TASTE OF
Lending a guiding hand
New Leaf Indigo to offer support for potential council candidates before upcoming election gppppg
INDIGO voters are collaborating to encourage a robust, competitive shire election in October by hosting a practical campaign workshop for potential candidates in Chiltern on August 17.
New Leaf Indigo has been formed by people with professional and community campaign experience to provide free,
non-partisan information, advice and support for people thinking about contesting this year’s local government election.
New Leaf spokesperson Jamie Kronborg, from Beechworth, said the network’s goal was to bring about informed, constructive change to the way in which Indigo communities are
represented by their council.
“We think one of the best ways to do this is to encourage active competition for the seven councillor positions available so our communities have a clear choice,” he said.
“The New Leaf network includes people from Rutherglen, Chiltern,
Yackandandah and Beechworth who have campaign knowledge and skills and it’s offering these at no cost to anyone contemplating a run in this election.
“This experience is like a ‘toolkit’ or library for candidates wanting information and support.
“The New Leaf network can help them to do
things like build profile and teams, engage their communities, identify issues, communicate values and goals, engage media, plan doorknocking, understand preference allocation, learn how proportional voting works and stage events.”
New Leaf’s offering these opportunities by starting with a campaign skills
workshop led by councillor coach and candidate trainer Ruth McGowan at Chiltern Neighbourhood House on Saturday, August 17.
“Ruth has a wealth of experience as a former mayor and councillor and has written a highly successful book about getting elected,” Mr Kronborg said.
■ Continued page 2
Year 6 Beechworth Primary School students Grace White (left), Jemima Neil, and Edith Thomas in ACRE’s social enterprise schools program launched their lip balm product at Old Beechworth Gaol’s café on Tuesday.
■ STORY PAGE 3.
PHOTO: Tom Colcott
SUCCESS
Shining a light on art creativity
By CORAL COOKSLEY
AN artist on a creative path for more than 25 years will share her knowledge at a Mayday Hills Art Society talk next week.
Albury-based Donna Caffrey working in textiles, collage and assemblage said she has never looked back since joining the Embroiderers’ Guild NSW when living in Sydney in 2000.
“At that stage I had no art skills but an interest in embroidery and wanting to learn to design my own work led to undertaking classes in drawing, painting, mixed media and contemporary clay,” she said.
“I like to work with my hands and these mediums satisfy my desire for both physical and visual texture.”
Donna experiments with paint, clay, collage, textiles and threads.
The artist reuses and repurposes material sourced from op shops, recycle centres and friends.
“I repurpose when I can, and textiles, collage and assemblage materials are easily accessible and inexpensive,” she said.
Donna said she loves being an artist with joy and pleasure received from exploring materials and mak-
ing something creative.
“It’s fun and I invest in thinking and researching ideas which inform my work,” she said.
“I get such a kick out of thinking and making, I just have to share what and
how I do it”.
Donna said she wants others to feel the same way and not be critical of what
they do.
“I showed no skill as a child or young person in the arts and being raised in
a farming community art was not a priority.”
The guest speaker believes everyone has a creative skill if they give themselves permission to play with creation with also a belief of creative skill is not limited to arts and crafts.
“The act of creation and time spent in the doing gives us is time to rest our mind from the worries of the world or express how we feel about those worries,” she said.
“Picasso said art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”
Donna has exhibited in a string of group and solo exhibitions both local and interstate exploring themes and thoughts through textiles and collage including one work hung in Sydney’s NSW Parliament House. Her collage work ‘A Mirror on the Universe’ will soon be exhibited at Hyphen - Library Gallery in Wodonga.
The Friday, August 2 event starts at 5pm at MDAHS located in Kurrajong Way at Mayday Hills in Beechworth.
A $5 entry donation is requested with refreshments provided.
For enquiries contact Christine Cansfield–Smith on 0412 126 219 with RSVPs to bibart@bigpond.com.
Ambos urging a stop to violence against paramedics and call takers
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta VIC 3677
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REPEATED incidents of violence against paramedics brought an urgent plea from Ambulance Victoria (AV) for patients to show respect to first responders during emergencies.
AV reports show there have been 105 reported incidents resulting in injury to paramedics from July 2023 to March 2024 across the state.
Recent incidents included a paramedic grabbed and punched in the face by a patient they were treating, a paramedic suffering a dislocation after a patient became aggressive and paramedics harassed and followed by a man outside of a Melbourne hospital, who was
threatening to assault them.
An AV spokesperson said they were unable to share LGA specific data from the total 105 incidents.
Senior North East MICA paramedic Paul Stefaniak said while he has heard of incidents of paramedic violence in the region in the past, there has been no recent issues of improper patient behaviour to his knowledge.
AV said paramedics are also often exposed to situations involving verbal assault, swearing and name calling, which can result in paramedics pausing their treatment or withdrawing from the scene or terminating a call.
AV executive director Regional Operations, Danielle North, said violence against paramedics is
never ok and we do not accept this behaviour as part of the job.
“We know emergency situations can be stressful for people, but this is no excuse to behave aggressively towards paramedics,” she said.
“We are aware of several serious occupational violence incidents recently across the state and it is timely that we remind the community again that violence against paramedics, first responders and call takers is never ok.
“Our top priority is the safety of our paramedics and first responders, and they have our full support to leave an incident if they ever feel unsafe.
“Assaulting or berating a paramedic will not help them do
their job any quicker.”
Injuring an emergency worker in Victoria is a Category 1 offence and carries a mandatory minimum six-month jail sentence. Paramedics are trained in a variety of strategies to assess, manage and de-escalate violent or aggressive scenes, but ideally paramedics shouldn’t need to use these skills.
AV is committed to exploring ways to reduce and prevent occupational violence and our people are encouraged to report every instance of this behaviour.
For more information on the impact of occupational violence on paramedics and how you can help, visit www.ambulance.vic. gov.au/campaigns/respect-ourparamedics.
Potential candidates offered support
YOUR OVENS AND MURRAY TEAM
■ From front page
“The workshop will discuss candidate and councillor values, positive language, doorknocking, candidate forums, social media, and networking – the nuts and bolts of what a candidate’s campaign could look like in Indigo shire.
“It’s free, open to anyone and will run for about half a day, including bring-your-own lunch.
“We already have a few prospective candidates looking to attend, and we reckon it could be of interest to current councillors deciding to re-contest this
postal ballot election.”
He said many people the New Leaf network had talked with were looking for candidates who want to collaborate, truly engage with Indigo communities, are positive and future-focussed.
“Since we started developing the network a few months ago, we’ve also heard quite a bit about the challenges that Indigo communities face today,” Mr Kronborg said.
“These include climate change and sustainability, our capacity to care for people in our communities as they age, available
child care and early years education, effective planning and housing development, including community housing opportunities, business and job resilience, diversity, environment and heritage care, protection and and promotion, farm sustainability and reconciliation.
“Communities are looking for partnership and leadership on these issues and the upcoming election provides a great opportunity to talk about how we can all help to respond to them in positive ways.”
Interested people can find more information on New Leaf Indigo’s
Facebook page, and register for the workshop by emailing newleafindigo@gmail.com.
Victorian Local Government Election 2024
• Voter roll closes August 7.
• Nominations for candidates open on September 9 and close on September 17.
• The election is by postal vote.
• Ballot papers will be mailed to voters by the Victorian Electoral Commission from October 7.
• Voters need to return a completed ballot paper to the VEC by October 25.
CREATIVE: Artist Donna Caffrey experiments with paint, clay, collage, textiles and threads.
Locals urged to get enrolled for upcoming election
INDIGO Shire residents and ratepayers are being urged to check they are enrolled to vote for the upcoming local council elections by 4pm Wednesday, August 7.
Electoral Commissioner, Sven Bluemmel, has issued a call ahead of the enrolment deadline.
“If you’re 18 or over and you live in or pay rates to a Victorian council, enrol and have your say on the future of your
Allans Flat shed engulfed in flames
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
AN Allans Flat shed was found to be fully engulfed in flames last Thursday afternoon, as CFA units worked for just over three hours to extinguish the fire.
A CFA spokesperson said multiple CFA units arrived at the Gaps Flat Road address on July 18 to find a timber building fully engulfed in flames at around 1:45pm.
Units from Yackandandah, Allans Flat, Kiewa, Leneva, Sandy Creek, Wooragee, Kergunyah and Baranduda worked to extinguish the flames which were out of control for around two hours.
The CFA spokesperson said the cause of the fire was not known and was under investigation.
The incident was later deemed safe at around 6pm.
Driver flees after Yackandandah near-miss collision
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
POLICE are investigating a near-miss collision in Yackandandah last Thursday morning, with one driver on the loose.
Emergency services were called to a utility left on the side of Wodonga-Yackandandah Road, near Glass Lane, at about 9am.
Police said officers were told a white Ford Falcon utility with a canopy on the rear, drove onto the wrong side of WodongaYackandandah Road, narrowly missing two oncoming hatchback cars.
The ute is believed to have hit an embankment before the driver fled on foot, leaving the car behind.
Neither vehicle occupants of the hatchbacks were injured.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or with dashcam or CCTV footage, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic. com.au.
The incident follows a fatal two-vehicle collision on the same road near Allans Flat on Wednesday, July 10, which claimed the life of an 18-year-old Wodonga man and left two others seriously injured.
local council,” he said.
Australian citizens who have recently turned 18 or changed address can enrol or update their details online at vec.vic.gov.au/ enrolment
Anyone on the state electoral roll is automatically enrolled for their current address for these elections.
There are also additional council enrolment categories for non-resident owners, occupiers,
company nominees and non-Australian citizens who pay rates.
The rules for council enrolment have changed.
Property owners who don’t live in the council area but may be eligible to vote because they pay rates should contact their local council for further information.
The 2024 Victorian local council elections will be the state’s largest single election program, with a predicted 4.7 million vot-
ers participating in 465 individual elections across 78 councils.
Voting is compulsory for all state and council-enrolled voters.
Enrolled voters who do not vote may be fined.
Further information on enrolment is available by calling 131 832 or at vec.vic.gov.au, where voters can also sign up to the free VoterAlert service to receive important election reminders by SMS and email.
Social enterprise launched by young entrepreneurs
By CORAL COOKSLEY
AN innovative project undertaken by three Beechworth Primary School students is set to reap fundraising dollars for their chosen charity with the enterprise launched at the Old Beechworth Gaol Café on Tuesday.
The initiative by the year 6 trio is part of the Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship’s (ACRE) social enterprise schools program running since 2016.
Students develop a range of skills including critical and creative thinking, communication, collaboration and enterprise skills by undertaking the program.
Young entrepreneur Grace White said the team started the project to make lip balm at the end of last term.
“We came up with an idea, did some research, tried different things and created the product,” Grace said.
“The program lets us be really creative, we learn new skills and we’re raising money for the Children’s Cancer Foundation.
She said a lot of people get dry lips and use lip balm and we
thought it would be an effective business with something people need.
Beechworth Primary School principal Susan McDonald said the program teaches students financial and economic skills on top of the chance to be creative.
“It definitely gives them skills that they can use in other things and in their working life,” Ms McDonald said.
“Once they develop their product students then present their project to a panel for feedback on their product and give them some advice.
“Students also talk about their social enterprise as well as their selected charity.
“It’s a hands-on program in developing a real product rather than textbook based learning.”
Team member Edith Neil said the lip balm has some great flavours.
“We’re going to make some more flavours soon too,” she said.
ACRE’s Social Enterprise Schools learning coordinator
Tom Colcott said the girls created a fantastic product.
“We’ve been able to give them a bit of space in the café to sell their product,” he said.
Mr Colcott said the program is
going from strength to strength with another 20 schools on board this year from NSW.
“It’s expanded beyond the North East with about 50 schools across Victoria and New South Wales as well as from other states in Australia.
Grace said the team is looking forward to the annual market day in mid-October at the Old Beechworth Gaol for schools participating in the program.
Beechworth–based ACRE at the Old Gaol took out the Australian Rural Innovation Project Award by SPERA (Society for the provision of Rural Education in Australia) for its social enterprise schools program two years ago.
Part of Australian Rural Education Awards (AREAs) offered annually since 1994, the award recognised the program delivered by ACRE for its innovative educational approach for students to gain entrepreneurial and enterprise skills with lasting benefits for rural communities.
AREAs are awarded to an individual, institution, organisation or industry to recognise excellence in rural education in Australia.
ENTREPRENEURIAL: Year 6 Beechworth Primary School students Grace White (left), Jemima Neil, and Edith Thomas in ACRE’s social enterprise schools program launched their lip balm product at Old Beechworth Gaol’s Café on Tuesday.
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
Have your say on the plan for Victoria’s renewable energy
VICGRID is asking communities, landholders, Traditional Owners and the energy industry to get involved and have their say on the development of the long-term strategic plan for Victoria’s Renewable Energy Zones and major transmission infrastructure.
Victoria is changing the way energy infrastructure is planned, developing the Victorian Transmission Plan and consulting with communities from the beginning of the process to realise local benefits, minimise impacts and deliver affordable and reliable power to Victorian homes and businesses.
VicGrid, the government agency responsible for planning and developing the state’s Renewable Energy Zones, have released a draft of the Victorian Transmission Plan Guidelines, which set out how VicGrid will prepare the plan over the next twelve months.
The guidelines explain how VicGrid will determine how much renewable energy is needed to be generated where and by when, what transmission projects are required and how we will partner with communities and industry to make these decisions.
It also includes an initial study area, showing which parts of Victoria we will investigate further as we work with communities to find the best places to host future wind and solar generation.
This is an early step which has been informed by a bespoke state-
wide strategic land use assessment that took into account community feedback, land use, environment and cultural heritage.
The study area will be narrowed down to smaller areas for investigation and eventually, proposed Renewable Energy Zones through further engagement and analysis.
While the investigation is starting broad, ultimately only a portion of the study area will be needed to host new energy infrastructure.
VicGrid is now seeking feedback from the community and industry on the guidelines and the study area.
Chief executive officer, Alistair Parker said community input
would play a crucial role at this stage and throughout the process of developing the Victorian Transmission Plan.
“We are changing the way energy infrastructure is delivered in Victoria and early and meaningful engagement is at the heart of our approach,” he said.
“We need the input of regional communities, farmers, landholders and First Peoples so we can get this right for all Victorians, reduce impacts and deliver real benefits.”
Mr Parker said the energy industry also had a role to play in informing the Victorian Transmission Plan and he encouraged businesses to
engage with VicGrid to share their knowledge and expertise.
The Victorian Transmission Plan Guidelines can be found on Engage Victoria, where people can provide feedback on the approach and the study area as well as details of the community information sessions VicGrid is running across the state.
Consultation on the guidelines is open until August 25, 2024, while consultation on the study areas is open until September 30.
A draft Victorian Transmission Plan will be published early in 2025 with a further round of consultation before publication of the final plan by July 2025.
Vehicle rolls over barrier after collision with truck near Boralma
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
A CHILTERN truckie was given an infringement notice on Monday after failing to give way and colliding with a Ford Everest on the Hume Freeway near Boralma.
Wangaratta police Sergeant Paul Purcell said at around 8:25am on July 22, a truck driving along Carraragarmungee Estate Road attempted to cross the Hume Freeway intersection. After crossing the south-bound lanes before entering the freeway on the other side, it collided with an oncoming Ford SUV, hitting its rear right-hand side.
Sgt Purcell said the SUV spun sideways for around 25 metres before hitting the freeway barriers and causing the vehicle to roll, before coming to rest on the driver’s side.
The driver, aged in his 40s, was extracted from the vehicle and taken to hospital for precautionary reasons, while the truck driver sustained no injuries. Both vehicles obtained minor damages.
Sgt Purcell said the 49-yearold Chiltern truck driver was issued an infringement notice for failing to give way at the Carraragarmungee Estate Road intersection when crossing the freeway.
Interested owners of eligible water rights in these catchments are invited to submit a tender response stating the price at which they want to sell their permanent water rights to the department. The decision to participate is completely voluntary.
