South Wangaratta CFA second lieutenant Matt Thomas was helping six-year-old Jack Wright of Wangaratta get some hands-on experience at the brigade’s Get Fire Ready event on Saturday. Full story page 2
PHOTO: Jeff Zeuschner
CFA volunteers to maintain heat on ‘unjust’ tax, costing rural city ratepayers extra $3 million
BY JEFF ZEUSCHNER jzeuschner@ nemedia.com.au
CFA volunteers are not only preparing for the fire season ahead, they're expect ed to turn up the heat against the Victorian government's newly introduced Emergency Services Volunteers Fund levy this summer. The controversial new tax replaced the previous fire services property levy and is currently hitting every household, farm and business, expected to raise an additional $610 million this year for the government, with Rural City of Wangaratta ratepayers forking out an additional $3 million of that.
Victorian Fire Brigades Victoria District 23 president and veteran Wangaratta firefighter, Garry Nash, said the “unjust tax” has been a “particularly big kick in the side” for CFA volunteers.
“For the government to portray it as a volunteer fund is so far from the truth it's just not funny,” he said on the weekend, as CFA
brigades across the rural city, Mansfield and Benalla local government areas he represents held Get Fire Ready events to help their communities prepare for the fire season ahead.
“The CFA is only receiving about 20 cents in the dollar of this tax which councils are being forced to collect for the government, with the
bulk going into fund existing government departments and public sector agencies in place of general revenue.
“The CFA is not receiving enough funding to keep us to the level we need to be...the impact from this government tax is pretty catastrophic.”
CFA brigades across the state fought against the new tax being brought in, seeking
a “fairer” levy to help fund emergency services, which are constantly under budget pressure amid more frequent natural disasters.
Mr Nash said CFA volunteers are as committed as ever to protecting their communities, but the surge capacity of CFA to respond to any major campaign fire could be tested.
■ Continued page 2
By JEFF ZEUSCHNER
Victoria Police recovered the bodies of two deceased women on Saturday at an isolated hiking area near Mt Bogong.
Police said the deaths of the women - believed to be in their 20s to 30s who were yet be identifiedappear to be non-suspicious.
Speaking outside Bright Police Station on Saturday afternoon, Inspector Paul Hargreaves said it was “likely the two women had succumbed to the weather condi-
tions...suffering severe hypothermia leading to their deaths”.
Inspector Hargreaves said there had been some “exceptionally hard, blizzard” weather conditions in the area over the past two to three days, with temperature dropping to minus 2.8 degrees, winds up to 83km/h and some snowfall.
He said police were uncertain how long the women had been there, but it could have been several days.
The deceased women were located in an open area, exposed to
the elements, at Lendenfeld Point, located between Summit Hut and Cleve Cole Hut at Mt Bogong.
Inspector Hargreaves said two hikers came across the scene and called Triple Zero (000) around 12.50pm on Friday, 3 October.
Uniform police officers, along with the Search and Rescue Squad and Air Wing, and SES members responded and made their way to the isolated scene on Friday and spent the night camped at the area.
Favourable weather conditions on Saturday allowed the bodies of
the two women to be removed from the area and their deaths will become a coroner’s matter.
Inspector Hargreaves said police are still following several lines of enquiry to identity the deceased women, and public assistance was still being sought.
He said anyone who had been in the remote area in the past few days and may have seen two women who may not have been dressed adequately for the conditions and may have been disorientated is asked to contact police (1800 333 000).
Inspector Hargreaves said the area, accessed from a walking track at the base of Mt Beauty, is commonly frequented by outback adventurers and it is arduous to get to and if you do not have the right equipment it can become very dangerous.
He said people hiking in that area need to be well prepared and equipped, fully aware of the conditions and how quickly they can change, and it is also advisable to record your details in the log books provided on the track.
By JEFF ZEUSCHNER
Shaded from the glaring sun as the temperature sought to pass 20 degrees on Saturday, South Wangaratta resident Kerry Burgoyne listened intently as South Wangaratta CFA community safety coordinator Sue Sheldrick explained how to install and use the VicEmergency app on her phone.
“Having the app and knowing how to use it will help alert you to any emergencies,” Sue explained, stressing its significance as part of preparing for what is expected to be a challenging fire season ahead.
9261 1930.
Elsewhere in the brigade’s busy station, fellow CFA members engaged with other community members, offering advice on preparing their properties to reduce fire risk, and having bushfire survival plans ready in advance, as part of the CFA’s statewide Get Fire Ready community open days, also run at Laceby West, Thoona, Wangaratta North, Lurg and BowmansMurmungee CFA brigades over the weekend.
“We’ve had more than 40 people through so far...it’s all about people being ready and having their property ready for the fire season,” Sue said.
“I think we’re seeing a greater awareness, with many people al-
UPCOMING GET FIRE READY EVENTS IN THE LOCAL AREA:
• Sunday, 12 October, 9am to 12pm, Killawarra Fire Station
• Saturday, 18 October, 9am to 12 noon, Eldorado CFA at Gunhouse Park
• Monday, 27 October, 6pm to 8pm, Bowser Fire Station
ready working on preparations and seeking re-assurance about what they’re doing.”
Clearing gutters, mowing lawns, trimming branches, knowing where you’ll go if a fire breaks out and setting a watch zone in the VicEmergency app were all on the list, and some people said they’re slashing grass in the absence of cattle and sheep which would usually help graze down the hazard.
“We’ve already signed up a few people to our free Property Advice Visit Service where we walk around the home with the owners and look at reducing fire hazards... looking at how close trees are to homes, creating buffer zones, location of LPG tanks, mowing and slashing,” Sue said.
For Kerry and husband Paul Burgoyne, Saturday’s attendance at the event helped keep them informed and re-assured them of their fire preparations at their home of 40 years.
“We’re on several acres and we’ve seen one of two large fires in the nearby Warby Range over the years,” Paul said.
“A focus for us has been reducing leaf litter as flying embers from a fire are a big hazard.”
With below average rainfall for the area so far this year, the bushfire hazard remains high for the Warby Range.
Extreme bushfire risk areas in the Rural City of Wangaratta, based on insurance premium risk analysis, are Myrrhee, Whitfield, Whitlands, Cheshunt and Henley Ridge.
South Wangaratta CFA captain Brendon French said Saturday’s event was a successful start to what he urged the community to be ongoing fire preparations.
He said running grass fires remained a concern this fire season, noting more people were potentially exposed to the risk with the ongoing residential growth of the city’s perimeters.
Captain French said a minimum of three tankers will respond to any grass fire and on CFA designated ‘hot days’ the response will be a minimum of five tankers with air support from aircraft based at Ovens, Wodonga or Benalla.
■ Further fire ready story on page 12
CFA volunteers to maintain heat on ‘unjust’ tax, costing rural city ratepayers extra $3 million
■ From page 1
“The wonderful thing about volunteers is that they step up and respect the position they’re given and our volunteers have indicated they will not let their neighbours or their communities down and will be there,” he said.
“However, when they look at all the challenges the government throws at them I suppose there will be some reluctance for many who may not step up to be part of strike teams (for major fires across the state or interstate) because they cannot afford the time away when they know they have this tax to pay going forward so it’s a bit of a catch 22.
“Those that can can, will do what they can.
“Unfortunately there has been no incentive or encouragement from the state government to appreciate and endorse what volunteerism is to Victoria.
“CFA volunteers throughout the Hume district have been very respectful of the way things are and haven’t run rogue....they’ve stayed on-line to respond to all fires.
“But many brigades and districts are expected to step up the fight against this unjust tax, attending ag shows across the North East handing out info to scrap the tax.
“Brigade members and community businesses will step up intensity to scrap the tax.
“It looks like the only time this will be revisited is at the ballot box, with the Coalition indicating they would repeal the tax if they got in.”
Mr Nash said it was critically important metropolitan and city people understood the impact the tax was having on country and regional areas.
“I encourage any community members who feel disenchanted the tax to write to the government about it” he said.
“If people want to see change they need to highlight it and call it out.”
South Wangaratta CFA brigade captain Brendon French said his members don’t agree with the government’s tax, but they are not going to put their community at risk.
He said members have in the past gone on strike teams but some will be hesitant and “it will be up to individual people”.
“We’ll do what we have to do to keep our community safe,” captain French said.
Wangaratta doctor Olivia Stuart has taken out a coveted honour in the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) annual Victorian awards.
Dr Stuart, who practises at Gateway Health, has been named the Victorian GP Supervisor of the Year.
The awards acknowledge GPs, registrars, and practices and practice teams who make an outstanding contribution to the health and wellbeing of their communities.
RACGP Victoria chair Dr
Anita Munoz said Dr Stuart, along with the three other category winners, exemplify what it means to deliver high-quality care.
“They are trusted by their patients, admired by their peers, and play a vital role in strengthening the health of their communities,” Dr Munoz said.
“To be recognised with these awards is a testament to their leadership and impact.”
Dr Stuart demonstrates a long-standing commitment to general practice training, with over 20 years mentoring numerous GPs in training.
Her award citation noted she was an excellent role model for registrars, demonstrating clinical excellence, compassion, and a patientcentred approach.
“Her experience providing weekly outreach clinics to Aboriginal communities also enables to her to guide and mentor registrars in deliver-
ing respectful, culturally safe care,” the citation read.
Dr Stuart said it was a privilege to receive the award.
“I am lucky enough to work at Gateway Health which fosters a culture of learning and teaching,” she said.
“I am grateful to be in the position to educate and guide the next generation of GPs, for they will provide healthcare to us in the future.
“I enjoy seeing registrars grow, gain confidence and develop the skills necessary for
a career in General Practice.
“As a rural GP our commu nity relies on registrars for care.”
The winners from Victo ria have been shortlisted for the national RACGP Awards, which will be presented at the RACGP GP25 conference in Brisbane in November.
STATE HONOUR: Gateway Health’s Dr Olivia Stuart has been named Victorian GP Supervisor of the Year.
PHOTO: Gateway Health
BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au
‘Appreciate the Little Things’ is the theme of this year’s Grit and Resilience Festival, which will be held in Wangaratta’s King George Gardens this Friday, 10 October.
The fourth annual event is designed to be a celebration of connection, inclusion and community spirit, with 60 stalls to be set up around the gardens, leaving plenty of space for activities like games, bubble creation and drumming.
It’s timed to coincide with World Mental Health Day, and Wangaratta Grit and Resilience Program coordinator Bek Nash-Webster said there was no better way to reduce stigma around mental health than to “have a party about it”.
Bek said the theme was a key factor in connection, which was the focus of the program.
“It’s the little things that make such a big impact, and this festival is very much about appreciating the little things,” she said.
The little extras at the King George Gardens next Friday will include ‘welcome’ Boomerang Bags packed by the Wangaratta Therapeutic Community; the chance for a free
ice-cream; and the sheer joy of creating huge bubbles which will float across the gardens throughout the afternoon thanks to specially formulated Grit and Resilience bubble mixture.
“We have engaged with two Wangaratta High School students who are our bubbleologists, and will be manning our bubble station, to teach festival-goers how to make these massive bubbles,” Bek said.
“It’s a chance to stop and take a minute and - in line
with the theme - appreciate a bubble floating through the sky.”
As well as free coffee, icecream and fruit, there will be entertainment from Galen Catholic College’s year 12 music students, In the Groove community drumming, a body balance class from M&M X-Treme, and a local circus performer who will be on hand to teach skills such as juggling.
“We also have a henna artist, face-painting, so many
stallholders who are new to the festival including local social groups - and OAK FM will be doing a live broadcast,” Bek said.
“For those who need some time out, there is our low sensory safe space marquee.”
Woodfire pizza will be available for sale in the church carpark adjoining the gardens.
“We’re really proud of the festival, and I think it speaks volumes for the work Grit and Resilience has done over the many years it’s been in the
Rural City of Wangaratta.
“We’ve got a strong reputation for making things happen.”
The free and family-friendly Grit and Resilience Festival will be held in Wangaratta’s King George Gardens from 4pm to 6.30pm on Friday, 10 October.
Following the event, the Grit and Resilience Program will host an Old School Night Out at the Tarrawingee Hall from 7pm, with entertainment provided by Sweet Buzz.
Girl killed in head-on crash on the Hume
Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of fatal head-on collision on the Hume Freeway at Wodonga in the early hours of Friday.
Victoria Police believe a stolen Nissan X-Trail, driven by an 18-year-old Corryong woman with a 16-year-old passenger from the Wodonga area, collided head-on with a utility about 12:50am.
The 18-year-old was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, but the 16-year-old passenger died at the scene.
Driver of the ute, a 23-yearold NSW man, was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police investigators allege the Nissan was stolen from a West Wodonga address on 30 September.
Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives were on-site Friday and continue to investigate the circumstances of the collision. The deadly collision followed two other fatal road incidents in the North East.
A 45-year-old Nathalia woman died after a head-on collision in Kaarimba on Thursday afternoon, while a 30-year-old man was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries.
In Wangaratta, a truck driver died after a fiery crash into two parked trucks at the South Wangaratta Hume Freeway rest area in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Police continue to investigate both incidents.
Local growers are facing a mixed start to spring, with crops across the region lagging behind schedule due to a dry and delayed autumn break.
Wangaratta-based Nutrien Ag Solutions agronomist Claire Wilson said while the season has presented challenges, there’s still cautious optimism for a strong finish, if the weather plays its part.
“We’re probably about two weeks behind to where we’re usually sitting in other seasons,” she said.
“That’s probably just because of our delayed start.”
The slow start has had a knock-on effect, particularly for cereal crops.
“We’re starting to see a bit of drought stress coming into the area in terms of our cereals,” Claire said.
“Most people will be having their final fungicide spray on their flag leaf at the moment, just setting themselves up for the best yield potential.”
While some areas like Dookie benefited from early storms, other parts of the region missed out on crucial early autumn moisture.
Despite the slow start, Claire said advances in crop
BY JORDAN DUURSMA jduursma@ nemedia.com.au
genetics and agronomic practices have helped farmers adapt.
“Twenty years ago, this start probably wouldn’t have worked,” she said.
“But the technology and the breeding genetics through our varieties have really helped us battle the environment and become more resilient.”
Disease pressure is also a concern this season, with rust and septoria beginning to appear in isolated pockets.
Claire said some cereal varieties, in terms of disease, are a little bit more susceptible.
“People obviously do need to keep an eye on that and contact their local agronomist if anything pops up.”
Claire said while sclerotinia hasn’t been widespread in pulses or canola, the conditions remain conducive for disease persistence.
“We’re only getting a mil or two of rain here and there, and most of that is happening in the afternoon,” she said.
Despite the challenges, Claire remains hopeful.
“We’re not necessarily out of the woods,” she said.
“But we’re just hoping for a nice soft spring, some more rain and when we do get a drop, we’re wanting more than just five mil.
“We want anywhere up to 10 at the moment.”
Claire said beyond immediate challenges, growers are encouraged to adopt a proactive approach to future seasons.
This includes reviewing nitrogen budgets, assessing yields and protein content at harvest, and engaging in early discussions about next year’s plans.
“Key considerations include residual product use, rotation strategies and variety selection,” Claire said.
“We need to look at being on top of it for next year, so adapting to a more proactive approach.
Insect pressure is also expected to rise as tempera tures climb.
“With the warmer weather and the winds starting to
“That means the leaf remains wet overnight, which creates an environment where disease can persist longer.”
pick up, we can see a few moth flights getting about,”
Claire said.
“That usually means we’ll end up with a couple of
Growers are being urged to monitor their crops closely, particularly canola, beans, lupins and lentils.
“These are quite prone to
“This is the prefect time to start planning for next year before we’re all exhausted after harvest.
“We can’t control the
By JEFF ZEUSCHNER
Whorouly South cattle producers Luke and Dan Matheson are hoping to reap the rewards of maintaining steady growth of their Poll Hereford weaners during tough winter months at this Friday’s Myrtleford Spring Special Cattle Sale.
The brothers are among more than 30 producers from throughout the Alpine and King valleys who are collectively yarding more than 1000 head of predominantly weaner cattle for sale at the Nutrien Ivone Yards in Myrtleford from 10.30am this Friday.
Selling agent Dan Ivone said the overall yarding
was of good quality, mostly weaners between 250kgs to 350kgs, which he expected to be snapped up by local buyers for solid sums.
Luke has 33 Poll Hereford steers, between 13 to 14 months, weighing 350kgs to 400kgs, with a couple of heifers for the market.
“The steers have grown out pretty well on hay and silage we’ve fed them during the tough winter months,” he said.
“With their condition, and recent markets, I’m hoping they’ll fetch around 550c/kg.
“The tough year in 2024 saw quite a few cattle offloaded early this year so hopefully there will be plenty of interest to restock.”
Luke’s brother Dan will be offering 44 Poll Hereford steers, of similar age and weight, with all the Matheson’ s weaners bred by Wirruna Hereford bulls through the families AI program.
“We’re fifth generation on the land, with both Dan and I running around 100 breeding cattle on each of our 380 acres,” said Luke.
“We’ve got through winter pretty well but like everyone else, we want to see some rain.
“Grass is starting to grow but a couple of inches of rain in the next few weeks would really help ...we want to be able to cut some hay and silage to replenish stocks.”
Newcomers to fishing will get the chance to hook a new hobby at the Glenrowan Recreation Reserve on Gone Fishing Day, Sunday, 19 October.
It’s one of eight free events being hosted by angling clubs and fishing organisations across the state, to give beginners an introduction to fishing.
Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO Travis Dowling said the event at the Glenrowan Recreation Reserve dam which is seasonally stocked with trout, is the perfect opportunity to take out a friend, neighbour or relative who’s always wanted to wet a line, but hasn’t had the chance.
“To help everyone give fishing a go on Gone Fishing Day we’re making Sunday, 19 October a day when a recreational fishing licence isn’t required anywhere in Victoria,” Mr Dowling said
The King River and District Fishing Club is hosting the event at the Glenrowan Recreation Reserve, which is also part of this year’s Wangaratta Seniors Festival.
The club has been supported by a grant from Rural City of Wangaratta community grants program, which it has used to give anglers better access to the site and the waterway.
“We used the grant to install an access
BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au
point and upgrade the track at Glenrowan Rec Reserve, to help encourage more people fishing more often,” said club secretary, Regina Callaway.
“The project has been completed, and we will be holding an official opening at 10am on the day.”
Limited rods will be available with bait provided, and local business Trimble Plumbing is also getting behind event, supplying meat for the free barbecue.
Mr Dowling said angling clubs are the perfect hosts for these events because their members know the local waters, the fish species most likely to be encountered, and the tactics to net that catch of the day that could be a delicious meal on the family dinner table.
“And if participants want to pursue the hobby further, they can join the host club and enjoy all the benefits of being well connected to the local fishing scene,” he said.
Join the King River and District Fishing Club for their Gone Fishing Day on Sunday, 19 October from 10am to 2pm, with a free barbecue at 12pm, and all welcome to come along.
Anyone who has wanted to learn to fly fish, or improve their fly fishing skills, has the opportunity to do so this Sunday, with the Wangaratta Fly Fishing Club to run its annual one day course.
The course includes sessions on all your fly fishing equipment requirements, casting tuition, fly selection, stream-craft and fly tying.
Club secretary, Ray Beavis, said all course notes and equipment for the day are also provided.
The course will be held at the
clubrooms from 10am to 4pm at
The Log Cabin in Chisholm Street, Wangaratta, with the $70 fee also including morning tea and lunch.
“There are limited places so people can book by contacting me on 0427 756 665,” Mr Beavis said.
Fly fishing enthusiasts have been making the most of local streams since trout season opening a month ago.
North East artist Therese Shanley has won the Lane Cove Art Prize 2025, valued at $15,000. She took out the prestigious acquisitive award in New South Wales with her painting ‘One more cup’ (oil on board). Now in its 60th year, the award again showcased the breadth and diversity of Australian contemporary art, with entries from across
Australia shortlisted to 56 finalist works representing an impressive range of painting, drawing, mixed media, and sculpture
The judging panel said Therese’s “skilfully rendered” painting’s simplicity and directness hinted at a narrative that is not apparent to the viewer.
“Thus, having been drawn in, one is left with a lingering sense of
curiosity about the painting which by no means diminishes the enjoyment of viewing,” the panel said.
Therese, who is based in Beechworth, was born in Wangaratta in 1975 and grew up as the youngest of nine children on a farm in Myrrhee.
Her love of art and creativity was instilled by her mother and matured when she left Wan-
Mr Beavis said most streams throughout the North East are in great condition, with steady
flows and clear water.
He said while it was early in the season, there appeared to be good numbers of fish in the rivers and a well presented fly would often result in a hit.
“Over the opening weekend, while the odd brown trout was landed, most fish caught were rainbows in the 22cm to 28cm range,” Mr Beavis said, adding that club members catch and release all fish in the local streams to ensure our fisheries are sustainable.
A new fuel finder feature will soon be available on the Service Victoria app to help motorists compare pump prices from fuel retailers across the state.
The Victorian government says fuel retailers statewide are complying with mandatory fuel price reporting regulations now in effect and set to save Victorian motorists money at the pump.
Minister for Consumer Affairs, Nick Staikos, said almost 1300 retailers are now onboard across the state and ready to report their fuel prices.
The retailers are now required to report their fuel prices through a new fuel finder feature which will be available soon on the Service Victoria app.
Minister Staikos said mandatory real-time fuel price reporting requires all fuel retailers to report their prices on the new fuel finder feature, giving Victorian drivers the information they need to find their area’s most affordable fuel price.
He said Victorian fuel retailers must now be registered with Service Victoria and report their fuel prices whenever they change, with penalties applying for those who are noncompliant.
garatta to study Fine Art at La Trobe University in Bendigo. Therese’s work is deeply personal, symbolic and often draws on themes of memory, family, and loss.
Her paintings and drawings are visual diaries, blending self portraiture with layered narratives that resonate with warmth and poignancy.
Consumer Affairs Victoria is responsible for ensuring fuel retailers are aware of their obligations and are supported to comply with the new regulations.
Inspectors from Consumer Affairs Victoria have been out across the state visiting service stations and educating and informing their owners and staff about their obligations and will continue to monitor compliance and conduct site inspections throughout Victoria.
For more information, visit consumer.vic. gov.au/fuel-price-reporting
Ratepayers in the Rural City of Wangaratta have already started to pay for the Victorian government’s recently introduced Emergency Services Volunteers Fund levy.
It replaced the Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL) on July 1, and will see rural city ratepayers collectively fork out another $3 million this financial year, as part of an additional $610m the FSPL will raise across the state for the government.
Labor MPs have justified the hike in the state tax to fund a range of emergency services, including VICSES, Triple Zero Victoria, the State Control Centre, Forest Fire Management Victoria and Emergency Recovery Victoria, as well as the Country Fire Authority (CFA) and Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV).
Let’s be honest and call a spade a spade. This has less to do with volunteers and more to do about filling the government coffers - at your expense - to pay for government departments and public sector agencies.
As respected veteran Wangaratta firefighter Garry Nash - in his capacity as Victorian Fire Brigades Victoria District 23 president - points out in today’s edition, only around 20 per cent of this tax will go towards helping fund the CFA.
If that isn’t insulting enough for the 55,000 plus volunteer firefighters who freely give their time, often at great personal loss, to help protect our communities, the CFA budget remains challenged and these same volunteers have to fund their own equipment, trucks and and even station improvements.
For decades our state’s firefighting capacity outside Melbourne has relied on the goodwill and skills of our CFA volunteers. That continues to be tested, unfairly, by a government that seems hell bent on making others pay for its costly budget blowouts.
1. In which year did Australia switch to decimal currency?
2. Which famous painting is also known as La Gioconda or La Joconde?
3. On which island is Kerobokan Prison located?
4. Which sport uses stones and brooms?
5. Peggy Van Zalm co-founded which band in 1986?
6. Which state had the lowest percentage of Yes responses in the 2017 Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey?
7. In the original version of Trivial Pursuit, which category is teamed with sports?
8. What are the two colours on the flag of Somalia?
9. Which country has an intelligence agency called the Mossad?
10. What was Ashton Kutcher’s character name in That ‘70s Show?
11. Which ball is worth six points in a game of snooker?
12. Hepatitis mainly affects which organ in the human body?
13. Who composed the music for the 1889 ballet, The Sleeping Beauty?
14. In which city and state was John F. Kennedy assassinated?
15. Who wrote the 1974 book, A Gift of Wings?
16. Which wrestler has the nickname, Stone Cold?
17. What is the official currency of Germany?
18. Which 2005 movie starred Jennifer Aniston and Shirley MacLaine together?
19. The Strait of Otranto lies between Italy and which other country?
20. Which Japanese word means ‘Empty Orchestra’?
Facebook usershave commented on the new King Valley sign installed at the Oxley roundabout, designed by the same artist of the nearby bubbles sculpture at the same roundabout.
John Harper: The sign and bubbles need to be lit up at night. And the surrounds need grooming.
Stuart McAdle: Almost like it was an afterthought.....
Craig McDonald: I wasn’t expecting it to be there last
week so it was a really nice surprise to see it. I’m looking forward to seeing it lit up at night.
Andrew Montgomery: So after much negative publicity there’s a concerted effort to shop the very few positive feedbacks from people who directed influenced or sup ported the original waste.....
Amazing
TonyDavidson: invite the actual King for a royal drink up
I am the convenor of the Wangaratta-Benalla Ostomates Group which covers North East Victoria and I want people to know that our group is here to help anyone who may need information to assist dealing with living with a Stoma.
This also includes people contemplating Stoma surgery to treat a medical condition. We are seeking assistance from medical practitioners in the North East requesting they advise their patients of the existence of the Stomal Therapy Service at Northeast Health Wangaratta and of our group.
It is understood that a lot of people have trouble coping with a Stoma because it is a very private and invasive situation.
All of our members understand the need for support and understanding during this period and are only too happy to talk to anyone who is going through this very stressful period and are trying to come to grips with having a stoma for the first time.
If anyone needs to talk or require assistance from the Ostomate group or medical advice you can contact Amanda Forbes or Lizzie Smith who are Stomal therapists at Northeast Health Wangaratta on (03) 5722 5513.
Graeme Pitts, convenor North East Ostomate Support Group
The Legislative Council’s Legal and Social Issues committee is inviting public submissions to its inquiry into the impact of the government’s decision to delay increasing Victoria’s public school funding.
The Victorian government has delayed raising the state’s school funding to 75 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard until 2031.
It was previously set to be increased by 2028.
This delay represents a $2.4 billion reduction from previously committed funding for Victorian government schools.
The committee is seeking input from individuals, educators, school communities, organisations and stakeholders on the implications of this funding decision, including:
• Comparative funding levels: State and Commonwealth funding per student in Victorian government schools relative to other states and territories.
• Commonwealth contributions: The impact of the delay on federal funding arrangements.
• Student outcomes: How the funding cut
Debbie Butler: I do like the signage. Still not a fan of the bubbles .
