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BEECHWORTH - CHILTERN - RUTHERGLEN - STANLEY - YACKANDANDAH DAN NDAH Friday, September 30, 2022
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INSIDE
STATE OF THE ART: Indigo Shire Council mayor Bernard Gaffney and Beechworth Lawn Tennis Club vice president Ben Croome showcase the new Baarmutha Park courts, which saw council nominated for a state award. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
Raising the net
Indigo Interview Page 9
Indigo g Shire nominated for state tennis ggong g following g upheaval p of regional g facilities TENNIS is well and truly alive throughout the region, with Indigo Shire Council (ISC) one of three finalists nominated for a state gong for their support of the local game. Nominated in the Victorian Tennis Awards’ ‘Supporting Tennis - Local Government Award,’ ISC will face off against the City of Boroondara and Maroondah City
BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au
Council, with the winner of the award eligible to be further nominated for national recognition. Mayor Bernard Gaffney said he was thrilled to see construction projects recently completed in Beech-
worth, Wahgunyah and Wooragee, and works ongoing to build the Kiewa Multipurpose Pavilion acknowledged at a state level. “We’ve recently completed and are in the process of completing projects totaling more than $3m,” he said. “We’re committed to supporting our local tennis clubs to thrive well into the future to ensure our com-
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munities have opportunities to stay healthy and active.” Four new cushioned acrylic concrete courts were officially opened at Beechworth’s Baarmutha Park complex in May, while hardcourts at Wahgunyah and Wooragee have further whetted the appetite for tennis in the region. The new Baarmutha Park courts feature competition
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standard low-level LED lighting and substantial court fencing, while works to develop new clubrooms are firmly on the agenda. Some $800,000 was contributed to the development by BLTC following the sale of its previous land, while $250,000 in State Government funding was also utilised, with $35,000 contributed by ISC. ■ Continued page 2
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Page 2 - ADVERTISER, Friday, September 30, 2022
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Shire raising the net ■
From page 1 Having operated at their previous Tanswell Street base for 83 years, Beechworth Lawn Tennis Club (BLTC) have since migrated to the new hardcourts, with club president Andy Carr lauding the region’s facilities upgrade. “We went over three years without having any tennis courts - tennis was one of the few sports to continue through COVID so to not have any courts was pretty dire for the community,” he said. “It’s really energised the community the level of interest we’ve had is amazing. “There’s a huge demand for tennis in the community and there’s this huge appetite for the community to get involved. “It was a huge investment of time and effort by a core group of people - the club didn’t have the capacity or capability to run a project of that size.” Mr Carr said with formal competition set to commence throughout the region in the coming weeks, the new facilities had allowed the club to offer a balance between casual and competitive play, by utilising a new online booking system. “We had a couple of come and play nights in June when it wasn’t raining - we’ve had lots of enquiries , and lots of family enquiries especially,” he said. “There’s lots of interest in casual tennis locally from people who perhaps don’t
FIRST SERVE: Baarmutha Park’s new tennis complex features four state-of-the-art hardcourts and competition standard lighting. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling have the time to sign up for a team - we’ll be able to offer a range of options from structured competition to casual play. “With the new book-a-court system, it just makes the accessibility so much easier. “You don’t have to worry about finding a key or paying in cash somewhere, it’s now all done online. “We’ve found more and more people want to play tennis on their own terms.” The 2022 Victorian Tennis Awards will be held at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club and online on Thursday, October 27.
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INDIGO Shire chief executive officer Trever Ierino will continue to lead the organisation for a further four years, with council agreeing to extend his contract to February 2027. Having joined council in 2018, Mr Ierino has overseen a number of important community projects and assisted in securing significant grant funding, including $2.5m for the Chiltern Community Hub and $5.1m for the Rutherglen Wine, Walk, Cycle Trail. Mayor Bernard Gaffney said ensuring continuity and stability was a major factor in the decision to extend Mr Ierino, particularly following upheaval and uncertainty in recent years with bushfires and the pandemic impacting the region. “We have endured unprecedented times and many challenges and Mr Ierino has remained steadfast and resilient in the face of this, ensuring that council continued to deliver essential services and keep the workforce safe,” Cr Gaffney said.
