BY SHANE DOUTHIE sdouthie@ nemedia.com.au
LOCAL state and federal MPs and Wangaratta mayor Dean Rees have slammed the State Government for changes to Victorians’ right to appeal renewable energy projects under Labor’s new fast-track laws.
Under the change, which came into effect on April 1, appeals against a planning
minister’s approval can only be made to the Supreme Court on a point of law.
The MPs said the new laws mean that locals who have genuine concerns about these projects will not only have their voices silenced, but their rights to a merits review of the minister’s decision completely taken away.
The change comes amid ongoing concerns from local Meadow Creek community members about a proposed $750m solar energy development in the King Valley.
Wangaratta-based Nationals MP for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, said he was outraged at the lack of
transparency the changes will deliver.
“I am outraged that (Premier) Jacinta Allan thinks they continue to erode the rights of residents and local communities in the planning stage,” Mr McCurdy said.
“Once again we have seen Labor decide to consolidate power and
reduce transparency.
“And once again, regional Victoria is the one experiencing the brunt of these changes.”
Cr Rees said he was disappointed to see local government continue to be pushed out of the planning process.
“Local governments
are an integral part of the planning process, we know our communities and what projects will work in our regions,” he said.
“The government is ripping the democracy out of planning and telling locals that they know what is best for our communities.
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Lake
FUNTOGETHERNih
FUN TOGETHER: Niamh Mathieson and Dad Mark enjoyed the craft activities together.
COLOURUFL ACTIVITY: Five year old Hannah Bagley was delighted to have a tear drop marks painted on her face by artist Ivy Thomas.
FAMILIES took full advantage of the free Easter activities on offer at the special fun day organised by the Wangaratta Baptist Church in Apex Park last Saturday.
More than 1200 people made the most of the beautiful autumn weather to enjoy everything from laser tag to face painting, while enjoying the free sausage sizzle and hot cross buns.
“It’s wonderful that the church puts this on for families,” enthused Peter Hoggan, whose sons Forrest (3) and Dallas (6) were enjoying laser tag.
Paul Bagley from Wangaratta shared similar sentiments as his five year old daughter Hannah
had her face transformed with a tear drop mask.
“We came last year and it was fantastic,” he said.
Pastor Aaron Wardle said the event was definitely the biggest of the seven family fun days the church has organised over the last 18 months and it was very satisfying to see so many families come together and enjoy the activities.
But he flagged the costs of such events need to be reassessed each year.
“The last three events have cost us around $10,000 which is not really sustainable, so we’ll have to look at what we do next year...perhaps one of two events,” he said.
By JORDAN DUURSMA
FAMILIES rallied together for the Obrien Real Estate Joyce Community Easter Egg Hunt last Thursday evening at Wangaratta’s HP Barr Reserve.
An crowd of over 1700 people hunted for 500kg of chocolate eggs to raise money for the paediatric unit at Northeast Health Wangaratta (NHW).
Rebecca and Peter Joyce from Obrien Real Estate said this year’s event had smashed last year’s total of $3550, with at least $7500 raised.
Last year’s fundraising efforts supported the purchase of an IStat machine for NHW’s paediatric unit, which has made a huge difference on the ward.
Mr Joyce said Thursday’s fun family event was the fifth and largest iteration.
“We started the first year with about 130 people involved but there was over 1200 kids this year,” he said.
“There was lots to see and do, we had a wide range of activities for families to get involved in, live music, dancing and local food vendors.
“It was a great community event for families to come and get together.
“We saw a lot of people catching up and groups of people sitting down having picnics which was really nice.”
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
A COMMUNITY housing build on Wangaratta’s Templeton Street is taking shape with the exterior structure and frames on track to be completed by early May with hopes for the new 44 units to be completed by year’s end.
Serg Djurovic, proprietor of D5 Build, is happy with the progress that is tracking to schedule, with the panels being lifted into place by the tower crane which has been a fixture of Wangaratta’s skyline for several months.
The development will be composed principally of two buildings, which are breezeway buildings that have a central open corridor.
The buildings front Templeton Street and look on to the river beyond and one of the ideas behind a breezeway building is to promote community living.
“The tower crane will be coming down some time in June and we’re into the final details of internal framing, services, plastering and the finishing touches,” Mr Durovic said.
Contractually, D5 is obligated to finish the project early next year but they’re aiming for a 2024 finish to allow for a break to move onto other projects in the new year.
Mr Djurovic said there have been obstacles along the way such as a shortage of trades which is an ongoing nationwide issue.
He said D5 has been making sure they are reporting on aspects such as gender equality and apprentice employment provisions during the course of the project.
“The units will have nice floors with carpet in bedrooms and fully air-conditioned in bedrooms and living areas and the kitchens will be made by a local Wangaratta joiner,” he said.
“They will have plenty of storage such as medicine cabinets and there will be carparking underneath the building.
“Downstairs there will be sit-
ting areas for residents to sit down and relax and there will be benches as well.
“The building will have a green star rating that can only be achieved if someone monitors how we’re constructing it and what we’re using.
“We’re using recycled concrete and a formwork board that has low formaldehyde.”
The project managers have received little feedback from residents, but Mr Djurovic said they have been blessed by good natured people in Wangaratta, which was a
■ From page 1
“It also begs the question; what other planning controls are the government going to take away from local councils?”
Wangaratta-based Independent federal MP for Indi Helen Haines has written to the Victorian Government expressing her dismay with its decision to remove the right for third parties to appeal renewable energy planning decisions through VCAT.
“I’m listening to my communities, including people from Dederang and Meadow Creek, who are telling me about their genuine concerns about large-scale renewable energy projects proposed close to where they live,” Dr Haines said.
In her letter to the Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosia and Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny, Dr Haines expressed concern that under the current system, there are not enough safeguards to ensure communities are heard and their issues acted upon by developers.
“The State Government is not listening to these concerns, and project developers are not consistently offering real benefits to regional communities expected to host these projects,” she said.
“The removal of the right to appeal to VCAT will exacerbate this situation.”
PHOTO:
TAKING SHAPE:
welcome, fresh approach.
“The council and the people in regional areas have been nothing but supportive of the project and if they do have a query or issue they just make a phone call,” he said.
“There is a high need for social housing in the region with up to 1500 units in this type of development required to meet the demand.
“If we were putting in 200 of these units it would make a dint in what is needed, but with only 44 it’s like a drop in the ocean.
“It all depends on council
making the land available and going to the State Government and getting the builders on board who can build it at an economical price.”
Uniting is also involved in a partnership with NESAY, and the Brotherhood of St Laurence, behind 40 youth foyer units at the GOTAFE Wangaratta campus, which will be partly funded by the State Government.
MP for Northern Victoria and Attorney General Jaclyn Symes announced the $13.3 million for the project to go ahead back in February last year.
“Fast-tracking projects and silencing communities is terrible governance.”
Dr Haines and Independent Senator for the ACT David Pocock worked with the Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen in 2023 to establish an independent review into community engagement and benefit sharing for renewable energy developments.
“The Community Engagement Review final report was clear - the state and federal governments must improve community engagement and consultation,” Dr Haines said.
“The decision to remove the right to appeal to VCAT is contrary to the recommendations of the review’s final report.
“In my letter to the state ministers, I asked how the Victorian Government will act to implement the recommendations of the review to ensure community engagement and community benefit are delivered for the communities in Indi impacted by renewable energy projects.
“The Federal Government needs to put money behind the recommendations in the review and work with the states to legislate best practice community engagement for the energy transition.
“I support the transition to renewables but regional people should be given opportunities to benefit from the renewable energy transition, this must be done with us, not to us.”
Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie said Labor’s aggressive agenda of renewables at any cost is blatantly ignoring the rights and needs of regional communities.
“It’s a case of Labor big-government operating without social licence and squeezing out local voices on these big projects at every turn,” Senator McKenzie said.
“Residents in the North East are not necessarily opposed to renewables, but have genuine safety and environmental concerns about these rushed projects, which is based on their extensive history living and working the land.”
HOW
HOW
A SIGNIFICANT house fire decimated a Wangandary property in the early hours of Saturday morning.
A total of 14 CFA crews and a Wangaratta FRV crew attended the house fire on Adams Road at around 5:30am, with the two-storey property well-lit by the time emergency services arrived, according to a CFA spokesperson.
The spokesperson said a moat tanker was called to the scene as crews worked
to contain and extinguish the fire, with the blaze deemed under control an hour later at 6:30am.
District 23 acting assistant chief fire officer Paul Scragg said there was a small part of the building still standing, but the
majority of the two-storey house was burned to rubble.
“We had to knock some of the house down because of the severity of the fire and to make sure it was fully extinguished,” he said.
“Because it was such
a large property, we had to get all of those tankers there.
“The trucks did a significant job to contain the fire, but the house had suffered significant damage.”
The CFA said occupants had safely escaped the blaze, with an ambulance crew attending the scene to assess residents, with no injuries reported.
LEONARD Maidment, affection-
ately known as Len, celebrated his milestone 100th birthday in Wangaratta last week.
Friends and family gathered around Len at Respect St John’s last Wednedsay to celebrate the centenarian and reminisce over old war stories and enjoy birthday cake.
Len’s daughter, Robyn Brown, prepared a biography of Len’s life to share the stories of his childhood and youth in England, his efforts in WWII, his involvement in Scout jamborees, CFA volunteering and adventures on his Triumph motorcycle.
Len was born in London on March 24, 1924 as one of nine children.
After working for the National Fire Service and the London Electricity Board, he received his “call up papers” in February 1943.
Following six weeks primary training in Ireland, he returned to London to join the Airborne Forces Artillery Battery as a glider.
Robyn recounted the story of Len being sent to Normandy in France as a Paratrooper in June 1944.
“On D-Day, Len’s job was to fly in a glider over enemy lines to set up the guns for battle and to plot the coordinates that the gun crews used,” she said.
“Due to a mishap they did not make their spot in the queue which
potentially saved his life as the glider that took their place was shot down.”
From December 1944 to February 1945 Len was sent to Belgium for the Battle of the Bulge and in March 1945 he was sent to the Rhine Crossing in Germany for two months.
In September 1945 he was sent to the Middle East spending 17 months in Palestine.
Len is a six-time decorated soldier for his service in the English armed forces, and in 2015 he was awarded the French Legion of Honour at the Australian Shrine of Remembrance which is the highest French decora-
tion for his services in Normandy. Len set out from Scotland to Melbourne by boat in 1949 on a 14 month journey and became an Australian citizen in July 1958.
When asked if he was more of an Englishman or an Aussie, Len enthusiastically replied, “an Aussie”.
Len married the love of his life, Wilma, in St Andrew’s Church in Brighton on April 23, 1960 and they had three children together.
He returned to the UK once more
in 1994 to attend the 50th anniversary ceremony of D-Day in Normandy, which Robyn said he found very moving and allowed him to visit some of the graves of his fellow servicemen.
In 2000, Len and Wilma packed up their life and moved to Wangaratta to be close to their grandchildren.
Len celebrated his 99th birthday at home, and shortly after he was moved to residential aged care where he celebrated his 100th birthday.
A MAN has pleaded guilty to more than 50 charges related to scamming $170,500 from North East customers for concrete services never provided.
Appearing remotely at Wangaratta Magistrates Court from custody on Thursday, the 48-year-old
man admitted to 51 charges of obtaining financial advantage by deception.
The court previously heard the man had scammed $170,500 from around 25 customers in the region for concrete works he never undertook.
Between June 2022 and January 2023, the offender posed under concreting business Goonawarra Concreting based in Benalla.
Benalla police found the man had quoted works without visiting a majority of his victims’ sites, ob-
The CFA spokesperson said there was no reported cause of the blaze, but it was not deemed suspicious.
FOUR North East travellers avoided serious injury after their car crashed on BeechworthWangaratta Road on Monday morning.
Police were called to a single vehicle incident at 10:30am, just outside of Beechworth, near the Duncans Lane intersection.
The road was temporarily blocked as police, paramedics and firefighters arrived at the scene.
Ambulance Victoria said a man in his 20s with upper body injuries was driven to Northeast Health Wangaratta in a stable condition.
Police said the driver was issued an infringement notice for failing to have full and proper control of the vehicle.
A 77-YEAR-OLD woman has died following a collision in Rutherglen’s Main Street.
Police said a Ford SUV collided with a pedestrian near the intersection of Main Street and Warrens Lane at about 9.10am last Thursday.
The pedestrian was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries but sadly passed away on Friday, March 29.
According to police the driver of the Ford SUV stopped at the scene and was not injured.
The exact circumstances surrounding the collision are being investigated.
taining upfront deposits and ongoing payments.
When approached for refunds, the man told customers the business would not offer refunds or would cut communications with the customer entirely.
The man only visited and started
work for one of his 25 customers; for half a day and with work done to an “unsatisfactory standard”.
The man has spent 422 days in custody at the Marngoneet Correctional Centre and is set to appear in the County Court for a drug and alcohol directions hearing.
GOALS or targets can be a great thing in life at an individual, business or organisational level.
They help you strive to become better in what you do by setting a target followed by the chain of tasks you have to complete to allow you to achieve the goal.
The Victorian Labor Government released its 2035 emissions reduction target in 2023 and set new renewable energy targets for our state – increasing to 65 per cent by 2030, and 95 per cent by 2035.
And while many have welcomed such ambitious targets, the lack of planning on how those targets are to be met, particularly as far as the required infrastructure goes, has opposite sides of the political fence united.
Without clear guidance on the most suitable locations for large scale renewable infrastructure, renewable energy companies are targeting quality agricultural land due to its proximity to transmission networks as their preferred sites; good for them but disastrous for local farming communities and our agricultural sector as a whole.
Likewise the Federal Government which had pushed hard for renewables also left these planning guidelines in the toohard basket, referring to it as the states’ responsibility.
And despite Labor in control at federal and state level, no such planning guidelines have been forthcoming.
Instead, the state Labor government has removed traditional rights of appeal in such planning matters giving the planning minister veto powers.
Most people are for renewable energy but when it comes as a long-term cost other industries such as agriculture, and impacts the environment that it set out to protect, questions have to be asked.
1 The Tropic of Capricorn passes through which of the following countries?
(a) Venezuela (b) Ecuador (c) Chile (d) None of the above
2 Helen Hunt rose to fame through her role in which TV series?
(a) The Practice (b) Melrose Place (c) Mad About You (d) NYPD Blue
3 Who scored Australia’s first ever goal at a FIFA Men’s World Cup competition?
(a) Harry Kewell (b) Peter Wilson
(c) Attila Abonyi (d) Tim Cahill
4 Gram flour is a pulse flour made from a type of what?
(a) Soy bean (b) Chickpea (c) Red lentil (d) Psyllium husk
5 Which one of these words could adequately describe something trivial or insignificant?
(a) Paramour (b) Noctilucous (c) Nugatory (d) Parsimonious
6 El Dorado International Airport is located in which
South American capital city?
(a) Caracas (b) Buenos Aires
(c) Bogotá
(d) Lima
7 Who stars as James Harper in the 2022 movie, The Contractor?
(a) Chris Pine (b) Ben Foster (c) Kiefer Sutherland (d) Liam Neeson
8 NRL player, Lachie Miller, represented Australia in which sport at the 2020 Summer Olympics?
(a) Boxing (b) Sport climbing (c) Rugby sevens
(d) Judo
9 When the lyrics of Advance Australia Fair were updated in 2021, which word replaced the word, “young”, in the second line?
(a) One (b) True (c) New (d) Joined
10 Joseph Calleja is considered to be one of the world’s best what?
(a) Architects (b) Tenors (c) Photographers (d) Ventriloquists
1 (c) Chile 2 (c) Mad About You 3 (d) Tim Cahill 4 (b) Chickpea 5 (c) Nugatory 6 (c) Bogotá 7 (a) Chris Pine 8 (c) Rugby sevens 9 (a) One 10 (b) Tenors
OUR local Nationals member in the Victorian Parliament wishes us to know that he continues to push for investment and future proofing of Wangaratta public hospital.
While he is advocating for funding and relocation, perhaps he could pursue the $10m allocation that had been promised by a former Coalition partner of his party, the then federal member Ms Mirabella, which apparently evaporated after she was not elected.
I do hope that he has forwarded a written invitation to our Premier about his passionate support of our hospital rather than by just the publication of his letter in the Chronicle.
What our hospital needs is action and funding, not empty rhetoric.
John Harper, MilawaTHE Dredge Access Group (Eldorado) wish to clarify our campaign for continued access to the swimming area via the vehicle track used almost exclusively by locals.
It is the only access for those with disabilities, carrying recreational equipment, or with small children.
Access is also required for water rights.
We thank the Wangaratta Chronicle for their accurate and balanced reporting and offer these irrefutable facts.
Correspondence from Laura Collins, Parks Victoria (PV) on 11/12/23 stated PV would be “returning the limitations on access” and “do not encourage swimming at the site due to the risks of submerged items in the water and the potential for blue green algae”.
Subsequently, a petition with 524 signatures was forwarded on 29/12/23 to the Steve Dimopoulos, Minister for Environment, and Outdoor Recreation.
On 17/01/24, Nick Wright, Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action (DEECA), responded that the heritage park “provides for nature tourism through the interpretive walk”, that PV “does not encourage swimming at the site” and “vehicle access will be restricted to adjoining private landholders and
Have your say in Wangaratta Chronicle poll
FOR A GREAT CAUSE: Grace and Colleen O’Brien were among those raising funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal last week, as they manned the Wangaratta Royal Children’s Hospital Ladies Auxiliary street stall in the council kiosk in Reid Street on Thursday. Young Maggie McPherson dropped by to add to the RCH donations, and view the range of homemade cakes, preserves, knitwear and other items on offer.
management vehicles only”.
Both Mr Dimopoulous and Mr Wright failed to acknowledge the petition.
While we do recognise the importance of tourism, and would welcome some restorative maintenance of the walking trail, we also consider local amenity should take priority.
We appreciate the support of our local MP, Tim McCurdy (MLA, Ovens Valley), who met with a delegation at the dredge on 24/01/24, spoke to the issue in Parliament and on radio, and has sought a meeting with the Minister.
The Environment Volunteers claim an agreement not to lock the gates was reached with PV late 2023 but this is contrary to what PV and DEECA have said in their official communications.
Correspondence from Jessica Reid (PV) on 28/02/24 confirmed “the decision to reinstate access restrictions” and that PV “does not encourage swimming at the site”. Centennial Park have confirmed the
position taken by Ms Collins that PV “would be returning limitations”.
The Eldorado community have consistently indicated our willingness to hold a public meeting with PV; that offer stands.
Dr Roxanne Bodsworth, on behalf of the Dredge Access Group
BY CHLOE JAENICKE cjaenicke@ nemedia.com.au
LOCAL CFA volunteers were out in force around the streets of Wangaratta and surrounding towns last Friday, with their collections helping reach a total of $131,024 for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, according to local appeal coordinator Alex Carmody.
There were around five local CFA crews who were assisted by SES and Fire Rescue Victoria crews rattling their tins between 8:30am and 4:30pm.
This continues the legacy of an annual tradition that has been carried out since 1951 by the local CFA brigades.
Wangaratta CFA captain, Jason Allisey, said he believes it’s important to continue the tradition as the Good Friday Appeal is “close to quite a few members of my brigade’s hearts because their children have had to use the Royal Children’s Hospital’s services for their health”.
Cpt Allisey said it’s a huge achievement by the crews that couldn’t be achieved without the generosity of the public.
“We’d like to thank the Wangaratta community for all their effort and support to such a good cause,” he said.
“There’s a lot of people around the town that actually save a lot of coins over the 12 months to donate to us which is really good, and it’s a lot of the same people you’ll see year in year out.”
Cpt Allisey also said they were grateful for the support of the SES and Fire Rescue Victoria crews who helped on the day - and he praised the ongoing efforts of appeal co-ordinator Mr Carmody, who has been collecting money
for the appeal for 55 years.
“Alex is probably the driver of it all and it’s more the brigade to step up to the mark and help these unprivileged sick children who need the care from the Royal Children’s Hospital,” he said.
Mr Carmody said he was extremely thankful to the community and their support towards the Good Friday Appeal.
He would especially like to thank the Bowser CFA brigade, who raised $582; Eldorado CFA brigade, who raised $6122; Killawarra CFA brigade, who raised $1728; Moyhu CFA brigade, who raised $4861; Oxley Plains CFA brigade, who raised $4829; South
Wangaratta CFA brigade, who raised $4887; the local SES, who raised $3829; the Children’s Hospital Wangaratta Ladies Auxiliary, who raised $7000; Joanne Turnbull, who raised $6080; Norm Adams, who raised $9912; Peter McQuade, who raised $8707; and Hayley West, who raised $3524.
Wangaratta’s tally alone of $121,530 was the seventh highest in regional and rural Victoria.
Rebecca Cowan, executive director of the Good Friday Appeal, praised the efforts of local collectors and the Wangaratta community, saying regional and rural Victoria’s tally stood at an amazing $5,261,913, with the overall
A TRAIN fault on a V/Line service on Sunday afternoon had replacement buses departing from Wangaratta Railway Station to Melbourne.
The 12.51pm Albury to Southern Cross service on Sunday ran as a threecarriage train instead of the scheduled six-carriages due to the train fault.
Carriages were quickly filled to capacity upon leaving Albury.
V/Line organised for two support coaches at Wangaratta and one at Benalla to transport passengers to Melbourne.
A V/Line spokesperson said they apologised for any disruptions on the Sunday service.
TAYLOR Swift may have left Australian shores, but local teen fans can relive the superstar’s performances by attending an Eras Tour watch party at Wangaratta’s Synergy Youth Hub on Monday, April 8.
Running from 1pm to 4.30pm, the event is open to 12 to 17-year-olds and will be held at the recently-opened hub, located at 29 Flanagan Street, Wangaratta.
The free event will feature a special screening of ‘The Eras Tour (Taylor’s Version)’, and those attending are encouraged to bring along friendship bracelets to swap.
Bookings are required, and can be made by visiting https://events.humanitix.com/taylor-swift-the-eras-tourtaylor-s-version-watch-party
final tally for the appeal an astounding $23,368,724.
Ms Cowan said some of this year’s funds will go directly to regional hospitals to support new equipment and scholarships to improve the experience and outcomes of children receiving care in regional settings.
Regional and rural Victoria’s top 10 fundraising towns were: Geelong $236,038; Ballarat $220,265; Devenish, Dookie & District $193,240; Corowa Wahgunyah $156,696; Albury $126,603; Wodonga $122,295; Wangaratta $121,530; Echuca/ Moama $116,313; Warrnambool $100,984; and Traralgon $93,664.
THE dates of the September and October Rural City of Wangaratta Council meetings have changed due to the upcoming municipal council elections in October.
