The rain may have stopped, but Mitchell Allisey (sliding) and his fellow Imperials’ U12 footballers had their wettest conditions of the season to contend with at the Bill O’Callaghan Oval at the HP Barr Reserve on Saturday morning, courtesty of 22mm of rain overnight.
Junior footy wrap on page 12
Several venues located within walking distance of a community stage and festival hub set in the grounds of Holy Trinity Cathedral will feature at this year’s Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues, running from 31 October to 3 November.
BY
SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au
in the ‘cathedral district’ and headlined by dance floor stars Gusto Gusto and local favourites The Blues Brothers 3677.
The community stage will operate between 11am and 6pm on the Saturday and Sunday of the festival.
Due to popular demand, the community stage has been extended from one to two days, and will be located
The visible hub on the corner of Ovens and Docker streets, which is handy to venues including the cathedral itself, and the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre, Old Baptist Church, St Patrick’s Hall and GOTAFE as well as Old Faithfulls and The Railyard, will be employed for the 35th iteration of the festival.
Event headliners across 11 venues over the weekend will cover a range of genres and styles.
Featured artists will include popular Australian vocalist Emma Pask,
First Nations saxophonist Marlene Cummins, Ethiojazz ensemble Black Jesus Experience, bassist/vocalist Nicki Parrott performing with Mark Fitzgibbon and Danny Fischer, and threetime ARIA winner Jeff Lang.
International guests Alexander ‘The Hurricane’ Beets, violinist Luca Ciarla, guitarist Tom Ollendorff, Paris-based Leigh Barker and globe-trotting jazz artist Nana Koizumi will all perform either in the
Tiny Jazz Series at the Old Baptist Church (returning after a well-received debut last year) or The Institute (GOTAFE auditorium).
The National Jazz Award will again be part of the festival, this year focusing on brass, and will also be held at The Institute.
The ever-popular Jazz Mass will be held on the Sunday morning in Holy Trinity Cathedral, featuring Bob Sedegreen and the
Amelia Evans Quartet. Complemented by Wang’s Big Record Fair at the Wangaratta Club and Tarra Blues again happening at The Plough Inn, both on the Saturday and Sunday, the Wangaratta district promises to be a key destination for music lovers over the pre-Melbourne Cup weekend, and the Oxley Bush Market and King Valley
Show will also be held on the weekend.
■ Continued page 2
■ From page 1
The f inal day of the festival will again be ‘Milawa Monday’, with events at Milawa Cheese Factory, Henley’s Wine Bar, and a free ‘lounging jam session’ at Lancemore.
Festival chair Andrew Nunn said organisers were building up the event gradually, and while five different funding applications had been unsuccessful this year, the positive signs from last year’s comeback event - including a $10,000 surplus - had enabled progression in 2025.
“We do have other applications in for multi-year funding, so we have irons in the fire for future festivals,” Mr Nunn said.
He said it was wonderful to again have the support of North East Kitchen Designs, which has taken on major sponsorship of the festival for the second year.
Josh Owen from North East Kitchen Designs said: “We had a blast at the opening last year and are really excited to see Scott Solimo’s Blues Brothers again on the community stage.”
The festival’s artistic director, Serge Carnovale, said the festival had been able to tap into the availability of touring international artists this year, and he said there remained strong interest from performers in appearing in the lineup at Wangaratta.
With a quality line-up, and gigs spaced to enable people to walk from one to another, Mr Carnovale said the visible festival hub would also help create an atmosphere and “hopefully attract people to stop and have some lunch and see some acts”.
“We also want to attract not
just the locals who are familiar with the festival, but to get a new generation engaged in the same way,” he said.
“It’s still a very difficult time for business and festivals in Australia, there is still work to be done, but the brand is still very strong, and this event is important
to the scene; it’s a pathway festival.
“It’s important to the Australian music scene to have these festivals operating, and it will bring money and tourists into the region.”
For a full rundown of the program, visit www.wangjazzblues.com.au
Rehabilitation efforts of a Wangaratta woman caught trafficking a significant amount of 1.4 butanediol has been commended as she returns to life in the community.
found to be 2.7kg of 1.4 butanediol.
The 28-year-old denied knowledge about the drugs, the stolen ID cards or knowing who the parcel was addressed to.
staying behind bars for the next 142 days.
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The 28-year-old appeared at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court with family members on Monday to plead guilty to six charges relating to possession and distribution of 1.4 butanediol, or GHB, bought discreetly from an online marketplace and shipped through Australia Post.
Battling a spiraling drug addiction since her adult life began, the Wangaratta woman also used others to collect parcels from a local post office after she was caught attempting to conceal 4.7kg of the drug.
The court heard detectives intended to search the home of a Wangaratta man who was alleged to have been involved in the theft of multiple vehicles from a local business on 29 September last year.
The man was one of two alleged offenders, crashing one of the stolen utility’s into a tree on Reith Road after the burglary.
His Mackay Street home was searched on 3 October, with the defendant and three others also present.
During the search, a detective located a trap door on the floor of a hallway cupboard, which had a black plastic wrapped parcel and multiple stolen ID cards of a man concealed inside.
Inside the parcel were six bottles, in fragrance boxing with Chinese inscriptions, which was
Analysis of the defendant’s phone showed messages from July to September to others indicating she was selling up to 100ml of the drug at a time and communications with sellers on Chinese online marketplace Alibaba about purchasing the drugs.
She also texted another man to collect parcels containing the drug from the Vincent Road Post Office for her and had done Google searches of the man identified on the stolen ID cards.
That man attended Wangaratta police on 13 February this year, telling officers he had his wallet stolen from his utility sometime in 2023 on Docker Street, some 150m from the Mackay Street address.
Communications on the defendant’s phone also indicated she was taking some of the drugs herself.
“Sorry bro, I’ve got f**k all left, I want $2/ml for it otherwise I’ll just drink it,” one of her texts read.
Detectives searched the defendant’s Cribbes Road address on 9 January this year, when a parcel was delivered at the front door, addressed to the woman.
Inside was eight clear bottles labelled as cleansing products, with 1.9kg worth of 1.4 butanediol inside.
She was remanded in custody at Myrtleford Magistrates’ Court,
The defendant was bailed on 29 May to Seahaven Private, an addiction treatment centre in Carrum, where she would stay until her release last week.
Defence counsel Nadia Giorgianni said the offending occurred at the peak of her client’s drug addiction, which she had been battling since she was first introduced to meth at 18-years-old.
“This was the rock bottom,” she said.
“She knows it’s serious, nobody is trying to hide from that fact… this was the significant wakeup call she needed.”
Ms Giorgianni said the offending occurred in a “sloppy” manner and the street level trafficking was motivated by her drug addiction, rather than money.
The court heard drugs had plagued the defendant’s life and strained relationships with her parents and daughter.
She had been in two relationships where she was a victim of domestic violence, which only fueled her drug addiction.
Ms Giorgianni said her client was her own driving force behind completing her stint at the Seahaven rehabilitation centre and she was on the waiting list to be admitted into a sober living program.
She said further jail time would be detrimental to her client’s progress in rehab.
Police prosecutor Ramadan
Hamidon said deterrence needed to be addressed due to the “somewhat sophisticated” nature of the trafficking.
“There is still much work to be done,” he said.
The court heard a commercial trafficking charge had been dropped in the plea hearing.
Magistrate Megan Casey sentenced the defendant to four months jail and ordered her to complete 120 hours of community work as part of a 12-month community corrections order.
“This is really serious offending, I’m sure that has not been lost on you,” she said.
“There was an earlier opportunity for you to grasp on things, and it took you until you got remanded for you to do that.”
Magistrate Casey gave “enormous credit” to the defendant in her efforts in getting her life back on track and saw “no sense” in returning her back to a restricted environment.
But she said the hard work was only just beginning, now the woman was released back into the community.
“You’re subject to all of life’s ordinary stresses and it’s how you manage those,” she said
“The path to recovery is not straight, otherwise the court would have no work to do.”
Magistrate Casey said a not guilty plea would have imposed a 12-month prison sentence with six-month non-parole.
By JORDAN DUURSMA
Wangaratta relief agency
Loaves and Fishes Christians Caring, comprising 11 local churches, says daily needs in the community continue to grow over the winter months.
Community development coordinator, David Still, said demand is definitely up this winter compared to last year.
“We are seeing between 140 and 160 families and individuals a month,” he said.
“This began early in the year and has continued to grow
throughout the course of the year.
“Demand has remained high throughout winter, especially from the local homeless community.”
Loaves and Fishes Christians Caring volunteers and staff have seen an increase in those seeking funds for a range of things.
“We are able to help with that by providing food, which will hopefully free up family or individual budgets for some of the other costs that they are facing,” Mr Still said.
“We have had to refer to oth-
er agencies when we have not been able to meet the specific need that some are asking for.
“There is still a high demand for food support though.”
Mr Still said the community’s support is always welcome.
“We are always happy to talk to anyone who may be interested in volunteering at Loaves and Fishes Christians Caring,” he said.
