Ovens and Murray Advertiser 290923

BEECHWORTH - CHILTERN - RUTHERGLEN - STANLEY - YACKANDANDAH

Shire keeps the date

Review of Indigo Shire’s Australia Day celebrations receives extensive feedback gy

INDIGO Shire’s Australia Day events and awards functions will remain unchanged for 2024 following an extensive community review earlier this year.

A 14-person community

BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au

working group was charged with leading the review, which included widespread

community consultation and a survey of community members focusing on the format of Australia Day celebrations and council’s awards process.

Some 752 people responded to a survey,

the second-highest figure Indigo Shire had ever received on a community engagement initiative, with 90pc indicating their support for council to publicly recognise community contributions

through community awards.

Some 66pc of respondents were supportive of the awards being presented on the January 26 holiday.

■ Continued page 2

PROMOTING CONVERSATION: Beechworth Secondary College students Quinn Bussell (front) and Ziggy Ferres (back) were two of 15 BSC students to embrace a mullet cut from Barber Quarter hairdressers Cheyenne and Connor to raise awareness for mental health as part of R U OK?Day. Story page 5.

Australia Day awards initiative to continue

■ From front page

Respondents also left some 485 comments, which were also assessed by the working group and grouped into themes.

Some 29pc of the comments called on council to continue to celebrate Australia Day on January 26, while 17pc called for another date to be adopted.

Eighteen per cent of commenters urged council to change the date of the awards and celebration of community members, while 11pc were in favour of the date still being associated with awards.

Respondents also backed council to provide financial and in-kind support to community organising committees to conduct Australia Day functions and awards.

Efforts will also be made to improve community awareness around the sensitivities of the day for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities among event organising committees.

At Tuesday’s Indigo Shire Council meeting, Cr Emmerick Teissl said the high num-

Town garage sale ramps up

By CORAL COOKSLEY

A TOWN-wide garage sale set to take place across Beechworth on October 14 has taken off, drawing residents from Stanley and Murmungee to take part too.

Organiser and life-long volunteer Beechworth’s Josie Cornish said some local community people had suggested the event.

Among a growing list of sale items for bargain hunters is a refrigerator, TV surround sound system, filing cabinet, cooking utensils, a microscope and an antique motorcycle.

“Homes of local residents holding a garage sale can be identified by a sign and colourful bunting which will be supplied too,” Josie said.

While the event will attract bargain hunters from near and far, young people around town will be able benefit too.

A $25 registration fee to take part in the garage sale will go towards rental costs for ‘Your Dreams Can Come True Formal Wear Hire’ library.

The library initiative by Josie got off the ground in May last year to make sure young people do not miss out on attending special events such as debutante balls and high school formals.

“If families cannot afford to hire formal wear, they can borrow and return,” she said.

Josie said feedback about the garage sale via social media has indicated keen interest from people around town and beyond Beechworth.

“It’s great for the town as more people will be visiting the area and shop locally,” she said.

Josie said as it’s the same day as ‘The Voice’ referendum, people will be out and about and have a chance to check out garage sale bargains as well.

Some 20 homes are booked in so far.

Maps with house locations will be available at the Salvation Army Thrift Shop at 37 Ford St from 7.30am onwards on the day for a gold coin donation.

For more information or to register and join in, phone Josie on 0413 678 225 and leave a message if unanswered.

Correction

In last week’s front page photo caption, Robyn Funston’s name was incorrectly written as ‘Dunstan’.

The Ovens and Murray Advertiser apologises for the error.

ber of respondents in favour of the Australia Day awards continuing meant a biannual review of the scheme going forward, which was recommended by the working group, would not be necessary unless the circumstances around Australia Day changed “significantly”.

He also disputed a recommendation to change the name of Australia Day-related awards to the ‘Indigo Shire Community Awards’ from 2025, instead amending the wording to ‘Indigo Shire Australia Day Awards’.

The working group also recommended council continue discussions with Traditional Owner groups across the shire to incorporate their views on council activities including Australia Day functions.

Nominations for the 2024 awards, which include the Indigo Shire Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year, are now open.

Inform authorities of plans to burn

AS hundreds of thousands of Victorians begin preparing their property for fire season, emergency services are encouraging landowners to register any planned burn-offs online.

Landowners will be looking to take advantage of the coming long weekend and spring conditions, ahead of an anticipated earlier start to this year’s fire season.

East Gippsland and Wellington shires have already had their fire seasons declared, set to begin from October 9.

Authorities are expecting a surge in burn-off registrations this weekend and over the coming weeks, with community members urged

to visit www.firepermits.vic.gov.au/ notify despite the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority’s (ESTA) burn-off registration remaining open.

“Using the fire permits Victoria website to register your burn-off also ensures ESTA’s fire call takers can focus their efforts on taking emergency triple zero calls,” ESTA chief operating officer Nicole Ashworth said.

