CONQUERED THE CLIMB
New Beechworth Ambulance station another step closer
Construction of Beechworth’s new multi-million dollar ambulance station on Frederick Street is expected to commence “in the coming weeks” after the state government formally appointed a builder for the project.
Minister for Health Infrastructure Melissa Horne last week announced Zauner Construction had been appointed to construct the brand new Beechworth Ambulance Branch, which will support paramedics already on the road in Beechworth to help meet growing demand in the region.
Construction is expected to begin with the demolition of the current, outdated ambulance branch situated at the same site.
Works at Frederick Street site expected to begin in coming weeks with demolition of current branch
Once complete, the new, fit-forpurpose facility will feature a threebay garage for ambulances and modern workspaces for paramedics - including two rest and recline areas, a kitchen, training room, longer-term accommodation, and secure staff car parking spaces.
“The new Beechworth ambulance branch will give our hardworking ambos the facilities they need to provide the very best care to the local community,” Minister for Ambulance Services, MaryAnne Thomas said.
Indigo Shire ambulance response
times have consistently been among the worst in Victoria in recent years, with the latest quarterly figures showing average response times to urgent emergencies sat at 25.17 minutes and response rates within the state’s 15-minutes threshold as second worst in Victoria.
Benambra MP Bill Tilley said it was going to take more than a new station to improve those response times.
“If you’re serious about health, don’t just deliver a shiny new building – address the crisis,” he said.
Following a Victorian Parliament question on notice from Mr Tilley, figures showed Beechworth and Chiltern ambulance crews were called to Albury-Wodonga hospital emergency departments 637 times in 2024, almost twice a day.
“Yes, get on with the build for our hardworking ambos... but if you want real change, increase the beds at Albury-Wodonga Health to end this ramping crisis and free up our ambulances to respond to life and death emergencies,” he said.
The state government released designs of the station in May.
At the peak of construction, there will be around 30 construction workers on site.
While the new ambulance branch is being built, paramedics will work from temporary accommodation at the former medical centre on Warner Road, Beechworth.
The new Beechworth Ambulance Branch is being delivered as part of the Labor Government’s ongoing investment in ambulance infrastructure, with more than $280 million invested to upgrade and rebuild branches across the state.
The Beechworth Ambulance Branch is being delivered by the Victorian Health Building in partnership with Ambulance Victoria.
Beechworth Fire Brigade volunteers Hannah Hunt (left), Jess Harcott and Josh Kardol last Saturday raised vital dollars for worthy causes. Story page 2
Being well organised before final moments in life
By CORAL COOKSLEY
Imagine this. A husband is in ICU on life support. His wife has only a week to get paperwork sorted before a decision needs to be made to turn it off. Where does she find information and what are his wishes?
Or maybe a partner has suddenly died. How are the bills going to be paid if bank account details are unknown as well as income if only one partner manages the finances. What are the debits and loans? What are the credit cards and where in the world are they found?
These are some of the many scenarios prompting two friends and retired lawyers to develop a valuable community service and resource – a free website (www.mydeathproject.com) with a wheel filled with infor-
mation, tools and links.
Known as ‘My Death Project’ the resource created by Beechworth’s Lori Callahan and Helen Allchurch in Sydney - who have also experienced the death of loved ones - draws together scattered information from across the web.
The pair set out in 2021 to create the resource to ease the burden of administration for loved ones left behind.
“We decided a website is needed to help people be organised so that their grieving family is left without the huge stress and worry of sorting it all out,” she said.
“It’s called ‘My Death Project’, because it’s about your own death and doing these things yourself as a gift to your family.”
Ms Callahan said each link in the wheel has actions to be undertaken.
“The wheel is divided into practical, medical, values, beliefs, relationships, financial and legal sections,” she said.
Ms Callahan is a member
Local volunteer firies raise vital dollars for worthy causes
By CORAL COOKSLEY
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YOUR OVENS AND MURRAY TEAM
of the Good2Go Collective created last year by Beechworth’s Nicole Parker and Rose Sexton in Wangaratta.
The collective is a group of end-of-life doulas living
and working in the border regions of Albury Wodonga.
The Collective hosts a free Death Café on the third Friday of each month in Beechworth.
Ms Parker said the ‘My Death Project’ is the topic for discussion at the Friday, 19 September cafe.
The September café is also part of the annual ‘Dying to Know Day’ – a national day held on 8 August but has extended to an all-year-round campaign.
“It’s really important to be talking around death, dying, grief and loss with people making their wishes known to their family,” she said.
Ms Parker said among many vital up-to-date documents is a will.
“People can be left grieving as well as in a huge state of stress and not knowing what to do when someone dies
without a will,” she said.
“One of the ladies in our collective does probate, came along one day to our café and opened up the subject that was mind blowing.
“We had people who were executives to wills and didn’t know about probate.”
Ms Parker said chats about advanced care directives are also included in café discussions.
“Once you’ve got your ducks lined up such as wills, power of attorney and advanced care and more done, you can get on with living the best life you can live because it’s all sorted,” she said.
The 19 September meeting with the focus on ‘My Death Project’ will be held the Masonic Lodge of St John, 19 Loch Street, Beechworth for a cuppa and cake over a chat from 11am to 1pm with everyone welcome.
Wearing a hefty 25kg of firefighting kit set the challenge to complete the 28-floor stair climb at Melbourne’s Crown Metropol for three local volunteer firies on Saturday.
Beechworth Fire Brigade’s Josh Kardol, Hannah Hunt and Jess Hercott took part in the gruelling 12th annual Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb (MFSC) to raise vital dollars for cancer research and crisis support.
“It was definitely a challenge, and the doubts started to kick in about stair flight 16 but we all managed to push through,” Hannah said.
The trio together under the Beechworth CFA banner raised a combined $2245 contributing to an extraordinary sum of $1,123,028 clocked up so far and still rising to support Lifeline, the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation and Triple Zero Foundation.
Josh, Hannah and Jess were among 1000 firefighters and emergency services personnel from across Australia and around the world drawn to the event for the fundraising climb.
Hannah said the three tackled the stairs as the second last climber groups on the day.
“There were 40 squads all together with about 25 people in each one,” she said.
Both Hannah and Josh were among some of the stair climbers using breathing apparatus
‘on air’ for a category adding another difficult element to the challenge.
“The three of us were debriefed at 11.12am and started the climb around 11.40am - one right after the other,” Hannah said.
“Jess was first and finished the climb in five minutes flat and was first in her gender and first in her category clinching fourth place overall.
“I completed in six minutes
and 43 seconds and was ninth in gender and seventh place in my category with a position of 161 overall.
“Josh followed us taking seven minutes and 29 seconds with a place number of 203 in gender and 152 in his category and placed at the position of 218 overall.
“It was a fantastic effort by all three of us.
“We will definitely be doing the
climb again next year and will start training in January.
“We hope to persuade other crew members to join the cause and do some bigger fundraising.”
People can still donate by searching on the Melbourne Stair Climb website at www.firefighterclimb.org.au and find the Beechworth Fire Brigade listed as CFA-Beechworth – and will also bring up donation links to each fire fighting volunteers.
HAPPY: Beechworth Fire Brigade volunteers Hannah Hunt (left), Jess Harcott and Josh Kardol last Saturday raised vital dollars for worthy causes.
GO: Beechworth Fire Brigade volunteer Jess Harcott
OFF: Beechworth Fire Brigade volunteer Hannah Hunt off to a great start for the 28-floor stair climb at the Melbourne Metropol last Saturday.
CHALLENGED: Beechworth Fire Brigade volunteers Hannah Hunt (left), Jess Harcott and Josh Kardol at last Saturday’s 12th Annual Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb.
READY: Beechworth Fire Brigade volunteers Hannah Hunt (left), Jess Harcott and Josh Kardol at last Saturday’s 12th Annual Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb.
GETTING SORTED: Beechworth’s Lori Callahan (left) and Helen Allchurch have developed a free website resource to help people have vital paperwork in order
Heyday of Mayday takes trip down memory lane
By CORAL COOKSLEY
An event with a focus on Mayday Hills Mental Hospital sparked special memories of a medical rotation more than 40 years ago for paediatric surgeon Paddy Dewan.
Dr Dewan was among a 70-stong crowd drawn to the ‘Heyday of Mayday’ fundraiser held at the end of last month by the Friends of the Burke Museum (FOBM).
The event highlighted the significance of the hospital’s impact on the Beechworth community.
“I came back to Wangaratta as a second-year resident at Wangaratta Hospital in 1981 and part of the job of being appointed at the Hospital was a three-month rotation to the Mayday Hills Mental Hospital,” Dr Dewan said.
Three guest speakers Sandra Davidson, Max Wellstead and Michael Evans had the ears of a captivated audience.
Former staff members; Ms Davidson a social worker, Dr Max Wellstead a psychiatrist and Mr Evans a psychiatric services manager for then known Department of Human Services in the Hume region – delivered fascinating perspectives of the medical facility shut in 1995.
Dr Dewan said he worked with Mr Wellstead in the clinic learning psychiatry as a junior doctor.
“I think it taught me to connect more to people, rather than just treat the illness,” he said.
Dr Dewan said significant medical diagnoses had been made as well as improving the physical health of patients too.
“I went away feeling as if I’d worked with someone who was going to change the way I practice medicine being taught some psychiatry and I really enjoyed the time there,” he said.
“It’s been a wonderful initiative to look in detail at the history of such an important institution in the town.
“There’s more work that can be done to further connect with the history and what might come out of mental illness management.
“Art therapy was being used too, and I have a drawing by one of the patients as a piece of memorabilia.
“It’s a captivating image and is one of my prized possessions because it’s just such a captivating image, and that connection to art and mental well-being.”
Beechworth Bendigo Bank board chair Ben Merritt said community groups telling stories about what’s happened in the community through education keeps narratives alive for the future.
“I’ve always thought of the Beechworth asylum as being the 1880s but there’s so much interesting history there which I’ve heard about today until its closure in 1995,” he said.
A former Mayday Hills Mental Hospital psychiatric nurse, Beechworth’s Lindsay Rankin said he had a wonderful career at the hospital.
“I did my nurse training here as a student nurse and finished my career as an area Mental Health manager,” he said.
Mr Rankin said he arrived at the hospital in 1966 and retired in 1999.
Over that time among positions held included deputy in-charge nurse and an acting director of nursing.
“When we mainstreamed, I was one of the people who were in charge of mental health services from the Wodonga hospital, and I became an executive director of psychiatry there,” he said.
FOBM president Kate Sutherland said people drawn to the event also telling interesting stories has prompted the committee to hold a simi-
lar event next year.
“Many people who came along had some connection with Mayday Hills working there themselves or their parents,” she said.
of training in various wards before heading to Melbourne.
“The hospital forms such an integral part of Beechworth community that people have a great sense of an attachment to Mayday Hills.”
Beechworth poet Frank Prem told stories through his poetry.
Mr Prem’s connections to Mayday Hills began with his parent s working there in the 1960s.
“Mum was on the nursing staff, and my dad was on the artisan staff working in the kitchens,” he said.
Mr Prem said he became a student psychiatric nurse undertaking three years
Mr Evans said he spoke about reasons for closure with the drive to shut not having a lot to do with Mayday Hills itself but wrapped around broader changes in in attitudes and changed expectations about how people with mental illness and intellectual disability should be treated.
“Beechworth has a long history of caring for people who no one else wanted to care for here,” he said.
“Some of the positives that came out about people’s experiences is worth remembering,.”
Man hospitalised after truck crash at Browns Plains
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
A man was seriously injured following a truck crash on the Murray Valley Highway at Browns Plains Wednesday morning.
An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said Advanced Life Support and Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance paramedics attended the scene near the Chiltern-Howlong Road intersection just before 11:30am.
A man in his 20s was
treated for serious lower body injuries and taken to Albury Base Hospital in stable condition.
The Department of Transport and Planning issued a traffic alert advising motorists the highway was closed between ChilternHowlong Road and Barnawartha-Howlong Road.
Motorists were advised to avoid the area and detour around the site via BarnawarthaHowlong Road and Chiltern-Howlong Road.
STORY: One of three guest speakers Beechworth’s Michael Evans delivered a fascinating account of the Beechworth Mental Hospital’s closure at the Mayday Hill event. PHOTO: Gary Coombe.
TO: Coral Cooksley
TO: Coral Cooksley
A love of learning
Heather Hulett was born in Coburg. She worked in Melbourne as a teacher before moving to Beechworth with her husband Robert 24 years ago.
“I love the country and having family close,” Heather said.
What do you do work wise?
I work now as a casual librarian in the Indigo Shire libraries after a satisfying 40-year career in teaching. I taught Home Economics, Health and Human Development and retrained as a teacher-librarian. I loved teaching and mentoring students of all ages. My last full-time position was Head of Reference at La Trobe University. What bought you to your career?
My love of learning came from my parents and my grandfather. Despite having little secondary education themselves, they were well read, self-taught and had successful working lives. I wanted to pass that passion onto others, so I became a teacher.
I have always loved the creative arts. My own learning journey has led to co-authoring textbooks for VCE Health and Human development and completing a Master’s research degree at La Trobe University, focusing on Information Literacy at Wangaratta High School.
I have been lucky enough to also peruse a PhD in creative writing which I completed in 2022 at La Trobe University. I authored an intergenerational family realist novel and documented the recognition of women’s writing historically and in contemporary settings.
What do you love about your work?
In working as a casual Librarian for Indigo Shire, I am still in a learning environment surrounded by books. I can assist with print and online reading selections and engage with people at various activities and speaker sessions. Why do you volunteer in the community?
support older people in the community. This includes providing basic services and enabling people to keep connected to friends, family and their culture.
What would you do to solve or change the situation?
As a volunteer I assist at BEAT (Beechworth Exercise and Activity Training) and recently completed a training course enabling me to lead the exercises. It is wonderful to see the over 55s maintaining their fitness and flexibility. I am also secretary of the Beechworth Senior Citizen’s Club (BSCC). Is there an important community issue that you think needs addressing?
There is always a need to
I think the many volunteer services Beechworth offers helps maintain closeness and inclusion in the community. But as volunteers age, it is becoming a challenge to maintain services.
‘Use it or you lose it’ comes to mind. Each of us together with the shire has a responsibility to step up and be counted to keep services going.
What do you see as one of the most current world issues?
I think inclusion, tolerance and caring for one another and our environment are issues we must continually keep addressing.
Who would you most like to meet in Indigo Shire and what would you show them, and why?
I would most love to see my mother Betty (who sadly passed away) enjoying more fun and companionship from the social activities and outings of ‘Club Connect’ again. We need to promote such services as they offer kindness and care in keeping our most precious citizens connected. What book are you reading? I love reading Australian novels by contemporary women authors. I found ‘The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison’ by Meredith Jaffe, and Josephine Moon’s ‘The Jam Queens’, to both be heart-felt stories showing that emotional attachments and family bonds are stronger than the issues that try to divide us.
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
Friday, 5 September to Thursday, 19 September
ART EXHIBITION AT ANGLICAN CHRIST CHURCH
“Archetypes & Icons. Greek mythodolgy and the sense of self. Works by Valerie Crosse and Darren John Pope. 29 Ford Street.
Saturday, 13 September (tomorrow)
BEECHWORTH RSL SUB BRANCH
1pm. Book launch. Melbourne-based author Peter Hodge launches his book ‘Fly Boy – Ace Pilot – A Life Cut Short’. An incredible story about Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) pilot Parker ‘Joe’ Hodge in World War II with connections to Beechworth. RSL premises at 99 Ford Street. Sunday, 14 September
RUTHERGLEN MARKET
9am to 12.30pm. Lions Park. Douglas St. Seasonal and regional and produce. Held on the second Sunday of every month. Variety of stalls. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own bag, basket or esky and to minimise waste. Support the Lions Club.
Friday, 19 September
END STAGE MATTERS: DEATH CAFÉ: 11am-1pm. Beechworth Lodge of St John, 19 Loch St, Beechworth (every third Friday of the month). Cuppa and chats around such things as wills, advance care directives, funerals, powers of attorney and more. This month’s chat focuses on a new free resource - a website with a wheel of information filled with resources, tools and links that provide people with an overview of things to think about, talk about and do. All welcome.
Saturday and Sunday, 20 & 21 September
BEECHWORTH SINGERS
2pm. Concert at the Town Hall. ‘Classical Hits and Soft Baroque’. Director Colleen Arnott. Accompaniment Sandra Williams. Tickets $20. Purchase at the door by cash or EFTPOS. Children free. Afternoon tea provided.
Sunday, 28 September
7th GEOFF CRAIG MEMORIAL
LECTURE
2pm. Speaker Megan Carter - Spaces of Survival: Aboriginal Reserves and Ration Depots in North East Victoria. Stanley Memorial Hall. All welcome. For more information phone 0458 606 922 or email stanleyathenaeum@gmail.com
Heather Hulett
OFFERINGS:
The
Official awakening of the dragon for dragon boat season
The local dragon boat club kicked off the 2025/26 racing season with a vibrant community event at Lake Sambell on Saturday.
Golden Serpent Dragon Boat president Julia Brinsdon Farr said paddlers, families, and supporters gathered to celebrate the start of an exciting season marked by strong teamwork, rich traditions, and a renewed sense of energy and determination for the year ahead.
The annual tradition observed by dragon boat clubs worldwide ‘Awakening the Dragon’ began with an eye dotting ceremony with the dragon’s eyes painted to symbolically bring the boat to life and calling its spirit to watch over the paddlers throughout the season.
Ms Brinsdon Farr said dedication of the water followed with the bow of the boat splashed in honour of the element that carries the crews, seeking safe travels, strong races, and smooth strokes for all who paddle during the season.
The blessing of boats based on Chinese tradition also includes incense burning with other offerings such as fruit too.
“With renewed energy and growing participation, the Golden Serpents are preparing for a packed competition calendar, including regional and state events,” she said.
“Today, we’re not just launching the boats - we’re awakening the spirit, strength, and unity that will guide
us on the water all year long.”
The president also said the club also proudly celebrated achievements of five Golden Serpents members - Cindy Ellis, Ethan Grosser, Dorian Ellis, Aaron Grosser and Brendan Maher who represented Australia as part of the Auroras crew.
The national dragon boat team –the Auroras - competed at the World Dragon Boat Championships held last month in Berlin.
Ms Brinsden Farr said the highly successful Auroras on the world stage brought home outstanding results.
“These members now return to the club with invaluable experience as the Golden Serpents look ahead to a busy season of training
and competition,” she said.
The president welcomed members, guests including Indigo Shire mayor Sophie Price and councillor John Harvey, and new paddlers who paddled for the first time.
Doyna sinks hole in one
By DYLAN POOL
Huge congratulations to Doyna Collins who had a hole in one last Friday on the 9th hole on the par 3 course. This is the second one in five weeks and the third hole in one since we created the par 3 course around two years ago.
On Sunday there were six players who fronted up for the September Monthly Medal.
Clearly going out early to avoid the rain was the right idea.
Andy Croome (13) won the day with a great 65 nett. Unfortunately for those who hit off at midday they got wet on the last six holes but they persisted and finished their round.
The mayor officially opened the club’s kick off for the season and joined the crew for a paddle too.
Cr Price also spoke about the club’s contribution to Beechworth’s sporting and community spirit.
Beechworth Golden Serpents welcome new members of all abilities to join the club for training and competition.
For more information, visit the club’s Facebook page or contact the committee via email at beechworthdragonboatclub@gmail.com.
Jackson Wells (18) and Rod Shaw (22) were the next best with 67 nett.
Then Ben Croome 70 and Simon Pfahlert 75 followed. Four of the five nearest the pins went off.
With Rod Shaw on the 3rd and 10th, Jackson Wells on the 7th and Andy Croome on the 17th.
This coming Sunday is Chiltern’s yournament. If anyone is at home there will be a Stableford game.
HONOURED: Beechworth Golden Serpents assistant coach Cindy Ellis and member of the 2026 Senior C Auroras crew completing the honouring of the water to ensure safe travels.
OFFERINGS:
dragon head and tail with offerings and the drum used for the crew paddling to the beat of the drum.
the second hole in one at Beechworth’s par 3 course in five weeks.
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Deputy Principal – Faith and Identity Mathematics and/or Religious Education Teacher (Years 7 - 9) We also have the following fixed term positions available: Accounts Payable Officer Traineeships (multiple positions available)
Applications close on Wednesday, September 17 at 12pm. For further details on how to apply please visit our website https://www.galen.vic.edu.au/employment/ Our school community promotes the safety, wellbeing, and inclusion of all children.
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FIRST SPLASH
Golden Serpents paddlers hit the water for the first time to mark the official opening of the dragon boat season at a vibrant event on Saturday.
Story page 5
Liana retains title in national schools ski championships
Beechworth Secondary College
Year 10 student Liana France successfully defended her Giant Slalom title at the Mogul Ski World Australian Interschools Snowsport Championships last week.
Liana competed in Division 2 (years 9 and 10) female multiclass event for physical disabilities at the event held at Mount Buller between 2 and 7 September.
Her convincing win came up trumps by more than four and a half seconds ahead of multiclass competitors, both male and female, across all age divisions, and disability classes.
Liana said it is a real honour to compete against such an amazing field of athletes who came from across Australia to compete.
“I was very pleased with my results and consistency across
both runs,” she said.
“This is a great confidence boost as I move into more internationally accredited competitions as I seek to qualify for the Paralympics in March 2026.”
After a severe vehicle accident severed her hand two and a half years ago Liana has only skied with one stock, and a prosthetic on her left hand.
This changed her childhood dreams of representing Australia in the Olympics in skiing to one of representing at the Paralympics.
Liana is long-listed for the Paralympics in Slalom and Giant Slalom and will be training with the Snow Australia Para High Performance Team in Canada in December this year.
The young champion will then head to Europe in the lead up to the
Paralympics being held in MilanoCortina (Italy) in March 2026.
In the middle of the Australian Interschools competition week at Mount Buller, Liana returned to Falls Creek to compete in the Summit Masters Giant Slalom Race.
She won the Under 35 Female category before returning to Mount Buller to compete in her final Interschools event on Sunday.
“Competing at my home mountain of Falls Creek, on a Giant Slalom course set on The Slot, one of the pinnacle ski runs in Australia, was an event I couldn’t miss,” she said.
“A win was even better.
“It was awesome to compete against a wide range of age groups in what was a fun day of skiing.
“It was also very good training for the more technical ski courses
in Europe as I prepare for the Paralympics.”
During the Australian winter Liana takes part in a full-time International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) race training program with Falls Creek Race Club and remotely manages her schooling.
“Beechworth Secondary College has been great in enabling me to pursue both my academic interests and my passion for skiing,” she said.
“The principal Ms Broom and all of my teachers have been so supportive.
“It was great to win this event representing my school.”
Students from around 380 schools took part in the Mt Buller ski championships with 3500 individual event entries for the weeklong event.