EXTENDED: Indigo Shire Council chief executive officer Trevor Ierino will be contracted until at least 2027. PHOTO: Indigo Shire Council Mr Ierino said the he was extremely humbled by the confidence shown in him. “Despite the challenges of the past few years, the organisation is in good shape and we have always remained focused on delivering the best possible services and outcomes for our community,” Mr Ierino said. “In 2021, council adopted a new 10-year community vision and four-year council plan, which were developed following extensive commu-
nity consultation. “We are now implementing the year-two actions and I’m thrilled that I will not only oversee the delivery of all the actions, but also contribute to a new council plan in 2025. “For a small rural council, we continually punch above our weight and I am proud that I can continue to lead the organisation as we recover from the pandemic and look towards a brighter future for all.”
Boost for regional first home buyers
So we can tell your story John & Christine Haddrick Member AUSTRALIAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
Indigo Shire CEO extended
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FROM October 1, regional Victorians will be helped into their first home through the Federal Government’s Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee - three months earlier than initially promised. The delivery of this Labor election commitment will mean 10,000 places will be available each financial year through the Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee to support regional first home buyers to purchase new or existing homes with a deposit of as little as five per cent. The Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee will provide a government guarantee of up to 15 per cent for eligible first home buyers, allowing regional Australians with a 5 per cent deposit to avoid paying mortgage insurance. To be eligible for a Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee, applicants must be Australian citizens, purchase outside a capital city, and demonstrate they have been living in the region in
which they are purchasing the property (or adjacent regional area) for at least 12 months. Property price caps and income caps will be consistent with the existing First Home Guarantee, administered by the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC). The Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee is part of the government’s housing reform agenda to support people into home ownership and improve the supply and quality of social and affordable housing, which includes: • Widening the remit of the National Housing Infrastructure Facility, making up to $575 million available to invest in social and affordable housing; • A $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund which will build 30,000 new social and affordable housing properties in its first five years; • A National Housing Supply and Affordability Council
to increase housing supply and improve affordability; • A National Housing and Homelessness Plan to set and deliver short, medium and long-term goals to improve housing outcomes across Australia; and • The Help to Buy program, which will reduce the cost of buying a home by up to 40 per cent for 10,000 Australians a year. Independent MP for Indi Helen Haines welcomed the announcement but said more needed to be done to support struggling home buyers. “I hope people in Indi struggling to save the deposit for their first home are able to take advantage of it,” Dr Haines said. “However, addressing affordability is only one part of fixing the housing crisis in regional Australia. “More must be done to address the supply side, including supporting councils to open up more land for housing.”
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Integrity in politics gets a boost Local childcare shifts INDEPENDENT Federal MP for Indi Helen Haines has welcomed the introduction of the legislation for the National Anti Corruption Commission by the government into the House of Representatives on Wednesday. Dr Haines has campaigned for a strong, independent integrity watchdog since being elected in 2019, introducing a bill to create the Australian Federal Integrity Commission in 2020 and again in 2021. Dr Haines continued the work of the former Independent MP for Indi Cathy McGowan, who also introduced a bill for a federal integrity commission in 2018. “This is a momentous day and it has been a long time coming,” Dr Haines said. “It is the first time a government has introduced a bill for an integrity watchdog to parliament. “Until now, all bills had come from the crossbench or the Greens. “I am encouraged by what I have seen from the government so far. “This bill includes many of the same features as my bill for the Australian Federal Integrity Commission, including a broad definition of corruption, the ability to take referrals from the public, one set of rules for all, retrospectivity and a statutory oversight committee. “I am pleased to see a commitment to pro-integrity measures including prevention and education functions. “This is an important pillar of stamping out corruption across government.” Elements of the bill, including coverage of third parties, prevention and education measures and protec-
to paid skilled board
GREAT EXPECTATIONS: Helen Haines (Indi Independent MP) and other members of the crossbench in the House and the Senate entering parliament on Wednesday. tion of whistleblowers, have been included since the government began consultations with the crossbench over the development of the bill. “It is clear to see in the bill that has been introduced that the government has listened to the concerns that I and other crossbenchers raised with the Attorney General,” Dr Haines said. “Genuine and constructive consultation on this important piece of legislation has lead to crucial changes.” Dr Haines signalled she still holds concerns about some aspects of the bill. “Under the government’s bill, public hearings will only be held in exceptional circumstances and when in the public interest to do so. “It is not clear why the ‘exceptional circumstances’ test has been included and I am concerned it creates an unnecessary extra hurdle when private hearings are already the default.
“I will be looking closely at the bill over the coming weeks to ensure each clause is appropriate and serves a strong, independent watchdog with the appropriate safeguards.” Dr Haines has nominated to be a member of the joint select committee that will examine the bill before it goes to a vote. “Throughout this process I have committed to work in good faith with the government to examine the bill and improve it where necessary and I intend to continue that through the committee process,” Dr Haines said. “This is a once in a generation opportunity and I will be working hard to make sure we get it right.” The joint select committee should be announced this week, and the committee will report back by November 10, which leaves enough room for the legislation to be passed this year
A NEW paid board is set to take control of day-to-day operations of Beechworth Community Childcare Centre’s (BCCC) childcare services, as part of a restructure to meet demands of the growing community. In a statement issued to parents at the start of the month, the centre announced plans to amalgamate the kinder and childcare committee of management (CoM) into a single ‘skilled’ board had been put on hold, however, noted a paid board would be elected to operate the business’ childcare arm. “COVID hijacked our focus over the last few years, and recently the announcement of plans for funded pre-kinder-kinder to be rolled out in schools posed more questions than could be answered,” coordinator Mandy Holt said. “As a result, the childcare and kindergarten committees have decided to remain separate for now - this will allow for the necessary flexibility to meet the everchanging landscape in the early years space, and leave the door open for this to occur in the future if required/desired. “The business side of our lovely childcare has outgrown the current style of governance and as we look to the future, we can see that the centre needs more support to meet the future demands of our community.” Expressions of interest to sit on the paid skilled board are open, with BCCC outlining experience in human resources, early childhood,
EXPANDING: Beechworth Community Childcare Centre teacher Lourdes Lucani, with students Anushka Skye, Eleanor O’Connor, Elias Primerano, Bertie Friend, Ellie Whitmore, Theodore Meredith and coordinator Mandy Holt. committee or board experience, finance, governance, grant writing, project management, strategic planning and legal would be welcomed. Those interested in applying should contact Ms Holt at BCCC in order to receive an expression of interest form, with submissions closing on October 10. The board is set to take over from the existing committee of management at BCCC’s annual genearl meeting, slated to take place on October 24. “We encourage everyone to consider applying, a diverse group of people make for a more representative committee,” Ms Holt said. “It is a great experience and obviously a wonderful centre to be a part of.” To contact BCCC, phone 03 5728 2378 from Monday to Friday between 7:30am and 6pm.
Expression of Interest Beechworth Community Childcare is seeking people from the community who are suitably qualified to sit on our paid skilled board. The business side of our lovely childcare has outgrown the current style of volunteer governance and as we look to the future, we can see that the centre needs more support to meet the future demands of our community. We are hopeful of finding people with skills, interest and or experience in the following areas: r Human Resources r Early childhood r Previous committee or board experience r Finance
r Governance/ policy r Grant writing r Project management r Strategic planning r Legal
If you are interested in applying (or know anyone who might be) please contact the coordinator of the centre, Mandy Holt on 0357282378, and she can ensure you receive the EOI. We encourage everyone to consider applying, a diverse group of people make for a more representative committee. It is a great experience and obviously a wonderful centre to be a part of. The skilled board is set to take over from the current Committee of Management on October 24th 2022, at our AGM. EOI closing date 10th October 2022 Regards, Beechworth Childcare Committee of Management
Page 4 - ADVERTISER, Friday, September 30, 2022
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Quilt Exhibition to return AN annual celebration of local quilting culture will grace Barnawatha Soldiers Memorial Hall early next month, as the Indigo Quilt Exhibition showcases the wares of the local region. Hosted by Skellywags Sewing School, the exhibition will involve a three-day showcase between 9:30am and 4pm on October 14, 15 and 16, with a $5 entry fee and quilt raffle proceeds set to be donated to the Barnawatha Soldiers Memorial Hall restoration fund. Morning and afternoon tea will be provided along with daily light lunches, as local ladies exhibit their beautiful quilts and handiwork. A textile bird display, postcard challenge and trading table will also be on show. Enquiries can be made to Shelley Kelly by phoning 0439 311 246.
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QUILTING SHOWCASE: Shelley Kelly and Jan Manglesdorf of Skellywags Sewing School will oversee the three-day Indigo Quilt Exhibition from October 14.
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Local author in Big Issue collection By SHANE DOUTHIE BEECHWORTH writer and broadcaster Katherine Smyrk is one of the featured authors in the recently released 18th Fiction Edition magazine of The Big Issue. Katherine is currently working as a reporter for ABC Goulburn Murray. Her novella was shortlisted for the Lord Mayor’s Literary Prize 2017. She is the former deputy editor of The Big Issue (and has always wanted to be published in the Fiction Edition). The bumper edition includes new work from 12 writers who were all selected from an incredible 905 open submissions from all around the country. The Fiction Edition is the biggest-selling fiction magazine in Australia and has become a permanent staple in the Australian literary community. The new edition is a special bonus after publishing a Summer Fiction Edition magazine in February. Katherine said she was very excited and honoured to be included in the collection. “I worked on The Big Issue for five years before coming to the North East,” she said. “It was a great job; I got to write about some interesting
READ ALL ABOUT IT: Local author Kathryn Smyrk with The Big Issue Fiction Edition that includes her short story ‘Where I Lived Before’. things and some great people, especially the vendors (who sold The Big Issue). “I was really chuffed to have ‘Where I Lived Before’ included in the collection, I worked on a lot of the fiction editions and always wanted to get in them.” Katherine encouraged
people to purchase The Big Issue locally or go online. “It’s not only great writing but also does good things for people in the community,” she said The Big Issue editor Amy Hetherington said the edition is highly welcomed and anticipated by The Big Issue
readers and vendors. “There is something special about the Fiction Edition: there are 12 wonderful stories from exciting new authors; and stunning illustrations by Guy Shield that make this edition a work of art - but it’s more than that, too,” Amy said.
“Fiction expands our worlds, helps us make sense of this one, and allows us to experience life from other perspectives. “Plus, the Fiction Edition is always a bestseller and provides a much-welcome income boost for Big Issue vendors.”
With 16 more pages than usual, this edition was made possible by the generous support of the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund. Submissions were anonymously judged by Melissa Fulton and Claire Cao, as well as The Big Issue editorial team. Illustrations are by Adelaide-based artist Guy Shield. The Fiction Edition has also helped provide a launchpad for writers who’ve gone on to stellar literary careers. Crime writer Jane Harper was inspired to write her international bestseller The Dry after her short story ‘Spiders and Flies’ was published in the 2014 Fiction Edition. Melissa Manning’s 2018 story ‘Stone’ formed part of her Smokehouse collection, which won the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for Fiction earlier this year. Other writers discovered through the submissions process have gone on to win the Miles Franklin and Vogel literary awards. Copies are available for $9 from The Big Issue vendors around the country. Readers who aren’t close to a vendor can purchase the magazine through The Big Issue online store or subscribe and support their Women’s Workforce.
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Page 6 - ADVERTISER, Friday, September 30, 2022
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Springing out of winter Local food culturalist and storyteller Peter Kenyon explores North East food culture and how it supports strong, g, sustainable,, confident rural communities.
By PETER KENYON IN many temperate societies reliant on local production for their foods, spring marked the beginning of a time referred to as “the hungry gap”. Last year’s passata, made with summer’s fragrant and abundant tomatoes, simply didn’t last as long as it might have. And those jars of home-made jam and preserved fruits are finished. In earlier times, when last season’s stores were fast-depleting and there were as yet no fresh crops to harvest, hunger stalked many communities. Meals might often incorporate wild harvested “weeds” such as chickweed, mallow and nettles, easy to find on roadsides and the edge of fields. Morel mushrooms are also popular in spring in many parts of the world, including here. In Victoria we have a wide range of climates. Farming areas along the sunny Murray in particular are productive throughout the year. Diverse landscapes, glasshouses, refrigerated, hi-tech storage options and long-distance transport alternatives mean Victorians need never experience a hungry gap. But embracing and celebrating seasonal production, even
FRESH FOOD IN EASY REACH: You’ll need gloves to pick and handle nettles but the stings disappear when cooked. at its ebb, is the hallmark of unique, place-dependent food cultures. We don’t pretend summer’s abundance beckons year-round. The beauty of food is that it varies through the year. Enjoy what’s on offer in your gardens, on the roadsides and at your local farmers’ markets but be sure to ask the seller if they
grow it themselves. If not, it’s not a farmers’ market! Google some new recipes and keep your eyes peeled for something you’ve not tried before, like roadside nettles in a soup, a verdant dandelion salad or gently sauteed morels. What’s your favourite spring recipe?