“We receive many donations from the community in the form of food, cash and other items and if any person in the community would like
By STEVE KELLY
A blast from the past was brought into the Wangaratta Chronicle building last week by none other than Alan Davenport, the original owner of One Mile Motors.
Mr Davenport turns 96 years old next month and in his hands was a Weekly Times newspaper dated 1 September 1928, a little less than a year older than he is.
He was renovating a house he bought about 50 years ago and after pulling up some old lino, low and behold the masthead was there fully in tact.
He has held onto it every since and was amazed at the prices of goods and service almost 100 years ago with the Weekly Times itself 4 pence, compared to $4 today.
When the paper was printed it was just before The Great Depression and things were about to head downhill financially for people.
The paper he had in his hands was 84 pages deep, with a heavy focus on farming goods and stock feed.
The Times dedicated page 5 to a regular column ‘Victoria’s Country Towns’, with Benalla the town of the week.
During his visit to the Chronicle office Mr Davenport started reminiscing about how Wangaratta had changed as well since he came to town as a 17-year-old in the 1940s.
to donate an item, they can do so during our opening hours.
“We are very thankful for the generous support that we receive from so many members and organisations within our community.
“This make a huge contribution and allows us to continue to meet the need for food in Wangaratta and the district.”
If you are experiencing hardship and are in need of support, you can contact Loaves and Fishes Christians Caring on (03) 5723 7900, Monday to Thursday between 10am and 12pm.
As a 21-year-old Mr Davenport started up One Mile Motors with his brother Fred in 1950 and the business is still going strong today, under different ownership.
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
The Ovens River at Wangaratta has been on flood watch since Monday as river heights begin to steady after the weekend downpour.
As of 2pm Tuesday, VICSES issued a minor flood warning indicating it was possible river heights could reach the 11.9m threshold on Tuesday evening into Wednesday.
A 21.9mm downpour with peak wind gusts of 74km/h was recorded at the Bureau of Meteorology’s Wangaratta Airport gauge overnight Friday into Saturday morning.
A further 12mm was recorded from Sunday to 9am Tuesday.
As of 1pm Tuesday, the Ovens River at Wangaratta was steady at 11.52m.
Minor flooding occurred on the King River downstream of Lake William Hovell and Docker Road bridge sites on Sunday, but river levels were falling.
The Docker Road Bridge river level peaked just below moderate flooding at 3.89m on Monday night before dropping to 3.79m at 1:40pm Tuesday.
There is no updated river height available since minor flooding was recorded at Lake William Hovell. Rural City of Wangaratta Council closed off the Ovens River bike path and riverside carparks on Tuesday due to flood risks, restricting access to Sydney Beach, Bickerton Street, Baker Street, Templeton Street boat ramp and the Northern Beaches.
Reopening will occur when river levels subside sufficiently.
The VICSES advised the community to be prepared to act if the situation changes.
Wangaratta’s forecast for the rest of the week showed a low chance of rain and maximum of 15 degree days according to The Bureau.
Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency website/app/hotline.
You can find out more about Wangaratta’s flood guide via the link: https://www.ses.vic.gov.au/.../ rural-city-of-wangaratta.
For emergency services, call the SES on 132 500.
The Friends of Wangaratta Library are holding a book sale this Saturday, 2 August from 9.30am to 12 noon at Wangaratta Library.
There will be a large range of
second-hand adult fiction, non-fiction and children’s books to choose from, and all money raised will assist the library in providing programming and events.
The latest gathering of The Book Circle was held on Wednesday, 9 July and a variety of books were shared.
The Waiting is the sixth book to feature LAPD detective Renee Ballard.
It is also the first book where Ballard and Bosch’s daughter Maddie start working together as part of a team and as I previously predicted with the last book, these two will become the main characters with Bosch playing a minor role or consultant in the background as he ages and his health deteriorates.
Ballard heads up LAPD’s OpenUnsolved Unit and has put together a strong team of volunteers.
However, she needs another team member who has a badge and Maddie Bosch becomes that person.
There is a lot happening in this book with three different cases running at the same time.
Ballard has her badge stolen.
She does not want to report it and sets out to solve the crime and get back her stolen badge with the help of Harry Bosch.
The second is a cold case known as pillowcase rapist which becomes complicated when it involves a presiding Judge and a DNA family match with his son, who is too young to be the rapist.
So is the judge the rapist?
Ballard has to walk a fine line because of the political ramifications.
Ballard, however, is a dog with a bone and politics is not her strength when tracking down a killer.
The third case is why Maddie Bosch has volunteered for Ballard’s team.
She has stumbled across possible evidence in one of the oldest and famous unsolved cold murder of the LAPD.
The problem is no matter how much evidence Maddie uncovers; the pubic prosecutor is not onside and does not want to proceed with the case.
Once again, politics is playing a part.
In the end, Ballard is ordered to terminate Maddie’s position in the unsolved crime unit.
A decision that Ballard is not comfortable with.
What action will Renee take and will it end her own career?
The Bosch Legacy is also currently playing Series 2 on SBS On-Demand.
This is the author’s latest book, published in May 2025. It explores friendships and their importance, families, finances and love.
It begins with Louisa, a homeless 17 year old girl whose best friend from the orphanage has recently died.
Louisa has had a terrible life and her one treasured possession is a postcard of a painting which Louisa has studied and dreamed about, wishing to one day see the real painting.
The painting, now very famous and
valuable, depicts three tiny figures sitting at the end of a pier.
Most people who view the painting don’t notice the children, only the wide expanse of the sea.
This painting is listed at a nearby church for auction, and Louisa devises a way to get in to see the painting- albeit briefly, as she is thrown out.
This is the day her life changes and she begins a cross country trip uncovering the story behind the artwork.
The painting had been produced some 25 years earlier and features four teenagers who became the best of friends.
There is Joar, a fun loving joker who never backs down from a fight and is fiercely protective of his mother and his friends.
There is Ted, a quiet and bookish lad who is mourning his father who has been dying from cancer for as long as Ted can remember.
Ali has difficulty forming friendships as her father doesn’t stay in one place for very long.
Lastly we have the artist - a shy and reticent young man, who shuns any form of attention and hides a stock of sleeping pills.
While each of these young people come from very different backgrounds they find refuge from their bruising home and school lives spending long summer days on a local pier- having fun and enjoying each other’s company.
In each other these friends find reason to get up each day and dream.
Backman’s humour and insight into people and everyday life makes this an easy, wonderful reada testament to the transformative power of friendship and art.
The story presents a mystery on the very first page.
We see a woman sitting in the dark at the back of a church, attending her own funeral.
How did this come about?
Then we find out that she was the wife of a prominent UK parliamentarian, who was savagely murdered 10 years before, and the woman is just out of jail on probation, for a crime she didn’t commit.
She is determined to prove her innocence, and the only way to do it is to feign her death and only tell one trusted person.
But there are evil forces at work who are anxious to silence her and will stop at nothing.
An up-all-night thriller, with the biggest shock near the end of the book, when all she thought she knew is turned upside-down.
The novel is also available on Borrowbox as an audio book.
This one is full of chilling surprises, starting when a mother comes to Oxford University to collect her daughter after her first term there, only to find that she seems to have disappeared.
With the police disbelieving and unhelpful, she has only one ally who believes the daughter may be in danger, as she attempts to find out the truth and bring the girl home. (Available from Wangaratta Library)
The Secret of Cold HillPeter James Cold Hill House has been razed
to the ground by fire, replaced with a development of ultra-modern homes.
Gone with the flames are the violent memories of the house’s history, and a new era has begun.
Although much of Cold Hill Park is still a construction site, the first two families move into their new homes.
For Jason and Emily Danes, this is their forever home, despite the ever rumble of new constructions, Cold Hill appears to be ideal.
But looks are deceptive, and it’s only a couple of days before strange things happen and they feel they are not alone.
There is one thing that never appeared in the Estate Agent brochures, the fact that nobody has survived beyond 40 in Cold Hill house, and that no one has ever really left.
As things that go bump in the night increase Jason Danes approaches 40.
Different, recommended.
Precipice - Robert Harris
A very intimate account, which is based on fact, of the relationship between the Prime Minister of England, H H Asquith, prior to and during WWI, and a socialite friend who became a very close confidante.
One who received Cabinet papers directly from the Prime Minister in his attempt to keep her interest and obtain her advice.
It is WWI at a very different level.
Instead of the battlefields of France etc, it is the amazing encounters in drawing rooms, cabinet meetings and weekends away.
A very different view and in fact a rather scary view.
Decisions were made, very often on a whim.
The arguments between the cabinet members were, whilst definitely on the points of war, were necessary, but the man making the ultimate decision was mostly distracted by writing his many letters to his confidante.
He was writing three or more letters a day and met her every day at 4pm when they went for a drive around the park, which is where secret and confidential telegrams were found screwed up in a ball, having been thrown out of the carriage.
The war went on and in 1916 the confidante married, leaving the Prime Minister distraught.
Some of the cabinet members resigned, the Liberal party dissolved into a Coalition for the remainder of the war, and a new Prime Minister, David Lloyd George, came into power.
Never - Ken Follett
A novel that is set within the present day, with chilling resemblance to real events.
”The path to war begins with one false step”.
This false step continues throughout the story and one event leads to another.
Spies are letting leaders know what the other side is doing and the political discussions both internally and with heads of other countries are held to try to avert nuclear war, which is very real situation today.
There are problems in many parts of the world including the Middle East, China, and others, with America as the peacemaker (which of course does not always work).
In amongst all this is people smuggling which adds to the tensions regarding nuclear war. You need to read it to find out how.
The novel has been thoroughly researched and consequently is very, very real.
This thriller imagines a scenario that we all hope never comes true.
The Lost Bride trilogy, a gripping series by the popular novelist, Nora Roberts: Inheritance: The Lost Bride
In the first book of the series, beginning in 1806, Astrid Poole is murdered on her wedding day.
Her last words to her husband were that she would never leave him.
In the present day, Sonja MacTavish needs an escape from a cheating fiancé, and finds she has inherited a beautiful Victorian house in Maine.
This could be the chance she needs.
The house is known locally as Lost Bride Manor, and odd things start happening - shadows in the windows, mysteriously moving objects and music coming from nowhere. Soon things take a darker turn and Sonja realises she has inherited more than a house, but a centuries-old curse, which she must attempt to break.
The Mirror: Sonja starts seeing glimpses of the past and of the brides who were murdered there.
She finds herself drawn to an old mirror, sensing it holds dark secrets.
Sonja will need to help of friends and family if she has any chance of breaking the curse and continuing to live in the house.
The Seven Rings: This is the third book in the series, where secrets will be revealed and the curse broken.
It was published earlier this year, and awaited eagerly by many readers.
Ardern
Working mothers often face a multitude of challenges balancing career and family life.
These include navigating worklife balance, managing guilt, finding quality childcare, and dealing with potential workplace discrimination. Additional struggles include exhaustion, societal pressures, emotional strain and breast feeding to name a few.
Jacinda Ardern was 37 years old when she was elected New Zealand’s 40th Prime Minister against the odds.
The youngest Prime Minister in 150 years.
The week before she was sworn-in, she discovered she was pregnant.
In a press conference prior to the election she was asked by a male journalist that given her age had she chosen career over having a family.
Would a male have been asked this question?
To add to her pressure Ardern did not approach politics from a view to power and prestige or any sense of entitlement.
She felt an imposter in the role.
When asked what was the was important qualities of a politician, she chose words such as kindness and empathy.
This is certainly the story of “A Different Kind of Power”.
The Five - Hallie Rubenhold
In 1887 London was preparing for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria and with dignitaries from overseas in attendance the many planned grand events was a time of celebration and opulence for the aristocracy.
However, due to the unusually hot summer and lack of rainfall, an influx of agricultural workers descended upon London and environs seeking work.
The disparity between the wealthy and the poor became evident with homelessness, disease, deplorable living conditions, lack of adequate nutrition and death of family members being commonplace.
Male dominance was acceptable with women suffering physical abuse and lack of contraception produced large families, straining the already low family income.
This was the social and economic environment confronting Polly, Annie, Elizabeth, Catherine and Mary Jane.
The y came from various backgrounds.
A printer’s wife, a soldier’s wife living on an estate, an immigrant from Sweden fleeing abuse in her homeland, a ballad writer and a victim of people trafficking all descended into a life of homelessness, addiction and family isolation.
The press and police deemed them all prostitutes.
Hallie Rubenhold’s extensive research casts doubt upon this common belief and reveals evidence to the contrary.
Sadly, they all came to the same brutal ending in 1888 at the hands of Jack the Ripper in Whitechapel.
BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au
Wangaratta Rangers Baseball Softball Club will upgrade female amenities and improve accessibility at its Targoora Park clubrooms with the help of a federal government grant.
The Rangers are among 14 Indi electorate recipients of funding through the Stronger Communities program, announced last week, and club president Nathan Pool said the $15,000 grant would make a huge difference.
“Without it, we wouldn’t be able to do this work,” he said.
Mr Pool said upgrades to the facilities were particularly important with the return of softball to the complex following a 12-year absence.
The Rangers have been playing in the Albury-Wodonga competition over the past two seasons, and have a long-term goal to attract enough participants to enable the resurrection of a competition in Wangaratta.
Mr Pool said a survey of female club members had also highlighted the fact that the
Upgrades
to the facilities were particularly important with the return of softball to the complex following a 12-year absence.
WANGARATTA RANGERS BASEBALL SOFTBALL CLUB
PRESIDENT NATHAN POOL
bathrooms needed improvement, and it was pleasing to now be able to look towards the upgrade with federal government assistance.
The Stronger Communities grant comes just a couple of weeks after the club heard it had been successful in its bid for a $350,000 Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund grant from the state government to upgrade lighting at the Murdoch Road complex.
Mr Pool said the club had been working closely with council over the last two years as it formed a master plan for its facilities, and the bathroom upgrade was the next step on its agenda after the lighting project.
Also among the Indibased recipients of funding through the Stronger Communities Program was LINE Wangaratta, which received $8000 to support its ongoing program delivery for LGBT-
QIA+ people in the North East.
Other local recipients include the Bright Food Co-Op ($10,000) and Myrtleford RSL ($12,231) to upgrade facilities and improve access for community members; and Indigo Shire ($15,000) for construction of a new multi-purpose room at the Beechworth Library to support users of maternal and child health services.
Indi Independent federal
MP Helen Haines announced the funding on Thursday, saying it was a privilege to recognise hard-working community groups through the Stronger Communities grants.
ON TARGET:
Wangaratta Rangers Baseball Softball Club president Nathan Pool said the club was stepping up to the plate to work on the next item on its master plan: an upgrade to female amenities and accessibility at its Targoora Park base.
“Groups in Indi are coming up with fabulous initiatives and supporting our communities,” Dr Haines said.
“It is wonderful to know the benefits of these projects will extend right across our communities.
“Congratulations to everyone who was successful in this round of funding; I am looking forward to seeing your fabulous initiatives progress.”
More than 60 expressions of interest were received for the program across Indi, with each assessed by a community panel on their ability to encourage and support participation in local projects, increase community participation and contribute to vibrant and viable communities.
It’s sometimes hard to picture spring when you’re in the depths of a Wangaratta winter, but the buds of blossom on trees around the place tell us the warmer months are close.
Another sign the season is approaching is when thoughts begin to turn to local events like the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues.
So much a part of the fabric of Wangaratta for more than three decades now, the festival’s resurgence last year breathed new life into the concept.
As has happened in the past, committed locals have joined forces with those from within the industry who know the value of the event and cannot bear to see it dwindle and fade.
The result last year was a venue-based model which added new innovations, such as the Tiny Jazz Series in the Old Baptist Church, and drew on the immense depth of feeling for a community-centred aspect of the festival.
While government funding is much harder to secure in the current climate, organisers have been bolstered by a $10,000 surplus from last year’s festival to enable them to live within their means while also offering a lively festival program, and turning the spotlight on more new local venues.
A new, central festival hub featuring a community stage will tick one of the boxes for locals who want to see the event succeed: it will be visible to those travelling around the city, and create some atmosphere.
For patrons, it will be a chance to leisurely stroll between gigs and to enjoy the pace of Wangaratta life, and the joy of live music.
Mark your calendars now.
1
Which country contains most of the Carpathian Mountains?
(a) Austria (b) Romania
(c) Poland (d) Czech Republic
2
Christine Keeler played a significant role in which major political scandal?
(a) The Profumo Affair (b) Lewinsky scandal
(c) The Wilbur Mills Scandal (d) Watergate
3
What is the theme song for the 1977 James Bond movie, The Spy Who Loved Me?
(a) Another Way to Die
7 (d) Ras al-Khaimah 8
(b) All Time High
(c) Writing’s on the Wall
(d) Nobody Does It Better
4
Cuprite is a minor ore of which element?
(a) Iron
(b) Copper
(c) Silver (d) Lead
5
Which popular comic strip features a character named
Woodstock?
(a) Peanuts
(b) Hägar the Horrible (c) Ginger Meggs (d) The Smurfs
The Allan Labor Government has deceived regional Victorians.
Just 20 cents in every dollar of the government’s new Emergency Services Tax is being delivered to the CFA and a measly five cents to the SES.
This is an outright betrayal of our volunteers.
Labor promised a funding boost for the CFA and SES, yet they’ve been handed a real-terms cut under a tax that’s raking in more than ever.
The new $1.54 billion Emergency Services Volunteer Fund was sold as a lifeline for CFA and VicSES volunteers, replacing the $1 billion Fire Services Property Levy.
But figures show less money is actually reaching the volunteers who risk their lives to protect our communities.
This government talks big but delivers small.
The CFA’s budget has been slashed by $9 million, how is that a ‘boost’?
And VicSES gets next to nothing.
It’s a disgrace.
While frontline volunteers are struggling to get the trucks and gear they need, half of this massive tax take is going to Fire Rescue Victoria, and hundreds of millions more are being funnelled into bureaucratic agencies with little to no community presence.
Our CFA volunteers protect regional homes, farmland and lives.
They shouldn’t have to beg for basics while Labor dishes out dollars to office-bound agencies.
There must be full transparency and an immediate reversal of cuts.
Victorians were promised support for volunteers, not a spin-fest.
Labor must stop treating our emergency services like a slush fund and start treating our volunteers with the respect they deserve.
Labor can’t manage money, and volunteer emergency services are paying the price.
Tim McCurdy, Nationals’ MP for Ovens Valley
I am aware that over time, there have been numerous letters and conversations with our council regarding flying our national flag in our main street.
The request was to fly two flags - one each at
6
Julianna Peña fights in which UFC weight division?
(a) Flyweight
(b) Bantamweight
(c) Strawweight (d) Featherweight
7
What is the northernmost emirate of the United Arab Emirates?
(a) Dubai (b) Sharjah
(c) Abu Dhabi (d) Ras al-Khaimah
8
The TV series, Neighbours, centres around the residents of which street?
(a) Dover Street
(b) Ramsay Street (c) Gordon Street (d) Beatty Street
9 Who wrote the Jake Brigance series of novels?
(a) R. L. Stine
(b) Stephen King (c) John Grisham (d) Dan Brown
10 The Eredivisie is the highest level of professional football in which country?
(a) Belgium
(b) Netherlands (c) Austria (d) Sweden
the north and south roundabouts in Murphy Street.
The flag poles are already there and as we all know, it is very easy to obtain flags from our federal offices.
There are very few towns who do not fly our flag.
The question to council is, why not Wangaratta?
Pat Chick, Wangaratta
As Independent MP for Wentworth, Allegra Spender convened her tax roundtable in Canberra last Friday, the St Vincent de Paul Society submitted our proposal to the Treasurer’s upcoming Economic Reform Roundtable on 19-21 August.
In our submission we outline four budgetneutral options, modelled by the ANU’s Centre for Social Policy Research, designed to lift more struggling Australians above the poverty line.
Not only that, but the ANU study reveals how changing tax concessions on the wealthiest superannuation accounts could fund a fairer safety net while boosting the superannuation of around 90 per cent of Australians.
Our proposals show millions of potential winners, while asking only the wealthiest households to receive a little less in tax breaks or welfare payments.
We also strongly opposes any broadening or increasing of the GST, as this would only widen the growing gap between Australia’s
richest and poorest households.
That’s not the Australia we aspire to.
Every day across Australia, we see more people seeking our help – not just those on welfare, but middle-income families and working Australians, many for the first time.
The system is broken and must be fixed, urgently.
We believe our ANU study, A Fairer Tax and Welfare System 2025, demonstrates that it is economically feasible to lift more Australian families out of poverty while improving outcomes for lower and middle income households.
We invite you to read more about the report at vinnies.org.au and urge you to contact your local MP or Senator to demand a fairer tax and welfare system for Australia.
Mark Gaetani, national president, St Vincent de Paul Society National Council of Australia
A Myrtleford man who wrecked his father’s home and set a fire in the living room over the weekend will spend at least the next six weeks behind bars.
The 39-year-old appeared from the custody box at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Monday after being arrested on Friday.
He pleaded guilty to numerous counts of property damage, breaking intervention orders and possession of meth and cannabis.
The court heard in three incidents in March this year the defendant damaged a wall and smashed a win-
dow in his bedroom of his father’s home, causing $200 worth of damage to the wall. An intervention order was placed on him by his brother in April who also lived at the home, but the defendant continued to visit the address and on 27 June caused $1000 of damage to the doors.
On 18 July, the defendant’s father returned home to find around $10,000 worth of damaged furniture includ ing three TVs, a dryer, wash ing machine, nine windows and cabinets all destroyed. his son, telling him to pack
some clothes and “don’t come back”.
The court heard that the father returned home on 25 July and found the house ruined.
All windows in the home were smashed, all walls were damaged with multiple holes and entire plaster ripped off and the ceiling was damaged.
A fire had been lit in the living room on a pile of destroyed furniture with carpet ripped off, toilet destroyed,
crease upon the anticipated discovery of further damage.
Later that day officers arrested the defendant near the property and found him possession of 10g of cannabis.
The court heard of multiple other incidents this year when the man was caught with small quantities of meth or cannabis in his possession, breaking intervention orders and riding his bike around Myrtleford without a helmet.
the man with major depression, reduced intellect, chronic anxiety, PTSD and alcohol and drug abuse, which was all still relevant today.
Police prosecutor Ramadan Hamidon said the man had a poor history of complying with community corrections orders and nothing seemed to be working in curtailing his offending.
“Short of burning the house down it’s hard to imagine
term of imprisonment.”
Magistrate Megan Casey showed concern around the escalation of the property damage and remanded the defendant in custody to be assessed for a community corrections order and Forensicare, a mental health service provider.
“This is incredibly serious and at least on one view, this is in parole period territory,” she said.
“I’m really worried about what’s going on between you and your family members.”
The defendant will return to Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on 15 September.
By JORDAN DUURSMA
The Rural City of Wangaratta (RCoW) is inviting community submissions on the draft Road Management Plan (RMP) 2025-29 from now until 22 August.
At last week’s council meeting a report was presented to councillors seeking endorsement to proceed with placing the draft plan on public exhibition in accordance with the requirements of the Road Management Act 2004 and Council’s Community Engagement Policy.
The RMP sets the standard for how council will perform its inspection, maintenance and repair responsibilities for rural and urban roads covering sealed and unsealed road surfaces, road pavement, footpaths, kerb and channel, drainage pits, bridges, regulatory, hazard and warning signage, guard rail and vegetation.
The existing plan was adopted in 2021 and serves to establish a system for local road management functions to set performance standards based on opera-
tional objectives and available resources.
Cr Tania Maxwell said “we all know that roads is predominantly one of our priorities”.
“I look forward to this
draft management plan going out for consultation and I would expect that there will be a lot of submissions and feedback,” she said.
“Let’s hope that we can continue to improve the
roads within our LGA area over the coming years.”
Cr David Fuller said given the conjecture of this subject matter, he implores all to get onto connect.wangaratta.vic. gov.au/ and contribute to
Wednesday, 29 July, 2015
By CAITLIN SARTORI
For Wangaratta’s Courtney Dillow, a trip to Disneyland is up for grabs if she wins her next beauty pageant.
The 19-year-old is a national finalist in the Face of the Globe pageant, to be decided in Melbourne from 28 to 30 August.
The winner will represent Australia at the 2016 International Final in the UK and Disneyland Paris.
“It came as a bit of a surprise to be accepted into it,” said the accomplished dancer, who hopes to teach.
Courtney said she’d been doing different pageants for about two years, travelling with her mum Terri as far as Queensland and Sydney.
“This is a different style and a bigger pageant than what I’ve done before, it’s more a Miss Universe style of pageant,” she said, explaining they will wear a colourful party dress and be interviewed by judges in the final.
The Face of the Globe is connected with the Rainbow Child Foundation, which raises money and awareness for disadvantaged children in the United Kingdom. National finalists all over the world must raise funds for the foundation and Courtney
is organising a beauty pageant for all ages, to be held at the HP Barr Reserve Community Hall on Sunday, 9 August. It is open to males and females from three years old and participants are required to have a party wear and favourite winter wear outfit.
Entry is $40 to enter into fashion sections and a workshop to learn how to work a catwalk.
EXCITING TIMES: Courtney Dillow was selected as one of the Australian finalists for the Face of the Globe pageant.
the conversation.
Mayor Irene Grant said the state of the roads was something the community will measure local government very sternly on.
“The condition of roads
is uppermost in everyone’s mind,” she said.
“This draft road management plan sets out how we’re going to manage this into the future and what the roads will look like, which roads fit into which category, which roads we are responsible for, and which roads we’re not.
“I would very much invite the community to put forward their submissions and and be part of the conversation on this particular this plan.
“It’s one of council’s more important plans and something that I think will attract a lot of community interest.”
During this 28-day period short videos will be released on social media to provide explanation of how the road management plan works, explaining aspects such as road defects and intervention levels to provide context on how the road management plan works in practice.
Two drop-in sessions will also be held in Wangaratta and the King Valley, together with opportunity to book a time to talk with council officers on the topic.
Ten local community members joined three staff members from the North East Catchment Management Authority (NECMA) for the inaugural meeting of the King River Project steering group held at the Moyhu Soldiers Memorial Hall in July.
Members had been selected for the group after submitting expressions of interest, and they will meet about five times a year to discuss and plan for future activities being undertaken in the King River.
NECMA says the project is supported by the Victorian government’s Our Catch-
BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au
It says participants were encouraged to start brainstorming project ideas that would unite landholders and the broader community in efforts to protect and enhance the health of the King River.
Steering group members include Vanessa Thompson (Rural City of Wangaratta), Regina Callaway (King River and District Fishing Club), Thomas Moritz (King Valley Tourism Association), Chris Arnold (King Basin Landcare
work), Kjirsten Robb (North East Canoe Club), Megan Star (ordinary community representative), Greg Jenvey and Ellen Forge (landholder representatives).
They met with NECMA staff members including Phill Falcke, Drew Holzheimer and Helen Wilson.
NECMA says the potential activities are wide-ranging, including on-ground environmental works, incentive programs, community education, capacity building initiatives and improvements to recreational access and opportunities.
Steering group member
ment working groups in other regions.
“I thought it was good opportunity, because we haven’t seen much activity on the King River in a long time,” she said.
“There has also been a technical group which has provided technical advice on flows and areas which need work for one reason or another in the King River, such as improving biodiversity.”
Megan said they were introduced and then provided with an overview of the funding supporting the project, saying the Upper King Valley Community Action Plan compiled in 2024 with assistance from Rural Aid Australia - which identified the health of the -
which included a fun video showcasing the region and its many attractions.
A free community pop-up opshop will be held at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Phillipson Street on Sunday, 3 August.
Offering new and second-hand clothing, linen, books, kids’ toys, shoes, magazines and more, the opshop will also feature free morning tea and music. Everything is free and everyone welcome.
Wangaratta Senior Citizens Club will host indoor carpet bowls on Thursday from 1pm, cards (500) on Friday from 1.30pm, indoor carpet bowls on Monday from 1pm and cards (500) and hoy on Tuesday from 1.30pm, all in the clubrooms in Tara Court or the adjoining St Patrick’s supper room. Breakfast at the Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway will be held on Friday, 1 August from 8am. There will be no activities on Wednesday, 6 August.
Wangaratta RSL women’s auxiliary will hold a hoy afternoon at the
Templeton Street RSL base on Tuesday, 5 August from 2pm to 4pm.
Devonshire tea will be served, raffle and door prize, please register with the RSL on 5721 2501.
The next gathering of the Oxley Garden Group will be held at toni’s garden at 102 Nankervis Lane, Oxley on Thursday, 14 August, from 10am.
BYO cup, chair, a plate to share, and any bulbs, cuttings, etc to swap. For details, phone Toni on 0437 891 140.
Cake Decorators Association of Victoria Wangaratta branch will hold its next gathering on Saturday, 16 August in the Galen College food tech room (enter via Phillipson Street).
Participants in the workshop will have the chance to make a handbag cake. Afternoon tea provided, tea and coffee available all day, BYO lunch and mug.
For more information, phone Lee on 0419 513 735.
Wangaratta Orchid Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 6.30pm in St Patrick’s supper room, off Ford Street. Meetings include flower shows and talks, and everyone is welcome. Phone Hans on 0428 119 737.
Wangaratta Men’s Shed provides an outlet for men who would like to get more involved in building friendships, supporting community projects, sharing knowledge, learning new skills and improving health. It provides a range of activities for both working and retired men, including woodwork and metal work along with other social activities.
All are welcome to drop in and look around, and speak with current members.
The shed is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday between
ority to the King Valley community - helped support the NECMA initiative.
She said it also led to NECMA ensuring there was diverse representation on the steering group.
“There is a mix of people from Landcare, landholders, commercial entities and recreation groups,” she said.
“Someone like Greg Jenvey can provide a detailed history including measurements on what has happened in the King River over time, which is very helpful.
“The landholder representatives provide great insight into past projects - they know what is practical and how we can go about doing things.”
The group will reconvene
in September to finalise the activity list and commence implementation of works for which funding is already available.
Megan said they would be compiling a King River Management Plan in parallel to those on ground works, with the idea the steering group would be able to apply and advocate in the future for funding for ongoing rehabilitation works in the King River.
NEMCA said it was enthusiastic about the community-led approach and excited to see the project take shape. It thanked the representatives for their time and dedication, and the hall committee for their hospitality at the meeting.
The Idle Chatters Group meets on the first Monday of every month at 10am at Ineeta’s Café in Moyhu.
All are welcome to come along and meet and chat with others in the community over a coffee or tea and perhaps some cake. The first get-together of the group saw a dozen eager chatters come along and the next will be held on Monday, 4 August at 10am, with more information by contacting Max Baker on 5727 9376.
The King Valley Community Memorial Hall trash ‘n’ treasure outlet in Whitfield has been closed for the month of July and will reopen on Saturday, 2 August.
It is open on Saturdays from 10am to 3pm with money raised going towards the maintenance and independence of the hall, with enquiries to Angie on 5729 8487.
King Valley Arts (KVA) has a new round of small grants available to support initiatives which enrich arts culture in the King Valley community.
Applications for 2025 arts culture grants are open, with three grants of up to $1500 each available, and they will close on 30 August.
Submissions will be reviewed by a KVA panel, and applicants will be notified of the outcome by 30 September.
To find out more visit kingvalleyarts.com.au/communitygrants/.
9am and 3pm at the Livestock Complex in Shanley Street.
Parkinson’s Disease Support Group meets every Friday at the Wangaratta RSL for coffee at 10am, with those who are able meeting at the main entrance at 9.30am for a 30-minute walk prior to coffee. Contact Dave James on 0409 011 953 or Ros Taylor on 0429 624 844.
Blokes Time Out conducts regular gatherings and activities on the third Saturday of the month. For details, visit gritandresilience@wangaratta.vic.gov.au
TOPS weight supporting group meets at The Centre each Monday from 5pm to 6pm. Encouragement and company to support locals in managing their weight. Phone 0458 374 261.
Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra meets each Tuesday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Wangaratta Baptist
Church, 1 Sisely Avenue. Email wangsymphonyorchestra@ gmail.com or call Wendie 0408 495065.
Wangaratta Concert Band rehearses on Mondays from 6.45pm to 9pm at the Avian Park Raceway Band Room in Newman Street. New players welcome, contact Helen on 0401 021 448.
Wangaratta Sing Australia Group holds its weekly meetings each Wednesday from 7.30pm to 9pm at Purbrick Hall, next to Holy Trinity Cathedral. All welcome. For details, call Cheryl Hoysted on 0419 005 062.
Wangaratta Woodworkers Inc meet at the Wangaratta Showgrounds each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9am to 12 noon (closing earlier if no-one is present). The rooms are open on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 5pm to 7pm, and Sundays from 10am to 1pm. All welcome. Contact Bevan on 0437 196 118.
The Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra (WSO) will play the whole of Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9 during its upcoming concerts in Wangaratta and Mansfield.
Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, The New World, was a new challenge for the Czechoslovakian composer, who was interested in exploring fresh ideas in music, travelling to the “new world” (the USA) in 1892 to become director of the National Conservatory of Music. His 9th symphony incorporates various folk tunes from the Black American community and traditional Indigenous American musical themes; Dvorak making a huge contribution to the development of
new music in the USA and beyond.
Other music from the new world will also be included in the WSO concert, with pieces written by Gershwin, Cohen and Stravinski.
Each section will play some of the main themes, with the melodies moving across from one group to another.
When Aaron Wardle, resident conductor of the Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra, expressed a desire to play his French horn rather than conduct Dvorak’s 9th Symphony, the WSO appointed Craig Fullerton, head of music at the Catholic College Wodonga and conductor of the Albury City band,
A series of community pop-up cinema events supported by the Rural City of Wangaratta, is continuing its winter run, encouraging family fun and community spirit.
On Friday, 1 August from 6pm there will be a free movie night at the Tarrawingee Community Hall, with a screening of the movie Oddball to start at 7pm, with snacks and drinks available to purchase and bookings required at trybooking.com/DAWJC.
On Saturday, 9 August there will be a community cinema screening of the documentary Croker Island Exodus at the Da Vinci Social Club in Laceby, with entry $5 (kids free) and funds donated to Wangaratta Area Suicide Prevention.
There will be a barbecue from 6pm and the movie to start at 7.30pm, and bookings are appreciated for catering purposes via dvsc. wang@gmail.com or call 0409 307 606.
as its guest conductor, to lead the orchestra in these concerts.
Craig comes with a broad range of experience in conducting, including in Europe, the Philippines and China.
He said what drives most community orchestras is the passion of its members and their desire to play with others, and to play well.
“There is a hunger to be the best they can, to be challenged, and with that comes a willingness to be committed to practice and to rehearsals,” he said.
“It is voluntary – they just want to be there with other musicians.
“For the WSO to decide to play the whole of Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9 in its original
The Royal Australian Air Force Band will play at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Thursday, 18 September at 1pm.
The 40-piece ensemble will present a spectacular variety concert that spans genres, from stirring patriotic anthems to light classics, contemporary hits and jazz.
Led by squadron leader Daniel Phillips, the band’s highly skilled musicians will deliver an afternoon of exceptional music, displaying the rich heritage of the Royal Australian Air Force, with tickets $25, available at wpacc.com.au or by calling the box office on 5722 8105.
Human Nature will play at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre next year as part of their MTWN20 regional tour.
The group will celebrate the 20th anniversary of their iconic Reach Out, The Motown Record album, while also welcoming guests the Tierney Brothers, with Mike and Andrew and one half of Human Nature to perform tracks from their debut album, Soundtrack Of My Life.
Two concerts will be performed in Wangaratta on March 7 and 8 and tickets are available at wpacc.com.au.
Dust off your boots and grab your hat, when The Pinsent Hotel goes country on Saturday, 9 August from 6pm.
Join in for a night of hearty food, great live music performed by Fiction and lots of country-style fun, with prizes for best dressed in country and western style, plus giveaways throughout the night.
Tickets include a two-course meal with drinks available at bar prices, with tickets at pinsenthotel.com.au.
form is quite a challenge.”
Craig said the symphony is a favourite of his to listen to as well as conduct, and the experience of living in Europe gave him an added insight into the history and context of Dvorak and his music.
Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra will perform at the Mansfield Performing Arts Centre on Sunday, 24 August at 2.30pm and at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Sunday, 7 September 2.30pm, featuring soloists Emma Lang (Rayner) on cello, and Timothy Wong on piano.
Tickets are available from Humanitix, or for the Wangaratta concert, visit wpacc.com.au.
Join Melbourne-based author, playwright and screenwriter Gabriel Bergmoser as he engages in a lively discussion with Booktique’s Mark Bolsius at the Wangaratta Library on Tuesday, September 17 at 5.30pm.
They will be talking about Gabriel’s latest book, The Hitchhiker; a fast-paced, nail-biting outback thriller designed to keep readers on the edge of their seat.
Raised in Mansfield, Gabriel won the prestigious Sir Peter Ustinov Television Scriptwriting Award in 2015, was nominated for the 2017 Kenneth Branagh Award for New Drama Writing, and went on to win several awards at the Victorian Drama League, One Act Play Festival.
Bookings are essential for the event via Humanitix or contact library staff on 5721 2366 or library@wangaratta.vic.gov.au.
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Technology snafus tax your patience. But before you throw your computer or other bulky hardware into the trash, take a deep breath and call someone knowledgeable for help.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Don’t be too upset if your generosity goes unappreciated. These things happen, and rather than brood over it, you should move on. Meanwhile, a new friend could open up some exciting possibilities.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) A loved one helps you get through an especially difficult emotional situation. Afterward, spend the weekend immersed in the restorative powers of music and the other arts.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) You are pretty much in charge of what you want to do this week. However, it might be a good idea to keep an open mind regarding suggestions from people you know you can trust.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) Another chance to shine (something always dear to the Lion’s heart) might be resented by others. But you earned it, so enjoy it! The weekend brings news about a family member.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A suggestion that never took off could become viable again. Dust it off, update it if necessary, and resubmit it. In your personal life, a new relationship takes an “interesting” turn.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Confronting a new challenge to your stated position could work to your advantage. You can settle all doubts once you’re able to present a solid defense that is backed up by equally solid facts.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21)
You enjoy doing nice things for others, but this is a good time to do something nice for yourself as well. You might want to start by planning a super-special getaway weekend.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Some changes you feel like you need to make might be reasonable and appropriate. But others might lead to new problems. Think things through carefully before you act.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Good instincts usually keep the sure-footed Goat on the right path. What others might see as stubbornness on your part reflects your good sense of what is worth supporting.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18)
A period of introspection could lead to some surprising conclusions and equally surprising changes involving a number of your long-held positions on several issues.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) The financially practical Pisces might want to take a sensible approach to spending as well as investing. Being prudent now pays off later. In other news, a romantic situation moves into another phase.
37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677
WANGARATTA HIGH SCHOOL
Expressions of Interest –School Council Canteen Tender Expressions of interest are invited for the Canteen Operations at Wangaratta High School commencing January 28, 2026. Interested parties are required to attend a site inspection to be conducted at 4.30pm on Monday, August 4, 2025.
Tender documents will be available at that time. Please register your attendance by calling 03 5723 0500.
Tender applications will close 5pm Friday, August 22, 2025. Kylie Fountain Business Manager.
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.
DJ and CL Collison
Concrete and Kurb, all concrete works, residential and commerical, free quotes. Call Dave 0457 155 564.
KITCHENS JUST FOR YOU, new kitchens, face lifts, wall units, prompt service. Phone Roland 0414 950 647.
WHEELER Earthworks, available for all your earthworks needsyard clean ups, stump removals, driveways, material supply and spreading, rural work and more. Call Marcus on 0491 094 545.
DRY SPLIT FIREWOOD, quality boxwood and gum, available now, $170 per metre, dry, split, ready to burn, fast delivery available.
Call G & J Tree Services on 0474 107 631.
RENTAL wanted, 68 year old man, reliable, quiet, must be quiet area, 1 bedroom. Ph 0484 007 251.
SUBARU Outback 2.5i petrol premium AWD, Venetian Red, black leather interior, one owner, 116,000km, 12 months rego (AEN996), full service record, adaptive cruise control, first registered July 2015, great condition, $19,500 ONO. Ph 0401 916 667.
Sunday, August 10, 2025
Commencing at 11am at Euroa Showgrounds Bookings essential Catalogue available LAST AUCTION EVER!
Ph 0416 151 696 Metrys Auction Co.
BLACK and white
Chihauhua, ready to go, vaccinated, microchipped, 956000016079052 , Source ID: MB265002, $2500 ONO, Ph. 5727 1429
DISCOUNTED pavers and bricks for sale
All must go!
6 Barry Court, Wangaratta Francis Transport Yard
JACK Russell pups 2x male, tan/ white, vet checked, microchipped, ready to go. Source ID: MB261083. Microchip: 956000017400889, 956000017403069.
$500, Benalla. Ph 0400 786 210.
ORIGINAL 1996 Ford XR6 XH Falcon Ute, manual, reg till Oct 16 (ZZS948), 247,196km, $10,000 ONO. Ph 0431 396 083.
FORD Fairlane Ghia, new tyres, new h/ lining, new exhaust, electric brakes, tow bar, Tickford motor, 163,000km, reg (SHS752), RWC, $9500. Ph 0438 251 532.
OLD cars wanted, cars removed. Ph 0435 083 115.
An opportunity has arisen for a graphic designer to join one of Victoria’s and NSW leading independent news and media groups, based at our Wangaratta office working on newspapers, magazines and digital properties.
North East Media and its related group companies are seeking a graphic designer. You must be able to multitask, have strong organisational skills and be able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines. You must also be a team player who shows initiative and be able to work with minimal supervision. Your experience will include sound skills developing artwork using Adobe InDesign. Experience designing artwork for multiple digital channels, including websites, social media, email marketing would be an advantage.
If you are looking for a new challenge in an energetic and stimulating environment, we would encourage you to apply.
Applications should be forwarded to:
Kelly Lovell
Creative Services Manager North East Media klovell@nemedia.com.au www.nemedia.com.au
at
has a
position available for a Despatch Officer. Duties will include handling of bovine semen and embryos, packing and despatching stocks to A.I. Centres throughout Australia and co-ordinating import and export shipments. Applicants should be:
Computer literate with the ability to learn new systems.
Experienced in stock control and inventory systems.
Are you keen on working outdoors?
Are you interested in teaching young people?
Are you keen to learn new skills and gain a qualification in Outdoor Leadership? Outdoor School – 15 Mile Creek and Bogong Campuses are seeking, enthusiastic people who have an interest in Outdoor Education to apply for their 2026 traineeship intake.
Positions are available at both campuses for a 12-month appointment starting 12 of January 2026.
Further information and how to apply is available by calling 03 57666247 or emailing rhys.evans@education.vic.gov.au Applications close Friday 3/9/2025 at 5pm.
Suitably qualified applicants are invited to apply for the following positions for 2026.
Full-time/ongoing:
VCE Psychology/Science Teacher (Middle/Senior School)
VCE Legal Studies and Humanities Teacher (Middle/Senior School)
Learning Enhancement Teacher (Middle School)
Food and Technology Teacher (Middle/Senior School)
Performing Arts Teacher (Prep to Year Ten)
English Teacher (VCE, Middle/Senior School)
Vocational Pathways Leader (Secondary)
Part-time/ongoing School Counsellor (0.6)
For some roles, the ability to teach an additional subject is required or desirable. Please refer to our website, www.cathedralcollege.vic.edu.au for position descriptions and application closing dates.
Cathedral College Wangaratta is a Child Safe School and an Equal Opportunity Employer
BOYD, Rachel Glenys. 26/10/1981 – 24/7/2025
Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loving family. Aged 43 years. Dearly loved daughter, sister and niece. Forever in our hearts.
Passed away peacefully surrounded by family at St Catherine’s Wangaratta on
Adoring Yaya of Lauren, Jana, Jayden,
mother-in-law of Ian and Sharon Payne
As per Mavis’ wishes, a private memorial
your
BOYD
A funeral service to honour the life of Rachel Boyd will be held at North East Funerals, 184 Greta Road, Wangaratta at 2pm on Friday, August 1, 2025 followed by a private burial. In lieu of flowers a donation to Love Your Sister charity would be greatly appreciated. Family have requested to wear bright colourful clothing.
CASTILLO
The funeral service to celebrate the life of Mrs Roberta Castillo will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Friday, August 1, 2025 commencing at 10.30am. Burial will follow the service at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a donation in memory of Roberta to the Royal Children’s Hospital would be welcomed. Donations can be made online at www.rchfoundation.org.au/donation/ inmemoriam/ Mason Park Funerals 5721 5060 masonpark.com.au
The memory of a much loved family member or friend can live on through a donation to your local health service Northeast Health Wangaratta. This is a direct way of helping us to continually improve patient care and comfort, ensuring the availability of comprehensive health services in
Kangaroos 3.2 5.4 8.6 13.11 (89) Tigers 0.2 1.2 2.2 2.2 (14)
GOALS: KANGAROOS: H. Jacka 5, M. Murphy 3, A. Symons 2, A. Brett 1, J. Scheier 1, L. Pizzini 1. TIGERS: M. Togolo-Hill 1, R. Webb 1.
BEST: KANGAROOS: M. Murphy, O. Reynolds, J. Scheier, m. sacco, A. Symons, K. Jackson. TIGERS: R. Webb, H. Gibb, L. Alexander, S. Morey, M. Togolo-Hill, O. Mullane.
Benalla
1.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 (18)
Bright 9.8 9.8 10.11 11.16 (82)
GOALS: BENALLA: T. Maru 1, B. Hazell 1. BRIGHT: H. Johnston 3, E. Lodge 3, T. Brierty 2, N. White 1, B. Brady 1, O. Dalbosco 1.
BEST: Benalla: B. Cooney, T. Maru, A. Richardson, J. Fry, W. Martin, L. Boulton. BRIGHT: H. Johnston, K. Hall-Bidois, E. Lodge, a. murrells, H. West, O. Lewis.
Mansfield 3.0 4.2 4.2 7.3 (45)
Imperials 1.3 1.7 4.14 4.19 (43)
GOALS: MANSFIELD: R. Watts 2, Z. Hotton 1, T. Gerrans 1, W. Benton 1, A. Kipping 1, J. Turner 1. IMPERIALS: H. Bandt 2, B. McMonigle 1, M. Marek 1.
BEST: MANSFIELD: S. Kain, T. Kynnersley, J. Turner, C. Purday, K. Middleton, A. Kipping. IMPERIALS: C. Flynn, R. Canning, J. O’Connor, B. Benton, P. Stamp.
Centrals
Junior Magpies 3.2
(25)
(97)
GOALS: CENTRALS: C. Kennedy 2, R. Parsons 1. JUNIOR MAGPIES: J. Comensoli 4, S. McIntosh 3, J. Parker 2, H. Scalzo 2, A. Hardman 1, C. Littel 1, C. Briggs 1, H. Allan 1.
BEST: CENTRALS: K. Wohlers, C. Ormond, C. Kennedy, R. Parsons, A. Castle, J. Lewis. JUNIOR MAGPIES: H. Allan, H. Scalzo, A. Hardman, M. James, C. Littel. Myrtleford
Harris,
McMasters, J. Bruneau, K. Gillies. COLLEGE: F. Burgan, L. Pensak, A. Peebles, L. Dillon, N. Allan, D. Ciccone.
Kangaroos
GOALS: KANGAROOS: M. Coleman 3, R. MACKINNON-BURMAN 2, A. Mccoy 1, U. Holt 1. TIGERS: B. Kantor 2, L. Benton 1, H. Sharp 1, H. Togolo-Hill 1. BEST: KANGAROOS: C. Kelly, E. Byrne, B. Jackson, C. Willoughby, M. Coleman, H. Edwards. TIGERS: J. Robinson, M. Simpson, K. Ackroyd, H. Togolo-Hill, H. Sharp, P. Dummett.
Benalla Black
GOALS: BENALLA BLACK: R. Hilton 2, O. Wardill 2, O. Parker 1, R. White 1. BEST: BENALLA BLACK: H. Ross, J. Montgomery, N. White, J. Bamford, R. White, C. Bell, BRIGHT: H. Bruneau, D. Finlaw, O. Kelly, J. Toy, A. Humphry, K. O’Donnell.
Mansfield JFC Blue
GOALS: MANSFIELD BLUE: W. Hewitt 1, M. Storer 1, O. Pigdon 1. COLLEGE: L. O’Brien 8, C. O’Brien 2, C. Bowman 1, C. Hourigan 1. BEST: MANSFIELD BLUE: R. Purday, L. Stevenson, H. Shevlin, J. Clydesdale, J. Kynnersley, J. Heath. COLLEGE: C. O’Brien, C. Bowman, L. Pensak, L. O’Brien, T. Hill, K. Hope.
Myrtleford
Benalla Red
GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: S. Lupo 4, C. Schell 2, M. Mcmasters 1, A. Knobel 1. BENALLA RED: J. Hart 4, T. Mount 1, J. Binion 1. BEST: MYRTLEFORD: S. Lupo, A. Knobel, B. McMahon, N. Durling, B. Parolin, M. McMasters. BENALLA RED: J. Hart, X. De Fazio, C. Pollard, J. Pollard, T. Snell, T. Mount. Centrals
Junior Magpies
GOALS: CENTRALS: N. Jones 4, J.
CENTRALS: C. Blair, N. Jones, J. Bennett, W. Boulton, J. Morris, A. Fraser. JUNIOR MAGPIES: A. Bell, L. Cannata, J. Davern, S. Tredinnick, E. Harris, D. Lawrey. Mansfield Yellow
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Logan Williams 1. IMPERIALS: G. Marek 3.
MANSFIELD YELLOW: M. Watson, L. Roberts, H. Yencken, B. Turner, J. Hoskin, L. Mccoombe. IMPERIALS: G. Marek, S. Savage, J. Campbell, T. Sealey, A. Hayward, S. Orr.
H. Vandersteeg, F. Clare, C. Carter, A. Tekesic, N. Fitzpatrick.
BENALLA BLACK: C. Thwaites, O. Ross, J. Jackson, L. Osborne, B. Parker, B. Bourke. BRIGHT: N. Herschell, J. Peace, L. McConnachie, K. Andersen, L. Humphry, O. Dykes.
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WANGARATTA Chronicle photographer Melissa Beattie made her way down to junior netball to capture some action on the courts. Photographs can be purchased at the Chronicle.
Under 12s
By ELENA SEWELL-DOLPHIN
The littlest Rovers played in the cold and wet, once again braving defeat.
Despite this, they had fun game in the wet and mud, with some spending more time in the mud than their parents may have preferred.
The Rovers under 12s faced North Albury Hoppers, who kindly lent players to our team, making the match 12 a side.
The players adapted well to the wet weather, working hard on getting the ball first, shepherding, and getting out of the pack.
We had a shake up in the midfield, with some of our usual tall ruck players away.
Mailah took on the job for the first time, with Henrietta rotating in, and took on an opponent a whole foot taller than themselves.
Last game this weekend, let’s get around it and have a great end to the season.
Final score: Wangaratta Rovers 1.1.7 def by North Albury 26.21.177.
Best: Mailah Tremellen, Henrietta Leatham, Milly Bihun, Anastasia Panagiotakis, Madeleine Healy.
Under 14s
By BRON McGORLICK
It was a very wet ground but fortunately the rain held off for most of the under 14s game against North Albury at North Albury’s home ground.
Captain for the game was Paige-
Lee Dummett who led with her trademark ferocity at the ball and ability to intercept the football across the middle of the ground.
The Rovers started the game exceptionally well, with great attack on the footy and willingness to work for each other around the contest.
Some terrific tackles from Bella Bolton resulted in multiple free kicks in the forward line and after a couple of attempts, Bella registered our first goal for the day.
Back in the side after several weeks on the sidelines was Indie Mawson, who showed plenty of courage to win the ball and slotted our second goal for the quarter.
Mia Simpson was showing excellent ground ball skills in the wet conditions and our half backs were ensuring that the ball rarely went outside our half of the ground.
The second and third quarters saw more of the ball in our defensive half, with Ames Rea providing some outstanding defensive work to push back to the goal line to save multiple goal attempts.
Our last quarter was some of the best free-flowing football our young Rovers had played all year.
Eva Morris moved to full forward and put her contested marking skills on show, taking an awesome grab after an intercepted ball was swooped on by Paige who kicked Eva in the goal square.
Some desperate work in defence from Ashleigh Elliott-Scragg saved another attempt on goal from North Albury.
A very enjoyable win with some
excellent skills and team work on display from our U14s – well done.
Final score: Wangaratta Rovers 6.13.49 def North Albury 0.1.1.
Best: Paige-Lee Dummett, Mia Simpson, Ames Rea, Isabelle Foster, Bella Boulton, Indie Mawson.
Goals: Bella Boulton, Isabelle Foster, Havarna Long, Indie Mawson, Eva Morris, Mia Simpson.
Under 17s
By JESS WHITEHEAD
Wangaratta Rovers braved wet and slippery conditions to record a strong 25-point victory over North Albury on Sunday at Bunton Park.
With persistent rain falling throughout the match, the game became a test of grit, pressure, and teamwork - a challenge the Rovers rose to with confidence.
It was a special day for Mia Simpson and Paige-Lee Dummett, who both made their under 17s debut, and the pair slotted in seamlessly, showing courage and composure well beyond their years.
The first quarter was a scrappy arm-wrestle as both teams adjusted to the waterlogged ball and heavy ground, with no goals scored, but from the second quarter onwards, the Rovers began to take control. They lifted their work rate around the contest, adapted their play to the conditions, and surged forward with purpose.
Captain Lily Gibb led from the front with a best-on-ground performance, dominating through the midfield and finishing with two goals.
Her composure, clean ball use, and relentless drive helped shift the momentum in Rovers’ favour.
Amy Lowe and Ruby Newton also hit the scoreboard, each capitalising on strong forward pressure and clean delivery into attack.
Issie Foster played a brilliant, hard, and determined game through the midfield and forward line, putting her body on the line and winning crucial contests.
In defence, Lily Currie Fraser and Willow Foster were outstanding, holding firm under pressure and clearing the ball with confidence.
Abbey Waide marked the ball strongly in difficult conditions, providing a reliable link-up option around the ground.
Despite the challenging conditions, it was a tough, spirited contest played in great sportsmanship by both teams.
The Rovers can take pride in a strong, united team performance and continue to build momentum heading into the last round and finals in the coming weeks.
Final score: Wangaratta Rovers 4.4.28 def North Albury 0.3.3.
Best: Lily Gibb, Gemma Couch Trinder, Isabelle Foster, Ruby Newton, Willow Foster, Lily Currie Fraser.
Goals: Lily Gibb 2, Amy Lowe, Ruby Newton.
Open
By AMY COLLINS
In tough, soggy conditions at Birallee Park, the Wangaratta Rovers Female Football team took on the Wodonga Raiders in a critical clash
to secure second place on the ladder.
With steady rain turning the ground into a mud pit, both teams battled hard in a low-scoring, highpressure contest.
The Rovers were buoyed by the return of Emily Rowe from injury, who added composure and drive through the wing.
From the opening bounce, it was clear goals would be hard to come by, with the ball rarely moving freely and most play bogged down in tight contests.
It was a war of attrition for three quarters, with neither side able to break away.
The Raiders managed to break through with a crucial goal early in the final term, but the Rovers answered swiftly with a goal of their own to stay in the hunt.
Despite pushing hard in the dying minutes, the Rovers couldn’t convert, falling agonisingly short by just three points.
The final score saw the Rovers 1.4 (10) narrowly edged out by the Raiders 1.7 (13).
While the loss was disappointing, the team showed resilience in brutal conditions.
With finals approaching, the Rovers will take the lessons from this battle and look to bounce back with the same grit and determination.
Final score: Wangaratta Rovers 1.4.10 def by Wodonga Raiders 1.7.13.
Best: Andie Bleicher, Kaea Tua, Emma Gosbell, Alice Minns, Clare Collins, Chloe Kungl.
Goals: Lily Gibb.
By NATHAN DE VRIES
While the senior sides sat out
Sunday’s round 19 of AWFA competition, the reserves continued to be the backbone of the club.
The division two men responded from a slow start to run out 5-1 winners over Twin City Wanderers.
After claiming nine wins on the trot against some of the best in the competition, the ressies came out of the blocks a tad complacent, looking for an easy win over the lowly Wanderers.
Their reality was shattered after Wanderers slipped one past the keeper, taking a 1-0 lead at halftime.
After some choice words from coach Vitaly Leschen, the Devils ripped back into the contest, slamming on goal after goal to secure their 10th victory on the trot.
Jack Whiley and Shaban Abdulrahman both scored twice, with Lachlan Campbell chiming in to add insult to injury.
Leschen said while the start was far from ideal, it was a great sign his players could produce such an emphatic result when asked.
“To be honest, it was a good lesson going into these last weeks for the boys that, irrespective of who we play, so much of what we’ve done this year is about turning up every weekend,” he said.
“If we don’t turn up, we run the risk of losing games we shouldn’t, so it was a good reminder for the boys to keep their heads.
“We spoke about that winning stuff, whether it’s a game of soccer, a league, a final, it’s very difficult to achieve and it’s not something that’s going to just come to us.
“It starts in the rooms, starts in the warm-up, and you need to be at it every game, and we dropped below that in the first half.
“It was just reminding the boys about the bigger picture of where we’re trying to get to, and seeing how they responded.
“We went into the second half the way we should’ve started it,
and ran away with it, really.
“There’s probably nothing more satisfying as a coach than when you spray the team and they go out and take it onboard and get the result.”
The win means Wangaratta City is within four points of a league title, after leaders Albury Hotspurs split the points in their match.
While still mathematically possible for the Devils to win the division two league championship, Hotspurs would need to lose against Wanderers (11th) and St Pat’s (12th), as well as the Devils.
Leschen said these next few weeks would be more about setting the stage for a comprehensive finals campaign.
■ From back page
“Our defensive end, we would’ve had three turnover opportunities in the last quarter to advance a lead, and we just can’t manage to control it in our attacking end with that scoreboard pressure yet, resulting in a draw every time.”
Despite not taking the full allotment of points on offer since round 11, the Bats have now tied with the current top three teams of Milawa, Whorouly and Tarrawingee, a sure sign they’ll be red-hot contenders come finals.
“It’s been good for us to have these games coming into finals, hopefully we can learn something from it and continue to keep developing so we’re not going to go out first final and we’ve got a chance,” Ryan said.
“You definitely notice these other sides that are so used to these high-pressure situations and find themselves a little bit more composed that we are at the moment.
“Our pressure across our defensive end is exceptional, we can continue to keep turning it over, we just don’t know how to convert.”
In other A grade matches, Tarrawingee were nine goals too good for Bright, Greta defeated King Valley by 20 goals, Whorouly stomped Benalla All Blacks 44-21, and Moyhu downed North Wangaratta 48-15.
“Best case for us is first, but the most likely case and the achievable one is second,” he said.
“I think there is a big difference for us in terms of finals for if we finish second than if we finish third, so that’s the aim.”
Meanwhile, the reserve women were also in the wins, coming out ahead in a high-scoring match with St Pat’s Gold, 6-3.
Brianna McGregor and Angel Mendoza found the back of the net, alongside doubles to Sammy Scott and Katarina De Napoli.
The result sees the reserve women leapfrog Wodonga Diamonds into the top four of the ladder with just three matches left before finals.
Wangaratta Tigers junior Carter Togolo-Hill gets boot to ball before he’s tackled by Kangaroo Luke Kelly in their under 12 match on the boggy, muddy and soaking wet Bill O’Callaghan Oval at the Barr Reserve on Saturday.
WDJFL results and pictures page 12.
PHOTO: Melissa Beattie
It seems statistically unlikely, but it’s true – Goorambat has fought out their fifth draw of the A grade season.
The Bats’ latest deadlocked result – their third in a row – came at the Milawa Recreation Reserve on Saturday, where the ladderleading Demons were held to a split decision 42-42.
With the match going largely goal for goal for long stretches, it was a game with little to no margin for error.
After an evenly-paced opening term, Milawa started to pull away,
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
taking a two-goal lead into the major break off the back of great shooting from turnovers.
The Demons continued to advance but couldn’t penetrate Goorambat’s defensive set up consistently, with the Bats turning more balls than they let through.
With the margin sitting at three goals with 15 minutes to go, the Bats surged, tying the scoreboard
and even pulling ahead, forcing Milawa to shoot to stay level.
At the end of the hour, the two teams couldn’t be separated on the scoreboard, and Goorambat coach Olivia Ryan marvelled at just how many times her side have found themselves in the same situation.
“It’s funny when you say it out loud because it sounds like you’ve made it up, but we’ve had our third draw in a row and our fifth for the season - it just seems like surely a side can get up by one,” she said.
“We went into the game feeling like we didn’t have a lot of depth,
we had another injury last week, we’ve had two season-ending injuries so we were filling four pairs of shoes.
“The expectations weren’t to come out and dominate, it was to come out and play our game, what we’ve been working on at training.
“It’s something I need to work on coaching-wise with my girls – not so much being aware of the time, but knowing we were in control of that game, be able to slow it and take some time off, rather than feeling like we’re the side rushing with it.
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The expectations weren’t to come out and dominate, it was to come out and play our game, what we’ve been working on at training.