New meeting dates include Monday, September 23 at 6pm due to the election caretaker period coming into effect the following day at 12 noon.
The October meeting will now be on Tuesday, October 22 at 6pm as the Local Government Act requires the annual report to be endorsed no later than October 25 for this year, being prior to the election taking place on October 26.
THE Rural City of Wangaratta’s Grit and Resilience Program is expanding its beloved Old School Night Out event to smaller towns across the municipality.
Designed to foster connection and new friendships among neighbours, these events will be held in local halls and will feature performances by the dynamic band Sweet Buzz.
Old School Night Out is just one of the many initiatives focussed on inclusivity and belonging provided by the Grit and Resilience Program.
With the backing of the Victorian Government’s Social Inclusion Action Group (SIAG) funding the program is a crucial initiative recommended by the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.
Evolving from a previous Primary Health Network funded program, it places a renewed focus on social inclusion, strengthening connections, and fostering inclusion across our community.
You can contribute to the success of this program by spreading the word about Old School Night Out events and encouraging your local hall to get involved.
Contact the Grit and Resilience Program and express interest in hosting an event and help unite the community’s commitment to strengthening the social fabric of our rural communities through these gatherings.
Maren, the saxophone player in Sweet Buzz, is excited to be part of the initiative.
“We’re looking forward to creating a memorable experience for everyone and contributing to the sense of unity,” she said. Keep an eye out for details about upcoming Old School Night Out events in your area, with the first two set to take place in May in Springhurst and the King Valley.
For more information, contact
CARRIE Spann works as the operations manager for the Goulburn and Ovens Murray regions at Life Without Barriers.
Being a local resident in the Ovens Murray region, Carrie is passionate about supporting the local community to ensure that children and young people who grow up in Goulburn and Ovens Murray don’t have to leave the region when they come into care.
Carrie has been in this line of work for more than 30 years, and she still loves it as much as she did when she started.
“What I have learned from my experience is the importance of working together,” she said.
“For me, that means providing all kinds of support to a family rather than just one-on-one assistance from a case worker.
“That’s why I am excited about the Mockingbird program, which brings together six to 10 foster care families in the local community, supported by an experienced carer called a Home Hub Provider.
port in this model, unlike traditional models.
“They are not alone in difficult situations and crises.
“There is an entire team and community that they can draw on and receive support from, as everyone in that community is in the same situation as them.”
the Grit and Resilience Program by emailing gritandresilience@wangaratta.vic.gov.au
Grit and Resilience Program coordinator, Bek Nash-Webster is asking rural communities to get on board.
“Last year’s trial was really successful and we are now asking rural communities to help us bring the event to a wider audience,” she said.
“This group serves as an extended family, relying on each other for peer support and advice, just like grandparents, aunties, uncles, and cousins interact in other family units.”
Carrie said they are currently on the lookout for more carers to join and be part of this community.
“It takes a village to raise a child, and that is precisely what the Mockingbird Family model is all about,” she said.
“Carers receive exceptional sup-
Life Without Barriers is currently reaching out to services, support centres and the community to let more people know about the Mockingbird model, how unique it is, and how it can benefit carers in Goulburn and Ovens Murray.
If you are interested in knowing more or becoming a carer, you can reach out via email at carers@lwb. org.au or phone on 1300 592 227.
You can also find them at the Nagambie market on April 5, where they will be talking to people who may want to consider becoming a carer.
GIVE Wangaratta has opened its 2024 grants round and is seeking applications from local organisations.
Chair Sarah Thompson said GIVE Wangaratta is proud to continue supporting initiatives that uplift and empower the community, having granted more than $196,000 since commencing in 2019.
“These grants represent our commitment to addressing diverse local needs,” she said.
“Working with local organisations and donors, we can make a meaningful difference.
“We encourage eligible organisations to apply and share their innovative ideas.”
Made possible through the generosity of contributors including the Madge Brown Charitable Trust, Wangaratta RSL and other generous donors, Ms Thompson said the 2024 grants aim to sup-
GRANT ROUND OPEN: Give Wangaratta chair Sarah Thompson is encouraging local organisations to apply for a grant.
port a wide range of community projects.
“Our mission is to make a positive impact on our community’s wellbeing by supporting local organisations and projects with a focus on supporting vulnerable youth and families, focusing on education, health, housing, and community wellbeing,” she said.
“The establishment of the fund really came about because many people wanted
to see funds they raised locally remain in this area to be directed to projects and organisations that work for our community.
“People also wanted a fund that could support itself and a model that would grow over time, so that is what we established – a collective giving model and an endowed community fund that can make grants now and into the future.”
The 2024 grants are open until 5pm on May 13.
Projects must be within the Wangaratta area and be completed within 18 months, focusing on broad community benefit.
Applications can be made online at https://intoourhandsfoundation.com. au/current-grants/
For inquiries contact Into Our Hands Community Foundation executive officer Peter McCabe at 0466 252 866.
PUPPY LOVE: Prevention
THE RSPCA Wangaratta
Healthy Pet Day was held last Wednesday at the Girl Guides Hall in Ryan Avenue after being rescheduled from February due to extreme weather. RSPCA vets offered checkups for cats and dogs, vaccines for dogs, microchipping, prevention treatments for fleas and worms, expert advice and pet supplies.
Local pet owner, Kathy Semmons, was among those who brought their pets in for a check-up with RSPCA sen-
ior animal attendant Britnee Tyers and prevention vet Sarah Irwin.
Volunteer and RSPCA driver, Ray Smith, said it’s just phenomenal way to support the community, thanks to sponsorship by Petbarn Foundation.
“It’s great that these companies don’t just look at the bottom line, they look at what they can do for the community,” Ray said.
The event was fully booked, with RSPCA animal behaviour expert, Jari Castle, kept busy providing attendees with impromptu behav-
ioural advice for their pet.
“Dogs are naturally curious and like to socialise and the safest socialisation is asking the owner if your dogs can meet, if the answer is ‘No,’ call your dog back to you immediately,” Jari said.
Program and evaluations manger, Laura Roberts, said the operation was set up so pets had a smooth transition from one service to the next, adjusting to accommodate any pets feeling a bit anxious.
The RSPCA initiative aimed to help pet owners care for their companions.
WANGARATTA, after the wettest January since 1995 with 138.8mm, has only recorded a total of 54mms during the February (37.2mm) - March (16.8mm) period, which is about 30mms short of average.
Easter in North East Victoria was notably warmer than average, and was infact our warmest Easter since 1986.
By Peter Nelson,
6.2mms in February and only 2mms in March.
This was easily the driest February to March of only 8.2mms in 183 years of records (which includes the rainfall records taken at the Flagstaff Gardens from 1841 to 1854).
has occurred on only three times in 1859, 1870 and 2004.
The first significant rainfalls after these three episodes did arrive by the end of April.
The Wangaratta Chronicle will be in attendance at the midwifery ward on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9.30am to take photos of newborns with their parents, grandparents and/or siblings.
Consent forms are available from Northeast Health Wangaratta and from Wangaratta Chronicle staff on the day.
If you would like a photo but are not at the ward at the time of visiting, you can come into the Wangaratta Chronicle office at 37 Rowan Street during office hours to organise it.
Photographs are available to purchase from the Wangaratta Chronicle office.
Melbourne and most suburbs have had very dry conditions the last two months with the city recording only
Other very warm Easters were in 1913, 1922, 1940, 1951, 1955, and 1968. All except 1940 set up a very wet May which is something to look forward to in May this year.
Melboune did record well above average rain this year in January.
Dry conditions in February and March after a wet January in the same year
AMAYA Louise Sproule was born at Northeast Health Wangaratta on Monday, March 18 at 11:04am and weighted 4.33kg (9lb 5oz). She is the sister of Jakob Sproule and the daughter of Renee Carly Ansell and Russell Andrew Sproule of Corowa.
In contrast to our dry conditions, the remnants of tropical cyclone Megan brought very heavy rainfalls to the central districts of the Northern Territory during in the last two weeks of March.
Daly Waters had 353.8mms - its wettest March since 409.5mms in 2011, while Elliot received more than 548mms - making its January to March period total to 1349mms one of the wettest on record and almost the annual yearly average of 1650mms.
Other very wet January to March periods did occur in 1974 and 2011 and to a less extent in 1976.
The event of 1974 did set
RAYDEN Lee was born at Northeast Health Wangaratta on Friday, March 29 at 10:10am and weighed 3.57kg (7lb 13oz. He is the son of Evonne Ling and Vilex Lee of Cobram.
up heavy rain by the third week of April after a warm dry March in Victoria whilst the event of 2011 did set up heavy rain by the second seek of April .
Both 1974 and 2011 were wet years in Victoria, Tasmania and NSW.
The event of 1976 saw warm dry conditions in Victoria from March to August, then very wet from September to November 1976 and more heavy rain early 1977.
SAMANTHA McKenzie Methven was born at Northeast Health Wangaratta on Sunday, March 31 at 6:40am and weighed 3.17kg (7lb). She is the daughter of Chelsea Methven and Roy Methven of Glenrowan.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
HUNDREDS flocked to the Cathedral College County Fair on Saturday, raising around $14,000 for the school.
Deputy vice-principal Julie Findlay said perfect weather, a range of attractions and the hard work of the Cathedral College Parents and Friends Association ensured the success of the event.
“It was a great day seeing so many of our school community helping out and so many people from the wider community joining in,” Ms Findlay said. Pony rides, baby animal stalls, haunted house tours, jumping castles, Apex train rides and aqua orbs kept the children entertained while adults browsed the craft stalls, bought home baked goodies and lunched on quinoa salad, lasagne and curries prepared by the best chefs in town.
The coffee machine was ably managed by parents who looked very comfortable taking orders of lattes, cappuccinos, skinny-double-shot-flat whites, and all manner of coffee variations
SONIC Natural Farming will be unveiling a one-ofa-kind sustainable fertiliser kit at the Off-Grid Living Festival in Chiltern on April 6 and 7.
At the festival, they will be releasing their 30 litre DIY kit and doing one-onone demonstrations to show keen festival goers how it works.
The kit is unique and enables growers to make their own traditionally fermented biofertilisers which allows them to know exactly what’s going into their food.
“It is 100 per cent safe, we make fertiliser you could eat,” Sonja Kallio said.
“This is a new product and concept that has not been introduced to the market anywhere in the world, that we know of.”
Sonja said the kit can also assist users and growers to reduce input expenses through the reduction of product and transportation costs as well as the reducing the cost and waste that comes with single use plastics.
“These products are also highly effective when used fresh because the bio-available minerals and living biology contributes to the activation of microbial networks in the soil,” she said.
“These microbial networks contribute to healthy growth, plant vigour and immunity, making crops more resilient to stresses and much higher in nutrient density.”
SONIC Natural Farming is an Australian family of fourth and fifth generation farmers who are dedicate
themselves to helping other Aussie farmers grow more productive and sustainable crops through their 100 per cent natural biological fertiliser products.
“While industry standards often feature multi-year shelf lives, these extended durations might compromise the efficacy of these ‘living’ products due to potential mishandling or degradation over time,” Sonja said.
“SONIC Natural Farming stands apart by manufacturing products made to order and shipping within days of production, ensuring the delivery of fresher, more potent biologicals to farmers and growers.”
Sonja said they decided to be part of the Off-Grid Living Festival as they enjoy empowering themselves by
using self-sustainability in their lives.
“Our business emphasises regenerative farming as well as self-sustainability,” she said.
“We offer on-farm production services for all our products, as well as training, so that farmers can produce biological inputs for themselves, saving on
often high product transportation costs and singleuse packaging costs.”
For more information visit sonicnaturalfarming. com.au.
MRS C’s is a local Victorian company known for its properly hot, seriously tasty ‘OG’ chilli oil – along with a range of related products that cater to a variety of palates and preferences, which they will be sharing at the Off-Grid Living Festival in Chiltern on April 6 and 7.
In recent times, Mrs C’s has taken the chilli oil category in exciting new directions, with the addition of The Apprentice (a milder but no less delicious chilli oil), The Aristocrat (made with 100 per cent Australian extra virgin olive oil), The Junior (a chilli oil for kids), chilliflavoured almonds, and chilli ice cream.
With a combination of ingredients that includes garlic, shallots, onions and – of course – chilli, the recipe for Mrs C’s chilli oil has been perfected over generations
of the Choi family.
There is in fact a real Mrs C, who has been making this secret recipe crispy chilli oil for as long as she can remember.
The recipe was passed down to her by her mother, who learnt it from her mother, who learnt it from her mother, who … well, you get the idea.
You could ask Mrs C for the recipe, but it wouldn’t help you much because she makes it by touch, taste and feel.
A ‘pinch’ of salt, a ‘slosh’ of oil – that kind of thing.
And not a measuring cup in sight.
Mrs C’s dedication to quality, flavour and community resonates deeply with the ethos of the OffGrid Living Festival.
Like Off-Grid, Mrs C’s celebrates authenticity, resourcefulness, and a connection to something bigger.
It’s about rejecting the
mass-produced and embracing unique products born from tradition and passion.
And the connection doesn’t end there, as Mrs. C’s was also founded on a sense of community around shared values.
“Mrs C’s has always been about a love of food, family and friends,” founder, Bok Choi said.
“We’re also very proud of the fact that our chilli oil is 100 per cent Australian-owned and made – and more than 80 per cent of the ingredients are Australian too.
“Our chilli oil is vegan, and no MSG is added to our recipes.”
Mrs C’s understands that good food is more than sustenance – it’s a way to bring people together.
“We’re thrilled to be at the Off-Grid Living Festival for the first time this year, as we think it’s the
perfect setting to introduce people to our sustainable, local and proudly handcrafted range of products,” Bok said.
“We can’t wait to experience the unique OffGrid community, make some new friends, and give people a taste of our distinctive chilli oil.”
For more information visit https://mrscs.com. au/. ▲ William Choi and Nadine Gauder.
MY Slice of Life will once again be at the Off-Grid Living Festival, being held in Chiltern on April 6 and 7.
Brent Ibrom said one of their main focuses is food sustainability, retaining family traditions and traditional skills, which is what brought them to the festival.
“We pride ourselves on preserving and making sausages ourselves and home brewing and things of that nature,” he said.
“We certainly feel that we’re a leader in that sort of industry and field.”
Brent said they have been attending the festival since its inception and they keep coming back every year because of the welcoming environment.
“Everyone is really friendly and down to earth,” he said.
“They’re all on a similar path and it’s just a fantastic festival to be a part of.”
Being at the festival for many years, Brent said it has been amazing to see it grow into what it is now while also staying local.
“A lot of people thought it was just a hippie festival especially when it first started,” he said.
“Especially for a local event, this is the biggest thing of its kind in Australia so to have it at our doorstep is fantastic.
“It’s a fantastic event for the local community to get behind.”
At the festival, Brent said they will be having a popup stall of their products alongside his watch and learn style demonstrations.
“My background is as a trade butcher, so I show people how to cut up a whole animal, and salami and bacon and kabana making,” he said.
“I cover the whole spectrum of butchery.”
At the moment, My Slice of Life is currently promoting its new brand of Butchery Gear called Carnivore Collective, which Brent said has really taken off within the past 12 months.
For more information visit, https://mysliceoflife. com.au/.
SUSTAINABLE BUTCHERY: Brent Ibrom from My Slice of Life will be doing demonstrations on all aspects of butchery at the Off-Grid Living Festival.
TICKETS: People are advised to buy online at www. offgridevent.com.au
DAY PASS $33.00
WEEKEND PASS $55.00
ADD-ON CAMPING $110.00
DAY
ORGANISERS are expecting around 10,000 people to flock from all over Australia to this year’s Off-Grid Living Festival, being held at Chiltern Racecourse and Recreation Reserve this Saturday and Sunday, from 9am to 5pm.
Festival director Kate Nottingham said everything was primed for a fantastic festival this weekend, with even the weather on board with clear skies and mild temperatures forecast both days.
“This will be our first festival at the new site in Chiltern, after having run our previous festivals over the last five years at Eldorado,” Ms Nottingham said.
“Moving to the larger site has allowed us to grow the festival even more, going from 200 stalls last year to 300 exhibitors this year, open to chatting about their products, lifestyles and skills.
“Among them are many new and unique exhibitors to the festival.
“We’ve also got 100 hands-on workshops and demonstrations, as well as seven talk stages, and plenty of great food, entertainment and fun activities for the whole family to enjoy.”
Ms Nottingham said that
with energy bills on the rise, an unstable economy, and the climate crisis now in the forefront of the media, everyday people are seeking out a new and better way of living.
“Going off-grid, future-proofing, self-sufficiency and being sustainable used to be ‘alternative’ phases, but are now become part of the everyday vernacular,” she said.
“With our sixth Off-Grid Living Festival, people are getting excited about this great opportunity to find practical solutions and products, learn new skills to help achieve this dream lifestyle and connection
with a like-minded community.”
The festival covers everything from the latest in renewable energy and electric transport for those who are interested in high-tech solutions, through to back-tobasics skills for those looking to live a low impact life of simplicity.
Ms Nottingham said one of the unique aspects of the festival is its ability to bring together the best from the past, present, and even a glimpse into the future.
“With no pre-defined expectation of what ‘off-grid living’
must be, the event makes people feel welcome to approach these topics from any point of view,” she said.
“At this event people don’t just talk about the problems, they offer practical and achievable solutions in many formats.
“By combining education and entertainment this event appeals to people from all-walks of life and empowers them to take their energy needs into their own hands, transition to sustainable lifestyles, build self-sufficiency skills and get off the grid.”
For more details go to www. offgridevent.com.au
THE next Off-Grid Living Festival and Camp Out will be held at its new location, the Chiltern Racecourse and Recreation Reserve, this weekend.
The festival showcases a diverse array of products, services, skills and knowledge sharing with over 250 stalls, workshops and demonstrations in areas of sustainable, alternative, off-grid and eco-living.
Learn to live off-grid, become selfsufficient and lower your carbon footprint with everything from electric vehicles and the latest in technology, to traditional skills and homesteading.
Its open from 9am until 5pm both days with tickets available at offgridevent. com.au (and only at the gate if not sold out online).
ONE of Wangaratta Art Gallery’s most popular exhibitions, Petite Miniature Textiles 2024, which showcases innovative textile practice from across Australia in small scale, will open on April 27.
This year works included in Petite have been selected by guest curator, artist and previous Petite exhibitor, Susie Losch, and Wangaratta Art Gallery director Rachel Arndt around the theme ‘of the times’.
Featuring 30 works by 22 artists from across the country, the exhibition explores a multitude of contemporary concerns from artificial intelligence to affordable housing and it will be on display until June 23.
INTERNATIONALLY acclaimed The Australian Fleetwood Mac Show “Running In The Shadows” is heading to Wangaratta on November 15 this year to pay homage to the superstar band.
The six-piece rock band explores Fleetwood Mac’s extensive back catalogue, covering all the classic ballads, blues and rock songs from their five decade plus career.
It covers early hits from the music of Peter Green, through to the Rumours album era, spanning up to Tango In The Night and even some of Stevie Nicks solo material, with songs including Rhiannon, Landslide, Go Your Own Way, Dreams, The Chain and many more.
Tickets are available now at wpacc. com.au.
AUSTRALIA’s enduring Queen Tribute, Bohemian Rhapsody, featuring the acclaimed Thomas Crane as Freddie Mercury, bring their new show “Made In Heaven to the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on June 7.
Internationally recognized for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury, Crane not only captures Mercury’s vocal brilliance but also showcases piano skills reminiscent of the rock legend.
The concert promises a nostalgic journey, recreating the visual spectacle and energy of Queen’s live performances from the ‘70s to the ‘90s, with hits including Somebody to Love, Another One Bites the Dust, Don’t Stop Me Now, and of course, Bohemian Rhapsody.
Tickets are available now at wpacc. com.au.
MUCH loved vocal duo, Vika and Linda Bull, will present a very special concert showcasing their beautiful voices at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre in June.
Admired and respected by fans and fellow artists, they’ve been singing together their entire lives, starting in church with their mother, Siniva, who came to Australia as a nursing student in 1959.
Vika explained Tongans by nature are fun, “always laughing, always eating, always singing and always praying”, and the pair learned to sing in church where they loved listening to the joyous voices.
After making their public singing debut – performing Everything Is Hunky Dory Children Of The Lord in church – Vika and Linda formed their own band, The Honeymooners, in 1987.
The following year, after being recommended by drummer Peter Luscombe, they joined The Black Sorrows – initially for a six-week tour but staying for six years.
After three classic albums and touring the world with the Black Sorrows, Vika and Linda went on to release seven studio albums, two live albums and their 2020 anthology ‘Akilotoa, which entered the Australian charts at number one - their first chart-topping album and the first number one album by an Australian female duo.
They have also been longterm members of Paul Kelly’s band and have sung on several of his chart-topping albums, along with number one albums by Kasey Chambers and John Farnham.
They’ve performed gigs for the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela and the King of Tonga, have been nominated
for four ARIA Awards, were inducted into the Music Victoria Hall of Fame in 2019 and received the medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2022.
In 2022, the sisters also released their first Christmas album, which coincided with the release of No Bull, a memoir documenting their journey from the Melbourne suburb of Doncaster to the top of the charts.
For their own music, Vika and Linda have traversed rock, country, gospel, reggae, R&B, soul and blues, as well as paying tribute to their rich Tongan heritage.
Hear Vika and Linda perform live accompanied by their close collaborator and producer Cameron Bruce on grand piano, at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Friday, June 28 at 8pm, with tickets available now at wpacc.com.au.
IN celebration of her brand new single release, Dallas Frasca (pictured) returns to her stomping grounds to launch her electrifying ‘one-woman-show’ at the Moyhu Hotel this Friday, April 5, as part of her Australian ‘River Queen’ tour. Special guests include local legends, ‘Asha & Tahlia’ plus opening the show will be emerging songwriter, 17-yearold Tully Kiana (also Dallas’ niece).
Dallas has teamed up with her long-time collaborator and friend Andy Baldwin for the ‘River Queen’ tour, and said the single is “a raw, soulful ode to life, nature, acceptance, and the power of living in the present moment”. Fans can expect a blend of old favourites and new gems from her upcoming album as she takes to the stage this Friday, with her solo album expected to out in July 2024. For tickets go to: dallasfrasca. com/#tour
KIDS have the opportunity to express their creativity during workshops t the Wangaratta Art Gallery during the school holidays.
As part of Rethink Recreate Waste tomorrow and Friday from 10am to 12pm, participants can spend a morning upcycling yarn, scraps and non-traditional materials into a woven mini wall weaving, using a cardboard frame.
During the Healing Paper Plant Wreath session on April 11 and 12 from 10am to 12pm, they can make their own individual paper leaf wreath incorporating the leaves of healing and medicinal plants, such as calendula and mint.
Both workshops are suitable for all ages and bookings are required by visiting wangarattaartgallery.com.au/Programs.
MELINDA Schneider returns to the stage in 2024 to pay tribute to the legendary Doris Day, in a matinee show coming to the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Thursday, May 9 at 10.30am.
A Farewell To Doris is a heartfelt tribute to the star, in the form of a nostalgic concert celebration which includes timeless hits like Que Sera, Sera, Sentimental Journey, Everybody Loves a Lover and Secret Love.
Tickets are available now at wpacc.com.au.
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) You might feel a little sheepish about admitting your feelings for a certain someone. But do it anyway. Your sincerity will make the right impression.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) It’s a good time to clean out the clutter in your home. It’s also a good time to sort out personal priorities and make decisions about certain relationships.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Avoid getting caught up in conflicting advice, even from trusted friends and family members. You need to dig for your own facts and make choices accordingly.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Conflicting aspects cause some confusion, both on the job and in your personal life. Try to keep your balance as you work things out to your benefit.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) Money matters become especially taxing for many Leos this week. Pay careful attention to details so that you can avoid more complicated financial problems later on.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Don’t let regret for a past, rash act keep you from moving on. Meanwhile, a good friend reaches out to help you, and a family dispute needs to be resolved quickly.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22)
Someone you thought was an ally suddenly creates on-the-job problems. Wait for the fuss and fury to end before going ahead with your plans.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21)
You’re moving into a more favorable period in your personal life. Continue to be patient and allow those pesky problems to work themselves out.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Ask questions about a financial matter in your family. Don’t rely on reassurances. Insist on proof that all is as it should be. And if isn’t, why not?
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Personal relationships continue to improve. Vital information comes in about a matter that you almost gave up on. Ask a trusted friend for advice on a major purchase.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18)
Your financial situation continues to improve. Meanwhile, a family member makes demands on your time. Give what you can, but save some for yourself. You need it.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) That romantic attraction you’ve tried to ignore grows stronger. In addition, a former business associate turns up with important news that could affect your financial future.
MEMBERS and friends of Moyhu Tennis Club gathered at the courts last week for their final Wednesday night session of the term with players of all ages making the most of the fine conditions.
The local club is thriving, with more than 35 families involved and up to 50 junior and 14 adult players taking part in coaching and cardio sessions, with coaching provided by All Stars Tennis North East Region.
Club secretary Jacqui Younger said the club runs three ses-
WANGARATTA Senior Citizens Club will host an in-house movie at its clubrooms in Tara Court, off Ford Street, from 1.30pm today.
Indoor carpet bowls will be held tomorrow (Thursday) from 12 noon, with cards (500) on Friday from 1.30pm, indoor carpet bowls on Monday from 12 noon, and cards (500) and hoy on Tuesday from 1.30pm, all in the group’s clubrooms 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 next Wednesday, April 10 will be bingo at the clubrooms from 1.30pm.
WANGARATTA Newcomers
BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au
sions for juniors from 4.30pm on Wednesday afternoons, with children as young as four years old taking part, and around a dozen kids in each group.
She said these are followed by a teen and then a popular adult cardio group, who combined their sessions last week.
“Cardio tennis is a fitness program focused on tennis
TELSTRA has advised it will be upgrading its mobile base station in Moyhu to bring improved 4G capacity and new 5G coverage, with work to take place from April 10 to April 24.
Telstra says the works will require some temporary service disruptions or reduction in mobile coverage, with the network expected to be fully offline between Monday, April 15 and Friday, April 19.
Landline services, NBN internet services and mobile coverage from other providers will not be impacted during this time and any calls to Triple Zero from a Telstra mobile will automatically be diverted to any working mobile network for connection to emergency services.
Telstra mobile customers will receive text messages advising them of the upcoming works.
THE CWA King Valley branch meets on the first Thursday of each month at 6.30pm at the Whitfield Recreational Reserve.
The group is all about social connection and inclusion, with all ages welcome.
The next meeting will be held tomorrow night at 6.30pm with RSVP to Mary on 0427 404 411.
DUE to the power outage on February 13, King Valley Arts Film Club has rescheduled the screening of the classic Western True Grit for Tuesday, April 9.
The film club will add another film screening on May 14, meaning films will be screened three months in a row (also on June 11) and return to bi-monthly after that.
Doors open at the Cheshunt Hall at 7pm for screening start at 7.30pm and annual membership is $40 per person, available by visiting kingvalleyarts.com.au/filmâ€club.
will hold their next gathering on Thursday, April 4 from 2pm to 3.30pm at Intermezzo Café in Ovens Street.
Join the group for a cuppa, a chat and to meet new people.
For more information, phone Joy on 0401 843 815 or Ann on 0435 275 864.
skills,” Ms Younger said.
“It’s always a fun session, with coaches on board and plenty of fun, high energy - plus music to motivate too.
“Our members cook and provide a barbecue each Wednesday for families to gather and there are icy treats available for kids.
“It’s all designed to encourage locals to get together and get involved in local tennis.”
Despite the local club being popular with the community and playing a vital role in supporting its ongoing health and
WANGARATTA Garden Club’s next meeting will be on Thursday, April 4 in the Seventh Day Adventist Church Hall in Phillipson Street at the new time of 1pm.
The special effort is a container/ vase of white/silver tones.
Members from the Merriwa Park & Gardens Group will be joiningthe club for a chat about the park.
Afternoon tea will be served after the meeting.
Everyone is welcome.
OXLEY table tennis social competition for 2024 will begin on Monday, April 8 from 7pm at the Oxley Hall.
Adults and secondary school students of all ages and abilities are most welcome to join in the weekly competition.
Bring your own bat, $2 entry fee, and small plate to share.
For further information, contact June Uebergang on 0497 860 785 (text only).
well-being, play is still being undertaken on cracked and damaged courts.
Club president Wendy Thorp said she is continuing to advocate for improvements to the courts to be made a priority by council.
“Tennis Victoria said we are one of the most active regional clubs outside the city of Wangaratta,” she said. “We remain hopeful the Rural City of Wangaratta will support us in our efforts to get the courts repaired.”
VETERAN and family morning tea will be held at the Wangaratta RSL on the second Tuesday of each month, with the group’s next catchup planned for Tuesday, April 9 from 10am to 11.30am.
All ex-service personnel and families are most welcome.
Please feel free to bring along some memorabilia from your service days to show and tell.
For further information, phone 0447 217 768.
OXLEY Garden Group will hold its next gathering on Thursday, April 11 from 10am at Kath and Howard White’s garden at 244 Oxley-Greta West Road, Oxley. BYO cup, chair and a small plate to share, and bring along bulbs, cuttings, etc, and gardening tips to share.
Everyone most welcome.
THE Moyhu Recreation Reserve will hold a public meeting at the recreation reserve on Monday, April 15, commencing at 7.30pm.
The purpose of the meeting is to nominate no less than three (3) or more than nine (9) persons as the Committee of Management for the (Reserve Local Name) for a term of three years, with the current committee’s term to expire on May 5 this year.
All positions will be declared open, and nominations will be accepted prior to or on the night, with further enquiries to secretary Michelle Wright on 0448 371 069.
For further information, phone Kath on 0447 256 048.
GRETA Cemetery Anzac service will be held on Wednesday, April 249.45am for a 10am start.
The morning will involve flagraising, placing flags and poppies on local veterans’ graves by students, the opportunity to lay wreaths or flowers, and light refreshments will follow at Greta Cemetery marquee.
All welcome, honours and awards may be worn on the day.
RSVP is essential by April 21 for attendance and catering purposes. Contact Noeleen Lloyd on 0427 276 372 or email noeleenlloyd@ gmail.com
WANGARATTA Woodworkers Inc meet at the Wangaratta Showgrounds each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9am to 12 noon (closing earlier if no-one is present).
The rooms are open on the first and third Wednesday of each
month from 7pm to 8.30pm, and Sundays from 10am to 1pm.
All welcome.
For more information, contact Bevan on 0437 196 118.
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 Maureen O’Keefe on 0409 215 881.
WANGARATTA Orchid Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 6.30pm in St Patrick’s supper room, off Ford Street. Meetings include flower shows and talks, and all are welcome.
For more information, phone Hans on 0428 119 737.
TO include your group‘s activities in this listing, email the details to skerwin@nemedia.com.au
JASON Liftchair, 2 motors, dark brown, very good condition, $350. Namco preasure cooker, 8 litres with insert, $40. Ph 0404 261 884.
waste removal. Ph 0472 603 156.
PLASTERER, no job too small. Ph 0424 911 161.
WHEELER
Earthworks, available for all your earthworks needs - yard clean ups, stump removals, driveways, material supply and spreading, and more. Call Marcus on 0491 094 545
1 black male an d 2 ginger female Cavoodle puppies for sale, in Rutherglen, microchipped/ vet check and 1st vax, ready for n ew homes, Breede r Source no MB208182, M icrochip numbers: 900164002282604, 900164002282591, 900164002262606.
Phone Greg 0400 831 590.
11/2011 Colorado RCLTR, duel cab, 3lt Isuzu diesel, manual trans, tyres 80-90%, new spare, performance program, pedal boost controller, canopy, tubliner, nudge bar and driving lights, tow bar 2.5 tonne, 183,000km, just serviced, RWC, reg (1IO3TK) till 10/24, new hd clutch and rear brakes, many extras, $19,750 ono. Ph 0413 138 469.
OLD cars wanted, cars removed. Ph 0435 083 115.
DAWSON, Peter.
A valued member of the Wangaratta Men’s Shed and will be sadly missed.
DUNNE, Brian.
On behalf of the volunteers and staff of District 23, we would like to offer our sincere condolences to his wife Elizabeth, daughter Catherine, son Mark and their families on the passing of Brian.
Brian was a member of the Springhurst Fire Brigade and held the positions of both Lieutenant and Firefighter totalling more than 68 years of dedicated service.
DUNNE, Brian.
The Committee of Management, Management, Staff and Residents of St Catherine’s extend our deepest sympathy to Elizabeth and family on Brian’s passing.
WANTED to buy, small or large lots predecimal coins, pennies, shillings, albums. Turn old money into new.
DUNNE, Brian.
The Chairman, Board, Management and members of CFA regret the passing of their colleague and offer their deepest sympathy to his wife Elizabeth, daughter Catherine, son Mark and families.
Brian was a dedicated serving member with 68 years plus service to the Springhurst Fire Brigade until his passing.
ELLIS, Max.
Dearly loved brother and brother-in-law of Dick and Joan. Fond Uncle of Peter and Nat, Craig and Liz, Mark and Karen, Ashley and Renee, and families. A life well lived with loving memories.
ELLIS
The funeral service to celebrate the life of Max Ellis will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta, on Thursday, April 4, 2024 commencing at 2pm. Burial will follow at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery.
Mason Park Funerals
5721 5060 masonpark.com.au
HUGHES, Robert Charles ‘Bob’.
30/4/1933 – 25/3/2024
Passed away peacefully at Northeast Health.
Loved husband of Jean (dec). Loving father of Joanne and Wayne (dec), Kerrie and Noel, Russell and Di, and Pop to Ben, Nick (dec), Jon, and Sarah, and Old Poppy to Nicola and Timothy.
To us you were someone special, Someone good and true, You will never be forgotten, As we thought the world of you.
MATHEWS, Roger Graham.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Roger Graham Mathews of Merimbula and formerly Wangaratta, who died suddenly on Saturday, March 30, 2024 at Canberra Hospital. Aged 83 years.
Much loved husband of Jill, father of Angela, Tara and Grant and grandfather of Molly, Sonya, Matthew, Will and Jenna, Roger was a much loved member of the Wangaratta and Merimbula communities. Jill, along with the family, would like to invite all those who knew him to celebrate his life at Merimbula Wharf Restaurant on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at 2pm.
To help with our arrangements please let us know if you are able to join us by contacting Jill at rogerjillmathews@gmail.com
COOPER
The celebration of the life of Helena Cooper “Noonie” will be held at Pebble Beach, Mount Beauty commencing at 11am TODAY Wednesday, April 3, 2024. The service will be live streamed via Tobin Brothers Funerals webpage.
HUGHES
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a service to celebrate the life of Mr Robert Charles ‘Bob’ Hughes, to be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Friday, April 5, 2024 commencing at 2pm. Burial will follow the service in the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery. Flowers are welcome, or a donation made in Bob’s memory to the Cancer Council would be appreciated. Donations may be made online at www.cancervic.org.au/donate.
Mason Park Funerals
5721 5060 masonpark.com.au
Mason Park Funerals
WODONGA RAIDERS 5.3 8.4 10.5 12.9.81
LAVINGTON 2.2 3.4 5.8 11.9.75
GOALS: WODONGA RAIDERS: Tom Bracher 5, Cameron Ellis-Yolmen 2, Brendon Kantilla 2, Nelson Bowey 1, Nick Bracher 1, Connor Taylor 1. LAVINGTON: Tim Oosterhoff 4, Jack
Costello 2, Jack Driscoll 2, William Glanvill 1, Tim Hanna 1, Conor Willis 1. BEST: WODONGA
RAIDERS: Bradley St John, Cooper Daly, Tom Bracher, Cameron Ellis-Yolmen, Ned Conway, Max Glass. LAVINGTON: William Glanvill, Jack Costello, Tim Hanna, Drew Beavan, Tom Hargreave, Shaun Driscoll.
WANGARATTA
WANGARATTA ROVERS 3.6 7.6
GOALS: WANGARATTA: Callum Moore 3, Michael Newton 3, Fraser Holland-Dean 2, Patrick Naish 1. WANGARATTA ROVERS: Stuart Booth 2, Alexander Marklew 2, Elijah Amery 1, Will Christie 1, Samuel Murray 1, Finn Osborne 1, Ky Williamson 1. BEST: WANGARATTA: Hunter Gottschling, Bradley Melville, Michael Bordignon, Aidan Tilley, Fraser Ellis, Patrick Naish. WANGARATTA ROVERS: Kieren Parnell, Will Christie, Alexander Marklew, Jace Mcquade, Justin Lewis, Will Nolan.
A GRADE
Wangaratta 54 def Wangaratta Rovers 50
Wodonga Raiders 53 def Lavington 37
Corowa Rutherglen 40 def Albury 28
Myrtleford 48 def by North Albury 52
Yarrawonga 45 def Wodonga 34
B GRADE: Wodonga Raiders 46 def Lavington 33; Wangaratta 46 def Wang Rovers 25; Corowa Rutherglen 37 def by Albury 46; Myrtleford 36 def by North Albury 58; Yarrawonga 33 def by Wodonga 41.
C GRADE: Wodonga Raiders 57 def Lavington 31; Wangaratta 39 def Wang Rovers 33; Corowa Rutherglen 33 def by Albury 44; Myrtleford 40 drew with North Albury 40; Yarrawonga 41 def Wodonga 32.
UNDER 17s: Wodonga Raiders 61 def Lavington 24; Wangaratta 26 def by Wang Rovers 46; Corowa Rutherglen 50 def Albury 35; Myrtleford 30 def by North Albury 39; Yarrawonga 24 def by Wodonga 57.
UNDER 15s: Wodonga Raiders 53 def Lavington 30; Wangaratta 37 def by Wang Rovers 69; Corowa Rutherglen 31 def by Albury 65; Myrtleford 38 def North Albury 19; Yarrawonga 18 def by Wodonga 40
Wangaratta 6.8.44 def by Wang Rovers 8.5.53
BEST: WANGARATTA: Hamish Laverty, Oscar Roberts, Max Bihun, Chad Donald, Owain Boyle. WANGARATTA ROVERS : Oscar Clelland, Cooper Gracie, Harry McMonigle, Cooper Boman, Harvey Correll. GOALS: WANGARATTA: Max Bihun 4, Connor Hughes 1, Corey Petersen 1. WANGARATTA ROVERS : Oscar
Clelland 5, Preston Coleman 1, Ryley Ely 1, Lucas Webb 1.
Myrtleford 6.8.44 def North Albury 6.7.43
BEST: MYRTLEFORD: Harry Stripeikis, Fearghus Jones, Jack Hazeldine, Bailey Paul, Samuel Crisp, Nicholas Hall. NORTH ALBURY: Christian Moncrieff, Connor Hetherton, Max Heriot, Ollie Bruce, Zach Graham. GOALS: MYRTLEFORD:, Lachlan Barbour 1, Oliver Bedendo 1, Samuel Crisp 1, Nicholas Hall 1, Tai Miller 1, Harry Stripeikis 1. NORTH ALBURY:, Max Heriot 3, Liam Hetherton 1, Toby Hunt 1, Marty Norman 1.
Wod. Raiders 2.7.19 def by Lavington 8.10.58
Corowa R’glen 3.3.21 def by Albury 10.10.70
Yarrawonga 7.8.50 drew with Wodonga 7.8.50
ALBURY vs WODONGA RAIDERS
WANG ROVERS vs COROWA R’GLEN
NORTH ALBURY vs WANGARATTA
WODONGA vs MYRTLEFORD
LAVINGTON vs YARRAWONGA
GOALS: COROWA RUTHERGLEN: Sam Dunstan 2, Darcy Hope 1, Jesse Johnstone 1, Christian Masson Moyle 1. ALBURY: Jacob Conlan 4, Lachlan Tiziani 4, Mat Walker 3, Fletcher Carroll 2, Jeff Garlett 2, Jake Gaynor 2, Kolby Heiner-Hennessy 2, Charlie McGrath 2, Tom O’Brien 2, Jackson Kelly 1, Brayden O’Hara 1, Elliott Powell 1. BEST: COROWA
RUTHERGLEN: Connor Leslie, Joe Hansen, Brady Morton, Nicholas Wright, Jedd Longmire, Ryan Eyers. ALBURY: Jeff Garlett, Elliott Powell, Lachlan Tiziani, Jay Hillary, Kolby HeinerHennessy, Hamish Gilmore.
GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: Ryley Bouker 4, Lachlan Murphy-Dale 2, Brody Ricardi 2, Thomas Cappellari 1, Simon Curtis 1. NORTH ALBURY: Joshua Minogue 4, Ben Fulford 3, Isaac Campbell 1, Nathan Dennis 1, Cody Gardiner 1, Bradley Hutchison 1, Cayden Winter 1.
BEST: MYRTLEFORD: Zac Pethybridge, Mitch Dalbosco, Ryley Bouker, Matthew Munro, Lachlan P Hourigan, Lachlan Murphy-Dale NORTH ALBURY: Cayden Winter, Julian Hayes, Jack Reynolds, Jack Penny, Joshua Minogue, Ben Fulford.
GOALS: YARRAWONGA: Nicholas Fothergill 4, Matthew Casey 3, Leigh Masters 2, William Wheeler 2, Ryan Bruce 1, Ben Coghill 1, Daniel Howe 1, Logan Morey 1, Will Robinson 1, Harrison Wheeler 1. WODONGA: Noah Spiteri 2, Ethan Redcliffe 1, Kyle Winter-Irving 1. BEST: YARRAWONGA: Lach Howe, William Wheeler, Daniel Howe, Harrison Wheeler, Nicholas Fothergill, Ryan Bruce. WODONGA: Charlie Morrison, Noah Spiteri, Jack O’Sullivan, Matthew Wilson, Joshua Mathey, Noah Bradshaw.
A GRADE:
Bonnie Doon 74 def Benalla 36
Moyhu 27 def by Greta 55
Bright 28 def by Tarrawingee 46
King Valley 38 def Milawa 41
B GRADE: Bonnie Doon 87 def Benalla 14; Moyhu 23 def by Greta 29; Bright 23 def Tarrawingee 28; King Valley 24 def by Milawa 78
B RESERVE: Bonnie Doon vs Benalla; Moyhu 29 def by Greta 53; Bright 45 def Tarrawingee 38; King Valley 10 def by Milawa 39
C GRADE: Bonnie Doon 63 def Benalla 17; Moyhu 29 def by Greta 59; Bright 38 def Tarrawingee 30; King Valley 34 def Milawa 31
UNDER 15s: Bonnie Doon 43 def Benalla 7; Moyhu 22 def by Greta 19; Bright 16 def Tarrawingee 8; King Valley vs Milawa
*Not all scores available at time of print.
Wangaratta 7.8.50 def
Wang Rovers 2.13.25
BEST: WANGARATTA: Harrison
Smart, Patrick Wright, Tom Montgomery, Jesse Bianco, Josh Tweedale, Charley
Holland-Dean. WANGARATTA
ROVERS: Riley Allan, Joel Smith, Sam Nolan, Jai Dal Zotto, Noah Amery, Cameron Chamberlain.
GOALS: WANGARATTA: Jayden Adamo 2, Jesse Bianco 1, Ethan Donald 1, Ned Gorman 1, Thomas Gorman 1, Charley
Holland-Dean 1. WANGARATTA
ROVERS: Riley Allan 1, Connor Crimmins 1.
Myrtleford 6.5.41 def by
North Albury 11.13.79
BEST: MYRTLEFORD: Addison Bedendo, Jake Riley, lachlan plummer, Levi Young, Harry McKerral, Ned Turner. NORTH ALBURY: No best players have been selected.
GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: Lachlan Plummer 2, Addison Bedendo 1, Brody Bouker 1, Charlie Crisp 1, Anthony Laspina 1. NORTH
ALBURY: Keith Tallent 5, Alex Kohne 4, Thomas Anderson 1, Jackson Carey 1
Wodonga Raiders 4.5.29 def by Lavington 9.5
Corowa Rutherglen 0.2.2 def by Albury 21.16.142
Yarrawonga 6.9.45 def by Wodonga 7.6.48
BENALLA ALL BLACKS 1.0 1.0
GOALS: BONNIE DOON: James Law 8, Will Foster 6, Luke Murray 5, Matthew Hedin 3, Joel Sanford 3, Campbell Smedley 2, Al Bennett 1, Patrick Revell 1. BENALLA ALL BLACKS: Damian Broughton 1, Jordan Smith 1. BEST: BONNIE DOON: James Law, Will Foster, James Fox, Peter Cairns, Jayjay Curtin, Beau Smith. BENALLA ALL BLACKS: Chelton Orchard, David Button, Jake Jones, Jesse Walker, Nathan Buhagiar, Sam Cox.
MOYHU 3.4 3.5 4.5 7.7.49
GRETA 8.2 16.4 22.8 12.13.150
GOALS: MOYHU: Sam Phillips 2, Harrison Bell 1, Joe Stefani 1, Matthew Thrum 1, Harry Verdon 1, Darby Weet 1. GRETA: Cody Crawford 7, Frazer Judd 4, Daniel Cassidy 3, Brenton Newbold 3, Joshua Bell 1, Paul Fruzynski 1, Jack Kelly 1, Lachie Kennett 1, Jarrod Morham 1, Brodie Pearson 1. BEST: MOYHU: Joe Stefani, Jett Roberts, Bailey Zimmermann, Dylan Carmody, Nick English, Tom Bannon. GRETA: No best players have been selected.
BRIGHT 7.2 18.4 22.6 31.10.196
TARRAWINGEE - - - 2.2.14
GOALS: BRIGHT: Cooper Thomason 10, Declan Bren 5, Luke Quirk 4, Tyler Thomason 4, Samuel Dalbosco 2, Nick Lebish 2, Patrick Bren 1, Jai Dylan Dykstra 1, James Love 1, Max Rampling 1. BEST: BRIGHT: Cooper Thomason, Nick Lebish, Jai Dylan Dykstra, Max Rampling, Joe Gray, Michael Hastie. TARRAWINGEE: No best players have been selected.
KING VALLEY 4.2 5.5 7.8 9.9.63
MILAWA 0.2 4.8 6.12 9.16.70
GOALS: KING VALLEY: Ryan Wait 3, Anthony Ciancio 2, William Davies 2, Jacob Finger 1, Connor Shanley 1. MILAWA: Braydon Kearns 3, Ben Clarke 2, Jared Lea 2, Daniel Bihun 1, Xavier Ham 1. BEST: KING VALLEY: Charlie Davies, Beau Wheeler, Sam Evans, Ryan Wait, Mackenzie Hughes, Daniel Maples/ MILAWA: Braydon Kearns, Aiden Bihun, Michael Batey, xavier Ham, Jarryd Wallace, Brandon Fitzpatrick.
ROUND 2
SATURDAY, APRIL 6
BRIGHT vs MILAWA — BENALLA vs WHOROULY
GRETA vs GOORAMBAT — NORTH WANG vs MOYHU
TARRAWINGEE vs KING VALLEY — Bonnie Doon - BYE
Moyhu 2.6.18 def by
Greta 15.10.100
BEST: MOYHU: Richard Marais, Jack Manners, Hayden Currie, Jaimon Mcgeehan, Leroy Dowling, Ryan Hargreaves.
GRETA: Charlie Hernandez, Ben Hogan, Aaron Green, Osbert Ramage, Lachlan Alexander, Lachlan Hadden.
Bright 21.16.142 def
Tarrawingee 5.3.33
BEST: BRIGHT: Dale Breeding, Thomas Gray, Riley Bacon, John Lantjin, Mikka Paulsen, Thomas Mullane-Grant.
TARRAWINGEE: No best players have been selected.
King Valley 5.1.31 def by
Milawa 15.14.104
BEST: KING VALLEY: No best players have been selected.
MILAWA: No best players have been selected.
Bonnie Doon vs Benalla All Blacks
GRETA overpowered Moyhu on the road on Saturday, opening their account with a dominant victory 23.12 (150) to 7.7 (49).
The Blues largely controlled the momentum of the game, giving their forwards more than enough looks at goal, kicking eight goals in the first and second terms.
Ex-Panther Cody Crawford enjoyed his first game in the navy blue, finishing with a bag of seven goals, while Frazer Judd netted four.
Down back, Greta were equally impressive, limiting the Hoppers to just 4.5 to three-quarter time.
Joe Stefani, Jett Roberts and Bailey Zimmermann were among the best on ground for Moyhu, while Sam Phillips kicked two goals.
Greta coach Chris Dube said it was a really promising performance from his team against a tough opposition.
“I think it was a strong performance, Moyhu really gave it to us so we got a nice test first week,” he said.
“There was some really exciting attacking play, but it was probably our defence which pleased me the most.
“I felt our disposal coming into the front half was clean, but also I felt like we made the right decisions more often than not, I think that was just because of how fit the guys are.
“It was a hot day, both teams were out on their feet by the end, but it was a wonderful first game to see a lot of the hard work put into action.”
The Blues have gathered an impressive list and their efforts on Saturday prove they’ll be tough to match.
“We’ve got our usual toilers in Lachie Kennett and James McClounan who got plenty of ball, but our new fellas really stood up,” Dube said.
“Cody Crawford, he’s quite unassuming at times, and then I
walked off the field and someone said he’s kicked seven.
“It’s nice when you’ve got a big forward who does that, himself and Frazer Judd.
“Frazer Dent down back with Jarrod Morham and Tom Baker, they just keep repelling the ball to the wing, and once you get the ball in the hands of Josh Bell, you’ve got to put on the afterburners because he’s as quick as they get.
“As a coach, it’s encouraging when you get to fling the magnets around with rotations.
“It was good to see the new faces, it was a big day for the club no doubt.”
In other matches, reigning premiers Bonnie Doon dispatched Benalla All Blacks with ease, finishing 29.19 (193) to 2.1 (13).
James Law (eight goals), Will Foster (six) and Luke Murray (five) were destructive in the forward 50, while the midfield used the ball well and kept their forwards well fed.
Milawa managed to break their losing streak at Whitfield but only just, coming home seven point winners 9.16 (70) to King Valley’s 9.9 (63).
Braydon Kerns, Aiden Bihun and Michael Batey were huge for the Demons, while stalwarts Beau Wheeler and Sam Evans performed well for the Roos.
BRIGHT’S senior football squad proved they’ll be just as powerful this season as they were last year, after handing Tarrawingee a 182-point drubbing at Pioneer Park on Easter Saturday.
From a relatively sedate opening term, the Mountain Men exploded, coming home winners 31.10 (196) to the Bulldogs’ 2.2 (14).
Bright had the run of play early, hitting targets inside 50 to head into quarter time with a sevengoal advantage, and from there, the floodgates opened.
An eight goal second quarter pushed the lead into triple figures, with last season’s leading goalkicker Cooper Thomason finding plenty of the footy in front of goal.
Tarrawingee had no answer for the Mountain Men, with all three lines performing their role and outperforming their opponent.
Coach Paul Harrison said it was a brilliant win to start their season.
“We were pretty well-prepared for it, we had a massive preseason,” he said.
“We knew they would be improved on last year, they came out fairly hard in the first 10 minutes, it was a pretty feisty game in the first 10-20 minutes.
“The boys were able to settle and move the ball really well, and they didn’t have many answers in their back line for when we got the ball in quick
“We were winning clearances most quarters, probably averaging plus six or seven clearances our way, which meant we were
really on top through the middle.
“The back did their job when the ball went in there, the likes of Michael Elliott, Alexander Dalbosco, and Michael Hastie also intercepted a lot of their forward entries.”
Cooper Thomason ended with a bag of 10 goals to start his season, with new recruits Declan Bren (five), Luke Quirk (four) and Tyler Thomason (four) also impactful.
“We’ve got a pretty dangerous forward half now with Cooper Thomason, Luke Quirk, Declan Bren, and even young Tyler Thomason when he’s down there,” Harrison said.
“When the ball hits the ground, they’re pretty dangerous as well because they’re so quick.
“We were able to get the ball in there fairly well, the connection between midfield and for-
PRESSING ON: Taylah Larkings works the ball down the court in Greta’s opening round clash with Moyhu. PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling
ROUND one of the O&K’s A grade netball season produced some spectacular games of netball across the region, none closer than Milawa’s three goal nail-biter against King Valley.
In hot and challenging conditions at Whitfield, the Demons managed to outlast the lively Roos 41-38.
The Demons shot out of the blocks early, leveraging a five-goal lead at quarter time to an eight-goal advantage by the half.
The heat started to impact the visitors through , while the depth of King Valley’s bench and quick rotations to players on the court allowed the Roos to narrow the gap significantly, just three goals down at the final break.
Despite the home side’s best efforts, Milawa had enough in the tank to withstand the late push from King Valley and claim the four points.
Milawa coach Kerrie Gray said it was a massive result for her side.
“We knew it was going to be a tough day at the office, last year was tough, they moved the ball really well, and I expected them to be better again this year,” she said.
“They had a lot of depth on their bench, they were able to make some good rotations which kept their players fresh.
“They were able to stay really fresh and maintained a high standard of netball.
“As the game progressed and we got a little bit hotter, we probably became a little bit weary.
“I was really pleased with that, because it can’t be easy all the time, that showed a lot of character from the girls.”
Emily Canny was impressive in the shooting circle, sinking 28 goals at 80 per cent accuracy.
“Emily Canny, she was fantastic, flawless in goals,” Gray said.
“We were able to deliver the ball to her and she shot accurately.
ward half was really good.”
The Mountain Men face an old foe this weekend, hosting the ever-dangerous Milawa in round two.
“They’ll be a very solid team, no doubt about that at all, they’re a very good team, very hard to match up against,” Harrison said.
“They play a short kicking style game of footy, and they run hard.
“We know it’s going to be a much bigger challenge this week, but overall I think we’re ready for it.
“Those are the games you want to play, not the games where you know you’re going to win by 10, 20 goals – these games are going to be tight, and it’s going to mean a hell of a lot to get the four points.”
The reserves also came away with a win, 21.16 (142) to Tarrawingee’s 5.3 (33).
“At the other end of the court, Sarah Matthews-Vincent had a massive game on Larissa Benci, she’s a great target for them in their attack end and Sarah did a great job on her all day.”
Elsewhere, Greta began their premiership defence in fine form, dashing Moyhu 55-17 at the Moyhu Recreation Reserve.
The Blues led throughout, combining stringent defence with accuracy in the shooting circle, and while the Hoppers performed well, they were no match for the reigning premiers.
Bonnie Doon and Tarrawingee sent messages to the competition with strong wins of their own, the Bombers downing Benalla All Blacks 74-36, while the Bulldogs defeated Bright 46-28.
Whorouly, North Wangaratta and Goorambat sat out the round with byes.
WANGARATTA held off a much-improved Wangaratta Rovers squad in the Good Friday netball derby at Norm Minns Oval.
The Magpies were expected by most to run away convincing winners but couldn’t shake the Hawks as they grabbed a 54-50 victory.
After trailing by two at half-time, Wangaratta opened up a seven-goal lead at the final change, but the Hawks bridged that gap to four by the final whistle.
Wangaratta coach Shea Cunningham said she was
BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au
pleased her side held on.
“We were happy to take the win in the end and I was happy to take a breath because it was a thrilling contest,” Cunningham said.
“Rovers came out really strong in the first half and we took a bit of time to adjust and meet the pace of the game.
“They were extremely quick which put us on the back foot a bit but we set-
tled and managed to do the things we wanted to do in the third quarter when we turned it around.”
Former VNL shooter and Rovers star recruit Kim Borger couldn’t be stopped by the Magpies defenders, netting 43 of her 44 shots at goal in a ridiculously strong first game.
“Kim was phenomenal as you’d expect from a player of her calibre,” Cunningham said.
“We knew if we had a chance of winning we had to turn the ball over before it got to her because as soon
as it was in her hands you knew it was going in.
“She missed one shot for the match and the one she missed she rebounded and put it in so it was a phenomenal performance from her.
“Our midcourt worked incredibly hard the whole game to turn it over before they could get it in to Kim so I was really proud of those girls.”
For the ‘Pies it was Issy Newton who once again led from the front, while Amanda Umanski did the majority of the work under the ring shooting 41 goals in the ab-
INSTRUCTING: Kieran Parnell assesses his options.
sence of Georgia Clark.
“Amanda was doubleteamed for a lot of the game so she did really well,” Cunningham said.
“She was able to jump and get the ball into her hands and she looked really confident in doing so so that’s a huge positive for her.
“Issy Newton was great in the midcourt and Rose Henry came up from B grade and we put her on in the third quarter and she was really good, she was one of the girls who helped turn it around in that third quarter.”
Cunningham said the Hawks threw a few unexpected structures and tactics into the clash.
“Rovers threw a few unexpected things into the mix –usually they go one-on-one but they threw a zone in which made it challenging for us, especially when we wanted to get the ball deep they held us up,” she said.
“It was good learnings for us though and we managed to adapt which was pleasing.
“Kelsie Wilson also played which we weren’t expecting either.”
■ From back page “We got off to a fast start which hasn’t seemed to happen much for us over the past few years and when they kicked a few goals we fought back which I think shows how far we’ve come.”
Will Christie had one of his best senior games and was dominant in the ruck taking around a staggering 15 marks for the game, while recruit Kieran Parnell was elite off half-back.
“He (Christie) was unbelievable,” Marklew said.
“He’s a fierce competitor that can get pretty fired up which we love and he’s a real confidence player so playing a game like that early on will really help him.
“He would’ve taken 14 or 15 marks around the ground, kicked a couple of nice goals and gave us first use in the ruck all day.
“Kieran Parnell was also really good, he’s a gun lock down defender that gives run off half-back and he did that on Friday.
“We’ve got a players’ player award that the players vote for after every game and he won that on Friday so he had a great game too.”
Marklew said the recruiting of Parnell, Lochie O’Brien, Xavier Allison and Sam Cattapan has already paid dividends.
“All of them give us so much more than just what they produce on-field,” he said.
“Lochie’s straight off an AFL list and has been really good coaching wise, he’s been helping a lot with craft and has already helped me with bits and pieces before and after training.
“Xavier and Sam are former captains of their last clubs so they provide a heap of leadership on field and Kieran’s helping out with the under 16 state side up in the NT so they all have leadership qualities which is already helping the whole senior squad.”
The Hawks now turn their attention to hosting CorowaRutherglen on Saturday.
“No one tipped us to beat Wangaratta so it was a great start for us but we’re not looking too far ahead,” Marklew said.
“We’re already looking to Saturday where hopefully we can build on our consistency.
“Our pressure and defending will once again be the focus and if we can continue to do that we’ll be in with a chance every week.”
Round one OAKFM Player of the Year votes from Wangaratta vs Wangaratta Rovers.
5 Will Christie, 4 Sam Murray, 3 Michael Bordignon, 2 Sam Cattapan, 1 Xavier Allison
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
THE Devils’ depth has been bolstered early in the season, with the club landing a pair of gun players over the past few weeks.
Wangaratta City FC confirmed on their Facebook page Thomas Humphries from Melbourne and English import Mason Taylor had signed with the Devils.
A prolific striker, Taylor crosses with incredible stats to the midpoint of the Combined Counties League Premier Division South competition, where he racked up 12 goals and 10 assists for Camberley Town FC in Surrey.
Taylor has already proven his mettle up forward, scoring five of his side’s eight goals in last week’s FA Cup triumph.
“He was looking for a new experience, he’s played at a fairly high level in the Combined Counties League in England, which is about step eight on the English Football Pyramid,” senior coach Raff Molinaro said.
“He’s got family in Sydney and Adelaide, so we were that central spot for him.
“He wants to play at a high level wherever he goes, so for us it was a good way to get him in Australia, and we needed a striker too.
“He’s already proven to be a good goal scorer but he can also provide the assist as well, so he’s really going to help out our young players.”
Molinaro said the process to clear an international player took some navigating.
“It takes up to 30 days to get a transfer clearance, it goes through FFA (Football Federation Australia), they contact the English FA over there, and down to the last team he played for, Camberley Town, he said.
“There is a bit of a process, his took about two-and-a-half weeks, that’s why he wasn’t cleared for round one, but we were able to get him in on the Friday before round two.
“We were cutting it short a bit, but it was good to get him through.”
Also joining Taylor in the red
and black this season, Humphries most recently played for State League 3 team Middle Park FC before relocating for work and will slot into the Devils’ midfield structure.
“He (Humphries) was training with us halfway through preseason, he settled in really well and got along with a lot of our players and enjoyed his time here,” Molinaro said.
“He is working in Wangaratta, and I think the fact we play on Sundays too really helps – he can spend his time in Melbourne on a Saturday instead of playing, and
he needed to come up on a Sunday anyway, so it worked out with his situation.
“He’s been playing centrally for us, centre-back, we could even look at putting him in a holding midfield role just because he’s great on the ball.
“It’s all exciting stuff, we’re shaping up to be a very strong side, especially with Raul Pahina coming in from injury and Vitaly Leschen coming back from his honeymoon.
The Devils are back in action this weekend against Wodonga Diamonds at South Wangaratta.
BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au
THE return of Andrew Dale’s Shooting For Stars is paying dividends after the four-year-old mare won her second race from four starts since returning to the stable.
The daughter of Shooting To Win began her career with the local trainer, winning two of her first three starts and was then picked up by South Australian premier trainers Will Clarken and Niki O’Shea.
However, after an inconsistent run the Clarken and O’Shea that saw one win from 11 starts the SA trainers put the galloper up for sale with the Dale stable quick to get her back to Wangaratta.
“She showed some good ability in Adelaide with Will Clarken and Niki O’Shea but unfortunately she wasn’t as consistent as they expected,” Dale said.
“I think in the end they probably lost patience with her but we’re so happy to get her back.
“She returned to us as a more furnished horse and I’m sure the 14 months she spent at the Clarken and O’Shea stable would’ve been great for her – they’re the top training operation in Adelaide.”
Shooting For Stars won her first
start back for Dale at Albury a month ago and made it two wins from four starts with a 1.35L victory in race three’s benchmark 66 (1000m) at Wagga on Thursday.
After a credible third at Albury last start, the four-year-old mare
was given the perfect ride by Billy Owen, sitting off the leader in ADR’s Sheila, before just running her stablemate down in a stable quinella.
Dale said the race suited his mare perfectly.
Thursday, March 28
9 Hole Stableford
Winner: Kathie Hyland 15.
Ball Winners: Pualine Mercer 14.
Thursday, March 28
Ladies 18 Hole Stableford
Winner: Janet Wraith 39.
Ball Winners: Lee Freeland (2 Balls) 35, Robyn Ottaway 33.
NTP: 4th Ange Mitchell, 8th Vicki Moorhead, 13th Lee Freeland, 17th Bruna McDonald.
Friday, March 29
18 Hole Stableford
Winner: A Grade: Jarrod Owen 35. B Grade: Bronte Bruce 36. C Grade: Dave Anderson 40.
Ball Winners: Steve Smith (2 Balls) 40, Gary Dinsdale 38, Wayne Hibberson 35, Adam Anderson 35, Josh Owen 34.
NTP: 4th Zac Hedin, 8th Val Ellis, 13th Steve Smith, 17th Michael Munro.
Tarra Ladies
Results March 26
Tarra Ladies enjoyed another 9-hole Stableford round last Tuesday playing for the Milawa Hotel award.
The winner was Di McLaughlin with Lynn Barrow claiming the runner up trophy.
This week will see the first round of the Club Championships.
Members will also be playing for the April Monthly Medal.
Winter starting times will kick into action next week with golf beginning at 9:00am for 9:30am tee-off.
News for March 29
Wednesday, March 27
Orchard Track, Stanley State Forest
From the corner of Lady Newton Drive and Buckland Gap Road, 13 walkers had an enjoyable medium walk on a fine day in the Stanley Forest.
Beginning at Bates Dam where mining piles remain from the gold exploration, we climbed the steep Jensen Track through the bush (seemingly in tip top condition) with great views over the Murmungee basin in the lovely weather and then beautiful hazy vistas towards Beechworth.
“She went okay last start but we found this race and thought it was a nice one for her,” Dale said.
“We brought her back in trip, in a small field and the tempo of the race really suited her.
“Billy Owen gave her a great ride – she can be hard going at times but he pulled her in and got her in a perfect position.
“It was also great to see Sheila run well, she missed the kick at Berrigan last start but returned to form nicely at Wagga and nearly took the race off Shooting For Stars.”
Shooting For Stars has slotted back into life at ADR seamlessly and Dale couldn’t be happier to have her back in the red and white silks.
“We thought she could come back and do well, that’s why we were so keen to get ahold of her on the online sale,” he said.
“By being a bit inconsistent in Adelaide her rating came down a bit and we thought we’d be able to find a few nice races for her.
“She’ll go to another (benchmark) 66 at Albury on April 15 and has a chance to make it three wins in (benchmark) 66 races since returning.
“She’ll probably carry 59.5kg but we still think she can win with that.”
As usual the up downs were frequent on Tully Track and down the track to West Dingle Road.
A very achievable day of rewarding walking about 9 km, was completed with Pat’s famous cuppa at the end.
Coming Events
Monday, April 1
South Walk and Dickson Falls, Mount Buffalo National Park (Michael, 0447 617 880).
Two easy walks on top of Mount Buffalo.
Dickson Falls is an easy walk of about 4k, followed by the South Walk, an easy walk of about 8k, a total of about 12k.
Walking on bush tracks in the Mount Buffalo NP, excellent views from the South Buffalo Viewpoint.
Saturday, April 6 to Saturday, April 13
Week away – Manna Park, Merimbula. Fully booked.
Sunday, April 28)
Salisbury Walk, Friends Track, Kwat Kwat Lookout, Warby Ovens NP (Jeanette 0417 546 974).
A choice of two loop walks both starting at Wenham’s Camp.
An easy walk of about 5k on the Friends Track, with a stop at Kwat Kwat Lookout and Mount Warby, or a longer easy walk of about 10k that takes in the Alpine Views Track and Salisbury Walk before reaching Mount Warby.
Both walks are on bush tracks in the Warby Ovens National Park.
Excellent views over the Ovens Valley to the Victorian Alps from Kwat Kwat Lookout, and from Mount Warby.
GRETA gun James McLounan crashes through Moyhu players in his side’s 101-point win at Moyhu Recreation Reserve on Good Friday.
■ Story: Page 21
WANGARATTA Rovers made a Good Friday derby statement to kick off their 2024 campaign.
A busy off-season of recruiting paid off for the Hawks who claimed the first derby for the season, downing Wangaratta by 12-points at Norm Minns Oval. Rovers put the Magpies on the back foot from the start
BY WILLSON MACK wmack@
when they kept the home team goalless in the first term, before hanging on to a 10.12 (72) to 9.6 (60) victory.
Wangaratta Rovers cocaptain Alex Marklew said it was the start to the year they
were chasing.
“After a massive preseason that was the start we were after,” Marklew said.
“It was a massive build up to the game, we had four debutants who were presented their guernseys by Robbie Walker, Peter Tossol and Anthony Pasquali so there was a special vibe in the rooms pre-game.
“For me having been a round the club for so long, having those club legends involved gave me a kick and I felt like everyone took that into the game.
“We haven’t beaten them at Norm Minns Oval since 2012 and I started in 2013 so it’s my first win over the road so it was a special day.”
The Hawks brought
frenetic pressure from the get-go which ultimately unsettled Wangaratta early with their 28-point half-time lead invaluable.
Magpies star forward Callum Moore booted a 50-metre goal with two minutes left to reduce the margin to a goal but it was the Hawks who held their nerve to salute.
“Our pressure was really good – we went in with a small forward line so we wanted to bring plenty of pressure which was first class,” Marklew said.
“I think we scored 8.10 from turnover which comes from our pressure so that was certainly a highlight for us.
■ Continued page 22
