Regional Extra 030523

Fulfilling a childhood dream in science

By CHLOE JAENICKE

WANGARATTA local Madalynn Baumanis has achieved a lifelong goal to complete a degree in biomedical science.

Ms Baumanis graduated from La Trobe University late last month at the Albury Wodonga campus and urged others chase their dreams as well.

Ever since primary school, Ms Baumanis knew she wanted to get into the science field and one of her major goals was to graduate from university, which she said was a surreal experience to finally complete.

“I kind of ticked off all of the major education achievements that I‘ve really wanted for over 10 years now,” she said.

“It‘s weird thinking I‘ve achieved all of that and I‘ve kind of made my younger self happy now.”

Ms Baumanis said it was a great experience studying at the Albury Wodonga La Trobe campus as they created a really welcoming environment that also allowed her to stay rural.

Despite studying during lockdown, Ms Baumanis said she was still able to create connections with other students.

“I started university then lockdown happened which was a bit unfortunate; you know first year at uni you get locked down, it‘s not fun,” she said.

“But I think they built a really tight–knit group that we had that I‘ll be graduating with and I‘ve also made some friends for life.”

As well as this, she said the years she spent at uni had given her some great life experiences.

“There‘re lots of funny experiences when you‘re growing up you, know being 18, 19, 20 going to uni and graduating when you‘re 21, there‘s a lot of life changes that happen,” she said.

■ Continued on page 6

◆ LA TROBE GRADUATE: Madalynn Baumanis graduated from La Trobe University‘s Albury Wodonga campus with a degree in biomedical science.

PHOTO: Chloe Jaenicke

Pronged collars

PRONGED collars (also known as a pinch or constriction collar) have a series of fang-shaped metal links, or prongs, with blunted points and are designed to tighten around a dog’s neck whenever pressure is applied.

Pronged collars work by inflicting pain as punishment in an attempt to correct unwanted behaviour and can also cause damage to the neck.

These collars are used as part of aversive training.

Aversive training methods cause animals physical discomfort, pain, potential injury, stress, fear, anxiety and other negative emotional states.

The reported risks specifically related to the use of pronged collars include stress, aggression, lower owner satisfaction with their dogs’ overall behaviour and leash walking behaviour; and physical harm (trauma and abrasions to the neck such as puncture wounds, muscle, nerve and throat damage, acute blindness, severe head swelling).

PET CORNER

WANGARATTA RSPCA has many lovable creatures waiting for the perfect family to take them home.

with With RSPCA Knowledgebase

There is a large body of evidence supporting the use of reward-based training as an effective and humane way of training dogs that is associated with fewer welfare and behaviour concerns than the use of aversive methods.

Many dog trainers and animal welfare groups continue to advocate for the sale and use of pronged collars to be prohibited in all jurisdictions.

Dog owners who work with trainers who use reward-based methods can be confident that their dog will not be subjected to a pronged collar.

RSPCA Australia is opposed to the use of pronged collars due to the potential risk of injury, pain and suffering and because other effective and more humane training methods are available.

Some huge Murray cod caught, with redfin and trout still biting

THERE is some fantastic fishing happening around North East Victoria at the moment.

Although the Murray cod fishing has slowed a bit, there are still quite a few being caught which I attribute to the prolonged period of stable weather.

I managed to catch two nice Murray cod approximately 55 –60cm near Wangaratta late last week on diving hard body lures.

Lake Buffalo and Lake William Hovell are both fishing very well for redfin at the moment with Lake Buffalo being the more consistent of the two lakes, particular for larger fish.

Both lures and bait have been working well with small yabbies being the best bait.

The trout are going bonkers in just about every stream that they inhabit.

Last week I had an amazing afternoon spinning for trout with a metallic blue and purple bladed spinner, called a Morpho Spinner.

For those wanting to take the kids fishing, Lake Moodemere and the Winton Wetlands are both fishing exceptionally well for carp at the moment.

Sure they’re only carp, but I can guarantee your kids will have a ball.

If you want to add a furry friend to your home, call (03) 5722 2874 or visit the shelter at 1 Connell Street Wangaratta.

Wangaratta RSPCA’s animal adoption source code is BR100934

HELP REMMI FIND HER FOREVER HOME: Remmi has lots of love to give and is looking for a supportive home that can help her build confidence. Remmi has shown a lot of potential for training but hasn’t been taught much yet, so would suit an owner that has the time to give her the attention she deserves. While Remmi is building confidence and working on her manners, she would suit a home with older children or only adults and be the only pet. Remmi’s microchip number is 956000015933473.

There have been some massive Murray cod caught in Lake Mulwala and the Murray River downstream recently as well.

One photo I had sent to me was of a 133cm Murray cod - it was enormous.

The only information I have is that it was caught at Yarrawonga.

Both rainbow and brown trout are biting well, although I suspect that as we head into May the brown trout fishing may start to become a bit more inconsistent as the browns begin to spawn.

Small soft plastics and minnows have been working well on the trout.

The best spot to head at the Winton Wetlands is the ‘Canoe Ponds’ near the old Lake Mokoan wall, where the dirt was taken to build the wall back in the 1970s.

These are the deepest waterways in the wetlands and are the only permanent water in the ephemeral wetland.

This Day in History, 1985

◆ RAINBOW JOY: A magnificent rainbow trout caught in a tributary of the Ovens River last Thursday on a Morpho Spinner by French Touch Tackle.

PHOTO: RSPCA

ANOTHER year, another Governor. On May 3, 1985, there was a vice regal opening for the new Bright Shire offices, which had been rebuilt after a series of fires.

with Rob Alexander WANGARATTA

What’s all the buzz about magnesium?

with Christos Miliankos, naturopath, NE Naturopathic Group

MAGNESIUM is a vital mineral that plays a crucial role in many physiological processes in the human body.

It is involved in more than 600 enzymatic reactions, including energy metabolism, protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, and the regulation of blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Despite its importance, studies have shown that many people do not get enough magnesium in their diet.

One of the primary benefits of magnesium is its ability to support heart health.

Magnesium helps to regulate blood pressure and maintain normal heart rhythm.

Studies have shown that people who consume more magnesium in their diet have a lower risk of developing heart disease.

Magnesium also helps to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are both risk factors for heart disease.

Magnesium is essential for healthy bones.

It helps to regulate calcium levels in the body, which is important for maintaining bone density and preventing osteoporosis.

Studies have shown that people who consume more magnesium have higher bone mineral density, which is an indicator of stronger bones.

Magnesium has been shown to have a calming effect on the body and mind.

It helps to regulate the nervous system and reduce stress hormones like cortisol.

Studies have also shown that magnesium can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

This is because magnesium helps to regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin, which are important for mood regulation.

Magnesium can also improve sleep quality.

It helps to regulate the production of melatonin, which is a hormone that is important for sleep.

Studies have shown that people who take magnesium supplements have better sleep

quality and fewer sleep disturbances.

Magnesium is essential for muscle function.

It helps to regulate muscle contractions and prevent cramps and spasms.

Studies have shown that people who take magnesium supplements have a lower risk of developing muscle cramps and spasms.

Magnesium plays an important role in the regulation of blood sugar levels.

It helps to regulate insulin, which is a hormone that is important for controlling blood sugar.

Studies have shown that people who consume more magnesium have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

In conclusion, magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in many physiological processes in the human body.

If you are not getting enough magnesium in your diet, consider adding more magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, or taking a magnesium supplement.

From my experience, the best quality supplements are Magnesium powders by Metagenics and Bioceuticals.

For a consultation regarding your magnesium needs contact Christos Miliankos or Zoe Gephart at the NE Naturopathic Group on (03) 5798 3344.

Growing herbs

THERE are many benefits to growing herbs in your garden.

Besides the joy of picking your own fresh herbs to use in cooking, they also make excellent ornamental plants.

Mint has long be used in the kitchen as a flavour partner to peas, lamb, salads and refreshing summer drinks, just to name a few.

It has a reputation for growing rampant but if kept in a pot it is very manageable.

It prefers some shade and good moisture to thrive.

Mint does well with a good cutback and will need to be re-potted every couple of years to avoid becoming pot bound.

It is a perennial herb so does not need to be replanted.

It is also said to be a good deterrent for flies.

Rosemary is a beautiful plant and certainly holds a special place in our history having grown wild in Turkey where our Anzacs served in World War I.

It is extremely drought hardy and thrives in a sunny location.

The flowers attract beneficial pollinators to your garden

In its prostrate form it makes an excellent ground cover and looks fantastic when spilling over a retaining wall.

Rosemary is winter flowering which means

when many other plants in your garden are in their off season, rosemary is just reaching its peak.

I have found coriander to be quite a polarising herb.

People seem to love it or hate it.

The flavour can be quite overpowering if too much is used but it certainly brings something special to a dish.

Coriander prefers our cooler months so now is the perfect time to plant.

It will self-seed readily if allowed to flower and set seed, which means lots of free plants next year.

Thyme is a fabulous herb to have on hand.

Great in hearty winter soups and stews, and delicious with chicken.

Also a perennial, it grows well in a pot or the ground.

Fuss free and just needing the occasional trim it is a must have in your garden.

Lemon thyme is a lovely addition to your garden not only for cooking but also so as an ornamental plant and the foliage has a beautiful aroma when touched.

I have only mentioned a few of my favourite herbs but there are so many to choose from I’m sure you’ll find some you will enjoy growing as much as I do.

Enjoy our beautiful autumn weather and carry on gardening.

with Mandi McDonald, Linga-A-While nursery

Fulfilling a childhood dream in science

■ From page 1

“It‘s really important that you have a good group around you and that you can share that experience.”

While at La Trobe Ms Baumanis was also a VEX Robotics World Championship judge, a Zonta Young Women in Public Affairs International Award recipient, and nominated for Wangaratta Youth Citizen of the year in 2019 and 2020.

Ms Baumanis, however, said her biggest achievement was being recipient of the Joss Family Research Scholarship, which allowed her to get practical laboratory skills alongside her lecturer, Dr Keith White.

“I got to learn a lot about the chemistry industry and also about really niche fields of science with the

research scholarship,” she said.

“I was also able to achieve some pretty high scores while at university as well, which is all a credit to the community up at La Trobe.”

Ms Baumanis said while at uni she found a passion for teaching which has led her to teaching chemistry at the La Trobe Bundoora campus.

She still has a passion for science and is open to going down either teaching or research avenues in the future.

“Who knows, I might go further into teaching or explore other avenues, but I‘ll definitely still stay in some hard core science stuff,” she said.

Ms Baumanis was one of 136 students who graduated in April.

FEATURE STORY

The Albury–Wodonga head of campus, Dr Guinever Threlkeld, said she was excited to see what role the graduating students will play in the future workforce.

“It‘s been a pleasure to see our graduating students develop and learn tangible skills over the past few years and I look forward to following their journey in the years after university,” Dr Threlkeld said.

Ms Baumanis said what helped her get to where she is today, was taking every opportunity she was given and enjoying what she does.

“It‘s really important that if you have a passion and you follow it and you‘re really committed to it, that you can basically achieve anything,” she said.

◆ GRADUATE: Madalynn Baumanis with her degree in biomedical science.

NorthEast JOBS

Workplace rights for migrant workers

ALL workers in Australia have workplace rights, including visa holders.

An employer can’t cancel an employee’s visa, even if the employee has breached their visa conditions.

Only the Department of Home Affairs (Home Affairs) can grant, refuse or cancel visas.

An employer can’t fire an employee or cut their shifts - or punish them in other ways - because they made a complaint or asked questions about their work.

An employee also can’t be fired for contacting the Fair Work Ombudsman.

For workers: if you are experiencing workplace problems, go to the Fair Work Getting Help page.

Protection for temporary visa holders – the Assurance Protocol

The Fair Work Ombudsman encourages temporary visa holders to contact them if they need help.

They have an arrangement with Home Affairs to support visa holders who come to them for help.

Visa holders can seek help without fear of visa cancellation, even if they’ve breached their work-related visa conditions - this arrangement is called the Assurance Protocol.

Under the Assurance Protocol, Home Affairs won’t cancel your visa if you have breached your visa conditions because of workplace exploitation, as long as:

*You have sought advice or support from them

and you are helping them with their inquiries;

*There is no other reason to cancel your visa (for example for national security, character, health or fraud reasons);

*You have committed to following your visa conditions in the future;

Learn more about the Assurance Protocol on the Visa protections – the Assurance Protocol page.

Know the rules for working on a visa

If you employ a visa holder or have a visa, it’s important you know the visa rules.

Some visas have rules about how many hours someone can work (for example, international students) or what job they can do (for example, a seasonal worker).

To check visa details, visa holders can use the Home Affairs’ Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO).

If you need more information about visas, contact the Department of Home Affairs.

Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme

The Fair Work Ombudsman has tailored information for employees under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.

Learn about workplace rights and get access to tools on their Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme page.

Getting help

To learn about getting help from the Fair Work Ombudsman go to the Getting Help page at www.fairwork.gov.au

KITCHEN ASSISTANT

Busy bistro in Bright is looking for a kitchen assistant to help the chefs during service period. Experience preferred but happy to train the right candidate. Casual Position with normal hours of work 5pm – 9pm. Please call 0497 806 358.

If you do have a workplace issue, you can call them or tell them about it via their My Account section.

Medical Practice requires a PART-TIME PRACTICE NURSE

to download the position recruitment kits and to view instructions on how to apply. www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au

Phone: 1300 365 003

CLASSIFIEDS WORK! 5723 0101

MEDICAL SECRETARY/ RECEPTIONIST

An established specialist medical practice in Wangaratta requires an experienced and wellpresented medical secretary/receptionist. This role will be part time (0.6 EFT) with capacity to increase hours as required. Your responsibilities will be varied and cover all aspects of a busy orthopaedic surgical practice including front desk reception, answering the telephone, patient appointments, liaising with patients and health funds, organising theatre lists, billing, banking and handling other communications. We offer generous remuneration as well as a pleasant working environment.

Start date is Monday 31st July 2023.

Applications close 14th May 2023.

The successful applicant must have: Medical reception experience

A good working knowledge of the health industry

A high level of professionalism

Excellent communication, people and organisational skills

Capacity to work in a team

Willingness to use initiative and take responsibility

Ability to prioritise tasks

Computer literacy and the capacity to utilise new computer software

Applications and enquiries to: Mr. Richard Kjar orthokjar@gmail.com

4SITE Positions Vacant

4SITE is a family owned and managed business.

We are looking for Garbage Collectors to join our team for the Mount Buller Area.

Seasonal Position “Winter 23”

Licence: Medium Rigid Required

Experience

A strong focus on safety; Ability to work in a harsh alpine environment;

Ability to exercise sound judgement and carry out instructions with minimum supervision;

Demonstrated ability to operate as

If you are interested in joining our team please send your resume to: jobs@4siteaustralia.com

(Ideally four permanent days plus relieving) Previous General Practice experience preferred. Good communication and interpersonal skills essential.

Please forward CV with minimum 2 referees to: admin@wangmed.com.au Or

Business Manager PO Box 693 Wangaratta 3676

Applications Close: May 14, 2023 Or Apply through SEEK https://www.seek.com.au/job/66945898

You can also contact them anonymously to You can make an anonymous report to them, in your language using their translated anonymous report form in multiple languages.

Professional GardenerBeechworth

Gardener to work 1030am – 230pm Wednesdays (Preferably but not essential) every week 4 Hrs to mow lawns and look after the

POSITION FILLED

Property is ½ acre – garden in front yard and Evergreen trees at the back, fernery at the west side of the house. Must have ABN, police check and insurance. Contact Margaret on 03 5728 1141. Call after 1030am.

Search

GREAT JOBS FOR GREAT PEOPLE

an

The following opportunities now exist for enthusiastic, safety focused people with suitable experience and qualifications. Please visit our website to find out more about current positions available across Mawsons business divisions.

Beechworth – Concrete Truck Driver – BEEC002

Broken Hill – Concrete Truck Driver – BROK002

Regional Victoria – Drill & Blast Supervisor – QUAA002

Regional Victoria – Blast Hole Driller – QUAA003

Benalla – Concrete Batcher/Agitator Driver – BENA001

Kyneton – Concrete Truck Driver – KYNE003

Circulating in Wangaratta, Myrtleford, Bright, Mt Beauty, Beechworth, Yackandandah, Rutherglen, Chiltern and districts

Steel the show with Kincrome nut riveters

NUT riveters have all kinds of unique applications.

These include automotive, metal fabrication, appliances, food equipment, industrial machinery, farm equipment, electronics, transportation, 4WD/off-road applications, marine equipment and more.

For those looking for cost effective nut rivets, you will find them here at North East Fasteners.

Our nut rivets allow you to create a solid captive nut in thin material that cannot be tapped or threaded.

We carry a range of Kincrome nut riveter kits which are suitable for all uses.

This includes the Kincrome 68 piece twin handle nut riveter kit which is currently $189 with a range of riveters designed for an everyday professional or the occasional DIY project.

Fun and learning with friends Ollie and Bea

The kit includes a hand operated twin handle nut riveter manufactured from a heavy duty aluminium and steel construction with moulded grips for two handed operation.

The nut riveter set includes six different sized mandrels including M3, M4, M5, M6, M8 and M10, mandrel spanner for attaching sized mandrel to riveter and 60 zinc coated steel rivet nut inserts, 10 of each size, all housed within a blow mould case.

For those who are unsure of how to install a nut rivet, Kincrome has a ‘how-to’ video as well as maintenance and repair video that can be found by following the QR code.

VICTORIAN author Renee Treml recently released the sixth book in her ‘Super Adventures of Ollie and Bea’ junior fiction series.

Centred on best friends Ollie (an owl) and Bea (a bunny), the graphic novels are designed for readers aged between four and seven, and celebrate fun, friendship and all the things that make us special.

In the latest addition to the series, ‘Otterly Ridiculous’, a friendly game of ‘hide-andsqueak’ leads to a big ‘squarrel’.

Can Ollie and Bea help their friends settle the argument, or will they ‘owl-so’ have hurt feelings?

Described as the perfect books for young readers who love to laugh, the series’ engaging illustrations and easy-to-follow text offer a great chance for learners to hone their reading skills.

There are jokes, word-play, and lots of sce-

narios youngsters would see in the classroom, playground, or at home while spending time with friends, peers and siblings.

Ollie and Bea are among the creations Renee Treml has developed since she switched from a career in science upon realising that illustrating could actually be a full-time job.

Her big break as an author-illustrator came after one of the hardest years of her life, as she emerged from cancer treatment, when she decided to seize the moment and enter a children’s literature competition.

She took first prize and was picked up by a major publisher.

• Rgional Extra has copies of four of Ollie and Bea’s adventures (Allen & Unwin, $12.99 each), including the newest release, to give away to one lucky reader.

If you would like a chance to win, email skerwin@nemedia.com.au.

◆ ENJOY A LAUGH: ‘Otter-ly Ridiculous’ is the latest release in Renee Treml’s Super Adventures of Ollie and Bea.

with David James NORTH EAST FASTENERS