January 22 - 28, 2025
Lend a hand at Winton Wetlands
WINTON Wetlands is seeking volunteers to aid in its mission of renewing the ecology of the reserve growing its natural, scientific, cultural and environmental significance and deliver education, research, tourism, recreation and community development outcomes.
The team at Winton Wetlands have been working hard to return Winton Wetlands to its natural state so that plants and animals can fl ourish and the community can enjoy the space and all that it has on o er.
Now it’s your turn to lend a hand and improve Winton Wetlands, with almost 9000ha of land part of the restoration project, why not make your mark and give
By JORDAN DUURSMA
back to the community.
University graduate Miranda Mills who has recently joined the Winton Wetlands team after volunteering, said she would encourage other young people to get involved.
“I found out about Winton Wetlands in uni and volunteered with some friends doing tree planting,” she said.
“It’s pretty fun to be out in field, you get to be outside and do something di erent each day.
“It was a rewarding process, you can see the tangible di erence you make.”
Some of the tasks volunteers can take part in include planting trees, the Growling Grass Frogs Project, visitor engagement such as ‘meet and greets’, and surveys for animals, reptiles and fish.
Carla Boemeke, an intern from Germany who is spending five months working at Winton Wetlands, said its important for the community to be involved in the restoration project to raise general awareness about the importance of ecology.
“It’s valuable to be out in field with experts in ecology who have a wealth of knowledge to
share,” she said.
“I think there is a lack of knowledge out there and it’s important for young people who live around the area to understand their landscape and the biodiversity.
“I would encourage people to get involved, for me it was really rewarding to come here and I have learnt a lot.
“It’s an opportunity for everyone, particularly young people, to think about how they contribute to the environment and how they can positively impact the environment.”
Winton Wetlands field ecologist Sarah Way said there is always need for volunteers. ■ Continued Page 6
Business Accounts
DO YOUR BIT: Carla Boemeke and Miranda Mills encourage other young people to get outside and give back to the environment.
PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling
Tackling fussy eaters: how to handle picky dogs and puppies
DEALING with a picky eater can be frustrating, whether you have a puppy or an adult dog.
However, with a little patience and the right approach, you can help your furry friend develop healthier eating habits.
Here’s how to handle it:
1. Establish a Routine
Feed your dog at the same time each day and remove the bowl after 15-20 minutes.
This encourages them to eat when food is o ered.
2. Limit Treats
Overfeeding treats can spoil your dog’s appetite for meals.
Save treats for rewards, but focus on their main diet.
3. Try Di erent Foods
Experiment with wet food, dry kibble, or even homemade options.
Dogs can have preferences, so variety might help.
4. Enhance Meals
Add small amounts of safe ingredients like chicken or sweet potatoes to make meals more appealing.
5. Check for Health Issues If picky eating continues, it could be due to health problems like dental or gastrointestinal issues.
A vet visit can help rule out underlying conditions.
6. Avoid Force-Feeding Don’t pressure your dog to eat.
Keep meals calm and consistent, and let them come around on their own.
7. Use Feeding Enrichment Puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys can make mealtime fun and encourage your dog to eat.
8. Seek Professional Help If the issue persists, consider consulting a trainer or pet nutritionist for tailored advice.
With consistency and patience, your dog will develop better eating habits, ensuring they stay healthy and happy.
This day in history, 1931
STANLEY LOOKOUT OPENS, 1931
THE o cial opening of the lookout on Mt Stanley occurred on this day.
The ceremony of cutting the ribbon was performed by an old Beechworth resident, Mrs AW Foster, mother of the Beechworth-born legal luminary, Judge Foster.
It was interesting that as the ceremony was taking place on Mt Stanley, in Melbourne, another Beechworth-educated judge, Sir Isaac Isaacs, was being sworn in as the Governor General of Australia.
SUPPORTING YOUR LOVED ONE: Knowing the nature of the dementia or Alzheimer’s disease is essential for providing appropriate care.
Dealing with dementia and Alzheimer’s at home
CARING for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease at home can be a deeply rewarding but also challenging experience.
As the condition progresses, it’s essential to have e ective communication strategies and access to valuable resources.
Before diving into strategies and resources, it’s crucial to have a basic understanding of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Dementia is a general term for cognitive decline, while Alzheimer’s is a specific type of dementia characterized by memory loss, cognitive impairment, and behavioural changes.
