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BEECHWORTH - CHILTERN - RUTHERGLEN - STANLEY - YACKANDANDAH Friday, May 23, 2025

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INSIDE

Indigo Interview

Page 4

THRILLED FORMER Paralympian Carol Cooke AM PLY accepted a cheque on behalf of Australia Paralympic Cycling from Rutherglen Rotary Club members Greg Griffiths (middle) and Phillip Nickson on Wednesday.

■ Story page 3.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

Six Artists showcase Page 5

Cash for track $250,000 allocated towards new Yackandandah cycling Pump Track in ‘25/26 state budget

A NEW pump truck is set to be constructed in Yackandandah following the announcement of up to $250,000 funding in the 2025-26 Victorian Budget.

The purpose-built BMX cycling track will be situated among the Yackandandah Sports Park precinct which already consists of the Indigo Epic Trail and the Yackandandah Rail Trail.

Yack Tracks president James Lacey said the project has been championed by the community for years and envisioned the area

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

to become a “cycling hub” for the region.

“The North East is a really key area for all sorts of cycling infrastructure but this is more of a local facility,” he said.

“The pump track will attract families and tie all of that infrastructure together.

“We’ve had a really nice riding

season through this area, we were super busy through ANZAC and Easter school holidays.”

Mr Lacey said the mountain biking club would be aiming to see the pump track constructed by next year’s November state election.

Other key announcements in the budget included free public transport across Victoria for people under 18 years old and those 60 and over from 1 January 2026.

The Wangaratta High School were recipients of a major $11.7 million development of two new

large school buildings to meet contemporary and future learning needs under stage one of the school’s masterplan.

Some $175,000 has been granted to Mt Beauty United Cricket Club for new practice nets for the club, and Benalla will receive $150k for netball court resurfacing.

Another $250k will support the continuation of Rural Women’s Leadership and Mentoring Program.

The Fox Bounty will be ongoing, costing $9.2m.

■ Continued page 2

Stanley’s silent watch Page 8

Grand final glory Page 11

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PEDAL AWAY: Yackandandah is set to add to its cycling scene with the addition of a BMX-style pump track announced in the state budget.

Cash for track ■ From front page

Solar rebates will continue, with the government reporting that it will save installers up to $400 a year on energy bills.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said, “With this budget – my first as treasurer – we’re focused on what matters most to Victorian families”.

“That means real help with the cost of living and more investment in frontline services,” she said.  Net debt is expected to be $155.5 billion at June 2025 and increase to $185.2 billion by June 2028.

It is then forecast to increase to $194 billion by June 2029.

As a proportion of GSP, net debt is projected to be 25.2 per cent at June 2027 before reducing to 25pc by June 2028 and then declining further to 24.9pc by June 2029.

Some estimates indicate the state (taxpayers) will pay $7.6 billion in interest in 2025-26 - or $20.7 million a day.

Those repayments will jump to $10.6 billion annually or $28.9 million a day in three years’ time.

The budget includes a $600 million surplus, helped along by the controversial Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, which will tip $1.6 billion into government coffers in the coming financial year.

The treasurer has promised to save $3.3 billion over the forward estimates by “stripping back inefficiency” in the public service sector.

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Correspondent Coral Cooksley

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OUT IN NUMBERS: BENAMBRA MP BILL TILLEY (CENTRE) WITH CFA MEMBERS TANIA, KEN AND PETER STAR.

“A cynical attack” – fire continues to burn over ESVF bill

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN LOCAL opposition of the recently passed Emergency Services Volunteer Fund (ESVF) reached boiling point at a parliament protest on Tuesday, with a strong Indigo Shire representation.

The new levy is set to double or even triple charges for property owners across the state, with primary producers hit hardest – facing rate hikes of up to 150 per cent.

The ESVF bill was passed in the upper house after a marathon parliamentary sitting last Thursday.

Under the changes, a typical home valued at $1 million now attracts a $309 annual charge, while small businesses and farmers are paying thousands more without any guarantee that money will go to frontline services.

Brigades and tankers from Chiltern, Rutherglen, Carlisle and Dederang CFA were among the chorus of lights and sirens parked at Spring Street on Tuesday as thousands of farmers and firefighters gatecrashed state budget day to protest the fund, set to kick in from 1 July.

Chiltern CFA captain Shannon Beacom said it was a united front of not only farmers and firefighters, but concerned small business owners and council workers to challenge the tax.

FIRED UP: Multiple Indigo Shire CFA brigades were among thousands of counterparts who protested the passing of the ESVF bill on Tuesday.

PHOTO: Elizabeth Gill “It’s a tax that’s going to disadvantage every Victorian, particularly our farmers,” he said.

“We want to scrap this tax but we also want to build some community education around it.

“We would’ve had a bigger attendance at the rally but some of the local farmers; they’re spending five to six hours a day feeding stock and actually couldn’t spare time to get to the rally.

