BELINDA
BELINDA
VIC LEGAL AID JEFF
Vaccinate your dog
VACCINATIONS are an important part of caring for your dog as they can prevent or reduce the severity of infectious diseases such as canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus, and canine parvovirus; all of which can cause serious health consequences and even death.
Core vaccines are those that all dogs should receive as these protect against potentially fatal diseases.
These include vaccines against canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus, and canine parvovirus – typically delivered as a combination vaccine known in Australia as the C3 vaccine.
Non-core vaccines, on the other hand, are recommended based on individual risk factors.
These include your dog’s location, exposure to other animals, travel habits and lifestyle.
Common non-core vaccines include those that protect against disease from canine parainfluenza virus, Bordetella bronchiseptica (these pathogens contribute to kennel cough) and leptospirosis.
Current vaccination guidelines recommend that puppies should start receiving their core
By RSPCA KNOWLEDGEBASE
vaccinations between six to eight weeks of age, followed by boosters every two to four weeks until at least 16 weeks of age.
Administering the final dose at 16 weeks of age or older is considered good practice to avoid maternal antibodies - passed from mother to pupinterfering with the vaccine’s effectiveness.
A booster vaccine is recommended at six months of age to ensure that a protective immune response develops in any dog who may not have responded to the initial vaccination course.
Until your puppy is fully vaccinated, avoid taking them to public places.
You can still socialise them –just be cautious. Carry them when outside your home and avoid areas where other dogs may have been.
Once your dog completes their puppy vaccines and the
six-month booster, core revaccination is typically required every one to three years, depending on the vaccine used and your veterinarian’s advice.
Non-core vaccines, like kennel cough and leptospirosis, are usually given annually.
Your veterinarian will do a health check for your dog before administering a vaccination.
It is important for dogs to have an annual or more frequent health checks with their veterinarian even if they are on a vaccination schedule that means they are not being vaccinated every year.
Vaccinations are a simple and effective way to protect your dog from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases.
Your veterinarian will guide you through the process, tailoring the schedule and vaccine selection to your dog’s specific needs.
If you’re ever unsure, just ask – your veterinarian is there to help your furry friend live a long, happy and healthy life.
For more information visit the RSPCA Knowledgebase via kb.rspca.org.au/.
This day in history, 1935
BARROW PUSH, DAY FOUR, 1935
WHEN Day Three of the wheelbarrow marathon to Mt Buffalo ended the previous day, Tom Parkinson was behind his schedule.
Day Four began at 8.45am.
The morning was cold and frosty.
The barrowmen were heartened by a cheer form the children of the Eurobin State School as they passed.
Lunch was taken at the Buffalo View Hotel at Porepunkah, and they were welcomed to the Shire of Bright by the Shire president.
By the evening, they had reached the Buckland bridge, covering nine miles for the day, with a total of just over 26 since they had begun.
The barrowmen were still behind on schedule, and the strain was beginning to show on Parkinson - his hands were sore and his shins and legs were bandaged, and Tony Evans was suffering from cramps.
Surprisingly, they attended a dinner and a dance that evening.
More terrain opened at Mt Hotham, Falls Creek
LIGHT fresh snowfalls, as well as sub-zero temperatures ideal for snow making, have allowed Mt Hotham and Falls Creek alpine resorts to build on the heavy snowfalls of the opening weekend to open more terrain and lifts over the past week.
Hotham’s most iconic lift, Heavenly, officially opened for the 2025 snow season last Friday, unlocking the terrain that defines the resort and setting the stage for unforgettable alpine adventures.
The Village Quad ( intermediate), Road Runner (intermediate to advanced), Summit Quad (beginner), Summit Trainer Carpet (beginner), Big D Quad (beginner), Bunderool Carpet (beginner) and Pup’s Carpet (beginner/first-timer) are all operating.
The network of lifts on the mountain is now offering terrain for all ability levels - from first-timers taking their first turns to advanced skiers chasing steep lines.
And there is still plenty of groomed cross country trails available too.
Nearby, Dinner Plain village has also opened its Pea Shooter toboggan run, which while blessed with a good cover of natural snow, also has snow making facilities operating this year.
At Falls Creek the Towers, Drovers Dream, Eagle Express and Gully chairlifts are all open, as is Halley’s Comet and Mouse Trap, with skiers and
snowboarders able to access nine trails, including Main Street and Wombat’s Ramble.
Lift tickets are available online or at Falls Creek Sports in Slalom Plaza.
As the home of cross-country skiing in Australia, Falls Creek now has an impressive 24 km of groomed trails - from Aqueduct to McKay Summit.
The Windy Corner toboggan slope is also open daily from 10am to 5pm free of charge.
Bring your own toboggan or hire equipment from local rental providers.
Mt Buffalo is opened to visitors, offering both tobogganing at Cresta and Dingo Dell, we well as excellent cross country skiing on the many trails in the Mt Buffalo 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, visitdinnerplain.com. au, and parks.vic.gov.au (Mt Buffalo).
WINTER WONDERLAND: Heavenly Valley opened at Mt Hotham on Friday, offering more terrain for skiers and snowboarders. PHOTO: Vail Resorts
By JEFF ZEUSCHNER
Peter is not just the bank robber’s boy
EDGARS Books & News in conjunction with the Wangaratta Library is looking forward to welcoming author Peter Norris on 26 June.
Peter will discuss his memoir The Bank Robber’s Boy which chronicles his early life – shaped by crime and trauma, but also love.
Told with candour, the book takes readers behind the curtain of a childhood lived on the margins and in shadow – trying to stay one step ahead of the police, while finding shelter and the money for food.
As the youngest son of Clarence “Clarry” Norris, a notorious Australian bank robber and fugitive, Peter’s early years were chaotic and far from ordinary; marked by constant relocation, separation and reunions, brushes with violence and lawlessness ,and being put into state institutions which were supposed to protect him, but instead became sites of abuse and further trauma.
Yet despite the difference in upbringing to his peers, at the heart of the story is the deep affection between father and son and what each would do to be together, how much they cared for each other.
Peter doesn’t shy away from the contradictions of his upbringing – he was loved, but he was also endangered – he committed crimes, but he was a good lad.
At 12 years old, Peter had to make a difficult decision: remain loyal to his father and the criminal path that beckoned, remaining constantly on the move and keeping under the radar of police and case workers or break from what he had always known and try and ‘go straight’ through the help of his loving foster family and his own determination.
The Bank Robber’s Boy is truly inspiring –Peter didn’t merely survive – he flourished, becoming a successful CEO, world-class ath-
By BELINDA HARRISON, EDGARS BOOKS & NEWS
lete, and motivational speaker.
These achievements aren’t presented as fairytale redemption arcs, but rather as the hard-won results of inner work, determination, and a refusal to let his past define his future.
Peter tells his story with honesty, and there’s a clear sense that he is reclaiming his story on his own terms.
The Bank Robber’s Boy is more than just a tale of crime and consequence – it is a compelling portrait of the complexities of fatherson relationships, the lasting impact of childhood trauma, and the capacity for human transformation.
For readers interested in Australian true crime, social history, or personal stories of resilience, this memoir is both a sobering and uplifting read.
It stands as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of choice in even the bleakest of circumstances.
To book your place to what is going to be a truly remarkable discussion on Thursday, 26 June at 6.30pm at the Wangaratta Library, drop into Edgars, the Wangaratta Library or book via the Edgars Events page online: https://edgarsbooksandnews.com. au/events/.
The Bank Robber’s Boy is available to purchase at the event or from Edgars Books & News at 55 Murphy Street Wangaratta or via their online store at https://edgarsbooksandnews.com.au/.
Following the talk, Peter will sign copies of his book.
Norris’
Robber’s Boy’ at the upcoming talk with the author himself, hosted by Edgars Books & News and the Wangaratta Library.
A rare treat for theatre audiences
■ from page 1
“I was first attracted to the idea of working with Steve Thornycroft, I had heard that he was an ‘actors director’ and I wanted to see what working under his direction would be like,” the APT Award winner said.
“I’ve really enjoyed meeting and working with everyone involved in the play and seeing the characters develop more and more each week.
“Reg has a fantastic sense of humour and it’s been so great collaborating with him.
“His consistency in rehearsals has led me to trust him unquestionably on stage and his characterisation of Ernest is hilarious.
“Ernest is a successful analyst (psychologist) who is prone to losing his cool in stressful
situations, which is so funny.
“He is supportive, loyal, and romantic as a husband to Cookie.
“I think audiences are going to love Reg as Ernest.”
Reg said he previously performed in this play about 16 years ago with Allegro Theatre Company in Yarrawonga, also directed by Steve Thornycroft, and truly loved how clever and rapid the action is.
“I’ve always loved fast-paced comedy, where the jokes and action comes thick and fast but what’s really clever about this play is there are jokes seeded very early in the show that don’t mature till later in the show and will have audiences going ‘Ah, now I see......,” he said.
“I haven’t been on stage with Bec before but have truly cher-
ished working with her.
“She is one of the best character actors I have ever had the pleasure of working with.
“Her timing is amazing and her imagination is out of this world.
“I have cherished working
with Bec as when we were working on our characters, there was nothing but a free flow of ideas that went both ways.
“She had some wonderful insights that I think I might have overlooked with her.”
Both actors have found similarities between their stage character’s relationships and their own real-life partners.
“I believe there are “some” similarities to my character Ernest’s relationship to Cookie and my own with my wonderful fiancee Sharon,” Reg said.
“I think I am mostly attracted to a woman who knows what she wants and knows that I would have her back no matter what.
“I believe that Ernest would “punch a panda” if Cookie told him to...... I might need a little
more convincing though.” Bec felt the same with her real-life wife, Heather.
“Heather is my “ride or die” in life, as Ernest is for Cookie,” she said.
