Ovens and Murray Advertiser 310524

A DRIVE BACK IN TIME

A warm-hearted effort

THE sun shone brightly as motor bikes rumbled into Beechworth on Sunday for this year’s annual ‘Blanket and Jacket Run’.

Organisers of the event Yackandandah’s Trevor Botting and Kurt Dissegna from Bright began the run nine years ago, which offers the donations to the local Salvation Army.

Motor bike riders from around the North East have joined in since then

BY CORAL COOKSLEY ccooksley@ nemedia.com.au

to support the cause in helping people in need to keep snug and warm throughout chilly winters.

Salvation Army major Pauline Middleton said 50 motorbikes rolled into town with four ute loads filled to the brim with warm clothing and blankets.

“This has been amazing and will enable us to spread this help to many people and other groups,” she said.

“Blankets, coats and clothing will be well appreciated by people.”

Major Middleton said a number of volunteers had been busy sorting and distributing the blankets, coats and other clothing this week.

She said more than $1000 had been raised in cash on the run, with $200

donated by the Happy Valley Hotel in Ovens.

“Money collected will be added to our annual Red Shield Appeal for this year,” she said.

“Since the COVID days, we have been able to use the money collected for Beechworth Salvos to put back into the local economy via vouchers for firewood, fuel and other household accounts.”

Major Middleton said the Salvation Army Beechworth

Corps is grateful for the continued support of riders on the run over the last nine years.

The run started this year at the Oven’s Happy Valley Inn and went through Tarrawingee, Springhurst, Rutherglen, Chiltern and then to Beechworth.

“We try and change the run a little every year,” Trevor said.

Next year marks the motor bike run’s 10th anniversary.

Beechworth’s Gabrielle Lade loves being behind the wheel of her 1963 Volkswagen Beetle in the annual Florence Thomson Tour, which she particiapated in last month.

■ Story page 4

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

Week.

Some of the volunteers at last week’s Quercus Beechworth gathering to thank its volunteers as part of

Neighbourhood house celebrates its volunteers

By CORAL COOKSLEY

QUERCUS Beechworth acknowledged its valued volunteers with a thank you afternoon tea last Friday in the Oregon Hall.

The event also marked the National Volunteers Week held from May 20 to 26 with this year’s theme ‘Something for Everyone’.

Volunteers and social enterprises coordinator, Siobhan Pilkington, said more than 90 volunteers give their time to the community organisation in a number of different areas.

“There are a number of volunteers who quietly work behind the scenes doing

many little jobs too that often go unrecognised,” she said.

“Our volunteers are absolutely amazing.

“We really wouldn’t be who we are today without them and our volunteers do so much to support the community contributing their skills and knowledge in so many ways.

Siobahn said the special event had been Quercus Beechworth’s opportunity to bring volunteers together to thank them.

She said income generated from the organisations’ social enterprises goes back into the community.

For Peter Hempenstall who helps at Quercus’ monthly repair cafés, volunteering is being community minded.

“It’s very rewarding,” he said.

Apart from the repair café and undertaking little jobs for people, Peter enjoys chatting with locals especially those who may live on their own or with elders in the community.

the Quercus Pantry and being with people.

“I love to volunteer for the community,” she said.

Volunteers received a certificate of appreciation organised with Volunteering Australia.

Erin Pascoe received a certificate for her 10 years of volunteering at Quercus.

With a love of volunteering to help community organisations, Erin said volunteering is a good way to meet people, while all sorts of skills can be learned.

“There are a lots of organisations that wouldn’t be able to keep going if they didn’t have volunteers,” she said.

Erin said she loves working in the Quercus bookshop as she is a reader.

“I’ve discovered many different authors and have read many different books that I never would have read,” she said.

“The atmosphere is great and many people who visit stay for ages”.

Tributes flow for Beechworth biker after tragic accident

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

THE Beechworth community have been in mourning following the tragic loss of a local father and husband following a biking accident on Saturday.

Brenton Kaitler, 40, was found dead at around 8am Sunday morning near the Indigo Epic Trail off Twist Creek Road.

Mr Kaitler had been riding on the track on Saturday and alarms were raised when he didn’t return from his two-and-a-half-hour ride.

Officers, including search and rescue members, were notified the man was missing late on Saturday and attempts to ping his phone were unsuccessful.

A search was launched, which included assistance from firefighters, members of the public, and a police helicopter crew.

The coroner will investigate the incident, which is being treated as an accident.

The 40-year-old held a passion for mountain and road biking as well as rally car driving.

Mr Kaitler is survived by wife Sally, and their children Sophie and Sebastian.

The North Eastern Car Club, of which Mr Kaitler was a committee member of, made a statement on Monday, reflecting the “deeply saddening” news over the weekend.

“The committee and members send their heartfelt condolences to Sally, Sophie, Sebastian and Brenton’s family and friends,” they said.

“Brenton was an integral part of the executive committee of this year’s Mitta Mountain Rally and recently secured a new drive to reignite some motorsport ambitions that have taken a backseat over the past couple of years.

“Although the “Kaitler” name is well known in rallying circles, Brenton was also an avid cyclist - both mountain and road, and his loss will be keenly felt by the cycling community.”

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“I think it can be more important chatting than sharpening the garden tools,” he said.

Volunteer Maureen Boyd said she enjoyed cooking in the kitchen program for

With tourists visiting the shop, Erin said many of them came from Melbourne.

Siobahn said Quercus Beechworth is an inclusive and diverse organisation with many volunteering opportunities available to people.

YOUR OVENS AND MURRAY TEAM

The Beechworth Chain Gang posted a tribute to Mr Kaitler on social media, which said the riding community in Beechworth would truly miss he’s vitality, kindness and warmth.

“Brenton was a passionate advocate of all things bikes whose love of riding was felt by all those who were lucky enough to get out on a ride with him,” they said.

“Brenton was endlessly generous with his knowledge, time and resources, contributing significantly to the care and maintenance of local MTB trails, encouraging new riders and participating wholeheartedly in as many Chain Gang events and activities as he was able to.”

A Big Hill Events spokesperson said their thoughts were with Mr Kaitler’s family in these tough times.

“You raced, you laughed, you offered support and well for all that knew you, you offered lots of ideas,” they said.

“Your energy will be missed by many... thank you for being part of our community.”

A service to celebrate the life of Mr Kaitler will be held at his and Sally’s property in Beechworth next Thursday, June 6 at 1pm.

All Outdoor Expo in Wangaratta

STALLHOLDERS are being sought for the unique All Outdoor Expo which is being presented by the Rural City of Wangaratta and 3NE/Edge FM, at the Wangaratta Racecourse on Sunday, June 30.

It is an opportunity for vendors specialising in agriculture, e-bikes, hunting, four-wheel driving, caravanning, camping, hiking, fishing, and all outdoor activities, to showcase their products and services to the public.

Game Management Authority and Parks Victoria will also be present to answer questions, and public entry to the event is free.

Registrations close on Sunday, June 2, with more information available at wangaratta.vic. gov.au/Residents/Events/EOI-All-Outdoor-Expo.

DEDICATED:

National Volunteers

PHOTOS: Coral Cooksley

Bee School buzzing with national win

By CORAL COOKSLEY

BEING a category winner in this year’s Keep Australia Beautiful National Tidy Towns Sustainability Awards has meant another level of recognition for a local national program about the crucial role of bees.

Beechworth Honey’s Bee School won the Behaviour Change Campaigns and Education category announced at a gala awards presentation event held in Western Australia’s remote outback town of Gascoyne Junction earlier this month.

One of two local entry organisers, Iris Mannik last Thursday delivered the trophy to the bee school accepted on their behalf at the awards presentation.

Bee school education team member, Liana Beatson, said the award recognised vital work and research undertaken wrapped around bees for food security, biodiversity and ensuring a healthy and sustainable planet for the future.

“Two thirds of Australia’s agriculture relies on bees and one in three mouthfuls of food has been touched by them,” she said.

“We have a wide variety of food sources and bees are really important to make sure we can thrive with food security.”

Liana said the educational program is offered to kindergarten, secondary and tertiary students as well as

a recently introduced program for adult education groups, with bookings taken on weekends. The bee school has been running for three years and

joined forces around 18 months ago with the Wheen Bee Foundation - a non for profit Australian based charity celebrated worldwide –adding to the learning hub.

“We have an online learning platform with bee learning kits where teachers can download resources as well,” Liana said. The educator said the hub

continues to develop from research undertaken as well as different events, including World Bee Day held on May 20.

“That was a really big fo-

cus for us with some groups coming in to celebrate,” she said.

Liana said getting the message to children at a young age means they will be future change-makers with greater investment in the pollinators.

Iris agreed about the role of educating young children and upwards about bees.

“They are the ones who will hopefully take up the mantle,” she said.

“No bees - no food, and I think that’s probably the strongest message you can give anyone.”

Iris said the awards not only recognised volunteer projects, but ones including the Beechworth Honey Bee School with its educational endeavours.

Besides Beechworth Honey’s Bee School win from eight Beechworth entries submitted in various categories, Indigo Future Proof Action Group won the Young Legends category while the Heritage and Culture category was nabbed by the Burke Museum’s People of Beechworth Exhibition.