“Earlier this year, we experienced days with more than 1200 non-emergency calls to register burn-offs on private land, so we’re encouraging people to start pivoting to the easy-to-use fire permits Victoria website.”

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said the website enabled emergency services to verify whether a fire is a planned burn before deploying resources.

“Unregistered burns can lead to unnecessary callouts for your local fire brigade,” he said.

The website allows you to notify emergency services of your burn, and also check and apply for a permit, if necessary. 

However, if your burn is taking place within the next two hours, you must register your burn via the phone line on 1800 668 511.  For more information about burning off safely, visit www.cfa. vic.gov.au/burnoff.

THRILLED: Indigo Shire councillor Roberta Horne (left), Citizen of the Year Laurie Thatcher, Young Citizen of the Year, Joseph Brooks and mayor Sophie Price at Rutherglen’s Australia Day ceremony earlier this year.

Chopping it up in support of Men’s Shed

By CORAL COOKSLEY

RUTHERGLEN Community Men’s Shed keeps powering ahead with a fundraiser started around three years ago to invest in its operation for the benefit of members and the local community.

Secretary and 15-year member, Ted Shanks, said splitting wood for kindling had become the shed’s main source of income since then.

He said the shed also runs on income derived from undertaking community projects around the area to help maintain the shed operation as well as giving back to the community in a variety of projects.

A dust extraction system installation had been completed towards the end of last month with financial

support from major sponsor the Jasper Foundation in Rutherglen.

“It has meant a healthier environment for our members,” Mr Shanks said.

“A number of sponsors help keep the club running with assistance from the Jasper Foundation too.

“We’re fully self-funded with no ongoing recurrent grants.

“Close to 700 bags of kindling were produced last year and sold locally by the newsagent, hardware (store) and butcher.”

Mr Shanks said the bag tally is set to be around the same number for this year.

Among other projects, the shed has been building mobile book boxes, crafting children’s toys and making seats for the Rutherglen Park and along the rail trail.

Others have included doing up a cubby house for the playgroup and undertaking small repairs for community members.

Mr Shanks said the shed gave men a social outlet and an interest.

“It’s about support and getting men together, and probably around 70 per cent of our members have not lived in the town for a long time, and coming to the shed is a good way to meet people particularly if you don’t play bowls or golf,” he said.

The shed, which is now located at 168 High Street near the Rutherglen Showgrounds, received a $60,000 grant ahead of its construction four years ago.

The total cost was around $90,000, of which the Shed chipped in about a third with donations from spon-

The skill of classical guitar making h

sors helping too.

The Rutherglen Men’s Shed runs every week on

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8am to12pm. The shed is one of more

than 335 running in Victoria and one of more than 1200 across Australia.

Come and enjoy the final Indigo Quilt Exhibition

By ANITA MCPHERSON

SEE a diverse collection of handmade quilts made by local ladies on display when the Indigo Quilt Exhibition is held at the Barnawartha Soldiers Memorial Hall on October 13 to 15.

The annual event brings together members and friends of the Skellywags Sewing School who come to sit and sew from across the district, travelling from places including Wagga Wagga, Albury, Wangaratta, Beechworth and Yarrawonga.

More than 30 quilts will be on display showcasing a variety of techniques and styles, in what will be the last official quilt exhibition, as organisers plan to do something new next year.

SPECTACULAR

Shelley

to the theme “all about 10” in postcard size.

“There will be a viewer’s choice award and also a quilt raffle, with proceeds going to the restoration of the Barnawartha hall,” she said.

Shelley said while the quilt exhibition has been running for eight years (with a break due to COVID) they have made the decision to “change it up” and do something else next year.

October

3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th & 31st

Skellywags Sewing School’s Shelley Kelly said along with quilts there will also be a display of textile responses in to the theme of 10 years - celebrating how long they have been in business. She said there will also be a postcard challenge - with sewers creating textile works

The exhibition will run from Friday, October 13 to Sunday, October 15 from 9.30am to 3.30pm at the Barnawartha Soldiers Memorial Hall in Havelock Street, Barnawartha. Entry is $5 and proceeds will be donated to the hall’s restoration fund, with morning and afternoon and lovely light lunches also available.

The Dr. Meg Warren Scholarship for Rural Health

The Dr. Meg Warren Scholarship for Rural Health is an education and study award established conjointly by Beechworth Surgery and the Beechworth Health Service Board of Management to encourage local people to take up studies in health-related disciplines at either undergraduate or postgraduate levels and return to practice in the local area.

One Scholarship will be awarded annually on a competitive basis. The Scholarship will be available to all residents Beechworth and surrounding townships to undertake a course of study at recognised Australian Universities or other recognised tertiary education institutions.

Applications must be made in writing and addressed to the Practice Manager, Beechworth Surgery on the application form by Friday 27th October 2023 at 5.00pm.