“There is also a pet name that Cookie calls Ernest in the play that is the same as the one I have for Heather... I’d prefer not to say which one.
“But, yes, the main similarities are loyalty, adoration, and support.”
Rumours will be performed at The Stage Door Studio, Evans Street Wangaratta on Friday, 27 June 7:30pm, Saturday, 28 June 7:30pm, Sunday, 29 June 2pm, Friday, 4 July 7:30pm, Saturday, 5 July 7:30pm, and Sunday, 6 July 2pm. Book tickets online at www. trybooking.com/CZDWH.
The Wangaratta Based Community Choir presents
YOUR HEALTH
What do I do if I get a parking fine?
HAVE you recently been is sued a parking fine?
UNDER THE WEATHER: Sickness is common during the winter season; but fortunately, there are ways to support your body when this happens.
PHOTO: Prostock-studio/Shutterstock.com
Manage winter sickness with these helpful tips
AS a naturopath, supporting and preparing the immune system is an area of healthcare I excel in and talk about at this time of year.
Preparing your body and home to be sick is invaluable so you can easily stay home and start your remedies when the first sniffle presents.
Please talk to me if you would like help doing this.
• Hydration: When you have a fever and your body is trying to produce mucous to protect your nose, throat and lungs, you require more hydration than normal.
Most complications from common viruses are due to dehydration and mucous that is thick, sticky and hard to expel.
It’s too late to start hydrating once you have a fever, so start preparing your body for the coming winter now.
A great way to boost your hydration and have a therapeutic effect on your immune system is herbal tea and our energy and immune.
See our social media for our special on these.
• Bone/veg broth: Supplies great hydration, minerals, and nutrients, packed with immuneboosting herbs; and it’s yummy.
Instructions can be found on our socials.
• Rest: Rest is key to a complete recovery.
As a preventative tool, getting regular quality sleep is something we work on often with our clients.
So don’t use this time of isolation to do marathon Netflix nights; use it to set up a regular
By BELINDA McPHERSON, BHSci. NATUROPATHY OF SEED HEALTH SOLUTIONS
sleep pattern to boost your immune and nervous system so you are in the best shape to fight any virus that may come your way.
• Herbs to eat, drink and inhale: Thyme inhalations are brilliant to clear our respiratory tract.
Sage, peppermint, tulsi, garlic, parsley, kiwi, lemon, rosemary, turmeric, oregano are all readily available as fresh or dried herbs.
Think curries, soups, stews, herbal teas.
• Reduce sugars, alcohol, refined carbohydrates and fried foods.
• Keep your lymph moving: walking, bike riding, playing in the back yard, yoga or skipping rope; but only when you are well.
• Mental health check: if you are anxious or stressed then your immune system will be lowered making you more vulnerable to infections.
Now is the time to implement your stress management plan.
If you don’t have one, then now may be a great time to touch base with us and let us help you figure out one that is right for you.
Stay well and stay home if you are not, and eat well as your immune system depends on it.
And if you need assistance, I can help you via phone or zoom if you are unwell.
A parking fine, also known as an infringement notice, is issued to someone who stops or parks their vehicle in a place they aren’t allowed, stops or parks there longer than they are allowed, or who engages with an activity that is not allowed, such as making a phone call in a loading zone.
Ignoring a fine can result in further fees, court proceedings or having your license or regis tration cancelled, so it’s advisa ble to know what getting a fine means for you and how to pay.
How much are parking fines?
The fee associated with a parking fine will depend on factors such as the year it was issued, the local council and the nature of the wrongful parking/stopping.
The cost of a parking fine can be spotted on the notice itself.
Who can issue a parking fine?
Those authorised to issue a fine are limited to police, protective services officers and certain council, government and VicRoads officers.
Deducing whether someone is authorised to issue a fine can be achieved by asking them to provide an identity card, which should show their photo, signature, and authorising officer’s signature.
A parking fine from a private company is not considered the same a fine from authorised officers.
Consumer Affairs Victoria offers a useful guide to study before paying a notice or contacting a private company.
UNWANTED SURPRISE: If you’ve been issued a parking fine, it’s helpful to know what the next step is.
PHOTO: F01 PHOTO/Shutterstock.com
What if I don’t agree with a parking fine?
If you believe you shouldn’t have received a parking fine, there is a way to apply for a review on account of special circumstances.
Experiencing homelessness or family violence would be considered special circumstances.
Alternatively, if the ticket machine or meter was broken, you could apply to have your fine reviewed; but it’s expected that despite the broken machine or meter, you still followed the
signs surrounding the parking area including time limits.
Another circumstance that would be considered is if you believe the fine was issued incorrectly.
Making note of information associated with the parking fine, such as your location, the parking meter where you parked and it’s number, your parked car, the sign showing the parking restrictions, are useful if this is the case.
For more information about parking fines, visit legalaid.vic. gov.au/parking-laws.
With VICTORIA LEGAL AID