Beechworth Fighting Gully Vineyard’s Mark Walpole has garnered success by growing two Australian first grape varieties at his Stanley-based vineyard.
■ Story page 3
BEECHWORTH Community
Early Years Learning Centre and Beechworth Kindergarten will be ousted from its Mayday Hills site following Indigo Shire Council’s awarding of a lease to a new child service provider from January next year.
The community not-for-pro t organisations have been located at the site for 25 years a er a joint community venture to build facilities.
More than 100 parents and residents gathered at council’s chamber, spilling into the foyer, showing their opposition to the recommendation, while more than 90 questions outlining parents’ concerns had been submitted for the meeting.
BY CORAL COOKSLEY ccooksley@ nemedia.com.au
Council will be negotiating the lease with Alpine Children’s Services after accepting a recommendation to grant the lease following a comprehensive Expression of Interest (EOI) process.
Current occupants, Beechworth Community Early Year’s Learning Centre (BCEYLC) with its close to
four-decade history and Beechworth Kindergarten running for 60 years will need to transition from the site by the end of the year.
BCEYLC president Lauren Malins said both the centre and kindergarten in 1995 formed a working group to nd a suitable new location with support from council for their future, with all supporting the existing location.
The working group applied for successful state and federal government funding and with community fundraising works in 1997.
“Money raised was managed by council on behalf of both organisations as a project sponsor,” Ms Malins said.
The building was handed over to council at the end of the project for insurance and maintenance purposes for major repairs such as a roof replacement with minor repairs undertaken by the both child care services, on the understanding that council was the caretaker for the current occupants.
■ Continued page 2
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
Kinder carousel: Beechworth child service operators ousted
■ From page 1 Council has a 99-year lease on landowners.
More than 90 questions submitted by concerned parents for the meeting were split into themes by council, with 12 of them answered and the rest put on notice.
Mayor Sophie Price says the EOI process had been extremely thorough and included a representative from the Department of Education on the assessment panel.
“We will support the current occupants through the transition period and work with the new provider to ensure minimal disruption to the children and their families,” Cr Price said.
A key component in the EOI process was for providers to address how their service o ering would address and signi cantly reduce current waiting lists.
Alpine Children’s Services will initially o er 87 places across both childcare and kindergarten and plans to signi cantly expand and diversify their service o ering to meet the needs of local families.
Cr Price said the proposal from Alpine Children’s Services met selection criteria with a more successful outcome, while strong proposals from existing occupants had been received.
“It was a di cult decision,” she said.
Five submissions had been received for the EOI.
on Monday,
Established by the community, for the community, BCEYLC parents said they were shocked at the proposal to hand over the lease to Alpine Children’s Services, a provider based outside the region, which will now displace the centre.
Ms Malins said council did not provide adequate assurance the proposed provider was in the best interests of the community.
“It was also unclear with information about how the centre will be sta ed, and how enrolments and the waiting
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YOUR OVENS AND MURRAY TEAM
list will be managed,” she said.
“Council will work with us to transition out and sit down to work out our future goals and ambitions, but It was implied there would be no real future for us.”
With a new building approved at their premises funded by the centre with a deposit paid at no cost to council, Ms Malins said their proposal for the EOI included an increase from 59 children per day to 120.
Cr Diane Shepheard had a con ict of interest and
could not vote while councillors Price, Greg Bourke, Jane Dowsley and John Harvey supported the motion.
Cr Scott Landells, one of two councillors opposing the recommendation with Cr Roberta Horne, also raised concerns including a $15 per day increase in fees by the new childcare provider.
Ms Malins said BCEYLC invested money back into the centre.
“Where will the extra money be going?” she said.
The mayor said Alpine Children’s Services had not
set their rates for next year which will be included in collaborative talks with parents.
Parent Paige Schweizer said council gave a generic response and didn’t address speci c concerns or give direct answers.
“There’s been a lack of community consultation and community consultation is one of council’s top priorities,” she said.
“We don’t believe the process was vigorous and transparent.”
The BCEYLC board met on Wednesday night to address
WHAT’S NEXT?:
the outcome with Beechworth Kindergarten taking a di erent stance.
Kindergarten president Liana Beatson said council’s decision has been supported with the kindergarten’s intention to work with Alpine Children’s Services.
“We will continue to deliver sessional kindergarten that we have been doing for 60 years for local families, she said.
“We recognise change is hard and acknowledge challenges in the EOI process has caused concern in the community and we understand those concerns.
“Alpine Children’s Services are also not for pro t and have a proven track record.”
Chance to check out Beechworth Secondary College programs
By CORAL COOKSLEY
BEECHWORTH Secondary College’s ‘Discovery Night’ next Wednesday is an exciting opportunity to give prospective students and their families a chance to nd out about the school’s programs.
College principal Patricia Broom said people can chat to sta and school leaders while student-led tours to explore the state-of-art facilities, activities and interactive experiences are on the agenda.
Among the school’s variety of subjects and programs o ered are ones meeting community needs such as students combining their studies with childcare courses at TAFE.
“Beechworth Childhood and Early Years Learning Centre’s director Mandy Holt is excited about the workplace with the number of childcare students coming through,” Ms Broom said.
“We’re funded for students to travel free by bus to access TAFE either in Wangaratta or Wodonga.
“With a community service concept, we also have senior year 11 and 12 students working next door with Beechworth Health Service aged care residents on activities such as reading and games.
“Year 9 and 10s undertaking leadership studies go to skills and training sessions with primary school kids at Beechworth Primary School as well”.
Ms Broom said students take part in the Country Education Partnership (CEP) program - one supporting Victoria’s rural and remote communities.
“There are lots of individual program opportunities extended to our Year 12 students, our science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) program is extending all the time, and we o er students a chance to study French too,” she said.
“We have arts, sciences, drama and music programs and we had great results achieved by our students undertaking high level
maths and sciences in last year’s VCE.”
Ms Broom said she looked forward to students taking up cooking and hospitality courses housed in the last stage of the school’s upgrade in a new building to start soon.
A special event in school connections with the community are students taking part in this year’s Golden Horseshoes Festival helping to be MCs.
“No matter what school age young people can discover exciting options available at the local high school,” Ms Broom said.
The Discovery Night on Wednesday, 2 April is from 5pm to 7pm and includes an information session by the principal held at 6pm. The evening is also a chance for local community members to check out the latest developments at the school.
People are also welcome to visit the college anytime during school hours where a tour can be booked to see the college in operation.
For more information, contact the college o ce on 03 5728 1624 or visit website www.beechworthsc.vic.edu.au.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
GROSSLY DISAPPOINTED: Beechworth Community Early Years Learning Centre parents with their youngsters at its premises
prior to council’s decision to oust the service for a new provider on Tuesday night.
Beechworth Community Early Year’s Learning Centre children Will, Rowan, Mia, Livija, George, Bertie and Olivia at the front of the Mayday Hills cente on Monday.
Beechworth vigneron grows grape varieties in Australia for the first time
By CORAL COOKSLEY
AN award-winning Beechworth vigneron has reaped success with two new exciting grape varieties grown in Australia for the rst time.
Fighting Gully Vineyard’s Mark Walpole has grown Petit Arvine and Cornalin, white and red respectively, from the Aosta Valley in mountainous region in Italy’s far northwest with the region bordering Switzerland.
“The grapes are mainly grown in the Aosta Vally and to a limited extent over the border in Switzerland,” Mr Walpole said.
The grapes are ancient varieties with a history dating back to times when country borders were in di erent locations.
Mr Walpole, known for pursuing alternative grape varieties for his wines compared to mainstream, said his interest sparked with the high-altitude location in the Aosta Valley mainly with the climate – elevated sites, cool, and continental with catabatic (downward) winds.
The vigneron visited a
number of the best producers in the region of Aosta in 2004 with the region having many ‘minor’ high quality varieties.
“Many are only found in and around Aosta and represent only very small plantings,” he said.
Mr Walpole started the importation process in 2017 after thinking about acquiring the grape varieties for quite some time.
Paperwork included obtaining phytosanitary certi cates for the dormant cuttings with approval needed from the Switzerland and Italian governments as well as the Australia Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS).
Once released from quarantine in 2020 Mr Walpole took the vine material to the Chalmers Nursery near Mildura to undertake propagation with rootstocks planted at Fighting Gully Road (FGR) in the winter of 2022.
“The rst buds from Mildura were brought down to FGR in spring of 2023 and gra ed onto rootstock that we had established the year
earlier in anticipation of the material coming out of quarantine,” he said.
“The bud gra ed vines resulting in our rst crop this month.
“The rst experimental wines made last year from the mothervines in Mildura have been very well received by the trade.”
Mark’s new Europa Vine-
yard in Stanley has been found to be an ideal site for the Petit Arvine, with an elevation of more than 700 metres above sea level with its aspect, rainfall and low
humidity during the growing season.
“The Stanley climate better represents Aosta Valley as it’s slightly higher, cooler and wetter than Fighting Gully Road,” he said.
“We planted vines there in spring last year which have grown well and anticipate the rst crop next year.
“The wines are unique from a avour and texture point of view, and will give consumers something di erent from Merlot, Cabernet or Riesling.”
Seven acres have been planted at Europa Vineyard with two for the Petit Arvine and five acres for both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Mr Walpole is also known for his award-winning Chardonnay and Syrah.
The vigneron said a lot of the ‘new’ varieties introduced over the past decade or so have been selected for a warming climate but little attention had been given to vignerons in cool areas that have a limited amount of varieties available to them.
Budget tax cuts an ‘election sweetener’
By STEVE KELLY
TAX cuts in the 2025-26 Federal Budget have been welcomed by the Indi incumbent Helen Haines, something she labelled as an ‘election sweetener’ as it will ease the cost of living.
A key item in the budget has workers earning an average $79,000 a year paying $268 less in tax in 2026, rising to $536 in 2027.
From 1 July 2026, the tax rate on income earned between $18,201 and $45,000 will be cut from 16 per cent to 15 per cent, and will reduce even further to 14 per cent from July 2027.
But while the tax cuts would reduce pressure, Dr Haines said almost 5000 people in Indi are on JobSeeker and there are no provisions in this budget for increases to Commonwealth Rent Assis-
tance, JobSeeker allowance or other Commonwealth support payments.
The government will extend rebates on electricity bills by six months, providing another $150 cut to power bills for households and small businesses.
But Dr Haines was not happy with the omission of funding for businesses to convert from gas to electric appliances.
“What is also still missing for households and businesses is support to electrify,” she said.
“With the cost of domestic gas, Australians know that the best energy cost saver is roo op solar and electri cation.”
Dr Haines welcomed funding to deliver more training places for doctors in regional Australia.
However, she expressed
disappointment with the absence of funding for Albury hospital, and its failure to continue support for small businesses to reduce costs through energy upgrades.
Health was a winner in the budget with the doctors shortage receiving attention via 200 rural GPs to be trained every year by 2028, as part of the $606.3 million committed in the budget.
Dr Haines said in her Indi budget submission, she requested the government provide additional funding, including via Commonwealth Supported Places, for regionally-based medicine university courses.
“This is a critical announcement and a win for regional areas facing critical shortages of healthcare workers, with a commitment to 50 per cent of additional General Practitioner trainee
places being in regional and rural Australia,” Dr Haines said.
Dr Haines also welcomed other healthcare inclusions, such as cheaper medicines by lowering the Pharmaceutical Medicines Scheme general patient co-payment from $31.60 to $25 from 1 January 2026, and $7.9 billion to expand eligibility for bulk billing incentives to all Australians.
This has been matched by the Coalition if elected.
Dr Haines said she was angry that regional infrastructure programs like the Growing Regions and the regional Precincts and Partnerships Program, along with regional roads and housing infrastructure funding had no further funding committed in the budget.
“In the absence of wellplanned and well-funded
programs, we know in election season the major parties’ fallback can be porkbarrelling based on where they need votes, rather than where funding is needed the most,” she said.
Liberal candidate for Indi James Trenery has slammed the budget.
He said the budget was for the next ve weeks, not the next ve years.
“This is a budget for an election, not one for our country’s future prosperity,” he said.
“At a time when living standards have su ered the biggest collapse on record and when the security environment is the most dangerous since World War II, Labor’s budget has failed to deal with the economic and national security challenges our communities and country faces.
Mr Trenery also took aim at Dr Haines’ capacity to harness funding for Indi.
“Locally, this budget is another example of Helen Haines’ funding failure,” he said.
“None of the local funding promised in Helen Haines’ 47 page Budget Submission was delivered.
“Year a er year, we are not getting our fair share.
“Not one cent of Helen Haines’ election commitments were funded in the budget on Tuesday night.
“Helen Haines must be upfront with our community – how will she deliver her proposed programs when no funding is in the budget?
“Just like Helen Haines’ $2 billion housing policy, announced in 2022.
“It’s time for change to get our communities back on track.”
FINE DROP: Mark Walpole started the importation process of his new Petit Arvine and Cornalin grape varieties in 2017.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
READY TO BURN: Controlled burns are planned across the North East, including the Indigo Shire area, in autumn.
Planned burns to reduce risk of future bushfires
FOREST Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) intends to take advantage of favourable weather and forest conditions across the state with priority burns, including in Indigo Shire, to reduce the risk of bushfires on the community and environment.
FFMVic deputy chief fire officer Aaron Kennedy, said priority burns are planned in state forest, parks and reserves around Beechworth, Yackandandah, Bright, Marysville, Toolangi, Kinglake, Glenburn, Woods Point, Tatong, Howqua, Mitta Mitta, Koetong and Tallangatta Valley over coming weeks.
He said more than 100 planned burns across an area of 46,300 hectares are prepared and ready for ignition in North East Victoria.
“Planned burning is one of the key tools firefighters use to reduce the size, intensity, and impact of bushfires,” Mr Kennedy said.
“Reducing fuels such as grass, leaves, bark, shrubs and small fallen branches means fires are less intense, slower to spread and safer for firefighters to control.
“Autumn is generally the best time of the year to undertake planned burns as the weather is more stable and fire behaviour is manageable and predictable.”
“Given the limited opportunities to undertake planned burning, it is important that we commence this work as soon as weather and forest conditions are suitable.”
Mr Kennedy said while planned burning is the most effective tool to reduce bushfire risk, in locations where planned burning isn’t suitable, crews will mulch, mow, slash and spray, build fuel breaks and upgrade and maintain the public land road network to keep Victoria safer.
“We work with the Bureau of Meteorology to assess weather conditions, such as humidity, temperature and wind speed and will only carry out burns when the conditions are suitable, and it is safe to do so,” he said.
Mr Kennedy said FFMVic works with emergency sector partners including the Country Fire Authority, Fire Rescue Victoria and Emergency Management Victoria to manage bushfire risk, prepare communities and respond to bushfires and other emergencies.
Register for the latest updates about where and when FFMVic deliver planned burning at https://plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au/.
Singing with a big heart
TILLY Pinn was born in Rutherglen and has lived in the town her whole life.
Her dad has lived there his whole life too, and Tilly’s mum came from the farming community of Daysdale.
What do you do workwise?
I work at Chambers Rosewood Vineyards as a vineyard worker.
I’m currently being trained to take over from our current vineyard manager, a role that is as daunting as it is exciting.
What brought you to your role/career?
My mum has worked at Chambers Rosewood for 10 years, and I started working there a er I nished high school for my gap year.
I then decided I liked working in the vineyard and enrolled in a bachelor’s degree in viticulture at Charles Sturt University.
What do you love about your work?
I love spending time outside in the vineyard.
I also love the way this role
Tilly Pinn
challenges me to learn new things.
There is so much to know and I’m learning something new every day.
What do you do in the community?
I am a member of a rock/ funk band called Lucey, and we love doing charity gigs to raise money for di erent causes.
One of our favourite gigs to do is the Aus Music T-shirt Day fundraiser.
It is a day to celebrate all the great Aussie music being made and raise funds for music workers in the industry doing it tough.
We take part in this with four or ve other bands and it’s always super fun.
Is there an important
community issue that you think needs addressing?
In our community we need more funding towards activities for young people.
I was part of the Girl Guides group in Rutherglen during primary school, which was a great way for me to connect with other girls my own age and learn life skills, however this group always struggled to raise the funds it needed to continue.
Football is also a very important part of our community, but the facilities in Rutherglen are in dire need of a change.
What would you do to solve change, improve that situation?
I know there are many important things that could all use more funding, but I think activities that help young people connect and learn would bene t greatly from more funding.
What do you see as one of the most important current world issues?
To me, arti cial intelligence, particularly in the music
industry is a concern.
