BEEFED UP YARDING TOPPED $6.5 MILLION
An initial expectation of 3000 head was eclipsed by more than 50 per cent, with more than 4700 head of cattle yarded in Wangaratta last Thursday, seeing more than $6.5M change hands. Full story page 7
PHOTO: Je Zeuschner
Transport barriers to education might be stunting the growth of local businesses and Wangaratta council is asking for feedback to assess the theory.
Young people, jobseekers and adult learners are being asked to respond to an online survey about potential transport barriers in attending training, apprenticeships or further education.
The initiative seeks to understand the real-world challenges
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
faced by young people, jobseekers, and adult learners, and to identify practical, communityinformed solutions.
This research will help council determine if there is a need for a Workforce Mobility Program and what solutions might be worth considering and advocating for.
A short survey is now open and welcomes input from students and trainees, parents or guardians of learners, training providers and educators, employers and job service providers, and anyone with insights into local transport and education access.
Rural City of Wangaratta economic development manager Celeste Brockwell said the idea to investigate came a er business survey
results identi ed a need locally for a skilled workforce.
The survey will help determine whether transport and mobility is an issue preventing people from working or studying.
“There might be opportunities for ride shares or working with our local transport companies to organise buses or smaller shuttle services that might travel to di erent locations,” she said. Transport services might
branch beyond the borders of the rural city, as Wodonga TAFE for example has di erent courses that are on o er in Wangaratta.
“Wodonga TAFE has courses in agriculture so it could be a need to transport people from Wodonga to work in Wangaratta and visa versa,” she said.
“We will be reaching out to Wodonga TAFE, as well as some of the RTOs (registered training organisations)
based out of Wodonga, about what they’re seeing with transport barriers.”
Mayor Irene Grant said they know that access to transport can be a hidden barrier to education and employment.
“This project is about listening to our community and exploring whether options like ridesharing, shuttle services, or fuel vouchers could make a real di erence,” she said.
■ Continued page 3
The Wangaratta Chronicle attendance at the midwifery ward on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9.30am to take photos of newborns with their parents, grandparents and/or siblings. Consent forms are available from Northeast Health Wangaratta and from Wangaratta Chronicle
If you would like a photo but are not at the ward at the time of visiting, you can come into the Wangaratta Chronicle office at 37 Rowan Street during office hours to organise it.
Photographs are available to purchase from the Chronicle office.
Beau Kimball was born at Northeast Health Wangaratta on Thursday, 21 August at 9.20am and weighed 3.62kg (7lb 16oz. He is a little brother to Zahli and India, and is the son of Renae Kimball and Braiden Kimball of Corowa.
Stationeer concerned about long-term issues at railway precinct but...
A local rail action group mem ber has aired concerns of the long-term functionality of the new-look Wangaratta railway pre cinct.
Repairs are currently being un dertaken by Inland Rail contractors at the station’s new eastern entrance, with the accessibility ramp temporarily closed.
BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au
the east and west sides of the station.
Concrete is being replaced a er cracking, and an uneven surface was observed.
There is also a temporary bridge over a footpath going into the station, with the surface seeming to have sunk.
The $70 million Inland Rail project at Wangaratta was o cially opened in May and included building of a new west track and platform for northbound tra c, installation of accessibility infrastructure and new carparking on
Wangaratta Rail Action Group member David Maroney said he held major concerns about the functionality and longevity of the precinct’s new infrastructure.
Mr Maroney, who attends to regular maintenance at the station, said he believed the concrete cracking and uneven surface was caused by rainfall in the week prior to the repairs beginning, citing the water table was just four metres below surface.
“The surface beneath is like putty a er it rains,” he said.
“Since they changed the gauge over, the ancient top lay-
er has been disturbed.
“I’m concerned about the movement, because we haven’t had much rain since they nished this, if we get a downpour, goodness knows what’s going to happen.”
On the western accessibility ramp, cracking and patchworks can be seen along the wall, which Mr Maroney said he feared would only worsen with heavier periods of rain and heavy trains coming through the new bow in the tracks to get under the Green Street overpass.
“As the train is coming from the south, the pressure of the train pushing this way, the pressure on the wall underneath here would be tremendous,” he said.
An Inland Rail spokesperson said on large construction projects such as the transformation
of the Wangaratta railway precinct, it was common for minor defects to be identi ed and repaired soon a er its completion.
“Site inspections, defect identi cation and recti cation are required under the construction contract and Inland Rail and our construction partner McConnell Dowell are working together to monitor the completed work,” they said.
“The project’s design and construction methodology have been prepared, approved, and executed to consider the local conditions, including ground types, subsurface water, local climate, and many other site-speci c conditions that exist at the precinct.
“The precinct is expected to continue to operate as intended, as defects are typically minor in nature and quickly repaired.”
By ANITA MCPHERSON
BRIGHT sunshine on a crisp morning brought shoppers out early in Wangaratta in support of Daffodil Day last Thursday.
The Cancer Council Victoria Wangaratta Volunteer group had daffodils for sale at the Reid Street Kiosk and Post Office arcade, and they sold out quickly.
Group leader Barb Thomas thanked the community for their support, saying that while there were fewer daffodils this year due to the dry autumn, they still managed to sell 73 bunches of 10.
“With the sales of the daffodils, pens and pins, along with some very generous donations, we should raise just over $1000,” she said.
Along with Neil Ramsay’s crop of daffodils, Julie Lamond and her husband contributed some of their daffodils to the cause this year, but they have plenty more available which are about to come into bloom.
Anyone wanting to purchase some can call Julie on 0492 948 509, with donations also welcome to the Cancer Council at daffodilday. com.au/.
By JORDAN DUURSMA
The Eldorado Indoor Carpet Bowls Club is set to receive a $3000 to replace their indoor carpet bowls mat.
The club is one of 41 local community groups and not-for-pro t organisations awarded a share of $166,000 in the Rural City of Wangaratta’s 2025–2026 Community Grants Program.
Doug McIntyre said replacing the mat is well overdue, having clear lines on the mat is key to play the game properly, especially for those in their group who are elderly and have a disability.
“We’re very fortunate in that we have all manner of people from our community join in, we like to encourage people to come along even if they feel like they’ve gotten a bit beyond being able to bowl.”
Doug said community connection is a big part of the club.
“We love coming together to catch up and have some friendly competition,” he said.
“For many people in our club, our game is the thing we look forward to throughout the week, I don’t know of a better entertainment for cheaper.
“It’s really about social engagement and community involvement, this club is part
calls on students, workers as part of probe into transport barriers to training, education
■ From page 1
The survey, which closes on 31 October, takes just a few minutes and responses will inform a feasibility study due for completion by the end of 2025. Take the Survey https:// connect.wangaratta.vic.gov. au/training-placement-andtransport
Hard copies are available at the Government Centre Customer Service, Wangaratta Library, neighborhood houses, and training centres.
For more information, contact the economic development team at economicdevelopment@wangaratta.vic.gov. au or phone (03) 5722 0888. Meanwhile, the Country Universities Centre (CUC) in Wangaratta, a facility that provides a place for tertiary students to study, is going great guns. with 130 current registrations.
of the pulse of our community.
The club meets for weekly social games on Thursday a ernoons at 12:30pm at the Eldorado Memorial Hall and is part of monthly regional competitions across the North East with 12 clubs.
The rst week is free, a er that it’s $4 per week for an afternoon of bowls, community and connection, just bring along a plate of a ernoon tea to share.
Judy Scoullar said the club is open to everyone.
“We’re very inclusive, we’re happy to adapt to include people who are less able,” she said.
“We encourage anyone who is over the age of 18 and interested to come along and give it ago.”
For more information about the club or to get involved contact eldoradoindoorcarpetbowls@gmail.com, visit their Facebook page or call Judy Scoullar at 0429 354 783.
CUC is an area at the GOTAFE Wangaratta campus that allows students enrolled with any higher education provider to use the space and equipment.
Centre manager of CUC Ovens Valley, Mark van Bergen, said the most number of students are enrolled with Charles Sturt University (CSU) and La Trobe because they are able to take on a hybrid model of a day a week on campus and the rest at the CUC site or home.
“We don’t actually o er any courses, we are funded to support any students and a lot are people from Wangaratta,” he said.
“Students can access the space from 5am to midnight seven days a week and there are dual screen computers, free printing, with NBN and wi accessibility.
“There are learning skills advisors and sta who can assist with breaking down questions, referencing, and accessing university support.”
The real bonus though is that there’s a community of learners, and while they might be doing di erent courses and subjects, they’re in a building with like-minded people sharing similar goals.
Old School Night Out events are returning to bring Rural City of Wangaratta communities together one hall at a time in spring.
Council says the events are set to be more than just a night of music, as they’ll celebrate local halls and the communities that bring them to life.
This year’s tour will see muchloved local band Sweet Buzz travel across four townships, lling halls with singing, dancing and laughter.
Supported by their local hall committees, each event will showcase the warmth, hospitality and community spirit that make these small towns so special.
The 2025 tour dates include events at: Myrrhee Hall on Friday, 5 September; Tarrawingee Hall on Friday, 10 October; Moyhu Soldiers Memorial Hall on Saturday, 25 October; and Everton Hall on Friday, November 28.
In 2024, the Old School Night
Out brought people together in Springhurst, Edi Upper, Eldorado and Bobinawarrah.
Neighbours, friends and families shared food, stories and the dance oor, reminding us of the simple power of coming together in a local hall.
Grit and Resilience program coordinator Bek Nash-Webster said the events are about more than entertainment, they’re about connection.
“Each hall has its own story, and when people gather in
them, they strengthen the ties that keep communities resilient and vibrant,” she said.
The 2025 tour promises another season of connection and celebration, with live music, homecooked suppers and the joy of neighbours and visitors coming together under one roof.
This event series is proudly funded by the Grit and Resilience Program, with more information available at wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Community/ Grit-Resilience/Whats-On.
Albury Wodonga Health (AWH) is partnering with Gateway Health to deliver and expand Community Paramedic at Clinic (CP@clinic), an innovative program already improving health outcomes for people in regional and rural communities.
Aimed at reducing health barriers for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, CP@ clinic o ers free drop-in community clinics led by paramedics, which provide health screening, education, and referrals to other services.
The globally renowned program was introduced to the region by Gateway Health and currently operates Wangaratta, Corryong, Chiltern and Wodonga, where it has delivered more than 160 clinics and over 1000 health assessments since commencing in March 2024.
Building on this success, AWH and Gateway Health will launch a six-month pilot from 8 September, with AWH’s Aged Services Emergency Team actively involved in service delivery.
With AWH’s support, CP@ clinic will expand into new locations, including across the border into New South Wales. Currently, community
members can work with ex perienced clinicians to com plete health assessments and screenings (e.g. blood pres sure, diabetes, walking tests), receive advice and support for managing chronic con ditions, ask questions about their health and review medi cations, set and track personal health goals, and be con nected to GPs, mental health services, and local community supports.
The partnership will place a stronger focus on social prescribing, which means connecting people not only to medical care, but also to local community groups, supports and activities that can make a meaningful di erence to their health and wellbeing.
AWH CEO Bill Appleby said the agreement will strengthen CP@clinic’s reach and impact, ensuring more communities bene t from accessible, pre ventative care close to home.
“At its core, CP@clinic empowers people to take charge of their health and connects them to care and community before a crisis occurs,” Mr Appleby said.
“By scaling this program alongside Gateway Health, we can expand CP@clinic to more communities, provide
expanded partnership delivering better health outcomes.
timely care, ease pressure on emergency and ambulance services and ensure the most vulnerable in our region have equitable access to care and support.
“This partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration across our region, while also advancing the kinds of
innovative, preventative models of care that are essential to strengthening our health system for the future.”
Trent Dean, Gateway Health CEO, said by supporting the CP@clinic trial and involving the Aged Services Emergency Team in service delivery, AWH is strengthening preventative
health care across northeast Victoria and southern NSW.
“This partnership allows us to reach some of the most marginalised in our community, reduce preventable hospital presentations, and help people remain well and supported at home.
“It is a powerful example of
what can be achieved when health services work together and lead with heart,” Mr Dean said.
Community paramedic Alicia Turnbull said a key bene t of the program has been the ability to form meaningful, long-term relationships with clients in our existing clinics.
“These aren’t one-o visits, they allow for ongoing engagement and relationshipbuilding, which fosters trust and leads to better long term health outcomes,” Ms Turnbull said.
“Beyond treating physical issues, we address broader social determinants like housing, income, and food security.”
Lauren Rudd, also a community paramedic, said the program had multiple bene ts for patients.
“Unlike emergency care, where interactions are brief, community care lets us support individuals over time and witness real improvements in their health and quality of life,” Ms Rudd said.
“A key strength of this model is its focus on early intervention and prevention - helping people access support before issues escalate to emergency care.”
Monday, August 24, 2015
By JUSTIN JENVEY
Bright’s Tom Buckley etched his name into the Ovens and King record books on Saturday afternoon with 20 goals in his side’s 151 point demolition of North Wangaratta.
According to the Chronicle’s records, Buckley became just the fourth player in league history to boot 20 or more goals in a senior match - Greta’s Brad Bell holds the record for the most in the Ovens and King league with 22 against Glenrowan in 2012.
over his left shoulder.
The 23 year-old barely wasted an opportunity, finishing the day with accurate figures of 20.3, capping off a magnificent last month in which he has kicked 40 goals at an average of 10 per match.
The effort took his 2015 tally to 74 from just 13 games, the second best mark in the competition, after starting the day sixth on the goal kicking list.
Smith in 1984 against North Wangaratta, and Vere Mounsey, who achieved the feat two years later against Moyhu. Buckley kicked exactly two-thirds of the Bright’s 30 goals on Saturday with Grant Harris, Steve Nightingale, Jai Dykstra and Cal Nicholls providing plenty of quality delivery, while brother Sam Buckley contributed four in another dominant display by the pair.
It was a fitting record to set during a game where Bright dominated the entirety of play.
Buckley went into the final term of Bright’s match against North Wangaratta with 15 majors and registered his 20th with just minutes remaining when he gathered a loose ball 25 metres out before evading a number of tackles and snapping
He also passed Bright’s previous club record of 16 goals, set by Peter
While North Wangaratta was able to get on the scoreboard, they were miles behind the Mountain Men at each break, finishing 6.10 (46) to Bright’s 30.17 (197)
Bright will be hoping Buckley can do much of the same when the Mountain Men take on Tarrawingee in this Saturday’s elimination final.
BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au
Comedian and Gold Logie winner Tom Gleeson is a bit worried that he’s becoming out of touch.
“I drive an electric car, I work at the ABC, and I’m invited to the Logies for the rest of my life - that really sounds like someone who’s out of touch,” he said.
So he’s looking forward to audiences ‘keeping him honest’ when he begins touring his new show - titled ‘Out of Touch’ - in Wangaratta on 25 October.
Akin to the banter he enjoys with contestants on his popular ABC series ‘Hard Quiz’, Tom invites heckling at his shows, and relishes the interaction with the crowd.
It’s something he’s accustomed to in daily life; he said people o en spot him in the street and “lean right in” to their desire to trade barbs with him.
“I usually just let them towel me up,” he said.
There are no secrets between the performer and his audience; a number of years ago, Tom introduced a nal segment to his live shows, asking crowds what they did or didn’t believe about what he’d said - a little like a magician revealing his tricks.
He’s since made it a xture of his performances, and it will be on the table again when his tour kicks o in Wangaratta, before taking in dozens of cities and towns across Australia.
‘Out of Touch’ will be on the bill at the Sydney Opera House in January, and at the Adelaide Fringe Festival and Melbourne Comedy Festival in the rst half of 2026.
So, just months a er an appearance on SBS series ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’ in which Tom bemoaned the fact that his family history research took him to Wangaratta and not to some far- ung exotic location, the question is: why start a tour here?
STARTING POINT: Comedian Tom Gleeson will kick o his national tour in Wangaratta on 25 October.
“I think you’re the beneciaries of scheduling,” he quipped.
“Actually, I really like Wangaratta; I o en drive between Sydney and Melbourne, and it’s a great charge point for my electric car, and I really like that park where you can walk along the river (Apex Park).
“With ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’, when I got the call, I was thinking about the fact that I had friends who’d done it who had been to Europe and had all these amazing trips, but when they called me they said, ‘Don’t waste your time looking for your passport’, and I drove two hours from home.”
Known for his roles on ‘Hard Quiz’ and ‘Taskmaster’, Tom said he relished the chance to return to his stand-up comedy roots, and said he didn’t nd the current climate of political correctness to be an issue.
“A big part of comedy is identifying taboos, and those taboos just shi ; I feel you can say whatever you like, and the audience keeps you on track,” he said.
“If they don’t like it, they won’t laugh.
“Stand-up is the thing I’ve done the most, and it’s a very comfortable place for me to be.
“When you perform live, you take bigger risks, because it feels like the show
happens and then it disappears into the ether; TV’s fun too, but it’s di erent.”
Having watched an endless stream of contestants line up with weird and wonderful ‘Hard Quiz’ topics over 10 seasons, Tom has had time to determine what would be his chosen subject.
“I think I’d choose trigonometry, because I’m pretty good at maths, and it’s a fairly small subject that sounds impressive - and noone would steal,” he said.
As he prepares for his national tour, and continues to enjoy the life of a Gold Logie-winning presenter, there is a common question arising - particularly in online chat - about Tom Gleeson’s future: will he play the role of mushroom cook Erin Patterson’s estranged husband Simon in a mooted mini-series, considering how much they look alike?
“I’m waiting for the call - no-one’s called me yet; I think they might be worried people will laugh as soon as I walk on screen,” he said.
“O en when I was growing up, the funniest I’d be was when I didn’t mean to be; it’s the reason I don’t run a funeral home.”
By JEFF ZEUSCHNER
The always highly anticipated Wangaratta Orchid Show has been cancelled for this year.
The popular twoday show has been an annual fixture in early September for decades, delighting hundreds of showgoers with its exhibits orchid sales.
But long-time Wangaratta District Orchid Society, Lyndsay Fiddes,
said the club had made the decision, with much regret, to cancel next month’s show.
“Unfortunately we’ve had a number of things which have led to the decision,” she told the Wangaratta Chronicle.
“Ill health of a number of organisers and judges, as well as our guest speaker, has brought it about.
“We have every plan to hold it again next year though.”
Schools, kindergartens and early childhood services in the Wangaratta district assessed to be at the highest risk of fire will receive funding to keep the grounds safe.
The Victorian government is providing the grants to be used to clear vegetation growth and reduce the risk of fire on and around the grounds of each education facility.
Organisations in Wangaratta include Christopher Robin Kindergarten, Wangaratta Primary School, and Wangaratta PS TheirCare.
Glenrowan Kindergarten, Glenrowan Primary School and OSHC, Whit-
field Community Child Care Centre, Whitfield District Primary School and OSHC are also on the list.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll announced 345 campuses across 330 government schools would share in $8.4 million to carry out essential maintenance work as part of the Bushfire Preparedness Vegetation Program (BPVP). These schools are required to undertake vegetation works on a regular basis to reduce the risk of harm to the school’s community and buildings in the event of a bushfire.
Your new glass recycling bin will be delivered during July and August. Take a moment to update your recycling knowledge.
To purchase your tickets to Tom’s show at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on 25 October from 7pm, visit https://www.wpacc.com.au/ Whats-On/TOM-GLEESONOut-of-Touch
Visit wangaratta.vic.gov.au/purplebin
The rural city and the region always has an extra spring in their step when its rural industry is flourishing.
It creates jobs, boosts the economy and generally makes life so much easier for many of us living in the city’s outskirts.
While the quality is still there, it hasn’t been the case for this area for a couple of years, but things looked to turn for the better last Thursday morning.
Coming off a surge in the market in recent weeks, local vendors cashed in as buyers looked for value in cattle, with much more potential to put on weight than previous years.
To say it’s been a tough season for our local farmers is an understatement.
While we’re not in the worst drought area in the country, there has still been mounting pressure on producers to source enough feed for their farms.
Our annual pre-spring weaner sale is traditionally a big hit on the Wangaratta calendar and it was absolutely no exception this year.
Australia’s feedlot numbers have surged to near-record highs, creating strong demand for feeder cattle, and boosting prices, making this sale at the perfect time.
Vendors were well aware of the opportune moment the sale presented, as shown by the appearance of around 1700 more head than advertised.
While we are still going to need some rain before greener pastures come this way, we’ll be ready when it comes and it sounds like the market is primed to stay up long enough for the community to keep the good times rolling.
1. The Bob Dylan song, Hurricane, was based on which person?
2. How many dice are used in a game of Yahtzee?
3. Who was the Federal Minister for Environment Protection, Heritage and the Arts from December 2007 to September 2010?
4. In which country would you nd Fiordland National Park?
5. Who was the coach of Perth Breakers (Lynx) when they won the 1992 WNBL Grand Final?
6. What is Natalie Portman’s real surname?
7. In which decade did the RMS Titanic hit an iceberg and sink?
8. What is the of cial language of Tajikistan?
9. Which actress was Andre Agassi’s rst wife?
10. Who wrote the 1897 novel, War of the Worlds?
11. Which three colours are on the ag of Jamaica?
12. In Australia, the horse- y is better known by what name?
13. What is the third largest ocean in the world?
14. Which sport is featured in the 2017 movie, Battle of the Sexes?
15. Starting with N, what is the proper name for baby cockroaches?
16. Which organisation gives the Red Tick for approved foods?
17. In which TV series did Robert Downey Jr play the role of Larry Paul?
18. Gordon Greenidge played his last cricket test match against which country?
19. Who was the rst nude male centrefold in Australia’s Cleo magazine?
20. Which city was formerly known as Calcutta?
Facebook users have commented on the pending installation of wombat crossings in the CBD funded as part of a statewide investment.
Anita Klima: Good. The number of times I’ve nearly been skittled at the crossing in Ford St because of idiots who come roaring around the corner from Ryley St into Ford St without a care in the world.
Annee Daglish: Anita
Klima and this is going to stop the the idiots from roaring around. I don’t think so Stephen English: Anita Klima ever been taught to look left and right before crossing the road or are you one of those who just walk straight out without looking sort of know what I mean Anita Klima: Stephen English the number of times I’ve been on that crossing with idiots racing around the corner is ridiculous. And no,
The Allan Labor Government has once again shown that it can’t manage nances, can’t keep our community safe, and it is Victorians that are paying the price.
In the middle of a record-breaking crime wave, Labor has chosen to spend $13 million on 40 “machete bins” across Victoria, including one in Wangaratta.
That money would have been far better spent supporting our police and strengthening community safety.
Instead, we are seeing funding cuts to Victoria Police, sta shortages at local stations, reduced operating hours at regional courts including Wangaratta, and the closure of Dhurringile Prison.
These decisions are leaving frontline o cers stretched to breaking point and putting community safety at risk.
More than 1100 police positions remain un lled, and since November last year, 43 police stations have either shut their doors or reduced hours simply because there are not enough o cers to keep them open.
In regional Victoria, this means longer response times, fewer patrols, and communities le vulnerable while crime continues to rise.
Labor’s priorities could not be more out of touch.
Instead of investing in frontline policing, improving court access, and properly managing o enders, this government is wasting millions on expensive gimmicks.
Regional Victorians deserve better.
Annabelle Cleeland, Nationals’ MP for Euroa
While Commonwealth Minister for Health, Disability and Ageing, Mark Butler’s announcement to establish a dedicated focus on children with mild to moderate developmental delay or autism is welcome, there is a critical area of urgent reform in the NDIS that remains overlooked.
The Summer Foundation remains concerned for the very people the NDIS was designed to support who are still stuck in group homes and have not been able to bene t from the transformational intent of the scheme.
There are more than 43,500 people with high support needs currently supported by the NDIS.
The cost of supporting this group is more than $15 billion a year.
NOTE:
I dont just step out without looking, I’m not that bloody stupid.
Kelly Richards: Are they going to magically teach people the road rules too? Because the ones in Ovens St still have morons go flying through without giving way to pedestrians. Stephen English: Kelly Richards I’ll repeat what I just said down below look left look right and then walk common sense you
are sometimes blind to the driver of the car does that gel Richard Jeffreys: How about taking away paid parking Brenda Mahoney: This council love to waste rate payers money Josie Hurley: Brenda Mahoney of course they do they think we have plenty of money Al Pal: Have to protect the wombat
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is the fourth Nonie has created for the
acknowledge di erent celebrations and commemorations at the club. It was gratefully accepted by
The cost of Supported Independent Living (SIL), a key support for this cohort, has surged by 28 per cent over ve years.
Despite the investment, people with disability with high support needs continue to face limited choice and poor outcomes from their housing and living supports.
They are o en relegated to group homes where incidents of abuse and neglect are frequent, despite warnings and recommendations for action from the Disability Royal Commission.
The government needs to urgently back a greater variety of housing and living supports for this group of people, including drop-in and on-call supports, and more individualised approaches such as host and homeshare arrangements.
The NDIS was built to support people with signi cant and permanent disability to live with dignity and independence.
Without urgent reform to how we deliver support to people with high support needs, we are failing the very people the scheme was created for.
Jessica Walker, Summer Foundation
Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) is deeply disappointed that the Fonterra board has approved the sale of its global consumer, Oceania, and Sri Lanka businesses to the
world’s largest dairy company, Lactalis. In July, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) agged it would not oppose the acquisition.
The ACCC said it isn’t going to a ect competition in the domestic milk market, but we very much disagree.
Combining two major buyers reduces choice and bargaining power for farmers along a supply chain already dominated at the processor and retail end.
It’s a major threat to farmgate prices and the Australian dairy industry.
Following the Fonterra board’s decision last week, the nal hurdle for the sale is now approval from Fonterra’s farmer shareholders in New Zealand in late October or early November.
Ben Bennett, president, Australian Dairy Farmers
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BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au
Local cattle vendors have pounced on a major surge in the market as $6.5 million was turned over at Wangaratta’s August feature sale last Thursday.
Around 100 people gathered with keen interest at the Wangaratta Livestock Exchange for the annual Gordan Sinclair Memorial Sale, which yarded a whopping 4700 head, some 1700 more than advertised.
The sale drew major interest from southern buyers based in the Penola and Naracoorte region looking to take advantage of a favourable season.
A surge in the market paired with heavy northern and southern interest over recent weeks prompted an o oading of cattle in the North East and beyond, with many vendors cashing in.
Of 2734 steers sold at Thursday’s sale, they went at an average of $5.65/ kg with the lighter steers between 200-280kg reeling in returns of $5.77/kg on average and as much as $6.75/kg.
In the heifers, heavier cattle in the 330-400kg range drew the most value at $4.68/kg on average and an overall average of $4.56/kg out of 1879 heifers sold.
Corcoran Parker cattle agent Reiley Murtagh said the sale was a great indication for the spring months
LOCKED IN: Thursday’s annual Gordon Sinclair Memorial sale drew major
on a favourable season in their region.
and there was still plenty of time for the region to be receiving its much-needed downpour of rain to make for an ideal season.
“It’s not so touch and go at the minute, we’ve still got a comfortable six or seven weeks where we can get a rain and we’re still going to have a massive season in this area,” he said.
“Cattle prices are at a level where it’s very good for sellers and the cattle that people are buying are not over fat, they’re proper store animals.
“The weight of the cattle
GOOD REWARD: Merrijig cattle farmers Steven and Adam Mahoney brought in great returns for their 75 black baldy cattle sold at the sale following a tough season in the region.
is exceptional for a buyer, it’s easily 40kg lighter than last year.
“For everyone involved it’s perfect times to be in.”
Coloured cattle including
euro steers, Herefords and Black Baldy steers were also pushing the $6/kg mark.
Mr Murtagh said the season had turned on its head for those in the south
west of the state and border
South Australian communities, who have been subject to “crucifying” conditions.
“If it’s a good season, we generally see those south-
ern blokes go very strong but in the last 18 months, they’ve been copping it,” he said.
“But now they’re having a good season, it’s just turned around.”
Mr Murtagh said the positive market trend was expected to be maintained.
“Especially with the longrange forecast is all very positive in the world meat market and domestically,” he said.
Steve Mahoney and son Adam from Merrijig were selling 75 Black Baldy cattle some 10-11 months old with Fernhill Angus blood.
From 31 steers at an average of 233kg the Mahoney’s brought in $6.30/kg, and $4.80/kg for their 27 heifers. Adam said it was an exceptional result for his old man.
“Pretty tough conditions we’ve had here in Merrijig, we’ve been feeding out a lot of hay and they’re probably 50 to 60 kilos lighter than what they were last year,” he said.
“We’ve had to buy in a lot of hay to get through that, but we got rewarded with good prices.”
Mr Mahoney said the farm was set for a good season if the region could be blessed with much needed rain over the next couple of months.
“Hopefully we can get out of this drought and things start looking good, because the prices are there,” he said.
“The cows will start calving soon, we just need the conditions to come along.”
National Dog Day is on August 26 and we are getting ready to celebrate all our furry friends in the best ways possible! Can you believe that our furry friends have been with us for at least 14,000 years? Thank goodness for that because what would we do without man’s best friend? It is time to pull out all the
and pictures of your pup and share your love for them with the world!
All Saints Estate has been named the winner of Fortified Wine of the Year, in the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion Awards.
The All Saints Estate Museum Muscadelle NV, Rutherglen scored 100 points; the only varietal winner of 17 to receive a perfect score.
All Saints Estate also retained a perfect score of 100 points for its NV Museum Muscat, making All Saints Estate the only winery in Australia to attain two perfectly scored wines in the Halliday Wine Companion.
They were made by fourth-generation winemaker Nicholas Brown, who oversees all winemaking and viticulture for All Saints Estate and its sister properties.
The 2026 Halliday Wine Companion Awards recognise the nation’s top wines, winemakers, viticulturists and wineries.
The awards ceremony held in Melbourne featured a first look at the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion and revealed winners across seven major categories, including Winery of the Year - Brokenwood, (Hunter Valley, NSW), Winemaker of the Year - Virginia Willcock of Vasse Felix (Margaret River, WA) and Viticulturist of the Year – Dr Dylan Grigg, Vinya Vella and Meristem Viticulture (Barossa Valley, SA).
Halliday also honoured Brian Croser, a new inductee into the James Halliday Hall of Fame:
Australian Wine Industry.
Over 7000 wines were reviewed for the 2026 Com panion, with Victoria win ning more varietal awards than any other state for this edition, including Pinot Noir of the Year, Pinot Gris/ Grigio of the Year, Fortified of the Year, Rosé of the Year and Cabernet and Blends of the Year.
Award winners were de termined collaboratively by the Halliday tasting team including Dave Brookes, Jane Faulkner, Jeni Port, Katrina Butler, Marcus Ellis, Mike Bennie, Philip Rich, Shanteh Wale and Toni Paterson MW.
All Saints Estate was the only North East Victorian winery to feature in this year’s winners list, with renowned wine writer Jeni Port describing the Muse um Muscadelle as “the stuff of dreams or, to be precise, history” saying “with base wines reaching back 100 plus years, this offers a rare and privileged taste of ex traordinary age, complex ity and sheer hedonistic pleasure.”
Best New Winery went to Elanto Vineyard (Morn ington Peninsula, VIC) and Wine of the Year to Thistle down Wines This Charm ing Man Single Vineyard Clarendon Grenache 2024 (McLaren Vale, SA).
TOP DROP: Nick Brown is the winemaker at All Saints Estate, which won Fortified Wine of the Year for its All Saints Estate Museum Muscadelle NV, Rutherglen at the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion Awards.
Barometric pressures have continued to be well above the normal August means of 1018mbs in Melbourne for most of the past week despite two frontal passages.
As a consequence rainfalls are still well down on average over most of Victoria.
Rainfalls to date include 6.2mms at Wangaratta, 11.8mms at Benalla and 8mms at Rutherglen - which are all more than 50mms below the August average and the driest to date since 2014 or 1944.
Mean maximum temperatures at these three major towns were to date this month close to 16 degrees, which is about 1.5 degrees above normal whilst mean minimum temperatures were 0.5 degrees - the coldest since 2006.
Despite alpine resorts having good snowfalls on 6 August, precipitation totals to date this month have been about half the August average, with the lowest temperatures falling to about minus 8 degrees.
In the snowfields at Thredbo the temperature fell to minus 13.2 degrees, which was the coldest for August since minus 13.5 degrees in 1987 after which we enjoyed warmer and drier conditions during September 1987 with the temperature reaching 28 degrees on 26 September.
Heavy rain fell during mid October and again the second week of November and at beginning of December 1987. January 1988 was very hot with the highest temperature reaching 42 degrees during second week.
Both Sydney and Jervis Bay had more heavy rainfall last week as another cutoff low pressure near Adelaide moved away to northern NSW while a high pressure cell strengthened over Victoria.
The rainfalls to date in Sydney have reached 286mms and at Jervis Bay have reached 304mms which is the wettest for August since 1998.
Other very high August totals at both places were in 1952 and 1899.
The Rural City of Wangaratta invites local community groups, clubs and organisers to submit an Expression of Interest for a range of summer opportunities, including the 2025/26 Summer Program of events, 2025 New Year’s Eve Food & Beverage Vendor, and the 2026 Outdoor Ball Food & Beverage Vendor.
Rural City of Wangaratta
Mayor Irene Grant said summer in Wangaratta is a time for connection, celebration and community spirit.
“It’s also a season where our parks, streets, and outdoor spaces come alive with activity,” she said.
“These opportunities will support local organisations and businesses and bring people together.”
Those with events scheduled between December 2025 and February 2026 are invited to express interest in being part of council’s 2025/26 Summer Program.
Whether hosting a one-o event, running a sports club, coordinating a regular hobby group, or organising a casual co ee catch-up, the activity is welcome for consideration.
The digital program will be hosted on council’s website where it can be accessed by residents and visitors alike.
Council says it is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the vibrant and diverse events happening across Wangaratta during the summer months.
Listing the event in the digital program is completely free, while additional paid advertising options are also available.
Food and beverage vendors are invited to submit an expression of interest for the 2025 New Year’s Eve celebration at the Wangaratta Showgrounds.
With over 10,000 attendees expected, the regionally signi cant event will feature live music, two reworks displays and a vibrant selection of food and drink o erings.
Council says it is an ideal opportunity to showcase a business to a large and enthusiastic crowd as everyone rings in the New Year together.
Expressions of interest are also open for vendors who wish to be part of the 2026 Outdoor Ball.
A standout event on Wangaratta’s social calendar, the ball is set against the picturesque backdrop of Merriwa Park.
The Latin-themed celebration draws over 1200 guests to an evening of vibrant live music, energetic dancing and a curated selection of food and beverages.
Public marketing for the event will commence in October, providing excellent exposure for participating businesses.
All those interested in nding out more can submit their EOI at wangaratta.vic.gov. au/summer-eoi, or contact events@wangaratta.vic.gov.au for more information.
ACROSS
1 An Australian boxing champion was known as Young … (6)
8 Which New York City street is famous for its theatres (8)
9 What is a group of words containing a subject and a predicate (6)
10 To be reasonable, is to be what (8)
11 Name another term for a wine bar (6)
12 IX is the symbol for which number (4)
13 Which term means comparative darkness (5)
16 Name an alternative name for perfume (5)
19 What is a place where service personnel eat together (4)
21 What is an agreement or compact (6)
22 Which cross is given for conspicuous bravery (8)
23 What are fictitious prose narratives (6)
24 To have covered brickwork with plaster, is to have done what (8)
25 To emphasise, is to do what (6)
DOWN
2 Which English explorer was a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I (7)
3 To have found a defect, is to have done what (7)
4 Name a character in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (6)
5 What are dogs known as (7)
6 To sparkle in the light, is to do what (7)
7 Who rides a pushbike (7)
have a number
13 Name an area near the kitchen in which food is set out on plates (7)
Some values are in the right hand cells.
Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in
14 To depart in a sudden and secret manner, is to do what (7)
15 To authorise, is to do what (7)
17 What is a long-bladed hatchet used by butchers (7)
18 Which herbs are armed with stinging hairs (7)
20 When one ceases moving, one does what (6)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
1 AMITY (a) Improvement (b) Friendship (c) Eager desire
2 CLARION (a) Clear and shrill (b) Making intelligible (c) Giving claim
Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.
CLUES: Advocate (7) Bawl (3)
Breadth (5)
Common typo: the (3) Farm animal (3) Home Run (7) Letter (3)
Moisten roasting meat (5) Sit on your heels (5) Ten-legged cephalopod (5)
37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677
FLY fishing course, full day course covers the basics of y shing, including equipment, casting tuition, y selection and streamcraft, to be held on Sunday, October 12, 10am4pm at the Log Cabin, 28 Chisholm Street, Wangaratta, cost $70 includes lunch.
To book your place contact 0427 756 665.
CONCRETING , all types. Big or small jobs, concrete demolition and removal, Bobcat and Excavator work.20 years’ experience. For a free quote phone Trev Anderson on 0422 200 761.
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KITCHENS JUST FOR YOU, new kitchens, face li s, wall units, prompt service. Phone Roland 0414 950 647.
PAINTER, old school, for all your painting needs, commercial, industrial renovations. Phone Juliano 0412 597 482.
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COMPLETE snow skiing gear, ski’s, clothes, no boots. $400. Ph 0489 044 162.
DRYSPLIT FIREWOOD, quality boxwood and gum, available now, $170 per metre, dry, split, ready to burn, fast delivery available. Call G & J Tree Services on 0474107631
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Applications close Friday 5th September
Forward applications to: Business Manager belmore@belmores.com.au 03 5744 1221
1/7 Albert St, Myrtleford 03 5752 2288 www.belmores.com.au
Full or Part Time Opportunity
North East Media the publisher of Wangaratta Chronicle has an opportunity for a Print Assistant to join our established team based at our Wangaratta print site. No experience in the print industry is required.
Duties Include
• Supporting our technical print team in producing over 25 newspapers every week.
• Assisting the lead Printer in the operations of the press, including set up and production
• Job preparations using raw materials such as plates, paper and ink.
• Helping operate the newspaper collating machine
• General housekeeping of working environment such as cleaning and keeping area safe.
Applications
Maintenance
• Newspaper and magazine deliveries. Please send applications to:
AMBROSIO, John. 13/3/1952 – 18/8/2025
Son of Charlie and Angela (both dec), brother to Mary and Glenys. Loved and loving husband of Jenny. The best Dad to Leah, Naomi, Claire, Emily, Tara, Huw and Gemma. An open-hearted father-in-law to Nick, Jon, Tara and Henry. And the greatest Poppy to Charlie, Walter, Harry, Bella, Gg, Ned, Emmett, Oscar, Morgan, and Edna.
He loved to farm, could x anything and was always ready to help. He was generous, sel ess and protective, a devoted poppy, father and husband.
Among the many things he taught us, was the importance of family and community; the value of hard work, and that there is always room for ice-cream.
WODONGA 1.13.26.3 7.6.48
WANG ROVERS 5.68.911.11 17.12.114
GOALS: WODONGA: N. Spiteri 3, A. Jorgensen 1, J. Cassidy 1, N. Bradshaw 1, J. O’Sullivan 1. WANGARATTA ROVERS: T. Boyd 5, W. Christie 4, N. Cooper 3, C. Thompson 2, A. McCarthy 1, N. Scholte 1, L. O’Brien 1.
BEST: WODONGA: C. Morrison, A. Jorgensen, R. Bourke, N. Bradshaw, J. O’Sullivan, T. Johnson. WANGARATTA ROVERS: A. McCarthy, T. Boyd, X. Allison, J. Rigoni, N. Scholte, E. Dayman.
MYRTLEFORD 4.14.68.9 11.12.78 NORTH ALBURY 2.45.78.9 11.11.77
GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: R. Sharp 5, L. Murphy-Dale 1, B. Calogero 1, L. Miotto 1, M. Munro 1, K. Agosta 1, R. Smith 1. NORTH ALBURY: J. Murphy 6, A. Gardiner 2, J. Hayes 1, D. Brew 1, J. Weidemann 1. BEST: MYRTLEFORD: M. Tenardi, T. Cappellari, R. Smith, S. Curtis, M. Munro, J. East. NORTH ALBURY: J. Murphy, J. Hayes, A. Gardiner, J. Weidemann, I. Campbell.
Wangaratta6.3 (39) Albury 14.11 (95)
BEST: WANGARATTA: C. Ross, C. Hines, H. Burgan, T. Gorman, K. Driscoll, L. Shepherd. ALBURY: J. Shanahan, Z. Packer, D. Gibbons, L. Dattoli, K. Wilson, G. Flanagan. Wodonga4.11 (35) Wang Rovers11.14 (80)
BEST: WODONGA: B. Doswell, M. Jorgensen, B. Russell, B. Oates, C. Garoni, D. Jones. WANGARATTA ROVERS: H. Nolan, S. Nolan, S. Allan, M. Cullen, H. McMonigle, S. Rourke. Myrtleford16.12 (108) North Albury 6.8 (44)
A GRADE
Yarrawonga 47 def Wodonga Raiders 42 Wodonga 71 def Wangaratta Rovers 51
Myrtleford 48 def by North Albury 53
Corowa Rutherglen 42 def Lavington 29
Wangaratta 58 def Albury 20
B GRADE: Yarrawonga 39 def Wodonga Raiders 26; Wodonga 43 def by Wangaratta Rovers 55; Myrtleford 43 drew with North Albury 43; Corowa Rutherglen 43 def Lavington 42; Wangaratta 54 def Albury 23.
C GRADE: Yarrawonga 34 def by Wodonga Raiders 35; Wodonga 38 def Wangaratta Rovers 32; Myrtleford 69 def North Albury 26; Corowa Rutherglen 60 def Lavington 41; Wangaratta 86 def Albury 10.
17 & UNDER: Yarrawonga 35 def by Wodonga Raiders 66; Wodonga 37 def by Wangaratta Rovers 68; Myrtleford 63 def North Albury 30; Corowa
Rutherglen 35 def by Lavington 60; Wangaratta 53 def Albury 34.
15 & UNDER: Yarrawonga 11 def by Wodonga Raiders 84; Wodonga 54 def Wangaratta Rovers 30; Myrtleford 56 def North Albury 37 Corowa Rutherglen 16 def by Lavington 72; Wangaratta 67 def Albury 30.
Wangaratta 8.11 (59) def Albury 4.8 (32)
GOALS: WANGARATTA: C. Petersen 2, R. Schultz 1, C. Kerwin 1, A. Jayet 1, H. Barry 1, E. Clayton 1, C. Bott 1. ALBURY: D. Dunstan 3, N. Conway 1.
BEST: WANGARATTA: E. Clayton, O. Boyle, D. O’Sullivan, W. Petersen, N. Kjar, R. Schultz. ALBURY: N. Welch, D. Dunstan, I. Conlan, k. Piltz, N. Morrison, N. Prentice.
Wodonga 4.10 (34) def by Wang Rovers 8.9 (57)
GOALS: WODONGA: C. Brookes 2, M. Bedson 1, G. Prideaux 1. WANGARATTA ROVERS: J. Correll 3, J. Marek 2, R. McNamara 1, H. Dodgshun 1, H. Mullane 1.
BEST: WODONGA: J. O’Neill, E. Kennedy, S. Wapling, J. Dove, G. Prideaux, M. Hack. WANGARATTA ROVERS: J. Ford, J. Marek, E. White, R. McNamara, R. Harvey, J. Allan. Myrtleford 2.4 (16) def by North Albury 12.4 (76)
GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: T. Cooper 1, T. Miller 1. NORTH ALBURY: T. Wiesner-Milham 4, H. Westmoreland 4, W. Harrington 2, C. O’Rourke 1, C. Singe 1.
BEST: MYRTLEFORD: W. Graham, C. Ashworth, S. Colson, Z. Carroll, T. Cooper, C. Piazza. NORTH ALBURY: H. Westmoreland, C. O’Rourke, T. Frazer, J. Eckhardt, Z. Butter, M. McDonald.
Corowa Rutherglen 5.7 (37) def by Lavington 11.13 (79) Yarrawonga 5.8 (38) def by Wodonga Raiders 11.9 (75)
COROWA R’GLEN
GOALS: COROWA RUTHERGLEN: K. Bradtke 2, A. Curry 2, H. Canning 1, R. Murphy 1, K. Williamson 1. LAVINGTON: S. Driscoll 6, J. O’Brien 2, E. Perryman 2, D. Smith 2, T. Oosterhoff 2, C. Annett 2, W. Glanvill 1, A. Swinnerton 1.
YARRAWONGA 0.31.84.11 10.14.74
WOD. RAIDERS 0.12.32.4 5.7.37
GOALS: YARRAWONGA: N. Fothergill 3, Z. Fraser 2, M. Findlay 1, C. Courtney 1, J. Urquhart 1, W. Lutula 1, H. Wheeler 1. WODONGA RAIDERS: M. Way 1, B. Sheridan 1, W. Fordham 1, W. McCarty 1, B. Jones 1. BEST: YARRAWONGA: Z. Fraser, B. Keenes, L. Howe, N. Fothergill, H. Wheeler, J. Urquhart. WODONGA RAIDERS: L. Waters, N. Bracher, W. Fordham, C. Howells, W. Robertson, B. St John.
WANGARATTA 5.29.713.9 17.11.113
ALBURY 0.21.53.8 4.10.34
GOALS: WANGARATTA: J. Clarke 6, X. Laverty 4, M. Bihun 1, H. Gottschling 1, W. O’keefe 1, B. Marjanovic 1, F. Ellis 1, M. Hedin 1, C. Knowles 1. ALBURY: J. Pitt 2, K. Heiner-Hennessy 1, W. Blomeley 1. BEST: WANGARATTA: J. Clarke, C. Knowles, A. Federico, D. Sharrock, C. Barrett, J. Roberts. ALBURY: J. Gaynor, K. Heiner-Hennessy, J. Pitt, J. Kelly, R. Garthwaite, B. Kelly.
BEST: MYRTLEFORD: R. Forrest, D. Bren, J. Gribbin, A. Wickes, N. Turner, H. McKerral. NORTH ALBURY: C. Hetherton, M. Norman, R. Wall, C. Iannelli, C. Summers, C. Bradbury. Corowa Rutherglen5.1 (31) Lavington13.13 (91) BEST: COROWA RUTHERGLEN: J. Johnstone, J. Keys, E. Amery, F. Parker, B. Minogue, J. Richardson. LAVINGTON: J. Weidemann, J. Phegan, D. Finnimore, H. Barber, A. Cohalan, C. Clemson. Yarrawonga10.4 (64) Wodonga Raiders16.6 (102)
BEST: YARRAWONGA: A. Dickins, J. Eales, B. McCabe, T. McKimmie, D. Flanagan, C. Parish. WODONGA RAIDERS: J. Perry, T. Scott, Z. Sartore, I. Anderson, J. Burke, J. Purdon.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 30
QUALIFYING FINAL @ BUNTON PARK, NTH ALBURY SUNDAY, AUGUST 31
ELIMINATION FINAL @ MARTIN PARK, WODONGA
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
Old foes have set up a tantalising cutthroat semifinal next week after a massive first week of Ovens and King football finals over the weekend.
Third-placed Milawa survived an almighty scare in a pulsating five-point win on Saturday while Whorouly claimed their first seniors’ finals win in 12 years on Sunday.
At Whorouly, it was a Lions side who relished their first finals campaign since 2019 from the outset against Goorambat.
Kicking out to a 33-point lead at halftime, Whorouly’s defence cut off seemingly any Bats advance at a comeback in the third quarter and finished winners 17.17 (119) to 7.9 (51).
Coach Michael Newton said it was an exceptional day for the club.
“We put ourselves in a really strong position in the first half, every time they got the footy it felt like we put them under pressure,” he said.
“There’s a few areas to clean up but overall, we were able to control the game on our terms and our effort and intensity was a little bit higher than there’s.”
Newton said Darcy O’Shannessy’s role on one of the league’s premier small forwards, Duane Haebich, was reflective of a strong back half performance throughout the day.
“Woodsy [Cam Wood] was pretty good against Rhys Goodley as well, it was a pretty comprehensive effort,” he said.
Such was the luxury of their lead, Whorouly placed senior leaders Andy, Josh Newton and Max Scott on ice during the last quarter.
“Andy and Josh haven’t played a lot this year so just looking a er them, and Maxy Scott gets beaten and battered about every game, but there’s nothing to worry about there,” Newton said.
Having beaten the Bombers by 93 points the week prior, the Demons were warm favourites running out on a beautiful looking North Wangaratta Recreation Reserve on a sunny 18-degree day in the other final on Saturday.
But as we’ve seen so many times, finals footy is a whole different ball game.
Bonnie Doon spearhead James Law set the game alight in the opening quarter, kicking four first quar-
ter goals including one on the siren to have his team fired up at the first break.
The Bombers size up forward and slick ball movement exposed the smaller Demons backline, with Bonnie Doon big man Tim Berenyi also getting on the end of a goal.
Milawa made the most of their chances up forward to keep themselves in the contest, including backto-back goals in time on to stay within 14 points.
The Demons responded strongly in the second
with centurion goal kicker Brady Bartlett getting the edge over a gripping battle with full back Earl ReeGoodings, kicking three goals to halftime.
Law and the Bombers continued to pepper the goals, but accuracy was becoming a problem, kicking 1.7 for the term and hanging onto a slim lead.
The game would become a dog fight in the second half, as stoppages mounted and goals harder to come by.
The in and under game
looked to suit Milawa the most with midfielder Aaron Law, utility Jared Lea and winger Kyle Collison combining well across the ground.
Lea would kick a pair of crucial goals, including one out of a stoppage, to have Milawa on top while Bonnie Doon continued to rue their chances in front of goal.
Needing a boost 12 points down at the final change, Bombers star Cam Smedley delivered in the early stages of the final quarter,
kicking a coaches goal out of the middle to keep his side in the hunt.
The back-and-forth struggle would continue and with the game calling out for a bit of class, Joel Sanford stood up and put the Bombers back in front.
Bonnie Doon would have great looks in front of goal to put a buffer on the game, but again left their chances hanging.
As the nerves crept onto the eld, the Demons, surged on by a packed crowd, began to get on top and their main
man up forward Brady Bartlett took a big one-on-one mark in range.
Having missed a shot moments earlier, Bartlett wouldn’t make the same mistake 30 metres out on a slight angle, kicking the goal and giving Milawa a lead they wouldn’t give back.
Whorouly and Milawa meet at Whorouly in the minor semi-final on Sunday, after Bright and Greta will battle it out for a spot in the grand final at North Wangaratta on Saturday.
UP FORWARD:
■ From back page
Laverty’s consistent season continued adding another four goals to his season tally, having kicked at least one in each game of his second full season of senior footy.
The team had been crucied by injuries throughout the middle part of the year, but Heatley said some of the team’s senior stars were hitting form at the right time.
“Guys like [Hunter] Gottschling, Sharrock, [Brad] Melville are building momentum and that’s the important piece for us,” he said.
Michael Bordingnon and Nick Richards were le out for another week, with Heatley con dent of their availability for Wangaratta’s crunch Sunday nal.
“‘Bords was lthy not to be playing, he got through training but our medical sta thought it was the right decision to leave him out,” Heatley said.
Heatley said Tilley would be back on the training track this week for the rst time since his round nine injury.
Elsewhere, Wangaratta Rovers will enter nals on a seven-game winning streak a er making light work of Wodonga at Martin Park.
The defending premiers turned on the heat in the opening quarter to lead by 29 points at the rst break and never looked back, winning 17.12 (114) to 7.6 (48), nish-
ing atop the O&M ladder.
Alex McCarthy was best on ground playing on the wing, while key forwards Tom Boyd, Will Christie and Nathan Cooper combined for 12 goals between them.
Xavier Allison, Jez Rigoni and Noah Scholte were also exceptional for the visitors, who earned themselves a week o a er claiming the minor premiership.
Other nalists will include Lavington and Myrtleford, who secured the double chance a er a gripping onepoint win over North Albury.
Heatley said his team were looking forward to being a part of what’s expected to be a thrilling nals series.
“I think if you look at results throughout the course of the year, the top ve have been very competitive against each other, with Rovers the standout,” he said.
“Sneaking through in h, it’s going to be hard fought battles on a weekly basis for us now.”
The Ovens and Murray FNL released their full nals venues with Wangaratta potentially playing host to both semi- nal games on 6 and 7 September.
While the Norm Minns Oval was locked in to host the Saturday game, the semi- nal on Sunday could be played at either Albury Sportsground or WJ Findlay Oval, depending on results from the rst week of nals.
Aaron Law celebrates a er kicking one of his two goals on Saturday, playing a pivotal role in Milawa’s stirring fivepoint win over Bonnie Doon. The Dees will face Whorouly next week a er their win on Sunday ■ Story page 14
Wangaratta have primed themselves for finals footy following a mauling of Al bury at the Wangaratta Showgrounds on Saturday.
The Magpies’ senior footballers quashed any miraculous chance of missing the top ve with the win and will face North Albury in a sudden death elimination nal at Martin Park next Sunday.
Wangaratta were led by captain Jackson Clarke, who
BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au
was enormous up forward kicking six goals while also having his usual impact in the mid eld in the 17.11 (113) to 4.10 (34) result.
The ‘Pies have been trialing a number of options as their number two key forward with Xavier Laverty
since last year’s best and fairest winner Aidan Tilley underwent foot surgery halfway through the year.
Coach Jason Heatley said while Clarke provided the answer in Saturday’s win, his team would continue to mix up their forward makeup to provide versatility and unpredictability throughout finals.
“We had nine goal kickers on the weekend and
for us that’s more important than anything else,” he said.
“What that does it gives you more looks and more opportunity for someone to get off the chain and it was Jackson’s turn on Saturday.
“It’s been a real collective, Matt Hedin competed well and got the ball to ground and that gives your small guys an opportunity to cease.”
As they had done last week, the Magpies were clinical early and put a five-goal gap on the visiting Tigers at quarter-time.
Albury were held to just the single goal at the main break as Wangaratta put the game away by half-time, piling further pain on Albury’s nish to the season.
“Starting well in this competition means a lot,” Heatley said.
“Once we got that ascendency on the scoreboard we were able to maintain and fundamentally play the game on our terms which was nice.”
Usual suspects Chris Knowles, Alex Federico, Dan Sharrock and Cam Barrett racked up the footy while young Jett Roberts was also among Wangaratta’s best.
■ Continued page 15
