Wangaratta Chronicle 040823

CLIMBING FOR A CAUSE

Council gets the all clear to increase capacity at city’s organics processing facility gpyygpgy

WANGARATTA’S Organics

Processing Facility has the green light to double its capacity.

Rural City of Wangaratta council was notified last week that it had been successful in its application to the Environmental Protection Authority to amend its license to increase capacity from 5200 tonnes to 12,000 tonnes per year.

While the state-of-the-art

BY JEFF ZEUSCHNER jzeuschner@ nemedia.com.au

facility at North Wangaratta was built in 2020 with the capacity to process up to 12,000 tonnes per annum, it hadn’t been needed until now.

Council has said an increase in urban areas over the past three years, as well

as new state policy requiring all households have access to food and organic waste recycling or local composing by 2030, has necessitated the expansion.

Rural city director of community and infrastructure, Marcus Goonan, said the outcome follows the completion of significant capital improvements at the Organics Processing Facility

over the past 12 months.

“Council pursued an application and assessment process extending over 12 months which included significant community engagement and consultation along the way,” he said.

“The facility delivers important environmental benefits to our local government area.”

Mr Goonan said the facility has reduced the

municipality’s food and garden waste going into landfill by 40 per cent.

Not only is the compost manufactured used on local parks and gardens, but council said diverting waste from landfill has reduced greenhouse emissions by around 135 tonnes per annum.

“With the increased capacity we look forward to continuing to service our community and being

able to assist other local government areas as they transition toward FOGO collection,” Mr Goonan said. Possible expansion to become a regional organics processing facility is still on the agenda, with council currently undertaking a feasibility study - funded by a State Government $160,000 grant - into expanding the facility’s capacity to 25,000 tonnes per annum

WANGARATTA emergency service personnel

(from left) Shaun O’Dwyer, Kasey Smith, Jasmine O’Dwyer and Monique Hillenaar will each take part in the firefighter stair climb early next month to support mental health. Full story page 2.

PHOTO: Ryan Malcolm

Man bailed amid alleged links to historic offending

A MAN from the Myrtleford area has been banned from leaving the country ahead of his return to court later this year, as he faces some 95 charges relating to alleged historical offending across the state.

The accused, who the court heard had spent time in a rehabilitation facility recently following a marriage breakdown, faced court on summons on Friday, having been formally charged by

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Frankston’s Sexual Offences and Child-abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT) on July 18.

Crown prosecutor Natasa Stevic told the court the alleged offending was “extremely serious” in nature, with officers undertaking a “complex investigation” around allegations involving at least five complainants and a number of other witnesses.

She urged the court to place the accused on bail for

Est. 1884, Incorporating Wangaratta Despatch, Est. 1861

WEATHER

alleged indictable offending, which will see the matter return before the court in October for a committal mention ahead of being upgraded to a higher court, likely the County Court of Victoria.

Ms Stevic outlined concerns the accused may be a flight risk, noting family ties to Asia as well as a valid passport, which she called on the court to confiscate throughout criminal proceedings.

A police informant from

Frankston SOCIT said the alleged offending was historic in nature.

Defence counsel Geoff Clancy said the accused had first been interviewed by police in September last year, before being officially charged last month.

“At no stage in that period has he attempted to flee – he’s attended (court) on summons,” he said.

“You don’t have any actual (evidence) – other than your

suspicions – that he would be planning to leave the jurisdiction.”

Mr Clancy conceded the alleged offending was serious.

Magistrate Belinda Franjic noted the “assortment of charges” was very serious, and said the accused would be facing a lengthy jail term if found guilty.

She agreed the alleged circumstances were worthy of a bail order being imposed.

A bail condition preventing the accused from speaking to witnesses for the prosecution case was disputed by Mr Clancy, and a condition preventing contact with complainants was instead agreed.

Ms Franjic ordered the accused surrender his passport to police immediately, and banned him from leaving the country ahead of the matter’s return to court on October 27.

Tackling uphill climb to support mental health

By RYAN MALCOLM

FIVE Wangaratta firefighters

and a new SES recruit will next month don full emergency response kit and race to the 28th floor of the Crown Metropol Hotel in Melbourne, to raise awareness and funds for Australian cancer and mental health initiatives.

Some 600 emergency service members from across Australasia and the world are expected to attend the 10th Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb on September 2, simulating the actions of a firefighter entering a burning high rise building.

Burdened with 25kg of emergency response kit, firefighters will race ‘on-air’ by using a selfcontained breathing apparatus, while SES member Jasmine O’Dwyer will race in appropriate SES response gear.

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Tattslotto - Draw 4387 24, 18, 1, 43, 2, 36 (31, 9)

Winning numbers

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*NB: Rainfall totals up until 3pm, Sunday Member

The event aims to raise $700,000 for programs including Lifeline, Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation and the 000 Foundation, in an effort to improve services, research and remove stigmas around depression, posttraumatic stress injury (PTSI) and suicide among emergency services and defence members.

Returning for her fourth edition of the stair climb, and fresh off being crowned the fastest female competitor in 2022, having completed the climb in 6:05 minutes, Wangaratta CFA’s Monique Hillenaar said the initiative highlighted important issues faced by many within the emergency services.

“(Partner) Kasey (Smith) and myself started doing the stair

climb in Canada – we used to be volunteer firefighters in Canada and they have a Calgary stair climb, so we started doing it over there to raise funds for similar (causes),” she said.

“When we came back home we realised there was a Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb and we thought it was a really good cause and really good to raise awareness around cancer and mental health so we decided to get on board.

“It’s a nice little way to get together with some fellow firefighters and do something a bit challenging.”

The challenge of the climb is

not to be underestimated, with career and volunteer firefighters training regularly outside of their normal working hours to be able to steady their breathing while relying on an oxygen tank in the enclosed stairwells.

And while herself, Kasey, Cameron Cryer and Shaun O’Dwyer will know what to expect, Ms Hillenaar said for first timers Jasmine and CFA’s Tim Duff, it was a matter of “suck it up and see how you go”.

“Jasmine’s been really good at doing some training – she’ll be wearing about 25kg of kit still – she won’t be on-air because she’s not a firefighter, but she’ll

Welcoming our newest arrivals

MIDWIVES and nurses at Northeast Health Wangaratta were once again kept busy last week with new mums and bubs arriving.

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.

have a fair bit of kit,” she said.

“She’s been doing some steps with a weight vest so she’s getting herself pretty prepped for it.

“I’m not sure what training Tim’s doing but I know he’s quite fit so I have complete faith in him that he’ll launch up those stairs in no time.

“We usually try and be there to support each other, and we make sure we meet up on the day as well to rev each other up – we’re very much a team and we go down there as a team.”

To donate to the Wangaratta stair climb team, visit https:// www.firefighterclimb.org.au/ station/cfa/wangaratta.

HEAVY WORK: (From left) Monique Hillenaar, Shaun O’Dwyer, Jasmine O’Dwyer and Kasey Smith will raise funds and awareness around depression, post-traumatic stress injury and suicide within the emergency services sector.

PHOTO: Ryan Malcolm

ANASTASIA Rose Leighton was born on Wednesday, July 26 at 3:12pm and weighed 3.5kg (7lb 11oz).

She is the sister of Jasmine, Yaakov and Ezekiel Leighton and daughter of Christiana and Jeremy Leighton of Docker.

SAMANTHA Mae Beel was born on Friday, July 28 at 1:29pm and weighed 3.3kg (7lb 5oz). She is the daughter of Sheryl and Gary Beel of Wangaratta.

Plans to accommodate more residential growth

By JEFF ZEUSCHNER

A PROPOSED development plan of two large tracts of land to accommodate around 350 new residential lots in Wangaratta’s North West Growth Areas will be considered by Rural City of Wangaratta councillors in coming months

Situated along Cruse Street, between Reith Road and Worland Road, the two parcels of land represent a significant piece of proposed residential development within the major growth corridor for the rural city’s expansion.

The plans from Grange Development hope to provide

approximately 150 new residential lot sizes averaging 626m2 on approximately 14.35ha; and 194 dwellings with lot sizes averaging 622m2 on an area of approximately 21.41ha.

The submission to council says the proposed development supports the vision for the Wangaratta North West Growth Area Structure Plan area to “create a new, well-connected and serviced community that has a positive sense of place”.

The plan provides a diversity of housing density and product including two medium density residential precincts, with a detailed street network and

centrally located open space that accommodates significant native vegetation.

A green spine is to run eastwest through the centre of the precinct, and include additional landscape elements that link the two open space areas with views to the Warby Ranges to the west.

Amenity of open space area will be further supported by a future proposed café/providore, as well as paths and bush tracks, recreational activities and play opportunities.

The submission says the road network and open space provision focuses on existing Indigenous trees to be retained.

“The design integrates existing Indigenous vegetation to the proposed development that contributes to the protection and enhancement of the area’s environmental habitats,” it reads.

“The development of the area will not have profound effects as the vegetation loss and will not contribute to further fragmentation of the landscape.”

Public submissions on the plan close this Friday, August 11.

The plan can be viewed on council’s website at https:// www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/ Your-Council/Public-notices.

Police CCTV plea to residents, businesses

By STEVE KELLY

WANGARATTA police are creating a CCTV registry, calling on residential and business property owners with camera systems to help with the investigation of crimes.

Leading Senior Constable Paul Campbell of the Crime Scene Unit and Leading Senior Constable Helen Parfett of the Crime Prevention Unit started door knocking last week to create a database which will form the registry.

Police are reaching out to people in the community, both commercial and private premises, who may have cameras with varying levels of technology and recording ability.

“If there is a crime in that area we can reach out to these people and ask them to please look through the footage for a certain time period that could help with investigations,” Ld Sen Const Parfett said.

“We’re looking to log where the cameras are and map them, and if we go to respond to a crime, detectives can go to the map and identify where the cameras are.

“Detectives can make a phone call straight away rather than taking sometimes 8-10 hours for the process to get to that stage.

“If we’ve got a phone number or an email, we can log into the

registry and get the ball rolling.”

Ld Sen Const Campbell said the data will be protected and will only be used to aid investigators.

“We’ll be actively reaching out to people in the community over the next couple of months with letter drops and door knocking,” he said.

“There is already a large network of cameras in places like Bundalong and a lot of premises in new estates have them as well.”

The initiative has been largely successful in other parts of Victoria and Wangaratta police are envisaging a strong uptake locally.

Technology of cameras has ad-

vanced in the last few years with superior picture quality and storage to cloud capabilities.

Prices for cameras have also dropped markedly as well, with some doorbell cameras under $200.

If you would like to be on the CCTV registry contact Wangaratta police on 5723 0888.

DETECTIVES are continuing to investigate the circumstances of a fatal house fire in Benalla on Saturday morning, but have said it is “non-suspicious”.

Emergency services were called to Deas Street following reports of a fire about 5.15am. The body of a person, who is yet to be formally identified, was located inside.

The area was cordoned off and a crime scene was established, with Arson and Explosives Squad detectives attending the scene with an arson chemist to determine the cause of the blaze.

A Victoria Police spokesperson said on Sunday that investigators were treating the fire as “non suspicious”.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Teen fighting for life after hit-and-run

MAJOR Collision Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for information for a driver to come forward following a hit-run collision in Benalla on Friday evening.

Police have been told a teenager was walking across Bridge Street West, when he was struck by a 4WD ute, about 9.20pm. The 16-year-old Benalla boy was airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Police said the driver involved didn’t stop at the scene and fled in the damaged vehicle. Detectives are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the collision or with information about the driver to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Rainfall helps top up local water storages

WANGARATTA recorded its heaviest rainfall in a month, with 16mm falling in the 24 hours to 9am Saturday.

Across the region Mt Buffalo recorded the highest total of 45mm, with 35mm and 33mm at Falls Creek and Mt Hotham.

In the Ovens and King catchments, Bright had 34mm, Everton 24mm and Whitlands 25mms.

The falls help further top up local water storages, with Lake William Hovell and Nillahcootie full, Lake Buffalo at 61.48%, Hume 95% and Dartmouth 96.83%.

