PROUD
Daylight Saving Time begins at 2am this Sunday, October 5 when clocks are put forward one hour.
“Exciting new era” for Beechworth caravan park
New operators set to take over from Sue and Roger Humphris at Lake Sambell Caravan Park
A new operator has been chosen for the Beechworth Lake Sambell Caravan Park after its current managers elected to sell the business.
Indigo Shire Council selected caravan park operator company Mexicala to oversee the park at Tuesday night’s council meeting from 1 April next year, with transition arrangements in place from December.
Councillors voted five to two in favour of the new lease being granted, which will run for 21 years.
Mexicala brings more than 20 years of experience in caravan park management with multiple parks across Victoria and interstate.
Mayor Sophie Price said the decision marked an exciting new era for caravan park management in Beechworth.
“The Beechworth Lake Sambell
Caravan Park is one of the jewels in our tourism crown, and we’re thrilled to have secured an operator with such a strong vision for its future development,” she said.
The park’s current operators of nearly 20 years, Sue and Roger Humphris, elected not to participate in the expression of interest process, deciding to sell the business as a going concern.
Ms Humphris said it was time for
the couple to take a “gap year”.
“But we plan to stay in Beechworth which is our home,” she said.
“The sale ensures business continuity, with existing staff transitioning their employment to the new operators, ensuring ‘business as usual’ for park visitors.”
Cr Price said the couple had been true custodians of the facility.
The selection follows Council’s
adoption of comprehensive Caravan Park Masterplans in December 2022, which outline a 10-year aspirational plan for each of the shire’s four caravan parks.
Mexicala has committed to significant capital investment to develop the park in line with council’s adopted masterplan, with both parties contributing to infrastructure improvements.
■ Continued page 2
Waywurru researcher, historian and storyteller Megan Carter (left), Stanley Athenaeum’s Chris Dormer with historian Jacqui Durrant at last Sunday’s talk, which delved into untold Aboriginal history in the North East. Story page 3.
PHOTOS: Coral Cooksley
GOING UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT:
The popular Beechworth caravan park lease was awarded to new operators at Tuesday’s council meeting.
PHOTOS: Coral Cooksley
“Exciting new era” for Beechworth caravan park
■ From front page
Cr Price said the enhanced facilities are expected to increase visitation not only to the park but also to Beechworth and the broader region.
“What particularly impressed us was the collaborative approach taken by all parties, who’ve been working cooperatively to ensure a smooth transition,” Cr Price said.
“This positive partnership approach benefits everyone; the park, our visitors, and our local community.”
The expression of interest process, which ran for seven weeks from late March to early May 2025, sought experienced operators willing to invest in park development and work closely with local businesses and the tourism sector to maximise benefits to the local economy.
Indigo Shire also manages caravan parks at Rutherglen, Yackandandah, and Chiltern.
Prestigious gong for local crime writer
By SIMONE KERWIN
Beechworth author Margaret Hickey has taken out a Ned Kelly Award from the Australian Crime Writers Association for her fourth novel, ‘The Creeper’. Margaret (who released the book in July last year and has since followed it with another, ‘An Ill Wind’, this year) won the best Australian crime novel award at last week’s ACWA presentation in Melbourne.
Other winners were ‘All You Took From Me’ by Lisa Kenway (best debut), ‘A Thousand Miles from Care’ by Steve Johnson (best true crime); and ‘A Case of Matricide’ by Graeme Macrae Burnet (best international crime).
Published by Penguin Books, ‘The Creeper’ is a mystery novel set in the fictional Mount Beautyesque town of Edenville in Victoria’s high country, which is still haunted by the murders 10 years earlier of five hikers and bushland loner Bill ‘Creeper’ Durant.
Durant was a man with a known reputation for stalking campers, and the conclusion in the case was murder-suicide, but as the anniversary of the massacre draws near, Detective Constable Sally White finds herself drawn into the dark world of the notorious Durant family.