“It was a big reason why the Chiltern brigade wanted to head down there, to support our counterparts who are doing it tough.”

The Liberals and Nationals Parties announced on Tuesday

they would scrap the ESVF if elected into government next year.

Member for Benambra Bill Tilley said the tax affects every Victorian.

“Farmers, many of whom are battling drought, are the hardest hit and their vocal protest and numbers willing to hit the steps of Parliament today was further proof of the inequity in this tax,” he said.

“But this affects every household, renter and business – the increase was on every property.”

Mr Tilley said the tax hike was a bigoted attack on people who don’t vote Labor.

“I’ve asked the minister in the

past to tell us where the existing Fire Service Levy money goes and got crickets,” he said.

“Here they are renaming it and increasing the tax burden, particularly on rural property.

“This was a cynical attack on people who don’t vote Labor, ripping money off us to pay for their train station monuments and tunnels in Melbourne.”

The ESVF will be collected by councils and appear on rates notices.

Indigo Shire Council, like many others across the state, have expressed their concerns around the ESVF, particularly its doubling of the levy rate and the burden it places on local councils to collect and administer.

Fifty years celebrated with photographic exhibition

By CORAL COOKSLEY

self-portraits in a creative display taken by Mr MORE than fifty years of Bongers.

Photographs include arts and creativity is being local artists, photographers, celebrated this year by musicians and creative Beechworth Arts Council groups.

(BAC) with a photographic “The event is pivotal for exhibition. celebrating five decades of BAC’s Chris Dormer Beechworth Arts Council’s said the ‘Beechworth as the leading community Family Album - Portraits arts organisation in of Creative Beechworth’ Beechworth,” Ms Dormer project is the next chapter said. in the Beechworth Family A series of five panels Album - a photography project started in 1984 and of photographs will be on display with the produced every decade exhibition telling the story since then. of the Beechworth family “The BAC photographic album and its creative project engaged contribution to the cultural local photographer life of Beechworth.

Marc Bongers to take Panels include a focus on photographs of Beechworth the photographer for each creatives for the chapter and a visual history exhibition,” she said. of the Beechworth family The photographic album projects in 1984, exhibition, to be held at 1994, 2004 and 2014. the Sub Treasury building The exhibition will in Beechworth’s historic be launched at the Subprecinct, celebrates Treasury building in Ford Beechworth’s artists and crafts people featured with Street by federal member

for Indi Helen Haines at 6pm on Thursday, 5 June.

The exhibition will continue to be showcased over the June long weekend from 10am – 4pm on Friday, 6 June to Monday, 9 June.

Among projects undertaken by BAC with its long history includes a major one with the tapestry in the town hall started in 1984 for the 1988 centenary.

The long-standing organisation for artists and creatives also established the first craft markets running for a decade in the Town Hall Gardens in the early 80s.

BAC is a non-forprofit community arts organisation with the of goal of building opportunities for local artists and artisans as well as fostering creative arts across Indigo Shire.

The photographic project is supported by Indigo Shire Council with a community grant.

ART IN PICTURE: Photographer Marc Bongers is capturing portraits of the ‘Creatives of Beechworth’ in Beechworth Arts Council’s upcoming exhibition.

PHOTO: Gary Coombe

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“I’m so grateful” - Paralympian, local CFA have funds pedalled into community

By CORAL COOKSLEY A SIZABLE cheque of $9300 presented to a three-time gold medal Paralympian and nine-time world champion in Wahgunyah on Wednesday will help a new charity set up to help para cyclists.

A thrilled Carol Cooke on behalf of Australia Paralympic Cycling - one of two recipients who received funding from the Rotary Club of Rutherglen - travelled from Melbourne for the presentation.

Captain Josh Finnemore also accepted a cheque of $3300 on behalf of Wahgunyah’s CFA with both presentations held at the CFA premises.

Rutherglen Rotary Club’s Greg Griffiths said funds had been raised from this year’s Vintage Bike Ride in Wahgunyah recently held by the club.

Ms Cooke, who has won nine world titles in between Paralympic Games and in 2022 finished the year ranked third in the world, said the St Kilda Cycling Club she belongs to helped her set up the charity to fundraise for paracyclists through the Austral-

ian Sports Foundation.

“It will allow cyclists such as hand or trike cyclists to race overseas, which is really important if they want to be number one in the world because we only have a handful here,” she said.

“This is the biggest stepping stone to start off with and I’m so grateful to the Rotary Club for doing this.

“The St Kilda Cycling Club is so inclusive and so much behind us, and my goal, is for us to be the best nation in the world for recycling.

“To get athletes into the program, it costs a lot of money to buy a bike.

“Hand cycles can cost up to $20,000 and so most of our athletes are older.

“I’ve just retired at 63 years old, and we have some 50-year-olds and a lot of 40-year-olds coming from either workplace accidents or a diagnosis such as MS (Multiple Sclerosis) at an older age like me.”

