Feasting, sipping and day dancing in the King Valley
A WEEKEND of feasting, dancing and fun for the whole family awaits you in King Valley this Friday, November 15 to Sunday, November 17.
La Dolce Vita celebrates the ‘good life’ and this year there are nine participating wineries.
Starting on Friday evening and finishing later Sunday, this year’s event has something for both the experienced wine taster and those just wanting to enjoy a preChristmas catch-up with friends and family.
Each winery has planned activities that incorporate Italian flavours, energetic live music and fun wine tastings that revolve around learning more about the wine varieties the King Valley is famous for – Prosecco, Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese and Nebbiolo.
The joy of King Valley is that as you travel in the region, you can see the rolling hills and vineyard dotted hillside slopes.
Natalie Pizzini, from Pizzini Wines, said it is a beautiful region to visit for a festival that
King Valley’s festival of food, wine & fun
celebrates the sweet life.
“Tickets can be purchased online now and all weekend saving time at the gate, but for those wanting to make a last-minute decision, tickets can also be purchased at each participating winery,” she said.
La Dolce Vita ticket holders have entry into participating King Valley wineries where most wine tastings and entertainment are included.
“We encourage our visitors to come hungry, as each venue has a lunch menu for feasting,” Natalie said.
Feast, dance and taste great wines as you travel the King Valley. Plan your weekend and come spend time with family and friends in the stunning grounds of participating wineries. Celebrate King Valley’s sweet life!
“Plan your trip to each venue for the wines, but also for the food.
“You will not go hungry.
“Pack your hat and sunglasses as the weather is looking perfect.”
Visitors can plan their own progressive lunch and travel from venue to venue.
This year Brown Brothers, John Gehrig Wines, King River Estate, La Cantina, Darling Estate, Dal Zotto, Pizzini, Politini and Sambar Hills have each planned their menus with Italian flavours in mind giving you an Italian
experience without the need of a passport.
“From crafted sharing plates, pizza, arancini, gnocchi and Italian style sausages to Nonna’s cannoli and refreshing ice cream, the star of the event is always the food,” Wines of the King Valley president, Dean Cleave-Smith, said.
“Also look out for Friday night events, masterclasses and crafty kids’ activities”.
Visitors are able to buy their tickets online www. winesofthekingvalley.com.au.
THE SWEET LIFE: Jacques Simian, Linda Newton, Laticia Box Corsini, Georgia Hamidon, Amber Newton, Kaye Stewart and Matthew Rieter invite you to celebrate the La Dole Vita festival this weekend.
By CORAL COOKSLEY
Fabulous festival to dazzle town with
“People wanted to see different parts of Australia, experience new things and were ready for festivals again,” Beechworth Drag’d Out Festival director Andrew Madden said.
“Live music took a hit and our timing for the first festival was pinnacle to its success with a massive commitment from the committee and performers as well.
“I think we’ve come a long way since COVID and the first Drag’d Out event.”
The success of the annual volunteer-run festival, that back again next month, has been attributed to the collective effort of a dedicated committee while attracting high-profile performers from around the world, the nation, as well as locally.
The queer, inclusive festival with its diversity brings people together from all walks of life and ages celebrating everyone within the LGBTQIA+ community as well their allies.
Continued Page 5
FESTIVAL FUN: Drag’d Out Beechworth committee members Andrew Madden (festival director and back left), Ellen McNeill, Kate O’Toole, Robyn Funston, Fiona Pringle (supporter), and committee member Scott Daintry work together to
festival. PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
◆ FELINE HEALTH: If you suspect your can has FLUTD, you should contact your vet and start treatment as soon as possible.
Is your cat having trouble urinating?
with Dr Madeleine Bensley OVENS AND KIEWA VET
FELINE lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a group of symptoms affecting the cat’s lower urinary system and bladder, which lead to difficulty and discomfort urinating, and in severe cases can cause complete obstruction of the urinary tract.
Male cats are far more prone to obstruction due to their long and narrow urethra.
It can be very challenging to pin down the cause of urinary issues in cats as it can range from a minor inconvenience or change to their household routine to the build-up of crystals in their bladder.
Key symptoms of FLUTD
1. Irritability and restlessness
2. Blood in the urine
3. Frequent trips to the litter box and constant licking around the genitals
4. Straining while in a squatting position (often mistaken for constipation)
5. Urinating in unusual places about the house
Cases of obstruction - where cats are unable to pass any urine at all are extremely serious time sensitive cases that require immediate stabilisation and surgery to unblock the urethra.
Occasionally they need an additional surgery to remove crystals from the bladder. If left untreated the bladder can rupture, and the animal may die.
It is very important to present to your local vet at the first signs of FLUTD to start treatment as soon as possible.
This Day in History, 1912
THE GREAT HOTEL MASSACRE
DISTRICT hotels were laid low when the Licenses Reduction Board put the cleaner through almost half the hotels in the area.
The silver lining to the cloud of closure was the compensation paid.
The hotels affected by having their licenses withdrawn included the Royal Oak at Carraragarmungee, the Bonthermabo Hotel at Boorhaman, the Royal Oak on the corner of Rowan and Grey streets, Wangaratta, the Albion Springhurst, the Albion Eldorado, and the Australia, which was possibly the oldest of the hotels to be delicensed, having been licensed for about 50 years.
GONE FISHING
Yellowbelly are finally firing across local lakes and rivers
IT feels as though the landscape has gone from winter to summer in just a couple of weeks.
Suddenly the green grass has turned brown, the water isn’t as cold and everything is bitingincluding mosquitoes.
I have had a few good reports of yellowbelly being caught in Lake Nillahcootie over the last week.
It was only a matter of time before my regular reporters starting advising me of their catches.
I’ve had reports of good numbers of yellowbelly being caught off the bank and from boats, using yabbies as bait.
Many have been small, but some have been very good size.
I’ve also seen photos of some nice Murray cod that have been caught at Lake Nillahcootie as well, including one over the maximum size of 75cm.
Closer to Wangaratta there has been increasing numbers of yellowbelly caught in the Ovens River using worms as bait.
Something fascinating about yellowbelly is their ability to change colour according to their surrounds.
In dirty, sandy coloured water like Lake Nillahcootie that can be very silver and pale on colour, whereas in the Ovens River in Wangaratta where the water is a lot clearer they can
me a deep dark green with a really golden stomach, leading to their real name.. golden perch.
In really dark tanin stained water, often found in private farm dams and lagoons along the river, they can me almost black in colour.
There have been a lot of Murray cod caught all around the region recently as by-catches to other species.
I myself have caught them while fishing for yellowbelly in the Ovens River, but I’ve also been catching them in smaller streams while chasing trout and redfin.
Anglers targeting yellowbelly in Lake Hume are also catching a lot more Murray cod now than ever before.
The amount of Murray cod turning up as a by-catch these days is something that I never even dreamed that I would see when I was a teenager back in the 1980s.
Of course, come December 1 when the cod season opens they will be nowhere to be seen.
That’s Murphy’s Law.
◆ GOOD TO SEE: A typical dark green coloured Ovens River yellowbelly caught by Holly Alexander recently on a bunch of worms.
with Rob Alexander WANGARATTA W
Setting apprentices up for life with right gear
THE Kincrome Tools for Life Program is back on and aims to set apprentices up for the best start to their career.
The program is filled with a broad range of tool kits to suit any apprentice from a variety of trades.
Tool kits within the program are designed with the apprentice in mind and range from simple chest tool kits to large workshop tool kits with over 500 pieces.
If an apprentice purchases one of the tool kits from the Tools for Life Program, they will also qualify for a free redemption product.
With 24 tool kits from the Evolution, Contour and Off-Road ranges, the potential is limitless.
This includes the Evolution 277 piece Workshop Tool Kit.
Enjoy Sicilian hospitality at Politini Wines
EXPERIENCE stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere at Politini Wines, the perfect place to gather with family and friends for this weekend’s La Dolce Vita festival in the King Valley.
Enjoy a day of sampling exquisite wines and savouring delicious food, all while soaking in live entertainment at the winery, located just past Cheshunt.
Entertainment
On Saturday, enjoy the sounds of talented Melbourne singer-songwriter, Ash Kennedy, and on Sunday unwind with acoustic covers by local solo artist, Jeff Cabalar.
Wine
with Politini Wines
Zizzu or our festival special, a sangria featuring our Amoroso, which is the perfect way to toast to La Dolce Vita.
Food Savour Sicilian favourites for lunch, which will be available both days from 12pm to 3pm.
Some of our signature dishes include:
Golden-fried arancini: Handcrafted traditional Sicilian rice balls served with napoli sauce, an Italian summer salad and crusty bread, that pairs well with their refreshing 2023 Vermentino.
Italian antipasto: A delightful selection of prosciuttowrapped melon, creamy mozzarella, black olives, sundried tomatoes, rocket and crusty bread.
