INDIGO Shire Council adopted their 2024-25 budget on Tuesday night, which includes a 2.75 per cent rate rise in accordance with the State Government’s rate capping policy.
Councillors discussed a number of submissions made by the community at the scheduled meeting and made
BY BAILEY ZIMMeRMaNN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au
works program, with $11.5m in projects already funded.
Amendments made from council’s draft budget since its release on May 14 included an additional $321,000 of Roads to Recovery funding and a corresponding increase of $107,000 in roads expenditure, covering drainage, pavement
rehabilitation and major patch works.
Councillor Diane Shepheard carried the motion, and said she was happy to endorse the draft budget from council’s May meeting.
“Since the publication of the budget’s draft announcement we got some updated information and grant announcements which changed a few of the grants and funding levels,” she said.
“A budget is always hard, but I think we’ve had a lot of time and energy to put into this as councillors and we have been able to ask any questions we want throughout this whole process.” ■ continued page 3
local Beechworthian youngsters Hunter Iaria (left), Jack Mannnix and Jackson Iaria received appreciation certificates for their valuable collection work for the local RSl’s aNZac Day and Poppy appeal days.
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
Rutherglen tops ‘trendy’ list
RUTHERGLEN has been named Victoria’sand Australia’s - trendiest location.
Using criteria such as the number of cafes, markets, vintage shops, theatres, street art and art galleries present in each location, B2C Furniture came up with the list of Victoria’s trendiest and least trendy areas for 2024.
Rutherglen and Richmond beat out Melbourne to be named Victoria’s trendiest spots, with Rutherglen crowned not just Victoria’s trendiest place but also the nation’s, ranking ahead of Queensland’s Gold Coast.
Its large number of art galleries and markets helped secure the top position, showing it has plenty to offer art enthusiasts and those seeking to sample local produce and the region’s famous wines.
Behind Rutherglen and Richmond in the top five were Mount Evelyn, Wattle Glen and Melbourne.
The ranking system wasn’t such good news for Euroa, however, which ranked fourth on the list of least trendy locations according to B2C Furniture.
Truckie caught with high drink drive reading near Chiltern
A TRUCK driver has been caught at allegedly three times the legal limit on the Hume Freeway near Chiltern on Monday night.
The 37-year-old man had his licence immediately suspended after returning an alleged evidentiary reading of .158.
Truck drivers in Victoria have a blood-alcohol limit of zero.
Police observed a semi-trailer driving erratically on the freeway in Chiltern at about 7.30pm.
Police intercepted the truck driver who underwent a preliminary breath test, before accompanying members to a nearby station where he returned the high range alcohol reading.
Residing in the southeastern Melbourne suburb of Clyde, the man is expected to be charged on summons with traffic offences.
Osbornes Flat Hall ramps up solar power
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A PROJECT launched on Monday in Osbornes Flat has boosted solar power capabilities of the rural area’s hall.
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YOUR OVENS AND MURRAY TEAM
Designed to build community resilience, the project initiative had a focus to plan, respond and recover from power outage emergencies.
A 19.3kWh battery, 11 solar panels capable of generating an extra 4.73kw of electricity and a
new phase generator plug has added to existing hall resilience capabilities.
Hall committee co-president Ian Fitzpatrick said support from other organisations had been critical in delivering the initiative.
Mr Fitzpatrick said grants had been received from Indigo Shire Council, Totally Renewable Yackandandah (TRY), the Commonwealth Bank Staff Foundation and Yackandandah De-
velopment Company (YCDCo) sponsorship program.
“The project reduces gas house emissions and build our communities ability to adapt to climate conditions and strengthen our financial ability,” he said.
The committee also thanked Solar Integrity for their advice and installation.
He said the hall’s increased resilience capability can be shared with other communities such as
Yack, Ben Valley, Allens Flat and other interested groups.
Plans to reduce overall costs to the small Osbornes Flat community group in emergencies included helping people to charge phones and laptops and provide light and shelter. Others are supporting events in emergencies as well as in outages and provide carbon emission abatement, and matching hall usage with available stored power.
Indigo Shire Council receives trophy for Beechworth’s tidy national win
By CORAL COOKSLEY
BEECHWORTH crowned overall winner of this year’s Keep Australia Beautiful National Tidy Towns Sustainability Awards is set to host a gala event in the town where next year’s successful champion will be named.
Local committee members for town entries Iris Mannik and Anne Wilson presented the prized trophy for Beechworth’s win to mayor Sophie Price at council’s meeting on Tuesday night.
The pair had accepted the prestigious award on behalf of Indigo Shire Council at a gala event held in Western Australia’s remote outback town of Gascoyne in early May.
In recognising the outstanding achievement for the Beechworth win - Cr Price said state finalists had converged for a dynamic blend of networking
opportunities with outback hospitality while showcasing projects.
She said this year Beechworth impressed judges with initia-
tives of the Indigo Futureproof Action Group, Burke Museum’s People of Beechworth exhibition and Beechworth honey bee school.
“This prestigious accolade stands as a shining testament to the commitment and dedication of the Beechworth community towards fostering a more sustainable, resilient and beautiful Australia,” she said.
“We have a proud history in these awards winning state tidy town of the year in 2009, 2014, 2017, 2019 and 2023 and the National tidy town of the year in 2010, 2020, and this year.
“Iris Mannik and Anne Wilson tirelessly source and manage entries for both the state and national awards every year.”
Deputy mayor Bernard Gaffney said Iris and Anne had worked hard over the years.
“They deserve everything they have achieved,” he said.
Iris said the committee pair looked forward to helping put on a good show in hosting the gala event next year as Beechworth will again be nationally showcased.
PRoUD: local committee members for town entries anne Wilson (left) with Iris Mannik (right) presented the prized trophy for Beechworth’s win to mayor Sophie Price at council’s meeting on Tuesday night.
PHOTO: Indigo Shire Council
celeBRaTeD: Happy team players at Monday’s launch at the osbornes Flat Hall.
PHOTO: Indigo Shire Council
Young musician clinches first-time scholarship
By CORAL COOKSLEY
STAGHORN Flat’s talented young musician Jack Gregory is the first recipient of a new scholarship offered this year by a leading Australian music academy.
The thrilled 14-year-old received the inaugural Robyn Johnson Memorial Scholarship to the Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA) Country Music’s 2024 Junior Academy in Tamworth.
Jack’s mum Krystal said the scholarship honours Robyn, who lost her life with MND in May this year and had loved her country music, attending the Tamworth Country Music Festival since 1998.
“She just wanted to be able to help up and coming young country music artists,” she said.
With an interest in nurturing junior talent, Robyn had requested a scholarship to be funded from her estate for the next five years.
“It’s been my dream to get a scholarship and go to this academy and I’ve been saving up my money,” Jack said.
“I was in the garden when mum came around and told me I’d got the scholarship - I was pretty excited and started crying.
“It’s an intensive seven-day program with eight-hour days and you’re taught a lot about music and how to write songs.”
The Junior Academy course runs from July 14 to 20.
Jack said when he arrives at the academy in almost two weeks time, he was looking forward to meeting new people and artists to see how they write their songs.
“Professional artists come in and help out and show you how to write a song and give tips and tricks to become the next country music artists,” he said.
“It’s going to be an incredible experience when I get up there.
“It’s great that people care about young artists like me and I’m going to meet Robyn’s husband, Ross, which will be pretty special.
“I can thank him as well as get to know him too.”
Krystal said Roger Corbett, the academy’s general manager, and a musician will also be mentoring Jack.
Jack said he likes writing songs about his feelings and getting his music “out there”.
“My first song ‘Big Fish’ that I
wrote was something I like doing as I like fishing, so I decided to write about that, and then about my pop with ‘Fishing from Heaven’ as we loved fishing together and that started my music,” he said.
Jack’s biggest inspiration for playing had been his late muchloved ‘Pop’ and Corryong local legend, Greg Wilson, who enjoyed watching him perform.
“I’m writing a couple of songs now with one about mustering cows, from my recent experience in northern NSW, and about the small town and pub I
Council adopts budget with 2.75 per cent rate rise
■ From page 1
Deputy mayor Bernard Gaffney said Indigo Shire Council rates were low compared to many other councils in the state.
“We have a policy that has been copied by other local councils and I think it’s going to serve us very well,” he said.
Councillor Emmerick Teissl said the budget was very diverse, covering many areas of services.
“Our budget’s been through a very comprehensive process, councillors unanimously passed it in May and I for one will be passing it again,” he said.
“It’s been through all of our hands, it’s been through the community.
“I don’t think many people appreciate how many areas local government plan, what services we have and we don’t get a lot to do quite a lot with.”
Councillor Roberta Horne was the only council member to oppose the adoption of the budget and said she was “disappointed” to see
tourism offerings “override” agricultural based funding.
“I look for balance across our different sectors, I look for balance across demographics in our community and I also look for balance in things the community ask for and what they actually receive,” she said.
“Agriculture is our largest sector… it’s very very important to us.
“I get very disappointed to see mothers and their kids walking the street because there are no footpaths and I get particularly disturbed seeing the elderly having to walk the street because there are no footpaths.
“We have two lists, we have one list of what we need and one list of what we want, and I’m very often disappointed with getting those lists mixed up.”
Council thanked the community’s input, with a total of eight submissions made on council’s draft budget, which included questions around investments into new footpaths,
capital works information in budget documents and alternate rate rising models.
Councillor Sue Gold said she was fascinated to see the varying responses made by the community to the draft budget and the responses they received through council and their departments.
“I’m very pleased of where we landed but I’m appreciative for some people there’s not enough money to do everything we would like and for others we’re raising too much money and people would like their rates to be lower,” she said.
“But I do think we’ve landed with something that’s well-balanced, is reflective of what the community seek from us, but also covers some of those outlying requests that may not be important to everybody, but make a significant difference to a small group of people.
“Equity and inclusion matters with everything across the board.”
stayed in up there,” he said.
The talented musician strumming since he was five years old has a string of wins to his name from competitions around the North East, while always saving his money to participate in the Tamworth Country Festival.
The Academy in its 27th year and offers the innovative weeklong program for its junior course.
Krystal said she is excited to be taking part in the program’s music business course for parents to help manage Jack’s future musical endeavours.
Small earthquake felt by locals
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A SMALL earthquake in Beechworth early last Sunday morning is a common occurrence according to a spokesperson from Geoscience Australia.
The 2.5 magnitude earthquake at around 5.50am on June 23 was felt by some locals with many comments posted to the community Facebook page.
“On average we detect three to four earthquakes within 100km from Beechworth every year,” the Geoscience Australia spokesperson said.
“Over the last 50 years, 174 earthquakes have been detected within the 100km radius of the one in Beechworth at the weekend.”
They said earthquakes around Beechworth are occurring on the western edge of the Australian Alps, where stresses are being released commonly as small earthquakes in this region.
Geoscience Australia has mapped known recently active fault lines with some occurring in the region.
Geoscience Australia’s website (earthquakes.ga.gov. au) can be used to display recent and historic earthquakes and recently active fault lines around Albury, Beechworth, Bright areas and near Mansfield as seen in the accompanying example.
The spokesperson said most commonly earthquakes in the region are small or medium in size, around a two and three magnitude while not damaging.
He said this type of small earthquake activity can be expected going forward.
“Rarely larger earthquakes can and do occur such as the magnitude 5.9 earthquake near Mansfield in 2021.
oVeR THe MooN: Staghorn Flat’s young musician Jack Gregory is looking forward to an incredible experience at cMaa academy country Music’s 2024 Junior academy in Tamworth next month.
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
Local hall gets safety upgrade
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A THRILLED Wooragee Community Centre committee received a grant from a local bank to add a roof over its hall deck for safety reasons.
Committee treasurer Pauline Carson said the project had been on a wish list for some time.
With a successful application to the Community Bank Beechworth & District (Bendigo Bank) receiving a grant of $5900, Pauline said work had been completed in time before this winter’s cold weather set in.
“It’s going to make the rear decking safer for the community using the hall and we’re delighted with it,” she said.
Pauline said the builder lined up the new structure to fit in with the existing roof line making it look attractive.
“We were lucky to get hold of a local builder in Wooragee Andy Donaldson to undertake the work,” she said.
“He’s looked after our community and he’s done other little jobs for us too.”
all SMIleS: Wooragee community centre committee members Neil Townsend (left), Pam Nankervis, Beechworth and District community Bank customer Services representative Jo Terry, committee treasurer Pauline carson and member Pieter Mourik with the ‘big’ cheque at last week’s presentation.
LOCAL businesses have been recognised for their longtime support by the Beechworth RSL sub-branch with a first-time awards event held last Thursday.
Volunteers were presented with certificates of appreciation as well.
RSL president John Eldrid said businesses around town have supported the Anzac Day Appeal as well as the Poppy Appeal with funds raised helping veterans and their families.
Close to $10,000 raised this year comprised $3000 with businesses
helping with collection boxes on their sales counters.
“Without their support, we would not be able to raise the amount of funds each year for the appeals,” Mr Eldrid said.
The president said money raised goes into the ANZAC general appeals patriotic fund with half returned to the local branch to help look after local veterans’ welfare.
He said three local youngsters, supervised by an adult, helped with appeal collections held outside the Beechworth Bakery every year.
“We have a captured an audi-
ence with visitors to town passing through as well as the local people in the community,” he said.
“It has been absolutely fantastic allowing us to be outside there.”
Mr Eldrid said the students also requested donations from their primary schools.
“It’s very important to help veterans living it rough and where there are veterans in need,” he said.
Beechworth’s nine-year-old Jackson Hamill has been helping with collections for around three years.
“It’s really fun meeting new people and raising money for the
RSL as money goes into helping the community and veterans,” he said.
Long time supporter, Beechworth Mitre 10’s Darren Carr, said it had been great to be acknowledged by the RSL with the event.
“It’s such a great organisation and looks after so many veterans and is an important aspect of the Beechworth community that we need.” he said.
Beechworth Machinery’s Helen Lowndes said the work the RSL does is incredibly important.
“It’s really nice that the RSL has recognized fundraising contributors,” she said.
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
DelIGHTeD: Volunteers received certificates of appreciation for their wonderful work for the Beechworth RSl sub-branch, at last Thursday’s presentation night. PHOTOS: Coral Cooksley
cHUFFeD: local business owners and representatives with awards acknowledging their vital help for local RSl aNZac Day and Poppy appeal days.
Insurance premiums out of reach for some
By STEVE KELLY
A NEW Climate Council report has highlighted the dramatic rise in insurance premiums, a burden that is pricing people out of the market leaving their properties vulnerable in the face of rising extreme climate events such as bushfire and floods.
The ‘Too Close to Home’ disaster report details the impacts of natural disasters on communities.
“More and more climate impacted Australians are finding it difficult to insure their homes due to rising premiums driven by worsening climate risks,” the report reads.
“Following the 2022 floods,
insurance premiums for high-risk properties, including those in flood-prone areas, increased by 50 per cent.”
Indi MP Helen Haines has also given a snapshot of the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters accentuated by the geography of “wide flood plains and forested hills”.
“Affordable and accessible insurance is critical as the frequency and severity of flooding and bushfires increases,” she said.
“A 2023 Climate Council report lists Indi as the eighth most at-risk federal electorate for insurance to become unaffordable within the next 10 years, and the second most at-risk electorate in Victoria for natural disaster related in-
surance unaffordability.
“In the Rural City of Wangaratta, 60 per cent of all properties are at high risk of insurance premiums rising to become unaffordable by 2030.
“The price of insurance in regional areas has increased dramatically in recent years, in some instances, insurance companies have refused to insure properties altogether.”
Since the 2019-2020 Black Summer Bushfires, Dr Haines said she has been contacted by many businesses across Indi, notably in the alpine resort of Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Mount Buller, where businesses have found it impos-
sible to access insurance or premiums have increased to unviable levels.
“In my submission to a parliamentary committee inquiry into insurers’ responses to the 2022 floods, I urged the Federal Government to work with state, territory and local governments to develop a national framework for supporting property owners who cannot access affordable insurance,” Dr Haines said.
“We must ensure individuals and regional communities are supported to build back better after natural disasters – this means accounting for changing risks and increasing resilience to future natural disasters.
SHOWS PEOPLE LIVING IN AT-RISK AREAS UNABLE TO AffORD INSURANCE COSTS
“Insurance policies should be fair, easy to understand, affordable and designed to meet the unique circumstances and needs of regional, rural and remote Australia.”
RACV Insurance responded to a query from this masthead about the reasons behind the insurance price rises.
RACV’s general manager motoring products, Jeff Ames, said there are several factors that continue to impact insurance premiums.
“These include inflationary driven cost pressures affecting labour, building materials and motor vehicle part costs, as well as the impact of severe weather and
natural disasters, which has led to higher global reinsurance costs (insurance for insurers),” Mr Ames said.
“Our goal is to keep our insurance premium rises to a minimum; however, these cost pressures have driven insurance premiums higher across the insurance industry.
“We understand the impact of the current cost of living pressures on households and we’re working hard to keep premium rises to a minimum.
“We encourage our members who are facing cost of living pressures to contact us to discuss their individual circumstances and to learn more about how we can help.”
SATURDAY 13TH JULY
9:30am - 4:30pm Winton Skidpan
SPECTATORS
TRACKSCHOOL TRACK DAYS
Trackschool events are
aFTeRMaTH: Indi MP Helen Haines stands amid the orange glow with other politicians and police members during the Black Summer Bushfires in January 2020. it’s incidents like this which have contributed to a rise in insurance premiums.
Writers share knowledge at Winterwords
By CORAL COOKSLEY
LOCALS and visitors alike had the chance to mingle with authors two weeks ago as Winterwords spiced up for the next few days.
Actor, writer and producer, Stephen Hall, attending the cosy Beechworth Books’ event, said he had been impressed by the emphasis on culture in the community shown by owners Charles Dean and Nadia David.
“I think active people really care about culture and
creativity here and it’s really wonderful,” he said.
Among Saturday’s eleven sessions had been crime authors Margaret Hickey and Shelley Burr in conversation about their books, journalist Kirsty Jagger talking about her debut novel and writer David Crawford delivering an informative session on his research.
Margaret said Winterwords had given people in Beechworth and surrounds a great chance to celebrate people who love creativity and words in all their forms.
“We’re really lucky to have celebrated great writers in our Winterwords mix like Imbee Neeme, Kirsty, and Shelley not to mention all the artists and it was a really great vibrant atmosphere,” she said.
“It was wonderful to talk with Shelley about the nuts and bolts of the writing process which is something the audience had been really interested in.”
For Tallangatta’s crime author Shelley Burr regional book festivals and an event like Winterwords draw in-
One visit dentistry
credible audiences.
“It’s great the way the community supports these events and is quite inspiring,” she said.
Beechworth’s Virginia Mansell Lees had been keen to hear more about her interest in philosopher, novelist, feminist, public intellectual and activist, Simone de Beauvoir also a major figure in existentialism in post-war France.
In the session delivered by Wollongong writer David Crawford, Vanessa said the fascinating talk had un-
packed a side of Simone de Beauvoir (1908–1986) unknown to many during the height of second wave of feminism in Australia.
David said Simone, a significant French author of the mid to late 20th century was one of the big original thinkers.
“Simone had said the job of a French intellectual writer was to portray and understand her era, and to name oppressive practices and comment on the times to promote positive social and personal change,” he said.
“Her messages are even more relevant for us today.”
Delighted debut author Kirsty Jagger had a chance to be interviewed about her book ‘Roseghetto’ in conversation with Winterwords creative director Janet Tweedie.
“It’s really nice to have a festival committee invite you to come and speak about your book and to promote it,” she said.
“It’s hard for debut authors, because not everyone knows us and to be given that space is really valuable.”
eNJoyeD: Beechworth’s Virginia Mansel lees (left), Winterwords creative director Janet Tweedie and Vivienne Harvey.
FaScINaTING: Writer and researcher David crawford captivated his audience with an intriguing account of activist and author Simone de Beauvoir (1908–1986).
IN coNVeRSaTIoN: Journalist kirsty Jagger (left) is quizzed about her book by Winterword’s creative director Janet Tweedie.
cHaTTeD: local crime authors Tallangatta’s Shelley Burr with Beechworth’s Margaret Hickey at a talk about their books at the recent Winterwords event.
BookloVeRS: Beechworth Books co-owner charles Dean (left), writer David crawford, actor and writer Stephen Hall, poet Rose lilley, local poet Frank Prem and Beechworth Books co-owner Nadia David at the cosy night during Winterwords. PHOTOS: Coral Cooksley
ACROSS
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD
3 Name the Shakespearean jovial fat knight of brazen assurance and few scruples (8)
7 What is the acacia tree commonly known as (6)
8 What do we call one who swallows or eats up ravenously (8)
9 Name a lottery in which the prizes are usually goods rather than money (6)
10 To restore confidence, is to do what (8)
11 Name the thinner one of an outstanding comedy duo of yesteryear (6)
14 What is commendation or honour given for some action, quality, etc (6)
17 To leave one country to settle in another, is to do what (8)
18 What is an aggregate of nations ruled over by a powerful sovereign (6)
19 Which plants include monkshood and wolf’s bane (8)
20 How many players are there in a hockey team (6)
21 What, in US history, are leaders of the people (8)
DOWN
1 What was the former Dutch name of Jakarta (7)
3 Which term relates to the league between nations or states (7)
4 Who finances a radio or TV program (7)
5 To be on to the shore, is to be what (7)
6 Name the Australian explorer responsible for the European discovery of valuable land in WA, Alexander ... (7)
E-QUATIONS 7
12 What does a policeman wear (7)
13 Name a pendulous ornament (7)
14 What do edam and cheddar describe (7)
15 To have burst forth as volcanic matter, is to have done what (7)
16 What, colloquially, are the keys of a piano called (7)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
11 Which term describes the movement towards the quarter towards which the wind blows (7)
Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
E-QUATIONS
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
2 VAGUS (a) A freakish prank (b) One who has no settled home (c) A cranial nerve
BIYWORD
Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.
CLUES:
Emergency tyre (coll) (5)
Fish (3)
Garden tool (5) Hot tub (3)
Lightweight stretch fabric (7) Of the cranium (7)
Satellite of uranus (5) Sense organ (3)
Serpent (5) State Rail Authority (3)
Adventurous passion for teaching
CATHERINE Bijker moved from Mansfield where she was born, to Beechworth in 1989 with her parents and three older brothers . She lived in the town until 20-years-old, with a shift to Melbourne for university studies.
After living in the Mallee for a decade working as an art and drama teacher, Catherine returned to Beechworth four years ago where she resides with her husband and three small children.
What do you do workwise?
I have several work hats. I am the mental health and wellbeing leader at St Joseph’s Primary School, Beechworth, which is a new position being rolled out to all Victorian Primary Schools.
I do relief teaching at other local schools and I am a casual bee educator at the Beechworth Honey Bee School.
I also run Indigo Art School, which I conduct after school art classes for children in the region and adult night classes in watercolour, resin and ink. What brought you to your role/ career?
I grew up in a very creative family. My mother was a music teacher, my father has an amazing tenor voice and all my siblings have been involved in creative industries their whole lives.
I decided to become an art and drama teacher after completing Year 10 work experience at a dental practice and discovering that probably wasn’t where my passion laid.
Catherine Bijker
I have been excited to change my space in the education industry by recently taking on the Mental Health and Wellbeing role.
There was a desperate need to prioritise wellbeing and preventative mental health support in schools across the state.
What do you love about your work?
The children I am around are funny, quirky, creative, intelligent, and passionate.
I feel blessed that through Indigo Art school I can enhance their skills and give them a creative outlet in a supportive environment.
What do you do in the community?
I joined Beechworth Singers last year which I absolutely love being part of.
The feeling I get when all our harmonies are on point is hard to describe.
Joining the choir has introduced me to members of the community I may not have met otherwise.
I also umpire netball for the Beechworth Night Netball Association (BNNA) and enjoy paddling with the Beechworth
Golden Serpents Dragon Boat Club. Is there an important community issue that you think needs addressing?
Lack of quality public spaces for children.
Many families from here travel out of town just to play on better playgrounds.
What would you do to solve, change or improve that situation?
Build an awesome adventure playground that caters for a diverse range of ages and abilities, that has opportunities for children to explore environment, use their imaginations, take safe risks and socially connect with others.
What do you see as one of the most important current world issues?
Global warming - just thinking about the damage that continues to be caused by it upsets me.
If the person you would most like to meet or knew, came to Indigo Shire (past or present), or was already here, who would that be, what would you show them, and why?
Beechworth has a thriving music scene.
I think American musician, singer and songwriter, Josh Homme from rock band Queens of the Stone Age would fit right in on the stage at Tanswells.
What book are you reading?
I am currently listening to “Kokoda” by Peter Fitsimmons as I am heading off to complete the track next week.
Wish me luck.
Third question answered in the lead up to this year’s Kerferd Oration
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A THIRD question to a community member has been answered in the lead up to this year’s George Kerferd Briscoe Oration to be delivered by former high-profile political journalist and current affairs television presenter Barrie Cassidy.
The question is in a series of four asked by the Kerferd Oration committee to different members of the community about the oration titled ‘The Fragility of Democracy’.
Yackandandah’s Kirsten Coates has responded to the question “How secure is Australian democracy? Does Australian democracy have sufficient institutional protections?”
Kirsten said one of the key elements of Australian democracy is that it is one of only a few countries in the world that has
compulsory, enforced voting.
“Of the enrolled voters, around 90 per cent of people cast their votes in free and fair elections overseen by an independent authority, the Australian Electoral Commission,” she said.
“Voting is often seen as a ‘universal civic duty’ which implies that it is not merely an act of obedience but an obligation to society.
“Our democracy is also protected by the separation of the three independent powers of the Parliament, the Executive and the Judiciary.
“This has always been considered one of the foundations of fair government and an effective democracy.
“So, on the surface it is easy to say our democracy is very secure.
“However, the recent referendum on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament was an example of how
an issue can be manipulated by the media, by social media and by members of parliament to influence people’s thoughts and beliefs to achieve results and change opinions.
“Over the course of the campaign it became increasingly difficult to find vigorous, robust and factbased debate, in the public domain and in the media, that were not simple sound bites reflecting extreme views.
“Members on both sides of Parliament could simply be accused of poor communication, however post referendum research by ANU found that while most Australians support constitutional change and the basic tenets of the referendum, they have far less satisfaction in the government and democracy in general.
“To perform our civic duty well,
we must be well informed and feel that the government is on our side, that it has our backs.
“We need to feel we are supported by our government who we entrust to create jobs, control cost of living and provide social welfare nets.
“The biggest threat to democracy is when we feel democracy is letting us down and that our voices are not heard by those who have the power to create change.
“Our best institutional protection is a well-educated population who can think critically about the issues of the day and is well informed when entering the ballot box.”
The 22nd annual Oration is being held at the Beechworth Memorial Hall on July 7 starting at 11am.
For more information about the free event visit www.kerferdoration.org.au.
TeacHING PaSSIoN: Beechworth’s catherine Bijker is excited to change space in the education industry taking up a mental health and wellbeing role. INSET: MaNy WoRk HaTS: Beechworth’s catherine Bijker is an adventourous type, as she prepares to head off on the kokoda Track next week.
