CHALLENGE AHEAD
Beechworth Fire Brigade volunteers
Josh Kardol, Jess Hercott and Hannah Hunt will on Saturday, 6 September take part in the Melbourne Firefighters’ 28-floor stair climb to raise funds for cancer research and crisis support.
Going off-grid
By ANITA MCPHERSON
This year’s Off-Grid Living Festival was the last to be held in Chiltern, or anywhere else in North East Victoria.
The festival’s organising team said after “an incredible run” of Off-Grid Living Festivals in Victoria since 2018, the team is taking a well-earned break in 2026, before the festival is relaunched in a new location in New South Wales in 2027.
Festival director Kate Nottingham said the team
had always wanted the festival to move around Australia and after eight years, they felt the time was right.
She said they were in discussions with a potential property near Sydney, who
they could team up with to share the workload, with details still to be finalised and announced in coming months.
“It’s such a big job to run it every year,” she said.
“It’s hugely beneficial to
be able to work as a team, compared to doing it all on our own around here.
“It also means we’ll be able to reach a new audience as well, which is why we put the word out about running festivals
around Australia, so we could team up with others.”
This year’s Off-Grid Living Festival held at the Chiltern Recreation Reserve in April and attracted more than 300 exhibitors, with about 5000 people attending over two days.
■ Continued page 3
PHOTO: Beechworth Fire Brigade
Beechworth caravan park operator, director charged
The operator and director of Beechworth Holiday Park have been charged after the alleged sexual harassment of a female worker over a 20-month period.
WorkSafe allege the company’s operator, Bromell Pty Ltd, failed to reduce the risk of psychological injury after its sole director, a 56-year-old man, exposed a worker to health and safety risks between July 2022 and March 2024.
A WorkSafe statement said the operator faced a single charge under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act for failing to provide and maintain a workplace that was safe and without risks to health and the 56-yearold faced two charges under the OHS Act of failing to take reasonable care and failing to ensure a workplace under their control was safe and without risks to health.
“It is alleged the company failed to reduce the risk of psychological injury by failing to devise a policy on appropriate and inappropriate workplace behaviour, and implementing the policy by training all managers, supervisors and employees,” the statement read.
“WorkSafe alleges the director was solely responsible for the company’s breach.”
The matters are listed for a mention at Wodonga Magistrates’ Court on 2 September.
Taking the stairs for a good cause
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A gruelling fundraising challenge has been taken up by three Beechworth Fire Brigade volunteers each carrying 25kg of kit for a 28-floor stair climb in Melbourne early next month.
Beechworth Fire Brigade volunteers Hannah Hunt, Jess Hercott and Josh Kardol are taking part in the 12th Annual Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb (MFSC) raising vital dollars for cancer research and crisis support.
The trio will be among 1000 firefighters and emergency services personnel from across Australia and around the world drawn to the event.
Hannah, Jess and Josh are training hard in the lead up to the climb being held at the Crown Metropol on 6 September.
Hannah, a CFA volunteer for six years and a Beechworth Brigade member for the last four, said it’s the first time she has undertaken the challenge.
“It’s for a good cause – the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation, Triple Zero Foundation, Lifeline as well for mental health,” she said.
“I’m a bit of a fitness fanatic and thought this would be a good challenge.
“Our fire brigade is represented and we’re always up for getting involved with a good cause.
“They usually have around 500 firefighters, but because it’s so popular for the first time, 1000 firefighters have been accepted this year.”
paratus for an average person, air lasts for around 30 minutes.
“It depends on body weight, body mass, lung capacity and what type of work you’re doing as well,” she said.
“When you’re working heavy and hard, you really focus on your breathing so you can last as long as you can.
“I have friends, family and colleagues who are affected by mental health issues and cancer,” he said.
“Every step we take on the day is a step in helping others.”
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YOUR OVENS AND MURRAY TEAM
Hannah said both she and Josh will be some of the stair climbers using the breathing apparatus ‘on air’ for a category adding another difficult element to the challenge.
The firefighting volunteer said in using the breathing ap -
“We practice that for normal structure fire training, and we have to slow our breathing making sure we’re calm and collected, even when we’re running.”
This year marks the fifth year Josh has taken part in the stair climb to raise awareness and support for the cause with the first climb in 2018, then 2019, 2020 and 2023.
