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Budget blasted

Tilleyslamslackofinvestmentinlocalroadsaspartof2023/24statebudget yp/g

A $1M funding boost for upgraded changing rooms at Rutherglen’s Barkly Park has headlined spending in Indigo Shire as part of the 2023/24 state budget.

Labor MP for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, announced the funding as part of Tuesday’s budget, which will see Labor deliver on an election pledge geared at creating a more accessible

BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au

facility for women competing in both football and cricket in the region.

Some $30,000 is set to support the Beechworth Lions Club, while $50,000 will be made available for upgrades to Beechworth’s

waste water treatment plant, with a further $12.05m expected before the project’s estimated completion as part of the 2025/26 budget.

Indigo Power is also set to be boosted with a $70,000 grant, which Ms Symes said would support the initiative to continue to provide local innovative renewable energy solutions in Benambra, and keep profits

in the community.

Ms Symes said the government would also “kickstart planning on upgrades” at Beechworth Secondary College.

“With targeted investment in schools, mental health, aged care, emergency services, recreation and sporting facilities, and community groups – we’re doing what matters for

regional Victorians,” she said.

“With this budget, we’re delivering on every election promise we made to the people of Northern Victoria –and we’ll keep standing with flood-affected communities across our regions.”

Liberal Benambra MP Bill Tilley said the government’s 2023/24 budget would pose challenges for all Victorians.

■ Continued page 3

DISCOVERED: Workshop participants Yackandandah’s Clare Bishop (left) with Bright’s Trina Friend and Beechworth’s Frank Bonacci checked out fungi such as Slippery Jacks growing in Queen Victoria Park as part of a recent forum hosted by Wooragee Landcare. Story page 3.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

Creative textile festival comes to town

By CORAL COOKSLEY

A SOUTH African artist has been drawn to a 10-day creative textile festival set to run for the first time in September by Beechworth’s Mayday Hills Art Society (MDHAS).

The major exhibition ‘Reimagined: A fusion of ceramics, textile art and photography’ has drawn interest from highly acclaimed overseas multimedia artist Kathryn Harmer Fox, and a number of well-known Australian textile artists.

MDHAS co-founder Christine Cansfield-Smith said the high-profile cohort will be tutors for a variety of workshops to be held as part of the event.

The exhibition, in association with Sydney-based Reece Scannell Designs, will display 140 textile arts and ceramics from Australian and New Zealand artists and has already been on show in NSW’s capital city.

“We’re bringing the exhibition to Beechworth where contributions from local and regional creatives can have their work featured too,” Christine said.

The unique exhibition to be held in the Beechworth Servicemen’s Memorial Hall will showcase tradi-

tional photography as the central theme in combination with a collection of textile art pieces and ceramics using a myriad of surface decoration techniques.

The MDHAS co-founder and curator for the Beechworth exhibition said contributing artists to the exhibition can grab textile pieces from Mayday Hills Art Society with an available selection of Reece Scannell’s photographic images on linen.

“As creative artists, they can paint, sew, applique, collage or use any inspiration with the photographs,” she said.

Christine said Kathryn Harmer Fox’s fibre art had achieved international acclaim and is in private collections from as far afield as Japan to France as well as in Australia.

“Her realistic and expressive work with snippets of fabric stitched onto canvas creates the illusion of an oil painting and has won many awards both locally and internationally, including in France, the USA, the UK, Japan, and Australia,” she said.

Among other workshop tutors will be Victorian textile artists Ro Bruhn and Bree Thomas from the Dan-

denong Ranges.

Canberra ceramic sculptor Jackie Lallemand, who is known for making life-size animal character creations, will be contributing to the exhibition with her ceramic works using the Reece Scannell photographs.

“The exhibition wrapped around photography is ex-

citing, inspiring and adds another creative dimension to art for the town, where already 20 local artists have put their hand up to contribute,” Christine said.

As more than 140 of Ms Fox’s works will be joined by local contributions, Ms Cansfield-Smith said the exhibition will take up the

entire memorial hall.

The art society aims to host a major exhibition once a year, with a Botanical Art event held biennially with a different exhibition in the interim.

“Our exhibition ‘Beechworth Botanica and Animal Magnetism’ held once every two years will be on show at

Easter next year,” she said. For more information about the exhibition being held between September 15 and 24 from 10am to 4pm each day, and an expression of interest application, contact Christine on 0412 126 219 or email bibart@ bigpond.com, or Donna at banksia1966@gmail.com.

Family legacy and a sense of place on show

By CORAL COOKSLEY

AMONG fascinating stories in the latest edition of North East Living Magazine, which boasts a common thread of family legacy and a sense of place, we talk to fourth generation wine maker Stephen Morris from the well-known Morris family in Rutherglen, his wife Elizabeth and their son Steve from Pennyweight Winery.

We also chat to creative couple Dave and Jen Hodges from the Barking Owl Distilling Company in Wooragee who complement each other’s creativity.

Stephen and Elizabeth Morris have clocked up more than four decades in the wine industry, creating a special-

ity wine range including fortifieds treasured by their loyal customers.

A love for wine and grape growing led Stephen to be one of Beechworth’s pioneering winemakers, setting up the vineyard that now yields exceptional grapes for producing its top-quality wines.

With his staunch supporter and wife Elizabeth by his side, Stephen started the winery from scratch where it now produces some of the best table and other more elegant style white and red wines in the North East as well as being one of the first wineries to be certified as organic and biodynamic.

