June 11 - 17, 2025
Jim reinvents himself through art
THE power of art to move human emotions has been evident since the first people expressed themselves on cave walls.
Art can educate, inspire, anger torment; it can incite revolutions or move people to joy or tears.
It can also help heal.
Jim Dalton’s life took a new turn at age 59 when he su ered a stroke.
“It changed the way I see the world and myself,” he said.
“Once I loved woodworking, carpentry and building things; those passions brought me joy and a sense of purpose.
“But the stroke made those pursuits frustrating and di cult, leading me to seek new ways
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to express myself.”
Jim spent two months in hospital recovering.
Like many stroke victims, it had impacted the use of his dominant right hand and also his speech, but Jim was determined to continue his rehabilitation.
It was through his support coordinator at Community Accessibility Cassie McCleod that he joined the Wangaratta Art School and began art therapy under the guidance of art teacher Sarah.
He is full of praise for Sarah and Wangaratta Art School director Samantha Badrock’s support in his therapy.
“Art has become my meditation and my refuge,” Jim said.
“It’s a spontaneous activity that allows me to be free and to create as I go.
“Since starting to paint I’ve learned to slow down and appreciate the simple things we often overlook - sunsets, the breeze, the chirping of birds.
“I used to be so busy that I didn’t have time to ‘smell the roses’.
“Now I take the time to truly enjoy nature and the present moment.”
The journey hasn’t been easy and he con-
fessed finding motivation after the stroke was a challenge but he knew he had to keep going.
“My motto is ‘Don’t give up’,” he said.
“Even on bad days, I listen to my body and celebrate every small win.
“I focus on what I can do, rather than what I can’t, and I’m grateful for the support of those around me in helping me do so.
“Art has not only helped me heal mentally and physically, but helped me train my nondominant hand to be as strong as my dominant hand used to be.
“It’s also taught me mindfulness and the importance of living in the present.
■ Continued page 6
◆ EYE-CATCHING ART: Jim Dalton with his eye-catching painting that has been sold to a buyer in Queensland.
PHOTOS: Jordan Duursma
SHANE DOUTHIE
seem harmless, but too much of this can cause health problems from excess weight gain. PHOTO: Mary Swi / Shutterstock.com
Aussie pets face obesity crisis
OBESITY in Australian pets is on the rise, with recent data showing that around 60 per cent of cats and 40 per cent of dogs are now overweight or obese.
The extra kilos are leading to an increase in preventable health issues such as diabetes, arthritis and heart problems.
Overfeeding and lack of exercise are the primary causes.
Many owners unintentionally give their pets too much food or too many treats, often
By OVENS AND KIEWA VETERINARY HOSPITAL
mistaking excess weight for a sign of good health.
Even a small weight gain can significantly reduce a pet’s quality of life and lifespan.
The good news is that obesity is preventable and reversible with the right care.
Simple changes like using portion control, avoiding table
scraps, limiting treats, and ensuring daily physical activity can make a big di erence.
Regular vet check-ups can also help monitor weight and catch issues early.
Pet health tips:
• Measure meals properly for the animals ‘ideal’ weight, not their current weight;
• Limit treats to 10 per cent of daily intake;
• Avoid feeding from the table;
• Exercise pets daily;
• Schedule annual vet visits.
This day in history, 1857
NOTORIOUS VAGRANT, 1857
ALTHOUGH there was no such thing as the Guinness Book of Records in the 1850s, if there had been, Black Douglas would surely have rated a mention as a persistent offender.
It was on this day that the “notorious vagrant” was brought up before the Yackandandah Police Court.
He was fined five shillings, and a promise was extracted from him that he would immediately leave the district.
Only a week before, he had been let out of Beechworth gaol, after being sentenced to three days for drunken and disorderly conduct.
Black Douglas seemed to be always in and out of courts, and being run out of one town or another.
Whether this was the same Black Douglas who was stabbed by miners down Maryborough way during a robbery attempt is not known.
That particular Black Douglas survived, only to be later hanged in Melbourne.
UP THE SLOPES
WINTER WONDERLAND: Falls Creek village has been blanketed in more than 60cms of natural snow since last Friday.
Snow storm provides perfect start to the season
OUR alpine resorts have had the perfect start to the 2025 snow season, with both Mt Hotham and Falls Creek receiving more than 60cms of natural snowfall since last Friday.
The snow storm blanketed the alpine villages and instantly turned them into winter wonderlands, with the lifts cranking up on Saturday and some runs opened for skiing and snowboarding, while a number of trails were groomed for cross country enthusiasts.
At Falls Creek the Towers chairlift, Halley’s Comet and Mouse Trap have all been opened, with the resort hoping to open further terrain later this week.
Lift tickets are available online or at Falls Creek Sports in Slalom Plaza.
A number of groomed trails are also open for cross country skiing.
At Mt Hotham the Big D, Summit Quad, Summit Trainer and Pub’s Playground lifts have been operating, with more lifts and terrain hoping to open this weekend, on the back of more snow-
By JEFF ZEUSCHNER
making and forecast of further snowfall.
A number of groomed cross country trails are also open.
Dinner Plain village remains blanketed in snow and its toboggan run is expected to open soon. Mt Bu alo is opened to visitors, o ering both tobogganing at Cresta and Dingo Dell, we well as excellent cross country skiing on the many trails in the Mt Bu alo National Park.
There is no toboggan hire available on mountain so you need to bring your own.
All visitors to the alpine resorts are reminded that you must carry snow chains and fit where directed.
For the latest resort information visit mthotham. com.au, fallscreek.com.au and parks.vic.gov.au (Mt Bu alo).
BETTER EXPERIENCE: There are a number of ways people with hearing-aids can improve wind noise on their bike ride. PHOTO: Zamrznuti tonovi/Shutterstock.com
Enjoy your bike ride with hearing aids
ARE you a bike rider who wears hearing aids?
If so, you have probably noticed that the wind noise gets quite loud.
I’ve had several hearing aid-wearing clients who ride bicycles.
Here are some tips as well as a few ideas clients have explored:
First, if the wind noise is bothering you, book in to see your audiologist and find out whether the wind reduction features in the hearing aids are switched on.
Some hearing aids automatically apply wind reduction, but others need your audiologist to switch on those settings.
You can discuss making a specific bike program in your hearing aids with maximum wind reduction.
Keep in mind that these wind reduction features in the hearing aids aren’t perfect - they’ll be more e ective at slower speeds.
You can consider turning the hearing aids down a bit but try to leave them switched on to help you keep in touch with what is happening around you (unless you have a very mild hearing loss).
If you tend to ride with one other person and your hearing aids are Bluetooth compatible, you could try a partner microphone for better and clearer conversation during your bike ride.
The other rider’s voice will be streamed directly to your hearing aids.
You might be surprised how much easier it is to hear those one-on-one conversations while on your bike.
After talking with some clients, I have learned
By EMMA LANG, WANGARATTA AUDIOLOGY
there are other options like attachments to the bike helmet straps to divert the wind away from the ears and hearing aids, making wind noise more bearable when riding your bike.
You can look online for brands such as CatEars and Wind-Blox.
It can also be worth investing in bone conduction headphones, which stimulate your cochlea (hearing organ) directly for a good quality sound without blocking your ear canals.
This allows you to hear your music or podcast as you exercise while still being able to hear tra c noise and cyclists ringing their bells, etc.
Just be sure not to turn the volume to maximum, so these environmental sounds can still be heard.
On another note, if you’re a motorbike rider, wearing hearing protection is really important. Our ears are sensitive to loud noise over long periods of time.
Often motorbike helmets give some level of protection, but it can be worth wearing motorsport earplugs underneath that.
We stock them at Wangaratta Audiology and our motorsport earplugs reduce the noise by 16 decibels.
If you would like to book an appointment at Wangaratta Audiology, please call 5722 4433. Everyone deserves to communicate.
Five ways to support an ageing parent at home
CARING for a parent as they age can be both rewarding and overwhelming.
If you’re wondering where to start, here are five simple steps that can make a big di erence:
1. Start the conversation early: Don’t wait for a crisis - talk to your parent about their wishes, needs and values while things are still manageable.
Open conversations now help avoid confusion later.
2. Arrange an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA): If you notice memory loss, confusion, or other signs of cognitive decline, it’s essential to have legal arrangements in place. An EPOA allows someone your parent trusts to make financial or health decisions on their behalf, should they become unable to.
It must be arranged while your parent still has decision-making capacity.
3. Look into at-home care: Many people qualify for government-funded support like Home Care Packages.
Services can include personal care, home care, shopping, transport, and more.
Local providers like Timeless Support can guide you through the process.
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4. Prioritise safety: Simple home modifications, like grab rails, ramps, and good lighting, can prevent accidents and help your parent stay independent longer.
This can be funded by both Commonwealth Home Support Program funds or Home Care Package funds.
5. Stay connected: Loneliness is a common issue.
Regular calls, visits, and social outings boost wellbeing and help you stay in tune with how your parent is coping.
Supporting a parent to remain at home can be one of the greatest gifts you give them. With the right advice and services, it’s not only possible; it’s often the best option.
If you or a loved one needs help at home, now is a great time to reach out to Timeless Support on 1300 292 747 or admin@timelesssupport.com.au.
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.
COMBAT THE CHALLENGES: With the right supports in place, looking after your ageing parent can be manageable. PHOTO: Dominik Lange/Unsplash.com
MICHELLE AZARIS, TIMELESS SUPPORT
Jim reinvents himself through art
■ From page 1
“It’s a fun way to retrain myself - anything new is fun, and I love embracing experiences.”
Jim has another motivation to develop his craft further, his dream is to one day sell his paintings, not for personal gain, but to give back - with hopes of donating proceeds to the Stroke Foundation in gratitude for the support he’s receiving.
“Having spent two months in hospital, I saw firsthand the incredible work they do,” he said.
“So many people are affected by strokes in various ways, and I believe it’s important to give back.
“Living a simple life, slowing down, and appreciating each moment has been a gift.
“Art has shown me that even in adversity we can find purpose and connection.
“No matter the obstacle, I believe in resilience and the power of small victories.”
Jim’s art is already attracting attention; his series of colourful, almost caricature emus are proving popular with visitors to the art school and online.
He chose the emu as his focus as he wanted to improve his skill painting the Aussie icon with acrylic paint.
In fact, he has already sold one large work to an interstate buyer and hopes to have other works available for sale in support of The Stroke Foundation in spring.
Wangaratta Art School prides itself as a childfriendly, open-to-allcomers haven for creativity, with a wide cross-section of people attending a variety of sessions; adults art classes, kids after school programs, and seniors social mornings.
There are even private art coaching sessions, for beginners to professionals returning to the canvas, which are tailored just for the client with the encour-
agement and support of trained professionals. Programs include: Adults exploring new hobbies or returning to art; Teenagers building creative confidence; Children with a love of hands-on learning; NDIS self- and planmanaged clients; Neurodivergent creatives and quiet thinkers; Anyone seeking oneon-one support to grow.
For information about Wangaratta Art School at 50 Norton Street, Wangaratta, and all it has to o er email admin@wangarattaartschool.com or visit their colourful website.
FEATURE STORY
CREATIVE THERAPY: Jim Dalton has found painting at Wangaratta Art School the best type of therapy.
FAMILY SUPPORT PRACTIONER
JOIN VERY SPECIAL KIDS – Make A Lasting Impact
Very Special Kids provides holistic palliative care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and tailored support for their families across Victoria.
We’re seeking an experienced social worker or psychologist to deliver compassionate psychosocial support in the Hume Region.
Join our inclusive, multidisciplinary team and help deliver counselling, bereavement care, and family-centred programs. Flexible work options, professional development, and a supportive culture await. Learn more at vsk.org.au/careers
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High value at a great price with Kincrome’s spanner set
EXPERIENCE a collection of spanners so strong and durable it exceeds Australian and international standards.
Inspired by the extremely popular and versatile USA style II spanner type, Kincrome’s spanners are manufactured from premium Chrome Vanadium Steel (Cr-V), chrome polished and plated with a light mirror polish finish for corrosion protection.
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Spend less at North East Homemakers’ huge sale
AS the chill of winter settles across the North East, there’s one place guaranteed to warm both hearts and homes – North East Homemakers Centre.
Our much-anticipated Winter Warmers end of financial year sale is here, running until 30 June, and this year’s savings are bigger than ever.
Locals have long trusted North East Homemakers for quality, comfort, and style, and the EOFY sale is the perfect time to invest in your home while saving up to 50 per cent store-wide.
From snug lounge suites to dreamy mattresses, this is more than a sale – it’s an invitation to live better, for less.
Highlights include up to $4000 o lounge suites, $2500 o beds and mattress, and $2700 o La-Z-boy recliners, famous for their unbeatable comfort.
Need a new dining suite before the next family gathering?
Save up to $2000 on dining tables and dining suites.
Or, transform your living room with up to $500 o TV units, hall tables, co ee tables and bu ets.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your space or find that one statement piece, North East Homemakers centre has something for every home – and every budget.
Winter may be cold, but these deals are red hot.
Don’t miss out – head to the North East Homemakers Centre this June and discover how warm, stylish, and a ordable your home can truly be.
STORE-WIDE SALES: Save up to 50 per cent o on your next home upgrade at North East Homemakers Centres’ end of financial year sale. PHOTO: North East Homemakers Centre
spanner needs.
By CHELSEA IBROM, NORTH EAST HOMEMAKERS