When Rutherglen’s Deb Enshaw lost her partner Tony Reeckman to a distracted driver, her world changed forever - now, she’s sharing her heartbreak in the hope that her story will help save lives on Victorian roads.
Deb is participating in TAC’s campaign The Hardest Share, calling on Victorians to come forward with their own stories of losing a loved one or suffering a life-changing injury to help build a collective community-driven voice in support of road safety, reminding us of the human cost of road trauma.
Her long-time partner, Tony, 59, had his life cut short after he was hit by a car while cycling on Rutherglen-Springhurst Road on 27 January, 2023.
Police analysis showed the driver of the vehicle was on her phone in the minutes leading up the collision, and had social media opened when they hit Tony.
The driver performed CPR on
Tony, who was hit from behind at a speed estimated by police to be between 79km/h and 86km/h and later died at the scene.
As Tony’s partner for seven years, Deb said she still feels the pain of losing Tony, along with those who were close to him in the local cycling, photography, firefighting and farming communities.
“My life just sort of seems a bit dull… I miss his humour and silly sayings every day” she said.
“I’ve also got good friends and family and that around me, and that’s fantastic, but you just don’t
have those plans and that excitement for the future.
“Before you just sort of assumed that you’re going to live a long life and your family’s going to live a long life.
“Now that’s kind of taken away It’s like anyone can die at anytime.”
Deb grew up on a farm in Boorhaman close to Tony, who lived closer to Rutherglen, and they became long-time friends before going into a relationship for seven years, connecting through cycling.
Tony’s true passion in life was the challenge of racing and riding, taking on trails like the Stelvio Pass
in Italy and finding peace in solo rides throughout the North East and beyond.
Deb’s fondest memories with Tony was their annual getaway to Adelaide for the Tour Down Under, where they would ride the circuit and come up close and personal with world-class cyclists.
“It was just the best week away,” she said.
The couple had grand travelling plans going into 2023, with Tony recently retired and ready to take a camper across the country.
■ Continued page 3
HEART STILL ACHES: Deb Enshaw is hoping her participation in TAC’s latest campaign, The Hardest Share, will raise awareness to the ongoing road trauma effects of distracted driving, after losing her partner Tony Reeckman in 2023.
PHOTO: Bailey Zimmermann
LIFE ON THE FARM: TONY REECKMAN WAS A PROMINENT FIGURE AS A FARMER, CYCLIST AND PHOTOGRAPHER ACROSS THE NORTH EAST.
High Country tourism benefits from state funding boost
By ANITA MCPHERSON
Regional tourism businesses across the state will receive more support to upskill and boost their business through the State Government’s Regional Tourism Network Industry Strengthening Program.
Earlier this week, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos announced additional funding for the program, which supports Victoria’s Visitor Economy Partnerships (VEPs) to deliver training and support regional tourism businesses.
Under the program, VEPs will be eligible to receive up to $100,000 each in additional funding, ensuring regional tourism businesses continue to benefit from tailored training programs giving them the skills to grow their business and improve visitor experiences.
Tourism North East welcomed the opportunity, saying it has already benefited from the first round of funding under the program.
Tourism North East head of visitor experience Dean Cleave-Smith said $100,000 was received under the pro-
Tickets on sale for spring music festivals
Tickets are now on sale for the 35th Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues, to be held from 31 October to 3 November, and the third Tarra Blues festival, running on 1 and 2 November.
Staged over four days in 11 venues, the 2025 jazz festival will feature a reimagined festival hub in central Wangaratta, the return of the Tiny Jazz Series and two days of live music on the community stage.
On the same weekend, the two-day blues festival will be set in the grounds of the historic Plough Inn at Tarrawingee.
To see the full jazz festival program and to book, visit wangjazzblues.com.au
To book for Tarra Blues 3, visit https://www. trybooking.com/events/landing/1361898
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YOUR OVENS AND MURRAY TEAM
gram last year, which was invested in the delivery of two key programs within local industry, focussing on accessibility, and on cycle tourism.
Mr Cleave-Smith said the Accessible Tourism program involved working with a range of businesses to build their understanding and awareness of accessibility needs, how they may cater to people with those needs, and better present their offering to the market.
He said the second key program was Ride High Country Preferred, working with a range of businesses across the region to refine
their product offering for cycle tourists.
“It’s a key product for the region, supported by our dedicated Ride High Country brand, and it’s a very high yielding business, so optimising the product delivery to that sector is important, so we continue to be a destination of choice with all cycle tourists,” Mr Cleave-Smith said.
“It will culminate in an industry forum in September, where it will be launched.”
Mr Cleave-Smith said cycle tourism was “an incredibly important” sector to Victoria’s High Country, and
last year Tourism North East was the first organisation in Australia to launch a fully mapped and documented gravel cycling network, including a top 10 of gravel rides unique to the High Country.
He said research showed gravel cyclists were some of the highest yielding cyclists, pedalling hard by day but enjoying themselves at night, accessing local accommodation and multiple hospitality venues.
“The feedback from consumers around that launch has been astronomical - it has completely shifted the
thinking of Melbourne - as a key market - around what the High Country can offer in terms of gravel cycle tourism,” he said.
Mr Cleave-Smith said the second round of funding was a welcome initiative from the government, and they look forward to submitting a strong application for it.
He said Tourism North East is looking to develop a strategy to market the region’s fabulous waterways, including its many lakes and rivers, exploring the potential to attract tourists interested in water-based experiences and recreational activities.
Top win for Yackandandah Primary School
By CORAL COOKSLEY
Yackandandah Primary School won this year’s Victorian Parliament Prize with its first time entry receiving the Alicia Katz award.
The school was among more than 240 metropolitan and regional schools across the state drawing 1463 entries, well up from last year’s tally by more than 300 entries.