Local VFF branches to look to the future

VICTORIAN Farmers Federation (VFF) members from around the district will gather in Wangaratta next week to discuss the future of the peak statewide farming organisation. Members from Wangaratta, Myrtleford, Benalla and Rutherglen branches are being invited to meet with state VFF representatives to discuss a proposed new VFF constitution. The meeting wil be held at the Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway on Tuesday, August 15, commencing at 6pm.

CAMERAS WATCHING: Leading Senior Constable Helen Parfett of the Crime Prevention Unit and Leading Senior Constable Paul Campbell of the Crime Scene Unit tell of how home and business security cameras can help police with investigations.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Fatal Benalla house fire “non suspicious”

Haines’ bold vision for our regional health workforce

INDEPENDENT federal MP for

Indi Helen Haines has called on the Federal Government to invest in the future of the rural health workforce, by funding a plan to make Albury Wodonga the Regional Health Education and Research Capital of Australia.

In a speech to parliament last week, Dr Haines presented the vision for a Collaborative Education and Research Centre, to be located at the redeveloped Albury Wodonga Health precinct.

“This centre will be a purposebuilt facility which brings together clinical practice, education, training and research,” Dr Haines said.

“I want the best health facilities

for our region, but we must also address the biggest issue facing our health sector – finding and keeping the doctors, nurses and allied health professionals who care for us.”

Dr Haines has met with leaders from Albury Wodonga Health, the University of New South Wales, La Trobe University, Charles Sturt University, Wodonga TAFE and NSW TAFE to discuss the proposal, which would combine the strengths of the border region’s universities, TAFEs and health services to better serve patients.

“Healthcare workers are critical to our experiences in the health system, and we need more of them,” she said.

“This collaborative centre would give us the ability to train and retain the healthcare workers we need, including doctors, nurses, specialists and allied health professionals.

“By providing a pathway for local students and mid-career health professionals to get the training they need close to home to upskill and specialise, to be mentored by local experts, it means we are more likely to keep them in our local health service.”

Dr Haines has taken the plan to the government, including Health Minister Mark Butler and a meeting with Education Minister Jason Clare last Thursday.

“This is a huge opportunity for our region...instead of competing, these institutions are coming together to combine strengths and ensure we don’t duplicate efforts,” she said.

“The centre is key to attracting, training and retaining high quality staff to meet the needs of this growing population.

“The centre would coordinate healthcare placements, deepen the workforce pool through increased student exposure to our region, and encourage education and training organisations to invest in our region.”

The proposal for the Collaborative Centre for Contemporary

Education and Research evolved during consultations on the Albury Wodonga Regional Deal and includes a purpose-built facility which will house multidisciplinary clinical practice, education and training services.

It will support healthcare training providers to deliver student facilities for undergraduates and post-graduate professionals training on the border.

In her speech, Dr Haines said the government should support the proposal as part of efforts to address the healthcare worker shortage - starting with a modest funding request of $250,000 to facilitate a discovery phase of the project.

Monday, August 5, 2013

THE local ‘bushrangers’ crew at Park Lane Nursery have beautified the new $1.5 million Community Care Centre on Clark Street.

Northeast Health Wangaratta’s (NHW) newest upgrade has brought about the housing of fundamental public services under one roof, including the dental and fracture clinics, plus outpatient clinics.

The finishing touches outside the building involved 139 plants being put in place, mulch to protect the garden area and installation of an irrigation system.

The centre opened on July 1 and NHW chief executive officer, Margaret Bennett, said they are privileged to have this wonderful partnership with the bushrangers who volunteer their services at NHW on a regular basis.

It’s expected that the new six room dental facility will cut the waiting list from 28 to 19 months in just half a year.

With 46 rooms in total, the centre will cater for up to 40 outpatients awaiting departure from the hospital as well.

The bushrangers are part of the Park Lane Nursery not-for profit project.

Park Lane Nursery provides training and employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Gardening projects such as the one at NHW have in the past also offered greater community inclusion for participants.

New Veterans Card for all ADF members

THE Victorian Government has launched the Veterans Card - an Australian-first initiative - for all current and former Australian Defence Force members.

More than $36 million is being invested over four years in the digital card, which has already been taken up by more than 6000 veterans. The card provides eligible veterans with discounted registration for one light vehicle, free trailer and caravan registration, a marine (boating) licence, free public transport on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, a fishing licence exemption, and access to the Victorian Government veteran-specific employment programs. Anyone living in Victoria who has served or is currently serving in the Australian Defence Force is eligible for the Veterans Card – Victoria. For more information on the card, or to apply visit service.vic.gov.au/services/veteranscard-victoria.

Oxley Bush Market opens applications from stallholders

STALLHOLDER applications are now open for the 42nd Annual Oxley Bush Market scheduled for Saturday, November 4.

Staged at the historic Oxley Shire Hall (1875), the market sees thousands of visitors flock to the township to enjoy the event, and wander among the 150 stalls selling a wide range of home-made, homeproduced, home-grown and new items.

Visitors to the market will enjoy the variety of gourmet food on offer, the toetapping music, catching up with friends and the sheer vibrancy of the event.

The market is also widely valued for the contribution it makes to many local fundraising groups, including schools, kindergartens, service clubs and fire brigades.

Previous stallholders have been notified by email, and new prospective stallholders are requested to go on-line either through the Humanitix website and click on the link https://events.humanitix.com/oxleybush-market-2023 or visit www.oxleyhall. com to apply for a stall.

Make sure you read the rules of the market before selecting the green button to ‘Apply for a Bush Market Stall’.

Bookings will close at 5pm on September 8.

Applicants will be notified if they have been successful in gaining a site by September 22.

Unsuccessful applicants will have their payment returned in full and they will be contacted by email by September 22.

If you have a question that is not answered on the ticketing page, cannot pay by credit card, or need additional assistance, email oxleybushmarket@ gmail.com, including your name and phone number.

BEAUTIFICATION: The finished landscape gardening works completed by the ‘bushrangers’ crew at Park Lane Nursery.

PHOTO: Luke Plummer

IT’S BACK: Stallholder applications are now being taken for this year’s Oxley Bush Market.

Tracey will be our voice at National Disability Summit

By SIMONE KERWIN

PROFOUNDLY deaf from birth, Tracey McGeehan was never expected to be able to speak; the fact she can is something she sees as a gift

“I love talking,” she says with a smile.

Tracey particularly enjoys using the ability to advocate for herself and others, both in general life and in her role as disability support officer at Northeast Health Wangaratta.

She’ll be doing just that when she is among the speakers at the National Disability Summit being held in Melbourne on August 21 and 22.

Tracey will be one of 34 speakers at the two-day summit, a key event on the calendar of disability service providers and industry leaders.

As part of a panel on day one, she will speak to an audience encompassing NDIS service providers, high-level executives, community care organisation representatives, support coordinators, people with disability, carers, state and federal government agencies, council organisations

from across Australia, NDIS representatives, aged care facilities, and aged care providers.

The panel will focus on sustainable employment and the future of work opportunities for people with disability, touching on topics such as the morale and benefits that flow from disability employment; challenging systemic barriers; access to Employment Assistance Funding; and steps that can be taken to ensure correct systems are in place.

Tracey said she was particularly interested in looking at existing barriers to employment, and how these could be challenged in future.

“For instance, to apply for a job, you’ve got to navigate recruitment,” she said.

“The system needs to be more flexible to ensure it’s accessible to people.

“I’m passionate about the value of self-advocacy and education in building leadership confidence within people with disabilities.

“I’ve received a lot of help in my life; my parents have always encouraged me to speak up.

“Now, because I focus

ADVOCATE: Northeast Health Wangaratta disability support officer Tracey McGeehan will speak at this month’s National Disability Summit in Melbourne.

on workforce, students and volunteers, I have lots of opportunities to speak to people and educate them.

“I’m also interested in listening to other people.”

Tracey said she felt her involvement in this month’s summit was a chance to give a voice to people with disability.

The summit will offer the disability sector a chance to discuss not only the National Disability Insurance Scheme, but a wide range of other issues and considerations.

Its main aim is to determine how people with disability and their families can be better supported to

Search is on for our top citizens

NOMINATIONS are now open for the 2024 Rural City of Wangaratta’s Australia Day Awards.

Anyone can nominate a citizen, young citizen, community event or project that has inspired them over the last year.

Nominations are open for:

• Citizen of the Year;

• Young Citizen of the Year (under 25); and

• Community Event or Project of the Year.

Recipients will be presented with their awards at the 2024 Australia Day celebrations held across the municipality.

In addition to receiving an award on Australia Day, the Rural City of Wangaratta Citizen of the Year will have their hand carved in to the Marmungun Rock as a timeless momento and is invited to be part of the Marmungun Rock Ceremony during Reconciliation Week hosted by the Dirrawarra Indigenous Network.

maximise independence and participation by creating greater choice.

Along with sustainable disability employment, this year’s key topics include workforce, housing, health and care sector, the role of government bodies, and building inclusive communities.

Your place to feel good.

Nominations are open until 4pm, Friday, November 3.

For more information and to make a nomination please visit, www.wangaratta.vic.gov. au/AustraliaDay2024 or contact events@wangaratta.vic.gov.au.

For a hard copy form visit the Wangaratta Government Centre, Wangaratta Library or the Wangaratta Visitor Information Kiosk.

PHOTO: Simone Kerwin

Green growth builds on our community’s sustainable future

EXPANDING the capacity of Wangaratta’s Organics Processing Facility is an inevitable and positive step for a council and community that has such a rich history of sustainability and environmental consciousness.

We were among the first councils in Victoria to commence kerbside recycling many decades ago and have been a great supporter of the three bin system for many years - with a move to a four bin system well in hand for next year.

Design, build and operation of major infrastructure has reflected the community’s desire to have a greener footprint, reducing carbon emissions and being environmentally sensitive at every opportunity.

Our urban growth has incorporated green belts while proactive native plantings have helped provide a strong sense of environment.

Three years ago council established our state-of-the-art organics processing facility at North Wangaratta, using ‘aerated static pile composting’ technology, which was the first of its type in Australia and the only council run facility in Victoria.

The EPA’s approval last week to increase the facility’s annual processing capacity up to 12,000 tonnes is part of responsible measures to deal with consumer challenges.

Processing more of the green waste into compost, rather than filling landfill, has economical and environmental benefits, and it responds well to the overall challenges posed by climate change.

Whether the facility has the potential to double in size to serve as a regional organics processing site is yet to be seen, but for now it is helping make a positive contribution.

The Quiz No. 47

1. What are the three colours on the flag of the Northern Territory?

2. In September 2015, who replaced Scott Morrison as the Federal Minister for Social Services?

3. Which 1997 movie starred Bruce Willis as Korben Dallas?

4. Legendary swimming coach, Forbes Carlile, represented Australia in which sport at the 1952 Summer Olympics?

5. What colour is the syrup called Grenadine?

6. In the Superman comic strip, Clark Kent works at which newspaper?

7. Which band had the 2005 hit, Pretty Vegas?

8. Who won the Simpson Medal for the 2015 WAFL Grand Final?

9. Goulash originated in which European country?

10. In relation to the health insurance company HCF, what does HCF stand for?

11. Natasha Stott Despoja was the leader of which political party from April 2001 to August 2002?

12. Which TV series featured the character, Patricia “Pat the Rat” Wallace?

13. How many times was there a drawn men’s Ashes cricket series during the 20th century?

14. What is the name of Adam Sandler’s film production company?

15. Which two countries border Turkey to the south?

16. Who preceded Malcolm McCusker as Governor of Western Australia?

17. In which city and in which year were the first official international Paralympics held?

18. The non-alcoholic cocktail which combines iced tea and lemonade is named after which golfer?

19. Which classic TV show featured Gus the Snail and Bill the Steam Shovel?

20. Who wrote the 2007 memoir, My Booky Wook?

FACEBOOK users this week commented on Kim Michelini playing her 650th game for Milawa.

• Debra Whitehead:

An outstanding career in netball. You taught my girl so much. You were the best coach ever. Congratulations on reaching this milestone.

Huzzah!!!!

• Donna Muldoon: ABC Melbourne how’s this for remarkable dedication? 650 club games! Kim is a legend!

• Victoria Gehrig:

Congratulations Kim on this milestone! I absolutely loved my time playing with you at Milawa you were competitive, lethal, motivating and very very humorous. I learnt a lot!

