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STALWART: Volunteer and Stanley Athenaeum coordinator, Chris, Dormer, loves helping to look after the athenaeum’s local history reference collection, community archives for family history and its photographic collection.
By CORAL COOKSLEY
BEECHWORTH resident Chris Dormer had her outstanding contributions to both Beechworth and Stanley communities recognised when named Indigo Shire’s Citizen of the Year in last month’s local Australia Day award celebrations held in Beechworth.
For Chris, volunteering is a natural way of life having grown up near Warren in the central western country district of NSW with her parents as role models being active in their community.
“Volunteering was always part of our family life as my parents both put their hands up to help and we were always talking what was happening in the community,” she said.
“You grew up with that, it’s what you do, and I love volunteering and like working with people.”
Living in Stanley for 34 years with a move to Beechworth eight years ago, Chris hasn’t stopped volunteering to help make a difference to her communities.
Among a string of volunteer roles as a
founding or committee member for various organisations she has been a longtime member of the Beechworth Arts Council.
“The Beechworth Arts Council has done a lot of community things over the years including bringing live music to Beechworth, starting the monthly farmer’s markets back in 1981 and we held film festivals in Mayday Hill’s Bijou theatre,” she said.
“We were part of developing a rich and vibrant community.
“I was originally a teacher but then gave it away and worked at the Burke Museum for 10 years.
“With an interest in art I did go back to study a Diploma of Visual Arts at the Riverina College of Advanced Education now Charles Sturt University in Albury.
“It was really great because we were taught how to frame and present work, and organise exhibitions giving us all those sorts of skills which were really useful when I worked at the Burke Museum.
LEPTOSPIROSIS is a bacterial infection that can cause serious, fatal illness in our pets.
Leptospira - the bacteria thrives in warm wet places and is spread through urine contaminated water and soil.
This bacteria can survive in the environment for weeks to months.
Stagnant water such as puddles, slow flowing streams, ponds or lakes are the highest risk areas.
Many animals can spread this bacteria but it is particularly prevalent in rats and mice.
Dogs may be at risk if this bacteria enters their body via cuts or abrasions, or occasionally through the membranes of the mouth, nose or eyes.
The highest risk areas are north-eastern NSW and Queensland.
It is a relatively uncommon disease in this region with most vets only seeing around 0-4 cases per year.
However, it’s a zoonotic disease meaning it can be transmitted to humans so it is important to stay on high alert.
Continue to practice good hand hygiene when around animals and avoid contact with their urine.
Clinically signs of leptospirosis in dogs are broad but may include decreased appetite, fever, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, increased thirst and urination, as well as stiffness and soreness.
The primary damage caused by the bacteria is on the kidneys and liver, and can result in rapid onset kidney failure.
Leptospirosis can be fatal if treatment is not commenced promptly due to complica-
with Dr Madeleine Bensley Ovens and Kiewa Veterinary Hospital
tions with other organ systems.
It is important to take your pet to their vet if you suspect any of the above signs and we can begin the diagnostic process and treat for and rule out other diseases that cause similar clinical signs.
Prevention involves limiting access to standing water (puddles, ponds, streams), controlling rodent populations and avoiding contact with wildlife.
There is a vaccination program available in Australia; however, it is not carried by all clinics.
REYNOLDS FACTORY, 1977
NOTICE has been given of the impending closure of the Reynolds Chain Factory at Benalla.
Reynolds Chains had been in Benalla for almost 30 years, the factory being erected in the late 1940s, and production commencing in the early 50s.
The reasons given for the closure were depressed markets, and competition from cheap imported chain.
It had been decided to concentrate production at the Mulgrave plant.
AFTER mentioning in last week’s column that the fishing around Wangaratta was quite slow, I went out and caught my biggest Murray cod of the season at approximately 75cm long.
I caught it on a diving hard body lure, and also caught two small trout cod on surface lures.
People have been talking about the Ovens River fishing poorly, and some people have told me that they’re catching a lot of turtles.
The reason is that the Ovens River is the lowest that it has been for three to four years.
We are not use to seeing it like this because it’s been a while.
It can and may get a lot lower over the coming weeks if we don’t get much rain.
When it is low it tends to warm up and become darker in colour.
Couple this with wind storms and lots of gum leaves falling in the water and it can become very dark, almost black.
During this time the fishing is often slow.
What we are experiencing now is perfectly
normal for this time of the year.
As the dry periods drags on, many shallow lagoons along the river bank start to dry up, forcing the turtles to move into the river or deeper lagoons to seek refuge, hence the higher rate of turtles being caught.
During drought years when the larger lagoons also start drying up, the river becomes infested with turtles that will move back into their lagoons when the water returns.
These are just my observations.
There are still cod biting in the river, but you need to be there at the right time when they come on the bite.
In other news there have been a few small redfin caught in Lake Buffalo and Lake William Hovell.
Lake Nillahcootie is fishing very well for yellowbelly and Murray cod although most fish have been quite small.
Some of the deeper lagoons along the Ovens River have been fishing well for carp.
READING is a fantastic way to learn about other people’s experiences and cultures, and also to imagine yourself into amazing situations.
The three beautiful picture books we’re giving away this week offer readers just those opportunities.
Firstly, there’s the next instalment in former AFL star Adam Goodes’ ‘Welcome to Our Country’ series, ‘Walk With Us’.
Inspired by the Uluru Statement from the Heart, ‘Walk With Us’ is the fourth book in the bestselling series.
The story features members of a non-Indigenous family being led on a walk on Country by an Aboriginal elder, as they head to their favourite park.
The walk not only teaches Harvey and his mum about Aboriginal customs, but helps them reflect, feel calm and connect with Country and their ancestral spirits.
Written by Goodes and Ellie Laing, and illustrated by David Hardy, the book is for both children and adults.
“As the title suggests, this book is about inviting readers to go on a journey of learning and appreciation together, to ultimately advance our nation,” Laing explained.
‘Our Family Dragon: A Lunar New Year Story’ is a celebration of love, family and the magic of the Lunar New Year, written by Rebecca Lim and illustrated by Cai Tse.
Lim says the story was written for children who walk in two worlds and celebrate two New
By SIMONE KERWIN
Year events each year.
“It’s also for children generally - to indicate the world is a diverse and interesting place, and to help them learn about cultures that are maybe far removed from their own,” she said.
Our third giveaway book centres on a land which is certainly far from our own, in ‘Mr Chicken Goes to Mars’.
The most ambitious journey yet for the much-loved Leigh Hobbs character takes him to the outer reaches of the known universe.
Mr Chicken is very curious. He loves meeting new people and travelling to new places. He’s been to Paris, London, Rome and all over Australia, but one day he realises that he has never been to outer space.
Mr Chicken is on his way to Mars and adventurous readers are invited to join him for the ride.
IF you would like to win this collection of three picture books - ‘Walk With Us: Welcome to Our Country’ by Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing and illustrated by David Hardy (RRP $24.99), ‘Our Family Dragon: A Lunar New Year Story’ by Rebecca Lim and illustrated by Cai Tse (RRP $24.99), and ‘Mr Chicken Goes to Mars’ by Leigh Hobbs (RRP $24.99), simply email skerwin@nemedia. com.au and tell us why you’d like to own them.
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“I think the arts council is a great training ground for many people in terms of running exhibitions and having community events.
“I like having creative challenges working with creative teams, writing and presenting ideas when opportunities arise such as running a project I worked on, ‘Women Vote’, with the arts council when it was the 100-year anniversary of women having the right to vote in Victoria.
“It supported and promoted discussions of women’s history and achievements.
“We’ve run a family album photographic exhibition every decade with a different focus and the fifth Beechworth Family Album will be happening this year.”
Chris said the skills she
gained in grant writing have helped attract funding for organisations she has worked with including the Beechworth Arts Council and the Stanley Athenaeum and community events.
“It’s having an idea for a project, deciding to develop that idea and how you actually make it happen,” she said.
Chris has been the coordinator of the Stanley Athenaeum since 2006 where she is a team member of the volunteer group known as the Friends of Stanley Athenaeum.
“Our job is to manage and look after the building and we look after the heritage book collection,” she said.
“We have a local history reference collection, community archives for family history, a photographic collection and we open regularly on a Friday.
“We also have events and functions for people in Stanley and hold an exhibition every year for a significant story about Stanley or focus on a member of the community taken from our story collection.
“At the moment, we have an exhibition of George Peach photographs from the early to mid-20th century as his photographic collection was donated to the museum by his son last year.
“We’ve published three books and also produce a calendar each year from the Stanley Athenaeum collection of photographs.
“We’re quite a busy little group.
“So many things happen through volunteering such as the Senior Citizens Club which wouldn’t exist otherwise, and the arts council has been sig-
nificant in bringing arts and cultural activities to the community.
Chris is also president of the Beechworth Senior Citizen’s Club and is on the Stanley Hall committee.
“I was also on the committees Stanley Cemetery Trust and Stanley Recreation Reserve and am still on the Stanley Hall committee,” she said.
“I think the thing is, you just have to be really open to other people’s ideas and make collective decisions.
“And I think people are really happy to help when an initiative is undertaken and it’s incredibly rewarding to work together toward common goals.”
“I’m a bit fearless as I just say - well, let’s see if we can do this”.
Chris’s other roles from committee member to found-
◆ PASSIONATE VOLUNTEER: Chris Dormer loves creative challenges and working with creative teams, writing and presenting ideas when opportunities arise for running projects.
ing member of many groups and organisations across the shire have included the Murray Museums Network Group, Mechanics Institutes Victoria
in Melbourne, Beechworth Exercise Activity and Training Group Inc. (BEAT), Green Fingers gardening group and Creators Artspace.
BRIGHT PHARMACY
The Robertson Group is looking for pharmacy assistants to join their busy teams.
No previous experience necessary, training will be provided.
Junior or senior applicants welcome to apply.
Full-Time and Part-Time positions available. The successful applicant will be required to demonstrate a high level of communication skills and be a team player.
Remuneration in accordance with pharmacy industry award, experience and capability.
Please send all applications to: administration@brucerobertson.com.au
All applications will be strictly confidential.
Full-time
North East Media, publisher of the award winning Wangaratta Chronicle, is currently seeking expressions of interest from enthusiastic and motivated candidates to join the team in Wangaratta as a journalist.
We are seeking university graduates in journalism/communications (or equivalent experience) who have a genuine interest in living and working in a progressive regional Victorian community.
The successful candidate will be expected to write clear, concise and interesting news, sport and feature stories for our tri-weekly newspaper and associated digital and social media platforms.
We are searching for a skilful, passionate and determined journalist with excellent verbal and written English, sound computer skills, solid general knowledge, a genuine interest in the local community, and an ability to build rapport and networks quickly.
You will need to be well organised, able to work to deadlines, and have strong attention to detail.
Candidates must hold a valid driver’s licence, be available to work flexible hours, and photography and social media skills are desirable.
North East Media is a leading independent family-owned media group with a commitment to community journalism.
Applications, including covering letter and resume, should be forwarded to: Jeff Zeuschner, Group Editor, North East Media jzeuschner@nemedia.com.au
Mason Park Funerals has an exciting opportunity for a Funeral Arranger to join our team in Wangaratta. This is a full-time position with the requirement to be available on an after-hours roster.
No previous Funeral industry experience is required as full training will be provided.
The successful applicant will have:
−The ability to work as part of a close-knit team as well as autonomously.
−Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
−Be highly motivated displaying self-drive, initiative, and adaptability.
−High attention to detail.
−Be a strong team player.
−Be well presented.
−Have high emotional intelligence.
If this sounds like the career path for you, please email your resume with a cover letter to Glenn Bouchier –glenn@masonpark.com.au
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.
Both Casual and Permanent Opportunities Available
About the Restaurant: Brown Brothers Restaurant was recently awarded a hat at the 2023 Age Good Food Guide awards. We are an iconic tourist destination recognised for our outstanding diversity around food and wine experiences, exciting event calendar, and hosts approximately 100,000 visitors per year, with our Restaurant and Cellar Door central to our offer.
