Chronicle Monday 030624

HALLELUJAH

PEECHELBA farmer Darren Nish was one of many local crop growers last Friday to be rejoicing a downpour of overnight rain.

Some 38.8mm was recorded at Wangaratta Airport in the 24 hours to 9am Friday, which denied the city its driest May in 90 years.

Just 3.2mm was recorded for the entire 29 previous days according to the Bureauu of Meteorology. It would have been the driest May since 1934, when no rain fell in Wangaratta for the entire month.

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■ Further farmer story page 14

Fast-track development

NEW housing estates in Wangaratta could be finished faster under a ‘works-in-kind’ policy that effectively allows contractors hired by developers to complete associated works rather than council enlisting tenders to finish the job.

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

An example is Christensen Lane, a project where Wangaratta council CEO Brendan McGrath has approved a procurement

exemption to facilitate the upgrade of a section of the road by developers.

Council has two approved DCPs for the northwest and south growth areas of Wangaratta and these DCPs identify infrastructure projects required to service the growth areas and

for which development contributions must be paid by landowners in these areas.

Mayor Dean Rees explained that in the northwest area developers have to pay around $160,000 per developable hectare at the time they

develop the land. He said that money goes to council to help build the roadways to the development and other aspects such as drainage and main pondage areas.

“What we’re trying to do is change this policy when the developers are developing the land, and rather than waiting until they’ve finished and paying council the money, developers use their contractors to complete the works ahead of time and then pay council the balance,” Cr Rees said.

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PHOTO: Bailey Zimmermann

Council enacts works-in-kind policy

■ From page 1

“This saves council coming back after the development and completing the works such as kerb and channel on council’s existing roads...it might include upgrades of drainage into main pondage areas.

“On the northwest side (of Wangaratta) a massive dam needs to be built for catchment water to go into and we are working with developers now to hopefully get them to build it because they can’t do the next stage of their subdivision unless they have a drainage point.

WORKS FAST-TRACK: A section of Christensen Lane will be subject to a procurement exemption so works-in-kind can speed up development.

Steve Kelly

pleted it for works-in-kind.

At the May council meeting last week council noted a procurement exemption approved by the CEO to facilitate the upgrade of a section of Christensen Lane.

Wettest May day in 17 years

■ From page 1

The May 30 rainfall was also the heaviest day of rain in May recorded in the rural city since 2007, and the heaviest for the end of May since 1999.

72mm was recorded at Greta West, 36mm at Bobinawarrah and 99mm at Cheshunt, the wettest May day since 108mm fell on May 16, 1974.

According to BOM, rain began to fall from 5pm on Thursday and didn’t stop until around 3:30am the next morning.

“This needs to be done at the same time as when the development starts so it’s better to get them to do it rather than waiting for council to receive the money and then having to wait six to 12 months and go out for tender.

in doing the works after the development is complete.”

“It streamlines the system and you often get a lot of work done with the money than what you would end up with

Cr Rees said for instance if the developer owes $500,000 in contributions and the work costs $600,000, the developer only has to pay $100,000 and they don’t have to pay contribution fees because they’ve com-

Similar DCP projects will be subject to the works-in-kind after they are considered for inclusion in council’s procurement policy when it is next reviewed.

Cr Irene Grant said she was pleased that council was starting to define the whole process around developer contributions because “if it’s not a clear process, it’s something that will come back to bite us at some point in the future”.

A total of 31.8mm of the overall rain fell between 7pm to 12:30am.

The total of 42mm of rain for the month fell consistently with monthly rainfall totals experienced in the previous seven years, averaging 39mm of rain during May in that time span.

Across the rural city on May 30, 35mm fell at Eldorado, while

Around the North East, Benalla recorded just over 40mm overnight, Albury-Wodonga recorded 31.6mm, Yarrawonga 25.6mm, Bright 56mm and a whopping 116mm fell at Mount Hotham, which was a record daily fall for May.

Strathbogie North with 109 mms and Violet Town with 104 mms both recorded their wettest May day since 1918.

Shepparton recorded 58.8 mms on the last day of May and it was the wettest ever May day in 147 years of records for the city.

First rain event of season spring SES to action

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

WANGARATTA SES attended to two minor incidents within the rural city overnight Thursday as the first winter downpour swept the region.

Crews attended to a la rge tree blocking a road at Greta South at around 5:30am Friday and a building leak at Naughtin Road in Boorhaman at around 12:50am.

The incidents were caused as a result of 38.8mm of rain recorded at the Bureau of Meteorology’s Wangaratta airport reader to the 24 hours to 9am Friday.

Wangaratta SES Unit controller Jess Zuber said while the incidents from the first large rain event of the season were only minor on Thursday, the unit would

be keeping an eye out on impacts of the wet downpour over the weekend.

“As we move into the winter months, we potentially could see more rain and during those large events it’s important to take care when driving,” she said.

“We do know how dry it has been so we do have the potential to see trees falling and d ropping, so the key mess age would be to be prepared.

“With leaves and everything we also have potential for gutters to block up in those large rain events.”

The rain to fall on May 30 denied Wangaratta experiencing its driest May since 1934, having only recorded 3.2mm for the rest of the month, according to BOM.

Speedway president wins national volunteer honour

WANGARATTA City Speedway’s Ken Mankey has been honoured by the Australian speedway community as the 2024 Volunteer of the Year at the sport’s annual gala dinner at the RACV City Club in Melbourne on Saturday. Ken’s passion for speedway is unquestionable.

But what sets him apart is his willingness to go beyond his borders as president of Wangaratta City Speedway to share his passion throughout country Victoria, at venues like Nyora, Mt Beauty, Alexandra and Rushworth.

Ken spends untold hours travelling the region often with his faithful family in tow, filling the role as the SSA Production sedan rep, qualified scrutineer, respected race director or chief steward, sacrificing his own racing in the mission to improve the sport across the state and is a new member of the Speedway Sedans Australia Board.

“Kenno” is a culture creator, taking volunteers on the journey with him inspiring them to see a clear vision of a better future for the sport, while intentionally pouring water on unhealthy inter-club rivalry. This is most exemplified by his heartfelt gesture when Wahgunyah Speedway was devastated by floods, facilitating their event to run at Wangaratta, along with organising a raffle that raised over $17,000 for the Corowa Rutherglen Motorsports Club. There is a long line of the speedway community that would happily attest to Ken’s inspirational leadership, that has the power to usher in a new era and attitude to volunteering in speedway that is rapidly producing a unity in the sport that has rarely been seen in the nation.

Ken’s volunteer of the year recognition follows his national runner-up placing in Speed Sedans Australia executive of the year award last year, as well as the Wangaratta Speedway being recognised as a finalist nationally for track of the year.

NATIONAL HONOUR: Ken Mankey of Wangaratta City Speedway was recognised as Speedway Australia’s national volunteer of the year on Saturday night. PHOTO: Skene Media

BLOCKED OFF: SES Wangaratta attended to a large tree blocking a road at Greta South in the early hours of Friday morning as a result of overnight rain.

PHOTO:

Police warn landlords about leasing risk to tobacconists

VICTORIA Police will be warning commercial landlords in the rural city about the risks of leasing their stores to tobacconists as part of a statewide investigation.

Two letters are being distributed, one for properties where warrants have been executed and illicit products have been seized, while the second will be for businesses at risk of becoming involved.

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

Police have been working closely with councils, including the Rural City of Wangaratta, in distributing these letters to highlight to landlords the current risks around businesses operating who are engaged in illicit activity, and the risk they present.

Acting Commander Jason

May’s frosty mornings were our coldest in almost

70 years

By JEFF ZEUSCHNER

WANGARATTA shivered through May mornings that were collectively our coldest in almost 70 years.

The city recorded seven mornings where the minimum temperature was minus three degrees or colder, with our coldest being minus 4.1 degrees on Sunday, May 19.

Local resident and former CSIRO climatologist Peter Nelson said this was certainly the greatest number of such mornings since 1957.

“Last Wednesday morning’s (May29) reading of minus 3.9 degrees took the mean minimum temperature down to 1.4 degrees, the coldest in May since 0.5 degrees in 1902,” he said.

“Wangaratta had frosts on 19 days, the most in May since 20 days in 2005.

“Benalla recorded frosts on 13 days, Rutherglen recorded frosts on 18 days, while Albury and Yarrawonga recorded frosts on 10 days in May.”

For Wangaratta’s Angie McAuley and her dog Maximus (pictured right), nine consecutive days of sub zero temperatures and thick frosts up to May 29 made the early morning walks that little bit brisker.

“We only moved to Wangaratta from Melbourne in October so this is our first season,” she said.

“We feel like we moved to Siberia.

“It’s been that cold and it’s still technically autumn...what will winter be like?”

Wangaratta’s total May rainfall of 42mm was below the mean May average of 55.8mm since 1987.

The city only had rain on five days, with 38.8mm falling in the 24 hours to 9am on May 31.

May’s mean minimum temperature of 1.8 degrees was significantly below the average of 4.3 degrees, while the man maximum of 19.6 degrees was also well above the average of 17.4 degrees.

May had 15 days with maximum temperatures exceeding 20 degrees, with our hottest being 23.2 degrees on Sunday, May 12.

Kelly said landlords of properties currently rented to businesses selling tobacco should expect to receive a letter in the next fortnight.

“More than ever, assistance and information from store owners, staff, other shop owners and members of the community is crucial,” he said.