• Coral Lynch: Well done Kim.

• Nikki Smart: Kim Maree WOW!! 650 games!! You’re a living legend! Loved my time playing at Milawa with you & all the girls. Cheers & stacks on to you!!

• Shayne Garland: Well done Kim, such a great

Maximise opportunity for local communities

MIKE Burston is sceptical about the value of subsidising renewables and suspicious of politicians who support them (“Subsidised energy can only lead to price hikes”, Wangaratta Chronicle letters, August 4).

He also questions the term “global boiling” used recently by UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres after global average temperatures were broken in July.

He’s not a fan of nuclear power either.

This only leaves fossil fuels.

But when extracted and burnt, fossil fuels contribute greenhouse gases, the primary cause of rampant climate change.

At the recent launch of his book, Powering Up, former chief scientist Alan Finkel was asked about the wisdom of installing large scale solar and wind generators on agricultural land.

He agreed that there was a need to improve consultation with communities and landholders but concluded that there was no viable alternative.

He was particularly enthusiastic about the new developments in long-term battery storage.

The key principle for regional communities is the notion of “shared benefits”, and the Clean Energy Council’s Guide to Benefit Sharing Options for Renewable Energy Projects is a valuable resource.

The forthcoming strengthened Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act will better protect communities and natural assets.

Professor Graeme Samuel made 38 recommendations that are being considered by the minister, Tanya Plibersek.

We live in challenging times.

Hopefully the forthcoming Bush Summit in Wodonga on August 17 will provide a constructive forum for those in regional Victoria to work towards optimal outcomes.

However, given the major sponsor is Gina Rinehart, attendees will need to carefully scrutinise the offerings.

Indi independent federal MP Helen Haines clearly has the welfare of local communities as a high priority.

With her as local member, it’s clear Wangaratta is in good hands.

RayPeck,Hawthorn

Benefit sharing: https://assets. cleanenergycouncil.org.au/documents/ advocacy-initiatives/communityengagement/guide-to-benefit-sharingoptions-for-renewable-energy-projects.pdf

Bush Summit: https://www.dailytelegraph. com.au/bush-summit/lets-deliver-a-betterdeal-for-regional-aussies/news-story/ df9ffa7f040af2390b3787e4088bf8e2

NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.

competitor too! Only seems like a few yesterdays ago we were spring chickens coming down from Beechy for a game

• Michelle Hill: Congratulations Kim xx

• Jessica Sally: Go Kim!! Superstar!!!!

• Jessica Ellen: Kimmy, amazing! Congratulationsthis is a huge effort. Many happy and hilarious memories! Xx

• Mel Gillies: What a legend! Well done Kimm

• Cindy Baker: Legend .

Amazing sporting career. Well done.

• Sarah Bussell: Well Done Micka, congratulations on a fantastic achievement!

• Ward Meldrum: Congratulations Kim dad would have been so proud the Apple does not fall far from the tree

• Bradley John: Kim

Maree absolute weapon

• Mal Robinson: Well done Kim. Dad would have been super proud

GPs call on support for 60-day scripts

ON behalf of patients, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is calling on Australia’s political leaders to stand strong and support 60-day dispensing.

I’m calling on Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and The Greens to put Australians first and rule out a disallowance.

Sixty-day dispensing is in patients’ best interests – it will save around six million people money and time, and free up GP consults for other patients.

Disappointingly, this scare campaign has targeted vulnerable people with fearful messages and misinformation, including claims there will be shortages of medicines that aren’t on the list for 60-day scripts.

This campaign also fails to acknowledge that all the budget savings are being reinvested back into community pharmacy.

We welcomed the significant financial boost for community pharmacies, which took effect July 1st, and an additional $148.2 million is being provided to help regional, rural, and remote pharmacies adjust to 60-day scripts.

In a poll of GPs around Australia, 85 per cent agreed their patients would benefit from 60-day dispensing.

In a cost-of-living-crisis, this reform will make a difference for the people in our community who need it most.

DrNicoleHiggins,RACGPpresident

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Don’t miss the $250 Power Saving Bonus

THE fourth round of the $250 Power Saving Bonus is almost over, with applications closing on August 31.

With bills skyrocketing and the cost-ofliving through the roof, I would encourage everyone who hasn’t already applied for this round of funding to get in now while you still can.

If you need a hand with your application, the team at my office will be able to help.

Feel free to visit my electorate office at 15 Murphy Street, or call on 03 5721 6155.

A full copy of a recent power bill is required to apply.

TimMcCurdy, NationalsMPforOvensValley

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 for reasons of space, content or legibility.

Email edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au Post Letters to the Editor, 37 Rowan St, Wangaratta 3677

Squiggle

20. Russell Brand

PRETTY PRINCESS: Rosie McPherson was among those who’ve been making the most of the sunny weather at Apex Park over the past week.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

More paramedics to respond to growing response times

ADDITIONAL paramedics have been deployed across Hume region in the last month, in an effort to curb ambulance response times which remain well above the state average.

The fourth quarter of the 2022/23 financial year was the state’s third-busiest on record, with ambulances across Victoria subject to a 5.5 per cent increase in demand for urgent care.

In the Rural City of Wangaratta, ambulance crews

BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au

were called to some 587 code one urgent responses, arriving in 15 minutes and 26 seconds on average.

Some 66.4 per cent of responses were within Ambulance Victoria’s goal of 15 minutes, but the average response time was 26 seconds longer than the previous quarter.

Wangaratta students to share Kokoda experience ahead of 2024 scholarship

THREE Wangaratta students who recently trekked the Kokoda Trail will this week lead a panel to foster support for the local initiative to extend into next year.

Year 11 students Ella Kidd (Cathedral College), Hugh Canning (Galen) and Zoe Baguley (Wangaratta High School) spent eight days traversing the historic track in early July, as recipients of the Wangaratta RSL sub-branch’s Bob Iskov Scholarship.

On Wednesday night, the three will feature on a panel hosted by Megan Iskov, a previous Kokoda trekker and granddaughter of local Kokoda veteran and former Wangaratta Shire president Bob Iskov, in an effort to attract support and sponsors to send a new batch of students to the trail in 2024. Also in attendance will be East Gippsland MP Tim Bull, who recently served as a group leader on the July trek, Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy, who was the brainchild of the initial scholarship, as well as representatives from the Rural City of Wangaratta council.

Members of the Iskov family, RSL president Lt Gen (Retired) Ash Power, RSL committee members and family members of the students will also show their support.

Wangaratta RSL sub-branch volunteer coordinator Craig Iskov said

The average response replicated fourth quarter statistics for the 2021/22 financial year, despite paramedics responding to an additional 58 callouts in the most recent data.

Within Wangaratta’s urban centre, ambulances attended in an average of 12 minutes and 54 seconds, arriving to 79.4 per cent of its 466 callouts within 15 minutes.

Ambulance Victoria Hume regional director Narelle Capp said some 16 graduate paramedics had been re-

cruited in the Hume region over the last month, in an effort to combat staff shortages felt across the state as a result of winter weather and subsequent staff furloughs.

The additional 16 local staff add to a 102-strong boost to paramedicine across the state.

“Every winter we see demand rise, and this year is still challenging as COVID-19 and influenza spreads, and more staff are furloughed due to illness,” Ms Capp said.

“April to June saw ambu-

lances called to 97,509 code one cases statewide, which is more than 5000 additional ‘lights and sirens’ cases compared to the previous three months.

“This is a huge 29.3 per cent increase from 75,398 code one cases five years ago before the pandemic hit.”

While response times waned in Wangaratta in most recent data, response times in Indigo (24 minutes and 43 seconds, a 52 second improvement), Benalla (18 minutes and 43 seconds, a one minute

and 36 second improvement) and Moira (19 minutes and 16 seconds, a one minute and five second improvement) shires saw solid decreases.

Despite the improvement, Indigo Shire’s average response time was the ninth worst in the state, with 26.9 per cent of urgent calls attended within 15 minutes, while Mansfield Shire’s average response time of 24 minutes and 53 seconds saw only 40.4 per cent of calls attended within 15 minutes.

BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au

the scholarship, named after his father, had provided students a “connection” to soldiers from the local area, with each of the trio carrying the names and details of one Wangarattaarea soldier who was killed during the conflict.

He said students had attended the graves of John William Dawson (Benalla), John Norman Wilkinson (Wangaratta) and Maurice Valli (Oxley) while visiting the Pacific’s largest war cemetery, Bomana.

“It’s not just the experience of the physical stuff, but the fact that they visited the graves of Wangaratta men, it was quite a connection,” Mr Iskov said.

“A family member has come forward for Wilkinson, so I’m now going to communicate with him, because Zoe took a photo at his grave and laid a poppy.

“He was the bloke who was right beside my dad when (Wilkinson) was shot through the heart, so that’s a bit of a connection for me and I’m hoping for Zoe.”

Wednesday’s event, which will commence from 7pm at the Wangaratta RSL, will give potential sponsors an insight into how they can show their support for local young people, according to Mr Iskov.

“We are really relying on donations from people and businesses – we see it as Wangaratta businesses and people are investing in the youth of Wangaratta as a way to build the local community capacity,” he said.

“We want to celebrate the success of the kids and their achievements for themselves, but their achievements are also a bit of a benchmark for the youth of Wangaratta going forward.

“We’re talking about respecting and honouring Wangaratta men that were involved in Kokoda – those who died and those like my father who actually came back and went on to become community leaders in their own right.

“This is about giving these kids the opportunity to contribute to their community and their life.”

The application process for next year’s scholarship is expected to commence for current year 10 students in September and October.

To book a seat for Wednesday’s panel discussion, call Wangaratta RSL on 5721 2501.

Detox your Home is Victoria’s free, safe way to dispose of unwanted household and garden chemicals – without harming your health or the environment.

Register today for Sustainability Victoria’s free household chemical drop-off day, supported by Rural City of Wangaratta.

Detox your Home accepts:

Acids and alkalis

Aerosol cans

Ammonia based cleaners

Anti-freeze, coolant

Brake fluid

Car care products and waxes

Cooking oil

Cosmetics, nail polish and remover

Detergents, bleach, disinfectants and drain cleaner

Fertilisers

Fire extinguishers

Floor-care products and waxes

Fuels: petrol, diesel, kerosene, other Glues: water-based and solvents

Hand sanitiser

Herbicides and weed killers

Insect spray, pesticides, rat poison

Oven cleaner

Pool chemicals

Solvents

Thinners, turps and paint stripper

Transmission fluid

Wood preservatives and finishes

And other items found at home with these symbols:

For a full list of chemicals accepted, visit: www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/ accepteditems

EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME: Wangaratta students (from left) Ella Kidd, Hugh Canning and Zoe Baguley will share their recent Kokoda experience as part of a panel ahead of applications opening for the 2024 Bob Iskov Scholarship initiative.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Chris living the writer’s dream

Crime novelist on lunch menu in Wangaratta this Saturday gy

AFTER 30 years as a journalist and with two narrative non-fiction books under his belt, Chris Hammer made the decision to try his hand at fiction.

“I had tried to write a novel in my 20s and it was terrible - it’s still in a drawer somewhere and people say I should get it out, but I think it will stay there,” he said.

However, in a life and career which has had memorable moments of symmetry and timing, Chris’ second attempt at fiction proved a winner.

“I thought I might be able to write a book that could get published,” he said.

“I had the idea of a journalist who turns up to do an anniversary story a year after a terrible event.

“That came from an experience I’d had a few times - most notably in the US and a report I did on a little town there.

“The location came from one of my non-fiction books about travelling the Murray Darling Basin.

Illuminating nightly focus on camera club photos at Benalla Art Gallery

A NIGHTLY projection display at Benalla Art Gallery is focusing on local photography this August in celebration of World Photography Day.

World Photography Day is an annual, worldwide celebration of the art, craft, science and history of photography.

The next World Photography Day will take place on Saturday, August 19, and in the lead-up to the day, Benalla Art Gallery is bringing local photography into focus by celebrating the work of members of the Benalla Camera Club.

A curated selection of photographs is currently being presented nightly on the gallery’s outdoor projection facade.

The display, titled Natural Beauty, showcases flora, fauna, and landscapes from across the region.

Artists featured include Cath Duncombe, Glenda Black, Helen Repacholi, Joe Bourke, John Barry, Judy Barry, Ken Jenkins, Kerry McFarlane, Maggie Hollins, Mark Tylinski, Michael Black, Mike Bourke, Mike O’Connor, Patience Cooper, Rene Martens and Susan Thompson.

BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au

“That was the starting point, and I worked on it from there with no real expectations.”

The result was 2018 bestseller ‘Scrublands’, and what has followed is a writing life that has Chris feeling that he is indeed “living the dream”.

Following a recent UK tour, the Canberra-based author returned to Australia last week, and will head to Wangaratta this weekend as the guest speaker for the Wangaratta Arts Council’s Literary Lunch.

“We often used to drive through Wangaratta to visit family in Melbourne, so I’ve been there quite a few times. I’m looking forward to visiting again,” he said.

The lunch, on Saturday, August 12 from 12 noon at the Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway, will be a chance for locals to listen

to Chris’ recollections on his writing journey; what he loves about the process; the books he has produced so far; and his upcoming release, ‘The Seven’, which is due out in October.

It’s the latest achievement in a career which began after Chris earned a journalism degree at university in Bathurst, where crime writer Peter Temple - author of the ‘Jack Irish’ series - was among his tutors.

“Because I had the degree, I thought I’d better follow that path,” he said.

“I loved being a journo.

“I divided my time between federal politics, working in the press gallery in Canberra, and international affairs, reporting from countries around the world with SBS.

“I got to visit the most amazing places, and being a journo gives you a pass to go and stick your nose in where other people may not have the chance to when they are visiting as tourists.”

Having learnt plenty

from his two non-fiction books, ‘The River’ and ‘The Coast’, and subsequently returned to a ‘proper job’ in journalism, Chris followed his idea for fiction.

“Now, I’m in a very privileged position; there are only a very small number of us in Australia who get to spend our time writing books,” he said.

“I like the process; I like the weeks I can lock myself away and write and edit, and I like the times I get to go out and speak to people.

“It’s perfect for my personality.”

Chris said he’s not always sure where his ideas come from, and has no thought of how many books he has in his future.

“Sometimes it’s like the story’s there, and I’ve just got to find it and write it. I’m just going to enjoy it while I can,” he said.

Tickets for the August 12 literary lunch with Chris Hammer are available from Edgars Books and News in Murphy Street (phone 5721 3758).

The Last Waltz at St Patrick’s Hall tomorrow

A PLAY which expresses an important message about facing the realities of our mortality and talking about it with those around you, will be performed at St Patrick’s Hall in Ford Street tomorrow.

The Last Waltz stars Rose Sexton and Bec Bolwell and it tells the story of Vera, who is at an intensive care ward, hooked up to machines and unable to communicate, until she and her daughter-in-law begin to share their story with the audience.

Presented by End Stage Matters and Northeast Health Wangaratta, it will be performed from 1pm, with a Q&A session and light refreshments to follow, and entry is free with bookings via Eventbrite or by calling 5722 5184.

Cathedral College set for Singin’ in the Rain

CATHEDRAL College Wangaratta will present Singin’ in the Rain JR, based on the classic movie musical, at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on August 11 and 12.

The entertaining show features plenty of comedy, snappy dialogue and a hitparade score of Hollywood standards, performed by a cast of middle and senior school students.

Enjoy the tinsel town favourite for all ages with tickets available at wpacc.com.au.

Wangaratta Players to present Ladies in Black

WANGARATTA Players Inc presents the heart-warming Australian musical “Ladies in Black” at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre from August 17 to 19.

Based on the bestselling book by Madeleine St John, with words and music by Tim Finn, Ladies in Black is set 1950s Sydney and tells the story of a young high school graduate Lisa who takes a holiday job at the most prestigious department store in town, where a world of possibilities opens up.

An entertaining night of live theatre and music for all ages, tickets are available at wpacc.com.au.

LOVING THE LIFE: Chris Hammer moved into fiction writing following a 30-year career as a journalist.

LIGHT: Glenda Black’s ‘Ashmeads Swamp Sunset’.

NATURE: Susan Thompson’s ‘River’ photo.

DAY’S END: Mark Tylinski’s ‘Warrenbayne Sunset’.

MAGIC: Cath Duncombe’s photograph of ‘Autumn Magic’.

B&W: Kerry McFarlane’s ‘Bangtail Mountain’.

Warmer, wetter than average July

in Wangaratta

By JEFF ZEUSCHNER

WANGARATTA’S rainfall for July was about a third less than the monthly averages over the past 155 years.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s weather station at Wangaratta Airport recorded a total of 42.4mm rainfall last month.

That is well down on the July average of 62.4mm since 1987, and the average of 65.1mm recorded at the previous city location between 1868 to 1987.

The city’s heaviest falls within a 24 hour period was 17.6mm on July 5.

Advocating for greater heavy vehicle safety

POTHOLES remain a problem in maintaining heavy vehicle safety on local roads, according to transport industry advocates who gathered in Wangaratta last week.

Representatives from National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, WorkSafe Victoria and Victoria Police presented to local heavy vehicle operators and the general motoring community at the Victorian Transport Association Wangaratta Regional Forum, held at the Wangaratta Club last Thursday.

VTA chief executive officer, Peter Anderson, said it was hard to ignore the bumpy travel from Mel-

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

bourne for the regional forums taking place around regional Victoria.

“A truck is a workplace and people need to drive those trucks as safely as they can and if the infrastructure is not up to it then we’ve got a problem,” he said.

“We don’t want trucks to be weaving across the road into oncoming cars, or vice versa, as they try to avoid the potholes.

“We want people to head

home from work as they left in the morning and the condition of the roads certainly isn’t helping us reach that goal.

“The issue I’ve got is there’s no plan, I understand we’ve only got a certain amount of money but not understanding whether we’re going to get holes fixed or not isn’t good enough.”

The VTA forum inspired discussion among heavy vehicle enforcement representatives and operators to gain better understanding of operators’ responsibilities on the road when driving heavy vehicles throughout the community.

Mr Anderson said it was great to see a strong turnout

from not only those involved with heavy vehicles, but those wanting to gain a better understanding of the industry.

“It’s important every operator understands their responsibilities when they do drive their trucks through these communities and for the community to feel safe,” he said.

“Trucks are an essential part of living and what we do in our communities and it’s important we manage them in the best possible way we can.”

The VTA will travel throughout regional Victoria including Mildura and Bendigo to hold similar forums in order inform regional

Victorians of the latest heavy vehicle safety updates.

Mr Anderson said the VTA will continue to advocate for a higher standard of professionalism in the industry following the forums.

“There’s not enough training before you get a heavy vehicle license, the individual is meant to learn on the job and as far as we’re concerned it’s too late, we want people to be safe from day one, not five years later,” he said.

“We appreciate the opportunity to be able to present and the support throughout the community, it’s great to see the community respond.”

A total of 8mm on July 28 was the next heaviest of the 21 days which had rain.

July’s rainfall brings the yearly total to 377.2mm, which is just above the mean average of 351.3mm.

After a relatively dry start to the year with below average rainfall of 29mm and 11.6mm in January and February, March and April had well above average rainfall of 93.4mm and 66mm, while May’s 46.8mm was slightly below average, and June’s 98mm was above average.

July’s temperatures were also above average, with the mean maximum being 13.7 degrees (13 degree average) and mean minimum being 3.4 degrees (2.5 degree average).

Our highest maximum daily temperature of 16.5 degrees was recorded on July 27 with the lowest maximum of 10.6 degrees on July 22.

Wangaratta has six mornings where the temperature fell below zero, the coldest being -1.7 degrees on July 20; while our warmest morning was on July 20 with a minimum of 8.8 degrees.

supporters of the annual campaign that empowers all adult Australians to be strong self-advocates for their own personal planning when it comes to their future.

Come and improve your knowledge around choices regarding end-of-life. We want to support you in having conversations with the people most important to you about your unique choices and wishes for your end-of-life.

Representatives from local Aged Care Facilities together with local businesses specialising in Wills, Funeral Bonds, Estate Planning, Power of Attorney and Centrelink will be in attendance for a Q & A session.

Light refreshments will be provided at the end of the session.

For more information or to register your interest, please contact: North East Funerals (03) 5722 2525 admin@northeastfunerals.com.au

FOR GREATER SAFETY: Responsibilities on the road for heavy vehicle operators was disscussed at the VTA regional forum on Thursday by heavy vehicle and road safety representatives Simon Brown (Worksafe), Kirstie Matthews (National Heavy Vehicle Regulator), Sheryn Paterson (Worksafe), Greg Cain (VTA), Chris Alexander (Victoria Police) Claude Savino (TWUSUPER), Brett Lemin (Victorian Waste Management Association) Shanti Jayamanne (Worksafe) and Sean Carlson (Engistics).

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Bailey Bridge installed at BeechworthWodonga Road

LOCALS can resume using Beechworth-Wodonga Road between Beechworth and Wooragee, following the installation of a temporary bridge at Rising Sun Creek.

Damage to a culvert at Rising Sun Creek was detected earlier this year following heavy rain and flooding.

While assessment of the damage has been undertaken, the road between Reids Way, Wooragee and Beechworth-Chiltern Road, Beechworth has remained closed.

This section has now been reopened, after our crews completed the installation of a Bailey Bridge over the site.

Walpole is Halliday’s best

Fighting Gully Road viticulturist receives top gong in wine awards g g G y p g g

BEECHWORTH vigneron

Mark Walpole from Fighting Gully Road winery has been named the 2024 Halliday Wine Companion Viticulturist of the Year.

The awards recognise the nation’s top wines, winemakers, viticulturists, and wineries across the country’s wine regions.

This year’s honourees and award winners were presented by the Halliday Tasting Team, chief editor Campbell Mattinson, founder James Halliday AM, as well as expert judges Dave Brookes, Jane Faulkner, Jeni Port, Philip Rich and Shanteh Wale.

The awards also mark the release of the wine-enthusiast’s bible, the 2024 Halliday Wine Companion, which is

available in stores nationally from this week.

Mr Walpole is known for his passion for sangiovese (of which he is arguably the chief Australian authority) and is also an authority on viticulture.

Established in 1997, Fighting Gully Road commenced planting the Aquila Audax Vineyard, an elevated northfacing site, just 3km south of Beechworth.

Firstly, planting just cabernet sauvignon and pinot noir grapes.

Mr Walpole described the site as being of low disease pressure due to its exposed open nature and regular air movement.

He was originally inspired by the climate and varieties found in Bordeaux, which

has many similarities to what is found in Beechworth; and the elevated vineyards of the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany, Italy where shaley shallow soils produce grapes with concentrated colour and flavour.

Mr Walpole has been working to adapt his vineyard to changes in climate including new varieties that ripen later and have better natural acidity; while new plantings are being established to accommodate new equipment allowing reduced dependency on non-organic inputs; and contract labour.

Today, they have expanded with significant areas of sangiovese, tempranillo, shiraz, chardonnay, gros manseng; and more recently grenache and verdicchio

with now over 11.5 ha planted to vine. Plus, the black truffle farm alongside.

He has planted several varieties that while often referred to non-mainstream or ‘alternative’, are becoming increasingly popular in the Australian domestic market and seem very well suited to the Beechworth wine region.

For Mr Walpole, viticulture is the critical link to great wine – without high quality grapes, good wine is not possible.

“Having great grapes coming into the winery makes our job there easy, ninety percent of the job is done,” he said.

“Anything less just makes our winemaking more difficult with a lower

than ideal result.”

“I believe it is important to have a pragmatic approach to viticultural practices – not being tied to prescriptive methods which reduce flexibility and adaptability.

“We need to be able to respond quickly and efficiently to whatever the season throws at us.

“The past five years have shown exactly what that can be.”

Other North East winemakers to be honoured included Dark Horse winner – Anderson & Marsh, Alpine Valleys, Fortified Wine of the Year – All Saints Estate Museum Muscat NV, Rutherglen and Rutherglen’s Cofield Wines named the 2024 Halliday People’s Choice Award.

Northeast Dragon Boat Club paddlers represent Australia at world titles

By CORAL COOKSLEY

EXCITED Beechworth Dragon

Boat Club paddlers with three other local Northeast Dragon Boat paddlers yesterday headed to the World Championships to be held in Thailand where they will represent Australia.

Club president Brendan Maher and a coach Cindy Ellis along with Warriors Dragon Boat Club’s Christopher Wilke, Mt Beauty Dragon Boat Club’s Sean Taylor, and CYSM Dragon Boat Club’s Tyson Cox were selected for the Auroras Australian Dragon Boat team after undergoing a vigorous benchmarking process several months ago.

The paddlers will compete in the 16th International Dragon Boat Festival World Championship next week from August 8 – 13 with the paddlers represented in the Junior, Under 24, Senior B and Senior C divisions.

Group spokesperson Brendan said it was an amazing achievement to have North East clubs represented in the Auroras.

“Passion and dedication have certainly paid off in gruelling workouts on and off the water,” he said.

“We have trained six days a week for the past three months with a mix of gym, cardio and water sessions which included several division

camps in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.”

Paddlers will compete in open, women’s and mixed crews in standard boats of 20 and small boats of 10, racing over distances of 200m, 500m, 1km and 2km.

“It is a great honor to wear green and gold representing your country and returning with a wealth of invaluable experience and knowledge in skills, teamwork, and creating new friendships,” Brendan said.

Cindy said the entire experience in the lead up to the selection had been amazing.

“It’s very exciting and I feel very honoured. to be representing Australia,” she said.

“Brendan has been such a huge supporter and full of encouragement.”

Cindy said it had been a tough gig training during winter.

Brendan said having an Aurora in a club is amazing with the experience and knowledge to be brought back to share with fellow club members.

“It’s very exciting for our club and Beechworth to have two members from our community to represent Australia.”

He said round 15 or 16 countries will be represented at the World Championships.

Department of Transport and Planning Acting Regional Director (Hume) Emma Bamford said the installation of the temporary and portable bridge will allow traffic to cross while works are undertaken to repair the damaged culvert.

“Safety is our number one priority, and we appreciate the community’s patience while we continue planning for crucial culvert repair works on Beechworth-Wodonga Road,” said Ms Bamford.

“The installation of this temporary Bailey Bridge means locals and all road users can resume using Beechworth-Wodonga Road between Beechworth and Wooragee while we continue with these necessary repair works.”

The Bailey Bridge is a one-lane crossing, with traffic lights at either end and a 20kp/h speed limit in place.

A 20-tonne load limit remains in place east of Wooragee on Beechworth-Wodonga Road, where a second culvert is being assessed for damage. A 20-tonne load limit will remain in place at this section of road, and remains reduced to one lane with traffic lights on site.

Vehicles above this load limit will need to seek an alternate route from Chiltern using the Beechworth-Chiltern Road and the Hume Freeway.

Assessment of the culvert damage and planning for appropriate repair works is continuing. This is a complicated process due to the age of the culvert, stone-construction and a commitment to preserve the historical amenity of the structure.

Works to repair the damaged culvert at Rising Sun Creek are anticipated to begin mid-September 2023 and are anticipated to finish in late October 2023, weather permitting.

PICK OF THE CROP: Mark Walpole from Fighting Gully Road winery has been named the 2024 Halliday Wine Companion Viticulturist of the Year.

EXCITED: Auroras Australian Dragon Boat team members from the North East Christopher Wilke (left), Sean Taylor, Cindy Ellis, Brendan Maher and Tyson Cox compete in the World Cup next week.

Complexity as North East region contributes to the net zero goal

THIS is the first of several articles the Wangaratta Chronicle intends to run with guest writer and Glenrowan resident Dennis O’Neill on important issues for our region. Dennis was chair of the Wangaratta Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee for two years after a varied public and private sector career, including 11 years as CEO of the Australian Council for Infrastructure Development covering policy and investments in energy, water and transport sectors.

Many readers will by now have received the bad news from their electricity suppliers of up to a 50 per cent or thereabouts hike in power prices from August.

Feed-in tariffs have also plummeted so that power exported from your rooftop to the grid earns less.

Yet Commonwealth Energy Minister Chris Bowen reminds us continuously that renewables are cheaper than the traditional alternatives, coal and gas.

The recent external inflationary causes such as higher gas prices, floods interrupting coal production and delays to construction of transmission links to new solar and wind farms are understood, as is the lag in these higher costs trickling down to our electricity accounts.

How high will the cost of renewable power backed by batteries, hydro or gas need to go before the price curve turns south and our tortured pockets are relieved?

How can the nation resolve this challenging pricing conundrum?

These questions become even more difficult to consider given that transmission planning in Victoria will revert from Canberra (AEMO – Australian Energy Market Operator, which coordinates network planning) to the State Government once enabling legislation is passed. Will that move add clarity and certainty and contribute to lower prices or will the transition mechanism just bumble on, at our growing cost?

Already the newly minted Victorian SEC Mark 2, also promising lower cost renewable electricity, looks like stumbling at the start line.

What was once a technically simpler network of large generators connected by relatively few wires has now morphed into a complex array of dispersed and smaller wind, solar or hydro generators, with ever declining numbers of coal or gas units. These need new wires to connect to the existing transmission backbone.

There is also the emerging

recognition that much of the solar and wind industry is beholden to China’s manufacturing base, not to over play the impact of smart inverters that many of us have controlling the output of our rooftop panels, and their vulnerability to hacking and interference.

This presents a national security and not just an operational challenge.

The new renewable energy system also needs additional devices such as industrial scale batteries and ‘synchronous condensors’ to keep the increasingly complex network operationally secure and stable, also working at the required voltage and frequency, tasks previously carried out by large, high inertia steam or gas generators.

Greater complexity has therefore added new risks, higher cost and more challenges.

Thus, there is a higher price to pay, than was expected, to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

In Europe, German industry, in contrast to French or Swedish counterparts, is waking up to these much higher prices.

Recent polls there suggest many companies may soon move out of the country to secure their future manufacturing capability.

With the rapid development of solar generation in North East Victoria, now with peak production in bright sunshine at 234 million watts (MW) and plugged into the existing transmission lines, renewables investors have recognised the competitive advantages of our region.

The region benefits from

With this considerable greening of regional power production, local governments might surely consider accelerated efforts to attract investment in more energy intensive industries that in turn could selectively purchase local green power and enhance their ESG credentials.

numerous sunshine filled days, allied with the existing transmission infrastructure, available land and great transport corridors that readily bring in the solar panels and keep construction costs manageable.

Hundreds of jobs are created in the construction phase though these shrink to a handful for each project once in production.

In energy planning terms, the North East is part of two Renewable Energy Zones in Victoria.

The Ovens Murray REZ hosts transmission links between NSW and Melbourne.

It also links to the 380 MW Kiewa Hydro power plants past Mount Beauty.

The Central North REZ hosts a lower capacity transmission line from Dederang via Glenrowan to Shepparton and Bendigo.

The latter has already attracted solar developments near the Glenrowan sub-station, with two in production and one under construction, the magnet being available cleared land and short connection distance to the transmission link.

In the project pipeline, or perhaps that should read ‘coming down a line near you’, are at least another 500MW of North East

solar developments near Benalla, Barnawatha, Glenrowan, Meadow Creek and Wangaratta though the timing of their completion remains uncertain.

Social licence needs to be won for each new project, the specifics being determined by the nature and disposition of the land required, the priorities of neighbouring landowners and the preferences of nearby communities.

That 500MW figure does not include demand reduction efforts in towns like Yackandandah with its ‘Totally Renewable Yack (TRY)’, striving for electricity independence. Collectively these solar plants at peak production will match in this region about 45 per cent of the output from the now bulldozed Hazelwood Power Station in the Latrobe Valley.

With this considerable greening of regional power production, local governments might surely consider accelerated efforts to attract investment in more energy intensive industries that in turn could selectively purchase local green power and enhance their ESG credentials.

Further, the availability of land and transmission links might open the possibility for

other forms of carbon neutral generation, such as biomass or high-tech waste to energy plants that produce process heat as well as electricity, further enhancing the attractiveness of the region for industries requiring these inputs.

In its 2023 report and public submission, ‘Keeping the lights on and enabling a renewable energy revolution in Wimmera Southern Mallee’, The Wimmera Development Association - an affiliation of six local government areas - proposed modified transmission solutions to unlock regional solar and wind potential and deal with the impact of the impending closure of Yallourn Power Station in 2028 and the loss of four Gigawatts of power generation.

AEMO reported on late 2022 that the Central North REZ has 327MW of committed capacity, with another 3550MW of connection applications or enquiries.

Yet no enhancement project to accommodate this level of new connections is in prospect.

Will prompt filling of that capacity gap suffer from the transfer of transmission planning from AEMO to the Victorian Government?

The queue to connect to the lines in the Ovens Murray REZ is less than half that in the Central North REZ but augmentation projects are already underway there.

Complexity has indeed introduced new challenges and higher costs to the government task of ensuring that the lights remain on.

Like in the Wimmera, North East voices need to be raised to guarantee that outcome also in this region.

CHANGING LANDSCAPE: The Glenrowan Solar Farm project has recently reached the 50 per cent mark of completion with operations and renewable energy generation expected to start from the end of this year.

PHOTO: Courtesy Glenrowan Solar Farm

ACROSS

4 Name a prized fine wool (6)

7 What is a crack, gap, or other opening (8)

8 What is a sculptured image of a person (6)

9 Which crystallised violet quartz is used in jewellery (8)

11 What are facial expressions (7)

13 Which oil is used in making paints (7)

15 Name a short cord for securing something (7)

17 Name a tall, long-necked, spotted ruminant (7)

20 Which chair has arms that support elbows (8)

23 What is a tonsorial artist (6)

24 Which steroid hormone promotes masculine characteristics (8)

25 To decapitate, is to do what (6)

DOWN

1 What is junk mail, sent via the email (4)

2 Which term implies that something is free of cost (6)

3 What is a moral obligation (4)

4 When one encounters someone, one does what (5)

5 Name a champion Australian tennis player, Patrick ... (6)

6 What do we call the hours of darkness (5)

9 To be affected with pain, is to be what (6)

10 What might we call one who deals in leather (7)

12 Name an eight-legged predatory arachnid (6)

14 What, perhaps, describes the hoi polloi (6)

16 What are rough, coarse, or uncouth persons (6)

18 To be silly, is to be what (5)

E-QUATIONS

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD QUICK THINK

19 Name the unit of electrical capacity (5)

21 Which term describes a method (4)

22 When one chills something, one does what (4)

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

2

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:

Afro-American musical form (5)

Board of Studies (3)

Break apart (5)

Determined (3)

Drags vessel ashore (5)

Fifth note (3)

Multiplies by two (7)

Six (comb.Form) (3)

Spiral (5)

Weaknesses

SOLUTIONS SUDOKU

Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells. 1234

Soil carbon explained in new eLearn

AGRICULTURE Victoria has developed a soil carbon eLearning module for those seeking to better understand soil carbon, its role and function in agriculture.

Agriculture Victoria Climate Change service development officer, Heather Field, said over recent decades farmers have been actively working towards conserving and increasing soil carbon and reducing soil carbon losses by improved farm management practices.

“Soil carbon is critical for soil health, improving productivity, profitability and resilience,” she said.

“This easily accessible soil carbon eLearning module will help participants to have a deeper knowledge and tenable sound decisions for their operation.”

The introduction to soil carbon eLearn delves into:

• soil health benefits of soil carbon

• difference between soil carbon and soil organic matter

• influence of soil type, climate and land management on soil carbon stocks

• impacts of agriculture practices on soil carbon

• where to go for further information and resources.

For easy access to the ‘Introduction to soil carbon’ eLearn go to https://go.vic. gov.au/3XW2qCg

Landcare Week celebrates volunteers’ efforts

IT’S Landcare Week, from today until August 13, across the country, marking a celebration of the tireless efforts of tens of thousands of volunteers devoted to restoring, protecting and enhancing both the natural environment and the vital agriculture sector within their local communities.

In North East Victoria more than 50 local groups, with several thousand volunteers, actively support and facilitate projects that contribute to the

natural environment.

Helping lead the charge locally is the Wangaratta Landcare and Sustainability Inc. (WLSI), combining the Wangaratta Urban Landcare Group and Wangaratta Sustainability Network.

WLSI is committed to helping the local community value natural resources.

Its members help protect existing natural remnant vegetation and encourage native plant species regeneration on public

Crops monitored with AI technology

ARTIFICIAL intelligence, satellite imagery and sensor cameras are feeding valuable data into a PhD student’s research at Agriculture Victoria’s Horsham SmartFarm that could see greater yields and efficiencies for pulse growers at harvest time.

University of Melbourne PhD student Danielle Yidan Tang is using the technologies on lentil and faba bean crops, supervised by Agriculture Victoria senior researchers Dr Cassandra Walker (crop quality) and Dr Glenn Fitzgerald (crop agronomy).

“We are monitoring lentil and faba bean crops from flowering to harvest using sensors and cameras in combination with satellite images to create a preharvest spatial map of grain quality variation across growers’ paddocks,” Ms Tang said.

“These maps give us a real-time indication of grain quality traits such as colour, grain size and protein and illustrate which sections of crops are harvest ready.

“The technologies could also be used in a glasshouse environment to optimise breeding research.”

land in natural areas and along waterways including Kaluna Park, Kaluna Island, Wenham’s Reserve, and Mullinmur Billabong, where they’ve been help native fish conservation and carp removal.

Members are also involved with clean up and protection of roadsides, waterways, and catchment by encouraging rubbish removal and water monitoring.

For more information on WLSI go to https://wlsi.org.au/

Ms Tang is a remote sensing specialist and recently returned from a four-week chemometrics study trip to Denmark funded by Agriculture Victoria, Grains Research Development Corporation and the University of Copenhagen.

She presented her PhD project to chemometric experts and fellow researchers. Dr Walker said Ms Tang’s research, while still in the ‘proof of concept’ phase is showing promising commercial benefits for the grain industry from gate to plate.

“Growers could harvest the best quality to achieve the highest prices; a win-win for marketers, traders and manufacturers,” she said.

GRDC sponsors students for Riverine Plains Innovation Expo

RIVERINE Plains invites tertiary students working towards a degree, diploma or certificate in an agriculturerelated field to apply for one of 20 Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) sponsored tickets to the 2023 Riverine Plains Innovation Expo.

The expo will be held at Mulwala from August 24 –25 with the theme: Putting farmers first – driving decisions using data focusing on the increasingly important role that data plays in farming businesses.

Riverine Plains CEO, Catherine Marriott, said the Innovation Expo is a fantastic opportunity for farmers, researchers and advisors, as well as students and young people starting out in agriculture, to learn more about the challenges and opportunities created by changes currently occurring across global markets.

“Farmers collect a lot of data on farm and the expo will cover not only how to

use the data to increase productive and profit performance, but also address the importance of data capture to maintain access, particularly into premium markets,” Ms Marriott said.

“This is especially important because data capture will also likely impact farmers’ access to financial and insurance products in the future.”

There are 20 GRDC sponsored tickets available for agriculture students, valued at $500 each, which provide full-event access to the event including the Innovation Conference, Gala Fundraising Dinner and Farm Tour. Sponsored tickets will be allocated on a first in, first served basis.

The Innovation Expo gets underway with the Riverine Plains Alvan Blanch Australia Innovation Conference on Thursday, August 24.

High-calibre speakers, including Alexandra Gartmann, chair of the Victorian Agriculture and Climate

Change Council and Nigel Hart, managing director GRDC will discuss data and the use of new technologies, including data-sharing with end-users, artificial intelligence and privacy.

Brad Egan, 2022 Young Farmer of the Year, will share his experiences of using data for agricultural innovation, profitability and sustainability.

There will also be a farmer panel discussion on how farmers are collecting and using data to make more informed decisions.

Panelists includes Nick Ennis from Lawson Grains, Anna Toland from Toland Merino, Brad Egan, Broden Holland and Emma Ayliffe from Summit Ag.

Riverine Plains Innovation Expo program and ticketing information, as well as applications for GRDC sponsored student tickets, are available at https://riverineplains.org.au/innovationexpo-2023/.

ENHANCING THE ENVIRONMENT: Pat Kuhle, Tony Faithfull, Libby Smith, Adrian and Helen Twitt from Wangaratta Landcare and Sustainability weeding ahead of Landcare Week.

RELIABILITY TECHNICIAN (MAINTENANCE FITTER)

About us: Brown Family Wine Group is one of Australia’s most loved and respected wine companies built on over 130 years’ experience in quality winemaking, market leading innovation and family values that are at the heart of everything we do as a business.

Our portfolio has grown over time to now include market leading wine brands such as: Devil’s Corner from the East Coast of Tasmania, Tamar Ridge and Pirie from Tamar Valley Tasmania, Innocent Bystander from the Yarra Valley and of course Brown Brothers from Milawa Victoria the spiritual home of our business.

About the role: Reporting to the Maintenance Manager you will be tasked with troubleshooting and completing a range of preventative and reactive maintenance tasks and implementing improvements and upgrades as and when required across a broad range of production plant, equipment, and infrastructure.

About you: Ideally, the successful candidate will be highly motivated and have a background in engineering, maintenance, and mechanical technologies. You will have qualifications and experience in a mechanical / engineering / infrastructure trade preferably in a food and beverage or similar manufacturing industry, the ability to maintain a safe, efficient, and tidy working environment as well as being able to research, develop, and implement innovative solutions and continuous improvements. You will also have:

Strong attention to detail.

Administrative and organisational skills including computer literacy across all platforms, and experience with computer-based operations and maintenance systems.

Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team, use initiative and work without direct supervision and to communicate professionally and effectively at all levels.

Ability to build strong cross-functional relationships across the business.

Driver’s Licence.

Forklift License (desirable but not essential).

What’s on Offer:

Work within one of Australia’s leading wine companies

Career development

Be part of a passionate and dedicated team Generous employee benefits including discounts on all products.

Apply Now!!

More Information:

Further information and a position description may be obtained by emailing Allyce Henwood at careers@brownfwg.com.au.

Applications will close on 18 August 2023 Scan to Apply

Emailyouradvert

______________classifieds@nemedia.com.au

Positions vacant

Manager Operator for motel and mini golf. Live in position.

2 full time cleaners. Located in Bright.

Contact Allan on 0400 501 434.

OUTDOOR LEADERSHIP TRAINEESHIP –CERTIFICATE IV

Are you keen on working outdoors?

Are you interested in teaching young people?

Are you keen to learn new skills and gain a qualification in Outdoor Leadership?

Outdoor School – 15 Mile Creek and Bogong Campuses are seeking young, enthusiastic people who have an interest in Outdoor Education to apply for their 2024 traineeship intake.

Positions are available at both campuses for a 12 month appointment starting early December 2023

Further information and how to apply is available by phoning 03 57666247 or emailing rhys.evans@education.vic.gov.au

Applications close Thursday 31/8/2023 at 5pm.

Finding

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

DOG TRAINER , behavioural assessments, strategic programs, implementing positive outcomes. E frank@ franksdogtraining.au or 0418 314 610.

IRONBARK

Machinery, automotive and small engine servicing and repairs, trailer repairs and professional welding services. Ph 03 5722 4460.

Why not charge your advertisement to Mastercard or Visa?

5723 0101

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

2013 Toyota Corolla

L evin SX, 6 speed

m anual, complete service history, RWC, 3 months rego (1KR4DE), 229,521km, Gold exterior, Black interior, car is in very good condition inside and out, $8500. Ph 0407 385 421.

OLD cars wanted, cars removed. Ph 0435 083 115.

HARLEY Davidson

2006, 1200cc xl

1200R sportster roadster, cruiser, 5 sp manual, 7640km, prisitne condition, VIN 5HD1CLP186K

455114, plus leather jacket, helmet, gloves and backpack, $11,500 bank cheque only. Ph

0408 546 764 or 0412

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POLARIS Ace 325, 635km, front and rear brushguard, winch, tow bar and hitch. Feb 23, 2016, 7.5 year old. $4500, bank cheque. Ph

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ICARE single electric adjustable medical bed, excellent condition, strong, breathable mattress platform, head/foot ends, mattress retainer bars, hand controls, 200kg safe working load, hardly used, $900 ONO. Ph

0498 796 473.

If you don't use it...

Honouring the Journey

Mason Park Funerals

P. 03 5721 5060 W. masonpark.com.au

The only family owned funeral home in Wangaratta

Proud Member of Australian Funeral Directors Association

John & Christine Haddrick

All Hours 5722

2525

northeastfunerals.com.au

D’ARCY, Martin Camillus (Mick)

August 8, 2013

Always loved

Always remembered Mary, (dec), Kathy, Jacinta (dec), Frank, Liz, Jim, Tim and their families.

“All is Well”

STYLES, Lyn.

August 7, 2013

As I walk through your garden, nothing has changed. It seems like a second and not a decade.

My love is with you, it will never fade.

Take care of your family Lyn as you do every day.

Miss you, love you. ~ Ian.

Remember your loved one in a lasting way

The memory of a much loved family member or friend can live on through a donation to your local health service Northeast Health Wangaratta. This is a direct way of helping us to continually improve patient care and comfort, ensuring the availability of comprehensive health services in our local community.

Family and friends can make a donation in lieu of flowers in recognition of the medical care and attention provided.

The bereaved family will be notified of your memorial gift according to your wishes and you will receive a tax-deductible receipt for your donation. To make a donation or to request information about memorial service donations or remembering Northeast Health Wangaratta in your will, please contact -

Community Engagement Team (03) 5722 5069 or PO Box 386, Wangaratta, Vic 3676.

classifieds@nemedia.com.au

Phone: 03 5723 0101

WINNERS AND LOSERS

OVENS AND MURRAY SENIORS LADDER

SCOREBOARD RESERVES RESULTS

YARRAWONGA 4.6 11.9 16.12 20.14.134

MYRTLEFORD 1.0

GOALS: YARRAWONGA: Leigh Williams 5, Dylan Conway 4, Nicholas Fothergill 4, Matthew Casey 3, Logan Morey 1, Will Robinson 1, Kyal Tyson 1, Mark Whiley 1. MYRTLEFORD: Ryley Sharp 2, Addison Bedendo 1, Ashton McPherson 1, Levi Young 1. BEST: YARRAWONGA: Ryan Bruce, Mark Whiley, Leigh Williams, Cameron Wilson, Jordan Urquhart, Nicholas Fothergill.

MYRTLEFORD: Rhys Grant, Mitch Dalbosco, Alex Jacobs, Ashton McPherson, Tom Sparks, Brody Ricardi.

GOALS: ALBURY: Kolby Heiner-Hennessy 3, Jacob Conlan 2, Luke Daly 2, Jake Gaynor 2, George Horlin-Smith 2, Rhys King 2, Elliott Powell 2, Ben Kelly 1. WANGARATTA ROVERS: Thomas Baulch 4, Alexander Marklew 3, Elijah Amery 2, Thomas Boyd 1, Will Christie 1, Brodie Filo 1, Lockey McCartney 1, Dylan Wilson 1. BEST: ALBURY: Isaac Muller, Jake Gaynor, Hamish Gilmore, George Horlin-Smith, Jessy Wilson, Rhys King. WANGARATTA ROVERS: Dylan Wilson, Samuel Murray, Jace McQuade, Cody Schutt, Brodie Filo.

NETBALL SCORES THIRDS RESULTS

A GRADE Albury 50 def Wangaratta Rovers 37

BEST: ALBURY: Brigetta Singe 3 Niamh Thorn 2, Gabrielle Mcrae 1.

WANGARATTA ROVERS: Kelsie Wilson 3, Molly Murray 2, Hidden Player 1 .

GOALS: ALBURY: Lilli Howe 38, Marny Hillier 12.

WANGARATTA ROVERS: Samantha Kreltszheim 23, Rebecca Kreltszheim 14..

Wangaratta 50 def Wodonga Raiders 37

BEST: WANGARATTA: Ellie Cooper 3, Kate Dean 2, Amanda Umanski 1.

WODONGA RAIDERS: Mackensey House 3, Taylor Donelan 2, Eliza Mooney 1

GOALS: WANGARATTA: Amanda Umanski 32, Georgia Clark 14, Amy Byrne 4 .

WODONGA RAIDERS: Taylor Donelan 25, Emily Stewart 12.

Yarrawonga 39 def by Myrtleford 44

GOALS: YARRAWONGA: Kaleisha Pell 31, Madeleine Allan 8.

MYRTLEFORD: Rebecca Piazza 26, Sally Botter 18

North Albury 53 def by Lavington 55

B GRADE: Yarrawonga 50 def Myrtleford 32; Albury 38 def Wangaratta Rovers 33; Wangaratta 46 def Wodonga Raiders 35; North Albury 59 def by Lavington 60.

C GRADE: North Albury 37 def Lavington 32; Wangartta 55 def Wodonga Raiders 33; Albury 27 def by Wangaratta Rovers 35; Yarrawonga 42 def Myrtleford 35; Wodonga 56 def Corowa-Rutherglen 42

17 & UNDER: Albury 37 def by Wangaratta Rovers 38; Yarrawonga 61 def Myrtleford 29; Wangaratta 39 def by Wodonga Raiders 50; North Albury 53 def Lavington 38.

15 & UNDER: Yarrawonga 10 def by Myrtleford 55; Albury 19 def by Wang Rovers 40; Wangaratta 20 def by Wodonga Raiders 47; Wodonga 45 def Corowa-Rutherglen 23; North Albury 36 def Lavington 29.

ROUND

18

North Albury..............3.4.22

Lavington ...............13.11.89

BEST: NORTH ALBURY: Callum Fisher, Sam Naughton, Zac Bonetti, Connor Bradbury, Mitchell Wadley. LAVINGTON: Angus Daniher, Jack Costello, Ethan DePaoli, Oscar Lyons, Alex McMaster, Noah Graham. Yarrawonga ..........25.11.161 Myrtleford .................6.6.42

BEST: YARRAWONGA: Jordan

O’Dwyer, Max Hemphill, Beau Seymour, Tom McKimmie, Dillon Walsh-hall, Ned Harvey. MYRTLEFORD: Tyler Barker, Tom Crisp, Brody Bouker, Corey Southern, Nicholas Ferguson, Leigh Corcoran. Albury .....................9.13.67

Wangaratta Rovers ....2.3.15

Yarrawonga 5.8.38 def by Myrtleford 14.8.92

BEST: YARRAWONGA; Ned Harvey, Mitchell Parker, Lochie Forge, Xavier Mitchell, Jack Eales, Griffin Surrey. MYRTLEFORD: Saxon Rosser, Luke Nannipieri, Brody Bouker, Sam Rossato, Tyler Thomason, Marcello Vescio.

Albury 6.9.45 def by Wang Rovers 13.12.90

BEST: ALBURY: Ty Quade, Charlie McGrath, Joseph Muller, Connor Hogan, Jack McPartland, Sam Lawrence. WANGARATTA ROVERS: Ned Turner, Tom Forrest, Oliver Sharp, Judd Schubert, Bay Pellegrino, Riley Allan.

Nth Albury 3.2.20 def by Lavington 15.6.96

BEST: NORTH ALBURY Connor Hetherton, Daniel Harvey, Ryan Lowe, Declan Clancy, Eligh Houston-Damic. LAVINGTON: Oscar Lyons, Nick Paton, Harryson Barber, Jack Costello, Xavier Russell, Will Liersch. Wangaratta 5.4.34 def by Raiders 7.12.54

LADDER % PTS 1 WANGARATTA ROVERS ...................................236.59 48 2 WODONGA RAIDERS..........................................204.36 44 3 LAVINGTON ...........................................................205.43 40 4 ALBURY......................................................................106.66 30 5 WANGARATTA ......................................................104.08 26 6 NORTH ALBURY..........................................................65.64 16 7 MYRTLEFORD...............................................................58.34 16 8 WODONGA.....................................................................72.07 12 9 YARRAWONGA.............................................................36.60 8

OVENS AND KING SENIORS LADDER

GOALS: NORTH ALBURY: Joshua Minogue 4, Nathan Dennis 2, Tim Broomhead 1, Cayden Winter 1. LAVINGTON:Darcy Smith 3, Luke Garland 1, Charlie Sanson 1. BEST: NORTH

ALBURY: Jackson Weidemann, Joshua Minogue, George Godde, Nathan Dennis, Kade Brown, Julian Hayes. LAVINGTON: Shaun Driscoll, William Glanvill, Tom Hargreave, Jack Driscoll, Ewan Mackinlay, Luke Garland.

GOALS: WANGARATTA: Callum Moore 11, Joe Berry 4, Fraser Holland-Dean 3, Patrick Warner 3, Chris Knowles 2, Braeden Marjanovic 1, Liam Mcveigh 1, Jessie Smith 1. WODONGA

RAIDERS: Will McCarty 2, Cameron Ellis-Yolmen 1, Alex Jamieson 1, Indhi Kotzur 1. BEST: WANGARATTA: Callum Moore, Daniel Sharrock, Hunter Gottschling, Waitai Tua, Ryan Battin, Joe Berry. WODONGA RAIDERS: Hayden Clarke, Bradley St John, Connor Taylor, Cameron Ellis-Yolmen, Ned Conway, Indhi Kotzur.

ROUND 16 -AUGUST 12-13

WANGARATTA ROVERS V WODONGA

MYRTLEFORD V NORTH ALBURY

LAVINGTON V WANGARATTA

WODONGA RAIDERS V ALBURY COROWA-R’GLEN V YARRAWONGA - SUNDAY 13

GOORAMBAT

NETBALL SCORES

A GRADE:

Whorouly 50 def Moyhu 39; Greta 55 def Tarrawingee 34;

Benalla All Blacks 26 def by North Wangaratta 34

B GRADE:

Whorouly 49 def Moyhu 39; Greta 52 def Tarrawingee 26;

Benalla All Blacks 68 def North Wangaratta 22

B RESERVE:

Whorouly 51 def Moyhu 28; Greta 34 def Tarrawingee 29;

Benalla All Blacks 83 def North Wangaratta 10

C GRADE:

Whorouly 36 def Moyhu 28; Greta 41 def Tarrawingee 35;

Benalla All Blacks 46 def North Wangaratta 33

15 & UNDER:

Whorouly 24 def Moyhu 22; Greta 16 def Tarrawingee 4; Benalla 43 def North Wangaratta 13

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12

BONNIE DOON vs WHOROULY

TARRAWINGEE vs BENALLA ALL BLACKS

BRIGHT vs NORTH WANGARATTA

GOORAMBAT vs MOYHU

MILAWA vs GRETA

KING VALLEY - BYE

BEST: ALBURY: Harry Cameron, Chas Retallick, Christopher Lockhart, Max Bruton, Cooper Page, Fletcher Hart. WANGARATTA ROVERS: Noah Amery, Nic Henderson, Brodie Paul, Kyle Smith, Connor Shanley, Shane Gaston. Wangaratta...........20.11.131 Wodonga Raiders .......5.8.38

BEST: WANGARATTA: Daniel Tidball, Nathan Sampson, Thomas Gorman, Josh Nanson, Lachlan Bray, Tom Montgomery. WODONGA RAIDERS: Max Glass, Baxter Jones, Connor Howells, Aaron Spencer, Jack Hobbs.

SCOREBOARD RESERVES RESULTS

Goorambat .................0.1.1 Milawa ................22.18.150

GOALS: GOORAMBAT: Aaron Blackburn 3, Ryan Burns 2, Private player 1. MILAWA: Jamie Allan 10, Sebastian De Napoli 4, Steven Williamson 4, Harry Allan 3, Luke Toohey 3, Daniel Bihun 1, Jarryd Wallace 1.BEST: GOORAMBAT: Jamie Dunne, Ryan Burns, Aaron Blackburn, Benjamin Reaburn, Todd Haslam, Kobe Black. MILAWA: Josh Owen, Jamie Allan, Simon Pane, Jarryd Wallace, Daniel Bihun, Harry Allan.

KING VALLEY

1.1 1.1 5.1 6.2.38

GOALS: KING VALLEY: Anthony Ciancio 3, Charlie Davies 1, Harry Davies 1, Ryan Wait 1. BONNIE DOON: Al Bennett 8, Luke Murray 4, Luke James 3, Will Foster 2, Matthew Hedin 2, James Fox 1, Joel Sanford 1, Campbell Smedley 1. BEST: KING VALLEY: Charlie Davies, Thomas Stewart, Vincent Star, Tom Davies, Jack Davies, Anthony Ciancio. BONNIE DOON: Al Bennett, Beau Smith, Guy Murray, Campbell Smedley, Sean Campitelli, Jayjay Curtin.

WHOROULY 2.0 5.1 8.4 10.4.64

MOYHU 2.2 5.4 11.6 15.10.100

GOALS: WHOROULY: Riley Calvene 2, Simon Chalmers 2, Jake Riley 2, Matthew Harris 1, Lachlan Moore 1, Samuel Piazza 1, Luke Zanin 1. MOYHU: Brady Bartlett 7, Jared Lea 4, Caleb Bell 1, Harrison Grant 1, Jett Roberts 1, Bailey Zimmermann 1. BEST: WHOROULY: Andrew Newton, William Allen, Samuel Piazza, Lachlan Moore, Riley Calvene, Glenn White. MOYHU: Bailey Zimmermann, Matthew Thrum, George Hearn, Brady Bartlett, Caleb Bell, Dylan Carmody.

GRETA 7.6 18.12 29.17 36.26.242

TARRAWINGEE 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.0.18

GOALS: GRETA: Frazer Judd 9, Ned Rohrt 6, James McClounan 5, Tyler Arrowsmith 4, Lachie Kennett 4, Chris Dube 3, Cameron Newbold 2, Tom Baker 1, Joshua Bell 1, Brenton Newbold

1. TARRAWINGEE: Thomas Deans 2, Sam Neave 1. BEST: GRETA: James McClounan, Lachie Kennett, Tyler Arrowsmith, Ned Rohrt, Mark Wettern. TARRAWINGEE: Patrick Byrne, Brandon Igri, Seth Coonan, Dan Hogarth, Will Creed, Thomas Deans.

NORTH WANGARATTA 3.2 5.6 10.7 14.7.91

GOALS: BENALLA ALL BLACKS: Jayden Brady 3, Albert Hill 1, Chelton Orchard 1, Dylan Sinclair 1. NORTH WANGARATTA: Tyler Nanson 7, Damien Bradley 3, Jamie Berry 2, Matthew Prestianni 1, Tyler Schulze 1. BEST: BENALLA ALL BLACKS: Chelton Orchard, Kyle Collisson, Albert Hill, Damian Broughton, David Button, Kaare Glass. NORTH WANGARATTA: Taylor Obrien, Jay Barker, Adam Enever, Kyle McQuade, David Killen, Tyler Schulze.

BEST: GOORAMBAT: Josh Heylbut, Todd Wapling, Zac Calvert, Daniel J Lemmer, Aiden Phillips, Gary Priest. MILAWA: Rory Harvey, Tim Leslie, Michael Walker, Daniel Larkings, Hamish Falla, Brenton Gray. King Valley ................1.5.11 Bonnie Doon ........21.12.138

BEST: KING VALLEY: Michael Denholm, Harry White, Jonah Massey-chase, Angus Thorne, Ayden Hansen, David Lang. BONNIE DOON: Jack Kirley, Felix Johnson, Earl ReeGoodings, Patrick Revell, Ryan Markwick, Jackson Sole. Whorouly ..................2..164 Moyhu .................19.15.129

BEST: WHOROULY: Jake Morey, Ryan Harris, Chas Pianegonda, Jon Pethybridge, Bayley Power, Harrison Colville. MOYHU: Ryan Hargreaves, Darby West, Will Johnson, Matthew Winter, Leroy Dowling, Thomas Clough. Greta ...................22.19.151 Tarrawingee ................1.0.6

BEST: GRETA: Charlie Garoni, James Sutton, Stewart McLeod, Luke Arrowsmith, stuart mccauley, Osbert Ramage. TARRAWINGEE: Jett Hadley, Tom Rebbechi, Jack Sorrensen, Ethan Ryan, Kane Shepherd, Lachlan Canning. Benalla ....................11.9.75

North Wangaratta ......5.2.32

BEST: BENALLA ALL BLACKS: Karl Mullins, Eoin Fitzgerald, Joshua Kotvas, Thomas Whitty, Ryan Nedeljkovic, Patrick Buckley. NORTH WANGARATTA: Daniel Knihinizkij, Joshua Ismale, Chase Jackson, Josh McQueen, Luke Kuschert.

Hawks tame Panthers, Blues belt Bulldogs

By NATHAN DE VRIES

NORTH Wangaratta senior footballers held firm against a surging Benalla All Blacks outfit to run out 14.7 (91) to 6.4 (40) winners at Friendlies Oval, while Greta handed Tarrawingee their biggest loss of the season during the weekend’s Ovens and King matches. With the game on relative parity through the first half, the Hawks found a way to hit up their forwards with efficiency, kicking five goals in the third quarter to push the lead out to 28 points.

The Hawks kept Benalla goalless through the final quarter, as their forwards fired to give North Wangaratta a 51 point win and fifth on the ladder heading into finals.

Hawks coach Steve Man-

ning said positional changes after half-time lifted his side.

“We had a couple of guys playing a little bit out of position - I had Pat Kelly on the wing and I had to use Adam Enever at centre half forward, so I robbed our back line of some of those strong pillars we’ve had down there during the year,” he said.

“We put Pat back and were able to resettle and slowly get back on top.

“I thought it was pretty even around the contest, they were really good around stoppage, they were able to get a couple of entries into their forward line but we were able to increase our forward half turnovers.

“Our half back line started to press up really well

and the likes of Kyle McQuade and Jay Barker were taking intercept marks, and we were able to have repeat entries that way and we took control of the game.”

Taylor O’Brien was outstanding for the Hawks, while Tyler Nanson thrived up forward with a seven goal haul.

“Taylor O’Brien was excellent on the wing – every time he had his hands on the footy it went to one of our players, his delivery inside our 50 was nearly at 100 per cent on Saturday, he was outstanding in the middle section of the game,” Manning said.

“Adam Enever was terrific across half forward, and Tyler Nanson kicked 7.2 for us.

“He couldn’t miss, he was sensational, it really makes a difference when you have

a forward who can kick the goals when you have limited opportunities.

“He probably was the difference, having a goal kicker who can finish all the hard work up the ground.

Elsewhere, Greta booted 36 goals against Tarrawingee to take the win 36.36 (242) to the Bulldogs’ 3.0 (18).

Frazer Judd finished with nine goals and sits just four behind Bright’s Cooper Thomason on the goal kicking tally, while nine other Blues got themselves on the scoreboard.

In other round 18 matches, Milawa trounced Goorambat 26.13 (169) to 6.4 (40), Bonnie Doon took a 109 point win over the Roos, and the Hoppers locked in a finals berth with a six goal win at Whorouly.

■ From back page “It was pleasing the boys rallied for him (West) – with our leader down, someone else had to take charge and Bailey (Zimmermann) really livened us up in that second half.

“Him and George Hearn I threw in the midfield at half-time.

“They both do exactly what I ask them, every time I ask them to do something, they do it, they helped turn the game with Matt Thrum and Xavier (Wales).

“It was a matter of who won the midfield, we controlled it in that third quarter and we got a couple of goals in front.”

Bell said Bartlett looked comfortable up forward after a tough few weeks in the ruck.

“He’s been doing a lot of the ruck work lately, but with Xavier (Wales) back this week we thought we’d rest him forward and use him when we needed to, and he’s come out and kicked seven,” Bell said.

“I think he’s pretty happy with himselfwe couldn’t find his right position, which we’re still doing with a few of the boys, and we might’ve found a little X factor there.

“It’s been a really promising month, I was a little bit worried we’d be a bit cooked, being such a young side but we’ve rallied pretty well.”

The Hoppers reserves side took a handy 113 point win in the midday match, all but assuring they’d feature in finals.

CONTEST: Greta’s Zac Northey takes the mark in the Blues’ titanic win over Tarrawingee.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

STOPPAGE: Adam Enever and Tom Levy fly in the ruck.

PHOTO: Garry Jones

HUNTED: Tyler Schulze tracks down Benalla’s Chelton Orchard in the Hawks’ win over Benalla All Blacks.

PHOTO: Garry Jones

INTERCEPTION: Whorouly skipper Glenn White drifts back to prevent Brady Bartlett from taking a mark inside 50.

QUICK HANDS: George Hearn gets the ball to Liam Cook under pressure from Sam Piazza. PHOTOS: Martin Davis

Hoppers lock in finals berth with a hard-fought six goal win over Whorouly Lions

MATCH REVIEWS

Rovers “let one slip” against Tigers

WANGARATTA Rovers senior footballers turned in a strong display but ultimately couldn’t get over Albury at the Albury Sportsground on Saturday.

Rovers put a scoreless first term behind them to lead by two goals at the main break but Albury fought back in the premiership quarter to edge ahead by four points.

The clash was set up for an exciting final quarter but it was the Tigers who kicked four goals to the Hawks’ two to win 16.11 (107) to 14.7 (91).

Rovers were down to one player on the bench after Michael Clarke, Will Christie and Lockey McCartney were forced off with injuries.

Wangaratta Rovers football operations manager Barry Sullivan feels the Hawks blew a chance.

“We let one slip in the end,” Sullivan said.

“We got off to a poor start and were four goals down at quarter time but we responded really well which was pleasing.

“We rattled off seven goals in a row to get in front at half-time, the third quarter was goal for goal until the last 10 minutes when they kicked a few quick ones which got them back in it and then they just outlasted us in the last quarter.

“We were decimated and had three players injured which didn’t help in the end.”

Despite the loss Sullivan feels Rovers are building ahead of a more than likely finals series.

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

“We’ve built from Raiders, Lavington and then Myrtleford which I thought was one of our best games for the year,” he said.

“Coming off a two week break we were slow out of the gates against Albury but the way we responded was pleasing.”

Hawks’ coach Sam Murray was brilliant in the loss, while Dylan Wilson was also solid.

“Sam was in everything, he’s just had a really dominant year,” Sullivan said.

“His ability to win one-on-ones and the way he reads the play is great, he’s such a special player.

“Dylan Wilson was up and about and had plenty of opportunities to impact the game with his tackling pressure.”

Rovers star Tom Baulch (Prime Train) returned from an ankle injury that saw him out for nine weeks and made an immediate impact booting four majors.

“He hasn’t played for a couple of months so as he worked into the game in the second quarter he made a huge impact,” Sullivan said.

“Fitness has never been an issue for him so it was just about working into the game so from the second quarter to the end he was terrific.”

GOOD CONTEST: Callum Moore crashes a pack.

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

Moore boots 11 as ‘Pies demolish Wodonga Raiders

By WILLSON MACK

CALLUM Moore booted 11 majors as Wangaratta Magpies’s senior footballers romped to a 127-point victory over Wodonga Raiders at Norm Minns Oval on Saturday.

The ‘Pies led by just three points at the first change but banged on 23 goals to three over the next three quarters to run away 26.10 (166) to 5.9 (39) winners.

Despite the home team missing at least six automatic senior selections, it was the biggest win of this year’s O&M season.

And to make things even sweeter, three players under the age of 19 - Waitai Tua, Ryan Battin and Joe Berry - all featuring in the best players.

Wangaratta coach Ben Reid said it was great to see his young players step up.

“The most pleasing thing

for us was that we had five or six under the age of 20 who all played a role and show they can play senior footy,” Reid said.

“Waitai Tua was strong on a wing, Joe Berry kicked four goals on debut which is a great effort for anyone playing their first game, Ryan Battin was good down back and Josh Tweedale was strong in the ruck.

“It just shows how good the thirds program is run

when players can step up into seniors and make an impact.

“They all didn’t do a lot wrong so it’s going to be hard at selection.”

Reid said Moore couldn’t be stopped.

“Cal started the game slowly but we put him in the ruck and that got him going,” he said.

“The last three quarters he was on fire, we had him one-out down forward and

we all know how hard he is to beat one-on-one.

“The team was giving him quick ball as well which paid dividends.”

Along with Moore’s 11, debutant Berry booted four in an exciting first game, while Fraser Holland-Dean and Patrick Warner kicked three each.

Daniel Sharrock and Hunter Gottschling were also strong in the middle as the Magpies dominated the

clearances and contested ball.

“Our mids were good all day,” Reid said.

“We had ‘Dools’ (Sharrock), ‘Gottsch’ (Gottschling), Jessie (Smith) and Daine (Porter) all go through there and they were all good.

“Hunter came back from a few weeks in the VFL with Geelong and added some class to the midfield, he’s a smart footballer.”

GOOD CONTEST: Toby Murray goes up against Albury’s Isaacc Muller in the ruck.

SMOOTH MOVER: Alex Marklew tries to evade his Albury opponent.

SAFE HANDS: Tom Baulch takes a mark inside 50 before slotting one of his four majors.

TOUGH LOSS: Jack Gerrish and Wangaratta Rovers fell to Albury by 16-points. PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie

PINPOINT: Fraser Ellis gets a kick away.ON THE HANDS: Braeden Marjanovic dishes a handball off.

SHARP SHOOTER

WANGARATTA

Wangaratta to host Victorian Championships

WANGARATTA will play host to some of Victoria’s best swimmers this weekend.

The Ovens and Murray District Swimming Association and Swimming Victoria will hold the 2023 Victorian Country Short Course Swimming Championships at the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre, using the venue’s 25m indoor pool for competition and the heated 50m outdoor pool configured as 2 x 25m pools for warmups and cool downs.

Association president Brendon Shiels said this is the ninth time the district has hosted the event in Wangaratta, with record entries of around 570 swimmers with their families, coaches and swimming officials to descend on the city.

He said 34 regional Victorian swimming clubs will compete, including large contingents from Geelong (77 competitors), Traralgon (71 competitors), South Gippsland (57 competitors) and Warrnambool (43 competitors).

“The hosting Ovens and Murray Swimming District has 77 competitors from Wangaratta Amateur, Wangaratta Stingrays, Albury, Myrtleford, North Albury, Wodonga, Wodonga City, and Yarrawonga Mulwala swimming clubs,” Mr Shiels said.

Hoppers a lock

Moyhu secures a place in O&K finals with a six goal win over Whorouly

THE finalists for the 2023 Ovens and King senior football season have been locked in.

Moyhu has secured its position in the six after a 15.10 (100) to 10.4 (64) triumph over the Lions at Whorouly on Saturday.

A fiery and frenetic first term ended with a two point margin to the visitors, but the break took longer than scheduled to allow concussed Hoppers skipper

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

Charlie West to be removed from the ground after sustaining some heavy contact in the last few seconds of the term.

A surging Moyhu struggled to break through the Lions’ back six through the second quarter as

Whorouly kept the Hoppers to within a goal to half-time.

The Hoppers started to find their forwards in the second half, with Brady Bartlett (seven goals for the match) presenting well and Bailey Zimmermann providing some fire at the contest.

Despite fighting hard all day, the Lions switched off in the final quarter, as the Hoppers booted four goals

with multiple repeat entries to secure the win and their ticket to September action.

The Hoppers sit two games clear in sixth with a now unassailable lead over King Valley, who take the bye this weekend.

For Whorouly, Andrew Newton was titanic through the midfield, while Will Allen, Sam Piazza and Glenn White turned in fantastic performances.

Moyhu coach Darren Bell said his side came together exceptionally well after losing their captain at quarter time.

“The Whorouly boys came out firing early, got a couple on us early but we didn’t panic too much –we knew we had to bottle it back up a bit more and stop a few of their runners through the middle,” he said.

■ Continued page 18

“As well as allowing locals to watch some of the best state swimmers in action, the flow on benefits for the community are also great with most families staying in town for the two days to enjoy Wangaratta’s hospitality through local restaurants and services.

“We would like to thank our major sponsors, the Rural City of Wangaratta and Link Cold Storage for providing financial support for this championship event.”

Spectator entry is free for this event, but seating in the pool hall is expected to be tight.

For more information go to the Swimming Victoria web page https://vic.swimming.org.au/ events/victorian-country-scchampionships and the event Facebook page https://www. facebook.com/viccountrychampionships.

debutant Joe Berry fires a shot at goal against Wodonga Raiders at Norm Minns Oval on Saturday. Berry booted four majors in an outstanding first game, helping the Magpies to a thumping win. ■ Story: Page 18

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling