way to play
COMMUNITY connection, a ordability as well as sustainability in reducing waste are some of the key benefits of belonging to a toy library with close to 400 of them around Australia.
For Beechworth Toy Library’s president Amy Desmond, joining the local toy library in town was a great way to help connect to the community when the resident with her family moved to the North East two years ago.
“It was the first way that we were able to meet other families within the community and is certainly a way for parents and carers to connect with each other,” she said.
By CORAL COOKSLEY
Other key features of toy libraries run by volunteers include sturdy toys designed to support youngster’s skill development and imagination covering all growth and developmental stages.
“Our toy library emphasises the value of play and contributes to children’s education,” Amy said.
The Beechworth Toy Library also aims to expand their toy collection to embrace a wider spectrum of ages, from sensory toys to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) kits.
The library wants their shelves to be brimming with possibilities with its mission to cater to every child’s developmental stage from babies and toddlers to tweens.
For Amy the libraries provide a variety of toys at a very low cost throughout the year for families, particularly in the current financial
climate where things can be quite expensive. “Youngsters progress through toys quickly and can lose interest and there’s a need for toys to last for a long time and not be thrown away,” she said.
With recent funding grants over the last two years from di erent organisations and a bigger focus on expansion, the local toy library has been in the position to buy sturdier and long-lasting toys instead of single use breakable plastic ones contributing to a reduction in landfill.
■ Continued Page 6
◆ GOOD FUN: Some of the passionate volunteers with youngsters - president Amy Desmond (left), Felicity Kennedy with twins four-year-old twins Grace and Genevieve, little ‘driver’ three-yearold Cleo Desmond, five-year-old Arthur Desmond with his dad Boris (back left), Jemma Stanwell with one-yearold son Oscar and Anja Skroblin at the Beechworth Toy Library.
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
Protect your dog from heatstroke this summer
WITH the warm weather now well and truly upon us, it’s crucial for pet owners to be aware of the risks of heat stress in dogs.
Unlike humans, dogs can’t sweat to cool off through their skin, making them more vulnerable to overheating, especially in hot and humid conditions.
Dogs cool themselves through the use of panting and very minimal sweat glands located in their paws.
Heatstroke occurs when a dog’s internal body temperature becomes too high - usually over 40 degrees.
This increase in internal temperature is caused by external heat factors, such as high humidity or physical exercise. It can lead to serious health issues, organ failure, or even death if not treated quickly.
Symptoms to watch for:
• Excessive panting
• Drooling and thick saliva
• Dark, brick red gums
• Lethargy or weakness
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Uncoordinated movements, collapse or seizure
To preventing heat stress, limit activity during the hottest parts of the day by scheduling walks for either early in the morning or late evening and taking your dog for shorter walks as the weather warms up will help them acclimatise to the heat.
It’s also important to make sure your dog has access to cool water, especially outdoors, ensure your dog can retreat to a shaded or air-conditioned space when needed, never leave your dog alone in a parked vehicle, and regular grooming appointments can
with Alex Bucci WARBY STEET VET
help remove excessive hair from the coat to improve thermoregulation.
What to do if your dog shows symptoms:
• Move your dog to a cooler environment a shady area or airconditioned area in front of a fan is best.
• Use cool (not cold) water to saturate their coat, particularly the neck and armpits. Wet towels may be used but need to be replaced regularly (every two to three minutes) and avoid placement over their top half as this may trap the heat in.
• Offer water, but don’t force them to drink.
GONE FISHING
• Monitor your pet’s symptoms and watch for changes in behaviour, breathing and response during the above treatment.
It is recommended that your pet has immediate veterinary attention if you suspect they may be suffering from heatstroke - even if their condition is seen to be improving. Without veterinary assistance, it’s difficult to rule out possible internal organ damage.
Although heatstroke can have dire consequences, it is preventable with careful attention to your dog’s needs in hot weather.