Josh said the climb is undertaken with breathing apparatus as the MFSC stair climb simulates the actions of a high-rise building firefight and rescue operation.
Josh said his family trips to Melbourne with him.
“It’s a great event and afterwards everyone meets up with some awards given such as for the highest fundraiser,” he said.
“In 2019 I managed to be in the top five fundraisers out of 700 with a total raised of $4000.’
Hannah said people can donate to the great cause via posters with the QR code displayed around town in businesses like Tiny’s Café, Beechworth Bakery, Bendigo Bank and Beechworth Books. People can also donate to the Beechworth Fire Brigade at its premises in Victoria Road between 10am and 3pm throughout the week.
“The brigade will be at the Farmers Market on 6 September with posters so people can still donate on the day, and the event will be live streamed on a tablet too,” Hannah said.
MFSC is aiming to raise $1million to support, Lifeline, Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation and the Triple Zero Foundation.
Understanding thunderstorm asthma
By CORAL COOKSLEY
An award-winning Melbournebased science communicator will next Saturday discuss research into hay fever and asthma and as well as a personal journey into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) at the Beechworth Library.
The talk is being held to mark this year’s National Science Week from 9 to 17 August.
Communicator and 2025-2026 STEM superstar Kira Hughes had never imagined growing up that she would become a scientist.
“I had an amazing science teacher in high school who sparked my interest in science, and I have never looked back since,” she said.
in June this year.
The scientist said she studied a Bachelor of Biomedical Science and Bachelor of Science (Honours) before completing and graduating with a PhD in thunderstorm asthma research
Dr Hughes said she has suffered from both asthma and severe hay fever all her life with a mild condition in childhood, but has intensified in recent years.
She now takes daily medication for her symptoms.
“When I first heard about an opening for a research project on
thunderstorm asthma in 2019, I was immediately intrigued and jumped at the opportunity,” she said.
“Back then, this term was unfamiliar to me, especially as an asthma sufferer, so I wanted to take on this work to not only learn more about it myself but help my fellow asthma sufferers.
“My research on thunderstorm asthma is more focused on proof of concept at the very early stages of research development and understanding more about what causes these events.”
Dr Hughes said she has helped set the groundwork for more research as well as laying the path for future scientists to work towards saving lives from asthma epidemics.
“Outside of my research, I hold seminars and workshops such as the upcoming one at the Beechworth Library to help raise awareness for thunderstorm asthma,” she said.
She said her talk is about informing those at risk of the potential dangers with prevention strategies.
“Science can take a long time, so communication is just as important,” she said.
“I hope that my audiences will learn more about the potential risks of thunderstorm asthma and when/where they are likely to occur.
“While rare, these events can cause severe asthma attacks that could lead to hospitalisation or death.
“The more that people know about it, the safer they will hopefully be.”
The free informative talk will take place on Saturday 9 August at the library located at 101 Ford Street from 10am to 12pm. Bookings are essential – visit www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au/ Community/Libraries/WhatsOn-at-our-Libraries and go to Dr Kira Hughes.
FIRST-TIME: Beechworth Fire Brigade volunteer Hannah Hunt will travel to Melbourne with fellow brigade volunteers for a 28-floor stair climb for a good cause.
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
New five-year leases for local childcare and kinder services
By CORAL COOKSLEY
Indigo Shire Council at its meeting on Tuesday night approved separate longterm leases for Beechworth Community Early Years Learning Centre (BCEYLC) and Beechworth Kindergarten to occupy their existing Mayday Hills premises for the provision of childcare and kindergarten services.
This week’s approval followed a unanimous vote by councillors at a special meeting held on 15 July to terminate to the Expression of Interest (EOI) process following the withdrawal of the chosen provider, Alpine Children’s Services, in April.
together to continue providing quality childcare and kindergarten services to our community,” she said.
“We look forward to seeing these services that are much loved in this community continue to flourish.”
Cr Scott Landells at the meeting said he wished to record shortcomings in the EOI process in areas of inadequate waiting and recognition of local content.
“I couldn’t understand why the EOI process would overlap a council election from commencement to conclusion,” he said.
ly and stressful in terms of future service provision,” he said.
CEO Trevor Ierino said council is moving as fast as it can on the leases.
Mr Ierino said the head lease is subject to some changes with redrawing of boundary lines for a subdivision with subleases prepared once the head lease – nearing completion – is finalised.
“I hope this can be wrapped up within a matter of weeks,” he said.
the Mayday Hills site under individual five-year leases, with an option for a further five-year extension.
“Our priority has always been to maximise the use of the existing facility to meet demand for childcare and kindergarten services,” Cr Price said.
The decision has followed successful mediation between the two existing providers with a joint proposal suitable by both parties under new and separate lease arrangements.
Councillors given an op -
■ From front page
Ms Nottingham said while the idea is to see how the festival is received in its new location in 2027, the future there looked promising.
She said while attendance at the 2025 festival was still in the thousands, it was quite low compared to previous years, which may have been a result of the rising cost of living.
There was also unseasonably hot weather in April, with the heat making it uncomfortable for patronsand especially families with children - in the afternoon.
Ms Nottingham said those who did attend were loyal patrons who took part in multiple workshops and activities over the course of the weekend, many meeting and camping in Chiltern.
She said while existing
portunity to each address the outcome at the meeting declared overall support for the move as the best outcome while most defended earlier action undertaken with integrity last year with the EOI process for a single provider.
Cr Diane Shepheard,
exhibitors will be among the first to be invited to the next instalment of Off-Grid, she also expects a lot of new exhibitors to join the festival, with the date of the event in 2027 still to be determined.
Organisers also have plans to revamp the festival’s website to allow better engagement between members of the public and exhibitors.
“When we moved to Chiltern, I already missed our hometown of Eldorado, but it’s time for the festival to grow,” Ms Nottingham said.
“Even though I started it, it’s got a life of its own now, and it’s hard to keep up.
“The community support we’ve had in both Eldorado and Chiltern has been wonderful, but we’ve done it in the same area now for eight years, so it’s time.”
with a conflict of interest, could not take part in the discussions.
Mayor Sophie Price said council welcomed the collaborative approach that has led to the outcome.
“We’re delighted that through mediation, both operators have agreed to work
Mr Landells said an upcoming review on council’s procurement policy towards the end of the will be an appropriate time to debate those points.
“I note the public comments from each organisation that they are keen for council to conduct lease negotiations swiftly, as each day each week is cost-
The new lease arrangements commence on 1 January, 2026 with services continuing uninterrupted during the transition period of finalising leases.
Both providers will be able maximise use of existing facilities to meet current and future demand for childcare and kindergarten services.
Each organisation will occupy separate parts of
“These new lease arrangements align with council’s original intent, via an expression of interest process, to ensure Beechworth families continue to have access to a broad range of quality childcare and kindergarten services.”
Under new lease agreements, both providers will be required to develop annual plans demonstrating community engagement and efforts to maximise facility use and reduce waitlists.
Annual reports to Council will show progress against these commitment.
Council rescinds decision to demolish home
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A recommendation to rescind an earlier decision by council to demolish a home on a Beechworth-Wodonga Road property was accepted by a majority vote of four to three at Indigo Shire Council meeting on Tuesday night.
The property is owned by Beechworth landscaper Rob Holden.
Councillor Roberta Horne submitted the recommendation to grant a planning permit for the use and development of a dwelling in a farming zone.
More to the story in next week’s Advertiser.
SECURED: Beechworth Community Early Years Learning Centre and Beechworth Kindergarten will continue to run at their premises with new long-term leases from Indigo Shire Council.
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
Investing time in community
Laura Egan was born on Gunai Kurnai country near Bairnsdale in East Gippsland. She moved to Beechworth at the end of 2020 with her partner and dog.
“We now have two little kids and one on the way,” Laura said.
What do you do workwise?
My career has focused on supporting the self-determination aspirations of Aboriginal communities beginning over 20 years ago working in the Ngaanyatjarra Lands. This is a desert region in the eastern part of Western Australia, near the borders of South Australia and the Northern Territory (1000km west of Alice Springs). Ngaanyatjarra is the main language spoken by the Ngaanyatjarra people. I’ve since lived and worked with diverse communities across remote Australia.
I’m currently working in the role of executive manager strategy and performance with Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation – an Aboriginal community-controlled organisation providing services to Aboriginal people across the Ovens Murray region, with offices in Wodonga and Wangaratta.
What brought you to your role/ career?
A deep curiosity about cultures different from my own, and a desire to create opportunities and platforms to facilitate the sharing and celebration of culture. I believe cultural understanding enriches communities and I was drawn to work that allowed me to connect people, ideas, and experiences in creative ways.
What do you love about your work?
I love facilitating the strategic exploration of possibilities and creating pathways to achieve community goals.
What do you do in the community?
I am the board chair of Quercus Beechworth Neighbourhood House. Our mission is to facilitate community participation and social inclusion in ways that bring joy, purpose and belonging.
I enjoy contributing to this vital community organisation
PASSIONATE VOLUNTEER: Beechworth’s Laura Egan enjoys contributing to the Quercus Beechworth Neighbourhood Centre as chair of the Board helping the community resource in continuing to thrive.
that works to strengthen our community. I am one of many volunteers who come together and invest their time to ensure this vibrant community resource continues to thrive.
Is there an important community issue that you think needs addressing?
The way capitalism has trained us to value productivity above all else. This mindset has shaped our values, work structures, education systems, and even our sense of self-worth.
What would you do to solve change or improve that situation?
Support the active resistance of this mindset by working less and investing more time in building community and nurturing
relationships. Social isolation increases as work consumes more of our time and mental energy.
What do you see as one of the most important current world issues?
I think valuing productivity above all else is a global issue too. The individualism fostered by our current economic system is compromising our wellbeing.
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?
Tricia Hersey – an American poet, performance artist, activist and founder of The Nap Ministry. She invites us to connect with
trickster energy to see what these systems are trying to do to us and to use rest as a form of resistance.
Her message is powerful because she doesn’t ask people to “work harder” for change. She invites us to rest harder - to trust that stillness, dreaming, and restoring are not only valid but vital tools for wellbeing.
I’d take her on the Beechworth Gorge Walk - it’s such a dramatic yet peaceful landscape that never fails to restore me.
What book are you reading?
I’ve just finished ‘Butter’, the cult Japanese best seller by Asako Yuzuki inspired by the true story of a woman who was convicted of poisoning her lovers.
“Do better, be better” –Domestic violence offender released after jail stint
A magistrate has made an urgent plea to a Baranduda man who was released after pleading guilty to choking and sending abusive messages among serious domestic violence offending.
The man appeared at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court from Wangaratta police custody on Friday as he heard his sentence of time already served, having spent 284 behind bars.
The court heard the man had pleaded guilty to choking his ex-partner and sending abusive messages among a slew of family violence related charges.
From now until Friday, 8 August
WINTERWORDS ART EXHIBITION
Entries are invited for the ‘Art Words’ exhibition. For artists of all age groups - professional, amateur, hobbyist, a newby, experienced in any media (digital will be all okay this year too. Email winterwordsbeechworth@gmail. com for an entry form, complete and return. $10 entry fee. Art will be on display at the Beechworth Servicemen’s Memorial Hall as part of Winterwords 2025. Terms and conditions with dates are on the form
From now until Monday, 11 August
INDIGO SHIRE COUNCIL
Celebrating Culture through Art’’ during NAIDOC Week 2025. An exciting opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to create commissioned artwork that celebrates the region’s rich cultural heritage and contributes to the growing cultural collection. Artists with connection to Country and communities within the Indigo Shire footprint are invited to submit an Expression on Interest for the cultural commission. Commission value $5,000 (all inclusive). Submissions close 5pm on Monday 11 August. For more information visit https://engage. indigoshire.vic.gov.au/firstnations-naidoc-art-commission
Saturday, 2 August
BEECHWORTH FARMERS MARKET
8am - 12pm. Always held on the first Saturday of every month. Great variety of fresh, local produce. Craft and food stalls. Located at the Anglican Christ Church, cnr of Ford and Church Streets.