About the Role: This is an outstanding opportunity for a motivated and creative Chef to gain exposure to a wide variety of uncommon and inspirational cooking techniques including our fermentation program around miso and sourdough, the culinary art of charcuterie, as well as cheese making. Supporting the Head Chef and working closely with the broader kitchen team, this role is responsible for delivering best in class dining and food experiences to all visitors to the Milawa site. Our food offer is based around organic produce grown in our on-site commercial kitchen garden, so maintaining, harvesting, and processing produce from the garden is a daily expectation.
To Be Successful: As a self-motivated chef, you will be qualified, inquisitive and have a passion for pushing the culinary boundaries and exploring innovative cooking techniques. An outgoing personality, with a positive attitude will mean an easy transition into the team.
What’s on Offer:
Work within one of Australia’s leading family-owned wine companies
Exposure to a range of uncommon and inspirational cooking techniques.
Genuine career progression opportunities
Generous product discounts available
Work with a business that Values Wellbeing, Respect, Innovation and Pride in what we achieve together.
If you are a qualified Chef looking for an outstanding opportunity, APPLY NOW.
Further information and a position description may be obtained by emailing careers@brownfwg.com.au or by calling Allyce on (03) 5720 5500.
Applications will close on 19 March 2024
“LET’S go out for dinner!”
When you hear this phrase, are you ready to enjoy or do you shrink back into your shell and decide to eat at home instead?
Does this conjure up images of everyone conversing easily around you while you struggle to reconstruct the punchline to the joke?
The majority of people who experience difficulties with their hearing find that noisy cafes and restaurants present very big listening challenges, so you are definitely not alone.
Is there anything you can do to rise to that challenge?
Conversely, if you are concerned that your friend’s hearing loss might make conversation difficult, how can you assist?
In a general sense, people with a hearing loss do much better when background noise and reverberation are reduced and when visual cues are available for lipreading to supplement what might be missed.
So, firstly, think about the particular place where you want to go.
Remember that you do not need to accept the first table offered when entering the restaurant – a table away from loud music, kitchen noise or a coffee machine might be available on the other side of the room or possibly outside.
Today’s hearing aids frequently will make automatic adjustments as we move into noisy settings, amplifying better in front of us and reducing some of the noise from behind.
To take advantage of this, think about the noise sources near your table – if there are many people also dining, look for a table
with Diana Bienvenu WANGARATTA AUDIOLOGYaround the edge, not in the middle, and try to take your own seat where that noise is at your back.
In this situation, I suggest people avoid sitting where they can see the doorway as this probably means you are facing the entire room full of noise instead of putting that behind you.
Don’t be afraid to ask your dining partner to swap seats so you can experiment with a different perspective.
It can be quite tiring to listen in noisy places and it is OK to take a break occasionally (for example, to sit quietly or find the restroom) to replenish your energy.
Also, if you need to have a conversation where accuracy is important (say, planning that picnic for tomorrow!), it is better to find a quieter place – you could suggest that you wish to check out the garden and ask that person to accompany you.
Probably one of the most important things for a new hearing aid user is to wear their aids all the time, regardless of whether you perceive they are “needed” or not.
The brain needs that consistent message about all the sounds in the environment to begin to learn to filter them out and this can take both experience and time.
If you would like to discuss any of the issues raised by this article, please contact us at Wangaratta Audiology on 03 5722 4433.
Method
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat.
Add the onion and garlic and cook for 2 minutes until soft.
Increase heat to medium-high, add pine nuts and cook for two minutes until light golden.
Transfer to a bowl, set aside to cool.
Wipe frying pan clean.
Add mince, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, tomato paste, breadcrumbs, currants and parsley to the onion mixture.
Season and mix until well combined.
Roll tablespoons of mixture into a kofta shape.
Place onto a plate, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes if time permits.
Heat the remaining oil in the large frying pan over medium heat.
Add half the kofta and cook, turning often, for 10 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
Remove to a plate and repeat with remaining kofta.
Combine the yoghurt, tahini and half the sesame seeds.
Spread both sides of each roll with the yoghurt mixture.
Cut the cucumbers each into thirds lengthways.
Fill the rolls with the cucumber and kofta.
Sprinkle with the remaining sesame seeds and extra parsley if desired.
Season and serve.
