Wangaratta Chronicle 040324

B R I D G E D E L I G H T BRIDGE DELIGHT

AFTER 13 months of work, Glenrowan’s new Beaconsfield Parade bridge opened to the public on Friday, in a significant milestone in Australia’s $14 billion Inland Rail project. Taking the first stroll over the bridge were (from

Rural

of Wangaratta

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

STORY PAGE 2

Safety inspection

State looks at Beechworth Wangaratta Rd as investigation into fatal crash continues

ONE of Wangaratta’s most dangerous roads will continue to undergo inspections by government officials in an effort to improve safety, as police investigate a fatal crash at the site late last month.

The life of a 48-year-old female from Sunbury was the latest lost on the Beechworth-

BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au

Wangaratta Road on February 23, the road’s third fatal crash since 2011 and its fifth in the last 21 years, according to Department of Transport and Planning data.

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The driver was declared dead at the scene, while her passenger, a woman in her 60s, was airlifted to Melbourne before being upgraded to a stable condition, after their vehicle left the roadway and reportedly crashed into a tree west of Airey Lane around 2pm.

Previously, a male pedestrian in his 60s was hit and killed by a car near the Boralma-Tarrawingee Road intersection in May 2013, while a male in his 80s was killed east of Corkhill Track when his vehicle crashed into a tree in September 2018, according to Transport Accident Commission (TAC) data.

Some 55 crashes have also occurred along the roadway since 2003.

The three fatal crashes on the road since 2011 make Beechworth-Wangaratta Road the fourth most-deadly in the rural city during that time frame, behind the Hume Freeway (7), Greta Road (5) and Snow Road (5).

A Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson said works had been undertaken in recent times to improve the safety of the roadway, including the sealing of the road shoulders and the installation of guard rails.

■ Continued page 3

left)

City

deputy mayor Harvey Benton and fellow Councillor Irene Grant, Federal Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Catherine King, Inland Rail chief executive officer Nick Miller and McConnell-Dowell general manager Harriet Cristopherson.

Track possession to take effect from today

V/LINE train services on the Albury line will be disrupted and/or cancelled from today until March 13 due to a week-long Inland Rail rack possession.

Local works including the removal of remaining sections on the Green Street bridge in Wangaratta and the demolition and removal of the old bridge in Glenrowan will be carried out day and night from March 7.

Other rail sites to be impacted include Seymour-Avenal Road, Kilmore East, Tallarook and Wallan.

Passengers are advised to check the V/Line website for more service information.

A safer passage in heart of town

Glenrowan community welcomes its new bridge with open arms Glilibidih

Wangaratta

Lake

9261 1930.

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

IT was a momentous milestone for Glenrowan, and none were happier to see the town’s new Beaconsfield Parade bridge opened to the public on Friday morning than longtime resident Mary Flack and her grandson Ashton.

The pair have been walking the old Glenrowan bridge almost every day while works have been ongoing for the new bridge over the past 13 months.

Ashton is a year six student at Glenrowan Primary School, and his daily walks to and from school navigating the old bridge have been troublesome due to experiencing muscle defects in his legs.

But Mary sees a safer passage for her grandson and her community now with the safer, easier to navigate bridge.

“He reckons this is a lot better,” she said.

“It’s safer… he took his time getting up the old one but he walked this one alright.”

Federal Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Catherine King, Inland Rail chief executive officer Nick Miller, McConnellDowell general manager Harriet Cristopherson, Rural City of Wangaratta deputy mayor Harvey Benton and fellow ward councillor Irene Grant joined the enthusiastic students of Glenrowan Primary School, and members of the community in

being the first ones to walk the bridge.

Minister King said she was delighted to see the completion of the important milestone in the Inland Rail project first-hand, noting the project employed 732 people across its working duration.

“This is really about your future and what your town is going to look like and how it’s going to be,” she said.

“It’s not easy when you’ve got rail lines well over 100 years old, bridges 60 years; you get used to things being done in a certain way, and to have that

change come in the community

I want to thank you for engaging so closely with us.

“The construction workforce here have done a great job and I’m so delighted you have been involved in this project and they should be very proud with the work they are doing.”

The new 145-metre bridge will replace the 60-year-old existing bridge to allow greater clearance for Inland Rail to run double-stacked freight trains safely underneath.

Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has

designed the bridge with the purpose to incorporate a network of pathways to better connect Glenrowan’s heritage sites, improve vehicle and pedestrian safety, and enhance landscaping and finishes to respect the precinct’s heritage.

Carmel Howarth, a local for more than 60 years, said the changes in the past year in Lions Park, including the new Ned Kelly Discovery Hub and now the neighbouring Beaconsfield Parade bridge, have been the biggest developments she has seen in her time as a resident.

“I think it looks terrific, it’ll be great for the community and it’s much safer,” she said.

In total, 51 concrete beams are incorporated into the bridge – 30 for the vehicle section and 21 beams for the pedestrian section of the bridge.

More than 1200 cubic metres of concrete has been used to construct the bridge.

Ms King said the project from Beveridge to Parkes remained on track for completion by 2027.

“This new bridge is very much a part of that reality, ensuring we can get those double-stacked trains through, better efficiencies but also making sure the community here in Glenrowan keeps that connectivity in place,” she said.

Work on site will continue following the bridge opening on landscape and lighting, while the old bridge will be dismantled and removed.

BIG CHANGES: Glenrowan locals Mary Flack and Carmel Howarth said the 13-month wait for the new bridge was worthwhile after its opening on Friday.

HISTORIC MOMENT: Glenrowan Primary School captains Perez Lawson, Zander Gillies , Lexi Hayward and Michelle Keenan helped open the new Beaconfild Parade bridge with Nick Miller (Inland Rail chief executive officer, Catherine King (Federal Minister for Transport and Infrastructure), Cr Harvey Benton (rural city deputy mayor) and Harriet Cristopherson (McConnell-Dowell general manager) on Friday morning. PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

Wangaratta Men’s Shed now fully funded for expansion

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN WANGARATTA District

Men’s Shed members are over the moon, having received $40,000 in State Government funding to go with the retrieval of some of the $25,000 lost to scammers last year.

Northern Victoria MP

Jaclyn Symes announced on Friday the Wangaratta Men’s

Shed was one of 28 successful recipients of the Men’s Shed Funding program grants.

The funding will cover half of the $80,000, 7m x 5m shed extension to expand their onsite facilities and better cater for members at their home base in Shanley Street.

Wangaratta Men’s Shed president Ken Clarke said he was jumping for joy

following the state grant, as well as confirmation Bendigo Bank, in conjunction with a number of other banks, were able to stop the withdrawal of some of the $25,000 they were scammed out of late last year.

The news follows the recent ultra-successful inaugural country market fundraiser run by the Wangaratta Men’s shed which

helped to raise arounds $11,000 towards the cost of the shed extension project.

“We’re very pleased to receive the grant from the government, it really makes our position very clear now on getting our extension done,” Mr Clarke said.

“It gives us the additional funds to so we’ll be able to do everything we need to do to make that a first-class exten-

sion for the boys to play pool in and give us some more room in the lounge area.”

The State Government’s funding comes on the back of a variety of donations including a $10,000 grant from Wangaratta-based Indi federal Independent MP Helen Haines, and $5000 of funding from Glenrowan Solar Farm’s inaugural Community Benefit Sharing Program grants.

Toilet block clean-up on the cards

Local resident says ‘dungeon’ like loo facilities are not good ygggenough

BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au

A TOILET block which one Wangaratta woman says resembles a “dungeon” could soon be revamped, with Woolworths Wangaratta currently awaiting planning approval to completely replace the public facilities.

The supermarket giant lodged a planning application with the Rural City of Wangaratta in December last year, with an eye to improving the store’s car park and facilities, including a full replacement of the existing bathroom.

Council has since sought further information from the applicant, with the application to be displayed for public notice and referrals pending further discussions.

Annette Filipek, a Wangaratta resident of 25 years, recently expressed concerns about the cleanliness of the existing facility, which she said failed to appropriately cater to the local population.

She said toilet block in the town’s major shopping sprawl was a particularly important facility for elderly community members managing their continence.

“It’s really hard because they’re horrid,” she said of the existing Woolworths block.

“It’s like going into a dungeon – the walls and floors are dirty, I don’t think they’ve ever been scrubbed.

“Because I’ve got diverticulitis, if I’ve got to go, I’ve got to go, and other people have other bowel problems or urinary problems – that’s why toilets are available.

“The toilet rolls holders are broken, so even if somebody wanted to put toilet paper in there, where

are they going to hang it? From the ceiling?

“If it’s on the ground, what diseases are going to be passed on, to women especially?”

A Woolworths spokesperson said the Wangaratta branch currently employed a third-party cleaning company to maintain the public facilities, noting the bathrooms were cleaned daily and locked overnight.

“We’re saddened to see that public amenities have been treated this way,” the spokesperson said.

“We’ve been in discussions with the Rural City of Wangaratta and we’re diligently awaiting council planning approval for upgrades to commence.”

Ms Filipek has been vocal about improving accessibility in the rural city in recent months, and while

she lauded the majority of public toilet facilities in Wangaratta, she said action was needed to improve the town’s cleanliness overall.

“My husband and I go around little country towns for a day out, and I’ve never come across anything as dirty as Wangaratta,” she said.

“In our day when we were younger, everything was clean, everything was lovely.”

Mr Clarke said the group would still need to supply some of their own money for the extension which will start in the near future.

“We had a visit from a commercial builder who is based in Wodonga and we’ll take it from there, see if they can come within our parameters and hopefully we’ll be able to make start in a few weeks’ time,” he said.

BeechworthWangaratta Road safety inspections as investigation into fatal crash continues

■ From page 1

The most recent crash is believed to have occurred in an open section of the roadway without guard rails.

The spokesperson said the department would continue to undertake regular inspections of the arterial road network in accordance with it road management plan.

“Any death on our roads is a tragedy and our thoughts are with all those who have been impacted,” the spokesperson said.

“We will work closely with Victoria Police in their investigations.”

A police operation along the Hume Freeway between Glenrowan and Wodonga between Tuesday and Thursday this week will also aim to have a lasting impact on driver behaviour along the region’s other major arterials.

Operation Hamilton is a cross-border initiative aimed at cutting down on dangerous road behaviours in the lead-up to an expected increase in tourist activity in the North East over the Labour Day long weekend.

TIDY TOILETS NEEDED: Wangaratta resident Annette Filipek has called for work to be done to improve the cleanliness of toilet facilities in the Woolworths carpark. A planning permit to completely replace toilets is currently before council.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Professor to share public health experiences at Whorouly dinner

By ANITA MCPHERSON

A FORMER Markwood

resident and professor with more than 50 years experience in the public health field, will be the special guest at an International Women’s Day dinner being held by Inner Wheel Whorouly this Friday, March 8.

Professor Margaret Hamilton AO specialised in clinical work, education, research and policy development relating to alcohol and other drugs.

She is the founder director of Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre in Victoria and remains a member of Cancer Council Victoria, having retired as president in 2015.

She is also an active member of her local community, and a wife, sister, mother and grandmother of 10 grandchildren.

Margaret will share her personal story at this special event, which is being held on International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the social,

economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

Club member Filomena Harrington said the club was delighted to welcome Margaret, who is a regular visitor to the area, where she still has family.

Ms Harrington said Margaret will tell her personal story as a way of reflecting on how our personal and work lives are shaped by our shared experience as women.

This year is also the centenary of Inner Wheel,

Grab your bike, join ride Friday

GET active this International Women’s Day by joining in a social bike ride hosted by the Wangaratta Cycling Club in partnership with Sport North East.

The 14km ride is open to everyone, and will take place this Friday, March 8, starting near the canteen at the Wangaratta Showgrounds, with participants leaving in small groups between 4.30pm and 5pm.

The route will follow the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail to the North Wangaratta Recreation Reserve, and then return to the Wangaratta Showgrounds; on their return, the cycling club invites participants to have a go on a track bike.

The club will also host a novice and junior track meeting in the evening.

Club president Paul Somerville said the cycling club had a long tradition of encouraging females in cycling, and followed the motto ‘This Girl Can Ride’.

“The sport is a lifetime activity, low impact and one of the best ways to exercise,” he said.

The club particularly encourages any female interested in cycling to come down to the social ride, and to

have a go on the track bikes afterwards.

“Across cycling clubs in Victoria, there are some great initiatives to encourage women to cycle, and to cycle competitively,” Mr Somerville said.

“The Wangaratta Cycling Club has benefited, with some of its members being part of the riding squad in the 99 Bikes Women’s Academy.

“This academy has the specific aim of helping young women transition from junior racing to open events.

“Blackburn Cycling Club in Melbourne runs a female-only training session at the indoor velodrome in Northcote to encourage and train females in the fast spectacle of track racing.

“There are some great opportunities for females in cycling, and it all starts with saying yes.”

Every participant in the March 8 social bike ride will gain entry into a lucky draw for a great prize.

Amenities and refreshments will be available at North Wangaratta if required.

For more information about the event, contact Sport North East on 5721 0200.

which Ms Harrington said is one of the largest women’s organisations in the world.

She said the club raises money for cord blood research - bringing together over $3 million for the important cause - while also raising money for international projects and the local community.

“We raise funds for wherever we see a need,” Ms Harrington said.

“We thought celebrating International Women’s Day would be a wonder-

ful thing to do and that Margaret would be a good fit and a great person to listen to.”

The dinner will be held on Friday, March 8 at 6.30pm at Remel 185 in Whorouly Road, Whorouly, and there will also be a raffle with great prizes to be won.

The cost is $35 (includes main and dessert) with RSVP required by March 6 to Filomena Harrington on 0412 565 909, or email iiw.au.whorouly@gmail. com.

GUEST SPEAKER: Professor Margaret Hamilton AO (pictured) will be guest speaker at the International Women’s Day dinner in Whorouly this Friday.

THIS GIRL CAN: Cyclist Jo Somerville, pictured at the start of a scratch race at the Bendigo Carnival, encourages everyone to take part in a social ride being hosted by the Wangaratta Cycling Club and Sport North East on International Women’s Day, March 8.

Mild summer our eighth wettest in past century

BY JEFF ZEUSCHNER jzeuschner@ nemedia.com.au

DESPITE a drier, warmer than average February, Wangaratta’s mild summer was still our eighth wettest in the past century.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology weather station at Wangaratta airport, the city had just 37.2mm of rainfall last month, which was below the 35 year average of 41.2mm.

However, above average rainfall of 76.8mm in December (mean 44.2mm) and 138.8mm in January (mean 44.6mm) took Wangaratta’s overall summer rainfall to 252.8mm.

It was our eighth highest summer rainfall in the past century, eclipsed only by:

• 403.9mm (117.7 Dec, 226.7 Jan, 59.5 Feb) in 1933/34;

• 323.3mm (171.4 Dec, 34.8 Jan, 117.1 Feb) in 1954/55;

• 296.2mm (44.8 Dec, 70.0 Jan, 181.4 Feb) in 2010/11;

• 283.7mm (68.0 Dec, 173.4 Jan, 42.3 Feb) in 1973/74;

• 268.8mm (87.0 Dec, 32.2 Jan, 149.6 Feb) in 2004/05;

• 265.2mm (105.8 Dec, 99.2 Jan, 60.2 Feb) in 1992/93; and

• 261.2mm (95.0 Dec, 29.8 Jan, 136.4 Feb) in 1993/94.

Last month’s rainfall was only recorded on three days, with the heaviest fall of 26mm coming on February 6.

The month’s maximum temperature of 37.7 degrees

POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal crash in Euroa on Friday afternoon.

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives have been told a female driver was travelling along Forlonge Memorial Road when she crashed into a tree about 5pm.

The female driver sus-

was recorded on February 4, and it was our maximum for the entire summer.

February saw 20 of the 29 days surpass 30 degrees, while the lowest temperature of nine degrees recorded on the morning of February 7.

The month’s mean maximum temperature of 31.5 degrees was above the 35 year average of 30.9 degrees, while the mean minimum of 13.7 was equal to the 35 year average.

tained serious injuries and was airlifted to hospital for treatment.

Her female passenger died at the scene.

Police said the exact circumstances surrounding the crash are yet to be determined and investigations remain ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the crash, with dashcam

Wangaratta’s mild summer was also consistently reflected in December and January temperatures.

December’s top temperature was 36.8 degrees on December 13, with 15 of the 31 days seeing the mercury surpass 30 degrees, while January’s top of 36.1 degrees on January 12 was one of 19 days in the month exceeding 30 degrees.

The past summer will also be remembered for

footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic. com.au

TRAGIC SCENE: Police are continue to investigate the circumstances of a fatal crash, where the vehilce hit at tree at Euroa last Friday afternoon.

its spells of high humidity, more accustomed to Australia’s north than south, while thunderstorm and lightning activity, together with intense downfalls causing flash flooding, also punctuated each of the summer months.

Nationwide, Australia is on track to have the thirdwarmest summer on record, after 2018-19 and 2019-20.

Wangaratta’s outlook for autumn, according to the

bureau’s forecast, is a 40 per cent chance of above median (110.76mm rainfall), a 30 per cent chance of being unusually dry (below 76mm), and only a 13 per cent chance of an unusually wet autumn with rainfall above 166.6mm.

The bureau says Wangaratta, like most of Australia, has about an 80 per cent chance of above average temperatures this autumn, with warmer days and nights.

Summer Pest Control

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

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

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

Rural city is intent on slice of $21m storm recovery cash

RURAL City of Wangaratta is looking to access a new funding scheme that would allow the city to share in $21 million in assistance to support immediate and long-term storm and floods recovery that impacted from Christmas eve to mid-January.

The joint state and federal governments funding will be dispersed through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The package includes:

• A $13.1 million Clean-up Program to deliver all-hazards assessments, conduct makesafe and demolition works for impacted and uninsured residents, as well as support for the removal of flood debris – coordinated by Emergency Recovery Victoria; and

• An $8 million Council Support Fund to support impacted councils to cleanup and restore community assets, facilities and services – as well as make repairs to infrastructure like walking trails, playgrounds and sporting fields.

This support will be available in the 29 Local Government Areas.

Emergency Recovery Victoria is continuing to work with impacted councils to understand the assistance required to support communities following the storm and floods.

For more information on recovery support visit vic. gov.au/2023-24-victorianstorms-and-floods or call the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760.

Victorian Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes said local communities, councils and emergency services have done an incredible job responding to the storms and floods – but recovery is a long process.

In Wangaratta there have been multiple storm events since Christmas eve, with 40.4mm recorded by the Bureau of Meteorology until 9am December 25, followed by 54.4mm on January 3, 50mm from January 8-9, and 17mm on January 18.

Don’t let wasps ruin your Summer. Understanding the wasp problem, recognising the risks of infestations, and seeking professional help from Economic Pest Control are essential steps towards a wasp-free environment.

following preventive measures and relying on experienced experts, you

WET AND STORMY: Multiple storms with lightning and intense rainfall were a feature of Wangaratta’s eighth wettest summer in the past 100 years.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Passenger killed as vehicle hits tree at Euroa

Big milestone in Glenrowan’s history

THE unveiling of the completed Beaconsfield Parade bridge in Glenrowan will serve as a significant marker in the township’s long-standing history.

Local community members were invited to take the first steps on their new bridge on Friday morning, as key stakeholders of the Inland Rail project officially presented the final product of the 13-month long construction.

The new 145-metre bridge will replace the 60-year-old existing bridge to allow greater clearance for Inland Rail to run doublestacked freight trains safely underneath.

Australian Rail Track Corporation designed the bridge with the purpose to incorporate a network of pathways to better connect Glenrowan’s heritage sites, improve vehicle and pedestrian safety, and enhance landscaping and finishes to respect the precinct’s heritage.

While the bridge will serve its purpose in the grand vision of Inland Rail, it has now become a part of the rich history of Glenrowan, in the heart of town which has seen major developments across the past 12 months.

Some members of the community already sighted the bridge’s improved safety and benefits to the community compared to its predecessor.

Perhaps the greatest local beneficiaries of the project will be the Glenrowan Primary School staff, students and their respective families, who have overcome the long-term disruptions to their main road to school in order for the greater pathway the Beaconsfield Parade bridge provides.

There will be many more milestones to tick off along the project, as focus turns to the Wangaratta Green Street bridge this week, where a week-long track possession will look to complete the largest scope of works during the project’s short history.

The Quiz No. 75

1. South East Cape is at the southernmost mainland point of which Australian state?

2. In what year did Lisa Scaffidi become the Lord Mayor of Perth?

3. Which famous artist is credited with the quote, “In the future, everyone will be worldfamous for 15 minutes”?

4. In September 1998, who was given the title of Father of the Australian Parliament, a title still held as at May 2016?

5. Who wrote the 2006 novel, Chart Throb?

6. Which US state would you have been in if you attended the 1969 Woodstock Music & Art Fair?

7. Rory O’Brien joined which team for the 2016 WAFL season?

8. Who was James Packer’s first wife?

9. The first album of which Canadian band, released in 1976, was rumoured to be an anonymous project by The Beatles?

10. In which 2016 movie did Jennifer Aniston play the role of Sandy Newhouse?

11. What are the two main spirits used in a Zombie cocktail?

12. In February 2015, which two news presenters celebrated three decades as coanchors for 7 News Perth?

13. Velocity Frequent Flyer is the frequent-flyer program of which airline?

14. What is the main vegetable used in a traditional Jeera aloo?

15. Celine Dion represented which country in the 1988 Eurovision Song Contest?

16. Who was the Green Hornet’s manservant?

17. Which team won the 2015-16 Women’s Big Bash League final?

18. Mount Bartle Frere is the highest mountain in which Australian state?

19. By what name was the musician, Ellas Otha Bates, best known?

20. Which Australian actress plays the role of Clarke Griffin in the TV series, The 100?

FACEBOOK users this week commented on public transport on the Albury Line being affected by Inland Rail activity.

• Liz Blair: They are working through the night for about a week to put the top in place Lots of noise and lights.

• Pru Hunter: Liz Blair bull!

• Liz Blair: Pru Hunter that’s what the local residents have been told.

• Pru Hunter: Liz Blair of

course they’ve been ‘told’ - bloody zero is more like it - come to my hometown and: accept.

Facebook users also commented on on local conservation activists coming together to return Wangaratta’s Merriwa Park to its former glory.

• Hayley Currie: Hell yes

! With ya! On ya’s!

• Allan White: Be interested in finding out what happened to

Nation’s women placed in the spotlight

OUR community is full of extraordinary women doing amazing things.

So often we see women whose achievements, leadership, and contributions don’t get the recognition they deserve.

International Women’s Day is this Friday, and it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate the work women do to better the lives of people in their community, work, and homes.

With that being said, there are still barriers for women, particularly in rural and regional areas.

Extreme childcare shortages are keeping women in more traditional roles, with women often having to sacrifice employment opportunities to be a full-time caregiver.

Maternal health is another challenging area for women in our communities.

Everyone deserves safe healthcare close to their home but sadly this is not always an option.

Thank you to all the wonderful women in our community and happy International Women’s Day.

Tim McCurdy, Ovens Valley MP

Border care summit sends message

THE Albury Wodonga Regional Health Summit has made it clear that the border community needs more from the Victorian, NSW and Federal Governments to deliver a single-site hospital on the border.

I attended the summit on Friday, and facilitated a panel discussion including representatives from the NSW and Federal Governments.

The summit was a positive step that brought all levels of government to the table.

We can and we must work together on this to find the solutions to meet our health needs.

I am committed to a single-site hospital, that is fit for purpose, that puts people at the centre of service delivery, and is capable of training and retaining a world-class healthcare work force.

We need transparency, accountability, clarity of data and follow-through so that our communities can have trust in government and confidence in decision-making processes.

The summit was held after a letter from

NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.

this fountain, located in Merriwa Park back in the day? It would certainly have added to the park’s beauty, then and now.

• Gail Gordon: Allan White ask the Council.

• Allan White: Gail I don’t have a lot of luck with responses from council. Must be the way I part my hair I think.

• Chris Darlow: Allan White wasn’t that up on street level where the jaz statue rubbish is now?

• Gail Gordon: Chris Darlow they had one on street level and the Council decided to get rid of it and replace with the current statue to promote the Jazz festival.

• Chris Darlow: Gail Gordon yep I believe the pic is the one that was up top on street level. I don’t recall there being one down in the park itself.

• Ashley Clough: Chris Darlow after pub 3am swim sesh!!

Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.

Our follower total is

14,714

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

Albury Wodonga Health’s chief executive officer and board chair, sent to the NSW and Victorian Health Ministers, was made public on Thursday by NSW Greens MLC Dr Amanda Cohn.

We need all levels of government to come back to the table to ensure the best decisions are made in the best interests of the health of our communities.

The panel included Federal assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney, NSW Parliamentary secretary for Health Dr Michael Holland, Victorian Shadow Health

Minister Georgie Crozier, Dr Cohn and Border Medical Association deputy chair Dr David Clancy.

The summit resolved on nine recommendations or courses of action, some of which relate to education and the health workforce.

I pledge to pursue these recommendations with the Federal Government.

The Federal Government has a clear remit for education, training and re-

search and this is where I have been working to secure federal funding.

A significant investment could be made to a collaborative education, training and research centre as a key part of the Albury Wodonga health ecosystem and critical component of the hospital redevelopment.

Dr Helen Haines, Independent Indi MP

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A TIDY BREAK: Communities across the nation rallied yesterday to do their part for Clean Up Australia Day, including North Wangaratta’s annual clean-up along Bowser Road. Committed volunteers Sue Chatfield (left), Maureen O’Keefe, Mike Glenister, Rob Chatfield, Sandro Camillo, Rosie Camillo, Andy Kimber, Judy Lowen, Julie Sands and Marg Pullen took a quick tea break near the North Cedars Holiday Park as they went on to tidy the busy section of road.

PHOTO: Bailey Zimmermann

Career paths on breakfast menu for female students

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

ZONTA International Wangaratta is set to inspire the next batch of some of the region’s year 11 female students with its career pathway breakfast this Thursday.

It will be the 18th year of the Zonta breakfast, which exposes the students from across the North East to potential career paths and inspires young women.

The breakfast will be held from 7:30am, with an expected 96 students attending from 10 different schools from within Wangaratta, Benalla, Yarrawonga, Rutherglen and Beechworth.

Before the breakfast at the Gateway Hotel, the teenagers are asked to submit a preferred career path they would like to pursue and they are paired with a mentor from that chosen career path.

Along with Indi federal Independent MP Helen Haines there will be two other guest speakers who both attended high school in Wangaratta.

They have since travelled the world through their chosen careers and will share their experiences and wisdom with the students.

Event organiser Christine

Haddrick said the morning is about showing the young students the broader aspects of what a career could be.

“The reason behind it is to show regional students that just because you are educated in a regional area, it doesn’t stop you from achieving your career pathway,” she said.

“Hopefully they get some work experience, they get

some pathways opened to them, some cross-networking.

“What we find is the mentors are the ones asking to come back the next year… they get such a buzz out of watching and listening to the students’ stories.”

Ms Haddrick said there would be mentors from a range of career pathways at the breakfast including

3000 make a day of it at ‘best’ Cup

Monday, March 3, 2014

BY JEFF ZEUSCHNER

BILLY Brownless aptly put it best when he said he’d backed a winner.

The colorful TV personality may have been talking about his handy collect from a $50 ‘on the nose’ bet on race four winner Play Master, but he applied it in a more general sense to his first ever Wangaratta Cup meeting yesterday.

“Great weather, great people, a real family friendly atmosphere with plenty of activities for the kids, terrific racing...what’s not to like,” he jested, taking a break from official duties as a guest host.

As expected, he was in his element compering the fashions on the field, particularly with the Miss Young Race Goer (U25) where contestants declared their relationship status, while WIN TV weather presenter Jane Bunn helped judge prizewinners based on their fashion.

Both held court at the Miranda Wines marquee, mingling with 300 guests, who were among some 1200 people in marquees which thronged the racetrack, with its perfect ‘dead four’ classed track after 8mm of rain on Saturday.

Wangaratta Turf Club chief executive officer Paul Hoysted was under-

police, psychologists, dentists, politicians, nurses and more.

“We’ve seen all sorts of success stories over the years,” she said.

“As an example last year, one of our dentist mentors who is on this national committee, went out on this committee and this girl came up to her and said she remembered her because they sat to-

gether at the Zonta breakfast.

“And she told her because they sat together she continued on with her desire to work in the dental area and now she sits on that same committee.”

Ms Haddrick thanked the long-standing support of the Gateway Hotel, Wangaratta RSL and the region’s schools, to make the breakfast a reality.

Big uptake for low-cost pet desexing program

MORE than 80 rural city pet owners have already enrolled their companion animals in the low-cost desexing program initiated by the Rural City of Wangaratta .

Council said while many dogs are registered for the program, it would like to encourage more cat owners to join the initiative, given the large number of unwanted litters in the past few months.

Enrolment operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so residents who qualify are encouraged to apply promptly to avoid missing out.

The state funded program is available to Rural City of Wangaratta pet owners who old a pension, concession, health care or low-income card.

Eligible pet owners who wish to take part need to visit council’s customer service counter to sign up for the program and pay their contribution: $60 for cats and $150 for dogs.

They will be issued a voucher, to be presented when booking the procedure at one of our four participating vet clinics:

• Dr Paws Wangaratta Veterinary Clinic, 03 5722 4200;

• Glenrowan Veterinary Clinic, 03 5766 2661;

• Wangaratta Veterinary Clinic, 03 5721 4000; and

• Warby Street Veterinary Clinic, 03 5721 7177.

standably ecstatic.

we first got involved.”

Wangaratta Lady of the Day winner Rachael Seach, in her 1960s vintage dress, was certainly impressed.

“We’ve got an estimated 3000 people here...it’s our biggest and best cup meet ever,” he said.

“It shows we’re on the right track to get it as big as our Melbourne Cup day, with 5000 people.”

Tony Ruvolo, of Winsec Saving and Loans, which has been the major cup sponsor for the past six years, agreed.

“This is just fantastic...it’s come a long way from the one marquee and 500 racegoers when

“I won here a few years ago, and the standard of fashions here today is very high, attracting regulars to Flemington and the country circuit,” she said.

The Smith family of Wangaratta were just happy to have such an event in their own backyard.

“I’ve been coming to the cup for 20 years and this is by far the best,” said dad Warren.

“It’s been a great family day out with our four kids really enjoying the new playground activities area with water slide.”

CHEERS TO CAREERS: Tamara Russo (left) and Leading Senior Constable Helen Parfett, together with Zonta Wangaratta member Elizabeth Wilson, are looking forward to Wangaratta’s career pathway breakfast this Thursday morning for year 11 girls in the region.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

FAMILY FUN AT RACES: The Smith family of Wangaratta (from left) Jessica, Ella, Reuben, Nissa, Warren and Aidan were among the huge crowd who enjoyed yesterday’s racing in Wangaratta. PHOTO: Luke Plummer

King triumphs in thrilling finish at WHS 2024 swimming carnival

By JUD MULLINS, WHS sports coordinator

KING House has etched itself into the history books, pulling off one of the most remarkable come-from-behind victories ever seen at Wangaratta High School’s 2024 Swimming Carnival, held at the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre last week.

Languishing in fourth place for most of the morning, suffering from a clearly visible lack of numbers during the novelty events, and overall numbers at the venue, King stormed back into contention on the back of six standout individuals who would collect six of the 12 age group champion medals.

Late in proceedings, the leaderboard fluctuated race by race, with the top three houses all at various stages in first position, and Ovens well within striking distance too.

In the end, it was King who saluted by a mere two points from last year's champions Merriwa, with Wareena just 13 points back.

Apart from the once-in-a-century draw between Wareena and King in 2021, WHS sports co-ordinator Sandy ‘Newmo’ Newman said it was the closest finish she could recall in her 26 years of running the event.

In a wonderful scene, King's two senior house captains, Clove Boonzaayer and Zoe Baguley, lifted the iconic shield, flanked by the other 10 King House captains, in front of a packed auditorium during the presentation ceremony at the PAC.

Finals scores were: 1st King 410; 2nd Merriwa 408; 3rd Wareena 397; and 4th Ovens 354.

Interestingly, King finished last in 2023, a whopping 126 points behind the winner Merriwa.

It goes to show that any house can win, any year.

Individually, there were 12 age group champion medals awarded during the presentations.

Again, these champions become part of

WHS history forever, some winning for the first time and others now multiple winners.

Age group champions were:

13 Girls - Aroha Waddell - KING

13 Boys - Hanesh Govinda Samy - WAREENA and Angus Fraser - WAREENA

14 Girls - Ruby O'Kane - MERRIWA

14 Boys - Oskar McGahan - OVENS

15 Girls - Lillian Hooper - KING

15 Boys - Sam Morey - MERRIWA

16 Girls - Milly O'Kane - KING

16 Boys - Merlin Tzaros - WAREENA

17 Girls - Tara Genn - KING

17 Boys - Jye Laxton - KING

20 Girls - Zoe Baguley - KING

20 Boys - Tristan Scott - OVENS

Lillian Hooper scored the most individual points, with 34 from her five events, while Merlin Tzaros was the other to pull more than 30, with his 32 from four events.

Jye Laxton though, may be the most important name on that list.

Jye was going to miss the original swimming carnival as he was on a family holiday, but the rescheduled date saw him suddenly available and this stroke of fortune was likely a key reason for King's victory.

Another key point in this year’s carnival was the super participation of year seven students, who collected the most points for all four respective houses - with Wareena having the highet tally of 189.

The school thanks its prefect team for running the barbecue, 9D class who ran their own food stall, year 12 student Cody Lepoidevin who was the DJ, and the 48 house captains, ‘Newmo’ for another well run event, and the many others who helped make the carnival such a success.

The school also wishes its 50 race winners and relay team members all the best competing at this Thursday’s Upper Hume carnival in Wodonga.

THE SIDELINES:

CHEER SQUAD: Students were in full voice, going bananas cheering on their teammates poolside.

ENJOYING THE DAY: Students (from left) Emilio Miliankos-King, Cooper Young, Eli Beach, Sam Day and Lachie Pensak.

TEAM EFFORT: In a jovial mood were (from left) Alec Armstrong, Tristan Scott (20 years age champ), Darcy Stone, Clove Boonzaayer, Eden Van Bergen, Cope Swinburne and Ned O’Kane.

ON

Cheering on their respective houses were (from left) Kalika MiliankosKing, Hannah Lockhart, Amy Griffiths, Sienna Box-Corsini, Sarah Webb, Zoe Baguley, Alice Grant, Millie Meggs, Cori Steensen and Mae Jayet. PHOTOS: Kev McGennan

IN ACTION: 16 girls age champion Millie O'Kane was in full flight in the breaststroke against Ava Byrne.

Kate-centric focus on Kelly story

AUTHORS Emily Gale and Nova Weetman spent time in Glenrowan as part of research for the new book they’ve written together, ‘Outlaw Girls’.

The second in an occasional series by the friends, the middle-grade novel is based on the early life of Kate Kelly, sister of Ned, and deftly uses time-slip techniques to link Kate’s experiences in 1878 with those of modern-day girl Ruby.

It’s the follow-up to Emily and Nova’s ‘Elsewhere Girls’, which was narrated in alternating chapters by modern young swimmer Cat and Australian Olympic champion Fanny Durack.

While Nova knew the Kelly story, Emily was not as familiar with it as she’d grown up in London, but admits she quickly became “obsessed”.

Both authors delighted in immersing themselves in history - and particularly seeking out references to Kate while visiting the North East.

“It’s a beautiful part of the world,” Nova said.

Emily agreed: “Part of the beauty of it is that it hasn’t changed that much that you can still imagine what it would have been like (in the 1870s).

“What I noticed was just

BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au

how overwhelming the Nedness is, and finding a little piece of Kate among that was so exciting.

“It felt a bit like being a detective, trying to find a reference to Kate or Maggie, and being really excited when you found it.”

‘Outlaw Girls’ is first set in 2024, when Ruby finds herself in trouble with police and impresses her friends with her rule-breaking.

Meanwhile, in the Victorian bushland of 1878, Kate is trying to keep her brother Ned and his gang safe.

When Ruby stumbles upon Kate in the bush, she is thrown backwards in time and drawn into adventure.

Ruby and Kate work together to distract the police, delivering supplies to the outlaw gang, and through their horse-riding prowess they form a friendship that stands the test of time.

However, when the consequences of the Kelly Gang’s actions become dangerous, Kate and Ruby have to decide

TEAMWORK: Friends Emily Gale and Nova Weetman have produced their second novel featuring a historical female figure, ‘Outlaw Girls.

how far they’re willing to go to protect the ones they love.

Emily said the time-slip approach to storytelling was a great invitation to history for young people.

“Kids today have a fantastic grasp of history,” she said.

Nova agreed: “It’s a chance to show the different opportunities available in different generations; a way of offering hope now while looking honestly at what life was like historically.”

As well as telling Kate Kelly’s story, the chance to vicariously live out their horseriding dreams through Kate and Ruby was a big drawcard

* The Wangaratta Chronicle has three copies of ‘Outlaw Girls’ (RRP $16.99, Text Publishing) to give away to lucky readers. If you would like that to be you, simply email skerwin@ nemedia.com. au and tell us why you would like to win.

for Nova and Emily.

The authors, who have known each other for eight years, said they had again enjoyed writing together.

“We are pretty honest with each other,” Nova said.

“We research and plot the book first, working with the alternate chapters, and if one of us is taking the story down a path that’s not working, we’ll pull it up, so it gets polished more quickly.”

They hope young local readers will enjoy the end result.

“It’s a lovely thing to read about places you’ve walked,” Nova said.

Rutherglen art prize hosts regional showcase

By CORAL COOKSLEY

THE annual Rutherglen Tastes of Art Prize opening this Friday is shaping up to be another tremendous success with more than 550 entries received from over 320 artists around and beyond the region.

Yarrawonga award-winning artist Kate Gorman is this year’s judge with well-known photographer Jules Boag judging four photographic sections – people, place, illustrative and landscape.

In judging, Ms Gorman said she will be looking for eye catchers where traditional artwork principles have been used.

“There needs to be a balance with tone, shape, lines and colour capturing the viewer’s interest,” she said.

Ms Gorman, who has painted fulltime since 2002, said the standard and variety of local artwork is also important for the local show, with local exhibitions serving as a stepping stone for regional artists to develop their confidence.

EXCITED: Yarrawonga award-winning artist Kate Gorman is this year’s judge for Rutherglen Tastes of Art Prize.

ArtsRutherglen committee member Irena Webster said the team had been extremely busy behind the scenes preparing for the exhibition being held between March 9 and 17.

Works arrive tomorrow, set up takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday with judging on Thursday before the exhibition’s Friday opening.

Ms Webster said some larger sculptures have been entered this

year while painting/mixed media had been the most popular category. A $5 entry fee is required for the exhibition at the Rutherglen Memorial Hall, which runs during the town’s food and wine festival.

The gala exhibition opening night is this Friday at 6.30pm.

For more information and opening night tickets visit www.artsrutherglen.com.au.

KATE’S PERSPECTIVE: ‘Outlaw Girls’, by Emily Gale and Nova Weetman, is a middle-grade time-slip tale which draws on the story of Kate Kelly, sister of the infamous Ned.

Briggs to conduct curator talk at MAMA

AN after-hours event celebrating the Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) exhibition giyawarra-nanha gulbalanha/ disturbing the peace, will be held on Thursday, March 7, from 6pm to 7pm.

As it wraps up, MAMA will bid farewell to the significant exhibition of First Nations artistic practice, with a walkthrough curatorial floor talk hosted by MAMA curator, First Nations, Andrea Briggs. She will discuss the drawing together of 21 works from the National Gallery of Australia, plus key works from the MAMA collection, which makes up the exhibition..

First Nations artists have long been giving voice to stories that might otherwise have been silenced in favour of the colonial narrative.

Giyawarra-nanha gulbalanha/disturbing the peace creates a dialogue which rejects acts of silencing and at times engages in the language of protest, but in doing so it draws our attention to the devastating disturbance of the peace that First Nations peoples have experienced from the moment of colonisation.

CURATOR TALK: MAMA curator First Nations Andrea Briggs will share insights into giyawarra-nanha gulbalanha / disturbing the peace.

PHOTO: Jeremy Weihrauch

Featured artists include Avril Quaill, Christopher Pease, Danie Mellor, Jonathan Jones, Judy Watson, Julie Dowling, Karla Dickens, Lesley Murray, Lin Onus, Liz McNiven, Michael Cook, Ricky Maynard, Roy Kennedy, Sandra Hill, Tony Albert and Vernon Ah Kee.

Thursdsay’s talk is free to attend, with registration available by visiting mamalbury.com.au/events.

Fashionable day out for thousands at the races

WHILE Sarah Cox may have had difficulty backing a winner on the track, she certainly had no trouble in the fashion stakes, being a popular choice as Lady of the Day at Wangaratta Turf Club’s Cup day meeting on Saturday.

Her mustardy yellow pants suit, complemented by a wide rimmed black hat made by an Albury milliner, were bold statements amid a colourful field of entrants, admired by the 2000 plus strong crowd basking in the autumn sunshine.

“I was fortunate enough to win Lady of the Day at the cup two years ago,” enthused Ms Cox, whose late parents, Brian and Janet Cox, were iconic figures in the local racing industry.

“Mum actually won Lady of the Day at the Wangaratta Cup many years ago and of course Dad was a very well known trainer.

BY JEFF ZEUSCHNER jzeuschner@ nemedia.com.au

“We’ve had a long legacy with local racing and I’m keen to continue it.

“Quite a few of us from the Wodonga club came down here today to support the cup day...and Wangaratta Turf Club, particularly chief executive officer Sean Barrett and his team have done a magnificent job.”

An equally enthusiastic Mr Barrett said the large cup day crowd, perfect weather and the club’s strongest racing fields of the year, had certainly helped make the day a resounding success.

“The marquees and packages were very popular and we’ve had fantastic numbers of fami-

lies, both local and from outside the district.

“In fact our Man of the Day in the fashions on the field, Graham Walter, travelled all the way from Toowoomba.

“On track we’ve had some fantastic racing, with local trainer Ben Brisbourne having some success (his stables’ Bromeo winning race 4, At the Mint winning race 5 and Mischinka placing 3rd in race 6).”

Mr Barrett said the cup meet was a positive reflection on how the club was growing and building its offerings and appeal, with an upwards trend in patronage.

Local resident Lauren Kelly was perhaps a perfect example, attending her first ever race meet “but it certainly won’t be my last”.

Among the large contingent attending from the Tarrawin-

gee Football and Netball Club, Lauren said she’d had “heaps of fun”.

“It’s just been so enjoyable, socialising with everyone in the marquees...and it was great watching the fashions on the field, and seeing the horses race,” she said.

“While I didn’t have a punt, many in the group did, with mixed success.”

Favourite Toogoodfortoorak, trained by Mornington-based Matt Laurie and ridden by Linda Meech, won the $100,000 Winsec Savings and Loans Wangaratta Cup, ahead of Mostly Cloudy in second and Tycoon Bec in third, with local hope Nordic Pride from Ben Brisbourne’s stables placing seventh in the field of eight starters.

■ More racing coverage in SPORTS.

FASHION STAKES: Fashions on the field placegetters at the Wangaratta Cup meet on Saturday included (from left) Emma Kelly (encouragement award), Michelle Grenness (millinery award), Sarah Cox (Lady of the Day), and Marie Meadows (runner-up. PHOTOS: Nick Richards

SMART: Fashions on the field Man of the Day Graham Walter (right) and runner-up Mitchell Sullivan.

TOP HAT: Millinery award winner Michelle Grenness.

GREAT DAY OUT: Lauren Kelly and Zac Essex were among members of the Tarrawingee Football Netball Club attending the Cup day.

SOCIAL OUTING: Looking fabulous at the races were (from left) Makai Eames, Meaghan Amery and Jamie Field.

HAVING A BALL: In good spirits at the Cup were (from left) Reagan Campbell, Kristen Raine, Nicole Raine, Lesley Jackson and (front) Scott Lopa.

THE HATS HAVE IT: Having a great day at the Cup were (from left) Chris Bamford, Dave Harris, James Martinello, Shaun Croxford, Sam Harris, Jack Flampton and Rich Martinello.

Local domestic firewood collection season open

FIREWOOD collection season is now open across Victoria, allowing rural city residents to access a range of collection sites near Everton and into the King Valley throughout autumn.

Running through to June 30, the autumn firewood season allows the legal collection of fallen timber for personal use from a range of designated collection areas, without interrupting the existing habitat.

Collectors cannot cut down, break off or damage a standing tree or shrub, cannot collect trees which are clearly hollow or if more than half the tree is covered with moss or fungi.

Those collecting firewood must also avoid taking wood within 20 metres of any rivers, creeks, lakes or dams, protect native animals and plants and respect cultural heritage sites, and take litter with them when they leave.

An individual can collect up to two cubic metres of firewood per day, with a household limited to 16 cubic metres in a single financial year.

Local collection sites include

Everton’s Pioneer Bridges, Carboor Range Track, Moyhu Timber Reserve, King Valley’s Cemetery Lane and Bungamero Carboor.

Firewood collected on public land cannot be on-sold.

Wangaratta-based Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy said he was pleased to see the autumn firewood season open, allowing access to a free source of heating.

“I also encourage anyone collecting firewood to think about your neighbours and those who may benefit from firewood and help them out by sparing some for them,” he said.

“Whilst the two cubic metre per day per person (rule) is reasonable, the 16 cubic metres per household per year rule remains a disappointing restriction on firewood collection.

“The collection of firewood is a great way to help tidy up our national parks and crown land, and also a bushfire preventative.”

For more information on domestic firewood collection, including public sites, visit https://www. ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/firewoodcollection-in-your-region.

Oversized load stopped in Wangaratta, set to resume Hume journey

A 125-metre oversized load will stop at Wangaratta this morning, as it travels the Hume Freeway to Wodonga.

The convoy left Glen Waverly Saturday night, travelling at top speeds of up to 40kph along the Hume Freeway, before stopping at the Beveridge rest area.

It resumed its travel on the Hume Freeway at 9pm last night as was due to arrive at the Wangaratta rest area early this morning.

It will continue on to Wodonga from 11pm Monday nigh.

When crossing bridges or navigating corners, the load slows

to around 5kph, and motorists are urged to be patient and heed the instructions of traffic controllers if attempting to overtake the convoy.

Traffic management officers and load escorts are accompanying the load for the entirety of its journey.

The oversize load is the second such transported through the region in as many months, after a 477-tonne superload carrying an electrical transformer stopped over in Wangaratta in late-January.

For real-time traffic conditions, visit traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au.

Odd summer for Melbourne, hot one for Perth, Sydney, Brisbane

WELL summer is over, and it’s been an odd one for Melbourne.

Its highest temperature didn’t reach 38 degrees, in contrast to the Mallee with mid 40s and western parts of the state having maximums in the low 40s.

In both December and January the temperature reached 34 degrees on December 13 and 33.4 degrees on January 12.

This was the lowest pair of absolute maximum temperatures for any December and January in the same summer going right back to 1855.

There were only three other December to January periods in which the highest temperature failed to reach 35 degrees in the same summer - being 1864-65, 1930-31 and 1971-72.

The stage is still set to record our hottest day this year during the second week of March and not much rainfall until the third or fourth week of April.

Perth has recorded its second hottest summer on record.

The mean maximum temperature of 32.6 degrees was 0.7 degrees below the record hottest summer of 2021-22.

Perth did have a record number of eight days of over 40 degrees in February - double the previous record number of four days back in 1985.

WHAT’S UP WITH THE WEATHER?

By Peter Nelson, Peter retired CSIRO climatologist

Sydney also had a notably hot summer.

The mean temperature of 24.1 degrees was the third hottest behind 24.6 degrees in 1990-91 and 24.8 degrees in 2016-17.

On January 26 the dew point temperature reached 26 degrees in Sydney - the highest on record.

This high value often occurs in Darwin and Cairns.

It has also been also a notable hot summer in Brisbane.

The mean minimum temperature of 22.5 degrees was the highest in 165 years of records.

The previous highest mean minimum temperature for any summer was 44 years ago in 1979-80 which was relatively dry in Victoria and NSW but very wet in northern Queensland.

Brisbane had 697mm of rainfall in summer, its wettest for four years.

Walter Brooks was born at Northeast Health Wangaratta on Sunday, February 25 at 2:58am and weighed 4.09kg kg (9lb). He is the brother of Gia Brooks and the son of Charlotte and Dylan Brooks of Barooga.

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.

DO THE RIGHT THING: Rangers regularly patrol public firewood collection sites.

TOMMY

Tommy Walter Brooks

BIG LOAD: Motorists are being advised of this oversized load travelling the Hume Freeway.

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

MINI WORD FIND

ACROSS

4 What is a short caudal appendage (7)

8 What might we call a cattle farmer (7)

9 What is a word formed from the initial letters of other words (7)

10 Which king of Israel was famous for his wisdom (7)

11 Name a kitchen sideboard (7)

12 Which number carries the symbol XC (6)

14 Warsaw is the capital of which European republic (6)

18 Name a seaport in southwestern England (7)

21 Which prehensile-tailed marsupial feigns death when caught (7)

22 To be more eccentric, is to be what (7)

23 Which term relates to the nature of fire (7)

24 When one restrains, one does what (5,2)

DOWN

1 Name a Melbourne suburb (7)

2 What do we call one’s father’s brother (5)

3 What is an apothecary (7)

4 Which spirit is distilled from the fermented juice of grapes (6)

5 Name a large flat-bottomed boat (5)

6 What is loss of memory called (7)

7 Name a small arboreal mammal, allied to the monkey (5)

13 Name the capital of Kenya (7)

15 To be in progress, is to be what (7)

16 To remove, is to do what (7)

17 Which silver coin was worth two shillings (6)

E-QUATIONS

Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

18 Who makes and sells bread (5)

19 What are groups of three (5)

20 Name a Berkshire town, famous for its nearby racecourse (5)

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

WHICH WORDS

1 OSTRACISE

(a) To make into bone

(b) To swing like a pendulum (c) To exclude from society

2 VERIFY

(a) To turn into a verb (b) To become green (c) To prove to be true

BIYWORD

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:

Ball-point baron (3)

Cuts down tree (5)

Fabric (5)

Fifth note (3)

Hard-working (7)

Motorbike passenger (7)

Not many (3)

Prosecute (3)

SOLUTIONS SUDOKU

Solve

QUICK THINK

Crickets add to crop stress after a wet, milder summer

BY KURT HICKLING khickling@ nemedia.com.au

LOCAL crop and pasture farmers have their work cut out leading into the autumn season, with a wet summer in combination with milder conditions having sparked an increase in broadleaf and grass weeds.

Farmers have found it more difficult to control fallow paddocks and keep them clean, with an increased use of herbicides throughout summer an added unwanted expense.

Wangaratta-based AG Warehouse senior technical agronomist Bec Bingley has seen the results of what the summer conditions have caused for farmers but believes with the right treatment for soils and sprays, crop producers will be ready in time for seeding come ANZAC day.

“We have experienced an extremely wet summer with mild conditions that has created extra work for crop farming leading into preparation,” Mrs Bingley said.

“Managing trash levels in paddocks is proving very difficult.

“Local agronomists have been working hard testing soils for every farmer’s nutrient budget for 2024.

OPTIMISM: Ag Warehouse agronomist Bec Bingley has high hopes despite current challenges.

“Summer weeds are being managed through the use of herbicide and cultivation.

“Fallow paddocks are being worked on now to conserve moisture and allow earlier sowing.

“Lime maintenance phosphorus has commenced application in preparation for ANZAC day.”

With the headaches continuing, the increase numbers of crickets in paddocks has become a hindrance with the potential to

Wangaratta Livestock Exchange - Prime Market Report

cause major damage in germinating plants, pasture and broadacre leaving farmers short on eradication options.

Also known as black field crickets, these pests are native to Australia and are pose a significant headache.

“The big concern right now is the crickets will eat the green shoot as they sprout,” Mrs Bingley said.

“The two control options to

eliminate crickets are baiting or insecticide.”

Early fungal infections in crops will be a further concern again this year due to wetter than average summer conditions expected to arise.

Despite the challenges at hand, Mrs Bingley said many crop producers remain optimistic in their preparations for the autumn break before sowing by ANZAC day.

Brown

BROWN Family Wine Group (BFWG) haa announced that all its vineyard and winery sites are now certified with Sustainable Winegrowing Australia (SWA), following the certification of its vineyard sites at Milawa, Banksdale, and Mystic Park.

“We can confirm that all company vineyards and wineries are now certified sustainable under the Freshcare Australian Wine Industry Standard of Sustainable Practice,” said Brett McClen, head of viticulture and sustainability at BFWG.

“This certification is a significant milestone in our sustainability journey, and we are incredibly proud of it.”

BFWG’s Tasmanian vineyards, Heathcote vineyard, and two winemaking sites in Milawa and Launceston achieved SWA certification in 2023.

The news comes after the business was acknowledged for its sustainability efforts at the 2024 East Coast Tasmania Tourism (ECCT) Recognition Awards, where the Devil’s Corner won the Innovation and Transformation Award.

The award recognised Devil’s Corner for implementing a water treatment plant utilising dam water for the entire vineyard and cellar door site, which transformed its water management practices and eliminated the need for frequent water freight thus ensuring a sustainable water supply for vineyards and site amenities.

“During my brief tenure at Brown Family Wine Group I have been genuinely inspired by the immense commitment shown towards sustainability in both our viticulture and winemaking practices,” said Cameron MacFarlane, CEO of Brown Family Wine Group.

Anthrax vaccination program is continuing in Shepparton

AGRICULTURE Victoria is continuing to vaccinate livestock at properties in the Shepparton region, following the recent detection of anthrax on two farms.

Almost 6000 cattle and sheep have been vaccinated as part of the response so far, with private veterinarians working alongside members of Agriculture Victoria’s animal health team.

No further cases of anthrax have been detected.

Victoria’s chief veterinary officer Dr Graeme Cooke encouraged farmers in the region to continue to monitor the health of their livestock and report any sudden deaths.

“Early reporting ensures we can effectively respond to any suspected cases of anthrax and put measures in place to limit the risk of spread,” Dr Cooke.

“You must report any cases of unexplained deaths where anthrax is suspected to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888, to your local vet, or to Agriculture Victoria animal health staff on 136 186.”

Dr Cooke also praised the efforts of landholders and vets for supporting the vaccination and surveillance efforts so far.

“Undertaking a vac-

cination program of this size requires a lot of cooperation and people on the ground working under careful biosecurity protocols,” he said.

“Vaccination is a crucial part of an effective response to anthrax, and Agriculture Victoria maintains a ready supply of vaccines for this purpose.

“Significant progress has been made so far and will continue until all quarantine controls have been lifted.”

Anthrax occurs occasionally in northern Victoria, most often during the warmer months.

If livestock on your property die suddenly, anthrax could potentially be the cause.

It is critically important that the carcasses of cattle and sheep that die suddenly without an obvious cause are tested for anthrax by Agriculture Victoria or a private veterinarian before they are moved, to reduce the risk of disease spread and prevent a large-scale anthrax incident.

An Anthrax factsheet on the Agriculture Victoria website is available answering frequently asked questions and providing more information.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling.

ANTHRAX: Vaccination of cattle in the Shepparton region is continuing following the detection of anthrax on two properties. PHOTO: Agriculture Victoria

37

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The Committee of Management, and Residents of St

A GRADE

Wangaratta & District Cricket Association

WANGARATTA MAGPIES VS YARRAWONGA MULWALA

WANGARATTA MAGPIES 1ST INNINGS

Cooper Matheson c: Reid Clarke b: Angus McMillan .........................................................37

Lachlan Hadden c: Reid Clarke b: James Irvine 3

Jack Davies (c) c: Matt McCabe b: Angus Heslin .......................................................................18

Fraser Ellis c: Reid Clarke b: Angus McMillan ....3

Ryan Malcolm run out: Harrison Wheeler, Reid Clarke.............................................................22

Nic Bonwick c: Harrison Wheeler b: Brock McCabe ..........................................................48

Frazer Dent c: Reid Clarke b: Angus Heslin .......5

Zac Guilfoyle c: Reid Clarke b: Angus McMillan .1

Matt Gathercole lbw: Brock McCabe ...............13

Charlie Stafford b: Brock McCabe .....................3

Thomas Clayton not out .................................0*

Extras ...............................................................7

Total ......................................................10 / 152

Overs .............................................................66

Bowling: James Irvine (vc) 9/1/38/1, Angus Heslin 12/2/35/2, Matt McCabe 6/1/24/0, Angus McMillan (c) 22/9/26/3, Brock McCabe 17/6/28/3.

YARRAWONGA MULWALA 1ST INNINGS

Reid Clarke not out ........................................0*

Matt Knight c: Fraser Ellis b: Chris Clement ......3

Matt McCabe not out ......................................0*

Total ............................................................1/0

Bowling: Matt Gathercole 3/3/0/0, Chris Clement 3/3/0/1.

ROVERS UNITED BRUCK VS BENALLA BUSHRANGERS

ROVERS UNITED BRUCK 1ST INNINGS

Josh O’Donohue c: Gary Priest b: Tyler Begnone

Luke Whitten c: Daniel Brew b: Conor Brodie ...3

Bailey Dale b: Priyank Chohan .......................36

Paddy McNamara (c) b: Priyank Chohan .........81

Jacob Beattie b: Conor Brodie ........................50

Matthew Whitten not out ..............................11*

Jeremy Wilson not out ...................................5*

Extras .............................................................11

Total ........................................................5 / 197

Overs .............................................................66

Bowling: Conor Brodie 19/2/66/2, Tyler Begnone 7/1/21/1, Ross Cavill 13/5/23/0, Priyank Chohan 17/3/40/2, Daniel Brew 3/2/7/0, Mitchell Wheelens 7/0/32/0.

BEECHWORTH WANDERERS VS DELATITE

BEECHWORTH WANDERERS 1ST INNINGS

Kayde Surrey lbw: Lachlan Scales ..................13

Clancy Ellett c: Kane Hoskin b: Peter Scales ...38

Campbell Fendyk lbw: Peter Scales ..................8

Brenton Surrey (c) c: Lachlan Scales b: Peter Scales...............................................................2

Hunter North b: Alec Ritchie .............................7

Richard Worcester not out ............................30*

Timothy Cogger b: Gregor Fraser ......................1

Will Prebble b: Alec Ritchie ..............................7

William Vlahos hit wicket b: Gregor Fraser .......2 Brandon Fitzpatrick c: Lachlan Scales b: Gregor Fraser ...............................................................4

Dean Fitzpatrick b: Joe Kelleher .....................10

Extras .............................................................24

Total ......................................................10 / 144

Overs .............................................................59

Bowling: Lachlan Scales 15/6/38/1, Joe Kelleher 5/1/20/1, Nicholas Bogar 3/0/8/0, Peter Scales 9/2/16/3, Alec Ritchie 9/4/21/2, Gregor Fraser 13/3/18/3, Michael Burrows 5/2/11/0.

DELATITE 1ST INNINGS

Gregor Fraser not out ...................................10*

Mark O’Loughlan b: Dean Fitzpatrick ..............17

Alec Ritchie lbw: Dean Fitzpatrick ....................1

Nick Scales not out ........................................1*

Extras ...............................................................4

Total ..........................................................2 / 32

Overs .............................................................13

Bowling: Timothy Cogger 5/2/9/0, Richard Worcester 2/0/7/0, Kayde Surrey 2/0/8/0, Campbell Fendyk 2/1/5/0, Dean Fitzpatrick 2/0/2/2.

2023/24 season

SCOREBOARD: Saturday, March 2

OVENS VALLEY UNITED VS CITY COLTS

CITY COLTS 1ST INNINGS

Corey Petersen c&b: Gurjot Gosal .....................1

Aaron Thrum b: Samuel Piazza .........................1

Josh Nanson b: Gurjot Gosal ..........................49

Jessie Smith b: James Neary ..........................14

William Petersen not out ..............................48*

Tyler Nanson lbw: Gurjot Gosal ........................7

Justin Solimo c: Kane Fitzpatrick b: Gurjot Gosal .........................................................................5

Kent Braden (c) c: Gurjot Gosal b: Conner Forde .......................................................................36

Jed Marek not out ........................................12*

Extras .............................................................10

Total ........................................................7 / 178

Overs .............................................................75

Bowling: Samuel Piazza 11/7/17/1, Gurjot Gosal 25/10/44/4, James Neary 10/6/17/1, Conner

Forde 9/2/25/1, Cooper Thomason 7/0/32/0, Glenn White 10/2/31/0, Noah White 3/1/5/0.

A RESERVE

Yarrawonga Mulwala 10/191 Fraser Smart 60

Rhys Grant 4/30 vs Wangaratta Magpies 0/21

Chandan Kulkarni 12*. Benalla Bushrangers vs Rovers United Bruck 8/264 Jonathan Hyde 109 Rajinder Singh 3/48. Ovens Valley United vs City Colts 10/157 Alasdair Brett 73 Nathan Cooke 3/19.

B GRADE

Rutherglen United 10/104 Stephen Jennings 26 def by Benalla Bushrangers 3/115 35* Baylee

Morton 1/21. Merton 7/127 James Benton 45

Hunter Frauenfelder 3/11 def by Yarrawonga

Mulwala 3/270 Luke Buerckner 100 Harry Craddock 1/24. Milawa 1/212 Jason Papworth

113* Tony Ormond 1/30 def City Colts 9/118

Scott Clayton 36 Kristopher Allan 5/38. Ovens

Valley United 10/134 Patrick Bren 34 Adriano

Speziale 4/34 def by Rovers United Bruck 8/228 Trevor Anderson 68 Benjamin McMasters 2/29. Greta 10/131 Aidan Callegari 63 Timothy

Young 2/13 def by Beechworth Wanderers 8/120

Dylan Pool 46 Lachlan Alexander 4/8

C GRADE

Yarrawonga Mulwala 10/176 Shaun Hawking 67

Nathan Delaney 2/26 def Benalla Bushrangers 7/150 Nathan Delaney 43 Lucas Pickering 3/8.

Greta 10/48 Declan Lawford 19 Aiden Blyth

UNDER 16

UNDER 14

5/12 def by Gapsted 10/96 Shane Wheeler 25 Russell Wyllie 2/12.

City Colts 3/67 def Rovers United Bruck 10/66. Benalla Bushrangers 7/206 def Beechworth Wanderers 5/143.

City Colts 6/150 def Benalla Bushrangers 10/114. Rovers United Bruck 9/115 vs Ovens Valley United.

UNDER 12 BLUE

Ovens Valley United 2/136 def Beechworth Wanderers 5/109.

UNDER 12 GOLD

Yarrawonga Mulwala Bulls 2/154 def Benalla Bushrangers 6/137.

 Under 12 grand final reports in Wednesday’s Wangaratta Chronicle

RIGHT ARM OVER: City Colt’s Charlie Briggs sends one down in their win over Rovers United Bruck in the under 16’s. PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie

SWING AND A MISS: RUB’s Dean Balfour in action.

GOOD BALL: Connor Ormond steams in.

SHOT: RUB’S Ryan Parson hits on down the ground.

Wangaratta & District Cricket Association

2023/24 season

REVIEWS: Saturday, March 2

CITY Colts A grade cricketers have given themselves every chance to knock Ovens Valley United off and push for finals in the WDCA competition.

The Tigers won the toss and sent Colts in to bat at RC McNamara Reserve on Saturday with the away side putting on 7/178 from their 75 overs.

As is stands the Colts are 0.4 of a point behind the fourth-placed Beechworth Wanderers and a win over Ovens Valley United may not even be enough to earn a spot in the top four if Beechworth down Delatite, however, they’ve given themselves a chance.

The Wanderers and Delatite clash hangs in the balance with the latter needing 145 for victory as they hit stumps at 2/32.

City Colts’ Kent Braden was pleased with his side’s effort.

“We’ve given ourselves a chance and that’s all we could do,” he said.

“The aim for us was to bat the day and we did that, it wasn’t looking like we’d do that at tea but we hung in there which was great to see.

“We wanted to have wickets in hand at tea but we were six down so to make 178 was pleasing.”

Ovens Valley United had City Colts 6/91 but a crucial 48 not out from youngster Will Peterson and 36 from Kent Braden helped the Colts climb to 7/157 before the latter was dismissed.

“It’s Will’s first year out of under 16s and he’s split his time between A grade and A reserve this season,” Braden said.

“He’d be the first to admit he hasn’t had the year he was hoping for with the bat but he stood up yesterday and was super impressive.

“He batted 180 odd balls which was massive in the context of the

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

game and I really enjoyed spending time out in the middle with him.”

Along with Peterson, Josh Nanson stood tall at the top of the order slashing 49 from 77 balls in a knock which included eight boundaries.

“Josh has been fantastic all year and has really turned into a leader around the club,” Braden said.

“He just returned from playing for Victoria’s Indigenous side at the Indigenous carnival and before that he was at Country Week so he’s had plenty of hits over the past month or so.

“He played a really mature innings but hit one bad shot and that was the end of him, but that’s cricket.”

For the Tigers, off-spinner Gurjot Gosal was best with the ball taking 4/44 from 25 overs.

With how the round currently sits this Saturday’s final round of cricket could be the most anticipated in recent years with third and fourth spot still up for grabs.

Only 4.7 points separates Wangaratta Magpies, Beechworth Wanderers and City Colts and all three will battle it out for the remaining two spots in finals.

“Yarrawonga Mulwala and Rovers United Bruck have showed that they’re probably a touch above but I still feel anyone can win on their day,” Braden said.

“We’re going to have to bowl really well next weekend to give ourselves a chance at playing finals.

“We’ve been pretty good with the ball this year so fingers crossed we bring our best next weekend.”

City Colts fighting for finals spot

Magpies defending 153 against Yarrawonga Mulwala

■ From back page

“Cooper and Nic took it to their bowlers which was good to see and ‘Malcs’ also did a terrific job but we just lost wickets at bad times.

“We were going along nicely and then ‘Malcs’ ran himself out and from there they got on top of us a little bit.”

After 66 overs of play that left the Lakers with just a tricky six overs to bat and the ‘Pies took that opportunity with both hands.

Gun seamer Chris Clement immediately stamped his authority on the game removing the dangerous Matt Knight for a three ball duck.

Amazingly, Clement and Matt Gathercole bowled three overs each for no runs, leaving the away side at 1/0 at the resumption of play on Saturday.

“We had six overs to have a crack at them which we saw as a great opportunity,” Davies said.

“They probably had nothing to gain batting those overs, it’s such a difficult time to bat and we were fortunate to get one early.”

FULL TILT: Cooper Thomason in action.

TWEAKER: Ovens Valley United’s Gurjot Gosal took 4/44.

FRONT FOOT: Will Peterson gets on the front foot on his way to 48 not out.

IN THE BALANCE: Josh Nanson’s 49 was crucial in City Colts’ total of 178 in their clash against Ovens Valley United. PHOTOS: Janet Watt

DANGER MAN: Yarrawonga Mulwala skipper Angus McMillan took 3/26.

BELOW PAR: Wangaratta Magpies’ Ryan Malcolm made 22 as his side set Yarrawonga Mulwala 153 for victory.

Jubilant golfing at Jubilee’s Parsons Bowl

AS part of its annual tournament, Jubilee Golf Club held its Parsons Bowl on Thursday, February 29.

The number of entries was outstanding, with 102 players from all over the North East playing in perfect, albeit hot, conditions.

Captain Carol Myles congratulated the home team from Jubilee Golf Club of Marilyn Payne, Ros White, Lee Freedman, and Val Ellis, on winning the Bowl.

Other winners were:

A grade - Libby McCrystal from Yackandandah.

B grade - Lyn Poulson from Mansfield.

C grade - Libby Smith from Jubilee.

D grade - Erica Lombard from Jubilee.

Toogoodfortoorak wins Wangaratta Cup

By WILLSON MACK TOOGOODFORTOORAK

has taken out the 2024 $100,000 Wangaratta Cup.

The $4 favourite got the perfect run in transit, with hoop Linda Meech slotting in behind the leaders on the fence before looming four wide on the turn and bursting away to a near two length victory at the Wangaratta Turf Club’s premier racing meet on Saturday.

Although there was no luck in the Cup with local hope Nordic Pride finishing at the rear of the field, Wangaratta Cup day still brought three locally-trained winners.

Ben Brisbourne snagged two with At The Mint (race three) and Bromeo (race four) taking out their respective races, while Dan McCarthy’s Stubby Holler broke his maiden from gate 18 in race two.

Wangaratta Turf Club chief executive officer Sean Barrett was rapt with the day.

“We had three winners and the Ledgers had a winning interest in the first race as they’re part of the ownership group of Defoe,” Barrett said.

“It’s great to see our local trainers tasting success on our biggest day of racing and shows the strength of the training group we have here at Wangaratta.

“To be able to compete with the big metropolitan trainers is a massive effort.”

Mr Barret said the track at the turf club was in ripping condition producing winners from right across the fields.

“The team have put in a lot of work since we had the drainage works last year so to have it in such good nick, especially after three meetings and jump outs in January was a massive effort,” he said.

■ More Cup day coverage in Wednesday’s Wangaratta Chronicle.

Whorouly Cubs ready to roar

By NATHAN DE VRIES

AS summer turns to autumn and the days start getting shorter, people of all ages across the region are making the shift into football and netball.

For the up and coming netballers at the Whorouly Football Netball Club, the Cubs are about to tackle the Wangaratta Netball Association’s Saturday morning competition.

Having already run trials for their Ovens and King teams, the Lions will host a come-and-try session for their Cubs program on Monday, March 11 from 6.15pm at the Whorouly Recreation Reserve.

Whorouly netball coordinator Stacey Harris said the Cubs program was focussed on girls who enjoyed playing netball for the love of the game.

“We create teams with who turns up, we don’t have try-outs as such, we just want girls to be involved in netball and to continue playing sport for their health and wellbeing - that’s what we encourage from our club,” she said.

“We’re looking for girls between ages 11-17 to come and play under the Whorouly Cubs banner.

“The girls who didn’t make it to the under 15 and under 17 sides within the area or within our club, we encourage them to come and play with us to keep them involved in netball in a certain way.

“This is only our fourth season that we’ve actually put a side into that competition – the likes of Milawa, Rovers, the bigger clubs have two, three, even four teams in the comp just because they’ve got so many girls.

“For us, it’s a way for us to develop our younger girls to help filter them through the club at an older age, just to get those under 15 and under 17 sides up and running for the near future.”

Harris said any players and their families would be welcome at the club.

“Whorouly’s a great family oriented club, we’re very nurturing and friendly, and we’re open to everyone coming to our club and being a part of it,” she said.

“We want to get them involved in a club in general, we give them good support, not just for the players but the families.

“It’s for the love of the game and being around other people who love netball as much as they do.”

The Whorouly Cubs’ come-and-try session is on Monday, March 11 from 6.15pm at the Whorouly Recreation Reserve – for more information, contact Stacey Harris on 0409 551 912.

SHORT GAME: Wodonga’s Amanda Smedley putts.

ON THE MOVE: Mansfield’s Shirley Nolan (left) and Jenny Koraus get mobile.

CHAMPIONS: The winning team from Jubilee Golf Club (from left) Marilyn Payne, Ros White, Lee Freedman, and Val Ellis.

WINNING CONNECTIONS: (L-R) Bill Carlile (Wangaratta Turf Club president), Linda Meech (jockey), Richard Johnston, Kai Ruvolo and Tony Ruvolo (managing director of Winsec Savings and Loans, Cup sponsor).

PHOTO: Nick Richards

WANGARATTA CUP WINNER

FAVOURITE Toogoodfortoorak, trained by Matt Laurie and ridden by Linda Meech, was too good for his rivals in Saturday’s $100,000 Winsec Savings and Loans Wangaratta Cup, winning ahead of Mostly Cloudy and Tycoon Bec, with local hope Nordic Pride from Ben Brisbourne’s stables placing seventh in the field of eight starters. Trackside rejoicing the win were owner connections Nathan and Sarah Martin and Patty Sullivan.

Story: Page 19

PHOTOS: Nick Richards

ggpg In with a chance

Wangaratta Magpies need to defend 153 against Lakers to lock themselves in finals

WANGARATTA Magpies

A grade cricketers will have to be at their best with the ball if they’re to down Yarrawonga Mulwala this Saturday

The Magpies hoped to set a larger total than their 152 but immediately put the Lakers on the back foot

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

having them at 1/0 from six overs at stumps at Norm Minns Oval on Saturday. It makes for an interesting day of cricket this week-

end with the ‘Pies needing victory to lock themselves in the top four and play finals in 2023/24.

Magpies skipper Jack Davies admitted 152 was below par at Norm Minns Oval.

“200’s probably minimum on that wicket but I think we’ve made enough runs

to build some pressure,” Davies said.

“Next week’s going to be our biggest day for the year so we’re going to have to be at our best.

“We don’t want to rely on other results to play finals, we need to win and lock ourselves in, looking at the

WANGARATTA BEARINGS AND INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES

itlklikth’

games it looks like they’re all evenly poised so it’s going to be an interesting last day.”

Magpies’ opener Cooper Matheson set the tone at the top of the order with 37 off 76 deliveries but when the home side fell to 4/77 the Lakers were in control.

Ryan Malcolm (22) and Nic Bonwick (48) put together a nice partnership to salvage some hope as the Lakers rolled the Magpies in 66 overs.

“They bowled well but we also made some poor decisions,” Davies said.

■ Continued page 18