Wangaratta Chronicle 010324

PUBLIC transport on the Albury line will be affected from March 4 to 13 due to Inland Rail activity, with local works including the removal of remaining sections of the Green Street bridge in Wangaratta and the demolition and removal of the old bridge in Glenrowan. Work will be carried out day and night across Inland

Rail sites at Wangaratta, Glenrowan, Seymour-Avenel Road Seymour, Kilmore East, Tallarook and Wallan from March 7 to March 13.

V/Line train services will be disrupted and/or can-

celled from Monday, March 4 to 13 and passengers are advised to check the V/Line website for more information.

Together with construction partner, McConnell Dowell, the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), Inland Rail will demolish and remove two bridges, lower tracks, decommis-

sion old rail lines, install new tracks, construct a new station platform, upgrade rail signalling, and conduct track slewing.

The program of works for Wangaratta includes:

• remove the remaining sections of the old Green Street bridge;

• remove 27,000m2 of soil and lower 900m of track;

• install 100m of track drainage;

• decommission and commence backfill of the ‘dive’ railway line; and

• Build 880m of the new west track, including construction ballast, sleepers and rail.

Glenrowan works will include:

• demolish and remove

the old bridge, including bridge decks, piers and abutment walls; and

• install track drainage.

The 800km track possession will see essential rail maintenance and improvements including track tamping, structure repairs, turnout maintenance and mudhole removal.

■ Continued page 4

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

M&M X-TREME World of Fitness members (from left) Angel Mendoza, Cheryl Jones, Mel Paul (owner), Jenny Emslie and Dani Donald are encouraging others to donate products to the Share The Dignity campaign.

Local firefighters help to bring blaze under control

By RYAN MALCOLM

WANGARATTA firefighters deployed to help in catastrophic fire conditions west of Ballarat successfully held their containment lines earlier this week, as a major Bayindeen blaze was brought under control after threatening lives and property.

Some 10 Wangaratta Group firefighters joined a 30-strong Hume region strike team near the township of Beaufort on Monday, in preparation for fire conditions not seen in the state since the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires in the North East.

Managing the southern flank of a

fire which burnt more than 22,000 hectares of land after igniting a week ago, local firefighters worked a mix of day and night shifts in preparation for Wednesday’s ‘catastrophic’ conditions, as wind gusts reached 76kph at the nearby Ballarat weather station.

Wangaratta Group duty officer Travis Ledger said local representatives had played an important role in containing the fire by Thursday afternoon.

“They did well – like everyone over there they had their work cut out for them, there was a lot to do and the conditions were the big thing – how hard the weather is let alone fighting a fire while you’re in

CHOC-FULL OF FUN

By SIMONE KERWIN

FIVE hundred kilograms of chocolate eggs will be on offer this month, when O’Brien Real Estate Joyce stages its annual Community Easter Egg Hunt.

The fifth iteration of the hunt, which will again be held at Barr Reserve 2 Oval, provides the perfect familyfriendly lead-in to the Easter weekend on Thursday, March 28.

As well as putting smiles on the faces of eager young (and not-so-young) egg-hunters, the event is a chance for the community to help raise funds for Northeast Health Wangaratta’s paediatric unit.

Registration is a must for the hunt, with all funds raised from the $5-per-person entry fee going to help what O’Brien Real Estate Joyce’s Rebecca Joyce says is “a service nobody wants to need to use, but for which everybody is grateful when they do”.

The 2023 Easter Egg Hunt funded the purchase of an IStat machine, which provides an almost instant reading on a patient’s blood analysis so that treatment can commence immediatelyenabling prompt and some-

times life-saving treatments and interventions at NHW.

“Last year made such a difference to the paeds ward,” Rebecca said.

“We had 1200 registrations last year, and we are hoping for a bigger and better event this year.

“It’s so heart-warming when people get behind our local community.

“And it’s just the best to see all these little people living their best lives.

“It’s a really bright start to the school holidays.”

This year’s event will run from 4pm to 7pm, with the hunt to begin at 6pm.

Hunting baskets will be provided to ensure everyone gets an equal amount and no-one misses out.

“It’s a chance to fill your bucket and then help others to fill theirs,” Rebecca said.

There will be live entertainment, activities for the kids including jumping castles, and food and drink available to purchasethough families are also welcome to bring along a picnic and enjoy the evening.

To register, visit https:// obrienrealestatejoyce.typeform.com/egghunt2024, or scan the QR code on this page or on the O’Brien Real Estate Joyce Facebook page.

those conditions,” he said.

“It was extremely windy and hot but they continued to work.

“Their primary tasking was to secure those containment lines, so they continued that night and day around different parts of the fire, and that entailed burning out unburnt grass in certain areas, but also blacking out within a certain distance back into the fire and ensuring nothing would get over the line.

“They were fairly buggered to say the least (Wednesday) night and (Thursday) morning.

“A couple of the guys from Wang that went I know were very active in the 2019/20 fires around here and

up at the Cudgewa/Towong area – I think they were fairly similar conditions in terms of the weather.

“There were some newer members and some less experienced firefighters (who haven’t previously fought a campaign fire) - it would have been an eye-opening experience for them I would imagine.

“(Wednesday) was definitely the test for (the fire), and to hold it and now they’ve got it blacked out, certainly along the perimeter – there’ll be fire burning within that perimeter, probably for days, but if the perimeter is secure you’re pretty right with the weather that they’ve got.”

Get ready for the Wangaratta Marathon and Fun Run

By CHLOE JAENICKE

THE Wangaratta Marathon and Fun Run is now only two weeks away and it is important to prepare for the event.

As well as continuing or starting training, those participating can prepare by collecting their bibs.

Bibs can now be collected from the Wangaratta Chronicle office until 5pm on Friday, March 15, or from the Wangaratta Showgrounds, at the Kennel Club yards, on Saturday, March 16 between 1pm and 4pm or at least 30 minutes prior to your race on Sunday, March 17 from 6am.

(4) and the Easter Bunny were discussing some very important business when they met up at Barr Oval 2 this week. The annual O’Brien Real Estate Joyce Community Easter Egg Hunt is on again this year on Thursday, March 28, with 500kg of eggs up for grabs at the event which brings together and supports the community.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

REGISTRATION A MUST: Scan this QR code to register for the 2024 O’Brien Real Estate Joyce Community Easter Egg Hunt.

HUME FREEWAY

WARNING AS POLICE PREPARE FOR TARGETED ACTION ON MAJOR ARTERIAL

We’re continuing to see the same type of road user behaviour we saw last year when we had such a terrible year for road injury and fatal collisions.

- SENIOR SERGEANT DAVID GILLESPIE

No serious injuries in series of major road crashes

By RYAN MALCOLM

MOTORISTS have largely walked away unscathed from two major crashes across the rural city in recent days, despite police concerns at least one of the collisions could have easily proved fatal.

Officers were first called to the Hume Freeway southbound between Wangaratta and the Glenrowan Hill around 5.30pm on Tuesday, following a collision between two trucks travelling in the same direction.

Sergeant Peter McGuffie of Wangaratta police said officers were yet to determine the exact cause of the collision, however, it appeared a truck travelling behind had collided with the rear trailer of the lead truck.

Paramedics attended the scene to find the trailing vehicle’s cabin had largely been crushed in the impact, however, both drivers walked away from the scene unscathed and did not require hospitalisation.

“Police were surprised no one was seriously injured or killed,” Sgt McGuffie said.

Police setting sights on North East danger zone

A SPIKE in road injuries and fatalities throughout the North East last year will see police set their sights on cutting out unsafe road behaviours along the region’s major thoroughfare next week.

A 166 per cent increase in fatal collisions (25), as well as a 110pc increase in serious injury crashes (187) throughout the Wangaratta and Wodonga police regions in 2023 has prompted Operation Hamilton, which will see additional resources deployed along the Hume Freeway from Glenrowan to Wodonga from next Tuesday.

The stretch of freeway has seen 27 injury collisions in the last 12 months, as well as a fatal crash at the Wenkes Road intersection near Chiltern which claimed the lives of four people last August, when a truck and car collided as the smaller vehicle attempted to merge across traffic.

Operation Hamilton, in conjunction with New South Wales police’s Operation Furious between Albury and Sydney, will

BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au

aim to cut down on speed, distraction, seatbelt non-compliance, drink and drug driving from early Tuesday morning through to late Thursday night.

Wangaratta Highway Patrol Senior Sergeant David Gillespie said while police would be highly visible enforcing the road rules along the major thoroughfare, he hoped their presence would positively influence road behaviours as motorists continued onto their final destination.

“Not only do people continue to have collisions on there (the Hume) and continue to offend, but a lot of people use the Hume Freeway as a route to other areas, for example coming through Wangaratta and down into the High Country,” he said.

“The fact we’re able to coordinate all of our resources locally

and across the state, and interstate, for a combined effort is going to be pivotal in the success of the operation.

“We hope to achieve a positive impact on road user behaviour when motorists are driving through the Victorian stretch of the freeway, which will then lessen the likelihood of collisions or offending when they get into New South Wales, and vice versa.”

The targeted operation preempts an expected spike in tourists flocking to the region over the Labour Day long weekend, with the statewide Operation Arid to commence late next week to police holidaymakers’ road behaviour.

With three fatal crashes having occurred in the North East in recent weeks, Snr Sgt Gillespie urged drivers to cut down on lowlevel speeding offending, which he said had heavily contributed to many of the 295 fatalities on Victorian roads last year.

“The fact we’re doing this in

the lead up to a long weekend is really well timed to best try and put our resources where the most volume of traffic will be to try and positively impact that road user behaviour not just on the day they see police, but in the days following that,” he said.

“We’re continuing to see the same type of road user behaviour we saw last year when we had such a terrible year for road injury and fatal collisions.

“People are still doing it (speeding), and that’s what was killing and injuring people on our roads last year – not wearing seatbelts, not paying attention at intersections and obeying the appropriate signs, distracted by mobile phone, drink and drug driving and fatigue.

“If you get caught using your mobile phone, that’s four demerit points and $577, so it’s quite a significant financial impact and if it means we have to do that to alter that road user behaviour then we’re prepared to do that.”

Summer Pest Control

Summer’s warm and mild climate creates the ideal conditions for wasps to flourish.

From common paper wasps to more aggressive species like yellow jackets, these insects can build nests around homes and gardens, leading to potential hazards for residents.

Wasp stings can be nasty and nests on your property are a danger to you and your family.

Don’t

from Economic Pest Control

essential steps towards a wasp-free environment.

Neither driver was found to be alcohol or drug-affected, with the trailing driver interviewed and charged to face court for driving-related matters at a later date.

The crash preceded another collision between a utility and a truck at Bowser Road on Wednesday afternoon.

Sgt McGuffie said a truck had been attempting to turn right from Federation Way towards Wangaratta around 3.15pm when it failed to give way to traffic headed north.

An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson confirmed two people had been transported to Northeast Health Wangaratta following the crash, including a woman in her 70s who Sgt McGuffie said she had been driving the utility.

Investigations into the crash remain ongoing, with no infringements or criminal charges yet to be laid.

MAJOR DAMAGE: A truck

rearended another truck’s trailer on the Hume Freeway on Tuesday evening suffered significant damage.

PHOTO: Supplied

following preventive measures and relying on

DANGER ZONE: Wangaratta Highway Patrol Senior Sergeant David Gillespie has urged motorists to improve their behaviour on the Hume Freeway, as police plan for a targeted operation along the major arterial next week.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

IT’S NOT A STRETCH TO SHARE THE DIGNITY

By JORDAN DUURSMA

SHARE the Dignity is collecting period products and incontinence aids in pink boxes at various businesses nationwide throughout March, to ensure those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, domestic violence or poverty have access to period products.

Wangaratta is no exception when it comes to helping those in need and the community has stepped up to donate and support one another.

Wangaratta gym, M&M X-TREME World of Fit-

ness, is registered as a collection point for donations.

Gym owner Mel Paul said when she first opened several months ago Share the Dignity was one of the movements she knew she had to be involved in when two of her members, who have a passion for it, asked her to get on board.

“The more I looked into it I thought, that’s a really good cause,” Mel said.

“My members are predominantly female and the studio is community based, so we wanted to get

on board and help those in need”

“The gym community’s response has been so positive, everyday someone is bringing in something, whether it be sanitary pads, tampons or something else on the list.

“It’s not just for gym members, anyone in the community can donate.”

Share the Dignity was founded in 2015 by Rochelle Courtenay after she first learnt of homeless women going without basic period products during their menstrual cycle, and she decided the question was not,

Tuesday

RAINFALL:

“why is no one doing anything” but rather, “what’s stopping me from doing something?”

Wangaratta Woolworths is also taking donations and is committed to donating five cents from the sale of every period product purchased during the drive, adding to the $2.7 million already donated to help support menstrual equity for all.

People can donate new and unopened pads, tampons, menstrual cups and discs, period undies, reusable pads and incontinence aids to Share the Dignity’s Dignity Drive.

FANTASTICAL battles are set to be brought to life in Wangaratta parkland for the first time, with a group of live action role play (LARP) enthusiasts set to host their inaugural event on Sunday.

‘Warcry Wangaratta’ will see the popular fantasy initiative establish roots in the rural city, with up to 70 participants expected to don medieval-inspired armour and wield foam weapons as they engage in a series of battles across Merriwa Park from 4pm.

The group’s Facebook page now has more than 200 members, with groups from Melbourne and Albury playing an important role in assisting local organiser Jacob Selwood in developing the event over the last two months.

BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au

“I’m definitely excited about it – it is a bit nerve-wracking because you don’t know how many people are going to show up or not,” he said.

“I’ve had overwhelming support from the community – I’ve had groups from Melbourne reach out and offer help as well – it’s been surprising the number of people who have reached out and helped with the process.

“We’ll definitely be going for some regularity first off, just getting people used to it and training them up and getting them hyped into the community, and then we’ll focus on having events as well, such as a renais-

sance-faire type deal.”

Newcomers to LARPing can attend in a t-shirt and baggy pants if they wish, with weapons available to rent for $2, and the event will be open for anyone above the age of 15, as long as they have parental consent if younger than 18.

The event has drawn council support, and Mr Selwood noted police were aware a large cohort would be using fake weapons in the park throughout the fourhour event.

“There’ll be other people who have experience, including me, who will show others how to properly wield weaponry of certain types, as well as safety rules to make sure no one’s actually going to get injured with a sword to the head,” he said.

“Everyone’s pretty much

welcome to join in – the one in Albury we’ve had people of all ages from 15 to I think 70 was the oldest.

“People that want to participate, don’t get overwhelmed by the pressure – there’s no pressure to fully dress up.

“We have notified the police multiple times already telling them there are going to be people running around with fake swords at the park so don’t get alarmed.

“We did a couple of trial training days in the park previously, and the police were all on board, they came down and had a look at the weaponry and were really interested.”

For more information on Warcry Wangaratta and Sunday’s event, visit the group’s Facebook page.

Inland Rail to carry out major works during week-long track possession

■ From page 1 ARTC will also conduct routine track maintenance activities along the length of the line including signalling works and vegetation control.

Ed Walker, ARTC Victoria and South Australian general manager projects, said this is the largest

scope of works ever conducted during a track possession.

“From Seymour to Barnawartha we will have teams of workers pushing ahead with the Inland Rail project,” he said.

“Wangaratta will be especially busy with work extending beyond the usual 60-hour track

possession to complete the removal of the Green Street bridge, backfill the ‘dive’, lower tracks, and install the new west track.

“We apologise for the disruptions and thank local communities for their patience and understanding as we carry out the work on this ma-

jor nation building project.”

In a significant milestone for Inland Rail works, Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Catherine King will be in Glenrowan Friday morning to officially open the town’s new Beaconsfield Parade bridge.

FANTASY FIGHT: Maree Goonan and ‘Warcry Wangaratta’ organiser Jacob Selwood are ready for battle at Sunday’s inaugural live action role play event at Wangaratta’s Merriwa Park.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

WOMEN HELPING WOMEN: Angel Mendoza, Cheryl Jones, Jenny Emslie, Mel Paul (manager) and Dani Donald from M&M X-TREME World of Fitness welcome donations at their gym for the Share The Dignity Campaign.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Public input for repurposing timber from removed trees

By SHANE DOUTHIE

THE Rural City of Wangaratta has confirmed that after “thorough risk assessment and appropriate planning approval”, three large gum trees in Merriwa Park deemed to potentially pose a public risk will be removed in the coming weeks.

Council aims to extend the trees’ lifespan by repurposing the harvested timber in a manner that benefits and aligns with community expectations.

It is seeking input from the community on how best to utilise the timber.

Would you like to see it transformed into furniture, park bench seats, playground equipment, or perhaps public art?

People can visit the Connect Wangaratta website (connect.wangaratta. vic.gov.au) and leave suggestions, which will be considered by council in deciding on the timber’s future use.

Council said it is likely that the timber will require approximately four to five years to dry out and will not be ready for use until after this period - and the timber won’t be used for firewood.

Marcus Goonan, council director of community and infrastructure, said council is developing a replacement strategy for after the removal of the trees, and community input will be sought throughout 2024 regarding the development of this plan.

“We welcome our community involvement and look forward to receiving valuable ideas on how to repurpose this historic timber for the benefit of our community,” he said.

13-hour transport strike

By STEVE KELLY

gg/

V/LINE trains will come to a grinding halt next Friday if plans for stop work industrial action over 13 hours goes ahead.

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) has notified V/Line of its intention to take a 13-hour stoppage from 3am to 4pm, with operations staff including conductors, train controllers, stations and customer service staff and authorised officers to walk off the job.

The action comes as part of the RTBU’s enterprise bargaining agreement push for equity between regional V/ Line staff and their metro counterparts, including pay and conditions.

A letter to union members on February 26 details the current offer of a 15 per cent wage increase over four years (up from 12pc), made up of 3pc increases per annum, a modernised operations allowance of 1pc per annum, and a 0.5pc cash payment on July 1 each year.

Under the offer, regional staff will have to work up to a 10-hour shift instead of the standard eight hours, and

they are also expected to travel 80km or up to one hour a day to sign on to start work at various locations, as part of a master roster.

“The state wages policy is being used to hold back regional workers and create a two class transport network,” RTBU branch secretary Vik Sharma said.

“Into the ninth month of bargaining, the Allan Government has endorsed a dud deal that would leave regional workers worse off than their metropolitan counterparts.

“V/Line workers are seeking a fair and reasonable enterprise agreement that reflects the conditions already accepted by other employers across the industry.”

Commuters are urged to make other travel arrangements on March 8.

“This industrial action will regrettably impact regional commuters and cause significant disruptions to services,” Mr Sharma said.

The RTBU has been negotiating with V/ Line management since June last year, and workers have been taking industrial action since December.

A NEW PURPOSE: Council aims to repurpose the harvested timber from the Merriwa Park trees cut down due to safety concerns.

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

COMMITTED community groups in the rural city are stretching the gloves and testing the rubbish pickers in preparation for Clean Up Australia Day this Sunday, March 3.

Wangaratta Landcare and Sustainability action-group

Clean Up Wangaratta (CUW) will be leading the charge in town with a clean-up at the Coles, Kmart and Hungry Jacks car park on Sunday morning and a clean-up on its adopted section of the Old Hume Highway early next week.

Co-convener of CUW

Andy Kimber said the Tone Road situated car park was

a “last litter frontier” within the CBD, due to improved cleanliness of Woolworths and Aldi carparks.

North Wangaratta’s twice annual community cleanup will be taking place again this Sunday from 9am, meeting at the North Wangaratta Recreation Reserve and concluding with a morning tea at Reidy Creek.

Founder and organiser of the clean-up, Marg Pullen, said she was happy to have around 10 volunteers on board, and she has kept a keen eye out for litter prevention before the weekend clean-up.

“I followed a guy who was taking a load to landfill the other day and he didn’t have it tarped, so there was plastic flying all over the place,” she said.

“I tooted my horn, flashed my lights, got him to pull over and told him what I thought.

“I said I hoped they appreciated that we volunteers had to clean the road and it would be no fun if they

weren’t going to tarp their loads.”

The Bowser Road cleanup has been a feature of local Clean Up Australia Day activities since 2000.

“It’s a nice fellowship event… I doubt if I’ll be doing it for much longer, I’m getting over picking up other people’s rubbish,” Ms Pullen said.

Glenrowan Our Town will be coordinating a

clean-up on Sunday morning from 8am in the Ned Kelly Precinct area and the town’s main street, including entrance/exit on Gladstone Street.

Community members are encouraged to meet at the post office where the cleanup will go into noon.

Glenrowan Our Town secretary Jenny Wallis said this will be the first Clean Up Australia Day event within Glenrowan since COVID and she was looking forward to seeing the community rally to tidy the town once again.

Mr Kimber said CUW’s long-term restoration cleanup project along One Mile Creek has made big strides, with around 95 per cent of litter and large rubbish removed from the waterway as of last October.

The restoration project, which was started in September 2021, received a $750 grant in December last year as a part of Glenrowan Solar Farm’s inaugural round of community-driven benefit sharing program grants to purchase eight rubbish grabbers and two cans of graffiti removal spray.

GRAB A PICKER: Clean Up Wangaratta’s Gillian Derezyckyj (left), Judy Lowen and Andy Kimber at the Wangaratta Farmers Market, as they prepare for a busy Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday.

ENGINEERING THE PERFECT 10KM

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

LONG-time supporters of the Wangaratta Chronicle Marathon and Fun Run are racing back on board for this year’s event.

Wangaratta Engineering will be sponsoring the 10km run for the fourth year running and are encouraging the community to lace up their shoes in the run.

With just over three weeks to go until the March 17 event, it may be too late to start a training program for the longer distances, but Wangaratta Engineering owner Heath Lloyd said the 10km is inclusive for all abilities.

“I used to be into running quite a lot; I used to do the 10km every year,” he said.

“The 10km is about an hour which is easy done; it was my go-to event so it was the one I decided to sponsor.

“I did the 21km once, and once was enough.”

Other events joining the 10km will be the RJ Sanderson 2km Primary School Challenge, 5km walk or run, and the half and full marathon.

Mr Lloyd said running has been a long-time passion of his.

“It’s good to give a bit back to the community; it’s something that I’m interested in,” he said. To learn more and register for the Wangaratta Chronicle Marathon and Fun Run, visit https://www. wangarattamarathon.com.au.

Crash driver continued to pub

A KILLAWARRA man who rear-ended a vehicle before continuing on his way to a local pub has been banned from driving for at least four years.

The 31-year-old on Monday pleaded guilty to driving charges including failing to stop and failure to accompa-

ny police for a breath test, after driving while unlicenced into the rear of a vehicle on Wangaratta-Yarrawonga Road last July.

The Wangaratta Magistrates Court heard the man’s utility had caused notable damage to the victim’s Toyota Camry around 11.30am,

before continuing on to a Wangaratta venue instead of exchanging details with his victims.

Police attended the defendant’s address shortly after 2pm, when the man’s father nominated the accused as the driver.

His learner permit was

said to have been flagged as expired.

Officers ordered the driver to accompany them for an evidentiary breath test, however, the defendant refused, despite being informed of the mandatory licence cancellation which would accompany his decision.

He told police he had had six beers at the property since returning from the pub, and admitted to failing to stop following the collision.

The court heard the defendant had a previous drink driving matter for which his licence was suspended in 2013.

Lawyer Nancy Battiato said her client had completed a recent seven-day detox on the border, and had driven off from the scene after suffering a panic attack.

Magistrate Peter Dunn imposed a $2000 fine and banned the man from driving for four years.

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES MARCH 2024

We are building Inland Rail in Victoria.

Works are progressing to provide sufficient clearance for double-stacked freight trains along the existing North East rail line.

Construction of the new Beaconsfield Parade bridge will be completed this month. We’ll also be undertaking round-the-clock works during a track possession in March, which will see significant construction progress achieved in Victoria. We’ll remove the Seymour-Avenel Road bridge at Seymour and the old Beaconsfield Parade bridge at Glenrowan. In Wangaratta we’ll construct the new western track and lower the track under the Green Street bridge.

To view all works notifications visit inlandrail.info/works

Inland Rail is a nation building project that will transform how goods are moved around Australia, generating opportunities for our regions and our economy, now and into the future. We thank you for your patience and cooperation while we carry out these works.

If you’re interested in work on the Beveridge to Albury Tranche 1 project sites, visit mcconnelldowell.com/ people/career-opportunities

Scan the QR code to sign up for project newsletters, updates and information

PLANNED WORKS INCLUDE:

WANGARATTA

• New western platform and rail track construction

• Filling in the station ‘Dive’

• Signal gantry removal

• Install drainage Excavation and lowering the track under the Green Street bridge

• Green Street abutment removal and new bridge strengthening works

SEYMOUR

• Demolition and removal of the Seymour-Avenel Road bridge

• Rail signals replacement

1800 732 761 victoriaprojects@artc.com.au inlandrail.com.au/b2a

GLENROWAN

• Removal of the old Beaconsfield Parade bridge

• Installation of bridge street lighting, pedestrian handrails and anti-throw screens

• Water main works near Siege Street

• Construction of local roads and footpaths

CORRIDOR-WIDE:

Track slewing (horizontal shifting of the rail track) at Wallan and Seymour stations

• Ongoing rail signalling upgrades

RUN IT UP: Glen Lloyd (left), Boadie Ousley and Heath Lloyd (right) from Wangaratta Engineering are happy to be giving back to the community through sponsoring the Wangaratta Chronicle Marathon and Fun Run 10km event.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Time for us to heed road trauma warning

WHAT needs to happen for motorists across the state to stop testing their luck on North East roads?

In 2023, a year which featured a near 15-year statewide road trauma high, the Wodonga and Wangaratta police service areas stood out, with almost 200 serious injury collisions and 25 fatal collisions occurring within our borders.

For the most part, locals know the risks associated with many of our roads – the single-lane, high-speed rural roads are perennially among the state’s most dangerous, with wildlife and potholes causing consistent concerns for many.

However, the increasing incidents of serious injury collisions on the Hume Freeway, a stretch of road known to be subject to a strong police-presence, heavily used by trucks and a carrying an elevated speed limit, shows a lackadaisical approach to road safety in our regions.

Police say many of these collisions are caused by inattention, or lowlevel speeding, or distraction, and it’s disappointing to know these types of crashes could be avoided.

One person doing the wrong thing on the roads can have a lasting impact on those around them and far beyond.

Next week’s targeted police operation along the Hume Freeway aims to stamp out risk-taking behaviour on the freeway ahead of the long weekend, as well as inspire changed behaviours on other major roads in the region.

But it shouldn’t take a targeted police presence to kick motorists into gear.

Driving in your car shouldn’t be the gamble.

The police have put the message out, it’s now on all of us to listen.

FACEBOOK users this week commented on our weekly poll which asked users: ‘Do you still listen to records or own a record player?’

• Ricky Iles: I own records and a record player but the amplifier doesn’t work anymore

• Trevor Dawson: Yes!

You can’t beat playing the old vinyl records.

• Neil Barassi: I still have a stack of classic vinyls, but no record player. Oldies but

goodies, best music growing up in 70s and 80s.

• Amanda Corbett: Still play and buy vinyl

• Nathan Andrew: Yes got a couple thousand five players

• Marlene Lamond: Yes. best of the best Facebook users also commented on a fatal single-vehicle crash on Beechworth-Wangaratta Road last Friday afternoon, which killed the driver and left a passenger injured.

School fundraiser an invaluable life lesson

WHEN I first read an article in June last year about the Wangaratta High School students who had secured an acceptance of location from council and a $1000 donation towards fundraising for lockers for those experiencing homelessness from the Bendigo Bank, I was p roud of the level of concern for a situation that may never affect these students.

Raising the rest of the funds would be a challenge though and like any vision, making the dream a reality is significantly more difficult.

Achieving goals is based on skills, perseverance, hard work, and a commitment to a process that many will never truly appreciate.

The girls worked away, learning the art of writing letters of request, and thanks, hosting fundraising days in accordance to the Department of Education policies, and speaking to groups of people in settings that many teenagers find extremely uncomfortable.

It was a conscious choice to ask the other schools and stakeholders to help them.

They wanted it to be about the community and needed help if they were to have the greatest chance of success.

And so, this project has become more than just raising money for lockers for people doing it tough.

This project has also been about allowing many in the community, especially the children from the schools, to come on a journey as part of a team and help add some relief where there was none before.

That’s an education that you just can’t buy.

Céline Forster, Wangaratta

Best thing for trees is to leave them standing

OUR council is now calling for suggestions from the local community as to what the “harvested” timber from three over 100 year old, much loved but doomed to felling, trees in Merriwa Park should be used for; furniture, art work, park benches?

This is so they can “further their lifespan”.

Since the trees were deemed safe in a professional 2022 report, and then deemed unsafe in a disputed July 2023 report we

NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.

• Mary-Ann Quirk: Oh how terrible

• Alexis Baillie: Oh Not nice Wonder what happened Sorry for the families loss Condolences

• Rod Long: Would hate to know the real stats on how many people have lost their life on that road. Condolences to her family and friends.

• Jody Davern: Sending my deepest condolences to her family and close friends.

Facebook users also commented on the radio retirement of the footy radio troupe Coodabeen Champions last week, after 43 years on the airwaves on Friday nights and Saturday mornings during footy season.

• Ross Johnston: A sad but inevitable day. Sauce will be devastated.

• Cam Green: Sending my condolences to Douth

• Tracey Ashcroft: Who where they ? Never heard of them before.

Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.

Our follower total is

14,710

have had flooding and severe wind storms.

Those three trees are still standing, and the park is open for people to sit under them.

I ask, will they ever fall?

Does cutting down those three trees prevent the other 170 trees in the park from falling?

Leave them standing.

The best way we can further their lifespan is by leaving them in place.

Claire Russell, Wangaratta

POLL RESULTS

RECORDS

MUSIC IN THE PARK: The community is invited to join the Wangaratta Concert Band for a free concert in the park at the Baltimore Park Estate (on the corner of Corncob Boulevard and Caroline Avenue) on Monday, March 4 from 6.30pm to 8pm. The band will be playing some of their favourite and new songs, with everyone invited to bring along a picnic blanket or chair and some snacks. This will be the band’s second outdoor free concert during daylight savings, following a successful event held in Rotary Park in November. The Wangaratta Concert Band also performed at the Australia Day celebrations this year (pictured).

Do you still listen to records or own a record player? THIS WEEK

votes to yesterdaynoon 54 Yes 44 No 10

Do you use precaution to keep your home and vehicles secure?

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

FACEBOOK users this week commented on jobs being slashed at Billson’s Brewery.

• Margaret Christensen: Elise Stevens better lift your game mate, gotta keep the peeps in work!!

• Elise Stevens: Margaret Christensen I’m trying.

• Carli Adamo: Wow! They had many jobs advertised recently too! Feel sorry for those who’ve lost their jobs.

• Dave George: Priced themselves out.

• Ashley Clough: Only months

ago they were seeking people to fill up to 100 new jobs!

• Wendee Zurcas: Romany Hawkins White hope you’re safe xx

• Adam Anderson: I had what seemed like a $32, 300ml vodka softdrink which taste like a McDonalds watered down version..... never again. Wonder if people are actually wising up to stop wasting their money on pretty colours.

Facebook users also commented on local kinders exploring the outback through the bush kinder program.

cathedralcollege.wangaratta Follow

Mt Buller Rocky Trail Academy Interschool Mountain Bike Competition – CHAMPIONS! The Cathedral College MTB Team had an excellent day at Mt Buller last Friday, racing in the Rocky Trail Academy Interschool Mountain Bike competition.

Check out some of our best photos at our @wangchronicle Instagram account.

NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.

• Shannan Tiso: Well done Sarah Duke.

• Brianna Munt: Whitfield Community Childcare Services also offering 3 and 4yo bush kinder program.

• Lucy Kent: Sarah Gregory miahs smile.

• Sarah Gregory: Lucy Kent it’s the chins for me.

• Craig McDonald: Are they getting in Russel Coight?

Facebook users also commented on local conservation activists coming together to return

Wangaratta’s Merriwa Park to its former glory.

• Na Um: I loved this place when I was a kid. Playing hide and seek then getting all muddy going down the mud slides.

• Judy Heather: Good on you Anne and others.

• Roy Pini: They need to do something about circulating the water & get rid of the carp.

• Amanda Chrystal: Can’t read article but maybe land care can help they often work with council in other areas on such projects also lions club.

Tweet

Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.

Our follower total is

14,710

X USERS this week tweeted about a new traing track at the Wangaratta Turf Club, spending time in Wangaratta and electrofishing.

Country Racing @Country_Racing

Terrific to have @ACarbinesMP at @Wangarattatc today. The new training track is a great asset for trainers. A big few weeks ahead with the Wangaratta Cup just two weeks away!

Rhys Parton @RhysParton

In Wangaratta today while my car is in for a service. Time to read my book in the park then wander over to a cafe for a warm drink and some breakfast.

North East CMA @NorthEastCMA

Do you want to learn more about electrofishing? Or just want to see the team from the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research in action? There will be a free demonstration on Tuesday 12 March from 10am at the Mullinmur Wetland at Wangaratta.

If you have something to say, add our handle @wangchronicle to your tweet and we will publish some each week.

Paul Rymer @DNAprymer

Definitely going to be hard to beat Corymbia ficifolia for this years #EucalytoftheYear especially as a beautiful street tree showing off here in Wangaratta VIC.

ON THE BALL: Six-year-old Ellie Janney was among the Wangaratta Primary School students who enjoyed a recent clinic conducted by Downball Australia.

Sharing downball’s old school rules

By SIMONE KERWIN

IT’S the focus of many a playground across the Rural City of Wangaratta, and last week downball was truly the centre of attention at Wangaratta Primary School.

Thanks to funding from McConnell Dowell, which was arranged through the Australian Rail Track Corporation, every class in the school had the chance to work with Downball Australia coaches during a day-long clinic.

McConnell Dowell also funded the repainting of the school’s netball and downball lines to help with students’ active play time.

During their visit, the Downball Australia coaches taught students the ‘old school rules’ of downball, which are no doubt being employed as youngsters enjoy the fresh new downball squares.

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

RSL backs online safety education

By SIMONE KERWIN

STUDENTS at Wangaratta

High School and Cathedral College Wangaratta received vital tips for staying safe online during sessions held in the rural city last week.

Workshops conducted for year seven to 12 students by former undercover internet detective Erin Cash were delivered in a partnership between the Centre Against Violence (CAV) and Internet Safe Education, and funded by the Wangaratta RSL sub-branch.

The RSL sub-branch provided $6000 for the initiative through its community grants program, which has been running since 2019 and annually offers support to community-based organisations delivering benefits to those in need.

The community grants are designed to support groups which carry out programs and pro-

jects addressing social issues, or which provide facilities for Rural City of Wangaratta residents.

Last week’s in-person workshops delved into the world of online safety, focusing on aspects such as cyberbullying, managing explicit content and sexting, and

helping young people build essential skills to navigate online activity with confidence.

In addition, a free online workshop was made available to parents and carers.

CAV community connections coordinator Laura Tonkin said

the offering ensured students, as well as their parents and families, would benefit from the information provided.

“We couldn’t have made this happen without the incredible support from Wangaratta RSL,” she said.

“Their contribution allowed us to deliver these workshops, reflecting both CAV’s and the RSL’s dedication to the wellbeing of our youth.

“By empowering our young people and their families, we’re building a safer, more connected community together.”

The sessions have attracted plenty of positive feedback, highlighting the need in the community for information about how to deal with issues such as sexting, and the longterm criminal implications of this to students.

CAV may consider more sessions in the future tailored to smaller groups.

WORKING TOGETHER: Laura Tonkin from Centre Against Violence, Wangaratta High School student Freddie Lowe, Wangaratta RSL SubBranch treasurer Ron Sneddon, Wangaratta High School students Jack Ford and Oscar Benson, Wangaratta High School assistant principal John Paola and tech safety workshop leader Erin Cash following one of the sessions held last week.

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

VITAL EDUCATION: Erin Cash, a former undercover internet detective, works with Wangaratta High School students Jack Ford, Freddie Lowe and Oscar Benson during one of last week’s tech safety workshops.

TWO TEENAGE ACTORS ARE HAVING A BALL IN THE UPCOMING STAGE PLAY CLARISSA AND PIP

YThe

who

been there for each other through all of life’s ups and downs and now entering the next stage of their lives.

Local playwright Margaret Hickey weaves their intertwined stories through a series of flashbacks with snapshots of their lives as teenagers, in the 20s and the very recent past.

Director Jo Pane would have been thrilled when Hannah and Brianna, who both attend Cathedral College, turned up for auditions.

As members of the Players’ Youthies, they were familiar faces around the Stage Door Studio and both had performed there with junior productions and also in the adult production, Six Characters Looking For An Author.

Hannah, whose favourite movie actress is Jennifer Lawrence, said her experiences with the company had all been positive.

“I like entertaining people and I like that the cast gets to bring a script to life,” she said.

“I prefer to do ‘adult’ shows because they seem to be more in depth and have deeper meanings.

“Both of the shows I’ve been in I haven’t had big roles but in my previous play I’ve learnt to act without speaking and being able to stay in character.”

It was an added thrill for Hannah to be in a world premiere of Hickey’s play.

“I’ve enjoyed just being

with the whole cast of Clarissa and Pip and being the first teen Pip to play in this show,” she said.

Clarissa and Pip will also be memorable for Brianna, who turns 14 on the March 17 matinee.

“My first production with the Players was Six Characters Looking for an Author in April last year,” she said.

“I played the young girl and young actress, sharing both roles with Hannah.

“I then played Lucy in The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe for the Youthies production in September last year.”

Brianna said she enjoyed the transformation actors

have to make when assuming the persona of different characters on stage.

“I like acting because you can turn into a character that isn’t even real, express their emotions and make the audience feel those emotions too,” she said.

“Being in an adult show means taking responsibility for yourself because we don’t get treated any differently from the adults.

“It also means taking your role seriously, because members of the community spend their time and money to go to the show, and they don’t want to see kids who are just here because they feel like it and don’t really know what they’re doing.”

For one so young Brianna understands one of the golden rules of stagework.

“From my experience in this production and other productions I’ve been in, I learnt that you don’t need a lot of lines to let the audience know what you’re doing and how you’re feeling,” she said.

“You can show these things through facial expressions and body language more than anything.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with the actors and crew in Clarissa and Pip who are all so talented.

“I love sitting in the audience or watching the play through the curtains when I’m not on stage.”

Brianna said she doesn’t

have a favourite actor as such but some actors and actresses she admires include Timothee Chalamet, Sadie Sink, Jacob Elordi, and Zendaya.

Clarissa and Pip will be performed over two weekends at the Stage Door in Evans Street with opening night on Thursday, March 14 but tickets are selling fast.

In fact opening night and Saturday, March 16 evening show are both sold out so book your tickets now at https://www.trybooking.com/ COXNK.

For more information about this production and the Wangaratta Players check the company’s Facebook page.

TRUE TO LIFE: Hannah Walton and Brianna Robison are real-life friends which is exactly who they’re portraying in the upcoming Wangaratta Players’ production of Clarissa and Pip.

PHOTO: Shane Douthie

to help vulnerable people

MORE volunteer drivers are being sought to play a vital role in assisting the Wangaratta community’s vulnerable people with their transport needs.

Community Accessability provides transport support to older people, people living with disabilities, and those who have difficulties accessing other forms of transport.

“Volunteers play a vital role at Community Accessability, and we are always in need of caring, compassionate volunteers to help carry out our mission.” said Jan Hay, volunteer coordinator for Community Accessability Inc.

Ms Hay said volunteering is easy, flexible, and anyone with a driver’s licence can do it.

“This service depends on volunteers who want to be a part of a very social volunteering opportunity and those who enjoy driving,” she said.

“All Community Accessability volunteers receive induction, training, uniform,

and ongoing support.

“We are looking for volunteers who can offer any amount of time; we have opportunities that range from as often as daily to as little as monthly.”

Elaine Cartwright is a volunteer driver, said she receives much pleasure transporting others.

“I am always filled with gratitude because I get to help people and give back to my community,” she said.

“I also like that it’s easy to volunteer, and we have a volunteer coordinator to go to for anything we need.”

Ms Hay said the Community Accessibility transport services would not be possible without the incredible dedication of volunteers.

“Our volunteers are what makes it all work,” she said.

For more information on volunteering opportunities contact Ms Hay at Community Accessability on 1300 704 530, email volunteer@ communityaccessability. org.au or visit www.communityaccessability.org.au.

CFA championship season heats up at Eldorado Sunday

By RYAN MALCOLM

THE region’s finest firefighting athletes will be on show this weekend, as Eldorado hosts CFA District 23’s running championships on Sunday.

Both junior and senior events will return to Eldorado’s Centennial Park from 9am, as the championship season hits the mid-way point in the lead-up to the state rural championships at Mooroopna later this month.

As many as 10 brigades from across the North East are expected to be represented in senior events, while eight brigades from across District 24 (Wodonga and Alpine), District 23 (Wangaratta and Mansfield) and District 22 (Shepparton)

are poised to contest the junior offerings.

Eldorado local and District 23 championship committee deputy state delegate Peter Brick said both Eldorado and Springhurst brigades were well-positioned to perform strongly as the event calendar ramps up.

Springhurst took out the junior and senior titles at the 2022 state championships, while Eldorado was the state’s big improver last year, with its senior A team finishing second on aggregate in 2023.

Mr Brick said while Eldorado’s 11-15-year-old juniors were coming off a victory at last week’s District 24 championships held at Gapsted, more needed to be done to push juniors through the program.

He said scheduling clashes with other local sports clubs and leagues meant many would-be competitors had ceased their participation.

“Both brigades (Springhurst and Eldorado) have got very strong teams,” he said.

“The one area we’re both lacking is we both need juniors, the 11-15-year-olds – it’s very hard to recruit those for the short competition period.

“It’s something we’ll probably have to do – we’ll have to go to a few of them (the leagues) and say that it’s only for a short period and they (the kids) will be building teamwork skills anyway.

“We’re trying to build the future of firefighters and try and get them some under-

standing, but it’s definitely a problem and it’s not just Eldorado and Springhurst, it’s right across the state I think.”

A $5 entry fee will apply for adults attending Sunday’s competitions, while those under 16 can enter for free.

Food will be available throughout the day, with North Wangaratta Football Netball Club catering the event.

“We hope to see spectators there and if anyone’s interested then talk to one of the teams to see if they want to run,” Mr Brick said.

“I think we picked up one new recruit last weekend (at Gapsted).

“It’s a good family day really.”

YOUNG CHAMPIONS: Eldorado competitors in the 11-15 age group (from left) Aiden Tiffin, Rory Gibb, Josh Canning and Rachel McKenzie took home victory at last week’s District 24 championships at Gapsted.

COMMUNITY TRANSPORTER: Community Accessability volunteer driver Darren Hayes encourages others with their driver’s licence to get involved behind the wheel in the program.

New gathering place for young people now open

By SIMONE KERWIN

‘SYNERGY’ is the name of Wangaratta’s new youth hub, which was officially opened on Monday afternoon.

The hub will now be open each Monday from 3.30pm to 5.30pm (except public holidays), as a space tailored to 12 to 17-year-olds.

Following a call-out for names, ‘Synergy’ was the winning suggestion, contributed by young local resident Krysta Livermore.

Rural City of Wangaratta youth team leader Rachel Harrop said Krysta’s suggestion that ‘Synergy’ meant ‘stronger together’ captured the imagination of those voting for the name ideas.

Rachel encouraged local young people to make the most of the new hub, which offers space to meet up with friends and new people; play games on the centre’s PS5; complete some homework or read a book; or just to hang out.

“We’ll encourage the kids to cook in the kitchen that’s part of the hub, and focus on healthier snacks,” she said.

Young people are encouraged to stay tuned to Wangaratta Youth socials for updates on programs and activities to come at the centre, which is located at 29 Flanagan Street (corner Flanagan and Burke streets).

A whiteboard has been provided in the hub so that young people can offer their ideas for the kinds of activities they’d like to see happening in the space.

“We’ll look to run make-yourown-pizza nights, and perhaps crocheting sessions run by a local young person, Lego-building competitions, and other arts and

crafts activities,” Rachel said.

“We have found archival surveys which came up with similar results to our own surveys, that local young people want a youth hub.

“Now it’s here, so we’d love to see young people enjoying it.

“The first couple of weeks of opening will be a chance to drop in and explore the place, and we’d love suggestions of what young people would like to see.”

Synergy will be open on Monday, March 4 from 3.30pm to 5.30pm, then closed for Labour

Focus on financial security for women

THE CWA North Eastern Group is hosting an information evening focusing on financial security and independence for women on Thursday, March 7 at the CWA Hall in Templeton Street, Wangaratta.

Part of International

Women’s Day celebrations, guest speakers will include Indi federal Independent MP Helen Haines, financial planner Dianna Jacobsen, and small business owner Hannah Robinson, on understanding financial literacy.

Light refreshments will be available from 6pm to 6.30pm, with the panel to commence at 6.30pm, and tickets are $5 at the door, although advance bookings are preferred for catering purposes by visiting www. trybooking.com/CPLUH.

Day on Monday, March 11, reopening on the following two Mondays.

It will be closed on Easter Monday, April 1, but on the second Monday of the school holidays (April 8), it will be open from 11am to 4pm.

AusNet launches

$10 million Energy Resilience Community Fund

AUSNET has announced a $10 million Energy Resilience Community Fund in an effort to aid local recovery efforts in communities impacted by recent storms and electricity challenges.

The Community Fund, which is an addition to the guaranteed service level payment and prolonged power outage payments already provided, will function in close collaboration with relevant local councils to ensure its effective and appropriate administration.

AusNet chief executive officer, David Smales, said the service was committed to helping communities get back on their feet in the short-term.

More than 1700 homes and businesses in the Rural City of Wangaratta endured power outages - some for more than 24 hours - following storms earlier this month, while the hardest hit communities in the state were without power for more than a week.

“We recognise the importance of working with local governments and their communities to strengthen community infrastructure and businesses and help ensure they are better prepared to withstand future weather events,” Mr Smales said.

“The recent storms caused unprecedented damage to local electrical infrastructure which unfortunately resulted in prolonged outages.

“And it is predicted these weather events are becoming more frequent and severe.

“In fact, this was the third catastrophic storm to affect some of these communities in as many years.”

These efforts are in addition to longerterm investments AusNet will make on its electricity infrastructure to enhance its ability to withstand increased weather events due to climate change.

Mr Smales said the Community Fund was recognition of the urgent need to support communities now and into the future and would focus on three key areas including immediate support, community infrastructure and resilience and small business energy resilience.

To register your interest and to receive further information and updates on the Energy Resilience Community Fund, please email ercf@ausnetservices.com.au.

planning

design

INVITING SPACE: Locals check out the Synergy Youth Hub during its grand opening on Monday.

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

WELCOME: Bree Cashman, Rachel Harrop and Zaylee Saint-James Turner show off the surrounds of the Synergy Youth Hub.

PLACE FOR YOUTH: Stephanie Hopper was among those who checked out Wangaratta’s new youth hub, Synergy, on Monday afternoon.

Four decades of caring

BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au

ADECISION to switch studies from dentistry to medicine set Dr Ian Price on the path which would lead him to a 42-year career as a general practitioner in Wangaratta.

“I quickly realised that medicine was what I wanted to do, and once I decided that, general practice was always the direction I planned to take,” he said.

“It had a bit of everything, and that diversity was what I wanted.”

Now, more than four decades after settling in the rural city, Dr Price is preparing for his retirement on Tuesday, March 19 - the day which will also mark his 70th birthday.

“I always said I’d never retire, but the time has come,” he said.

“It’s been 42 years, but it doesn’t seem that long; time just flies.”

It was while completing his intern year at Wangaratta Base Hospital in 1978 that Dr Price began considering the city as his future home.

Originally from bayside Melbourne suburb Beaumaris, he liked the idea of relocating to a regional area, and had become enamoured with the North East while exploring the region as an intern.

With wife Jennifer, he considered other potential bases including Gippsland and Swan Hill, before the couple decided on Wangaratta.

They arrived here in February, 1982, when Dr Price joined Dr Ross Jagger in his Phillipson Street practice.

As they forged links with the community, the Prices welcomed their three daughters, Elizabeth, Louise and Felicity, who were all born in Wangaratta.

The family regularly spent holidays at Portsea Camp, where Dr Price served as camp doctor for 20 years, further illustrating his passion for medicine.

“We would have family holidays there, where I was looking after 200 kids, so our annual holiday was me working as a doctor - mainly doing things that parents would do at home, like providing band-aids, but it was great fun,” he said.

Dr Price said his involvement in medicine had been a gateway to many experiences, including walking the Kokoda Trail, which he has done on three occasions while serving as a medical officer.

“This is one of the great things about medicinethere are lots of areas you

DR IAN PRICE TO RETIRE ON HIS 70TH BIRTHDAY, AFTER 42 YEARS AS A WANGARATTA GP

FRIENDLY FACE: Preparing to retire on March 19 after 42 years as a Wangaratta GP, Dr Ian Price said he was glad he had chosen general practice as a career, having enjoyed the diversity and opportunities it has offered. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

can go into and things it can lead to; it can open you up to so many opportunities,” he said.

Dr Price has a diploma in obstetrics and gynaecology, and is a life member of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

He also holds a certificate in aviation medicine, authorising him to perform aviation medicals, and for many years was Wangaratta’s custodial medical officer, working in forensic medicine to assist local police and courts.

“Again, medicine allows you to do many things which are outside working in general practice, and it has been interesting,” he said.

Dr Price said the custodial medical officer role, which required him to examine those involved in some of the district’s most highprofile crimes, came with a need to ‘compartmentalise’ the local distress prompted by those events.

“Life’s not all beer and

skittles, and some of the things you see do make you very sad, but while you can feel for the people involved, you try to remove your feelings from those moments,” he said.

Dr Price said boundaries were also important when living and working in a community as a GP.

“I have a lot of patients who have been with me for over 40 years, so you do see them through various stages of their lives,” he said.

“It’s been interesting as people have come in and said goodbye, and we’ve remembered together things that have happened over the years.

“Really, it’s the people who have kept me loving what I do.”

The Phillipson Street practice amalgamated with the Wills Street clinic in 2001, when Dr John Nankervis, Dr Doug Gaze and Dr Bronwyn Pearse joined Dr Price, Dr Lynette

Really, it’s the people who have kept me loving what I do. - DR IAN PRICE

Squires and Dr Rowena Mann.

Dr Price sold the clinic in 2021 to Dr Patrick O’Connor, who he said had continued to run it with the familyfriendly approach for which it was known.

“There were two doctors here when I started, and now we have six, but it has remained a practice with that family feel,” he said.

Attracting GPs to regional areas remains difficult, but Dr Price said he felt the Rural Medical School in Shepparton would make a difference.

He said he had enjoyed mentoring trainee doctors

over the years as a GP supervisor, and encouraging them to consider working in the region.

“We have had some great trainees, including Dr Rutledge and Dr Syed, who are still here in the practice,” he said.

“It has been great to work with them, and also to learn a lot from them.

“If you do the same thing every day, you can get into bad habits, so it’s very good for your medicine to have these young doctors come through.”

Dr Price’s impending retirement will see him continue to pursue the

- studying Latin online with U3A.

“I got a little bit hooked, so Tuesday night is Latin night,” he said.

Most importantly, free time will offer him the chance to spend more time with Jennifer, their daughters, and his eight young grandchildren who are based in Barwon Heads and Melbourne.

In the meantime, he will be gradually farewelled by the patients he’s assisted over his 42 years, many of whom are contributing to a book of messages which is available for signing at Phillipson Street Clinic.

While not comfortable with the attention, Dr Price is thankful for the kind thoughts.

“I’ve never complained about going to work because I’ve loved it, and I wouldn’t have done anything else in a million years,” he said.

“I hope I’ve done a good job.”

TIME TOGETHER: Dr Ian Price pictured with wife Jennifer and daughters Elizabeth, Felicity and Louise at Portsea Camp in 1993. Dr Price served as the camp’s doctor for 20 years, with the family regularly spending holidays there while he was on duty.

PART OF THE PLACE: Dr Ian Price has been based at the Phillipson Street Clinic since moving to Wangaratta in 1982. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

When one one 1934 Ford Ford is not enough is not

By GEOFF HOPE Having restored and

1934

ONE day when I was working in Benalla, I came across this bloke digging a spoon drain at the entrance to his property.

I thought to myself, this fellow may be able to give me the directions to the business I was looking for.

I pulled over to the roadside and a conversation began where Ian Cooke explained that he had not long finished building the new family home after living in the shed for 18 months on the property.

Our conversation soon turned to motor vehicles when Ian invited me to have a look at his pristine EK Holden Ute.

After checking out the ute I mentioned that I had commenced rebuilding a 1934 Chev master sedan as a street rod.

Over the next 12 months I kept in touch with Ian on my regular visits to Benalla and he showed a keen interest to become a member of Wangaratta Rod and Custom Club (WRCC).

owned numerous motor bikes and cars from teenage years, and successfully ridden competition enduro motor bikes for about 12 years, Ian had always wanted to build a street rod.

Our chance meeting in 1987 set the stage for that to commence.

He joined the WRCC in 1988 and purchased a 1934 Ford chassis from Plum’s junkyard in Benalla and a 1934 Ford coupe body from Rafferty’s Car Museum in Echuca.

The chassis was completely stripped, sandblasted and boxed for strength, with the addition of a HT Holden front end, utilising P76 disc brake rotors and calipers and 2” dropped stub axles.

Rear end on the coupe is a 9” Ford drum brake unit riding on new semi elliptic springs and new shockers all around.

A Ford XB master cylinder and power booster handle the stopping duties.

A 1967 XR Falcon was purchased and the 289 V8 engine C4 automatic transmission and nine inch diff became the running gear for the coupe.

WRCC CLUB MEMBER IAN COOKE HAS TWO 1934 FORDS, ONE A ROADSTER THE OTHER A COUPE

Club revved up for its show ‘n’ shine on Sunday, March 10

WANGARATTA Rod and Custom Club will hold its biennial Rod Run event, with a show ‘n’ shine, at the Wangaratta Showgrounds from 2pm to 5pm on Sunday, March 10.

Cars are welcome to enter on the day for a $5 entry fee - trophies awarded.

There will also be a display of remote control cars, planes and model trains.

A makers market, food vans, jumping castle, kids’ activities and kids’ colouring competition will run throughout the afternoon.

Live music will be playing into the evening with cars cruising around the showgrounds

This will be a family fun day for all.

Both engine and transmission have been fully rebuilt using upgraded internals

A Gennie shifter takes care of the cog swapping.

Wheels are Ford 15” mercury steelies running Hankook 165 /80x 15” fronts and Kumho 235/75x 15” rears whitewall flappers are fitted all round.

Steering is a Datsun Stanza column matched to a Commodore rack and pinion with a 1940 Ford steering wheel, while the electricals are handled by a 12 circuit painless wiring system from the USA Gauges are VDO classics.

The majority of the fabrication and restoration was done by Ian at home in the back shed.

Others who helped were

Keith Stamp (final panel work), Neil Sinclair (Benalla motor trimmers - bamboo leather), Charles Hammond (Hammond RefinishingWashington Blue), Geoff Hope, Dave Eliason and Alan Riley.

A labour of love for 12 years and one house move in-between saw the coupe completed and registered in 2000 and it’s still going strong today.

1934 FORD ROADSTER

Having amassed a large 1934 Ford parts pile from building the coupe, Ian was well on the way to have enough parts to build another street rod. This time it was to be a 1934 roadster.

Ian acquired the remains of a roadster body and pieced it together using parts

previously collected, again at home in the back shed.

He took a different approach this time, going Hi-Boy style and vintage running gear.

Motor is a Ford side valve V8 (found behind a chook shed), Ford top loader gearbox with a Jeep shifter, 36 Ford diff, front brakes are Ford F1 drum,rear brakes are 48 Ford drums with 48 Ford F1 truck steering box and column.

Suspension is transverse springs front and rear dropped axle at the front.

Front wheels are 1940 Ford 4” x 16” rear wheels are 1948 5” x16” front tyres are coker 550 x 16 rears 700 x 16.

The roadster was completed and registered in December 2023 after a ground up build.

Others who assisted were

The roadster’s first major outing was in January this year when Ian and his wife Brenda attended the River City Coupe and Roadster Club reliability run at Yackandandah.

This run is for rods built on pre and post war traditional lines.

Ian’s meticulous nature as a builder certainly gave him the basis for producing two top line street rods at both ends of the hot rodding spectrum.

The recent completion of the roadster now provides Ian with the perfect stablemate to his ‘34 coupe.

Maybe that chance meeting in 1987 has created a 36 year friendship with the members of the WRCC.

You never know what can happen from talking to someone on the end of a shovel digging a spoon drain.

MORE THAN BOYS TOYS: WRCC club member Ian Cooke with his pair of hot Fords, the 1934 Roadster (left) and 1934 Coupe (right). PHOTOS: Geoff Hope motor in the Ford Coupe.

BIG BLUE: The 289 9 V8

OLD SCHOOL: The Ford side valve V8 (found behind a chook shed) in the 1934 Roadster.

WRCC club member Ian Cooke

FORD COUPE

Mal Church (engine builder), Charles Hammond (Hammond Refinishing - Gull Grey), Neil Sinclair (Benalla Motor Trimmers - black leather), Peter Coleman (panel work on doors), Ian Eliason (chassis work), John Ackerley (wiring ) utilising a set of VDO gauges to compliment the nostalgic interior.

COUNCIL CONSIDERS BEEFING UP STOCK FEES FOR SALEYARD WORKS

Friday, February 28, 2014

By STEVE KELLY

CATTLE producers could pay double to sell stock at Wangaratta Saleyards after a proposed multimillion dollar upgrade.

It’s a reality Rural City of Wangaratta administrator Ailsa Fox says council is thinking long and hard about before it signs off on a $1.7m loan to help pay for the estimated $3.5m upgrade, which includes a roof over the facility.

According to Ms Fox the upgrade could see yarding costs rise from about $9.20 per head to $16-$18.

And she has “serious concerns” about the impact on vendors and how patronage of the yards will be affected if fees rise.

“It would be an absolute disaster for Wangaratta if we were to redevelop the facility and

then producers were to sell their cattle elsewhere due to the price increase,” Ms Fox said.

“It is playing on my mind as chair of the administrators and I definitely don’t want to be someone who makes a wrong decision that could severely impact Wangaratta.”

The privately owned Barnawartha Saleyards will have a heavy bearing on Wangaratta council’s decision that is now due in April once GHD consultants finalise plans and cost estimates.

Works have already begun on the Barnawartha facility and it is due to begin operations by next January.

Ms Fox said yard fees would have to service repayments on the $1.7m loan.

She said the fees would also have to take into account competitive neutrality, which in effect maintains a level playing field between public and private owned business.

“I have spoken with Bairnsdale Saleyards operators about how competitive neutrality affected them after their upgrade and they were in a situation where they had to raise their fees,” she said.

Council has carried out consultation over the summer with key stakeholders and producers to ascertain what extent the yards will be used in the future.

But Ms Fox still holds reservations as to the certainty of use.

“This is the conundrum and when you really drill down with

some of the farmers around the area, you find out that they are selling elsewhere,” she said. Council recently revised its 201314 budget to source a $1m loan for the saleyards upgrade, with another $700,000 to be carried over to the 2014-15 year.

However, Ms Fox said considering the rural city is $1.93m in the red due to the high costs coming out of the sacking of councillors, it is going to make the next budgeting period “very tough”. “We need to wait to see how much it is going to cost in the consultant’s report and it might be a case that we need to further stage the redevelopment to get it done,” she said.

A previous consultant’s report estimated that an upgrade to the yards would grow economic output by between $3.1m and $5.5m, and generate 20 to 36 additional full time jobs.

It is widely accepted that if the upgrade doesn’t go ahead, Wangaratta will lag behind more developed facilities in terms of standards and useability.

By IAN DAVIDSON and CHRIS TZAROS

THIS week signals the early arrival of some of the winter migrating birds from the mountain forests to our local area.

Even though it is still hot, the daylight hours are shortening and most nights are starting to cool, signaling the approach of a new season.

One of the most obvious new arrivals is the Pied Currawong, which has started arriving throughout Wangaratta and surrounding areas this week.

They are a large, mostly black bird, a little larger than a magpie, with a bright yellow eye, small patches of white in their tail and distinctive white panels in their wings (visible in flight).

Their bills are large and black and the legs are dark grey.

Pied Currawongs are best known for their distinctive loud “currawong” call that rings out when they are around

and gives the bird their name.

In North East Victoria they breed and are commonly found in our foothill and mountain forests throughout the warmer months, emerging in large scattered flocks in autumn, spreading along the valleys and plains throughout the winter months.

Pied Currawongs move along timbered waterways and ridgelines into inland regions like the NSW Riverina and across through central Victoria’s box-ironbark forests.

cover is scarce.

Larger prey, up to the size of a young possum, can also be taken, and birds will occasionally hunt as a group.

Prey may be stored in a ‘larder’ (hung on a hook or in a tree fork or crevice) and either eaten straight away or, in the case of larger prey, over a period of time.

Dog owners would also know that they are adept at feeding on dry dog food which has been left in backyards in a food bowl.

The Pied Currawong’s nest is a bowl of sticks, lined with grasses and other soft material.

Many spend their time over-wintering in and around towns.

Pied Currawongs feed on a wide variety of foods including small lizards, insects, caterpillars and berries.

They also take a large number of small and young birds, especially around urban areas where suitable

Currawongs return - winter is coming

The material is gathered by both sexes, but the female builds the nest, which is placed in a high tree fork, up to 20 m above the ground.

The female incubates the eggs, and the male feeds her.

The male also supplies food to the female for the first week after the chicks hatch and she feeds the chicks.

Unfortunately, Pied Currawongs have adapted well to living in urban areas and

their growing numbers have been implicated in a reduction of some smaller bird species, so it’s never a good idea to feed them.

Like many other mountain (altitudinal) bird migraant n s their r numbers will lessseen n th t roough winter as they foragge e further inland.

Then in early spring n , they will pass through our re r gion again, returning to their summer home in the hills.

DC DENTAL CLINIC PURPOSE DESIGNED FACILITY LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED

Our team of experienced Dentists & Hygienist are here to offer our patients the highest calibre of professional oral health care and to service all of your dental needs.

Dr. Armaan Singh DDS Melb

Dr. David Lin BDSc Melb – Principal Dentist

Dr. Carolyn Chong BDSc Melb

Ms. Sarah Bekker Dental Hygienist

CELEBRATION: Clive and Marg Pullen joined the gathering.

ENTERTAINMENT: Cr Jack Herry and Poppy Herry liked seeing the giant puppets.

GATHERING: Maxine and Ron Webb enjoyed the social atmosphere.

Celebrating Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre 15th b’day

MORE than 320 people attended the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre season launch held on February 7, which also celebrated 15 years of the centre delivering performing arts in the rural city.

The fun event gave those who came along an opportunity to meet the centre team, have a sneak peek at this year’s line-up, win some free tickets and get a copy of the 2024 season brochure.

They also enjoyed

COMMUNITY: Taking it all in were Kelli Densten, May Grinter and Lois Chandler.

the entertainment on offer, including a special performance by the Flying Fruit Fly Circus (whose new show Tempo arrives in town on March 15) and roving entertainment by Planet Bird Colourful Jelly Sparkle, in what was a magical night for all.

SPECTACULAR: Ali Roberts and Hilary Fielding, with a giant puppet, caught the eye.

PHOTOS: Adrian Vaughan/ AV Productions

OCCASION: John Davis and Patti Bulluss enjoyed the celebration.

MILESTONE: Ted Tatulaschwili, Tanya Camplin and Lyn Tatulaschwili helped celebrate 15 years of performing arts.

SOCIAL: Kelly Timms, Monique Hillenaar and Simone Nolan caught up at the event.

STAGE LEFT: Ben Fletcher and Alan Thrum were there for the show.

SEASON LAUNCH: Anne Hiskins and Di Parker browsed the new brochure.

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEKEND

Opening reception of new exhibitions

THE community is invited to celebrate the opening of two very special exhibitions, In Grief and Weaving Eucalypts Project, at the Wangaratta Art Gallery today from 5.30pm to 7pm.

In Grief brings together work by artists Maissa Alameddine and Emily McIntosh, who together examine the multifaceted layers of trauma, displacement, loss and the complexities of grief.

Weaving Eucalypts Project features 100 panels woven by acclaimed weaver Liz Williamson with fabric dyed by 60 collaborators with over 50 eucalypts species identified and sourced from over 50 locations.

Both exhibitions will be opened by multi-award winning Australian filmmaker and projection artist, Helen Newman, who will speak to her experiences working across the globe, and there will be a live performance by In Grief artist Maissa Alameddine.

Free tickets are available by visiting events.humanitix.com/openingreception-or-in-grief-and-weavingeucalypts-project or contact the gallery for more information.

The Robertson Brothers 1960’s variety show

SEE Australia’s new ‘Kings of Variety Television’ in a brand new show, coming to the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre tonight.

The Robertson Brothers will present their heart-warming and uplifting 1960’s Variety TV Show, paying tribute to the musical giants of the sixties including The Beach Boys, The Monkees, Johnny Farnham, Peter, Paul and Mary, The Hollies, The Bee Gees, Frankie Valli, The Everly Brothers, Neil Sedaka and The Seekers.

The interactive theatrical TV experience is filled with all the fun, music and long forgotten memories of the fabulous era, with tickets available now at wpacc.com.au.

Wangaratta Cup Day races on Saturday

EXPERIENCE the thrill of country racing at the 2024 Winsec Savings and Loans Wangaratta Cup Day Races being held at the Wangaratta Turf Club on Saturday from 11.30am to 6pm.

General admission and a range of marquee packages are available to suit family and friends, with live rac-

MADCAP ENTERTAINMENT

JOIN Elmo and his Sesame Street friends when they present Elmo’s Circus Dream at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre tomorrow at 10.30am and 1pm. It all begins with Elmo’s captivating bedtime story about the circus. As Elmo falls asleep, he is magically transported to a colourful world, where he is warmly greeted by his friends Abby, Cookie Monster, Bert and Ernie. The show bursts into high energy as the talented cast sings and dances to the iconic Sesame Street theme song, but with a twist - as they are embark on an exciting adventure to the circus. Supported by internationally renowned circus performers, the show features catchy songs, dance routines, impressive acrobatic displays, jaw dropping juggling acts and mind-bending illusions that will leave you spellbound. Suitable for all ages, tickets are available now at www.wpacc.com.au.

BEL CANTO

LYSTER Opera will present Friedrich von Flotow’s famous romantic opera Martha, at the Milawa Hall tomorrow at 2pm. Martha is given a long overdue revival in this new production that salutes the touring companies of Victoria’s Gold Rush era. Lady Harriett is bored with court life and with her friend Nancy, devises a scheme to join the common folk at the local fair. But the scheme goes awry when they find themselves hired as servants to Plunkett and his foster brother Lyonel. The glorious score is full of instantly recognisable arias, including The Last Rose of Summer. Directed by Jamie Moffat with musical direction by Pamela Christie, the cast includes celebrated tenor Paul Biencourt as Lyonel, Michael Lampard as Plunkett, Katy Turbitt as Lady Harriett and Maria Woolford as Nancy, with Troy Castle as Lord Mickelford, plus a supporting cast of superb singers. Tickets are $40 for adults ($35 concession, $30 for children 14 and under) at Trybooking, or go to https://lysteropera.com.au/.

ing action, on-course entertainment, fashions on the field and free kids entertainment.

There will be plenty of outside grandstand seating for those looking to watch the races from a great undercover spot, with free buses running around Wangaratta, and more information at country.racing. com/wangaratta/.

Siesta Cartel plays at Da Vinci Club

MELBOURNE band Siesta Cartel, which celebrates the traditional music of their Italian heritage, will perform at the Da Vinci Club on Saturday night.

Doors open at 5.45pm and tickets include a three course meal (drinks at bar prices) with entrees beginning at 6.30pm.

Tickets are $75 for non-members ($65 for members) and must be pre-purchased, available at https:// events.humanitix.com/siesta-cartellive-at-da-vinci or call Pip on 0409 307 606.

Gypsy at The Vine Hotel

GYPSY - The Australian Fleetwood Mac tribute show, will perform at The Vine Hotel on Saturday night from 7pm. The show has been wowing audiences Australia-wide with its com-

mitment to an authentic recreation of the legendary music of Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, Fleetwood Mac, from their 1977 album Rumours to their current touring set lists.

Tickets are available now at thevinehotel.net.au, with dinner available on the night.

Wangaratta community market

THE Wangaratta community market runs every Sunday at Moore Than Swimming, located at 11-13 Mason Street in Wangaratta, from 8am until 1pm. There is a wide range of stalls to browse with new and used items,

plants, fruit and veg and more, with refreshments also on site.

Stalls are available for $25 each (no bookings required) with more information via the market’s Facebook page.

Information Day for The Long Road

WANGARATTA Players will hold an information day outlining their June production, The Long Road by Shelagh Stephenson, this Sunday at 4.30pm at Stage Door Studio, 4D Evans Street, Wangaratta.

To be directed by Brad Buckingham, this will be a short session to introduce people to the play, see and hear a bit of the text, hear about the intended style and setting and provide details of the audition process for the show.

This is a gritty, true to life drama and actors will be required to commit themselves to portraying a full range of emotions.

The play centres around the death of 18-year-old Danny who is fatally stabbed in a random attack and how his family struggles to find meaning and forgiveness after the event.

His mother’s determination to understand the atrocity brings her face to face with his killer and forces the family to confront the bitter senselessness of their loss.

The cast required includes:

JOE: The elder brother of 21-year-old Danny, the murdered boy. Confused and frustrated by his parents’ treatment of him and how they are dealing with Danny’s death in the days and months after it. 18-25 years old.

MARY: Danny’s mum. Struggling to process the randomness of Danny’s death and make her way through the grief. Wants to contact Danny’s killer to help make sense of it. 50-60 years old.

JOHN: Danny’s dad. Starts and stays angry. Seriously at odds with Mary. About 50-60 years old.

EMMA: The killer. 18 years old. Appalling childhood. Initially unaware of the impact she’s had on people’s lives. 18-25 years old.

ELIZABETH: The prison social worker sought out by Mary as she tries to contact Emma. Wise, patient and self-contained, she tries to help everyone come to terms with what Emma did. Late 25-40 years old.

Auditions will be held by appointment on Sunday, March 10 from 5pm to 8pm and Wednesday, March 13, from 6pm to 8.40pm - and if needed Monday, March 18 from 6pm to 8.40pm. For more information or to make an audition appointment, contact Brad on 0421 054 138.

Community consultation as council looks at Bright servo purchase

ALPINE Shire Council intends to sound out its community over pursuing the purchase of the Shell Service Station and freehold site on a prime location in Bright.

Council has already submitted a non-binding Expression of Interest (EOI) for the business and land at 1-3 Anderson Street.

The EOI is conditional on a clean environmental

Family fun at ‘Spring Ditch’ in Stanley on Saturday

By CORAL COOKSLEY

BEECHWORTH

Music Festival’s fun-filled family event ‘Spring Ditch’ is set to draw big crowds tomorrow, March 2 at Stanley’s Recreation Reserve.

It’s a ‘tip of the hat’ to the former Stanley New Year’s Day Sports held for more than 140 consecutive years until the 1990’s.

Locals Lex Fletcher and Rikki Raadsveld founded Beechworth Music Festival with this year marking its 10-year anniversary in bringing festivals to the local community while the unique event ‘Spring Ditch’ is in its third year.

A smorgasbord of original and diverse Australian music will be headlined by wellknown local Yackandandah band This Way North supported by Melbourne’s Woodland Hunters, a four-piece immersive rock and roll outfit.

Other performances include Beechworth’s Mountain Folk Trio, up and coming local singer songwriter Brydie Rose and a young local heavy rock band ANOX.

With great local food and full bar on the day, Spring Ditch also includes the community run events with family activities, demos and competitions and much more.

Among competitions is the Spring Ditch Rural games featuring Ireland’s Strongest Man ‘23, World Log Lift Champion ‘23 and Bundanoon Stones Champion ’23, Sean Gillen.

“It’s a fabulous day with a touch of nostalgia for families and people of all ages,” Lex said.

For tickets visit: https:// www.events.humanitix.com/ spring-ditch-2024.

Check out the ‘Spring Ditch’ Facebook event page or website at www.springditch.com for more information.

report and appropriate due diligence, and the purchase remains subject to a formal decision of council.

Councillors this week agreed to consult with the local community over the next three weeks, with feedback to be considered when council makes a decision to proceed or not with the purchase.

Council chief executive

FROCKED UP: Jessie Thompson, Marnie Matassoni, Katie Parslow and Elecia Coldan were having a great time at the races.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

officer, Will Jeremy, said the site, at the corner of Gavan and Anderson streets, has strategic value for the Alpine Shire community.

“Council officers anticipate the key intersections of Star Road, Gavan Street and Anderson Street will become increasingly hard to navigate as traffic volumes increase into the future,” Mr Jeremy said.

“Ownership of the Shell Service Station site would allow council to improve vehicular movements at these key intersections, and also provide an opportunity to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety and to improve amenity at the entrance to the Bright CBD.

“While we don't currently have concept designs for how changes to the area may

look, we believe that we need to seriously consider this opportunity whilst the purchase of the site is an option – we cannot foresee when this opportunity may come up again.

“If council proceeds with the purchase, we don't anticipate that this site will be redeveloped in the near future; this is just the first step in a longer

term plan for the area.

“Construction is likely to sit within a five to 10 year timeframe.”

Ms Jeremy said council has received in-principle support from Regional Roads Victoria for a future upgrade of the Anderson and Gavan streets intersection, along with the adjacent Gavan Street and Star Road intersection.

Dederang’s annual picnic races continue to delight

By BRODIE EVERIST

LAST Saturday’s Dederang Picnic Races drew people from all around, some having a flutter on the horses, and others dressing extravagantly for the occasion.

Dederang Picnic Racing Club president Marcus Goonan said the event was wellattended, with numbers in the mid-2000s.

This is up from the approximately 1600 attendees at last year’s event, which hosted no races, and around 2100 attendees in 2022.

He said the club had

worked to bring more competitors to the races by increasing prizemoney and improving communication with trainers and jockeys.

“It’s something that we noticed had been dropping off,” he said.

“Over the last three years that we’ve been involved we’ve done a lot of work and they’re definitely up compared to where they were.”

Mr Goonan thanked their major sponsors, as well as volunteers and attendees.

“A hell of a lot of people would start working on this race meeting from Novem-

ber last year to get us to the point where we could race on a really beautiful track in some pretty fantastic surrounds,” he said.

“A lot of credit must go to the volunteers who help us out and the community groups who help us put on the day.”

He also said the track was in good condition, having received around $40,000 worth of upgrades over the past year.

“We started watering in mid-December this year, so we’ve done a lot of work on getting that track up to scratch and I thought it

raced really well,” he said.

Narre Warren South resident Dee Mitchell was one of the many vying to win a ‘Fashions on the Field’ prize, but unfortunately her group’s efforts in a Cowboys and Indians theme was pipped by a Sharon Strzelecki lookalike, depicting the character from Australian sitcom Kath and Kim.

“Her costume was very good, she did do a good job,” Ms Mitchell said.

Commenting on the broader fashions on display, she described attendees’ attire as beautiful and said many take it very seriously.

Bald Archy exhibition coup for Mansfield this month

THE Bald Archy Prize, a cheeky take on the prestigious Archibald Prize for Australian portraiture artworks, is opening in Mansfield from March 22.

“It is an absolute coup for Mansfield to be hosting this event for the very first time and as the only location in Victoria this year,” said Arts Mansfield president Gill Belle.

Ms Belle said many people

will remember the irreverent, quirky portrait exhibition which was shown at Swanpool at the cinema for five years.

The baton has been passed onto Arts Mansfield after the former hosts decided they could no longer continue and recommended Mansfield as an alternative site for the exhibition.

Artist Peter Batey established the competition in 1994 as a

light-hearted alternative to the much more serious art award.

The annual event now in its 28th year has become a quirky competition gaining a significant following for its humour, wit, and the often-unconventional interpretations of its subjects.

Arts Mansfield describes the focus of the Bald Archy as being satirical and humorous representations of well-known

Australians including politicians, celebrities and sports people. The exhibition will run from March 22 to April 21 at 101 High St.

Tickets are $8 and available on the Arts Mansfield website.

TWO FACES: Prince Charles and Dame Edna Everage, a previous winner in the Bald Archys.

PHOTO: Supplied

“It’s good to see that the community is behind that as well, it’s not just a Melbourne thing,” she said.

“It’s a good opportunity for the local milliners to be putting their wares out on display.”

Like Mr Goonan, she said the track looked excellent and noted the extra horses this year.

“We watched every race, unfortunately I didn’t get many winners myself,” she said.

“This year there was a much bigger field, so that was good to see, particularly after last year.”

Jobs slashed at Billson’s

Major Beechworth employer and popular brewery attraction set for restructure

BILLSON’S Brewery has cited cost of living pressures and a change in consumer behaviour as key drivers behind its decision to cull jobs at the Beechworth factory.

BILLSON’SBhitd titidtt iittdtdliht ajoeecotepoyeadpopuabeeyattactosetoestuctue

BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au

world” had driven the move.

The “devastating but necessary” decision was reportedly conveyed to workers earlier this week, with Billson’s Brewery director Nathan Cowan confirming the business was undergoing a restructure on Tuesday.

The exact number of jobs expected to be impacted by the decision is yet to be confirmed, with Mr Cowan noting rising costs of energy, freight, ingredients, raw materials and “the third highest spirit tax in the

“As a regional Australian family business, it’s critical we recalibrate our operations to ensure our long term competitiveness in a category dominated by large foreign-owned multinationals,” he said.

“These changes have undoubtedly impacted the team, and in turn, will impact the Beechworth community and the wider region.

“It’s a devastating but necessary response – we will con-

tinue to provide support to our team through this difficult process.”

Mr Cowan said he was proud of the revitalised business, which was first opened in 1865 before being re-launched some six years ago.

“Over the past six years, we’ve worked tirelessly to revitalise the business by developing a unique range of flavourful drinks and restoring the historic brewery into a vibrant tourist destination, and we are proud of our achievements in both of those areas,” he said.

“We continue to experience tremendous support from our retail partners, and together we

remain committed to delighting out consumers all over the country.”

Beechworth Inc. president Katrina Witherow said it was a “terrible” blow to the Beechworth community.

“Beechworth has that many empty shops already and then to have this happen, it’s just like a double whammy - there’s a lot going on in Beechworth at the minute,” she said.

“They (Billson’s) are one of our major employers and they have drawn a lot of people into the workforce there which has been good, but then to have it broken down, it’s really sad for everyone concerned.”

Hop quality shaping up well in Alpine Valleys, but production will be down

BY LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE LAndersonByrne@ nemedia.com.au

THE first week of March marks the start of another Victorian hop harvest for Hop Products Australia (HPA), with a decrease in production and international demand among changes effecting this year’s crop.

HPA Victorian farm manager Aaron Bailey said he and his team at Ovens, near Myrtleford, have been busy executing vine control, herbicide, and fertiliser programs in hops gardens in the Alpine Valleys over the past few months.

“We had a few minor setbacks earlier in the growing season, including flooding in localised areas and repeated cold spells that initially hindered plant growth,” he said.

“But thanks to some warmer weather in recent months, the crop is shaping up well.”

It’s in very good hands too, with a large percentage of return applicants among more than 250 seasonal workers who will help HPA’s permanent team of hop experts bring in the crop.

HPA director Tim Lord said the 2024 crop looks a little different to previous years.

Some late changes to international demand resulted in HPA idling around 25 per cent of its hop gardens this year.

The planned decrease is a reflection of global oversupply.

“The hop market has always been cyclical,” Mr Lord said.

“We’ve enjoyed several good years thanks to the craft beer boom that led to an increase in more hopcentric beer production and a hop infrastructure where supply exceeded demand.

“Now we’re experiencing a dip, that has been somewhat exacerbated by COVID,

trends toward less hop-centric beer production, and the growth of alternative beverages.”

Many hop growers are decreasing production this year, aiming to rebalance supply and demand.

“The decrease in production was not an easy decision, but it’s better than sitting on aging hops we can’t sell,” Mr Lord said.

“HPA will continue to care for the idle fields, keep them healthy and ready to be

HPA says while crop quality is good, a drop in international demand will see less production this harvest.

McCurdy endorses anti-battery petition at Dederang

MEMBER for Ovens

Valley Tim McCurdy has criticised Mint Renewables, the company behind the proposed Dederang Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), during a speech in Parliament.

Mr McCurdy said too much uncertainty remained around the project.

Mint Renewables has said it is “targeting a nominal installed capacity of 400 MWh (e.g. a 200MW two hour system, or 100 MW four hour system) with an indicative development footprint of approximately four hectares.”

strung again for next crop.

“We are using the reduced crop as an opportunity to focus on quality, with greater flexibility to harvest each variety at optimal maturity and refine production processes.”

HPA recently invested in a new site to house a state-ofthe-art pelleting and packaging facility.

Mr Lord said the building project was taking slightly longer than anticipated.

“The whole project team

has been working incredibly hard to ensure the facility is operational as soon as humanly possible,” he said.

“They are currently working on assembling a 24-metre tower that will house a fully temperature-controlled pellet plant.

“The resulting improvements in capacity from the modern equipment mean brewers can expect an overall increase in quality, which will translate to more consistent performance in beer.”

Light at end of tunnel, says Bogong landslip manager

By BRODIE EVERIST

OVER 375,000 tonnes of material has been moved in landslip works on the Bogong High Plains, according to project manager Tim Whelan, from Whelans Group Investments.

Speaking on Alpine FM earlier this month, Mr Whelan said while another 190,000 tons of material is expected to be moved, he could see “a light at the end of the tunnel.”

“We’re in a really good rhythm now as

a team, which is great,” he said.

“It’s a fantastic effort by everyone and not to be understated how difficult this job is.”

Mr Whelan said they remain committed to opening the road’s two lanes by the next ski season, but it is dependent on weather and ground conditions. He estimated there are around 70 workers at the site during the week.

MATERIAL MOVERS: Over 375,000 tonnes of material has been moved in landslip works on the Bogong High Plains.

“It will be imposed upon them [Dederang] – the eyesore, the health risk, and the fire hazard – for the next 20 or 30 years,” Mr Mccurdy said.

“One of the locals did a risk assessment, as you would, and he looked at the Victorian Big Battery fire in Moorabool, down in Geelong.

“The report on technical findings describes the document as a summary, but he cannot find the main document that talks about the fire.

“That surprised me as we all know about that fire that took about three or five days to put out.”

Mr McCurdy has also launched a petition alongside community representatives, citing a letter he has seen from Mint Renewables refusing to attend any community meetings.

“It is clear that they have no interest in attending or listening to a broad community meeting,” he said.

Mr McCurdy said the petition can be found at the Dederang General Store.

HOPS IN HAND:

JOB CUT: Billson’s Brewery in Beechworth has announced it will shed jobs as part of a restructure. PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

Mystery series set to premiere

By SHAUN MCMAHON

THE much anticipated drama series “High Country” will premiere on March 19 on the streaming platform BINGE.

Production for the show took place mid last year, with much of the eight-part thriller using the majestic peaks of Mt Buller and picturesque landscapes of Jamieson for its fictitious and mysterious small town backdrop.

The series follows detective Andrea Whitford as she investigates the mysterious disappearance of five people in the High Country wilderness.

Viewers can expect a compelling narrative with themes of murder, deceit, and revenge.

One hundred and forty Mansfield and Jamieson locals attended a casting call for background actors in early April, 2023.

Some of these familiar faces will appear in the show, including local Oscar Yencken, whose cameo as a police officer features in the trailer.

“I had the unique opportunity to be part of this adventure as an extra,” said Oscar.

“This experience not only brought me closer to the heart of our vibrant local community but also unveiled the enchanting beauty and

“High Country” drama filmed near Mansfield set stream gy

rich history of the Mansfield Shire.

“Filming in Jamieson was like stepping into a welcoming family.

“The locals, known for

their warmth and camaraderie, showcased the true spirit of community.

“It was a reminder of how closely-knit we are in this part of Victoria, where every face

in the crowd has a story to share, and every story adds to the tapestry of our shared history.”

Oscar said the region has always been a canvas for sto-

rytelling, from the legendary tales of “The Man from Snowy River” to the quirky narratives of “The Castle,” and now “High Country,” the shire has proven to be a versatile

Porepunkah apprentice awarded for carpentry skill

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

FOUR years ago, Porepunkah resident Phillip Robichaud was managing a bicycle store in Bright and had no passion for woodworking, but the now fourth-year carpentry apprentice was recently awarded the Master Builders North East Apprentice of the Year Award in structural trades.

The local father and husband has been in the Alpine Shire since 2015, originally moving from Canada in 2011 to follow the Australian woman he fell in love with.

Phillip is now employed by JH Building and Design and was nominated for the 2024 Master Builders Victoria Regional

Apprentice of the Year award by the Murray Mallee Training Company, both of whom he shared his gratitude alongside Jaymon and George.

“The people I work with are what makes me enjoy it so much,” he said.

“Recognition is always a nice thing to get but it’s mostly great to see your progress, which is what I’ve been working towards.

“Before this job, my wife and I bought a terrible house in Porepunkah and decided to fix it up, but I had zero interest in woodworking and little to no skills so after countless failures and carpenter friends telling me I’ve done it wrong, I started to enjoy the process of learning.

“Eventually I reached out to a friend who had a building company and told him I was thinking about a career change, so would he give me a shot and after a few weeks I’d really been enjoying it.

“I wanted the career change because I was truly burnt out on retail, after 10 years in the ski and bike world.

“Managing the bike shop was a good time; I had good staff and was building cool bikes and talking to cool people and going to great races and all in all it was pretty awesome.

“I realised after some time I wasn’t as excited as I once was and was probably taking the shine off it for others.

“The position I was in you

need to be the stoked guy but my personal mantra is, regardless of what you’re doing, if you’re not growing personally or professionally you shouldn’t be doing it.”

Phillip’s advice for anyone thinking of changing their career to a trade was to take care of your body.

As for himself, the next step would be to complete a Cert IIII and become a builder, but he may be sticking to carpentry for a while.

“I’m not sure if I’m ready for that,” he said.

“I like who I work with here and if he’s happy to keep doing what he’s doing for the next few years I’ll keep hanging out with him.”

setting for genres as varied as comedy, drama, and horror.

“On a personal note, the experience was exhilarating,” he said.

“The bustling set, with its whirlwind of activities - from setting up fog machines to the precise positioning of cameras - offered me a glimpse into the intricate world of television production.

“It was a revelation to see how much effort goes into creating the magic we see on screen.

“The stories I heard and the people I met added layers to my understanding and appreciation of Jamieson, enriching my connection to this place we call home.”

Lead actor and executive producer Leah Purcell said she was thrilled to work in the Victorian Alps.

“I look forward to bringing this first–class new series to local and international audiences where country and Australian–ness are central to the story.”

The series also features actors Ian McElhinney (Game of Thrones), Sara Wiseman (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes) and Aaron Pedersen (Mystery Road, Jack Irish).

The first episode of “High Country” will premiere on March 19 on BINGE with new episodes released weekly.

DUNCAN ECO SEEDER WITH DUAL TRAILING ARMS

HARD WORK AWARDED: Phillip, with daughter Manon Robichaud, standing in front of a Bright passive house he helped build.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

HIGH COUNTRY: The new drama series “High Country” will premiere on March 19 on the streaming platform BINGE. Pictured (from left) Aaron Pedersen, Leah Purcell, and Sara Wiseman. INSET: FAMILIAR FACES: Familiar faces from around the shire will appear in the show, including local Oscar Yencken (right), whose cameo as a police officer features in the trailer. PHOTOS: Screen Australia

Beautiful new home in Baltimore

DEDICATION to family design, this newly built residence provides an abundance of quality upgrades on a spacious 774m2 allotment in Wangaratta.

This move in ready four bedroom home combines functionality and family living within the final stage of Baltimore Park Estate.

It’s a sizeable home that offers a seamless open plan living, dining and kitchen with high 9ft ceilings throughout.

It has a custom designed kitchen to showcase stone benches, entertainers/ breakfast bar with premium stainless

cooking, Servery window, and an abundance of soft close storage along with a butler’s pantry.

This fantastic home offers a spacious primary bedroom with two large his and her walk-in robes and an impressive ensuite with an oversized shower and dual vanities.

Smartly designed, the three separated guest bedrooms all contain built in robes and share the main bathroom with separate bath, frameless glass and step in shower.

Comfort is ensured with ducted refrigerated cooling and heating.

It’s designed to maximise natural light with a strong emphasis on indoor-outdoor living with Alfresco area leading to the private secure rear yard with full turf.

It also has a double lockup garage.

It’s located in a new estate providing an abundance of scope to add shedding or a pool with side access.

It’s in close proximity to schools and early education providers.

The home was constructed by Afonso Homes and completed in 2023.

Call Danial Siperki on 0400 027 473. at Nutrien Harcourts to arrange your private inspection.

Wangaratta branch

76 Reid Street

Open weekdays

9am to 5pm (closed 1pm to 1:45pm)

1300 004 863 humebank.com.au

Nutrien

5722

THIS charming cottage is located in the Whitfield township on just over a 1000m2 allotment.

This home comprises two bedrooms, study, and period style features throughout.

The kitchen is well appointed with electric upright stove and electric oven.

The dining and lounge area are separate with the lounge featuring beautiful combustion heater and windows overlooking the garden.

The bathroom showcases single vanity, toilet and shower over the bath, and second separate toilet is great additive.

Evaporative cooling, split system and two combustion heaters ensures tear round comfort.

CONTACT

https://www.wangarattaproperty.com.au

Step outside and enjoy decked areas both front and back all overlooking established gardens and beautiful established trees.

Other notable features of the property include in-ground pool, great shedding (6.5Mx5.2M), new HWS and newly

5722 9444

installed white picket fencing.

All of this is perfectly located in the heart of Whitfield within minutes’ walk to Dalzotto wines, general store, café and Mountain View Hotel.

If you are currently in the market for a home in the King Valley book your private inspection today with Hugh Amery at Nurtien Harcourts on 0487 777 311.

Prime West End Location

4 Donald Street

• 4 bedroom, 1 bathroom brick veneer home

• Located in highly sought after West End, conveniently positioned within walking distance to primary and secondary schools

• Ducted evap cooling & ducted floor heating, ceiling fans throughout, a split system and a gas wall heater for year-round comfort

• Outdoor living overlooking expansive yard

•

Vacant Land - 51

4 1 3 789m2

FOR SALE $435,000

Stunning River Flat Views

28 Cambridge Drive

• Enjoy views of the Ovens River flats just steps away from your back gate in sought-after Cambridge Estate, on spacious 1,056m2 lot

• Functional family floor plan, perfect for everyday living and entertaining

• Four bedrooms, master with ensuite & WIR

• 3 living areas, kitchen seamlessly flows into the open-plan dining / living area, doors leading to alfresco framed by ornamental grape vines

• Ducted gas heating, evaporative cooling, split system, ducted vacuum, double garage, and a single carport with

Spacious Family Living

51 Lendamm Terrace

• Completed in 2023 & peacefully situated in the Wonga Park Estate

• 4 bedrooms with the master suite standing out, showcasing a generously sized

•

•

•

•

Vacant Land - 51

Spacious Quiet Home

10 Grace Court

• Brick veneer home built on a slab, three bedrooms, two with BIRs & two bathrooms

• Two separate living areas including a dining area adjoining the kitchen and lounge

• Ducted evaporative cooling, split system & gas wall heater for comfort

• Established garden environment

• Excellent opportunity for someone looking to enter the market as a first home owner, downsizer or investor

Vacant Land - 5.49 acres

3 2 1 758m2

RURAL LIFE STYLE

‘Lake View’ 56ac | 22.8ha

322 Goudie Rd, Chesney Vale

• Three bed double brick rendered home with verandah wrapping around all sides

• Spacious open kitchen, living, & dining area with contemporary polished concrete floors

• Beautiful kitchen, Italian granite bench tops

• Panoramic views from the elevated gardens

• In-ground salt chlorinated pool with deck

• Exceptional water supply, irrigation license from Lake Mokoan ensures reliability

• Extensive fruit orchard & vegetable garden, Avocado & olive orchard opportunities

FOR SALE $1,600,000

Historic Glenrowan

‘Sinclair’s’

41

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Beautiful family home in Eldorado

HERE’S an opportunity to purchase a quality home in historic Eldorado.

The home is just minutes to the Eldorado store, McEvoy Tavern, walking tracks, national parks and more.

The newly renovated brick veneer home comprises a beautiful open plan kitchen/living and dining area.

The kitchen is fitted with electric cooking appliances, island bench and stylish stone top finish.

All four bedrooms are fitted with BIR’S and ceiling fans.

The main bathroom features dual vanity, frameless glass, walk in shower and toilet, while a second bathroom also has a shower and toilet with single vanity.

Air conditioning has been upgraded with split system, evaporative ducted cooling along with a new combustion heater.

Separate to the home is a guest house with open plan kitchen/living, one bedroom, bathroom, balcony, and single carport.

This separate guest house provides a

5 3 3

Agent |

Phone |

Price |

Location |

Nutrien Harcourts

5722 9444

$785,000

28 Trezise Street, Eldorado

fantastic option for elderly parents, adult kids, short stay accommodation and more.

Shedding on the property offers double carport as well as workshop/garage (4.8mx7.8m).

All of this is located on a large 7537m2 allotment with beautiful established gardens just 20 minutes to Wangaratta.

Contact Hugh Amery at Nutrien Harcourts for your private inspection.

high-quality fi xtures, and appliances.

A built-in pantry and breakfast bar complement the dining space, offering a seamless blend of functionality and style. Enjoy year-round comfort with ducted heating and evaporative cooling throughout.

Agent |

Garry Nash & Co.

5722 2663

$699,000

29 Pelican Court, Wangaratta

The convenience of a double garage, equipped with an electric roller door and direct internal entry, adds to the overall appeal and liveability of this lovely home.

The large, fl at, low maintenance rear yard offers plenty of opportunity and a relaxed outlook.

.Reach out to the Garry Nash and Co sales team today.

HONDA SNEAKS IN HYBRID SUV

■ ELECTRIFICATION: The new CR-V e:HEV RS brings fuel economy to the Honda flagship.

By DEREK OGDEN, Marque Motoring

HONDA has electrified its most popular vehicle.

And who would know?

One of the world’s biggest makers of internal combustion engines has been very quiet about the coming of the CR-V e:HEV RS.

The Honda CR-V has long been an SUV staple for families around the world.

Some 13.5 million units have been sold globally since the nameplate launched back in 1997.

Two decades on, in its sixth generation, it is still the brand’s top-selling model in Australia.

A late-comer to the petrol/ electric generation in Australia, the five-seater e:HEV RS features a 2-litre direct injection engine mated with a two-motor hybrid system putting out a combined 152 kW of power and 335 Nm of torque via an electronic Continuously Variable Transmission to the front wheels.

Honda says e:HEV RS, elevates the CR-V with a dynamic edge. Its sporty appeal is amplified by body-coloured lower bumper and wheel arch trims, while piano black accents on mirror covers rear spoiler, B and C-pillar trims further enhance its sophistication.

Surprisingly, with runningcost economy to the fore - a key step in Honda’s electrification strategy to realise carbon neutrality for all Honda prod-

ucts and corporate activities by 2050 - the hybrid system is limited to the flagship (most expensive) model. Some compensation comes with the RS coming well equipped compared to the rest of the range.

The 2024 Honda CR-V range straddles $44,500 to $59,900 drive-away.

The latter – the flagship Honda CR-V e:HEV RS hybrid – was on test.

The SUV comes under Honda’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, with 24/7 roadside assist. Service intervals are 12 months or 10,000 kilometres and capped.

STYLING

A more powerful, sporty silhouette is achieved by pulling the front pillars back, increasing both the nose length and the wheelbase adding to the overall length.

The ‘nose job’, however, seems a bit over the top but the maker says it provides functional contributions including visibility and aerodynamic performance.

VTi LX and e:HEV RS get Honda hallmark Berlina Black 19-inch five-circle spoke alloys, over the standard 17 or 18s, for added sporty flair.

INTERIOR

Rear seat reclining offers 16 positions with an additional reclining angle of 10.5 degrees, helping prevent rear passengers from getting fatigued on long drives.

Access to the 589 litres of boot space comes via a power tailgate operated from an external switch.

Fold the 60 / 40 seat backs and 1636 litres becomes available.

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION

The all-new CR-V features a new more powerful two-motor hybrid system, mated with Honda’s 2.0-litre direct injection Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder engine.

The motors are now mounted side-by-side rather than inline with the engine crankshaft as in previous generations.

The all-new E-CVT motor spins at 14,500 rpm and produces 135 kW peak power with 335 Nm of torque.

The generator motor, which spins at 17,000 rpm, puts out 120 kW, and is dedicated to charging the battery pack.

The system’s combined output is 152 kW.

SAFETY

The all-new CR-V maintains its position as a leader in active and passive safety technology, including improved Honda Sensing driver-assistance technology with a new front camera and radar system.

An updated Honda Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure is designed to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front, side, and rear of the vehicle.

The CR-V gets 11 airbags all up, including a centre airbag

to prevent front seat occupants’ heads from crashing.

DRIVING

There is no argument with the treatment of the driver when it comes to getting behind the wheel of the CR-V e:HEV RS.

The front of the cabin has been designed with the driver front and centre, by improving the range of vision and adjusting how objects are viewed in the driver’s frame.

The A-pillar inner surfaces have been designed to run parallel to the direction of travel so the driver’s line of sight is drawn to this.

To further improve forward vision when turning, side mirrors have been moved to create a wider gap between the mirror and the front side corner garnish.

Underway, the car is no ‘bitumen burner’ but is programmed to get the best out of the petrol / electric hybrid combination.

There is little obvious switch in systems, which includes the CVT.

Cabin noise is far from intrusive and a 12-speaker Bose sound system makes the best of cabin architecture.

Honda claims the hybrid CR-V returns 5.5 litres per 100 kilometres of fuel in the combined urban / highway, which turned out to be spot on for the test car in real time.

A bonus is the requirement of 91RON petrol.

The e:HEV is equipped with

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE:

HONDA CR-V VTI X: $44,500

HONDA CR-V VTI L: $48,800

HONDA CR-V TI X7: $46,800

HONDA CR-V TI L7: $53,000

HONDA CR-V VTI L: AWD $51,300

HONDA CR-V LX AWD: $57,000

HONDA CR-V E HEV RS: $59,900

NOTE: These prices are drive-away

a toggle Drive Mode selector, which switches between Economy, through Normal to Sport, the last chipping in with Active Sound Control to match the sporty characteristics.

SUMMARY

Honda has produced a winner with the CR-V e:HEV RS, taking out the Car of the year award of a prominent Australian print and online media member for 2023, so it has the hand of experts at its back.

RATINGS

Looks: 6/10

Performance: 8/10

Safety: 7/10

Thirst: 8/10

Practicality: 8/10

Comfort: 7/10

Tech: 8/10

Value: 5/10

SPECIFICATIONS

(Honda CR-V e:HEV RS 2.0L 4-cylinder petrol, 2-motor hybrid, CVT automatic, FWD)

ENGINE:

Capacity: 1.993 litres

Configuration: Four cylinders inline

Maximum Power: 135 kW @ 5000 rpm

Maximum Torque: 335 Nm @ 0-2000 rpm

Fuel Type: Regular unleaded petrol

Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 5.5 L/100km

Two-motor hybrid system: Combined maximum power 152 kW

Community Sport Fair Access Policy

The Rural City of Wangaratta recently endorsed the draft Fair Access policy and Facility Booking Policy for public exhibition. These policies will ensure that women and girls have equal opportunities to participate in and enjoy the benefits of community sport, with fair access to local facilities. Council is now asking community members to share their ideas and provide input into the policies and actions outlined in the draft. Share your ideas and make contributions via the Connect Wangaratta website. Or come along to one of the in-person sessions at HP Barr Community Centre, Schilling Dr:

Monday 4 March 4.30pm-5.30pm

Wednesday 13 March 4.30pm-5.30pm

Volunteer Open Day

The Rural City of Wangaratta is thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for individuals of all ages and abilities to become a Volunteer Ambassador for our beloved region. Council is calling upon passionate community members to join the Visitor Services team for a volunteer open day at the Ned Kelly Discovery Hub on

Tuesday 12 March at 10.00am

Please register to attend https://bit.ly/3OSqyT5 or call Visit Wangaratta on 1800 801 065 for more information.

Application for approval of a Development Plan -

Wangaratta South Growth AreasPrecinct 6, incorporating land known as 61 Clarkes Lane and 69 Clarkes Lane Wangaratta.

Plans and supporting documentation associated with the Development Plan are available for viewing on Council’s website.

Interested and affected parties are invited to make comment for Council to consider during the assessment. Submissions must be made in writing, email: planningmail@wangaratta.vic.gov.au or post: PO Box 238 Wangaratta Vic 3676.

Submissions for comment on the Development Plan close 12th April 2024. When making a submission please include reference to ‘South Growth Area Precinct 6 Development Plan’.

For any queries please contact the Planning Department on 03 5722 0888 or via planningmail@wangaratta.vic.gov.au.

Inclusive Wangaratta Action Plan

Every person in the Rural City of Wangaratta experiences our community in a different way. Factors including gender, age, race and ethnicity, disability and health status, level of education, employment, and religion, all influence peoples experiences. We’re asking the community to think about what Inclusion and Access mean to you. Share your ideas and make contributions via the Connect Wangaratta website. Or come along to one of the in-person sessions:

Thursday 7th March 10am - 12pm at the Kiosk (cnr Reid & Murphy Streets)

Submissions close 14 March

Merriwa Park Timber

The Rural City of Wangaratta is seeking input from the community on how best to utilise timber from three trees being removed from Merriwa Park. These trees were an important part of our community and Council aims to extend their lifespan by repurposing the harvested timber in a manner that benefits and aligns with community expectations. Would you like to see it transformed into furniture, park bench seats, playground equipment, or perhaps public art? We invite you to get creative, visit the Connect Wangaratta website and leave your suggestions.

Community Satisfaction Survey

From now until late March, your household may receive a call from independent market research agency, National Field Services who have been commissioned to conduct a community satisfaction survey on behalf of Council. The agency will interview a sample of residents to assess Council’s performance across a range of measures, identifying ways to provide improvement or more effective service delivery to residents. Please be assured that your details and responses are confidential. Only the overall results are shared with the Rural City of Wangaratta. We appreciate you taking the time to assist us with your valuable feedback. If you have any questions, please call Council on 5722 0888.

Deep Listening to Nature

Come along to the Library and listen to Andrew Skeoch’s profound and captivating recordings of nature. This master sound-recordist and author has spent the past three decades exploring various corners of the globe to capture the sounds of the Earth’s untouched landscapes. This will be an event like no other.

Thursday 14 March 6.30pm, Wangaratta Library Bookings essential https://events.humanitix.com/ meet-the-author-andrew-skeoch

Tenders

C43303 Detour Road Irrigation Pipeline

Tender closes at 2pm Thursday 21 March 2024

C43618 McCall Lane - Road Reconstruction

Tender closes at 2pm Thursday 21 March 2024

Further details may be obtained by visiting Council’s website at, https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/YourCouncil/Working-with-Council.

Planning Applications

Application No PlnApp24/008

Location 4873 Wangaratta-Whitfield Road Whitfield

Proposal Use and development of the land for a Food and Drink Premises (Wine Bar) and ancillary gift store, two dwellings, the sale and consumption of liquor and alteration of access to a road in a Transport Zone 2

These applications can be viewed on Rural City of Wangaratta’s website under Development, Planning, Current Applications. Any person who may be affected by the granting of a permit may object or make a submission (must be in writing). For more information, please contact the Town Planning Unit on 03 5722 0888. Council will not decide these applications before Tuesday 12 March 2024

Positions vacant

For further information on these positions please visit https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Your-Council/Careers

Birds of Tokyo Double VIP Pass Winners

Alexia Dickson

Eliza Snowdon

Congratulations, we hope you enjoy your evening with the Birds of Tokyo!

Ovens Medical Group would like to welcome the following doctors to their team and the Wangaratta region:

Dr Lara Seeger

Dr Kacey Shale

Dr Jia Hui Ong

Appointments with the above doctors are now available.

Wangaratta Squash and Racquetball Club

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Notice is hereby given that the AGM of the Wangaratta Squash and Racquetball Club will be held on Thursday, March 28, 2024, commencing at 6.30pm.

The meeting will be held at the John Broadway Squash and Racquetball Courts, WISAC Wangaratta.

ROOM for rent, aircon, TV, fully furnished, broadband included, shared accommodation, in Springhurst, Ph 0428 217 493.

PAINTER. Ovens and King Painting Service, trade qualified, over 25 years experience, Interior/exteriors, for free quote phone Cherime Demaj 0422 778 257 or 5721 5482.

CONCRETING - Big or small jobs. Paths, driveways, shed slabs, verandahs. 15 years experience. For a free quote phone Trev Anderson on 0422 200 761.

DOG TRAINER, Frank Vickers, behavioural solutions, 0418 314 610.

PAINTER, old school, for all your painting needs, commercial, industrial renovations.

Phone Julian 0412 597 482.

TILING, wall/floor, bathrooms, renovations. Phone Claude 0435 945 513.

WHEELER

Earthworks, available for all your household earthworks needs, yard clean ups, stump removals, driveways, material supply and spreading, and more. Call Marcus on 0491 094 545.

CATHEDRAL

A

The College seeks applications from suitably experienced persons for the following positions:

Uniform Shop Manager

This is a part-time (4 days per week), ongoing position. Please refer to our website for more information.

Applications are to be forwarded to: Noelia Araya, Human Resources Officer, at: naraya@ascschools.edu.au by 5.00 pm Monday March 11, 2024.

Cathedral College Wangaratta is a

To Visit

FARM Shed/ Garage Sale:cement mixer, silage grabs, rotary hoe, carry-all, lawnmowers, Mobilco swing saw with bench and blade, Davey transfer pump, milk cans, antique blacksmith vice, Jibs, single tyne rippers, pedestal drill, Lemair knitting machine, assorted nuts/ bolts/screws, miscellaneous steel and pipe, electric drills, tools galore and so much more.

Saturday, March 2, 8am-2pm, no early callers, cash only, 1405 Glenrowan Moyhu Road, Greta (next to old Greta school).

OBrien Real Estate Joyce are seeking a person with drive and motivation to join a successful team of real estate agents who offer a personalised and professional service to our clients. This is a fast-paced role with excellent career opportunity to work under an award winning brand.

To be considered for this position you must have:

Real Estate (preferred but not essential)

to build relationships easy (verbal and written)

organisational skills vehicle

your birthday off as paid leave and love the idea

EMPLOYMENT

Galen Catholic College

Vacancies

EMPLOYMENT

Biomedical Engineering

Technician

Full Time, Permanent Contract

Resident Service Assistant

Casual Contracts

2024 Registered Nurse

Graduate Program

Part Time, Permanent Contract 64 hours per fortnight

Kitchen Assistant (part time)

CHEF

Both Casual and Permanent Opportunities Available

About the Restaurant: Brown Brothers Restaurant was recently awarded a hat at the 2023 Age Good Food Guide awards. We are an iconic tourist destination recognised for our outstanding diversity around food and wine experiences, exciting event calendar, and hosts approximately 100,000 visitors per year, with our Restaurant and Cellar Door central to our offer.

About the Role: This is an outstanding opportunity for a motivated and creative Chef to gain exposure to a wide variety of uncommon and inspirational cooking techniques including our fermentation program around miso and sourdough, the culinary art of charcuterie, as well as cheese making. Supporting the Head Chef and working closely with the broader kitchen team, this role is responsible for delivering best in class dining and food experiences to all visitors to the Milawa site. Our food offer is based around organic produce grown in our on-site commercial kitchen garden, so maintaining, harvesting, and processing produce from the garden is a daily expectation.

To Be Successful: As a self-motivated chef, you will be qualified, inquisitive and have a passion for pushing the culinary boundaries and exploring innovative cooking techniques. An outgoing personality, with a positive attitude will mean an easy transition into the team.

What’s on Offer:

Work within one of Australia’s leading family-owned wine companies

Exposure to a range of uncommon and inspirational cooking techniques.

Genuine career progression opportunities

Generous product discounts available

Work with a business that Values Wellbeing, Respect, Innovation and Pride in what we achieve together.

If you are a qualified Chef looking for an outstanding opportunity, APPLY NOW.

Further information and a position description may be obtained by emailing careers@brownfwg.com.au or by calling Allyce on (03) 5720 5500.

Applications will close on 19 March 2024

CARAVANS & CAMPERS

REDUCED!

2019 Black Series Alpha, used twice, excellent condition, additional annexe and top rack, $6500 negotiable. Call 0417 154 229.

EMPLOYMENT

Wangaratta Chronicle Graduate Journalist Career Opportunity

Full-time

For further details and employment opportunities visit northeasthealth.org.au/careers

North East Media, publisher of the award winning Wangaratta Chronicle, is currently seeking expressions of interest from enthusiastic and motivated candidates to join the team in Wangaratta as a journalist.

We are seeking university graduates in journalism/communications (or equivalent experience) who have a genuine interest in living and working in a progressive regional Victorian community.

The successful candidate will be expected to write clear, concise and interesting news, sport and feature stories for our tri-weekly newspaper and associated digital and social media platforms.

We are searching for a skilful, passionate and determined journalist with excellent verbal and written English, sound computer skills, solid general knowledge, a genuine interest in the local community, and an ability to build rapport and networks quickly.

You will need to be well organised, able to work to deadlines, and have strong attention to detail.

Candidates must hold a valid driver’s licence, be available to work flexible hours, and photography and social media skills are desirable.

North East Media is a leading independent family-owned media group with a commitment to community journalism.

Applications, including covering letter and resume, should be forwarded to: Jeff Zeuschner, Group Editor, North East Media jzeuschner@nemedia.com.au

2010 NT Pajero Platinum 3.2 L turbo diesel, 253,400km, reg Dec ‘24 (ZQJ384), bull bar, driving lights, redarc break controller, UHF, aux 120 AH AGM battery, BC DC charger, rear suspension airbags, full service and m aintenance history, $19,500. Ph 0417 751 534.

MY 2019 Nissan Juke Nismo RS. AWD, auto in stunning black, this fun packed small 5 Dr hatchback has been lovingly cared for by p resent older owner, regretful sale, making way for campervan, less than 25,000kms on clock, Mansfield, all books, service records, keys, RWC etc, reg (BOP081). $25,250. Call Paul on 0488 444 650.

MAZDA 3 Meo 2010, 2ltr manual, 6 speed, graphite in colour, cruise control, always serviced at Mazda, rwc, new tyres, excellent condition, 1 owner, 287,000km, $6500 ono, (X0C012). Ph 0456 236 310.

WANTED shipping container 20’/40’, or open top container, or damaged. Ph 0418 329 444.

WANTED to buy, small or large lots predecimal coins, pennies, shillings, albums. Turn old money into new.

Cut this ad out.

ARB

GU Nissan Patrol, bar only, no swing away

2002 Toyota Landcruiser Prado Grande Auto 4cyl 3lt diesel, excellently maintained by original owner, always garaged, service records, new tyres, leather seats, powered windows, sunroof, remote locking, many features ahead of its time, 458,790km, RWC, registration till August, (RTM 834), REDUCED TO $13,500. Phone John 0418 336 819.

FREE Range Hens, ISA Brown Pullets,POL, $28 each. Phone Becky or Hugh on 5798 1868.

TYRES new and secondhand, trailer, rims, wrecking. New hours 9am to 5pm, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 44 Newman Street, Wangaratta. Ph 0428 257 221. Adzam Tyres.

REDUCED

2009 Ford Mondeo XR5, m anual, 180,00km, (1SM6DN), adaptive cruise control, bluetooth, sunroof, all-round parking sensors, service history, $8500. Ph 0458 583 608. 2011 Pajero, silver, 155,500km, 7 seats, (YKD 934) reg until September 1, 2024, Redarc electric brake control, RWC, $22,500. Ph 0428 553 686.

rollers, diesel heater installed, double glazed windows, full checker plate on front and all-comp sides, roll-out awning, 2x 95ltr water tanks with galvanised stone, 22.6Ltr gas and electric hot water system, 2x 9kg gas bottles, deep cycle b attery with charger, solar wiring provision with regulator, generator hatch, picnic table, 6” alloy wheels, dual access tunnel boot with lights, immaculate condition, $49,950, legitimate r eason for selling, located in Bright.

P h 0418 802 351 or 0427 189 176.

Personal Notices

THANK YOU

Thank you

To all Moyhu Fire Brigade and Moyhu Group Members.

We would like to thank you for your help responding to, monitoring and

are much appreciated.

~ Kind Regards, Andrew and Sirri Farrington.

DEATH NOTICES

BURDER, Monica.

Born 3/3/1923

Passed away 25/2/2024

Aged 100 years.

Loving wife of Lionel (dec), Mother of Fabian and Robyn, David and Sharon, Jo and Rolly and Charlie and Neenie.

Devoted Grandma of Kelsey, Clare, Jared, Ronan, Ben, Lisa, Leon, Maddie, Karl and Mathew and Great-Grandma to Harmony, Amber, Isabelle, Alexis, Chase, Jacob, Sam, Eddie, Arlo, and Ziggy.

Our gratitude and thanks go to the staff of St Catherines Hostel for their care of Monica over the last seven years.

Funeral details are not yet finalised.

Please see North East Funerals website for further details.

DEAN, Ronald Keith.

18/1/1941 - 26/2/2024

The family of Ronald Keith Dean is saddened to announce his passing on February 26, 2024.

Aged 83 years.

Passed away peacefully at St John’s Aged Care.

Much loved husband of Dot.

Tammy, Michelle and Haydn.

Adored Pa of Olivia and Tom, Peytn, Shenai and Jesse.

Always in our hearts.

DEAN, Ronald Keith.

There’s a place in my heart that is yours alone, A piece in my life that no other can own. The tears in my eyes, I can wipe away, But the memories of you will always stay.

Thank you for giving me the honour and privilege of being the one holding your hand as you passed. Forever in my heart, Love you to the end of time.

Michelle xxx

DE FAZIO (nee Perri), Wanda.

Born January 10, 1931 in Decollatura (CZ) Italy.

Passed away February 23, 2024 at Northeast Health Wangaratta after a long illness.

Wanda leaves Mary, Philomena (dec), Kevin, Ron, Elena and Lilly and their families.

With heartfelt gratitude to Northeast Health, special mention to the Medical Ward. St Catherine’s for wonderful respite care. Ambulance services who have been to the home several times and given support from her home.

A silent thought, a silent tear, Always wishing you were here.

HANDCOCK, Clarence Ian.

9/9/1934 – 25/2/2024

Beloved Dad of Richard and Julie.

Won’t need to take you up the Wombat Gully now!

HANDCOCK, Clarence Ian.

9/9/1934 – 25/2/2024

Passed away peacefully at St Catherine’s Hostel surrounded byfamily.

Loved husband of Eileen (dec).

Father to Debbie, Richard, Aaron and Cathy. Father-in-law to Brendan, Julie and Rob. Grandfather of 9. Great-Grandfather of 11. Back in Eileen’s embrace.

HANDOCK, Clarence “Clarrie”.

The Committee of Management, and Residents of St Catherine’s extend our deepest sympathy to Debbie, Richard, Aaron, Cathy, Brendan, Julie, Rob and family on Clarrie’s passing.

NYSEN, Martha Gertruda.

10/6/1929 – 27/2/2024

Loved wife of Leo (dec). Passed away peacefully at Illoura Aged Care. Aged 94 years. Privately cremated.

A graveside ashes interment will be held at a later date. Please see later paper or the Mason Park website for details.

Mason Park

Funerals 5721 5060 masonpark.com.au

NYSEN, Martha.

Dear friend and neighbour of Ray and Rhonda. A gentle nature, a heart of gold, One of the best this world could hold.

NYSEN, Martha.

SALAFIA, Jack.

7/8/1935 – 27/2/2024

Passed away peacefully at Rangeview Private Nursing Home. Beloved husband of June (dec).

Loving Dad to Lynette, Gary, and Helen. Father-in-law to Michael, Janine, and Neville.

Pop to 9 grandchildren and Old Pop to 13 great-grandchildren. Back in the arms of June.

SINCLAIR, Margaret Anne.

2/9/1938 – 27/2/2024

Loving wife of Doug (dec).

Mother of Beverley and proud grandmother and great grandmother. Much loved cousin of Margie and family. Our beautiful and cheeky Auntie Margaret, You can now rest easy with Uncle Doug and Millie. Forever in our hearts. ~ Amanda, Tim, Rani and Beth.

Funeral details will appear in a later paper and on the Mason Park website when finalised.

Mason Park Funerals

5721 5060 masonpark.com.au

SQUIRES, Angela.

MATTHEWS (nee Golin), Fernanda.

2/7/1949 – 29/1/2024

Loving daughter of Tony and Anna Golin (dec). Oldest sister to John, Ben (dec), Fred, Maria, Robert, and Angelo.

Loving mother of Jason, Benjamin, Anita, and Brian. Nonna of Ediee, Caitlynn, Alara, Brooklyn, Thomas, Elisha, Dallas, and Monika.

Heavenly Father, please give us strength during

SINCLAIR, Margaret.

REID, Debra Irene “Debbie”. 8/5/1955 – 27/2/2024

Passed away at Northeast Health Wangaratta with family by her side. Much loved wife of Graeme.

Loving Mum of Jamie and Hank, Michael and Lara, Matthew and Lan. Adored Grams of Max, Tom, Jackson, Evie and Indi.

For you were beautiful, and we have loved you, more than any words can ever say.

RICHMOND,

Alan Robert.

Passed away suddenly on Friday, February 23, 2024. Aged 81 years.

Dearly loved husband of Elaine. Privately cremated as per Alan’s wishes.

Mason Park Funerals 5721 5060 masonpark.com.au

saddened the

24/8/1939 – 20/2/2024

Privately cremated. Please see North East Funerals website for memorial service details. www. northeastfunerals. com.au

FUNERALS

DEAN

The funeral service to celebrate and honour the life of Ronald Keith “Ron” Dean will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, commencing at 10.30am. Burial will follow the service at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery.

Mason Park Funerals

5721 5060 masonpark.com.au

DE FAZIO

The funeral service to celebrate the life of Mrs Wanda De Fazio will be held in St Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1 Ford St Wangaratta on Thursday, March 7, 2024 commencing at 10am. Burial will follow the service at the Wangaratta General Cemetery. Rosary will be recited at Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at 5pm.

Mason Park Funerals

5721 5060 masonpark.com.au

FUNERALS IN MEMORIAM

HANDCOCK

The service to celebrate the life of Mr Clarence Handcock will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Monday March 4, 2024 at 2pm.

Burial will follow the service at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery.

memory of Clarence to Dementia Australia can be made online at www.dementia.org.au/get-involved/ways-donate

Mason Park Funerals

5721 5060 masonpark.com.au

LAFFY, Ronald “Ronnie”.

A celebration of life service for Ronnie

ECHUCA (03) 5480 1111

MATTHEWS (nee Golin).

Friends, relatives, and those whose hearts have been touched by Fernanda are invited to help celebrate her life with her family.

The funeral service to celebrate Fernanda Golin Matthews’ life will be held in St Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1 Ford Street, Wangaratta on Friday, March 8, 2024 at 1.30pm. Burial will follow Mass at the Wangaratta Cemetery. Fernanda’s Mass may be viewed via livestream at www.masonpark.com.au/live-streaming

Mason Park Funerals

5721 5060 masonpark.com.au

REID

The funeral service to celebrate the life of Mrs Debra Irene “Debbie” Reid will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 2pm. A private cremation will follow.

Mason Park Funerals

5721 5060 masonpark.com.au

SALAFIA

The funeral service will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at 10.30am. Burial will follow at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery. Jack’s service may be viewed via livestream at www.masonpark.com.au/live-streaming.

Mason Park Funerals

5721 5060 masonpark.com.au

LARKIN, Jennifer Maree.

26/1/1962 – 1/3/2023

A life that touches others goes on forever. Jenny you are forever in our hearts.

~ Love from Peter, Matt and Sarah, Nick and Holly, Chris and Anne. PATERSON (Buchanan), Catherine Ellen.

8/7/1938 – 29/2/2008

In loving memory of our wonderful wife, mother, Nana and friend. It has been 16 years since you passed and your presence is missed always.

“Forever

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

WANGARATTA

TABGUIDETRACK/RAIL

Cummings Good(4) Oct 7.

incident,

fit at barrier,

near 200m when 4 len 5th of 7 (6) $5.00 54.0 Kalapour 2500m Flemington Lexus Archer Good(4) Nov 4. Primed for return with 0 len 5th of 9 (4) Flossing 990m

Cranbourne Training Barrier Trl Soft(5) Feb 5. Resuming. Back to country level. Consider.

INDEPENDENTROAD (Ben, Will & JD Hayes) 7G By Declaration Of War (USA)Malibu Road (USA) (44:8-6-6): Scored sht 1/2 hd win of 7 (4) $4.20 53.5 Flash Feeling 2040m Moonee Valley 3yo+ (Bm100) Good(4) Jan 27. Gave good account when 1 len 2nd of 8 (2) $4.20 58.5 Don’t Doubt Dory 2000m Caulfield 3yo+ (Bm100) Good(4) Feb

10. On the pace and claimed late but kept on to place at Caulfield last time out. Back to country level. Commands respect.

STATIONONE (Liam Howley) 5G By Toronado (IRE) - Alittle Loose (27:7-0-5): Scored hd win of 8 (8) $3.30 60.5 The Cunning Fox 1856m Kyneton 3yo+ (Bm70) Good(4) Feb 3. Keen when 1/2 hd win of 9 (4) $7.50 58.0 Think ‘n’ Fly 2200m Bendigo 3yo+ (Bm78) Good(4) Feb 17. Well rated in front and held off challengers to score at Bendigo last time out. In the mix.

TYCOONBEC (Matthew Cumani) 7M By Written Tycoon - Morganza (GB) (23:7-12): Began awkwardly when 1/2 len win of 5 (3) $2.50 55.0 Chevalier Du Fau 2100m Sandown-lakeside 3yo+ (Bm78) Good(3) Jan 31. Took up a midfield position when 6-1/2 len 7th of 9 (8) $8.50 54.0 The Map 2006m Morphettville Open Good(4) Feb 10. Just battled home this level at Morphettville last time out. Gets in light. Back to country level. Consider. WERTHEIMER (M J Enright) 6G By Tavistock (NZ) - Wild About Me (NZ) (34:5-2-1): Eased near 200m when 2-3/4 len 4th of 11 (2) $10.00 58.0 One Last Kiss 2520m Flemington 3yo+ (Bm78) Good(4) Jan 20. Held up on straightening when 1/2 len win of 9 (2) $6.50 58.0 Galilaeus 2400m Caulfield (Bm78) Good(4) Feb 10. Ridden patiently and let down smartly to salute at Caulfield last time out. Nicely weighted. Back to country level. Major player. HOLSTER (Amy & Ash Yargi) 7G By Tavistock (NZ) - Lovetrista (32:6-5-5): Slowly away, Keen when 8-1/2 len 11th of 14 (14) $41.00 59.5 Flossing 1800m Sandown-hillside (Bm78) Soft(5) Jul 19. Slowly away, Laid out in straight when 3 len 5th of 6 (1) $8.50 60.0 Silent Don 1800m Morphettville (Bm78) Soft(6) Aug 12. Strips fitter for 3 len win of 5 (1) Laybuy 2400m Cranbourne Training Barrier Trl Soft(6) Feb 14. Resuming. One for multiples.

NORDICPRIDE (Ben Brisbourne) 7G By Zoffany (IRE) - Centashani (NZ) (39:9-5-6): Struck interference at start when 1/2 hd, 1-1/2 len 3rd of 7 (3) $3.70 59.5 Izfallingdown 2400m Rosehill 3yo+ (Bm72) Good(4) Sep 27. Slowly away, Vetted - no abnormalities when 11 len 7th of 9 (8) $5.50 58.5 Thistler 3000m Moonee Valley (Bm78) Soft(6) Oct 6. Had the benefit of ns win of 6 (1) Sissoko 1400m Echuca Barrier Trl Good(4) Feb 6. Resuming. Suited over this distance. Back to country level. Not out of this. TOOGOODFORTOORAK (M M Laurie) 6G By Toorak Toff - Do Gooda (NZ) (19:5-21): Battled away for 1-1/4 len 5th of 9 (9) $11.00 56.0 Piaggio 1600m Moonee Valley (Bm84) Good(4) Jan 27. Fair effort in 4-3/4 len 5th of 10 (6) $14.00 62.5 Another Wil 1600m Caulfield (Bm70) Good(4) Feb 10. Nicely weighted. Ready for this trip now. Back to country level. Each-way. BRUNGLECREEK (Sylvia Thompson) 5G By Glass Harmonium (IRE) - Ournie (8:23-0): Positioned midfield when 2-1/4 len win of 8 (2) $2.35 59.5 Overloaded 2000m Wangaratta Mdn Plate Soft(5) Jan 25. Claimed 1 len win of 7

4.31

GEARCHANGES

RACE1: (1) Jessup cross-over noseband off first time; (2) Magnus Warning stallion chain on first time, tongue-tie on first time; (3) Trev The Driller blinkers on first time; (5) Defoe cross-over noseband on first time, gelded; (6) Maham gelded; (7) Tymon blinkers off first time, winkers on first time; (9) Sophie’s Award pre-race ear muffs on first time, lugging bit on first time, winkers on first time; (10) Furlanetto blinkers off first time; (11) Hell Of A Love near-side blinkers on first time, near-side bubble cheeker on first time; (13) One Shot More blinkers on first time; (14) Sultry Siren pre-race ear muffs on first time RACE2: (2) Undisturbed nasal strip on again; (4) Celestial Harmony winkers on first time; (6) Flying To Mars blinkers off first time; (10) Lomenie blinkers on first time; (13) Oh So Vein ear muffs on again, pre-race ear muffs off first time; (14) Rubick’s Gem blinkers on first time; (17) Ace City blinkers off first time RACE3: (2) Dangers blinkers on again, visors off first time; (7) Hells Son nose roll on again; (8) At The Mint ear muffs off first time, pre-race ear muffs on first time, nose roll off first time, tongue-tie off first time; (9) Geraldine’s Jewel blinkers off again; (13) Koyuga Bound winkers on again; (15) Onemorekimmie blinkers off again RACE4: (3) Penciled tongue-tie on first time, visors off first time; (5) Princeofnottingham blinkers off first time, synthetic hoof filler off first time RACE5: (2) Abseiler tongue-control and lugging bit on again, tongue-tie off first time; (5) Tosen Warrior winkers off first time; (9) Hardly Sweet cross-over noseband off first time, tongue-tie on first time; (10) Quamby winkers on first time RACE6: (1) Catalina Black Cat lugging bit on first time; (4) Run Naan blinkers on again, tongue-control bit off first time; (5) All England blinkers off first time; (6) Kumicho visors on first time, winkers off first time; (8) Barn Zee front bar plates off first time, synthetic hoof filler off first time; (12) Quinlan blinkers on again, cross-over noseband on again, nose roll off first time, pacifiers on again, tongue-control and lugging bit on again; (16) Final Man nose roll off again, tongue-tie on first time; (17) Steel Master tongue-tie on first time RACE7: (1) Mostly Cloudy cross-over noseband off first time; (6) Holster blinkers off again, visors off first time RACE8: (1) Montather tongue-tie on first time; (5) Jucconi barrier blanket off first time RACE9: (4) Mojo Music blinkers on again, visors off again; (5) Broadside Armour front concussion plates on first time; (9) Albanian I Am blinkers on first time

WANGARATTA Chronicle photographer Kurt Hickling made his way down to tennis and WDCA cricket on Saturday to capture some of sport’s action. Photographs can be purchased at the Chronicle.

MARK O’LOUGHLAN

GREGOR FRASER

MASON SCHOLES

JACOB SCHONAFINGER

JACOB SCHONAFINGER

BRIAN SCOBIE

MARK BROWN

N

ANDREW LINDNER

FRANK HARRIS

BRENDON JONES

Massive raceway Massive raceway event is here event here

THE biggest night in Wangaratta Raceway history is almost here, with a weekend of actionpacked racing for the whole family.

Gates open from 1pm on Saturday, with all four national classes of sedan racing commencing from 4pm.

Wangaratta Raceway president Kenneth Mankey said preparations for the huge line-up of racers were almost complete.

“Everything’s sorted, everything’s ready to go - nominations are in, grid draws are done, programs are done and track work is underway,” he said.

“Concrete walls, everything’s ready to go, it’s just track work leading up to it, which we do every day.

“I’m sure there will be a few there – having four national classes in one night is probably our biggest weekend.

“In total, we’ve got 124 cars, we were hoping for around the 100 car mark, so to get over that is really good.

“There are already Tasmanian blokes and South Australian blokes already at the track – they raced at Warrnambool on the weekend at they drove from Warrnambool to Wangaratta and they’ll stay the week.”

The premier event of the weekend will be the Bob Bailey Memorial for Production Sedans, with 11 Wangaratta members on the grid fighting to take home the glory, including Mankey himself.

“The Bob Bailey (Memorial race) is massive – a big shout-out goes to Kath Bailey, Bob’s wife, she’s a big supporter of this race,” Mankey said.

SCOREBOARD

JUBILEE GOLF CLUB

FEBRUARY 2

Men’s Monthly Medal

A Grade: Steve Fisher 71.

R/U: Gordon Patterson 73.

B Grade: Wayne Hibberson 70.

R/U: Joshua Trimble 73.

C Grade: Gary Walder **MONTHLY

MEDAL** 69. R/Up: Mark Hall 72.

D Grade: Martin Hill 73. R/U: Brian Thomas 74.

Best scratch: Peter Glidden 72.

Ball Winner: Alex Gibbs 2 Balls 73, Kelvin Archer 73, Joshua Trimble 73, Peter Glidden 74, Robert Voss 74, Daniel McPhee 74, Ian Dinsdale 74, Brian Thomas 74, Eric Smith 75, Martin VanRhee 76, John Fitzgerald 76, Neville Hogan 76, Andy Black 76, Geoff Hemphill 76, Bronte Bruce 76, Terry Docherty 76, Andrew Senkic 76

NTP: 4th Daniel McPhee, 8th Jaxon Osmotherly, 13th Alan Sands, 17th Terry Docherty.

February 25

Sunday Mixed stableford

A Grade Leeanne Carmody 36. B

Grade: Bohdi Marjanovic 39.

Ball Winners: Martin Hill 37, Patrick Hill 37, Bronte Bruce 36, David O’Connor 36, Kim Arnold 35.

NTP: 4th Joe Marjanovic, 8th Patrick Hill, 13th Joe Marjanovic.

Tuesday, February 27

Ladies’ 18 Hole Stableford

Winner: Marilyn Pane on a c/b 36.

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

“I worked with her for months planning the event, she helped with the formatting and helping the sponsorship side of things, she’s a really big part of it.

“There are some big drivers coming, it’s going to be an actionpacked race, it’s going to be a massive final.

“It’s hard to say (who will win), there are so many good drivers, it’s anyone’s game on the night –every single one of those drivers can win that race.”

The junior racing will be another highlight of the racing weekend, with races on both Saturday evening and Sunday morning.

“The kids will have their cars on display on Saturday at the track, they’ll compete on Saturday night and on to their series round on Sunday,” Mankey said.

“It’s the first time the kids will ever get to run under lights, they’ve never run under lights before.

“It’s really good for the SSA juniors Top Stars and New Stars - River Paterson who won a Tasmanian title on the weekend, he’s coming along as well, so it’s looking really stacked.

“Sunday’s free to get in to watch the quarter midgets - I think they ended up with 32 cars for the Sunday.”

Gates open from 1pm on Saturday at the Wangaratta Speedway at South Wangaratta, with racing from 4pm, while racing on Sunday begins from 11am.

Ball Winners: Vicki Moorhead (2) 36, Di Murphy 34.

NTP: 8th Carol Myles, 13th Di Murphy, 17th Di Murphy.

Wednesday, February 28

Men’s 18 Hole Par

A Grade Winner: Ian Dinsdale +1.

B Grade Winner: Neville Hogan +4. C

Grade Winner: Ray Hyland +1.

Ball Winners: David Richards +3, Kelvin Archer +1, Pat Grady +1, Ian Weidemann 0, Michael Baillie 0, Bill O’Brien 0, Keith Moorhead 0, John Batchelor 0.

NTP: 4th Terry Docherty, 8th Keith Moorhead, 13th Neville Hogan, 17th Ian Dinsdale.

TARRA GOLF CLUB

TARRAWINGEE Golf Club results, Saturday, February 24

The members played a stableford event which was won by Ken Miller 35pts runner up was Manny Tanirau 34pts.

Once again no nearest the pins.

The ladies also played a stableford event which was won by Andrea Simmons.

Golf to be played on Saturday, March 2 will be a stroke event for the Monthly Medal.

Hit off times will be 8:30am for a 9:00am start.

All welcome.

Members are always welcome at the Tarrawingee Golf Club, the joining fee is $100 the contact number is 0428122590 or by contacting a member of the club.

Tarra Ladies

Tarra ladies played a 9-hole secret-six stableford event on Tuesday 27th.

The winner was Joan Quarrell.

Next week will be the March Monthly Medal.

WANGARATTA PICKLEBALL

RESULTS round 15

Section 1

Bryan Wilson 60 - 34, Trish

Phyland 50 - 45, Geoff Allen 44 - 51, Steve Johnston 43 - 52, Neville Bell

37 - 52.

Section 2

Brad Buss 60 - 31, Phil Densten 53 - 36, Sue Simsen 40 - 57, Tracy Loyst

38 - 47, Klaus Kazenwadel 33 - 53.

Section 3

Scott Bell 57 - 43, Teague Jenkin

54 - 37, Tim Dickinson 47 - 51, Graeme Cripps 46 - 49, Shelley Buss 34 - 58.

Section 4

Molly Booth 60 - 48, Helen O’Brien

55 - 53, Chris Jamieson 52 - 56, Ken Gaudion 49 - 59.

Section 5

Michael Reid 58 - 49, Jane Wachter

55 - 52, Andrew Howse 54 - 53, Nancy Reid 47 - 60.

Section 6

Clive Jones 60 - 46, Georgia McGuffie 51 - 46, Jennifer Reid 49 - 46, Marg Newton 42 - 54, Erin Matthews 40 - 5.

Aggregate top performers

Phyland, Trish 600/516, Kazenwadel, Klaus 571/588, Dickinson, Tim 553/495, Gaudion, Ken 544/510, Bell, Neville 503/553, Johnston, Steve 482/488, Wilson, Bryan 473/260, Reid, Nancy 436/489, Reid, Jennifer 426/509, Booth, Molly 398/339, Allen, Geoff 392/356, Simsen, Sue 379/366, Wachter, Jane 362/289, Reid, Michael 353/413, Cripps, Graeme 348/371, Jenkin, Teague 319/254, Loyst, Tracy 299/336, McGuffie, Georgia 291/354, Jamieson, Chris 263/308, Bell, Scott 248/240, Matthews, Erin 247/309, Mackinnon, Courtney 217/139, Howse, Andrew 201/264, Newton, Marg 196/246, Pollard, Judith 191/171, Westcott, Donna 166/174, Densten, Phil 154/109, Jones, Clive 141/145, Goudie, Les 116/92, Ross, Michelle 110/232, Chivers, Tyson 106/66, Boyd, Noel 101/95, Hanratty, Mandy 93/97, O’Brien, Russel 86/109, De Caneva, Carlo 85/88, Buss, Brad 60/31, O’Brien, Helen 55/53, Diaz 41/60, Buss, Shelley 34/58.

ALL AGES ACTION: Wangaratta Raceway president Kenneth Mankey and son Kayde are keen for racing action this weekend.

KNOCK IT IN: Matt Niedra rolls a putt at the Wangaratta Golf Club.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Busy cup day for Brisbourne

BEN Brisbourne has put together a strong team to attack Saturday’s Wangaratta Cup.

The local gun trainer will saddle up 11 runners for the Wangaratta Turf Club’s premier meeting, one of those being Nordic Pride in the $100,000 cup.

Nordic Pride will be the sole local hope in this year’s edition, coming into the race first-up with Brisbourne’s apprentice hoop Alysha Warren set to ride from barrier one.

Brisbourne said everything’s gone to plan with his star stayer.

“We set this race for Nordic Pride a while ago,” Brisbourne said.

“We wanted to go in fresh with him and right now he’s where we want him to be.

“First-up over 2000m

Vixen Kim Borger

■ From back page “It’s huge for us at Rovers, Kim brings so much strength and talent as well as netball knowledge to the club.

“It is great for netball in the area - I am excited about what Kim can do for our club and the O&M league.

“She’s a great person, a great player.”

The Rovers have struggled in recent A grade seasons, finishing ninth on the ladder in both 2022 and 2023.

Lamb said having an experienced player like Borger in the group would aid the growth of all players and coaches.

“I am excited that people will come watch her play, I am excited that she will bring her netball knowledge and share it with our young up and coming players and I am excited to reward our loyal players and continue to build success,” she said.

“Kim has been to training and gives so much.

“She is so generous with her time and netball knowledge that we are all going to learn and grow in her presence.”

Borger will participate in the Rovers’ practice matches at Cathedral College, taking on Mooroopna this Saturday and Mansfield on Saturday, March 16.

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@

nemedia.com.au

he’s going to have to do a good job because there’s a few good horses in there so there’s a little up against us but I don’t see why he can’t run a good race.”

The cup field is headlined by top weight Mostly Cloudy who won at Flemington just three starts back, while Ben and Will Hayes’ Independent Cloud has won three of his last six starts.

Arguably the x-factor in the race is Liam Howley’s Station One who has been the pin-up horse of country cup racing in Victoria of late, winning the Dunkeld, Traralgon and Marong cups just this preparation.

“There looks to be a lot

of pace in the race so we’ll get back and run on,” Brisbourne said.

“Hopefully they go too hard up front and with 54kgs on our back we get a nice sprint at it at the end.”

The other feature race will be heat three of the Country Mile Series ($75,000) where Brisbourne will have three runners attempting to grab a start in the series final.

It’s a race that brings plenty of good memories for the Brisbourne camp after taking out the $250,000 final in 2021 with Fontein Diamond.

Bullet Wing looks Brisbourne’s best chance, while Char and Princess Nefertiti won’t be far off it.

“Bullet Wing’s a horse we set for this race a month ago, the only question mark will be the distance,” Brisbourne said.

“He’s a proper metro horse running in a country race though so we definitely feel he can get the job done.

“It was great to get Princess Nefertiti back in the winners enclosure at Albury last start but she’s drawn wide (14) so will need some luck.

“And then Char’s in good form but has been doing a little bit wrong, he wasn’t far off Station One a couple of starts ago so if he does a few more things right he’ll be a chance.”

In the other races, Brisbourne believes Mischinka will go close in race five’s benchmark 64 (2000m).

“Mischinka’s a grand old horse that always puts in a good performance,” he said.

“But to be honest I think all of them go there with a chance.”

“For some reason or it could be a coincidence, all of our activities were in nature and she loves to be in nature - camping, hiking, beaches and exploring.

The 39-year-old has spent the past four years embarking on a journey alongside wife Manisha and daughter Prakruti, achieving yearly goals in marathon running, hiking, mountain climbing and exploring nature.

Kasula moved from India to the USA in 2007, and completed his first marathon seven years later in 2014 and found a love of running.

In the years since, he has completed 47 marathons to date, but his greatest achievements were meeting Manisha in 2016, and the birth of Prakruti in 2021.

Kasula said the birth of his daughter, whose name means ‘nature’ in Sanskrit, inspired the family to get outdoors and stay as active as they could, with yearly goals in mind.

“My wife and I set a unique goal together to stay active after our child,” he said.

“It’s either hiking or walking or running miles relevant to each month, starting with one mile in the first month and increasing by a mile each month, culminating in a half marathon for the 12th month.

“Our second year goal was visiting a national park every month, staying for at least one night in the park, and hiking at least two miles.

“We triumphantly completed this goal as well, exploring 12 national parks in 12 months and immersing ourselves in nature’s beauty.”

For the family’s third year goal, they set about summiting a mountain a month since March 2023, a quest which will take the California-based family to Fiji, before arriving in Australia to climb Mt. Kosciuszko on March 1.

“For the eleventh month we are flying to Fiji to summit Mt. Batilamu at Koroyanitu National Park and then for the finale, flying to

Australia to summit Mt. Kosciuszko on March 1 to celebrate our little one turning three on the very same day,” Kasula said.

“So far every summit, regardless of its altitude, came with its share of difficulties and challenges.

“But, all have been enriched by the joy and wonder of our little one by our side.

“Thanks to her singing, humming, chatting and sleeping at the right time while we hike the difficult sections to create memories for lifetime.

“We’re praying for the last two mountains and mother nature to be kind enough to let us complete this goal.”

After tackling Kosciuszko, the family will return to running to commence their fourth year plan.

“After a wonderful year of learning and growth, we are immediately kicking off the fourth year goal to run a full marathon by me, a halfmarathon by my wife and either 1km or 2km, or any kids fun run by the little one every month until she turns four,” Kasula said.

“So for this, we are heading to Gosling Creek Reserve to participate in the Orange Running Festival on the weekend of March 9-10, where our daughter and my wife will be participating in a 2km and half-marathon race.

“Then, we will fly to Wangaratta for me to participate in the full marathon on March 17.

“Back in May 2023, when my wife was planning for the third year goal and the 12th mountain in Australia, she then thought of running races too.

“She started looking up for races and she found Wangaratta Marathon in March and we had to plan our trip around the marathon.

“We have always been nature people and simply love exploring parks around the world and are super excited to experience the magic of Australia, its parks, culture and people.”

The Wangaratta Marathon and Fun Run will be held on Sunday, March 17 - for more information on the event visit www.wangarattamarathon.com.au.

MARATHON runner Satish Kasula is looking to the Wangaratta Marathon and Fun Run to tick off another box in his family’s active and adventurous quest around the world.

SURE SHOT: Kim Borger has signed with Wangaratta Rovers for the 2024 O&M season.

PHOTO: Wangaratta Rovers Hawks sign former

CHEEKY CHAPPY: Nordic Pride posed for a photo with apprentice hoop Alysha Warren ahead of tomorrow’s big race.

PHOTO: Bailey Zimmermann

HAPPY FAMILY: Manisha, Satish and Prakruti’s lifestyle affords them access to some stunning views on their adventures, like their hike up Mount Tammany in New Jersey.

A family A affair for Tzaros’ at at City2City

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

IT was Wangaratta domination in the City2City 7.5km event in Albury-Wodonga last month.

The top five was filled with three Wangaratta locals with Merlin Tzaros taking the event out in a time of 24.56.45, while Josh Ledger (26.47.47) was third, closely followed by Merlin’s dad Chris Tzaros (28.57.1) in fourth.

It was a family affair for the Tzaros’ with Merlin’s mum Julie competing in the 7.5km event fresh off a back injury.

Merlin said he was stoked with the result.

“It was nice to win and good to do it with Mum and Dad too,” Merlin said.

“I had a great run, I ran a 5km PB within the 7.5km race so that was good.

“It was also a really fun event with a great atmosphere, I think it was the last City2City so there was a good turnout for it.”

Merlin’s dad Chris was also pleased with his run, clocking in a PB by 17 seconds.

“I was reasonably happy with my run,” Chris said.

“Going into the event I had some interruptions with my health

and things which interrupted my training but I was able to achieve a PB by 17 seconds so I was really happy with that.

“To land fourth was a bonus and it was just great to be able to run alongside Merlin.

“My wife Julie also competed in the 7.5km event, she’s had a back injury but made a return so it was a real family affair and a really enjoyable thing to do.

“The beauty of running and triathlons is that old fellas can

have a crack unlike a team sport where if I was chasing the young guys around on the footy field I’d be no chance.”

For Merlin, it was a great step towards The School Sport Australia Triathlon Championships where he will compete in the u16 age group in Perth from March 12 - 15.

“Over the past few weeks I’ve run in the City2City and Bendigo Frenzy, which is a 5km track event, I broke my PB

there and also the u16 record so both events have been great for my preparation for nationals,” Merlin said.

“Having done well in both events I definitely feel confident in my ability ahead of Perth where I’m aiming to finish in the top five in my age group.

“There’s going to be some stiff competition there though so it’s going to be tough but that’s my goal.”

While on the surface it looks

like Merlin is a natural athlete, the rising star puts in copious amounts of work behind the scenes.

“I train twice a day apart from a few days out from a race,” he said.

“I swim five days a week, ride four days and run four days so that keeps me busy.

“It can be difficult to balance all of the disciplines but my coach and I have worked it out over time.”

Friendlies preparing Devils for fast-approaching season

WITH just 18 days until the start of the Albury Wodonga Football Association season, Wangaratta City’s men are doing everything they can, on the training track and in practice games, to make sure they hit the ground running in round one.

After a friendly against State League 2 side Craigieburn and an intra-club game, the Devils will head across to Bendigo this weekend to take on Bendigo Amateur Soccer League side FC Eaglehawk.

Senior coach Raff Molinaro said there was not much time left to prepare the squad for the AWFA season.

“It’s coming to a point where there’s only three weeks left until round one starts, so we’re trying to pick up the pace in training sessions,” he said.

“We’re getting everyone keen in general, getting them excited to start playing again.”

Molinaro said matches

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

against quality opponents from outside the AWFA would help best prepare his men for a challenging domestic season.

“We’re pretty fortunate to have some good (skill) levels in our league and around us, we can really pick and choose - if we want to play a really good practice game against a top team, we’ve got that opportunity,” he said.

“It’s going to help us even more for the start of the season which can’t come soon enough.

“We had a practice match against Craigieburn, and with them being a State League 2 side, they were too good for us, but it gave us a very good indicator of where we’re at.

“We scored first in the game, which was a positive, and our attacking play was really good to see, we were

taking some good possession and working it up the field.

“We had an intra-club (match) last week, we were struggling to get players to travel up to Wagga for the game we have planned.

“We’re looking forward to playing at Bendigo this Saturday, we’ve got a practice match against Eaglehawk, another tough side.

“I think the main thing is to let the players know that we’re playing against these

good sides for a reason, we want to get up to their standard, up to their speed of play, it’s only going to help us more in round one.”

The Devils’ revamped midfield unit has been of particular note through the

friendlies, with new and returning players playing off each other perfectly.

“I feel our core is very strong, we’ve had a midfield pairing of Raul Pahina and Joel McGennisken,” Molinaro said.

“Joel is a local boy who’s come back, he played at Murray United, took a break off soccer but came back and wanted to play a season living in Wangaratta, he’s been a really good get for us, a great midfielder box to box, really good technically as well.

“Oscar O’Keeffe as well, he’s playing a bit more of a central role too instead of on the wing like he did last year.

“There’s going to be a really good balance there of strength and technical ability and even fitness with those boys, I’m looking forward to seeing what they can do this year.”

The Devils commence their 2024 AWFA campaign on Sunday, March 17 at home to St Pat’s.

STRONG SHOWING: Oscar O’Keeffe has impressed through the midfield in the Devils’ practice matches.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

LIKE FATHER LIKE SON: Merlin (left) and Chris Tzaros both finished in the top five of Albury-Wodonga CIty2City’s 7.5km event.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Wangaratta & District Cricket Association

PREVIEWS: Saturday, March 2

Colts fighting to keep finals hopes alive

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

CITY Colts are on the precipice of an A grade finals campaign, but need some huge results to go their way to feature in post-season action.

The Colts currently sit fifth on the overall ladder heading into the final home and away match of the season, a two-dayer against Ovens Valley United at McNamara Reserve, sitting on 84.9 points.

The match against the Tigers will be difficult enough on its own, with a frugal bowling attack headlined by off-spinning import Gurjot Gosal, and a determined batting line up who came within 25 runs of defeating Yarrawonga Mulwala last week after languishing at 4/5.

A win over Ovens Valley would boost Colts up the ladder, but it may not be enough to earn a space in the top four.

Beechworth Wanderers currently holds the last remaining ticket to finals, sitting on 85.3 points – the

ting the younger players experience A grade cricket.

“After last year, we’ve just been after improvement, sitting second at Christmas was a bit of a bonus, but the whole year’s been about improvement, getting games into young Archie Crispin, Jed Marek and all the other kids who have played this year,” he said.

“Will Petersen will come in and keep for us, he’s played a couple of games for us this year, he gets a chance with the bat as well, both him and his brother Corey are good young bats, so they’ll both play.

Colts need the Wanderers to lose in their clash with seventh placed Delatite to even have a chance of making the four.

Colts’ Kent Braden said the position the side is in was of their own doing, but they’d still give it their all.

“It’s of our own doing, we just needed to win one more game after the first one after Christmas,” he said.

“We haven’t been good enough, there have been a few reasons here and there for it, but it’s the position we’re in.

“We’ve got to be able to turn it around and get back to playing some good cricket, because we know our best cricket is more than capable of being a finals brand of cricket, so we need to get back to that.

“We’re out for a bit of redemption this week, but it’s a bit out of our hands – all we can do is to try and win the game and see where that puts us. “

The Colts’ up-and-coming stars will have a chance to shine once again, with Braden eager to keep let-

“It’s a good chance for them and all of the other young guys we’ve got to try and make a name for themselves, bat long periods, and hopefully get a score for themselves or stick around and build a partnership with Jesse Smith, Josh or Tyler Nanson or myself.

“That’s what Colts has been built around, giving young blokes a go.”

City Colts take on Ovens Valley United at McNamara Reserve this Saturday, with play commencing from 1pm.

JUNIOR CRICKET FINALS THIS WEEKEND

By NATHAN DE VRIES

AFTER months of toiling in the field, swinging the bat, and all of the ups and downs of cricket, Wangaratta and District Cricket Association finals are on across all three junior age groups.

The two under 12 divisions will play their grand finals as T20s on Saturday, while the under 14s and under 16s begin their two-day semi-finals.

In the under 12 Gold division, Yarrawonga Mulwala Bulls will host Benalla Bushrangers Green from 9am on Oval 2 at Victoria Park, Yarrawonga.

The Bulls crushed Bushrangers Blue in the semi-final by 58 runs, with a strong top order batting list and devastating bowlers, while Bushrangers Green defeated Bushrangers Red by eight wickets to propel them into the decider.

Memorial Park in Myrtleford will host the Under 12 Blue grand final, with Ovens Valley United Orange to take on Beechworth Wanderers.

The two top teams in the division should prove an equal match for each other, with stars and representative players in each list.

The under 14 semi-finals will commence this weekend, with Saturday-Sunday matches between

City Colts and Benalla Bushrangers at Barr Reserve 2, and Rovers United Bruck Gold and Ovens Valley United at WJ Findlay Oval.

The Colts and Rovers will also feature in the under 16 semi-finals across the weekend, going head to head at Bill O’Callaghan Oval from 9am on both days.

The other semi-final will see Benalla Bushrangers host Beechworth Wanderers at Benalla Gardens Oval.

By WILLSON MACK

Win and you’re in for Magpies

FOR Wangaratta Magpies the equation is simple, beat Yarrawonga Mulwala and play finals in 2024.

The Magpies got off to a slow start this season but have banded together to win all four on the trot postChristmas, currently sitting third on the ladder.

The task of locking a finals spot in won’t be easy though coming up against the ladder leaders who have dropped just four games this season.

Wangaratta Magpies skipper Jack Davies said his side will treat the weekend like a final.

“Win this one and we’re in, if not we leave it up to results from other games,” Davies said.

“We see this as a first final for us, if we lose from here on in we’re out so we’ll be treating it with finals like intensity.

“We can’t leave any stone unturned and I’ve been super proud of how the boys have attacked the last six weeks.

“Obviously scraping into the top four isn’t where we thought we’d be at the start of the season, and we didn’t do what we needed to do early on but it’s still pleasing to see the effort everyone’s put in recently.”

The Lakers have matchwinners across the park with quick James Irvine one of the competition’s best bowlers, while Reid Clarke and Jobe Fraser have had strong seasons with the bat.

“They’re one of the best sides this season and have been for the last 10 years so they’ve got plenty of good players,” Davies said.

“Their batting is strong so we’re going to have to take early wickets and crack into their middle order as early as possible.

“And then, when it’s our turn to bat, we’ll need to bat the day and doing that against a top two side is what the challenge is.”

The Magpies will unfortunately be without Nick Pell who strained his hamstring at football training for Greta.

“Unfortunately ‘Pelly’ did his hamstring at footy training so we’ll be without him for a few weeks,” Davies said.

“Someone will replace him in the 12 though, and we believe we’ve got a team good enough to get the job done.

“Having the likes of ‘Clemmo’ (Chris Clement) come back in has made a massive difference over the past few weeks, he’s a left armer and a wicket-taker so getting him back has been golden.”

LAST HURRAH: Aaron Thrum and the Colts will head into the final home and away match of the year angling for a massive win over Ovens Valley United.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

THE POINTY END: Both Thomas Wright’s Rovers United Bruck and Allister Olsson’s City Colts will feature in the under 14 semi-finals this weekend.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Looby lapping up the silverware

Eliza Looby is hoping to take her hometown regional championship form to All Junior Finals ypggpp

YOUNG swimming superstar Eliza Looby is looking to add to her state country medal collection at the All Junior Finals on March 16-17.

The 10-year-old Stingray was still reeling from her most accomplished meet so far in her young career at the Ovens and Murray District Swimming Championships, winning six gold and one silver in her seven events to be crowned age champion.

Eliza said she was very grateful of the support she received at her home meet, and enjoyed cheering on her team in other events.

“I felt very confident in the majority of my races, especially in my 100m backstroke, I am very proud of myself,” she said.

“I was happiest getting out of the 50m breaststroke be-

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

cause I had taken 0.49sec off my PB that I have been trying to break for a year.”

Eliza was one of 20 Stingrays competing at the regionals, including sister Alex.

Since starting swimming with club in the summer of 2019, Eliza said she has thoroughly enjoyed the tutelage under coach Gary Bowman and has embraced swimming as her favourite sport.

“Swimming with the Stingrays is a great privilege to me because I can happily go there every training feeling supported and accepted,” she said.

“Ever since I have been swimming at the club, every-

one has been very supportive, letting me enjoy swimming and being kind and caring on dull days.”

Eliza has been taking lessons in the water for as long as she can remember, taking an instant love to swimming.

“While I am growing up, I will try to make to nationals and possibly make it on the Victorian state team, and race against the rest of Australia,” she said.

“Even though it sounds like a big goal, I will work towards it.

“Other than that, I will just see what happens in the coming years.”

Eliza, along with 17 other Stingrays, will be moving on to the All Junior Finals starting on March 16 at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.

Some of the best up and

coming swimmers in country Victoria from ages eight to 16 will be hitting the city to bring an end to the summer season.

Eliza said she hoped to repeat past success at the junior finals, where she has won back to back golds in her favourite stroke, breaststroke, in 2022 and 2023 to go with freestyle gold and backstroke bronze.

“I am hoping to do even better this year, maybe even more wins but down in Melbourne I am faced with country Victoria’s best 10-year-old swimmers, so it is very serious and competitive there,” she said.

“Although we go to Melbourne for the swimming competition, it is also fun to walk around the city and have dinner at the Greek restaurant.”

GREEN’S GRUELING CHALLENGE

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

LOCAL triathlete Cam Green is taking on one of the hardest oneday events in the world.

Green, a seasoned triathlete, has decided to take his endeavours up a level and will compete in two Ironman events in 2024.

His first event will be the Geelong 70.3 which consists of a 1.9km swim, 90km ride and 21.1km run; this is considered a half-Ironman, however Green’s grand final will come on May 5.

Here, he will compete in the Port Macquarie Ironman, a grueling event that will see Green tackle a 3.8km swim, 180km ride and 42.2km (marathon) run.

Green said his training has been solid over the last few months.

“Training has been very consistent, albeit tough to juggle around life,” Green said.

“As a dad and husband, trying to balance training lots of hours and out of the house for long periods of time, between (wife) Chaye’s own gym and netball, as well as (son) Clancy and still trying to be an engaged friend in my friendship groups has been hard.

“I am training consistently between 15-17 hours a week, made up of three swims (about 6-8km per week), three rides (150200km a week) and four runs (3848km per week) as well as a gym session and a lot of foam rolling and self-massage.

“Most of my training is easy, my heart rate doesn’t get above 140bpm a lot, but when it’s time to shift gears and go hard the body is ready for that too.

“Riding wise I am a little light on hours and kilometres wise but that’s just the reality of trying to balance life, as well as sunrise and twilight getting earlier and earlier.

“Training will ramp up for six weeks with only one down week heading into Geelong - hours

will jump to around 18-21 hours a week, with a lot more cycling to try and become as efficient as I can at that discipline as it’s the most time consuming on race day.”

It won’t be Green’s first time attacking the Geelong 70.3 most recently completing the 2023 edition in a time of 5:05:51.

He said competing last year lit a fire in his belly to give a full Ironman a crack.

“Shortly after I finished Geelong 70.3 in 2023, and before Clancy was born, I knew I had to give it a crack soon,” he said.

“Once footy was over it was time to start planning.

“I had the idea to complete a triathlon at least once in my life, when watching the 2012 Olympics and seeing Alistair Brownlee run a sub 30 minute 10km run off the bike which was unreal to watch.

“I spoke to local Wangaratta triathlete legends Knobby Hill and Peter Thaus back when I was working at the paper, and that chat reminded me and motivated me to do one sooner rather than later.”

Triathlons have been a big part of Green’s life since he competed in his first one in 2020 and he feels that will hold him in good stead as he takes on the challenge of a lifetime.

“I did my first triathlon in 2020 in Jervis Bay, dodging border closures, and have been hooked ever since,” he said.

“I have done three 70.3s (Geelong race) but haven’t had the time or fortitude to get a full distance Ironman.

“Since Chaye and I have welcomed Clancy our first child into the world, time is most valuable and something I definitely took for granted leading into April 2023, I can assure you.

“But I knew, with the past three years behind me, fitness basewise that while the undertaking of an Ironman would be difficult with a child at home - it’s better

I do it now before he starts walking.”

The 30-year-old has enlisted the help of a number of local businesses to assist him in achieving his goal of finishing the event which he is immensely grateful for.

“This is the most critical piece of the puzzle, and something I am so thankful for,” Green said.

“The fact that all of them jumped on board so quickly, and when I sat down to map out my training, my budget and my racing season, I knew what was possible and how to pull it all together and that has been a blessing.

“The businesses banded together to cover race costs (for both Geelong and Port Macquarie), accommodation and fuel

“I also put together a custom tri-suit to represent their logos and my commitment to them, like they showed me.”

Green, the husband of Wangaratta star netballer Chaye Crimmins, said he also had to repay the support from home.

“I need to get back and support Chaye, she’s put her sporting life on hold to raise Clancy and support me this past year and I want to show her how appreciative I am for that support by doing this race well, but also hanging the cleats up for a couple of years and being a lot more present in all our lives,” he said.

“Triathlon is such a selfish sport in many ways and I am aware that I miss a many things because of it.

“I don’t want to miss too much of Clancy growing up, and the training commitment is too high to juggle it all for a long period of time, while working full-time.”

And as to why he wants to take this crazy challenge on?

“That’s three-fold,” he said.

“One, It’s going to be hard and I want to prove to myself that I can do one of the hardest one-day events in the world.

“Two, I haven’t done a marathon yet, so why not do one after riding 180km.

“And three, to show Clancy the photos of him and I at the finish line, and to inspire him that hard work creates your own success.”

SWIMMING SISTERS: Eliza Looby (right) and sister Alex were among the feature hometown swimmer at Wangaratta’s recent Ovens and Murray District Championships

READY TO GO: Cam Green’s preparation for his Ironman events are well underway.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Brisbourne Racing apprentice jockey Alysha Warren will ride Wangaratta’s only local hope Nordic Pride in tomorrow’s Wangaratta Cup.

Story page 38

PHOTO: Bailey Zimmermann

Hawks sign former Vixen Kim Borger

THE Rovers’ attacking end will receive a massive boost for the 2024 Ovens and Murray season, with the Hawks signing former Melbourne Vixen shooter Kim Borger.

The 35-year-old shooter has a wealth of experience at a high level, including Suncorp Super Netball with the Swifts and Vixens, as well as three seasons over in England’s Netball Super League with Team Bath, where she shot over 1300 goals at 92 per cent accuracy.

Wangaratta Rovers assistant coach Stacey Lamb said Borger would be an incredible asset both on and off the court.

“I have known Kim for quite a while

BY NATHAN DE VRIES

through netball circles, she’s played netball at the highest level all over the world and in Australia,” Lamb said.

“We talk netball often and have done so over many years, and every year I ask her what her plans are for netball, share with her the good things happening at Wangaratta Rovers and always invite her to come train, meet the girls and play - this year I got the answer I was looking for.

■ Continued page 36

Wangaratta Rovers snare arguably Ovens & Murray netball’s biggest off-season’s recruit ggyygg

Green’s gruelling challenge Page 39