I think it could be used e ectively to help people enhance their music, but it also raises concerns about potential job loss for musicians and other industry professionals.
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 bring the members of The Beatles to Indigo Shire to meet my band members, and to listen to our music.
We are all big Beatles fans (the band name was even inspired by them), and my band members are some of the most talented people I know, so I would love for them to get the recognition they deserve.
What book are you reading?
“The Bookbinder of Jericho” by Australian author Pip Williams.
It is about the women who keep the Oxford University Press running while the men leave to ght in the World War I.
$400,000 available for
impacted communities
THE Indigo Shire has been listed as an eligible area for local community groups and not-for-profit organisations to apply for disaster relief grants following extreme weather events between 2019 and 2024.
Rebuilding Futures program has strengthened its focus on supporting communities to be prepared and resilient.
FRRR and insurer Suncorp are offering the grants to support communities in remote, rural and regional Australia to build back better after declared disasters.
Community groups and
not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) in regions affected by declared disasters or extreme weather events are invited to apply for funding to reduce the impact of disasters and prepare for future weather events.
As extreme weather events increase in frequency and severity, the
This latest round of funding will provide grants across two funding streams for projects that can mitigate risks by adapting physical infrastructure, enhancing social connectedness or building the capacity of NFPs. Applications close 5pm, 3 April and funding will be awarded in June 2025.
FUN TIME: Rutherglen’s Tilly Pinn loves playing in her band, doing charity gigs to raise money for di erent causes.
Irene to be presented with Emergency Services Medal
By CORAL COOKSLEY
AN EXCITED and longstanding Rutherglen SES member heads to Government House in Melbourne next week to be presented with an Emergency Services Medal (ESM) for distinguished service as a member of an Australian emergency service.
Irene Cracknell is one of three of Victoria State Emergency Service’s (VICSES) most accomplished volunteers this year awarded the medal for service to her community as well as supporting neighbouring ones.
Recognised in this year’s Australia Day Honours List, Irene joined an exclusive list of VICSES volunteers with acknowledgment as a pillar of her community over decades.
The volunteer has been an active member for 43 years from the time she joined the Rutherglen SES in 1982, as the rst active female member followed with her appointment as rst female controller of the unit on 1 June, 1998.
She held the controller position until 2002 until reappointed as controller again in 2018.
Irene also received the National State Emergency Medal in 1997, as well as an SES Long Service medal seven years later.
“I love being with the SES and it’s a really satisfying role not thinking of yourself and being able to go out and help somebody when they need help,” she said.
“There’s a huge variety of
call-outs including floods, and road accidents with some confronting situations.
“You go to a job and do and focus on an ABC of checks and hope that what you’ve done has helped.”
The 80-year-old, who turns 81 in June this year, said she is continuing to be a volunteer.
“Age is no barrier, and it keeps you young,” she said.
Rutherglen SES controller
Darren Trevaskis said Irene has sel essly dedicated her more than four decades of volunteer service to the Rutherglen community showcasing her commitment to the VICSES.
“Irene has done this while being the matriarch of a growing family, both locally and overseas,” he said.
“She is sel ess, caring, thoughtful, considerate, knowledgeable, compassion-
ate, respected, and respectful.
“Committed to the community where she lives and loves, Irene also has a deep conviction in being honest and true to herself and the Rutherglen people living in the town for a long time as well as newcomers.”
Irene was also congratulated at Indigo Shire’s Council February meeting.
Beyond her dedicated SES work, Irene has also been an
active community member across many areas. The award ceremony is being held at Government House in Melbourne on Tuesday, 1 April with presentations from Governor of Victoria, Professor Margaret Gardner.
Irene was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2003 recognising her outstanding service and contributions to her community.
Funding on track for final secondary college upgrade
By CORAL COOKSLEY
BEECHWORTH
ary
Second-
College (BSC) principal
Patricia Broom is excited for works expected to commence in the near future for a new hospitality and classroom building with $6.4m State Government funding.
The funding announced by Northern Victoria MP Jaclyn Symes at the school last year on state budget day will be the nal stage for state of the art upgrades.
Stage three works will include three or four new purpose-built classroom areas, welfare o ces, hospitality area including a canteen for students and linking buildings to the music area.
Works will also include upgrades to the school’s STEM
building which will compliment upgrades recently completed at the school’s gym.
Shadow Minister for Education, Jess Wilson last week indicated dozens of school upgrades had been stalled with Beechworth Secondary College on the list as well as 29 others remaining unfunded.
“It is all but certain Labor has broken its promise to deliver these desperately needed projects by November 2026,” she said.
A state government spokesperson has advised school infrastructure projects were funded in stages.
“Funding is o en allocated across multiple budget cycles,” she said.
“It is not uncommon for election commitments to be
met in the later years of an electoral term.
“School upgrade projects generally take 68 weeks to reach construction a er funding approval.
“The timeline spans multiple phases and activities, from planning and design through to tender and contract award.”
According to Ms Wilson, prior to the November 2022 state election, the state government promised $850 million to upgrade at least 89 schools across Victoria by November 2026.
The Victorian government spokesperson said in the lead up to the 2022 election, the government committed to deliver funding to 96 school upgrade projects, including Beechworth Secondary Col-
lege, with funding on track to be delivered by the end of 2026.
The 2024/25 Victorian Budget delivered $1.9 billion for school infrastructure to build, expand and modernise schools across the state including $226.7 million to upgrade and modernise 25 government schools.
ON THE BUILD: A $6.4m upgrade to Beechworth Secondary School was on track to begin construction in the near future.
PHOTO: CORAL COOKSLEY
Good start to school days with a healthy breakfast
By CORAL COOKSLEY
BEECHWORTH Secondary College is one of more than 1100 schools across the state serving free, healthy breakfasts with the School Breakfast Clubs program.