By keeping them cool, hydrated, and limiting strenuous activity, you can help ensure your pet stays safe during the summer months.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY, 1824
HUME AND HOVELL PRESS ON
THIS day in 1824 was another rugged day of travelling for the Hume and Hovell expedition.
The party went up and down the series of ranges between Myhree and Tatong, crossing Middle, Ryans and Holland Creeks on the way.
By this time they were low on food, their bullocks were weary, and their shoes had all but fallen to pieces.
Cod season opens Sunday
THERE’S two words that excite many anglers at this time each year, and they are “cod opening”.
The Victorian and New South Wales Murray cod season opens this Sunday, December 1 and right across the region there will be keen anglers on the water at day break trying to catch their first cod of the season.
As I type this report the rivers are in excellent condition, but there’s quite a bit of rain in the forecast so it could go pear shaped before the weekend. In any case, the cod will be biting.
If the water is dirty (which I doubt), try using bait. Cheese is a great bait, so are yabbies and bardi grubs.
If the water is clear, use lures if that’s what you prefer. Any of the usual cod lures will be worth trying. Spinnerbaits, diving lures and surface lures are all worth trying if conditions are favourable.
This is the best time of the year to go cod fishing in North East Victoria.
In the lower Murray River which is largely regulated by various lakes, winter is a great time, but up here in North East Victoria where our riv-
ers run wild and free, summer is the best time of the season with December being the best of the best.
My plan is to head out somewhere on Sunday evening.
I am nursing a very bad back and leg, so my options are limited.
I will find somewhere to sit on my chair and drown some bait (probably cheese).
At sunset I may pull out a lure rod and flick a few lures around near where I am fishing.
Exactly where I will go is dependent on how much rainfall we get this week and where it falls.
Good luck to everyone heading out cod fishing this Sunday, I have a feeling this we are in for a really good cod season in North East Victoria.
Be excited!
◆ SEASON START: Murray cod season opens this Sunday and many anglers across the region are looking forward to catching their first cod of the season.
with Rob Alexander WANGARATTA
Crunchy soft mushroom tacos
THIS recipe serves six, with the mushrooms complemented by Baja sauce and citrus rough guacamole, and was created by Miguel Maestre for Australian Mushrooms.
More recipes like this can be found at www.australianmushrooms.com.au.
INGREDIENTS:
BAJA SAUCE
1 jalapeño, roughly chopped
• 1 lime, juiced
• 3 tbsp sour cream
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt, to taste
CORN SALSA
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tin canned corn
2 tomatoes, cores removed, diced same size corn kernels
• Leaves from ½ bunch coriander
½ red onion, diced size of kernels
• 4 flat mushrooms, cut in thick slices
• 3 tbsp Mexican seasoning
• 1 tsp dried chilli (optional)
• Splash extra virgin olive oil
CRUNCHY SOFT TACOS
6 taco shells
6 soft tortillas, softened on an open flame (or in the microwave)
• 2 ripe avocados
• Splash lime juice
• Dash extra virgin olive oil
1. Combine all ingredients in a mortar and pestle (or a small food processor) until all ingredients are smooth.
2. Set aside.
CORN SALSA
3. Heat up 1tbsp olive oil in a medium sized pan over a high heat.
4. Sauté corn for 2 minutes until golden, add to a bowl with the rest of ingredients, then mix together.
5. Set aside.
for 2 minutes on each side, to avoid burning the marinade.
7. Set aside. CRUNCHY SOFT TACOS
8. Finally, cut both avocados in half and remove each pip, setting aside.
9. Using a fork inside each half, mash the avocado together with lime juice, sour cream and olive oil to form a rough guacamole.
er to close till you are ready to use.
11. Spread each soft tortilla with a spoonful of guacamole, then wrap around the hard taco shell.
12. Gently press the soft tortilla to the sides of the hard taco shells, using the guacamole as a glue.
13. Repeat with remaining taco shells and soft tortillas.
10 pickled green peppercorns
• ½ bunch coriander, roughly chopped
1 lime, juiced
• 1 jalapeño, sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
MEXICAN MUSHROOMS
2 tbsp sour cream Salt and pepper, to taste
Method: BAJA SAUCE
MEXICAN MUSHROOMS
6. Then, marinate the mushrooms with all ingredients, panfry on a medium heat
10. To preserve the bright green and avoid oxidation, you can return the pips to the centre of the avocados and stick the halves togeth-
14. To serve, spoon a little of the salsa into the base of the hard taco, top with Mexican mushrooms and drizzle with Baja sauce.
15. Eat immediately.
◆ TASTY TACOS: These crunchy tacos are a recipe for everyone to enjoy.
A sustainable way to play STORY
■ From page 1
The Beechworth Toy Library also seeks grants to be used towards engaging older children with more educational games or for outside sport.
“The purpose of the toy library is to make sure we’re leaving a sustainable impact on the community and on the earth,” Amy said.
“I think toy libraries are a great way to also choose the type of sustainable future we want to see.
“If more people use shared community toys and resources rather than going out and buying things brand new, that sends a message that we want to be consuming less.
“The more we do this, hopefully we’ll start to see shifts in the larger system because if people are wanting less consumption, less waste, and better outcomes for the future, they create that through their actions.
“That’s why supporting toy li-
braries can be helpful.
“They have a huge impact on sustainability, because one toy can be used by 40 families instead of 40 families buying the same one.”
With toy libraries around for more than 50 years in Australia, the local toy library running for around the last two decades has some of the original toys kids still love.
“I couldn’t even begin to imagine how many families have enjoyed borrowing those toys,” Amy said.
In an all-round sustainability factor and making things financially easier for families, joining the Beechworth Toy Library costs $40 a year providing access to more than 400 toys that can be borrowed or exchanged once a week.
Amy praised the peak body Toy Libraries Australia for having a wonderful team helping to promote the national organisation while lobbying the government for funding.
“They’re trying to open more and make it more accessible to communities, and they really work with the teams and if they need help with anything at all as well as making sure there is greater access for libraries in more areas around Australia,” she said.
The Victorian government in support of toy libraries to give more children and families access to highquality toys for fun and creative play, earlier this year allocated new funding to expand the toy library network and improve current services.
The funding announcement included the delivery of six new toy libraries across the state.
The Beechworth Toy Library powered by a passionate team of volunteers is completely independent but under the Toy Library banner and runs as a non-profit service for its members serving the broader community.
◆ CONNECTED: Youngster five-year-old Arthur Desmond (front left) with mum Amy Desmond and three-year-old daughter Cleo, four-year-old twins Grace and Genevieve with mum Felicity Kennedy and Boris Desmond (back left), Anja Skroblin, Jemma Stanwell with one-year-old son Oscar all love the Beechworth Toy Library.
PHOTO: Coral Cooksley
NorthEast JOBS
To
Trails
Beechworth
$87,358
Beechworth
$64,738
Governance Officer
Beechworth
$73,785
Visit
THE ROLE OF PUBLISHERS
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NorthEast JOBS
Alpine
Production Technician
We are seeking mechanically minded individuals to perform a variety of operational functions for the production of Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF). This is a fulltime position, operating under the site EA on a 12-hour rotating 24/6 roster;
• 4-week Rotating Shift Roster Cycle;
• 2 weekends off in every 4;
• Shift Allowance;
• EA Level 4 base $29.39, with 35.75% loading, $39.90 per hour.
For further information, please contact the HR Officer—Alexandra on; (03) 5723 0454 or apply directly via Seek.
GREAT JOBS FOR GREAT PEOPLE
The
HR BUSINESS PARTNER
Based in Milawa, Victoria 12 Month Full-time Fixed-term Contract Commencing February 2025
Brown Family Wine Group are seeking a talented and passionate HR Business Partner to join our dynamic team on a temporary full-time basis for 12 months to cover a parental leave period.
About us: Brown Family Wine Group is one of Australia’s most loved and respected wine companies built on over 130 years’ experience in quality winemaking, market leading innovation and family values that are at the heart of everything we do as a business.
We are a proud and passionate business who are strong on values and culture. Most recently we have identified by workplace culture authority Great Place to Work as one of the 100 Best Workplaces in Australia for 2024. We have also maintained our certification as “A Great Place to Work” for the sixth year in a row and are committed to honouring this recognition throughout all aspects of the business.
l cal Need staff?
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! Then give us the job...
About the Role: Reporting to the Head of HR, the Human Resources (HR) Business Partner will act as the focal point for all people related matters for our Milawa site and will provide support in all areas across all HR strategic, advisory and operational services.
About the person: We are seeking an experienced HR professional who thrives on driving change in a fast paced and constantly changing environment to support strategic outcomes. You can engage stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership, painting a vision and influencing people to bring them along on the change journey. You will also have:
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a HR generalist role
• Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources or similar
• Demonstrated expertise in employee relations
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels
• Proactive and solution-oriented mindset, with the ability to think strategically and identify innovative HR solutions
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data to drive decision-making
What’s on Offer:
• A 12 month fixed-term contract with an anticipated end date of February 2026
• Generous employee benefits including discounts on all products
• Flexible work arrangements
• Career Development
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Be part of a passionate and dedicated team
More Information: Further information and a position description may be obtained by emailing Allyce Henwood at
JOBS AT INDIGO
You don’t have to do it alone: help for carers
DID you know there are over 2.65 million unpaid carers in Australia?
The perfect tool set for the aspiring builder
KINCROME now has a 14 Piece Kids Tool Set for the aspiring builder.
Kids can now follow in the footsteps of their parents as the tool set brings building to life with real construction tools that are designed to be safe for little hands.
It also comes with a handy toolbelt pouch so they can easily carry around their tools while having construction fun at home.
The tool kit contains:
• a Phillips Screwdriver No.2 x 100mm
• safety glasses
• safety glasses case
• two pencils
• a sharpener
• a carabiner
• 2m tape measure
dream a reality.
Maybe you’re one of them–looking after a loved one with a disability, illness, or aging-related needs.
It’s an incredible thing you’re doing, but let’s be honest: it’s tough.
Caring can take a huge emotional, physical, and even financial toll.
In fact, the 2024 National Carer Survey found that nearly 60 per cent of carers feel socially isolated, and more than half struggle with high stress and low wellbeing.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
Many carers put their loved ones first and neglect their own needs.
Asking for help can feel overwhelming–maybe you’re too busy, don’t know where to
start, or think, “I should be able to handle this myself”.
But here’s the truth: you don’t have to do it all on your own.
There’s a lot of support out there to help make things a bit easier.
Carer Gateway, for example, o ers free services designed just for carers, including:
• Coaching: Learn how to manage stress and look after yourself through online or inperson sessions.
• Counselling: Talk to some-
one who gets it and can help you work through the tough moments.
• Community Connection: Meet other carers who truly understand what you’re going through.
• Online Skills: Learn practical things like managing finances or handling paperwork.
• Financial Aid.
• Respite Care.
There are also other great resources like SANE forums, Beyond Blue, and Lifeline, plus condition-specific support from groups like Cancer Council, Dementia Australia, Diabetes Victoria, Amaze and Eating Disorders Victoria to name a few. Taking care of yourself matters just as much as caring for others.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to these services, your GP, or even a friend–you deserve support, too.
◆ ASPIRING BUILDERS: The 14 Piece Kidcrome Kids Tool Set is the perfect gift for the aspiring builder.
with Mick Seymour NORTH EAST FASTENERS
with Teresa McMahon
SOUTH WANGARATTA MEDICAL CENTRE