The outback town of Gascoyne Junction hosted the national event early this month as it had been crowned last year’s national winner.

With Beechworth clinching the title this year the town will host next year’s national awards gala event.

Precious minutes stolen in CFA Bowmans-Murmungee break in

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

A LOCAL CFA captain is pleading for the recovery of stolen meeting minutes dating back more than 100 years from a break-in at the CFA Bowmans-Murmungee fire station.

The break-in was reported overnight Thursday, May 16, when CFA BowmansMurmungee captain Ron Ferguson was alerted to an attempted break-in at the water pump station next to the brigade. While nothing was taken

from the pump station, it wasn’t until a further look on Saturday when Mr Ferguson checked the fire station where he had noticed the back window had been smashed.

He said he believed the culprits broke in through the window and took a chainsaw and a fireproof safe, which contained a collection of archived meeting minutes of the fire brigade from the very start of its existence.

“There’s a lot of other stuff they could’ve stolen, but they didn’t take it,” he said.

“Maybe they thought money was in the safe, but we wouldn’t have any questions asked if they drop it off anywhere or leave them somewhere, we’re not after that, we just want the minutes back.”

Mr Ferguson said some of the minutes contained in the safe were more than 100 years old, and the brigade were desperate to get them back.

“They can have the chainsaw, but we’d love to try and get the minutes back somehow if we could,” he said.

“It’s been a credit to the

people in the brigade to keep handing these things on through the years, but now we’ve had someone

break in and take them.

“Some of the minutes show when the community had come together to buy

a horse drawn fire cart, the money that was raised and how it was all going to work within the community.”

Mr Ferguson said police visited the station and surveyed the area for fingerprints and evidence but have been able so far in pinpointing offenders.

Anyone with information that could assist police or the local CFA is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic. com.au.

THRILLED: One of two KAB entry organisers Beechworth’s Iris Mannik (middle) holding the category trophy with Bee School team members Amelia Bourke (left) and Liana Beatson.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

SMASH AND GRAB: The back of the CFA BowmansMurmungee station was broken into Thursday, May 16.

Winterwords just around the corner

By CORAL COOKSLEY

WINTERWORDS is ramping up to be another exciting event this year with something for everyone in celebrating words in every shape and form.

Art lovers can check out the art exhibition set up in the Memorial Hall with its opening night kicking off the festival on Wednesday, June 12 at 5.30pm followed by a play reading by Beechworth Theatre Company.

The official opening will be held on Friday evening in the memorial’s supper room, before actor and writer Stephen Hall entertains the audience with his one man show ‘Letters From My Heroes’.

Mr Hall said he is looking forward to his first time visit to Beechworth to

entertain an audience with his performance.

“I want people to have a bit of a laugh and a good time as I think we could all do with a bit more of that these days,” he said.

The actor said inspiration for ‘Letters From My Heroes’ came from his love of celebrity impressions, either doing them himself or seeing them performed well by someone else.

“Actual ‘impressionists’ are pretty rare in Australian comedy and it all comes back to the script,” he said.

“It’s one thing to do a celebrity impression, but what do you do with that impression.”

Mr Hall said he wanted to write a show as a vehicle for some of his favourite impressions, with the question of how he could

bring them all together in a single unifying framework.

After dreaming up the show’s premise where he had “written to” various celebrities for advice, and read out their “replies”, he crafted the show adding some personal details from his life unspoken onstage.

“If some of the more personal aspects of the show strike a chord with some people - if my own story resonates with theirs in some way, and maybe even makes them feel a little less alone - then that’s a lovely bonus,” he said.

Mr Hall said he has always loved acting, catching the bug as a six-yearold when his mum worked a semi-professional actress.

“I was always in school plays and amateur theatre and I’ve always enjoyed making things up, especially jokes,” he said.

Mr Hall will also be running a writing workshop at the festival.

With the festival run by the Winterwords Autonomous Collective committee, president and creative director Janet Tweedie said two events are offered for the first time.

These include an interactive instalment at the Old Beechworth Gaol and a play ‘Bush Spirit’ to be performed at the Stanley’s Soldier’s Memorial by the Dragon Fly Theatre’s junior group.

Information about the Winterwords program line up can be viewed by visiting www.winterwords.com.au.

Women’s contribution to Australian motoring celebrated

By CORAL COOKSLEY

A LOVE of classic cars has led a Beechworth motor enthusiast to join an annual touring event for women with vehicles 25 years or older.

Gabrielle Lade took part in the sixth Florence Thomson Tour behind the wheel of her snazzy blue 1963 Volk-

W

swagen Beetle in late April this year.