Knowing the nature of the condition is essential for providing appropriate care.
E ective Communication Strategies
Use Simple and Clear Language: Speak slowly and use simple, concise sentences.
Maintain Eye Contact: Establishing and maintaining eye contact can help convey your attentiveness and create a connection.
Be Patient: Dementia can lead to slower processing of information.
Non-Verbal Communication: Pay attention to non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, gestures, and body language.
Validation and Reassurance: O er validation and reassurance, even if their reality di ers from yours.
Creating a Supportive Environment
Safety First: Ensure that the home environment is safe and free from potential hazards.
Routine and Structure: Establish a daily routine that provides structure and predictability, consistency can help reduce anxiety and confusion.
Memory Aids: Use memory aids like calendars, whiteboards, and labels to assist with daily tasks and reminders.
Engage in Meaningful Activities: Encourage activities that the individual enjoys, such as listening to music, doing puzzles, or reminiscing about past experiences.
Respite Care: Consider arranging respite care to give yourself a break, this allows you to recharge while ensuring your loved one’s needs are still met.
Seeking Support and Resources
Local Support Groups: Many communities have support groups specifically for caregivers of individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Professional Caregiver Training: Consider enrolling in caregiver training programs to learn more about dementia care.
Medical Professionals: Consult with healthcare professionals specializing in dementia care.
Online Resources: Numerous online resources and websites o er information, educational materials, and caregiver support networks.
Legal and Financial Planning: Consult with an attorney specialising in elder law to address legal and financial matters, including estate planning, power of attorney, and advanced healthcare directives.
Caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s at home can be challenging, but with e ective communication strategies, a supportive environment, and access to resources, you can provide the best possible care while maintaining their dignity and quality of life.
Remember that you don’t have to navigate this journey alone—seeking help and support is a sign of strength and love.
Timeless Support has been approved to provide subsidised home care services through the Australian Government. Depending on your circumstances you may be able to receive care and services, funded either fully or partly by the Government.
HEALTHY HABITS: With patience and the right approach, you can help your furry friend develop healthier eating habits. PHOTO: Shutterstock/ORION PRODUCTION
By Dr Madeleine Bensley OVENS AND KIEWA VET
By Michelle Azaris TIMELESS SUPPORT
Trout start to bite as waters go dark
RECENT heat and wind have left many of the regions waterways looking very dark in colour.
Some of the creeks and rivers are almost black.
Most of the dark colour comes from tannins released from leaves that have blown into the water, particularly Eucalyptus leaves.
I find that this tends to slow the fish down a bit, especially the Murray cod.
I went Murray cod fishing twice last week in Wangaratta.
On one trip I managed to catch one Murray cod on a surface lure while walking the banks, and the other trip I missed out completely despite accessing some hard to get to spots in my kayak.
This is normal for this time of the year and nothing to be concerned about.
The cod will still bite, but from my experience they just tend to slow down a little bit during the heat of summer until things start to cool down.
The Murray River, including Lake Mulwala is a di erent story.
Due to large volumes of water being re-
leased from Lake Hume, and the wideness of the river, any leaves that fall in are quickly swept away and the river generally fishes well for cod all summer.
I have been trout fishing up in the hills this week and have done OK.
As I have mentioned a few times this season, it has been a tough trout season, but what I am finding now is that there are a few small trout starting to turn up.
I was fly fishing in a tributary of the Ovens River last week where I managed to catch half a dozen small trout.
The flies that worked best for me were a gold bead headed nymph and a Size 10 Royal Stimulator.
Using both flies at once, the trout were taking the bead headed nymph.
Once I removed the nymph and just fished the dry fly, I started catching trout on the dry.
TREATMENT OPTIONS: Treatments for tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing “head
which can be distressing, vary depending on the cause.
Treating Tinnitus
WELCOME back to Wangaratta Audiology’s series on tinnitus – a ringing or buzzing “head noise” which can be distressing.
Broadly speaking, tinnitus treatment varies depending on what has caused the loss.
The phenomenon of “phantom limb pain” can help illustrate the condition of tinnitus.
Sometimes individuals who have lost limbs will report still feeling sensation in the missing limb or fingers.
In a similar manner, when there is a reduction in hearing, the brain will sometimes try to “fill in the gaps”, creating tinnitus.
Hearing protection should be considered a preventative treatment for tinnitus.
Exposure to loud noise can certainly increase the perception of tinnitus.
If outer ear wax blockage or middle ear complications are present, a visit to your usual doctor should be the first port of call.
Wax in the outer ear and fluid behind the eardrum (glue ear) can be common causes of tinnitus.
This situation is best man-
With
Jim Thompson, AUDIOLOGIST WANGARATTA AUDIOLOGY
aged by a medical professional as the best initial treatment.
“Quiet avoidance” is an excellent strategy for some people to reduce the perception of tinnitus.
When in quiet, the internal sound of tinnitus seems louder as there is less external sound to cover this.
Try using a radio, fan, music or other external sound as treatment for tinnitus.
This falls under the category of “sound therapy”.
This will usually be low cost and can be helpful, particularly at night-time when the environment is at its quietest.
There are advanced “masking units” available, enabling the user to select a sound to use.
When tinnitus is associated with a permanent hearing loss, it can be well-treated with hearing aids prescribed by a qualified audiologist.
A hearing aid raises the level of external sound going to the cochlea, which means that the brain doesn’t have as much silence to fill in.
The hearing aids not only assist in reducing the perception of tinnitus.
An additional benefit is that hearing outcomes are improved, reducing frustration associated with limited hearing ability.
Hearing aids can also have in-built “masking sound” options and can be used in conjunction with the “sound therapy” mentioned above.
Individuals experience the impact of tinnitus in different ways.
However, if you are finding that you have experienced a reduction in hearing or that tinnitus is causing you distress or frustration, please speak to your GP or an audiologist for support.
If you would like to make an appointment at Wangaratta Audiology with one of our audiologists, contact the clinic on (03) 5722 4433.
Everyone deserves to communicate.
TROUT TIME: A small Rainbow Trout caught on a Bead Headed Nymph I the Ovens Valley last week.
noise”
PHOTO: Shutterstock/Alena Lom
with Robbie Alexander WANGARATTA obbie
Lend a hand at Winton Wetlands
■ From page 1
“Ours is an ambitious restoration project over a large area -community and stakeholder collaboration is central to its success - we are always on the look out for volunteers, either on a regular/periodic basis or oneo for specific volunteer events,” she said.
“I would encourage anyone who is interested in contributing to biodiversity conservation, habitat restoration and nature/ cultural connection in our local region.
“It’s important for the community to be involved with the conservation of local environments because it fosters a personal connection to nature and
a sense of place within the local landscape.”
Sarah said it can be an educational and rewarding experience for community members to be involved in.
“They have the opportunity to work alongside environmental professionals and get to see and contribute to real science in action,” she said.
“Environmental volunteering can also create a sense of custodianship and deeper understanding -and therefore appreciation of -the natural environment and ecosystems in our local area.
“It is key for people to have an active role in the restoration of Winton Wetlands and to have opportunities to connect and con-
tribute to the nature we are trying to restore here.”
Winton Wetlands Committee of Management recognises that the site lies within the traditional lands of the Yorta Yorta people, the original owners of Country.
They respect their deep enduring connection to their lands and waterways and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded and acknowledge the significant role Yorta Yorta people play in support of the Winton Wetlands restoration project and programs.
For more information or to get involved visit https://wintonwetlands.org.au/get-involved/volunteers/ and fill out a volunteer expression of interest form.
JOIN THE TEAM: Matt Long. Miranda Mills, Carla Boemeke and Sarah Way from the Winton Wetlands team are calling for volunteers to help out.
NorthEast JOBS
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
Full time and part time work for Grape Vintage.
Phone Bruce 0414 521 607
GREAT JOBS FOR GREAT PEOPLE
The
RESTAURANT SUPERVISOR
PERMANENT FULL-TIME
At the heart of our dining experience, the Restaurant Supervisor plays a vital leadership role in delivering exceptional customer service in our renowned Restaurant at the home of Brown Brothers in Milawa, Northeast Victoria.
About the Restaurant
Having recently retained our Age Good Food Guide hat for the third year, Brown Brothers restaurant pairs 135 years of wine making history with seriously good food. Menus change with the seasons and cater for light lunches, shared feasts or a 5-course degustation. Our food philosophy centres around the kitchen garden and minimal waste all whist creating and sharing wine adventures with guests.
About the Role
Looking for quality employees
We are looking for a passionate and driven hospitality all-rounder to join us on a full-time basis to help deliver a memorable, engaging, and personalised experience for every guest by inspiring a high-performing, motivated team. In the absence of the Restaurant Manager, you’ll take the lead in managing the FOH team, ensuring exceptional customer service and a seamless connection to the total Milawa experience.
About You
To be successful in your application for this key role you must be an experienced front of house professional able to demonstrate/hold:
• Proven experience in restaurant management/supervision.
• At least three years of experience in wine and food service.
• A friendly, outgoing personality with a good sense of humour and a passion for engaging with the public.
• Excellent communication skills—verbal, written, interpersonal, and negotiation.
• Current RSA certification.
What’s On Offer
• Work with one of Australia’s most loved and trusted wine companies.
• Excellent balance of work and lifestyle with predominantly day shifts.
• Generous employee benefits including discounts on all products.
• Complimentary staff lunch provided each shift.
Further information and a position description may be obtained by emailing careers@brownfwg.com.au or by calling Allyce on (03) 5720 5500.
OPTIONS: Vendor finance options are a practical approach when you don’t have enough cash to pay for a business outright. PHOTO: insta_photos/Shutterstock
No cash to buy a business? Consider these structures
SOMETIMES when we want to start a business, we just don’t have quite enough dough to scrape together the money to buy it, or the bank won’t lend you the money.
Exploring vendor finance options is a practical approach when you don’t have enough cash to pay for a business outright.
to give to secure the loan.
GET your Kincrome Ratchet Jack Stand 3000, Hydraulic Garage Jack- Rapid Life 2800kg and bottle jacks.
The jack stand incorporates a patented ratchet design for better tooth engagement, increased safety and useability in professional workshop environments and is designed to comply with Australian Mandatory Standard AS 2538:2016.
Each Jack Stand is precision machine welded, ensuring increased strength and stability under load. Alongside the Jack Stand is the Hydraulic Garage Jack that covers a large range of sizes and weight ratings to suit just about every professional lifting application. This includes not only low-profile racing cars but also heavy duty 4WDs and SUVs.
The Garage Jack comes with a two-year trade warranty, steel castors, twin pistons for rapid lifting to load, protective handle sleeves and built-in parts tray. They are also fitted with a grease nipple on the main lifting arm for lubrication when required. These items are now available now at North East Fasteners and are designed to ensure they can withstand both professional and DIY use.
Vendor financing involves the seller helping to finance the purchase, and there are several structures you can consider to make this work:
1. ‘Terms Sale’ or Vendor Finance/Loan: This is one of the most common forms of Vendor financing.
In this structure, you pay a portion of the purchase price upfront and then promise to pay back the Vendor for the remaining amount over time.
This might be agreed in writing by a loan agreement that would specify the interest rate, repayment schedule, and loan maturity date, and any security you agree
2. Earn-Out: An earn-out is an arrangement where additional future payments are made to the Vendor based on the business’s performance post-acquisition.
This can reduce your initial cash outlay and aligns the seller with the business’s continued success, providing them an incentive to help during the transition period.
3. Equity Retention: The Vendor retains a minority stake in the business for a set period or until certain performance goals are met.
This allows you to leverage the old owner’s ongoing involvement and reduces the amount of immediate financing required.
Eventually, you might buy
out the seller’s stake at a predetermined price, or have it transferred to you automatically after you reach certain milestones.
4. Lease-to-Own Agreement: For businesses with significant tangible assets, a lease-to-own structure might be feasible. You lease the business and its assets for a period, with the option or obligation to purchase the business at the end of the lease term based on the terms agreed upon.
Each of these options has di erent implications for risk, cash flow, and control of the business.
Thorough legal and financial due diligence is essential, and working with financial and legal advisors to structure the deal properly can help protect your interests. But they can open up a whole world of opportunities for any aspiring business owner and entrepreneur.
ALL YOUR LIFTING NEEDS: Visit North East Fasteners for Kincrome jack tools, perfect for both professional and DIY projects.
By Rodney Dean, NORTH EAST FASTENERS
With Jonathan Green, JONATHAN GREEN LEGAL