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Letters to the editor Statutory oversight MPs prepared for mechanisms that protect the of the commission; IBAC legislation independence Budgetary protection, AS members of the crossbench in the House of Representatives and the Senate, we were elected by our communities for our commitment to fight for integrity in politics and hold the government to account when it comes to delivering a federal integrity commission. Some of us have been in parliament for many years, and others for just months. Our electorates are diverse, representing different states and territories, cities and the regions. But we are united in a will for a better standard of politics, and an integrity watchdog that will be respected by the public and improve trust in our democracy, just as our communities are. As we prepare to see the government’s legislation for the National Anti-Corruption Commission when it is introduced to parliament this week, we reiterate our commitment to continue to work constructively with the government to ensure the model that is implemented is the best it can be, will stamp out corruption, and improve integrity within government. We have worked constructively with the government in consultations on the bill and intend to continue in that manner as it is considered by committee and debated in both houses. We have been raising our detailed concerns with the government for many months now in a good faith attempt to have them addressed in a timely way. We won’t delay the process for political games or point scoring, but won’t be rushed to vote in favour of a bill that doesn’t make the grade. We want to ensure the commission is properly set up to do the job it needs to do, and is given the supporting infrastructure necessary to ensure its success in the future. This means: Strong whistleblower protection, including through a whistleblower protection commissioner;
independence and funding transparency; Ability for own-motion investigations into so-called ‘grey corruption’; Funding for pro-integrity measures including prevention and education; Jurisdiction over third parties who seek to improperly influence government decisions and funding. These points have already been raised with the Government through formal and informal consultation, private meetings and in writing. They are not minor issues, but based on the lessons from integrity bodies in other states and territories, and from experts who have worked on these issues for many years. It is now up to the government to deliver an anti-corruption commission that is independent, strong, and trusted by the Australian people. We look forward to seeing the bill and working to ensure it is fit for purpose and fulfills its role for many years to come. Helen Haines, Adam Bandt, Kate Chaney, Zoe Daniel, Bob Katter, Dai Le, David Pocock, Monique Ryan, Sophie Scamps, Rebekha Sharkie, David Shoebridge, Allegra Spender, Zali Steggall, Kylea Tink, Andrew Wilkie, Federal Government Crossbench MPs
LETTERS to the editor must be signed with the full name, address and contact telephone number of the author provided. Letters under 250 words are preferred and we reserve the right to edit letters to fit available space. Nom de plumes will only be published at the editor’s discretion. Opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by the Ovens and Murray Advertiser. Email edit.omadvertiser@nemedia.com.au Post Ovens & Murray Advertiser North East Media 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta, Vic 3677
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Upgraded NBN service now ready in Indi
WELCOME TO NBN: Eligible residential homes and businesses in parts of Chiltern can now place an order to upgrade their NBN connection to Fibre to the Premises (FTTP). regional people don’t face exorbitant costs which people in larger cities don’t face. “I have already met Minister Rowland to speak about the communications needs in Indi and I will always work hard to make sure the government is listening when it comes to better phone and internet coverage.” Under the Australian Government’s plan:
Around 80 per cent of all regional and remote premises will have access to plans based on wholesale speeds of 100 Mbps or more by late 2025 - this was estimated at 33 per cent in March 2022. 93 per cent of all Australian homes and businesses will have access to plans based on wholesale speeds of 100 Mbps or more. Close to 90 per cent
of the NBN fixed-line footprint will have access to plans based on wholesale speeds of 500Mbps to close to gigabit speeds. For more information on upgrade eligibility, visit www. nbn.com.au/fibreupgrade. Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland, said the NBN is a key investment in the nation’s future. “Since 2009, the network
has kept Australians connected, supported telehealth and remote education, and boosted economic productivity by expanding access to new customers for small businesses, Ms Rowland said. “The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring that Australians get the full benefit of NBN’s potential by enabling as many
NBN lines to access full fibre connections as possible.” “Eligible local residents and businesses in Chiltern will now be able to take advantage of higher speed services as a result of this announcement. Expanding fibre access will ensure Australians are at the forefront of digital connectivity and will help bridge the digital divide.”
