Regional Extra 070623

Oxley locals perform in The Drowsy Chaperone

By CHLOE JAENICKE

The stage play follows a man’s favourite record, the cast recording of a fictitious 1928 musical The Drowsy Chaperone, coming to life before his eyes.

The show coming to life in front of the man

features two lovers on the eve of their wedding, a bumbling best man, a desperate theatre producer, a not-so-bright hostess, two gangsters posing as pastry chefs, a misguided Don Juan and an intoxicated chaperone.

“The show has all the ingredients for an evening of madcap delight, featuring one show-stopping song and dance number after another,” Ms Simpson said.

In the musical, Mr Boatwood is playing the Latin lover Aldolpho and Ms Simpson plays the title character of the drunken Chaperone and said it has been liberating to play a character so different from herself.

“Aldolpho is a great character, funny, charming and a bit silly,” Mr Boatwood said.

“The Chaperone is an upstaging, drunken diva who is meant to chaperone the bride and be the

maid of honour, confidante and friend, but is none of those things,” Ms Simpson said.

“She says and does whatever she wants, whenever she wants, with no concern or thought for others.”

Rehearsals started in late February and both Ms Simpson and Mr Boatwood said it has been an enjoyable experience with a great cast of people.

■ Continued page 6

GONE FISHING

HING

OXLEY locals Linda Simpson and Jamie Boatwood are getting ready to perform in Benalla Theatre Company’s production of The Drowsy Chaperone.

◆ PERFORMANCE READY: Linda Simpson and Jamie Boatwood encourage people to see musical comedy The Drowsy Chaperone at the Benalla Performing Arts and Convention Centre. PHOTOS: Stephen Winkler

with CHRISTOS

with ROB

NE

New arthritis treatment

ONE of the down-sides of the beautiful clear autumn weather we have been enjoying lately is the cold nights.

The drop in air pressure seems to exacerbate symptoms of arthritis, both in us and our pets.

Arthritis is infl ammation of joints, and in dogs and cats it is a common age-related condition.

Some individuals develop arthritis earlier due to poor joint alignment, obesity or injury.

Dogs with arthritis may show intermittent lameness or stiff ness which can be worse after sleep or rest.

Often, they will at least partly warm out of it as the day progresses.

In more advanced cases owners may notice visible loss of muscle of the limbs or back.

Cats with arthritis can be tricky to spot as they show more subtle signs: owners may notice them becoming less active, not wanting to jump, hiding away more, becoming irritable, or grooming themselves less.

Arthritis is incurable, and worsens with time, but there are steps we can

PET CORNER

with Alexandra Bucci from Warby Street Vets

take to slow down the progression of joint damage and provide pain relief.

A new class of medication has recently become available in Australia for the treatment of arthritic pain in dogs and cats.

These are monoclonal antibodies which target nerve growth factor, one of the important chemicals involved in joint pain.

It is administered as a monthly injection, is highly eff ective at providing pain relief and is much safer for animals than the non-steroidal antiinfl ammatory drugs which are commonly used.

If you suspect your pet has arthritis, or they are already on medication for arthritis, it may be time to book an appointment to reassess how they are doing and discuss whether the new medication may be helpful for them.

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

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

KING POSEIDON: Poseidon is only 11 weeks old but he is already an active boy. He is a born leader of the pack, which can lead to him being a bit bossy with his siblings. He may be suitable with another cat that can keep up with him. His microchip number is 956000016638229. PHOTO:

Trout streams close, but still options for winter fishing

THIS is my last weekly fishing column for a few months.

I am “knocking off ” for the winter and will be back at the end of August in time for the opening of the trout season in September.

Most of the winter fishing in North East Victoria will be dominated by three types of fishing - crayfishing; trout fishing (in lakes); and giant Murray cod fishing.

Crayfishing:

All of the rivers here in North East Victoria have Murray crayfish.

Look for deep holes with steep banks.

The deeper the water the better the crayfishing seems to be.

The top end of Lake Mulwala is a great spot to go crayfishing, as is the Murray River between Yarrawonga and Albury.

Trout Fishing:

Trout fishing is restricted to lakes during the winter months when the streams become closed to protect spawning trout.

Lake William Hovell can produce some good trout fishing, but the best and most reliable trout fishing lake is by far Lake Dartmouth.

Late in June the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) will stock yearling rainbow trout into many small ponds as a part of their school holiday stocking.

These include Lake Sambell, Allan’s Flat Waterhole, Glenrowan Recreation Reserve, Stanley Dam and Merriwa

Park Lake to name a few.

There are many others and a full list can be found on the VFA website.

These waterways provide great fishing for the kids during the school holidays, and even outside of the school holidays.

Giant Murray Cod:

Winter is a time of the year that the dedicated BIG cod anglers love to go fishing.

These keen fisho’s will spend days, and even nights in their boats casting oversized lures targeting the monster Murray cod and are often rewarded for their efforts.

These big fish do not come easy though and are often a result of hundreds, if not thousands of casts.

Lake Eildon, Lake Mulwala and the Murray River downstream of Lake Mulwala seem to be popular spots for this type of fishing.

Be warned though, these fish do not come as easy as social media may make it appear.

They are not nicknamed the “Fish of 1000

for no reason.

For me personally, I will be doing a lot of bait fishing from the bank.

Fishing for trout at Lake William Hovell, or carp at Lake Moodemere.

I will also be doing a fair bit of crayfishing. Have a great winter everyone, and I will see you again in late August.

This Day in History, 1917

THE worst flood since 1870 swept down the Ovens and the King river systems, drowning six people at Wangaratta on June 7 1917.

The death toll would have been greater but for an early warning that the flood would be huge, allowing hurried evacuations to be carried out.

Reports from both Myrtleford and Whitfield indicated that the peak of the floods in both rivers would reach Wangaratta at approximately the same time.

casts”

◆ WINTER MAGIC: Angling from the bank at Lake Moodemere at sunrise is a form of fishing that I look forward to each winter.

RSPCA.

with Rob Alexander WANGARATTA lexander TA

Wake by Shelley Burr

with Edgers Books & News

A second disappearance of a young girl is overshadowed by Evelyn’s case, as only one case attracts the attention.

As the story unfolds, the connections between Mina and Lane are revealed in unexpected ways.

Natural Health and Well-being during winter

IN April, we were just thrilled when Shelley Burr dropped in unannounced and kindly spoke to us about her wonderful debut novel ‘Wake’ and signed the copies we had in store.

So, we were even more excited when it was announced last week that Shelley had won the Matt Richell Award for New Writer of the Year at this year’s Australian Book Industry Awards.

Wake had previously won the CWA Debut Dagger Award in 2019 and was shortlisted for the 2019 Kill Your Darlings Unpublished Manuscript Award and the 2020 Bath Novel Awards.

The award is well deserved as ‘Wake’ is a gripping, page turning read that compelled us to completion.

Her characters are richly developed and as with much of the quality Australian rural, outback noir that has emerged in the past few years, the landscape is also a significant character in the tale.

The story itself is closely mapped, intricate and deeply absorbing.

What is also intriguing about ‘Wake’ is how remote, outback living which might have afforded protection, is writ large in the living rooms of the obsessed keyboard warriors and internet detectives who hound the victim’s twin sister, and propels visitors to town, one whom eventually refuses to leave until he (Lane Holland) has solved the cold case.

Mina remains living at the remote family farm, a virtual recluse, while it is her twin sister Evelyn who vanishes in the night from the bedroom they shared.

Hounded from afar, the public frenzy remains long after Evelyn’s disappearance 19 years beforehand, energised by the $2 million reward which has never been claimed.

Exploring the impacts of trauma, grief and guilt on individuals and a diminishing farming community, there is a reckoning to be had, but was it one that we thought was coming?

If you love the work of Margaret Hickey, Jane Harper, Hayley Scrivenor, Chris Hammer or Garry Disher, then this book is for you.

Shelley, who worked in Canberra, now lives in NE Victoria, having holidayed with her grandparents as a child in Glenrowan.

We’re excited to see that Shelley’s second book Ripper, again published by Hachette, will be out in early September 2023 and we can’t wait to both read it and catch up with her again!

AS the chilly days of winter settle in, it’s crucial to prioritize our health and well-being.

Instead of succumbing to the winter blues, let’s explore the wonders of natural winter wellness.

Winter is sometimes when you can seemingly go from one illness to another or constantly have a sniffly nose.

By harnessing the power of nature’s remedies and practices, we can boost our immune systems, enhance our moods, and cultivate a sense of vitality during the colder months.

Winter is a time when our bodies require extra care and attention.

Here are some natural strategies to embrace for a healthy and vibrant winter season:

1. Immune-Boosting Foods: Mother Nature provides us with an abundance of nourishing foods during winter.

Incorporate a variety of immune-boosting ingredients such as citrus fruits, dark leafy greens, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and mushrooms into your meals.

vitamin D in our bodies, which plays a crucial role in maintaining our mood and supporting immune function.

Take advantage of sunny days by going for a walk or sitting near a window to bask in the sunlight.

5. Restful Sleep: Winter offers an opportunity to prioritize quality sleep.

Create a cozy and serene sleep environment by using warm blankets, investing in a comfortable mattress, and maintaining a regular sleep schedule.

Your body heals best overnight.

Prioritize restful sleep to support your body’s natural healing and rejuvenation processes.

6. Mindful Practices: Winter is an excellent time to cultivate mindfulness and inner reflection. Engage in practices like meditation, deep breathing exercises, and journaling to foster a sense of calm and emotional well-being.

These practices can help alleviate stress, improve focus, and promote overall mental wellness.

Looking Forward To

And on the subject of rural noir, save the date for Margaret Hickey’s launch of her novel ‘Broken Bay’, the third in the Detective Sergeant Mark Ariti series.

Due out and in store from Tuesday 13 June, the launch will be at the Wangaratta Library on Thursday, 15 June at 6pm.

Bookings are essential for this very popular free event so contact the fabulous library team on 5721 2366 or book at Humanitix at https://bit.ly/45dg07H

Edgars Books and News Benefits

As always, please shop local! Bring in a copy of this article and receive 20% off any book purchase. Look forward to catching up with you soon.

WANG BOOK FAIR

These foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support our immune systems and help ward off seasonal illnesses.

2 Hydration: It’s essential to stay hydrated even in winter.

Although we may not feel as thirsty as in the warmer months, our bodies still require adequate water intake.

Drink herbal teas, warm water with lemon, and vegetable soups to stay hydrated and support overall wellness.

3. Outdoor Exploration: Embrace the invigorating beauty of winter by spending time outdoors.

Engaging in outdoor activities like brisk walks not only provides physical exercise but also boosts mood and energy levels.

4. Sunlight and Vitamin D: Sunlight may be more scarce during winter, but it’s important to soak up natural light whenever possible.

Exposure to sunlight triggers the production of

7. For a great winter wellness drink add apple cider vinegar, ginger and honey to hot water and enjoy by the fire.

Remember, natural winter wellness is about embracing the inherent rhythms of the season and finding joy in its unique offerings.

By nurturing our bodies, minds, and spirits with nature’s gifts, we can create a winter season filled with vitality, resilience, and well-being.

So, let’s welcome the cold season with open arms.

Together, we can navigate the winter months with a renewed sense of health and happiness.

For ways to improve your immunity and overcome those winter illnesses you can make an appt with Christos or Zoe at the North East Naturopathic Group on (03) 5798 3344

We also have a regular free consultation online 5 Day ‘Great Family Health - Winter Wellness’ Challenge - find out more on our website www.nenaturopathicgroup.com.au.

Oxley locals perform in The Drowsy Chaperone

■ From page 1

“Rehearsals have been fantastic, rehearsing with a great group of people makes the process so very enjoyable,” Mr Boatwood said.

“The show is hilarious, and we are all having such a wonderful time working with such great material,” Ms Simpson said.

Ms Simpson said there has been plenty of material to work through at rehearsals and it has been a pleasure for her to see the show improve over time.

“There’s a lot of complex harmony arrangements in the songs for this show, so we worked exclusively on all the songs for a month before we started blocking all the scenes and learning the dance routines,” she said.

“There were many new faces in the show who are skilled singers, dancers

and actors, and it has been such a pleasure to watch them perform.”

In the past, Ms Simpson and Mr Boatwood have performed alongside each other in other Benalla Theatre Company musicals such as The Boy From Oz and Anything Goes, where they had a comic dance number, similar to one they will share in The Drowsy Chaperone.

“We had the most hilarious dance number in Anything Goes that brought the house down,” Ms Simpson said.

“Our Tango in this production is even funnier, the rest of the cast have been in stitches.”

While performing in the production, Mr Boatwood has also been working hard on creating some of the set pieces for the show such as designing the mechanism for a bed which folds

FEATURE STORY

into the wall while the characters are still in it.

Overall, Ms Simpson and Mr Boatwood are excited for everyone to see the production and experience a world of 1920s colour, music and glamour where the entire world is a party.

“This production is fun and we have a wonderfully talented orchestra with some members from Wangaratta and Wodonga who are relishing the joyous musical score,” Ms Simpson said.

“This show bridges the gap between all age groups,” said Mr Boatwood.

“It is very funny, has a terrific story line, and will leave the audience going home having had a lovely experience.”

Benalla Theatre Company’s production of The Drowsy Chaperone

Upcoming Features

◆ WHACKY CHARACTERS: Jamie Boatwood will be performing as the Latin lover Aldolpho and LInda Simpson will be performing as the Chaperone in Benalla Theatre Company’s production of The Drowsy Chaperone.

takes place on June 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 7.30pm and June 17, 18 and 24 at 2pm at the Benalla Performing Arts & Convention Centre.

Tickets can be purchased by ringing 5762 5515, directly at the box office or by visiting http://bpacc. com.au/theatre/.

NorthEast JOBS

Assistant Account Executive

We are seeking an Assistant Account Executive to join our successful branch in Wangaratta!

About the role

Myrtleford Lodge Aged Care

Positions exist for motivated, flexible staff to work in our aged care facility in a variety of roles, including cleaning/ laundry and food services.

The role involves working closely with elderly people in a team environment, and would enable enthusiastic staff to expand on their skills, and take on new and challenging roles.

Applications close at 5pm on June 24, 2023

For further information and a copy of the Position Description, please contact Administration

Myrtleford Lodge (03) 5752 2222

The primary purpose of the role is to provide admin sales support to internal and external customers whilst maintaining exceptional service to all of our clients and customers.

This role will also support day to day sales activities, communicating with brokers, clients and suppliers.

In joining Gallagher you will receive full training to set you up to be the best you can be!

Why Gallagher Gallagher is one of Australia’s and the world’s largest insurance broking and risk management companies with over 36,000 employees globally.

We pride ourselves on being a socially responsible, ethical and collaborative organisation expressed through our shared values ‘The Gallagher Way’.

About you

If you are looking to grow and develop your career within a global insurance broking firm and have a keen interest in the customer service, administration and sales, then please head to our careers page for more information and submit your application at https://jobs.ajg.com/ajg-australia/jobs

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.

Kyneton – Concrete Truck Driver – KYNE004

Myrtleford – Concrete Truck Driver – MYRT004

Rochester – Concrete Truck Driver / Batcher – ROCH001

Wangaratta – Concrete Truck Driver – WANG002

www.mawsons.com.au/careers/join-us

Finding the right job for you matters to us

To book your ad, call 5723 0101

Ambulance Victoria is looking for members to join our Community Advisory Committee.

The Committee is made up of members of the community who reflect the voice of patients, carers, families, and the diversity of the Victorian community and ensures that these voices are heard, understood and integrated across AV’s services.

Appointed by the AV Board, members must be entirely independent of AV and must be able to represent and reflect the views of their community. This is a voluntary role however members being paid for meeting attendance and reasonable travel is reimbursed.

Do you have?

Ability to represent and voice the needs of your community members

Excellent communication skills

Ability to work collaboratively with others

Availability to attend 4 meetings a year for the next 2 years

We strongly encourage Expressions of Interest from a diverse range of people. To apply, please submit an Expression of Interest and your resume to joel.marley@ambulance.vic.gov.au by Friday, June 16, 2023.

For further information and to download an Expression of Interest form please visit https://www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/community.

SCHOOL NURSE – Howqua

Lauriston Girls’ School is seeking to appoint a suitably qualified, experienced and dedicated professional as School Nurse at the School’s Howqua Campus, located on the outskirts of Mansfield. This is a residential campus for Lauriston’s Year 9 students.

This is a part-time ongoing role to commence immediately. Experience with adolescents will be well regarded. The hours of work are 8am - 6pm during school term time only.

The successful applicant will work on average 2 days per week and some weekend work will be required.

Please refer to the Lauriston Girls’ School website for further information regarding our Howqua Campus.

Please visit our employment page via https://www.lauriston.vic.edu.au to access the Position Description and to apply online.

Applications should be addressed to Susan Just, The Principal. Questions related to this position should be directed to Dr Alison Manson, Vice Principal – Howqua on 03 5777 2222.

Applications Close: 9:00am Monday June 12, 2023

Lauriston is a Child Safe School. We promote the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children.

THE ROLE OF PUBLISHERS

Advertisers please note!

Much hardship and difficulty is caused to job seekers by misleading advertising placed in the employment columns. Our Employment column is reserved for advertisements which carry a specific and genuine offer of employment.

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:

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on 1300 302 502 or your state consumer affairs agency.

NorthEast JOBS

MULWALA WATER SKI CLUB IS SEEKING A NEW RESTAURANT OPERATOR.

Mulwala Water Ski Club is looking for Expressions of Interest from professional and highly capable F&B Operators with a proven food and hospitality capability in a Club environment.

The departure of the current caterer at Mulwala Water Ski Club provides opportunity for new investment and energy to redefine the food and beverage offer. This is a rare opportunity, available for the first time since 2014.

Successful respondents will have the demonstrated ability to provide warm-hearted, customer-centric service and contemporary food and beverage that will position Mulwala Water Ski Club as a casual and family dining destination on the Murray River.

The Club’s expectation is to provide lunch & dinner menus (7 days/week) with additional opportunity for breakfast, bar (food) menus, events, takeaway and delivery menus.

The respondents are encouraged to present their expertise, motivations and their approach to hospitality and food-service with TO REDEFINE MULWALA WATER SKI CLUB’S HOSPITALITY.

Allen & Unwin giveaway.

Buy big and win big

IF you’re looking for the most advanced tool kit for your next project, look no further than the Kincrome Tool Armour Workshop Tool Kit here at North East Fasteners.

The tool kit has 11 drawers that can hold 1113 pieces for anything you might need.

It offers industrial grade storage and provides the ultimate level of quality and strength with its 1.5mm gauge steel construction and 100kg load rated ball bearing slides.

The Tool Armour Workshop Tool kit also hosts a range of other features including LED lighting, soft close drawers, suspension castors and magnetic power boards and a modular design that allows you to add additional storage space.

The tool kit also comes with extras such as metric sockets, imperial sockets, socket accessories and even more to create the ultimate workshop tool system.

Build a love of reading together

AS we delve into another chilly North East winter, outdoor conditions create the perfect indoor environment for building a love of reading in our youngsters.

Of course, on those brilliantly clear, cold days when you can get out for a walk, a splash in the puddles in gumboots, a kick of the footy, or a play in the park, there is nothing better than the fresh air.

But when wet weather means time inside, books can be the ideal avenue to adventure while you’re staying at home.

Enjoying a story together is a fantastic way to warm up those cold, wet days, and the discussions that open up while reading with kids can lead to some beautiful moments, and even ideas for complementary inside activities.

Four new books from publisher Allen & Unwin would be wonderful to share with little ones, offering a mix of learning opportunities - about culture, numeracy, light and movement, and the ability of art to create fun.

‘The Month That Makes the Year’ by Inda Ahmad Zahri explores Ramadan through the eyes of a Muslim child, in a story that illuminates the sense of belonging to both the community and the universe developed by this month of fasting, prayer and reflection.

The author has drawn on her own lived experience to create the picture book, which gives voice to a cultural experience shared by many MuslimAustralian kids, as well as fostering inter-cultural understanding among non-Muslim Australians.

In ‘Found in Sydney’, author Joanne O’Callaghan and illustrator Kori Song have produced a joyful counting book which celebrates the wonders of Sydney, exploring the city from Bondi Beach to the opera house.

A follow-up to the duo’s book ‘Found in Mel-

bourne’, which was shortlisted for the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards, ‘Found in Sydney’ celebrates a multi-cultural friendship and gives readers the chance to spot familiar and famous places along with its two main characters.

‘Shadow Catchers’ by Kirsty Murray and illustrated by Karen Blair celebrates the joy of young children trying to catch their shadows, as it follows two siblings’ delight at the shadows that are tall in the morning, quiet at rest, hidden at midday and stretching out again in the afternoons, while Dad relieves the momentary scariness of night shadows by making shadow animals on the wall.

The book is a gorgeous way to explore the magic of shadows with young children, and engage kids in creative play and the idea of how the Earth’s movement over the course of a day changes their shadows’ size and shape.

Finally, ‘Tap! Tap! Tap!’ by Herve Tullet invites readers to a joyful dance where their hand is the star and the book is their stage, in an interactive story celebrating colour and movement.

Children can follow the swirls, dots and streaks through the book as they create the dance by following colourful jumps, loops and spirals, and after taking a bow to a round of applause, they can start all over again.

From the creator of international bestsellers ‘Press Here’ and ‘Mix It Up!’, it’s sure to spark plenty of giggles for readers young and old.

We have a copy of each of these four gorgeous books, ‘The Month That Makes the Year’ ($24.99), ‘Found in Sydney’ ($24.99), ‘Shadow Catchers’ ($24.99) and ‘Tap! Tap! Tap!’ ($27.99), to give away as a pack to one lucky reader. If you would like a chance to win the book pack, email your details to skerwin@nemedia.com.au and let us know why you’d like to win.

with Russell Ferguson NORTH EAST FASTENERS S

with Simone Kerwin NORTH EAST MEDIA