“The intelligence they can provide may be crucial in preventing an arson attack or holding those involved in se-

rious criminality to account.

“We encourage anyone with information to speak to police, or information can also be provided to police anonymously via Crime Stoppers.”

The letters to be issued by the Lunar Taskforce with the assistance of local councils address landlords of the insurance risks due to the presence of illegal tobacco and or vapes inside a premises subject to arson attacks.

Across the state, detectives have arrested 64 people for arson, extortion, and firearms related to violence related directly to the illicit tobacco market over the past 15 months.

“While we have arrested a significant number of people and put them before the court, we acknowledge we need to look at innovative ways to target this issue,” Acting Commander Kelly said.

“Not only does this criminal behaviour put neighbouring businesses and innocent members of the community at risk, it may impact any potential insurance pay out to the building owner.

“Those owners need to be aware of this and be aware of who is leasing the buildings they own.”

“One way of doing this is by speaking to those who own these properties and lease them to people actively engaging in organised crime.

Appeal for witnesses to

$50,000

cigarette burglary

COBRAM Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for witnesses following a $50,000 burglary in Cobram.

Investigators have been told an unknown man forced entry to a business on Punt Road sometime between 6.30pm on January 11 and 7.10am on January 12. It is believed that after gaining entry inside the premises, the man stole a quantity of cash and approximately $50,000 worth of cigarettes.

Investigators have released an image and CCTV footage of a man who might be able to assist police with their enquiries.

The man is described as being Caucasian in appearance, of solid build with brown hair.

He was seen wearing a blue hooded jumper, navy blue pants and grey shoes.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage/CCTV or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

First Nations appointment to North East Water board

NORTH East Water (NEW) has appointed Taungurung man Shayne Rodgers as an independent Aboriginal delegate of the corporation’s board of directors.

Mr Rodgers is NEW’s third Aboriginal delegate to be engaged since 2019 and has been appointed to commence in July 2024.

Chair, Stephen Brown, said Mr Rodgers has an extensive background in project management at the Taungurung Land and Waters Council and involvement in community-based initiatives focused on gambling harm prevention and policy creation.

“He also has over two decades of expertise in water, sewage and recycled water systems,” Mr Brown said.

“Shayne will be able to provide insight into matters relating to urban water management and its connection to Traditional Owners.

“Not only does the delegate role provide greater perspectives in the board’s strategic discussions, but it also continues to strengthen our relationships with First Nations communities.”

Mr Rodgers said he was honoured to serve as an Independent Aboriginal delegate, bringing his skills in community engagement and water management alongside the expertise

gained from NEW.

“This experience will enhance my ability to advocate for culturally sensitive and sustainable water practices,” Mr Rodgers said.

“In this role, I will deepen my connection to water, drawing from my Aboriginal cultural heritage to inform decision-making processes, ensuring that Aboriginal values and knowledge are

central to water management strategies.

“I aim to represent Aboriginal perspectives and contribute to the well-being and progress of our entire community through inclusive and collaborative approaches.”

NEW was the first water corporation in Victoria to introduce the Independent Aboriginal Board Delegate Program which is now being

introduced by other water corporations and catchment management authorities.

The program supports the Victorian Government’s Water for Victoria’s policy of increasing opportunities for participation, decisionmaking and resources for Traditional Owners in water management.

“We are excited about the program’s success to

date, with our most recent independent delegate, Yorta Yorta Duduroa Dhargal man Johnny Murray, appointed by the Minister to a full directorship to North East Water’s board in October 2023,” Mr Brown said.

“I am extremely excited that Shayne is joining the team and I’m looking forward to his first board meeting in July.”

Don’t get caught out by the 3G switch-off

THE Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has urged small, family and farming businesses to make sure they are not caught out by the 3G switch-off happening in August and September.

“The 3G switch-off will affect more than just your mobile phone signal,” Mr Billson said.

“It could affect EFTPOS terminals, security systems and cameras, scanners, industrial routers, tablets,

smart watches, asset tracking tools, surveying instrument, water and environmental monitoring and many of the wireless operating systems on farms.

“Even some 4G-enabled devices have aspects that are powered by 3G, but users may not realise until they stop working, so it makes sense to have those checked as well.

“It is vital small, family and farming businesses take action urgently to find out if they will be af-

fected and if so, upgrade their technology before business-harming disconnection and technology dysfunction is the first they learn about it.”

Mr Billson said small businesses should contact their telecommunications provider or device manufacturer to confirm if a device will be affected.

“But beware of scams and only contact mobile providers using trusted information and links,” he said.

Telstra recently an-

nounced that it will delay its 3G network switch off until August 31 2024.

Optus is planning to switch off its 3G network from September 1 2024.

TPG Telecom/Vodafone has already switched off its 3G network.

Those on the Telstra or Optus network can text “3” to the number 3498 and will receive a response whether that device is affected.

For more information:

Telstra: Visit www.telstra.com.au/support/mo-

biles-devices/3g-closure

Call:13 22 00

Optus: Visit: www.optus. com.au/3g Call: 133 937

Vodafone/TPG Telecom: Visit: https://www.vodafone.com.au/support/ network/3g-closure

The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association also has information at www.3gclosure.com. au and a fact sheet https:// amta.org.au/wp-content/ uploads/2024/05/3G-Closure-Fact-Sheet-new.pdf.

Lifeline Albury Wodonga is in need of more crisis support volunteers

LIFELINE is Australia’s leading suicide prevention service, operating the 13 11 14 telephone line within 41 centres around the nation.

Every 30 seconds is how often someone in Australia reaches out to lifeline in their darkest hour of need.

Lifeline needs more volunteers to answer their calls.

Lifeline Albury Wodonga is encouraging anyone interested in becoming a crisis support volunteer to attend one of the upcoming Information sessions to learn more about what is involved.

Volunteer Crisis Supporters provide an invaluable service to our community and through helping others, you will discover things about yourself that you didn’t know, you’ll learn amazing life skills, you’ll help save lives, is it time for you to give back.

“When I volunteer it fills my bucket to know I have made a positive difference to someone who finds themselves in challenging times,” a volunteer crisis supporter said.

“It gives me purpose to know I am giving and making a difference.”

Lifeline is holding four information sessions, two in person and two online:

Session 1

Tuesday, June 4, 6pm7:30pm at Live Better – 432 Townsend St Albury.

Session 2

Wednesday, June 5, 6pm7:30pm online via Teams. Session 3

Saturday, June 8, 10:30am12 noon at Live Better – 432 Townsend St Albury. Session 4

Wednesday, June 12, 6pm7:30pm, online via Teams. Register to attend via the website https://www.lifelinealburywodonga.org.au or Facebook page or call 02 60 211 077.

NEW APPOINTMENT: Taungurung man Shayne Rodgers has been appointed as an independent Aboriginal delegate of North East Water corporation’s board of directors.

Cemetery friends shaping group’s role

HEATHER Redmond was immediately drawn to the idea of a Wangaratta Friends of the Cemetery group when she saw it advertised in the Wangaratta Chronicle last year.

The group, which met this week to further discuss its role in the preservation of the Mason Street/Tone Road cemetery, was officially formed earlier this year.

“It fits in well with the things I’m interested in, such as family history and local history,” Heather said.

“I’m not a local to Wangaratta; I come from near Swan Hill and have lived here only since the 1980s, but I am aware that in other places there are active groups which promote cem-

BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au

eteries and the interesting people buried in them.

“I thought that was something that Wangaratta would benefit from.”

Heather said she was interested to hear that cemetery staff allocated considerable time to assisting people visiting Wangaratta to search for particular gravesites.

“People may lose connections with country towns, but have ancestors in Wangaratta who they want to look up, and it would be good to make that as easy as possible for them,” she said.

“Also, I’m a bit melancholy when I see graves which have fallen apart and are not being maintained, because often it means there is no family left to honour that person.

“I like the idea of helping to keep the cemetery looking good.

“I think our role is about enhancing the cemetery.”

Heather is one of six locals, along with Cr Irene Grant representing the Wangaratta Cemetery Trust, who have formed the Friends of the Cemetery group to complement the work of cemetery staff

Formation of the group was Cr Grant’s idea, and she has been pleased with the level of interest and enthusiasm from members.

“I’ve always seen the cemetery as a really important part of our history; you can read so much and get a snapshot of what things were like in the past,” she said.

“It’s early days, so the group is still feeling its way in terms of what we might be doing and what our priorities are, but it’s a connection out into the community to this piece of our history.”

CAV applauds new family violence prevention measures in Victoria

WANGARATTA Centre Against Violence (CAV) has welcomed the comprehensive package of reforms announced by Premier Jacinta Allan last week, aimed at addressing and preventing family violence across Victoria.

Wangaratta CAV CEOJaime Chubb, said the new measures, part of the ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and wellbeing of women and children, promise significant improvements in both immediate and long-term responses to family violence.

She said the new reforms are designed to enhance the support systems for victim-survivors and ensure a stronger, more effective ap-

proach to the prevention of family violence.

“The focus on extending the duration of Family Violence Intervention Orders (FVIOs) will provide lasting protection for those affected, reducing the need for repeated court appearances, and alleviating the emotional burden on survivors,” Ms Chubb said.

“We are particularly encouraged by the emphasis on housing and safety.

“The introduction of the ‘Safe at Home’ pilot and additional funding for security measures, such as home alarms and personal duress alarms, will offer crucial support to those at risk of homelessness due to family violence.

ANYONE who needs support due to family or sexual violence is urged to contact the CAV team during business hours at the Orange Door on 1800 271 157.

If you require immediate support outside of business hours, please call Safe Steps on 1800 015 188. If you are unsafe, call the police on 000.

“This initiative aligns with CAV’s mission to provide secure and stable environments for women and children fleeing violence.”

Ms Chubb said the increased focus on perpetrator accountability through enhanced case management and follow-up programs is a crucial step forward.

“The nation-leading study on pathways into violent behaviour will equip us with valuable insights, enabling the develop-

ment of more effective interventions tailored to the needs of our community,” she said.

“CAV supports the expansion of programs like Respectful Relationships and Modelling Respect and Equality (MoRE), which are essential in fostering healthy, respectful behaviours among young people.

“The boost in therapeutic support for children and young people, alongside targeted legal services for multicultural

and First Nations families, is a welcome addition.

“These measures will help to ensure that the diverse needs of our community are met with sensitivity and effectiveness.

“The establishment of the Justice Navigator pilot will further assist survivors in navigating the complex landscape of support and justice services, ensuring they receive the help they need promptly and efficiently.”

Ms Chubb commended Premier Allan’s commitment to addressing family violence and said these reforms represented a significant step towards creating a safer, more just society.

“We look forward to working closely with the government, local law enforcement, and community organisations to implement these changes and support the ongoing transformation of our family violence response system,” she said.

“Although we have a long road ahead of us, we are encouraged by the Victorian Government’s commitment to tackling family violence through these comprehensive reforms.

“The focus on long-term safety for victim-survivors, coupled with enhanced accountability and prevention programs for people using or at risk of using violence, is critical for our community.”

PRESERVING HISTORY: Members of the newly-formed Wangaratta Friends of the Cemetery group, Heather Redmond, Jenny Coates, Stephen Rossica, Dianne Darke, Barb Crockett and Cr Irene Grant, met at the Wangaratta Cemetery on Wednesday to learn more about their new roles.

PHOTO: Bailey Zimmerman

Friends groups growing community

THE recent formation of the Friends of the Cemetery community group has bolstered what is a growing trend of volunteer community support for preserving our local features.

Six locals, along with Cr Irene Grant representing the Wangaratta Cemetery Trust, formed the Friends of the Cemetery group earlier this year to complement the work of cemetery staff and enhance the local cemetery.

Wangaratta council had put out an expression of interest for the formation of the group late last year, noting how many other cemeteries in the area have friends groups preserving the vital local history sites.

During early meetings, the group discovered staff allocated considerable time to assisting people visiting Wangaratta to search for particular gravesites.

People may lose connections with country towns, but have ancestors in Wangaratta who they want to look up, and this is just one of the many services this volunteer group will provide to give people better service and more comfort in knowing their history is being wellpreserved.

A group member Heather Redmond said in today’s story, the cemetery is one of the most important parts of our local history as you can read so much and get a snapshot of what things were like in the past. It’s important the community show their support and recognition to these volunteers who are giving up hours of their time for the betterment of others.

The friends of the cemetery support group join a host of friends groups including friends of the Wangaratta Library and Friends of the Warby-Ovens National Park to assist with maintenance and enhancement of local assets.

The Quiz No. 87

1. What is the largest country in the world by area?

2. Goneril, Regan, Cordelia, and Edmund are characters in which play by William Shakespeare?

3. The Torres Strait lies between Australia and which large island?

4. Western Australian swimmer, Blair Evans, qualified to compete in which individual event at the 2016 Rio Olympics?

5. What was Emma Bunton’s nick-name in the Spice Girls?

6. How many different colours are on the flag of South Africa?

7. Christian Slater plays the title role in which TV series that debuted in 2015?

8. The annual Southbound arts, camping and music festival is held in which Western Australian city?

9. In which country did tapas originate?

10. Actress Susan Abigail Tomalin is better known by what name?

11. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease affects which organ of the human body?

12. The Sognefjord is the largest and best known fjord in which country?

13. As at 2016, who has been the only Nobel Prize laureate to have graduated from the University of Western Australia?

14. What type of toys were Cooler, Nose Marie, Howler and Bright Eyes?

15. The headquarters of the United Nations are located in which city?

16. On 7 July 2016, the premier of which Australian state announced that greyhound racing was to be banned in the state from 1 July 2017?

17. Which mountain range, starting with the letter A, extends through Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia?

18. What is the nickname of the Fremantle women’s NWPL water polo team?

19. Who plays the role of Saffron Monsoon in the 2016 movie, Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie?

FACEBOOK users this week commented on the revival of the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues.

• Rose Wedler: Long live our music. It’s the language of our souls….

• Anna Stephenson: So delighted , I was so keen to support this iconic event until I discovered it had lost its way ! Congrats for working to bring it back on track - clear focus and appeal to Australia’s jazz lovers is essential combined with the unique appeal of Wangaratta

as a regional host underpinned by unique regional venues that invest in creating immersive experiences!

• Linda Simpson: WONDERFUL news! Congratulations Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues! Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the new Committee this iconic Festival will survive and thrive into the future!

• Tania Maxwell: Congratulations to Andrew, the board and the donars who

Nuclear power should be considered

IT is quickly becoming obvious that our commitment to net zero by 2050 is not possible without unimaginable ramifications for Australia.

Other countries such as India and China have not agreed to meet net zero by 2050.

We should also be prepared to rethink that timeline.

Since when should cost be a prime consideration, when planning something as major as our future energy requirements.

Relying on intermittent renewable energy is a threat to our lifestyle and economy by manufacturing and small businesses closing due to unaffordable and unreliable power; and people not being able to heat their homes in winter or keep cool in high summer temperatures.

The desecration of our beautiful countryside for these miles of solar panels and wind turbines at enormous cost, with little contribution to the grid is mind numbing, and for why?

To appeal to some green idealism without any rational and serious discussion?

Considering what we will suffer from loss of businesses and investment contributing to our economy in way of taxes, and employment, the cost of going nuclear is secondary.

We are not told the true costs of renewable energy, for example we are not told the cost of installing 24,000kms of new power lines.

They bring good returns to the farmers as they can earn $40,000 per year per tower.

That is money we all have to pay!

Whereas nuclear uses existing power lines.

As for safety, to compare modern nuclear reactors to the older ones like Fukushima and Chernobyl is to deny that todays technology has advanced at all.

In France nuclear provides 80 per cent of their energy and they have some of the cheapest power in Europe.

It is unbelievable that Australia is not seriously considering it.

Shirley Mills, El Dorado

Accomadating for mobility aids on trains

THE Allan Labor Government is providing passengers using mobility aids a new booking system so that they can book an accessible space on V/Line’s long-distance services.

This new ticketing initiative will roll out across all long-distance reserved trains on the V/Line network, including Albury

NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.

are resurrecting this festival for Wangaratta.

• Greg Meyland: What a fantastic opportunity we once again have. Congratulations to those working behind the scenes.

• Rita Robinson: Great job! But the free street venue like the one in Reid Street years ago is what most Wangaratta people want! They were the best days.

• Denise Gay: Rita Robinson totally agree.

• Marlene Fulton: Rita

Robinson yes they were the best days everyone loved it so much.

• Fiona Watson: Unless there is free entertainment in the main street it will never be as good.

• Linda Simpson: Fiona Watson the new Board are listening & will be working their way back to those good old days. It does cost a LOT of money to stage Reid Street, so it won’t be this year. With Community support, it will happen in the future!

Our follower total is Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.

14,865

PROMOTING MARTIAL ARTS: Sensei Xavier Murphy (back), with Ikigai Martial Arts Academy students (left to right) Elliott Offermann, Kirby McMahon, Emilia Slefendorfas and Anastasia Panagiotakis, will host a fundraiser and open day for the academy on Sunday, June 9 from 1pm at the Wangaratta Masonic Hall in Appin Street. The day will feature an open mat, sausage sizzle, baked goods, raffle, games, prizes and more. Entry is by donation. For more information, phone 0473 477 567 or email ikigaimartialartsacademy@gmail.com

(Wangaratta), Warrnambool, Swan Hill, Shepparton and Bairnsdale services.

Passengers who use mobility aids can reserve a space for their aid online, at a station, ticketing agent or by phone.

The booking system will also provide further information to V/Line staff ahead of time, allowing them to plan ahead to accommodate for individual passenger needs.

In a long-standing partnership with Travellers Aid, V/Line has recently expanded the support service to assist passengers with their travel needs, setting up the service at Ballarat Station, in addition to Seymour, Southern Cross and Flinders Street stations, where travel assistance has been provided for many years.

V/Line is also progressively rolling out VLocity trains onto the network, with the more reliable and accessible trains being introduced on the Albury, Shepparton and Bairnsdale lines in recent years and soon to run on the Warrnambool Line for the first time.

The $4 billion Regional Rail Revival program also includes important upgrades at V/Line stations, which will help further improve the accessibility of the regional network.

Gabrielle Williams, Minister for Public and Active Transport

WE welcome your letters to the Editor. Priority is given to typed/emailed letters under 250 words. Every letter must have your full name, address and a daytime phone contact number supplied for verification purposes. Any letter may be edited

Ready for council election

RURAL City of Wangaratta Council has formally resolved to change the date of the September scheduled council meeting to accommodate a revsied caretaker period for council elections in October.

Council resolved at the March 2024 meeting to bring its September 2024 meeting forward one week to ensure all council reports could be adopted by the caretaker period, which was previously set for September 24 at 12pm.

However, the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) has subsequently confirmed

Caretaker period revision prompts date change for September meeting

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

that the caretaker period will now come into effect on Tuesday, September 17 at 12pm.

Rural city council’s September meeting will now take place on Monday, September 16 at 6pm and will be held at the Boorhaman Recreation Reserve.

This will be current councillors’ final decision making meeting, with council having its final public meet-

ing on October 22.

The Local Government Act regulates council activity before council elections in two ways:

• councils are prohibited from making certain types of decisions; and

• material produced by councils must not contain matter that will affect voting at the election.

The caretaker period commences 32 days before the election, when nominations close, and ends at 6pm on election day.

Under the VEC’s current

election timeline, nominations for council will open on Thursday, September 19 and close noon Tuesday, September 24, with a ballot draw to follow.

The council electionwhich is via postal votingwill see ballot packs mailed out to all voters from October 8 to 10, with voting to close at 6pm on Friday, October 25with the official election day Saturday, October 26.

Results of all council elections statewide are be declared by Friday, November 15.

Meanwhile, the Munici-

Last chance for feedback on rural city draft budget

COMMUNITY members are encouraged to have their say on the Rural City of Wangaratta Council’s 2024/25 Draft Budget, with submissions closing at 5pm this Wednesday.

The draft budget outlines the resources required to deliver the council plan’s strategic objectives and includes a four-year budget forecast.

It is currently on public exhibition for community feedback through written submissions or online via the Connect Wangaratta portal.

Rural city CEO Brendan McGrath said council values the voices of residents and believes that community engagement is crucial for shaping a shared future.

“We encourage everyone to offer their insights and feedback, either through written submissions or by

participating online via our Connect portal,” he said.

“Public input is essential in helping us make informed decisions that reflect the needs and aspirations of our community.”

Council will meet to adopt the 2024/25 Budget at the on at the Tuesday, June 25 meeting at 3pm.

Budget highlights and headline figures of the draft budget include:

 Total income of $91.76m;

 Total operating expenditure of $80.29m;

 An accounting surplus of $11.47m;

 An adjusted underlying operating surplus of $516k;

 A capital works program of $25.76m, inclusive of $3.67m of works to be carried over from 2023/24;

 A rate rise of 2.75 per cent in line with the

Fair Go Rate Cap;

 A waste service charge rise of 2.75pc reflective of the rate cap;

 An individual user fees and charges rise of 4pc, in line with inflation; and

 No new borrowings.

The draft budget is available online at: https://connect.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/93597/ widgets/435795/documents/285324, or from the Wangaratta Government Centre, Cnr Ford & Ovens Streets, Wangaratta during office hours.

To make a submission visit community engagement portal Connect Wangaratta https://connect. wangaratta.vic.gov.au/

Any person may make a written submission regarding the proposed strategy.

For further information contact (03) 5722 0888.

pal Association of Victoria is holding a forum for prospective council candidates at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Thursday, June 13 at 6pm.

The 2024 Stand for Council forum is about encouraging people to stand up and nominate for council and making sure they have all the information to do that.

MAV president David Clark said being a councillor is one of the most visible ways of communicating your values, hopes and ideas for your community.

“You can shape the kind of world you want to live in at the local level,” he said.

“Standing for council is the first step in that journey.

“A strong, healthy and inclusive democracy is best served by a broad range of skills, experience, views and innovation.

“It just may be you that has the skills and experience to be a councillor.”

To register for the Stand for Council forum, visit https://mavevents.cventevents. com/event/SFCInformationSessions/register.

FRV is seeking more recruits from Wangaratta community

FIRE Rescue Victoria (FRV) is encouraging Wangaratta people to make a difference to the community they care about by considering firefighting as a career.

The agency have announced its next round of recruitment will be opening between July 1 and 8.

FRV Acting Commissioner Michelle Cowling AFSM said firefighting is no ordinary job.

“Some jobs stand out for the profound impact they have on the community, and this is a great case in point,” she said.

“Firefighting is a highly respected profession and quickly becomes an extraordinary career.

“It’s a job in which no two days are the same, and every single day firefighters make a difference, working alongside Victoria’s other emergency services.”

Acting Commander Ben Schmidt said a career in firefighting in a regional area such as Wangaratta was a brilliant way to foster and develop community ties.

“Regional community members share a deep link to people in their

area and a real understanding that they form part of a broader community team,” he said.

“Firefighting is an incredible profession, which provides an opportunity to connect with the people around you and help in times of need.”

FRV firefighters are provided with great opportunities for role specialisation and career progression.

These include Emergency Medical Response (EMR), Urban Search and Rescue, High Angle Rescue, Heavy Rescue, Road Crash Rescue, Marine Response and more.

FRV is looking for people who have strong problem-solving skills and demonstrate integrity, accountability and have appropriate all-round strength and fitness.

Firefighters are first responders and engender community trust and confidence, especially in emergencies.

Acting Commissioner Cowling said FRV welcomes people from diverse backgrounds.

For more information, visit firefighter.vic.gov.au.

Wangaratta's premier audiology clinic

FIGHT THE FLAMES: Luke Kreltszheim, Marcus Jones, Sarah Howson of the Wangaratta FRV team are encouraging the community to apply in FRV’s next round of recruitment.

Local music teacher set to showcase her talent in Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra

By WENDIE WILKE, Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra

LOCAL music teacher and French horn player, Bronwyn McGorlick will share her musical talent at Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming concerts.

Bronwyn grew up in the Shepparton area and moved away for university and work.

After a time in New Zealand and Melbourne, she moved to Wangaratta five years ago to be closer to her extended family.

She is a music teacher at Cathedral College.

The French horn is Bronwyn’s chosen instrument, having started with the trumpet and experimented with a few other brass instrument in her childhood.

Her family are very musical, with her brother and sister all learning brass when young.

The High St Shufflers is a family affair with Bronwyn joining her brother and sisterin-law for occasional gigs.

Bronwyn played in orchestras and community groups throughout high school, and studied music at university. After a break from playing for a few years, her love of music and the horn was reinvigorated in Christchurch, NZ, where she played in a community group.

Not long after moving to Wangaratta, Bronwyn was delighted to hear that a community symphony orchestra was being formed.

She joined the Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra three years ago.

“It is a great group of people who enjoy playing together and it is good to be part of it,” she said.

Bronwyn is part of the Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra Brass section, where there are two French horn players.

She is looking forward to the upcoming concert in June where she will be a soloist.

While she has played all of Mozart’s Horn Concertos in high school and beyond, this is the first time when she will

SHARED VISION: Visitors are enjoying the variety of artwork on display created by Sian Lim and Joan Mullarvey (pictured) as part of The Two of Us at the Art Gallery on Ovens. See it today from 10am until 4pm, before the exhibition comes to an end. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Shadow Murmurs at art gallery

AN exhibition of drawings and sculptures by Julie Monro-Allison which explores themes of transformation and the evolution of form, is on display in Gallery 2 at Wangaratta Art Gallery. Shadow Murmurs includes ink and graphite drawings, ceramic forms, bronze and woven cane sculptures, developed from sketches made while investigating and observing living organisms and their cycles of life: in this instance the termite mounds in Far North Queensland.

be accompanied by a symphony orchestra.

Bronwyn said she is very excited to have this opportunity.

“Mozart’s 3rd Concerto is so much fun to play, Swan Lake is also a favourite as it has such great horn parts,” she said.

“I’d encourage anyone wanting to learn an instrument to have a go.

“It doesn’t matter at what age you start, I have an aunt who took up playing at the age of 50.”

Come and hear Bronwyn play at the Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra’s concerts at Beechworth on Sunday, June 23 and Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Thursday, June 27.

Book your tickets at https:// www.wpacc.com.au/Whats-On/ Wangaratta-Symphony-Orchestra-Symphony-of-the-Seas.

FRENCH HORN ENTHUSIAST: Bronwyn McGorlick will share her musical talent at Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming concerts.

Metamorphosis being explored in Claire Beausein: Smells Like Rain

AN exhibition by Wangaratta-born artist Claire Beausein is showing at the Benalla Art Gallery.

Smells Like Rain encapsulates the promise of renewal and transformation; the exhibition showcasing a recent collection of assemblage and mixed-media works on washi paper, all engaging the theme of metamorphosis.

Growing up in the Warby Ranges close to nature has left an indelible mark on Claire Beausein’s artistic sensibilities, and the subdued palette and intricacies in her work are borne out of her profound connection to home.

The artist explained that returning to her family farm at Mt Bruno several years ago brought back to mind early memories and associated emotions.

“As a child I found wonder in the natural world; creatures like the Bardi moth (rain moth) fascinated me,” she said.

“The large moths came fluttering to the porch light on warm evenings before rain.

“The next morning, I would search

TRANSFORMATION: The exhibition includes Claire BEAUSEIN, Elixir, 2023, wild silk cocoons, graphite and thread on washi paper, 92 x 92 x 1.5cm.

beneath the red gums along the creek for discarded chrysalis shells, shiny and garnet coloured, the metamorphosis of the ground dwelling grub to the soft fluttering moth was enchanting, and always associated with rain.

“Referencing these experiences of

transformation and renewal I have incorporated wild silk moth cocoons as a medium in my work, assembled with delicate precision, this unique medium evokes the fluidity of water or containment in a vessel.”

By combining these forms and textures with other media such as graphite, indigo dye, thread and Suminagashi (floating ink), the works speak to the mysteries of nature and change, using water as a metaphor for transformation.

Claire has presented 25 solo exhibitions in Australia and overseas and has been selected for national awards.

Her work is featured in prominent locations, including the Westin Hotel, where two monumental artworks of carved sandstone are installed in the main hall.

The Ritz-Carlton and The Intercontinental in Perth feature large-scale works on paper and woodcuts.

Smells Like Rain will be open in the Bennett Gallery within the Benalla Art Gallery until July 28.

LIVE FROM SYDNEY: About a dozen locals dropped in to the Wangaratta Library on May 22 for the first Live & Local session livestreamed from the Sydney Writers Festival. Featuring author and journalist Julia Baird in discussion with Jacqueline Maley, the free session was streamed to the library’s community room, even offering those in attendance the chance to ask questions via an online interaction platform. Multiple other author talks were streamed later in the week.

Greta Valley Primary students share research on war veterans

AN insightful project has helped young people in the Greta region connect with their community and its rich history, while gaining an understanding of life and the war experience in a meaningful way.

Students in grades three to six at Greta Valley Primary School spent five weeks researching a soldier buried in the Greta cemetery, presenting their work at the community’s ANZAC Day service.

With the support of school principal Howard Gibson, over coming weeks we look forward to sharing what they found out through their investigations.

The project has also shown that many of today’s residents have a familial connection to those who called Greta home generations ago.

Student Sally Shepherd shares what she found out about Joseph Delaney.

Joseph Delaney was born on the April 14, 1895 in Wangaratta and died on September 3, 1923 in Swan Hill.

Joseph Delaney’s mother was Mary Elizabeth Bryan and his father was Michael Joseph Delaney.

Joseph Delaney’s siblings were Mary Ann, Daniel, Mi-

chael, Jane, William, Frances and Hugh.

Hugh also enlisted with him.

Joseph Delaney’s place of enlistment was Melbourne, Victoria and he joined the army on October 17 October in 1916.

His service number was 37594.

Joseph was a gunner with the Field Artillery Brigade in a place called Rouelles in France.

He had served in World War One with the 4th Division Artillery AIF when aged 21.

Joseph finished his war service on November 11 in 1918 and he came back home safely.

For his service Joseph was awarded the Western Front medals, the Military Medal, British Medal and Victory Medal.

He served with 4th Battery AIF and was awarded with the Military Medal on August 8 in 1918 during an attack on Villers-Bretonneux.

After the war Joseph became a policeman.

On August 30 in 1923, Constable Delaney went to Tyntynder to interview a 15-yearold in relation to a burglary.

On entering the home of the youth, Constable Delaney was shot and fatally wounded.

After his death he was buried in Greta Cemetery.•

• Jospeh Delaney

RESEARCH PROJECT: Student Sally Shepherd (above) chose to learn more about Joseph Delaney who is buried at the Greta Cemetery.

The ultimate guide for tourists and locals COMING SOON

Retirees help aged care residents feel less lonely

By CHLOE JAENICKE

THEY may be retired, but former nurse Cheryl Butler and social worker Bert Huber are using their experience to help enrich the lives of others.

Both are involved in the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme, run in conjunction with The Centre in Wangaratta, which matches volunteers with an aged care resident whose health is impact by loneliness.

Ms Butler has volunteered for six years, being acutely aware of how overworked healthcare staff are and how lonely residents can be.

Mr Huber, who has volunteered for four years, agrees.

“Because there’s a lack of workers (in aged care industry) there’s a lack of time to spend with residents so there needs to be a community response,” he said.

Ms Butler said she continues to volunteer as she finds it rewarding and she loves learning new things from residents.

“I visit a lady at Rangeview and it’s very rewarding, she never got married and even though she’s got siblings, she does get a bit lonely, and she just loves that contact,” she said.

“It’s just lovely when you walk in and see the smiles on their faces, they’re just so happy to see you and I usually stay longer and have a cup of tea.

“I’ve always loved old people because you learn so much from them and they love reminiscing on the old times.”

One of Mr Huber’s main motivations for volunteering is that he enjoys finding new ways to talk to people.

“At the moment I meet with a chap who likes to walk, so we always walk and talk,” he said.

“I found that’s the best way to communicate with him because he doesn’t talk to me sitting down.

“He’s a retired farmer and he wants to be outside.”

Mr Huber also believes that volunteering is just as beneficial for him as it is for the residents.

“Volunteering is also good for us, when you retire, you’ve

MALL SHOPPING: The view from the new entrance to the Co-Store complex on Ovens Street, which leads in to the Target store.

$33m extension taking shape

Monday, June 2, 2014

By SIMONE KERWIN

WANGARATTA’S longawaited Target store remains on track for a midAugust opening.

But confirmation of adjoining tenants in the Co-Store’s $33 million redevelopment is yet to come, with negotiations continuing between management and prospective traders.

“There are multiple negotiations under way with both national traders and local operators,” Co-Store

centre manager Gary Quig said.

The new-look complex features seven shop areas leading into the Target store from the second Ovens Street entrance.

But Mr Quig said the configuration of these, and others to the right of Target, could be adapted to tenants’ needs.

He said new occupants were also being sought for two empty Co-Store shops fronting Reid Street.

Mr Quig said the project, being carried out by Joss Construction, was approaching its latter stages.

The site, which has hosted up to 100 tradesmen since work began on the complex last year, is now occupied by about 40 workers close to bringing the development to lock-up stage.

The new Target store has been handed over, and will begin fit-out this week.

got to do something with your time,” he said.

“I don’t want to go back to work but I still want to give back to the community, so it’s good for my health and mental wellbeing as well as everybody else’s.”

The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme is always looking for more volunteers.

For more information call The Centre.

Jai Veer Singh

JAI Veer Singh was born at Northeast Health Wangaratta on Thursday, May 29 at 1:44pm and weighed 3.575kg (7lb 14oz). He is the son of Sapha Sisodia and Rakesh Singh of Benalla.

NEW ARRIVALS AT NORTHEAST HEALTH WANGARATTA

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.

FIGHTING LONELINESS: Bert Huber, Susan Cuthbert, Cheryl Butler, Lora Watson, Helen Haines, Desley Auld, Clem Diggle, Mavis Jones, Warren Coles, Des Moylan and Trevor Isherwood celebrated the Aged Care Volunteer Scheme at a morning tea on Friday, May 24.

Junior Reporter Club

ACROSS

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

4 Name the capital of Iran (alt. spell.) (7)

8 Quito is the capital of which South American republic (7)

9 What might we call a native of Jerusalem (7)

10 What is a clear transparent mineral resembling ice (7)

11 What colloquially are discarded partly-smoked cigarettes (7)

12 Which boat basin offers dockage for small craft (6)

14 When one entertains one does what (6)

18 What in cookery are formulas for preparing dishes (7)

21 To be of low character is to be what (7)

22 To have prodded or goaded is to have done what (7)

23 What is another term for understanding (7)

24 When one makes certain one does what (7)

DOWN

1 Name an English orchestral conductor; Sir Thomas ... (7)

2 What are distinctively marked and shaped anchored floats (5)

3 What is a printing of a newspaper (7)

4 Name a man’s soft felt hat with an indented crown (6)

5 Name a more common term for a seraglio (5)

Letters

6 What are marijuana cigarettes often called (7)

7 Which slender pieces of metal join potions of wood together (5)

13 Which childhood disease can be the result of lack of vitamin D (7)

15 What is a person of eminence or distinction (7)

16 Which term also describes regions (7)

E-QUATIONS

17 What are words spoken in undertones (6)

18 To wash lightly is to do what (5)

19 Name a large white bear (5)

20 Name a hard heavy durable wood most highly prized when black (5)

Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.

1 BULWARK

(a) A breakwater or sea wall

(b) An edict of the pope

(c) A plumb or sinker in fishing

2 COMPLAISANCE

(a) Desire to please

(b) An expression of grief

(c) Sorrow for another’s suffering

Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.

CLUES:

Biology: dividing membranes (5)

Common insect (3)

Deplete (3)

Knocking lightly (7)

More cheerful (7)

Reimburse (5)

Renal Artery Stenosis (3)

Shift (coll) (5) So far (3)

Surface coating (5)

Mother nature gives croppers a late break with Thursday rain

A RELIEVED sight of pouring rain has given local crop growers a mighty reprieve amid an extremely dry May.

A downpour of 38.8mm recorded at the Wangaratta Airport in the 24 hours to 9am Friday denied Wangaratta its driest May in 90 years.

Just 3.2mm was recorded for the entire 29 previous days according to the Bureau of Meteorology’s (BOM) airport reading.

It would have been Wangaratta’s driest May since 1934, when there was no rain recorded for the month.

No one was more happy to see the heavens open on Thursday than Peechelba grower Darren Nish.

Mr Nish said he received 30mm of rain at his property overnight on Thursday and it was more than a welcome sight.

“We’ve been dry sowing everything and have had virtually no moisture to go into, so it’s been a relief I can tell you,” he said on Friday.

“It was quite hard on the machinery… a lot of

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

people started dry sowing early on, around three or four weeks ago and a lot have already put their canola in.

“Some of it has come up but some is very patchy, same with some of the cereals being very patchy but the rain will really help that now.”

Mr Nish grows oat and wheat at his 2500 acre fourth-generation property and was forced to make the change of seeding strategy as most farmers have.

“It was getting close to June, we had to have it in the ground and as luck has it as farmers, it has rained,” Mr Nish said.

“We haven’t been going that hard at it, just going a long and sowing a paddock, poking along and getting it done, but it looks like a good decision now after 30mm of rain.

“If we can get some follow up rain, we’ve got half a chance for it to be a decent season.”

Wangaratta Livestock Exchange -

Market Report

Wangaratta-based Whitty Produce seed supplier Wayne McMonigle said while the autumn break was late, it was better late than never.

“It had been that dry for so long, a lot of them had just finished dry sowing so it’s been a big relief to get what we did, when we did was awesome,” he said.

“It would’ve been better to get it a bit earlier on to get some germination and get the crop out of the ground a bit earlier, but what we’re doing now still puts us in a good spot.”

Mr McMonigle said if more follow-up rain comes over the next few weeks then there would be no reason why the season won’t produce good yields.

“We are on the back foot a bit, but there’s still hope for a good season,” he said.

“You don’t need a lot of rain in the winter time but the more you get, the less you need into spring but as long as we can get a bit every now and again will be the main thing.”

Wine producers warning industry in crisis, seek government assistance

AUSTRALIA’S First Families of Wine (AFFW) has called for the federal government to introduce key initiatives to address critical challenges facing the Australian wine sector.

Initiatives it says were “notably absent” in the 202425 Federal Budget.

AFFW is made up of Brown Brothers, Campbells, d’Arenberg, Henschke, Howard Park, Jim Barry Wines, Tahbilk, Taylors, Tyrrell’s Wines and Yalumba.

The group said that a combination of global wine oversupply, high interest rates, rising operational costs due to high inflation, previously imposed Chinese tariffs, environmental challenges, and a market supressed by cost-of-living pressures, both domestically and in critical export markets, have “wreaked havoc” on the industry.

Chester Osborn, chairman of AFFW, and CEO of d’Arenberg in South Australia, said the industry was currently facing a crisis.

“Many winery owners are communicating that this period is the most challenging period they have ever faced,” said Mr Osborn.

“Even more challenging than the mid-1980s when the now infamous vine pull scheme was introduced.”

While the AFFW welcomed the recent announcement by the Chinese government that the tariffs have been removed, the group was quick to point out that while the impact of Chinese tariffs on Australian wine has been widely reported, the problem is much larger.

“The most concerning symptom is an enormous surplus of unsold bulk red wine,” AFFW said.

It also referenced Wine Australia’s figures, which report that red wine stock levels are currently at 2.77 times current annual sales forecast.

“The current surplus is about 10 times the amount of wine sold to China at its preCOVID peak,” AFFW said.

“Undercurrent conditions it will take many years to clear the industries red wine surplus.

“China will not solve the problem.

“The solution is far from simple and requires action on both the supply and the demand side of the equation.”

Robert Hill-Smith of Yalumba said he believes

some tough calls need to be made.

“This current state of play is not a market cycle waiting for self-correction, it requires permanent restructuring of supply and capacity,” he said.

“To ensure long term sustainability, the sad reality is that inland and other regional red grape producing vineyards need to be removed and the industry needs to be drastically downsized by 2530 per cent.”

AFFW is calling on the federal government to provide assistance in the form of supporting an “environmentally friendly” exit from the industry for grapegrowers that need it.

The group suggests this assistance could take the form of covering the cost of removal and destruction of treated pine posts, dripper tubes and wires.

AFFW is also seeking government support in the form of grants and subsidies in order to restore and develop critical export markets, which it said will go some way towards alleviating the current over supply and lay an important foundation for future success.

WELCOME RAIN: Darren Nish was more than happy to see the downpour of around 30mm at his Peechelba property on Thursday night, with all but 100 acres of his 2500 acre farm dry sowed.

PHOTO: Bailey Zimmermann

UPCOMING SALE –

WATCH THIS SPACE!

Car and caravan package deal, lots of extras, ready for travel. More information coming soon.

MARK’S Mowing, reasonable prices, ride on mowing, edging, clean up, spraying and any waste removal. Ph 0472 603 156.

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

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

PRODUCTION OPERATOR

Full time opportunity

An opportunity has arisen for a production operator to join one of Victoria and NSW’s leading independent news and media groups, based at our Wangaratta and digital properties across our group. The successful applicant will be responsible for producing newspaper layouts, pre-pressing pages for print, and basic IT troubleshooting. Skills and Experience

• (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator)

• • • and to tight deadlines

digital channels, including websites, be advantage but is not essential.

an energetic and stimulating environment, we would encourage you to apply. Applications should be forwarded to:

Kelly Lovell

Creative Services Manager North East Media Pty Ltd klovell@nemedia.com.au

Payroll Officer

Temporary Part-Time

7 Month Contract 01 July 2024 - January 2025 (approx.)

ROLE PURPOSE

This temporary part-time position will co-ordinate the Company’s payroll functions ensuring they are timely, accurate and compliant with all Legislation, Company policies and the Enterprise Agreement, in partnership with our external ADP Payroll Services. This role, will be required to work Monday – Wednesday, 24 hours per week.

For further information, please contact the HR Officer—Alexandra on; (03) 5723 0454 / 0411 911 788 or apply directly via Seek.

Applications Close 12/06/2024

ANGUS Bulls, very quiet, great EBV’s. Murramungee Angus Stud, visit mmas.com. au or phone Howard on 0429 809 288.

MINIPOODLES, phantom and sable, DNA tested, available from June 6, Source ID: MB218464, Microchip numbers: 991003002720670, 991003002720668, 991003002720667. Call Karen 0417 362 961.

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2018 SUBARU Impreza, 34,000km, RWC, (1MA8HE), $20,000 ono. Ph 0448 641 413.

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WINNERS AND LOSERS

WODONGA RAIDERS

GOALS: WODONGA RAIDERS: Tom Bracher 7, Connor Taylor 2, Mitchell Way 2, Nick Bracher 1, Jason Burke 1, Ben Hernan 1, Bradley St John 1. COROWA RUTHERGLEN: Caile Duryea 2, Darcy Hope 2, Sam Dunstan 1, Jordan Eyers 1, Christian Masson Moyle 1, Bailey Minogue 1. BEST: WODONGA RAIDERS: Tom Bracher, Cameron Ellis-Yolmen, Bradley St John, Lochlainn Simpson, Beau O’Neill, Mitchell Way. COROWA RUTHERGLEN: Ryan Eyers, Jedd Longmire, Joe Hansen, Caile Duryea, Jordan Eyers, Brady Morton.

NETBALL SCORES THIRDS RESULTS

A GRADE

Wangaratta Rovers 51 def by Myrtleford 52 Wodonga Raiders 62 def Corowa-Rutherglen 56 Albury 25 def by Wangaratta 49 North Albury 54 def Yarrawonga 43 Lavington 45 def by Wodonga 49

B GRADE: Lavington 38 def by Wodonga 41 Wang Rovers 35 def by Myrtleford 52 Albury 26 def by Wangaratta 32 Wodonga Raiders 48 def Corowa-R’glen 38 Nth Albury 44 def Yarrawonga 40

C GRADE: Wodonga Raiders 51 def Corowa-R’glen 35 Wang Rovers 43 def by Myrtleford 46 Albury 41 def Wangaratta 31 Nth Albury 43 def by Yarrawonga 44 Lavington 34 def by Wodonga 50

17 & UNDER: Wodonga Raiders 57 def Corowa-R’glen 32 Wang Rovers 53 def Myrtleford 34 Albury 26 def by Wangaratta 45 Nth Albury 51 def Yarrawonga 18 Lavington 14 def by Wodonga 58

15 & UNDER: Nth Albury 42 def Yarrawonga 31 Wang Rovers 51 def Myrtleford 43 Lavington 44 def Wodonga 27 Wodonga Raiders 89 def Corowa-R’glen 17 Albury 56 def Wangaratta 27

Wangaratta Rovers 23.15.153 def Myrtleford 0.0.0

BEST: WANGARATTA ROVERS: Oscar Clelland, Bay Pellegrino, Noah Scholte, Charlie Lugg, Cody Johnson, Rory Harvey. MYRTLEFORD: Jude Browne, Cooper Howden, Harry Stripeikis, Samuel Crisp, Angus Smiles, Nicholas Hall. GOALS: WANGARATTA ROVERS: Oscar Clelland 8, Cody Johnson 6, Bay Pellegrino 2, Jaxon Coleman 1, Preston Coleman 1, Samuel Comensoli 1, Tom Ford 1, Cooper Gracie 1, Cormac McNamara 1, Zac O’Shannessy 1. Albury 6.12.48 drew with Wangaratta 7.6.48

BEST: ALBURY: Lachie Hogan, Flynn Scholes, Ty Quade, Jack Shanahan, Nash Conway, Isaac Norman. WANGARATTA: Angus Jayet, Owain Boyle, Curtis Hines, Connor Hughes, Oscar Roberts, Asher Simmonds. GOALS: ALBURY: Nash Conway 2, Ty Quade 2, Kade Griparis 1, Isaac Norman 1. WANGARATTA: Asher Simmonds 3, Charlie Eames 1, Kade Hadley 1, Corey Petersen 1, Oscar Roberts 1. Wodonga Raiders 12.11.83 def Corowa Rutherglen 8.6.54 Lavington 13.17.95 def Wodonga 5.2.32 North Albury 5.7.37 def by Yarrawonga 8.8.56

GOALS: ALBURY: Mat Walker 2, William Blomeley 1, Fletcher Carroll 1, Jeff Garlett 1, Kolby Heiner-Hennessy 1, Jonathan Male 1, Anthony Miles 1, Isaac Muller 1, Elliott Powell 1. WANGARATTA: Callum Moore 7, Xavier Laverty 3, Charley Holland-Dean 1, Fraser HollandDean 1, Charlie Naish 1, Will O’Keefe 1, Nick Richards 1, Jessie Smith 1. BEST: ALBURY: Isaac Muller, Anthony Miles, Tom O’Brien, Ben Kelly, Jake Gaynor, Kolby Heiner-Hennessy. WANGARATTA: Nick Richards, Xavier Laverty, Patrick Naish, Harrison Hewitt, Callum Moore, Michael Bordignon.

ROVERS

GOALS: WANGARATTA ROVERS: Alexander Marklew 4, Stuart Booth 2, Justin Lewis 2, Alex McCarthy 2, Elijah Amery 1, Brodie Filo 1, Shane Gaston 1, Samuel Murray 1. MYRTLEFORD: Charlie Crisp 4, Lachlan Murphy-Dale 3, Ryley Bouker 2, Thomas Cappellari 1, Ned Turner 1, Levi Young 1. BEST: WANGARATTA ROVERS: Charles Ledger, Brodie Filo, Jack Gerrish, Stuart Booth, Samuel Cattapan, Alexander Marklew. MYRTLEFORD: Charlie Crisp, Matthew Munro, Jaxon East, Lachlan Murphy-Dale, Diesel Batey, Alex Jacob.

ALBURY

GOALS: NORTH ALBURY: Joshua Minogue 4, Ben Fulford 1, Julian Hayes 1, Keith Tallent 1, Cayden Winter 1. YARRAWONGA: Daniel Howe 3, Bailey Frauenfelder 2, Leigh Williams 2, Matthew Casey 1, Ben Coghill 1, Perry Lewis-Smith 1, Damien Wilson 1. BEST: NORTH ALBURY: Fletcher Ramage, Foster Gardiner, Jack Penny, Julian Hayes, Joshua Minogue. YARRAWONGA: Perry Lewis-smith, Ryan Einsporn, Leigh Masters, Daniel Howe, William Wheeler, Harrison Wheeler.

GOALS: LAVINGTON: Samuel Hargreave 4, Shaun Driscoll 3, Jack Driscoll 2, Tim Oosterhoff 2, Christopher Annett 1, William Glanvill 1, Tim Hanna 1. WODONGA: Jett Cassidy 2, Tom Miller 2, Ethan Redcliffe 2, Noah Spiteri 2, Adam Jorgensen 1, Kyle Winter-Irving 1. BEST: LAVINGTON: Shaun Driscoll, Samuel Hargreave, William Glanvill, Benjamin Ashley-Cooper, Drew Beavan, Christopher Annett. WODONGA: Kyle Winter-Irving, Jett Cassidy, Noah Bradshaw, Adam Jorgensen, Thomas Johnson, Charlie Morrison.

WINNERS AND LOSERS

GOALS: BONNIE DOON: Al Bennett 10, Will Foster 3, Jayjay Curtin 2, James Law 2, Cody Turner 2, Sean Campitelli 1, Conor Heaslip 1, Matthew Hedin 1, Luke Murray 1. NORTH WANGARATTA: Damien Bradley 1, Jack Brown 1, Jhye Devine 1, David Killen 1, Liam McDonell 1. BEST: BONNIE DOON: Will Foster, Peter Cairns, Al Bennett, Luke Murray, Conor Heaslip, Jordan Davey. NORTH WANGARATTA: Jay Barker, Adam Enever, Sean Gales, Thomas Johnson, Tyler Nanson, Damien Bradley. GRETA

GOALS: GRETA: Brenton Newbold 6, Frazer Judd 4, James McClounan 4, Jack Baker 2, Joshua Bell 2, Lachie Kennett 2, Tom Webster 2, Bradley Whinray 2, Tyler Arrowsmith 1, Ben Hogan 1. KING VALLEY: Anthony Ciancio 1. BEST: GRETA: Lachie Kennett, James McClounan, Jack Baker, Jack Kelly, Brenton Newbold, Tom Webster. KING VALLEY: Connor Shanley, Ben Bray, Bradley Collihole, Sam Evans, Dylan Browne, Daniel Eldridge. MILAWA 3.5 11.8

*Ladder correct at time of print from Ovens and King website.

A GRADE: Bonnie Doon 65 def North Wangaratta 25, Greta

49 def King Valley 24, Milawa 60 def Goorambat 33, Moyhu

45 def Bright 38, Whorouly 41 def by Tarrawingee 46

B GRADE: Bonnie Doon 83 def North Wangaratta 27, Greta

42 def King Valley 25, Milawa 86 def Goorambat 20, Moyhu 27 def by Bright 40, Whorouly 43 def by Tarrawingee 44

B RESERVE: Bonnie Doon 79 def North Wangaratta 21, Greta 39 def King Valley 22, Milawa 81 def Goorambat 11, Moyhu 40 def Bright 33, Whorouly 56 def Tarrawingee 42

C GRADE: Bonnie Doon 84 def North Wangaratta 17, Greta

50 def King Valley 29, Milawa 28 def by Goorambat 59, Moyhu 28 def by Bright 43, Whorouly 40 def Tarrawingee 19

15 & UNDER: Bonnie Doon 36 def North Wangaratta 14 Greta 22 def King Valley 11, Milawa 56 def Goorambat 0 Moyhu 31 def Bright 14, Whorouly 17 def by Tarrawingee 21

ROUND 11

SATURDAY, JUNE 15

BENALLA vs MILAWA

GRETA vs MOYHU

GOORAMBAT vs BRIGHT

KING VALLEY vs TARRAWINGEE

NORTH

WANGARATTA vs WHOROULY

GOALS: MILAWA: Brady Bartlett 3, Harry Allan 2, Braydon Kearns 2, Jared Lea 2, Simon Pane 2, Jarryd Wallace 2, Nick Giggins 1, Brent Newton 1, Luke Toohey 1.. GOORAMBAT: Duane Haebich 4, Benjamin Reaburn 2, Dylan Beavis 1, Angus Burston 1, Jamie Dunne 1, Rhys Goodley 1, Brayden Stepien 1. BEST: MILAWA: Brady Bartlett, Liam Murphy, Josh Owen, Braydon Kearns, Simon Pane, Kyle Collisson. GOORAMBAT: Benjamin Reaburn, Dylan Beavis, Angus Burston, Josh Heylbut, Duane Haebich, Rhys Goodley. MOYHU 1.0 2.2 3.2 7.5.47 BRIGHT 4.1

GOALS: MOYHU: Darby West 3, Harrison Grant 2, Noah Campbell 1, Nick Stewart 1. BRIGHT: Luke Quirk 6, Riley Bacon 3, Dylan Bursill 1, James Love 1, Darcy Martin 1, Mikka Paulsen

1. BEST: MOYHU: Matthew Thrum, Jordan Hansted, David McDonald, Nick Stewart, Josh Coonan, Bailey Zimmermann.. BRIGHT: Luke Quirk, Regan Alexander, Kieren Jamieson, Reuben Jamieson, James Love, Jack Dalbosco.

GOALS: WHOROULY: Darcy O’Shannessy 3, Lachlan Moore 2, Jacob Penn 2, William Allen

1, Oliver Dixon 1, Dylan Gephart 1, Blade Hurst 1. TARRAWINGEE: Sam Piper 2, Will Creed 1, Jarrod Everitt 1, Sam Peters 1, William Styles 1. BEST: WHOROULY: Darcy O’Shannessy, Oliver Dixon, William Allen, Samuel Piazza, Cameron Wood, Zac Bladon. TARRAWINGEE: Patrick Byrne, Oliver Sharp, Deacon Cleal, Will Creed, Thomas Salmon, Sam Piper.

Tarrawingee ..............7.9.51

BEST: WHOROULY: Steven Turnbull, Thomas Rowney, Jack Rufford-Sharpe, Will Corscadden, Daniel White, Declan Barbour. TARRAWINGEE: Edward Clayton, Ethan Ryan, Zachary Howard, Harry Gorman, Dylan C Savage, Sonny McCormack. Bonnie Doon ...........13.18.96

North Wangaratta ........1.1.7

BEST:

BONNIE DOON: Luke Benton, Trent Smith, Patrick Revell, Morgan Evans, Lachlan Pinder, Luke Jenkins. NORTH WANGARATTA: Michael McKenzie, Ben SchulzDahlenburg, Luke Kuschert, Levi Smith, Ashley lowen, Blake Marlborough.

Wayward Lions roar over Bulldogs to break drought MATCH REVIEWS

By NATHAN DE VRIES

WHOROULY will enter the mid-season bye in high spirits after handing Tarrawingee a 37-point loss at the Lions’ Den on Saturday.

After a scratchy first term, the Lions piled on the pressure to kick away to a 11.14 (80) to 6.7 (43) final scoreline.

The home side was kept goalless for the first term as Tarrawingee, sensing an opportunity for back-to-back wins, took the lead heading into quarter time.

Whorouly found their form after the break and dominated through the middle, leading by 10 points at the half.

The game could’ve been put to bed by three quarter time if the Lions had capitalised on their chances up forward, kicking 6.11 heading into the fourth and final term.

A five goal to two quarter sealed the game and gave the Whorouly faithful something to cheer about after a challenging first half of the season.

Whorouly coach Lachy Moore said he was impressed with how his side fought back after being put on the back foot early.

“Tarrawingee came out pretty hot kicking the first two goals convincingly, I think we wrestled back the momentum halfway through the first quarter but just

couldn’t convert,” he said.

“14 behinds is not ideal, Andy (Newton) was battling away but unfortunately wasn’t able to get himself a goal, kicking a handful of minor scores.

“However, the focus won’t be too much on that - we will enjoy the win and getting a rest from the bye and hopefully we’ll continue on with the momentum.

“Both teams were clearly looking for a moral-boosting win, it meant a lot to a lot of Whorouly people after the game, and having people in the rooms supporting us is priceless.

“It’s what footy is about.”

Sam Piper led the scoring for the Bulldogs with two goals, while Pat Byrne, Will Creed and Tom Salmon stood up.

Darcy O’Shannessy was electric up forward in a departure from his normal backline duties, booting three goals in a best on ground performance, while Oliver Dixon, Sam Piazza and Will Allen were standouts for the Lions.

“’Roo’ (O’Shannessy) has been a bit of a swing man this year so far, he is a really valuable player for us,” Moore said.

“He kicked his third, fourth and fifth career goals yesterday and they came at huge moments for us.”

The Lions sit ninth on the senior ladder, ahead of Tarrawingee on percentage.

GET IT FORWARD: Greta’s

the ball forward from a centre bounce in the Blues’ 157-point

Greta Blues punish KV Roos, Dees down Bats

By NATHAN DE VRIES

SATURDAY’S round 10 senior Ovens and King matches saw convincing results recorded across the competition, as the league marks the halfway point of the home and away season.

Greta dominated in their clash against King Valley on the weekend, running out 157-point winners over the Roos 29.12 (168) to 1.5 (11).

The Blues stated their intent to grab hold of the game early and never let up, producing an eight goal-opening stanza while limiting King Valley to a solitary behind after the first 20 minutes.

Five further goals through the second quarter pushed the lead out to an unassailable 77-points by half-time, with 13 more goals kicked by Greta in the second half.

Midfielders Lachie Kennett and James McClounan were on fire for Greta, while Brenton Newbold reaped the rewards up forward, finishing with a bag of six goals.

King Valley’s Connor Shanley, Brad Collihole and Sam Evans turned in solid performances, while Dylan Browne and Ben Bray continue to show their class.

The percentage-boosting win sees the Blues enter the Kings Birthday bye weekend second on the ladder, well clear of third placed Bright.

Elsewhere, Goorambat was seriously tested when they headed across to Milawa on the weekend, the Demons emerging victorious by 31 points, 16.10 (106) to 11.9 (75).

It was still within a kick at quarter time with the Bats up on the scoreboard, but Milawa’s midfield switched on and started supplying the forwards.

The Demons kicked eight second quarter goals to lead Goorambat by 38 points at half-time, and the Bats couldn’t reel the margin back in.

Brady Bartlett kicked three goals in a best on ground showing, with eight other Demons converting on their chances in front of the big sticks.

Duane Haebich’s four goals for the Bats sees him lead the league goal kicking tally with 53 majors from nine matches.

In other matches, Bright handed Moyhu a convincing 47-point loss, with Luke Quirk starring for the Mountain Men with six goals.

Bright led from the outset, with the Hoppers unable to counter their slick ball movement through the ground.

Bonnie Doon remains the only side undefeated in the senior competition, following a comprehensive 23.12 (150) to 5.5 (35) win over North Wangaratta.

The reigning premiers pulled away after a free flowing first quarter to lead by 39 points at the long break.

Al Bennett was the go-to person up forward kicking 10 goals, supported by Will Foster (three goals), while Jay Barker and Adam Enever were impressive for the Hawks.

The competition will take this weekend off, before commencing the second half of the season on June 15.

GOING NOWHERE: Tackles were flying thick and fast, as the umpire makes the call to ball it up.CAUGHT: Nick Pell gets wrapped up by Jack Davies.

Brad Whinray tries to boot

drubbing of King Valley on the weekend.

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

PRECISION: Will Allen hits up a target coming out out of the Lions’ defensive 50.

BIG MEN BATTLE: Tarrawingee’s Jarrod Everitt and Whorouly’s Ed Woolford fight it out in the ruck contest.

PACE: Ollie Dixon tears through the centre of the ground in the Lions’ win over Tarrawingee.

PHOTOS: Nathan de Vries

four

Rovers fight off spirited Saints

WANGARATTA Rovers

fought off a spirited Myrtlrford to win by 15-points at WJ Findlay Oval on Saturday.

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

“It was a tough loss a couple of weeks ago so we had a two week break to think about that,” Cattapan said.

“That (winning contested ball) is about all I’m good at,” Cattapan said.

(Cattapan) does a lot of work inside,” he said.

Scores were locked up at half-time, but Rovers flexed their muscles with Brodie Filo instrumental in the 14.9 (93) to 12.6 (78) victory.

Filo was everywhere and even bobbed up for a goal, while Alex Marklew was also prominent booting four majors and Sam Cattapan won plenty of ball in the midfield.

“Today we came up against a really good opponent in Myrtleford and we had to fight to the final siren.”

Cattapan said post-match that it was good to get back on the winner’s list after falling to Wodonga before the interleague bye.

Cattapan set the tone early for the Hawks racking up 13 disposals to half-time with his ball winning ability on show.

“I just need to get it out to the good users like Lochie O’Brien and Sam Murray, we’ve got a really good mix in the midfield this year.”

Rovers coach Sam Murray also thought Cattapan was strong, along with Filo.

“They were part of that driving force of getting us back into the contest, Sam

“Traditionally, Brodie (Filo) has been on-ball and the magnet doesn’t move, we’ve been starting him as a forward and getting him up around the footy, then bring him on-ball for 10-15-minute hits, instead of 25 minutes in there.

“We know how damaging Brodie is exploding away from stoppage, that’s

what we want him doing, we don’t want 40-50 junk touches, we want him having 25 really positive ones.” The victory sets up a mouth-watering clash between Rovers and Yarrawonga at JC Lowe Oval next weekend.

Both sides have only dropped one game this season, with the winner of the one versus two clash guaranteed top spot.

winning

PIN POINT: Jack Gerrish sizzles a kick.

BIG RETURN: Sam Murray brushes a tackle off in his return from injury.

IMPRESSIVE: Brodie Filo was one of Rovers’ best.

WINNERS SALUTE: Alex Marklew kicked

majors in Rovers win over Myrtleford.

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

Whorouly down Tarrawingee

Page 18

RUCK TUSSLE

‘Pies brush Tiges aside

WANGARATTA fought back from a 10-point halftime deficit to push aside last year’s runners up at the Albury Sportsground on Saturday.

A seven-goal haul from Callum Moore saw the Magpies stack on 12 second half goals to Albury’s four to salute comfortably in the 10.12 (72) to 16.12 (108) affair.

Albury’s Mat Walker kicked a goal halfway through the third quarter to get within seven points of Wangaratta, but the Mag-

BY WILLSON MACK

pies then slammed on five goals in eight minutes to blow the margin out.

Wangaratta coach Ben Reid said it was a tale of two halves for his side.

“In the first half I felt like we gave them a few goals through turnovers and just made it hard for ourselves by giving the ball up in bad spots,” Reid said.

“We weren’t clean or dis-

ciplined with our skills either, but we cleaned that up in the second half and played as well as we have in the past couple of seasons.

“It was a really good win, I’m proud of the boys.”

Albury’s star studded midfield was able to be contained by the Magpies, which Reid thought played a massive part in the win.

“In the second half we were harder in the contest, won it on the inside and then got it on the outside and spread,” Reid said.

“Their midfield is stacked

with the likes of Isaac Muller, Jake Gaynor, Fletcher Carrol, Anthony Miles and Elliot Powell, but our midfield matched it with them if not got on top, particularly in the second half which was a huge part in why we won.

“We just didn’t let them win any easy ball in the second half which was pleasing to see.”

Moore’s seven goals continues a rich vein of form that has seen him kick 29 goals in his past five games after a slow start to the season.

“We helped ‘Cal’ a lot with the entries we had this week, I felt like we found him one out in the forward 50 a bit,” Reid said.

“I’ve always said that I think ‘Cal’s at his best when he’s moving at the footy.

“He’s been working hard down in Melbourne so it’s good to see him get some reward.”

Along with Moore, Nick Richards was terrific, while Xavier Laverty kicked three in a strong display.

“A lot of our younger guys stood up which was awesome to see,” Reid said.

“We probably had seven or eight guys who had played less than 15 games but they’re all taking their opportunity and showing they can play at the level.

“Guys like Fraser Holland-Dean, Xavier Laverty, Will O’Keefe, Harry Hewitt and Charley Holland-Dean are all young players who are learning what senior footy’s about.

“If they all continue to improve like they have been it will hold us in good stead.”

WANGARATTA Rovers big man

Shane Gaston battles in the ruck with Myrtleford’s Ryley Forrest as the Hawks ran away to a 15-point win at WJ Findlay Oval.

■ Story: Page 19

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling