RE050325SamReiher by Provincial Press Group

2025 Off-Grid Living Festival: Inspiring sustainable futures

By SHANE DOUTHIE

THE highly anticipated O -Grid Living Festival returns in 2025, bringing together thousands of passionate individuals, experts, and businesses committed to sustainable living, self-su ciency, and regenerative practices.

Taking place on 12-13 April, this immersive festival o ers hands-on learning, inspiring talks, and innovative solutions for anyone interested in reducing their environmental impact and embracing a more independent lifestyle.

“This year’s festival will feature a diverse range of workshops, demonstrations, and exhibitors covering renewable energy, sustainable building, permaculture, natural health, bushcraft, food security, electriﬁcation and much more,” Kate Nottingham, O -Grid Living Festival director said.

“Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with inspiring individuals, gain practical skills, and discover groundbreaking products and ideas that are shaping the future of sustainable living.”

■ Continued page 6

BUSTLING ATMOSPHERE: The Off-Grid Living Festival brings thousands together to learn more about sustainable practices. PHOTO: Jason Robins

GONE FISHING

When to intervene during calving: a guide for farmers

AS veterinarians, we understand the pressure that comes with calving.

While most births go smoothly, knowing when to intervene is crucial for the health of both the cow and calf.

The second stage of labour, where the calf is born, typically lasts up to two hours.

If the cow has not delivered after this time, intervention is needed.

Common issues include abnormal presentations (like

breech or twisted calves) and dystocia, often caused by large calf size or ﬁrsttime calvers.

Signs that intervention is necessary include prolonged straining with no progress, a delay between the water breaking and contractions starting, or visible distress from the cow.

If you see any of these

signs, it’s time to act.

Attempting delivery without proper experience can result in injury, so don’t hesitate to call your vet for help.

Delayed calving can lead to complications such as infections or calf death.

Quick veterinary intervention can prevent these issues, ensuring the health of both animals.

Be proactive in monitoring your cows, and if in doubt, always reach out to your vet.

Prompt action can make all the di erence.

This day in history, 1954

A ROYAL VISITOR, 1954

ONE of the biggest crowds ever seen in Benalla witnessed the arrival of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11, during the 1954 Royal Tour of Australia.

Murray cod fishing improves with cooler temperatures

LONGER nights are helping water temperatures slowly cool, which has led to a slight improvement in the Murray cod ﬁshing.

What I have found is that in the few evenings that I been out, I am picking up one or two cod, and if I don’t, I am usually getting a couple of “boofs”.

For those that don’t know what a “boof” is, it is the implosive sound that Murray cod make when they hit a surface lure.

I had a couple of “boofs” the night before writing this column which resulted in me catching a Murray cod of around 40cm in length on a surface lure that looks and swims exactly the same as a 30cm long baby red-bellied black snake.

If you are going cod ﬁshing with lures, look for the deeper pools as the rivers are very low and make sure you don’t go home too early.

Most of my action has been well after sunset.

There’s been a few cod caught on bait as well, with live shrimp proving to be the best bait.

The rivers are all full of shrimp at the moment

which will rip your worms to shreds. Make sure you take a shrimp net, as the shrimp are really easy to catch using a collapsible bait trap.

As soon as you catch a decent sized shrimp, pop it on a hook.

Late afternoon seems to be the best time for bait ﬁshing at the moment, just before and during sunset.

In other news, I ﬁshed Lake Bu alo last week. I was wet wading up to my waist, casting small soft plastics and hard body minnows.

I caught around 30 small redﬁn.

None of them were even close to being big enough to keep, but I had a lot of fun catching them.

SPITTING IMAGE: A small Murray cod caught on a 30cm long lure that looks exactly like a red-bellied black snack.

SAFE DELIVERY: Calving complications can be dangerous to resolve without the right experience, so don’t hesitate to contact your vet for help. PHOTO: Shutterstock/ Aleksandar Malivuk

DR MONICA KUNZE

BY ROBBIE ALEXANDER WANGARATTA

Embracing healthy changes in 2025 YOUR HEALTH

THE beginning of a new year can come with a lot of pressure.

So many New Year resolutions have been ﬂying around social media.

This month, we wanted to reassure you that making healthy lifestyle changes doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.

Instead of focusing on what to cut out, think about what you can add - more fruit and veggies, more movement, more water between drinks, and more mindfulness.

When you see these changes as enhancements rather than restrictions, they tend to become much easier to maintain.

Taking time to relax and practice mindfulness can do wonders for your body - it helps lower stress, keeps your mind clear, and lets you recharge.

In 2025, prioritising sleep could also be a game-changer, as chronic tiredness a ects your health more than you might realise.

Exercise may help you sleep better by reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep quality, and naturally tiring out your body for restful sleep.

You could try reframing movement as something you do for overall health, not just weight loss.

Physical movement also helps lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, dementia, depression, and diabetes.

Alcohol can also disrupt your sleep. If you drink alcohol frequently, try al-

By TERESA MCMAHON, SOUTH WANGARATTA MEDICAL CENTRE

ternating drinks with water.

Alcohol can a ect mental health, and isn’t great for your body in large amounts.

One of our tips for you is to have a regular GP.

A strong relationship with the same doctor ensures they understand your health history and can provide more personalised care.

Good healthcare is a team e ort.

Just like in sports, work or friendships, the best results come from collaboration over time.

Seeing a di erent GP at every visit doesn’t o er the same level of care.

Your regular GP and nursing team can help you create a tailored health plan.

Your medical centre may o er services such as Chronic Condition Management Plans, heart health checks, age-speciﬁc health assessments, skin cancer clinics, and weight loss programs.

Don’t hesitate to ask your medical centre how they can support you in reaching your health goals.

Small, positive steps lead to lasting improvements.

Start where you can, and enjoy the journey to a healthier, happier you.

Navigating Parkinson’s Disease: A guide for family members

PARKINSON’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurological condition that a ects millions of people worldwide.

PD can impact various aspects of a person’s life, including cognition, mood, and daily activities.

As a family member of someone living with PD, understanding the disease and knowing how to support your loved one through their journey is crucial.

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease

PD is caused by the gradual loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter responsible for coordinating movement, so its depletion leads to the motor symptoms of PD.

Common symptoms

While PD primarily manifests with movementrelated symptoms such as tremors, sti ness, and slowness of movement, it can also cause a range of non-motor symptoms, including cognitive changes, such as di culty with memory, attention, and problem-solving; mood ﬂuctuations, including depression and anxiety; sleep disturbances; fatigue; and changes in speech and swallowing.

Progression of the disease

PD is progressive, but the rate of progression varies.

While some may experience gradual deterioration, others may have periods of stability punctuated by sudden declines.

Care and support

As a family member, your role in supporting your loved one with PD is invaluable.

Here are some tips to help you navigate this journey:

1. Educate yourself: Knowledge empowers you to advocate e ectively for your loved one and make informed decisions together with their healthcare team.

2. Encourage open communication: Foster open and honest communication with your loved one about their experiences, feelings and needs regarding care and treatment.

3. Provide practical assistance: O er practical support with daily tasks that may become

By MICHELLE AZARIS, TIMELESS SUPPORT

challenging due to PD symptoms, such as meal preparation, housekeeping, transportation, and medication management.

4. Promote physical activity: Regular exercise has been shown to improve mobility, balance, and overall well-being in people with Parkinson’s Disease.

5. Seek support for yourself: Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family members, support groups, or mental health professionals to help you cope with the emotional and physical demands that you may encounter.

Planning for the future

While it’s essential to focus on the present, planning for the future can provide peace of mind for both you and your loved one.

Consider discussing the following topics:

1. Advance care planning: Encourage your loved one to consider their wishes regarding medical care, end-of-life decisions, and advance directives.

2. Financial and legal matters: Work together to review and organise ﬁnancial documents, such as insurance policies, retirement accounts, and estate plans.

3. Long-term care options: Explore long-term care options, such as home care services, assisted living facilities, or nursing homes, and discuss their preferences.

Final thoughts

By understanding PD, providing compassionate support, and planning for the future, you can help your loved one navigate their journey with dignity, grace, and quality of life. Reach out to healthcare professionals, support groups, and other resources available in your community for guidance, encouragement, and assistance along the way.

Together, as a supportive and informed family unit, you can face the challenges of PD with resilience and strength.

FOR THOSE WHO PREFER A HIGHER LEVEL OF CARE

Timeless Support has been approved to provide subsidised home care services through the Australian Government. Depending on your circumstances you may be able to receive care and services, funded either fully or partly by the Government. We can support you on your journey.

PHOTO: Shutterstock/Josep Suria

2025 Off-Grid Living Festival: Inspiring sustainable futures

■ Continued from page 1

A highlight of the 2025 festival is the youth and innovation competitions, including the Solarpunk Sculptural Art Competition, Student Pedal Power Competition, and Student Future Thinkers Competition.

These initiatives aim to engage young minds in innovative thinking to address the challenges of future with a positive outlook.

Pedal power – often referred to as a bike generator – is a form of energy generation where human e ort is converted into electricity or mechanical power.

The O -Grid Living Festival’s challenge given to students has been to design and build pedalpowered machines showing incredible potential of human energy.

Its mission for students is to blend ingenuity with eco-friendly principles with skills and innova-

tive thinking showcased.

Students have been given the chance to explore green technology and its impact on the future too.

“New to this year’s line-up is the Hunting and Butchering Talks Tent, providing educational discussions around ethical hunting and butchering, traditional skills, and wild food preparations,” Kate said.

“The festival continues to embrace diverse perspectives, ensuring a well-rounded exploration of o -grid lifestyles with a look at the best from the past, present and a glimpse into the future.

“A place where technology and tradition collide, creating the perfect balance.”

There are several activities running for the entire weekend including ‘Animal encounters at the O -Grid Living Festival’,

where attendees can learn for free about raising animals on a hobby farm, engaging with wildlife, snake safety, natural beekeeping, hydroponic ﬁsh farms, kids’ cuddly animal encounters

FEATURE STORY

and the beautiful draught horses on display all weekend.

You can also learn about Basic Survival Training which covers basic survival for cases where you might ﬁnd yourself in an un-

known or remote location.

This training equips you with the fundamental knowledge required to survive in an unknown area with sessions at 10am,11am,1pm or 2pm, again for free.

There is also plenty for the kids including ‘Boxwars: Cabox kids’ workshop’, which is a sustainable and hands-on family activity, encouraging creative recycling.

Participants craft unique creations using cardboard and dressup for battle or for fun.

And don’t miss the Festival Parade on Sunday where the entire family is invited to get their funkiest, recycled, upcycled gear on and join in a good old-fashioned parade.

Bring your hula hoops, juggling balls and sense of fun and meet at the Feel Good Space at 12.45pm.

Now in its seventh year, the

O -Grid Living Festival has grown into Australia’s premier event for self-su ciency and sustainability.

Held in the picturesque Victorian countryside, it provides a welcoming space for people from all walks of life to learn, share, and connect.

This year expanding beyond the event reserve and into the township of Chiltern with an O -Grid After Hours program including the Sustainable Cocktail Night, Environmental Film Festival at the historic Star Theatre, Outdoor Wild Food Banquet, Bird Watching Breakfast and free shuttle bus to get to-and-from the festival to Chiltern’s main street all weekend.

Tickets are available online, and early booking is recommended as the festival is expected to sell out. For more information, visit www.ogridlivingfestival.com.au.

BRINGING THE PAST TO LIFE: Members of the 8th Indi Light Horse Troop take part in the Anzac Day march in Wangaratta in 2023. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

NorthEast JOBS

CATHEDRAL COLLEGE

CATHEDRAL COLLEGE WANGARATTA

WANGARATTA

CATHEDRAL COLLEGE WANGARATTA

The College seeks applications from suitably experienced persons for the following positions:

Chief Exam Supervisor

GAT Supervisors

Chief Exam Supervisor GAT Supervisors

GAT Supervisors

Examination Period Supervisors (Casual/short term)

Please refer to our website, www.cathedralcolllege.vic.edu.au for position descriptions and application closing dates.

Cathedral College Wangaratta is a Child Safe School and an Equal Opportunity Employer

HUMAN RESOURCES ADMINISTRATOR

Brown Family Wine Group are seeking a part time Administrator to join the Human Resources Team at the Milawa site, to support the HR functions across all locations.

In this hands-on role, you will be responsible for:

• recruitment and selection administration

• planning and preparation of induction and onboarding

• supporting HR projects and people related initiatives

• general administrative assistance and support the HR team

We are looking for someone with great interpersonal skills and a genuine passion for people to assist us in delivering best in class HR support to the Brown Family Wine Group.

Ideally, we are looking for applicants who have previous experience in an administrative role with a high level of resilience and adaptability. Strong phone, email and inperson communication skills and proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite are also a must.

What’s on Offer:

• Permanent part-time role (20-23 hours per week over 3 or 4 days)

• Generous employee benefits including discounts on all products

• Opportunities for career and professional development

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Advertisers please note!

Much hardship and difﬁculty is

Cathedral College Wangaratta is a Child Safe School and an Equal Opportunity Employer

Cathedral College Wangaratta is a Child Safe School and

Further information and a position description may be obtained by emailing Ashlee at careers@brownfwg.com.au or calling 0479 195 980.

HUGE SELECTION: With its with heavy gauge steel construction and roll cage protection, this kit is an absolute essential for the serious tradie.

Kincrome’s toughest tools will set you up for life

KINCOME’s new o -road ﬁeld service boxes are tailored to withstand tough working conditions and Australia’s harsh elements.

Designed with heavy gauge steel and a protective roll cage, this a necessity for the serious tradie.

Available in black and white colourways, the o -road range includes integrated feet for forklift purposes and mounting points to secure on vehicles.

Side tie down anchors for temporary ﬁxing makes transportation easy.

Lifting and hoisting facilities on the roll cage enable hoist straps to be used with forklift, crane or hoist.

The kit is weather resistant and lock ﬁtted with corrosion resistant stainless-steel hardware, a weather resistant lid and a rub-

By NORTH EAST FASTENERS

ber sealed drawer ﬂap to reduce water ingress.

All drawers are secure with a locking mechanism built in and added security with a T-handles lock.

You might be eligible to redeem the Kincrome o -road ﬁeld service tool kit or other tool kits as a ‘Tools For Life’ bonus item.

Kincrome’s ‘Tools For Life’ program is offering government funded trade support loans to Australian apprentices.

For more information, head to https:// www.kincrome.com.au/tﬂ-redeem.

LUXURY LIVING: H2 Norwegian recliners not only look great, they also feel great with ergonomic support suited to your needs.

Indulge in exclusive comfort at North East Homemakers

WHEN it comes to relaxation and quality craftsmanship, H2 Norwegian recliners stand out as a top choice.

Exclusive to North East Homemakers, these recliners combine Scandinavian design with ergonomic support to deliver an exceptional seating experience.

H2 recliners are available in both manual and power options, allowing you to customise your comfort level.

From classic manual recliners to advanced power models with head and dynamic lumbar adjustment, massage, heat, and lift functions, there’s an option to ﬁt every need.

Whether you’re looking for soothing warmth, gentle massage therapy, or assistance with standing, these recliners provide tailored support at the touch of a button.

Customisation is at the heart of the H2 experience.

Customers can choose from a variety of high-quality materials, including rich leather, soft fabric, and stylish wood ﬁnishes.

This ensures that every recliner not only feels great but also complements any home décor.

One standout feature of H2 recliners is their

smooth swivel motion allowing you to rotate with ease.

This added mobility enhances functionality making it simple to adjust your position without strain.

Another feature is their dynamic lumbar support, which adjusts to your body as you move. This responsive support system helps maintain proper posture and reduces strain on the lower back, making these recliners ideal for extended use.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your living space or invest in better comfort, these recliners provide a superior seating experience tailored to your lifestyle.

Visit North East Homemakers Centre to explore the collection and ﬁnd the perfect ﬁt for your home.

By BEC VAN der HEYDEN, NORTH EAST HOMEMAKERS CENTRE