appointed a Member of the Order
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
Aussies commemorate finest at ceremonies
SAUSAGES sizzled and eggs fried on the barbeque at an early morning breakfast in the Beechworth Servicemen’s Memorial Hall kicking o the town’s Australia Day celebrations on Sunday.
A patriotic crowd of around 100 people gathered to celebrate with awards presented to two locals for outstanding achievements.
BY CORAL COOKSLEY ccooksley@ nemedia.com.au
Beechworthians Mary Edwards received the Emma George Sports Scholarship while Maria Kraus
received the Beechworth and District Certi cate of Achievement presented by Indigo Shire councillor John Harvey. The recipients were among a number of volunteers and community leaders around the shire recognised for their outstanding contributions with various Australia Day awards.
Representing both Cricket NSW and Cricket Victoria, Mary has been a key player for the North East Knights Under 15 Girls since the age of 11, where she required eligibility exemptions to compete.
■ Continued page 2
Community spirit impresses overseas visitors
By CORAL COOKSLEY
COMMUNITY coming together in a small town to celebrate Australia Day on Sunday stood out for an American couple visiting Beechworth with friends from Canberra.
Nebraska’s Dan Cotton said it had been impressive to see engagement of the scouts, the Lions Club and other community organisations as well as having local awards.
“It was wonderful to see the community celebrate community,” he said.
“It’s also wonderful to see that it’s about accomplishments of women in this community too.”
The four visitors had also been taken by the speech given by guest speaker Beechworth Honey’s Jodie Goldsworthy AM.
An occasional visitor to town, Canberra’s Irena Ali said she often enjoyed returning to the area with its beautiful community.
“Today was very special because it was intergenerational and intercultural, and that’s where I think one could see the tangible outcome, where everyone counts in making the day very special,” she said.
“The inspirational speech by Jodie was something that touched my heart deeply – it takes the village to raise the child and make future leaders.”
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YOUR OVENS AND MURRAY TEAM
HELPING HANDS: Beechworth CWA members Barb Edwards (le ) and granddaughter Morgan Edwards visiting from Gosford in NSW with CWA’s Liz Suhr helped prepare fruit salad to dish up.
Kathryn Chivers
SUPPORTED: Members of 1st Beechworth Scouts at the town’s Australia Day celebrations on SundayRachelle Verlin (le ), Darren Brough, Colin Bowey, Zachary Hoare with Hugh and Caitlyn Barnden.
Lucas.
TUCKED IN: Beechworth’s Gurli (le ) and Rod Nielsen, and Maurice Kraus with his dad Ben enjoyed the breakfast at the Australia Day celebrations.
Australia Day celebrated around the shire with awards
■ From front page
Standout performances included ranking 34th in NSW batting rankings during the 2024 U15 Youth Championship in Singleton while last month Mary competed in the U16s Country Championship in Bathurst.
Also selected for the Cricket Victoria Girls Leadership Program, the thirteen-year-old gained valuable skills in coaching, mentoring, and administration as the youngest participant.
“Playing cricket has given me amazing opportunities and to meet some great people to help me grow as a person,” Mary said.
“I’ve been able to meet, play and learn from some very inspiring people, and to travel places around our great country playing cricket.
“I’d love to thank everyone who’s been a part of my journey so far, including friends, family, teammates and coaches and everyone else who makes playing cricket and sports possible.
“It’s really about communities coming together in a positive way, just as we are here today in our lucky country.”
A passionate volunteer in the community, Maria Kraus said she was humbled in receiving her Australia Day award.
“There are a lot of volunteers and it’s not just about me,” she said.
Maria founded a free and inclusive community run and walk club two years ago encouraging people to be active.
The award recipient said there is a good mix of people including kids, with the club now boasting a strong following of more than 300 members.
Maria has also been a longtime volunteer coach for the local mountain bike club for its junior program as well as for teenagers.
She is also a Quercus Beechworth neighbourhood Centre board member.
“Being a volunteer is rewarding and it’s nice to be
publicly recognised,” she said. Maria said being appreciated by the community encouraged her to keep going.
Guest speaker Beechworth Honey’s Jodie Goldsworthy was recognised for signi cant service to primary industry, particularly the honey bee and pollination sector in this year’s Australia Day honours, with her appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division.
The fourth-generation bee keeper delivered an inspiring speech of her incredible journey stretching from her time as a young girl growing up in the honey industry, to later years working with government bodies and industry organisations to help shape both national and international policies.
A passionate Ms Goldsworthy also emphasised the critical role of bees in global food supply, biodiversity, soil health, water
quality, and climate health.
The CWA, Beechworth Lions Club and the Rotary Club of Beechworth hosted the event with Beechworth 1st Scouts taking the honour to raise and lower the Australian ag with Rotarian John Costello as MC.
Mark Stephens aka Lazy Harry led the crowd singing just the national anthem.
Longtime Barnawartha resident Paul Schirmer named Indigo Shire’s 2025 Citizen of the Year while 11-year-old Hugh Bergin was awarded Indigo Shire Young Citizen of the Year. Rutherglen Golf Club clinched the shire’s Community Organisation of the Year award.
Other council award recipients included Glenn Excell with the Chiltern District Certi cate Achievement, Louise Rietmann with the Yackandandah District Certi cate Achievement and Hans Duursma with the Rutherglen District Certi cate Achievement.
PHOTO:
ALL SMILES: Beechworth Rotary Club members president Harry Thomas (le ), Howard Moreton, John Strang, Marlene and John Costello, Simon Kelly and Geo
John Harvey presented Maria Kraus with the Beechworth District Certificate Achievement.
for outstanding contribution to their community with guest speaker Beechworth Honey’s Jodie Goldsworthy AM at this year’s Australia Day celebrations held in the Servicemen’s Memorial Hall.
PHOTOS: Coral Cooksley
Cotton, Beechworth Lions Club’s Iris Mannik (AM) and Emeritus professor Dan Cotton.
BUZZING WITH JOY: Jodie Goldsworthy has been a driving force in Australia and internationally for three decades working to protect bees with their vital role in food security, biodiversity and sustainability for a healthy planet.
Top honour for Jodie
By CORAL COOKSLEY
BEECHWORTH’s Jodie Goldsworthy has been recognised for signi cant service to primary industry, particularly the honey bee and pollination sector in this year’s Australia Day Honours awards with her appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division.
An overwhelmed Ms Goldsworthyco-founder of Beechworth Honey - said she had been humbled in receiving the award.
“I think this is an award which is much bigger than me – it’s for bees and people who work behind the scenes and have supported me, our industry and also for the amazing organisations I have worked for,” she said.
Ms Goldsworthy has been a driving force in Australia and internationally for three decades working to protect bees with their vital role in food security, biodiversity and sustainability for a healthy planet.
The fourth-generation beekeeper grew up in the industry listening to problems that both bees and beekeepers faced throughout her childhood understanding the importance of bees.
“Bees pollinate two thirds of Australia’s agricultural production and are absolutely critical for our food supply, biodiversity, healthy soil, water quality and the planet,” she said.
Ms Goldsworthy had recognised policy makers needed to understand the
complex issues facing bees and beekeepers.
“You start to get involved in organisations, and work with like-minded people who share the same passion,” she said.
Among challenges for bees have been the threat of exotic pests and diseases from outside Australia such the varroa mite, intensive land management and its impact on the environment, and climate change.
“I’ve been lucky with amazing opportunities to help shape rural and regional Australia and try and share the importance of bees with organisation such as National Farmers Federation and Australian Food and Grocery Council,” she said.
Working at an international level, Ms Goldsworthy spent eight years as Oceana regional president of the International Federation of Beekeeping Association, Apimondia, with its 128 member countries including Australia and is now Oceana regional’s vice president.
She was also a founding member of Apimondia’s honey adulteration working group.
“This has shaped the development of international standards both in the US and in Europe,” Ms Goldsworthy said.
“It’s a complex topic where collaboration and collective global action is required.”
She has also been involved in organising the world beekeeping awards.
Ms Goldsworthy said among amaz-
ing mentors have been the late Linton Briggs, a beekeeper and a queen bee breeder from Glenrowan as well as Wheen Bee Foundation’s retired chairman Max Whitten, with whom she worked in creating the foundation.
The foundation promotes the importance of bees for food security and raises funds for research to address national and global threats to bees.
“The foundation this year has been funded to develop an Australian pollination strategy, and that’s something I’ve been, working on for a long time, and it’s really exciting,” Ms Goldsworthy said.
With a love of nature and the environment Ms Goldsworthy hopes her legacy will be an inspiration for everyone to have a love of bees.
“It’s rewarding to work with other people and see that you can make a difference to help educate and inform,” she said.
Among other organisations, Ms Goldsworthy has held various board member and committee positions with Honey Packers and Marketers Association of Australia, Australian Honey Bee Industry Council.
Australian government appointments include being a member of the Horticulture Innovation Pollination Expert Advisory Panel and in previous years, a member of the Food Processing Industry Strategy Group and Deputy Prime Minister’s Regional Women’s Advisory Council.
By CORAL COOKSLEY
POTENTIAL forever chemicals – persistent organic pollutants – washing into Lake Moodemere rang alarm bells towards the end of last year for a concerned community group around the Rutherglen area.
The battle began earlier this month in VCAT with Friends of Lake Moodemere – an incorporated group set to fight the proposal – looking to halt the development of a 24/7 service station and truck stop in a Rutherglen flood zone area.
High-end legal firms were appointed to represent three parties including the applicant and Indigo Shire Council at the first VCAT meeting.
The application for a planning permit is for the roadhouse to be built on the edge of the Lake Moodemere Conservation Reserve at the intersection of Federation Way and the Murray Valley Highway, Rutherglen on prime agricultural land.
Indigo Shire Council advised Friends of Lake Moodemere its position will be decided at next month’s council meeting on February 25
With strong support from the local Rutherglen community and other supporters both regionally and nationwide, community group spokesperson Robyn Pfeiffer said the group hopes council will support their position.
“We expect our local government to work for and protect our community,” she said.
Ms Pfeiffer said the next VCAT hearing will be held three weeks after the council meeting.
“The hearing may be extended from four to five days due to
its complexity and to cover all reasons for the development not to proceed,” she said.
“This is a real-life David and Goliath battle between a small but dedicated group of citizens.
“Hopefully together with Indigo Shire Council, the township of Rutherglen, safety of road users, walkers and cyclists, and the unique environment of Lake Moodemere will be protected.”
Ms Pfeiffer said the group also questioned why the development is needed with six service stations, and one with a truck stop all within 10 kilometres of the proposed development.
As substantial funds are needed for the group’s battle in VCAT, community financial assistance was sought with a fundraising event planned at Lake Moodemere Estate, overlooking Lake Moodemere.
A night of canapés, music, amazing auction items ranging from small amounts to at least one item listed as priceless and many in between will be held on Saturday, March 1 from 6pm to 10pm.
There are raffle prizes galore and local wines from the wine region.
To book online visit https:// events.humanitix.com/savelakemoodemere as well as start bidding for auction items at https://www.32auctions. com/organizations/126031/ auctions/175840?r=1&t=all Donations can be made directly to the Friends of Lake Moodemere Hume bank account at https://www.savelakemoodemere.com.au/get-involved or use the GoFundMe link at https://www.gofundme.com/f/ save-lake-moodemere
Michael Chambers and Jenny Davidson at the information evening at an inaugural fundraiser in December last year.
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
Passing on real life skills without digital reliance important for Vanessa
She has lived in Beechworth for four years a er her husband introduced her to the town.
“We o en visited and when he got a job o er as a country doctor, we moved here and love it,” Vanessa said.
What do you do workwise?
Currently, I am a mother of two lovely children which takes up most of my time and attention.
Before kids, I was in fashion and media.
I have worked full-time at a few di erent national lifestyle magazines over the years.
What brought you to your earlier career role?
I studied fashion design at college but realised I didn’t want to be a designer, so I specialised in fashion marketing and publishing instead.
I always loved magazines so working as part of a team to help create them was a bit of a golden ticket for me.
What did you love about your work?
To be able to come up with a concept for a photo shoot or article and then put it all together, have it printed, and then send it out into the world.
What do you do in the community?
I am on the committees for the Beechworth Theatre Company and am cast in their upcoming performance of Clue.
I am also on the management committee for the Beechworth Montessori School.
I truly believe volunteers are what helps keep this area so connected and vibrant. Is there an important
community issue that you think needs addressing?
I’d like to see a space for teens to hang out and socialise.
I always had the local shopping mall or the cinemas to wander around when I was young, but options are limited here.
What would you do to solve change or improve that situation?
One of the vacant council buildings could house a youth centre and o er supervised workshops and games that are not device related for younger teens.
What do you see as one of the most important current world issues?
We currently rely a lot on
automation and digitisation to live.
If the world went o -line tomorrow, who still remembers how to do things manually to get by without Googling it?
It’s important that we remember how to still do things for ourselves and to pass those skills on to our children.
If the person you would most like to meet or knew, came to Indigo Shire or was already here, who would that be, what would you show them, and why?
My Granny, Audrey.
She adopted my Mum and raised her mostly on her own.
She was a true outback lady although she always radiated city style.
I remember her being dressed
perfectly in pink and plucking a huntsman spider o our car windshield with her bare hands and squishing it under her heel without hesitation.
I never was naughty around Granny a er seeing that.
I’d show her the cottage we just bought in town which we are going to name a er her.
She would have been wellsuited to Beechworth.
What book are you reading?
I just nished reading ‘The Keeper of the Lost Cities’ by American author Shannon Messenger because my daughter loved it, and so I thought we could discuss it together. It’s a great series for teens about a human girl that goes to a land of elves and magic.
By STEVE KELLY
INDI MP Helen Haines has canned the Federal Liberal Party’s fringe benefits policy, a proposed tax deduction for business-related hospitality costs, she said makes it feel like its 1985 rather than 2025.
With the federal election looming to be held on or before May 17, an elected Dutton Coalition Government would cut red tape for small businesses by introducing a capped tax deduction of $20,000 for business-related meal and entertainment expenses.
Small businesses with a turnover of up to $10 million would be eligible and alcohol would be excluded from the policy.
However, Dr Haines said in her time as Indi MP she hasn’t had any requests for any such tax deduction.
“In all of my conversations with small business owners across Indi, including hospitality, a call for this type of tax break has never once been raised with me,” she said.
“Small business owners are focused on finding ways to increase their productivity and efficiency, and this policy does nothing to help them on that front.
“Indi has an abundance of hospitality businesses, many of them small business operators, and what they tell me is they struggle to get workforce because of a lack of housing, and trying to pay overheads like energy bills and rent.
“This is where I’m focused and where the government and opposition should be focused too.”
If the Coalition Government wins office the measure will run for an initial two years and be exempt from Fringe Benefits Tax.
Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton said there were dual benefits to this policy.
“This is a win for the small business spending the money on their staff or clients, and a win for the hospitality venues who will see an increased spend in their businesses,” Mr Dutton said.
“It will help businesses recover from a horrible period under three years of Labor.
“Cafes, restaurants, clubs and pubs are the lifeblood of so many local economies around the country.
“Hospitality is a huge part of the economy and yet like so many businesses at the moment, they are hurting under Labor.
“A local coffee shop creates important local jobs, but they are also spending money buying supplies from other local businesses.
“Small business is in our DNA as Liberals and Nationals and we want to help those businesses survive Labor’s time in office and thrive when we get back into government.”
COMMUNITY PASSION: Beechworth’s Vannessa Lee believes volunteers help keep the area connected and vibrant.
VANESSA Lee hails from Wamberal on the Central Coast in New South Wales.
Vanessa Lee
ACHIEVEMENT:
Indigo Shire applaud citizens of the year
By CORAL COOKSLEY
LONGTIME Barnawartha resident Paul Schirmer said being named Indigo Shire’s 2025 Citizen of the Year has been a humbling experience, as well as a shock.
“I don’t believe this award is just for me - it’s for the people who have supported and encouraged me all this time,” he said.
For more than 40 years, Paul has been an active member of the Barnawartha Country Fire Authority (CFA) and heavily participated in scouts beginning with Rutherglen in 1972, then Kiewa and later serving in Chiltern until the late 1980s.
Other community engagement has included the Barnawartha Lions Club, the Barnawartha Primary School Council, and the Barnawartha Water Trust before its transition to North East Water.
For 15 years the award recipient has been a key member of the Barnawartha Development Association including a term as president, served on
the Barnawartha Recreation Trust and organised the town’s community garage sales for more than a decade.
A keen outdoor enthusiast, Paul has also been a member of the Border Bushwalking Club for 35 years as well as 12 years on the committee.
He led numerous treks, including multi-day Alpine walks, and contributed to bush search and rescue efforts.
Paul said his wife Lorraine’s mother as well as his parents had inspired his interest in volunteering.
“Lorraine has stood by me and has given me encouragement and probably needs a co-award,” he said.
“I think a lot of people who receive this sort of thing have someone strong standing beside them.
“Paul has spent a lifetime volunteering, and this truly makes him a worthy recipient of this award.”
Indigo Shire Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Wahgunyah’s Hugh Bergin.
The 11-year-old has become
an inspiring community leader through his innovative fundraising initiative, Racquets Against Breast Cancer.
Launched in 2023 with support from the Cancer Council of Australia, the Racquets Against Breast Cancer event, held at the Wahgunyah Tennis Club, raised $2700 in its rst year.
It has since grown signicantly, attracting participants from across the region, including Albury, Wodonga, Wangaratta, and Corryong.
Hugh independently manages all event aspects from securing sponsorships from local businesses to organising activities like ra es and barbecues.
In addition to his fundraising e orts, Hugh is an accomplished athlete, excelling in school sports, including swimming, athletics, and tennis.
He also assists in coaching junior tennis players and is a valued member of the Wahgunyah Tennis Club.
Hugh said he was inspired to start the event a er successfully applying for grant funding for his school a er
witnessing his grandma’s battle with breast cancer.
“My grandma sadly passed away so I thought, why don’t I do something to help raise money for research?” he said.
“I love tennis so I just thought, let’s run a tennis tournament.
“I’ve had so much support, it’s amazing.”
Hugh and Paul both share the same advice with anyone interested in giving back to their community, to nd something they like and channel interest into volunteering or strengthening their community.
Indigo Shire mayor Sophie Price said Paul’s award recognised his exceptional and dedicated community service to Barnawartha and the surrounding area over many years.
She said Hugh was an impressive and inspiring community member who at a very young age has shown leadership, initiative and enthusiasm for helping others, and bringing the community together.
Wahgunyah happy as Hugh for Australia Day
NUMBERS were slightly down at the Wahgunyah Australia Day celebrations due to conflicting events across the river in Corowa, but a noisy flock of Correllas and the occasional boatload of happy venturers both on and in the river created a delightful setting for the annual community barbeque.
The distinctive aroma of barbequed onions and sausages filled the air at the beautifully presented Willows Recreation Reserve as guests enjoyed a short address by former Indigo Shire deputy mayor and guest speaker Bernie Gaffney.
The highlight of the day was the announcement that the Young Indigo Shire Young Citizen of the Year was Wahgunyah resident, Hugh Bergin.
The award was presented by Indigo Shire councillor Roberta Horne.
While a student at the Wahgunyah Primary School, and at just 10 years of age at the time, young Hugh established a fundraising initiative called ‘Racquets Against Breast Cancer’ after a close family member was impacted by the insidious disease.
Hugh’s first event last year raised $2700 and he has gone on to expand his tennis tournament to include participation and sponsorship into Albury, Wodonga, Wangaratta and Corryong in support of the Cancer Council of Australia.
Cr Horne said Hugh’s family, friends and community members are justifiably proud of this young man who coordinates every aspect of his project while being equally committed to his studies and sport.
She said his strong leadership and organisational skills will stand him in good stead as he goes on to senior school where he is bound to make his mark.
Mr Gaffney also acknowledged locals Alan Pleitner and Wes Canny as previous Indigo Shire Citizens of the Year.
Cr Horne it had been interesting to hear that hosts of the day, the active Wahgunyah Progress Association, was first established in 1912.
Golf club applauded as shire’s standout community organisation of ‘25
A LOVELY, not-too-hot morning, the wa of eggs and bacon on the Rotary Club’s barbeque and the ducet strains of ‘I Still Call Australia Home’ set the scene for another excellent Australia Day celebration in Rutherglen.
MC Phil Rogers o ciated for the singing of the national anthem and the ag raising before introducing local funeral director and local identity Tony Jones who spoke about what it means to live in the best country in the world.
“Mr Jones encouraged each person to re ect on the
past as we look ahead with hope and optimism while honouring the traditions that have shaped us,” councillor Roberta Horne said after attending the event.
Cr Horne congratulated and outlined the achievements of other award recipients around the shire before moving on to details of the local winners.
The Rutherglen Golf Club took out this year’s Indigo Shire Community Orgnisation of the Year award a er the selection committee had been impressed with the signi cant revamping of this much-loved facility.
“A move away from a traditional competitionfocused approach has been remarkably successful in attracting more players of all
ages and boosted the number of social members,” Cr Horne said.
The inclusion of junior golf programs into the local pri-
mary and high school sports curriculums, along with a ‘Get Girls into Golf’ program together with a ra of fun, family friendly activities has seen the club become the cornerstone of the town’s social and recreational life.
The new initiatives and the committee’s hard work has seen the community come together to vastly improve the club’s viability and relevance.
Hans Duursma received the Rutherglen and District Certi cate of Achievement to loud applause.
“He established the Rutherglen Bakery, built a motel, repaired our televisions and provided a local bus service,” Cr Horne said.
“He has been a pivotal part of all important occasions, events and festivals.”
The community is grateful to Hans for sharing his love of music and his performances at Carols by Candlelight, on Australia Day and particularly for the joy he has brought to so many over all these years.
Since arriving from the Netherlands in 1974 Hans has generously donated his time, talent and resources to the Rutherglen community for more than four decades.
HUMBLING
Paul Schirmer (Citizen of the Year) and Hugh Bergin (Young Citizen of the Year) were honoured to be recognised by Indigo Shire Council this Australia Day.
with his proud family – mum Katie, brother Will and dad Sean.
Volunteers valuable contributions celebrated
By CORAL COOKSLEY
YACKANDANDAH’s Jenny Dale and Phil Buerckner received a standing ovation when presented with a Lions Club Outstanding Achievement Awards on Sunday at a Lions hosted event to recognise valuable contributions by volunteers held at Sir Isaac Isaac Park.
“I wasn’t expecting the award and I was surprised,” she said.
“I’ve always worked with like-minded people and have
had good people behind me.”
Jenny said the award was for her outstanding volunteering contribution in enhancing the development of Yackandandah.
Jenny has worked as a tireless volunteer for many years supporting organisations among them the Lions Club where she has been a member since 1992.
Among her volunteer work with organisation, Jenny has embraced the Yackandandah Football Netball Club where she is a life
member, helped strengthen the local health service for her community through her work in bush nursing as well as supporting the local Red Cross Branch.
Her volunteer work also takes in the Anglican Church, and she has been the op shop manager for the last 12 years.
An incredible background in local government includes being a past Indigo Shire Council mayor twice.
In recognising the valuable work of volunteers
and community groups, Jenny joined Phil Buerckner also receiving a Lions Club Outstanding Achievement Award while Paul Anderson was crowned Lions Club 2025 Citizen of the Year.
Guest speaker Indigo Shire Councillor Greg Bourke presented Louise Rietman with the shire’s Yackandandah District Certi cate Achievement award.
In his presentation to the crowd Mr Bourke delivered an insightful account about being a volunteer.
“Volunteers are the quiet heroes of Indigo Shire,” he said.
Mr Bourke said volunteers cared about their community without seeking recognition.
“They run local events and support groups to help out during tough times such as oods or bush res and in such crises rally together to protect us,” he said.
“Whether it’s running the footy club, assisting at Yackandandah Health, or helping at a Lions Club event, volunteers make sure things happen.
“Volunteering builds trust, creates friendships, and helps everyone feel like they belong – they bring people together.
“Volunteering isn’t just about giving - it’s also about what you gain.”
You will meet new people, feel connected, and make a real di erence in your town.
The crowd tucked into an egg and bacon breakfast with the morning’s event supported by the Yackandandah Garden Club and Men’s Shed.
Lions roar for new members
By CORAL COOKSLEY
SAUSAGES sizzled to the tune of a $300 cash take for a fundraiser by the Lions Club of Beechworth on Saturday.
Held at Billson’s Brewery mega garage sale in Last Street, Lions Club president John Eldrid said taking part at the event helped raise awareness of the club.
With a small membership base, Mr Eldrid said the local Lions Club is actively seeking new members.
The president said dollars raised from the event as well as from other fundraising activities held throughout the year funded community projects.
“We’ve just nished a major project of completing the Gang Platelayers Cottage in Harper Avenue as a community facility,” he said
“Our priority now is to let everyone know that is a facility that community groups can use for hire to hold such activities as meetings.
“In the next couple of months, we’ll be starting the annual junior public speaking competition with local primary schools.
“The schools have taken this competition on board and love it.
“The kids get a lot of enjoyment in taking part and we want to continue as it good for both Lions and very bene cial for the children.”
Mr Eldrid said the local Lions Club needed people to come on board as new members.
“It’s about community with Lions volunteers helping community,” he said.
We also help host the Australia Day celebrations with Beechworth Rotary Club, and CWA while 1st Beechworth Scouts help too with the ag.
“There’s a lot more we can do, but we’re limited because of our membership,” he said.
Mr Eldrid said he can be contacted on mobile 0417
054 553 for enquiries about Lions work and joining the group.
The Brewery’s mega garage sale drew an estimated 500 people to the event on Saturday with many travelling long distances as well as people travelled from Adelaide joining the queue at 3am in the morning.
Billson’s Liam Cu ey said people were lined up and down the street before the gates opened at 12pm.
“We couldn’t even see where it ended,” he said. People stocked up on alcoholic beverages as well as bought merchandise while people had a chance to have a go at the spinning wheel for a variety of merchandise goodies o ered as prizes as well.
“Moving onto the brewery’s next chapter as’ Last St’ is exciting,” Mr Cuffley said.
“The Lions Club being here with the sausage sizzle has been awesome.”
SPINNING WHEEL FUN: Billson’s ‘Snowy’ with the Vasconcelo family Annabelle (8), mum Rebecca, Ellie (11) and dad Andrew tripped from Whittlesea to visit Billson’s Brewery.
STOCKED UP: Laurie and Adam Worsley travelled from Werribee to check out Beechworth for the long weekend and grab some bargains.
PHOTOS: Coral Cooksley
Certificate Achievement award.
annual Lion’s Club event on Sunday.
Cap aims to curb fuel price fluctuation
FUEL prices will need to be publicly reported and stay the same for 24 hours under changes by the State Government to curb fuel price fluctuation.
Its Fair Fuel Plan aims to make it compulsory for more than 1500 fuel retailers across the state to provide their pricing data in real time.
This data will then feed directly into a new fuel finder feature on the Service Victoria app, giving Victorians the opportunity to shop around for the best deal when they’re ready to fill up.
Owner of APCO Wangaratta and Wodonga Paul Armstrong said the measures would mainly be to monitor metro service stations which are more prone to price fluctuations.
“In NSW and we have to update pricing all the time and they thought it was going to be
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
it a whiz bang thing to make the punter have cheaper prices, but it didn’t really change anything,” he said.
“In the country I tend to find that we don’t change our fuel prices as much and they’re much more stable.
“We don’t have the highs and the lows they do down in Melbourne.
“We don’t cycle like they do in Melbourne, like 40 cents up in a week and then all of a sudden they’re 40 cents down the following Tuesday.
“I think that’s what they’re trying to get rid of.”
Mr Armstrong said people want to get their fuel at a good
In the country I tend to find that we don’t change our fuel prices as much and they’re much more stable.
OWNER OF APCO WANGARATTA AND WODONGA PAUL ARMSTRONG
price and that’s what APCO aims for.
“We’re always at the market edge in terms of pricing and we always try to keep it fair and reasonable,” he said.
Currently, fuel price reporting in Victoria is voluntary and while commercial price reporting websites exist, the Service Victoria fuel finder will include every fuel provider, won’t be advertiser funded, and will never promote one outlet over the other.
Mr Armstrong said this could be more accurate as only operators of each service station would be able to update their fuel prices.
The government said there is no intention to have a limit on a company reducing its fuel price.
New regulations and legislation will be required, and work is currently underway to determine an appropriate enforcement structure and penalties for fuel retailers.
The Service Victoria fuel finder will launch later this year.
RACV upgrades EV charger network
THE Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) advises it has completed a comprehensive upgrade of its electric vehicle (EV) charger network at its resorts, city club and public locations across Victoria, enhancing their speed and reliability.
The upgraded network includes public sites at Barnawartha North and Euroa, with each public site now featuring new chargers providing up to 50 kilowatt and 350 kilowatt direct-current connections.
The RACV currently lists three publicly accessible
sites in the Wangaratta CBD on its map, in addition to the fast charging station which opened in Docker Street in 2023.
RACV says its members will receive a 10 per cent discount across the entire RACV network and each charger can be found using the EV charger finder feature in the RACV app, with access to real-time updates and station availability.
RACV general manager energy services Greg Edye said the upgrades aim to meet the growing demand for EV infrastructure in Victoria and deliver a more re-
liable charging experience at key regional and metropolitan sites.
“RACV’s EV network upgrade reflects our continued commitment to helping Victorians reach their destination safely and efficiently,” Mr Edye said.
Each RACV charging site will also feature CCTV security cameras, providing a safer environment for those charging their EV and helping to prevent vandalism.
More information is available by visiting racv. com.au/cars-transport/ electric-vehicles/.
NETWORK UPGRADE: New public sites at Barnawartha North and Euroa have been added to the RACV’s EV charger network.
ACROSS
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD
1 Which shortened Latin term means “for the time being” (3,3)
8 What is an orchestral composition forming the prelude to an opera (8)
9 Name a private or personal concern (6)
10 Which persons fix windows with glass (8)
11 What is a fleet of warships (6)
12 Name a coastal resort in SE France, on the Riviera (4)
13 Who wrote The War of the Worlds, and The Time Machine, H G ... (5)
16 Name late Australian Aboriginal rock singer, Archie ... (5)
19 What is a colloquial term for an earlier pound note (4)
21 When one circulates counterfeit money, one does what (6)
22 Which dog originated in Newfoundland, Canada (8)
23 Name a renowned US band leader, Woody ... (6)
24 Name a former English colony on the Atlantic coast of North America (8)
25 To have brought forward any point for discussion, is to have done what (6) DOWN
3 What is physical exertion, especially when painful (7)
4 Daniel who, was known as “Mad Dog” (6)
5 Name the owner of a rural property on which sheep or cattle are pastured (7)
6 Which contagious disease resembles scarlet fever (7)
7 Name a title applied to Jesus (7)
E-QUATIONS 7
2 Name another term for an umpire (7)
Letters
Some
13 Name an English crime novelist, Edgar ... (7)
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.
14 Who was an Australian painter and sculptor, born in Russia, George ... (7)
15 What are sudden strong winds also called (7)
17 Toronto is the capital of which province in Southern Canada (7)
18 Name an alternative term for butchery (7)
20 Name a county in northeastern England (6)
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
1 AUTONYM
(a) Hallucination of an image of one’s body
(b) An author’s real name
(c) A true impress or copy of the original
2 EQUIVOCAL
(a) Of doubtful meaning
(b) Without ghorsereat variations
(c) In the direction of the equinox
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: At the earliest (7) Desire strongly (5) Each (5) Fish (3)
Graph: ...-chart (3) Insect (3)
Irrefutable evidence (5) Letter (3) Openings (5) Player piano (7)
Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.
and
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The Beechworth Health Service (BHS) Board Chair, Dr. Isabel Paton, together with fellow Directors extend an invitation to join them at the BHS Annual General Meeting to be held on Thursday 6th February 2025 at 4-5pm 52 Sydney Road Beechworth Primary Health Meeting Space Arrival and registration at 3.45pm Annual General Meeting commencing at 4.00pm Light refreshment will be provided after the formalities.
Please indicate if you have any dietary requirements RSVP by Thursday 30th January 2025 to oriana.mccormick@beechworthhealth.org.au or call (03) 5728 0289
OUT
EAST JOBS in today's Regional Extra for more employment opportunities. Published every Wednesday in your Wangaratta Chronicle, Ovens and Murray Advertiser, Myrtleford Times and Alpine Observer
BayHunter runabout, 1992, 4.4 metre aluminium V-hull, with canopy and side window panels, trailer and 40HP Mercury engine, life jackets, reg to Sep 25, $12,500 ONO. Ph 0419 870 472.
12 months rego, YFG 779. One owner, $13,500. Ph 0428 906 511.
XJR1300, excellent condition, only 17,600km, regretful sale due to ill health, $6000. Ph 0427 500 800.
YAMAHA
Unexpected downpour lightens up twilight golf
By DYLAN POOL
LAST Thursday night Beechworth Golf Club had 20 starters for Twilight golf on the back nine.
Unfortunately after most players had played about four or five holes, the heavens opened up unexpectedly, which resulted in one group retiring back to the clubhouse. The other 15 players took whatever shelter they could and stuck it out on the course, with everyone then continuing their rounds looking like drowned rats.
The rain brought out the good golf for the winner as Jackson Wells hit his first shot of the night onto the footy ground and only had two points after three holes.
But throw in two four pointers after the rain to end up with 20 points and with his plus five he won the night with 25.
Runner up taking home the Bridge Road Brewers voucher was Dan Balzer with 23 points (18+5).
Ball winners were Daryl Rowe 22, John Purtell 20 and Josh Carr 20. Gerard Cull took home the Beechworth Bakery voucher for nearest the pin on the 10th and Rod Shaw won the Alpine Indigo Accounting half dozen on the 17th. After all the rain we weren’t sure
HEAVENS
who claimed the nearest chip, but we think it was either Leith McKenzie or John Purtell.
For the second time in three weeks John Purtell took home the CC’s Quality Meats and Smokehouse voucher in the raffle.
Please be aware of the earth works on the second and third holes.
The second green is still in play,
RUTHERGLEN U14S BATTLE AGAINST MAGPIES
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
RUTHERGLEN United’s under 14s were made to bat gallantly at North Wangaratta against Wangaratta Magpies White last Saturday.
They put on 8/75 before their innings ended within 30 overs, with Aiden Sibraa and Nash Eloy top scoring with a hard earned 13 each.
Co-captain Henry Lister put on a valuable 12 at the top order, but it was Wangaratta’s Harry Dean who did most of the damage with the ball taking 4/8.
Magpies White will resume at 1/28 on Saturday with Liam Colvin taking a wicket before last weekend’s play ended.
Country Week squad announced
By NATHAN DE VRIES
On Sunday we had the right amount of players turn up to play a three person Ambrose.
The run away winners with 61/53.83 were Daryl Rowe, George Ward and Dylan Pool.
Runners up were Phil Pelgrim, Zane Howard and Rod Shaw with 67/57.13.
Third was the team of Andy Croome, Jamie Dolny and Dave Clark with 65/58.5.
Nearest the pins went to Jamie Dolny on the 5th and Dylan Pool on the 17th.
It has been great to see so many members and visitors out playing socially over the Australia Day long weekend, even though it has been hot.
We would love to have some members put their hands up to help up lay turf on the new second and third green surrounds.
please do not play off the new earth works and take a drop.
If anyone is working on site we would prefer that you avoided the area and play just the back nine.
There will also be a temporary green in place on the third hole for a few weeks.
Please bear with us while we make these improvements to the course.
The turf is arriving on Tuesday, February 18 and many hands will make for an easy morning.
Please let the club know if you can help.
We will let members know what time closer to the day.
This coming Sunday is the third round of the Summer Cup.
A 11:30am arrival for 12noon hit off.
last Saturday.
THE squad of 14 players which will head down to Melbourne in February to represent the Wangaratta and District Cricket Association at Country Week has been revealed.
Led by Rovers United Bruck skipper Paddy McNamara, the squad features strike bowlers and gun bats from five of the seven A grade sides in the competition.
The WDCA will play back in Division Two, after a runners up placing in 2023 saw them promoted to the Provincial Division last season then relegated back.
The squad will play a game daily from Monday, February 10 through to Thursday, February 13 against teams from Sunraysia, Gisborne, Bellarine Peninsula and the South West, with the final to be held on Friday, February 14.
WDCA president Justin Kelly said the team had a very strong chance to make the finals.
“The team has been relegated to Division Two this season, but we have seven players with previous experience at Melbourne Country Week,” he said.
“There are seven allrounders which will be good for our batting depth, with a good mix of experience and youth, led by Paddy McNamara.
“The WDCA were runners up in Division Two two seasons ago and we are certainly hoping to get to the grand final.”
McNamara said he was thrilled to lead such a strong and dynamic team out for redemption.
“We have a good squad together with a good mix of experience and youth which will be crucial during a big week of four to five days of cricket,” he said.
“We will be in Division Two this year after being relegated from Provincial last year so we will definitely be looking to redeem ourselves by finishing top two and getting the league back into Provincial next season.”
Melbourne Country Week commences on Monday, February 10.
WDCA 2025 Melbourne Country Week Squad
Paddy McNamara (C) (Rovers United Bruck)
Dylan Bursill (Ovens Valley United)
Ryan Collier (Rovers United Bruck)
Gregor Fraser (Ovens Valley United)
Matt Lister (City Colts)
Cooper Matheson (Wangaratta Magpies)
Josh Nanson (City Colts)
Tyler Nanson (City Colts)
Charith Perera (Rovers United Bruck)
Jack Ryan (Beechworth Wanderers)
Matt Ryan (Beechworth Wanderers)
Jimmy Thewlis (Wangaratta Magpies)
Cooper Thomason (Ovens Valley United)
Matt Whitten (Rovers United Bruck)
Schedule, MCW Division Two
Monday, February 10 – Wangaratta v Sunraysia @ Yarrambat War Memorial Park, Plenty Valley Tuesday, February 11 – Wangaratta v Gisborne @ Windy Hill, Essendon Wednesday, February 12 –Bellarine Peninsula v Wangaratta @ Hogans Road Res No. 1, Hoppers Crossing Thursday, February 13 – South West v Wangaratta @ McGain Oval, Lebanon Res, Strathmore Friday, February 14 – Finals.
Rutherglen
PLAY HARD: Captains Liam Colvin and Henry Lister bump fists in the middle of North Wangaratta.
AIRBORNE: Josh Hunter goes aerial with his shot.
PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie
STRUCK: Liam Colvin plays an aggressive stroke down the ground.
HAVE OPENED: Jackson Wells, Willem Love and Gerard ‘Aggrandisement’ Cull were among the golfers who braved an unexpected downpour at Beechworth last Thursday night.
PULLED AWAY
Henry Lister stands strong as he plays down the leg side in Rutherglen under 14s two day match against Wangaratta Magpies White last Saturday.
■ Story page 11
Beechworth in the box seat against City Colts
A STRONG recovery with the ball has placed Beechworth’s A grade side in a winning position in their two-day clash with City Colts.
Sent out to eld in warm conditions at Baarmutha Park, the Wanderers were put onto the back foot in the opening overs following a 59 from 71 balls from Colts opener Mitch Giggins.
First drop Aaron Thrum (22 o 104 balls) occupied the crease while Josh Newton (29) kept the runs ticking over.
But as Thrum fell for the
BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au
third wicket of the innings 40 overs in o the bowling of Tim Cogger, the tide began to change. Just two more batsmen would reach double gures before the Colts were bowled out for 165 within 58 overs.
Beechworth captain Brenton Surrey said his side showed great resolve to turn things around in their favour.
“We didn’t bowl too well early, but we recovered well,” he said.
“It took us a while to get into our work which is not ideal, full credit to their top three or four who applied themselves and made life hard for us.
“Mitch [Giggins] played really well for nearly a run a ball and Josh [Newton] didn’t look like getting out.
“Once we got Josh out we got our stu together a bit more and we were able to bowl better.”
Kayde Surrey was extremely economic for his
2/18 o 15 overs while opening bowlers Cogger (3/25) and Matt Ryan (3/51) did most of the damage.
Faced with a testy period before stumps, openers Jackson Cull and Clancy Ellett took the conservative approach to survive the 14 overs ahead of them, nishing unscathed on 0/16.
Surrey said it was vital to have 10 wickets in hand for the second day’s play on Saturday.
“It was good maturity, they faced a similar amount of balls each and it was a good result,” he said.
“Clancy was a little more watchful than he normally is, he likes to hit the ball if it’s there to hit and Jackson’s a steady bat.”
The top order were all in the runs in Beechworth’s last hit out against Yarrawonga Mulwala, led by Cull’s 57.
Surrey said their success against the Lakers gave them further con dence in chasing Saturday’s total, but the message before play on the weekend would be a simple one.
“Bat well this week and we win,” he said.
“The guys are starting to spend a bit of time out there which is key to get the feel of things, but it all means nothing if we can’t do it this weekend.
“Hopefully everyone can have a good hit, poke our way along and pass them.”
First ball will be bowled at 1pm at Baarmutha Park. Both B grade and C grade will return to play this week a er a league wide bye last weekend.
B grade will take on Rutherglen at Mayday Hills while C grade will head to Benalla to face Benalla Red.
PHOTO: Melissa Beattie