Please contact the Beechworth Surgery Practice Manager or Beechworth Health Service CEO to obtain an application form.

k ll f l l k

FRET CONTROL: Beechworth’s Stephan Bulmer will talk about making classical guitars at next Friday’s MDHAS talk.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

DESIGNS:

Kelly and Jan Manglesdorf (pictured) are looking forward to this year’s Indigo Quilt Exhibition, which will be the last for the Skellywags group.

MAKING A CONTRIBUTION: Rutherglen Men’s Shed members Peter Johns (left) and Moss Harkness size up some wood.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

U3A boosts membership numbers

A LOCAL Indigo Shire active seniors’ group catering for courses for the over 55s has seen a boost in memberships this year.

Indigo U3A’s Neil Townsend said interest in the variety of courses offered has shot up with people keen for more knowledge and information.

An exciting new five-session class to spark curiosity around the ‘Science of our Senses’ will promote hands-on learning with experiments along with theory and explanation, and kicks off next week.

Another new course ‘Draw, Paint and Sip’ runs fortnightly all term for like-minded people to create art over a cuppa or BYO wine.

Among existing courses are art, reading, writing, cycling, jazz appreciation, philosophy, and movies.

Others include science, family history, and coffee appreciation.

“Regular one-off sessions are held covering many different subjects such as personal experiences, history and politics both past and present too,” Mr Townsend said.

“As a volunteer organisation these classes are usually run with the support of the U3A membership, or local community identities.”

Mr Townsend said U3A is

always on the hunt for people who would like to join and share their skills and knowledge.

He said U3A’s aim is to offer the opportunities

throughout the shire.

“And if you are a ‘Third Ager’ and interested in new experiences or even just a chat over coffee, contact us to find out more,” he said.

For more information about U3A or attending contact courses, email indigo.u3a@gmail.com or visit their website at www. indigou3a.org.au.

FUN: U3A members hone their art skills at one of the many courses offered by U3A.

UPSKILLED: Indigo U3A members recently enjoyed a fascinating workshop at Gordon Dickson studio Yackandandah.

Mullets raise $700 for mental health

By CORAL COOKSLEY

SCISSORS snipped to raise awareness of mental health when Beechworth Secondary College celebrated R U OK?Day at the end of last term.

BSC head of Humanities, Student Leadership and Student Voice, Alastair Jack, said this year’s celebration drew 15 students from all year levels to have mullet cuts (short hair on the sides and top, with length kept in the back).

“Two teachers had mullet cuts the day before while others wore mullet wigs to spark meaningful conversations among students,” he said.

The college takes part in the national annual ‘R U OK?’ campaign every September to support mental health in young people by asking mates if they are okay.

Mr Jack said the studentinitiated idea provided a great chance for a visible and meaningful awareness effort for mental health.

“Different genders in all year levels as well as those in the Montessori Adolescent Program took part,” he said.

Mr Jack said the day built strong relationships between students and staff.

A walk and talk around the golf course took place for all school

students with conversation starters provided, and ideas on how to check in with friends and strategies to help those who might be struggling.

“Our Year 12 peer mentors wore yellow R U OK? shirts and started conversations with younger students,” Mr Jack said.

On the day, students had the chance to play games, listen to

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music, enjoy food and hear about public health promotion charity R U OK? and its work.

Wodonga’s Barber Quarter hairdressers Connor and Cheyenne donated their time for the haircuts.

The fundraising day included an online GoFundMe page, gold coin donations for haircuts and a cupcake sale.

WINTON

BSC exceeded their goal of $500 with a combined tally of more than $700 raised.

“It was a fantastic way to come together as a community and celebrate our school and shared values,” Mr Jack said.

Donations to ‘Mullets for Mental Health’ can be made until the end of this weekend at https://gofund.me/6aa3ac5a.

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R U OK: BSC teachers Alastair Jack and Allie North at the school’s event at the end of last term.

Funding boost for local theatre company

By CORAL COOKSLEY

A COMMUNITY grant from a local bank is a welcoming financial hand for the more than five-decade old Beechworth Theatre Company (BTC).

Thrilled BTC president Janet Tweedie welcomed the $500 grant, which is set to help cover running costs, which include hiring the Beechworth Memorial Hall for rehearsals and performances, as well as payments for costumes, audio, sound, lighting and premise rental for BTC’s theatre items.

“There’s so many overheads and our only source of income is ticket money,” the president said.

“Every little bit helps, and this is wonderful.”

Supported by a dedicated volunteer group, BTC performers have entertained local audiences with drama including plays, pantomimes and musicals for the last 54 years except for the COVID pandemic interruptions.

At a presentation last Friday, Commonwealth Bank manager Katie Ryan said as part of the community, the bank is delighted to support volunteer organisations in the local community.

“We just wanted to acknowledge the great work BTC does in the community with people contributing many hours to put on a great show for everyone, and it’s nice for them to receive some recognition,” she said.

Free Japanese encephalitis h li i

Wineries set for bike trail connection

CONSTRUCTION of the Rutherglen Loops project will soon get underway, with Indigo Shire Council awarding two contracts valued at more than $1.66m at Tuesday’s ordinary council meeting.

O’Laughlin Excavations will construct the section of trail along the Murray Valley Highway road reserve to connect Lake Moodemere Estate, Buller Wines and Campbells Wines via a two-metre wide sealed shared trail, with three secure crossing sections across the Murray Valley Highway and Federation Way.

The second contract, awarded to ATD Civil, will expand and connect the existing footpath network along Drummond, Murray and Lord streets in Rutherglen to allow cyclists and pedestrians to safely travel through the town. A safe crossing point at the Murray Valley Highway near Tuileries will also be installed.

The project, which was previously referred to as the Rutherglen Wine Walk Cycle Trail, was fully funded by a $5.1m federal grant to link the existing Murray to Mountains Rail Trail and several renowned wineries and cellar

doors in the region.

Deputy Mayor Bernard Gaffney said the investment would play a pivotal role in transforming the region into a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

“In addition to the recreational benefits, the Rutherglen Loops project will celebrate the region’s culinary and viticultural strengths by facilitating easy access to nearby wineries through a 48km trail network suitable for pedestrians and cyclists of all skill levels,” he said.

Construction is expected to begin as soon as authority approvals are granted.

A third contract of works, which does not require councillor decision, is expected to be awarded shortly to develop a two metrewide sealed shared trail along Jacks Road and Main Street West, connected by an on-road trail along Graham Lane.

DELIGHTED: CBA’s Hayley Murphy-Graham (left) and Andrew McCormick, Beechworth Theatre Company president Janet Tweedie and secretary John Eldrid with CBA Bank manager Katie Ryan at last week’s presentation.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley.

SCENIC RIDE: The Rutherglen Loops project will connect wineries and cellar doors throughout the region.

Dan Andrews steps away

By RYAN MALCOLM

DANIEL Andrews has officially stepped down as Victorian Premier, after nearly nine years in the state’s top job.

The 51-year-old, who originally hails from Wangaratta and attended Galen College, stood down from Wednesday evening after 13 years as the Victorian Labor leader, leaving a role which he described as “the honour and privilege” of his life.

Having first assumed the seat of Mulgrave at the 2002 election under the Bracks Government, Mr Andrews rose through the ranks to be named party leader in 2010, and was in charge as Labor was successful at the 2014 election, at which time he was named premier.

His Labor Government was subsequently re-elected in 2018 and again in 2022, despite heavy scrutiny around the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Andrews said through the good and the bad, his government had sought to do “what’s right”.

“As much as we’ve achieved together, there’s so much more to do,” he said.

“Recently, in talking to my kids and (wife) Cath, thoughts of what life will be

like after this job have started to creep in – and I’ve always known that the moment that happens, it’s time to go and to give this privilege, this amazing responsibility to someone else.”

Mr Andrews said the role had consumed him throughout recent years.

“The only way that I know how to do this job is to have

Volkswagen T-Cross

it consume me, to have it define me – to a certain extent, every waking moment is about the work, and that takes a toll,” he said.

“To have been premier for nine years and the leader of my party for 13 years is a greater set of opportunities than I ever thought would be afforded to me, a kid from the country, with only really

an aspiration to do good, to work hard, to work with teams of people to hopefully make things better.”

Monash University senior lecturer in politics, Dr Zareh Ghazarian, said whoever was elected to replace Mr Andrews would have a challenging task ahead of them.

“Whoever finds them-

Special guests for Oxfam gathering

OLGA and Mason Scholes will be the guest speakers at next week’s annual general meeting for Oxfam Wangaratta.

The couple will be at The Vine Hotel on Wednesday, October 4, with those attending the AGM invited to enjoy a meal from 6pm, followed by their address from 7pm.

Olga will speak about her work at the Narwaddekan Academy in West Arnhem Land, where she is chief executive officer/ principal.

The Nawarddeken Academy offers a unique model of bi-cultural, community-driven education in remote Indigenous communities.

It was established at the request of local Indigenous elders, who wanted children to be able to access full-time education in their home communities.

selves replacing Andrews has a lot of work ahead of them,” he said.

“Attracting voters who were not fond of the Andrews leadership style, as well as rejuvenating a party that is nearing 10 years in government, will be major challenges for whoever becomes Victoria’s next premier.”

Olga’s husband, former local Mason Scholes, has worked at the NT’s Maningrida College, and will share information about some Indigenous cultural practices.

The timely discussion is open to all, and there is no need to book.

For more information, contact Loretta on 0409 558 245.

STEPPING BACK: Victorian Premier and former Galen College student Daniel Andrews has announced he will be leaving politics.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Chiltern land plan on display

CHILTERN residents are being asked to review and provide feedback on a draft plan for the development of vacant land worth $945,000 at the town’s southern entrance.

Just shy of 18 hectares of land was purchased by council in December 2021, after a key recommendation of the Chiltern Place Plan identified the need for council to support small to medium business growth via industrial land development.

Consultants worked with a 10-person community working group and the broader community on developing a community engagement plan and a draft community precinct plan which is now on exhibition.

A draft plan for the land, which is situated between Anderson Street and Railway Access Road both east and west of Waterloo Road,

outlines a number of potential uses for the land, including parkland and as an emergency services hub for the town.

The draft also depicts seven buildings for ‘employment uses’, while the eastern-most land is denoted as potential aged care and independent living development.

Deputy Mayor Bernard Gaffney said the next round of consultation would be used to check the draft plan represented and responded to the feedback received from community members during previous engagement.

“This is an important step to finalise this current phase of engaging with the working group and broader community to understand their vision for the future use of the side, which includes a mixeduse precinct supporting ageing in place, expanded

Boost to Indigenous sporting participation

FIRST Nations athletes in Northern Victoria are set to have more opportunities to compete in their favourite sports, courtesy of a new grants initiative backed by the State Government.

Local Indigineous sport communities can now apply for the program, which provides grants for travel, participation in sport carnivals, uniforms and equipment.

The program offers grants of up to $2500 per junior team and $1500 per senior team towards travel and accommodation costs for participating in Victorian or national Aboriginal sporting carnivals, as well as up to $1000 to cover uniforms and equipment.

Eligible individuals can also access up

to $250 per person to purchase uniforms and equipment, and up to $750 for travel and accommodation expenses.

Northern Victoria Labor MP Jaclyn Symes said the program had the capacity to significantly boost participation.

“This program is about giving northern Victoria’s First Nations sport stars the support they need to get in the game and shine,” she said.

“I encourage local Indigenous organisations, sporting clubs, participants, volunteers and communities to take advantage of this program and help nurture our next generation of champions.”

Applications are open until October 20.

For more information or to apply, visit sport. vic.gov.au.

employment opportunities for the township, and the integration of essential emergency services,” he said.

Additional stages will be undertaken in the coming years.

Working group member Matt Williams said the engagement process involved detailed conversations with many members of the Chiltern community, including over 50 students at the local primary school.

“The level of interest in the development of this land is really high and the working group experienced this first-hand at the Martin’s Lane engagement session, with over 100 residents providing input,” he said.

“This plan sets the pathway for the future growth of Chiltern.”

The draft community precinct plan as well as details on how to make a

CWA receives helping hand from local bank

By CORAL COOKSLEY

BEECHWORTH Country

Women’s Association (CWA) Branch recently welcomed a grant from a local bank targeted to support an 11-yearold’s fight with Hodgkins Lymphoma.

CWA has helped their president’s grandson Harry, who was diagnosed with the cancer last month, donating funds to help his family with travelling costs.

President Kathryn Chivers said on behalf of members she thanked the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) for nominating the CWA Beechworth Branch.

“I’d also like also like to thank the CWA Beechworth Branch for their donation for young Harry,” she said.

“Recently diagnosed with the cancer at the end of August, he’s very sick but a brave young man.”

Kathryn said the $500 grant will help towards the family’s weekly travelling back and

forth to Melbourne where he is being treated at the Royal Children’s Hospital.

“CWA is all about helping families such as women and children and we have in the past supported other families, and it’s been really nice for members to have suggested young Harry.”

Kathryn said upcoming

CWA events included the Heritage Festival weekend in November previously known as the Celtic Festival, and the Christmas stall held in December at the kiosk near the corner of Camp and Ford streets.

“All funds raised go towards trying to help local families,” she said.

“Next year CWA statewide

is focusing on homeless women

She said Beechworth CWA branch celebrated its 80th anniversary last year.

Donations to help Harry’s family can be made via www. gofundme.com and search for ‘Help Harry beat Hodgkins Lymphoma’.

submission can be viewed by visiting https://engage.

or

at the Chiltern Community Hub until October 24, 2023.

as well as mental health.”

COMMUNITY FOCUSSED: CBA’s Hayley Murphy-Graham (left), CWA members Marion Roberts, Tess Lucas, Pam Turnbull, CBA manager Katie Ryan, CWA members Beryl Pope, Kathryn Chivers (president), Liz Suhr, Enid Stone, Barbara Edwards, and CBA’s McCormick at last week’s presentation.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

PLAN IN PLACE: The Chiltern Place Plan outlines the proposed use of almost 18 hectares of council land at the town’s southern entrance.

Wangaratta’s inaugural Rural Women’s Day

LOCALS Meghan Gehrig and Meagan Jeffries are excited about Wangaratta’s first Rural Women’s Day event to be held on October 7.

Rural Women’s Day is a not-for-profit community organisation that connects rural and regional women through community, collaboration and celebration.

This year Rural Women’s Day will welcome more than 1000 attendees to 10 locations across Australia.

Ms Gehrig and Ms Jeffries have worked together for the past 12 months securing the private garden of the Bishops Lodge to host a health and wellness brunch that will follow with an evening celebration of rural and regional women at a gala dinner at Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway.

Rural Women’s Day, Wangaratta will attract local and interstate travellers for their opportunity to connect and hear from the incredible line up of guest speakers.

Attendees will start the brunch with a HIIT class from Kate Loechel from United Body & Soul or a yoga class with Julie Connolly from Find Balance then connect over brunch and hear from

chief executive officer of Sustainable Table, Jade Miles and founder of Villo Retreat, Alex Harris.

At the gala dinner, guests will be treated to a threecourse meal, with special guest Grace McLeod, farmer who hails from Western Victoria and who now calls the Top End home.

Speaking also is Zoe Carter, a positive influencer for young people in agriculture.

There will be live entertainment by country music artist Ell Regan.

It was sheer curiosity that led Ms Jeffries to take part in the Rural Women’s Day in Nagambie in 2022.

Having heard about the organisation and wanting to know more about it, she decided to go on a road trip and experience the day for herself.

It was there she met the founder of Rural Women’s Day Jackie Elliott and began networking with other likeminded women.

Ms Jeffries thoroughly enjoyed the day, and on her way home rang Ms Gehrig to discuss hosting an event in their local area.

Ms Jeffries believed Wangaratta would be the perfect

LIVE MUSIC: There will be live entertainment perfromed by country artist Ell Regan at the inaugural Wangaratta Rural Women’s Day.

location and knew how beneficial it would be for the local community - particularly those who lived on the farms and small towns that make up the Rural City.

Because connection matters.

That was the underlying message shared by Rural Women’s Day – North East Victoria co-hosts, Meagan Jeffries, and Meghan Gehrig.

Although their experiences growing up were different, both women know and value the importance of social connection.

For more information and purchase tickets, visit https:// www.ruralwomensday.com. au/shop.

Friday, September 29

RUTHERGLEN WINE SHOW: Public tasting.

6.30pm to 10pm. Henderson Pavilion, Rutherglen Showground, 171 High Street. Visit www. rutherglenwineshow.com.au for details and tickets. A combined Rutherglen Agricultural Society and Winemakers of Rutherglen event.

Saturday, September 30

QUERCUS BEECHWORTH. Repair Café. 10am to 12pm. Have your footy colours mended in time for the big game or the extra chairs you need fixed. Oregon Hall, cnr of Church & Ford Streets.

ARTS YACKANDANDAH. ‘Sounds of Spring’. An intimate evening of storytelling through song. Yackandandah Courthouse. Doors open 7pm for a show start at 7.30pm. For tickets and bookings visit www.trybooking.com/CJZLD.

Wednesday, October 4

U3A: New class ‘Science of our Senses’ -

touch, taste, smell, vision and hearing. 2pm to 4pm. Fortnightly on Wednesdays for five sessions. Hands-on learning with experiments and explanation of theories and principles. A fun, social and supportive experience with no previous science knowledge required but a sense of curiosity and why. Our senses - Touch, Taste, Smell, Vision, Hearing will be covered over the 5 sessions.

Wednesday, October 11

U3A: New class ‘Draw, Paint and Sip’. 2pm to 4pm. Non-structured social session for anyone interested in making Art. Bring along art supplies, whatever you like, and create with like-minded people. A chance to experiment in a relaxed atmosphere with a wine (BYO) or cuppa.

For more information about U3A or attending contact courses.indigo.u3a@gmail.com or visit our website at www.indigou3a.org. au.

CARING

FOR

THE

ENVIRONMENT:

Yackandandah’s Hervé Moreau has planted 40 native trees and shrubs on his patch this year.

Hervé has loved his regional treechange

HERVÉ Moreau was born in France in the small village of St Clément-de-la-Place close to the city of Angers on the Loire River. His parents were traditional mix-farmers. He first came to Australia on an agricultural sciences student exchange program and ended up returning in 1984 having met a young lady in Sydney on his first visit. Hervé lived in Sydney for more than 25 years, Melbourne for nine years and with his partner Robynne moved to Yackandandah in December 2021.

What do you do workwise?

I work for the Indigo Shire as a casual Yackandandah Visitor Information Centre officer as well as a museum assistant and tour guide.

What brought you to your latest role/career?