The tour named after motoring pioneer Florence Thomson celebrates pioneering spirit and women’s contribution to Australian motoring.

Gabrielle said the tour run by the Association of Motoring Clubs (AOMC) with sponsorship from RACV is held in a different location

every year with this year’s being based in the Gippsland city of Traralgon.

“The weekend away is a fun and relaxed way to acknowledge women’s contribution to motoring and showcases vehicles from a bygone era,” she said.

“It’s a great chance to meet up with other people with a like-minded interest.”

Gabrielle said participants are encouraged to dress up in the era of their vehicles creating a great fun time.

“I’ve been in five out of the six tours and look forward each year in being reacquainted with friends made as well as meeting new and interesting ladies,” she said.

“I would encourage any ladies with access to a vehi-

cle 25 years or older to come along and enjoy a fun and interesting weekend.”

RACV started the event in six years ago with AOMC running the tour on RACV’s behalf.

Voluntary run and not for profit organisation AOMC represents more than 250 member motor clubs throughout Victoria with Beechworth Old

Cranks Motor Club being one of them.

Gabrielle said she loves her Beetle as its identical to the one when getting her driver’s licence many years ago.

The motor enthusiast also showed off her prized possession in this year’s ‘Drive Back in Time’ held by the Beechworth Old Cranks Motor Club earlier this month.

words

ENTERTAINING: Actor and writer Stephen Hall looks forward to his first time visit to Beechworth for Winterwords where he will perform ‘Letters From My Heroes’.

SALAMI MAKING ACROSS THE NORTH EAST

SALAMI making season is now upon us making it easy to produce salami, prosciutto, Pancetta, Capocollo and other delicacies and the perfect time to invest in new salami making supplies.

My Slice of Life is a local premier retailer of DIY food and beverage making supplies located in Wangaratta.

Earlier this year they relocated to be under the same roof as North East Homemakers Centre and pride themselves in helping people discover the art of salami making.

“We just want to let people know that we sell basically everything but the meat to make salami,” owner, Brent Ibrom, said.

“We have been doing this for a long time, so we are pretty well regarded in the salami making ranks locally.”

What sets them apart from other suppliers is the expert advice customers receive from Brent, who worked as a professional butcher and smallgoods maker for 10 years.

“Our range, our service, our knowledge and all the other key fundamentals set us apart from others,” Brent said.

His obsession with knives and DIY food and beverage

butchery apprenticeship.

“I fell into it a little bit to be honest,” Brent said.

“I started my butchery apprenticeship and the guy I did my apprenticeship for was right into all the salami making supplies, so I naturally followed suit and never looked back from there.”

My Slice of Life is also a proudly family-owned business with generations of butchery knowledge.

Brent said he loves working with family and has enjoyed passing his knowledge down to his son, Blake Ibrom.

“It’s fantastic to work with family,” he said.

“It’s a tradition that’s been passed down through the generations, so we really cherish the ability to be able to do that.”

Their salami making range includes casings, cotton twine, electric meat slicers, netting,

additives, vacuum pouches, and vacuum sealers.

You can view their range days a week or order their products online to have it delivered to your doorstep no matter where you are.

For more information or to view their range online, com.au/.

Fall in love with salami making

PREMIER SUPPLIER: My Slice of Life has all the supplies you need to make salami.

GENERATIONAL TRADITIONS: Blake and Brent Ibrom share the family tradition of salami-making together.

FAMILY BUSINESS: Blake Ibrom has been learning the art of salami making from his dad Brent Ibrom.

SALAMI MAKING ACROSS THE NORTH EAST

Top five tips to making great salami at home

MAKING salami is equal parts science, equal parts art. It can seem like a daunting task to beginners but if you remember a few basic steps, do your research and invest in good equipment, it will be well worth it.

Here are some handy tips to help you make the perfect salami:

1. Choose good quality meat: This is one of the most important considerations when making salami. Choosing good quality meat that contains lots of

fat will help ensure your salami isn’t too dry or crumbly.

2. Invest in good quality equipment: Investing in some good quality equipment and ingredients will take your salami from good to exceptional. This includes casings.

kinds of casings and whichever one you choose will depend on personal preference and preferred method.

Some options for casing and skins include natural hog casings, salami

casing or collagen sticks.|It’s also important to invest in a good quality slicer that will last you a long time.

3. Practice safety- include curing salt and starter cultures: Curing salt used to prevent the risk of Botulism, which is poisoning caused by bacteria growth that produces toxins, and can be fatal. As well as added safety, using curing salt adds pigmentation to your

salami, giving it that traditional pink colour. Starter culture is used to ensure successful fermentation and produces that tangy

Using a starter culture will also lower the pH level which aids in controlling the growth of bad bacteria.

4. Keep your workspace clean: It is vital to keep your equipment and workspace clean. This will allow you to control the bacteria and ensure no bad bacteria

Family tradition of quality

COSTANTE Imports

was established in 1968 and is a family run business that specialises in suppling quality and unique equipment for the production of pasta, wine, olive oil and small goods like salami, as well as regional Italian specialties and cookware.

As a boy, Giovanni Costante learnt his trade as an engineer from his father and grandfather and with these skills he built what he has today - a successful manufacturing and importing business.

When he arrived in Australia, Giovanni was full of inspiration and put his skills to good use in his small garage in North Fitzroy in Melbourne, where he began to manufacture crushers, destemmers and sauce puree machines.

In 1968 he purchased a factory and shop at 377 Bell Street, Preston where he still is today.

The demand for his products grew, and business was doing so well it was time to expand.

He began to import a large variety of products from Italy and never looked back.

What is his secret?

Dedication to his job, his customers and above all, quality.

Many of Giovanni’s customers are still using made all those years agowhich shows that they truly do stand by everything they sell.

Costante Imports is a household name and has become a multigenerational family business, with Mr Costante’s children and grandchildren working and driving the business forward.

They carry the same values of quality, and pride themselves on sourcing quality products to suit their client’s needs while

growing and learning every day.

A visit to the store is well worthwhile and is a treasure trove of products to suit interests including gardening, preserving, pasta making, cooking, barbequing, bread/pizza

making, wine making, sauce making or of course salami making.

Alternatively, you can visit their website www. costanteimports. com.au and if there is something visit them today to discuss.

easily spoil the salami. It’s good practice to sterilise your equipment and wear gloves or wash you hands regularly when making salami.

5. Work in the cold: The winter months are often known as salami season

because of the low temperatures needed throughout the salami making process. When it comes to mincing your meat, it is a good idea to put your meat in the freezer beforehand and set the temperature as low as possible.

TRADITIONAL: Costante Imports’ book ‘Keeping Traditions’ was published to commemorate their 50th year in business and is available on their website.

HARD WORKER: Giovanni Costante is dedicated to his job and his customers.

TIPS AND TRICKS: Following handy tips can help you make the perfect salami.

Bringing back

old school salami techniques

EVERYDAY Gourmet

takes a unique old school approach to making its salami.

One of their butchers, Karl Caplja said they only use female pigs due to the smell and quality.

“If you get male pigs, they’re usually leaner with no body fat, your back fats the best part to use on a salami,” he said.

“Another big reason is the smell, and it will have you don’t want in your salami.”

Karl has been passionate about butchery for over 30 years and learnt to use only female pigs for salami while he was completing his apprenticeship over in Europe.

“Over in Europe if anyone tasted male pork in their salami, they’d pretty much throw it back at you, it was just a big no no,” he said.

What also sets Everyday

Gourmet’s salami a part is they are bringing it back to basics with their techniques.

“We’re changing and getting in full carcasses, we’re trying to go back to old school butchering,” Karl said.

Karl also makes nonnitrate-based salamis and mainly adds in natural colour and strives to source the best ingredients.

“I’m fortunate enough that my brother runs butcher shops in Europe

and I get a lot of my ingredients imported which makes a big difference when I make my salami,” he said.

For anyone looking for advice for their own salami making, you can visit Karl in the store on Rowan Street.

“If any customers need expert advice of salts, nitrates, sugars I’d be more than happy to help out,” he said.

To place an order or

SALAMI EXPERTS: Everyday Gourmet is brining back their salami making back to old school techniques.

Relief on lingering HECS debts

Indexation on HECS/HELP debts was 7.1% in 2023 but this will reduce to 3.2%, and backdated /,

By STEVE KELLY

PEOPLE with a HECS/HELP debt will feel some relief with the Federal Government announcing a change in the way indexation on loans is calculated.

In response to the Australian Universities Accord, the government will cap the HELP indexation rate to be the lower of either the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or the Wage Price Index (WPI) with effect from June 1, 2023.

The government will backdate this relief to all HELP, VET Student Loan, Australian Apprenticeship Support Loan and other student support loan accounts that existed on June 1 last year.

This will benefit all Australians with a HELP debt, fixing the issue of last year’s spike in the CPI indexation rate of 7.1 per cent and preventing growth in debt from outpacing wages in the future.

The 2023 indexation rate based on WPI would only

have been 3.2 per cent instead of 7.1pc.

An individual with an average HELP debt of $26,500 will see around $1200 wiped from their outstanding HELP loans this year, pending the passage of legislation.

Indi Independent federal MP Helen Haines said this is a big win for three million Australians, young and older, carrying a HECS/HELP debt that was increasing faster than wages growth.

“These changes come af-

ter significant campaigning, particularly from the crossbench,” Dr Haines said, noting more than 280,000 people signed the petition championed by the Independent Member for Kooyong Monique Ryan calling for the change.

Dr Haines has also welcomed the recent government announcement that it will reform unpaid work placements for teachers, social workers, nurses and midwives.

She said there is still more work to be done to make university education accessible for young Australians so that we can strengthen our workforce, particularly in regional and rural areas.

Minister for Skills and Training, Brendan O’Connor, said the changes continue the government’s work to ease cost of living pressures and reduce and remove financial barriers to education and training.

debts.

THE Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has urged small, family and farming businesses to make sure they are not caught out by the 3G switch-off happening in August and September.

“The 3G switch-off will affect more than just your mobile phone signal,” Mr Billson said.

“It could affect EFTPOS terminals, security systems and cameras, scanners, industrial routers, tablets, smart watches, asset tracking tools, surveying instrument, water and environmental monitoring and many of the wireless operating systems on farms.

“Even some 4G-enabled devices have aspects that are powered by 3G, but users may not realise until they stop working, so it makes sense to have those checked as well.

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Estimate yours with the tax cut calculator.

“It is vital small, family and farming businesses take action urgently to find out if they will be affected and if so, upgrade their technology before business-harming disconnection and technology dysfunction is the first they learn about it.”

Mr Billson said small businesses should contact their telecommunications provider or device manufacturer to confirm if a device will be affected.

“But beware of scams and only contact mobile providers using trusted information and links,” he said.

Telstra recently announced that it will delay its 3G network switch off until August 31 2024.

Optus is planning to switch off its 3G network from September 1 2024.

TPG Telecom/Vodafone has already switched off its 3G network.

Those on the Telstra or Optus network can text “3” to the number 3498 and will receive a response whether that device is affected.

For more information:

Telstra

Visit: www.telstra.com.au/support/mobiles-devices/3g-closure

Call:13 22 00

Optus

Visit: www.optus.com.au/3g Call: 133 937

Vodafone/TPG Telecom

Visit: https://www.vodafone.com.au/support/network/3g-closure

The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association also has information at www.3gclosure.com.au and a fact sheet https://amta.org.au/wp-content/ uploads/2024/05/3G-Closure-Fact-Sheetnew.pdf.

PEOPLE POWER: Kooyong MP Monique Ryan and Indi MP Helen Haines with a petition that helped bring on the change to indexation for HECS/HELP

Students thriving off firsthand French connection

By CORAL COOKSLEY

LOCAL students are receiving first-hand help with lessons in French language, culture and history from a Parisian, who arrived in Australia at the beginning of last month.

Margaux Eude took up a nine-month position at Beechworth Secondary College (BSC) as part of the France Education International Cultural Exchange.

With the program offering placements in partnership countries around the world, Margaux opted for Australia.

The Sorbonne University graduate with studies in history and geography, followed by a master’s degree in European affairs said she then chose the Victorian town of Beechworth.

Margaux said the experience of living in a country town is quite different from city life in a city like Paris.

She said the position offered a real-life connection to France for students studying French, opening another world to them, particularly those who have not travelled.

With a love of talking about France and its culture, Margaux said it’s important for Australian students to know more about other countries as the continent is such a long distance from Europe.

Margaux said growing up in the city of Fréjus, on the French Riviera near Nice, also helps talking about

EXCITED: French language teaching assistant Margaux Eude is thrilled to be helping Beechworth Secondary College students with their studies.

France and the rest of the country.

BSC principal Trish Broom said schools can apply to have native speakers assist in classroom teaching through a Victorian Education Department funded program.

“It’s a program to support languages as students benefit with their learning from native speakers,” she said.

“Previously we had an Indonesian assistant when teaching the language at the school.

“Getting these insights with support from a funded program is what we do for our students to be good at languages.”

Ms Broom said Margaux is helping in history classes where the French Revolution is being taught as well as humanities classes

FRIDAY, JUNE 7 TO MONDAY, JULY 1

BEECHWORTH CONTEMPORAY ART SPACE: 10am to 4pm; Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday. ‘From the Stanley Collection’.

where students are learning about World War Two.

“Margaux talks about her perspective and experience as she knows the places and the history well,” she said.

The principal said the college has partnered with Beechworth Primary School where Margaux spends time there with students as well.

Ms Broom said the Parisian will also gain a better understanding of Australia and living in a country historical town.

“With Margaux coming from Paris, she will also take knowledge gained in Australian culture and lifestyle experiences back to France,” she said.