To read the Approach to Market and submit a tender, please visit AusTender – www.tenders.gov.au - and search for water rights purchasing
MORE INFORMATION: For more information on voluntary water purchasing, visit www.dcceew.gov.au/watertender
ASSISTANCE:
For help with using AusTender, visit help.tenders.gov.au
If you can’t access AusTender or have questions about the tender process, please email watertenders@dcceew.gov.au
HOW TO SUBMIT:
Closing date: 12 midday, 11 September 2024
Visit www.tenders.gov.au/atm and search for 2024_2454
• Download and read the Approach to Market documents
• Login or Register as a new user
• Complete the tender form and submit your response
Long wait for childcare in Indi
Indi MP meets with The Parenthood campaign director in support of childcare advocacy initiative pgppy
By STEVE KELLY
NEW young parents in Indi are experiencing up to two-year wait times for childcare, something the Independent MP Helen Haines wants to help fix.
Dr Haines explained that parents are enrolling their children prior to birth, but even then many are having to wait for childcare vacancies, affecting their ability to return to work after pregnancy.
Families are having to drive their children to other towns such as Benalla and Beechworth so they can put their children in care because they can’t access childcare in the town they live in.
Dr Haines said this creates a long day for parents, who once they’ve finished work, have to drive out of town to collect their children.
The issue is mostly affect-
ing mothers who want to get back into the workforce however they can’t due to the lack of vacancies.
Grandparents are also dropping from full-time to part-time work to share the responsibility of care.
“There has been a centre built in Phillipson Street that is encouraging but we know that a study by the Mitchell Institute that there are 0.48 childcare positions available for every child,” Dr Haines said.
“This has a ripple effect on the whole community with businesses wishing to employ particularly women who have the skills and they can’t engage in the workforce to the degree which they wish to and businesses can’t employ them and they have job vacancies.”
The Parenthood is an advocacy group and it is formulating a study right across Australia on peo-
ple’s experiences in accessing childcare in country areas.
Dr Haines met with The
Parenthood campaigners in parliament and told them she wanted the voices of people from the Indi com-
munity in the report.
Maddy Butler is the campaign director at The Parenthood and she visited Wangaratta last week to record local stories that will create case studies.
“At The Parenthood we’re advocating for improved access to childhood education and care in regional, rural and remote Australia,” Ms Butler said.
“We’re releasing a new report in September focusing on the negative impacts that lack of access to care has on, not just children and parents, but carers, whole families, towns and regions.
“We’ve been meeting with parents, carers, grandparents, chatting to them about what the situation is like for them right now and what the impacts have been.
“A few people have said they have to travel 25 minutes to over an hour to drop
their kids at a centre.
“It’s a real struggle and a huge cost for petrol and maintaining your car and sitting in a car for that long is not an ideal environment for children.”
The other option is to not return to paid work and this is unfortunately what many are experiencing right now.
“These people work in essential industries like public health, they’re nurses, and teachers,” she said.
“There are shortages in these industries and regional towns need them to be working, but they can’t without childcare.
“We advocate to the state and federal governments and they can’t shy away from it and say it’s not happening or it’s not real.”
A formal report will be given to the government and a response to the report will be sought.
Border Trust calling for Give500 grant applications
By CORAL COOKSLEY
INDIGO Shire community groups and non-profits among others across the North East have a chance to be in the running for a combined tally of $26,000 in grants for their projects.
Albury-based Border Trust with its Give500 grants is calling for applications in this year’s round closing on August 12.
Grants help fund charitable projects to support community connection and wellbeing as well as community equity.
The winner will be awarded $18,000 with two runners up to receive $4000 each.
Give500 grant applications will be shortlisted to three outstanding projects, with the successful recipient to be voted for by Give500 donors at the annual Pitch Night in November.
Sue Gold, Border Trust’s executive officer said dedication and creativity of local organisations continued to be inspirational.
“We are proud to support their efforts to make our community a better place
for everyone,” she said.
Now in its fourth year she said the Give500 grant program continued to show the power of collective giving in positive impact in communities.
Since 2021, the Give500 grant program has provided $72,000 to nine community groups and non-profits.
Community groups and non-profits from across the six Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Albury, Federation, Greater Hume Shire, Indigo, Towong, and Wodonga can apply.
Last year’s main winner,
the Carevan Foundation’s Ruffy Swags Project, produced backpack swags for homeless and rough sleepers in the community finding it difficult to find a bed each night.
The foundation works with the Beechworth Correctional Centre that provides the workforce to produce the swags for the program.
For further details and to apply, visit the Border Trust website at www.bordertrust. org.au/give500-grant-program-open.
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A FIRST-TIME free workshop offered across the North East is set to give Indigo Shire community groups and small not-forprofit organisations a chance to harness communication assistance from professionals.
Convenor Birgit Schonafinger said applications for free help as part of the Gift of Communication are open with a close date of August 16.
The one-day workshop is a support initiative of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Asia Pacific and the Border North East Communicators Network,” she said.
Ms Schonafinger said the session is for not-for-profits that have little in the way of communications resources.
“If you volunteer for, or work with a not-for-profit located in this region (border and north east Victoria) you are invited to apply. She said organisations
among them neighbourhood houses and toy libraries may face communication challenges with the community, stakeholders, partners, supporters, staff or volunteers or need help with planning or marketing.
“The purpose is to support organisations with a network of professionals,” she said.
“So many people give so much volunteer time to community groups and
causes or work in small not-for-profits that all add to life in our communities.
This is one way communications professionals in the region can provide support to them.”
“The Gift of Communication has been offered by the IABC around the world for many years and the local workshop will be held in Wodonga in October.” IABC has been running for more than 50 years.
CARE CRISIS: Isabel Young, Helen Haines and Maddy Butler, with (front left) Eloise Gorton, Edie Gorton, and Matilder Fraser.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
SKILLED UP: Communications expert Birgit Schonafinger has a passion to help community groups and not-forprofits.
CARING: Carevan Foundation team members Christiane Krause (back left), Leanne Johnson and Rina Cooper with Uniting Care’s Catherine Byrne (front left), Carevan founder John Brabant, and Dean Harris at the 2023 Give500 Pitch Night where The Ruffy Swags Project was voted the winner by Give 500 donors.
Young musician plays historic organ
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A YOUNG musician delivered deep and rich sounds of the Beechworth Town Hall’s historic pipe organ to a captivated audience at this year’s Winterwords Festival.
Beechworth’s Flynn Chalmers said he has been learning to play the organ for the last two years.
The talented 16-year-old mastered the cello for nine years at the Murray Conservatorium with his love of music and musical instruments stretching from
playing piano to bagpipes, trumpet and bass guitar too.
“I took up learning the organ as I enjoy the sound that it can produce, how it works, the songs you can play on it and its history,” the year 10 Galen College student said.
“I love the different styles of music from classical/traditional to modern rock.
“It was an honour to play as part of the Winterwords concert in the Town Hall alongside local musician Sandra Williams who has been very encouraging.”
Flynn said he learns the organ at Wangaratta Holy Trinity Cathedral under its musical director Dr Keiran Crichton.
“I have been fortunate enough to be given permission from the Organ Historical Society to use the Town Hall organ for practice as well as the organ in the local Anglican Christ Church,” he said.
The Town Hall organ originally housed in the building in 1886 was built in London in 1852 by Hills Organs until sold around two decades later with a re-
location to Melbourne.
Rediscovered in a Melbourne location in 2018 the magnificent instrument was brought back to the Town Hall and restored by the Beechworth Organ Society.
Flynn joined local musicians Sandra Williams, Mark Stephens and singer Kath Buckingham at the Winterwords event.
Sandra, Mark and Kath combined music to explore the seasons as well as poetry while Flynn’s music showcased the beauty of the organ.
Modest pain for long-term gain: North East Water
NORTH East Water (NEW) says customers will see a modest increase in water bills for 2024-25, which will help fund critical infrastructure investment.
Under prices confirmed by the Essential Services Commission last month, NEW general manager corporate strategy and performance, Nicholas Moore, said the average rural City of Wangaratta residential customer bill will increase by 0.45 per cent plus inflation, or approximately 79 cents per week.
“The average bill for resi-
dential customers using 200KL per year would be $1080 which remains well below the regional Victorian average,” Mr Moore said.
“North East Water’s 202425 tariffs will support the supply of critical water and sewerage services to 118,000 people across 39 towns in our service region.”
Mr Moore said customer bills will also help to fund vital infrastructure upgrades this financial year including:
• a major upgrade to Wo-
donga’s wastewater treatment plant;
• major sewer infrastructure capacity upgrades in Wangaratta’s north-west and southern growth areas;
• dam safety enhancements in Beechworth;
• construction of a new raw water offtake in Mount Beauty;
• water supply upgrades in Devenish and Goorambat; and
• initial planning for new wastewater treatment plants in Beechworth and Bright.
Mr Moore said these pro-
jects and more aim to ensure water and wastewater security and service reliability in a growing region as well as improved health outcomes, reduced environmental impacts, lower energy costs and climate resilience.
“Overall, we’re investing more than $300 million in essential new and upgraded water and wastewater infrastructure across the region during our current eightyear price period, which is a substantial increase from the projected $141 million estimated when prices were
determined by our regulator,” he said.
“Following 2026, further significant investment will be needed to upgrade older infrastructure to serve our rapidly growing towns which will be subject to our next price submission community engagement program.”
Mr Moore said NEW recognises some customers may need assistance with their bills.
“We offer a range of accessible programs and support services to ease any financial pressure,” he said.
“These include concession card discounts, access to government relief and rebate schemes, payment extensions and plans, and referrals to financial counselling.
“Supporting customers in financial difficulty is a key priority, and our friendly, local team can be contacted by phone or email.”
For more financial support information, visit www.newater.com.au/help or call 1300 361 633.
A list of all tariffs for 2024-25 can be found on North East Water’s website.
@electionsvic
PERFORMED: Flynn Chalmers (left), Kath Buckingham, Sandra Williams and Mark Stephens delighted music lovers with their performance at the recent Winterwords event.
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
Local choir gears up for next performance
By CORAL COOKSLEY
MUSIC lovers will be whisked away to the savannah of Africa, provincial France and downtown San Francisco as Beechworth Singers present a number of classic melodies from ‘Songs of the Stage and Screen’ next weekend.
The choir’s new director Colleen Arnott said she looked forward to showcasing the choir’s best while bringing joy to choir members singing and performing together.
“It’s so beneficial on a number of levels,” she said.
The event is Colleen’s first choir performance
conducted since she recently took up the reins as director.
Beechworth Singers member Catherine Bijker said the afternoon will be full of lush harmonies, a little bit of spice and lots of fun.
Among hits will be Elton John (The Lion King), Cole Porter (‘I Got You Under My Skin’ from ‘Born to Dance) and Irving Berlin (‘Cheek to Cheek’ from ‘Top Hat’).
Well-known local musician Sandra Williams will be on keyboard.
Catherine said the audience is bound to be tapping and humming along by the
end of the show.
Colleen said she hoped the audience experiences the pleasure of the performance and hearing great music.
“I also hope some members of the audience may see themselves joining us in the future,” she said.
Performances will be held at the Town Hall on Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4 starting at 2.30pm on both days with tickets at the door and EFTPOS availability.
Tickets cost $20 for adults, concession is $15 while children are free.
Admission includes afternoon tea.
MARTIN Meader was born in Portsmouth, England. His parents were ‘ten-pound poms’ originally settling in Adelaide in 1966. Martin moved to the North East in 1992 and purchased Contessa’s Cottage in Stanley 18 years ago where he lives with his partner.
What do you do workwise?
I retired two years ago. My last full-time work was in logistics. I now work/volunteer, part-time, coordinating the Stanley Community Postal Agency (CPA). I’m also continuing to build our house, studio and garden.
What brought you to your volunteering role?
On retiring I had the opportunity to do something that supported and sustained the Stanley community. It takes a great deal of endeavour to run a small township like Stanley, most of it done by busy locals in their precious spare time. I wanted to support this and become a part of the community.
What do you love about your volunteering work?
I experience satisfaction and value in supporting and growing a healthy and developing community on the Stanley plateau. The Stanley CPA provides a needed postal service to local residents and small businesses as Stanley has no postal delivery. It also serves as a community hub to enable connection and activity. Stanley has seen quite a few young families move into the region during the pandemic. This new demographic has revitalised an aging community. The primary school closed in 2007 and it appears will not reopen, so I am passionate about keeping the school facilities in community use rather than let them decay or become privately owned.
What do you do in the community?
I’m a member of the Stanley CFA, Recreation Reserve Committee and the Stanley Rural Community Inc (SRCI). The SRCI has the responsibility of running the CPA and Community Hub at the destaffed Stanley Primary School.
Is there an important community issue that you think needs addressing?
Stanley has been zoned a town since 1860, but lost its township status during the shire amalgamations as I understand in the 1980s. I would like to see it re-established as a township to encourage economic activity and other improvements.
What would you do to solve change, improve that situation?
Indigo Shire Council sought to have the township status restored but it was blocked because of the bushfire risk. The challenges Stanley faces need to be addressed and not simply allowed to derail Stanley’s future.
What do you see as one of the important current world issues?
Globally we are facing some enormous challenges including economic inequality and climate change. Add to this a growing political extremism. We need real leadership supported by genuine democracy.
If the person you would most like to meet came to Indigo Shire (past or present), or was already here, who would that be, what would you show them, and why?
I would like to meet one of the Elders of the First Nations people who were living here prior to colonisation and settlement, and hear their opinions and ideas on how best to manage this beautiful part of Victoria. I would like to know how the Stanley district looked before clearing and gold mining.
What book are you reading?
‘Be Useful, Seven Tools for Life’ by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
COMMUNITY PASSION: Stanley’s Martin Meader values supporting and growing a healthy and developing community on the Stanley plateau.
Martin, Meader
COME ON GET HAPPY: Beechworth Singers will hold their next concert on August 3.
By Ovens and Murray Advertiser
SULLIVAN, Rev. Bethley Margaret. 9/11/1946 – 18/7/2024
Passed away peacefully at Northeast Health, Wangaratta surrounded by her loved ones.
Dearly loved mother and mother-in-law of Scott and Stephanie. Loved grandmother of Melanie.
SULLIVAN
Phone: (03) 5723 0101
Booking deadline: 2pm business day prior to print.
Phone: (03) 5723 0101
email:
Booking deadline: 3pm Monday prior to print.
Phone: (03) 5723 0100
Phone for quarterly booking deadline
Phone: (03) 5723 0100
Booking deadline: Second Friday of month
Phone: (03) 5723 0101
Booking deadline: 12 noon Monday prior to print.
A funeral service to celebrate the life of Bethley Sullivan will be held at Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral, Ovens Street Wangaratta on Monday, July 29, 2024 commencing at 11am.
A private cremation will follow the service.
SPRINTER Van, diesel, reg till April 2025, roadworthy April 2024, 160,000km, camper/work van / weekend relax plus 12volt system, excellent condition, no rust, $18,000, VIN: WDF90366228908307. Ph 0459 899 884.
BY EMAIL
37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677
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INTERNET
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We’re holding four face-to-face community visioning sessions over the coming months, and we’d love to see you there.
We want to hear from as many residents as possible on what you believe are the Shire’s greatest strengths, challenges and opportunities as we look toward the future. You’ll be able to chat with your Councillors and our Executive Team.
The sessions will be held at the following locations:
Tuesday 9 July - Barnwartha Memorial Hall
Tuesday 6 August - Beechworth Town Hall
Tuesday 20 August - Rutherglen Memorial Hall
Tuesday 3 September - Yackandandah
Public Hall
Find more information and have your say online: www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au/imagineindigo
SOLD
PACKAGE Deal, for genuine sale 2004 Ford F250, 7.3hr Diesel, 291. 685km, has near new bravo a/t Maxxis 980 tyres, plus 2 spares on back, rear camera, rear airbag suspension, 274ltr fuel capacity plus 100ltr tank under rear canopy, rear slide on picnic table, central locking system, Hayman Rees tow ball, top winch to help load the boat, plus 5000 pound bull bar winch, lots storage includes 2x60ltr fridge slides, plus boat motor slide, 2 large draws in canopy, lots storage above canopy and below 3x120 Uni solar panels, has pro star solar controls wired ready to go, 4 glass matt batteries, plus built in charger, built in compressor. Side steps and bull bar all aluminum, driving lights CB radio, electric brake system to suit caravan, fully services and will sell with road worthy.
TOYOTA Corolla 2009, excellent condition, well looked after, metallic black, 150,000km, (XHG700), $8500. Ph 0412 718 068.
HOLDEN Colorado LX, 2009, crew cab, petrol, automatic, 165,600km, rego t ill March 2025 (WXH019), RWC (pending), $14,000. Ph 0417 326 739.
TOYOTA Hilux w orkman ute, automatic, as new, 3300km, reg (TGH121), $33,000. Ph 0414 428 544, located Mansfield.
2007 Nissan Tiida, gold colour, (WRF170), 6 speed manual, new front and back shockers, 2 new front tyres, 235,600km, $5000. Ph 0458 859 959.
2020 Toyota Hilux SR5 Auto 4x4 Double Cab, SR5+ premium interior, with Nebula Blue op tional paint, black leather accented interior trim and standard Apple/Android car play, features include: side steps, 3500kg braked and 750kg unbraked towing capacity, heavy duty suspension, trailer sway control, satellite navigation (GPS), bought new from dealer, comes with full dealer service history, only one owner, currently registered and will come with roadworthy certificate (BKS063), 94,400km, $49,990 excluding govt charges. Ph 0418 361 935.
TIPPER FARM UTE, 1998 Ford Courier (unreg) petrol / gas, 4WD, manual, straight single cab, steel tray, drop side tray, tow bar, could be re-reg, runs well, VIN: JCOAAASGHCVB78825, $4,500 firm. Ph 5729 3669.
Caravan, 2004 Kedron Cross Country, made in Brisbane, 20ft inside, electric brakes, pullout awning, has matching wheels as the F250, dual axle plus 2 spares. 2 x jerry can, holders at rear, in front bin has 4 x glass matt batteries, pro star solar controls invertor, has 4x120 Uni solar panels on roof, tv antenna, fold up side cooking table built on side, steps that fold up on the door, single beds with inner spring mattresses, wired for CPAP machines x 2, lots storage cupboards, built with Tasmanian oak, 4 burner stove with grill and oven, 240ltr Vitri Frigo, full sink, wired for TV, reverse cycle air con, Island bench table with storage under seats, storage under beds, brand new elec and gas hot water service (never used), water filters and hoses, electric legs, A-Trail Jack plus ockie wheel, 2 wind stiffeners pegs and mat (outside 8x4m) original tyres and rims for caravan, out door shower, 5 water tanks, one tank for drinking only, carpet or vinyl flooring, wired for 12 volt or 240 volt, full annex plus extra plus sun shade, never used, new wheel bearings (never used), 2 gas bottles, front bin and generator compartment, very clean and neat, has lots of extra’s as well. $139,900 ono package deal, will consider splitting, but they do compliment one another. Boat not included. Ph 0427 936 630.
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer ES CJ, Auto Odo 182,013km, 4cyl 2.0L petrol, 6 speed constantly variable transmission, Reg (YTT860), expir y December, 2024, $7,500. Ph 0490 388 939.
SADLY I must part w ith my 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee (too many cars), only one previous owner, and in immaculate condition, all up to date service books, always garaged, only been off-road twice, all hwy kms, 3 litre diesel motor, 3.5 tonne towing capacity, Redarc electric brakes, RWC provided, 166,400km, reg (WAG541), $10,950 ono, IMMACULATE. Ph 0407 050 979.
Reaping gymnastic rewards
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A LOCAL gymnastic club running for six years continues to leap ahead with its athletes clinching another swag of medals in two recent competitions.
Indigo Gymnastics Club manager Erin Machuk said results showed the kids their hard work paid off.
In Albury’s Flyaway Invitational in level 5, the team nailed first place among local teams and teams from Canberra and Melbourne.
With individual results for vault, bars, beam and floor, gymnast Sophie landed overall first place while Joanna scored overall second place, Karima took out overall fifth place and Abbie achieved second place for vault and third place for floor.
Level 3 team results for gymnasts Isla, Grace, Naya, Frankie and Aylah competing for the first time landed overall third place for vault, bars, beam and floor.
In level 8 for vault, bars, beam and floor gymnasts Saskia scored overall fourth place while Kate gained overall fifth place.
In the Ballarat Gymsports Winterfest, level eight competitors took out overall team first with individual scores for vault, bar, beam and floor - Saskia overall first, Lexi overall third while Kate notched up overall fourth in beam and floor.
The level 5 team was second overall with Madi scoring overall first for beam and floor, Joanna overall third for vault, bar, beam and floor with Abbie sixth place for bars and floor.
“Our competitive team is supportive of each other in day to day in training and at competitions,” Erin said.
She said the club has doubled its size since moving to its current premises four years ago with around 200 young people now in the club.
Erin said programs on offer have increased including a parkour class with the session run by a coach with a martial arts background.
“Parkour is like street gymnastics with lots of obstacle courses,” she said.
“For the first time we are also of-
fering another night of the week for recreational gymnastics as well as parkour with programs run on Wednesday evenings.”
Erin, a physiotherapist, started coaching gymnastics as a 13 yearold.
“Gymnastics is great for kids and I am saddened to see such a decline in physical fitness and capability in the general population,” she said,
“I think the amount of time kids spend inside and on devices has
RALLYSPRINT A HIT DESPITE
JAMIE Luff and Chris Stilling took the top of the timesheets in the shortened Xeno North Eastern Rallysprint at Moyhu on Saturday.
Luff and Stilling drove their Toyota GR Yaris AP4 consistently in the wet conditions and won all three stages of the rally.
Fresh from a fourth-place finish at the last round of the Australian Rally Championship in Queensland, the Yass driver was using the event as vital testing for the upcoming Gippsland Rally in which he’ll compete in the same car.
