Local agriculture students recognised for their hard work
By JORDAN DUURSMA
TWO local students have been recognised for their hard work and dedication to their education journey at Wodonga TAFE’s annual Celebration of Achievement Awards.
Wangaratta’s Jorja Du y took home a trophy and the honour of being named School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year for completing a Certificate II Agriculture and Wangaratta’s Eli Beach was a finalist for completing a Certificate III Agriculture.
The classmates have been learning the technical agricultural skills and knowledge they will need in the agriculture or agribusiness workplace if they chose to continue working in the industry.
Cathedral College student, Jorja, said she was thrilled to be awarded School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year.
“It was an unexpected surprise but it feels pretty good to be recognised,” she said.
“I got a call one day letting me know I’d been nominated and asking if I wanted to be interviewed and take it further and I thought ‘yeah, why not’.
“It was pretty cool to hear I was a finalist, because I knew there were so many people and to have Eli, the other Wangaratta student, who is in class with me, nominated that was pretty cool.
“Agriculture is an industry that’s maybe not that well known or recognised so I thought it was pretty special that two agriculture students were nominated.”
■ Continued Page 6
A JOB WELL DONE: Agriculture students Jorja Du y and Eli Beach have been recognised for their handwork and dedication at Wodonga TAFE. PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling
VET CORNER
Preparing your animal for a stay at a boarding facility this holiday season
THERE are many instances where animals may need to stay at a boarding facility, such as when their owners are travelling or in hospital.
Important preparation includes:
- Consider if a boarding facility is right for your companion animal – is your animal likely to cope in a boarding facility environment (e.g. do they get stressed by change or other animals)?
If it is likely that they will find the boarding facility environment stressful, consider whether another option (e.g., a trusted and reputable pet sitter who will come and stay at your home with your animal) may be a better option for your companion animal.
• Identification – make sure that your animal is registered with your council, microchipped, tagged, and your details are up to date so that you can be contacted if they accidentally become lost.
• Enrichment – mentally and physically stimulating activities that engage an animal’s mind, body and senses (e.g., smell, taste, sound, smell, touch).
Ensuring that your animal can engage with some of their favourite enrichment items and activities while you are away will help them have positive experiences, and cope with any potential stress.
• Health check – make sure your animal has had a recent health check so any issues can be adequately managed while they are in boarding, and they are in the best shape possible to cope with any associated stress.
• Veterinary care – make sure your animal will have access to veterinary care during their stay, provide your veterinarian’s contact details, or make sure the boarding facility has access to veterinary services and your animal will require up to date vaccinations, worming, and external parasite control to stay at most facilities.
To find a good boarding facility, ideally:
GONE FISHING
• Visit the facility in person or ask a trusted person to check it out and talk to the sta (e.g., the space, conditions, hygiene, temperature control, airflow, and levels of care).
• Ask about daily procedures and routines (e.g. food and water, exercise, one-on-one human interactions, group activities, play time, enrichment, cleaning).
• Seek referrals from other companion animal owners who have used boarding facilities before.
• Test run, if possible, by arranging a short trial stay to familiarise your animal with the place and see how they like it.
Contact your local RSPCA – some RSPCA Care Centres provide boarding services for privately owned animals.
Contact veterinary clinics in your area –some vet clinics provide boarding services or may be able to provide advice about boarding facilities in the region. For more information visit RSPCA Knowledgebase.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY, 1865
STANLEY FIRE
ON this day, news of the first serious fire in Stanley’s history arrived in Beechworth. Mr S. Robinson’s store was involved, also Henry Walker’s bootmaking shop opposite the Sun Hotel, and Mr Castro’s Chemist shop. A young servant girl was burnt by the flames.
Replenished rivers and full storages offer plenty of local fishing options
THERE are so many fish biting in so many places at the moment that I do not know where to start.
Here is a very brief overview of the main species.
MURRAY COD
The rivers are all still quite high, but the cod are biting very well.
Anglers using bait such as cheese, chicken and worms are getting the best results.
Lure fishing has produced a few cod in the rivers this week too.
As the water levels continue to fall I am sure that there will be more and more people cod fishing with lures in the rivers.
YELLOWBELLY
I have fished Lake Nillahcootie a few times recently.
I have caught quite a few yellowbelly using worms and yabby tails as bait.
Sunset has been the best time for me.
I have heard good reports of people catching yellowbelly during the day from boats.
I assume they might be fishing in deeper water during the brightest parts of the day.
Lake Hume has been producing some trophy sized yellowbelly recently.
REDFIN
I have been catching quite a lot of redfin at Lake Bu alo.
Most of my fish have been caught on small soft plastics and bladed spinners.
I have been wet wading in front of the picnic area near the boat ramp.
My fish have all been quite small though, I have not caught a single fish big enough to keep.
My friend Andrew Schulz caught a nice feed of redfin in Lake Hume during the week which is a great sign as they have been pretty quiet up there for quite some time.
TROUT
Recent rainfall has left the streams looking sensational.
There’s been a great flow of cool water to start the summer o .
The trout themselves have been pretty slow though.
It’s been a slow season, but I am now starting to catch a few trout, most of which are quite small.
HAPPY ANGLER: The smile says it all. Sonny Uch caught this lovely Murray cod using cheese for bait near Wangaratta last week.
HOLIDAY STAY: It’s important to make arrangements for your companion animal if you are planning a trip this holiday season.
With Mia Giannetta, RSPCA
By Robbie Alexander, WANGARATTA
The perfect middle-grade tale for this Christmas
THE Midwatch by Judith Rossell is perfect for fans of adventure, mystery, and beautifully illustrated tales.
‘The Midwatch’ is a masterful addition to middle-grade literature, brimming with mystery, charm, and breath-taking illustrations.
Fans of Judith’s award-winning Withering-by-Sea will find themselves equally enchanted by this latest o ering, a story that glimmers with secrets as richly as its evocative setting suggests.
The story follows Maggie Fishbone, a plucky and relatable heroine, banished to the Midwatch Institute for Orphans, Runaways, and Unwanted Girls.
What begins as a tale of drudgery and hopelessness quickly transforms into a highstakes adventure that spans the hidden corners of a glittering city.
From underground tunnels to cloud-high escapades, Maggie’s journey is one of cour-
age, resilience, and discovery, both of the external world and her inner strength.
Rossell’s prose is exquisitely complemented by her own lavish illustrations, which bring the world of Midwatch to life in stunning detail.
The book strikes a perfect balance between heartpounding action and moments of quiet introspection, making it a compelling read for middlegrade readers and adults alike.
Thematically, ‘The Midwatch’ tackles ideas of belonging, self-worth, and the power of unlikely friendships, all wrapped in a narrative that is as thrilling as it is poignant.
The city itself feels like a character, its shadowy alleys and sparkling rooftops drawing readers into a world of
endless possibilities.
Rossell has once again proven her talent for crafting stories that are as visually arresting as they are emotionally resonant.
‘The Midwatch’ is an unmissable journey that cements her place as a luminary in children’s literature.
At Edgars, we are giving this one five stars and we think it’s destined to become a beloved classic.
‘The Midwatch’ is available now from Edgars Books & News in store at 55 Murphy Street, by phoning 5721 3758 or via our online store at https:// edgarsbooksandnews.com.au/.
We are open every day during the Christmas/New Year period except for Christmas Day.
Boxing Day and New Year’s Day will see our public holiday opening times in e ect.
Have a safe and book-filled Christmas and holiday period from the team at Edgars Books & News.
Helping feel revitalised and refuelled this holiday season
DO you come back from holidays feeling revitalised and refuelled?
Before Christmas many people become a bit of a mess.
Burnt out, over it, desperately needing a break, we rush around to get everything finalised at work, pack, clean the house and find Christmas presents.
Over the past years, I have noticed that many simply ‘get through’ Christmas, without really having a ‘break’.
This means they miss out on an opportunity to feel clear headed, fresh, energetic and ready to take on any challenges that the new year may bring.
It is so important for the health of our bodies and minds that we have a break, which is really just a rest from routine and from the ordinary structure of our life and deadlines.
I love holidays that give me time to rest, reflect and
By Belinda Mcpherson, NORTH EAST NATURAL HEALTH CENTRE
set some clear goals for the year ahead.
POST HOLIDAY CLEANSE
1. Drink loads of water: Try having a litre of water on rising.
If your tummy is a little gurgly after the holiday, try adding the juice of half a lemon to your water.
2. Rest: use those long summer days to do some long summer relaxing.
Just as a dirty house takes hours and energy to clean, so does your body.
Sleep and rest is detox time.
It refuels you after a busy day and cleans your body of the junk you pump it full of.
3. Make fresh juices: A tasty, easy to digest food, juices give you a gentle clean out and allow your di-
gestion a well earnt break. My new favourite is pineapple, green apple and watermelon.
Or try lemon, ginger, orange and carrot.
4. Move: exercise creates a feeling of calm and energy.
If you are fit already, go for a run or bike ride or swim.
If you are not fit, get started. Start with 15 minutes minutes a day, like in your lunch break.
You need to sweat! This is one of the best things about exercise.
Sweating cools the body down and carries unwanted gunk out through your skin.
5. Destress: When you are tired stress will take a bigger toll on your health.
Carefully chosen herbs and nutrients are amazing restorators to the nervous system.
After my holiday I like to feel like I have started again.
I hope this helps you to kickstart your new year, happy 2025 everyone.
A CHRISTMAS TALE: The perfect blend of adventure and mystery for middle-grade readers and adults alike.
With Belinda Harrison, EDGARS BOOKS & NEWS
REFRESH AND REVITALISE: Fresh juices are a tasty, easy to digest food, that give you a gentle clean out and allow your digestion a well earnt break.
Local agriculture students recognised for their hard work
■ From page 1
The 16-year-old has been carrying out the practical side of the certificate at her family farm in Thoona.
“Growing up around my family’s farm is what motived me to get into the industry,” Jorja said.
“I don’t think I could have done it if I didn’t have that support from my family.
“I’ve done agriculture at school, which is good, but it doesn’t have the same touch as learning first-hand.
“It’s so much better handson at the farm with dad or whoever is there, learning and seeing it in practice and TAFE just built on that.”
Jorja has big plans to pursue a career in the agriculture industry and to take a gap year to see how the industry functions in America. learnt that the agricultural industry will always be there and whatever I do I think will be
“I want to see how they run cattle stations in America, I haven’t had much to do with
ing to see.”
Jorja also plans to complete a Certificate III in Agriculture.
“I want to keep going and learn as much as I can, while I can,” Jorja said.
“I loved TAFE, it was so much fun and I had the best time this year, winning this award was just the icing on the cake.
“The smile on my teacher’s face who nominated me was priceless when I accepted the award.”
Eli is a student at Wangaratta High School and has been completing his agricultural course through a school-based apprenticeship, spending one day a week at his workplace and heading down to Wodonga TAFE every second Wednesday.
The 17-year-old said it feels good to be recognised for his hard work.
“I put in a lot of hours of work and it’s nice to be rewarded,” he said.
“This recognition is really encouraging; agriculture is an industry I plan to work in once I finish school.
“I’m thinking of pursing a career as a diesel mechanic or something similar, and for the first couple of years out of school I’ll look to stay locally.
“I would say this study I’ve been doing has been preparing me to enter the local workforce.”
Executive director of training and education and acting chief executive o cer, Graham Hart, said their team is proud to be a TAFE that not only supports local workforce needs but also contributes to the social fabric of the communities.
“These awards honour not just excellence but the values of collaboration, integrity, and innovation that drive Wodonga TAFE forward,” he said.
WINNING SMILES: Jorja Du y and Eli Beach are proud of their educational e orts this year.
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.
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. 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.
For further advice, contact: The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on 1300 302 502 or your state consumer affairs agency.
NorthEast JOBS
Check out the North East Jobs section inside the Regional Extra every Wednesday, or online anytime at
HUMAN RESOURCES ADMINISTRATOR
PERMANENT PART-TIME
About us: Brown Family Wine Group is a highly respected Australian wine company with over 130 years of experience in quality winemaking, innovation, and strong family values. The company’s portfolio includes leading brands such as Devil’s Corner, Tamar Ridge, Pirie, Innocent Bystander, and Brown Brothers. Recognised for our strong culture and values, we have been named one of the 100 Best Workplaces in Australia for 2024 by Great Place to Work, maintaining this certification for six consecutive years.
About the Role: We are looking for a HR Administrator to support the Human Resources function in recruitment, implementation of HR policy and processes and to provide administration support. The HR Administrator will work collaboratively as part of the HR team within a dynamic, fast paced environment, to deliver quality HR services and support with administrative responsibilities across various HR functions.
About the person: We are looking for a hands on HR Administrator with great interpersonal skills and a genuine passion for people to assist us in delivering best in class HR support to our organisation. The successful candidate will also have:
• Previous experience in an administrative role.
• High level of resilience and adaptability.
• Strong phone, email and in-person communication skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft office suite and a range of IT tools.
What’s on Offer:
• Permanent part-time role.
• Generous employee benefits including discounts on all products.
• Opportunities for career and professional development.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
More Information: Further information and a position description may be obtained by emailing Allyce at careers@brownfwg.com.au or calling (03) 5720 5500.
l cal Need staff?
Then give us the job...
Your local Wangaratta Chronicle has brought together local employers and local employees for generations ...and it is no di erent today. People prefer to work close to home, to save on transport costs, the frustration of travel and to be closer to family.
Both our printed and digital newspapers have a highly engaged local audience looking for news, sport, local information ...and jobs every week!
Exchange and go at North East Fasteners
NORTH East Fasteners is the only current local distributor of Power10 RentFree Welding Gases.
As a distributor, after you buy your first gas bottle the team at North East Fasteners will replace it for free when you swap your old tank in for an old one.
Power10 Gases supply a range of industrial gases and cylinders and the team has provided over 110,000 cylinders of industrial grade gas to their customers since 2012.
Their range includes Argon, Argon, Argon 5/2, Mig gas, Tig gas, Oxygen, Acetylene, Carbon Dioxide, Beer gases and Nitrogen. Due to their large range, their products are usable for a large range of projects including aircon and refrigeration, welding, jewellers, wine making, food preservation and fire fighting.
Whether you’re working on a small weekend hobby or require bulk gas for an industrial project, you will find what your looking for in the Power10 Gases range.
So head into North East Fasteners, grab your first cylinder and then take advantage of their ‘exchange and go’ options and their daily free delivery in town.
For more information on the Power10 Gas range or to find out which gas cylinder would suit your job, visit https://www.power10gases. com.au/.
PROFESSIONAL ADVICE: Restraint of trade clauses are a common feature in employment contracts, a solicitor can help you understand the implications and potentially negotiate more reasonable terms.
Understanding restraint of trade clauses in employment contracts
RESTRAINT of trade claus-
es are a common feature in employment contracts, particularly for senior employees and those with access to confidential information or customer relationships.
Whilst they can serve legitimate business interests, these clauses require careful consideration from both employers and employees.
A restraint of trade clause typically restricts an employee’s activities after their employment ends.
These restrictions commonly include provisions limiting the employee’s ability to work for competitors, soliciting former clients or customers, poaching former colleagues or even operating a competing business.
If you’re presented with a contract containing a restraint clause, pause before signing. These restrictions could significantly impact your future career opportunities and earning capacity.
Key questions to consider:
• How long does the restraint last?
• What geographical area does it cover?
• What specific activities are restricted?
• How might this a ect your ability to earn a living?
Whilst these clauses can be intimidating, they’re not automatically enforceable.
Courts generally start from the position that restraint clauses are void unless the employer can prove they’re reasonably necessary to protect legitimate business interests.
A solicitor can help you understand the implications and potentially negotiate more reasonable terms.
Whilst restraint clauses can protect your business interests, they must be carefully drafted to be enforceable.
Courts won’t uphold restrictions that go beyond what’s reasonably necessary to protect legitimate business interests.
Whilst I am being very general, courts assess restraint clauses through the lens of
reasonableness, considering:
1. The nature of the business interest being protected
2. The employee’s seniority and role and the terms of conditions of their employment
3. The geographical scope and duration of the restriction
4. The impact on the employee’s ability to earn a living Best practices for employers, to increase the likelihood of your restraints being enforceable:
• Tailor restrictions to specific roles and circumstance
• Consider cascading clauses with multiple options
• Focus on protecting legitimate business interests
• Regularly review and update restraints
• Ensure the scope is proportionate to the risk
Restraint of trade clauses serve a legitimate purpose in protecting business interests, but they must strike a careful balance.
Whether you’re an employer or employee, the key is to approach these clauses with careful consideration of what’s reasonable and necessary in the specific circumstances.
FREE DELIVERY: North East Fasteners o er free delivery of the Power10 Gas cylinders daily in Wangaratta.
PHOTO: Kevin Spendier
By Michael Baillie NORTH EAST FASTENERS
With Jonathan Green, JONATHAN GREEN LEGAL