We wanted to move to the country to eventually retire. However, my career was not compatible with living outside of a capital city as I worked in sales and product management for global companies supplying ingredients to food, beverage and nutraceuticals manufacturers. I thought that some of my skills were transferable to the tourism industry.

What do you love about your work?

North East Victoria is a very attractive region with beautiful landscapes, lots of outdoor activities, vibrant agrotourism and a fascinating colonial history. It is so rewarding to help people make the most of their visit to the area and share some of the history of the region such as how the early squatters settled in the area, who they were and the tragic frontier war that took place at the time. Then the gold rush, the bushrangers and the conflict between the ‘squattocracy’, selectors, and fortune seekers.

What do you do in the community?

So far I have only helped in a few events such as the Beechworth Golden Horseshoes Festival and a couple of community events in ‘Yack’.

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

Hervé Moreau, Yackandandah

Health care, aged care and housing appear to be the most pressing issues in the area.

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

World order and the environment. We all share the same planet Earth and we need peace to work together to overcome the massive environmental challenges. I am optimistic that it can be done – there are great leaders such as Tony Rinaudo, who spoke at the Wooragee Landcare meeting on September 15. He has paved the way and proved that degraded land can be healed with simple inexpensive management practices.

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?

Nelson Mandella. I would like to show him the Beechworth Historic Precinct and discuss Australian colonial history, in particular from a First Nations perspective. I would love to ask Nelson Mandela to speak to all Australians and share his wisdom on how to best reconcile all Australians.

What book are you reading?

I typically have a few on the go, sometimes too many. At the moment the main ones are ‘Ned Kelly’ by Australian author, journalist, and radio and television presenter Peter FitzSimons, ‘Beechworth: A titan’s field’ by Melbournebased historian and author, Carole Woods, and just started ‘The Forest Underground’ by worldrenowned agronomist Tony Rinaudo.

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

GAMBLE (nee Bennett), Pamela Joy. 26/9/1966 – 23/9/2023

Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family. Dearly loved wife of Ian. Loved mother of Emma, Olivia and Nathan.

You will remain forever in our thoughts and hearts.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Free Green Waste Weekends

Our free green waste weekends are back for 2023.

This year, drop off your green waste and collect some mulch free of charge, at the Beechworth and Rutherglen Transfer Stations on the following dates:

Saturday 14 October and Sunday 15 October

Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 October

RAMS

Further details

Hill View Poll Dorset and White Suffolk Chiltern 0437 490 738

$800 - $1200

Breeding rams since 1994

HD Fat Bob, 2009, (HY607), 38,000km, $18,000 ono. Ph 0422 794 387.

CARAVANS & CAMPERS

GAMBLE

A funeral service to celebrate the life of Pamela Joy Gamble will be held at North East Funerals, 184 Greta Road, Wangaratta at 1pm on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, followed by interment at the Tarrawingee Cemetery.

Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre would be greatly appreciated. https://www.awccancertrust.org.au/ donate-online/

Pam’s funeral service can be viewed via live stream at www.northeastfunerals.com.au/livestream

To celebrate Pam’s life, you are welcome to wear colourful, casual clothes.

This is a great opportunity to clean up your

Only domestic loads of lawn clippings, branches, garden pruning’s will be accepted.

More information: www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au/ greenwaste

www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au

Phone: 1300 365 003

Finance and Administration Manager

North East Media and its subsidiary companies has a vacancy at its head office in Wangaratta (Victoria) for a motivated and experienced accounting and business administration professional to provide administration management, financial management, and HR support across the group.

The only family owned funeral home in Wangaratta

Proud Member of Australian Funeral Directors Association

John & Christine Haddrick

5722 2525

northeastfunerals.com.au

All Hours

Reporting directly to the CEO, the successful applicant will be responsible for the provision of day-to-day accounting and financial management responsibilities in the company. They will deliver on all financial and management accounting requirements within allocated deadlines, collaborate with the wider business to optimise finance operations and provide insightful financial and team information to the CEO for strategic decision making.

Essential Experience: management and the ability to multitask while working autonomously.

role and the group.

data entry and financial record-keeping. to collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders.

We offer a competitive and attractive salary package for the right person and the chance to build a good long-term stable career with a well-respected employer.

letter to:

Edward Higgins

CEO

North East Media Pty Ltd ehiggins@nemedia.com.au

Finding

2001 Honda CRV sport wagon (XYL126), nice paint work, all panels straight, interior v.g.c, incl seats and carpet. 4 good A.T tyres. Has little problem with overheating, good for motor swap or parts. Reg to Oct 19, 2023. $800, 235,000k’s on clock. Ph 0422 408 895.

2016 18’6” Kokoda Endure II Platinum Caravan, semi off road, full ensuite, washing machine, queen bed, 3 gas burners, 1 electric hot plates, microwave oven, tv, 175ltr fridge, freezer, 3 way pull out awning, many more extras, never been used, $47,500. Ph 0457 906 725.