The couple also run a 10acre vineyard owned by their son Fred and his wife Emily

LOCAL WINERY PIONEERS: Pennyweight Winery’s Stephen and Elizabeth Morris have clocked up more than four decades in the wine industry creating wines treasured by their loyal customers.

in Rutherglen, with the region well-known for its fortified wines where Pennyweight’s grapes are grown for its Ports, Muscat, Sherries, Durif and Shiraz.

While all family members

have made a significant contribution to the winery’s success, it is Stephen’s middle son Steve who, with his wife Danielle, will build upon what Stephen and Elisabeth have established.

Dave and Jen Hodges have creatively turned a 1950s rustic shearing shed on their property into a characterfilled business premises oozing with yesteryear ambience for the Barking Owl Distilling Company and pottery business Woolshed Ceramics.

The couple and their four children moved from Sydney’s hustle and bustle nine years ago to the tranquillity of country life, finding their ideal home on acreage in Wooragee.

Jenny, a potter for thirty years, set up her studio in the shed while Dave, who was transitioning from a computer software career, began experimenting in distilling craft brews after a stint making olive oil from an orchard

on their property.

The two different small craft businesses run hand in hand where customers taste a range of gins, vodka, brandy and liqueurs from pottery cups made by Jen.

The couple’s 21-year-old son Sam has also been instrumental in helping to set up the distillery, which opened three years ago, while daughter Amelia’s artistic flair sees her design the Barking Owl label range.

To find out more, the Autumn/Winter edition is available for $5.50 from Beechworth’s NewsXpress, IGA Chiltern, Rutherglen News and Lotto as well as Wahgunyah and Yackandandah newsagencies.

CREATIVE: Internationally acclaimed fibre textile artist Kathryn Harmer Fox will be running a workshop at the exhibition.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Fungi workshop a huge success

By CORAL COOKSLEY

A THREE-day fungi workshop hosted by a local Landcare group last weekend drew interested participants from around the region and as far as Melbourne.

Hosted by Wooragee Landcare, the booked-out event led by guest ecologist, photographer and fungi enthusiast Alison Pouliot engaged 22 participants where the group explored fungi ecology, conservation and how fungi hold

ecosystems together.

Alison said it had been exciting to see the high level of interest shown in fungi.

She said two workshops focussed on learning about edible fungi.

“Toxic lookalike species can be confused for edible species and its critical that people know the difference,” she said.

With specimens brought to the workshop Alison said people could increase their knowledge and leaning skills about subtle differences.

Alison said she hoped workshop participants gained a greater appreciation of how fungi underpin close to every terrestrial ecosystem on the planet,

“Fungi has been an overlooked kingdom of organisms,” she said.

Alison said Australian laws for foraging differed to those in Europe.

“In Europe foraging can take place anywhere on public or private land, whereas Australia it is more restricted with strict biodiversity

conservation laws,” she said, “People can’t forage on public land without a permit, and it is important for people to know the legalities.”

“In our workshop field trips we have been looking and not collecting,” she said.

The ecologist said she worked with scientists, foragers and Indigenous people in overseas countries as well as a filmmaker in Germany where a documentary is being produced.

“Over the last 10 years

Book launch kicks off fungi workshops

By CORAL COOKSLEY

AROUND 45 people were all ears when a travelling fungi enthusiast told entertaining stories about discoveries for her latest book launched at an event hosted by Wooragee Landcare.

Held at the Wooragee Centenary Hall last Friday night, ecologist and environmental photographer Alison Pouliot delivered an intriguing account of her book ‘Underground Lovers – Encounters with Fungi,’ where she explores

fungi stretching from the Australian desert to Iceland’s glaciers to America’s Cascade Mountains.

Fungi appearing after fire, how fungi and climate change interact and fungi’s role in the ecosystem are some of her explorations.

The Friday night event marked the start of a fascinating threeday fungi workshop hosted by the landcare group, and assisted by Alison.

Wooragee Landcare’s Sue Brunskill said Alison’s latest book followed another ‘Wild Mushroom-

ing a guide for foragers” – a highly recommended read.

She said Alison always brought an amazing fungi display to show workshop participants.

“It was a great night and we enjoyed delicious mushroom canapes made by Wooragee Landcare member Neil Townsend, as well as sipping local wines,” Sue said.

Based near Mt Franklin in Central Victoria, Alison is mostly on the road taking in forests, and will spend the second half of the year living in central Europe.

there has been an increase in interest with many people making videos, writing books and offering online courses.”

Wooragee Landcare group’s Sue Brunskill said among workshop field trips participants had visited a small area of the Chiltern Mount-Pilot National Park where the group found 17 fungi species. She said morning learning sessions in the hall had been followed by field trips to practice knowledge learned.

“People are realising not only how beautiful, weird and interesting fungi are, but are learning about their importance in the world.,” she said.

Dividing her time between Australia and Europe, Alison said she researches in Switzerland, Germany, mostly around the Munich area, and along the French and Italian border. Her next overseas trip will take in Norway, Finland, and Sweden as well the UK.

Budget put on blast

■ From front page

“The Victorian Government is broke, life is getting harder and Victorians are being punished for Labor’s incompetence,” he said.

“Many of the taxes on businesses will have to be passed onto the consumer – the landlord levy will see rents increase, with some saying it adds $20 to $50 a week, and some 4000 public servants will lose their job.

“That means it will cost more to put food on the table, build a house or do just about anything.”

Mr Tilley said a further cut to regional road funding was of major concern.

“Regional roads funding is TBC – what does that mean for the urgent works needed on major state roads around this patch?

“At a cursory look it appears that regional roads funding has been cut by 25 per cent – what does that mean for people travelling to and from Beechworth, people from Upper Murray using the Murray Valley Highway – are the traffic lights, detours and single lanes to stay forever?”

Other highlights of the budget include the Big Housing Build, which will invest $5.3 billion to deliver more than 12,000 social and affordable dwellings, including $1.3 billion directed to regional areas.

Four–Year–Old Kindergarten is transitioning to Pre–Prep over the next decade, increasing to a universal 30–hour a week program for play–based learning for four–year–old children in Victoria.

The budget will invest $620 million across the justice system and emergency services, including youth diversion programs and support for communities that are over–represented in the criminal justice system, and addressing gambling–related harm. Separately, it invests $677 million in ongoing flood recovery, building on the $1.8b committed last year to help communities get their lives back on track.

More than $120m will be provided to Service Victoria to build and maintain the digital services Victorians expect, with an allocation of $90m supercharging already guaranteed funding to accommodate government service cards.

FUNDING BOOST: Rutherglen’s Barkly Park is set to receive $1m to upgrade facilities as part of the 2023/24 state budget.

FUNGI ENTHUSIAST: Ecologist and environmental photographer Alison Pouliot delivered a fascinating account of her latest book ‘Underground Lovers – Encounters with Fungi’, last Friday.

PHOTO: Lesley Milne.

Winterwords Festival fast approaching

By CORAL COOKSLEY

SES confident in region’s flood network

By RYAN MALCOLM

A BOOST of $236m in federal funding to establish a national flood warning network could further strengthen a North East gauge system, which SES Hume region operations officer Charlie Sexton believes is among the best in the state.

The Federal Government announced the funding boost as part of last week‘s federal budget, in an effort to further improve communication between state and local government entities and protect at–risk communities from natural disasters.

Mr Sexton said the region‘s flood gauges and planning efforts had been put under moderate strain during last year‘s October and November flood events, but noted local stakeholders, including the North East Catchment Management Authority (NECMA), the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate

Action (DEECA) and SES had been pleased with how it held up.

However, he said the local region would not knock back further funding if it was made available under the Federal Government‘s plan.

“We‘re quite lucky in that there‘s so much water storage that supplies our irrigation networks and our drinking water, and South Australia eventually, that a mix of owners such as the CMA, DEECA and Goulburn Murray Water need to understand what is flowing for that business side of it, and we get to ride on those systems,” Mr Sexton said.

“I‘m not saying we don‘t need any (funding), and there are some (gauges) that require some adjustments probably, but ultimately those discussions have been identified and I can‘t think of anywhere where there‘s a massive gap that it creates a risk to the community at the moment.”

Mr Sexton said the re-

gion‘s riverine flood risk was likely to be reduced over the coming months, with long–range forecasts predicting a shift into a drier El Nino weather pattern.

However, he noted storm tendencies in the region meant emergency service crews were always prepared in the event of flash flooding.

“We‘re not anticipating flooding like we‘ve seen in 2022 or the lead–up that we saw from 2020 onwards,” Mr Sexton said.

“But that doesn‘t stop storm weather events creating that risk of flash flooding that is always on the horizon and quite often happens in a short time frame with little to no notice.

“We see storms all year now, it‘s not just a winter or summer phenomenon it‘s now all year, so we don‘t have that courtesy of having something like a fire season, it‘s always that season depending on what Mother Nature throws at us.”

THIS year’s Winterwords Festival boasts an exciting action-packed line up of events to celebrate words in every form, and is set to kick off in four weeks’ time.

Winterwords Collective director Janet Tweedie said an official opening will take place at the Beechworth Memorial Hall on June 21, where special guest Declan Furber Gillick will perform.

“As a young Indigenous writer, performer and multidisciplinary artist, Declan combines spoken word, poetry and rap music together,” she said.

Declan hails from Mparntwe (Alice Springs) with Aboriginal and Irish-Anglo ancestry.

He is currently working on a new play for the Melbourne Theatre Company, where he is a resident writer in their Next Stage program.

In its third year, Janet said Winterwords offered additional events with some very different ones with intriguing topics.

Among them is an open group-directed discussion on what it means to die well while another is a kitchen table conversation about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ‘Voice to Parliament’.

Janet said Yackandandah primary school teacher and award-winning playwright Brendan Hogan will be facilitating a drama workshop for 10 to 14 year-olds.

She said wildlife researcher, zoologist and former senior curator for more than two decades at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo, Erna Walraven, will travel from the New South Wales coast to chat about

Current Salon

wild leadership.

“It’s really interesting research about animal behaviour and comparisons with human behaviour which is going to be a fascinating session,” Janet said.

“Another is a talk by Beechworth’s Dr Trudy Ryan based on how messages are framed to changes hearts, minds and action.

“Trudy will also be facilitating a workshop on an introduction to eco linguistics for environmental stewards and advocates around effective ways to communicate with people.”

Local author Margaret Hickey will introduce her new novel being released next month in the crime words session while fellow writer Gabrielle Berg Moser will talk about her new book too.

“They will be talking about crime writing in general and different types of crime writ-

ing,” Janet said.

“Beechworth’s Frank Prem will be talking about one of his latest poetry works ‘Ida Pender: The Jazz Baby’ while historian and author Richard Patterson will return to Beechworth to talk about writing local history in a really fun way.

“There’s so much happening including Beechworth Books’ open night where people can chat to authors and grab a soup or mulled wine with profits from wine and food sales donated to Kangaloola Wildlife Rescue.”

The Winterwords Festival with its incredible 26 scheduled sessions around town and Stanley runs from Wednesday June 21 to Sunday June 25.

Many sessions are free or by gold coin donation. Visit www.winterwords. com.au for more information, program sessions and registrations where needed.

NEW Salon OPENING 27th June ‘23

RELOCATION NOTICE

Hair Construction is relocating to 4 Dowling Court (Close to rear of Hardware car park and Butt Butt tree)

LUCY will open New Salon 27th June '23

Appointments phone 0419 221 618

Please ensure Lucy has your contact details

RAFF SAMPSON will be at the New Salon 3rd July '23

Appointments phone 0407 685 766

'Walk-in' Hair cuts still

ANNA will return to work when better.

Appointments SMS only 0427 229 722

ON THE WILD SIDE: Wildlife researcher, zoologist and former senior curator at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo Erna Walraven will chat about animal behaviour and leadership at this year’s Winterwords Festival.

GAUGE CONFIDENCE: SES Hume operations officer Charlie Sexton has lauded the region‘s flood gauge network, which he believes is among the state‘s finest.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Beechworth flies rainbow flag

By CORAL COOKSLEY

LOCALS joined millions of people from around the world for the annual celebration of diversity and LGBTQIA+ awareness with a community event held in front of Beechworth’s historic courthouse last week.

Supported by Indigo Shire, mayor Sophie Price said for the first time all 79 local government councils in Victoria had raised the flag on IDAHOBIT Day – the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.

“It’s an important milestone,” she said.

“Flying the rainbow flag is one of many ways council supports diversity and inclusion in our community.”

She said Council had proudly come together for several years to celebrate the day at the Mayday Hill chambers, while Wednesday’s event had been brought to the heart of the community.

Among addresses to a 60-strong supporting crowd where representatives from Victoria Police and several LGBQTIA+ community groups attended, ‘Drag’d Out Beechworth Festival spokesperson Andrew Madden said the day helped everyone move together.

With council, business and community support for Drag’d Out, he said the festi-

val committee was humbled to bring the event back to the town in November this year after its successful debut in 2022.

“With such events at last year’s festival I feel like we are moving towards a more inclusive, visible and better

future,” he said.

Mr Madden said he hoped important issues faced by LGBTQIA+ people will become invisible where they will be woven into the tapestry of humanity without question or discrimination.

LINE Wangaratta spokes-

person and volunteer Al Winters said support shown at Wednesday’s event gave signs of hope.

“There’s still so much work to do but there’s a feeling some really good things are happening in regional Victoria,” she said.

With the Drag’d Out Festival, amazing council staff, the new youth group and rainbow groups within local government area schools, she said fantastic work had been undertaken.

“The future looks very bright not just for us, but also

for young people as well,” Al said.

“Hopefully one day we don’t need to have this day where we reflect and have to celebrate because every day we will be safe and included with acceptance.”

Indigo Shire Council chief executive officer Trevor Ierino said the day also celebrated progress while raising awareness of discrimination still faced by the LGBTQIA+ community.

He said council is welcoming, inclusive and embraces all with a stand against discrimination of all forms, among them race, sex, gender, age, ability, and religion.

The mayor said Australiawide research conducted by Latrobe University highlighted the prevalence of discrimination still occurring around the country.

‘Council is committed to creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of our community,” he said.

“I encourage everyone to show support and respect to each other every day.”

Councillor Price ended the ceremony with raising the rainbow flag where she stated it was her privilege as an elected community representative to stand with the LGBQTIA+ community and support the fight for equality and inclusion.

Our motto at Terra is ‘do no harm’, a value we draw from our deep connection to the landscapes of Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. The colours here are captivating. They flow through us as inspiration for our prints and clothing. We design ethical and sustainable fashion here in Dunkeld and deliver it across the world.

UNITED: Beechworth’s Helen Gollan (left) with IDAHOBIT Day speakers Indigo Shire mayor Sophie Price, Drag’d Out Festival’s Andrew Madden, Indigo Shire CEO Trevor Ierino and LINE Wangaratta spokesperson Al Winters at the IDAHOBIT

Day celebration

held in Beechworth.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley.

Jail for Everton murderer

RickyJohnWilliamstoservemaximumof24yearsinprisonafterfatalNorthEaststabbing yypg

A WANGARATTA man has been jailed for at least 18 years, after he repeatedly and fatally stabbed his former partner during an altercation at Everton in late 2021.

Ricky John Williams, 44, was on Friday sentenced by Justice John Champion to serve a minimum nonparole period of 18 years behind bars, a sentence which could stretch to as many as 24 years for offending which the Wangaratta Supreme Court heard was the latest in a lifetime of violent crime.

Earlier this year, Mr Williams pleaded guilty to the stabbing murder of Carmen Niklaus, with whom he had previously been in a de-facto

relationship before the pair became on-again, off-again partners.

A Family Violence Intervention Order (FVIO) had been granted to Ms Niklaus with Mr Williams as the respondent less than a year prior to the fatal attack.

The court heard Mr Williams had been living at Everton Caravan Park for several months prior to the December 6 incident, and had been approved for National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding only days before the pair’s relationship boiled over.

After initially catching a taxi to Mr Williams’ home around 4.30pm while she was

drug-affected, Ms Niklaus made it known she wished to return to Wangaratta and, the court heard, was subsequently stabbed at least three times with a 200mm kitchen knife to the chest and abdomen by Mr Williams.

He was said to have failed to render assistance to his victim, calling both his NDIS worker and his son while pacing through the caravan park as Ms Niklaus lay naked and bleeding but still alive in his cabin.

He told his son “something really bad has happened” and “I’m going to be away for a long time”.

Ambulance crews later attended after being contacted

by a concerned neighbour, but Ms Niklaus was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr Williams was arrested at the caravan park, later telling police he had become angered by Ms Niklaus’ request to return to Wangaratta, and had become fed up with what he described as “a year and a half of lies”.

“I just grabbed the knife and stuck it in her,” he told police during a record of interview immediately following the attack.

Justice Champion noted Mr Williams had complained of significant housing stress in the lead-up to the incident, and had been identified as exhibiting char-

acteristics of depression, anxiety and borderline personality disorder by specialists through his assessment for the NDIS.

He also acknowledged an acquired brain injury Mr Williams had been diagnosed with following a schoolyard fight at the age of 14 may have contributed to offending.

Justice Champion noted Mr Williams’ criminal history was extensive and spanned a number of states, with offending in Queensland and New South Wales including significant violence and threats of violence on a number of occasions.

He noted Ms Niklaus had been vulnerable, drug af-

fected and defenceless at the time of the attack, but acknowledged it did not appear the stabbing had been premeditated, adjudging Mr Williams’ culpability as middle of the range.

Mr Williams’ early plea of guilty was acknowledged as sparing the victim’s family a lengthy trial process, but Justice Champion said Mr Williams’ actions immediately after the attack had also showed a degree of self-interest.

He noted a non-parole period of 22 years and a maximum sentence of 28 years would have been imposed with a guilty verdict if the matter had proceeded to trial.

Engaging talk on new book ‘Justice in Kelly Country’

By CORAL COOKSLEY

AN insight into the Ned Kelly story through the eyes of a policeman’s descendant had been a fascinating tale for local resident Aileen Taylor at last week’s Beechworth Library author talk.

Canberra-based author, diplomat and historian, Lachlan Strahan, delivered an intriguing account about his great, great grandfather Senior Constable Anthony Strahan, a policeman in Beechworth and surrounds, in the mid to late 1880s, whose legacy was ensnared in the Kelly legend.

Anthony’s threat to shoot Ned had been blamed for the turmoil and bloodshed that unfolded during the Kelly Outbreak when the famous bushranger had mistaken him to be one of the policemen.

Lachlan’s third and most recent book ‘Justice in Kelly Coun-

try’ explores his own family’s past with a story about his great, great grandfather as a police officer.

“But it’s also very much a story about one of our great national legends Ned Kelly, giving a different perspective from other Ned Kelly books that have been written and it is also very much a book about Victoria and rural communities from the mid to late 1800s,” he said.

“A good part of the book tells usually brief stories about people that Anthony came across as a police officer, sometimes arrests of other criminals, victims of crime, or just ordinary people doing it tough in pretty hard times.”

With a keen interest in Kelly history, Aileen said the book gave a broad spectrum of the general history of the area.

In piecing together a different story about his ancestor’s life, Lachlan said the Ovens and Mur-

ray Advertiser archives had been a significant story source.

“The power of local newspapers reporting on local communities including police officers and court cases had also been important back in the day and was a wonderful resource,” he said.

With a long-time connection to the region, Lachlan said his father had joined other National Trust members in the late 1960s in renovating the old Powder Magazine built in 1859 to store large quantities of gun powder for use in blasting open goldbearing alluvial and quartz deposits.

Among other connections had been to the original brick hotel - the London Tavern in Camp Street - now a private residence.

Lachlan said most of his school holidays had been spent in Beechworth as a youngster.

The author said he had worked

in the Department of Foreign Affairs for 30 years, always counting himself as a historian where he liked to write history books.

“I like telling a good, authen-

tic story and wanted to be honest about my ancestor,” he said. Lachlan said he had a strong bond with the area in writing the book with his personal links.

FASCINATED: Author Lachlan Strahan with his book caught the interest of locals Barbara Pilkington (middle) and Aileen Taylor at last week’s Beechworth Library author talk.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

THERE are dozens of families across the North East region who make salami year after year who will already have the equipment they need to do so, however, if you are just starting out you will need to consider purchasing some special items to ensure your success.

This equipment can include a good grinder, a sharp knife, an area that will serve as a curing chamber and your source of preferred meat and ingredients.

Depending on conditions, - but speak to a professional at one of our advertising will need this.

While there are plenty of recipe options and tips and tricks to be had and the time it will take will vary depending on these things, essentially to make a salami you make your sausage, add

sodium nitrate and a starter culture, ferment sausages at room temperature and then hang the links out to dry in your curing chamber.

We are fortunate to live in an area where migrants settled and enriched our regions with their tastes and ways of home, from tobacco to wine and viticulture to pasta, pizza and cured meats, they have been a staple of the North East for more than 70 years.

Many families still celebrate the tradition of making their own salami each year, with new additions by marriage or birth trying their hand when it comes time.

encourage the continuing of this tradition by stocking the essential items for salami makers of all talents this season.

Salami making across the North East

Carnivores unite... your needs are all in one place

HAVING worked as a professional butcher and smallgoods maker for 10 years before starting his own knife and DIY food and beverage store, Brent Ibrom knows the value of quality products and supplies.

That’s how the owner of My Slice of Life came to establish his own brand of meat processing equipmentCarnivore Collective - which is now available online and in store.

The range arrived in early 2023 and includes bandsaws, butchery equipment kits, cabinets, meat slicers, salami maker starter packs and accessories.

“The new line of products have been a real hit with customers, which has been pleasing,” Brent said.

“There are more than 100 products that can be used by game harvesters, home butchers, small scale or family

salami makers, right up to commercial chefs.”

“Locally, we have a lot of people who hunt or process their own meat, or who want to, but they haven’t known the best way to go about it or had the equipment to do so.

“That’s where Carnivore Collective can come in.

“All of our products are created and designed with longevity in mind, along with practicality for a range of situations.

“We have also made them

“We want to inspire the next generation of home butchers or chefs to take pride in their work, and really enjoy the challenge.

“If they don’t have the right equipment that’s reliable and easy to use, they won’t do that.”

Brent said that the addition of the Carnivore Collective brand is building on what they have had available for

customers already.

“The great thing is that with these new products, we’re new and existing customers even more when they come in and ask ‘what else can I do with my meat’?”

In addition to the equipment itself, there is also a range of 19 available.

These all natural rubs are gluten free and contain no MSG, agents - which means you get

So, whether you are a home butcher, budding salami maker or commercial chef, phone or call into the store at 159 Vincent au.

“Trade discounts apply to certain products so it’s worth coming in or calling and talking to us about what you need,” Brent added.

FOR Brent and the team at My Slice of Life in Wangaratta, salami season is the best season of all.

“It’s actually my favourite time of the year,” Brent said.

“Not only do I get together with my family and friends to make our own salami, I get to spend my work days talking everything salami with our customers.”

With products from cotton twine to spices and additives to electric meat slices, My Slice of Life has everything you need to create your own salami or charcuterie meat board masterpieces not only during the 2023 season, but for years to come.

“The prevalence of making your own salami has evolved over the last decade, but particularly in the past few years, with a lot of people taking it up during COVID,” Brent said.

“Before, it was really only the Italian families who had that tradition of getting together each year to make salami but these days just about everyone knows someone who has given it a

go, or who is really into it.”

The history of salami making in Australia goes back to the post-World War II era when more than two million immigrants from the UK and Europe

arrived through the new immigration policy.

For Brent and the team at My Slice of Life, it’s not just about stocking and selling equipment and accessories needed for salami making,

it’s about education.

“We believe that giving people the tools to succeed with their own salami making attempts goes hand in hand with selling them the equipment they

need to do so,” Brent said.

“We have customers locally and Australia-wide who will come in, call or email us with issues they’re having with a batch or a technical aspect

and we work with them, troubleshooting and discussing their processes, solution which hopefully means they won’t lose the work they’ve already put in.

“We are here for our customers long after they have purchased their items, and we take pride in that fact.”

In addition to in-person and online troubleshooting, a number of food and beverage workshops to educate and instil

want to get started in making their own meats.

“We hold workshops & masterclasses throughout the year in sausage making, bacon and kabana, butchery, American BBQ, salami, charcuterie and home brew.

“It’s a great way to bring people together and share ideas and talk about what they’ve done before that worked, and what didn’t, to those who are trying time.”

Making traditional salami for friends and family

JOE McKenzie started making salami in 1996 and has continued to do so ever since for himself, his friends, and his family.

making salami when he was a butcher in Cobram through helping the Italian families he knew in the area.

“Many of the Italian families in Cobram used to make their own salami and I used to go over and help them out to bone out their pork and learnt how to make salami from there,” he said.

Over the years, Mr McKenzie has found making his own salami has allowed him to make it the way he wants.

“You can make a product that is to

not saying it’s any better or worse but it’s to my own liking,” he said.

“I enjoy just getting together, the sense of tradition, a sense of something that’s homemade and usually, on the good years, something that’s better than

Mr McKenzie often shares his love of salami making with his friends and family through teaching them how to make it.

“I usually make it for myself with the same people I’ve made it with for a long time or there might be a new family friend that comes to make salami for the

“It’s pretty exciting when you take a raw ingredient and turn it into a pretty tasty product.”

While he makes traditional salami, he capsicum, pepper and chili to make it more to his liking.

Mr McKenzie said there is no real secret to making salami as long as you have the right ingredients.

“A lot of people seem to think they have a secret but all you need is fresh ingredients number one, secondly make sure you use enough salt to preserve the meat, that is paramount without using said.

He also said that as long as the salami is kept fresh it doesn’t matter where you source your salami from.

“Everybody has an opinion about what whatever it is, as long as it’s good clean fresh pork and you’ve got salt to make sure it stays healthy,” he said.

TRADITIONAL SALAMI: Traditional salami made by Joe McKenzie.

SALAMI MAKING: Joe McKenzie making his own salami.

Home-based support a welcome relief

By CORAL COOKSLEY

A HOME care package designed to keep older Australians living independently at home for longer has been a welcome addition to residents throughout the region.

Long-term recipient of home care packages, Beechworth’s Anne Kennedy recently switched to local provider Timeless Support based in Mayday Hills.

Anne said she has been delighted with the service where carers assist with a variety of services within her package on a daily basis.

“I have a case manager too and she’s available whenever I need her and even when I don’t expect her she pops in and I’m so grateful,” Anne said.

“I receive hot meals three times a week in the evening and on Wednesdays a carer comes in for two hours and we have lunch together, which is lovely.”

“On Fridays a carer also does my shopping for me which is vital.”

Case manager Deb Hempenstall said Anne has a menu from a local hospitality provider for the hot meals which she enjoys.

“It’s good that they can deliver,” she said.

“There’s a multitude of things people can have on a

homecare package but basically, it’s around keeping people at home including transport to appointments, home care, meals, and gardening.

“We help with occupa-

tional health items where we can purchase equipment when there is a need such as a special chair.

“All aspects of the service help our clients maintain their independence and

BORN TO TOW

stay at home and every day Anne has a different service.”

With independence important for Anne, she said the team assessed her needs where those needs

were addressed on an ongoing basis.

“It’s wonderful and an excellent service,” she said.

“It’s great to have a local provider, a provider who is on hand, as a neighbour

and can attend when I most need support”.

Deb said carers and case managers work together to monitor clients for any changes on an ongoing basis.

Timeless Support manager Michelle Azaris said Anne understands the importance of not only receiving services in the home, but also how important it is to have a case manager involved with planning ongoing care.

“Anne has a great relationship with her case manager and also her care workers, who attend daily in different capacities and assisting with tasks that she is no longer able to do herself which includes taking her dog to the vet and to all my medical appointments “

Among services available depending on the level cover personal care, home care, qualified carers to help escort people to places such as for medical, dental and social appointments and respite care.

Others include shopping, home, garden maintenance, meals cooked in your own home and escorted support to your appointments.

For more information, contact Timeless Support on 1300 292 747 or email admin@timelesssupport. com.au.

BE

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TEAMWORK: Timeless Support case manager Deb Hempenstall with home care package recipient Anne Kennedy.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

1915 motorbike sparks conversations

By CORAL COOKSLEY

A 1915 BSA (Birmingham

Small Arms Co) motorbike sparked interest from visitors to Beechworth’s ‘Drive Back in Time’ event ‘Show and Shine’ earlier this month, when Stanley’s Michael McCormick displayed the machine with its incredible history.

Owned for two years, Michael said the bike had belonged to a farming family’s son who went off to World War I but sadly didn’t return.

“Kept in the family for 75 years, a next-door neigh-

bour heard the family were removing the motor to run a pump on their farm, and as a friend he was given the bike,” Michael said.

“The neighbour kept the bike for 25 years until it was given to another friend who wasn’t a motorbike rider and I managed to stumble across it.

“We purchased the bike with the original 1915 registration plate and a Certificate of Registration dated May 5, 1915.

“It’s probably clocked up around 500 kilometres since 1915.

“I have its history and it’s an amazing story.”

Michael said the bike will remain in his family.

“It’s something I’ll keep forever.”

The vintage motor bike enthusiast said he had a couple of books on the bike too.

BSA in the UK was founded in 1861 for firearm production, with its motorcycle division set up in 1903 and its first motorcycle rolled out in 1910.

An annual event, ‘Drive Back in Time’ is hosted by the Beechworth Old Cranks Motor Club.

NEW CAREER: Rutherglen’s Glenda McKay took up art, established a home studio and regularly exhibits her work.

Retired engineer’s artistic flare ignited

SYDNEY-BORN Glenda McKay has lived in Rutherglen for 25 years. She resided in Melbourne for 20 years prior, but her husband had spent his teenage years in Rutherglen where his father was a local bank manager. The couple relocated to Rutherglen to find a more community-focussed lifestyle.

What did you do workwise and what do you now?

I was a scientist and engineer in the fields of coal science and power generation, but for the last 10 years of my professional life I worked in business management in various engineering roles. I retired from this type of work in 2009, and in 2010 started studies at Riverina TAFE in visual arts, graduating with an Advanced Diploma in Visual Arts. I converted the garden shed to an art studio and so began a new career as an artist.

What brought you to your role as an artist?

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

The millions of people on the move trying to escape civil conflict, famine, cruelty and poverty who are looking for a safe haven for themselves and their children.

For those of us living in comfort and safety with shelter, enough food and clean water, maintaining our empathy and willingness to share resources.

If the person you would most like to meet came to Indigo Shire or was already here, or someone from the past, who would that be, what would you show them, and why?

May - June STANLEY ATHENAEUM: Exhibition. ‘Stanley Pubs, Ales and Tales’.

Informative illustrated story panels and locally found objects convey the community. importance and essential role of hotels during the gold rush era.

Visit the exhibition at the Stanley Post community hub (old Stanley school), Main Street.

Open Monday to Friday 8.30 - 10.30 am and 3.30 - 5.30pm, Saturday 9.00 - 11.00 am or by appointment - contact: 0458 606 922 or 03 5728 6702

Closed Sunday, Public Holidays and

Red Code days

Friday June 2

MAYDAY HILS ART SOCIETY: Art talk. 5pm. Guest speaker Beechworth artist Therese Shanley. The artist was a finalist in this year’s prestigious Sir John Sulman Prize with her work ‘Under the Milky Way Tonight’. With a love of painting, her subjects are people and everything that surrounds her. Gold coin donation. Drinks and nibbles. MDHAS is located at 9A Oak Avenue with entry from Kurrajong Way. RSVP bibart@bigpond. com or mobile 0412 126 219.

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

I have had an interest in art for many years, but full-time work did not free up the head space needed to be a practising artist. Retiring from engineering gave me the opportunity to develop a whole new career, to establish a studio at home and to exhibit my work on a regular basis.

What do you love about your work?

The creative process, making work from different materials, developing a narrative using visual symbols, the solitude of the studio, interactions with other artists.

What do you do in the community?

I’m a member of the Corowa Arts Cooperative and a member of the Rotary Club of Rutherglen. I enjoy being a volunteer as volunteering in a small community allows people to develop connections within their community and build its community selfreliance.

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

Availability of housing at an affordable price, both housing for purchase and housing for rent.

My great-great grandmother Elizabeth Crocket, who sailed from Scotland to Australia in 1854 with her husband Thomas and their five children, ranging in age from 10 to one. Given the discomfort and length of sea voyages at the time, that was a pretty gutsy effort. Thomas was a “railways engineer”, or train driver, and arrived in Melbourne when the first railway was being built in Victoria, the line from Port Melbourne to the city.

I would love to sit her down in my home for a cup of tea. I have two of her silver teaspoons engraved with her initials, a part of the silver service that came with her from Scotland. I also have her cameo mourning brooch - at last I could find out its story.

I would show her some of the historic sites around the district such as remnants of gold mining, Rutherglen’s gold battery and preserved old workers’ accommodation buildings at All Saints. We also have some interesting indigenous sites in the district. Her perspective as a mid-19th century settler on our relationship with indigenous people would be an interesting one.

What book are you reading?

‘Schindler’s List’ by Thomas Keneally.

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PRIDE AND JOY: Stanley’s Michael McCormick shows off his prized possession at this year’s ‘Drive Back in Time’ held in Beechworth earlier this month.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

Glenda RutherglenMcKay,

John

Telstra plans to upgrade an existing telecommunications facility located at Lot 2 on Plan PS620483, Beechworth VIC 3747. www.rfnsa.com.au/3747013

1. Telstra Limited (A.C.N 051 775 556) are currently upgrading existing mobile network facilities to allow for the introduction of 5G to Telstra’s network. As part of this network upgrade, Telstra proposes the installation of 5G850 (5G) and M700 (4G/5G) technologies at Beechworth locality and surrounds.

2. The proposed works at the above site include the installation of of associated ancillary equipment. All internal equipment will be housed within the existing equipment shelter located at the base of the facility.

3. Telstra regards the proposed installation as a Low-Impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the above description.

4. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or written submissions should be directed to Georgia Bergin, Aurecon Australasia Pty Ltd (A.B.N 54 005 139 873) via email to: Georgia.Bergin@aurecongroup.com or via post to:Georgia Bergin, Aurecon Australasia Locked Bag 331 Brisbane QLD 4001 by 5pm on 9/06/2023.

Golfers turn in strong performance at Bethanga

By DYLAN POOL

LAST Sunday, five members of Beechworth Golf Club travelled to Bethanga for their annual tournament.

Beechworth faired very well in terms of the results, with four of the five taking home prizes.

Darren Edwards won the A Grade scratch competition by one shot from Vaughan Saunders.

Andy Croome took out the B Grade handicap and Dylan Pool won with the best back nine in the A Grade.

Andy Croome also won a nearest the pin.

This coming Sunday is the North Eastern District Golf Association Sandgreen Championships at Yackandandah.

At this stage it doesn’t look like too good of a representation from us, but hopefully a few more might attend.

face major test

■ From back page “We’d like to start well and finish well, but at the moment we seem to need to be challenged first before stepping up,” he said.

“We don’t like to reflect on it too harshly but it clearly wasn’t there in the first half against Yack, but after half time I thought we played our best half of footy for the year.

“We moved the footy well, we did everything we’ve been working on at training which was pleasing to see and hopefully we can take that into this weekend.”

The Hawks have been the hardest side to score against in the competition through six games of the season and have claimed the impressive scalps of Barnawartha and won the grand final rematch against Chiltern.

Carey said slick ball movement would be the key to breaking through the rock solid defence of the Hawks.

“Making sure we can carry what we do at training into a game and continue to work on our ball control will be key for us,” he said.

STRONG PERFORMANCE: Andy Croome (right) receives a firm handshake from Brett Gilbee after winning Bethanga’s B Grade handicap at the club’s annual tournament.

CLOSE WIN: Darren Edwards (right) won Bethanga’s annual A Grade tournament by a single shot, and was congratulated by Bethanga’s Brett Gilbee.

Bushies’ face the test

By RYAN MALCOLM

A BATTLE of Tallangatta

District Football League heavyweights is set to hit Baarmutha Park as the Beechworth Bushrangers look to take down the unbeaten Kiewa Sandy Creek tomorrow.

Coming off a league-wide bye last weekend, the Bushrangers will be eager to bounce back from their first loss of the season to Yackandandah in what should be a blockbuster against the Hawks.

Co-coach Brayden Carey said the team stayed close together during the week off with a bonding session and are looking forward to the challenge the Hawks will bring.

“The intensity at training has lifted over the past three weeks, I think everyone knows we’re going in the right direction and we’re keen to challenge Kiewa, who have probably been the form side and the team to beat this year,” he said.

“The cohesion the boys are starting to build is what we’re looking for.”

The Bushrangers went through up to 10 changes to their side in the loss against the Roos, which will likely remained unchanged for this week.

Carey said their start to games has become a point of emphasis this week after only managing a goal in the first half against Yackanadandah.

■ Continued page 15

TOP TEAMS COLLIDE: The Beechworth Bushrangers will be keen to make amends for last year’s preliminary final loss to Kiewa Sandy Creek in their top of the table match with the Hawks tomorrow at Baarmutha Park.