Tuesday, 5 August
QUERCUS
BEECHWORTH NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE
First aid training. 9am to 12pm. First aid training including a CPR refresher. Pre-course workbook to be completed. Visit www. quercusbeechworth.org.au/thisterm-at-quercus
Beechworth Young Cooks Program: For 15 to 17-year-olds. Series of hands-on masterclasses once a week for six weeks. Learn new skills, cook amazing food, and have fun in the kitchen with the team of volunteer food heroes. Limited places. Select your spot on the calendar at https://socialplanet.com.au/ activity/view?id=38876
Magistrate Megan Casey imposed a nine-month imprisonment for time already served and placed the man on an 18-month community corrections order upon his release that day.
“There are no circumstances to get physically violent with an intimate partner,” she said.
“Whether it’s contact or non-contact, it’s still family violence and still inflicts damage on a vulnerable person.
“Do better, be better.”
For more information contact Heather at operations@ quercusbeechworth.org.au Sunday, 17 August and then from Wednesday, 20 to 24 August
WINTERWORDS
An exciting and fun program of celebrating words in every shape and form. A chance to see and hear experienced writers, entertainers, poets and performers and participate in a writing workshop by headline performer Geraldine Quinn. Visit https://winterwords.com.au/ for more information, the program and to book tickets with some free events too.
Laura Egan
Twenty-five years of Yack theatre to be celebrated
By CORAL COOKSLEY
An exhibition with trips down memory lane kicks off next Saturday, 9 August at the Yackandandah Museum celebrating 25 years of the local community theatre company.
The Yackandandah Theatre Company showcase with its rich history follows a theatre production called ‘Blithe Spirit’ by English playwright Noel Coward held earlier in May to mark the special anniversary year.
Yackandandah playwright and author Bev Lello joined in 2002 with a role soon after as the theatre company’s production manager from 2004 until and including 2015.
Ms Lello said the theatre company has been good for the community as an outlet for people’s talents in a range of skills such as writing, acting, directing and shaping plays, costumes, promotion and advertising.
“People have also been able to take part in the technical side with sound and lighting too,” she said.
“The theatre group has fostered people who would not otherwise have taken up the opportunity and feel confident with community theatre.”
Ms Lello said she joined the theatre group as a keen member to engage in several of her interests.
“I have written a number of plays performed by the theatre company with several of them performed by other companies,” she said.
With chance to direct and write plays as well as act, Ms Lello said she encouraged other people to write for the theatre.
“The exhibition with the Yackandandah and District Historical Society member Thelma Buchanan as a driving force is a celebration of what we have achieved,” she said.
“There has been diversity with professional plays by well-known playwrights from Sydney, Melbourne and overseas but equally by playwrights with stories about topical living in a
small country town.”
Ms Lello said local school teacher Brendan Hogan, who began his playwrighting career with the theatre company, had great success with his stories around youth and primary school children.
“It’s an encouraging environment with new people drawn in and gain confidence,” she said.
“Local resident Richard Routley came on board as the director of ‘Blithe Spirit’.”
Any profits the non-profit entity makes goes into the next production while money has also funded lighting
Second strike rule created to tighten state bail laws
New bail laws have been introduced to Victorian Parliament in an effort to curb reoffending and bolster community safety.
Premier Jacinta Allan, Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny and Police Minister Anthony Carbines introduced the Bail Further Amendment Bill 2025 into parliament on Wednesday.
The bill establishes a new bail test for repeat, and serious offenders and creates a second-strike rule for those already on bail accused of further offences.
This follows changes earlier this year, which have already seen a rise in bail revocations and remand numbers.
The government’s aim is to reduce reoffending risk and ensure the justice system prioritises community safety.
The new test targets those on bail and charged again with offences including aggravated home invasion, aggravated carjacking, armed robbery,
aggravated burglary, home invasion and carjacking.
This preventing reoffending by requiring a high degree of probability the accused will not reoffend if granted bail.
A second-strike rule will broaden the impact beyond the six serious offences.
Building on the stand-alone offence of ‘committing an indictable offence on bail’ introduced in March, this bill “uplifts” the bail test for repeat indictable offending, making it tougher than it would be for first-time offenders.
Offences subject to this uplift include burglary, motor vehicle theft, assaults, robbery, riot and affray, firearms and controlled weapons offences, sex offences, serious drug offences, theft over $2500, and criminal damage exceeding $5000 or caused by fire.
Safeguards are in place to mitigate disproportionate impacts on vulnerable people, with lower-harm offences like
low-level drug possession exempt from uplift.
The government anticipates a further increase in adult and youth offenders on remand, prompting the hiring of hundreds of new prison staff and the addition of almost 1000 adult prison beds systemwide, plus 88 beds at Cherry Creek and Parkville youth justice facilities.
Premier Jacinta Allan said they needed to go further under tough new bail laws to keep Victorians safe.
“Victorians are rightly disgusted with repeated, violent offending and now our bail laws are the toughest in the country, because community safety will always come first,” she said.
Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny said these laws protect the community from serious repeat offenders who endanger Victorians, while ensuring vulnerable people aren’t unfairly caught up.
and sound in the community hall.
“Funds have gone back into the community and have not just been for the theatre company,” Ms Lello said.
“The theatre company contributes to the community both financially and encourages people to give it a go.
“When we have a production, praise is always received from the audience such as the performances of Blithe Spirit, Heart Break Choir by Aidan Fennessy and Our Town by Thorton Wilder.
“I’m proud of the Yackandandah home-grown plays
(an actor in many productions too) as well as Yackandandah Theatre Company artistic director Margie Gleeson are helping to stage the exhibition.
from writing, workshopping, performing and everything in between.”
Ms Lello said the writing group worked with the Historical Society and Yackandandah Health with its aged care residents.
“Brendan was a driving force with a play based on the lives of residents and an historical one based on the Yackandandah Cemetery,” she said.
Yackandandah and District Historical Society (YDHS) members Thelma Buchanan, Helen MacCalman and YDHS president Trevor Matthews
The cohort said the theatre company had offered many opportunities for people in the town.
“Bev has an enormous collection of photographs as well and will be on a continuous display,” Ms Buchanan said.
“There will be information panels too.”
Yackandandah Theatre Company operates under the umbrella of Arts Yackandandah.
The museum opens Wednesday to Sunday each week from 10.30am to 3.30pm at 21 High Street with the exhibition running until December.
manager from 2004 until and including 2015.
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DESPATCH OFFICER
Agri-Gene P/L, Australia’s largest privately owned genetics company located at Wangaratta, has a challenging full-time position available for a Despatch Officer. Duties will include handling of bovine semen and embryos, packing and despatching stocks to A.I. Centres throughout Australia and co-ordinating import and export shipments.
Applicants should be:
1. Computer literate with the ability to learn new systems.
2. Experienced in stock control and inventory systems.
3. Excellent time management and organizational skills.
4. High level of Customer Service and teamwork.
5. Hold a current Drivers Licence.
6. Interest in the A.I. Industry and Animal Breeding is desirable
If you would like to apply for this position, please send your Resume to the General Manager, Chris McIlroy at accounts@agrigene.com.au
Applications close Monday, August 4th, 2025.
Outdoor Leadership
Traineeship – Certificate IV
Are you keen on working outdoors? Are you interested in teaching young people?
Are you keen to learn new skills and gain a qualification in Outdoor Leadership?
Outdoor School – 15 Mile Creek and Bogong Campuses are seeking, enthusiastic people who have an interest in Outdoor Education to apply for their 2026 traineeship intake.
Positions are available at both campuses for a 12-month appointment starting 12 of January 2026.
Further information and how to apply is available by calling 03 57666247 or emailing rhys.evans@education.vic.gov.au
Applications close Friday 3/9/2025 at 5pm.
Orator advocates a voice for children
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A former NSW Commissioner for Children has advocated that youth need to be thought of as a collective with attention paid to their needs as they grow up to make a valuable contribution to Australia.
Orator Gillian Calvert, with a lifelong commitment to children and their wellbeing throughout her career, on Sunday delivered the 23rd George Briscoe Kerferd Oration held in the Beechworth Soldier’s Memorial Hall.
The thought-provoking oration titled ‘Their Future Our Choice: Creating an Australia that works for young children’ captured the interest of close to a combined 200 people gathered at the venue as well as online with the live streamed event.
“Firstly we need to think about children, and then to think about and reflect on what actions we take to create a world, a community or a society that puts children’s needs in the picture, and that provides for children in a way that enables them to grow up to make a contribution,” Ms Calvert said.
In her role as commissioner, Ms Calvert said she advocated for children’s rights and wellbeing, to ensure their voices were heard in decisions affecting them, and to hold government and systems accountable for creating better outcomes for all children.
In her insightful oration covering economic, political and social thinking to include children, Ms Calvert explored the low status of children in Australian society exposing the gap between the rhetoric of children first and the reality.
THOUGHTPROVOKING: Orator Gillian Calvert AO with a lifelong commitment to children and their wellbeing throughout her career on Sunday delivered the 23rd George Briscoe Kerferd Oration.
The orator started where this gap has left Australia’s children, then understanding what drives policy choices, and how rhetoric can be brought closer to reality.
Ms Calvert touched on some wider social forces including economic ones with children excluded from it due to poverty and inequality.
“Today, one in seven children lives in poverty and in-
come and wealth inequality are the highest they’ve been in two decades,” she said.
“How we think about children matters because it affects the way we act for children.”
Ms Calvert said two thinking barriers get in the way.
“Australians don’t see most social policy issues as children’s issues,” she said.
“When Australians think about children, we focus on
to look at taxation reform, investments in social and affordable housing, equalising public school funding and scaling up investment in childcare.
The orator invited people to make children’s wellbeing a guiding principle for an inclusive Australia where everyone has a place and can make a contribution.
Ms Calvert said children’s wellbeing is a choice made by adults.
“We shape the world they live in and that they’re inheriting,” she said.
“We can choose to build an Australia that supports its children or one that holds its back.
“It truly is their future and our choice.”
Beechworth’s Kim Rowley said Ms Calvert had a deep and intense interest trying to make things better for children in roles she has had as an academic and as a Children’s Commissioner.
spaces where children receive care, home, school and childcare.
“This means that children are simply out of mind when Australians think about other policy issues such as transport, defence and taxation.”
Ms Calvert also briefly explored three things to make a difference - giving children a voice, tackling poverty and inequality, and researching children’s services as a public
good, not as a market.
“Giving children a voice has an added benefit of making them visible,” she said.
“Children need support from adults to organise, and children’s commissions are one way of doing this and to give all children a seat at the democracy table becoming increasingly more important.”
Ms Calvert said she has welcomed current moves
“Her work has been of great benefit to many lawyers and people working in the child and child protection field,” she said.
“I really enjoyed her thought-provoking talk today.
“We all have got a lot to learn about how we can put forward the interests of children.”
Kerferd Oration chair Ross Kearney said Ms Calvert had an amazing history doing so much with children’s and youth’s rights over the years.
“It was terrific to get her insights and hear what she thinks will assist us with solutions,” he said.
The annual Kerferd Oration is sponsored by BankWAW, Quercus Beechworth and Indigo Shire Council Visit www. kerferdoration. org to view the oration.
Young public speakers talk it up at Lions Club comp
By CORAL COOKSLEY
Young people in an annual junior public speaking competition run by Lions Australia showcased their talents on Saturday at the Beechworth Soldier’s Memorial Hall.
The successful program for primary school students in year 3 to 6 has been run locally by Beechworth Lions Club for the last three years.
For proud Beechworth mother Merran Watt, her daughter Lily Dobson from Beechworth Primary School will progress to the next level after being selected as the most outstanding speaker in the year five and six category.
Lily will compete in the Zone- Regional finals to be held next month in Wodonga.
Ms Watt said the competition offered a wonderful opportunity to young people.
“Skills are developed such as thinking critically about a topic, formulating a logical argument and engaging the audience in a persuasive and effective way,” she said.
“These skills are needed in academia life, professional
teachers Christine Luckman and Lyn Hayes judged Saturday’s competition.
Ms Luckman said she has been impressed by research undertaken and quality of speeches by all students.
“It was interesting to hear their opinions as well,” she said.
She said the judging process had specific and detailed criteria given by Lions Australia.
The topic for competitors nation-wide in the year 3 and 4 category was ‘Creative Invention’ while the topic was ‘Technology’ for the years 5 and 6 cohort.
life and also in general as an adult.
“There are not many public speaking opportunities like this, and I support and encourage Lily to participate.
“I’ve been watching Lily grow in confidence and selfesteem from year three when she started to year six.”
Lily was among winning students from school level
competitions who competed at the local Lions Club level on Saturday.