College principal Patricia Broom said the breakfast was served with healthy options including fruit catered for busy families.
“We’ve been undertaking this program over the last few years, and it’s o ered twice a week,” she said.
The principal said students who miss out on a good breakfast can be a ected by such things as lack of engagement and reduced attention spans in the classroom.
“A healthy breakfast is good for brain function and learning,” she said.
The School Breakfast Clubs provide free healthy breakfasts for every student – making sure they start the day on a full stomach, ready to learn.
The program also provides lunches, snacks and take-home food packs for students and families in need, delivered in partnership with Foodbank Victoria.
More than 100 new schools have opted in during the last 12 months, with the number expected to reach 150 by June this year.
This will give more than 600,000 students in throughout the state, including those in Northern Victorian
schools, access to free breakfasts that meet healthy eating guidelines, prioritising fresh and locally produced foods.
Menu options include cereals, fresh fruit, soups and rice dishes.
Since the program was estab-
lished, School Breakfast Clubs have served 52 million meals.
One hundred and forty schools have also hosted cooking classes for families to help them prepare healthy, affordable meals at home.
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said everyone needs a helping hand from time to time.
“We’re proud to help hard working families through initiatives such as the School Breakfast Club Program,” she said.
Saturday, 5 April ANGLICAN CHRIST CHURCH
5.30pm. Hear the chapel choristers of Queen’s College at The University of Melbourne sing a year at Queen’s in Beechworth’s historic Anglican Christ Church, performing works by Amy Beach, Jonathan Dove, Orlando Gibbons, James Macmillan, Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Arthur Sullivan and The Beatles. Directed by Will Fellows MLitt. 27 Ford Street, Beechworth
Tickets: $40, $35 concession trybooking.com/DAFWH preferred, or cash at door. Refreshments follow.
Enquiries: text or call 0409 912 967 or email christchurchconcerts beechworth@gmail.com
IF you have an event you’d like added to this calendar, please email edit.omadvertiser@nemedia.com.au
HEALTHY START TO THE DAY: Eli Leeds, Ella Pund and Tahji Browne showcasing some of the o erings at Beechworth Secondary School’s brakfast club program.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
Be a life-maker
Everyone
Trenery doubles down on ‘Libs nuclear policy
By STEVE KELLY
THE Liberal candidate for Indi
James Trenery has stood firm in fully supporting his party’s policy to build nuclear power stations if the Coalition wins government.
It comes after Liberals Against Nuclear launched an advertising campaign against the party’s plan to build nuclear power plants.
The group asserted that the party had gone silent on nuclear energy in its advertising, which the group said confirms the policy does not have internal party support.
Liberals Against Nuclear spokesperson Andrew Gregson said they avoid mentioning nuclear in their advertising because they know voters don’t want it.
“If the party leadership knows this policy is unpopular enough to hide from voters, they should abandon it so they can win the
NUCLEAR FOCUSED: Liberal candidate for Indi James Trenery has backed his party’s policy to build nuclear power stations.
election and put Peter Dutton in the Lodge,” Mr Gregson said.
Mr Trenery defended the policy and highlighted the high cost of energy and Labor’s promise that Australians power bills would be $275 lower.
He said families and business-
es are paying up to $1300 more than Labor promised.
“Australians now pay among the highest electricity prices in the world, far higher than nations which have nuclear in the mix,” Mr Trenery said.
“Australia sits idle who other
nations pledge to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050 and companies like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and Oracle pour billions into nuclear energy to power AI and data centers.”
He said under Anthony Albanese, Australia is now the only G20 nation not using nuclear energy or moving in that direction – “a global embarrassment caused by Labor’s ideological obsession”.
“Labor’s failure to even consider nuclear energy puts Australia at odds with its AUKUS allies, who are making nuclear a cornerstone of their energy, defence and climate strategies,” Mr Trenery said.
“While countries like the US, UK, and Canada are leveraging nuclear to meet their net-zero targets and ensure energy security, Labor’s ideological obstruction leaves Australia isolated, cut off from key global trends.”
Police express “extreme disappointment” following huge Hume Freeway operation
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
ONE of the biggest North East road safety operations in living memory took place on the Hume Freeway last weekend, with police “extremely disappointed” by the results.
Operation Radihus saw around 100 police units from across the region and the state converge between Wangaratta and Wodonga from Thursday until Sunday in an effort to combat a rising road toll within the North East.
Police were stationed at two major checkpoints at the Glenrowan Rest Area’s northbound lanes on Friday night and Benton Hill Rest Area’s southbound lanes on Saturday night.
Virtually every vehicle that drove by each of the two checkpoints were pulled over as officers conducted vehicle and heavy vehicle inspections, drug and alcohol testing, and compliance checks to detect and remove high-risk drivers from the road.
Police detected 450 offences in total, including 22 alcohol and drug impaired drivers, 136 speeding offences, 118 heavy vehicle offences and 28 unregistered vehicles.
Officers conducted 4900 preliminary breath tests and 584 roadside drug tests, resulting in three drink driving and 19 drug driving offences.
Of the 136 speeding drivers, 17 were clocked travelling more than 25km/h over the legal speed limit.
Wangaratta Local Area Command Inspector Ash Mason said he was extremely disappointed by the number of impaired drivers detected within the city’s major roadway.
“This is certainly the largest operation of this nature I’ve seen in the North East on the Hume Freeway,” he said.
“It’s evident that what has been detected over the weekend, there is still a culture among some motorists out there who are doing the wrong thing and are intentionally making choices to do the wrong thing, and they are pre-
senting a risk to themselves and every other road user.
“We want motorists to understand anywhere at any time, you’re likely to be intercepted by police.”
The multi-agency operation involved uniform, local and state Highway Patrol officers from as far as Knox and Nunawading, local detectives, dog squad, and partner agencies including the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, Safe Transport Victoria, and the Department of Transport and Planning.
The region has seen a tragic start to the year on our local roads, with police data showing five lives lost and 47 serious injuries recorded due to motor vehicle collisions.
Last year 17 lives were lost across the North East - eight in Wangaratta and nine in Wodonga - while 169 people suffered serious injuries from motor vehicle collisions.
Inspector Mason said a key policing focus of the operation was to remove at risk drivers and at-risk vehicles from our roads, with the North East highlighted as a major risk area by the statewide police force.
“We’re seeing too many crashes happening involving local people on local roads,” he said.
“The Hume Freeway is the most major arterial route for people travelling between Melbourne and Sydney, with significant traffic volume flow.
“If behaviours on our roads
don’t change soon, we’ll continue to see this heartbreaking trend escalate throughout 2025.
“We need to do what we can to make our roads safer for everyone and reduce those levels of road trauma.”
Senior safety and compliance officer at the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Kirstie Matthews said of the 118 heavy vehicle offences detected during the operation, fatigue and mechanical defects were common trends.
“We remind operators and drivers of heavy vehicles they comply with work and rest requirements under the law,” she said.
“As part of the vehicle inspection trailer checking components of brakes, suspension and steering, we identified a trailer presented for inspection with a cracked axel.
“There were some significant things that were identified through these checks and a very valuable exercise to work with our roadside partners.”
Ms Matthews said the results gathered over the two major days of operation were concerning for the heavy vehicle regulator.
“We’re talking about vehicle with mass limits of up to 50 to 70 tonnes, the influence that can have if things aren’t conducted correctly on the road is absolutely a safety issue,” she said.
During the operation police also arrested a number of people for a range of offences including possession of illicit drugs and weapons.
Police intercepted a 34-yearold South Melbourne man who had a suspended driver’s licence and wanted for questioning for various alleged offences including blackmail and threatening to damage property.
During a search of his vehicle, police located and seized quantities of illicit drugs and controlled weapons.
His vehicle was unregistered and later impounded by police for 30 days at a cost of $1850.
A 40-year-old male from Bendigo was intercepted at the Glenrowan site and returned a positive result to a roadside drug test for illicit drugs.
His vehicle was searched and drugs were located in the vehicle.
Both drivers would be summoned to appear at court at a later date.
Inspector Mason said police would continue to look to conduct similar operations within the region, hoping to see drivers paying greater attention on local roads.
“People let their guard down in places they know well, and that’s when the mistakes happen,” he said.
“What’s especially concerning is that many of the serious collisions we’re seeing are the result of small, avoidable errors – speeding just a little, failing to wear a seatbelt, or missing a stop sign.
“These seemingly minor lapses are having devastating consequences.”
THIS WAY PLEASE: A major police presence was seen at Glenrowan and Springhurst on Friday and Saturday as officers directed virtually every vehicle to designated testing areas.
PHOTO: Mark Jesser/Border Mail
OPENING ACT
Budget overlooks Local Energy Hubs
A LACK of funding for Local Energy Hubs in the 2025-26 Federal Budget has been described as a missed opportunity by renewable energy advocates.
The hubs would be physical centres with a strong outreach program sta ed by independent local experts to provide accurate information about what’s happening in renewable energy regions.
Renewable Energy Alliance (REAlliance) and Community Power Agency are two organisations working for more than a decade in renewable energy regions.
They, alongside partner Yes2Renewables, have been calling for improved community engagement and access to reliable information in regional communities about Australia’s shi to renewables, through Local Energy Hubs.
National director of RE-Alliance, Andrew Bray, said productive discussions had been taking place with the government for more than 12 months about the Local Energy Hubs proposal, and now regional communities want the government to deliver.
“This was a missed opportunity for the government to show it is listening to the concerns of regional communities,” Mr Bray said.
“We will now be looking closely for serious funding commitments during the upcoming federal election campaign.
“We have a once-in-a-genera-
tion opportunity to ensure the shi to renewables delivers genuine, local, long-term bene ts for our regions.
“But trust in the regions is being tested. It’s hard to access information about Australia’s energy shi , and how families, small businesses and farmers can make the most of it.
“Local Energy Hubs are a crucial part of the puzzle to place regional leadership at the centre and rebuild trust in the shi to renewable energy.”
Community Power Agency director, Jarra Hicks, said Local Energy Hubs are the key to the government reaching its renewable energy targets.
“The government is rightly focused on progressing Australia’s shi to renewables to lower household energy bills and car-
bon pollution as quickly as possible,” Dr Hicks said.
“But our renewable energy targets are at serious risk if governments continue to sideline the needs of regional and rural communities in the process.
“Fairness isn’t a barrier to speed, it’s what makes speed possible.
“When people have access to trusted, independent information, they can make informed decisions about their energy future, helping to drive the shi to renewable energy.
“Let’s get Local Energy Hubs funded and rolled out where they’re needed most, so we can ensure communities bene t from the ra of opportunities that renewables can bring when done right.”
More information on the Local Energy Hubs model can be found at localenergyhubs.org.au.
LOCALLY ESCORTED GROUPS INFORMATION NIGHT
SOUTH AMERICA - CANADA & ALASKA - AFRICA
MARVEL AT MACHU PICHU IN PERU, TAKE IN THE MAJESTIC ROCKIE MOUNTAINS IN CANADA OR SEE THE MIGRATING WILDERBEESTS IN EAST AFRICA
Local Escorted Travel groups added benefits
Pre tour departure meeting with your travel escort and other group members
• Pre tour visa assistance
ALBURY THURSDAY 10TH APRIL, 5:30PM
WANGARATTA FRIDAY 11TH APRIL, 10:30AM
• Personalised documentation and welcome pack including 15% on travel insurance
• Local Transfers from Albury, Wodonga and Wangaratta to/from the airport
• Seamless travel guidance on tour by your travel escort
• Welcome home pack
• Pre tour departure meeting with your travel escort and other group members
Our expert escort handles all the details so you can sit back, relax and enjoy every moment of your tour.
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PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice of an Application for a Planning Permit
Section 52(1) Planning and Environment Act 1987
The land affected by the application is located at: 29 Tomlinson Road, Beechworth VIC 3747.
The application is for a permit to: Development Plan Planning Scheme Clause: 43.04-2 Matter for which a permit is required:
A permit must not be granted to use or subdivide land, construct a building or construct or carry out works until a development plan has been prepared to the satisfaction of the responsible authority.
The applicant for the permit is Human Habitats. The application reference number is DP250001. You may look at the application and any documents that support the application at the Indigo Shire Council: 34 High Street, Yackandandah 101 Ford Street, Beechworth 40 Conness Street, Chiltern
This can be done during office hours and is free of charge.
Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the responsible authority. An objection must be made to the responsible authority in writing, include the reasons for the objection and state how the objector would be affected.
The responsible authority must make a copy of every objection available for any person to inspect free of charge until the end of the period during which an application may be made for review of a decision on the application.
The responsible authority will not decide on the application before: 14 April 2025 If you object, the responsible authority will tell you its decision.
$25,000 MUST SELL
2007 NISSAN PATROL Ti Manual, approx. 190k on the clock, includes roof rack and awning, selling due to moving interstate, open to negotiation, pick up Wangaratta, (1YP8XF).
Ph 0434 590 566
MITSUBISHI Tray Top Ute, 410,00km, motor rebuilt, 6 month rego (CU57VL), $2800. Ph 0439 766 211.
COMMITTEE
Notice is given of a Public Meeting to be held at Bridge Road Brewers on Thursday 10 April at 7pm. The purpose of the meeting is to nominate no less than three (3) or more than nine (9) persons as the Committee of Management for the Beechworth Recreation (Mountain Bike) and Conservation Reserve Committee for a term of three years.
All positions will be declared open, and nominations will be accepted prior to or on the night. Nominations from women, Aboriginal people, people with disabilities, young people and people from culturally diverse backgrounds are encouraged.
Further information, nomination forms and nominee declaration forms may be obtained by contacting your local Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action office or at the meeting. For further enquiries please contact the Secretary, Jo Hunt on 0409 803 416.
CHECK OUT OUR NORTH EAST JOBS
in today's Regional Extra for more employment opportunities. Published every Wednesday in your Wangaratta Chronicle, Ovens and Murray Advertiser, Myrtleford Times and Alpine Observer
GERMAN Shepherd pups purebred male/ female, $800 each, fully vaccinated and vet checked, born 1/2/2025 at Myrtleford, both parents available source ID: MB138819, Microchip numbers: 956000017027384, 956000016168238, 956000016195105, 956000016196708. Contact Betty 0408 573 241.
FOR sale steel checker plate trailer, 1500 x 2100, reg (N69098) until July 4, 2025, $300. Ph 0437 454 118.
- 5723 0101
2014 Ford Ranger Wildtrack, Wangaratta, 262,000km, RWC, reg till July (1VR2GV), 2 keys, light bar, electric seats, blue tooth, R cam, service history, local, $20,900 ONO. Call Steve 0402 222 634.
2017 Ford Transit CamperVan,54,000km, (1KG6TW),$62,000, for more information ring Phil 0418 994 147.
17FT 1976 York Caravan, $6000. Call 0493 221 685 and leave a message, I will get back to you when I can.
BRAND NEW BOAT PACKAGE, Stacer 379 Proline boat, Bimini Boat Cover, Honda 15 HP outboard, 7 Year warranty Stacer trailer, 12 months rego, Safety Gear, $11,000. Ph 0429 082 292.
MAZDA 2023 CX3 auto hatch, reg CHC333, one owner, immaculate condition, service books,11,875kms,RWC, $27,750 REDUCED PRICE $26,950. Phone Maxwell.K.Batey on 0419 547 308.
A grade Wanderers skittle out, C grade into big dance
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
BEECHWORTH A grade side’s season has come to an end after falling 73 runs short in their semifinal against Wangaratta Magpies last weekend.
The Wanderers’ batting was overwhelmed by a supreme bowling display from Wangaratta on Sunday, rolling through Beechworth for 80 in just 40 overs, defending 153.
After winning the toss and batting on a beautiful autumn weekend at Wangaratta Showgrounds, disaster struck for the ‘Pies on the second ball, when Matt Ryan found the edge of Dean Simmons into the waiting hands of Brenton Surrey in the slips.
Captain Cooper Matheson would come in and be the aggressor, playing his shots while Jarryd Wallace played the anchor role.
Matheson would bring up his half century at a run a ball in style, whipping Jack Ryan for a six over the square leg boundary.
Matheson would go for 66 and at 4/83, the Magpies needed a partnership to form, with Ollie Andrew and Kyle Winter-Irving battling away in the middle.
The Magpies would go on to make 153 as Kayde Surrey (4/22) and Matt Ryan (3/43) did the damage to keep Beechworth in the game going into day two. It took just three overs for the
Magpies to strike on Sunday, with Ollie Andrew catching the edge of Clancy Ellett to Matheson in the slips.
The experienced Wanderers Brenton and Kayde Surrey were at the crease, determined to outlast the tight line and length the Magpies were producing.
Fraser Ellis would enter the fray, removing Kayde Surrey LBW to see the Wanderers in trouble at 3/28 after 16 overs.
The pressure would get to Brenton Surrey after overs of tight bowling, slashing at a fuller delivery and edging it to the gloves of Jack Davies, Andrew picking up his third.
From 4/42, Beechworth lost two
wickets in quick succession, Austen Fendyk trapped LBW to Ellis and Jack Ryan caught in the deep off Andrew, 6/49 after 27 overs.
Matt Ryan and Cam Fendyk worked into a nice partnership, but Ellis would get one to bounce more than Ryan expected, catching the shoulder of the bat and into the gloves of the leaping Davies.
Fendyk would work hard to try and keep his side in the contest, but Ellis would have the final say with the Wanderers sitting on 80 runs.
Ellis finished with figures of 5/23 from 17 overs, and Ollie Andrew finishing with 4/18 from 14 overs.
Meanwhile C grade have made
a second successive grand final after a semi-final rout of Greta at Stanley.
The Wanderers made 5/198 in their 36 overs guided by Ryan Niklaus (66) and Brendon Thompson (44).
Following some resistance at the top of the order, it was all smooth sailing for Beechworth as they bowled Greta out for just 54.
Kane Niklaus would take 4/18 while Darby West (2/14) and Hamish Malsem (2/7) were all over the Greta batting order.
The unbeaten Stanley team will go for the perfect season as they take on Yarrawonga Mulwala in the grand final at North Wangaratta this Saturday from 1:30pm.
OPEN FOR PLAY: The new look 3rd green of the Beechworth golf course opened along with the 2nd green after weeks of redevelopment works.
New Beechworth greens get first look of action
By DYLAN POOL
THE new 2nd and 3rd greens are now in play.
Thanks to those who helped to get these greens looking as great as they do.
Bad luck to both our men’s pennant sides who suffered 3&2 losses on Sunday.
Section one went down to Albury at Wodonga.
Darren Edwards 3&1 and Jacob Howard 5&4 were the winners.
In section 3, the team went down to Thurgoona at Yackandandah.
Vaughan Saunders 6&4 and Josh Carr 2up, the winners.
Both sides are now sitting with one win and one loss after two rounds.
At Beechworth also on Sunday a Stableford event was played.
George Ward was the winner with 36 points, Dean Howard runner up with 35 and Simon Pfahlert third with 30.
Thursday twilight was washed out.
Two more weeks of Twilight Golf remains.
This week is the last week to use an your pluses before we play an Ambrose on the last week.
return season with Beechworth.
HARD AND FAST: Matt Ryan took 3/43 for Beechworth on Saturday. PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie
QUALITY REPAIRS & SERVICE
SEASON OVER
Kayde Surrey and Austen Fendyk celebrate a wicket on Saturday as Beechworth’s A grade side were overpowered by Wangaratta Magpies in their semi-final.
■ Story page 11 PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie
Exciting challenge
Bushrangers to face early barometer test against a Thurgoona team on the rise
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
THE Tallangatta District Football and Netball League seasons kick o on Saturday and Beechworth’s senior side will be eager to make an early statement against Thurgoona The Bushrangers face an exciting challenge in their season opener according to new coach Jack Neil, as they take on last year’s elimination nalists at Thurgoona Oval. The red and blue stripes will take a similar look to last season’s semi- nal team, with the additions of Cudg-
ewa’s Dayne Carey, North Albury’s Hayden Cooper and Roy Dunnet from Western Australia.
Connor Stone will be missed as he departs the team this season along with senior regulars Ed Cartledge and Kane Scott.
Neil said he was excited to see what his side has to offer this season, a er months of pre-season training and practice matches nally coming to the real thing.
“There’s always some exciting and nervous energy before getting out there,” he said.
“We’ve had a couple of practice matches where we’ve had a couple of guys unavailable, so it’s made it hard to get a good gauge of where we’re at, but I think the guys are training really well and they’re t and ring.
“The group have been really accommodating; everyone has made me feel welcome and a big part of the club and I think that’s a real testament to the people that are in the club.
“I’ve been told it’s the strongest numbers we’ve had through pre-season which is good.”
Throughout pre-season
Neil said while the regular talents of reigning best and fairest winner Degan Dolny and two-time Barton Medal winner Cam Fendyk have come to the fore, he has been impressed with his side’s depth.
“There’s a handful of regular guys turning up who have shown signi cant growth in how hard their training and playing,” he said.
“Their improvement has been phenomenal, and it gives us some good hope.”
Thurgoona were the competition’s biggest improvers last season, making an elimi-
nation nal before being beaten by Beechworth.
The Dogs had a busy oseason which included the arrival of former WAFL player Cody Howard, who has been touted as one of the players to watch across the TDFL this season.
Neil said while the team was aware of the danger the Bulldogs possess; they have kept the focus on themselves throughout the week.
“It’s going to be a real challenge, I’ve been trying to teach the guys a new game plan and the guys are still piecing that together and
we’re both going to be around the same mark,” he said.
“We’re under no illusions it’ll be a hard-fought win for either side.
“I think you can get too caught up in pre-season thinking about what other teams are going to look like, you don’t know until you get a look at them.
“We’ve got enough work to do ourselves and then we will turn our attention to them on Saturday.”
The season will kick o at Thurgoona Oval with the juniors on both the oval and the court from 9am.
MIGHTY EFFORT: Beechworth rally around captain Brenton Surrey, celebrating a wicket.