Second to Luff was the striking Ford Fiesta of Adrian Stratford and Anthony Staltari, with Tasmanians Aidan Peterson and Doug Austin completing the event in third place in their Subaru.
Overnight rain made conditions tricky for the 30 crews, and
with wet conditions failing to improve, the decision was made by organisers to shorten the event from eight stages to three.
Regardless of the early finish, teams were complimentary of the event format and expressed their interest in returning to the local area for another rally in 2025.
Local competitors from the North Eastern Car Club had mixed days.
Cody Richards was ninth overall, father-and-son Jason and Ryder Lennane finished in 15th while Matthew Whitten and Queensland co-driver Holly Kilbride failed to finish.
The rally was based at the Moyhu Recreation Reserve with ample support from the Moyhu Lions Club and Moyhu Football Netball Club, with the event continuing with a post-event function at the Moyhu Pub.
impacted their physical capability compared to 30 years ago.
“Kids need to get outside and climb trees, be active and learn to take physical risk.
“It’s been amazing to watch physical growth of kids attending our gymnastics sessions since we opened in 2018.”
Erin said gymnastics increases confidence to try new things.
“As we have kids in the higher levels this year, the club will also be entering more competitions
and competing in eight this year,” she said.
An Olympic themed day will be offered in August for people to see the gym in operation, try some activities out as well as watch some skilled higher level gymnasts.
She said registration is required for the day due to the gym’s limited space.
For more information on a variety of programs offered for all ages visit www.indigogymnastics.com. au.
Nada Guyatt takes out women’s monthly medal
By DYLAN POOL
LAST Wednesday a good field of women turned up to play the July Monthly Medal at the Beechworth Golf Club.
Nada Guyatt, who has been in a bit of form of late, was the winner with 75 nett.
Runner up was Jacqui Cato with 76 nett.
Others not too far behind were, Jan Lang 77, Judy Pierce 77 and Gail Smith 79.
Nearest the pins went to Judy Pierce on the fifth, Jan Lang on the seventh and Nada Guyatt on the 10th.
On Sunday there was no comp at Beechworth due to a few factors, namely the weather on Friday and Saturday
There were also a few regulars hiding up north in the warmer climates and another couple of regulars taking part in Rand Golf Clubs Tournament.
Jacob Howard and Vaughan Saunders both took home a ball in the ball run down and Dylan Pool was lucky not to take home the encouragement award with his golf.
This week’s events are Wednesday golf from 8:30am for 9am hit off and Sunday stableford, 11:30am for 12pm hit off
Hopefully with the better predicted weather there will be a competition.
Reminder to everyone that Wednesday and Sunday competitions are open to everyone.
Good luck also to the handful of men that are taking part in the Oaklands Tournament this Sunday. It is great to see so many players out playing when the weather is fine.
Either socially or in the Par three competition. We would love to see some more turn up regularly on Wednesdays and Sundays to partake in our weekly comps.
SUCCESS: Indigo Gymnastics’ competitors in two recent competitions Sophie (back row left), Madi, Frankie, Lexi, Kate, Grace, Isla (second row left), Stella, Joanna, Naya, Abbie with Karima (seated left) and Aylah.
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
TIGHT CORNER: Melbourne driver Darryn Snooks tackles the undulating Moyhu Forest roads in his classic Datsun Stanza.
PHOTO: Wishart Media
BUSHRANGERS
TARGET
NEXT FOUR GAMES AS JOSTLE FOR FINALS KICKS OFF
BEECHWORTH had the ideal hit out against a feisty DederangMount Beauty last week in the lead-up for its ladder defining run home to the finals.
The Bushrangers remain second on the ladder on percentage behind Yackandandah and a game clear of Chiltern after downing the Bombers 10.14 74 to DederangMount Beauty 2.1 13.
Bushrangers co-coach Tom Cartledge said it was a tough day at the office for his side in bitterly cold conditions and up against a willing Bombers outfit.
“The conditions were horrendous,” Cartledge said.
“It was about two degrees and there was constant rain.
“I think it was about the coldest day I’ve ever played footy in.”
Despite the conditions contributing to the physical encounter Beechworth escaped any major injuries, except a few superficial injuries including head clashes, but with all incidents free of any concussion issues.
“Dederang-Mount Beauty put up a great fight the entire game,” Cartledge said.
“It was a good contested game of footy although it probably looked pretty ugly from the sidelines due to the conditions.”
“Brenton Surrey relished the conditions, he’s Master of the Mud, he absolutely led the charge.
“Liam Stevens in the ruck played well in the conditions, for a big man he’s very clean below the knees, and Dylan Pritchard was impressive, he snagged a few goals
BY SHANE DOUTHIE sdouthie@ nemedia.com.au
(three) but was just as prominent higher up the ground.
“Hamish Malsem was super solid in defence and through the midfield.”
Kayde Surrey and Cartledge himself were also named in the best while Brad Fendyk and Clancy Ellett were the other multiple goal scorers booting two goals each.
The team’s focus now turns to this weekend’s clash against Wodonga Saints at Martin Park Wodonga after the Saints pushed Barnawartha all the way last weekend, going down by just five points.
“Wodonga has certainly improved and their close matches have been in the wet,” Cartledge said.
“We’re definitely taking them seriously, this will be the first of the big four games on the run home so we want to chisel that away for sure.”
There are expected to be a few changes in the Bushrangers’ line-up with several regulars unavailable for various personal reasons.
“We’ll bring a few of the under 17s up who have been showing a bit and also a couple of the reserves who have been standing out,” Cartledge said.
“It will be a bit of a new look side but it will still be a very good, competitive outfit.”