Local Lions secretary and event MC Iris Mannik OAM said 66 students across St Joseph’s, Beechworth Primary and Montessori schools had taken part in two categoriesyears 3 and 4, as well as years 5 and 6 at the school level.
Eleven students made it
through to the Lions Club level on Saturday for the competition.
St Joseph’s student Catalina Neumann will join Lily at the Zone and Regional competition as the most outstanding speaker for the year three and four category on Saturday.
Montessori student Emersyn Collicoat and St Joseph’s student Adara Keady
clinched runners up in year three and four, and five and six categories respectively.
Ms Mannik said she loved watching all children participating gain confidence and blossom.
“They take public speaking skills into their adult life,” she said.
Beechworth Lions club members and former school
Year five and six students were given an additional topic with 10 minutes to prepare for a one-minute impromptu speech on ‘my favourite activity or pastime’ with the subject given by the two judges.
Participation certificates were presented to all participants.
The Zone and Regional finals will be held at 11am on 17 August at the Wodonga Lions Club Den, Victoria Cross Parade in Wodonga.
EXCITED: Lions’ judge Christine Luckman with St Joseph’s Primary student Catalina Neumann selected as the most outstanding speaker for the year 3 and 4 category in the Lions’ junior public speaking competition at club level on Saturday. PHOTO: Gary Coombe
THRILLED: Lions’ judge Christine Luckman with Beechworth Primary School student Lily Dobson selected as the most outstanding speaker for the year 5 and 6 category in the Lions’ junior public speaking competition at club level on Saturday. PHOTO: Gary Coombe
presented the Kerferd Oration medal to orator Gillian Calvert on Sunday
WELL-SPOKEN: Event MC Karina Kerr (left), great grandson of George Kerferd (who the event is named after) Robert Kerferd, orator Gillian Calvert, Kerferd Oration founder Joan Simms and Indigo Shire Councillor Diane Shepheard at the Kerferd Oration on Sunday.
Bounce back win
Senior Bushrangers jump back into top five, A grade push finals-bound Bombers
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
Beechworth’s senior footballers took care of business in trying conditions against the winless Dederang-Mount Beauty at Baarmutha Park last weekend.
The Bushrangers needed the win to buck a three-game losing streak which saw them lose their spot in the top five heading into the final stretch of the season.
In a tough slog, Dayne Carey was a class above with his bag of six goals, leading his
side to the 17.15 (117) to 6.1 (37) result.
Carey was well supported by Hugh Kavanagh, Tristan Lenaz (two goals), Brenton Surrey, Liam McRostie (three goals) and Lukas Jakobsson.
It was an eye-opening debut for James Davidson and Aya Mcinerney who played out their first senior game in the Beechworth rain, as the Bombers brought the heat in a surprisingly high-scoring first quarter.
It was a much more dominant showing from the Bush-
rangers in the second quarter despite their inaccuracy.
They would kick away in the last kicking five goals while keeping the visiting Bombers scoreless to run away 80-point winners, jumping back into the top five with other results going their way.
Davidson was able to cap off his debut with a goal.
Beechworth will return to Baarmutha Park this weekend to host Wodonga Saints, and will be heavily favoured to hold onto their finals
spot going into the final two weeks of the year.
The test will come for the Bushrangers in their final two games at Yackandandah and then home to Baranawartha, who are both also in the thick of the finals race.
On the court, Beechworth’s A grade gave the highly touted Bombers a mighty scare, going down 27-20.
Up by five at half time, the Bombers were relatively in control of the game before the Bushrangers ate into the
lead to bring the margin back to four goals with one quarter remaining.
The finals-bound Bombers held their nerve and the lead to claim their eleventh win of the season, and even managed to jump into fourth position on the TDNA league ladder courtesy of Thurgoona’s loss to Chiltern.
The result was a big improvement from Beechworth’s first time playing the Bombers, when they went down by 17 goals in Mount Beauty.
Lainey Alexander was named best on court for the Bushrangers at goal shooter, converting seven goals in trying conditions for those under the ring.
Ruby McCormick and Aliza Robinson were both exceptional through the midcourt and put their DederangMount Beauty opponents under ample pressure.
The Bushrangers will have a good chance to finish their season with three straight wins, starting with the winless Saints on Saturday.