Try our Prosecco or Pinot Grigio for the ultimate antipasto and wine pairing.
Italian-style panini: Buffalo mozzarella with chargrilled eggplant and zucchini, tomato and rocket on a ciabatta roll or savoury porchetta and rocket on a ciabatta roll.
Dessert: Nonna’s cannoli or Italian continental-style sponge cake
Espresso coffee, tea and hot chocolate is also available at the pop-up coffee bar
The Evolution range is designed in Australia and allows for value for money without compromising quality.
For more information on the Tools for Life Program, visit https://www.kincrome. com.au/tfl
This tool kit has many premium features and trade tough tools for the professional user with a price that is also suitable for the home user.
The friendly cellar door team awaits, ready to guide you through a superb wine selection.
Discover unique Sicilian heritage wines like the bold Nero d’Avola and crisp Grecanico.
You can also try Zesty
Juicy Italian pork and fennel salsicce: Grilled to perfection served alongside traditional Sicilian caponata, cous cous and a garden salad.
A glass of our 2021 Nero d’Avola would be a perfect match.
Our bus policy is strictly by appointment only, so give us a call at 0427 567 377 to plan your visit.
For private lunches or inquiries, contact us at the same number or email enquiries@politiniwines.com. au.
◆ SICILIAN FLAVOURS: Enjoy stunning views and an inviting atmosphere at Politini Wines this La Dolce Vita weekend.
◆ CAREER HEADSTART: The Tools for Life program ensures apprentices have everything they need to start their careers.
with Dean Ackerly NORTH EAST FASTENERS
Fabulous festival to dazzle town with glitz and glam
■ From front page
Mr Madden said performers want to be a part of the standout event because they see what the festival represents, is progressive, community inclusive and creates conversations.
“It’s a celebration of something that we all love which is the performance of drag and everyone loves drag shows,” he said.
Drag’d Out Beechworth clinched the well-being category in last year’s Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria’s (KABV) annual 41st Tidy Towns and Cities Sustainability Awards.
Organisers felt the award recognised Beechworth as a progressive and inclusive community, the huge effort undertaken to stage the event, while an unexpected focus on wellbeing and mental health had unfolded.
“The festival lifts people’s spirits
and also answers a lot of questions for people living in the community who might have questioned their identities in various ways,” Mr Madden said.
“We have people who discovered they enjoy drag and have returned from year one to perform.
“We also have many people who regard the LGBTQIA+ community as normal now as they don’t see it as something weird and strange and see it as part of life.
“The festival is a safe entertainment space for people to express themselves while the energy created vibrates within the entire community.”
Committee member Scott Daintry said the committee is mindful of struggling young people where they have a chance to attend the festival, feel safe and be themselves on the day.
“They feel comfortable and
FEATURE STORY
come to a space with other likeminded people in an environment where they’re accepted by everyone and that’s important,” he said.
Facing a challenging economic climate, this year’s event has been
scaled down to a one-day community-focused and affordable festival featuring an action-packed full day of fabulous and fun activities on Saturday, November 23 from 9am to 1am on Sunday, November 24.
Among them are free familyfriendly and youth events, bingo, and trivia on Saturday while a cabaret spectacular for the after party is set to have sensational performances, glitzy costumes, and a chance to sing the night away to favourite classics.
“There is something for everyone on the day,” Mr Madden said.
“Come along and hit the ground running as we’re going to put on a fantastic Saturday.”
Hinged on volunteers to help run the event, Mr Daintry, having grown up in a volunteering family, said it doesn’t feel like work as people tend to gravitate towards something they have an interest in.
“When we created the festival, it was quite incredible as we had people knocking our door down to volunteer,” he said.
“Volunteer numbers have
grown and each year they’re back and we couldn’t run the festival without them.”
Drag’d Out Beechworth will also be hosting the free Rainbow Ball again this year for young people and allies between the ages of 12 to 20 where registrations can be made by visiting the Drag’d Out website.
The ball has been made possible by funding from an Indigo Shire Council grant as well as one from pride group Midsumma Festival Incorporated.
Planning is already underway for next year’s exciting festival to return as a bigger and bolder event with the full three-day program and full cast of performers. For more information about Drag’d Out Beechworth and what’s on for the Saturday program visit www.dragdoutbeechworth.com.au.
◆ COLLECTIVE EFFORT: Dedicated Drag’d Out Beechworth committee members Ellen McNeill (left), Andrew Madden (festival director), Kate O’Toole, Robyn Funston, Scott Daintry, and supporter Fiona Pringle.