Lex Durant is protesting his brother’s innocence and accusing the police of persecution, and as Sally combs the investigation to prove him wrong, it becomes clear that each murdered hiker had skeletons in their closet - and possible enemies in their past.
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YOUR OVENS AND MURRAY TEAM
Australia’s highest awards for crime writing recognise local Beechworth author Margaret Hickey
said she was shocked when she heard she’d won the prestigious prize for best novel.
“It’s the highest award in the country for crime writing, and has been won previously by Jane Harper, Michael Robotham and Peter Temple, who is my idol,” she said.
Margaret said she enjoyed the camaraderie of the crime writers’ community, and had been thrilled by the reaction of fellow authors to her win.
“Crime writers are so wonderful - so many have texted since the presentation,” she said.
cused on marking SACs (schoolassessed coursework) and practice exams for her three Cathedral College Wangaratta year 12 English classes as the school year builds to its end.
The panel of judges for the Ned Kelly Awards praised Margaret’s novel for its “chilling storytelling, incredible setting, and for seamlessly drawing readers into the dark world of the protagonist”.
The annual awards are Australia’s oldest and most prestigious recognition for published crime fiction and true crime writing.
Margaret, who had previously been shortlisted for best debut for her 2021 release ‘Cutters End’,
“It’s the ultimate validation from the industry, and really elevates your work.”
With five crime novels to her name, and another in the worksthis one set in the North East and centring on the illegal tobacco trade - Margaret said the award made her feel she’d “earned a place” among the genre’s big names.
“Every author has a bit of imposter syndrome, so an award like this relieves some of that when you feel it,” she said.
There is a nice symmetry in the fact that a writer who lived for many years in Glenrowan before moving to Beechworth has won a Ned Kelly Award, and it was a link Margaret mentioned at the award presentation.
She said she loved being part of the local community, and appreciated the support of the region as she pursued her writing dream.
Currently 55,000 words deep into that next novel, which again features Detective Constable Sally White, Margaret is also fo-
While she’s loved combining teaching with writing, she is set to take a break from it next year to focus on her novel-a-year schedule.
“It’s been terrific having both; I’ve taught for 25 years and I love teaching, so it was a difficult decision,” she said.
“I will really miss it, but I won’t be a stranger, I’ll definitely come back and help out at times.” However, the move offers the chance to explore other writingrelated opportunities - something that will surely be welcomed by Margaret’s legions of readers.
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A fundraiser jointly hosted by two Rotary Club’s is set to help a longstanding international campaign to eradicate polio around the globe.
The Rotary eClub of Change Makers and the Rotary Club of Appin Park Wangaratta invites the community to a special movie night on Wednesday, 8 October to see the feature film ‘The Travellers.’
A heartwarming new Australian release from acclaimed filmmaker Bruce Beresford, the movie stars Luke Bracey, Bryan Brown and Susie Porter.
Rotary eClub of Change Makers president Susan Benedyka said joining in to help raise funds for the worthy cause is a great chance to enjoy an evening out
awareness and funds to finish the job,” she said.
The film tells the poignant and funny story of Stephen Seary, a successful stage designer returning to his small hometown to say goodbye to his mother – only to be swept into family drama, reconciliation and rediscovery.
The movie is being shown at 6.30pm at Wangaratta Cinema with tickets at $22 each and available via Humanitix.
Proceeds will go directly to Rotary’s End Polio campaign, which has already reduced polio cases by ninety-nine per cent worldwide.
leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change.
For more than 35 years, Rotary and its partners have led the fight to eradicate polio around the world.
Through the End Polio Now campaign, Rotary has helped reduce polio cases to a near total eradication immunising more than 2.5 billion children across 122 countries.
Today, only a handful of cases remain, and Rotary is committed to making polio the second human disease ever eradicated.
while also contributing to Rotary’s number one priority – eradicating polio worldwide.
“Polio remains a threat in some parts of the world, and through events like this we can raise both
Every ticket sold helps Rotary and its partners continue immunisation programs and protect vulnerable children.
Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbours, friends,
For more information about the movie night and to book tickets visit https://events.humanitix. com/the-travers-a-rotary-filmfundraiser or contact Kathryn Chivers on 0428 282 968.
UNITED: A local Rotary fundraiser next week will be a helping hand in an international campaign to fully eradicate polio.
INDUSTRY RECOGNITION: Local writer Margaret Hickey (left) with Karina Kilmore, chair of the Australian Crime Writers Association, at the Ned Kelly Awards presentation where her book ‘The Creeper’ won best crime novel.
Spotlight shone on untold local Aboriginal history
A Waywurru researcher, historian and storyteller shone the spotlight on untold Aboriginal history in the North East on Sunday.
Megan Carter with family connections to the North East delivered powerful accounts of stories about devastating impacts to her family over generations within the local area.
The event ‘Spaces of Survival: Aboriginal Reserves and Ration Depots in North East Victoria’ hosted by the Stanley Athenaeum was held at the village’s Soldiers Memorial Hall.
“My engagement in this research and sharing it with my family, became my way to honour my ancestors for their ultimate struggle,” Ms Carter said.
Ms Carter highlighted the impact of colonial policies and the Aboriginal Protectorate (1838-1849) on Aboriginal people relating stories of her ancestral family.
These included discussions around Aboriginal reserves and ration depots across North East Victoria.
She also spoke about the 1869 Aboriginal Protection Act and the 1886 Half Caste Act (with Ms Carter noting this term is no longer used) with control over Aboriginal lives.
She said the Aboriginal Protectorate established in the Port Phillip district in 1838 and had responded to growing violence between European squatters and their entourage, and Aboriginal communities.
Ms Carter spoke about its intentions to protect Indigenous people from massacres and displacement by relocating them to designated areas while framed as a humanitarian effort.
“Systems were also designed to promote assimilation to European society by introducing Christian values, agriculture and European customs with protectorate stations with distributing food and medical supplies,” she said.
“The Aboriginal Protection Act of 1869 made Victoria the first colony to pass a law
CAPTIVATED: A strong crowd on Sunday gained an insight into Aboriginal history in the local area on Sunday.
allowing the government to completely control the lives of Aboriginal people,” she said.
She said the Half Caste Act also defined the legal definition of an Aboriginal that played a crucial role in the history of the Stolen Generations.
The researcher also spoke about removal of Aboriginal people from designated reserves or missions with the land sold to European settlers.
“Family separation, trauma and loss of cultural identity contributed to the wider and injustices of the Stolen Generations,” she said.
By 1926 all Aboriginal reserves in Victoria were closed except for one in Gippsland.
Ms Carter said ration depots in the North East, among them Barnawartha, Tangambalanga, Lake Moodemere and Wangaratta had complex impacts on Waywurru and Dhudhuroa people.
The researcher said the depots fostered dependency on the government and eroded self-sufficiency fostering tied to policies of control, assimilation and dispossession.
“They caused cultural and social disruption, resulting in the loss of cultural knowledge,” Ms Carter said.
Ms Carter said she hoped
Roo collisions on the rise across the state
RACV is urging Victorian motorists to stay alert behind the wheel as the latest RACV claims data shows thousands of collisions involving kangaroos have been reported across the state in recent years.
Kyneton (156).
By comparison, a total of 70 claims were made during the period in Beechworth, with 113 claims in Wangaratta and 49 in Myrtleford.
people gained a clearer understanding of the colonial history of the country in which they live on and inspire their own line of inquiry.
She said the Ovens and Murray Advertiser had played an important part in her research.
“The Advertiser published an article about my great grandmother five times removed, and how her overwhelming sadness resulted in her death when her children were taken away by Reverend John Green in 1873,” she said.
Stanley Athenaeum’s Chris Dormer said the story needed to be told.
“The talk brought so much local history about Aboriginal culture and there is not a lot of history on facts about displacement of Aboriginal people in North East Victoria.
Historian and researcher Jacqui Durrant said Megan with a direct connection to Aboriginal history of the area has been a hidden story.
“There is such an incredibly rich Aboriginal history for the area, and there’s so much work to be done,” she said.
Murmungee local Greg Clydesdale said Megan’s insight’s had a fascinating depth of knowledge on the local area.
Between 2021 and June 2025, RACV Insurance received over 23,000 claims for kangaroo-related collisions, with 2024 recording the highest number of claims (5,883).
The average RACV claim total following collision with an animal in the 2025 financial year was $8,984.
RACV general manager insurance and roadside Bill Bloodworth said collisions with wildlife are unfortunately common across Victoria, especially in areas where urban development meets regional roads.
“We do see a pattern of higher claim volumes during the cooler months, particularly from April to August, when kangaroo movement increases and daylight hours are shorter,” he said.
“Motorists should slow down, stay alert and scan the roadside – especially at dawn and dusk, when kangaroos are most active.”
RACV claims data reveals the top 10 suburbs for kangaroo-related crashes since 2021 are Sunbury (234 claims), Heathcote (195), Wallan (192), Benalla (182), Bacchus Marsh (179), Bendigo (170), Ballarat (169), Gisborne (164), Woodend (160) and
“These suburbs reflect a wide geographic spread, showing that kangaroo collisions aren’t limited to rural roads - motorists in outer suburbs and peri-urban areas also need to be cautious,” Mr Bloodworth said.
RACV tips to avoid animal collisions: Be aware of peak times: Kangaroos are most active at dawn, dusk and night.
Slow down: Reduce speed in areas with wildlife signage or when visibility is poor. Scan ahead: Look both sides of the road and the edges of the tree line for movement.
Avoid swerving: If a collision is unavoidable, brake firmly in a straight line. Use high beams: When safe to do so, high beams can help detect animals further ahead.
Mr Bloodworth added that while hitting a kangaroo can be distressing, motorists should prioritise safety.
“If you’re involved in a collision, pull over safely, activate hazard lights and check on passengers, and if anyone is injured, call 000,” he said.
“If the animal is injured, contact local wildlife services on 03 8400 7300.”
STAY ALERT: Motorists who may encounter wildlife on the roads are being urged to be cautious, particularly at dawn and dusk.
A lifetime love of cycling
Graham Brown was born in Sydney and grew up in Epping – a thriving part of the post-war ‘Bible Belt’.
As a child most of his leisure hours were spent in the bush at the back of the family home observing a full range of bird life.
“Cycling has been a major interest from a very early age and the age of seven, I was given my first bike and used to cycle a ‘mile’ to Epping Primary School,” he said.
“In my Leaving Certificate year, I was the telegram boy at Epping Post Office, delivering telegrams to the Eastwood area on my bicycle and I could knock up 40 miles in a Saturday afternoon.
“My wife and I have lived in Rutherglen for the last 23 years. We moved across the border from Corowa when I retired from teaching at the end of 2002 because I perceived roads to be better for cycling in Victoria. Besides, my cycling friend John Hennessy – now living in Beechworth – had invited me to be a part of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail scene.
What did you do workwise?
I was a NSW primary school teacher for some 40 years. Before my last two schools in Corowa, I had covered most of the state with my varied appointments. Having trained at Wagga, my appointments included small and large schools in the far and central west, the coast and inner Sydney city, but mainly in the Riverina.
What brought you to your role/ career?
All vocations can have a ‘calling’. As a person of faith, I felt a special calling to the vocation of teaching. What did you love about your work?
At many schools I set up nature areas, formed choirs and conducted excursions. At Corowa South I loved to get the children on bicycles and, with parents, cycle around the common
and go dip-netting (nets to investigate, capture and learn about new and interesting creatures) in the lagoons.
What do you do in the community?
My volunteering roles have included membership of Rotary International, Gideons International and lay preaching in the Uniting Church. When I retired from teaching, I returned to the schools in Corowa as a volunteer scripture teacher.
Is there an important community issue that you think needs addressing?
One community need that has been wonderfully addressed in recent years in Indigo is the provision of safe multi-purpose trails to improve community health through exercise. I had some 15 years on the M2M Board and was Chair of the Community Advisory Group. What a privilege it was to take a podium seat with the official guests at the opening of the Rutherglen Loops.
What do you see as one of the most important current world issues?
In the Western World, centuries of wars have been motivated by religion
– especially in the turbulent postReformation period. However, a Bible -based personal faith in God through Jesus Christ puts care of others first and will address the selfishness prevalent in the world today – at least at a personal level.
If the person you would most like to meet came to Indigo Shire (past or present), or was already here, who would that be, what would you show them, and why?
It would be former neighbour, friend and encourager – past Indigo mayor and ‘Keep Australia Beautiful’ National Chair Don Chambers. Don passed away some ten years ago, but his values still live on in the community. Don would approve of the Rutherglen Loops and delight in seeing the cavalcade of walkers, cyclists, families and pets processing past our shared roundabout.
What book are you reading?
I am reading “City of God” by Saint Augustine with “The Best of Bicycling” edited by Harley Leete on the side for light relief.
From now until December
STANLEY ATHENAEUM
‘Home Sweet Home’. A new Stanley exhibition about the houses of Stanley being held at the Stanley Community Hub. Open every Monday to Saturday during Post Office hours.
For more information phone 0458 606 922 or email stanleyathenaeum@gmail.com
Saturday 4 October
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.
CHRISTCHURCH
BEECHWORTH
Blessing of the animals. 11am. Held at the church front door. All invited to bring beloved pets. In celebration of the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals.
INDIGO VINEYARD
McGrath Foundation fundraiser. Garden Party with a dress up in fabulous pink. Great menu. Bookings essential. Indigo Vineyard is located at 1221 WangarattaBeechworth Road, Everton Upper. Visit www. indigovineyard.com.au and go to news for more information and bookings.
Saturday 4 October to
Sunday 5 October
BIRDS OF A FEATHER ARTISANS MARKET
10am to 4pm and 12pm to 5pm on Sunday. Starting off the Christmas season preparations by offering unique, personal gifts and homewares - original artworks, textile homewares, children’s clothing, wood carved products and printed products.
Old Chiltern Courthouse, 58-60 Main St.
Sunday 5 October
CFA OPEN DAY
Beechworth Fire Station. 9am – 1pm. Be fire ready. Fire blanket demos, BBQ safety, fire ready information, new miniature fire trucks for the kids to play with, kids activities, free sausage sizzle. Bring your trailer pumps (test). 3-5 Victoria Road.
Tuesday 7 October
BEECHWORTH LIBRARY
7.30pm to 9pm. Join Dr Rebecca McGowan to explore women’s health and wellbeing at all stages of life. The Women’s Health Program explores practical tips and tools for enhancing health and well-being and empowers women to feel confident, informed, and proactive at every stage of life.
Wednesday 8 October
CHILTERN LIBRARY
7.30pm. Join Dr Rebecca McGowan to explore women’s health and wellbeing at all stages of life. See above details.
Wednesday 8 October
COMBINED ROTARY FUNDRAISER
6.30pm. Rotary District 9790 e-Club of Change Makers and Appin Park Rotary Club Wangaratta invite people to a fundraiser – a screening of ‘The Traveller’ at Wangaratta Cinema. Tickets $22 plus booking fee. Fundraiser is for the longstanding international Rotary Plus campaign to eradicate polio worldwide. Visit https://events.humanitix. com/the-travers-a-rotaryfilm-fundraiser for more information.
Thursday 9 October
RUTHERGLEN LIBRARY 11am – 12.30pm. Join a conversation with Rod Halsted, author of his hilariously funny autobiography ‘Take my Advice, I’m not using it!’ From drinking with Bob Hawke to dealing with drug tsars, dodging one of the Great Train robbers and finally clawing his way back to sanity, Rod’s story is as jaw-dropping as it is hilarious. 153 High St, Rutherglen.
Saturday 11 October
ANGLICAN CHRIST CHURCH
2pm. Experience the brilliant musicianship of young pianist Josh Hooke playing Mozart, Beethoven, Schoenberg and Schubert. 27 Ford Street, Beechworth. Tickets: $40 adult, $35 concession. $20 under 17 years of age. Booked out last year. Bookings: trybooking.com/ DFGSS
PEDAL PUSH: Rutherglen’s Graham Brown has cycled since a seven-year-old and enjoys cycling the Rutherglen Loops.
Graham Brown
School’s 150-year education milestone to be marked with historic presentation
By CORAL COOKSLEY
A special presentation will be made by the Friends of the Burke Museum to Beechworth Primary School to mark the education provider’s 150th anniversary this year.
A portrait by Melbourne artist George Petrou of a medical pioneer born in Beechworth Dame Jean Macnamara will be handed to the school on Friday, 17 October.
Friends of the Burke Museum president Dr Kate Sutherland said Dame Macnamara had been a student at the school.
Dame Macnamara (1899-1968)
– a medical scientist and doctor – undertook vital research into poliomyelitis during the 1920s and 1930s.
Her extraordinary work led to a significant contribution in identifying multiple strains of the polio virus pivotal in development of the Salk vaccine.
She had also campaigned for the use of the myxoma virus to combat Australia’s rabbit infestation in the mid-20th century.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for the children of Beechworth Primary School to acknowledge this wonderful Australian woman who was a leader in her field internationally, as well as in Australia,” Dr Sutherland said.
“On behalf of the Friends, member John Baines organised an event in October last year to celebrate the work and life of
Dame Macnamara with her family members attending.”
“It was important to acknowledge her and what she did for Beechworth.
“She’s buried in the Beechworth Cemetery, and we have her birthplace identified with a little sign on a on a fence in Last Street.
“Dame Jean McNamara being acknowledged through the work of the Friends is vital and John Baines has pursued her acknowledgement with dedication.
“She was a significant Australian, who is represented in the National Portrait Gallery and to have her acknowledged in this way as an integral part of the Beechworth Primary School’s
celebrations as she was a student at the school is fabulous.”
A biography about Dame McNamara has been written by Beechworth’s Jamie Kronborg for a book featuring portraits of Australians dedicated to humanitarian work by Mr Petrou.
Mr Kronborg said as a Rockefeller Foundation fellow in America in 1933, Dame McNamara was asked to the White House to talk about advanced poliomyelitis research and treatment with President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the world’s most visible polio survivor.
At age 36 she was bestowed the title of Dame Commander of Order of the British Empire in recognition of her work for the
Memoir is a story Rod was born to write
By SIMONE KERWIN
At a book launch earlier this year, Rod Halsted was presented with the suggestion that his whole life had been leading to the opportunity to write his new book. He tends to agree.
Together with receiving top marks in English at school, spending a year working at the Border Mail, and his love of a great yarn, Rod gathered such a range of life experience that his memoir, ‘Take My Advice, I’m Not Using It!’ is clearly the book he was meant to write.
It’s described by publisher Allen & Unwin as “a wild ride through addiction, crime and redemption - all wrapped in the irreverent humour of a true Aussie larrikin”.
The Albury-based author will be at the Rutherglen Library from 11am on Thursday, 9 October, in an event presented in collaboration with Booktique, to discuss the journey to its release.
“People can expect the truth and lots of humour,” Rod said.
“I’m bringing along my
best mate, Geoff Romero, to interview me, and I’ll answer any question anyone asks,” Rod said.
‘Take My Advice, I’m Not Using It!’ charts Rod’s life from his childhood in Gunnedah, where he loved going to market with his stock and station agent father, to dealing drugs and doing time, arrest records in four states, and sharing a drink with Bob Hawke.
Rod said he had a sense of adventure and curiosity from a young age, and while he loved the learning aspect of school, he couldn’t wait to leave.
As a teenager in the early 1970s, he first went to Western Australia to work for a mining company.
Returning to Albury, he worked at the Border Mail for a year in sub-editing, but “never got to write a word”, then worked in a bar before moving back to Sydney, where a mate asked him to run his business while he went to Mexico.
“I asked him what the business was and he said it was selling marijuana; I got en-
trenched in it, and met some very dangerous people,” he said.
“I dealt with them okay, they carried guns but I never carried a weapon, and I lived on my wits.
“I didn’t sell powder except for once, and I despise all forms of drugs except puregrade marijuana.
“Dealing drugs was funny and exciting, but I got caught and paid the price, and I haven’t had a drink for 26 years.”
Rod started a pressure-washing business in Albury, then sold it and found he had time on his hands to write his book.
“Originally, I thought I’d write it because I wanted my kids to know my life story, but I think it was always my intention to write this story,” he said.
Now operating a landscaping business in Albury, Rod said he was enjoying the chance to unveil the story arc of his life.
“It’s fun to reach the age of 74 and find something that can be invigorating; I see too many people my age who are just waiting to die,” Rod said.
PROUD: Dame Jean Macnamara’s granddaughter Jo Samuel-King (left), daughter Merran Samuel and grandson Fraser Samuel with th portrait of Dame Jean by Melbourne artist George Petrou in Beechworth town hall during a Friends of the Burke Museum and Beechworth History and Heritage lecture in October
welfare of children experiencing polio.
She was also the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medallist at 54 years of age.
“Dame Jean was also a farmers’ champion for her dogged determination to force Australia’s mid-20th century governments to release the myxoma virus to combat the country’s devastating rabbit plague,” Mr Kronborg said.
Beechworth Primary celebrated its milestone anniversary with the school community on 2 July – its anniversary day.
The community is invited to the school on Saturday, 18 October from 11am to 2pm for a big celebration and fete.
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PHOTO: Jamie Kronborg
QUITE A LIFE: Rod Halsted will be in Rutherglen on
book, ‘Take My Advice, I’m Not Using It!’.
VITAL SUPPORT FOR CARERS
“There’s an assumption these services are out of reach, but really it’s about knowing how to access them,”
When Phil Noble returned home after a serious accident that left him with multiple fractures and ongoing health issues, he faced the daunting prospect of managing daily life on his own. Living rurally and without immediate family at home, Phil needed support, not just for himself, but also to give his friends and carers some muchneeded respite.
That’s where Community Interlink’s Flexible Respite Carer Support Program stepped in. Care Coordinator Janelle Stevenson explains the program was designed under the Commonwealth Home Support Program to give carers a break while ensuring the person they care for still receives the assistance they need.
“It’s an interim service that helps bridge the gap while people are waiting for a home care package,” Janelle said.
“We can provide in-home respite, help with personal care, transport to appointments, and activities that keep people socially connected.
“It’s about making sure carers aren’t carrying the load alone.”
For Phil, the support has been life changing. He now receives regular meal preparation and transport assistance, while ensuring he remains independent. Thanks to this service, Phil’s carer no longer has to interrupt her workday to support him.
“I was in hospital for weeks and came home still needing a lot of care,” Phil said.
“Having Janelle organise support made all the difference.” Phil said one of the biggest challenges for carers and families was simply knowing what help is available.
Support at Home
Shopping
Meal
Social
Home
Personal
“There’s an assumption these services are out of reach, but really it’s about knowing how to access them,” he said.
“There’s many people that could use the support and I would absolutely recommend the program, it’s been amazing.”
Carers or families in the Hume Region (northern and central Victoria and southern NSW) interested in the program can get started by registering through My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or via www.myagedcare.gov.au. Locally, Community Interlink’s Intake Team can provide advice and support on 1800 222582 or (03) 5823 6500.
Other programs offered by Community Interlink include Home Care Packages and NDIS Support Coordination.
Advertising Account Manager Print and Digital Media
Who are we looking for?
North East Media is looking for a driven and committed individual to join our advertising sales team at Wangaratta, where you will be responsible for managing existing clients while growing your own sales for group newspapers (including the Wangaratta Chronicle), websites and special publications.
The ideal candidate will have:
• The capacity to see opportunities and market trends and a drive to achieve results to help our business grow.
• Effective communication skills (verbal and written), enabling connection with a wide range of people across various industries.
• The capability to sustain existing relationships and continuously build new ones.
• An excellent work ethic and organisational skills (including maintaining current records in our company CRM program) enabling you to consistently meet deadlines and achieve your sales targets.
• The ability to collaborate (including with your manager, sales colleagues, our editors and graphic designers) to ensure seamless execution of advertising campaigns.
• A current driver’s licence
What are we offering?
A full-time position with an attractive remuneration package comprising a base salary, commission and employer superannuation contributions.
About North East Media
North East Media, a division of Provincial Press Group, is an independent familyowned media company publishing over 25 newspapers across North East Victoria, Central West and Southern NSW.
How to apply
If you are self-motivated, results-orientated and looking for a challenge in the media environment, then please forward your resume and covering letter to:
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Grand Final Eve Ambrose a hit in Beechworth
By DYLAN POOL
Fantastic day last Friday for Beechworth Golf Club’s annual Grand Final Holiday two person Ambrose.
We had 68 players from Bethanga, Tallangatta, Yackandandah, Avenel, Chiltern, Corowa, Wodonga and Sandringham.
Thanks to all members who helped out on the day and leading up to the day.
It was great to hear the feedback from the players about how good the course was, the food and hospitality.
The Men’s Scratch winners were Lindsay and Jared Smith from Avenel with 65 off the stick.
The Men’s Handicap winners were Bill Tilley (Chiltern) and Jacob Howard with 60.25.
The runners up were Graeme and Dylan Pool on a three way countback with 60.75.
The unlucky countback teams were Mark Cottee and Brett Gilbee (Bethanga) 60.75 and Jamie Clough and Ash James (Chiltern) 60.75.
In the women’s event the winners were Gail Smith and Glenda Marshall with 65.25.
Runners up were Margot Northey (Yack) and Michelle Spicer with 70 nett on a countback from Rachel Voogt (Wodonga) and Jo Turner 70.
The Mixed Handicap winners were Dee and Graeme Cordy with 62.25 nett.
The runners up were their playing partners Linda and Stuart McIntosh with 62.75.
We also had an overall scratch event for the mixed and women’s events.
The winners were Zoe Gephart and Josh Carr with 71 off the stick.
The nearest the pins went to Margot Northey on the 5th, Graeme Cordy on the 7th, Rachel Voogt (Wodonga) and Graeme Cordy on the 10th, Glenda Marshall and Jared Smith (Avenel) on the 17th.
The junior longest drive went to Brady Butler (Tallangatta).
Women’s longest drive winner was Kelly Clarkson and the men’s winners were Jared Smith (A Grade) and Phil Pelgrim (B Grade).
The meat tray winner was Nada Guyatt.
On Sunday there were no grand final hangovers for the golfers at Beechworth as a great field of 16 players fronted up for a Stableford round.
It was great to see Hollie and Zoe out playing as well as four visitors.
Grant and Max Kimball from
Thurgoona, John Wilson from Tumbarumba and another junior Jake Woods.
We hope you all had a great day and enjoyed the hospitality.
Jamie Dolny (16) won the day with 37 points.
It’s great to see some names coming in for the Men’s Tournament this coming Sunday, but we would love to see more.
Some 70 players from across the North East and beyond took to Beechworth Golf Club last week
Runner up was Hollie Goodwin (14) with 36 points on a countback from Phil Pelgrim (17) 36.
Next to follow were Rod Shaw 35, Dean Howard 34, Dave Clark 33, Jackson Wells 33, Simon Carracher 33, John Wilson 32, Andy Croome
Arrive at 10:30am for 11am hit off.
Please get your names into Dylan Pool on 0458562250.
Attached photos are of the mixed winners Josh Carr and Zoe Gephart and also the Mens winners Jacob Howard and Bill Tilley.
30, Grant Kimball 30, Daryl Rowe 30. It looks like only one nearest to pin went to John Wilson on the 5th.