August 14 - 20, 2024
Quick: say something funny!
By PHOEBE MORGAN
THE stage is set to welcome a quartet of starstudded comedians to tickle some ribs at the Education Myrtleford Performing Arts Centre (EMPAC) Theatre this month.
The lineup includes comedians from across the country - David Quirk, Alex Ward, Sam Taunton and Tim Hewitt.
Locals from Myrtleford, Adrian Villella and Michael Quirk, are organising the evening and hope to bring a bit of comedy and add some extra culture to the town.
“We are pleased to facilitate these three prominent acts and introduce Tim Hewitt as an emerging talent,” Mr Villella said.
“We travel all over the region as members of the Buffalo Soldiers comedy group, which is a group belonging to the Myrtleford Football and Netball Club.
“The Buffalo Soldiers is made up of past players from the club who join together to have a few laughs and raise money to put back into the club along the way.
“One day we thought to ourselves, why not host an event in Myrtleford?
“The EMPAC theatre is under-utilised and we thought it would be a great venue to hold the Comedy Night.
“We are really lucky that we have it and we don’t have to travel to Wangaratta or Albury to put on a show for our local and interstate acts.
■ Continued page 6
◆ LOTS OF LAUGHS: Comedy Night
organisers Michael Quirk (left) and Adrian Villella look forward to the show.
VET CORNER Preventing cow convulsions
LUSH grass pastures and lactating beef cows are unfortunately the perfect combination for dead cows.
The loss of just a few well-conditioned cows could mean thousands out of your holiday fund.
Over winter and into spring grass tetany (hypomagnesaemia = low magnesium) can be the cause of sudden death in cattle.
Cold, cloudy and rainy conditions see a rise in the number of cases particularly when this is followed by a warm period.
There are many predisposing factors for grass tetany which include lush pastures that have been heavily fertilised with nitrogen or potassium, an episode of reduced feed intake as seen with bad weather, low calcium diets, or infectious diarrhoea.
Clinical signs relate to nerve and muscle issues including ear twitching, grinding of the teeth, muscle tremors and aggression.
These cows are usually highly responsive to noise and other stimuli and can charge at anything.
The most acute cases show spasms, convulsions, frothing at the mouth and death within minutes.
Treatment involves giving magnesium and calcium solutions (such as four in one) intravenously.
Sometimes the really aggressive cases need sedation first.
The IV treatment needs to be by a veterinarian who can monitor their heart throughout as there is a risk of death if the treatment if given too fast.
Initial treatment is followed by oral magnesium (such as hay with Causemag) for one to two days, as relapses are common.
Hay treated with Causemag is also the most common preventative.
with Dr Lorna Undy, Wangaratta Veterinary Clinic
Other options include magnesium in water, magnesium licks or rumen bullets. Most importantly, minimise the risks such as reducing stressful periods in late pregnant and lactating cattle.
If grass tetany is a big problem on your farm, prevention should include pasture management to ensure cattle are receiving adequate magnesium.
There are a number of reputable grass tetany resources online including the Agriculture Victoria website or contact your local veterinarian.
This Day in History, 1889
WANGARATTA BAND
IT was decided at a meeting held on this day to form a brass band in Wangaratta.
Actually it was more a revival of a previous band which had lapsed than a brand new initiative.
The City Band of today appears to be able to trace its ancestry directly back to the meeting held on this day in the Theatre Royal, with Mr Pinkerton on chair.
Great weather to enjoy a visit to the snow
CLEAR sky and even a bit of sun remain forecast for people to enjoy good conditions at the ski slopes this week.
Mt Hotham is currently experiencing good snow conditions for skiing and snowboarding with the groomers ensuring the slopes are in peak condition and snowfall is expected on Saturday and into next week.
There are currently 52 open trails for visitors to explore, with eight lifts, 35 groomed trails and two terrains parks open at the resort.
The Extreme Zone is closed due to the very marginal cover in the lower areas.
From August 15-18, watch some of the best snowboarders Australia and the world compete on Hotham’s Rider X Course.
Mt Buffalo is currently experiencing poor to fair snow cov-
erage, with all cross country ski trails open.
Toboggan areas at Cresta and Dingo Dell are open but there is no toboggan rental available on Mt Buffalo this year - rental is available in Porepunkah, Bright, Myrtleford and Ovens.
At Dinner Plain both the ski and toboggan slopes are open.
Natural snow coverage is currently patchy with grooming on pause until more snow, however there are many stashes of snow to make a snowman.
If travelling, take care on the roads, as some areas are a little slick between Hotham, Omeo and Dinner Plain.
Winter is in full swing at Falls Creek with the snow guns blazing and an average snow cover of 68cm.
Twelve out of the 15 ski lifts
are currently open with many other activities to enjoy including tobogganing and their weekly fireworks and twilight skiing events.
Mt Buller is experiencing ‘very good’ coverage, with nine lifts currently open and a range of activities for the whole family to enjoy.
The resort is also holding FREEBOM 2024 on Saturday, August 17, enjoy some drinks at the snow bar, practice the art of freeskiing and join in on one of DJ Eddy’s slippery snow games.
For the latest information on the mountains visit: Dinner Plain: visitdinnerplain.com.au
Falls Creek: fallscreek.com.au
Mt Hotham: hotham.com.au
Mt Buffalo: visitmountbuffalo.com.au
Mt Buller: mtbuller.com.au.
◆ FAMILY FUN: Falls Creek has plenty of good skiing on the southern side of the resort.
Expand your mind with books
with Simone Kerwin NORTH EAST MEDIA
BOOKS are a fantastic avenue for learning about the world and how it works.
The three books in this week’s giveaway pack from publisher Allen & Unwin offer perfect examples of the different ways in which information can be presented - especially to youngsters - to help us understand and remember it.
One way is by relating the facts in a traditional storytelling sense, as in Kate Simpson and illustrator Owen Swan’s picture book, ‘How to Move a Zoo’.
This is the true story of how, at the beginning of the 20th century, Jessie the elephant walked from Moore Park Zoo to her spacious new home in the Taronga Zoological Park.
It begins: “It was still dark when Mr Miller walked through the old zoo. A kookaburra laughed to tell him that dawn was near, but otherwise all was quiet. The animals were gone. All except Jessie.”
In the dark, Mr Miller opened the gates to the old zoo, and walked through the streets of Sydney with Jessie from Moore Park to the ferry at Fort Macquarie, ready for the trip to Taronga.
Jessie’s surprising journey was unlike any other, and it brought a little warmth to the city on that brisk September morning in 1916.
It’s a gorgeous re-telling of a true story, which not only informs readers and ignites their imaginations, but shows how reality can often be a wonderful source of stories.
Kate Simpson has also produced ‘Unreal’, a picture book illustrated by Leila Rudge which is set
◆ SORT FACT FROM FICTION: Kate Simpson’s ‘Unreal’ is an entertaining feast of information.
in a museum where some of the displays from the Myths and Legends exhibit have snuck into the Natural History wing, and readers need to help sort fact from fiction, animal from apparition and megafauna from monster.
Kids will have fun guessing which animals and plants are real and which are fake in this exhibition of the strange and wonderful animals and plants that inhabit our world, and our imaginations.
It’s also a brilliant guide to helping us know what to look for when tracking down truths - encouraging readers to consider who is providing the information and why; whether there is evidence for their claims; how recent the information is; and whether other sources agree.
The third book in the pack is Dr Matt Agnew’s ‘Is My Phone Reading My Mind?: The Real Facts About Artificial Intelligence’.
It’s a guide to understanding artificial intelligence and its
ethics, geared towards eight to 12-year-olds, but also handy for adults - particularly parents.
The book features ‘fun bubbles’ of facts and ‘brain boxes’ providing explanations of words, and encourages readers to explore the topic and consider all the ways AI is already in our lives and may be in the future.
Dr Matt has a Doctorate in Astrophysics and a Masters in Artificial Intelligence, and is one of Australia’s leading ‘edutainers’; he aims to make STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) accessible for everyone.
* If you would like to win ‘How to Move a Zoo’ by Kate Simpson and illustrated by Owen Swan (RRP $24.99), ‘Is My Phone Reading My Mind?’ by Dr Matt Agnew (RRP $19.99), and ‘Unreal’ by Kate Simpson and Leila Rudge (RRP $29.99), email skerwin@nemedia.com.au and let us know why you would like to win.
Sleep studies now available at Wangaratta Private Hospital.
A sleep study is a complex neurophysiological medical test.
The recording is conducted as part of an overall evaluation to look at what is happening during sleep. Many things are recorded including brain wave activity (EEG), muscle tone (EMG), heart rate (ECG), breathing patterns, oxygen levels, leg movements and video of abnormal movements and behaviours.
A sleep study conducted at Wangaratta Private Hospital’s sleep room involves an overnight stay, where patients arrive in the early evening and go home on waking up in the morning.
Our sleep room is a carefully controlled environment, with measures to control noise, light and electrical interference. In the evening, our nurses will apply the electrodes / sensors and continuously monitor all the signals collected.
Once a sleep study has been performed, the data recorded is manually analysed by a senior scientist.
For more information, speak to your GP to arrange a referral.
◆ LEARNING AVENUE: Dr Matt Agnew offers some explanation of artificial intelligence in ‘Is My Phone Reading My Mind?’
Quick: say something funny!
■ From page 1
“We have had some very good responses from the public so far...it makes us really proud to be able to put on our first event in Myrtleford.
“The money that we raise from the evening will go to activities like the junior sporting programs in town.
“We are hoping to generate funds by attracting people who wouldn’t normally support the football and netball club.
“Forty dollars per person sounds very reasonable for a fun night full of laughs, delivered to us by top tier comedians.
“An event such as a comedy night gets you out of the house and engaging with other people.
“If it’s successful, the hope is that we can organise two or even three events in town per year.”
David Quirk, a local comedian who grew up in Porepunkah with his family, is quite well known in
the area, having performed in many private shows in Bright and he has also acted in a number of Australian based television shows such as ‘Rosehaven’ and ‘Please Like Me’.
Sam Taunton was announced as the new resident comedian host of Network Ten’s ‘The Project’ in 2023.
Originally from Queensland, Alex Ward works as a writer for ‘The Project’ and is a regular contestant on ‘Have You Been Paying Attention?’
Tim Hewitt is an upcoming comedian and features on ‘The Grade Cricketer’ podcast with two Australian cricket writers, Sam Perry and Ian Higgins.
Michael Quirk is proud to work together with his younger brother David on this project to bring a number of high-level comedians for the town to enjoy.
“David may be the professional comedian in the family, but I’m the
funny one,” Michael said.
“We’re looking for this to be a great event with lots of support from the broader community.
“In the coming years, we hope to continue to coordinate acts and put on shows for the locals in the region.
“It’s just about getting together and having a good laugh.”
“We are also looking forward to meeting the three other acts,” Mr Villella said.
The Comedy Night will be held on Saturday, August 31 at 7pm.
The EMPAC is located on the west side of Saint Mary’s Primary School campus in Prince Street.
Tickets are $40 per person with drinks available at bar prices.
Purchase your tickets online via the Myrtleford Football and Netball Club Tidy HQ shop: myrtlefordalpinesaintsfc.tidyhq.com
For further enquiries, call (03) 5752 1134.
◆ LOCAL ACTS: Local comedian David Quirk will be performing on the comedy night.
Customer Service/Driver
| Truckline | Wangaratta
Truckline is committed to supplying the Australian market with top quality aftermarket and OE parts and accessories for heavy duty vehicles. We are currently seeking applications for a full-time permanent Customer Service (Parts Interpreter)/Driver at our Wangaratta, VIC branch.
Responsibilities include:
• You will be responsible for providing our customers with their part requirements.
• The ordering parts from suppliers.
• Setting up merchandising displays.
• Keeping the work environment in a safe and clean condition.
• Assisting with stocktakes and basic warehouse work, where required.
• Carry out deliveries (Current driver's license required) the loading, unloading, and preparation of delivery vehicles.
Only those applicants who are selected to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process will be contacted. If you are interested in this role please APPLY now to wangaratta@truckline.com.au
Important Notice
Discrimination in Advertising is Unlawful
The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or activity, industrial activity, parental or career status, physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/ sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception or granted an exception under the Act. As we could be legally liable if we print an unlawful advertisement we will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisor, the Equal Opportunities Commission on 1800 134 142.
Customer Service Officer
An exciting opportunity now exists for a casual Customer Service Officer to join our Customer Service team based in Milawa, Victoria.
What’s on Offer:
• 16-32 hours per week
• Work within one of Australia’s leading wine companies
• A flexible and supportive working environment
• Generous employee benefits including discounts on all products
If this role interests you and you believe you have the skills and experience to be successful in this role, then we would love to hear from you! Please scan the QR code.
Further information and a position description may be obtained by emailing careers@brownfwg.com.au or by calling Allyce on (03) 5720 5500.
CATHEDRAL COLLEGE WANGARATTA
A school of The Anglican Schools Commission (Inc.)
Cathedral College Wangaratta is an independent, Anglican Prep to Year Twelve school located in north-east Victoria with a current enrolment of over 1,040 students.
The College invites applications from exceptional educators for the following positions in 2025:
Part-time Indonesian (Junior/Middle School)
Full-time German (Junior School)
Part-time Visual Art (Senior School)
Full-time English (Senior School)
Full-time Science (VCE teacher preferred)
Head of Performing Arts (Whole School)
Please refer to our website for more information, or contact Amanda Pigram, Executive Assistant to the Principal on 57 222 144.
Applications are to be forwarded to the Principal, Mr Nick Jones at principal@cathedralcollege.vic.edu.au by 5.00pm, Monday August 26, 2024.
Cathedral College Wangaratta is a Child Safe School and an Equal Opportunity Employer
•Team
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.
Shepparton
HOSPITALITY MANAGER –CELLAR DOOR & RESTAURANT
Brown Brothers is one of Australia’s most recognised brands and an iconic winery visited by regulars and travellers alike. Located in the beautiful King Valley with picturesque backdrops, established grounds, and unique spaces, we’re recognised for our time-honoured family history, and outstanding diversity around wine and food experiences. Hosting over 100,000 visitors per year – leading to incredible wine adventures around the globe – our Cellar Door and Restaurant are at the heart of what we offer.
About the person: We’re looking for an experienced, inspirational Hospitality Manager who has strong leadership skills and the ability to think strategically and creatively.
About the role: Reporting to the Tourism and Hospitality Operations Manager you will work closely with the Cellar Door Manager and Restaurant Manager to ensure the consumer experience is accurately representing the quality and positioning of the Brown Brothers’ brand while delivering best in class customer experiences.
Key responsibilities:
• Provide leadership, inspiration and guidance to the Cellar Door and FOH Restaurant teams to ensure desired goals and outcomes are met and brand image is upheld.
www.mawsons.com.au/careers/join-us
• Responsible for the efficient rostering of staff to meet agreed service standards and that wage cost targets are met across Cellar Door, Restaurant and Functions teams.
• Staff training and development
• In conjunction with managers, identify and implement agreed operational and process improvement initiatives.
For further details and how to apply, scan the QR code.
YOUR HEALTH LEGAL MATTERS
Special disability trusts in wills: Providing for beneficiaries with disabilities introduction
with Christos Miliankos, NORTH EAST NATUROPATHIC GROUP
Are you taking the right form of
MAGNESIUM has been quite the buzzword lately, and for good reason.
This mighty mineral is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, contributing to muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and bone health.
Given the modern diet’s often insufficient magnesium content, supplements have become a popular means to ensure adequate intake.
However, the type of magnesium supplement you choose can impact its effectiveness and the benefits you experience.
With so many different forms of magnesium available, it can be overwhelming to know which one is right for you.
Let me share a cautionary tale about a client who learned this lesson the hard way.
Jane was a busy mum who was feeling tired, stressed, and desperately seeking a natural solution to her adrenal fatigue.
She had read about the wonders of magnesium and
magnesium?
decided to take matters into her own hands.
Jane went to a store and grabbed the first magnesium supplement she saw on the shelf.
Little did she know, she had chosen magnesium citrate, which is known for its laxative effects.
The next day, she found herself running to the bathroom every hour, feeling even more exhausted and frustrated than before.
It wasn’t until she reached out to me that we discovered the root of her problem – she had chosen the wrong form of magnesium for her needs.
So, how can you avoid making the same mistake as Jane?
Here’s a quick guide to some of the most popular forms of magnesium and their unique benefits:
• Magnesium Glycinate: Best for calming effects and gentle on the digestive system.
• Magnesium Malate: Supports energy levels and muscle function.
• Magnesium Thre-
onate: Enhances brain function and memory.
• Magnesium Oxide: Most commonly found in supplements but has lower bioavailability.
• Magnesium Citrate: Supports digestion and helps to promote regular bowel movements, but may have laxative effects in higher doses.
Remember, not all magnesium is created equal, and what works for one person may not work for another.
By educating yourself on the different forms and their benefits, you can make an informed decision and avoid any unwanted bathroom trips.
So, the next time you’re reaching for a magnesium supplement, take a moment to read the label and choose the form that best suits your unique needs.
Your body will thank you.
For advice on the best magnesium supplement make an appointment with Christos or Tayla at the NE Naturopathic Group on 03 5798 3344.
WHEN creating a will, one of the most important considerations for many people is how to provide for family members with disabilities.
In Australia, Special Disability Trusts (SDTs) offer a unique solution to this challenge.
This article will explore the purpose, limitations, qualifying rules, and benefits of SDTs in wills.
Purpose of special disability trusts
These trusts allow families to set aside money or property for a family member with a disability without affecting their eligibility for social security benefits.
Intended beneficiaries
SDTs are designed for individuals with severe disabilities who are unable to work more than a small amount of hours per week, and who require ongoing support.
The beneficiary must meet specific criteria set by the Department of Social Services.
Qualifying Rules
To establish an SDT, several conditions must be met:
1. Beneficiary eligibility : Must meet a stringent test. The test applied may vary depending on the age and circumstances of the proposed beneficiary.
You can find out more about the eligibility on the Services Australia Website.
2. Trust purpose: The primary purpose of the trust must be to pay for the care and accommodation needs of the beneficiary.
with Jonathan Green Legal
3. Trust deed: The trust must be established using a trust deed that complies with the Social Security Act 1991.
4. Trustee requirements: There must be a minimum of two trustees or a corporate trustee.
Limitations of special disability trusts
While SDTs offer significant benefits, they also come with certain limitations:
1. Restricted use of funds : The trust’s funds can only be used for the care and accommodation needs of the beneficiary, with some very minor exceptions.
2. Asset limit: There is a cap on the amount that can be held in the trust while still allowing the beneficiary to receive social security benefits.
3. Reporting requirements: Annual financial statements must be lodged with Centrelink.
Benefits to disabled beneficiaries
Despite these limitations, SDTs offer several important benefits:
1. Social security concessions: Assets held in an SDT (up to a certain limit) are exempt from means
testing for social security purposes.
2. Guaranteed care funding: The trust ensures that funds are available specifically for the beneficiary’s care and accommodation needs.
3. Concessional gifting for family members: Family members who contribute capital to the SDT may be eligible for gifting concessions in the calculation of pension entitlements.
4.Peace of mind: For parents and carers, SDTs provide assurance that their loved one will be cared for after they’re gone.
Considerations when including an SDT in your will If you’re considering establishing a Special Disability Trust through your will, keep in mind:
1. Professional advice: Due to the complex rules surrounding SDTs, it’s crucial to seek advice from a legal professional experienced in this area.
2. Flexibility: Consider including provisions that allow the trustees to wind up the SDT if laws change or if it’s no longer beneficial for the beneficiary.
3. Other beneficiaries: Think about how the establishment of an SDT might affect distributions to other beneficiaries.
4. Trustee selection: Choose trustees who understand the unique responsibilities of managing an SDT. It can also be a big job –so make sure you discuss it with the proposed trustees first.
◆ MAGNESIUM MYSTERY: There are many different magnesium supplements to choose from.
PHOTO: Jonathan Borba on Pexels