Philip Bebb: I think it’s to big ,a sign yes but in moderation . and cut the grass and fill
other town quirky art pieces around the area and all over the country really.
Craig McDonald: Mandi Jane I like the bubbles too.
The only piece around town I Have your say Like the Wangaratta
releasing this fine specimen of a golden perch (yellowbelly) in the Ovens River at Sydney Beach in Wangaratta during the school holidays. The avid 12-year-old angler who lives at Greta West has always loved fishing but has recently started flicking lures, taking his skills to the next level. He practices catch and release so this fish went straight back into the water after this photo. He caught the fish only minute after having bought some new line from Adventure Camping and Fishing and putting it to use.
may affect the education of current and future students.
• Workforce effects: Consequences for Victoria’s teaching and school workforce.
• Resources and infrastructure: The ability of schools to purchase educational resources, teaching materials, capital equipment, and maintain buildings and grounds.
Submissions can be made via the committee’s website and are open until Friday, 19 December.
The committee will report its findings to Parliament by 30 April 2026.
Joe McCracken, Western Victoria MP and committee chair
Victoria’s illicit tobacco trade continues to flourish as the Victorian government fails to stop the supply and sale of illegal tobacco products.
Stockists of illegal tobacco are thumbing their nose at the government’s ability to enforce its weak laws, with illegal products back on the shelves within 24 hours of a major police raid.
Without enforcement powers like store closures, Victoria will continue to be a safe haven for organised crime gangs.
Victoria is the only state without store-
closure powers, allowing organised crime syndicates to keep trading as if nothing has happened.
Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia have all acted, but in Victoria spin has replaced enforcement.
Police and regulators are doing the best they can, but with no power to close illegal traders, the deterrent is non-existent.
Unless these laws are strengthened, we’ll see more crime, more arsons, and sadly, more lives lost.
The Liberals and Nationals will continue to fight for practical, enforceable laws to give police the resources they need.
Tim McCurdy, MP for Ovens Valley and Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs
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By SIMONE KERWIN
Each year, the National Jazz Award - held during the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues - shines a spotlight on the nation’s brightest emerging musical talent.
In 2025, the focus of the award is on brass.
Six finalists will battle it out on Saturday, 1 November at GOTAFE Auditorium for $12,000 in prizes, studio time at Pughouse, and the title of Australia’s top young jazz
musician in the 35th annual award.
This year’s finalists are:
• Lachlan McKenzie, a Brisbane-born, Sydney-based trumpeter and composer whose acclaimed album ‘Departures’ on ABC Jazz has earned international recognition and rave reviews;
• Tom Avgenicos, an awardwinning trumpeter and composer hailed as “a bold new chapter in Australian jazz”, with six acclaimed albums and performances at major venues
including the Sydney Opera House;
• Rhys Moore, a rising trombonist blending jazz, funk, and New Orleans styles, winner of the James Morrison Scholarship and the UNT International Jazz
• Ben Harrison, a Melbournebased trumpeter known for his dynamic improvisation and global touring, including five consecutive tours of Japan with his band The Lagerphones;
• Chris Vizard, a Melbourne trombonist who has per-
formed with The Cat Empire, Dean Lewis, Maceo Parker, and Wycliffe Gordon, and is a member of Horns of Leroy Brass Band; and
• Alexander Grace, a Sydney trombonist and composer whose lyrical, genre-spanning works draw on his regional NSW roots, leading ensembles Neko 4tet and New Sun.
The judging panel for the awards will be led by Mat Jodrell and Jordan Murray, with a world-class backing band featuring Mark Fitzgib-
bon on piano, Ben Robertson on bass and Danny Fischer on drums.
Tickets for the National Jazz Award can be booked via htt ps://wangjazzblues.com.au/#/ event/134118
This year’s Wangaratta Fes tival of Jazz and Blues will be held from Friday, 31 October to Monday, 3 November, with a community stage and festi val hub this year based around Holy Trinity Cathedral, which is within easy walking distance of most venues.
Iamong the six finalists in the National Jazz Award.
BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au
t may have taken time and a life-changing event for Cathie Waller to rekindle her love for the arts, and then find the medium which suited her best, but it’s given her more than she ever expected.
A Wodonga resident who joined the Art Gallery on Ovens in Wangaratta as a resident artist in April this year, Cathie said her artistic journey started later in life, having spent three decades raising a family.
While her expertise today is in pastels, it was painting with oils which first attracted Cathie in her youth.
“I loved the richness of oils, and I painted rather thickly just so I could see and feel the texture,” she said.
“I took a break of more than 30 years from any art as life got in the way.
“Raising two children on my own and working full time meant there wasn’t much time for anything else - many women will tell the same story.”
Then at the age of 55, Cathie was struck down with acute myeloid leukaemia, a battle that went on for one and a half years. She received treatment at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, and her daughters - aged 23 and 21 at the time - put their lives on hold to be there for their mum when she needed them the most.
“I could not have done it without them,” she said.
painting in a large window in Beechworth.
“I knew that oils would not be good for my health so decided to try pastels,” she said.
“Soft pastels (in stick form) were very dusty and affected my lungs.
“Sitting up late one night, searching on YouTube, I discovered an Australian artist using PanPastels.
“I bought a set of landscape colours and fell in love with them immediately, and I now have the full set.
“The tactile nature of PanPastels and their ability to blend and create rich textures resonated with me as much as oils did years earlier.”
“I also had a stroke during treatment - and after lengthy rehabilitation, I was eventually allowed to go home.
“I still to this day have health issues due to the treatment and that’s why my medical team determined it would be best for me to retire from full time employment.”
After a few years, Cathie said she began feeling well enough to think about what she would do with her time.
She remembered a day years earlier seeing a pastel
Cathie said she finds inspiration in a variety of subjects, including still life, botanicals, portraits of both people and animals, landscapes and seascapes.
“I am usually drawn to beauty in nature whether it be colourful flowers, foliage and the varied poses of birds,” she said.
“This year I completed two monochromatic paintings, one of an elderly lady with half her face hidden by her hand - another of an old man,
also with a hand covering elements of his face.
“His photo reference I found taken by someone in India who likes to take photos of people in the street.
“The wrinkles of time was what enthralled me, a challenge to draw but with very rewarding end results.”
Both monochromatic paintings are on display as part of Realism in Soft Focus, Cathie’s inaugural exhibition, at the Art Gallery on Ovens until Monday, 13 October.
Her painting of the elderly lady called “Veiled in Silence” received a Highly Commended award at the 2025 Bright Autumn Art Show.
Another painting of a Eucalyptus Macrocarpa won Cathie Best Pastel at the same show.
It sold during the show, but she has several fine art prints of it for sale at the exhibition.
There are also still life works including botanicals, Australian native birds, seascapes, landscapes and portraits with a surreal or fantasy element, along with fine art
prints and greeting cards.
All showcase Cathie’s interest in realism, something she appears to have had a natural aptitude for, which has developed into an expertise.
“My focus has always been on realism or hyperrealism; my brain will not allow me to work any other way,” she said.
“Some would say it’s a curse but for me it’s what I love - whether it be the delicate petals of a flower, the majestic roar of a seascape or a hand gesture in a portrait, I strive to bring my subjects to life enhancing the original reference and taking it to a whole new level for the viewer to admire and enjoy.”
The natural beauty of the Australian landscape is also an obvious reference for many of Cathie’s works.
She said she began to appreciate it early, as a young girl growing up in rural Victoria.
“We were fortunate to have parents who taught us all about the bush, as we hunted for rabbits and fish, camping at every opportunity and appreciating what we had,” she said.
“My aim now is to capture what I remember from my youth and what I see now of the Australian landscape and its inhabitants, bringing attention to the country’s rich biodiversity.”
Today, Cathie’s appreciation for life, for the love of her daughters, and for being afforded the time to see where her artistic journey takes her, is palpable; having made it through one of the greatest challenges anyone can face.
“My art is not just a hobby but a powerful means of expression and connection,” she said.
“It can heal, inspire and bring people together.
“Finding art again at my age, and after what I have endured in life, has given me a sense of purpose and fulfilment, transforming life’s challenges into a beautiful tapestry of colours and stories.”
See Realism in Soft Focus at the Art Gallery on Ovens in the laneway off Murphy Street on Monday, Thursday and Friday from 10am to 4pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 2pm until October 13.
Fresh off celebrating an incredible 53 years on the road, Australia’s beloved folkrock legends are bringing their high-energy, toe-tapping show to the Da Vinci Social Club on Sunday, 19 October, from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. With the same infectious spirit, they had in the ‘70s, The Bushwackers now blend their seasoned showmanship with a new generation of talent.
Rising star Rory Phillips (just 18 years old) joinsd guitarist Roger Corbett and Anthony O’Neill on the fiddle and banjo in the group.
Entry to their Wangaratta show is members $25, nonmembers $30 including a great afternoon tea.
Doors open at 12.45pm. Bookings preferred for seating and catering purposes, phone 0409 307 606 or email dvsc.wang@gmail.com.
Tickets are now on sale for the Wangaratta Players production of Michael Aitken’s Waiting for God, being performed from 7 to 23 November at the Stage Door Studio in Wangaratta. The play is set in Bayview Retirement Village, where battle-axe extraordinaire Diana Trent conspires with new resident Tom Ballard, to give the conniving manager his comeuppance. Inspired by the British sitcom, the play is well written, fast paced, cuttingly funny and also heartwarming, with tickets expected to sell fast, available at trybooking.com/DDWJE.
‘There there’ on show in gallery Wandiligong-based artist Mat Vaughan’s latest series of large-scale paintings delves into the creative process, examining how the act of making art influences both the artist and the viewer. His exhibition titled ‘There there’ which runs at Wangaratta Art Gallery until 9 November reflects on the enigmatic, and sometimes elusive moment of completion, the moment of ‘there’, which often comes after frustration, persistence and time.
ACROSS
1 What are bondservants (6)
8 Name another term for antiquated (8)
9 What is an assumed name (6)
10 To be adjacent, is to be what (8)
11 Which term means passionate or fervent (6)
12 To confirm with confidence is to do what (4)
13 What is a worker in metal (5)
16 Name another term for teams (5)
19 To be in the midst, is to be what (4)
21 Which term means feeble in body or health (6)
22 Name an aerosol spray (8)
23 What are twelve parts into which years are divided (6)
24 To be qualified for classing, is to be what (8)
25 When something is losing moisture, it is doing what (6)
DOWN
2 Name an Australian family noted for their association with billiards and snooker (7)
3 With which name did Van Gogh sign his paintings (7)
4 Which term indicates bodies (6)
5 Who are responsible for newspaper contents (7)
Letters
6 To be dressed, is to be what (7)
Some
7 What are slow pieces of music (7)
13 What is harsh, or bitter derision (7)
14 To arouse a thought, is to do what (7)
15 Name a place of abode (7)
17 What is early childhood known as (7)
18 Which term means made of baked clay (7)
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
20 To have made something somewhat dark is to have done 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 IDIOMATIC
(a) Peculiar to a particular language
(b) Utterly foolish
(c) Corresponding exactly in nature, appearance or manner
2 JIHAD
(a) A person or thing supposed to bring bad luck
(b) A Muslim holy war
(c) An evergreen shrub native to Mexico
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:
Burn a body (7)
Curved line (3)
Estimated Total Deposit (3)
Latin: pray (3)
Limited space (7)
Males (3)
Once more (5)
Performance hall (5)
Roman god of love (5)
Saying (5)
Wangaratta, other major centres in the North East, and in fact most of Victoria was drier and slightly colder than normal for the month of September. The one exception was Wilsons Promontory which had well above average rainfall - its 186mms the wettest for September since 188mms in 2017.
Wangaratta’s rainfall of 21.2mm last month was
By Peter Nelson, retired CSIRO climatologist
well below the September average of 52.6mm and the second successive month of less than 25mms.
Our wettest September day was 9mms on Wednesday, 17 September and we had rain
of seven of the 30 days.
Our coldest morning was minus 2.3 degrees on 5 September and our coldest day was 10 September when we only reached a maximum of 13.5 degrees.
In contrast, our warmest minimum temperature was 10.9 degrees on the 8 and 16 of September, and our maximum temperature of 25 degrees was on Friday, 26 September.
Wangaratta’s mean maximum temperature of 17.7 degrees last month was spot on the average, while the mean minimum temperature of 4.2 degree was cooler than the average of 4.6 degrees.
Our city’s August-September total rainfall of 43mms is the sixth driest in the last 143 years - the others being 38.9mms in 1982, 36.4mms in 1977, 13.2mms in 1944,
28mms in 1914, and 38mms in 1902.
Wangaratta’s rainfall of 341.4mm for the first nine months of this year is well below the average of 458.1mm over the past 38 years of records.
Other major centres in North East Victoria had around half their September average rainfall and
17.5 degrees and mean minimum temperatures of around 4.5 to 5 degrees were all about half a degree below normal.
Up north at Cairns and Innisfail, September was much wetter than average, which was similar to 1944 and 1914. Brisbane however, only had 0.8mms which was its driest September since 1987 and the fourth driest in 185 years of records.
A well-known local musician and music teacher has donated his most prized possession to the Wangaratta Historical Society.
John Bisignano generously donated a saxophone which belonged to his elder brother Mario, who sadly died at the age of 19 at Yellow Creek in a drowning accident in 1955.
John has also donated to the museum copies of two of his CDs, Wangajazz and Wangaratta Jack, featuring a song about Henry Archibald John Dick, better known as Jack Dick, an identity who - for many years - entertained Wangaratta locals with his tales and antics.
John said he remembers one conversation with Jack when he was 14 years old: “Have you lived in Wangaratta all your life?” asked John, to which Jack replied, “Not yet, you bloody fool”.
John’s CDs, the saxophone and other music memorabilia charting his musical life will be on display at the museum in the old Fire Station in Ford Street during the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues.
Marty in contest for Nationals’ pre-selection
Monday, 5 October, 2015
By JAMIE KRONBORG
WANGARATTA business
man Marty Corboy (right) has confirmed he’ll contest pre-selection as the Nationals’ candidate for Indi when nominations open tomorrow.
The 36-year-old–husband of Annelisa, father of six and production and administration manager in his family’s Feedrite stockfeed business
– believes he can win the plum conservative seat from Independent Cathy McGowan (MHR, Indi) if he is endorsed on November 14.
Jordi Mark Fluvia was born at Northeast Health Wangaratta on Tuesday, 23 September at 2:21pm and weighed 3.69kg (8lb 2oz). He is the son of Nuria Fluvia and Mark Tsukasov of Porepunkah.
TREASURED ITEMS: Local musician and music teacher John
has donated a saxophone, which belonged to his elder
and copies of two of his CDs to the Wangaratta
CD cover features Wangaratta’s sculpture based on the famous Tin Kan Band, which operated from 1914 to 1935.
for Indi.
defeated her by 439 votes.
Milne
Lenora Joy True
Lenora Joy True was born at Northeast Health Wangaratta on Tuesday, 9 September at 7:30pm and weighed 3.22kg (7lb 1oz). She is the sister of Connor, Patrick and Eloise and the daughter of Beth and Michael True of
will be in attendance at the midwifery ward on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9.30am to take photos of newborns with their Consent forms are available from Northeast Health Wangaratta and from 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 Wangaratta Chronicle office.
The Nationals were last able to contest Indi in 2001 when the party secured 12.29 per cent of the primary vote.
The Liberals’ Sophie Panopoulos won and continued to hold it for the next 12 years, precluding the Nationals from competing against her in 2007 and, as Sophie Mirabella, in 2010 and 2013, when Ms McGowan
Mr Corboy expects the party will need 26-28 per cent of the primary vote in next year’s federal election to be in a position to take Indi and will be pitching to pre-selectors his youth and a plan to make up the 14-year gap.
He hopes to provide a clear choice in a contest in which, at this early stage, there are no other confirmed contenders.
COMBINED PROBUS
To open their general meeting on 8 September, president Greg Porter had the sad duty of announcing the passing of their esteemed member, Geoff Grant.
Members observed a minute’s silence to honour Geoff’s memory.
Greg also welcomed guests Lucy Bogotto, Evelyn and Bill Parr.
Two of their members had a special birthday milestone in September, attaining the age of 90 years.
Special congratulations went out to Carol Walley and Heather Hearn.
The general theme of the day at the meeting was footy finals with many members wearing favourite team beanies and scarves and answering a quiz about footy facts.
After morning tea, the guest speaker was Roxanne Bodsworth in her role as a celebrant.
Roxanne talked about knowing what you want in the way of a funeral and the importance of having the discussion with the family.
You don’t have to do what is expected; with foresight you can choose how you would like to be farewelled.
An interesting subject that generated quite a lot of questions.
Roxanne was presented with a small token of appreciation and joined the club later for lunch.
Activities are going full steam ahead.
A large contingent of members enjoyed lunch at TAFE recently and members will soon celebrate the club’s 23rd birthday at King River Café, Oxley.
Reminder of the garden trip to Morrison’s Winery, Glenrowan on 11 October.
Walking, water aerobics, movie club and Sunday lunches are all active.
Shows at the PAC and trips to far places are always in the offing.
WANGARATTA LADIES PROBUS
President Margaret Gibb opened the meeting at the Wangaratta Club and welcomed all present including two visitors.
Although some of members have been unwell and in hospital over the past month many were back on deck at the meeting, and members hope they continue their good health.
Fun and Fitness is continuing with their exercises each week with their new TV/DVD player.
The core group of ladies enjoy the exercises and then the social get together afterwards at Koffie Bean Café.
Ten Pin Bowling had six ladies bowling on 12 September, some of which also attended the Friday Fun Day lunch.
So, they have lunch and then head to bowling, what a busy day
out, of course finishing off with coffee.
Unfortunately, the Garden Group cancelled their outing last month because of the weather but they are heading off to Sanda’s Nursery in Benalla this month followed by lunch.
It’s guaranteed there will be plants bought.
Priscilla from Community Accessibility was the guest speaker this month and she spoke to members regarding transportation to functions in and around Wangaratta and district.
They also offer day trips plus overnight stays.
Some club members use this service and enjoy it.
You need to go through My Aged Care for this service.
PROBUS CLUB OF WANGARATTA
CENTRAL COMBINED
The 19 September meeting was opened at 10am by president Sally
Haynes who welcomed members and guests Dennis, Lyn and Margaret.
Total membership 74 and three guests (63 members were present).
Guest speaker, community care case managers Fiona and Nadine, spoke about how to access My Aged Care and how to work your way through the complexities of the aged care system.
Keeping people at home is the main priority.
There are eight classifications and levels of support for home care, incorporating clinical care, allied health, restorative, respite, meal preparation etc.
More than 20 people had signed up for a tour of the Old Beechworth Goal on Friday, 3 October.
This included an informative talk about some infamous folk who have (involuntarily) inhabited the prison.
People enjoyed lunch at Hotel Nicholas in Beechworth and visited the beautiful property garden and art gallery of Michael Rowe and wife Libby to see and hear about their world class collection of Indigenous art in his gallery at 17 Black Forest Lane, Stanley
On the 9 October is the next breakfast held at the Gateway.
On the 17 October there will be an in house lunch costing $20 per head.
On the 3 November the Caravaners venture to Castlemaine, visits to Hepburn Springs and the Welsh Village ruins are some of the activities.
The next General Meeting will be held on Friday, 17 October at 10am at Wangaratta Bowls Club.
WANGARATTA APPIN PARK COMBINED PROBUS
President Denny Wagstaffe welcomed a smaller attendance at the September meeting as some mem-
bers were away or unwell and several others were away on a two night trip to Melbourne enjoying a ferry ride to Port Arlington followed by lunch at Portarlington Golf Club.
A visit to the renowned Holocaust Museum was another activity as was dinner at a city venue and of course some retail therapy was included.
Philip Hargreaves was welcomed as the newest member inducted at the meeting with three others to be inducted at the next meeting.
Special interest groups continue to be busy with weekly or monthly activities including games night, walking group, breakfast groups, craft group, card groups, book club, Sunday movie group and Friday lunch group who recently dined at The Pinsent Hotel on 19 September. Forty-two members and friends are heading to Castlemaine 20-24 October for the caravan and cabin trip.
Terry Brew and Jan Kellet have planned this trip very well with nibbles and drinks on Monday at 4.30pm in camp kitchen, a visit to a historic house and garden and a fun joke night.
Cup Day on 4 November will again be a fun day at Jan Kellet’s, cost is $32 with a welcome glass of champagne to start festivities.
Friday, 5 December at 12 noon is the Christmas luncheon, this year at Town ‘n’ Country Tavern, cost is $38 to be paid by November meeting.
Rob Steel, a land surveyor, was guest speaker and gave a very interesting talk about the history and naming of lanes in Wangaratta. Many of the members were very familiar with some of these locations.
The next meeting is on Tuesday, 14 October at 10.30am at The Wangaratta Club.
Wangaratta Seniors Festival is underway for the month of October, with a record-breaking 171 free and affordable events and activities on offer.
The Rural City of Wangaratta delivers the festival in collaboration with the Victorian government, local businesses and community organisations.
This year’s theme, Con nect, Create and Celebrate, invites seniors to discover
new interests, connect with fellow community members and redefine what it means to age. From the comfort of home or in the heart of town, there’s something for everyone: stay active with chair cardio and strength classes, offering gentle online workouts designed to boost wellbeing, or join the sit, knit and crochet sessions at the Wan
The social art group provides a relaxed setting to create and share stories over tea and biscuits, while the Keenagers table tennis luncheon celebrates multicultural friendship through sport and food.
Flagship events include a commemorative high tea celebrating centenarians, the free Elvis Presley & Marilyn Monroe Tribute
Damian Callinan, visiting Cheshunt, Eldorado, Boor haman and Everton.
To access the program or to book visit wangaratta.vic. gov.au/Residents/Seniors/ Wangaratta-Seniors-Festi val-2025 or pick up a copy of the program at the Wan garatta Government Cen tre, Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre, Wangaratta Library or Wan garatta Sports and Aquatic
Thursday, 30 October at 2pm, with bookings essential at www.wpacc.com.au.
Many Melburnians have left the city behind and embraced everything our regional areas have to offer in recent years, but CFA is urging our tree changers to ensure they’re fire ready.
According to the Regional Movers Index migration from Australia’s capital cities to the regions has remained high since the pandemic and in the quarter ending 30 June 2025, Melburnians made up 35 percent of all Australians moving to regional areas.
The slower pace of life, access to nature, and close communities are all among the benefits of making a tree change however, one of the risks is not being prepared for fires.
With forecasts pointing
towards a challenging fire season across many parts of Victoria and with recent research showing concerning levels of complacency, CFA is urging especially those that may have never had to prepare before to start clearing their properties.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said fire safety is everyone’s responsibility.
“We can’t have a truck in every driveway,” he said.
“By doing things now like clearing your gutters, pruning trees, moving woodpiles, and mowing grass you really help our firefighters but you also give yourself and your property the best chance for survival.
GET FIRE READY: If you are a recent arrival to the North East you are warned to prepare for the coming fire season.
“Our recent bushfire community survey found that 85 per cent of residents in high-risk
bushfire areas still don’t have a written bushfire survival plan, and 50 per cent perceived the threat
Boys to the Bush Wangaratta recently hosted a community engagement day for local school students and community members.
Students had the chance to take part in hands-on activities at the Barr Reserve, based around the core values of Boys to the Bush: engagement, respect and community.
The local group provides prevention and early intervention strategies for vulnerable male youth, giving boys the opportunity to be surrounded by positive influences, and access to opportunities to succeed through its MENtoring, school programs and camps.
Boys to the Bush Wangaratta was assisted on the day by local supporters including the Rapid Relief Team, which provided food and donations for the community engagement day.
ENGAGING ACTIVITIES:
Park
Take the following actions to prepare yourself and your property:
• Move your winter woodpile away from the house or sheds.
• Prune tree branches so they are not overhanging the roof or touching walls.
• Clear your gutters.
• Keep grass shorter than 10cm.
• Remove leaves and twigs from around your property.
• Test anything that is part of your fire plan such as sprinklers, pumps and generators.
• Register your burn off. The quickest and easiest way is by visiting the Fire Permits Victoria website at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au/notify, or call Triple Zero Victoria on 1800 688 511.
• Make sure your household has a bushfire plan. Find out how at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/ bushfireplan.
Find out more tips by visiting cfa.vic.gov.au/ about-us/cfa-events/get-fire-ready.
of bushfire to be small or very small.
“That complacency is concerning, especially
with forecasts pointing to a challenging fire season across many parts of Victoria.”
National Seniors Australia (NSA) is reminding the Federal Treasurer that time is running out for the government to legislate the promised cash mandate due 1 January 2026.
“Bringing legislation into parliament and processing it through to law takes time and with just three sitting weeks between now and Christmas, the pressure is on the government to keep its promise,” NSA CEO Chris Grice said.
“As a peak consumer advocacy body leading the KEEP CASH campaign, NSA, together with our 273,000 community members, welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the government’s mandat-
ing cash acceptance consultation back in February.
“Seniors, like most people, value the convenience of card payments; but as a key part of the payments and financial system, cash must be accessible and accepted.
“As detailed in our submission, we need to keep cash for a range of reasons including reliability during outages; privacy, security, and trust; and budgeting.
“Cash can be easier for people living with a disability to use; it allows for small payments to children, grandchildren as well as charities; and it negates bank charges and card charges.”
While NSA congratulated
As part of the treasury consultation, it was detailed:
• Consultation on the proposed mandate would occur in Q4 of 2024;
• Proposed policy design for the mandate would be announced in Q1 of 2025
• Exposure draft legislation would be released Q3 of 2025;
• Cash mandate legislation would be put to Parliament in Q4 of 2025;
• The mandate would commence from 1 January 2026.
the government for taking this step to ensure cash remains accepted, they were disappointed by the extent of the potential limitations.
Exactly what items are deemed ‘essential’ goods and services are restricted.
Details such as how the mandate will operate in practice, how it will be enforced and communicated, sup-
ports for small businesses, and impacts in regional areas still need to be determined.
“We’re also disappointed that despite government setting a clear time frame for updates, it’s October and we have heard nothing,” Mr Grice said.
“NSA accepts the need for the government to get the mandate and processes
around it right, but we can’t understand why the government hasn’t delivered on its promise to provide more information about the mandate, its progress, and how it will work.”
Independent MP for Indi Helen Haines agreed the federal government should provide an update on the progress of the promised cash mandate.
“Access to cash is essential for regional communities, where connectivity can be unreliable, many people still rely on cash for everyday transactions.” Dr Haines said.
“Older people in particular need confidence they won’t be left behind as digital payments expand and in-person
banking services become less reliable.
“The government committed to implement a cash mandate by January 2026just three months from now.
“The public deserves an update on whether this timeline will be met.”
A Treasury Department spokesperson said the federal government understands the important role cash plays in our payments system and supports Australians having continued access to cash.
“The government is actively considering community feedback on a cash acceptance mandate, ahead of it commencing on 1 January 2026,” the spokeperson said.
Who are we looking for?
North East Media is looking for a driven and committed individual to join our advertising sales team at Wangaratta, where you will be responsible for managing existing clients while growing your own sales for group newspapers (including the Wangaratta Chronicle), websites and special publications.
The ideal candidate will have:
• The capacity to see opportunities and market trends and a drive to achieve results to help our business grow.
• Effective communication skills (verbal and written), enabling connection with a wide range of people across various industries.
• The capability to sustain existing relationships and continuously build new ones.
• An excellent work ethic and organisational skills (including maintaining current records in our company CRM program) enabling you to consistently meet deadlines and achieve your sales targets.
• The ability to collaborate (including with your manager, sales colleagues, our editors and graphic designers) to ensure seamless execution of advertising campaigns.
• A current driver’s licence
What are we offering?
A full-time position with an attractive remuneration package comprising a base salary, commission and employer superannuation contributions.
About North East Media
North East Media, a division of Provincial Press Group, is an independent familyowned media company publishing over 25 newspapers across North East Victoria, Central West and Southern NSW.
How to apply
If you are self-motivated, results-orientated and looking for a challenge in the media environment, then please forward your resume and covering letter to:
Leah Scott lscott@nemedia.com.au
Advertising Manager North East Media Pty Ltd
PRIVATE NURSING HOME
Rangeview Private Nursing Home currently has vacancies for RN, EN AND PCA’S Aged Care experience required. A variety of shifts available. Email resumes to qualitymanager@meracare.com.au
WHEELER
Earthworks, available for all your earthworks needs - yard clean ups, stump removals, driveways, material supply and spreading, rural work and more. Call Marcus on 0491 094 545.
KITCHENS JUST FOR YOU, new kitchens, face lifts, wall units, prompt service. Phone Roland 0414 950 647.
MOTOR home Benz Sprinter, clean, neat unit, 247,777km, air condition, cabin/ living area, shower, toilet, electric pump, microwave, gas stove, 3-way fridge, double bed, single/double bed over cabin, good rubber duals on back, gas hot water, 2 solar CLEANER WANTED
Cleaner needed for local Motel. Wangaratta area. Experience essential. Phone Paul 0401 784 411.
PRIVATE NURSING HOME
Rangeview Private Nursing Home currently has vacancies for RECEPTIONIST/ ADMINISTRATOR
Part-time hours for leave coverage. Email resumes to qualitymanager@meracare.com.au
PART-TIME MARKET COORDINATOR
We are seeking a highly organised and passionate individual to join our team as a part-time Market Coordinator. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating our monthly farmers market, held on the 2nd Saturday of every month.
Key Requirements:
• Passion for food and local produce.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Strong event or project management experience.
To apply, please submit your resume and a brief letter addressing the key responsibilities to wangarattafarmersmarket@gmail.com by 5pm on October 10, 2025.
SIMPSON, Robert Geddes “Rob”. 22/08/1961 – 1/10/2025
After a battle too great for one man, Rob passed with family and friends by his side at Northeast Health Wangaratta.
Dearly loved husband of Michele. Loving brother and brother-in-law of Tony and Janine, Judy and Scott, Dianne and Nick, Kathryn, Wayne, Grant and their families. Son-in-law of Marlene. To the world you were but one; To us, you were the world. A long day closes.
LARKIN
The funeral of the late Mr Peter Larkin will be held in the chapel of Yarrawonga Mulwala Funeral Services, 67 Ely Street, Yarrawonga on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 11am. The funeral will leave the chapel at the conclusion of the service for the Mulwala Lawn Cemetery.
I sit here with a beer in my hand and remembering the FUN we had together mate! ~ Dave Robbo.
SIMPSON
The celebration of the life of Mr Robert Geddes (Rob) Simpson will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Friday, October 10, 2025 at 10am.
A private family burial will follow at the Milawa General Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made online in memory of Rob to the Pancare Foundation at www.pancare.org.au/ Rob’s celebration can be viewed via Livestream at www.masonpark.com.au/live-streaming/ Mason Park Funerals 5721 5060 masonpark.com.au
A funeral experience... not just a funeral service Mason Park
By SHANE DOUTHIE
Reigning Ovens and Murray netball 17 and under premiership coach Stacey ‘Mina’ Lamb has been appointed Wangaratta Rovers A grade coach.
Lamb took the Rovers to the O&M 17 and under grand final for the last two years, taking the cup this season.
She will stay on as coach of the 17s, as well as the Hawks A grade side, taking over from outgoing coach Gracie Reid.
Lamb said she was grateful for what netball has afforded her, first as a player and now as a coach, and hopes to allow others to have the same wonderful experiences and learnings.
“I have been involved at Wangaratta Rovers as a player and coach for over 15 years and am a proud life member,” she said.
“The timing is right for me to take on the head coach role and I am super excited to lead this wonderful club.
“We are spring boarding with the energy of two premierships, one in the 17 and under and one in C grade, and have exceptionally talented juniors coming through our club.”
Lamb first took up coaching after an ACL injury as a player put her on the sidelines for a year and fell in love with the role.
“I continued to play for as long as I could but eventually that had to end and I have continued to take on jobs, learn
game,” she said. “I love the challenge of coaching and have really immersed myself in pathway coaching.”
In fact, it would be hard to find someone more immersed in netball coaching.
Apart from her Rovers duties, Lamb coached representative netball, was a Talent Academy coach for Netball Victoria’s pathway, and coached in Melbourne in the Victorian Netball League, coaching two Melbourne Vixen training partners, and completing her Advanced Coach-
Netball Victoria.
It will take that experience, passion and continued growth for Lamb to take the Hawks to the top level in A grade in the highly competitive Ovens and Murray league.
“It is really hard to recruit A grade players, so we have set it as our goal at Rovers to make senior players,” she said.
“We have had a very strong junior program for a while now and I wanted to coach both A grade and under 17s to continue the development and pathway to senior netball.
“We are well on our way to
Wangaratta Magpies
Football Netball Club held their annual presentation night recently, taking a night to celebrate and award those who stood out from the pack this season.
Midfielder Alex Federico claimed the best and fairest award for the seniors, beating out ruckman and thirds coach Chris Knowles, while A graders Hannah Grady and Milly O’Kane shared the top honour ahead of Katie Dean.
List of Award Winners Seniors
Best and Fairest -
Alex Federico. Best and Fairest runner up - Chris Knowles.
Most Improved - Xavier Laverty.
Mac Holten Coaches Award - Tyler Norton. Jon Henry Culture AwardChris Knowles.
Most Courageous - Matt Hedin.
Best in Finals - Daniel Sharrock. A grade
Best and Fairest - Hannah Grady, Milly O’Kane. Best and Fairest runner up - Katie Dean.
Coaches Award - Holly Humphry.
Holly McCarthy stepping in the A grade team last year.
“We also had Milla Schubert and Sophia Pasquali debut.
“We have Lily Lyster and Holly McCarthy in the Netball Victoria state squads, and Lily Palmer and Lainey Draper are O&M league medallists.
“Retention is key and I’ll be working hard to keep the whole playing group together, top up with some new recruits, as well as getting players back to the club that have left in recent years.”
Anyone who has witnessed Lamb and her young charges
in action can vouch for one of her priorities in netball, and that is to enjoy it.
“Netball needs to be fun as we commit so much time to it as a hobby,” she said.
“I am a teacher by trade so I am also really committed to players learning as much as they can about the game and in doing so develop as players and people.
“I love players who work hard, can think, adapt, adjust on court and have a lot of fun doing it.
“As a netball club we will continue to be a positive and safe place for young women to
Player’s Player - Milly O’Kane. Reserves
Best and Fairest - Curtis Hines.
Best and Fairest runner up - Josh Hedin.
Most Improved Greg Anderson Shield - Keahn Driscoll.
Most Consistent - Harvey Burgan.
Culture Award - Josh Hedin.
Most Courageous - Josh Styles.
B grade
Best and Fairest - Tayla Maddern.
Best and Fairest runner up - Abbey Moore.
Most ConsistentOlivia Szeligiewicz.
Best in Finals - Olivia Szeligiewicz.
Player’s Player - Ebony Norris. C grade
Best and Fairest - Shel Petts.
Best and Fairest runner up - Jessie Knights.
Coaches Award - Imogen Robinson.
Player’s Player – Lily Cairns.
Best in Finals - Lily Cairns. Thirds
Best and Fairest - Owain Boyle.
Best and Fairest runner up
be the best they can be on and off the court.
“We will work hard in preseason to develop whole club netball attacking and defensive strategies that will build on the strengths of the players we have.”
Lamb paid tribute to the coaches who had and continue to share their knowledge and thoughts with her as she strives to improve even further.
“I have had some wonderful coaching mentors who have inspired, supported and continue to teach me many things,” she said
“Julie Hoornweg, former Melbourne Vixen head coach, is a wonderful friend of mine.
“She continues to come to our training and games and shares her knowledge.
“I have many friends who are head coaches in the Ovens and Murray and other leagues who I coach representative netball with.
“Coaching can be a lonely sport so it is important to have a strong network of people who support and understand.”
Next year Lamb will continue on as assistant coach of the VNL Western Warriors championship team, along with her Rovers duties.
The 2026 Hawks coaching roster: A grade Stacey Lamb; B grade Caitlyn Grant and Perri McCarthy; C grade Deb Doyle; 17s Stacey Lamb; 15s Ellie Miller.
- Will Petersen.
Best First Year Player - Ted Clayton.
Most Improved - Hunter Barry.
Culture Award - Corey Petersen. Coaches Award - Declan O’Sullivan.
Most Courageous Garrett Boak Award - Charlie Kerwin.
Best in Finals - Will Petersen. 17 and under
Best and Fairest - Charlotte Woosnam. Best and Fairest runner up - Emersen Norton. Coaches Award -
Maddie White. Player’s Player - Marley Carmody. Best in Finals - Isabel McMahon. 15 and under Best and Fairest - Minnie Humphry. Best and Fairest runner up - Steph Parsons. Coaches Award - Ava Saunders, Lexi Looby.
Player’s Player - Eva Dale. Life Members - Michael Bordignon, Dale Carmody. Club Person of the Year - Josh Borchmann, Melissa Finnegan.
Lou Byrne Rising Star Award - Milly O’Kane.
By NATHAN DE VRIES
It may not be the most popular sport in the region, but thanks to the efforts of the local Border Benchwarmers club, inline hockey is starting to boom.
The Border Benchwarmers Inline Hockey Club, and their junior division, the Wangaratta Royals, have been growing steadily over the last six years, and show no signs of slowing down.
Starting in 2019 as a group of mates who like to skate together in Albury, the club has since moved its operations largely to the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre, which has helped the club to grow both their senior and junior operations with great success.
Inline hockey is essentially non-contact ice hockey, but played on a basketball court wearing inline roller blades, and offers players of all ages a fun, family-friendly outlet for exercise and competition.
Club vice president Shane Lindsay said the club was going from strength to strength, particularly in the junior division.
“We took the leap to try to bring and build the sport in Wangaratta, and we are currently running some training sessions
for juniors/youth between 6pm-6.45pm on Wednesday nights during the school term,” he said.
“We have done our best to make it affordable for newcomers and beginners.
“Skating is great for fitness as well as balance and coordination for the kids, we had around 20-25 kids signed up for term three, with numbers holding strong and improving looking into term four.
“We have a great group of kids aged between six and 14 years old, and of that there would be probably a 50/50 split.
“The sport itself throughout all ages is played as a mixed sport, meaning brothers and sisters can play together - helpful for families who have young boys and girls that both love skating.”
The club often enters tournaments across the state and even interstate, and are hard at work preparing for their next venture, the Bendigo-Sunshine-Border/Wangaratta tournament between the three clubs, set to be held across the weekend of Saturday, 11 October – Sunday, 12 October.
The Benchwarmers will field two senior teams at the tournament, as well as a pair of Royals junior
teams in the under 10s and under 14s age groups.
“In the senior grade there will be some fierce competition albeit a non-contact sport, but we are expecting some good competition,” Lindsay said.
“For the juniors this will be the first time we appear as the Wangaratta Royals.
“The Bendigo and Sunshine junior programs are both quite new as well as us, so it will be a great experience for the kids to have a weekend away with their friends and families, play some hockey and get a real taste of the competitiveness that is inline hockey.”
There’s plenty of room at the club for more members, offering everything from fitness, social engagement or red-blooded competition.
“Inline hockey is a thrilling, family-friendly sport that blends fun and competition, making it perfect for all ages,” Lindsay said.
“It’s a proud community built on teamwork, support, and a love for the game.”
For more information or to join up, contact the Border Benchwarmers via Facebook, or head along to a training night on Wednesdays, from 6pm-6.45pm for juniors or 6.45pm-8pm for seniors.
Cricketers past and present, alongside supporters and friends of the Rovers United Bruck Cricket Club are invited to a special reunion dinner on Saturday, October 11, celebrating decades of local cricket history.
The evening marks 10 years of Rovers United Bruck Cricket Club, and will strongly honour the stories of four proud clubs – Rovers, United, Rovers United and Bruck.
Across multiple mergers, these clubs are now as one, and the evening will celebrate a decade since the successful merger of Rovers United and Bruck in 2015.
It will be a chance for players and long-time supporters to reminisce on their part of the club.
In all, the clubs have won a combined 34 Wangaratta & District Cricket Association
A Grade crowns, including three of the last four as Rovers United Bruck.
All with memories and involvement in the clubs are invited to the Town & Country Tavern on the evening of October 11 from 7pm.
Throughout the night,
hosts will highlight each chapter of the club’s history, from the early Rovers and United days to the formation of Rovers United and the present-day RUBCC.
Current players will also be in attendance, having just come from the field after their round one clashes.
“Marking 10 years of our combined clubs is something well worth celebrating, and we’re looking forward to doing so with all our members
ger said.
“This is something the club has been working on for some time, and it’s going to be a great chance for everyone to mingle, whether you played in the 1980s or remain involved in the club today.
“Everybody is welcome, and it’s an evening the club is tremendously excited about.”
Displays of historical im-
ages, honour boards, and sented at the function, with a photographer also on hand to capture memories of the evening.
Raffles and giveaways will take place, while there will also be the opportunity to purchase present-day club merchandise.
RSVPs are encouraged to be sent to Jacob (0432 271 287) or Jeremy (0407 867 608).
■ From back page “WSAC, Basketball Victoria and us are working really hard to make sure all of that’s ready for us to have a go at going in 2026.”
Maher said there was still a hunger for Wangaratta to re-enter the CBL, with talented players ready, but everything had to be in place first.
“It’s not ideal, we want to get it back,” he said.
“We’ve got some bigger picture things around what we’ll look like in 2027 with our Big V program, but we need to make all of the working cogs fit in together.
“We’ve got three of our players going down to play for Wodonga this year, and another going to Myrtleford.
“Everything has to be working, we 100 per cent need the support of the council and WSAC and make sure all of that is working well, we need to make sure we’ve got our structure right within Wangaratta Basketball, which is all ready to go.”
While the CBL season will pass the Warriors by for another season, basketball is still booming in Wangaratta.
Maher confirmed the club’s November representa-
SIDELINED: Wangaratta will once again not field teams in the CBL.
tive tournament will once again be held in Wangaratta this year – it was forced to be played in Wodonga over the last two years due to the construction of the new stadium at WSAC.
The domestic season is also thriving, and set to resume this week, while Aussie Hoops numbers are through the roof. The pieces are almost there for the Warriors to rejoin CBL – bring on 2026.
BIG WIN: Rich Champagne, owned by a local syndicate, won the Murtoa Cup on Saturday.
Following recent success in the Pooncarie Cup another local group of horse race owners have now landed the Murtoa Cup.
Rich Champagne, trained in the Grampians by Andrew Bobbin and ridden by Linda Meech, took out last Saturday’s Cup over 2050m, as a $2.45 favourite.
The 5YO gelding carried 55.5 kg and brought its wins to five with eight placings during its 21 starts and prizemoney to over $190,000.
The ‘Glass Hoof Full’ syndicate comprises local football identities Phil Nolan, Shane Gaston, Darcy Booth and Luke Peters along with Dennis and Chris Backas, Geoff Allen, Daniel Lloyd and is managed by Graeme Taylor.
Syndicate spokesman, Phil Nolan, said the next target for Rich Champagne will be the Horsham Cup and depending on the result, may target the Grand Handicap Final on Melbourne Cup Day.
Saturday’s win reaped $47,000 plus a $30,000 VOBIS Platinum voucher which can be used to purchase VOBIS Sire progeny in the future.
Reigning O&M 17 and under premiership netball coach Stacey Lamb will take on the Rovers A grade coaching job as well in season 2026.
Wangaratta Warriors to sit out 2025 CBL season, but remain determined to bring program back
The weekend saw the start of the North East Country Basketball League season, with teams from across the North East and Border hitting the courts to represent their town and associations, but there was a notable absence.
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@
nemedia.com.au
Wangaratta will again not field teams in both the men’s and women’s CBL competitions this season, citing logistical challenges with both stadium scheduling and manning the program.
The CBL is the premier open age domestic repre-
sentative basketball league in Victoria, with the North East region incorporating teams from Albury-Wodonga, Wallan, Shepparton, Echuca, Seymour and Myrtleford
The Warriors have not fielded a men’s team since the 2023 CBL season, who went 1-9 through the competition, while 2022 was the
last year for the women.
Wangaratta Basketball Inc president Adam Maher said while it was disappointing not to see the green and black on the court in the CBL this season, certain challenges proved too great to overcome in time.
“We’ve still got some challenges we’re trying to
work through,” he said.
“We’re still working through some stuff at the stadium and having access on Saturday nights and things like that, but we’re getting some good, positive feedback now on how it’s going to look.
“We had some challenges around getting coaches and getting people back on board
– I don’t know whether it’s because we’ve been off for a little while and we need to get everyone back thinking about that.
“We just couldn’t put it all together for the start of this season – we needed access on Saturday nights, and there’s still a bit of work to be done around that.
■ Continued page 15
