A CELEBRATION of creativity, community and culture, the Benalla Street Art Festival returns for 2025 to be held from 11 to 13 April.
A highlight in the cultural calendar in regional Victoria and for art enthusiasts nationwide, the dynamic three-day festival will transform the city’s buildings and laneways into vibrant, contemporary public murals.
The festival, presented by Benalla Rural City Council with support from Visit Victoria, will again be curated by Eddie Zammit.
Mayor Bernie Hearn said the festival had a fresh new vision celebrating the pulse and vibrancy of street art culture.
“We are delighted to welcome the return of the festival,” Cr Hearn said.
“This event makes high-quality art accessible to everyone.
“Since hosting the first event in 2015, we now have one of the largest open-air art galleries, free for everyone to enjoy.
■ Continued Page 6
◆ WATCH BENALLA COME ALIVE: The Benalla Street Art Festival returns for 2025 to be held from 11 to 13 April and will have 10 new murals added to the streets. PHOTO: Holly Hawkins
BELINDA
ARTHRITIS, also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, is a common and serious animal health and welfare problem in dogs.
It can significantly a ect their quality of life, just like it can in humans.
Signs that your dog could have arthritis include slowing down, sti legs, a reluctance to walk, licking or chewing joints, snapping or yelping when touched, and di culty getting up, climbing stairs and jumping.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to book an appointment with your veterinarian.
Other conditions can mimic arthritis, so a proper diagnosis is essential.
Several factors can con-
By RSPCA KNOWLEDGEBASE
tribute to the development of arthritis, including genetics, breed, body shape and leg size (conformation), joint conditions like hip dysplasia, body weight, age, previous injuries and exercise habits.
What can be done:
Arthritis is painful, and the longer that pain goes untreated, the worse it becomes.
Dogs with arthritis must see a vet and receive e ective and evidence-based treatment.
Treatment options include anti-inflammatories, drugs to treat chronic pain, agents that minimise cartilage breakdown, and stem cell therapy.
GONE FISHING
Other important ways to manage arthritis include responsible breeding for joint health, weight management, and activity modification (e.g., shorter walks on even ground, avoiding stairs, covering slippery floors, using a ramp to get in and out of the car).
Management di ers between individuals, and your veterinarian will be able to discuss the best treatment options for your dog.
There are many ‘joint supplements’ on the market, but many of these lack robust evidence to support their use and they should not be used as a substitute for conventional treatments.
For more information, visit the RSPCA Knowledgebase.
This day in history, 1978
BACK TO THOONA, 1978
THE Back to Thoona of Easter 1978 not only provided a chance for past residents of the town and district to get together and enjoy a reunion, but it also managed to break the drought of 1978.
Rain fell on the Easter Saturday, and by the first week in April, everyone was sure that the drought had finally broken.
Thoona’s historic St Andrew’s Church was opened on the Sunday for the first time in many years, as part of the celebrations.
Rain a good start for autumn stream flows, critical to spawning
RAIN glorious rain.
Last week’s rainfall was absolutely magical. It was just what the doctor ordered for so many waterways.
The trout streams are loving the fresh water.
Not only is this rain excellent for the trout that are in the streams, it will also go a long way towards ensuring that there is enough water later in the autumn for the trout to swim upstream and spawn.
Last autumn was exceptionally dry which led to poor trout spawning and poor natural recruitment.
This autumn things are looking much better.
We will still need more rain, but this is a great start.
On Thursday morning I fished in the pond at Merriwa Park in Wangaratta.
The Victorian Fisheries Authority stock this pond with trout in the winter months and Silver perch for the warmer months.
It can be a hard spot to fish as the fish are not always biting, but if you are there at the right time you may catch a Silver perch.
I caught one Silver perch around 37cm long, a
small carp and a turtle on Thursday morning.
All were caught on worms.
The fact that the Silver perch has grown to 37cm long in there tells me that they must eat at some point!
The Murray cod fishing was OK before the rain, but the rivers are now experiencing a flush of fresh water.
This can shut the cod down, but it can also fire them up.
From my experience, I find that it usually shuts them down and they go o the bite until things stabilise a little bit.
Once the flush passes and the river levels stop fluctuating, and the water starts to clear up a bit, I expect the Murray cod to start biting again.
REWARDED: A nice sized Silver perch caught at Merriwa Park on worms last Thursday morning.
BY ROBBIE ALEXANDER WANGARATTA
The groundbreaking story of an important sympathiser of the Kelly Gang
EDGARS Books and News and Wangaratta Library are hosting author Peter Newman at the library tomorrow, Thursday, 27 March at 6.30pm.
Peter’s book “James Wallace: The Kelly Gang Sympathiser” o ers a fresh and deeply compelling perspective on one of Australia’s most enduring legends.
While countless books have dissected Ned Kelly’s story, Peter has shifted the focus to James Wallace – a largely forgotten but critical figure who worked behind the scenes to help the infamous bushrangers.
Wallace’s life is as fascinating as it is shadowy: a respectable schoolteacher by trade, he maintained a lifelong friendship with Kelly Gang member Joe Byrne.
But this was no passive association – Wallace actively assisted the gang, from supplying them with provisions to drafting letters that shaped Ned Kelly’s public image.
His role extended even further, feeding misinformation to police and even aiding in the collection of materials used to craft the gang’s iconic bulletproof armour.
Peter raises the tantalising possibility that James Wallace played a part in a key murder before the gang’s final stand at Glenrowan.
The book does not merely recount historical events; it paints a vivid picture of a man torn between loyalty and legality, respectability and rebellion.
The consequences of Wallace’s involvement were severe: dismissed from his teaching post, pursued by the law, and forced into exile in Queensland.
Yet, his story didn’t end there as Peter follows Wallace’s later years, revealing an unexpected second act as a journalist and his eventual retreat into a new life alongside a clairvoyant named Madame Spontini.
By BELINDA HARRISON
Peter’s meticulous research and engaging narrative style make this a must-read for both Kelly history enthusiasts and those interested in Australia’s colonial past.
‘James Wallace: The Kelly Gang Sympathiser’ challenges the notion that we already know the full Kelly story, proving that history still has secrets waiting to be uncovered.
The book and the event are highly recommended for fans of Australian history, crime, and true stories of forgotten figures.
“It’s quite ground-breaking in that James Wallace has been virtually ignored in almost all the books ever written about the Kelly outbreak, despite the fact that, according to my research, which is backed up by the historical records, he was a very central figure in the whole saga,” Peter said.
The book has been well-received by those who contribute on the various Kelly-related forums and Facebook pages, and it’s certainly no mean feat to write something that is accepted by both the pro and anti-Ned Kelly groups, so Peter’s talk is going to be extremely interesting.
‘James Wallace: The Kelly Gang Sympathiser’ is available now from Edgars Books and News in store at 55 Murphy Street, via their online store at https://edgarsbooksandnews.com.au/ or at the event.
Following the talk, Peter will sign copies of his book.
To book your place at this free event, drop into Edgars or the library or book via the Edgars Events page online: https://edgarsbooksandnews.com.au/events/.
Help shape the future of healthcare in our region
Northeast Health Wangaratta is developing its Strategic Plan for 2025–2028, and we want to hear from you! This is your chance to share your thoughts, concerns, and ideas to help improve healthcare services and accessibility in our region.
By taking a few minutes to complete the quick, easy and confidential survey, you’ll help shape the future of healthcare at NHW, ensuring we continue to grow, improve, and provide the best possible care.
Alternatively, you can engage directly with our team and provide your feedback at one of our Listening Posts;
Bright Library - Thu 3 April – 9.30am to 11.30am
Mansfield Library - Fri 4 April – 10am to 12 noon
Scan the QR code or visit nhw.org.au/have-your-say
FORGOTTON FIGURE: Author Peter Newman’s text enables readers to further understand the Kelly Gang through the lens of James Wallace.
The Benalla Street Art Festival set for colourful return in April
■ From page 1
“The festival will enhance Benalla Rural City’s aesthetic, elevate our reputation as a hub for culture and creativity, and inject moments of interest and curiosity into everyday life – as all good street art should.
“The Benalla Street Art Festival also gives a great economic boost to our city thanks to the thousands of visitors it attracts from all over the country.”
“We are looking forward to its return, and adding to our impressive outdoor art collection.”
Since Benalla hosted its debut street art festival in 2015, it has built a reputation as one of the most exciting cultural destinations in regional Victoria.
With more than 85 large scale murals already on display in the Benalla CBD and surrounding towns, the festival will add 10 new murals this year, offering visitors even more art to discover.
Festival event curator, Eddie Zammit, brings more than 25 years of experience delivering large-scale creative projects.
Having worked with more than 250 artists in the creative industry on projects around the globe, his business specialises in art direction and curation with a focus on branding, exhibitions, spatial environments, and public art.
Mr Zammit said it’s great to be back in Benalla to
lead the festival.
“I’m passionate about transforming spaces with innovative art installations – on walls of all shapes and sizes,” he said.
Eddie is keen to celebrate local stories and diversity through art, making this year’s festival a vibrant and meaningful experience.
What makes this festival special is its celebration, of not just art, but the community.
You’ll find more than just murals; the streets of Benalla will be buzzing with energy, with fringe events, interactive activities, and so much more to enjoy.
It’s the perfect opportunity to see the art in everything,
discover hidden gems, and immerse yourself in the creative culture.
Get ready for a bold burst of colour and creativity and watch the streets of Benalla come alive.
Expressions of interest are also now open to host a fringe event as part of the 2025 Benalla Street Art Festival.
For more information on the festival, visit benallastreetartfestival.com.au/.
To keep up to date with artist announcements and event line-ups, follow them on social media channels at instagram. com/benallastreetartfestival and facebook.com/O cial. Benalla.Street.Art.Festival.
FEATURE STORY
LEADING FROM THE TOP: Event curator, Eddie Zammit, brings more than 25 years of experience delivering largescale creative projects. PHOTO: Nicole Reed
YOUR HEALTH
My child is sick, is this normal?
SIMPLY, yes; it is normal for your child to get sick.
It’s hard to stay positive when you are in the trenches of lack of sleep and snot city, but just like a muscle, your child’s immune system needs to work and train to be able to identify viruses and pathogens so it can fight at its peak.
It is common for children to be unwell for 2-5 days with a common virus.
They should bounce back from a virus with good energy and appetite.
If this is not occurring then, as a naturopath, we can develop a plan to help you fight the virus, but also investigate why your child is struggling with recovery.
You should always seek medical help if your child is listless, is not urinating, or you just feel uncomfortable treating your child at home.
It can be common for children to be fussy, warm, have low appetite and irritated for a couple of days during the height of the virus.
Fevers can safely be managed at home without excessive use of Panadol and as guided by a trained professional.
Again, if you feel uncomfortable doing this, then please seek help and guidance.
Guide to supporting your child’s immune system:
No more soldiering on:
Do not dose them up with Panadol and send them to school and day-care.
That also goes for you in your workplace.
You are suppressing your immune system
By BELINDA MCPHERSON BHSci., NATUROPATHY OF SEED HEALTH SOLUTIONS
and spreading the virus to everyone else.
• Rest, sleep and relax:
A warm bath, a rest on the couch and keeping them quiet is gold during an active infection and recovery.
Hydration:
Keeping hydrated helps to keep mucous thin and moving, supports and reduces a fever and aids in recovery.
Diet:
Keep it simple by reducing breads, sugars, and processed foods.
Sugar reduces your immune system by 40% for up to 5 hours.
Try spaghetti bolognese with hidden veggies and herbs, soups, curries and stews with bone broth.
This allows your child’s body to spend energy on fighting the virus rather than digesting heavy foods.
Herbs and nutrients:
Use herbs and nutrients as indicated by your university-trained naturopath.
I am also a mum, so I get it; I keep your plans simple and easy to follow.
We look forward to meeting your family soon.
What to do if you are in a driving accident
IF you are in an accident you must stop and assist.
Even if nobody is hurt, you have to exchange details with the other driver or the owner of any property that is damaged.
It is an o ence to leave the scene of a vehicle accident without doing this.
If the police attend the accident scene, they will interview the people involved and any other witnesses.
Police may charge the drivers with breaking the road laws.
If someone causes a crash, they are responsible for any damage they cause.
A claim for the cost of repairs to a damaged car can be made through an insurance company or through the courts, if necessary.
Reporting the accident
You must report the accident to the police if:
• anyone’s property is damaged
• the other person involved in the accident does not stop or refuses to give their details.
What you should do
Take time to write down carefully all of the details such as the time, date and location where the accident happened and the names and contact details of any witnesses.
This information will be helpful to police and your car insurance company.
What the police will do
The police will investigate by talking to the drivers and any other witnesses and they will write a report.
If you have broken any road laws the police may:
• issue you with a fine
By VICTORIA LEGAL AID
• charge you with an o ence.
Insurance
If you have insurance, let your insurer know about the accident as soon as possible after the accident.
This is important, even if you decide not to make a claim against your insurance.
Most insurance policies say that you have to notify the insurer of any accident.
Call the National Insurance Hotline on 1300 663 464 for more help.
If you are not insured and the accident was your fault, the other driver’s insurance company will try to recover the money for the damages.
If you don’t pay the debt the insurance company can take you to court.
If the other driver does not have insurance the other driver may sue you for damages.
If the accident was not your fault you will need to decide whether to sue the other driver for damages.
Get a quote to find out how much the vehicle will cost to repair.
Taking the other party to court could be expensive and if that driver has no job, assets or money it may be di cult to recover the money even if you win.
The court may also decide that both parties were partly at fault.
Another way of getting the money is to try mediation.
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. We can support you on your journey.
REST UP: There are natural ways you can streamline the recovery process for your sick child.
