July 3 - 9, 2024
Wangaratta High School’s new mural celebrating diversity
By CHLOE JAENICKE
THE yarning circle at Wangaratta High School has created a new mural to celebrate diversity and create visibility for indigenous students.
Wangaratta High School Murrung lead, Andrea Belci, said the yarning circle started around a year ago and aims to create connection for Indigenous students through different cultural activities and events.
One of the student leaders, year 11 Lillian Oats-Mason, has been passionate about creating the mural and discussed the idea with the school council.
“It was my main idea when I decided to go for prefect,” Lillian said.
“I really wanted people to know that they could have a place where they belong here at the school.”
To create the mural, the yarning circle worked in collaboration with local artist Ronan Holdsworth, who worked with students from the conception of the idea to painting the mural on the wall.
■ Continued page 6
◆ WORKING TOGETHER: Xavier Garsed, Shay-Lee Butler, Tobey Large, Ronan Holdsworth, Hamish Fenlon, Riley McKay, Lillian Oats-Mason, Lillain Stewart and Andrea Belci were part of the yarning group who created a new mural to celebrate Indigenous identity at Wangaratta High School. PHOTO: Chloe Jaenicke
VET CORNER Why you should have your pet desexed
PET ownership comes with a lot of responsibility, and one of the most important decisions any pet owner can make is to have their pet desexed.
This procedure involves the surgical removal of reproductive organs and offers numerous benefits for both pets and their owners.
It is usually done as a day procedure at your local veterinary clinic, with your pet undergoing general anaesthesia for the procedure.
Desexing significantly reduces the risk of various reproductive cancers and infections that can affect pets later in life.
In female pets, speying eliminates the risk of life-threatening uterine infections known as pyometra, and greatly reduces the risk of mammary gland tumours.
For male pets, neutering lowers the risk of testicular cancer and can reduce the risk of prostate associated disease.
Entire male pets are more likely to exhibit behaviours such as roaming, marking territory with urine, and aggression towards other animals, desexing can help reduce these tendencies.
One of the most compelling reasons to desex pets is to avoid unwanted pregnancies.
Every year, countless stray animals end up in shelters, many of which are euthanized due to a lack of resources and homes.
By desexing your pet, you contribute to reducing the number of unwanted animals and help alleviate the strain on animal shelters and rescue organizations.
While the upfront cost of desexing may deter some pet owners, it is a cost-effective investment in the long run.
Preventing health issues associated with reproductive organs can save you from potentially expensive veterinary bills later.
In addition to this, majority of vet clinics tend to offer desexing at a reduced cost compared to other surgical procedures, in a bid to incentivise desexing.
with Dr James Cameron Warby Street Vet
If you’re not intending to breed from your pet, ask your local veterinarian at what age they would recommend desexing, as the recommended time of desexing will likely vary depending on your individual pet.
If you are intending to breed from your pet, then please consider doing so responsibly and consider desexing afterwards.
In conclusion, getting your pet desexed is a decision that benefits not only pets but also the community at large.
It promotes their health, improves their behaviour, and plays a crucial role in controlling the pet population.
As a responsible pet owner, desexing is one of the most significant choices you can make to ensure a happy and healthy life for your beloved pet.
This Day in History, 1882
TREES FOR BENALLA
A program to provide much needed shade to Benalla’s streets began on this day in 1882 when the first of 500 trees were planted out.
The provision of shade trees and erection of guards to protect the growing trees reflected the growing confidence in the future success of the community, but perhaps more realistically, the organisation of a Waterworks Trust to provide a reliable supply of town water.
School holiday fun on the mountains
FRESH snowfalls of near 20cms over the weekend have set alpine resorts’ slopes up nicely for school holidays.
At Mt Buller, Baldy, Summit, Skyline and Bourke Street are all open and Celia’s Park is open for snow play and Celia’s café opened on Monday morning.
Kids week continues until July 5 with activities for the whole family to enjoy over the first week of the school holidays.
On July 6 they will also be celebrating their 100th anniversary of skiing on Mt Buller with a torch ceremony, night skiing and fireworks display led by members of the Ski Club of Victoria.
Mt Hotham had a snow depth of 44cms on Monday,
with 13 groomed runs and nine lifts open for visitors to ski and snowboard, while the snowplay area with tobogganing was also opened.
The mountain will also have its first fireworks show this Wednesday and will continue to have them every Wednesday throughout July.
At Falls Creek, there’s an average snow depth of 38cm and plenty of activities to keep the family busy this school holidays.
At Falls you can also experience night riding every Saturday and Wednesday from 6pm to 8.45pm on Australia’s longest night riding run - Wombat’s Ramble.
Tickets are only $24 or free for Epic Australia Pass holders.
While Dinner Plain still isn’t
open for tobogganing, there is still plenty of opportunity for snow play thanks to more snowfall on Sunday.
Over the weekend Mount Buffalo had a light dusting of snow.
While there isn’t enough for tobogganing, Mount Buffalo has perfect conditions for sightseeing.
Chains are required to be carried for all resorts and fitted where instructed.
For the latest information on the mountains visit: Dinner Plain: visitdinnerplain.com.au Falls Creek: fallscreek.com.au
Mt Hotham: hotham.com.au
Mt Buffalo: visitmountbuffalo.com.au
Mt Buller: mtbuller.com.au.
For more information please contact:
Amy Ratcliffe
5723 0134 | aratcliffe@nemedia.com.au
Jess Clough 5723 0128 | jclough@nemedia.com.au
◆ WINTER WONDERLAND: Fresh snowfalls at Mt Hotham (pictured), Falls Creek and Mt Buller over the weekend have come just in time for the school holidays. PHOTO: Vail Australia
Understanding your heart health
DID you know that 1.4 million Australians are at high risk of having a heart attack or stroke in the next five years?
This statistic is alarming, yet many people are unaware of their personal risk.
Heart health checks with your GP or nurse can be crucial in understanding and reducing this risk.
Why heart health matters
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia.
The good news is that many heart attacks and strokes can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices.
By adopting heart-healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet, staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking, you can significantly lower your risk.
However, the tricky part is that risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol often go unnoticed because they don’t have obvious symptoms.
That’s why it’s essential to have annual heart health checks.
Who should get a heart health check?
Heart health checks are recommended for the following people who haven’t been diagnosed with heart disease:
• All people aged 45–79 years
• People with diabetes start-
ing from age 35
• First Nations people starting from age 30
What to expect during a heart health check
During your check-up, your GP or nurse will discuss various factors that contribute to your risk of developing heart disease.
These may include:
• Smoking status
• Presence of diabetes
• Current medications
• Other health conditions
• Family health history
• Ethnic background
• Your postcode
They will also review your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels.
Using a clinically validated calculator, your GP will assess your likelihood of having a heart attack or stroke in the next five years.
Based on this assessment, they will help you develop a plan to reduce your risk.
Your personalised heart health plan
Your GP or nurse will work with you to create a personalized plan that may involve:
• Implementing heart-healthy lifestyle changes
◆ HEALTHY HABITS:
You can lower your risk of heart disease by eating a balanced diet, staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking.
• Referrals to programs or other health professionals, such as dietitians, for additional support
• Prescribing medications to lower blood pressure or cholesterol
Take charge of your heart health
Understanding your heart health and taking proactive steps to improve it can make a significant difference in your overall well-being. Don’t wait until it’s too latespeak to your GP about a heart health check and take the first step towards a healthier future.
◆ HEART HEALTH: Heart health checks with your GP can reduce the risk for heart disease.
with Teresa Mcmahon SOUTH WANGARATTA MEDICAL CENTRE
Wangaratta High School’s new mural is celebrating diversity
■ From page 1
Ms Belci said about 22 students have worked on the mural for around six weeks and they came up with their own ideas and designs for the mural that were later all put together.
“Everyone took a part of the mural they wanted to design and then Ronan was able to bring those designs together into one and then we tweaked it,” she said.
Some of the key designs on the wall include the meeting of the Ovens and Murray rivers, a rainbow serpent, the Warby Ranges, an emu constellation and a turtle that will spill out from the wall onto the footpath below.
“We wanted to do the rainbow serpent but with the school colours and we wanted to have the river running through the whole thing,” year 7 student, Shay-Lee Butler, said.
Ms Belci said the rivers were one of the most significant aspects of the mural due to the symbolism of connection.
“For the Bpangerang and the Yorta Yorta it’s the meeting place, so we really wanted it to be that connection, connection to school, connection to community, connection to the environment and the river,” she said.
Mr Holdsworth said his favourite parts of the mural were the emu constellation and the rainbow serpent.
“The most significant thing to me would be the emu constellation because the students taught me about it,” he said.
“I like the fact that some of the students wanted a rainbow serpent and another wanted a belly snake so we changed it to be a rainbow red belly serpent painted in the school colours.”
Ms Belci said the students also took special care in choosing the location of the mural so it would be visible.
“I love that you can walk out the building on the other side and see it,” she said.
“It’s so visible from so many different spots and the kids have really engaged with it.”
Lillian said her favourite part of the process was working with others and creating something that is unique.
“For me the best part has been getting together with the group and helping out and definitely making an impact on the school is the greatest part and all I could ever ask for,” she said.
“It’s our own take on Indigenous art which is the most
part.”
◆ CREATIVE PROCESS: Students including Lillian Stewart spent around a week painting the mural onto the wall.
STORY
An
You will work within the
Skills and Experience
•Prior experience in an administration position
•Ability to handle debtor/creditor queries
•Solid computer skills, including experience with excel and word
•Exceptional attention to detail, and accurate data entry
•Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
•The ability to work in a team-based environment
•Proven time management skills and ability to prioritise urgent work
While this is a maternity leave position, we envisage that the role will lead to an ongoing employment opportunity at the at the end of the 12-month maternity leave period.
If you are looking for a new challenge in an energetic and stimulating environment, we would encourage you to apply.
Applications should be forwarded to: Karen Spokes Administration Manager kspokes@nemedia.com.au
•Statutory Planning positions •Business Analyst (IT & Business Projects) and innovative organisation?
Visit www.alpineshire.vic.gov.au/council/ careers
The College seeks applications from suitably experienced persons for the following position:
Cleaner
This is a full-time position.
Please refer to our website for more information.
Please forward your application by Monday July 8,2024 to the Human Resource Officer, Noelia Araya at recruitment@cathedralcollege.vic.edu.au
Cathedral College Wangaratta is a Child Safe School and an Equal Opportunity Employer
Advertising Sales/Account Manager (Print
& Digital)
North East Media Pty Ltd
Wangaratta Division VIC
Sales Representatives/Consultants (Sales)
FULL TIME
About North East Media (NEM)
GREAT JOBS FOR GREAT PEOPLE
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.
NEM is an independent family owned media company with community and farming newspapers, magazines and websites across North East VIC, Southern and Central NSW.
Our Wangaratta Division is responsible for a group of regular print and digital publications, including the Wangaratta Chronicle, Ovens and Murray Advertiser. We also have special publications, including North East Living Magazine, North East Tourist News, North East Farmer, Southern Farmer, North East Kids and Footy Focus.
Who are we looking for?
The Wangaratta Division is looking for a driven and committed individual to join our advertising sales team, responsible for managing existing clients while growing your own sales.
The ideal candidate will have:
• At least 2 years’ sales experience (sales of advertising in multi-media is a plus, not essential)
• 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 NEM Synergy 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 motor vehicle and 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. How to apply
If you are self-motivated, results-orientated and looking for a challenge in the media environment, forward your resume and covering letter before 5.00pm on Friday, 12 July 2024 to:
Kevin Spendier
Advertising Manager kspendier@nemedia.com.au
Tilda is emerging from the shadows… and you’re invited
BOOK
DON’T miss your chance to spend an afternoon with Sydney author Jane Tara and Edgars Books & News at Café PreVue on Saturday, July 20 from 3.30pm.
The “Tilda is Visible” author will be discussing all things Tilda (and life) and you are invited to hear her speak, followed by a meet and greet and book signing.
“Tilda is Visible” is a wonderfully imaginative and deeply touching novel that explores the intricate connection between our inner world and our external experiences.
The main character of “Tilda is Visible” is Tilda Finch and when she is diagnosed with invisibility, it becomes the perfect metaphor for the emotional and psychological struggles she has been grappling with for years.
The premise of Tilda’s literal invisibility is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Jane uses this unique concept to delve into Tilda’s psyche, revealing how her unresolved childhood trauma and the lingering effects of her divorce have led her to feel unseen and unimportant in her own life.
The narrative is both hilarious and poignant, seamlessly blending humour with profound insights into the human condition.
Tilda’s journey is one of self-discovery and healing.
As she confronts her past, she learns to reshape her thoughts and perceptions,
ultimately finding a path to visibility – both in the literal and metaphorical sense.
Her successful business selling inspirational quotes on merchandise adds an ironic twist to her story, highlighting the contrast between the wisdom she shares with others and the self-doubt she harbours within.
Jane’s writing is engaging and evocative, making Tilda’s struggles and triumphs resonate deeply with readers.
The characters are welldeveloped and relatable, each contributing to Tilda’s journey in meaningful ways.
Our Edgars team absolutely loved this book and Jane Tara has even contributed to
our wacky social media videos – that’s how much fun this event will be.
Tickets are available now for $25.
Cost is per person and includes afternoon tea.
Guests can also purchase additional cold or alcoholic drinks during the afternoon.
“Tilda is Visible” is available to pre-purchase at a discounted rate when booking your ticket or for full price on the day.
Purchase your tickets online at https://edgarsbooksandnews.com.au/anevening-with-jane-tara/ or call/drop into Edgars Books & News, 55 Murphy Street Wangaratta, 57213758.
Privacy compliance checklist for small businesses
As a commercial lawyer, I hear a lot of clients say, “I don’t need to comply with the Privacy Act”.
And maybe you don’t, but maybe you do.
It is a complex and ever evolving area of the law affecting businesses in Australia, and will change again fairly soon, with a number of sweeping changes slated to be implemented in the forthcoming period following a review of the privacy regime.
Most importantly for small business, the qualifying requirement of a business needing to have in excess of $3 million annual turnover to be caught by the Privacy Act is likely to be removed, making all businesses in Australia, on its face, needing to take steps now to get privacy ready, if the business handles personal information.
So, as it stands now, how do you know if you are caught be the requirements of the Privacy Act?
Have a look at our simple checklist below.
Business Privacy Checklist
Question 1
Does your business handle personal information?
Yes? Proceed to Question 2
No? No need to comply with the APPs
Question 2
Has your business had an an-
nual turnover exceeding $3 million since 2002?
Yes? You must comply with the APPs
No? Proceed to Question 3
Question 3
Does your business trade in personal information?
Yes? Proceed to Question 4
No? Proceed to Question 5
Question 4
Do you trade personal information without the individual’s consent or legal authorisation?
Yes? You must comply with the APPs
No? Proceed to Question 5
Question 5
Is your business a health service provider?
Yes? You must comply with the APPs
No? Proceed to Question 6
Question 6
Is your business related to a corporation covered by the Privacy Act?
Yes? You must comply with the APPs
No? Proceed to Question 7
Question 7
Does your business provide services under a Commonwealth contract?
Yes? You must comply with the APPs; Check contract for obligations
No? Proceed to Question 8
Question 8
Are you a reporting entity un-
der the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act?
Yes? You must comply with the APPs for AML/CTF activities
No? Proceed to Question 9
Question 9
Does your business operate a residential tenancy database?
Yes? You must comply with the APPs
No? Proceed to Question 10
Question 10
Is your business involved in credit reporting?
Yes? Comply with Part IIIA of the Privacy Act and the APPs where applicable
No? Proceed to Question 11
Question 11
Is your business required to comply with data retention under the Telecommunications Act?
Yes? You must comply with the APPs for data retention activities
No? Proceed to Question 12
Question 12
Has your business voluntarily opted into the Privacy Act, or have a contractual obligation with a service provider obliging you to comply with the Act?
Yes? You must comply with the APPs
No? You are not required to comply, but best practice of complying with the APPs is recommended.
◆ PRIVACY COMPLIANCE: There are questions small businesses should ask themselves to see if they should comply with the Privacy Act.
◆ BECOMING VISIBLE: Sydney author will be coming to Wangaratta on July 20 to discuss her new book, Tilda is Visible.
NOOK with Edgars Books & News
with Jonathan Green JONATHAN GREEN LEGAL