Regional Extra 200923

TALK

Guiding a story home

By SIMONE KERWIN

ADELAIDE author Helen Edwards was out driving during a break at her family’s Yorke Peninsula beach shack when, by chance, she heard a caller on ABC radio talking about visiting Mount Buffalo with his family.

The discussion took in the Mount Buffalo Chalet, and history including ‘Guide Alice’ Manfield, who led tourist treks on the mountain in the early 1900s and was an accomplished naturalist, writer and photographer.

Helen was immediately captivated by the story, and as soon as she could, googled Mount Buffalo…and felt the makings of a novel begin to percolate in her mind.

“There was all this information about Guide Alice, about the First Nations people, the Bogong Moth and the gatherings held on Mount Buffalo,” she said.

“I spent a lot of time researching, and then my main character turned up and told me her story.”

The result was ‘The Rebels of Mount Buffalo’ (Riveted Press), Helen’s first middle-grade novel, which will be launched at the Mount Buffalo Chalet on October 11.

Helen began writing the time-slip story in 2021 after receiving a grant from SA Arts to help fund a trip to Mount Buffalo; however, with borders shut due to COVID-19 restrictions, the visit was delayed.

“I was lucky to be able to speak to Guide Alice’s granddaughter, and get some great stories from her, and also to connect with Andrea Rowe, who was communications manager at the chalet in the 1990s, married a ranger, and lived on the mountain,” Helen said.

■ Continued page 6

GONE FISHING E ING

◆ SHARING STORIES: Author Helen Edwards’ fascination with the story of Mount Buffalo and guide Alice Manfield led to the creation of her middle-grade novel set on the mountain.

with ROB

with RUSSELL

TOOL

with CHRISTOS

YOUR HEALTH with MADDISON

VET CARE

Convulsing cows

BEWARE - lush green pastures and lactating cows are unfortunately the perfect combination for dead cows!

A common cause of sudden deaths in cattle from late autumn and into spring is hypomagnesaemia (otherwise known as grass tetany): where the magnesium blood level falls below a critical level.

Cold, cloudy, and rainy conditions usually see a rise in the number of cases particularly when this is followed by a warm period.

Additional predisposing factors include pastures that have been heavily fertilised with nitrogen or potassium.

Clinical signs to watch out for in your cows 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 and often death within minutes.

Treatment involves a veterinarian administering magnesium and calcium solutions (such as 4in1) intravenously.

The IV treatment needs to be given

slowly and their heart generally monitored throughout the procedure due to the risk of death.

Initial treatment is followed by oral magnesium - such as hay with Causemag (magnesium oxide) - for one to two days, as relapses are common.

Hay treated with Causemag is also the most common preventative.

Other options include magnesium in water or magnesium licks.

Most important is minimising the risks, such as reducing stressful periods in late pregnant or lactating cows including sudden changes to feed or feed quality and mustering.

If grass tetany is a big problem on your farm prevention should include pasture management to ensure cattle are receiving adequate magnesium.

There are several reputable grass tetany resources online including on the Agriculture Victoria website or contact your local veterinarian for more information.

Trout stocks replenished at many popular spots for school holidays

WITH the Victorian school holidays now underway there is no shortage of great fishing options available to keep the kids entertained.

The family friendly waterways have now been stocked with rainbow trout in time for the school holidays.

Glenrowan Dam, Stanley Dam, Lake Sambell and Allans Flat Waterhole are the most popular of these stocked ponds in the region and were each topped up with between 300 and 400 rainbow trout last week.

The trout are yearling trout meaning that are already large enough to catch and keep.

Small micro spoon lures, or small soft plastics tend to work very well in these ponds, although most usual trout lures are worth trying.

If you want to use bait, Powerbait is a great option and is available at most fishing tackle stores.

Worms will also work well too.

If you would prefer to fish for trout in the streams, now is a great time to try.

All of the streams are looking perfect at the moment.

They all have a healthy flow of very cold water and the trout are biting very well.

As the warmer weather approaches and the anticipated “big dry” sets in, things will change in

the trout streams, but for now, and the next couple of months it’s all systems go.

I have only heard two fishing reports from Lake Nillahcootie so far this September.

One was of two “nice sized” yellowbelly caught on worms off the bank, the other was of quite a few carp and a 75cm Murray cod also caught on worms off the bank.

The cod was released due to the season being closed.

With this warm weather that has suddenly arrived, Lake Nillahcootie will be worth fishing at the moment.

If it hasn’t started to really fire yet, I suspect that it is about to like it does at this time every year.

This week in history, 1929

MRS Baird from Baarmutha near Beechworth, had an amazing escape from injury in a storm. She was picking up wood under the back verandah of her home, when a flash of lightning hit a meat safe which was hanging from the rafters.

The current burnt a hole in the iron wall of the safe, blew a hole in a pot inside the safe, put a large gash in Mrs Baird’s arm, burnt the skin from the back of her hand down to her fingers, and on its way down to earth, burnt the leather from the soles of her shoes, leaving only the nails, and all in the space of a split second, had thrown Mrs Baird to the ground some distance away - in pain, in shock, but miraculously still alive.

◆ NICE CATCH: A rainbow trout caught in the tributary of the Ovens River on a small minnow lure last week.

with Dr Maddison McGill, Wangaratta Vet Clinic

with Rob Alexander WANGARATTA

Beechworth Bakery Yackandandah: A hidden gem worth the drive

NESTLED in the heart of Victoria’s High Country lies a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered – Beechworth Bakery Yackandandah.

While the charming town of Beechworth often steals the limelight, Yackandandah, situated just 20 minutes away by car or a leisurely 1.5-hour pedal via the rail trail gravel track, invites you to take the road less travelled for a delightful experience.

Yackandandah’s allure lies not only in its proximity to its more famous neighbour but also in its unspoiled beauty and serene ambience.

The rail trail offers a picturesque journey through lush landscapes, meandering rivers, and peaceful woodlands, making it a perfect escape for nature enthusiasts and cyclists.

Upon arriving in Yackandandah, visitors are greeted with a warm welcome at Beechworth Bakery Yackandandah, a quaint and invit-

ing establishment that serves as the heart of the town.

Here, you’ll find an array of freshly baked treats, from delectable pies to mouth-watering pastries, all lovingly prepared with the same dedication and care that has made Beechworth Bakery famous.

The decision to take the road less travelled, whether by car or bicycle, is not just a journey to satisfy your taste buds; it’s an opportunity to discover a charming town brimming with history, culture, and a sense of community that is second to none.

So, next time you plan a trip to Beechworth, don’t forget to venture a bit further and explore Yackandandah.

You’ll be rewarded with not only delightful culinary delights but also the chance to savour the unique charm of this hidden gem.

Beechworth Bakery Yackandandah beckons you to embrace the road less travelled and experience the magic it has to offer.

Guiding a story home

■ From page 1

Their stories assisted with the first draft of the book. Then last year, Helen was finally able to travel to the chalet - a visit which added further depth to the story of main character Clara Wilde.

“I visited a lot of places which are mentioned in the book, and it was amazing; it was interesting how close what I’d written was to the real thing, and I felt I had been there before,” Helen said.

“I have quite a rich imagination, and my combined love of nature and history came together in the book.”

‘The Rebels of Mount Buffalo’ is set initially in 1998, when 13-year-old Clara and her parents are staying at the Mount Buffalo Chalet for the National Park Centenary celebrations.

The trio is still grieving the loss of Clara’s twin brother, Darius, and amid Clara’s grief, she discovers - following a strange night at the chalet - that she has woken up in 1893.

There, she meets Alice, a girl who lives within the fern-filled valleys at the base of the mountain.

To her surprise, Clara recognises her as Guide Alice, a girl considered a rebel of her time; an adventurous non-conformist who

Check out

spent much of her life leading people along rugged trails between granite tors and misty mountain peaks.

When Alice’s life is threatened, Clara must rediscover her courage to help her new friend.

The timely novel brings in themes of early feminism, and issues such as bullying, never being a bystander, managing grief, and finding courage, and draws not only on the true history of Mount Buffalo and the role the Manfield family played in national park preservation and tourism development, but also on Helen’s own experience working in the mental health sphere.

“All the stories I’ve written address issues surrounding grief and mental health,” Alice said.

“Kids often get left out of those conversations, but grief often remains long after an event is over.

“And I’m neuro-divergent and have neurodivergent kids, so I feel it’s important that people who have those experiences write and share their stories.”

Helen had wanted to be a writer since the age of four, and while completing her PhD in psychology, took on a ‘writing for children’

FEATURE STORY

course with the Australian Writers Centre, then secured an agent.

“My preference is to read books for middlegrade, and I’ve always worked in fields aimed at helping, encouraging and educating kids, so I wanted to write for the age group I felt would benefit most,” she said.

Helen hopes to visit a number of North East schools during her visit for the October 11 launch of ‘The Rebels of Mount Buffalo’.

“We think of kids being in the present world, but I think they’re really switched on to history and can take a lot from it,” she said.

Those attending the launch will have the chance to walk around part of the chalet’s interior, to soak up the history captured in the book.

There are four timeslots available for the free 30 minute sessions, with each limited to 25 people.

Light snacks and tea and coffee will be available.

To secure your tickets, visit https://www. eventbrite.com.au/e/the-rebels-of-mountbuffalo-by-helen-edwards-book-launch-at-thechalet-tickets-697758704067

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

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/

ALPINE SHIRE COUNCIL

– make a difference in your community by joining our team!

JOBS AT INDIGO

Yackandandah

Full Time $67,398 - $70,756 Annual

Beechworth

Part Time (56 hrs per f/n) $63,005 - $66,914 Annual pro rata

Applications close 4pm Sunday, 1st October 2023 Visit www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au/jobs to download the position’s recruitment kit, and to view instructions on how to apply.

www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au

Phone: 1300 365 003

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.

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.

Circulating in Wangaratta, Myrtleford, Bright, Mt Beauty, Beechworth, Yackandandah, Rutherglen, Chiltern and districts

McDonalds Wangaratta is looking for a the team as a MAINTENANCE

Reporting to the Restaurant Manager, a maintenance employee forms a critical part of the restaurant team. This role is suited to an individual who has a mature attitude, is highly organised, is able to work autonomously and displays high attention to detail. A maintenance employee is primarily focused on cleanliness of the restaurant (internally and externally) and preparing the restaurant for trade each day. This is a part-time position with typical working hours between 4am and 12pm. Days and hours may change and vary in time to meet the needs of the restaurant. This position falls under the Miscellaneous Award, 2020. What can you expect on a day-to-day basis? clean, functioning and welcoming environment for Crew, Managers and Customers

Finance and Administration Manager

North East Media and its subsidiary companies has a vacancy at its head office in Wangaratta (Victoria) for a motivated and experienced accounting and business administration professional to provide administration management, financial management, and HR support across the group.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the successful applicant will be responsible for the provision of day-to-day accounting and financial management responsibilities in the company. They will deliver on all financial and management accounting requirements within allocated deadlines, collaborate with the wider business to optimise finance operations and provide insightful financial and team information to the CEO for strategic decision making.

Essential Experience:

management and the ability to multitask while working autonomously. role and the group.

data entry and financial record-keeping. to collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders.

Your keys to success: and toilets

To apply, please email your resume to andrew.mills@au.stores.mcd.com

We offer a competitive and attractive salary package for the right person and the chance to build a good long-term stable career with a well-respected employer.

letter to:

Edward Higgins CEO North East Media Pty Ltd ehiggins@nemedia.com.au

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.

Mildura – Contractor required for Concrete Cartage Services

Heathcote – Concrete Truck Driver – HEAT004

Bendigo – WHS & Return To Work Advisor – WHS001

Shepparton Country Concrete – Concrete Truck Driver – SHCC007

Mansfield – Concrete Truck Driver – MANS006

Shepparton – Concrete Truck Driver – SHEP005

Shepparton – Contractor required for Concrete Cartage Services

Mildura – 2IC – MILD005

Swan Hill – Concrete Truck Driver – SWAN002

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

Spring into action with a brand new lawn mower

SPRING is here and it’s the perfect time to tend to landscape the garden.

At North East Fasteners, we have a wide range of lawn mowers, including the M18 FUEL Self Propelled Lawn Mower.

This lawn mower meets the performance, durability and ergonomic needs of landscape professionals.

The M18 FUEL Self Propelled Lawn Mower delivers the ultimate cut quality in mulching, bagging and side discharge applications thanks to the optimised steel deck design paired with a high speed blade designed to achieve maximum airflow and increased lift.

It also comes equipped with front and side LED lights allowing user’s 180 degree visibility in low light scenarios.

The REDLINK PLUS intelligence also allows for total system communication between the tool and battery to maximise performance, protection and productivity.

The lawn mower also eliminates all head-

Spring into spring

aches due to the push button start, removing all frustrations that come with a pull start and no engine maintenance or emissions while in use making it an easy to use lawn mower for everyone.

◆ Scan here to learn more about the amazing M18 FUEL Self Propelled Lawn Mower that is now stocked at North East Fasteners:

DO you feel sluggish after winter?

Low in energy and motivation?

Wanting to lose a few extra kilos?

In our busy world these are all very common feelings as the weather warms up and we want to spend more time outdoors.

Every day we are exposed to a vast number of toxic substances that we may not even be aware of - in the foods we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink and the environment we surround ourselves in.

To stay truly well and experience renewed vigour this spring, it is vital to help our body clear these toxins.

The beneficial nutrients in whole natural foods and in naturally derived remedies combine to support your body during the detoxification and repair processes this spring, it is vital to help our body clear these toxins.

The beneficial nutrients in whole natural foods are very important in helping the body to cleanse.

Another important way to assist the body is to be adequately hydrated with water - it is easier to drink more water as the weather gets warmer.

As we spring clean our homes, now is the right time to spring clean our body.

Furthermore, spring is the perfect time to challenge our bodies to reach new levels in fitness, good nutrition and health.

That is why we have developed our ‘Spring into Spring’ program that helps your body cleanse, purify and rid some unwanted fat.

Leaving you feeling lighter in body and mind and with increased energy.

Our ‘Spring into Spring’ program encompasses a cleansing diet of good natural foods and remedies to help clear toxins and strengthen your gut and finishes with a fat loss week of the Ultra Lite Weight management program.

Call the Wangaratta Wellness Centre for more information on (03) 5798 3344.

◆ SPRING HEALTH: It’s a great time to get outdoors, and start a cleanse of our bodies.

PHOTO: Shutterstock

with Russell Ferguson NORTH EAST FASTENERS

with Christos Milankos NORTH EAST NATUROPATHIC GROUP