FSA/DETS1029
ELIGIBLE residential homes and businesses in parts of Chiltern can now place an order to upgrade their NBN connection to Fibre to the Premises (FTTP). These upgrades will be available on demand where a customer in an eligible premise seeks a higher speed service through their Retail Service Provider. This will allow residents and businesses to take advantage of the faster speeds which are increasingly important in a digital society and economy. To further expand the benefits of fibre connections, the Australian Government has also committed to enabling an additional 1.5 million premises to transition from Fibre to the Node (FTTN) to Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) by 2025 - a significant proportion of which will be in regional areas. Independent MP for Indi Helen Haines welcomed the announcement. “This is good news for Chiltern and will hopefully allow more people to access high-speed internet, which is vital for running a small business, studying, working from home and more,” Dr Haines said. “I look forward to learning more about this program and how it could be rolled out to more towns in Indi. “It’s important that in accessing programs like this,
Giving Victorian children the best start in life Free Kinder from 2023 will give Victorian children the best start in life. Three- and Four-Year-Old Kinder will be FREE across the state at participating services. In 2022, funded Three-Year-Old Kinder continues to roll out across the state. And over the decade, we’ll transition Four-Year-Old Kinder to Pre-Prep and establish 50 Victorian Government-owned and affordable childcare centres. Learn more at vic.gov.au/kinder
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Tuesday, October 4 YACKANDANDAH LIBRARY: IT Help desk. 2pm-3pm. Indigo U3A sessions for library goers. Bring laptop, mobile phone or tablet/ iPad. Wednesday, October 5 - U3A ‘BEECHWORTH HEALTH SERVICES - A 170 YEAR JOURNEY’ - 2pm-4pm at the Beechworth Railway Station. Presenter Ian Hyndman will take us on a 170-year journey of Beechworth’s health services. From their beginning in 1852 when the first doctor arrived in Beechworth, and the establishment in 1853 of the first hospital in a tent beside Spring Creek; through the opening of Ovens District Hospital in 1857 and Ovens Benevolent Asylum and Beechworth Mental Hospital by 1867, to the present day. Bookings essential. Non-members contact courses.indigo.u3a@ gmail.com. Visit the website at www.indigou3a.net to find out about other Indigo U3A activities. Friday, October 7 BEECHWORTH LIBRARY: 5.30pm - 7.30pm. Author talk with Margaret Hickey best known for her crime thrillers ‘Cutters End’ and ‘Stone Town’. Saturday, October 8 BEECHWORTH ARTS COUNCIL: 10am. Art tour. Wodonga Art Gallery. Meet in Church St, Beechworth for car share or at gallery 10.30am. Lunch Ploughman’s Inn. Bookings by Oct 6. Contact Chris on 0458 606 922 or beechworthartscouncil@gmail.com.
October seven days a week QUERCUS BEECHWORTH: ‘Grow free.’ Fresh produce, milk and bread. Available at the Quercus Beechworth community garden shelter. 23 to 30 Ford Street. October onwards FRIENDS OF STANLEY ATHENAEUM: ‘Stanley Pubs, Ales and Tales.’ Visit the exhibition at the Stanley Post and Community Hub (old Stanley School), Main Street, Stanley. Open today until June 2023 on Monday to Friday 8.30 - 10.30 am and 3.30 - 5.30pm, Saturday 9.00 - 11.00 am or by appointment. Closed Sunday, Public Holidays and Red Code days. Contact: 0458 606 922 or 03 5728 6702 for more information. Saturday, October 1 QUERCUS BEECHWORTH: 8am-1pm. Flea market. Grab a bargain. Cnr Ford and Church Streets. QUERCUS BEECHWORTH: Shutterbugs Photography Club. 11am-1pm. Amateurs, professionals, enthusiasts, adults and kids welcome. BYO camera and laptop (if you have them). QUERCUS BEECHWORTH: Worm farm ‘make and take’ - hands on workshop. Free to watch. Register to make and take https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/955994 BEECHWORTH FARMERS MARKET: 8am12pm. More than 50 stalls. 29 Ford Street. BEECHWORTH LIBRARY: 10am. Saturday stories for families.
IF you have an event you’d like added to this calendar, please email edit.omadvertiser@nemedia.com.au
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LOVING THE REGION: Beechworth’s Rachel Clayton has enjoyed her move to Indigo Shire, here pictured with her five-month-old adopted Greyhound, Rae.