1996 Opal Pop Top caravan, double island bed, full gas stove, 3-way fridge, annex, reg F32442 23/11/24, $7000 ono. Ph (02) 6032 9409.
COMMUNITY VISIONING SESSIONS
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
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. 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 gold 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.
TIMBER
Fencing and post rails, garden sleepers, decking, pallet, onsite milling. Ph 0439 576 625
2018 Subaru MY18
Premium Outback 3.6R 6 cyl station wagon with sunroof, 99,500km, one owner, full service history, reg (ATIB). Contact George
FORD Ranger XLT (1KK1SJ), automatic 2017, 146,000km, diesel, long range tank, Red Arc electric brakes, dual batteries, just had service, transmission serviced every 50,000km, $35,500. Ph 0427 273 796.
RED Pajero “Activ”, 2010 model, 3.2 L turbo diesel, automatic transmission, LED light bar, factory bullbar, excellent condition, complete history, serviced by the book. BF Goodrich tyres, new Kenwood Radio with Apple/Android CarPlay, (1VL7RA) 246,000 km, $17,000 with roadworthy. Ph 0428 736 630.
TOYOTA RAV4 2020 GXL,immac,white,reg (764ZEH), 75,000km with books, serviced by Toyota, extra 18” alloy wheels, roof rails, tow ball pack, mud flaps, wireless phone charging, $36,000. Phone Anne 0417 774 074.
MERC E240 for sale, recent full service, excellent tyres, new windscreen, 337,000km, reg (QJE744), $2800 ono. Phone Charlie Brydon 0418 597 627.
Wastewater – fixed service charges – residential and non-residential Per annum Wangaratta, Yarrawonga, Benalla, Wodonga, Baranduda, Kiewa, Tangambalanga
Properties with fire services connected will be charged an annual fee of $116.03 per lot.
TRADE WASTE CHARGES – COMMERCIAL
waste charges apply to all
THE DATE BY WHICH AND THE PLACE AT WHICH FEES AND CHARGES MUST BE PAID Payment of all fees and charges levied under the tariffs in this notice must be made no later than 28 days after the issue of a notice for payment by North East Region Water Corporation. Payment may be made using the following options:
•BPAY or BPAY view • In person at our Regional Headquarters, 83 Thomas Mitchell Drive, Wodonga
AND PAYMENT ASSISTANCE
Flexible payment plans are available for customers. Information relating to tariffs and charges or flexible payment plans may be obtained by telephoning 1300 361 633 during business hours.
THE BILLING CYCLE
Water meters will be read at approximately three monthly intervals and will trigger the issue of
MAKING
The
are made and levied upon the owners or occupiers of serviced properties for the period commencing 1 July 2024 and ending 30 June 2025.
CONCESSIONS
There is an annual State Government concession of 50% of the total water and sewerage bill (up to a maximum of $363 00 per year
TENANTS
Tenants
(03) 5723 0101
for details.
End MND president thrilled with big freeze contribution
By CORAL COOKSLEY
THREE local business supporters were among those braving an ice bucket challenge in a fundraising event at the end of last month for vital motor neurone disease research.
In its second year Beechworth Football Netball Club joined forces with End MND North East Victoria and Albury (End MND) with the challenge, netball, footy, and Family Fun Day sponsored by the Community Bank Beechworth and District.
Business locals Matt Grogan from Halliday Solicitors with Beechworth’s Jaqui Ward from Indigo Real Estate and Amandhi De Silva of Amandhi’s and Tiny fame took the freezing plunge.
A fabulous success at this year’s event held at Baarmutha Park raised close to $8000 to support crucial research and aid for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) through Fight MND and MND Victoria charities.
Thrilled End MND president, Georgia O’Connor, expressed immense gratitude to the club and wider community for their overwhelming support, with generous support from the community bank as well as local businesses.
“The event’s success was a testament to the dedication of countless volunteers and key community groups joining together with BFNC such as the Beechworth Fire Brigade,
Bumblebee for MND, and the Beechworth Toy Library,” she said.
BFNC president Adam Fendyk said the event had been a vibrant celebration and fun filled day for all ages in the community while supporting a crucial cause.
Among fun activities had been children’s face painting by talented art students from Beechworth Secondary Col-
lege to a toy library and art and craft station, as well as a captivating fire truck display and appearances by “Bumblebee for MND.”
Georgia said the club confirmed its commitment for an ongoing tradition in the years ahead.
End MND in partnership with the Beechworth Football Netball Club extended their appreciation to all event contributors.
Members
give course a touch up at working bee
By DYLAN POOL
LAST Wednesday the women’s Monthly Medal was played.