2011 VW Tiguan

2.0 103TDi 5n auto (YIF824), silver, tow b ar, 242,000km used as work commute car, full service history, automatic, diesel, rwc, rego july 2024, $9900 neg, ph 0427 333 417.

SOLD

2015 Holden Cruze SRi-V, (1OK9GX), great first car, 1.6L turbo, auto. Top of the range including heated seats, Bluetooth, Sat.nav, 6 air bags. Registered to Nov. 2023. RW certificate. $8700. Couple minor scrapes on passenge r side. Contact Brad 0488 095 109.

2008 Holden VE SS Sedan (1KFU2), 197,800km, manual, 19” rims, has upgraded cams, genie extractors, 3-inch exhaust, high

BLACK Holden Cruze CDX 2010 (XWT095), 173,400klm. $3000 neg. Contact Andrew 0428 410 341.

the right job for you matters to us

If you don't use it...

ACROSS

4 Who was the first Prime Minister of Australia, Sir Edmund ... (6)

7 What, colloquially, is something completely outdated (8)

8 To be insubstantial, is to be what (6)

9 Who favours the equal division of land (8)

11 Which person delivers the mail (7)

13 Name a major commercial city in central Victoria (7)

15 What is a violent storm (7)

17 Which term describes an elliptical path (7)

20 What is the latest time for finishing something (8)

23 Name a microscopic, one-celled animal (6)

24 Which common fish is widely distributed in Australian and NZ waters (8)

25 What are short literary compositions (6)

DOWN

1 What is the common heather called (4)

2 Who wrote Blithe Spirit in 1941, Sir Noel ... (6)

3 Denpasar is the capital of which island province of Indonesia (4)

4 Which Italian philosopher was burnt as a heretic by the Inquisition (5)

5 What is something unusual, or uncommon (6)

6 Name a seaport in southern Japan, on Honshu Island (5)

9 In physics, what term describes the fraction of incident light scattered by a surface (6)

10 What was one of the twelve disciples known as (7)

12 Which plant is armed with stinging hairs (6)

14 What is another term for a picture theatre (6)

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.

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD QUICK

16 Name a renowned US golfer, Arnold ... (6)

18 Who, in Roman legend, was the twin brother of Romulus (5)

19 Name the second President of the US, John ... (5)

21 Which curved structure rests on supports at both extremities (4)

22 What is another term for Christmas (4)

Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.

WHICH WORDS

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:

Choices: either/... (3)

Explorers: Burke and ... (5)

Ineffective: ...-been (3)

Letter (3)

Light soup (5)

Past tense: steal (5)

Planet’s elliptical path

SOLUTIONS SUDOKU

THINK

Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

Rally a roaring success

By BRODIE EVERIST

OVER 300 dirtbike riders took to the track last Saturday in the 2023 Myrtleford Alpine Rally, traversing through bush trails in Stanley, Murmungee and Gapsted.

Alpine Rally president Mat Dwyer said the event went smoothly, they received positive feedback from rally riders and there were no injuries.

“There’s normally a few casualties, but this year we didn’t have any, so that’s a bonus,” he said.

He said weather for the event had been almost perfect, though they would have liked a little rain in the prior week to settle the dust.

Between 9-9:30am riders queued at the track start at Gapsted Recreation Reserve, and with the roar of engines, groups would set off when indicated by a rally official.

Dwyer said the event had 264 entrants, while 50 sweep riders also made sure groups stayed together and assisted with any problems during the ride.

The track took riders in a 75km loop through state forest and privately-owned land, largely heading northward until it reached North Dingle track east of Stanley, then the track looped back on a winding southward trajectory.

The loop also had three short cut tracks cutting through the middle.

Afterwards many riders returned to the Ablett Pavilion for dinner, which was also a success, according to Dwyer.

“The night back at the footy club was probably the best one we’ve had yet,” he said.

On the night, rally organisers also held a charity auction of various goods, including a tool box, chainsaw and fridge.

Dwyer said figures for the charity auction have yet to be calculated and they will announce in coming weeks the beneficiary of the auction.

He thanked the event sponsors and the two landowners who let them make tracks through their land.

Yarrawonga resident Max Williams rode the full loop in the rally and said he particularly enjoyed the track.

“It was good fun, a nice track, and it was obvious a fair bit of preparation went into it,” he said.

Williams said he has been riding motorbikes since he was three or four years old, and now he is a motor mechanic.

“I just live and breathe motorbikes,” he said.

“I’ve been trying to find a lot more events to do because that’s the sort of riding I want to do.”

MOTORBIKE MAGIC: Riders set off from Gapsted Recreation Reserve and took in bush trails through Stanley, Murmungee and Gapsted as part of the 2023 Myrtleford Alpine Rally.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist