TAKE a walk down memory lane at the Wangaratta Historical Society (WHS) Museum on Ford Street.
Established in 1959, the WHS and museum has been operating for over 60 years.
Society members research, preserve and promote the history and heritage of Wangaratta and surrounds through its extensive collection of local history artefacts, books, photographs, newspapers and maps.
Volunteer Prue Noble said it is important for the past to be preserved and for the community to take the time to learn about it.
“Our past informs our present and future,” she said.
■ Continued on Page 6
Historical Society Museum
LEARN ABOUT OUR PAST: Claire Russell, Sandra Neville, Prue Nobel, Kevin Brooke and Paddy Milne from the Wangaratta Historical Society open their museum doors in Ford Street to the community every weekend from 10am to 1pm.
GONE FISHING
SNAKE SEASON: If you see your dog or cat in close contact with a snake, take them to a vet immediately.
Beware of snakes this summer
THE weather is warm and people are out and about with their dogs over the holidays and unfortunately that means an increase in snake bite cases.
Australian venomous snakes have the potential to be lethal to all types of domestic animals, but we most commonly see snake bites in dogs and cats as they are more likely than livestock or horses to try to interact with a snake.
Signs of snake bite in dogs often include an initial vomit, followed by collapse or diculty walking.
Excessive salivation, di culty breathing, dilated pupils, and red urine may also be seen.
Dogs may appear to temporarily recover after an initial collapse, but will then deteriorate again.
Signs in cats are initially a crouching gait or weakness, which then progresses to an inability to stand and walk.
Cats often try to hide when they feel unwell, so if your cat goes missing check under
with Linda Bradbury WARBY STREET VET
bushes and sheds as they may have crawled somewhere and be unable to move.
Snake bite signs in cats can sometimes not be evident for several hours or even more than a day after the envenomation.
It is very rare to see a snake bite mark on pets, so don’t waste time looking for one.
It is not important to identify the snake as vets use a multivalent antivenom which covers all our local venomous snake species.
Don’t try to catch the snake for identification.
Australian snake antivenom is very e ective, but it must be given as soon as possible in order to have the best result.
If you see your dog or cat in close contact with a snake, take them to a vet immediately.
This is important even if your pet is not showing any symp-
toms, as sometimes the signs can be delayed.
Ring ahead to let us know you are on your way.
Time is of the essence, so do not take a wait and see approach, particularly if you live out of town.
If your pet isn’t showing any symptoms we may admit them to hospital for observation, or run blood tests to give us more information.
Most dogs show symptoms within the first half hour of a snake bite, but the occasional one may have a delayed onset of up to 24 hours.
Cats are more likely to become unwell slowly.
Most pets can be saved with antivenom and intensive care if they receive treatment early enough.
If you need us for a possible snake bite after hours call 5721 7177 and the recorded message will tell you the mobile number to ring for whichever one of us is on-call (the mobile number will be di erent each night).
This Day in History, 1862
ALL-ENGLAND STRIKES GOLD, 1862.
THE touring English cricketers were given a day o to find their land legs after the rigors of the coach trip from Melbourne to Beechworth.
The team was taken on a tour of the fabulously rich Reid’s Creek diggings, where they watched sluice boxes being washed out, and were presented with pieces of gold from the wash-up.
Back in Beechworth, it was decided the English team members wear coloured ribbons on their linen hats so they could be more readily identified by spectators.
Warden Gaunt was appointed umpire of the match.
Rivers have settled, Murray cod fishing has picked up
I HOPE you all had a fantastic, happy and safe Christmas and New Year.
Thankfully the rivers settled nicely over the Christmas break and the Murray cod fishing really fired up, to the delight of many anglers.
The Ovens, King, Kiewa, Mitta Mitta, Broken and Goulburn rivers have all been fishing very well for both bait and lure fishermen recently.
The larger Murray cod seem to be more common in the Goulburn River, Murray River and Lake Mulwala while the Ovens River seems to be producing the most fish, but at a smaller size.
This is often the case.
Most of my Murray cod success has come from using medium sized diving lures, and I have managed a couple on surface lures in the Wangaratta area too.
Anglers using bait have been doing very well with bardi grubs and cheese.
There has been some very large yellowbelly caught in Lake Hume over the Christmas and New Year period.
I have not been up there myself, but a friend
who fishes it regularly using a live-scope fish finder has told me that the schools of yellowbelly seem to have dispersed which means that you are more likely to catch a big yellowbelly, but less likely to catch big numbers of fish.
There have been some nice redfin caught at Lake Hume recently too which is a great sign as it has been very slow over the last couple of years.
They’re not turning up in big numbers, and many people are not catching any, but the fact that a few are starting to turn up is a great sign for the many anglers that like to target them. Most decent sized redfin have been caught as a by-catch to anglers targeting yellowbelly with soft plastics and lipless crankbait lures.
NATIVE TARGET: A small Murray cod caught in the King River on a medium sized
OneWell Lunch diving lure over the Christmas and New Year period.
with Robbie Alexander WANGARATTA
YOUR CHOICE: Stock up on drinks you love, like sparkling water with lime or festive mocktails to enjoy the holiday season booze-free.
Being alcohol-free can be a choice worth celebrating
THE holiday season is still in full swing, and while others toast their new year resolutions with champagne, being alcohol-free can be a choice worth celebrating.
Why just survive when you can thrive?
Let’s make this year your best one yet – booze-free and brimming with confidence. Why go alcohol-free?
Whether you’re prioritising health, embracing a mindful lifestyle, or simply don’t enjoy drinking, skipping booze brings clarity, energy, and genuine enjoyment.
Stock up on drinks you love, like sparkling water with lime or festive mocktails.
Non-alcoholic wine or craft beer lets you join the toasts without the hangover.
Be firm about your choice.
If someone asks, “Why aren’t you drinking?” confidently reply, “It’s what works for me.”
Or keep it light with, “Who needs wine when the dessert table’s calling my name?”
Standing your ground shows strength and might even inspire others.
Enjoy the perks of clearheaded mornings.
While others recover, savour peaceful early walks, hearty breakfasts, or quiet co ee moments.
These serene starts might
become your favourite start to a summer’s day.
An often-overlooked benefit?
Alcohol-free living fosters stronger connections.
Being fully present lets you engage meaningfully, embrace laughter, and create cherished memories.
As the year begins, consider this: starting this year alcohol-free sets a powerful tone for the months ahead.
You’re choosing clarity, purpose, and fresh perspectives - a celebration of joy that doesn’t come from a glass.
This year, let your glow come from within.
Raise your favourite alcohol-free fizz, soak up the summer vibes, and toast to a new year with true connection and happiness.
ELDERLY CARE
The benefits of in-home aged care
AS our loved ones age, we are faced with important decisions about their care and wellbeing.
One increasingly popular option for seniors and their families is in-home aged care.
In this blog, we will explore the numerous benefits of choosing in-home care over nursing homes or assisted living facilities, with a particular focus on the factors of comfort, familiarity, and personalised care.
Comfort in familiar surroundings: one of the most compelling reasons why inhome care is preferred by many older Australians is the comfort of remaining in their own homes.
Preserving independence: unlike institutional settings, where daily routines are often dictated, older Australians receiving in-home care have greater control over their daily lives.
Personalised care plans: in-
home care allows for highly personalised care plans tailored to each individual’s specific needs.
Emotional benefits: being close to family, friends, and pets can provide a strong emotional support system, reducing feelings of isolation.
Enhanced quality of life: older Australians who remain at home with in-home care can continue to engage in their favourite hobbies and activities, which can contribute to a higher quality of life.
Reduced risk of infections: staying at home reduces exposure to illnesses that can spread in communal living environments, o ering an extra layer of protection for vulnerable individuals.
Cost-e ective option:
when compared to the high costs associated with nursing homes or assisted living facilities, in-home care can often be more a ordable, particularly when considering shared living expenses.
Family involvement and peace of mind: with in-home care, family members can be more directly involved in their loved one’s daily life and care.
In-home aged care o ers a range of benefits that make it a preferred option for many older Australians and their families.
The comfort of familiar surroundings, the preservation of independence, highly personalised care plans, emotional well-being, and coste ectiveness all contribute to the appeal of in-home care. It allows seniors to age gracefully while remaining in the place they call home, surrounded by the people and memories they cherish.
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.
With Kim Ching, SOUTH WANGARATTA MEDICAL CENTRE
FAMILY SUPPORT: In-home aged care can mean being close to family, friends, and pets who provide a strong emotional support system.
With Michelle Azaris, TIMELESS SUPPORT
Reviving our past at Wangaratta Historical Society Museum
■ From page 1
“An awareness of our past creates a sense of place and belonging.”
The society maintains a collection of more than 200 objects and historical artefacts and a staggering 10,000 plus photographs and glass slides.
Prue said the current display highlights a small selection of the society’s collection.
“With the exciting re-opening of the museum coinciding with the Wangaratta Jazz and Blues Festival 2024, the music history is highlighted with the Tin Can Band featured and memorabilia from past jazz and blues festivals,” she said.
“Historical photographs of past Wangaratta streetscapes and iconic images reliving past times for residents in-
cluding shopping at Callender’s Emporium or swimming in the Merriwa Park swimming and diving pool.”
Prue said locals and visitors alike have shown great interest in the current displays.
“Young and young-atheart have enjoyed playing the old organ and squeeze box,” she said.
“Amazement at using a dial telephone, or seeing the gramophone and record have been observed by our WHS volunteers in attendance.”
Prue said the museums location is significant and accessible.
“The central location at 29 Ford Street just near the city bus stop is convenient both for locals, and visitors to Wangaratta who may also
quarters for its staff.
seum display area.
access the Wangaratta Art Gallery and WPACC nearby, Merriwa Park and shopping precinct,” she said.
The new station was ocially opened on January 25, 1896 and reportedly cost 300 pounds, most of which had been raised through brigade competitions which had doubled as training exercises.
The opening celebrations had included a sit down banquet for 100 guests served in the upper room.
Long decommissioned as a fire station, the building is owned by the Rural City of Wangaratta and with its support the WHS moved into the premises in the 1970s.
Museum opening hours are Saturday and Sunday, from 10am to 1pm, with free admission.
Visits, including school groups, may be possible outside of these hours by contacting Ms Noble at 0428454303 or email wangarattahistoricalsociety@gmail.com.
in
The double-storey brick building currently houses office and research rooms on the ground floor with a larger storage, archival and work area upstairs.
One half of the ground floor space is dedicated to the mu-
The WHS committee warmly welcomes new members - membership forms are available from the WHS website. Prue said members’ involvement can include helping at working bees, assisting with research, welcoming visitors to the museum, and attending member meetings being entertained and informed by a guest speaker. For more information, visit https://www.wangarattahistoricalsociety.org.au/.
The WHS Museum
Ford Street was originally a fire station constructed in 1895 which included living
HOLD THE PRESS: Volunteers including (from left) Marg Pullen, Paddy Milne, Julie Allen and Rhonda Di ey with part of the exhibit.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
Check out the North East Jobs section inside the Regional Extra every Wednesday, or online anytime at
WAREHOUSE OPERATOR MILAWA, VICTORIA
PERMANENT PART-TIME
Brown Family Wine Group is seeking a part-time Warehouse Operator to join the team in Milawa. Reporting to the Warehouse & Distribution Manager, the role involves managing inventory, material handling, and ensuring ef cient warehouse operations.
Key Responsibilities:
• Load/unload goods and verify against documentation.
• Manage inventory and maintain digital records.
• Ensure stock integrity using FIFO/FEFO.
• Perform cycle counts and equipment maintenance.
• Maintain warehouse cleanliness and safety.
• Coordinate goods transfers and courier services.
Candidate Requirements:
• Forklift license and warehouse experience.
• Strong communication, numeracy, and literacy skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Good physical health, attention to detail, and safety commitment.
• Flexibility to work rotating shifts.
• Valid driver’s license.
What’s on Offer:
• 68 hours per fortnight over 8 days.
• Uniform, product discounts, and career growth opportunities.
More Information: Further information and a position description may be obtained by emailing Allyce at careers@brownfwg.com. au or calling (03) 5720 5500.
l cal Need staff?
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Privacy amendments: the new tort of serious invasion of privacy
Keeping your cool through the summer
IF your workshop, warehouse or home is beginning to feel like an oven as temperatures begin to soar, an evaporative air cooler could be exactly what you need.
The Millers Falls TWM FANEC100L 100 Litre Industrial Evaporative Cooler is more than just a fan and works as a portable air conditioner through the use of water evaporation through reducing the temperature by five to eight degrees.
It can cool down an area from 100-150 square meters
in size and is perfect in both indoor and outdoor settings.
The cooler can mimic a cool breeze in your back yard, on the deck, patio or at your barbecue area without spraying your floor or furniture with water.
It also features fan system that can be used independently from the cooling feature through the use of the
supplies remote control or the LED display control panel on the side of the cooler.
The cooler has three wind patterns and three speeds allowing you to escape the heat with a fully customisable experience.
The cooler is also quiet and can be run for up to eight hours while featuring an automatic power o /on timer for up to 24 hours.
The evaporative cooler is now available at North East Fasteners to help you escape the heat this summer.
PRIVACY law in Australia has had a major shake up late in 2024, with the passing of the Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 (Cth).
Over the past decade, the rise of digital technologies and online platforms has drastically increased the amount of personal information shared and stored by businesses, governments, and individuals.
While the existing regulatory framework provided some protection, it was largely geared toward organisations and lacked direct avenues for individuals to seek justice.
What Is a Tort of Serious Invasion of Privacy?
A “tort” is a legal term for a wrongful act that causes harm, giving the injured party the right to seek compensation.
With this new tort, individuals can now sue someone who has intruded upon their private life in a significant way, focusing on two key types of harm: intrusion upon seclusion and
misuse of private information.
The Elements of the Tort For a person to succeed in bringing a claim, certain conditions must be met: Intentional or Reckless Conduct; Reasonable Expectation of Privacy; Seriousness; Public interest.
Defences to the Tort There are defences available to those accused of invading someone’s privacy, for instance: Public Interest, Consent, Legality.
Before this change, Australian privacy law was largely based on regulations that applied to organisations but didn’t provide individuals with a direct way to seek justice.
Now, people have a clear path to hold others account-
able for serious invasions of privacy.
This tort fills an important gap by empowering individuals and creating a strong deterrent against harmful behaviours.
The introduction of the tort of serious invasion of privacy marks a significant shift in Australian law.
It acknowledges the growing importance of privacy in an interconnected world and provides individuals with a long-overdue tool to protect themselves, without reliance on regulators to enforce on their behalf.
For businesses, it is yet another moral and legal hazard to navigate when it comes to protecting the personal and sensitive data that they are custodians of.
By embracing privacy as a core principle, businesses can not only avoid legal risks but also build trust and credibility in an increasingly privacy-conscious market.
•
STAY COOL: Escape the heat this summer with the Millers Falls TWM FANEC100L 100 Litre Industrial Evaporative Cooler.
By Rodney Dean, NORTH EAST FASTENERS
PRIVACY: With this new tort, individuals can now sue someone who has intruded upon their private life.