The winner was Coral Ward with a 91/20/70, runner up was Nada Guyatt with 97/26/71.
On Sunday George Ward followed on Coral’s footsteps winning the stableford event with 35 points, Andy Croome was runner up with 32 points.
They were followed by Xavier Palamarczuk with 28 and Daryl Rowe on 27.
This coming Sunday we will decide the event on the day.
Arrive at 11:30 for 12noon hit off.
Last Saturday the club had a great working bee with 15 members in attendance which was fantastic to see.
We replaced some old scrappy cups on a few holes, put new sand on six of the greens, cleaned the gutters on the shed and cleaned the par three tee signs.
It was great to see volunteers ranging from regular golfers, nine hole golfers and social golfers helping out.
On behalf of the committee thanks to everyone who turned up.
Keep an eye out for the next one.
“It made this year’s Ice Bucket Challenge and Family Fun Day an unforgettable and impactful event in support of those affected by Motor Neurone Disease,” Georgia said.
“Special thanks go to the Beechworth Football Netball Club and its members and volunteers for their unwavering support and dedication to the cause.” • Just got married? • Just had a baby? • Recently taken a great photo in the Indigo Shire? • Been to a recent function or event and captured a great memory?
Send your photo to the ovens & Murray advertiser and let us share it with your community!
e-mail: edit.omadvertiser@nemedia.com.au Please include names of people in photos, location and name of event.
SHIVeR: Beechworth Secondary college teacher alastair Jack (seated left), Indigo Real estate’s Jaqui Ward and amandhi De Silva from amandhi’s café with ice bucket pourers Graeme Weldon (back left), Shaun Witherow and Damian Jones.
Icy colD: Halliday Solicitors’ Matt Grogan (seated left, Beechworth Surgery’s Sue Fendyk and Quercus and Beechworth Football Netball club volunteer Joanne Westra rendered speechless as ice bucket pourers Graeme Weldon (back left), Shaun Witherow, and Damian Jones undertake the deed. PHOTOS: Georgia O’Connor
FINe ScRaPeS: The Beechworth Golf club held a successful working bee at the course last Saturday, with 15 locals attending.
BY BAILEY ZIMMeRMaNN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au
A MID-season blockbuster in Chiltern tomorrow could hold massive implications on the fight for the top three.
Beechworth’s senior side has the opportunity to almost seemingly seal a finals double chance spot with a win over the secondplaced Swans, entering the game with identical 10-1 records.
The Bushrangers have gone 10 games undefeated since their opening round 49-point loss at the hands of Chiltern.
Beechworth coach Tom Cartledge said the team has come a long way as a group since taking the field for the first time in the 2024 season, and were keen to right their wrongs made way back in April.
“We’re definitely excited for this weekend,” he said.
“Round one we had six or seven blokes in our side, it was the first time they had really met each other and first time they had played together.
“We’ll be backing in our improved cohesiveness, our willingness to play our brand of footy and stick to our gameplan for four quarters to back ourselves in, we won’t be looking to try anything crazy.
“These are the games you
want to play in, it’s all well and good to roll through the mid-range and bottom end of the ladder and have some healthy wins, but you want to win the ones against the teams in similar in positions to you, that’s the real measure.”
Chiltern trail Beechworth by just five per cent on the ladder for first place, but a loss could be costly, with the Bushrangers still to play matches against bottom
sides Dederang-Mount Beauty and Wodonga Saints.
Beechworth had their biggest win of their season so far against Wahgunyah at home last week, cracking the 200 mark with a 204-point 36.17 (233) to 4.5 (29) win.
The goals were shared around as regular contributors Lachie Armstrong (seven), Connor Stone (five) and Cam Fendyk (three) featured heavily,
while Rourke Warner impressed on senior debut with four goals.
Cartledge said the team has not become complacent with their form, looking to ensure improvements are made week by week.
“We’re chugging along ok but there’s always room for improvement, we’re certainly not thinking we’re doing everything perfectly, there’s still plenty of challenges out there on
gameday,” he said.
“The group is really selfless about the way they go about it, it’s all a team job and everyone is spreading the load around, whether that’s working offensively or defensively… that’s probably the most pleasing thing from my point of view.
“We’re working on it each week, trying to get better each week and take what comes at us.”
While the Swans and
Bushrangers do battle, both teams will be waiting with interest in the result of third vs fourth at Yackandandah, as the Roos host KiewaSandy Creek. The top four will also play-off against each other next week as Beechworth play Yackandandah and the Hawks and Chiltern take part in the grand final rematch, with the results of all games likely to shape this year’s finals race.
SlIck HaNDS: lukas Jakobsson fires out a handball.
