Regional Extra 130923

By CHLOE JAENICKE

THE Regent Honeyeater Project is on a mission to improve to provide a more secure future for a number of threatened species in North East Victoria.

Their project primarily focuses on endangered Regent Honeyeater as it is the rarest of the threatened woodland bird community in the area.

“The woodland bird community is declining in numbers, in particular the Regent Honeyeater and it is now thought there may only be 150 left in south east Australia,” project coordinator of the Regent Honeyeater Project, Andie Guerin, said.

According to Mr Guerin the main reason the woodland bird community is declining is due to fragmentation in the landscape and the bird’s exposure to other threats.

To combat this, the project runs planting days which are aimed to revegetate damaged areas with vegetation appropriate to the woodland bird community and are mainly volunteer run as the project is an individual environment charity.

“The activities we take on take a lot of hands on work and a lot of people power so getting volunteers involved is what actually gets the work done,” Mr Guerin said.

■ Continued page 6

◆ PLANTNG DAYS: Andy Guerin helps organise planting days to help save local woodland bird communities.

Interactive cat play

INTERNATIONAL cat day, on August 8, has just been and gone for another year.

This year’s focus was interactive play.

Interactive play is not only a great way to bond with your cat or kitten, but also increase their daily exercise and provide important mental stimulation – which is even more so important for indoor-only cats.

Using toys of different texture and appearance helps to keep even the unmotivated cats interested and moving.

Rotating through toys also helps to keep things exciting.

Laser pointers are not an ideal toy to keep in the rotation though as it can be very frustrating when cats are unable to catch the subject they are trying to chase and ‘com-

with Icatcare.org or Foodpuzzlesforcats.com

plete’ the hunting experience.

If you regularly use a laser pointer, try to use it as a ‘warm-up’ activity before playing with other toys.

Food puzzles can also be a good source of enrichment for many cats.

If your cat is especially food-driven be careful with incorporating additional treats which may contribute to an expanding waistline.

Instead, try portioning out their daily food and using ¼ of their daily intake in food puzzles or other enrichment.

For further ideas on interactive play or food puzzles head to: Icatcare.org or Foodpuzzlesforcats.com.

Trout a bit hit and miss, but nice reddies are on the bite

LAST week I headed out for my first trout fishing session of the new season.

I had to work hard to find some trout.

The first few spots that I fished were all very quiet with no signs of any fish.

These were all tributaries of the Ovens River.

Using different lures and trying several different streams I eventually found a stream that was fishing well in the Kiewa Valley.

I ended up catching around 10 trout ranging from approx. 15cm to 35cm.

This Day in History, 1914

All trout were caught on a Strike Tiger Micro Minnow soft plastic in ‘Copper Berry’ colour with a small size eight jighead.

According to the people that I have spoken to, the trout fishing has been a bit hit and miss with some people catching quite a few and others missing out completely.

As the weather warms up over the next few weeks

and the insect life increases, I expect the trout fishing to improve across the region.

During the week I headed over to Broken Creek to fish with bait.

I was using two rods - one was baited with worms and the other was baited with a yabby tail.

The rod with worms caught about a dozen small carp and two really nice sized yellowbelly.

The rod with the yabby tail only caught one fish, but it was enormous.

It was a very fat 78cm carp which I estimate to be around the 20lb mark.

It was likely the biggest carp that I have ever caught and weighed more than all of the fish caught on the other rod put together.

I have received a report of some very large redfin caught at Lake Buffalo this week too.

Not many fish, but big fish of approx. 40cm long trolled on medium sized deep diving hard body lures.

◆ ON THE BOARD: This was my first trout of the season, caught on a soft plastic in a tributary of the Kiewa River.

ELDORADO’S new Methodist Church was dedicated on this day in 1914. The church had been built in cement blocks by the company with the strange name of the Midget Giant Cement Company of Melbourne, on land donated by William John Ellis.

with Rob Alexander WANGARATTA

THIS recipe, which serves six, was created by Australian Mushrooms ambassador, chef and TV personality Miguel Maestre.

Mushrooms are an easy and nutritious way to add flavour to your favourite meals and more recipes like this can be found at www.australianmushrooms.com.au.

Ingredients

Mushroom butter

5 tbsp butter, room temperature

200gm white cup mushrooms (1 x punnet), cooked or raw

¼ lemon, juiced. Save the rest for garnish

2 garlic cloves

½ bunch chives

Salt and pepper

Chicken kiev

3 large chicken breasts, skinless

3 eggs, lightly beaten

2 cups panko crumbs

1 cup plain flour

1 tbsp paprika

Light olive oil for shallow frying

Salt and pepper for seasoning

White bean sauté (optional)

200gm edamame

1 tin lima beans (240g)

200gm button mushrooms

150gm cream

2 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tbsp lemon juice

Salt and pepper

Parsley, to garnish

Method

1. In a small food processor, combine all of the mushroom butter ingredients and pulse until they combine into a smooth paste.

This is your mushroom butter.

Set aside on the bench until step 3.

2. To make the kiev, slice the breast, lengthwise, in two equal sized halves.

Using a smaller knife cut a little pocket sideways (trying to not cut through the chicken) as deep as you can into each half.

3. In the pocket, place a large tbsp of the mushroom butter and flatten with your hand trying to spread internally as much as possible.

Keep the pocket closed using the butter as glue, then season the breast carefully with salt, pepper and paprika.

4. Use the 1,2,3 breading technique: Plate one with 1 cup of flour, plate two with

2 cups of panko and plate three with 3 eggs.

5. Dredge the breast first in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip into the eggs.

Drip any excess onto a plate and then dunk the breast into the breadcrumbs, squeezing the panko against the breast and making sure it is fully covered and perfectly coated.

6. In a large frying pan, add enough light olive oil to shallow fry the chicken.

Cook in separate batches three at a time, 3 mins per side till golden brown. Allow the chicken to rest on a paper towel for 2 minutes before serving.

Serve with a white bean sauté if desired:

1. Sauté mushrooms and oil for 2-3 minutes.

2. Add 1 tbsp of the mushroom butter.

3. Add the lima and edamame beans, and sauté for a further minute.

4. Add mustard, cream, 1 tbsp of lemon juice and chopped parsley

5. Stir through until mixed, then serve with the chicken kiev on top.

A riveting journey into secrets and suspense

EDGARS Books & News are excited to announce that Bronwyn Hall will be celebrating Love Your Bookshop Day with us on October 7 to launch her debut novel “The Chasm” and speak with readers.

Keep your eye on our socials and websites for further details.

The Chasm is an atmospheric, thrilling, and twisty Australian rural noir mystery, taking the reader on an exhilarating journey into the hidden mysteries of the small towns of Stonefield and Taplin, which are nestled among Victoria’s rugged mountains.

The story centres around Andy King, who carries the weight of a decade-old disappearance on her shoulders.

Ten years ago, her boyfriend Will Hoffman vanished without a trace, and the finger of suspicion was pointed squarely at her.

Determined to stay under the radar, Andy returns to the neighbouring valley of Taplin.

But fate has other plans, and she soon crosses paths with those who are still searching for Will, individuals who have their own dark secrets lurking in the mountain’s shadows.

Bronwyn weaves a complex tale of suspense, tension, and unexpected twists.

The narrative unfolds at breakneck pace, making it impossible to put the book down.

The author masterfully builds an atmosphere that draws you into the heart of the story, making you feel the pulse of the mountains and the weight of the secrets they hold.

If you’re a fan of suspenseful mysteries with unexpected twists (and a distinctly local feel to the mountains and towns), The Chasm is a must-read and will keep you on the edge

of your seat from start to finish.

It has become a firm staff favourite title and we love recommending it to readers.

As a result, one of our book clubs currently has it on their reading list.

This book is begging for a big screen adaptation, and is recommended for fans of “Wake” (Shelley Burr) and “Exiles” (Jane Harper).

Regarding excellent Australian (and international) crime writing, the Ned Kelly Award Winners for 2023 have just been announced by the Australian Crime Writers’ Association.

The winners include some of our favourite authors:

Best Debut Crime Fiction – Wake by Shelley Burr

Best Australian Crime Fiction – Exiles by Jane Harper

Best Australian True Crime – Betrayed by Sandi Logan

Best International Crime Fiction – The Lemon Man by Keith Bruton

All titles are available in store and re member to bring in this article and receive 20 per cent off your next purchase.

Until we see you, enjoy your spring reading.

◆ THRILLING NOVEL: Browyn Hall will be visiting Edgars Books & News to launch her debut novel “The Chasm” and celebrate Love Your Bookshop Day.

with EDGARS Books & News

Chef

Miguel

Saving woodland birds

■ From page 1

The planting days happen seasonally in late autumn and early spring in areas around Benalla including Lurg Hills and Winton Wetlands.

“At the moment we’re going through and removing guards and doing some formative pruning of trees that are about four years old,” Mr Guerin said.

“We tend to skip the worst of winter and summer when it’s too hot and dry.”

As a part of the planting days, The Regent Honeyeater Project typically provides accommodation in Benalla so people from all over Victoria can volunteer.

The vegetation that they plant usually comes from their nursery in Benalla where other volunteers grow the plants they need to go into the ground.

Mr Guerin said that volunteer

numbers tend to vary and that they are slowly getting back to pre-COVID numbers.

He said he believes people should get involved as it is a good cause that helps the local environment.

“It helps out with the environmental activities and protecting areas and getting more trees planted in appropriate places is a good outcome,” he said.

“We also work with local farmers often and they benefit from these types of things as well.”

Over the past 25 years the Regent Honeyeater Project has revegetated over 2000 hectares, providing more habitats for local woodland birds.

“Whilst the numbers of Regent Honeyeaters are still declining some of the other woodland community birds like the Grey-crown Babbler have increased and we

often find them using our revegetated areas,” he said.

This is the result of over 750,000 seedlings grown across 660 sites with more than 300km of fencing, over 450 being built and placed the involvement of over 40,000 students and volunteers.

While the main way people can get involved in the project is through the planting days, there are also other volunteer opportunities.

Other volunteer options include helping with seed collection throughout December, volunteering in their nursery in Benalla and taking part in their bird surveys.

Their next planting weekend is on September 16 and September 17.

For more information or to volunteer visit https://www.regenthoneyeater.org.au/.

NorthEast JOBS

JOBS AT INDIGO

Municipal Building Surveyor Yackandandah

EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Exciting opportunity for high performing, multi-skilled candidate to join Benalla’s Tomorrow Today Foundation.

This innovative community foundation is working to help build strength and resilience in our community, with a focus on improving future outcomes for local children and young people. Building on current success, the Executive Officer will provide strategic leadership and support to the Board and staff to achieve the Foundation’s purpose.

Permanent part-time position (0.6 EFT).

Position Description at www.tomorrowtoday.com.au

For confidential discussion regarding this position, please contact Louise Pearce, Chair, 0459 810 057. Applications close October 2, 2023.

Visitor Information Centre

CLASSIFIEDS

The Centre exists to unlock hope and potential by creating positive connections and rewarding opportunities with our people and communities. We have multiple positions available for highly motivated and passionate individuals:

Full/Part Time Available

Full/Part Time Available

(Individual Support & Disability)

Wangaratta, Sessional Contract For more information, please visit: https://www.thecentre.vic.edu.au/careers/

◆ VOLUNTEERS: Claire Walke and Alex Maisey volunteered at a planting weekend on August 19 and August 20.

NorthEast 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.

Deniliquin – Contractor required for Concrete Cartage Services – CCSDENI02

Mildura – Contractor required for Concrete Cartage Services – CCSMILD05

Heathcote – Concrete Truck Driver – HEAT004

Bendigo – WHS & Return To Work Advisor – WHS001

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

Finding the right job for you matters to us

Check out the North East Jobs section inside the Regional Extra every Wednesday, or online anytime at

FINANCE OFFICER ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

About us: 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 as a business.

Our portfolio has grown over time to now include market leading wine brands such as: Devil’s Corner from the East Coast of Tasmania, Tamar Ridge and Pirie from Tamar Valley Tasmania, Innocent Bystander from the Yarra Valley and of course Brown Brothers from Milawa Victoria the spiritual home of our business.

What’s involved: This predominantly Accounts Receivable role involves providing financial, administrative and clerical support for the Financial Accountant and Team as part of the day to day running of the Brown Family Wine Group Finance Department. Some of your responsibilities will include: debtors and resolving any discrepancies. worthiness. restaurants.

SALES ADMINISTRATOR

We are looking for someone with a high level of self-motivation and problem-solving skills, who can confidently think independently and troubleshoot when a challenge arises.

You are passionate about all things administration and customer service.

You are meticulous, have exceptional attention to detail, and are punctual and reliable.

You enjoy meeting and working with all types of people and can maintain your professionalism.

You can meet deadlines, can work as part of a team or independently, are proactive, and are always looking to learn something new and continually build upon your knowledge base. Previous experience in signs would be great but not essential.

Please give us a call – 0429 873 432

Industrial Electrician and Fitter- Wangaratta

This is a rare opportunity to join a regional North East manufacturer in a maintenance role.

Qualifications – Electrician

Must have current electrical licence with competencies and experience in: production installation & maintenance of machinery maintenance of building & premises (wiring & circuitry)

Preference will be given to candidates with the following competencies and experience:

PLC’s installation & maintenance

Emergency systems

Industrial electricians must be able to install, maintain and repair electrical equipment and parts, such as control panels. This position requires extensive knowledge of electrical components as well as electrical safety codes and regulations. The applicant must be professional, technical, mechanically proficient and physically capable.

Qualifications – Fitter

Must have completed appropriate apprenticeship.

Previous experience in an industrial environment in installation, repairs, maintenance.

Demonstrated strong work history.

Current forklift licence would be an advantage.

The Candidates will have the:

Ability to follow Company Policies and Procedures

Ability to follow OHS and legislated requirements of a manufacturing site

Ability to work autonomously to deadlines yet be part of a strong team environment.

These positions are available for an immediate start and all applicants are asked to supply trade references with the application. Candidates are required to follow all current COVID-19 health requirements.

Applications close at 5pm on Friday, September 22, 2023.

Please forward covering letter and resume (marked Private and Confidential) to:

HR Manager

Australian Textile Mills Pty Ltd

P O Box 236

Wangaratta VIC 3677 or by email to: cspencer@australiantextiles.com.au

Disclaimer: Applications will only be considered from candidates with the right to work in Australia. We do not accept unsolicited agency resumes. We are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

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.

About you: We’re looking for the following skills and experience:

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.

What’s on offer: For the successful candidate we offer a great work culture, a competitive salary and generous product discounts. More Information: Further information and a position description may be obtained by emailing careers@brownfwg.com.au or by calling Allyce on (03) 5720 5500.

If this sounds of interest to you and you believe you have the skills and experience to be successful in this role, then we would love to hear from you! Applications close 29 September 2023. Scan to Apply

For further advice, contact:

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

NorthEast JOBS

◆ PREMIUM SPANNERS: The Kincrome Gear Spanners are easy to use and can even get into the most tight hard to access areas.

Putting a spanner in the works

KINCROME has the perfect spanner bundle for those looking for spanners of all sizes.

The convenient Single Way Gear Spinner Bundle 20 Piece features Kincrome Gear Spanners with all the benefits of standard spanners and more and is now being sold at North East Fasteners.

The spanners are made from strong durable chrome vanadium steel to ensure it’s durable and able to withstand anything.

Thanks to the fine gear ratchet, that requires as little as 5 degrees of sweep, the Kincrome Gear Spanners are able to move faster compared to a standard fixed ring end that needs a minimum six times the sweep.

The spanners are also suitable for work-

ing in tight hard to access areas where a ratchet and socket will not fit due to the narrow and thin head, combined with the fine gear tooth design.

Combined with the ‘Fine Tooth’ technology, the Kincrome Gear Spanners are state of the art spanners that come with a handy spanner storage case making them not only convenient to use but also easy to store.

Scan here to learn more about Kincrome’s amazing spanner range that can be found at North East Fasteners:

Navigating the “Big M”: Menopause

WHAT is often seen as one of the most daunting periods of a woman’s life, menopause (aka “the change” or “the Big M,) is a natural phase in a woman’s life, but it’s more than just the end of the menstrual cycle.

It’s a significant biological event that typically occurs in the late 40s or early 50s, marking the end of a woman’s reproductive years.

Menopause is technically defined as the absence of menstruation for 12 consecutive months.

However, the journey to this point is marked by a range of physical and emotional changes.

The decrease in estrogen production is at the heart of most menopausal symptoms.

These can include hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, and changes in sleep patterns.

Hot flushes, that sudden feeling of intense heat, are perhaps the most notorious symptom of menopause.

They can be triggered by various factors, such as stress or certain foods.

Dressing in layers and avoiding spicy foods may help ease their frequency and intensity.

Night sweats, essentially hot flushes during sleep, can disrupt sleep patterns. Cotton sheets and lightweight pjs can help you stay cooler.

Mood swings and irritability are often part of the package.

Engaging in regular exercise, practicing relaxation techniques, and seeking support from friends

and family can be helpful in managing these emotional shifts.

Estrogen plays a vital role in maintaining bone density.

After menopause, women are at an increased risk of osteoporosis.

It’s essential to focus on a calcium-rich diet and weight-bearing exercises to keep bones strong.

Postmenopausal women are also at a higher risk of heart disease.

Maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking are crucial for cardiovascular health.

Menopause can be a challenging phase, and it’s perfectly okay to seek support to maintain good mental health. Talking to your GP about treatment options can help alleviate symptoms if they are severe.

In conclusion, menopause is a natural part of life that comes with both challenges and opportunities.

With the right knowledge and support, it can be a manageable and transformative experience.

Try to remember that menopause is a journey, not an endpoint. It’s a time of reflection and reinvention.

Many women find that they embrace new interests, careers, or hobbies during this phase.

It’s a reminder that change, even in its most personal form, can lead to growth and newfound vitality.

◆ THE BIG M: Menopause is marked by a range of physical and emotional changes due to a drop in estrogen.

with Mick Seymour NORTH EAST FASTENERS

with Teresa McMahon CLINICAL PHARMACIST AND PRACTICE MANAGER AT SOUTH WANGARATTA MEDICAL CENTRE