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
Difficult discussions at work
EVEN in the best workplaces there may be times when issues arise.
Often they will be minor and can be worked out easily.
But sometimes the situation will be more complex.
When a problem arises, decide whether speaking to your manager is the best approach.
Although it can be hard, it’s important to try to deal with workplace issues straight away otherwise they can get worse.
You may not feel able to speak with your manager.
Whether due of the seriousness of the issue or because you feel your manager is part of the problem - for example, if you have been the subject of discrimination.
In this case, you could speak to a more senior manager, a Human Resources officer or the Fair Work
Ombudsman.
How to approach a difficult conversation:
Be prepared - have all the facts and relevant information with you; Plan what you want to say and what you want to get out of the conversation, this will give you a better chance of resolving the issue;
Be open and flexible to the options this way you and your employer should be able to find the solution that best suits everyone involved;
Remember, your employer may not know they have done anything wrong, so try to remain calm during any discussions; and
Know where you can go for further support or advice.
For more information, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman at www. fairwork.gov.au.
Know your workplace rights and responsibilities
IT is important to understand your workplace rights and responsibilities in regards to pay and conditions, health and safety and workplace bullying.
By law, your employer is responsible for:
Making sure the work environment is safe and providing appropriate protective equipment if necessary; Their workers are free from discrimination and bullying; and That workers receive all entitlements in terms of pay and conditions.
As a worker, you are responsible for:
Understanding the conditions of your employment, including your rate of pay, working hours and your entitlements for breaks, leave
and public holidays;
Working in a way that is not harmful to the health and safety of yourself or others and knowing what to do if you think your employer is not meeting their responsibilities;
Know your rights in regards to discrimination and bullying and know what to do if you experience or witness this in your workplace;
Have access to all of the appropriate safety gear and equipment and know what to do in the event of an accident; and
Know where to get help on workplace health and safety issues relevant to your state or territory.
For more information visit www.jobjumpstart.gov.au or the Fair Work Ombudsman website at www.fairwork.gov.au.
Reducing toxins in cookware: A healthier path with Solidteknics and Neoflam
IN an age where we are becoming increasingly aware of the harmful effects of toxins in our food and environment, one area often overlooked is the cookware we use.
Many traditional non-stick pans are coated with chemicals like PTFE (Teflon) and PFOA, which can release toxic fumes when overheated, potentially harming our health.
The risks are especially concerning when these chemicals leach into the food we prepare, contributing to long-term health issues such as hormone disruption and carcinogenic effects.
This is where brands like Solidteknics and Neoflam are leading the change with safer alternatives.
Solidteknics cookware,
with Kacey and Jerry O’Callaghan WHOLEFOODS
crafted from durable, toxin-free materials like stainless steel and seasoned cast iron, offers a healthier cooking surface free from harmful coatings.
Their innovative design not only ensures long-lasting durability but also promotes even heat distribution, minimising the risk of hot spots that can cause uneven cooking.
Solidteknics is Australian made and owned and comes with a multi-century warranty.
It is an investment for life, you’ll never have to replace your pans again.
Neoflam, on the other hand, focuses on eco-friendly, non-
toxic ceramics and non-stick coatings made from natural minerals.
Their cookware is free from harmful chemicals like PFAS, PFOA, and PTFE, making it a safer choice for your family and the environment.
These materials provide non-stick performance without compromising safety or health.
Switching to toxin-free cookware like Solidteknics and Neoflam not only reduces exposure to harmful chemicals but also supports a cleaner, more sustainable approach to cooking.
By choosing healthier cookware, we take an important step toward protecting our health while creating a safer kitchen environment for ourselves and future generations.
What causes tinnitus?
HAVE you ever heard a ringing or buzzing sound, but you cannot find where it comes from?
It can be quite confusing.
You may eventually realise that there is a sound in your ears or a “head noise”.
The medical term for this is tinnitus.
There are two pronunciations: tinn-i-tus, or tinneye-tus.
There are several reasons why tinnitus can occur.
Any reduction in hearing can lead to tinnitus.
If a person has been exposed to loud noise, the ears will often “ring” - due to hair cell mechanisms in the cochlea (our hearing organ).
We recommend wearing hearing protection to avoid this and to also protect these sensitive hair cells.
Another cause of tinnitus can occur when the pressure in the middle ears is not quite right and some ringing might be noticed until the Eustachian tubes “pop”, allowing the pressure to equalise.
Chewing or doing the “Valsalva manoeuvre” - where you pinch your nose, keep your mouth closed and blow air into the ears – can also help equalise this pressure.
Wax blockage can also cause tinnitus.
Sometimes ear-drops or ear-sprays can helptalk to your local pharmacist about these options.
Some people get so much wax that they need to
see a professional for removal - either a GP, an audiologist or an Ear Nose & Throat (ENT) specialist.
You can call our clinic to make a wax removal appointment if you are interested (and please, never use cotton swabs or other objects to try to remove wax yourself).
Sometimes, the cause of tinnitus cannot be pinpointed.
For some people, tinnitus will come and go.
For others, it is a constant sound which they learn to live with and to manage.
A lot of people notice these sounds but can ignore them successfully.
Other people have a hard time coping with their tinnitus.
Be wary if you see ads on the internet claiming to cure tinnitus because they rarely work.
In our audiology education article next month, we will explore some strategies which can help you manage your tinnitus.
If you do have difficulty managing tinnitus, please book in to see an audiologist for support.
If you would like to make an appointment at Wangaratta Audiology with one of our audiologists, please contact the clinic on (03) 5722 4433.
◆ RINGING SOUNDS: Many people hear ringing sounds in their ears called tinnitus, especially when involved in a quiet activity.
with Emma Lang WANG AUDIOLOGY
◆ SAFER OPTIONS: Jerry O’Callaghan recommends brands like Solidteknics and Neoflam.
KING RIVER ESTATE
LA DOLCE VITA PARTICIPATING VENUES
1. BROWN BROTHERS
ENTERTAINMENT
SAT -
Jeff Cabalar
Red Brick Radio
SUN -
Me and The Girl
DJ John Course
2.
LUNCH SAT & SUN
House capocollo
Pickled sardine
Polenta chips
Fried barramundi
Kingfish carpaccio
Salt & pepper squid
Warmed mixed olives
Salt & vinegar puffed tendon
Garden greens
Grilled flatbread w hummus
Cheese boards
Hazelnut parfait
JOHN GEHRIG WINES
ENTERTAINMENT
SAT & SUN -
Lawn games
Kids activities
LUNCH SAT & SUN
Antipasti platters
Arancini
Hot chips
Macaron & wine matching platter
3. KING RIVER
ENTERTAINMENT
SAT & SUN -
Jack & Sophie
Kids activities
ESTATE
LUNCH SAT & SUN
King Valley BBQ - meat & salad platters
Cheese platters
Woodfired pizzas
4. LA CANTINA
ENTERTAINMENT
SAT & SUN -
Bruno Spiller
Local market stalls
Kids activities
LUNCH SAT & SUN
Antipasti plate
Polenta chips
Nonna’s lasagna
Arancini
Falsomagro
5. DARLING ESTATE
ENTERTAINMENT
SAT & SUN -
Good tunes
Meiterranean vegetable stack
Gnocchi Bolognese
Gnocchi Meiterranean
Kids meals
Desserts
LUNCH SAT & SUN
Rolled goats cheese w focaccia & honey
Polenta chips
Koombahla sausages
Wine spritzer
6. DAL ZOTTO
ENTERTAINMENT
FRI - The Friesians
SAT & SUN -
Scott & Amanda
Kids activities
7. PIZZINI
ENTERTAINMENT
SAT & SUN -
Paris
Bric Brac
Kids activities
Wine masterclasses
8.
POLITINI
ENTERTAINMENT
SAT - Ash Kennedy
SUN - Jeff Cabalar
DINNER FRI
Cicchetti | wood-fired pizzas | pasta
LUNCH SAT & SUN
Antipasti
Fries
Arancini
Porchetta rolls
Wood-fired pizzas
Salt & pepper calamari
Lamb & chicken arrosticini
Pasta Parmesan wheel
Mini Bomboloni
Gelati
LUNCH SAT & SUN
Antipasti
Arancini
Kids gnocchi
Rigatoni
Caprese salad
Tuscan style chicken
Gnocchi Bolognese
Gnocchi creamy mushroom
Gnocchi lamb ragu
Tiramisu trio
Ice creams
Desserts
LUNCH SAT & SUN
Arancini w Napoli
Antipasti plate
Salsicce
Panini
9. SAMBAR HILLS
ENTERTAINMENT
SATThe Bin Chickens
Kids activities
Nonna’s cannoli
Italian sponge cake
Coffee, tea & hot chocolate
LUNCH SAT
SAT ONLY. CLOSED SUN
Arancini
Hot chips
Bao buns
Smash burger taco
Coffee & cake