Ms Cooke said she is trying to entice the younger people with a disability who need modification to a bike that can cost parents thousands of dollars.

She also said a long-range

DELIGHTED: Captain Josh Finnemore accepted a cheque on behalf of the Wahgunyah CFA from Rutherglen Rotary Club members Christine Grimes and Paul Hauff on Wednesday.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley Ms Cooke, at the age of 51, ary this year. goal is to have a library of “My last games were in Tohand cycles or trikes modified said she competed in her first for young people at the time to Paralympic Games in 2012 in kyo in 2021, and I won silver London and retired in Janu- in the time trial at the age see if they enjoy the sport.

of 60 and had competed in World Cups every year since 2012,” she said.

“I was a manager for the team just at the beginning of May in Belgium for World Cup.” Ms Cooke said she is still riding and rides six days a week around Melbourne.

Mr Finnemore, delighted in receiving the cheque for the local CFA, said funds will be used to buy a multi-purpose firefighting branch as well as some other equipment.

“These will be great acquisitions for our members,” he said.

“It’s good to see communities looking out for each other in different ways.”

Splitting funds between a national and local organisations, Mr Griffiths said last year the Rotary Club donated funds to the END MND cause and the Rutherglen CFA. “Rotary Club is really pleased to be able to help and Carol spoke at a meeting and explained some of the difficulties she had as a paraathlete,” he said.

“Almost every bike has to be specifically made for them.”

Rotary Club fundraiser boosts community project support

By CORAL COOKSLEY FUNDS raised from a bumper Rotary Club Market held in Queen Victoria Park over the Easter long weekend are set to keep supporting community projects.

Market coordinator and Rotarian John Costello said the club’s main fundraiser held annually as part of the Golden Horseshoes Festival had been one of the best for some years.

“It was a fabulous result with more than $5000 raised,” he said.

“The number of stall holders at 128 was significantly up too with a lot of new ones from around local HELPING HANDS: Beechworth Rotarians John Strang (left) and Simon Kelly last year congratulated Will Usher-Clarke (middle) on regional areas.

“Support from the comreceiving the Jack Tully Scholarship to help with his university studies started in 2024.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley munity was fantastic along

with many visitors drawn to the market.

“Members from Rotary Club of Appin Park Wangaratta came over to help us too.”

Mr Costello said among many of the club’s projects is ongoing revitalisation of Lake Sambell’s foreshores near the boat launching ramp, which is planned to kick off again in summer.

Others include community disaster relief locally and around the nation where funds were sent to the Rotary regional office in Queensland to help with flood relief earlier this year.

Mr Costello said the club continued to support Shelter Box – a Rotary International partnership with the charity.

Communities around the world in desperate need of emergency shelter after disasters are supported with tents and household items.

Mr Costello said the Rotary student exchange program to study overseas was attracting great interest from students around town.

“Rotary Clubs around the world sponsor a young person between the ages of 15 to 18 giving them a chance to study abroad through the exchange,” he said.

He said the club also offered an annual Jack Tully Scholarship of $2000 for young people embarking on university studies to help with some expenses.

“We supported the Beechworth to Bridge again this

year with a lunch for walkers and we support local schools too,” Mr Costello said.

“We always have our eye on supporting community projects.”

To welcome new members in joining the club Mr Costello said the first annual membership is free.

“The club meets two or three times a month at the Rotary Hall in Queen Victoria Park,” he said.

The next meeting is at 6.30pm on Wednesday, 4 June at the clubhouse with everyone welcome.

For more information about the Rotary Club of Beechworth visit https:// portal.clubrunner.ca/9584 or email jbstrang55@gmail. com.

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COMMUNITY FOCUS: BEECHWORTH’S SIMON SCHANKNECHT ENJOYS THE TEAM SPIRIT BEING ON THE QUERCUS BEECHWORTH BOARD AND BEING A MEMBER OF THE BEECHWORTH MEN’S SHED.

Thrilled to settle in Beechworth

SIMON Schanknecht was born in the coastal town of East London, South Africa and migrated to Australia with his family 25 years ago.

After 12 years in Melbourne and 12 years living overseas, he settled in Beechworth about two years ago.

“We came to Beechworth to visit family for ten years and are thrilled to finally settle here,” he said.

“I really enjoy the social connections from working at the Beechworth Men’s Shed, playing walking football and more recently having a hit with the pickleball team.”

What do you do workwise?

I am happily retired from the water treatment and oil and gas industries, which I joined in 1989.

I worked in Papua New Guinea for three years, West Africa for five years as a fly-in-fly-out worker

Simon Schanknecht living in Auckland, and more recently for three years in Brunei on the island of Borneo.

As technical manager, I especially enjoyed mentoring my young team of scientists and engineers and hopefully inspired and enabled them.

What brought you to your role/ career?

As a high school kid, I developed an early interest in science in general and specifically chemistry and the environment.

I was highly motivated to learn more and do something positive

about the impact of industry on the world.

What do you love about being retired?

Being retired means I meet people from the many social circles in Beechworth, often because of a shared love of dogs.

We have a mixed breed dog who came from Brunei with us, and she has given us many introductions to the good people in the region.

What do you do in the community?

I am on the board of the Quercus Beechworth Neighbourhood House, having previously volunteered in the Quercus community garden.

It’s very rewarding to be part of something greater, and the team spirit is especially fun.

Is there an important community issue that you think needs addressing?

It’s been sad to see that, although Australia is a wealthy country, there is poverty in the region.

What would you do to solve, change or improve that situation?

While there’s no quick-fix, reducing poverty will need state and federal investment in education from kindergarten to TAFE, funding all types of housing, improving social services and supporting local industry to help create jobs.

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

One of my great concerns is the rise and increasing acceptance of neo-fascism and dictatorships.

The promotion of their divisive messages permeates the other great issues of climate change, intolerance and environmental damage.

Their existence sadly gives

agency to like-minded hardliners to act the same way.

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?

I would bring my brother Andrew to Beechworth – he lives in Namibia – and show him the rail trails and our cultural heritage.

Andrew is passionate about the steam engine era and would enjoy seeing our local chapter of history.

What book are you reading?

“How Life Works” by British science writer Philip Ball, in which he explains the inner workings of cells and how heredity works.

I was inspired to read it by my daughter who is studying biotechnology – we like to chat about our respective interests and study directions.

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Saturday, 24 May (tomorrow) NATIONAL TRUST’S AUSTRALIAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL EVENT. 5.30pm. Don’t miss ‘Autumn Afternoon’ at the Anglican Christ Church. Voice and keyboard. Sixty minutes of song and score from a century’s turn. Soprano Colleen Arnott and pianist and organist Sandra Williams perform works by Pitt-Rivers and Bishop for Nellie Melba, songs by Grainger, Gershwin and Vine, and compositions by Coleridge-Taylor, Ketelbey and Beach. 27 Ford Street, Beechworth, VIC, 3747 Tickets: $40, $35 concession https://www. trybooking.com/DAOBZ

Information: text or call 0409 912 967 or email beechworthhistoryandheritage@gmail. com.

Saturday, 31 May BEECHWORTH SINGERS Town Hall. 2pm to 4pm Old and new friends are invited to ‘Jazz Pizazz: Songs of the Big Band Era’. Don’t ‘Get Around Much Anymore’?

As ‘Autumn Leaves’, they invite you to ‘Come Fly’ with them on a Jazz journey ‘Over The Rainbow’. Afternoon tea provided after the concert. $20 and children free.

Tickets can be purchased before the 31 May via Humanitix, or pay at the door by cash or EFTPOS. 103 Ford St.

IF you have an event you’d like added to this calendar, please email edit.omadvertiser@nemedia.com.au

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Creatives to showcase talents in Chiltern

By CORAL COOKSLEY

FOR 22-year-old Yackandandah creative Serena Rachel, an art exhibition ‘Six Artists’ being held in Chiltern on the June long weekend was a wonderful opportunity to work with established artists from around the region.

“People encouraging me in a regional area with my art is very special,” she said.

A recipient of both the 2021 Youth Award in the Tastes of Art Prize Rutherglen sponsored by Indigo Shire Council and for Young Artist - Federation Art Prize Corowa in the same year, Serena said her abstract artwork is inspired by landscapes.

“Nature is a big inspiration for my work from the connection we have to the Australian landscape, and I like to have a lot of fun and col-

our in my work too,” she said.

Using bright coloured acrylics and a range of techniques, she paints the world as she sees it –natural, authentic, beautiful and lively.

With her mum, grandmother as well as other people in her life creative in different ways, Serena said she had always been drawn to pen and paper from an early age.

In challenging times while studying VCE in her final year of high school during COVID followed by the first years of TAFE, Serena said art became an escape for joy and hope.

“Down the track I would love to run workshops with teens as it’s special to do something with your hands that’s come entirely from your experiences,” she said.

The exhibition in its third year with works of five other

ON DISPLAY: Yackandandah artist Serena Rachel with some of works to be on show at the ‘Six Artists’ exhibition in Chiltern.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley artists – Sharon Barry, Chris Dormer, Louise Hazelton, Birgit Schonafinger and Tanya Webber – will be curated by local well-known Beechworth artist Inga Hanover.

Chris, Louise and Serena showcased their work in the previous two exhibitions while Sharon joined last year.

Emerging artists Tanya and Birgit are taking part for the first time.

A practicing artist for 40 years, Louise studied at Riverina College (now CSU) and completed various other workshops and courses.

The intuitive artist uses various mediums of water-

colour, oil, acrylic and metal 3D. Chris – a printmaker and fibre artist – will have prints and sculptural works on show.

Chris said she values and treasures the essence of nature, the environment and the everyday using natural materials sourced from the local environment and her garden.

Combined with printmaking techniques, the creative explores new ideas in different dimensions.

Sharon’s art is a joyful response to the Australian landscape and rural scenes

both locally and further afield with her art career originally starting in graphic design.

The regional award-winning artist now focuses on plein air sketching and painting in acrylic and oil.

Tanya has a passion for mixed media and the human face and will display of her ‘Human’ series demonstrating a love of creating depth and texture with multiple layers and painting techniques as well as collage.

Birgit – a multimedia, collage and fibre artist – enjoys learning new techniques and experimenting.

Works include a series of collage pieces with stitching inspired by Japanese sashiko, exploration of a variety of colour palettes and art styles.

Manager of Arts, Culture and Events with the Rural City of Wangaratta, Simone Nolan, will officially open the show.

The exhibition with the wide variety of artistic creations stretching from weaving to watercolour, abstracts and landscapes at the Chiltern Court House – 58 Main Street – runs from 6 to 9 June from 10am to 4pm with the opening on Saturday, 7 June from 3pm to 5pm.

Page 6 - THE ADVERTISER, Friday, May 23, 2025

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More than 100 students broaden global knowledge

By CORAL COOKSLEY STEPPING into shoes of United Nation’s (UN) ambassadors in a simulated session has been a valuable learning experience for high school students within the region.

Hosted by Beechworth Secondary College (BSC), the United Nations Association of Australia (UNAA) Victoria Division ran the Model UN day-long event at the school on Tuesday 6 May headed by board member and RMIT adjunct professor Ian Howie.

Professor Howie has a 30year background in international development having worked as a career official with the United Nations.

Among its activities, the UNAA Victoria Global Education program runs a series of events designed to engage the community in the work and values of the UN with this year’s topic of space chosen by the schools.

“I think it’s wonderful for the United Nations Association to be here in Beechworth with schools from the North East coming together to debate a critically important issue of space research and sustainable development,” Professor Howie said.

He said students spoke about a range of key issues, among them militarisation of outer space as opposed to using outer space for peaceful purposes in their opening statements.

Others included climate change, outer space pollution and mining on the moon.

SIMULATED EXPERIENCE: BSC Year 9 student Straun Richer (left) and Year 10 student Alistair Merritt with Bright P-12 College students Mya Badrock, Tilly Dudley, Stella Tracy and Sienna Jackson at the Model UN learning experience.

LEARNING CURVE: Year 10 Beechworth Secondary College students Eva Doyle (left), Irena Purnell and Amy Schilling enjoyed a simulated learning experience as United Nations (UN) ambassadors representing Sweden earlier this month.

“They debated about going ahead privately or by governments, and gave us a history lesson when the country they represented joined the United Nations,” Professor Howie said.

The professor said the UN Model broadened student knowledge about countries and the work of the United

Nations as well as its importance during troubled times.

BSC humanities and leadership teacher Alastair Jack said students from across junior and senior years took part voluntarily preparing for the topic for around six weeks with 28 countries represented.

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SPACE TALK: Students from Beechworth Secondary College and five other high schools from around the region took part in a Model UN learning experience earlier this month.

PHOTOS: Coral Cooksley Year 10 students Alistair Merrit and Eva Doyle were among school colleagues and students from five other schools around the region, with more than 100 people taking part.

Eva, in a team representing Sweden, said the UN Model educated students more about what’s

going on in the world.

“We get to learn about other countries,” she said.

Alistair, in a team representing Mexico, said students had the chance to meet other students from different schools too.

“Learning about space and International space laws and how they effect different

countries is quite interesting,” he said.

Mr Jack said learning about the global community and international politics was a crucial part of education.

“It’s also about learning how to address other human beings in a sophisticated way, and to learn about international institutions like the UN with its support for the human race and for our planet in times of conflict and international catastrophe such as global warming,” he said.

“It’s crucial because much of our education system is set up for giving extracurricular opportunities to mix with students from other schools.

“It’s an opportunity for students to build connections and to have their day to be celebrated and to be acknowledged for their talents.”

Mr Jack said the school chose space as the topic covered many different issues among them conflict relating to space with weapons, economic inequality and access to space, and gender equality such as the number female astronauts sent into space by countries Humanities teacher Finn Pedersen said the UN model also offered a platform for students to gain public speaking and debating skills.

“Kids from all across our region learned the fundamental skills of how to persuade others, how to listen to others around a meaningful topic and the meaningful platform of the United Nations Model,” he said.

Share your memories of Bobinawarrah

By SIMONE KERWIN MEMORIES and memorabilia which tell the story of the Bobinawarrah Memorial Hall and its surrounds during a gathering at the venue this Sunday, in the lead-up to centenary celebrations later this year.

Afternoon tea will be provided at the hall on Sunday, 25 May from 2.30pm, and locals are invited to come along to share their stories.

Volunteers will be on hand to record any stories or memories of the life of the hall over its 100 years.

Those who have items of interest relating to the history of the Bobinawarrah area, such as photos and newspaper clippings, are encouraged to bring them along so photocopies can be made.

The information gathered on Sunday will be used for a

DISTRICT LANDMARK: Memories of Bobinawarrah Memorial Hall will be shared during a gathering on Sunday, ahead of a centenary celebration later this year. display at the centenary celebration, which will be held on 9 November at the hall.

Anyone unable to attend Sunday’s event who may have

items of interest or a story to tell about the district’s past is encouraged to contact Debbie on 0427 273 492 or Sue on 0447 168 437.

THE ADVERTISER, Friday, May 23, 2025 - Page 7

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Page 8 - THE ADVERTISER, Friday, May 23, 2025

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Fun community day sets icy challenge

By CORAL COOKSLEY SOME well-known Beechworth locals are set to be rendered speechless when bracing for buckets of ice to be tipped over their heads next Saturday.

Beechworth Fire Brigade’s Damien Jones, Beechworth Secondary College captains Aya McInerney and Poppy Voigt and Floral Designs Gina Kromar will take part in a community ice-bucket challenge.

The challenge, part of a Beechworth Football Netball Club (BFNC) family fun day will raise vital funds for research to end motor neurone disease (MND).

Other notable locals included will be Bridge Road Brewers’ Ben Kraus, Beechworth Golf Club’s Hollie Goodwin as well as legends from Beechworth and Mitta United Football and Netball clubs.

For the third year in a row BFNC has joined forces with End MND North East Victoria and Albury End MND for the much-loved ice-bucket challenge, with Mitta United taking part this year too.

North East End MND president Georgia O’Connor said the event promised to be a day of joy and fun for all ages, with the sporting clubs welcoming the community to join in for a good cause.

Over the last two years, the event has raised $16,225 in total with more than $13,500 donated to Fight MND to fund research for a cure, and close to $2700 donated to MND Victoria to support those living with MND. The Fight MND charity co-founded by AFL great and 2025 Australian of the Year Neale

SUPPORTED: Community Bank Beechworth and District’s Board chair Ben Merrit (grey sweater) presented a $2000 cheque to the Beechworth Football and Netball Club and END MND North East Victoria members last week.

Daniher is now a world leader in MND research with several important breakthroughs giving hope for effective future treatments and an eventual cure.

The community-driven event sponsored

by Bendigo Bank – Community Bank Beechworth and District also receives generous support from local businesses too.

Mitta United president Ben Baude was

honoured to be partnering with BFNC and End MND and said many people know someone who has experienced MND. “It’s important that we show our support for those in the community who have been impacted and do our bit to change the outcome for people affected by MND in future,” he said.

BFNC co-president Emma Carey said the

event was a great way to welcome and include the wider community into the local club.

End MND treasurer Nichola Schulz said she welcomed new volunteers and supporters to join in on the day or in future activities.

“By working together to raise funds, we have been able to make a real difference, and we’ve had a lot of fun along the way,” she said.

“Joining together with other like-minded locals to fundraise has been incredibly rewarding and has given us such a strong sense of purpose.

“We encourage anyone who would like to get involved to get in touch by sending an email to endmndnortheastvic@gmail.com.”

The event kicks off at Baarmutha Park on Saturday, 31 May for an unforgettable day of community, sport, and ice-cold courage.

Besides all day footy and netball, a family zone with face painting, a toy library play area and activities are set to delight the kids.

Treats and eats with footy food, slushies from Last Street Brewery, and a coffee van on site will cater for hungry event goers too.

Entry costs are $12 for adults (17-year-olds and over) from 8.30am until 2.30pm with free entry thereafter, while under 17s are free all day.

Burgers, beverages and bonfires will follow the ice bucket challenge.

Tax deductible donations can be made to help find a cure by visiting bit.ly/FightMNDBeechworth, or to support Victorians living with MND at bit.ly/MNDVicBeechworth.

Sculpture installation opened for World War veteran memorial

By CORAL COOKSLEY A TRIBUTE to commemorate World War II veterans with the opening of a sculpture installation ‘Silent Watch’ took place at the Stanley Cemetery on Sunday with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Yackandandah sculptor Xavier Pinard, commissioned by the cemetery’s trust to create and design the installation said the abstract and faceless silhouettes represented all who served.

Cut and folded from Corten steel Mr Pinard said the simple, strong and slightly haunting figures is a quiet tribute with the installation inviting reflection.

“They stand in silence keeping watch as they face

l al r r ou o F y oF

memorial plaques,” he said.

“The steel will change like the seasons as it weathers over time just like memories, and as grief becomes part of the landscape.”

He said taller figures represented those who didn’t return marking an absence and loss still present in collective memory while smaller scattered silhouettes behind appear to look back at something sacred.

“My hope is that ‘Silent Watch’ offers a space for people to pause and to feel something as they imagine the journey, the weight of the sacrifice and the legacy we’re all living in,” he said.

Beechworth RSL president John Eldrid said the installation held RSL traditions

TRIBUTE: Yackandandah sculptor Xavier Pinard delivered deep insight into his steel silhouette installation ‘Silent Watch’ on Sunday.

PHOTOS: Coral Cooksley while the memorial including plaques acknowledged the many people who made the supreme sacrifice.

Addresses were delivered

by Mr Eldrid about the RSL

BeeCHwOrtH CH O

sand & sOil

and its endeavours and Mr Pinard with deep insights into his installation concepts as well as given by Stanley Cemetery members Andrew (Drew) Cook and Mary Rinaudo.

Mr Eldrid also recited the ‘Ode’ with both the Last Post and Revelle played.

Vietnam veteran Bob Malone also addressed the crowd of around forty people before cutting the ribbon.

“I have lived in Stanley for 50 years and in that time had the pleasure to know many people named on the memorial plaques,” he said.

“These people were willing to leave their families and jobs to defend this country and fight for our freedom.”

“Some never returned, others were never the same while others went on to roles such as becoming leaders, shire councillors or farmers.

“The Stanley Cemetery Trust is to be congratulated on the great effort they have gone to in having these Stanley heroes remembered and their names not forgotten.

“Every name on the memorial plaques has a story.”

Cemetery trust treasurer Mary Rinaudo said the long

-term project began with the Rotunda project dedicated to World War I veterans opened in 2017 by former federal member for Indi Cathy McGowan.

She said the installation had been a natural progression following the World War II memorial plaques finished five years ago.

Victorian Veterans Council grant had been received for the plaque project.

Ms Rinaudo said she had delved into war veteran history from Rinaudo at the Australian War Memorial for the plaques.

“Everybody loved Xavier’s drawings for the design and creation, and Andrew helped with the installation,” she said.

The community fund raised more than $10,000 through pot plant sales for the project.

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SNIP: Vietnam veteran Bob Malone cut the opening ceremony ribbon for the ‘Silent Watch’ installation at the Stanley Cemetery on Sunday.

THE ADVERTISER, Friday, May 23, 2025 - Page 9

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You could find yourself cider quaffing, tulip sniffing, grape stomping, maybe even fun running.

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Page 10 - THE ADVERTISER, Friday, May 23, 2025

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■ Full story page 7 PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

Page 9

Design released for new town Ambulance Station Beginning of works imminent as Indigo’s ambulance response times continue to fall below par

THE state government has unveiled the designs for the new state-of-the-art Beechworth Ambulance Station in the wake of Indigo Shire’s declining paramedic response times to urgent incidents within the statewide benchmark of 15 minutes.

Minister for Health Infrastructure Melissa Horne revealed the designs on

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two rest and recline areas, a kitchen, training room, longer-term accommodation and secure staff car parking for paramedics.

Member for Northern Wednesday for the multiVictoria Jaclyn Symes million-dollar branch, which will replace the current station said it was fantastic that hardworking Beechworth situated on Frederick Street. paramedics will have a new The state-of-the-art twofit-for-purpose base to call storey facility will feature a three-bay ambulance garage, home in the near future.

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

“The people of Beechworth know just how important emergency crews are in times of crisis,” she said.

To ensure there is no disruption to emergency services while the new station is being built, local paramedics will temporarily operate from the former medical centre on Warner Road.

While a construction date was not confirmed, a state government spokesperson said a start on the build was imminent and would get underway once the existing station is demolished.

Once complete, this brand new ambulance branch will support more paramedics already on the road in Beechworth to help meet

growing demand in the region.

Coincidentally, the announcement came as new quarterly Ambulance Victoria response time data showed the Indigo Shire as one of the worst performing areas in the state in responding to urgent emergency within the benchmark of 15 minutes.

■ Continued page 2

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THE ADVERTISER, Friday, May 23, 2025 - Page 11

Goodwin leads women’s club championships

MIDAS TOUCH: Andy Croome chips towards the green at Tallangatta on Sunday. has her in a good spot in the B Grade, she won’t have a back up score.

In the handicap event Gail Smith (17) leads on 139, Hollie Goodwin (13) sits in second

on 143 and Coral Ward (23) is in third with 148.

On Sunday a couple of groups went out and played a stableford round.

It was great to see new mem-

Maureen O’Keefe and Dawn McQuilton.

Beechworth claims North East croquet final

By TERRY WILSON

Helen Malone, Paddy O’Brien, Christine Blay and Julia O’Brien.

Judy Amery from Benalla gest one close.

ON Wednesday, 14 May the North Eastern Croquet Association Pennant Final was played at Wangaratta’s Ryan Avenue greens between Beechworth and Benalla in beautiful autumn sunshine.

At the halfway mark of the day Beechworth were well in front, however, Benalla rallied to almost overtake them.

Eventually, Beechworth won, seven games and 67 hoops to Benalla, five games and 65 hoops with the last game being the decider, going to Beechworth 7/6.

Maria Harvey and Maureen Freshwater.

Lyn Moulday lets one go from distance.

Sue Rue and Cheryle Beckley.

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LAST Wednesday the women played their second round of the club championships with a great field of 11 players contesting the day.

The winner with a great score of 67 nett off a 27 handicap was Jacqui Cato.

Runner up only one shot behind was Hollie Goodwin (14) with 68 nett.

Next to follow were Gail Smith (16) 71, Coral Ward (23) 73, Ellie Hirst (35) 75 and Nada Guyatt (25) 75.

Nearest the pins went to Ellie Hirst on the 5th, Gail Smith and Judy Pierce on the 10th and Hollie Goodwin on the 17th.

After the second round of the championships the leaders are as follows.

This is taking both scores.

The championships is best three scores out of four.

A grade: Hollie Goodwin 87,82 (169) Gail Smith 86,87 (173) Glenda Marshall 92,93 (185) B grade: Judy Pierce 100,104 (204) Ellie Hirst 111,110 (221) Pam Nankervis 113,114 (127).

Although Jacqui Cato’s 94 today

ber Andrew Field join in the competition.

There was only four points that separated the whole playing group.

Rod Shaw (20) won the day with 36 points and also won the only nearest the pin on the 10th.

Dean Howard (13) was runner up with 34 points.

Then the rest of the field scored 32 points.

They were Andrew Field (5) 32, Jamie Dolny (13) 32, Jacob Howard (9) 32 and Simon Pfahlert (10) 32.

Also on Sunday, Andy Croome, Jackson Wells and Dylan Pool went to Tallangatta to play in their three person Ambrose.

The team were beaten on a countback for the scratch event with a four under 66.

Dylan won the longest drive, Andy won the over 65’s longest drive and Jacko won a six pack on the raffle.

This coming Sunday we have a few members travelling to Bethanga for the NEDGA Sandgreen Championships.

There will be a stableford event at Beechworth for those not going.

Arrive at 11:30 for 12pm hit off.

Bill Tilley MLA, Member for Benambra 91 Hume Street, Wodonga (02) 6009 0808

By DYLAN POOL

Page 12 - THE ADVERTISER, Friday, May 23, 2025

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WINNERS SHOT Frank Bonacci from Beechworth plays his shot in the North East croquet grand final match against Benalla, with Beechworth coming out winners seven games and 67 hoops to five games and 65 hoops.

■ Story page 11

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Bushrangers look to find their flair up forward Senior footballers face red-hot Rutherglen after struggling to kick a score in narrow ‘Barny loss BEECHWORTH’S senior footballers will be looking to find their firepower up forward after falling short by two points in Barnawartha last week.

In bizarre scenes, Beechworth were unable to hold onto a slim three-quartertime lead despite no goals being kicked in the final quarter.

The Tigers’ five behinds was enough to overcome the Bushrangers and take a gritty 4.13 (37) to 5.5 (35) win.

Coach Jack Neil said it was a game played between the arcs as both sides struggled

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

to capitalise up forward.

“We didn’t have a great day, in the last quarter we didn’t take the limited opportunities we had but generally we didn’t have the level of intensity required for the whole day,” he said.

“Both teams were defending well across the ground and it was a game where it was quite clear what they were trying to do and we were onto it, but we just

couldn’t score from those turnovers and they were doing the same to us.

“It was ugly but our guys did a great job to stick at it and credit to Barnawartha who were able to open up a few extra opportunities.”

The Bushrangers have struggled for continuity up forward so far this season with spearheads Lachie Armstrong and Brad Fendyk missing matches throughout the start of the season.

Beechworth were also without club stalwart Brenton Surrey last week as he

serves a four-week suspension following two incidents cited in the Bushrangers’ win against Yackandandah.

So far the Bushrangers have been able to rely on boasting the league’s second best defence for points against to have them sitting third on the TDFL table, but Neil said putting a bigger score on the board would be a focus for his team going into another tough bout against Rutherglen.

“We’ve been making do with different options so far but we just have to continue to try an create the

opportunities the best we can and hope to take them when they come,” he said.

“We’ll look to get it right more often at training and hope that translates.”

The Cats have been one of many big improvers in the league so far this season, coming off an impressive win over Chiltern last week.

Neil said being clean with the ball in hand and smart with their disposal will be key in dissecting the red-hot Rutherglen at Barkly Park.

“They’ll have a couple of zoning off defenders so we just need to be smart with

our ball use,” he said.

“One of the bigger things we’ve noted the past couple of weeks is that we’re a bit fumbley with the ball so we want to make sure we’re cleaner around the contest.”

Across the fence, Beechworth’s A grade brought up their second win in three weeks overcoming the Tigers 59-46 at Barnarwartha.

Rachael Cavallin slotted 49 goals at a high clip as Beechworth used a 17-8 second quarter to proel themselves back on the winners list.