Regional Extra 270324

Rennae McKenzie’s love of

By CHLOE JAENICKE

RENNAE McKenzie has been a member of the Wangaratta Rod and Custom Club (WRCC) for 12 years and is entering her second year as president.

Her love of cars started with her 1956 Chevrolet that was previously owned by her stepdad, Graham Wilkinson.

“He had a love of old and classic cars which rubbed off on me,” she said.

“We attended a few car shows together and I really got the bug.”

The car was initially left to Ms McKenzie’s stepbrother but when he sold the car in 2012, Ms McKenzie decided to buy it back.

“I love driving my car and each time I’m in her I think of my amazing stepdad, so she also holds a lot of personal memories too,” she said.

Since then, her love and appreciation for the hard work that goes into maintaining old cars has grown after she joined the WRCC.

“There is something about an older car that has either been restored, is original or one that has been built as a hot rod,” she said.

“They look great, sound great and are just fun to cruise around or for a Sunday drive to a local for lunch.”

Her first role at the club was as secretary for nine years where she would take minutes, write letters, organise social events and support on other days such as McHappy Days.

Last year, she was voted president, which she said is one of her greatest achievements at the club.

■ Continued page 6 ◆

Common issues in senior pets

IS your dog or cat older than eight years of age?

If so, this means that they are considered a ‘senior pet’.

This is the equivalent of a human in their late 50s and for our dogs and cats it is usually the time when age-related health problems start to present.

Senior pets have different health care needs compared to younger animals and they generally require a bit of extra attention to keep them happy and healthy for longer.

For our senior patients we recommend six monthly health check-ups (this is the equivalent of a senior human visiting the doctor every three and a half years).

These check-ups allow us to detect and closely monitor any health concerns.

We also recommend performing a blood test each year to monitor major organ function for signs of disease.

Common problems we see in senior pets include:

- Lumps and bumps

- Arthritis

- Cognitive decline/ dementia

- Eye problems

- Hearing loss

- Organ failure (including liver, kidneys & heart)

- Cancer

Regular health checks and monitoring will

with Grace Bond, Wangaratta Veterinary Clinic

allow us to get on top of any of these concerns to provide the best possible outcome for your pet and keep them fit and healthy.

So, if your senior pet hasn’t had a health check or blood test in the last six months give us a call on 03 5721 400 to organise a check-up.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

◆ SENIOR PETS: Pets eight years or older, including Wally require extra attention to ensure they live long and happy lives.

This Day in History, 1954

3NE OPENS

WHEN Wangaratta’s pioneer radio station packed up its equipment and took itself off to Shepparton, it left a gap which was not filled until the night of March 27, 1954, when 3NE opened.

One of the reasons given for the transfer of 3WR to the Goulburn Valley in 1934 was the poor reception of the 3WR signal from its transmitting site right in the heart of town.

When a local syndicate was planning to establish another radio station in Wanga-

ratta in the post war years, they conducted many trials to locate the most suitable site for transmission and decided on Bowser.

After a plan to buy the Deniliquin Station 2QN and move it to Wangaratta fell through, an entirely new station was set up.

The choice of the aerial site, and frequency allocated to 3NE right at the end of the dial, proved an ideal combination for long distance transmission, and the station has listeners as far away as north Australia, New Zealand and the United States.

GONE FISHING

Cooler weather has trout back on the bite in streams

AUTUMN is here - and with the sudden change in weather comes a sudden change in the fishing.

Up until last week’s strong cold front, the weather was hot.

The trout fishing was slow and the cod fishing was good.

Now it is the opposite.

The water in the streams has already cooled considerably and the trout have really come on the bite.

I fished two small tributaries of the King River last week and found the trout to be very active in both streams.

I caught most of my trout on a small Strike Tiger Micro Minnow soft plastic in “Black Caviar” colour.

I did also get a few on a micro spoon lure too.

As soon as I caught my first fish, I dipped my hand into the water to wet it before handling the fish, and the refreshing temperature of the water was immediately obvious.

I am expecting good trout fishing for the next couple of months now.

I also fished Lake William Hovell last Thursday evening as well.

I managed to catch quite a few small redfin using worms as bait.

The fish were not big - with not a single keeper - but they were plentiful and a lot of fun to catch.

It’s ideal fishing for young kids.

My Dad and a group of friends spent last week fishing at Lake Mulwala.

They caught a lot of Murray cod and a couple of yellowbelly.

The biggest cod was caught by my cousin’s husband Brendan which was 76cm long.

The fish was over sized and returned to the water.

They caught quite a few cod in the legal size range keeping a couple for a meal and releasing the rest, as well as plenty of undersized fish.

Their fish were all caught on spinnerbaits and hard body diving lures.

◆ ON THE BITE: A nice brown trout caught on a Strike Tiger Micro Minnow in Black Caviar colour in a tributary of the King River last week. The water is cooling and the trout are becoming active.

with Rob Alexander WANGARATTA

Baked blackberry brie

THIS recipe, courtesy of Megann Evans for Fresh Aussie Berries, is a decadent treat during peak Australian raspberry and blackberry season (November-May).

It serves approximately eight people.

More recipes like this can be found at www.freshberries.com.au.

Ingredients

1

1/4

1

1

1

1

Method - compote

Place blackberries or raspberries, caster sugar, lemon, water and vanilla in a saucepan and simmer over a low heat until sugar has dissolved and has thickened slightly, approximately 5-10 minutes.

Do not boil - it will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.

Transfer bowl of compote to fridge and leave at least 1-2 hours before serving (the mixture will keep in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze for three months).

Method - brie

Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius.

Prepare the brie by shaving off the top of the white rind on one side.

Position onto a tray lined with baking paper, then arrange blackberries and scatter small dollops of blackberry compote in between the berries.

Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the brie is soft and gooey.

Sprinkle with pistachio nuts and desired herbs and serve immediately.

Uniting the foster care community

LIZ Gould is a foster carer in Shepparton with almost 10 years of experience in care.

In that time, she has worked with many service providers and young people and said it really comes down to community, love and support.

“I’m a single carer and I love what I do,” Ms Gould said.

“I wanted to fill my house with love and laughter, and I wanted to give something back to the community, so that’s why I first got into foster care.

“While I wouldn’t change it for the world, sometimes being a carer is isolating.

“You cannot always rely on family and friends to step in for support when you need help.

“Having another carer that I can lean on, vent to, or have over for coffee with the children in their care would be so transformative, and that’s why I think something like the Mockingbird model has been missing for a lot of people who have ever been involved with caring for kids.

“Things like picking the kids up from school or sports in the afternoon, connect-

ing the child in your care with someone their age, bouncing parenting ideas with someone who has been through a similar experience – that peer network is so important.”

Life Without Barriers is launching a Mockingbird Family in Goulburn.

This model unites six to 10 foster care families in the local community supported by an experienced carer called a Home Hub Provider.

This group acts as an extended family.

We know it takes a village to raise a child and that’s what the Mockingbird Family model is all about.

We’re currently looking for more carers to come on board and be a part of this community.

“Being a foster carer is incredibly rewarding - it fulfils me and hopefully I can fulfil their life,” Ms Gould said.

“I’ve also found it to be a really unique way to connect with people in my community through meeting new people and families who are also fostering.”

◆ BREAKING BARRIERS: Life Without Barriers carers, Liz Gould and Christina Scott are part of the Mockingbird Family launch in Goulburn.

■ From page 1

“I have thoroughly enjoyed being president and I feel proud of what we do as a club,” she said.

“Of course, a rod run year is a lot more work but with lots of rewards with meeting up with new and old friends within the rodding community.”

Ms McKenzie said she is extremely proud to be a part of the club and that they have provided her with plenty of support over the years.

“Life has thrown me many curve balls in the last 12 years but the club and members kept me busy and supported,” she said.

“I am pretty proud of receiving three club person awards for three different years and my 10 years of service award.”

While the club is male dominated, Ms McKenzie said that hasn’t deterred her or made her experience any less enjoyable.

“I don’t really notice it that much as a male dominated industry as most members have a partner in the background who attend different functions and help out when we need it,” she said.

“The guys are great; they are very supportive within the club and outside too.

“I can get a little lost when they start talking about their cars and what they have been doing to the car, but you can pick things up along the way.

“I guess that can sometimes be a challenge otherwise you only need to ask.”

Her advice for women entering any space, male dominated or otherwise, would be for them to do their best, be themselves and make sure they enjoy what they are doing.

“There is no use doing something if you’re not enjoying it,” she said.

Ms McKenzie said the WRCC is always looking for more members and that people are always welcome to join their meetings on the second Wednesday of each month at the North Eastern Car Club rooms in Tarrawingee to see what they’re about.

“It’s always great to have new members join as they bring with them more knowledge, new and different experiences along with new personalities,” she said.

She said she would recommend other women get involved in the club not only for the cars, but also the social aspect.

“Certainly, if they are interested in cars as it’s a great support, source of help and information whilst having the social side of being part of a club,” she said.

For more information on the club and to see any upcoming events, visit https://www.facebook.com/ profile.php?id=100054509768884. ◆

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

JOIN OUR TEAM! Compliance Coordinator

Project Manager

Plant Operators Civil Development Engineers

Drainage Leading Hand and innovative organisation? Visit www.alpineshire.vic.gov.au/council/ careers

WHITFIELD DISTRICT PRIMARY SCHOOL

Classroom Teaching Position available.

Full time Fixed term contract till the end of year with possibility of ongoing.

Are you an enthusiastic teacher looking to work in a small school environment in the beautiful King Valley. The position is for our senior classroom, instructing 19 delightful students. You will be working with a dedicated team of teachers, support staff and parents. We provide ‘exceptional educational experiences’ and value respect, empathy and curiosity.

Applications are invited now.

For more information

Tel: 03 5729 8286 or 0407 827 789 or visit Recruitment online, job number 1406849

E-mail: whitfield.ps@education.vic.gov.au Website: www.whitfieldps.vic.edu.au

Outside School Hours Care Coordinator

A position exists at Glenrowan Primary School as their Outside School Hours Care Coordinator. The successful applicant must be qualified (or working towards) the minimum Diploma of Childrens Services standard (or equivalent).

The position is for Monday to Thursday 3pm to 6pm, or as negotiated.

Some work in school holidays would also be available.

Position description available by emailing glenrowan.ps@education.vic.gov.au

For further information contact Principal Karly Duncombe 5766 2221

Closing date Monday, April 8, 2024

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.

Echuca - Technical Assistant - TECH003

North Central Vic - Concrete Site Maintenance - COSM001

Shepparton Country Concrete - Site Manager - SHCC002

Beechworth - Concrete Batcher / Truck Driver - BEEC002

Echuca - Technical Manager - TECH002

Tocumwal - Concrete Site Manager - TOCU001

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

Your local Wangaratta Chronicle has brought together local employers and local employees for generations ...and it is no different 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

Call our Classifieds team on 5723 0101 or email us - classifieds@nemedia.com.au

BOOK REVIEW

with Simone Kerwin NORTH EAST MEDIA

◆ AN AMAZING READ: Settle down and read ‘The Most Amazing Thing’ with a loved one, and enjoy the chat that follows.

Prepare to be amazed

ONE of the most beautiful books to come across my desk in recent months is a new release which has teamed a philosopher/primary school teacher with a bestselling illustrator.

‘The Most Amazing Thing’ is a gorgeous picture book about wonder which explores the meaning of life, and comes up with an answer that will offer hope and warmth to readers of all ages.

It is the first picture book produced by Ian Hayward Robinson, a trained primary school teacher who has written more than a dozen mathematics textbooks for primary schools and is a former head of professional writing and editing at Chisholm Institute.

Ian was also a tutor in philosophy at the University of Melbourne, and taught philosophy of education at Coburg Teachers College.

All of his experience is drawn together in ‘The Most Amazing Thing’, which follows a youngster named Henry as he contemplates life while searching for something to do on a rainy day.

Everyone in the family is busy doing something at home, and when Henry’s mum - who’s writing a chapter of her novel - suggests that Henry draw her “the most amazing thing”, he’s stumped for ideas.

So he seeks advice from his other family members - science-loving sister Greta, mindful brother Simon, and his astronomer dad - who

all have their views on what is the most amazing thing in the world.

Henry is still not sure, and when he catches up with his mum again while she’s having a coffee break, she gives him an answer that makes real sense - and at the same time links in with what everyone else was thinking.

Ian’s words are perfectly paired with artwork by Matt Shanks, bestselling illustrator of Jimmy Barnes’ ‘Rosie the Rhinoceros’, who has collaborated with some of Australia’s bestloved writers, including Jackie French and Peter Helliar.

Matt is a two-time fellow of the May Gibbs’ Literature Trust, and an Australian Literary and Numeracy Foundation ambassador, and his passion shines through in this book.

‘The Most Amazing Thing’ is a really lovely, warm explanation of our place in the world.

It would be perfect for family members to share while reading aloud, as it not only echoes the questions youngsters may be feeling and not able to voice, but also reminds older readers of the wonder that’s present in the world - if only we take the time to stop and soak it in.

Share it with someone you love, and you’ll feel ‘amazing’.

* ‘The Most Amazing Thing’, by Ian Hayward Robinson and illustrated by Matt Shanks, published by Allen & Unwin (RRP $19.99).

Ready to make a difference?

We’re looking for 6 -10 compassionate individuals to become part of Life Without Barriers’ Mockingbird Family - an innovative network of foster carers changing children’s lives together.

Guided by our experienced Hub Home Provider, you’ll receive training, emotional support, and respite.

Be a part of something extraordinary and make a difference together. Become a foster carer with Life Without Barriers Mockingbird Family.

Visit lwb.org.au/mockingbirdfamily or scan the QR code to learn more!

Five tips to keep your children healthy this winter with natural remedies

WHEN the winter season sets in, parents often find themselves navigating through a seemingly never-ending cycle of runny noses, coughs, and sneezes.

However, it doesn’t need to be like that.

With a few natural home remedies and hints, you can bolster your children’s immune systems and keep them healthy and vibrant throughout the chilly months.

Here are five tips to help your little ones thrive this winter:

1. Boost immunity with nutrient-rich foods

Add immune-boosting foods into your children’s diets, such as fruits rich in vitamin C (like oranges, strawberries, and kiwi), vegetables like broccoli and spinach, and foods high in zinc (such as pumpkin seeds and lentils).

Add pumpkin seeds to children’s smoothies for a nutrient dense snack.

A well-balanced diet lays a strong foundation for a robust immune system.

2. Stay hydrated Hydration is key to maintaining good health, especially during the winter months when indoor heating can lead to dry air.

Encourage your children to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Herbal teas, like chamomile or ginger tea, can also provide warmth and hydration while offering additional health benefits.

Create a ritual where you have tea together while mulling over the day.

3. Nurture respiratory health with steam therapy

Steam therapy can help relieve congestion and soothe irritated airways.

Create a steam tent by running a hot shower and sitting with your child in the bathroom for a few minutes.

with Christos Miliankos

◆ THRIVING TOGETHER: There are many ways you can help your children’s immune systems as winter nears.

Alternatively, you can use a humidifier in their bedroom to add moisture to the air and ease breathing during sleep.

Adding a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint may also help.

4. Harness the power of herbal remedies

Nature offers a plethora of herbal remedies to combat common winter ailments.

For instance, elderberry syrup is renowned for its immune-boosting properties and can help fend off colds and flu.

Honey and lemon drinks can soothe sore throats, while garlic has antimicrobial properties that may help fight off infections.

5. Prioritize rest and relaxation

Adequate rest is essential for supporting the body’s natural healing processes.

Ensure your children get plenty of sleep each night and encourage relaxation activities like reading, gentle yoga, or meditation.

Stress management plays a vital role in maintaining overall well-being.

When kids are stressed their cortisol levels rise and it’s harder to focus at school and home - though it also puts a strain on their immune systems.

By implementing these natural strategies into your family’s routine, you can empower your children to stay healthy and resilient all winter long.

Remember, prevention is the best medicine, and small lifestyle adjustments can make a world of difference in keeping illness at bay.

Here’s to a season of thriving together.

To learn more about the ‘Thrive Together’ program for kids’ health contact Christos Miliankos at the NE Naturopathic Group on (03) 5798 3344.