“She will be able to talk about Australia’s landscape and nature too.”

Unique opportunity to view and acquire work by celebrated First Nations artists from across the country from Elizabeth Kingdon and Michael Rowe art collection. 89 Ford St. For private viewing phone 0421 072 098.

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

DEDICATED VOLUNTEER: Rutherglen’s Dr Bill Slattery enjoys helping his community where he can using his skills to contribute.

Farm soil specialist

DR BILL Slattery was born in Melbourne and moved to Rutherglen in 1985 when his place of employment with the then Department of Agriculture shifted from Parkville to Attwood.

Both Bill and his wife Jo had the opportunity to relocate within the Department to the Rutherglen Research Institute.

Bill was also keen to move to Rutherglen, where his mother was born and schooled in the town before she moved to Melbourne to take up nursing.

What did you do workwise?

I worked for 25 years with the Victorian Department of Agriculture, later to have many other names, but the work did not change.

I worked on soil science issues that had relevance to on-farm productivity, such as introducing liming to farmers in this region and working with researchers across the country to improve our understanding of plant tolerance and toxicity to aluminium as soil pH declines.

I also worked on soil carbon with a view of understanding its potential to improve plant production and reduce the impacts of greenhouse emissions.

I then went to Canberra to work for the Australian Greenhouse Office to advise government policy on Agricultural issues as related to reducing and managing greenhouse gases.

What brought you to your role/career?

As a young boy going to Box Hill Technical College, I always wanted to go Dookie to study farming but was unable to do so.

The next best thing was to get into science and do some research.

What did you love about your work?

Unravelling the unknown and seeking out answers that nobody else had conquered.

In my first job at the Veterinary Research Institute, I worked on meat identification for the Sporting Shooters Association, identifying the breed of deer from a meat sample. This work quickly led to a broader program on meat identification of frozen export beef to the USA when horse meat was a suspect contaminant by Federal Police in 1982. We ended up finding kangaroo, horse, donkey, goat and even possum meat, leading to prosecutions in the meat industry.

Later I worked on soil carbon and this led to a secondment to Canberra.

This work was very exciting until I realised that governments are not really interested in the science, but instead play politics for politics sake.

What do you do in the community?

In the Rutherglen community since 1985 I have been a member of Apex until I reached 40 years, then joined Rotary.

We raise money for community projects and to assist a youth science program and overseas exchange program.

I have been a member of the Country Fire Authority for 40 years mostly with the Cornishtown Fire Brigade.

I have been school council president at the Rutherglen Primary School when the children attended.

I have always enjoyed helping out when needed and where I can use my skills to contribute.

The time aspect is always tricky and to be a volunteer often means something else at home will suffer.

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

I think there are many.

Drugs, homelessness, violence against women, lack of volunteers across all organisations, expectations of people to have new things and not recycle good old stuff, and banks closing their doors in the regions.

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

Violence against women and this important issue needs to be addressed better than it currently is.

What book are you reading?

‘Olive’ by Peter Fenton - the biography of a WW2 Nurse “Olive Weston”.

Bill, Slattery

employment opportunities. Published every Wednesday in your Wangaratta Chronicle, Ovens and Murray Advertiser, Myrtleford Times and Alpine Observer

For further information please contact Dyan Hill, Director Human Resources -(03)5728 0250 or email Dyan.Hill@beechworthhealth.org.au FOOD & DOMESTIC SERVICES ASSISTANTS

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Sanders takes out regional Sandgreen Championship

By DYLAN POOL

LAST Wednesday Gail Smith had a great day out winning the Beechworth Golf Club comp with a great score of 40 points.

Rod Shaw also had a good round coming in second place with 36 points.

Other good scores were by Nada Guyatt with 32 points and Jacqui Cato with 32 points.

Nearest to pins went to Doyna Collins on the fifth and Gail Smith on the 18th.

On Sunday there were a few members that went out and played a social round, as there were seven of us at Tarrawingee for the NEDGA Sandgreen Championships.

We had a few winners on the day with Vaughan Saunders taking home the championship and Darren Edwards was runner up.

Zane Howard had a great day winning the B grade handicap, returning the second best nett score of all participants on the day.

Free online help to build resilience

SMALL businesses and community organisations in Wangaratta, Indigo and Benalla local government areas are being offered free help to bolster their online tools.

North East based not-forprofit organisation Startup Shakeup is offering a free program to help effectively navigate online resources and aid participants to thrive even during challenges like drought and extreme resilience scenarios.

Program co-ordinator Bree Nightingale said the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal is funding the comprehensive digital program to help strengthen social resilience within local communities through digital engagement, awareness, and understanding.

Andy Croome and Vaughan Saunders took home a nearest to pin each. This coming Sunday golf will resume at Beechworth with the June Monthly Medal. Men and women are encouraged to turn up and have a go in the daily competition.

State award for volunteer service

LOUISE Thornton from Yackandandah Tennis Club has been recognised with a Tennis Victoria Volunteer Achievement award at last week’s Victorian Community Tennis Awards.

Coinciding with National Volunteers Week, the event was staged to celebrate the achievements and contributions of members of the Victorian tennis community.

Louise has been an active member of Yackandandah Tennis Club for eight years, her strong devotion to both her community and the club is apparent in her efforts to

increase junior and female participation through Community Play Hot Shots and Cardio Tennis.

Tennis Victoria chief executive officer, Tamatha Harding, was thrilled to recognise and celebrate the award winners and finalists in front of the Victorian tennis community.

“Congratulations to all the winners of the 2024 Victorian Community Tennis Awards. To be recognised amongst your peers is a credit to all who were nominated and the stories of community contribution will inspire many,” she said.

MORE THAN A VOLUNTEER: Louise Thornton of the Yackandandah Tennis Club was awarded with a state volunteer achievement award for her efforts with the club.

Arrive at 11:30am for 12 noon hit off If you have a group or partner and need to play earlier and want to still play in the comp, just contact Dylan to let him know.

“The initiative, free for participants, includes personalised digital business coaching, in-person digital pop-up hubs, and digital memberships, all designed to facilitate the online growth of businesses and community groups,” Ms Nightingale said.

For more information contact Ms Nightingale via email at bree@startupshakeup.org

TAKING THE PLUNGE: The team of challengers who braved the ice bucket challenge after matches were played last week. INSET: WHEEL AND GO: Connor Stone kicked three goals in the Bushies’ win over Barnawartha.

■ From back page

Over on the courts, Beechworth’s A grade kept in touch with the top five with a crucial win over the Tigers 51-44. Heading into the game below Barnawartha on the ladder, the Bushrangers used a decisive 13-6 second quarter to set up the win.

Rachael Cavallin was influential up the court and in front of goal, converting on 26 of her 31 shots on goal playing as goal attack.

This week the Bushrangers head to the mountains of Mitta Mitta as they take on the

at the

BIG DAY OUT: Zane Howard claimed the B grade handicap win at the Tarrawingee championships.

CHAMPION: Beechworth Golf Club’s Vaughan Sanders won the NEDGA Sandgreen Championship in Tarrawingee on Sunday from fellow member Darren Edwards.

ROLL OUT: Bumblebee for MND made its way around Baarmutha Park on Saturday for Beechworth FNC’s FightMND day.

Blues

Eskdale Recreation Reserve.

A TOTAL OF $4000 WAS RAISED ON BEECHWORTH FNC’S FREEZE MND DAY LAST WEEK

Bushies’ brave the freeze

BEECHWORTH Football

Netball Club are still basking in the success of their Fight MND family fun day at Baarmutha Park last week.

As the action played out on a picture-perfect autumn day between the Bushrangers and Barnawartha, family friendly activities and Motor Neurone Disease awareness were the themes spread out across the field.

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

Community organisations including End MND North East Vic and Albury, the Beechworth Fire Brigade and Beechworth Toy Library attended the day, with the feature ice bucket challenge wrapping up the day’s play as community figures braved the ice.

A total of just over $4000 was raised for Fight MND and Motor Neurone Disease Association of Victoria across the day.

Club president Adam Fendyk said it was a fantastic turnout from the entire community for a cause close to the club’s heart, losing former president and Beechworth solicitor Brendan Halliday to the disease in 2015.

“It was huge, it’s a very

special cause for us and the crowd really got behind it,” he said.

“Just seeing the support from people around the town and people not even associated with the club gave the event was tremendous.

“We know we have to be active in the social space and these are really important causes for us, our club and society in general in some cases.

“A big shout out deserves to go to Eidenne Sureey and Emma Carey from the club for their efforts and of course Georgia O’Connor for pulling the whole thing together.”

On the field, Beechworth’s senior side went on to win their seventh straight for the season over Barnawartha to remain in the top-two.

Following a tightly

contested first quarter, the Bushrangers blew the margin out to 24 points at halftime and never looked back in their 13.14 (92) to 5.10 (40) triumph.

Cam Fendyk recaptured some of his Barton medal winning form to be named as best afield while Brad Fendyk continued his goal kicking ways to kick three, along with Connor Stone.

■ Continued page 11

FAST HANDS: Lachie Armstrong looks to distribute the ball to Brad Fendyk circling the pack, as Beechworth’s senior side went on to dismantle Barnawartha by 52 points on Saturday.