at crafternoon club
IT’S time to unleash your inner artist as Hazel Vaughan, founder and facilitator of Young Women with Purpose, launches her monthly crafternoon club in Wangaratta.
Women in their 20s and 30s are invited to bring along a neglected craft project and meet new people in the region.
“Originally, I was going to do it at my home because I figured there’d only be around 10 people, and now I’ve got almost 220 in the group,” Hazel laughed.
The idea for her club came about through
SIMONE
By GRACE FREDSBERG
conversations with many other women her age, who agreed making lasting friendships can be tricky, especially when sport isn’t an area of interest.
“I think that’s always the number one suggestion on how to make friends – it’s to join a sports team,” she said.
“But the people who aren’t interested in
sports aren’t going to find their people in a place that’s not really their vibe.”
Hazel is hoping that by creating a social and creative-orientated space, she can help to bridge the gap for regional women in their 20s and 30s who are wanting to make friends.
“In the city, there’s so many different events and things available and in the country, it can just feel so isolating,” she said.
Hazel also acknowledged how daunting
it can be to sign up to social groups.
“I think a big thing is people often feel nervous to go to events alone, and that’s kind of the whole point of this,” she said.
“You don’t have to go with a friend because this is where you can make those friends.”
While the group is predominately for women in their 20s and 30s with a crafty side, Hazel wants to foster an inclusive environment for anyone in the region.
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◆ FRIENDLY FACES: Hazel Vaughan (back, third from left) was joined by 15 women at her inaugural crafternoon club session last Saturday. PHOTOS: Hazel Vaughan
Rodent bait is making your pets silently sick
By DR EMILY FOSS, WANGARATTA VETERINARY CLINIC
WITH the cold and hopefully wet season near, we are seeing increases in rodents around our properties and homes.
Baits are one of the more common ways to catch these rodents, but unfortunately they often find their way into the mouths of curious pets.
When people think about baits and poisons, they expect clinical signs to be present within minutes to hours.
However, this is not the case with most rat baits.
The following applies to the more commonly seen Vitamin K antagonist rodenticides.
Baits containing iron have a di erent mechanism of action and hence require alternate treatment methods.
If you believe your dog has been poisoned, always take the packet or brand name to the vet so the active ingredient can be identified.
Vitamin K antagonists, as found in many rat bait products, elicit their e ects on the animals’ clotting factors.
Vitamin K is essential in production of clotting factors which are required to clot blood.
In everyday life, animals have minor bleeds through
CLOSE INSPECTION: Though clinical symptoms of rodent poisoning can be di cult to identify in the early stages, pets may present lethargy, anorexia, trouble breathing or even collapse. PHOTO: shutterstock.com
general wear and tear.
Without these clotting factors, these minor bleeds can turn into very big bleeds.
As the body has a reserve of clotting factors, clinical signs associated with internal bleeding are not seen for 24-36 hours when new clotting factors cannot be produced.
Clinical signs can be very subtle in the early stages of toxicity.
Animals may show lethargy, anorexia, trouble breathing and even collapse.
On examination, the gum colour will appear pale pink to white depending on the severity of the bleeding. If left untreated, toxicity is fatal.
Treatment in stable animals
involves replacing the body’s vitamin K in the form of tablets for an extended period due to the lengthy duration of action of the poison.
For animals in advanced stages of the disease, more extensive treatment may be required including blood or plasma transfusions, oxygen therapy to support breathing and extended monitoring in hospital.
If known ingestion has occurred, it is recommended to induce vomiting in order to prevent the onset of severe clinical signs.
If you find your animal has ingested rat/mouse bait, contact your veterinarian for advice - even if they still look happy and healthy.
This day in history, 1930
THE Moyhu Memorial Hall was opened on this day in 1930.
It was constructed to commemorate soilders of the Great War The ceremony of cutting a ribbon stretched across the stage was performed by Mr W. Meagher, a returned solider living in Moyhu.
GONE FISHING
Lack of rainfall is presenting challenging trout fishing conditions
THINGS are slowing down in the fishing world across North East Victoria.