School teacher and coordinator Brendan Hogan said all students in years 5 and 6 took part in the competition with 16 students going on to record their submissions and enter the prize.
Students recorded themselves speaking about an important issue as if they were a new MP speaking in parliament.
“Students were required to write a 90-second ‘Member’s Statement’ about a topic of their choice,” he said.
“Topics ranged from ambulance response times, cost of participating in sport for young people, mental health, cost of living, homelessness, cancer research, support for students with autism, climate change and more.”
Mr Hogan said the award provided a real-world opportunity for students to share their thoughts and ideas and have their voice recognised and heard.
“The overall quality was very impressive,” he said.
“The first-time entry linked well to our unit of study on government, democracy and civics.
“As a teacher the award is a
just reflection of the hard-work and critical thinking students not only put into this task, but more importantly, it shows that our future and community is in safe hands.”
The Alicia Katz award has two categories – one for individual students and one for schools.
Yackandandah Primary School won the award for the school making an inspiring and highquality contribution to the prize on a range of topics winning a $1000 cash prize too.
“Four individual students also received a ‘highly commended’ award, placing them in the top six percent of students statewide,” Mr Hogan said.
Those students were Evie Burston, Lara Bebbington, Will
Black and Peter Kellaway
At last week’s council meeting, Indigo Shire councillors Jane Dowsley and Roberta Horne congratulated the school.
Both councillors had attended the school to see and hear some of the students make their presentations.
“We were absolutely blown away by the maturity and depth of the topics they presented,” Cr Dowsley said.
Cr Horne said the remarkable occasion had a room full of future leaders.
Benambra MP Bill Tilley will also present an award to the school sometime in the near future.
The award is named after Alicia Katz (1876-1964) - the first woman to run for the Parliament of Victoria.
EXCITED: Four of the Yackandandah Primary School students, Evie Burston (left), Lara Bebbington, Will Black and Peter Kellaway received highly commended award in this year’s Victorian Parliament Prize.
PHOTO: Brendan Hogan
Community transport assistance hitting the road
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A community-led initiative to help resolve transport challenges for locals needing assistance drew 35 people to last Wednesday’s meeting.
Beechworth Senior Citizens’ Club member Gerri Boland, driving the initiative, said the meeting held at the Senior Citizen’s Centre had a positive vibe with many helpful contributions by attendees for consideration.
With many attendees volunteering their availability for short local trips for seniors, Ms Boland said a buddy system with volunteer drivers had been proposed with a few set-up options.
“Buddy drivers outnumbered buddy recipients by about four to one,” she said.
“It seems that rainy weather is an issue for some people who use
mobility scooters such as visiting loved ones in residential care.
“The service of volunteer drivers may be needed more on rainy days.”
Ms Boland said different ways of making connections are needed as social media was not for everyone.
“Some may find social media useful and a Facebook page ‘Beechworth Volunteer Transport’ has been set up,” she said.
Ms Boland said a small group will work on streamlining the buddy system before the next meeting.
Participants will have an opportunity to be matched at the meeting to be held at 11am on Wednesday, 20 August.
Indigo Shire Council’s community development officer Kate O’Toole delivered an informative session on limited options by organisations around the shire for medical appointment transport.
A POSITIVE MOVE FORWARD FOR LOCAL LANDSCAPER
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A pathway forward in working with council to meet building requirements to finish a local home has been a positive outcome for a Beechworth property owner.
Landscaper Rob Holden faced a potential demolition order for a home he had constructed on his property off the Beechworth-Wodonga Road when a retrospective planning permit submitted had been refused by councillors.
A recommendation to rescind the earlier proposal by councillors for demolition was moved and accepted by a majority vote of four to three at council’s Tuesday night meeting last week.
Councillor Roberta Horne submitted the recommendation to grant a planning permit for the use and development of a dwelling in a farming zone based on a comprehensive report received by councillors from the applicant.
Mr Holden said he wanted to thank all councillors for their attention and significant amount of time undertaken to evaluate further information submitted for the planning permit.
The property owner said the decision to recommend a planning permit had been a huge relief for him in an extremely stressful situation.
“For anyone thinking about building without a permit it’s not the right way to go, and doesn’t make for good results,” he said.
“It’s really important for people to follow the right pathway despite any challenges.”
Mr Holden said he is working with council’s building department to meet all conditions and regulations required.
“I’m now getting on with my life and business as everything stopped over the last few months with time off to address the situation,” he said.
Ms O’Toole also clarified some confusion around community transport as well as providing information on a variety of options available through aged care packages for eligible people.
Ms O-Toole said the initiative by the community for the community was a good start.
“It’s a small solution for broader issues needing to be addressed at state and federal levels,” she said.
She said that greater access to transport is part of council’s advocacy action plan at state and federal levels, as well as continued advocacy for more aged care support programs, including increased access to transport.
Beechworth’s Steve Gilliver understands the situation all too well, with his 93-year-old mother living independently.
Mr Gilliver said his sister living close by drives her to appointments.
“I appreciate how difficult it can be and I am more than happy to help when available,” he said.
Mr Gilliver also suggested an option for driving beyond a proposed model of a designated day and time while also suggesting a list of volunteer contacts to be held by the local surgery.
Ms O’Toole also outlined some steps taken in other regional areas faced with the same transport challenges when circumstances change for people for consideration.
She also explained how the current transport services operate.
RSVPs are not required to take part in the meeting for developing options.
For further information or if you would like to request a lift to the meeting, please email Gerri at beechworthscc@gmail.com.
Put it away: urgent call to motorists
■ From front page
“He was going to renovate the house that he bought and fix it up really nice,” Deb said.
“He should have got to do that, I’m sad about that for him because he really deserved to do those things.”
Deb said while she hasn’t been able to live out her travel dreams with Tony, she has since been rallied by friends, family and the Rutherglen community who have been instrumental in her life without Tony.
But the Rutherglen local said she still feels the ongoing effects of road trauma, particularly around seeing similar incidents involving bikes.
“I was driving along one morning and someone parked at a funny angle on the road, I looked across and I could see there was a bike on the road and someone was lying there,” she said.
“My heart just went straight into my mouth.
“It turned out the person hadn’t been hit at all; it was someone riding by who stopped to help and put their bike down to help this other lady.
“I’m really looking forward to finishing my home.”
“But just to see those things together, I go straight to the worst-case scenario these days.”
As a result of her story, Deb said she had become passionate about spreading awareness on the dangers of using mobile phones in cars.
Victoria Police analysis shows drivers are 10 times more at risk of crashing if they are texting, browsing, or emailing on their mobile and a road safety monitor survey conducted in 2023 found more than half of drivers used a mobile phone while driving.
“An accident like this could happen to anyone,” she said.
“You’re distracted for a second and something terrible can happen.
“If you’re driving your car, turn your phone off, put it down for however long you’re driving… nothing’s that important.”
So far this year, 182 lives have been lost on Victorian roads, 14 more than at the same time last year, representing countless families, friends and communities forever in mourning.
If you’ve been impacted by road trauma, your story can be the reason someone else makes it home safely.
Visit https://www.tac.vic.gov.au/ road-safety/tac-campaigns/the-hardestshare to submit your Hardest Share.
The TAC will work sensitively with those willing to share their stories, providing counselling and other supports.
PLEASED: Beechworth’s Rob Holden is getting back to his landscaping business after stopping to address planning permit issues for a home he constructed on his property.
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
Creating space to grow
Karina Kerr was born in Wagga Wagga and moved around a lot in her younger years due to family circumstances. She moved to Wodonga in 2000 where she lived with her husband until the kids left home. Looking for a quieter life in small community town, the couple shifted to the perfect place of Wahgunyah.
What do you do workwise?
My work life is diverse. I have a consultancy business working with small businesses with Human Resources (HR) support and business development. I am passionate about hospitality and work with a local restaurant D’Amicos on setting up systems and HR process that will support the development of staff and the business. I am also a therapist working with Phoenix Wings Wellness and have worked in mental health over my career. I also work in Higher Education with Charles Sturt University encouraging continuation of learning to increase our workforce capacity across a range of industry in regional areas. Higher education is possible for everyone, included people like me being dyslexic. You are never too old to go to uni or change your career. What brought you to your role/career?
Over my career I have worked in homelessness, family violence, family dispute resolution, mental health with young people, and now higher education. My career choices have been driven by my values to make a difference in what can be very difficulty life. As a young person I experienced homelessness, family violence and exposure to mental health, all of which has driven a deep passion to understand the world. My career advanced
into leadership roles where I came to respect the amazing workforce we have, that strives to deliver high quality services under pressure of system, resources, and general life pressure, leading to an interest in HR and wanting to build sustainable workforces. What do you love about your work?
As a therapist it is the bravery of people who are invested in wanting to be a better self, wanting to face the challenges and trauma experienced, rising as a stronger and more comfortable self. All my roles link back to wanting to create space for people to grow, this could be at work, or through education or self awareness. We all have something unique to
offer the world and we are all interconnected in some way so why not make that connection as positive as possible.
What do you do in the community?
The Kerferd Oration in Beechworth was a special opportunity to volunteer in a community conversation that leads to thought provoking change. I am an advocate where possible to raise awareness of anything that links back to improving mental health outcomes, reducing suicide, and growing young people into themselves as adults without creating harm along the way. Opportunities like the Kerferd Oration encourages changes in thinking or just thinking in general. It means that we have to stop and consider what is happening in the
world and how we can contribute to make a difference.
Is there an important community issue that you think needs addressing?
Mental health and access to mental health treatment.
What would you do to solve change or improve that situation?
We service our cars, so they are safe, we fuel our bodies with food to keep them going, working on your mental health is equally important to fuel your brain. Encourage a change in thinking to elevate the importance of mental health.
What do you see as one of the most important current world issues?
War. Why are humans still killing humans and why is this an acceptable
way to resolve conflict. No one has the right to take another human’s life.
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?
That would be Bon Jovi. His music helped me through a difficult childhood, and I would show my appreciation by touring all our beautiful wineries and the great Murray River. We live in the most beautiful part of the world.
What book are you reading?
‘Doom and Gloom’ by Campbell Walker
Friday, 8 August (tonight) ST JOSPEH’S PRIMARY SCHOOL: CANDLELIGHT FOR COMPASSION
A lantern walk to raise awareness and funds for homelessness. All proceeds go to Quercus and the work they do to support the most vulnerable in the region. A non-perishable food drive runs alongside the event. 5.15pm start. Gather on school turf and collect lanterns. 5.30pm: 30-minute walk around town with a talk. 6pm- shared soup dinner back at the school. Bring own mugs and gold coin donation for soup. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Saturday, 9 August
BEECHWORTH LIBRARY
10am to 12pm. Talk on Thunderstorm Asthma. As part of National Science Week, Dr Kira Hughes will present her research on thunderstorm asthma - a phenomenon particularly relevant to this region. Kira is a leading researcher and an awardwinning science communicator. She is also a STEM 2025–2026 Superstar. Her presentation promises to be both informative and entertaining Wednesday, 13 August
INDIGO U3A EVENT
2pm to 4pm. Local classical guitarist Stephan Bulmer will delight his audience with a program of music from wellknown shows and movies. Non U3A members must RSVP to courses.indigou3a@gmail.com or join U3A. Old Beechworth Railway Station, Harper Avenue. Visit www.indigou3a.org.au for more information.
Saturday, 16 August
ANGLICAN CHRIST CHURCH
2pm. Opera Scholars Australia returns to Beechworth to perform a winter’s afternoon’s Mostly Mozart. OSA’s rising stars will sing operatic works by Austrianborn Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Italians Gaetano Donizetti and Guiseppe Verdi, and others. The performance will be presented in two 50-minute blocks separated by a 15-minute interval. 27 Ford Street, Tickets: $45 or $40 concession. Book at www. trybooking.com/events/ landing/1428218.
PASSIONATE ABOUT PEOPLE: Wahgunyah’s Karina Kerr believes everyone has something unique to offer the world through positive connections. Photographed with her three pet pooches Jack Jack (left), Theodore and Franklin.
Karina Kerr
A taste of teaching in the country
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A Country Education Partnership (CEP) program supporting education in regional and rural areas has been an incredible learning experience in a local high school for three university students.
Melbourne University students Katie Darrington, Meg Lyons and Eunice Kou in their final year of a Master of Education to become teachers recently undertook a pre-service teaching (PST) two-week placement at Beechworth Secondary College.
CEP, running for close to 50 years, has offered a reignited Teach Rural program over the last three years with around 230 PSTs placed in rural schools – both primary and secondary over that time.
CEP chief executive Mark McLay said around 10 percent of students who have completed their teaching degree took up a role in one of the schools they undertook in a placement.
Mr McLay said working with universities around the state, the program helped generate employment for teachers.
Beechworth Secondary College teachers Finn Pedersen and Anna Hedstrom know only too well the huge advantage of gaining experience in a country setting through CEP’s Teach Rural program.
The pair had undertaken a teaching degree at Melbourne University having switched careers and took part in a rural placement in Tallangatta.
The teachers opted for a move to Beechworth following positions offered at the local secondary college, with
Labor to make work from home a right
The Victorian government intends to make working from home a right.
Premier Jacinta Allan announced over the weekend that her government will introduce legislation to protect the ability of an employee to work from home.
Mr Pedersen now a mentor for university students undertaking the CEP program at the school.
“It’s always nice for kids in the country to have teachers who have lived in Melbourne, Canberra or Sydney as we have done too or have overseas experience as we lived in Stockholm as well,” he said.
“It brings that experience into the classroom.”
Melbourne University student Katie Darrington said a main motivator for a CEP placement arose from experience in her early years attending a rural primary school in the coastal town of Portarlington, near Geelong.
“It was a massive culture shock because I had been at a school in a Melbourne suburb and I felt out of place, unaware of my surroundings
and unprepared,” she said.
“I thought, if I’m going into a degree where I would be dealing with lots of different kids from many backgrounds, it was important to understand a placement from another lens.”
Ms Darrington said she found Beechworth a charming town.
“It was peaceful, quiet and a completely different lifestyle to what it’s like in the inner-city suburbs,” she said.
“I thought I would be placed in a coastal town, but I’m glad that I have been able to have the experience in Beechworth.”
She said a position in the country would be considered having gained wider experience as a participant in the exciting two-week CEP program undertaken at Beechworth Secondary College.
Meg Lyons has lived in Melbourne for five years as the family had shifted to different places when she was a youngster such as in Brisbane, Eltham and Geelong.
“The sense of community in Geelong made it such a great experience as a student that I’ve always wanted to see the other side of it as a teacher,” she said.
“I’ve always considered regional, and I was excited to take this opportunity to test the waters and it’s definitely something that I would like to do.”
Eunice Kou spent most her life living in cities and was curious about people living in a country town.
“I moved to Melbourne from China in 2017, had undertaken my junior high school in China, and then senior years 10, 11 and 12 in
She said more than a third of Australian workers – including 60 per cent of professionals – are already regularly working from home.
Premier Allan said it saves families money (on average $110 a week or $5308 every year), cuts traffic congestion, and gets more people working as it supports women with children, carers and people with a disability to work.
“We will consider the types
YOUR RIGHT: Premier Jacinta Allan says her government will legislate to make working from home a right.
of businesses and the size of businesses that that will be covered by this scheme, as well as the definition of remote work and who is able to do it,” Premier Allan said.
Following consultation, the Labor Government intends to introduce and pass this legislation next year.
Opposition leader Brad Battin said the the Victorian
Liberals and Nationals recognise that working from home has become a valuable option for many workers and families.
“We support measures that help Victorians enjoy a better work-life balance, and will review any legislation closely, to ensure it supports flexibility, productivity, and personal choice,” he said.
Melbourne,” she said.
She said education and lifestyles between both counties were quite different with the regional experience at Beechworth Secondary College adding another dimension.
Mr McLay said arrangements are made for PSTs to undertake placements as a group and house them together for a collegial experience as well.
“A wellbeing mentor’s role reflective of rural life is a critical part of the program and is the point of difference with our programs,” he said.
CEP’s Stephanie Garoni has a role as a community mentor to ensure students feel well supported.
“Students may not end up teaching in a rural school but may return to university or be in a community where they talk about a great expe-
rience that could spark interest for others,” Mr McLay said.
“Students can teach before finishing their qualification with the ‘permission to teach’ as well.”
Mr Pedersen said teaching in the country offered a great lifestyle choice.
“As a teacher, you can live anywhere and live the best life that you can live and that’s why I’m so passionate about country teaching,” he said.
“It’s about community connection as well.”
College principal Patricia Broom said the program offered future planning and proofing for teaching employment.
“It’s exciting to go somewhere different and for me the program is supporting education and students,” she said.
Top act comes to town for Winterwords
By CORAL COOKSLEY
Winterwords festival goers will be in for a treat in two weeks’ time when awardwinning rock cabaret writerperformer Geraldine Quinn performs her renowned cabaret show ‘The Passion of Saint Nicholas’ in Beechworth.
Beside many appearances on a variety of shows, Geraldine is known for her appearances on Spicks and Specks and The Weekly with Charlie Pickering.
The performer said she loves bringing the show to audiences outside of Melbourne.
“It’s a show about my massive family and we grew up around regional Victoria and New South Wales, so in a way it feels like it’s coming home,” she said.
“I hope people will take away from the performance a huge sense of love and how when that person is gone from your life, everything you loved about, and with them, is carried on through you and your future path.
“And also some banging songs.”
On a Regional Arts Victoria tour, Geraldine said it has been
wonderful to be involved in so many writer’s festivals.
Geraldine will also be running a writing workshop ‘Adapting a True Story’ on Sunday morning, 24 August, after her performance the previous night.
“There were a lot of challenges bringing ‘Passion of Saint Nicholas’ to the stage, given I felt a strong responsibility to my family but also wanted to tell a story authentic to me and my brother,” she said.
“It’s fascinating talking to people about their ideas, and their own concepts of authenticity, and I hope that some of the revelations that I had in my process may be illuminating to others - and get them writing.”
Geraldine said the last time she was in Beechworth was for her parents’ 50th wedding anniversary.
“We spent the summer weekend in a caravan park, the air thick with the smell of eucalyptus trees,” she said.
“If I remember correctly, the official family photographs took place in a disused asylum.” (the former Mayday Hills Mental Asylum).
“Everyone got photos taken
with their families, however I - as the child-free one - was not required to stand alone in a clearing for my photo...they just skipped me.”
Winterwords celebrating words in every shape and form is being held with a session on 17 August and then with sessions between the 20 and 24 August.
The exciting program has a fabulous variety of both guest authors and presenters as well as local talent.
Geraldine’s performance – a headline act – is on Saturday, 23 August at 7.30pm in the Beechworth Soldiers’ Memorial Hall.
The program will also include two word-driven visual arts exhibitions with ‘Artwords and Winternudes’ held daily in the Memorial Hall over the Winterwords’ event.
Beechworth Books will also hold a night at it’s premises with soup and mulled wine to spice things up for a winter’s evening.
Visit https://winterwords. com.au/ for more information, the program and to book tickets with six sessions offering a gold coin donation while two are free.
Expressions of Interest are now open for Galen‘s Sport Education Pathway
Launching in 2026, this hands-on VCE VM program helps students turn their love of sport into real-world skills and career pathways.
ENTERTAINING: Geraldine Quinn will perform her renowned cabaret show ‘The Passion of Saint Nicholas’. PHOTO: Evan Munro-Smith
Delving into significant history
An intriguing account of the former Mayday Hills Mental Hospital windup will on Saturday, 30 August be delivered by its last manager at a ‘Heyday of Mayday’ event.
Beechworth’s Michael Evans will be part of a cohort of three guest speakers who worked at the mental health facility talking about its rich history.
Former employees Beechworth’s Sandra Davidson working as a social worker and Max Wellstead as a psychiatrist, will be also presenting talks.
Mr Evans’ position at the time was manager for psychiatric services in what was then called the Department of Human Services in the Hume region with an office at Mayday Hills.
His talk will include background reasons on the hospital’s closure including mainstreaming to bring its service into both general and hospital health management.
“I was part of the windup with my job to hand the facility over to hospital management,” he said.
Among topics will be the changes in practices and attitudes for people with mental as well as de-institutionalisation happening around the world causing the closure.
“People remember Beechworth’s gold rush herit-
BY CORAL COOKSLEY ccooksley@ nemedia.com.au
age but the main reasons why the town is still here is because of the Mental Hospital, the prison (Old Beechworth Gaol) and the Benevolent Asylum eventually becoming the Ovens and Murray Hospital for the Aged,” he said.
“The Mental Hospital’s history is often overlooked and is an interesting part of the town’s heritage.”
Mr Evans said Victorian legislation in 1986 set the groundwork and legal framework for places like Mayday Hills.
“It also had provisions that would enable mainly nursing staff to be transferred out of government into hospital employment in the future which is what happened when the facility closed,” he said.
“The complex formally closed on the 30 June 1995 when the handover to management took place.”
He said some of the background factors running at the time were not always well understood in the town.
Friends of the Burke Museum has joined forces with Mayday Hills Society for the ‘Heyday of Mayday’ event supported by Bendigo Bank.
The event is part of the
group’s ongoing fundraising efforts for the museum to help with maintenance.
Cost for members is $30 and for non-members is $40
with afternoon tea and beverages included. Bookings are essential as seating limited to a 60-seat capacity.
RSVP is needed by 25 August to the Burke Museum on 03 57288067 or by email at or friendsburkemuseum@ gmail.com.
Heyday at Mayday
FIXED: AusNet crews discovered bark across the network had tripped the line
Unexpected electricity outages on Tuesday
By CORAL COOKSLEY
Multiple unexpected power outages both short and long hit Beechworth and surrounds on Tuesday.
Comments on the Beechworth community Facebook page indicated Stanley had been out for most of the day with Wooragee being affected with outages too.
A storm during the early hours of Tuesday morning seemed to have been the problem.
An AusNet spokesperson said the line tripped off at 5:15am.
“We had crews patrolling looking for the cause,” she said.
“It was determined that there was a large amount of bark blown over our network which we relocated and removed.
“The last customers were restored at 2:39pm.”
Come and hear stories about Mayday’s history, and it’s importance to the Beechworth community, and share in a delicious afternoon tea, supplied by Beechworth’s Red Cross.
Date: Saturday, 30th August
Time: 2.00 pm - 5.00 pm
Venue: Mayday Hills Art Society, off Kurrajong Way, Mayday Hills, Beechworth
Speakers: Speakers are ex-employees Mr Michael Evans, Manager Mr Max Wellstead, Psychiatrist Ms Sandra Davidson, Social Worker A Q&A will be included.
Entry: Members, $30; non-members, $40. Afternoon tea & drinks included
Bookings essential - seating limited to 60 attendees RSVP by 25/8/25: Burke Museum on 03-57288067 or friendsburkemuseum@gmail.com
INTRIGUING TALK: Beechworth’s Michael Evans will be talking about the former Mayday Hills Mental Health Hospital windup at an event on Saturday 30 August.
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
Connecting generations
BY CORAL COOKSLEY ccooksley@ nemedia.com.au
Bringing generations together is a key focus in a Beechworth Secondary College program with nearby Beechworth Health Service aged care residents.
Four ladies had a delightful time chatting to students for a first-time visit to the school last Thursday.
The small cohort was then taken by students on a tour of the school.
For Beechworth’s Jane Gardiner the visit brought back memories while she loved seeing the young people in their school environment.
The visit to the school followed a student-initiated program started at the beginning of the year where students visit aged care residents in their accommodation once a week.
Year 9 students Abby, Shanyia and Summer said they enjoyed visiting aged care residents to hear stories about their life.
“I like to go to their residence, have a good chat, put a smile on their faces and make their day, and it makes my day too,” Summer said.
Year 12 student Ella Pund said she liked hearing their stories as she learned how different things are today.
Teachers Finn Pedersen and Jacob Myers have coordinated the program with recently appointed school nurse Rosemary Dax stepping in to help.
“Community is the biggest part
of this school and it’s been really good for students to get a sense of giving back to the community,” Mr Myers said.
With regular weekly visits, Mr Pedersen said the experience needed to be consistent for relationship building by students with the residents.
“The core special thing about this school is our connection with the community,” he said.
Beechworth Health Service promotion officer Bernadette McCann said it was a lovely, rich and simple program including the first visit by resident to the school.
“Students come in their lunch break, they just chat, and we don’t have to preplan
anything,” she said.
“There are a few residents who went to Beechworth High School back in the day.”
Ms McCann said there is a great exchange of stories between residents and students.
The program reinforcing the importance of understanding age differences is a key aspect for Ms Dax.
“We can’t assume people have extended families like we used to and not everyone has grandparents or grandparents living close by,” she said.
“My job is health promotion and primary health care, and this is about increasing peoples’ mental health and wellbeing as well as
TAKING PART: A new group of Beechworth Secondary College Year 9 students taking part in the program with Beechworth Secondary College and Beechworth Health Service staff at last week’s visit by residents.
DELIGHTED: Beechworth Secondary College nurse
Dax (left), Beechworth Health Service (BHS) promotions officer
and BHS activities officer
resilience and empathy.
“These intergenerational programs have shown me this is the way to do it.
“I work in Myrtleford as a school nurse as well and have been running these programs for about 10 years.”
Ms Dax said sharing knowledge builds a real connection between the two generations.
Heading north to foster ongoing Atauro Islander friendships
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A cohort of eleven local supporters helping to make a difference to lives of Timor Leste’s Atauro Islanders has embarked on a trip to the island this week.
Group members are mainly from Indigo Shire Atauro Island Friendship Inc with its long-time commitment to support the small community of 10,000 people.
The island is located about 30 kilometres north of Timor-Leste’s capital of Dili across the Wetar Strait.
The friendship group’s president Libby Hosking said visits continue friendships with Atauro islanders while this year’s group is staying for a week.
Among projects supported from many fundraisers and donations are education with scholarships and composting toilets.
“We have 11 students presently studying who we will meet and see how they are going,” Libby said.
The president said 40 Islanders have received support with scholarships since the friendship group began.
“We offer two funded scholarships every year one each for a female and a male with successful applicants undertaking either university or vocational education,” she said.
“Education is the fundamental
Friendship member Lesley Milne said items such as scissors, good quality felt and other fabric will be taken to Boneca with some of their creations purchased to bring back and sell at fundraising events and local markets.
The friendship group will also fund a new treadle sewing machine.
Libby said a number of Beechworth hockey sweaters no longer used are being taken for team outfits as well as some soccer uniforms.
SUPPORTERS: Long time Friends of Atauro committee members
Lesley Milne (left), group supporter Kylie Stephens and Friends president Libby Hosking are among a cohort travelling to Atauro Island this week to kindle ongoing friendships.
foundation of every community.
“It’s also knowledge and we help people build capacity to be selfsufficient with good working relationships in their communities.
“It also builds self-sufficient capacity of Timor too as it’s a developing country,
“For example, if students train as a nurse or a health care worker, they contribute to the health of the country as a whole.”
Libby said one young man studied agriculture and is back on his farm implementing what he learned into practice.
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
“We have several nurses on the island, a laboratory assistant who’s working as a volunteer at the clinic, a teacher, and young man training to be a doctor,” she said.
Among others but not least are civil engineers.
The group will also meet with the president of the authority for Atauro Island, and directors for both education and health.
They will also meet with the women’s cooperative Boneca de Atauro and check on composting toilet projects for sanitation with four built this year.
Long time supporter of the friends group, Kylie Stephens, has helped with fundraising efforts as well as being a financial contributor.
Travelling to Atauro Island for the first time, Kylie said she is looking forward to meeting some of the students and experiencing Atauro Island.
Libby said their journey is selffunded.
“All fundraising money goes towards health and education projects,” she said.
An official memorandum of understanding (MOU) was originally signed in 2008 with Indigo Shire Council and Atauro Island authorities.
Indigo Shire Atauro Island Friendship Inc formed from then to help develop relationships with Atauro Island.
Rosemary
Bernadette McCann
Tracey Ginkel.
GREAT CONVERSATION: Beechworth Health Service aged care resident
Lorraine Whitehead chats with Year 12 student Ella Rose at her first visit to Beechworth Secondary College. PHOTOS: Coral Cooksley
ACROSS
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD
4 Name the cavity at the upper end of the human windpipe (6)
7 What is a pattern or mould used as a guide in mechanical work (8)
8 Name an infectious type of fever (6)
9 What is a special benefit, often in disguise (8)
11 Which term describes that which is the weirdest (7)
13 Which part of a spacecraft is detachable (7)
15 Who, in the Biblical parable, was raised from the dead (7)
17 What is systematised knowledge in general (7)
20 Name one who undertakes to murder, for a reward (8)
23 To cause displeasure, is to do what (6)
24 What is scurf which forms on the scalp and comes off in small scales (8)
25 To be wandering, is to be what (6)
DOWN
1 Which Swiss patriot was forced to shoot an apple off his son’s head, with a bow and arrow, William ... (4)
2 What are sudden, abnormal, involuntary muscular contractions (6)
Letters
Some
3 Name a motor car for public hire (4)
4 What is a relatively narrow, horizontal projecting part (5)
5 To have a rank, unpleasant, stale smell, is to be what (6)
6 Name some major parts of speech (5)
9 Name the muscle on the upper arm (6)
10 Which pointed instruments are used for sewing (7)
12 Name a health resort in southern Arizona (6)
E-QUATIONS
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
14 What is a shooting star known as (6)
16 To be foolish, is to be what (6)
18 What are low-priced restaurants called (5)
19 Which small chest is used for holding tea (5)
21 Which kitchen basin is used for washing dishes, etc (4)
22 Name a colloquial term for information (4)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
WHICH WORDS
BIYWORD
Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.
CLUES:
Cartoon: he peers over a wall (3)
Formed words soundlessly (7)
Idiots (5)
Knitted baby foot covers (7)
Objective case of she (3) Pigeon sound (3) Redden (5)
Remaining one of two (5) Series (abb) (3)
Supple willow twig (5)
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CATHEDRAL COLLEGE WANGARATTA
Suitably qualified applicants are invited to apply for the following positions for 2026.
VCE Legal Studies and Humanities Teacher (Middle/Senior School)
Learning Enhancement Teacher (Middle School)
Food and Technology Teacher (Middle/Senior School)
Performing Arts Teacher (Prep to Year Ten)
English Teacher (VCE, Middle/Senior School)
Vocational Pathways Leader (Secondary)
Part-time/ongoing
School Counsellor (0.6)
For some roles, the ability to teach an additional subject is required or desirable. Please refer to our website, www.cathedralcollege.vic.edu.au for position descriptions and application closing dates.
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.
Cathedral College Wangaratta is a Child Safe School and an Equal Opportunity Employer
Cordy drills hole in one
By DYLAN POOL
Congratulations to Graeme ‘Cat’ Cordy who had a hole in one last Friday evening playing in the par 3 comp on the 6th hole (7th on the normal course).
Cat joins Jenny Hogan as a hole in one hitter on the par 3 course since its inception.
A wonderful sunny day at Beechworth Golf Club last Wednesday morning for the women’s comp. We had six women in the fiercely contested comp.
Coming in third was Gail Smith (17) with 30.
Only a small field of two groups assembled last Sunday for the August Monthly Medal.
A countback was required to determine the winner.
Phil Pelgrim was the lucky winner of that countback
with his score of 87/17/70.
George Ward was the unlucky runner up with 91/21/70.
Next to follow were Jamie Dolny 85/14/71 and Gerard Cull with 93/20/73.
Nearest the pin went to Jamie Dolny on the 10th.
We had some representa-
tion at a couple of tournaments also.
The best performer was Darren Edwards who won Strathmerton’s Tournament with a great scratch score of 2 under par 67.
Dylan Pool was the scratch runner up.
Jacob Howard also claimed
the A grade longest drive. Over at Bethanga Vaughan Saunders was the A grade scratch runner up with a one over 73.
This Sunday there will be a stableford event at Beechworth. Arrive at 11:30am for 12 hit off. St James are also holding their Tournament.
Galen Catholic College to launch Sports Education Pathway in term 1, 2026
Galen Catholic College has announced the launch of the Galen Sports Education Pathway (GSEP) - a dynamic and inclusive two-year program designed for year 11 students who are passionate about sport.
Launching in term one, 2026, the program offers students a unique opportunity to stay engaged with school while developing practical skills and exploring future pathways in sport and recreation.
Students in the program will complete the VCE Vocational Major (VM), with a VET focus in Sport and Recreation, gaining industryrelevant qualifications and realworld workplace experience.
Whether students are aiming for a career in sport or looking to grow in confidence and capability, the program supports their development - both on and off the field.
The Galen Sports Education Pathway is ideal for students who:
Love sport and thrive through passion-based, hands-on learning;
Wish to complete year 12 studies without the need for an ATAR;
Want to build leadership, teamwork, and communication skills;
Are seeking practical experience and career readiness.
The program is open to all students and will be led by a small team of passionate and experienced teachers.
This close-knit teaching group will foster a team-based learning environment, promoting connection, motivation, and mutual support.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for students to connect their passion with their education,” said Mark Anderson, GSEP coordinator.
“The pathway supports meaningful learning while helping students prepare for the future.”
A course guide is also available on the Galen Catholic College website.
MULTIPLE BENEFITS: Mark Anderson, the Galen Sports Education Pathway (GSEP) coordinator, said the program supports meaningful learning while helping students prepare for the future.
