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www.wangarattachronicle.com.au

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

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Phone (03) 5723 0100

LEANNE Meredith was among Wangaratta residents who enjoyed decorating their houses and welcoming trick-or-treaters as part of yesterday’s Halloween celebrations. Story page 7 PHOTO: Simone Kerwin

GUIDE

Sledging: Just not cricket Sport

It’s bubbly relief King Valley Ki V ll winemakers i k praise i A Australia’s li ’ trade d stance, protecting i prosecco

KING Valley winemakers say Australia’s decision to walk away from a trade deal with European Union (EU) was the right one, offering them more security around the grape variety, prosecco, which is worth more than $80 million annually to the local industry. Trade Minister Don Farrell ended talks in Osaka on Monday, after the EU refused to budge on geographical indicators being attached to products

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

like prosecco wine, feta and parmesan cheese, which would have prevented Australian producers using the product names. Dal Zotto Wines was a pioneer in planting the prosecco grape variety in Australia, and director Michael Dal Zotto said this

WANGARATTA

is celebrating

Sat 18th Nov

week’s decision will allow growers in the $200 millionplus sector of Australia’s wine industry to continue with certainty for at least the next three years. “It will allow growers to move forward with investment in prosecco as it is the hero variety of the region,” he said. “It takes away the uncertainty and this will be a three year cycle as the EU goes into an election process.” Businesses were faced

with uncertainty if the GIs were implemented and this would have involved a phase out period of prosecco that would have cost millions of dollars in remarketing of the variety. “Now we can look at all the vineyard investments that we were looking to graft or plant, we can now step into that process,” Mr Dal Zotto said. “We feel pretty buoyant that we’ll continue to grow that segment of the

industry, therefore hold more value to the industry overall.” Brown Family Wine Group CEO Dean Carroll said no deal is far better than a bad deal for regional Australia. He said it’s not often all areas of government agree but it’s clear on this issue that walking away is the best option for Australia. “Prosecco is a grape variety and has been for hundreds of years

and attempting to force limitations on Australian producers’ right to use as part of a ‘free trade agreement’ is against the very heart of why free trade agreements exist,” Mr Carroll said. “It’s so pleasing to see how the King Valley region in conjunction with our local MP and industry bodies have been able to work together to get the message heard in all the right places. ■ Continued page 2

$5 from every tyre sold on Friday November 17th and Saturday November 18th will be donated to McHappy Day Ph: 5721 8488

A1 Tyrepower Wangaratta

Cnr Roy & Norton Streets, Wangaratta

Page 2 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 1, 2023

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Bubbly relief in King Valley ■ From page 1

HERE’S CHEERS: Otto Dal Zotto of Dal Zotto Wines was a pioneer in the planting of the prosecco grape variety in the King Valley.

“This decision not only protects our local industry but opens up opportunities to take King Valley Prosecco to the world, knowing we produce the quality to compete favourably.” Indi independent federal MP Helen Haines facilitated meetings between a delegation of King Valley winemakers and Mr Farrell and Agricultural Minister Murray Watt in Parliament House late last year, and has discussed the negotiations with Mr Farrell throughout 2023. “Prosecco is vital to the economy in the King Valley and a robust wine industry is vital to Indi,” Dr Haines said. “I am pleased Minister Farrell has listened to the concerns of farmers, winemakers, grape growers and the broader agricultural industry on this deal. “What was on the table was not a good

deal for regional Australia, and we have seen little progress and compromise by the European Union, so this was the right call for us.” Speaking following the briefing of industry representatives in Osaka, NFF president David Jochinke said the Minister had made the right call for Australia. “We thank Minister Farrell and Agriculture Minister Murray Watt for standing by Australian farmers and walking away from an unacceptable offer,” Mr Jochinke said. “It’s disappointing the Europeans weren’t willing to put something commercially meaningful on the table. “What was on offer would have hardwired protectionism into our trading relationship with Europe for another generation.” ■ EDITORIAL - PAGE 6

Est. 1884, Incorporating Wangaratta Despatch, Est. 1861

WEATHER

TEMPERATURES: Wednesday Max 23 Min 5 Mostly sunny Thursday

Max 25 Min 6 Mostly sunny

Friday

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Max 27 Min 9 Mostly sunny

Sunday

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RAINFALL:

Min 7

Last 72 hours

Last 7 days

Wangaratta

0.0 mm

Lake Buffalo

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Cheshunt

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SOCIETY ART SHOW: The Wangaratta Artists Society 52nd Annual Art Exhibition from is on from Thursday until Sunday at The Studio in Lions Park - Batchelors Green on Tone Road. The exhibition is open daily from 10am to 4pm with free entry and ample parking. Pictured are Margo Zautsen (left), Robyn White and Helen Gibson. Everyone is invited to come along to see what masterpieces our local artists have created at the old ‘bull ring’. Anyone who would like to join the Wangaratta Artists Society, call Robyn on 0412 291 066. See more events in today’s What’s On section on page 11. PHOTO: Steve Kelly

*NB: Rainfall totals up until 3pm, Tuesday

NEWS TIPS Office Hours: 5723 0100 After Hours: 5723 0107 Email: edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au

CONTACTS POSTAL ADDRESS: 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta GENERAL TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES: 5723 0100 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: 5723 0101 DISPLAY ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: 5723 0139 Email: edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au Website: wangarattachronicle.com.au

Follow us ADVERTISING CLOSING TIMES Monday Issue: Display Thurs. 10am. Classifieds Fri. 2.30pm Wednesday Issue: Display Fri. 10am. Classifieds Tues. 2.30pm Friday Issue: Display Tues. 10am. Classifieds Thurs. 2.30pm Published by Hartley Higgins for North East Media Pty Ltd, 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677. Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Editor Jeff Zeuschner. Copyright: All advertising and editorial content of this issue is the copyright of North East Media Pty Ltd and cannot be used without the company’s permission. The Chronicle is bound by the Standards of Practice of the Australian Press Council. If you believe the standards may have been breached, you may approach the Chronicle itself or contact the council by email at info@presscouncil.org.au or by phone on (02) 9261 1930.

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Wine trade hope after trying 2023 vintage By STEVE KELLY ONE of Australia’s largest wine producers, Brown Family Wine Group (BFWG) at Milawa, has welcomed talks between Australia and China which could end the later’s crippling tariffs on Australian wine. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping next month after agreeing to halt a World Trade Organisation dispute pending the outcome of China’s “expedited review” on tariffs, which will take five months. BFWG CEO Dean Carroll, based at the Milawa winery, said it’s an encouraging announcement that gives hope that recommencement of trade with China may be on the horizon for a challenged wine industry. “We would welcome a quicker resolution than five months, but understand it’s a sensitive

PM Alb Albanese and dP President id t Ji Jinping i agree tto halt WTO dispute p until tariff review completed p process and we appreciate the government’s effort in getting to this point,” Mr Carroll said. Beijing imposed trade sanctions on $20 billion worth of Australian export products during an unsettled trade period in 2020. China claimed the duties were to stop dumping, and with wine tariffs up to 218.4 per cent costing the Australian wine industry $1 billion per annum since from a 130 million-litre shortfall. Earlier this year talks recommenced with the Australian and Chinese governments that would create a pathway towards resolving the dispute over Australian barley, and Trade Minister Don Farrell was confident in a favourable outcome for Australian wine as well.

At the time BFWG executive director Ross Brown said “it’s critical” the agreement goes through to sustain the health and growth of the industry. “China was our largest export market and to suddenly lose this overnight...it takes many years to build these markets,” Mr Brown said. “You don’t suddenly turn the switch and get a new market, certainly not as diversified as China.” During the trade sanctions other Asian markets continued to support Brown Brothers wines including South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines. Meanwhile, growing conditions last season due to a third La Nina event caused a decline in yield, with the 2023 wine-

grape vintage estimated to be 1.32 million tonnes or 26 per cent below the 10-year average equivalent to about 325 million litres of wine - and the lowest recorded since 2000. The total estimated value of the 2023 crush at the weighbridge was $983 million, a decrease of $229 million (19 per cent) compared with 2022. Wine Australia manager of market insights, Peter Bailey, said this smaller vintage, which will reduce the wine available for sale by around 325 million litres, is likely to have a considerable impact on the bottom line of grape and wine businesses all around Australia, at a time when the costs of inputs, energy, labour and transport have increased significantly.

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 1, 2023 - Page 3

Benalla man dies in wake of alleged assault A 63-year-old Benalla man has died in hospital following an alleged assault in the town in early October. The man was located lying injured on Ballantine Street around 7.10pm on October 11, and was taken to hospital for treatment. He subsequently died from his injuries on October 28. A 19-year-old Benalla man faced Wangaratta Magistrates Court last month charged with the alleged assault, and faces charges of intentionally cause injury, recklessly cause injury and affray. A summary of the alleged offending was not read by police, and the man did not apply for bail. A police statement late last week did not flag whether charges would be upgraded following the man’s death. The accused teen is set to return to Wangaratta Magistrates Court next week.

SPARKING CHANGE: Minister for the SEC Lily D’Ambrosio was optimistic ongoing engagement with local communities can resolve conflicts over proposed solar farm projects, including the 330mw project in Meadow Creek. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Minister confident solar farm flare ups can be resolved

MINISTER for the State Electricity Commission (SEC), Lily D’Ambrosio, believes concerns over land disputes of renewable energy projects, including the proposed $750m Meadow Creek project proposed near Moyhu, can be resolved with a balanced consultation approach. The Meadow Creek project is slated to be up to a 330 megawatt (MW) site, potentially providing clean energy to 110,000 regional homes as part of an increasing focus on renewables in North East Victoria. Concerns have previously been raised by community members about run-off from the development filtering into the nearby King River and Hurdle Creek, as well as an anticipated spike in insurance premiums for landowners who neighbour the solar farm. A King Valley CFA captain also raised concerns around a lack of clear instruction and train-

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

ing in the event of a fire at the proposed 1400 acre solar farm, which borders the existing Bobinawarrah CFA shed and town hall. Visiting Glenrowan Solar Farm last Friday, Minister D’Ambrosio told the Wangaratta Chronicle that she was confident good engagement with the local community and local emergency services would accommodate interests of all parties to bring forward the “benefit” of renewable energy projects in the region. “Sharing of land or land use is always going to be a fundamental question and that is why with all developers of renewable energy projects, I know there is a big focus on how they engage with local communities and

their councils,” she said. “We want Victorians to feel confident that those critical decision points are available to everyone to be able to put forward their views and balanced decisions will be taken to abide guidelines.” But One Nation upper house MP Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell wants to legislate stricter regulations on where solar farms can be built. Following consultations with the Meadow Creek Agricultural Community Action Group, and others, she has lodged a bill to be discussed in parliament this week. Ms Tyrell said her Planning and Environment Amendment (Soil Protection) (Solar Power Generation Facilities) Bill 2023 was not anti-solar power generation, but hoped to ensure the protection of important land. “I support responsible renewable energy projects, but we must take a cautious approach to make sure such projects are

established on suitable land,” she said. “My bill is one of common sense and simply legislates the existing departmental considerations regarding where future solar farms should be built.” Ms Tyrell said she expected to receive strong support within the Legislative Council ahead of debate around her maiden bill today. Newly elected National Farmers Federation (NFF) president David Jochinke also expressed his concerns on the proposed project on “prime agricultural land” to national media this week, seeking more consultation with farmers and regional communities when presented with renewable energy projects. Ms D’Ambrosio’s visited last Friday following the State Government’s announcement of the incoming SEC’s strategic plan, with the aim of guiding the state to 95 per cent renewable energy by 2035.

Wangaratta vehicle stolen and torched WANGARATTA investigators are seeking public assistance to locate offenders linked to the theft of a vehicle from Pinkerton Street late last week. According to Detective Senior Constable James Howarth, a blue Toyota Kluger was likely stolen overnight on Thursday, and was later found ablaze at Bandiana on Friday afternoon. Local police are investigating the initial theft of the vehicle. Anyone with information is urged to contact Wangaratta Police Station on 5723 0888.

Deja vu for local firefighters at factory TWO fires at the same North Wangaratta factory on Monday resulted in major firefighting turnouts by local crews. Fire Rescue Victoria and CFA firefighters were first called to Alpine MDF’s Crosher Lane premises around 8.45am, launching an “aggressive internal attack”, according to an FRV spokesperson. Firefighters donned their breathing apparatus to attack the source of the blaze, a piece of manufacturing equipment, and brought the fire under control within 45 minutes. The same piece of manufacturing equipment later caught fire at 3.26pm, with four FRV trucks and two CFA appliances called to the scene. An FRV spokesperson said firefighters had used the same strategy to bring the blaze under control within 40 minutes. Ambulance Victoria crews attended both scenes as a precaution, but no treatment or transportation was required. Victoria Police deemed the first fire “unsuspicious”, and did not attend the second callout.

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Page 4 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Street meetings to prepare communities for bushfire season A NUMBER of street corner meetings in the coming weeks will allow local residents to gather important information about their fire risk ahead of the upcoming summer season. South Wangaratta residents in the vicinity of Colson Drive, Pindari Road, Aminya Road, Kalinya Road and Reiths Road will be able to gather at 389 Reiths Road on November 11 between 1pm and 2pm. A separate gathering for residents of Waldara in the vicinity of Wonga Park Drive, Yarrawonga Road, Usshers Drive and Waldara Drive will be held the following day between 10am and 11am at the end of Wonga Park Drive. Both sessions will explore summer fire safety, how to manage pets in the event of a bushfire, the region’s seasonal outlook and how to plan, prepare and survive a bushfire event. CFA representatives will lead the discussions. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chair, a drink bottle and personal shade. For more information, contact Sue on 0478 664 559.

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Farewell to Eunice Herman: knowledgeable lady of racing By SIMONE KERWIN

BORN INTO RACING: Eunice Herman with husband Fred at the Wangaratta Cup in 2006.

BUILT IN BLUE NEW signs spread out across Wangaratta CBD have been rolled out as a part of the Rural City of Wangaratta Council’s continuing rebranding strategy. The instalment has included street signs, parking directory signs and general directory street signs situated on Reid, Murphy and Ford Street and scattered on the outer city limits. The change of signage is in the long–term financial plan and part of the overall rebranding strategy, including the changes to town signs last year, costing between $250k and $300k. Rural City of Wangaratta director of community and infrastructure, Marcus Goonan, said the signs convey a look of modernisation and consistency around town.

Join in the celebration for precinct opening

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For many people, the after Funeral gathering can be almost as important as the Funeral ceremony itself. Mason Park’s Memories Room, directly opposite the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery is the ideal location to gather and support one another following a loss. It is a fully licensed facility and we have many food and drink options to suit everyone.

Mason Park Funerals P. 03 5721 5060

FORMER Wangaratta Chronicle turf racing columnist Eunice Herman passed away last week, aged 91. Mrs Herman produced a weekly column for the paper from 1985 to ‘95, drawing on her knowledge as a member of Wangaratta’s famed Hoysted racing family. The daughter of Bob and Madge Hoysted, Mrs Herman was the youngest member of the fourth generation of Wangaratta Hoysteds. Her husband, Fred, was racecourse manager at Wangaratta for many years. She was the mother of two sons, Neil and Stuart, and was a grandmother of

four and great-grandmother of five. Extremely proud of her family’s heritage, Mrs Herman did plenty to promote the name, including organising a Hoysted reunion in 1988 which drew 400 family members and friends to the Wangaratta racecourse. Always impeccably dressed, she ran fashions on the field events at the Wangaratta Turf Club for many years, was a turf club life member, and was also a committee member of Wangaratta’s St Patrick’s Racing Club over 12 years. Mrs Herman will be farewelled during a requiem mass at St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Ford Street on Friday at 10.30am.

W. masonpark.com.au

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HUNDREDS of people are expected to attend the official opening of the Ovens Riverside Precinct this Friday. Tim McCurdy (MLA, Murray Valley) has the task of opening the $3.3m development, which was funded by the state and federal governments, as well as the Rural City of Wangaratta. Council’s events coordinator, Tanya McAlpin, said there would be a festive atmosphere at the opening, which begins at 3pm, before the official proceedings at 5pm. Stilt walkers and puppeteers will be part of the entertainment while local businesses, Café The PreVue, Watermarc and Georges Espresso will be serving food on the promenade.

HIP TO BE SQUARE: The Ovens Riverside Square will be a focal point this Friday when the $3.3 million riverside development is officially opened. The Rural City of Wangaratta’s events officer Jenny Bevis and events co-ordinator, Tanya McAlpin have been organising the launch, which kicks off at 3pm.

There will also be kids activities and live entertainment from performers including

Wangaratta’s Luke Davies. “It will showcase what this square can do,” Ms McAlpin said. “It will be a perfect weekend with all the tourists in town for the jazz festival.” The event will finish at around 6.30pm, just in time for the Blues marquee in Apex Park to kick off.

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THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 1, 2023 - Page 5

Container deposit centres now open across region By RYAN MALCOLM WANGARATTA’S Newman Street automated container deposit centre is now open, with attendees able to receive 10c refunds on a host of recyclable cans, bottles and cartons from today. The site, which is directly opposite the Rural City of Wangaratta depot, will operate from 8am to 4pm from Monday through to Saturday, and automatically sort and generate refunds for recycled containers. Attendees will be able to leave with their refund in

cash or as an eftpos transfer. The automated sorting machine can sort 10,000 items each hour. Similar automated deposit centres are also expected to open today in Wodonga, Benalla and Yarrawonga, while over the counter deposits can be made at stores in Wangaratta, Rutherglen, Myrtleford and Bright. For a full list of Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme locations, visit https:// cdsvic.org.au/locations. For an overview of which containers can be recycled, visit https://cdsvic.org.au/ eligible-containers.

MONEY IN CONTAINERS: ‘Exchange Depot’ managing director Damien Woolford (left) showed Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy around Wangaratta’s Newman Street automated depot last week. PHOTO: Ryan Malcolm

Driver blames flood detours for crash

A TARRAWINGEE driver who careened through a major intersection before losing control of his vehicle and crashing into a tree was over the legal alcohol limit at the time, a local court has heard. The 35-year-old man faced Wangaratta Magistrates Court on Monday, when he pleaded guilty to driving dangerously, drink driving and failing to display his p-

plates during the October 31 incident last year. The man was said to have been travelling along Detour Road towards the Great Alpine Road around 11.30pm, before failing to stop before the intersection and going off-road into Fisher Lane. The court heard the driver had crashed into a number of rural letterboxes as he attempted to rejoin the road, before eventually crashing into a

tree located in a paddock adjacent to a roadside house. Police prosecutor Senior Constable Victoria Lennon said police had arrived shortly after the crash and observed the defendant sitting in the paddock with his dog, which also survived the crash. Blood samples taken from the man while at Northeast Health Wangaratta following the crash were analysed and indicated his blood alcohol

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level would not have been lower than 0.1. Defending himself in court, the defendant said he had only recently moved to Tarrawingee from Beechworth before the crash, which he said had occurred in the midst of last year’s October flooding, which saw a number of detours implemented in the region. He said he had become disorientated and lost.

“I was lucky to walk from (the crash),” he said in court. The defendant told Magistrate Victoria Campbell he had travelled to a friend’s house in Wangaratta to record music on the night, but following an argument, had been asked to leave. He said he broke six ribs, his sternum and his collarbone in the crash, and suffered internal injuries after his collarbone damaged an artery.

He said it had been “utter luck” someone had been in the vicinity to notify emergency services. Ms Campbell noted the crash had triggered a “cascade” of challenges in the man’s life, including a diagnosis of depression. She placed the man on a 12 month pledge to be of good behaviour, without conviction, and banned him from driving for 10 months.

Page 6 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 1, 2023

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The Australian Quiz

THE stalling of free trade negotiations is being taken as a win for the Australian wine industry albeit not a resolution to the problem. If Australia buckles under pressure from European trading partners, then it opens the door for another 165 food products on the EU’s GI list, including beer, cheese, meat and fruit products. King Valley winemakers are the largest producers of prosecco in the country and have been advocating with Australian lobby groups and government for many years to maintain security over the coveted product. The Italian Government labels Australian produced prosecco wine as “counterfeit products” as it is not made in Italy. However, this is where the geographical indicator debate enters a grey area with the Italians claiming Prosecco is named after place, while Australian-immigrant growers have known it to be a grape variety, long before they migrated to Australian shores. According to the European Parliament prosecco alone generates $1.15 billion for the Italian economy and “fake Italian wine” is preventing Italian-based growers from reaching their full economic potential. National Farmers’ Federation president David Jochinke summarised the latest events well. “What was on offer would have hardwired protectionism into our trading relationship with Europe for another generation,” he said. Yes, Australian wine growers could rebrand and remarket a renamed product at a significant cost, but the issue is much greater than wine products, and there’s no ‘free trade’ with our allies in that outcome. The issue is worth fighting for and it’s important that advocacy at a national and international level continues.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS 3 Assumed name 6 Incite 8 Flighty fool 9 Swarm 10 Hackneyed 12 Female swan 14 Efface 17 Immersing 19 Record 20 Land measure 21 Examine 22 Canine breeds 24 Matured 27 Large mouldings (arch) 29 And not 30 Intrepid 32 Reproof 34 Advantage 35 Strange 36 Watery part of blood 37 Facial features 38 Adhesive 39 Sailor 40 Exhibits DOWN 1 Adder 2 Optical illusion 3 Bear witness to

4 Dressed 5 Ooze 6 Widespreading dominion 7 Criminal group 11 Ancient Roman days 13 Stimulate to activity 15 Kept 16 Family members 18 Goes round on guard 23 Give new vigour to 25 Consider 26 Swift animal 27 Vagrants 28 Oppose 31 Metal 32 Young horse 33 Puts to a purpose

SOLUTION V M A L I A S E G G T E E M A I D I O T R T R I T E P E N P D I P P I N G E R A S E A R E R E G I S T E R T E S T S E T T E R S A T R D R G R I P E N E D T O R I N O R F E A R L E S S A S S E T C E N S U R E S E R U M I E O D D E Y E S P A S T E L S H O W S T L T A R

Who composed The Year 1812, Festival Overture in E flat major, Op. 49? (a) Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (b) Sergei Prokofiev (c) Igor Stravinsky (d) Felix Mendelssohn

What is the official currency of Turkmenistan? (a) The dram (b) The manat (c) The riel (d) The tögrög

(b) Elizabeth Olsen (c) Jennifer Connelly (d) Rachel McAdams

In 2020, Hannah Petty was named co-captain of which Suncorp Super Netball team? (a) Collingwood Magpies (b) Queensland Firebirds (c) Adelaide Thunderbirds (d) West Coast Fever

Ogogoro is an alcoholic drink known as the ‘homebrew’ of Who stars as Wanda Maximoff / which country? Scarlet Witch in the 2022 movie, (a) Nigeria (b) Papua New Guinea Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of (c) Thailand Madness? (d) Greece (a) Natalie Portman

In the 2010s, which musician performed the Subconscious Tour and the Conscious Tour? (a) Keith Urban (b) Guy Sebastian (c) Paul Kelly (d) Jimmy Barnes

What does a durometer measure? (a) Hardness (b) Moisture content (c) Rainfall (d) Distance

The sculpture, La Mano (The Hand), in Punta del Este is a popular tourist attraction in which Which boxer was once quoted as south American country? saying, “A champion is someone (a) Brazil who gets up when he can’t”? (b) Peru (a) Rocky Marciano (c) Uruguay (b) Jack Dempsey (d) Chile

Answers : 1 (a) Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky 2 (b) The manat 3 (b) Elizabeth Olsen 4 (c) Adelaide Thunderbirds 5 (a) Nigeria 6 (b) Guy Sebastian 7 (a) Hardness 8 (b) Jack Dempsey 9 (c) 1950s 10 (c) Uruguay

We can both sip from the same glass

No.47

Have your say in Wangaratta Chronicle poll

Visit our website to vote at www.wangarattachronicle.com.au

Thanks for an enjoyable seniors festival THE Victorian Seniors Festival held in Wangaratta in conjunction with the Rural City of Wangaratta has been such an enjoyable time with so many opportunities to be involved in. The theme ‘Learn, Love, Live’ together with local businesses and community organisations providing free or low cost events has been the highlight of October for me personally as I’ve tried and participated in many and varied activities, meeting lots of new people, learning new skills with members of local groups in our community and thoroughly enjoyed this experience. My thanks and congratulations to all the local groups, organisations and volunteers for making this festival outstanding and enjoyable. I must also pass on my huge appreciation and admiration to all the staff at the Rural City of Wangaratta for going above and beyond for their strong support and dedication to making the event outstanding. Vicki Barry (recently retired), Wangaratta

Solar farm placement a food and fire crisis FOOD is our number one renewable resource. That means that agricultural land to grow food, should be protected at all costs. And if protected it will continue to produce food forever. This makes the siting of the Renewable Energy Solar Farms, (RESF) between Glenrowan and Winton, which cover up to 2000 hectares of land, and has transformed what was once productive farmland into a solar panel wasteland. A tragic decision that will have long lasting negative consequences. The huge loss of agricultural production (along with the economic benefits) that these RESFs could have produced will be lost to the Wangaratta and Benalla districts and Australia for every year for over 100 years or more. The economic loss far outweighs the amount of electricity generated by the solar farms over 15 to 20 years. But of greater concern is the fire danger

Will you be attending any of the blues and jazz festival events over the Melbourne Cup ‘weekend’?

FESTIVAL’S LAST STOP: Wangaratta Library is celebrating the huge legacy created by the Wangaratta Jazz and Blues Festival this week in the lead up to the festival’s last hurrah. In the foyer is a display of material collected and thoughtfully arranged by Wangaratta arts patron Cassandra Pollock. Inside on the bookshelves is the paper mache sculpture made by David Godkin for the 21st Festival. This sculpture, welcomed by staff members Dinka Malsem and Peyton Williams (pictured) is titled “Mystery Train”, after the blues song of that name, is the inspiration for the 2023 community engagement project “Midnight Special”. The sculpture features Jazz and Blues artists from previous festivals on either side of the passenger carriage. raised by Bobinawarrah CFA captain Shane Wilson. The millions of electrified solar panels, packed together, with big lithium batteries, standing in dry grass, surrounded by a 2m security fence turns these solar factories into huge incendiary devices. As Captain Wilson says the CFA would be hesitant to enter and must wait until the wildfires leave the RFs. With everything packed so tightly together, water bombing is unlikely to be successful and toxic smoke is of concern. When the wild fires leave the RESFs will be almost impossible to control and the people living on borders of the solar farms will be in the line of fire. So on days of extreme or catastrophic fire danger days will these people be advised to evacuate? This is an extremely important situation that must be addressed immediately. With the fire danger period only two months away and potentially over 100,000

people likely to be affected, planning on how it is to be dealt with needs to start immediately. With this situation, being so serious, it certainly doesn’t need to be added to with the proposed 640 hectare, solar farm at Meadow Creek or another possible one at Glenrowan. John Moore, Wangaratta

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THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 1, 2023 - Page 7

Police seek neighbourhood input at community forum By RYAN MALCOLM COMMUNITY members will be able to pick the brains of senior local police as well as members of Victoria Police’s Melbourne command at a community forum next week. The Wangaratta Police Service Area (PSA) neighbourhood policing forum, set to be held from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Thursday, November 9, will explore topics such as existing crime trends, family violence, young people, road policing and drug-related crime. The local police service area encompasses residents in Wanga-

ratta, Alpine and Moira local government areas, and attendees will be able to raise their own issues with senior officers such as Wangaratta PSA commander Inspector Ashley Mason, as well as Victoria Police deputy commissioner Neil Paterson. “We’ll also have local divisional and police service area representatives there as well, and a number of police supervisors and managers will speak throughout the forum,” Insp Mason said. “It’s not only the opportunity for us to talk about these issues to the community… what we’re really hoping is for the community to be talk-

ing to us and telling us what their issues are so we can formulate plans and work together in the future. “We’ve sent out a number of invitations to partner agencies and stakeholders and various community representatives, but we’re certainly opening up the invitation to the broader community and any community members who wish to come along.” Insp Mason said police would also review and explore the results of community sentiment surveys undertaken earlier this year, which saw Wangaratta PSA residents outline road safety, safety of possessions, as well as drugs and alcohol as their ma-

jor concerns in the local area. “We’re certainly keen and it’s integral that we understand the community issues and community needs from a policing perspective, and then we work together with other agencies and stakeholders to address these issues jointly,” he said. The free event will be held at the Oaks function centre at the Wangaratta Turf Club, with refreshments on offer. Attendees must register for the event before November 3 by visiting https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ wangaratta-neighbourhood-policing-forum-tickets.

HAVE YOUR SAY: Wangaratta Police Service Area commander Inspector Ashley Mason is urging locals to attend an upcoming neighbourhood policing forum in Wangaratta. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

CITY GETS INTO HALLOWEEN SPIRIT By SIMONE KERWIN HALLOWEEN celebrations are gaining popularity in Wangaratta, with many families and young people having again donned ghoulish costumes and turned out to mark the occasion late yesterday. A growing number of houses were festooned with spider webs, pumpkins, skeletons, ghosts and other spooky creations throughout October, with the finishing touches added to displays across the rural city yesterday, in anticipation of trickor-treating visitors. Among those enjoying the fun were Wangaratta couple Leanne and Adam Meredith, who have been decorating their house for the past six or seven years - a passion which grew from Adam’s love of scary movies (“the scarier the better”). “It’s getting bigger each year, as we add a little each time,” Leanne said. “We do it for the kids; especially through COVID, when they couldn’t go to school and weren’t

GROWING PASSION: Leanne Meredith with part of the display she and husband Adam have created at their Wangaratta home. PHOTO: Simone Kerwin seeing their friends, we were still able to decorate and give them something to look forward to. “Most kids arrive in costume, and they love it. You get families walking around with prams to look at the houses, and it’s fun.” The couple’s three-year-old son, Spencer, was planning to be among those in costume last night. “You do still get people saying it’s an American thing; it’s not

- trick-or-treating might be, but Halloween is actually Irish,” Leanne said. “If it’s not hurting anyone, and kids are enjoying it, why not?” Halloween has its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, a pagan religious celebration welcoming the harvest at the end of summer, when bonfires and costumes were traditionally employed to ward off ghosts.

The English word Halloween was derived from All Hallows Eve, the evening before the Christian holy days of All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2). Leanne said many of the homes in the couple’s Wangaratta court got into the spirit of Halloween, creating a great atmosphere for those keen to celebrate.

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“We get our first visitors around 4pm, and our last at about 9pm, so it gets pretty busy,” she said. And trick-or-treaters are well catered-for at the Merediths’ place, with treats including KitKats, Freddo Frogs and Skittles. “We have all the good stuff. If they make the effort to dress up and to come out, it’s the least we can do,” Leanne said.

Page 8 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 1, 2023

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St John’s first aid Wangaratta Primary School STUDENTS at Wangaratta Primary School have had the amazing opportunity to learn basic first aid skills through the St John’s First Aid program for schools. Students learnt the steps involved on who to call, what to report and administering basic first aid and had the opportunity to ask their weird and wonderful questions. Wangaratta Primary School thanks St John’s Victoria for supporting such an important initiative in primary schools.

Division bingo

Wangaratta West Primary School FIRST AID: Tobi Wheeler, Paisley Farrugia, Hudson Reid, Archie Altair, Clara Silveira learnt fist aid through the St John’s First Aid program for schools.

YEAR 6 students from Wangaratta West Primary School have been practising their division skills by playing division bingo.

SHARK TANK: Bec Lanham, Craig Kerlin, Jaimie Leerson, Rachelle Gambold and Jaimie Pronk take notes after hearing the ideas of the Year 5/6K classroom’s different business propositions.

ENTREPRENEURS: Chloe Littel pitches her company’s ideas, KC’s Jewellery, to the brains trust.

$20 Boss creates entrepreneurial Appin Park Primary School skills in young students MR Kerlin’s Year five/six class have been busy developing their own business ideas to pitch to their very own Shark Tank brains trust. Some of the business proposals included car washes, candyland, cartoon art drawings, creating custom jewellery, making individualised calendars, orange juice and sausage sizzle stalls. Students had to create their own

business from the ground up, researching items and finding the lowest prices for each item. Designing their business logo and preparing a presentation, speaking confidently, and with conviction, to pitch their product to the brains trust, was the culmination of their planning. Their pitch was to secure some borrowings from the Sharks to help with

DIVISION PRACTICE: Year six students Amilyia Tremellen, Patrice Ouwerkerk, Indie Mawson, Annabelle Wills, Ella Tucker, Evana Wilson, Emily Valentine, Matilda Gephart have been practising their division through playing division bingo.

the initial outlay to purchase the items needed to develop the product. This also meant understanding what the potential for profit would be if their business was successful. Students enjoyed the experience, the learning and having the opportunity to develop their creative ideas into a possible positive money-making venture.

Valedictory Ceremony

SCHOOL CAMP: Samuel Allen, Edward Allen and Jessica Young had fun in Echuca earlier this month.

Echuca school camp Edi Upper Primary School YEAR four, five and six students from Edi Primary School enjoyed their annual school camp in October. They went to Echuca to learn about the history of the Port of Echuca. They also went on a paddle steamer, explored different science activities at Twist Ed Science, experienced the wildlife at Kyabram Fauna Park and on the way home, stopped at the Shepparton Art Museum to look at the amazing art works.

Carraragarmungee Primary School

Cathedral College Wangaratta YEAR 12s recently finished all their classes at Cathedral College. Many of the students were all smiles at the recent Valedictory Ceremony. GRADUATES: Abigail Rendell, Cristina Coxhell, Alex Ellem, Zali Marshall, Amelia Bonger and Sandhunthie Silva celebrated completing their last classes at their recent Valedictory Ceremony.

Trying new things

NEW INTERESTS: Mason Webbers and Giorgio Panozzo bonded over their new found love of pasta.

CARRARAGARMUNGEE Primary School students recently have been practising finding new interests in common as a way to create new interests and strengthen existing ones. Last week students bonded over their love of pasta.

In which type of rock are fossils most likely to be found? Is it sedimentary, igneous or metamorphic?

Where would you find cerumen?

How many humps does a dromedary camel have?

Photovoltaic cells convert light into what type of energy?

Which has the greater mass: an electron or a proton?

For more CSIRO Double Helix science visit www.csiro.au/helix or call 02 6276 6643.

QUIZ ANSWERS: 1. Fossils are most likely to be found in sedimentary rocks. 2. Cerumen is found in the ear – it’s earwax. 3. A dromedary camel has one hump – Bactrian camels have two. 4. Photovoltaic cells convert light into electrical energy. 5. A proton has a greater mass than an electron.

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THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 1, 2023 - Page 9

Teamwork the name of the game in robotics By SIMONE KERWIN TEAMS from Wangaratta and Albury will compete in a regional VEX Robotics competition at Galen Catholic College tomorrow. Galen, Borinya Wangaratta Community Partnership and Wangaratta Primary School teams will all be part of the event, along with groups from Albury High School and Scott’s School Albury. VEX Robotics is educational robotics which encourages creativity, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving among groups, and enables educators to engage and inspire the STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) problem-solvers of tomorrow. Former Galen student and VEX alumni Mitchell Hobbs is among local community members set to volunteer at tomorrow’s event by interviewing students and judging their robots’ designs. Others involved are Bernadette Albertson, a 2022 Australian VEX nationals judge; Mel Elliott and Annette Borradale from NE Tracks Local Learning and Employment Network (LLEN); former Ford engineer Kelly Clarkson; and Phil Memery from Clevernet IT. Year seven student Xavier Everett said he had enjoyed his first year of VEX, and was looking forward to tomorrow’s event.

Vinefest at Sambar Hills THE team at Sambar Hills Wines in the King Valley is welcoming everyone to enjoy the party when Vinefest is help on Saturday, November 18. There will be plenty of fun, food and plenty of bubbles to enjoy with samples of their range of sparkling and still Pinot Noir wines. For more information or to book tickets visit sambarhillswines. com.au/pages/sambar-hills-vinefest-2023.

King Valley Art Show

HONING THEIR SKILLS: Wangaratta Primary School and Galen Catholic College VEX Robotics students took part in a practice tournament last week, in preparation for tomorrow’s regional VEX competition to be held at Galen. “We have had some practice matches with other schools and it’s been fun,” he said. “I really love how you have to plan a strategy and keep trying and never give up. “At comps, you have to be able to talk clearly about your strategy

and how your robot works. “Communication is really important with each other and other teams. “I am the coder for our team, and I have also been able to help other teams, especially the Wangaratta Primary kids, teaching

them how to code their robots. “During some matches, it can be a bit stressful when things go wrong or don’t quite go as planned, but at the end of the day it’s about having fun and learning how you can do thing better next time.”

Community support to address theft addiction

A WANGARATTA woman who became addicted to thieving earlier this year while experiencing a drug binge has been urged to engage with a local Indigenous support network to address her addiction. Appearing before the Wangaratta Koori Court late last week, the 50-year-old local resident pleaded guilty to a number of theft from shop and dishonesty charges, after finding a discarded receipt outside a Wangaratta store, stealing the items listed on the receipt, and then attempting to refund the stolen items. The court heard she had successfully done so in April this year, when she received a $30 refund for two stolen boxes of chocolate at Coles Wangaratta.

KING VALLEY BRIEFS

The defendant allegedly then went next door to Kmart and attempted to use the same method to gain a refund of more than $50 on other items, but was arrested after staff members contacted triple zero on account of her behaviour. More than $400 worth of items allegedly stolen from other Wangaratta stores were reportedly found in the woman’s trolley. Earlier in the year, the woman reportedly attended a Wodonga supermarket with a pram covered in a blanket, and repeatedly placed items inside the pram, while also carrying and filling a basket full of goods. The court heard the woman had only paid for the items in her basket, and had fled the store after

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staff members asked to check inside the pram. She was eventually arrested after staff members found her bank card discarded near the pram, which was left abandoned at the front of the store. She was also alleged to have stolen from a nearby clothing store some 16 days after the Wodonga offending. Defence counsel Nancy Battiato said her client suffered from instability in her life and had managed an ongoing addiction to methylamphetamine, which the defendant said had been consistent over the last 26 years. Ms Battiato said most of the items had since been recovered by police.

The defendant told police in April the thieving had become worse than her drug habit. Having heard the plea, Bpangerang elder Uncle Dozer urged the defendant to engage with the local Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation, which he said offered women’s groups and crafts. Yorta Yorta elder Josie Edwards said the program could keep her mind occupied and away from drugs. Magistrate Lance Martin said the purpose of the Koori Court was to help people address the underlying issues contributing to their offending. He placed the defendant on a promise to be of good behaviour for 12 months, and ordered she engage with Mungabareena.

THE King Valley Art Show is back this year from Saturday, November 4 until Monday, November 6. The art show will take place at King River Brewing with plenty of local artwork on display for a $3 entry fee. Before the art show, there will also be a gala opening on Friday, November 3 where the featured artists will be announced while guests enjoy premium King Valley Wines, craft beer and delicious food. For tickets to the gala dinner visit https://events.humanitix.com/ king-valley-art-show-gala-opening.

Remembrance Day in Whitfield A REMEMBRANCE Day service will be held at the King Valley Community Memorial Hall (former RSL) in Whitfield on Saturday, November 11 at 11am. Refreshments will be provided (and the trash and treasure outlet will not be open that day). The outlet will be open this Saturday from 10am until 3pm (cash only) with plenty of stock to browse and all income going towards the upkeep of the hall.

Voyage musical A NEW Australian Folk musical will open at Myrrhee Hall on Saturday, November 18 at 7pm. The musical takes place in 1833 and follows a ship of 287 women who are bound for Australia from Britain with only a single box of necessities below deck. For more information on the show visit https://www.voyagemusical.com/ and to book tickets visit https://www.trybooking.com/ CMFUL.

Page 10 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 1, 2023

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SOCIAL FOCUS

WANGARATTA GOLF CLUB PINK LADIES DAY By KURT HICKLING THE Wangaratta Golf Club ladies last week held their annual Pink Ribbon Day for the Cancer Council in honour of former member Marg Martin, who passed away from breast cancer last year.

ALL SMILES: Sue Miller, Lois Sanderson and Janette Collier show off their outfits.

PRETTY IN PINK: Marlene Thompson and Rosie Webb were set for ladies day. PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

DRESSED FOR THE OCCASION: Carol Coghill and Maggie Ray splashed out in pink. WANGARATTA Senior Citizens Club will host an in-house movie, ‘Shall We Dance’, from 1.30pm today at its clubrooms in Tara Court. The club will host indoor carpet bowls tomorrow (Thursday) from 12 noon, cards (euchre) from 1.30pm on Friday, indoor carpet bowls on Monday from 12 noon, and cards (500) and hoy on Tuesday from 1.30pm, all at its clubrooms in Tara Court, off Ford Street, or in the adjoining St Patrick’s supper room. There will be breakfast at the Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway on Friday from 8am. Social event for next Wednesday, November 8 is bingo from 1.30pm at the clubrooms. ELDORADO Senior Citizens Club hosts indoor carpet bowls at the hall every Thursday from 12.45pm. WANGARATTA Royal Children’s Hospital ladies auxiliary will hold its next street stall on Thursday, November 2 in the council kiosk in Reid Street, to raise funds for the RCH. The usual array of cakes, preserves, knitwear and other items will be available for sale from 8.30am, along with freshly-made lamingtons. WANGARATTA Newcomers will hold their next gathering on Thursday, November 2 from 2pm to 3.30pm at Intermezzo Café. Join the group for a cuppa, a chat and to meet some new people. For more information, phone Joy on 0401 843 815 or Ann on 0435 275 864. WANGARATTA Garden Club will hold its next meeting on Thursday, November 2 from 1.30 pm in the Seventh Day Adventist Church Hall in Phillipson Street.

LEADING THE CHARGE: Vice captain Julie McInnes and captain Barb Thomas were ready to t-off.

There will be a mini-show with members’ flowers, a stall, and afternoon tea. The special effort this month is a container/vase of blue, purple, lilac tones. Everyone is welcome. KILLAWARRA Open Gardens will be held on Sunday, November 5 from 10am to 4pm, as a fundraiser for Boorhaman Country Women’s Association. Entry is $10 (cash only) for both gardens situated off Yarrawonga Road - Samarkand at 1790 Warby Range Road, Killawarra (Mandy and Phillip Mullens’ late 1800s homestead garden) and Frances Cecil Farm, 2 Arnott Road, Killawarra (Paris Willetts’ regenerative no-till flower farm. Refreshments, raffle, plant stall and trading table will operate at Samarkand, with flower bouquets available at Frances Cecil Farm. OXLEY Garden Group’s next gathering will be held on Thursday, November 9 from 10am at Joan and Lou Maher’s garden at 7 Simpson Street, Oxley. Everyone is invited to bring along cuttings, bulbs, etc to share, as well as their knowledge of how to get the best results from plantings. Bring your own cup, a chair, and a plate to share. For further information, contact Joan Maher on 0400 367 857 or June Uebergang on 0497 860 785 (text only). VETERAN and family morning tea is held at the Wangaratta RSL on the second Tuesday of each month. The group’s next catch-up is on Tuesday, November 14 from 10am to 11.30am. All ex-service personnel and families are most welcome, for

CLUBBING GOOD TIME: Dawn Fleet and Helen Tate pose for a quick happy snap.

SOCIAL CALENDAR further information contact 0447 217 768. RESIDENTS and guests of The Terrace Village will be conducting their annual craft and market day at The Terrace Village Hall, 138 Williams Road Wangaratta on Thursday, November 16 from 9am to 1pm. Stalls include hand-crafted greeting cards, patchwork and quilting, crocheted toys, Friends of the Hospital cake stall, jams, jellies and relishes, pot plants, bric-a-brac and antiques and collectables. Devonshire tea for $5 is also available. For further information, phone Jan on 0417 390 913. PANGERANG Ukes and More meets each Thursday from 5.30pm at Pangerang Community Hub. Cost is $5, and any instruments, as well as voices, are welcome. All enquiries to 0407 311 899. PARKINSON’S Disease Support Group meets every Friday at the Wangaratta RSL for coffee at 10am. Those who are able can also meet at the main entrance from 9.30am for a 30 minute river walk prior to coffee. For more information, contact Dave James on 0409 011 953 or Ros Taylor on 0429 624 844. WANGARATTA Table Tennis Association is hosting a new social daytime group at the Wangaratta Showgrounds pavilion on Tuesdays from 10am to 12 noon. People of all ages, from beginners to more experienced players, are encouraged to play

THE BIG DAY: Ros Gormly and Barb Woodward were looking forward to a friendly game.

singles and doubles in a relaxed, friendly environment, with coaching for beginners. For more information, phone Maxine on 0403 209 857 or Julie on 0422 321 456. THE Wangaratta Artists are under new management, and welcome budding artists to come along, and established artists to exhibit in the studio at Batchelor’s Green. The group meets at the studio on Mondays and Thursdays from 12 noon. For more information, phone Clare on 0419 365 149. WANGARATTA Cake Decorators will hold a chocolate Christmas tree demonstration on November 18 from 10am in Galen College food tech room. Kids 10 years and over are welcome, and must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $15 members, $20 nonmembers. For details, call Lee Johnson on 0419 513 735. COME and play mahjong at the Wangaratta RSL on Thursdays from 11am. Beginners welcome. Contact Jan on 0429 166 016. WANGARATTA Keenagers Table Tennis Club plays on Mondays and Thursdays at the table tennis centre at the Wangaratta Showgrounds. Play begins at 8am. New players welcome. Morning tea provided – please bring your own cup. For more information, contact Trevor Wolfel on 0476 891 596. WANGARATTA Sing Australia Group meets each Wednesday from 7.30pm to 9pm at Purbrick Hall, next to Holy Trinity Cathedral.

All welcome – for further information, call Keith Fleet on 0491 114 480 or Cheryl Hoysted on 0419 005 062. WANGARATTA Concert Band rehearses on Mondays from 6.45pm to 9pm at the Avian Park Raceway Band Room in Newman Street. New players welcome, contact Helen on 0401 021 448. GLENROWAN Indoor Carpet Bowls is held at Glenrowan Recreation Reserve Hall each Wednesday – arrive 12.45pm for 1pm start. The competition runs until 3.30pm–4pm, and is followed by afternoon tea. For details, phone Frank on 0409 662 462. COME and try croquet at the Wangaratta Croquet Club, 46 Ryan Avenue, on any Monday, Wednesday or Saturday at 9am. Equipment and instruction provided in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. For further information, phone club president Susan Fischer on 0417 217 009. SATURDAY Quilters meet on the first Saturday of the month for a relaxed day of sit, sew and chat, from 10am to 3pm at the Wangaratta Small Bore Rifle Club, off the river end of College Street. Contact Colleen on 0427 221 138. THE North Eastern branch of the Embroiderers Guild of Victoria meets every fourth Tuesday at the Masonic Lodge in Appin St, Wangaratta. Beginners and experienced embroiderers are welcome to come along at 9.30am. For more information, contact Jen on 0407 560562.

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THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 1, 2023 - Page 11

WHAT’S ON

Quilts returns Jazz and blues festival this weekend Strictly in November

THE Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues will kick off with a gala dinner on Friday evening from 6.30pm, including a performance by Wilbur Wilde and Blowout, at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre. On Saturday afternoon, the WPACC will host the National Jazz Awards from 12pm to 4.30pm, this year focusing on bass. That evening, Elixir (Katie

Noonan, Zac Hurren and Ben Hauptmann), supported by Barney McAll, will perform at the WPACC from 7pm. Tickets for these official WPACC events can be purchased at www.wangarattajazz.com An outdoor free stage at the Wangaratta Club in Victoria Parade will operate from 4pm to 8pm on Saturday, with patrons encouraged to enjoy performances from local musicians; food and drinks will be available

for purchase from the club, and the venue is subject to capacity limits. Other events happening around the official festival program over the pre-Melbourne Cup weekend include: a performance by The Daisies at The Pinsent Hotel on Saturday, November 4 from 12 noon; the Tarrawingee Blues Festival at the Plough Inn on Sunday, November 5 from 12 noon to 9pm; and Wangaratta Arts Council’s

events at Holy Trinity Cathedral on Sunday, November 5, featuring the High Society Jazz Orchestra from 1pm to 2pm and Sweet Buzz from 2.30pm to 3.30pm. The traditional jazz mass at the cathedral will also be held on the Sunday from 10am, and the annual Oxley Bush Market is happening again on Saturday, November 4, from 9am to 2.30pm in and around historic Oxley Hall.

A POPULAR exhibition which showcases the talents of the many local quilters and crafters which call the region home, will be held over the Melbourne Cup Day long weekend. The combined quilting groups of the Rural City of Wangaratta are once again proud to present their annual quilting and patchwork exhibition, Strictly Quilts, which will be opened this year by talented textile artists, June Brown and Yvonne Voss, and feature up to 70 amazing quilts. Strictly Quilts will be held from Friday, November 3 to Monday, November 6 at the Uniting Church Hall in Rowan Street, open from 10am until 4pm each day and entry is just $5 with refreshments available.

Oxley Bush Market THE annual Oxley Bush Market is fully booked and ready to go for the 42nd year in a row at the historic Oxley Shire Hall on Saturday, November 4. There will be more than 150 stalls featuring a huge array of high quality goods, crafts, produce, clothes and gift items. The market will take place from 9am to 2:30pm with all items for sale being homemade, home-grown, home-produced or new.

yourstars ARIES

(March 21 to April 19) You might be growing impatient with a situation that seems to resist the efforts made to resolve it. But staying with it raises the odds that you’ll ﬁnd a way to a successful resolution eventually.

TAURUS

(April 20 to May 20) Travel and kinship are strong in the Bovine’s aspect this week. This would be a good time to combine the two and take a trip to see family members for a preholiday get-together.

GEMINI

(May 21 to June 20) A colleague could make a request you’re uncomfortable with. If this is the case, say so. Better to disappoint someone by sticking to your principles than disappointing yourself if you don’t.

SPECTACULAR ART: The King Valley Art Show opens on Saturday, November 4 and features an array of local artwork being admired by Anita Laurence and Pam Proctor.

Inspiring art returns to the King Valley THE King Valley Art show is ready for the gala opening on Saturday night, November 4 at King River Brewing. All 300 art works have been received with a variety of art mediums such as oils, prints, water colours and a number of settings including landscapes, portraits and still life. “There is a high standard of work, and it is great to see an increased number of local art-

ists and there are a number of artists entering for the first time,” King Valley Arts president, Anita Laurence, said. This week will be a busy week for the committee with setting up, and then judging by Dan Butterworth. “We are all looking forward to the gala opening on Friday night, there is always a fantastic atmosphere, and all the prize winners will be an-

nounced,” Ms Laurence said. “The gala opening will have live music provided by the Benalla Classical Guitar Ensemble and the Whitfield Primary School parent group will be offering supper. “Supporters and artists alike enjoy the night.” Past years have seen the opening night sold out, however, this year there are still a limited number of tickets available.

For tickets to the gala on Friday, November 3 visit https:// events.humanitix.com/kingvalley-art-show-gala-opening. The show will then be open from Saturday, November 4 until Sunday, November 5 from 10am to 5pm and Monday November 6 from 10am to 3pm at King River Brewing- 4515 Wangaratta-Whitfield Rd, King Valley and entry for adults is $3.

Pfeiffer Wines cup weekend Paint and Sip

Vinefest at Sambar Hills

The Four Pillars at Wangaratta gallery

OVER the Melbourne Cup weekend, Pfeiffer Wines is holding a special Paint and Sip event where people can enjoy a quirky experience and take home their artwork labelled on a bottle of 2023 Gamay. The Paint and Sip will be held on Saturday, November 4 by the idyllic Sunday Creek Bridge at Wahgunyah where participants will get a step-by-step painting tutorial from a local artist. To book tickets for the experience visit www. pfeifferwinesrutherglen.com.au/home/events/ coming-events/2207-sunday-creek-bridgepaint-and-sip.

THE team at Sambar Hills Wines in the King Valley is welcoming everyone to enjoy the party when Vinefest is held on Saturday, November 18. There will be plenty of fun, food and plenty of bubbles to enjoy with samples of their range of sparkling and still Pinot Noir wines. For more information or to book tickets visit sambarhillswines. com.au/pages/sambar-hillsvinefest-2023.

A NEW exhibition of textile-based works by Melbourne artist Evangeline Cachinero is open at the Wangaratta Art Gallery. The Four Pillars is a body of work created for this exhibition which explores the pillars of meaning in life including “belonging, purpose, storytelling and transcendence”, with Cachinero challenging visitors to contemplate their own personal pillars for life. The exhibition by the artist - winner of the highly commended Ruth Amery Award in the 2021 Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award - will run in Gallery Two until November 5.

CANCER

(June 21 to July 22) The Moon Child’s ability to adapt to life’s ebbs and ﬂows helps you deal with changes that you might confront at work or at home -- or both. Things settle down by the weekend.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) It’s a good week for Leos and Leonas to get some long-outstanding business matters resolved. Then go ahead and plan a fun-ﬁlled family getaway weekend with your mate and the cubs.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A

possible workplace change seems promising. If you decide to look into it, try not to form an opinion based on a small part of the picture. Wait for the full image to develop.

LIBRA

(September 23 to October 22) A newcomer helps keep things moving. There might be some bumpy moments along the way, but at least you’re headed in the right direction. You win praise for your choices.

SCORPIO

(October 23 to November 21) You could be pleasantly surprised by how a decision about something opens up an unexpected new option. Also, assistance on a project could come from a surprising source.

SAGITTARIUS

(November 22 to December 21) With more information to work with, you might now be able to start the process that could lead to a major change. Reserve the weekend for family and friends.

CAPRICORN

(December 22 to January 19) This could be a good time to gather information that will help you turn a long-held idea into something substantive. Meanwhile, a personal matter might need attention.

AQUARIUS

(January 20 to February 18) A new challenge might carry some surprises, but you should be able to handle them using what you already know. That new supporter should be there to lend assistance.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20)

Someone might try to disguise their true motives. But the perceptive and perspicacious Pisces should have little to no problem ﬁnding the truth in all that foggy rhetoric.

Page 12 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 1, 2023

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WANGARATTA BOOK CIRCLE

Latest book recommendations

THE LATEST BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS with Pauline Moncrieff, The Book Circle THE October gathering of The Book Circle was held on Wednesday, October 25 and a variety of books were shared.

upside-down. After being a mother for a time, will Essie be able to let the child go? A heart-wrenching story of a woman’s strong bond with a baby, which will resonate with all parents.

NON-FICTION

The Language of Food Annabel Abbs

Repurposed Life - Ronni Kahn

Historic fiction, about the C19th poet and cookbook writer Eliza Acton, who wrote the first recipe book for domestic use. Eliza’s second book of poetry was rejected by her publisher, who told her to go away and write a cookbook (something he would never have said to a man!). So Eliza did, and discovered the creativity and joy to be found in cooking. Some of her recipes were later pirated by Mrs Beeton.

Ronni Kahn, AO, is a social entrepreneur and the founder of OzHarvest, which began in Sydney to deal with a disturbing problem she witnessed, of usable food going to waste while people went hungry. OzHarvest has grown to become the largest food charity in Australia. Food is not stored but moves from donor to charity on the same day. This is her story.

Did I Ever Tell You This? Sam Neill A memoir, telling how Sam, by unpredictable turns in fortune, became one of the world’s celebrated actors, working alongside Meryl Streep , Sean Connery and others. Entertaining and chatty. Recommended.

Richie: The Man Behind The Legend - Norman Tasker and Ian Heads The book is an intimate and revealing tribute to one of Australia’s most iconic figures. Contrbutions are from 88 fellow team-mates and opponents, friends, work colleagues, business leaders and people whose lives he touched. Benaud will long be remembered as a wonderful Test Cricket captain and perhaps the greatest cricket commentator in history. A great read for cricketlovers.

An Appreciation of The Influential Writer, Elmore Leonard (1925 - 2013) Leonard wrote 45 books, of which 30 were made into movies. He wrote the well-

Triple - Ken Follet

 Repurposed life - Ronni Kahn known TV series, Justified. His writing had a strong influence on Connelly, Denis Lehane and George Pelecanos. Leonard started out writing westerns, with strong storylines, cracking dialogue and gritty realism. These features he maintained throughout all his writing. His style was taut and always focused on moving the narrative forward, leaving out parts that the reader would be likely to skip. His crime novels, Get Shorty, Out of sight, Rum punch, Mr Majestic and Jackie Brown were all adapted as movies. FICTION

Go Set a Watchman Harper Lee This is set two decades after To Kill a Mockingbird, and features many of the characters

 Go set a watchman - Harper Lee from the previous book. Scout finds out some disturbing facts about her father, Atticus, who was painted as an admirable character in the other book.

Broken Bay - Margaret Hickey This story is set along the Limestone Coast of South Australia, and begins with a gripping account of a diver trapped underwater in a limestone cave. This sets the pace for a fast-moving mystery, with Detective Mark Ariti investigating. Highly recommended.

Wake - Shelley Burr The author’s first novel, set in a small NSW community. A child has gone missing 19 years ago, and a private detective comes to the area to try and solve the case. The story simmers along until the nail-biting finale.

How to Raise An Elephant - Alexander McCall Smith Another in the popular series set in Botswana, about Precious Ramotswe and her friends at the No 1 Detective Agency. Charlie, a mechanic at the garage next to the Agency, finds himself looking after a baby elephant. It is a delightful, engaging story, and hilarious in parts.

A Few Right-Thinking Men - Sulari Gentill The first in the entertaining Roland Sinclair series. The stories are set in the 1930s, in Australia and overseas. Roland is an artist and an amateur sleuth, with inherited wealth. He shares his family’s grand home with three bohemian artistic friends, who assist him in solving various crimes.

This story involves the tense politics of the day, with Jack Lang’s government having difficulties with various troublesome political groups.

Sensible shoes - Sharon Garlough Brown The first of four stories following women who meet at a spiritual retreat. With very different backgrounds, they find their lives intertwining as they struggle for spiritual insight.

The Beautiful Mother Scholes The story is set in a remote corner of Tanzania, where Essie Lawrence lives with her husband in an archaeology camp. Essie finds herself making a rash promise to two strangers, to care for a little girl until the rains come. Suddenly life is turned

An espionage thriller, set in 1968, with Israel under threat from a potential nuclear threat from Egypt. Israel must take urgent action if it is to survive.

Sunrise Over Mercy Court - Fiona McCallum An elderly couple plan a joint suicide after being married for 58 years, but their plans go awry. Some humour, but a rather simplistic story.

The Chalice of Blood Peter Tremayne A Sister Fidelma mystery, set in Ireland in C7th, when women took on important roles in the Church and society. Fidelma has legal training, and is authorised to investigate suspicious deaths. This mystery features a monk who has returned recently from the East with unsettling ideas and is found dead inside a locked room. Why was he killed? How did the murderer exit the room? More crimes ensue, and the murderer is someone we least suspect.

Police detective verbally abused in residential face-off A WANGARATTA man who verbally abused a police officer and threatened to fight him “one on one” has narrowly avoided a prison sentence for what he admitted was a “meltdown”. Appearing before Wangaratta Magistrates Court on Monday, the 53-year-old pleaded guilty to criminal charges after he became enraged when one particular police officer attended his Silverwood Grove home earlier this year. The court heard the man had visibly clenched his fists and puffed his chest

out upon spotting the Detective Senior Constable, who had attended the address with a Detective Sergeant in order to respond to what was described as a “property issue”. The defendant allegedly called the victim a “piece of s*^&” and intimated he wanted to fight the man in the bush without the police officer’s gun and badge. The man made threats he would seek to find the officer’s home address amidst the confrontation, which took place on March 15. The court heard the man continued to berate

and threaten the victim as he retreated towards the parked police vehicle nearby, with the victim holding concerns he could be attacked from behind. Both officers were detectives, and subsequently did not have body-worn cameras available. Police prosecutor Senior Constable Victoria Lennon said the defendant had filed a complaint with the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) against the victim some years previous, and had been unhappy with the result.

The court heard the defendant had authored four posts on his own Facebook profile threatening and naming the victim and labelling the officer a “dog”. He was arrested on March 20, and told police he had been provoked by seeing that particular police officer at his door. He said he had wanted to grab the officer. Defence lawyer Chirag Patel said his client had no prior assault matters before the court, however, admitted the man’s history included a number of anger-related issues.

He said his client had since sought to apologise to the victim. “Unfortunately for (the defendant) the red mist descended and he reacted in the way he did,” Mr Patel said. Mr Patel said his client had adopted a mental health care plan since his release from police custody for unrelated matters in 2021, and was now caring for a number of family members. Magistrate Victoria Campbell said the offending would ordinarily result in a term of imprisonment,

but noted the defendant had a number of documented mental health issues. “This is very serious offending,” she said. “Police (officers) don’t go to work to be treated like this – you need to respect the uniform.” Ms Campbell placed the man on a community corrections order for 12 months, and ordered him to complete 120 hours of community work, 60 hours of which could be made up through enrolment in drug, mental health and offending behaviour programs.

THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 1, 2023 - Page 13

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IN PERSON BY PHONE BY EMAIL 37 Rowan Street, classifieds@ 5723 0101 Wangaratta nemedia.com.au 3677

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The office of North East Media will be closed for business on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 for the Melbourne Cup Holiday. Deadline for classified advertisements for Wednesday, November 8 edition, will be Monday, November 6 at 2.30pm. Phone 5723 0101 Email: classifieds@nemedia.com.au

WORK WANTED

HAY and SILAGE CONTRACTING We can cut, rake and bale. Ph 0409 841 422. EMPLOYMENT

Cleaner Ongoing Position WANGARATTA UKULELE BAND AGM Tuesday, November 21 7pm, Masonic Lodge, 101 Appin St. All welcome.

Moyhu Rural Fire Brigade PRE SEASON MEETING including 6XPPHU EULH¿QJ &RPSXOVRU\ HQWUDSPHQW GULOO )UHH %%4 Friday, November 3 6PM SHARP 0HPEHUV RI WKH SXEOLF ZHOFRPH WR DWWHQG

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CONCRETING - Big or small jobs. Paths, driveways, shed slabs, verandahs. 15 years experience. For a free q u o t e p h o n e Tr e v Anderson on 0422 200 761. MARKS Mowing, reasonable prices, ride on mowing, edging, clean up, spraying and any waste removal. Ph 0472 603 156. PAINTER, old school, for all your painting needs, commercial, industrial renovations. Phone Julian 0412 597 482.

RAMS P.D and W.S S.D x W.S Hillview Rams Chiltern 0437 490 738 $600 - $800 Breeding rams since 1994

MECHANICAL and earthmoving repairs. Pre-season repairs and servicing, breakdowns and call-outs on Ag and earthmoving equipment, dam cleaning, boundary prep and drainage. Phone Tenny 0400 232 760

Borinya is a specialist school setting inspired by the Catholic story, that offers young people in years 7-12, an opportunity to re-engage with their education. We are seeking a cleaner to maintain a high standard of cleanliness for our learning areas, administration and elective buildings. Applications close on Friday 10th November For further details on how to apply & position description please visit our website: https://www.borinya.catholic.edu.au/contact Borinya is committed to promoting the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children. Borinya embraces diversity and social inclusion and encourages people from diverse backgrounds to apply.

EMPLOYMENT

Community Engagement Facilitator Do you have skills and experience working in community engagement and facilitation. An ongoing opportunity exists for a self-driven and energetic Community Based Bushfire Management Facilitator in the North East Region, based in Wangaratta. For details and to apply online, go to: https://jobs.careers.vic.gov.au/ jobs/VG-1756518 Applications close on 7th November, 2023

cfa.vic.gov.au

2017 Toyota Rav 4 GXL (1LK3UU), AWD, petrol, 153,000km, country driving, always serviced, near new tyres, 12 mths rego, excellent condition, $24,000 ono with RWC, ph. Doug 0418 518 247.

2017 Holden Captiva A c t i v e , 7 s e a t e r, (1JP7CT) Feb 2024, 105,000km, regularly Holden service, very good condition, $14,000 ono with RWC. Ph 0427 345 458.

EMPLOYMENT

EXECUTIVE OFFICER

RECEPTIONIST permanent part time position Ovens Medical Group is looking for a permanent part time receptionist to join our busy team. The position is available commencing December 2023. Hours are negotiable between three and four permanent days plus relieving. Applications should include an up-to-date resume and be addressed to the Practice Manager, Ovens Medical Group, 70 Ovens Street, Wangaratta. Applications close Friday, November 10, 2023.

Looking for a change of direction? Find your next job in the classified section of the or go online anytime at

F O R D FG Fal con XR8 Ute (CAT-290), 290 Boss MTR Auto, 145,800km, powder coated custom tray, reverse camera, radio, amplifier, powered driver’s seat, new front screen, RWC supplied $20,000 ono. Ph 0429 809 643.

Alpine Valleys Community Leadership (AVCL) LQ VHDUFK RI WKHLU QH[W ([HFXWLYH 2ႈFHU AVCL builds the capacity of regional communities to DGGUHVV ORFDO LVVXHV DQG UHVSRQG SRVLWLYHO\ WR FKDQJH 7KURXJK WKH ÀDJVKLS $OSLQH 9DOOH\V &RPPXQLW\ /HDGHUVKLS Program and other targeted programs, the organisation seeks to develop innovative leaders through the development of leadership skills and the exploration of LVVXHV DQG RSSRUWXQLWLHV IDFLQJ WKH 1RUWK (DVW UHJLRQ <RX ZLOO EH D QDWXUDO LQ EXLOGLQJ DQG PDLQWDLQLQJ SURIHVVLRQDO UHODWLRQVKLSV ZLWK VWDNHKROGHUV <RX ZLOO KDYH GHPRQVWUDWHG VWURQJ VNLOOV DQG H[SHULHQFH LQ managing a broad range of operational tasks, including the ability to manage organisational budgets <RX ZLOO KDYH VWURQJ ZULWWHQ VNLOOV LQFOXGLQJ ERDUG reports, funding applications and reporting, media UHOHDVHV DQG FRPPXQLFDWLRQ ZLWK VWDNHKROGHUV 7KLV LV D IXOO WLPH WZR \HDU ¿[HG WHUP UROH 7KLV SRVLWLRQ RSHUDWHV RQ D IXOO\ UHPRWH EDVLV ZLWK LQ SHUVRQ DWWHQGDQFH IRU team meetings and for tasks that are essential elements of the UROH 7KH UHJLVWHUHG RႈFH VSDFH IRU $OSLQH 9DOOH\V &RPPXQLW\ /HDGHUVKLS LV LQ :DQJDUDWWD To apply, please contact Sarah on 1800 868 254 or email MREV#WRWDOKUP FRP DX $SSOLFDWLRQV FORVH UG 1RYHPEHU

YAMAHA YZ 250FX (1972K) 2016, rec rego, radiator guards, sticker kit, set up for trail and enduro, well maintained, $5200 ono, 0438 565 749.

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WINDSOR caravan, 1987, 12ft, light and easy to tow, 2 single beds, (X13203), $6800 ono. Ph 0413 752 159.

HEADER gleaner L2, 1985-6 mod, working order, shedded, 24ft, pick up front on trailer, bat front as well, $3500, ph 0417 377 391.

Page 14 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 1, 2023

FOUR wheel brand new scooter, never been used, P.O.A, ph 0400 358 854.

FOR SALE $50 OR UNDER 4 shelves in frame, suit workshop, $20, phone 5721 5882.

WANTED to buy, small or large lots predecimal coins, pennies, ÀRULQV URXQG FHQWV shillings, albums. Turn old money into new. 6SHDN WR 5D\ RU Cut this ad out.

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4 timber dining chairs with padded seats, good condition, $30 for the lot, ph 5721 5882.

BUCKINGHAM, Daralyn. The Committee of the Moyhu Soldiers Memorial Hall were saddened to learn of the passing of Daralyn who was a valued helper at the hall.

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BEREAVEMENT THANKS WALPOLE, Mary Elizabeth. 1929-2023 The family of the late Beth Walpole, Deaconess, formally of Whorouly South, South India and Wangaratta, wish to sincerely give thanks for all the floral tributes, cards, messages and kind words of condolences and support during this sad time. Family would also like to say a special thank you to the staff of the Myrtleford Aged Care Lodge, North East Health, Standish Surgery and Dr Carolyn de Poi in Beth’s last weeks. Please accept this as our sincere thanks from Beth’s family.

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WANGARATTA Chronicle photographer Melissa Beattie made her way down to junior tennis on Saturday to capture some action. Photographs can be purchased at the Chronicle.

MIA THOMPSON

RANI MEISINGER

GEORGIA SESSIONS

ZOE FLYNN

ABBEY BURROWES

LOLA FLYNN

LUCY WILKINSON

ZOE THOMPSON

MOLLIE HOGAN

AMELIA UNWIN

Page 16 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 1, 2023

SPORT

NERTA season rolls on

NO SLEDGING ALLOWED: WDCA umpires will be on the lookout for unacceptable behaviour from players. PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

WDCA umpires cracking down on sledging at all levels of the game ■ From back page

Hurley said he was always happy to have a chat with any captain or club official about how matches were being umpired. WDCA president Justin Kelly said the umpires had the complete backing of the executive committee. “The umpires have suggested, made a call it’s gotten out of hand over the last couple of years, and they’ve got the executive’s full support to evaluate the situation, given the circumstance, during a game as they do,” he said. “They’re all pretty experienced umpires, we’ve got a fair bit of faith in what they do and we’ve got to support them because there’s a bit of a scarcity of them and you don’t want any bad behaviour getting out of hand, or setting a bad example for the younger kids.” City Colts A grade captain Mitchell Giggins said while he supported coming down hard on abuse and comments well over the line of what’s acceptable, he expressed concern more lighthearted and jovial conversation between batter and bowler could be impacted by the umpires’ increased policing of on-field conversation. “My view is I get it, I understand why they’re doing it, as long as there’s a difference between genuine sledging and a bit of banter here and there,” he said. “I think a few things should be said here and there to put the batter off, to get inside their head especially if they’re on top – you’ve got to try these sort of things, but there is a line. “If you’re directly singling someone out, swearing at them or bringing up personal things, then I’m all for the umpires stepping in and there should be sanctions. “As long as they don’t take advantage of the crackdown to the extent where you can barely even talk to the batter and have a joke with them – that takes the fun out of cricket.” Hurley said the association was still seeking more umpires to officiate matches – for more information, contact Michael Hurley on 0438 029 959. The Laws of Cricket can be viewed online at www.lords.org/ mcc/the-laws-of-cricket.

wangarattachronicle.com.au

GOOD RESULT: Marianne Spencer’s Corowa team got the win over Wahgunyah on the weekend.

Section 1 RUTHERGLEN have returned to the winners’ list with a hard fought win over Everton. Rutherglen gained the early advantage and ascendancy winning the first three sets played but Everton hit back and won two of the next three sets to give themselves a chance heading into the mixed sets. Jono Keys and Freya Gniel put the result beyond doubt for Rutherglen with a convincing 8-4, however, Everton won the next two sets to almost even the ledger. Freya Gniel was best for Rutherglen with three sets and was well supported by Jono Keys, Nicole Balfour and Helen Fuge with two sets each. Noel Kneebone was outstanding for Everton with three sets, while Ben Evans chipped in with two. Wang Hardcourt continue their good early season form with another solid performance against Boorhaman on Saturday. Hardcourt were too consistent and with their wealth of experience they were able to control the match from the start and never looked in trouble of losing. Boorhaman managed to put some respectability on the scoreboard by winning two sets and pushing Hardcourt in a couple more sets. Hardcourts’ Andy Lucas, Kylie Doig and Kerrie Henderson each won three sets, while Boorhaman’s best were Shirley Fuller, Cathy Van Berlo and Darren Saward. Corowa had a convincing win against a depleted Wahgunyah on Saturday, and in doing so have shown why they could be the team beat this year. Corowa were in total control from the outset and were never troubled although a couple of six and seven games sets could have gone Wahgunyah’s way the result would have looked more respectable. Marianne Spencer, Jo

Brooks, Mel Rhodes and Jamie Almond were Corowa’s best with three sets each. Wahgunyah were best represented by Travis McDonald, Jesse Johnstone, Kylie Greig and Mareeta Corcoran. Section 3 Wahgunyah United (Brian Jones, Brad Schmidt, Lorraine Plunkett, Jenny Schmidt) have been impressive in their first two matches this season and their stylish victory over Wooragee (Ian McVea, Ali Maher, Fiona Stringer, Eiylish McCrostie) on Saturday has them at the top of the table, and appearing the team to beat. Wahgunyah Wranglers (Scott Parker, Claire Davidson, Josh Parker, Abe Spencer) defeated Wahgunyah Deep Heat (Josh Reid, Jacob Palmer, Kath Blake, Teagan Irlam) to put themselves back onto the winners’ list and to stake a claim as a challenger for United. Wahgunyah Deep Heat weren’t disgraced as they pushed Wranglers in a number of sets and were unlucky not to grab another set. Section 1 Rutherglen 5-59 def Everton 4-50, Corowa 8-69 def Wahgunyah 1-33, Wang Hardcourt 7-67 def Boorhaman 2-34. Section 3 Wahgunyah United 5-42 def Wooragee 1-30, Wahgunyah Wranglers 5-47 def Wahgunyah Deep Heat 1-26. Under 15 Corowa Hewitt 6-41 def Rutherglen Red 1-19, Wahgunyah 7-42 def Corowa Barty 0-6. Ladders Section 1 Wang Hardcourt 16, Corowa 16, Rutherglen 10, Boorhaman 8, Everton 7, Wahgunyah 3. Section 3 Wahgunyah United 11, Wahgunyah Wranglers 8, Wooragee 6, Wahgunyah Deep Heat 3. Under 15 Corowa Hewitt 13, Rutherglen Red 9, Wahgunyah 8, Corowa Barty 2, Rutherglen White 0.

Wangaratta women win state fours By WILLSON MACK

WINNERS: (L-R) Wangaratta Bowls Club’s winning ladies team Jan Hermassoo, Barb McDonald, Jodie Fruend and Rhoanna Smith.

WANGARATTA Bowls Club has taken out the women’s state fours. The ladies winning team of Jan Hermassoo, Barb McDonald, Jodie Fruend and Rhoanna Smith won 17 shots to 14 against a composite side made up of three Myrtleford players and a Yarrawonga player. Scores were level with two ends to play at 13 shots all, but the winners snatched a four shot result on the vital second last end to defeat the runners up who fought back to win the last end. Meanwhile, Wangaratta’s men’s team went down in a thriller to a composite side that includes former Wangaratta players Ethan Fruend and Ian Brimblecombe.

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THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 1, 2023 - Page 17

Warriors jetting off to Europe in ‘24 By NATHAN DE VRIES WHILE their local Country Basketball League season is still ongoing, plans are being drawn up for the Wangaratta Warriors to tour Europe in 2024. Head coach Shane Wilson will be taking the squad around the UK, Spain and France in December ‘24 on a teambonding and playing trip, with up to eight matches pencilled in. In the context of Wilson’s three-year plan to turn the Warriors into a basketball powerhouse, Europe presented a much better option for a basketball trip than the more popular destination of America. “We floated the idea to the boys, and after watching more and more footage, American basketball wouldn’t suit the style of play these boys have and their talents,” he said. “American basketball has different rulings completely, they don’t play by FIBA rules, they play by their own American rules. “It’s a lot more freeflowing, isolation basketball, and European basketball’s set by FIBA rules which is what Australia runs by and a lot of other countries, and it’s more structured and strict play team basketball. “I got on the phone, started making a few calls and now we’re working our way through the UK, France and Spain. “A few of the boys

I used to play with, a couple of my high school coaches and previous coaches have contacts over there, so I got onto them, and they’re playing a very high level over there.” Wilson said shaking up the routine and giving the players valuable life experiences and bonding opportunities were all excellent positives for the trip. “It’s exciting and completely different – you don’t hear a lot of teams saying we’re going to Europe to play basketball, you always hear America,” he said. “With our three-year plan, this would be at the end of the second year so hopefully we’ll be able to come off an amazing season and help these boys go to that next level and bring that elite style of game to their playbook. “Retention is the biggest thing, and throwing different things in there is massive, rather than just staying with the same routine, playing the same teams. “It will help with recruiting and show the boys where they need to be at in 12 months.” Domestically, the Warriors will sit on the bench this weekend before returning to the court with matches against Benalla Breakers and Mansfield Eagles.

SPORT

FUN HIT: Abbey Burrowes enjoys a hit of tennis over the weekend. PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

Social tennis on for all THE Wangaratta Lawn Tennis, Croquet and Pickleball Club is inviting all interested players to head down for a social hit this Friday. Starting from 5.45pm for a 6pm start, the WLTCP Friday Night Social Tennis program begins, catering to players of all experience levels to come for a friendly hit to cap off the work week. The evening costs $15 for non-club members ( just $5 for members) and includes a hit of tennis and pizzas after play has wrapped up. Registrations are open for individuals and pairs, and close at 5pm on Thursday, November 2. To register, visit https:// forms.office.com/r/ y1x6PZMvBB and complete the form.

WE WANT YOUR NEWS Call the Wangaratta Chronicle on (03) 57230113 or email us at edit.chronicle @nemedia.com.au

BON VOYAGE: The Wangaratta Warriors will tour Europe at the conclusion of their 2024 CBL campaign. PHOTO: Janet Watt

Wangaratta Rangers’ softball sides come up short AFTER a strong start for the season, Wangaratta Rangers had a down week during round three over this past weekend. The juniors had a valiant effort in the morning going down to Albury Gold Bears. After a strong opening defensive inning pitched by Isla O’Keeffe, the Bears were held to just four runs. It was then the Rangers’ opportunity to use the bats and they delivered, scoring six runs through hits to Isla O’Keeffe, Isaac Maiden, Hayden Kiker and a home run to Charlie Cummings. The second innings saw the Bears came out with strong bats to score nine runs. From there, the Rangers were playing catch up, scoring another three runs through hits again to Isaac Maiden and

PLAY BALL: Kimberly Floyd delivers the pitch for the Rangers’ senior women. PHOTO: Sean Warfe Charlie Cummings. More strong pitching from Morrison O’Keeffe and team defence kept it close, but unfortunately they could not reel Bears back in, with

the end score sitting at 14-9. Player of the Game was Isla O’Keeffe for her great pitching performance, with the juniors’ next game set against Wodonga/Comets United

RUN TO HOME: Junior Isaac Maiden delivers a massive hit, hoping to bring Isla O’Keeffe (background) across home plate. PHOTO: Paul Maiden next Saturday at 11:30am. The Women’s team enter this round undefeated, but ran into a much stronger outfit in the Bundy Bears team.

Kim Floyd started in the circle for Rangers, making her first appearance for the season, but the Bears were aggressive at the plate early, scoring four runs.

Bears’ pitcher Cass Jones showed her class, holding the Rangers scoreless through three innings and restricted them to just two hits. From there, it was oneway traffic, with Rangers using the opportunity to gain experience for their newer players. Standouts for Rangers this week include Candice Jones and Lorelle McMonigle with the bat, and Hannah Davy and Sophie Anders in the field. The loss drops Rangers to fourth on the ladder - next up for Rangers’ women will be Albury Drop Bears. All are welcome to join training sessions on Wednesdays from 4pm for juniors, 5pm for seniors at Targoora Park on Murdoch Road.

Page 18 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 1, 2023

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SPORT

NICE WIN: Scott McIntosh’s Real Gun won well at Benalla on Monday. PHOTO: Racing Photos

Local trainers in form By WILLSON MACK WANGARATTA trainers dominated the weekend’s racing. Andrew Dale won half of the six race card at Balranald, Albury’s meeting saw Ben Brisbourne and Ledger Racing find winners, while Scott McIntosh’s Real Gun saluted at Benalla on Monday. Brisbourne’s Char ($3.20) made it back-to-back victories with a win in race two’s benchmark 58 handicap (2000m), while Hanging rock ($3.50) won the following race (maiden). Ledger Racing’s Killawarra Lass won at nice odds of $18 in race six’s maiden, while McIntosh’s Real Gun ($3) ran home to a near four length win in race seven’s benchmark 58 at Benalla. The six race meeting at Balranald saw Malabar Queen ($2) take out her maiden in race one, followed by Deploy and Destroy ($2.30) winning race three’s benchmark 58, while Adelaide’s Diamond ($3.50) saluted in the final race of the day (BM50). Not only was it a treble for the stable, hoop Bradley Vale rode all three winners. Malabar Queen was outstanding in the fourth start of her career, saluting by nearly three lengths. “The expectation with Malabar Queen was to go out there and be super competitive,” Dale said. “Once we drew a good gate and she jumped on the lure the rest was history really. “She was too good for that field in the end so the challenge now will be to step up to TAB-level.” Deploy and Destroy continued his purple patch taking his tally to three wins from five starts for ADR after a dominant three and half length victory. “Deploy and Destroy was a class above,” Dale said. “We thought he was placed well in a 1400m benchmark 58 at Balranald and he was in the end, he won with his ears pricked. “He’s been a super acquisition for us, the purchase strategy for him was to capitalise on these types of races and he’s now won three from four starts for us.” Six-year-old gelding Adelaide’s Diamond broke through for his first victory for the stable and returned to the winners’ circle for the first time since July 2021. “Adelaide’s Diamond was a cheap online purchase as well,” Dale said. “He’s had a couple of runs at TAB level and like the other two he was well placed on the weekend.” ADR is now gearing up for a busy weekend, heavily targeting Saturday’s Berrigan Cup meeting, while meetings at Moonee Valley and Wycheproof may also be on the cards.

YOUNG TALENT: Keen young soccer players follow instructions from coach Raff Molinaro and guidance from the Liverpool program as part of the after-school program.

Galen leading the Liverpool way College’s g ’ football skill development p clinic intake top p of the table in term fourr BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au

AFTER-school skill development sessions running at Galen Catholic College as part of its Liverpool Football Club International Academy connection have attracted the largest following of any in Australia. Offered for six to 16 year-olds from the local area, the 10-week term four skill development clinic (SDC) which began on October 11 has drawn 62 young people who gather at the school’s oval for weekly training sessions. “It’s 62 kids and growing, which is the biggest SDC enrolment in term four across Australia,” Pat Arcuri, Galen’s deputy principal - student development, and an accredited coach with the program, said. Other programs are running this term in Victoria at Assumption College (Kilmore), Ave Maria College (Aberfeldie), Emmanuel College (Point Cook and Altona), Salesian College (Chadstone), St Joseph’s College (Geelong) and in NSW at Homebush (Sydney) and Coffs Harbour. Having just joined the LFCIA on October 19, Bendigo’s Catherine McAuley College is not yet offering the SDC program.

SMILES SPEAK VOLUMES: Spencer Robinson and Noah Johnston are among the youngsters who are lapping up the chance to learn to play ‘the Liverpool way’ in after-school sessions at Galen Catholic College. Galen announced in May this year that it was joining forces with Liverpool Football Club as part of the LFC International Academy, saying it would see the establishment of an exclusive high-performance soccer school program, as well as initiatives such as the after-school program

which would benefit the wider community. Mr Arcuri said a recent threeday school holiday program had also proven successful, and had provided a taster for young people who had then signed up for the term four after-school sessions. “It’s fantastic, being that we’re

so new to the program; we’re not even one year in, and are seeing this kind of interest,” he said. “More spots have opened up, so we could get up to around 70 kids involved. “Soccer season may be over, but many kids want to keep developing their skills in the off-season. “We’ve attracted kids from Wodonga and Mansfield, so it’s great to know it’s drawing people from that far afield. “There is no competition involved, and it’s all about developing these kids as people as well as soccer players. “The Liverpool philosophy is all about attacking football, and being confident with the ball at your feet; week by week, these students are building that confidence.” Eight certified coaches at the school are also developing their skills through accreditation with the program, as they oversee players in pre-academy (six to eight years), foundation (nine to 11 years) and youth development (12 to 15 years) clinics. Mr Arcuri said there were currently seven spots remaining in the youth development phase (under 12 to under 15), and interested aspiring players (who would be eligible for a discounted enrolment fee at this stage of the program) could register at https://lfcacademy.com.au/weekly-training-sessions/

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THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 1, 2023 - Page 19

SPORT

Mixed bag for Wangaratta Bowls Club GOOD WIN: Maurie Braden and his A1 side downed Myrtleford at home on Saturday.

STAR: Jodie Fruend leads the way.

PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie

LINE IT UP: Trevor Selwood in action.

A1: WANGARATTA came from behind to snatch victory over Myrtleford on Saturday. The visitors looked the likely winners for most of the day before a late rally from Wangaratta saw them home by just eight shots. Chris Randell, Paul King, Gary Fenlon, and Michelle Van Praagh put on a second half clinic to win by a big margin (30-11), and it was a similar story for Maurie Braden, Jodie Fruend, Steve English, and Greg McDonald as they broke free in the second half to win (22-12). Despite losing their matches it was Phil Davern’s rink (16-27) and Trevor Selwood’s rink (19-29) that helped save the day as they clawed back from bigger deficits over the last few ends enabling the overall win. Final scores: Wangaratta 14 pts 87 shots def Myrtleford 4 pts 79 shots. Next week Wangaratta are away to Rutherglen. A3: Wangaratta put up a brave showing against undefeated Lavington on Saturday. Wangaratta pushed the home side all day before falling just short of a major upset. Gary Chambers, Denis Wadley, Norm Bussell and Bob McCalman were Wangaratta’s best posting a (27-19) win, and Tom Morrow, John Kane, Gary King, and Steve Bihun also had a good win (24-19). Peter Selwood, Jan Hermassoo, Terry Johnson, and Norm Hallett were unlucky to lose (21-22), but a big loss to Richard Hermassoo’s

rink (16-33) saw the overall win slip from Wangaratta’s grasp. Final scores: Wangaratta 4 pts 88 shots lost to Lavington 14 pts 93 shots. In other local games Milawa had the bye. Next week Wangaratta will host Moira and Milawa travel to Bright. B1: Wangaratta at home couldn’t match it with St James on Saturday. The perennial finalists were far too good, winning two of the three rinks. Richie Allan, Chris Bell, Lance Jenkin, and Thelma Stones posted a rink win (24-18), but big losses to Klaus Kazenwadel (16-32) and Keith Izard (23-30) resulted in a comfortable St James win. Final scores: Wang 2 pts 63 shots lost to St James 12 pts 80 shots. Local side Moyhu 12 pts 53 shots survived by just a single shot against Myrtleford 2 pts 52 shots. Wangaratta travel to Rutherglen next week and Moyhu host St James. B3: Wangaratta returned to the winner’s circle at Corowa RSL on Saturday. Lyn Kahlefeldt, Susan Bull, Gary Lidgerwood, and John Keen (2914) set up the win for the visitors, with Graeme Norman, Lyn Sier, John Knight, and Anne Keen (1816) and Ron McAuliffe, Bruce Desmond, Howard Beard, and Mick Lenane (18-15) making it all rinks up for the visitors. Final scores: Wangaratta 14 pts 65 shots def Corowa RSL 0 pts 45 shots. Wangaratta host Lavington next week.

Section one win for Wettern

By WILLSON MACK

ROUND three of the Wangaratta Lawn Tennis Croquet and Pickleball Club’s aggregate competition was played on Saturday. Mark Wettern grabbed his first section one win for the year with a nice score of 2318, followed by Ben Kneebone (21-17) and Phil Peck (20-20). Kevin Callahan (19-20) and Mark Brown (15-23) came in at fourth and fifth respectively. Frank Harris (22-13) just edged out Mario Pane (2110) in section two, while Tom Bloom (16-19) rounded out the top three. Mike Lairson and Maree Sullivan followed with scores of 14-19 and 11-21 respectively.

Section three saw Henry Dean reign supreme on 2314, while Mason Scholes (2115) and Greg Renner (21-20) weren’t far behind. Michelle Flynn (16-22) and Pat Flynn (13-23) toiled hard all day. Phil Dryden won section four by a nose with a score of 22-18 ahead of Noel Boyd and Andrew Cope (21-19). Mark Gorman trailed on 16-24. Russell Canning found form in section five finishing the day on 23-16 to grab victory. Peter Curran (21-18), Alan Busk (19-20) and Josh Murray (15-24) followed. Section six saw Brett McClen claim the only score with the illusive 24 games for, a fair way ahead of Rus-

sell O’Brien (19-19). Des Steele (17-18) and Amy Lairson (17-19) battled it out for the bronze medal and Max McAuliffe trailed on 13-22. Geoff Davidson took out the final section of the day on 23-10. Sue Piper grabbed silver on 19-14 and John Shanley took the bronze out on 15-14. Tom Wilkinson (15-18) and Eddie Cole (8-24) came in at fourth and fifth respectively. Results: Section 1 Mark Wettern 23-18, Ben Kneebone 21-17, Phil Peck 20-20, Kevin Callahan 19-20, Mark Brown 15-23. Section 2 Frank Harris 22-13, Mario Pane 21-10, Tom Bloom 16-

19, Mike Lairson 14-19, Maree Sullivan 11-21. Section 3 Henry Dean 23-14, Mason Scholes 21-15, Greg Renner 21-20, Michelle Flynn 16-22, Pat Flynn 13-23. Section 4 Phil Dryden 22-18, Noel Boyd 21-19, Andrew Cope 2119, Mark Gorman 16-24. Section 5 Russell Canning 23-16, Peter Curran 21-18, Alan Busk 19-20, Josh Murray 15-24. Section 6 Brett McClen 24-12, Russell O’Brien 19-19, Des Steele 17-18, Amy Lairson 17-19, Max McAuliffe 13-22. Section 7 Geoff Davidson 23-10, Sue Piper 19-14, John Shanley 1514, Tom Wilkinson 15-18, Eddie Cole 8-24.

GOOD WIN: Mark Wettern was on fire at WLTCP’s aggregate competition on Saturday. PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

Page 20 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 1, 2023

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Galen leading Liverpool way

Page 18

TALKING TACTICS WANGARATTA Bowls Club members Mark Allan (left) and Trevor Selwood discuss tactics during their match on Saturday. Story: Page 19 PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

Just not cricket THE local cricket season may only be a month old, but players are already being warned abusive language and sledging is not acceptable. Wangaratta and District Cricket Association umpires are making a concerted effort to stamp out sledging and ensuring the game is played in the spirit and to the rules as set out in the Laws of Cricket, as written by the Marylebone Cricket Club. WDCA head of umpires, Michael Hurley, said what has previously been given a pass on the field may no

WDCA umpires p cracking g down on sledging g g at all levels of the ggame BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

longer be acceptable. “In the past two seasons, since I’ve been back, there’s been quite a bit of concern among umpire ranks in regards to the chatter on the field,” he said. “The umpires have been instructed to enforce the laws

Lets Get Social www.johnwohlersjewellers.com.au

as they apply, so what players may have gotten away with in the past, they are generally being pulled up for. “I think, if more players read the rules around unfair play and the Spirit of Cricket, they’d probably be more aware of what they can and can’t say on the field. “We don’t make any apologies for the fact we’re trying to ensure the game is played in the spirit it’s designed to be.” Under the Laws of

Cricket, Law 41.2 - Unfair actions - “the umpires shall be the sole judges of fair and unfair play”, while Law 42 details what is unacceptable conduct by players. The text of Law 42.2.1 says using language that, in the circumstances, is obscene, offensive or insulting is a Level 1 offence. Hurley said there was a link between player behaviour and the number of people willing to umpire matches. “The WDCA and umpires

board are trying to work really hard in not only being able to maintain umpire numbers but also increase them,” he said. “We’ve got them to 16 at the moment which is probably the best it’s been for quite some time, the conditions for umpires have certainly improved considerably in that time, but I also reflect on recent umpires that aren’t umpiring presently. “I’ve been in touch with a

couple of them asking why they’re not umpiring – ‘I’ve got better things to do and to tell you the truth I don’t like the player behaviour and how it’s directed to an umpire’. “What we want is a healthy environment, where both players and umpires know the line that’s been drawn in the sand – we’re not trying to deter players from playing, and players aren’t trying to deter umpires from umpiring.” ■ Continued page 16

A FAMILY TRADITION OF WATCHMAKERS AND JEWELLERS SINCE 1914

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