Wangaratta Rovers’ senior footballers remain on track to win back to back O&M premierships after defeating Myrtleford on Saturday to secure a grand final berth on 21 September. And they could face Wangaratta Magpies, who beat Lavington by one point yesterday and will take on the Saints in the preliminary final. Jace McQuade, pictured flying over teammate Ed Dayman and his Saints’ opponent, was among the Rovers’ best in their 11 points win infront of more than 2600 people at the Norm Minns Oval.
$1M REWARD
A reward of up to $1 million has been offered for information leading to the arrest of Desmond ‘Dezi’ Freeman, who as of Sunday evening remained at large almost two weeks after allegedly murdering two police officers at his property on the outskirts of Porepunkah.
Victoria Police announced the reward on Saturday, as more than 450 police and defence force specialists continued to search dense bushland behind the Rayner Track property where a heavily armed Freeman was last seen fleeing
JEFF ZEUSCHNER jzeuschner@
after fatally shooting Detective
Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart-Hottart on the morning of Tuesday, 26 August.
The officers were among 10 members executing a search warrant at Freeman’s property as part of an investigation by the Wangaratta Sexual Offences and Child
Abuse Investigation Team.
A third officer was seriously injured after being shot in the lower body and still recovering at home.
Detective Inspector Dean Thomas from the Homicide Squad which is leading the investigation into the deaths of the officers, said the reward of up to $1M for information that leads to Freeman’s arrest, was part of the effort to bring him into custody peacefully and safely.
He said while the offering of a reward for a murder investigation is not unusual in itself, what sets this apart
is that this reward is for arrest and not conviction – and it is the largest reward ever offered for an arrest in Victoria.
“This figure recognises the seriousness of this violent offending and our commitment to locating Freeman as soon as possible so that he is no longer a risk to the broader community,” he said.
“Our aim in offering this reward is that it will lead someone out there, who may not have been willing to come forward until this time, to contact police.
■ Continued page 3
Drier August leads to below average winter rainfall
The last month of winter was notably drier than average in North East Victoria. August rainfall was only 21.8mms in Wangaratta, 26.6mms in Rutherglen, 22.4mms in Yarrawonga, 30.4mms in Benalla and 44.6mms in Albury.
All totals were generally less than half the August average - except 44.6mms at Albury - and represented the driest August since 2014, after which there were bursts of heavy
By Peter Nelson, retired CSIRO climatologist
rain and thunderstorms late in November and early December of 2014 and again in mid January 2015.
Both June and July this year were actually wetter than average at all five major North East centres and total
rainfalls for the winter season include 171.6mms at Wangaratta, 169mms at Rutherglen, 169.4mms at Benalla, 123 mms at Yarrawonga and 173.8mms at Albury.
All totals were just short of the winter average.
The heaviest rain was on 24 June as a result of thunderstorm activity.
Mean maximum temperatures were just over one degree above normal during this winter whilst mean minimum
temperatures were just over one degree below normal.
Elsewhere, violent thunderstorms with heavy hail on 29 August brought heavy rainfalls to Mt Buller and Strathbogie. At Mt Buller the August rainfall reached 240mms which was the wettest August since 2022.
Strathbogie, which had its driest January to May period for 105 years, recorded above average rainfall for all the three winter months this year
and this also happened during the winter months of 1920.
The records show that September and October 1920 were wet months in Victoria.
Sydney has completed its wettest winter with 567mms since 2007, as well as the wettest August with 389mms since 1998.
The total rainfall this year in Sydney has reached 1371mms, surpassing the annual average of 1219mms.
Very heavy rainfall
at Port Macquarie with floods during August has takes its year to date total to 2018mms - a massive 500mms above the annual average of 1515mms. Interestingly, the very wet years at both Sydney and Port Macquarie in 1950, 1990 and 2022 did lead to notably warmer and wetter conditions in Victoria from September right through to February with a high frequency of thunderstorms.
Over 3000 honour Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart at funeral
BY JORDAN DUURSMA jduursma@ nemedia.com.au
Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart was farewelled by family, friends and colleagues on Friday morning in a police funeral at the Victoria Police Academy chapel in Glen Waverley.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Jacinta Allan joined more than 3000 people gathered to honour the slain police officer and pay their respects.
Three theatres were opened up to accommodate the crowd which was three times the number anticipated, with even more watching online.
Sen Const de Waart-Hottart was tragically killed alongside Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson at a rural property in Porepunkah on Tuesday 26, August as a group of 10 police officers served a warrant.
The 34-year-old has been posthumously awarded the Victoria Police Star.
The Victoria Police Star is awarded as recognition by the Chief Commissioner, on behalf of the Victorian community, of members who are killed or seriously injured.
It acknowledges the unique and often unpredictable dangers of police work.
He has also been awarded the National Police Service Medal, National Medal and Victoria Police Service Medal.
Sen Const de Waart-Hottart served with Victoria Police for seven years.
He was on temporary assignment in Wangaratta and was a part of the Public Order Response Team since 2023.
The Melbourne based policeman was extremely proud to have pur
chased his first home in recent years and travelling was his passion.
Sen Const De Waart was fluent in French, Spanish, Flemish and English and completed scuba dives and motorcycling trips all around the world with his friends and colleagues.
He is survived by parents who live in Belgium, a younger brother in Switzerland and extended family in Melbourne, all of whom attended the service.
Senior chaplain Annette in’t Hout welcomed attendees to the service and shared a closing word of reflection and farewell.
Sen Const de Waart-Hottart’s younger brother Sacha de Waart-Hottart read a eulogy, followed by a first tribute read by Constable Tali Walker-David-
son, friend and colleague.
Sacha urged mourners to remember Vadim for “how he lived, not how he died”.
Friends and family described him as the kind of person who was always happy, smiling and trying to make others laugh.
Colleagues recalled his passion for police work and the pride he took in the job.
Placed on the the funeral altar was a small statue of Batman, who mourners were told was the senior constable’s childhood hero, because he loved to help people.
“My brother has always been my hero, my protector,” Sacha said
“He was my very own superhero, he was my Batman.
“Then when we grew up and I didn’t need his protecting any-
REMEMBERED: Photos, medals and a statue of Batman were placed on the chapel altar as a silent tribute and solemn reminder of Senior Constable Vadim de WaartHottart’s service.
more, my brother found 23,000 new brothers and sisters in blue to keep protecting, and he found a way to continue helping everyone he could.”
Sen Const de Waart-Hottart’s mother’s words were read by his cousin Jeremy Dellavedova and a record of service was read by Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush, followed by The Police Ode which was read by colleague and friend Acting Inspector Warwick Cahir.
Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson will be honoured at a police funeral at the Victoria Police Academy today, with many of his colleagues from the Wangaratta Police Station where he served since 2007, and wider North East, are expected to attend.
A HERO’S SEND OFF: Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart was farewelled by more than 3000 family members, friends and colleagues on Friday. PHOTOS: AAP
Social housing rate relief stops at $100m+ project
Reduced rates for other social housing developments not being considered by council, says CEO
The region’s largest social and affordable housing provider has quizzed Wangaratta council over a rates concession it applied to 22 units destined for the former Ovens College site to be developed by Nestd.
Ben Ruscoe, chair of Beyond Housing, submitted questions to council about the rates concession for the social housing units approved by council in June.
Part of his query was for council to outline the principles that determine which developments receive rates exemptions or reductions in Wangaratta.
Mr Ruscoe also asked for council to consider applying the same concession to the 48 social housing dwellings Beyond Housing will deliver in Wangaratta by 2027.
Rural City of Wangaratta CEO Brendan McGrath responded to Mr Ruscoe’s questions at the August council meeting, however, it appears that the rate relief for the Greta Road social housing was a one-off.
“The concession that they have been offered is a conces-
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
sion, it’s not a rate waiver, so you can take from that they are still paying rates, and it’s time limited and only applies to a very small number of the dwellings on that site, not the whole site,”
Mr McGrath explained.
“In terms of ongoing support around rate relief for social housing, that’s not something the council’s contemplating.
“We see the funding of social housing being the domain of the state and federal government, not local government.
“Our role is about supporting those agencies that provide housing.
“We can have influence on the design of developments, and we have some controls available to us through the planning scheme to influence development outcomes for housing, and those are the areas we primarily see our role being in.”
WHAT ABOUT US: Some 22 social housing units set for the former Ovens College site will have reduced rates for developer Nestd. One of the perks the developer was able to procure to make the development feasible. However, it has begged the question from other social housing developers.
torian government in relation to the Ovens College site.
Mr McGrath would not go into any detail about the deal struck with Nestd and the Vic-
“Our agreement with the developers there, Nestd, is a confidential one, so I won’t go into any detail about what specifically that agreement is, but,
suffice to say, that site is a key strategic site, was purchased by council 12 or 13 years ago and retained to ensure it was used for a beneficial community use, rather than just being a stock standard development of some sort,” he said.
“This council, and councils before it, have worked hard to identify appropriate uses for that site.
“Our development partner there, Nestd, is just progress-
ing a development which is in excess of $100 million.
“It proposes to develop just under 200 dwellings and a range of supporting community and commercial facilities to sit alongside that.”
Mr McGrath referred to council’s housing and homelessness strategy and part of the work is looking at what projects they can do and implement to support housing projects.
He said they also work very closely with the various housing agencies that are involved in the provision of social and affordable housing specifically.
“We acknowledge the challenges that housing is providing across regional and rural areas at the moment right across Victoria,” he said.
“We also acknowledge and respect the work that Beyond Housing does in providing vital housing, both within our township and a range of other townships across the region.”
Under plans for the Nestd development there will 175 apartments including 22 social housing, 34 affordable and key worker apartments.
Bounty for info leading to arrest of alleged murderer of two police officers
■ From page 1
“ There is no doubt that up to a million dollars is a life changing amount of money for anyone and has the potential to completely change their circumstances
“We believe this investigation will only be brought to resolution through assistance from members of the public and again, I am urging anyone with any information at all to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers.
“This could be sightings of Freeman, information you’re hearing in your local communities, even suspicious activity on your property – whatever it is, we want you to tell us.
“I would also like to stress to members of the public that if you see Freeman, then we need you to call triple zero immediately because this will give police the very best chance of apprehending him.
“Freeman has killed two people and injured a third, and it’s immensely important that we can bring him into custody safely as soon as possible –hopefully this reward helps do just that.”
Det Insp Thomas said the reward was offered to anyone, which could include family members of the accused gunman.
He said the reward was not an act of desperation, “far from it”, explaining there were many active lines of enquiry being pursued and police were “buoyed” by information that had come into date, all of which is being investigated.
“Our resolve is a strong today as it was on day one,” Det Insp Thomas.
“He will not get away with this...he will be caught, it’s just a matter or when.”
Det Insp Thomas said the last confirmed sighting of
Freeman was on the day of the fatal shootings.
He said there is nothing to indicate that Freeman is being assisted by a specific person, however given the difficult terrain and the requirement for various supplies this remains a possibility.
“Police are also open to the possibilities that he remains at large alone, or is dead as a result of self-harm,” Det Insp Thomas.
“We’re open to all possibilities,” Det Insp Thomas said.
Over the past 13 days, hundreds of properties, as well as many miles of dense bushland in the Mt Buffalo National Park, including caves and old mines, have been searched on foot and from the air by heavily armed police officers from across a range of specialist areas, assisted by personnel from a number of other agencies.
HAVE YOU SEEN HIM? Freeman, otherwise known
as Desmond Filby, was last seen wearing dark green (khaki) tracksuit pants, dark green rain jacket, brown Blundstone boots and reading glasses. Police believe Freeman remains armed and advise members of the public not to approach him.
Victoria Police have urged the public in and around Porepunkah to remain vigilant and report any sightings or suspicious behaviour by calling Triple Zero (000).
Anyone with any information about Freeman’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
For the most current advice and updates relating to this search, visit https://www. police.vic.gov.au/porepunkahshooting-and-search-desmondfreeman-filby
Farmers’ night out in Moyhu supporting mental health
Farmers and their families are invited to come together for a special Farmers Night Out at the Moyhu Hotel on Thursday, 18 September from 5.30pm.
The free community event includes dinner and a presentation by Warren Davies – The Unbreakable Farmer - who will share his powerful story of resilience and the importance of mental wellbeing in farming communities.
Hosted by the Rural City of Wangaratta and the Wangaratta Livestock Exchange, the evening is an opportunity to take a break from
the farm, enjoy a meal and connect with others who understand the unique challenges of rural life.
“Farming life is rewarding, but it can also be isolating,” said rural city deputy mayor Harvey Benton.
“This night is about coming together, having a laugh and spending time with mates and neighbours.”
The event comes at a time when many people in rural communities are feeling the ongoing impacts of drought.
Prolonged dry conditions have placed additional pressure on farm-
ers, affecting not only their livelihoods but also their mental health.
Vital in providing support, connection and a reminder that no one is alone, this event is supported by the Victorian government’s Drought Response through the Look Over the Farm Gate program, administered by the National Centre for Farmer Health with support from Agriculture Victoria.
It is free to attend but registration is required for catering purposes, with tickets at events.humanitix. com/the-unbreakable-farmer-freedinner-and-talk-6fsgcnwf.
FUNERAL SERVICE TODAY FOR DETECTIVE LEADING SENIOR CONSTABLE NEAL THOMPSON Veteran Wangaratta Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson (above) will be farewelled at funeral service with full police honours at the Victoria Police Academy in Melbourne this morning.
A large contingent of force colleagues who worked with the respected detective during his two decades of service in the Wangaratta will be attending the service.
Smoke from glove box, then vehicle engulfed by flames
A Wangaratta driver’s vehicle was engulfed in flames shortly after he noticed smoke coming from the glove box
Sergeant Phil Pelgrim of Wangaratta police said the 23 year old was driving southward on the Wangaratta-Yarrawonga Road when he saw the smoke and pulled over near Francis Road, Killawarra around lunchtime.
“He was the sole occupant and was able to grab items and exit the Nissan Navara, with has been engulfed by flames and destroyed,” Sgt Pelgrim said.
“FRV attended the scene and extinguished the blaze.
“The fire is not being treated as suspicious.”
PHOTO: Steve Kelly
UNBREAKABLE FARMER: Warren Davies is guest speaker.
Foster care in spotlight, with more carers sought
This Foster and Kinship Care Week, Upper Murray Family Care (UMFC) is inviting the community to come together to celebrate, learn, and connect - and to hear directly from the everyday heroes making a life-changing difference in the lives of children and young people: foster and kinship carers.
The number of children and young people needing foster care placements in our local area continues to exceed the number of available carers.
UMFC currently supports around 73 foster care households, but on some weeks, only between one and five of these households are available to take in children entering care.
With approximately 40 children and young people requiring placements each month in our local area, the demand for foster carers remains urgent and ongoing.
UMFC is reaching out in new and engaging ways to share information, answer questions, and break down the myths surrounding foster care.
Kinship carers are also being celebrated by UMFC during this week given their strong commitment to care for chil-
dren or young people who they know or are related to.
To spread information on fostering UMFC is holding a relaxed Family Fun Day in Wangaratta on 3 October.
With games, face painting, music, and a barbecue lunch, it’s a chance for families to enjoy time together while learning more about UMFC’s services - including how to get involved in foster care.
Staff will be on hand to chat informally and answer questions.
On the same date a Q&A session with a local foster carer will be held at UMFC’s Wodonga office, offering a rare opportunity to hear directly from someone who’s opened their home to children in need.
Local carer Brett Nance reflected on the reasons he likes being a foster carer.
“It’s the satisfaction you get out of it, knowing that one little thing you do can change that kid’s life forever,” he said.
UMFC is also reaching out beyond in-person events, offering online information sessions for those who prefer to learn from home.
These sessions are free, informal, and open to anyone curious about fostering - no pressure, just information.
25 September from 7pm to 8pm.
Week, UMFC hopes to challenge some of the myths that often prevent people from considering foster care:
• You don’t need to be mar-
required - ongoing support and training is provided.
• Saying goodbye is hard, but knowing you’ve made a difference is powerful.
For more information, visit www.umfc.com.au/becomea-carer, email fostercareenquiries@umfc.com.au or call UMFC on (02) 6055 8000.
Aerial inspections of power poles in the local area
Helicopters will be buzzing overhead across the North East this week as AusNet conducts routine aerial inspections of thousands of its power poles. Ausnet said the bids-eye view inspections can more easily identify and repair any wear and tear on powerlines and poles, as part of their efforts to keep its distribution network safe and provide a reliable electricity supply to communities.
Areas to be inspected between Monday to Friday this week include: Wangaratta, Glenrowan, Laceby, Oxley, Whorouly, Everton, Myrrhee, Moyhu, Whitlands and Carboor.
Entries are open for 2025 King Valley Art Show
Entries are open for the 2025 King Valley Art Show being held over Melbourne Cup weekend from Saturday, November 1 to Monday, November 3 at King River Brewing in Whitfield. There is a total prize pool of over $15,000, made possible by the generosity of sponsors, patrons and friends of the art show, including a major prize of $3000, with categories of oil/acrylic, pastel, work on paper, watercolour, printmaking and more. All awards are non-acquisitive and entries will close on Sunday, 19 October, with winners to be announced at the opening on Friday, 31 October from 7pm, and more information is available at kingvalleyarts.com.au.
OFFERING SUPPORT: UMFC’s care services team, including leader Michelle Wayenberg (left) and manager Carrie Spann provide ongoing support and training for foster carers.
Family devastated by boat and trailer theft
By JORDAN DUURSMA
A Wangaratta family say they are shocked and devastated by the theft of their boat, trailer and motor from a private property on Berry Place, off Park Lane in the early hours of last Wednesday, 3 September.
Nearby CCTV cameras on Phillipson and College street captured what was alleged to be a Mitsubishi Triton Ute with a loud aftermarket exhaust towing the boat and trailer away at around 5.47am.
The boat and motor, trailer, and a spare Yamaha motor which was also stolen, were stored next to a container 500 meters onto the property behind a padlocked gate.
Owner Bec Gardener said the thieves cut the side of the gate and took it off its hinges.
She described the boat as a “flat bottom, bull nose punt with TF353 on either side and a red Mariner 15 horsepower motor”.
Bec said she and her family were devastated to get the call from a neighbour that it had been stolen.
“We were just about to start preparing for summer,” she said. “It’s a pretty significant loss for our family, it doesn’t have a high financial value being worth around $5000 but it is sentimental to us.
STOLEN: THIS FLAT BOTTOM, BULL NOSE PUNT WITH TF353 ON EITHER SIDE AND A MARINER 15 HORSEPOWER MOTOR WAS STOLEN FROM BERRY PLACE ON 3 SEPTEMBER.
fishing on the river is the one thing our family loves to do to get away.
“It’s a big part of our kids’ childhood.”
The 46-year-old has grown up in the area and was shocked this happened in her hometown.
“It’s not what you would expect,” she said.
“Growing up here, I’m used to
Mitsubishi Triton Ute making off with the boat and trailer. If you can assist contact Wangaratta police on (03) 5723 0888.
knowing pretty much everyone in town and this has made me upset and angry that someone has done this and thinks they can get away with it with no consequences.”
Bec said the support from the community since the theft has been overwhelming.
“I’ve had so many people offer their support,” she said.
“People are really getting
Visitor numbers pass 1000 at the Wangaratta Museum
The Wangaratta Historical Society committee has been documenting visitor numbers since it reopened the museum for the 2024 Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues.
on board as a community and sharing all this around which is amazing.”
Wangaratta police are investigating the theft.
Any witnesses or anyone with footage or information is urged to contact Wangaratta Police Station on (03) 5723 0888 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Just short of a year later, Greg Absler and Prue Nobel welcomed Wangaratta locals, Rod and Cathy Canny, more excitedly than normal as the tally reached its 1000 and 1001 visitors.
The museum and the society’s records are of special interest to the couple, as Rod is a very keen historian and is interested in setting up an exhibition space at their work to highlight the history of his family’s business - Canny Carrying Co.
The museum is open every weekend from 10am to 1pm at the Old Fire Station at 29 Ford Street, Wangaratta, with more information at wangarattahistoricalsociety.org.au.
Monday-Friday 6:00am - 18:00pm
6:00am - 13:00pm
Heartache as we farewell ‘Thommo’
Wangaratta’s thoughts and prayers have been with our men and women in blue for the past two weeks, and today will be particularly challenging.
Veteran Wangaratta Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson will be farewelled, with full police honours, at a funeral service at the Victorian Police Academy in Melbourne this morning.
A large contingent of colleagues from Wangaratta and district have made the solemn journey this morning to honour the respected officer, who served our community and the wider North East with distinction over almost two decades.
The circumstances of his death, and that of colleague Senior Constable Vadim De Waart-Hottart who was laid to rest on Friday, continue to mortify our community and shock Australia.
‘Thommo’ as he was affectionately known by many, upheld the virtues law abiding citizens in our community value. He was there doing a difficult job, and his and Sen Const Vadim De Waart-Hottart’s tragic deaths are a painful reminder of how officers put their lives on the line to protect our society.
As we went to press Sunday evening, the man police are hunting for the death’s of both officers, and injury to a third officer, was still at large.
Victoria Police are now offering a $1 million reward for information that leads to the arrest of the fugitive gunman Dezi Freeman.
The bounty adds to police’s continuing public plea to pass on any information, no matter how small, to Crime Stoppers (1800 333 000), that may assist in locating and bringing the fugitive into custody. We all hope for a resolution.
The Quiz No.151
1. Anzac Cove is located in which country?
2. Who is the mother of actress, Kate Hudson?
3. In which decade was the Space Invaders arcade game released?
4. Ürümqi, famous for being the most remote city from any sea in the world, is located in which country?
5. Which band had the 1967 hit, Nights in White Satin?
6. In November 1991, which famous sportsperson announced that he had HIV?
7. Which herb is one of the main ingredients in pesto?
8. A sackbut is a type of which musical instrument?
9. What is the full name of the Star Trek TV series that premiered in September 2017?
10. Who was the first female leader of the Australian Greens?
11. In which game franchise would you find the world of Azeroth?
12. The Territory of Christmas Island is located closest to which country?
13. What is the official name for a citizen of Cyprus?
14. How many players are required to play a game of contract bridge?
15. The Kookaburras represent Australia in which sport?
16. In which 1985 movie did Whoopi Goldberg play the role of Celie Harris Johnson?
17. Who wrote the best-selling 2017 novel, Camino Island?
18. Which national capital city is located on the island of Guadalcanal?
19. Who was the youngest of the famous Gabor sisters?
20. Which car manufacturer makes the Forester compact crossover SUV?
Facebook users have been commenting on a new tobacconist store neighbouring a local primary school.
Sarah Thompson: Glad the shop is let and back in business. Welcome ! Really Wangaratta Chronicle ? Stephen English: Very simple parent education first and foremost in making good choices and where a legal business is situated should not be an issue
Charly Moushi: Stephen English love to hear it! Thats all it takes.
Maxine Colville: Just what the world needs another tobacco shop Josh Williams: What a good view for the kids as there walking passed Tracey Oconnor: Least the shop isn’t empty Brandon Joel Milky Moore: Surprised its not another fuel station Tony Davidson: Wowsers
, one block over to the west and you got a pub next to a kindergarten Bea Ely: Perfect, right next to a primary school.. Travis Mccormac: Bring more into town and a few more Servos on tone rd Tim Bright: Bugger I was hoping it would be a Red Rooster Georgina Rea: Location concerns , how ridiculous. Not that I think tobacco use or vaping is a good thing but
Show our support, respect for police
A massed display of beautiful floral tributes, cards and children’s drawings in the foyer of Wangaratta Police Station overwhelmingly express the heartfelt emotions and sentiments of a shocked community appalled by the fatal shooting of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de WaartHottart, plus the serious wounding of their colleague at Porepunkah.
Acts of violent extremism practiced by a collective minority with willful intent to inflict havoc and disrupt society is an abhorrent concept to law-abiding citizens who value living with goodwill and harmonious interaction with others.
The Police Academy Chapel at Glen Waverley has a memorial alcove with honour boards commemorating officers’ fallen in the line of duty, and sadly, the names of the two brave police members will soon be inscribed on individual plaques and attached to the board.
there are age restrictions on accessing these products. For goodness sake surely kids are not that fragile that a legitimate business is some sort of risk. I think we all need to get a grip.
Gustov Balart: No worse than a Macca’s or KFC.... Cathy van Gastelen: Good luck selling legitimate tobacco. Sales have dived and I know people aren’t quitting. Good luck with your new venture.
Have your say Like the Wangaratta
A sombre, but realistic reminder of the perilous nature of policing is the inclusion of blank plaques on the honour board for future additions.
Let’s respond to Blue Ribbon Day on 29 September and show our support and respect for the wonderful work police members carry out to keep us safe.
Beverley Waring, Hansonville
CFA volunteers smack down government
Thousands of Country Fire Authority volunteers across the state have expressed their frustration with the Allan Labor Government, marking the government poorly on virtually every area of CFA management and operations in a key survey.
The annual Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) survey received responses from more than 2000 CFA volunteers, with six out of seven survey themes recording a drop in volunteer satisfaction with the government.
Drops were recorded in the areas of respect for the role of volunteers and support from the CFA, and particularly in training and the provision of up-to-date appliances.
Of particular concern is the worst-ever recorded response in relation to the Allan Labor Government providing sufficient funding for CFA trucks and stations.
The survey reflects the frustration of CFA volunteers.
For more than a decade now, the Labor
government has disrespected the CFA and particularly its volunteers.
It’s alarming to see the lack of confidence that our volunteers have in the Allan Labor Government.
Clearly they don’t believe the government’s rhetoric about supporting appliances and new stations, with the survey recording the worst ever result on that issue.
Worse still, the survey was completed before legislation creating the new emergency services tax had passed Parliament.
All the evidence shows that tax is about filling budget black holes, not supporting our frontline firefighters.
This new tax has been slapped on Victorians at a time of a cost of living crisis and that’s why the Liberals and Nationals will scrap it if elected next year, while restoring the independence of the CFA and giving respect back to our volunteers.
Danny O’Brien, Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Emergency Services
The widespread impact of dementia
Dementia doesn’t just impact the person living with the condition and their immediate carers; it also impacts their family, friends and wider social network.
With an estimated 433,300 Australians living with dementia and 1.7 million people involved in their care, chances are
you know someone who is impacted by dementia.
People living with dementia tell us that friends and family often drop away, not knowing how to interact with them once they have a diagnosis.
That’s why this Dementia Action Week (15 – 21 September) we are challenging everyone in the community to reach out and reconnect to someone impacted by dementia because nobody can do it alone.
For some practical ideas about how to reconnect, visit dementia.org.au/dementiaactionweek.
For support any time, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Merran Kelsall, chair Dementia Australia Ann Pietsch, chair Dementia Australia Advisory Committee
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GRAND OPENING: The family and friends of King Valley artists Cara Dosser and Alexander Ryan celebrated the opening of the pair’s latest collection ‘Duck House’ last Thursday evening at Art Gallery on Ovens in Wangaratta. Cara (centre) is pictured with her mum Vicki Dosser (left) and friend Kerrilyn Arendt. The exhibition runs until 15 September. PHOTO: Grace Fredsberg
Council launches 2025 Wangaratta Seniors Festival program
A record-breaking 171 free and affordable events and activities will be part of the Wangaratta Seniors Festival in October.
The Rural City of Wangaratta delivers the festival in collaboration with the Victorian government, local businesses and community organisations.
This year’s theme, Connect, 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 Wangaratta Library for a warm space to craft and connect.
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.
“The Senior’s Festival is a chance to recognise ageing as a time of growth, contribution, and community,” said rural city mayor Irene Grant.
“Thank you to all who have helped shape this celebration and make it unique to Wangaratta.”
Flagship events include a commemorative high tea celebrating centenarians, the free Elvis Presley & Marilyn Monroe Tribute Show,
and the Hall Stories Rural Towns Tour with Damian Callinan, visiting Cheshunt, Eldorado, Boorhaman and Everton.
To access the program or to book visit wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Residents/Seniors/Wangaratta-SeniorsFestival-2025 or pick up a copy of the program at the Wangaratta Government Centre, Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre, Wangaratta Library or Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre.
Classic tale showcases young talent and celebrates
By SIMONE KERWIN
Two performances of ‘Matilda The Musical Jr’ this month will help celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Wangaratta Studio of Drama.
The shows will be held on Friday, 12 September from 6.30pm and Saturday, 13 September from 2pm at the Galen Performing Arts Centre, showcasing some of the city’s passionate young actors.
Based on the beloved Roald Dahl novel, the musical tells the story of Matilda, a brilliant young girl with extraordinary powers, and her quest for justice against the tyrannical Miss Trunchbull; it’s filled with vibrant songs, energetic performances and unforgettable characters.
The Wangaratta Studio of Drama was founded two decades ago by Galen College drama teacher Julie Nolan, who had previously been offering drama sessions through Pangerang Community House and classes with Yarrunga Primary School.
“I saw there was a need
to offer something more for kids who loved drama, and an outlet for young people with creative talent,” Julie said.
“It was a chance to give kids confidence in a nonthreatening environment;
just as rewarding as watching the outgoing kids achieve has been watching the quiet ones grow in confidence and go from not wanting to be on stage to - within two or three years - taking on a lead role.”
Julie said the drama class-
es helped participants learn how to express themselves and build people skills and resilience, as well as mix with students from other schools who may have similar interests.
tive, so they get an idea, and then have to work together to work out how best to present it,” she said.
“It’s also very collabora-
Originally tailored to primary students, the studio expanded to cater for prep to year 12 students, as many
young people were keen to continue beyond their primary years.
“Some of the kids are aiming to follow this as a career, so it’s a great opportunity for them,” Julie said.
Up to 25 shows have been produced over the studio’s 20 years, with this month’s ‘Matilda Jr’ to be the first fullscale production.
It is a condensed version of ‘Matilda the Musical’, featuring shortened versions of the songs from the original show.
The cast of 35 includes mostly senior students, as well as a number of younger studio members, with two casts set to perform the 70-minute 12 and 13 September shows.
“The kids are coming in for extra rehearsals, and are loving the experience,” Julie said.
Tickets for the Wangaratta Studio of Drama’s presentation of ‘Matilda Jr’ are available via Trybooking.com
Wangaratta
STAR POWER: This year’s Wangaratta Seniors Festival free country concert will feature the Elvis Presley & Marilyn Monroe Tribute Show on 30 October at 2pm.
Council carries over $2.3m in capital works from last year
Capital works and capital grant funding carry overs at Wangaratta council have been brought forward to the 2025/26 financial year.
The total capital works expense carry overs amount to a net $2.3 million, and the capital income carry overs total $1.28m.
Major expense items include the Myrrhee-Whitlands Road Bridge Replacement, and the Rowan Street Overpass Shared Path projects.
Some projects, like the Wangaratta Flood Mitigation Strategy, show significant income (grant) carry overs.
Projects with a negative expense carry over indicate recurring projects which had over delivery and/or overspends in the 2024/25 year – these carry overs mean a downward adjustment to the 2025/26 budget for those corresponding amounts.
Funding for the Bullawah Trail Wayfinding Project was originally received in 2023/24, however due to cultural complexities it was put on hold and not included in the 2024/25 Budget.
The total operating expense carry overs for various operational projects amount
• LRCI Gravel Resheeting Program - Expense: (-$217,092)
$580,000 for Milawa bridge replacement in the budget
NEW BIN ON THE BLOCK:
The purple lidded bin will be collected for the first time by council on Monday, 8 September. The service is one of the operating expenses carried over to the 2025-26 budget.
to $888k, while the operating grant carry overs total $126k.
Major expense items include the Social Inclusion Action Group $195k, Kerb-
side Glass Bins $173k, and Theatre & Production Asset Renewal $127k.
Some projects, such as the Kerbside Reform Support
Fund and Glenrowan - Tiny Town Fund, show matching or significant income carryovers, supporting continued delivery into 2025/26.
Ivones Lane bridge in Milawa (above), located 900 metres east of MarkwoodTarrawingee Road, will be replaced at a cost of $580,597.
It’s one of 409 bridges in the Rural City of Wangaratta and as part of 2025/26 budget, replacement of Ivones Lane Bridge was prioritised due to the deteriorated existing condition.
Works were awarded to Waratah Bridge Constructions Benalla for a complete replacement of the bridge and upgrade of the bridge’s loading capacity to SM1600 loading.
The SM1600 traffic loading was developed in response to increasing legal truck mass and truck axle loads, and new configurations of heavy vehicles to ensure that over the design life of bridges the actual traffic loads will not exceed the design loads.
It will include the supply, fabrication and installation of a single span, concrete plank and concrete reinforced deck bridge.
The work will also include the supply and installation of rock beaching and erosion protection.
Cathedral College hosts regional education summit
Cathedral College Wangaratta hosted the AngliSchools Education Summit at its Murdoch Road campus on Friday, 29 August.
Held every two years, the summit brings together educators and support staff from All Saints Anglican School Shepparton, Cobram Anglican Grammar School, and Trinity Anglican College Albury, as well as Cathedral College.
These schools form the eastern states cluster of the AngliSchools network.
The summit showcased AngliSchools’ commitment to holistic education, with sessions and workshops
exploring the integration of academic excellence, wellbeing, creativity, and real-world learning.
Cathedral College’s director of studies, Julie Findlay, said guests Professor Pasi Sahlberg, a leader in educational leadership at the University of Melbourne, and Brendan Lee, who lectures on the science of learning, were informative and inspiring speakers for the 375 attendees.
“Pasi comes from rural Finland, so he is aware that rural educators don’t always get the opportunity to have events like this in their schools; so often, it’s one
person going to Melbourne and coming back to try and find a time to share what they learnt,” Ms Findlay said.
“We had great feedback from those who attended, and there were some really good discussion points for us.
“People enjoyed the opportunity to connect with their colleagues from other schools, including through a series of workshops where they could meet up, share ideas and make connections for the future.”
Workshops included sessions on neurodiversity and neurodivergence, First
Nations perspectives in education, engaging biology students through extension programs, supporting mental health, creativity in arts and technology, drones and robotics in practice, the use of AI in education, hockey skills development, women in leadership, gamification in teaching, data-informed schools, leadership pathways, staff wellbeing, teaching capabilities aligned with the vision for learning, and Vocational Major (VCE-VM) pathways.
The summit was the third event held for the AngliSchools network.
Julie Findlay, keynote speaker Professor Pasi Sahlberg and Cathedral College principal Nick Jones at the AngliSchools Education Summit.
ACROSS
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD
1 To have heated, is to have done what (6)
8 What is a company of persons gathered together (8)
9 What a fuel pump at a service station is called (6)
10 Name another term for a memento (8)
11 What is a list of things to be done (6)
13 Which term describes that which is the most dignified (8)
16 To have embraced, is to have done what (8)
19 What is a trip to convey a message (6)
22 Name another term for a slaughterhouse (8)
24 To be rescuing someone, is to be doing what (6)
25 What is a pamphlet otherwise known as (8)
26 Who are one’s sister’s daughters (6)
DOWN
2 Which term means lengthways (5)
3 What do we call one who works with stone (5)
4 Name the time in history from about AD 476 to about AD 1000 (4,4)
5 What is a small island called (4)
7 What are lucky chances (6)
12 Name a pitcher with a wide spout (4)
14 Name the Danish author, Hans Christian … (8)
15 Which volcano is still active (4)
E-QUATIONS 7
20 What is a group of skits, etc (5)
21 What is the one or particular occasion or purpose (5)
23 Which term describes a burden or responsibility (4)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
WHICH WORDS
6 To be aroused to mirth, is to be what (6)
17 Name a regional urban growth centre on the Murray ...-Wodonga (6)
Letters have a number value
18 To inveigle, is to do what (6)
Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
E-QUATIONS
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
BIYWORD
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:
Aged person (coll) (5) Dearest (7) Express (5) Floor covering (3) Governor (coll) (3) Include me (2,3) Last longer than (7) Number (3) Vestige (5) Young Scientist Exhibition (3)
37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677
DJ and CL Collison
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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.
PAINTER, old school, for all your painting needs, commercial, industrial renovations. Phone Juliano 0412 597 482.
YARD CLEANUPS AND RUBBISH REMOVAL
Household Rubbish - Green WasteFurniture - Garage Cleanouts - Mowing. Fast, reliable service for all your clean-up needs! No job too big or small. Call 0474 107 631.
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Deputy Principal – Faith and Identity Mathematics and/or Religious Education Teacher (Years 7 - 9)
We also have the following fixed term positions available: Accounts Payable Officer Traineeships (multiple positions available)
Applications close on Wednesday, September 17 at 12pm. For further details on how to apply please visit our website https://www.galen.vic.edu.au/employment/ Our school community promotes the safety, wellbeing, and inclusion of all children.
Galen Catholic College embraces diversity and social inclusion and encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply. inclusion of all children.
Galen Catholic College embraces diversity and social inclusion and encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Justice Officer, Prison Services
• Casual position at Beechworth Correctional Centre
• Provide a range of stores and finance services in a prison facility
• Earn $60,295 - $77,430 + super
The Beechworth Correctional Centre is a minimum-security facility with a focus on preparing individuals for release and successful reintegration back into society. Under the direction of the Team Leader and working within a rotational roster, the Justice Officer provides a range of Stores & Finance services including:
• warehouse, finance support, purchasing and procurement
• serving prisoners within prisoner shops/ canteens while supervising prisoner workers
• ordering and receipting stock as well as record keeping
• ensuring the shop is in good order. This position requires direct prisoner contact and supervision and may involve weekend and public holiday work, in accordance with the applicable provision of the VPS Enterprise Agreement 2024.
As our ideal candidate, you will possess:
• knowledge of legislation, policies, procedures, guidelines and regulations
• experience with Oracle or similar finance-related system
• an understanding of shop, store and warehousing operations including stock
Classifieds
DEATH NOTICES
CARDWELL, Nola Mary.
29/06/1948 – 04/09/2025
Passed away at Respect St John’s Wangaratta.
Loving Mum of Michelle, Belinda, Bradley and Aaron.
Adored Nana of 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. In our hearts you will always stay, Loved and remembered every day.
GRANT, Geoff.
Formerly of Snow Road, Laceby.
The family of Geoff Grant is saddened to announce his passing on September 4, 2025.
Aged 91 years.
Beloved husband of Cynthia (dec). Much loved partner of Myra.
Devoted father and father-in-law of Stephen and Jennifer, Dean and Marie, Gavin and Lisa.
Adored Poppy to Jackson, Tia, Chelsea, Lauren, Caleb, Pearson, Charlotte and great-granddaughter Calli.
FUNERAL NOTICES
CARDWELL
The celebration of the life of Nola Mary Cardwell will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Monday, September 15, 2025 at 10am.
Burial will follow at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery.
Due to Nola’s love of footy, you are invited to wear Wang Maggies or Geelong Football Club colours.
Mason Park Funerals
5721 5060 masonpark.com.au
WANGARATTA Chronicle photographer Melissa Beattie went to O&M Reserves match between Wangaratta Roves
GRANT
The funeral service for Geoff Grant will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 commencing at 10.30am. Burial will follow at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery. Geoff’s service may be viewed via livestream at www.masonpark.com.au/live-streaming.
Mason Park Funerals
5721 5060 masonpark.com.au
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
A funeral experience... not just a funeral service
Mason Park
Lavington 2.7 (19) def by Wang Rovers: 5.11 (41) GOALS: LAVINGTON: J. Weidemann 1, H. Wilson 1. WANGARATTA ROVERS: O. Clelland 2, S. Rourke 1, C. Crimmins 1, L. McCartney 1. BEST: LAVINGTON: J. Hockley, D. Finnimore, A. Butler, H. Barber, H. Wilson, W. Liersch. WANGARATTA ROVERS: H. McMonigle, L. McCartney, S. Allen, M. Booth, H. Nolan, S. Comensoli.
C GRADE: Wangaratta Rovers 33 def Wodonga Raiders 30
17 & UNDER: Myrtleford 36 def Wangaratta 31
15 & UNDER: Myrtleford 33 def Lavington 32
Wangaratta Rovers 2.4.16 def by Wangaratta 9.10.64
GOALS: WANGARATTA ROVERS: Jock Correll 1, Reid
McNamara 1. WANGARATTA: Hunter Barry 3, Kade Hadley 2, Corey Petersen 2, Cooper Newton 1, Will Prebble 1. BEST: WANGARATTA ROVERS: Jed Marek, Charlie Miller, John Wohlers, Eli Saunders, Jack Ford, Tom Ford. WANGARATTA: Edward Clayton, Hamish Laverty, Owain Boyle, Angus Jayet, William Petersen, Cooper Newton. Lavington 9.10.64 def Albury 4.9.33
GOALS: LAVINGTON: Z Klemke 3, C Way 2, R Corrigan 1, S Junck 1, I Robertson 1, A Russell 1. ALBURY: D Dunstan 2, R O’Sullivan 1, L Wheatley 1. BEST: LAVINGTON: M Plunkett, C Webb, Z Klemke, T Goonan, C Way, A Toohey. ALBURY: L Wheatley, N Morrison, R Coyne, D Dunstan, I Schirmer, E Wallgate.
WANG ROVERS
GOALS: WANGARATTA ROVERS: T. Boyd 2, N. Cooper 2, J. Rigoni 2, W. Christie 1, B. Filo 1, S. Murray 1, A. McCarthy 1, C. Thompson 1. MYRTLEFORD: T. Cappellari 2, D. Bren 2, J. Sharp 2, M. Dalbosco 1, J. Muraca 1, B. Calogero 1, L. Miotto 1. BEST: WANGARATTA ROVERS: L. O’Brien, X. Allison, J. Rigoni, J. Smith, J. McQuade, C. Thompson. MYRTLEFORD: M. Tenardi, B. Sharp, S. Curtis, R. Smith, J. East, L. Miotto.
GOALS: LAVINGTON: S Driscoll 2, J O’Brien 2, N Sedgwick 2, A Cook 1, T Oosterhoff 1, E Perryman 1, C Sanson 1, D Smith 1.. WANGARATTA: X Laverty 3, M Hedin 2, A Tilley 2, M Bihun 1, J Clarke 1, F Ellis 1, C Knowles 1, T Norton 1. BEST:LAVINGTON: A Bennett, J Driscoll, J Costello, J Hart, J Spina, J Glanvill. WANGARATTA: A Federico, T Norton, C Knowles, M Bordignon, M Hedin, W Tua.
def Albury 9.5.59
BEST: MYRTLEFORD: Ned Turner, Jye Gribbin, Kane Michelini, Rhys Grant, Levi Young, Addison Bedendo. ALBURY: No best players have been selected
SATURDAY, 13 SEPTEMBER
A. Butler, H. Barber, H. Wilson, W. Liersch. WANGARATTA ROVERS: H. McMonigle, L. McCartney, S. Allen, M. Booth, H. Nolan, S. Comensoli. Myrtleford 10.6.60
INTENSITY:
Rovers through to second consecutive grand final, ‘Pies stun Panthers to head to prelim
■ From back page
“In the end, Myrtleford came back really strongly, and we were just fortunate to hold on and win some critical moments.
“Across the ground, we showed a lot of presence.
“I thought Lochie O’Brien and Sam Murray led the way, they were really good, Charlie Thompson was good.
“In the second quarter, we maintained some dominance there, but in the second half, they just came home strong.
“They got some good looks on goal and converted their opportunities, and we had to steady the ship there.
“I thought some of our guys did really well in those moments, like Jez Rigoni when he got moved down forward.
“It was a good overall, even performance.”
The Rovers are on their way to the last day of the season, a testament to their quality throughout the entire year.
“Obviously there’s been a lot of hard work throughout the whole season,” Sullivan said.
“Sam’s put in a huge effort with the other coaching staff to keep the team sharp, and give them the opportunity to go straight into the grand final.
“We can nurse any niggles as we
go into that last game, it’s going to serve us well.
“It was a really tight game, a highpressure game, and it was a really strong hit-out, so I think that’ll serve us well coming into the grand final.”
The Saints will meet Wangaratta Magpies in the preliminary final, after the ‘Pies stunned Lavington and the crowd with a kick after the siren to win in challenging conditions.
Jackson Clarke was the hero for the Pies, launching the final goal to clinch the come-from-behind win 12.7 (79) to 11.12 (78).
After a split opening term, the Panthers dictated play, roaring out to a three-goal lead by half-time.
The Magpies persisted, but even the staunchest supporter of the black and white would’ve felt nervous with Wangaratta down by 11 points in the 25th minute of the final term.
Some coast-to-coast play saw Xavier Laverty bring it to five points, and the midfield got to work.
With seconds on the clock, a kick from Fraser Ellis found Matt Grossman, who launched to a pack in the forward line, and when the bodies settled, Clarke was holding the Sherrin.
With the crowd braying and the siren sounding, from 30 metres out, Clarke kicked true and kept his team in finals contention.
It was a really tight game, a high-pressure game, and it was a really strong hit-out, so I think that’ll serve us well coming into the grand final.
CLASS AND PACE: Matt Grossman storms through the middle of the ground.
Jett Roberts brought the
RELIABLE: Xavier Laverty booted three goals for the ‘Pies.
VERSATILE: Chris Knowles was strong in the ruck and up forward.
CLUNKED: Will Christie takes a stunning mark.
THE CLIMB: Sam Murray uses Toby Cossor as a stepladder.
COMETH THE HOUR: Jez Rigoni’s move up forward paid dividends, finishing with some vital goals.
SLICK SKILLS: Charlie Thompson gets to work in the midfield.
CHARGE: Brodie Filo looks to take on Damon Harrington in the Rovers’ semi-final win.
PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie
Blues’ dominate Lions, win right to defend flag
It was a domination of epic proportions in the Ovens and King senior football preliminary final on Saturday, which saw Greta advance to the big dance with an 83-point win over Whorouly.
Stung from last week’s qualifying final loss, the Blues were in control of the game for the full four quarters, running out winners 16.18 (114) to the Lions 4.7 (31).
The defending premier’s defensive pressure was insurmountable early, locking down after the Lions kicked the first of the game, keeping Whorouly to just a goal a term for the entire match.
Whorouly’s key forward Michael Newton was kept remarkably quiet, with Cody Crawford playing a very effective shutdown role.
Greta were in control through the middle and up forward, leveraging their intense pressure into a
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
22-point quarter time lead.
Momentum continued to flow Greta’s way through the second term, with the repeat entries and silver service from their midfielders and half forwards putting the Lions’ defence under pressure.
The lead grew to 43 points at the half, already a comfortable advantage, but the Blues’ third term would put the final nail in Whorouly’s finals campaign.
A barrage of six goals with a further six minor scores to Greta would put the result beyond doubt, and although the Lions fought to the last, they were simply outmatched.
Greta coach Chris Dube said it was a perfect bounce-back after
their disappointing output last weekend.
“It was a strong performance, I was proud to see so many guys respond from the previous week,” he said.
“We’ve got a proud bunch, and a lot of guys had their colours lowered, and I didn’t think it’d happen two weeks in a row.
“As a coaching group, it’s really pleasing to see guys given roles and execute them.
“We know that’s going to be the lynchpin of our outside stuff, how tough we are in the contest, and the composure when you know things are not always going your way but you’re still playing good footy.
“We felt we had the bulk of the play, we‘d gotten it to a healthy margin at half-time but we were under no illusion that a side like Whorouly get their tails back up if they kicked a couple of early ones.
“The message was clear about the first six or seven minutes [of the second half], about absorbing all of the punches thrown and then as that game settled in again, it was about bringing the foot down.”
For Whorouly, Josh Newton and Corey Southern were influential in parts, while Will Allen and Jessie Smith provided some speed and cleanliness with ball in hand.
Crawford took out best on ground honours for keeping the dangerous Newton to just two goals, while up forward, Harry Moran did the damage with five majors.
“One, you’ve got to put a really good player on ‘Juice’ [Newton], and Cody Crawford is that, and two, you’ve also got to defend up the ground and make sure any ball coming into him is less than ideal,” Dube said.
“‘Crawf’ kept his cool and played
on a quality player, he did a fantastic job.
“Our midfielders, our wingers, our half forwards rolling up and making sure that there was a bit of dirty ball coming from the likes of Jessie [Smith], Josh Newton and Corey Southern, so Mick couldn’t get it on a silver platter.
“It was pleasing to see multiple pieces fall into place, but it really was a willing desire of guys to work for one of their teammates who was playing on a really good player.”
The win sets up a repeat senior grand final showdown with old enemies Bright this Saturday.
It was a much-closer encounter in the reserves preliminary final, with Bonnie Doon edging out the Blues twos by just seven points, 8.3 (51) to 6.8 (44).
The Bombers will face Bright in the grand final.
HEAD-TO-HEAD: Cody Crawford kept Michael Newton to just two goals.
PHOTOS: Nathan de Vries got the air time, but wasn’t able to bring in the mark.
FLYING THROUGH: Jessie Smith leaps to knock the ball away from Jack Kelly.
Greta’s Paul Fruzynski grabs hold of Whorouly’s Josh Newton and drags him to the turf in the Blues’ 83-point preliminary final win on Saturday. The stage is set for a grand final showdown between Greta and Bright.
■ Story page 15
Defending premiers into the grand final, ‘Pies stun Panthers to head to prelim final
Saturday’s O&M senior football second semi-final was everything punters would’ve wanted from two of the best teams going head-tohead in finals footy.
The minor premiers Wangaratta Rovers met the surging Myrtleford Saints in glorious sunshine at Norms Minns Oval, and it was a stunning
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
showcase of September football in front of a crowd exceeding 2600. Ultimately, the Rovers won through to the 2025 O&M grand
final with an 11-point margin, 11.13 (79) to 10.8 (68).
It was a blistering start from the defending premiers, who booted the first two goals on their way to a 17-point quarter time lead.
The Rovers continued to build, but Myrtleford had started to get their game going.
The Saints blossomed after half time, bringing the 19-point halftime margin back to just nine at the final change of ends, but some clutch goals from Jez Rigoni in the second half kept the Rovers ahead. It was frenetic in the final term, but the Rovers had enough in the tank to hold off the Saints and book
their ticket to the grand final. Rovers footy operations manager
Barry Sullivan said it was a highquality showcase of finals footy.
“We got off to a pretty good start, our mids did well to give us good service, and we were teaming well together,” he said.