Aussie rules growth booming in North East
The AFL North East Border (AFLNEB) region has seen a positive trend in community football participation, with significant growth in recent years, particularly in the postCovid environment.
Compared to 2019, the region has experienced a marked increase in participation, and 2025 shows steady growth compared to 2024, according to data from AFLNEB.
A key area of focus has been community-driven football, including club-run and community-run Auskick and Superkick centres.
The 2025 season has shown strong growth across almost all categories and age groups, with the exception of junior football, which saw a slight decline compared to 2024.
The decline was most noticeable in the 11-year-old age group, who were affected by the COVID years, a time when they would have typically been introduced to Auskick as sixyear-olds.
However, junior participation is still up by 21 per cent compared to 2019, which is an encouraging sign for the future.
“It’s been fantastic to see participation across the region not only bounce back but grow beyond pre-covid levels,” AFL North East Border region manager Zac Hedin said.
“The commitment from our local clubs, volunteers,
and communities has been the driving force behind this continued growth.”
Youth football is in a solid position, with a three per cent increase from 2024 and an impressive 11 per cent growth from 2019.
Hedin said it is a credit to the dedication of junior clubs and teams, particularly given the high dropout rate traditionally seen at this stage.
Senior football remains below 2019 levels but has stabilised over the past two years, showing signs of improvement.
Community-driven Auskick and Superkick centres have seen remarkable growth, with a 10 per cent increase from 2024 and a 13 per cent increase from 2019.
“Auskick continues to be a vital part of our football ecosystem,” Hedin said.
“We’ve seen incredible energy from community centres who are running innovative programs that make it fun and accessible for kids to get started in the game.”
The women and girls segment continues to expand, with the introduction of the under 12 age group in the local NEB Female Football League helping to strengthen the pathway for girls.
The initiative provides a clear route for girls to progress from Auskick to community football, creating more opportunities for participation at all levels.
“The growth in female participation is one of the real highlights this year,” Hedin said.
“With a 54 per cent increase since 2019, we’re seeing more girls picking up a footy and staying involved longer.
“The addition of younger age groups at community football level gives them more options and opportunities to get and stay involved.”
Key participation stats for 2025
Total Community Participants: 5710 (+1% vs. 2024, +7% vs. 2019).
Junior Football Participants: 1390 (-4% vs. 2024, +21% vs. 2019).
Youth Football Participants: 1838 (+3% vs. 2024, +11% vs. 2019).
Senior Football Participants: ,481 (+1% vs. 2024, -2% vs. 2019).
Community Auskick/ Superkick Centres
Total Participants: 1853 (+10% vs. 2024, +13% vs. 2019).
Women and Girls
Participation
Total Community-Led Participation (Clubs and Auskick): 964 (+11% vs. 2024, +54% vs. 2019).
Total Community-Led Participation (Clubs and Auskick Centres)
Total: 7563 (+3% vs. 2024, +8% vs. 2019).
CAT CALL
Graeme ‘Cat’ Cordy pictured retrieving his ball from the 6th hole on Beechworth Golf Club’s par 3 course after sinking a hole in one.
■ Story page 11.
Season on the line
Beechworth’s senior footballers must beat Yackandandah to stay in the race for the top five
A thrilling TDFL finals race is set to be decided over the final fortnight of the season, with Beechworth’s senior footballers right in the thick of the action.
Just two and a half games separate seven teams who are jostling for position in finals as one of the closest finishes in recent competition memory enters the last two weeks.
The Bushrangers currently sit fourth after two straight wins, but could find themselves as low as seventh if they fall at their first hurdle on Saturday at Yackandandah.
The loss could see them fall out of the finals race completely, despite occupying a spot in the top five for a majority of the season.
After dropping five of their first six games of the season, the Roos have found themselves in
the unlikely position of pushing for a finals berth following wins against Barnawartha and Thurgoona.
Barnawartha, Chiltern and Rutherglen currently occupy the rest of the top five with Beechworth and Kiewa Sandy Creek, who have sown up the minor premiership.
Of all the competing sides the Dogs will like their chances the most as they face the bottom two sides in Dederang-Mount Beauty and Wahgunyah in their run home.
Healthy percentages and an extra win in favour of the Tigers and the Swans in second and third also have them in a good position.
The Roos will head into their match with Beechworth at Bunton Park as favourites, with the Bushrangers being forced to manage a heavy injury toll throughout the second half of the season.
But with injuries has brought opportunity, with Beechworth blooding as many as seven debutants this season.
One of those debuts occurred on the weekend as young Tom Stefaniak had the boys up and about kicking a goal in his first senior game against Wodonga Saints.
The Bushrangers propelled from a 14-goal first half to run riot over the Saints and win by 93 points at Baarmutha Park.
Hayden Cooper and Liam Stephens played well with the midfield group of Clancy Ellett,
Tom Cartledge, Brenton Surrey and Tristan Lenaz.
Dayne Carey’s four goals was the most out of a mix of goal kickers, with Lachie Armstrong and Connor Stone finishing with three each. Across the fence it was an unfortunate afternoon for Beechworth’s A grade, going down in a close one 37-41.
The win marked Wodonga’s first of the season after going into the game 0-15.
Aliza Robinson and Eidenne Surrey were Beechworth’s best across defence and the midcourt while Lainey Alexander led the way beneath the goals converting 18 of her 32 shots.
FIRST GAME SMILES: TOM STEFANIAK (LEFT) AND COACH JACK NEIL AFTER BEECHWORTH’S WIN AGAINST WODONGA SAINST LAST SATURDAY, WHICH SAW STEFANIAK FINISH WITH A GOAL ON SENIOR DEBUT.
