – May 11. Round 7: Thurgoona vs Beechworth – May 18. Round 8: Beechworth vs Barnawartha – May 25. Round 9: Mitta United vs Beechworth – June 1 @ Eskdale. King’s Birthday bye - June 8. Round 10: Tallangatta vs Beechworth – June 15. Round 11: Beechworth vs Wahgunyah – June 22. Round 12: Chiltern vs Beechworth – June 29. Round 13: Beechworth vs Yackandandah – July 6. School Holiday bye – July 13. Round 14: Beechworth vs Dederang-Mount Beauty – July 20. Round 15: Wodonga Saints vs Beechworth – July 27. Round 16: Beechworth vs Rutherglen - Aug 3. Round 17: Kiewa Sandy Creek vs Beechworth – August 10. Round 18: Beechworth vs Thurgoona – August 17. Qualifying Final: August 24. Elimination Final: August 25. Semi-Final 1: August 31. Semi-Final 2: September 1. Preliminary Final: September 7. Grand Final: September 14.

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Win streak snapped Wanderers A grade reach the halfway mark of the season in fourth despite Ovens Valley loss BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

BEECHWORTH’S A grade had their December-long win streak snapped last Saturday, going down to Ovens Valley to end the year. The Wanderers were sent in to bat and while the league’s leading run scorer Clancy Ellett was dismissed for 18, Kayde Surrey and Cam Fendyk put on a 73-runsecond wicket stand to give the Wanderers a solid base of 2-106 when Surrey was caught out for 37. It was Tigers import Gurjot Gosal who turned the tide, trapping Fendyk (56) LBW after holding onto the catch to remove Surrey. The Wanderers lost 7-25 to round out their 40 overs with 167 on the board. Ovens Valley openers Gosal (44) and Seamus Phillips (53) had no issue finding the boundary early, carving out a 95 first wicket partnership before drinks. Kane Fitzpatrick (43*) and Dylan Bursill (26) did the rest of the damage as Ovens Valley passed the target comfortably with eight wickets to spare. Beechworth coach Kate Burns said the team were a fraction off the pace with the ball, which was just enough for the Tigers to pounce. “We’ve been really good in the field but it probably wasn’t one of our better performances against Ovens, you don’t have to be off by too much and it can have a pretty big impact on the game,” she said. Despite being winless in the two-day format, Ovens Valley now sit atop of the One Day ladder with

ON THE UP: Richie Worcester finished with commendable figures of 1/28 off his eight overs in the last weekend of cricket for the year. CRUSHED: Cam Fendyk rocks on the back foot on his way to his half-century on Saturday. four wins as Beechworth dropped from second all the way to fifth with the loss. Overall the Wanderers sit just a point behind RUB in fourth with City Colts and Yarrawonga-Mulwala rounding out the final two finals places into the break. Burns said the team were happy overall with their position at the halfway mark. “We think we’ve left a couple of games out there which

is a shame but we’re in a solid position to make a good run home after Christmas,” she said. “Clancy’s really had a top year, he put a lot of time into his cricket and batting last year and the club made an investment in him opening the batting. “All that time he has spent at the crease and I think we’re seeing the rewards for that.

“We’d love to see numbers five, six and seven chip in a little bit more with some runs; the guys have all got the game to go out there and beat anybody, it’s just a matter of really focusing on those one percenters and doing the fundamentals time after time.” Burns has thoroughly enjoyed her time coaching at the club for the past two seasons, which has grown espe-

PHOTOS: Janet Watt cially in the junior grades. Burns said she has been in awe of the success of the under 16s to finish off the year with four straight wins, after beginning the year with three losses on the trot. “They’ve really come together as a team and they’re really starting to look out for each other and support each other and I’m just rapt for those guys and the way they’ve been able to per-

form,” she said. “There are some pretty good young players in there we hope will be our next senior players. “It’s really fantastic for a small town like Beechworth to be able to put in those sort of teams we have.” The season is set to resume on Saturday, January 6 for A grade, with the Wanderers taking on Benalla in the 40-over format.

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