Usually we can still head out and target a few late season trout, but this season our options are very limited thanks to the lack of rainfall.
I fished a handful of small streams in the Ovens and King rivers’ catchments last week and I can assure you that the trout fishing is poor.
I sighted quite a few small trout in some deep pools, but we really need rain to fill the creeks, allowing these trout to distribute and grow.
Some rain would also aid the trout in spawning at the moment too.
Brown trout like to swim upstream, find a partner and spawn from late May each year.
Sadly, this year many streams just do not have enough water for the trout to swim upstream.
We have endured worse droughts than this, and the fishing has always bounced back.
I am sure that it will bounce back this time too, it’s just a matter of when!
I spent two evenings angling with bait on the Ovens River in Wangaratta last week.
The fishing was slow, but on both evenings there was a bit of a bite window right on sunset.
The first night I caught three trout cod and two carp, and the second night I caught three tiny trout cod and a crayfish.
This was my first Murray crayfish of the year which is a good sign for the upcoming crayfishing season which opens on 1 June.
All of my fish, including the crayfish, were caught using worms as bait.
Trout cod are a protected species, so naturally they were all released.
CATCH AND RELEASE: A small Ovens River trout cod caught on worms in the middle of Wangaratta after sunset one evening last week.
BY ROBBIE ALEXANDER WANGARATTA
Book is an extended thank you card for mum
By SIMONE KERWIN
MUMS, and other significant female role models, will be honoured this Sunday on Mother’s Day, so what better book to review and give away this week than Nic McPickle’s ‘My Mum is the Best’.
Illustrated by Tommy Doyle, the book is described by publishers Allen & Unwin as “a big, affectionate thank you to all the mums out there, for everything they do for us”.
The Melbourne-based creators of this gorgeous book - which follows up their 2024 release ‘My Dad is the Best’ - have produced something that is just right for a read-aloud session with Mum on her day, or any other day.
The cute animal mums and offspring featured are sure to captivate young readers, and also resonate with human mothers from all walks of life.
Lines like ‘She sings the wrong lyrics and flattens my fringe. I think it’s her mission to make sure I cringe!’ accompanied by the pop culture reference of a koala mum singing, “Cause Mums are gonna brush, brush, brush, brush, brush, and kids are gonna fuss, fuss, fuss, fuss, fuss” are sure to raise a smile.
As a mum, I particularly related to the line: ‘I roll my eyes and groan her name, but she keeps on mumming just the same’.
There’s a great point for reflection on the qualities many mums share when the young koala asks: ‘Is it just
my mum? Or is it other mums too? Does your mum say this stu to you?’.
And there’s also plenty of opportunity for youngsters to talk about what they appreciate about their own mums as they reach pages that read: ‘She comes to my concerts. And pins up my art. She helps me be brave and follow my heart. She’s teaching me to cook. And look after a pet. And how to put the ball in the back of the net.’
Mums might just have a tear in their eye when they read these lines: ‘You encourage me to wonder, to be curious, to think. Whenever I need you, you’re there in a blink. You are caring and smart. You are
funny and tough. You love me so well that I know I’m enough’.
That’s all any mum would hope for - that their love helps build confident, happy, resilient children who are able to spread that same kind of love throughout the world.
Wishing all mothers, grandmothers and significant female role models a wonderful day of celebration on Sunday, 11 May.
• We have a copy of ‘My Mum is the Best’ (RRP $19.99) to give away to one lucky reader. If you would like a chance to own it, simply email skerwin@nemedia.com.au and tell us why your mum is the best.
Food is medicine
WE often treat food as an afterthought - something to grab on the go, to fill us up fast.
But at Wholefoods, we believe in a more powerful truth: food is medicine.
What we eat every day has a direct impact on how we feel - physically, mentally, and emotionally.
A diet rich in whole, natural foods can support a strong immune system, balanced energy and mental clarity.
Meanwhile, heavily processed foods high in sugar, additives and artificial ingredients may lead to fatigue, mood swings, inflammation and chronic disease.
This isn’t just opinion - it’s backed by science.
Research increasingly links nutrition to conditions like anxiety, depression, heart disease and even cognitive decline.
Simply put, our bodies thrive when we nourish them with real, nutrient-dense foods.
At Wholefoods, we source products that respect your health and the planet.
From fresh, organic produce to thoughtfully prepared meals and pantry
By WANGARATTA WHOLEFOODS
staples, everything we carry is chosen with care.
We believe eating well shouldn’t be about restriction - it should be about rediscovering the joy and satisfaction of real food.
We also believe knowledge is empowerment.
That’s why our team is made up of knowledgeable sta who live and breathe wellness - always ready to o er guidance and share insights to help you make informed choices.
You don’t need a complicated diet plan to feel your best.
Start with small changes such as more vegetables, fewer ultra-processed items and meals made with intention.
Your body will thank you.
Food isn’t just fuel - it’s your daily dose of health.
Let’s treat it that way.
SIMPLY THE BEST: This release from Nic McPickle and Tommy Doyle is the perfect read-aloud picture book for Mother’s Day.
MAKE A CHANGE: Jerry and Kacey O’Callaghan, owners of Wangaratta Wholefoods, invite people to kick-start a healthier lifestyle with their wide selection of produce in store.
Getting creative and chatty at crafternoon club in Wangaratta
■ Continued from page 1
“We’ve got people joining from Shepparton, Wodonga, all over the place.
“If there are older people who want to come or people who identify as male want to be part of this community and it feels like their vibe, we’re open to everyone.
“In the future, I’d love to do some meet ups in the park on nice days and everyone can bring a plate of delicious snacks to share.”
Outside of the crafternoon club, Hazel runs retreats for women and girls.
This year, she ran a summer camp for adults down on the Mornington Peninsula.
“It was kind of like the crafternoon club but over three days,” she said.
“But it was so much fun and we sold out with a waitlist, which was amazing.”
Hazel also has a winter retreat coming up next month in the Buckland Valley, which is expected to be equally as incredible as the summer retreat.
She said the crafternoon club and these retreats are
a platform to strengthen friendships, experience play and connect as women.
The first gathering was held on Saturday, 3 May at Pedal Slowly but you can always get involved in the group in the coming months.
To find out more about Hazel’s crafternoon club, you can request to join the crafternoon club’s Facebook page https:// www.facebook.com/ groups/698034389546799/ or reach out to Hazel at hazel@youngwomenwithpurpose.com.au.
ARTS AND CRAFTS: Attendees were invited to bring along a cra they have been working on, including Bella Cairncross who chipped away at this painting.
NorthEast JOBS
Advertising Sales Manager North East Media - Wangaratta
Who are we looking for?
North East Media is looking for a driven and committed individual to lead 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 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.
About North East Media
North East Media, a division of Provincial Press Group, is an independent family-owned 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:
Edward Higgins
CEO North East Media ehiggins@nemedia.com.au
Important Notice
Discrimination in Advertising is Unlawful
The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or activity, industrial activity, parental or career status, physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/ sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception or granted an exception under the Act. As we could be legally liable if we print an unlawful advertisement we will not accept advertisements that appear
Ads for 'Business Opportunities', 'Commission Only' training courses and employment services should be submitted under those headings. Placing misleading ads is an offence against the Trade Practices Act and state/territory fair trading acts and all advertisements are subject to the publisher's approval. For further advice, contact:
local Wangaratta Chronicle has brought together local employers and local employees for generations ...and it is no different today.
People prefer to work close to home, to save on transport costs, the frustration of travel and to be closer to family. Both our printed and digital newspapers have a highly engaged local audience looking for news, sport, local information
BROWN FAMILY WINE GROUP POSITIONS VACANT
Brown Family Wine Group is one of Australia’s most loved and respected wine companies, built on over 130 years’ experience in quality winemaking, market leading innovation and family values that are at the heart of everything we do.
We are a proud and passionate business, determined to maintain our certification as “A Great Place to Work” for the seventh year in a row.
The following opportunities are now available to join our dedicated and hardworking team, based at our Milawa site:
• Warehouse Manager, Full Time
• Customer Service Officer, Casual
• Chef De Partie, Full Time / Casual
• Vineyard Operator (Banksdale), Full Time
For further information and to view the full advertisements, please check out our Careers page by scanning this QR Code or contacting (03) 5720 5500.
SCAN TO APPLY
YOUR HEALTH
Bowen therapy: How gentle touch can lead to deep healing
IN today’s fast-paced world, we’re often told to push harder, keep going, and “power through.”
But real healing rarely happens in force. It happens in stillness, gentleness and giving the body space to reset.
This is exactly what Bowen therapy o ers.
Bowen is a gentle, hands-on therapy that uses light touch to stimulate the body’s own healing response.
No deep pressure, cracking or stretching - just small, rolling movements over specific points on the body, targeting the fascia (the connective tissue that wraps around our muscles and organs) and the nervous system.
After each set of gentle moves, I step away to allow your body to process what’s just happened.
These pauses are an essential part of the therapy.
During this time, many people feel warmth, tingling, twitching, or even emotional release.
This is your body responding and beginning to reset.
Bowen therapy is especially e ective for people stuck in “fight or flight” mode.
Constant stress, poor sleep, and emotional tension keep our systems on high alert.
In that state, healing takes a back seat.
Bowen helps activate the “rest and digest” state, allowing the body to do what it’s designed to: repair, rebalance and restore.
In my practice, I’ve seen Bowen support:
• Back, neck and joint pain.
• Headaches, the temporomandibular joint and sciatica.
• Stress, anxiety and emotional overload.
• Digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome or reflux.
• Hormonal imbalances and women’s health.
• Babies with colic, sleep issues and behavioural tension.
Clients often say, “I wish I’d found this years ago”.
It’s gentle, yet deeply e ective - especially when nothing else seems to work.
To me, Bowen is more than a therapy.
It’s a reminder that your body isn’t broken - it simply needs the right conditions to come back into balance.
If you’re curious, I’d love to introduce you to this quiet, powerful healing process.
already are a renter, you can learn
website.
Knowing all your rights as a renter
IT’s important to understand your legal rights and responsibilities as a renter, including the minimum requirements a rental property must meet, paying rent and having repairs done.
Minimum standards
Residential rental providers are obligated to ensure the rental property meets the basic standards, known as rental minimum standards.
Standards include door locks, hot and coldwater supply, functioning oven or stovetops, functioning toilet, window coverings and heating.
The property must also be free from mould and damp, and be structurally sound and weatherproof before the renter moves in.
If the rental property does not fulfil these minimum requirements, you can end the rental agreement before you move in.
But if you have already moved in, a request to have these requirements met as urgent repairs can be issued to your rental provider.
Paying rent
You should always ask for a receipt as proof of payment in case of an conflict regarding payment.
If you ask for one, the rental provider must supply a receipt or a rental ledger, which contains a record of your payments.
Rent that is overdue by 14 days more can result in a written, 14 days’ notice to vacate the property.
If you receive a notice, you should undertake negotiations with the residential rental
provider or agent about repayment and try to come to an agreement.
Any agreement should be put in writing either on paper or electronically.
If you do not pay the rent you owe by the termination date, the rental provider or agent must apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for a possession order, also known as eviction.
Arranging repairs
As a renter, you don’t owe any responsibility to fix things that need repairing because of ‘wear and tear’.
A fault or damage which makes your home unsafe or insecure warrants an ‘urgent repair’.
If your rental provider refuses to make urgent repairs, you can pay for them yourself they do not cost more than $2500.
With the receipt, you can issue a seven-day notice to your rental provider to have these repairs fixed using the ‘Notice to rental provider of rented premises’ form available on Consumer A airs Victoria’s website.
Alternatively, if you are unable to a ord such repairs, you can apply to the tribunal to order your rental provider to make the urgent repairs.
To find out more information about renting, visit https://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/renting.
With VICTORIA LEGAL AID
REPAIR, REBALANCE, RESTORE: Services from North East Naturopathic include Bowen therapy; an e ective deep healing treatment.
By CHRISTOS MILIANKOS, NORTH EAST NATUROPATHIC GROUP