Rachel loves showcasing the North East ADELAIDE-born Rachel Clayton spent a number of years in Melbourne before a move to Beechworth around 18 months ago with her partner Luke. What’s your job? Event Attraction coordinator at Wodonga Council. What brought you to this role? I love festivals and missed working on them since moving here, so I jumped at the opportunity to work in them again when it was offered. What do you love about your job? Attracting people to the region for an event or festival is the best, because it acts as a lure for people to explore the region and allows an opportunity to taste amazing food and wine, see incredible sights, and enjoy the arts and culture we have here. What do you do in the community? I love supporting the arts. Whether it is attending a local theatre production or checking out a local artist’s exhibition. The more the better I say. What’s the most important current community issue for you? Affordable housing, although not exclusive to North East Victoria it is a big issue here, where housing is scarce and what is available is unaffordable for many. What would you do to solve, change or improve that situation? I’d think more funding being allocated towards Not For Profits and government organisations that provide low-cost housing would help the most marginalised. Perhaps home owners who don’t use their homes all year round could be incentivised to rent out their place to help people struggling to find a rental.
Rachel Clayton What’s the most important current world issue for you? I’d have to say climate change. I’m not sure much else is going to matter if there is no planet to live on. It may sound a bit doomsdayish, but that’s actually what I think. Still, I am optimistic that we as a society have the will and the know-how to turn things around. If the person you would most like to meet came to Indigo, or was already here, who would that be and what would you show them? It would be great if my Nana could come to Indigo, mainly because I miss her and she died when I was young. But I’d take her to Rutherglen’s Winery Walkabout. Why would you show her that? She was very proper and a big fortified wine drinker. I would have loved tasting Australia’s top Tawnys, Tokays, and Muscats with her and listen to her saying things unbecoming of her.. haha. What book are you reading? ‘Pain and Prejudice’ by Gabrielle Jackson. It’s non-fiction and looks at how the medical system has (and continues to) ignore women’s health....and dare I say prioritise men’s. It’s very well written and quite interesting. Although, when I need to unwind one of my secret pleasures is listening to Stephen Fry narrate the Harry Potter books. He’s so good at performing all the characters and I just love it!
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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 30th September 2022 at 5.00pm Please contact the Beechworth Surgery Practice Manager or Beechworth Health Service CEO to obtain an application form.
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ADVERTISER, Friday, September 30, 2022 - Page 11
SPORT
Young stars are riding on a high By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN BEECHWORTH’s own young mountain biking stars are riding on a high after finishing on the podium in the Gravity Victoria Enduro Series last event in Bright early in September Reuben Pfahlert (13) and Kinta Gonzalez (14) are a part of the Victorian Enduro Tour, which is a series of mountain biking races across six of the best mountain biking tracks in Victoria. Rueben and Kinta have lived and breathed mountain biking together since growing up through the Beechworth Mountain Bike Chain Gang and are now a part of the Fastline Bikakademy in Albury, where they are regularly coached by two retired racers Julia Boer and Roger Derrick. Both aspiring riders have been in great form, with Reuben winning the last two races on the tour while Kinta had his hard work pay off with his first podium finish in Bright. Reuben said playing football with the Bushrangers throughout the year has helped him with his recent success on tour which has only added to the fun he has had. “It’s been good fun rid-
IN THEIR HABITAT: Kinta Gonzalez and Reuben Pfahlert have grown up mountain biking together their whole lives, and it was a special moment when the Beechworth boys stood on the podium together in the last Victoria Enduro series race in Bright earlier this month. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling ing and competing with my friends,” he said. “I’ve gradually improved with each race and got a lot fitter due to playing football which has helped me ride faster. “The last two races being at Nail Can and Bright has been an advantage as I know the trails well and I’m a lot fitter.”
Kinta’s parents, Omar and Melissa, are both mountain bikers themselves and he said mountain biking is something that he’s always been involved in growing up and is like a tradition to him. “I really like mountain bike racing because of the adrenaline I get and because it is a fun way to spend time
with my mates and see how we all get better,” he said. “I like learning new tricks and going to new places in search of new tracks.” More than 40 competitors from across the state compete in the under 15’s Enduro series, which demands riders to be extremely consistent across six separate stages of time trials and
have great knowledge of the tracks to come out on top. Reuben and Kinta have both relished the opportunity the series offers to ride a wide range of tracks and make plenty of friends along the way. Reuben said growing up and riding against friends like Kinta has inspired him to push himself to work
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harder on his racing and take it more seriously. “Initially it was about building our own jumps and tracks and hanging out with my mates but now we get to travel to new areas, race at new parks and improve our riding,” he said. Kinta said he has the most fun riding against Reuben, since they have been doing it for years. “It is great to race against him as we push each other on,” he said. “And after all of my training and hard work, it was great to get a spot on the podium with him.” Both boys will be looking forward to their next big event which is the National Enduro Championships to be held at Red Hill Mountain Bike Park in Melbourne’s south. Kinta is currently carrying a wrist injury sustained from riding, not that it stops him from going on the bike and trying new tricks, but he hopes it heals in time for the national championships next month. “In a few weeks time, my cast is supposed to come off the week before the race,” he said. “Mansfield is two weeks after the nationals, and I am excited to race the tracks there.”
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QUALITY REPAIRS & SERVICE
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Back on course By DYLAN POOL Last Sunday nine men fronted up in beautiful sunshine for the September Monthly Medal. Unfortunately at the moment the course is very heavily water-logged and was very hard going walking around. Considering how tough the going was, all bar one player finished with scores in the nett 70s. Jamie Dolny is making sure that his competition in the Medal of Medals is kept to a minimum when the final is played in November, by taking out his third medal of the year with a score of 89/18/71 - Jacob Howard was runner up with 84/11/73, one clear of Xavier Palamarczuk in his comeback game with 76/2/74. No nearest the pins were recorded. Unfortunately as was reported earlier we have had to postpone the Indigo Challenge which was to be played this Sunday due to how wet the course is. The tournament is still coming up in a few weeks’ time on Sunday, October 16. Hopefully we can get a couple of dry weeks and the course can be fully mowed and dried out enough to hold the event. For anyone interested there will be a Stableford event this coming Sunday. Remember that daylight saving time starts this Sunday, therefore Sunday golf is now at 12:30pm for a 1pm start. Don’t worry, if you forget there will be someone there at 12noon to remind you. Also with the start of daylight saving time, Thursday twilight golf will commence next Thursday, October 6. 4:30pm- 5:10pm tee off with BBQ and raffles on the night. No handicap is required, with all players new, returning and visiting welcome to attend.
AIR TIME BEECHWORTH’S REUBEN Pfahlert, 13, secured wins in the final two races of the Victorian Enduro Tour mountain bike series. Story page 11. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
All-female T/20 comp on the way A NEW women’s only T/20 cricket competition set to be played in and around Wangaratta will work to progress female cricket to the next level. The Wangaratta and District Cricket Association will hold a muster day for all women and junior players interested next Sunday from 10am at Wareena Park in Wangaratta. WDCA female cricket liaison Andrea Belci said a dedicated open age female short-form competition is the natural next step up for female cricket in the region. “The last couple of years we’ve entered an open female team in the Goulburn/Murray (league), and last year we won the grand final,
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
and this year we haven’t entered a team,” she said. “We’ve got a lot of interest, we’ve got participants that regularly play in Melbourne in the premier league, we have participants that play at a junior youth level, and if you’re wanting to play female cricket you tend to have to travel away. “I think it’s a good time for the WDCA to look at forming our own competition and growing that. “Our idea is we’ll play four or
five matches before Christmas and we’ll play a representative game against potentially Cricket Albury Wodonga, and then after Christmas play another four or five games then play a rep game against Goulburn/Murray. “Hopefully we can start with two teams and we’ll be able to grow that as we go along. “We’re in a position where we can really start to do that.” The plan is to get teams and training sessions sorted as soon as possible, with the season set to start in late October. Belci said two sides of eight players was the minimum required to get the league underway, but felt there was more interest in the area than that.
“That’s the minimum that we’re required to have in our teams, but if we can go 11 a side we’ll go 11 a side,” she said. “If we can get two eight a side teams going that would be great, if we can get more we’ll go with more. “We’d be over the moon if we could get four sides, but we’re just going to start small and continually build.” For younger players looking to take up the sport, Belci said Beechworth’s junior MasterBlaster program would commence next Wednesday, October 5, at the Beechworth Primary School from 4pm. For more information, visit the WDCA’s Facebook page.