ENTERTAINING: Three-time Aria award recipient Vince Jones, with his quintet, were indeed a highlight of the weekend’s festival. PHOTO: Marc Bongers Page 3
5
BLOWN AWAY
Wangaratta Jazz and Blues Festival rebirth exceeds expectations,
setting a solid nancial footing to build on event into the future
EXPECTATIONS were exceeded, as thousands of people soaked up the superb o ering of music at various venues in the latest reincarnation of the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues over the weekend.
BY JEFF ZEUSCHNER jzeuschner@ nemedia.com.au
All set for the races
By JEFF ZEUSCHNER
AN influx of thousands of visitors to the North East over the long weekend has been welcomed by police and businesses alike.
Wangaratta and other towns have been buoyed by the tourism boost.
Sergeant Cam Miller of Wangaratta police said that behaviour of the roads up until midday Sunday had been pleasantly “uneventful”.
“From the police perspective we haven’t had any significant incidents in the local area and we’re hoping that remains the case throughout the remainder of Operation Furlong, which ends at 11.59pm tomorrow evening,” he said.
“We will have an increased police presence on the roads on Tuesday, particularly in an around the Wangaratta races.
“We ask racegoers to plan their day...how they are getting there and getting home safely.
Festival committee chair Andrew Nunn said more than 2800 tickets had been sold up until Sunday morning, with further expected into the day of what had been a very successful rebirth of the festival, which in its 34 annual hosting was revived by a new board and band of volunteers keen to ensure last year’s festival was indeed not a ‘last hurrah’.
“We budgeted for venues to be half full and well and truly surpassed that
comfortably,” he told the Wangaratta Chronicle, noting a number of venues had been sold out over the weekend, including headliner Vince Jones, whose quintet - of Matt McMahon (piano), Felix Bloxsom (drums), John Mackey (tenor sax) and Ben Robertson (double bass) - thrilled the packed Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Saturday night.
“Financially it allows us a good start for next year’s event.
“We also set ourselves objectives around the festival experience and community ownership.
“We have encouraged community feedback and are asking more people to put some skin in the game as we’re a volunteer board and can only do so much.
“We had around 40 volunteers who did a fantastic
job but we could do with more.”
Volunteers, like talented artists drawn from across the country, were kept busy at concerts at a host of venues including the The Railyard, Wangaratta Club, Pinsent Hotel, Dock 5, Bulls Head, The Vine and Old Faithfulls, Old Baptist Church and Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sunday morning jazz mass).
■ Continued page 2
“Go and enjoy the races but also keep road safety front of mind.”
Tomorrow’s Melbourne Cup public holiday in Wangaratta will be the first time in five years the city will have a race day.
Wangaratta Turf Club is hoping to see thousands of people back on course for the Ovens Ford Melbourne Cup Race Day.
■ Further stories, including race fields and previews, fashions on field in SPORT.
Wangaratta Jazz and Blues Festival exceeds expectations, setting solid nancial footing to help build for the future
■ From page 1
A free community stage at the former bowling green adjoining Wangaratta Club was well patronised on Saturday a ernoon, with hundreds soaking up the spring sunshine and mix of professional and amateur performers, while the kids made the most of the free jumping castles.
Wangaratta resident Janine Bussell, together with Melbourne visitor Margaret Burns, were among those in the large marquee, enjoying the harmonica infused blues of the three-piece Windsavers.
“It’s absolutely fantastic,” both enthused.
“We’re just so happy to see the festival back and continuing because it has been so important to Wangaratta for a long time,” Ms Bussell said.
“It has a really good vibe and organisers should be congratulated.
“We’ve been to a number of the concerts over the weekend, including opening night and seeing the Solomon Siset Quintet in the Old Baptist Hall which was just amazing.”
Mr Nunn said the tiny jazz series, with the intimate Old Baptist Hall setting, was among several things being tried this year and most had been very successful.
“Part of the trial was turning the free stage into a paid venue on Saturday evening and we’ll assess that, together with all other aspects of the festival when we all sit down in a few weeks time,” he said.
The festival continues today with a ‘Milawa Monday’ series of events at Milawa Cheese, Henley’s, Lancemore and Brown Brothers.
For more details go to https:// wangjazzblues.com.au/
SAXAPHONIST POCKETS
$7500 NATIONAL PRIZE
RETURNING to his home state from the USA paid o for saxophonist Stephen Byth on Saturday, when he was crowned winner of the 34th National Jazz Award.
The Melbourne-born musician was one of six nalists who entertained a large and enthusiastic crowd inside the Alpine MDF Theatre at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre.
Stephen, who relocated to the USA and is currently working on recording his second full-length album in New York City, picked up $7500 for the win as well as a recording session at Pughouse studios.
He joins Tim Hopkins (1993), Julien Wilson (1994), Elliott Dalgleish (1995), Roger Manins (2002), Zac Hurren(2009) and Mike Rivett (2016) as saxaphonists who have won the award.
OTHER EVENTS POPULAR
Sunday’s Jazz Riverside Market picked up where the previous day’s Oxley Bush Market le o , with the many stallholders o ering plenty for the large crowd.
Sunday’s Jazz Mass featuring Bob Sedergreen and Annemarie Sharry saw the Holy Trinity Cathedral near full, while Wang’s
Tarra Blues 2 was a sell-out both days
PLOUGH Inn publican Phil Lithgow said his second staging of the Tarra Blues event had exceeded expectations over the weekend, drawing hundreds of people to his historic hotel in Tarrawingee.
“We were booked out, with crowds in excess of 250 people on each day savouring a great line-up of blues music in the beer garden.
“Last year we did one long day, but this year’s event split over two days has worked really well and will be the model we take forward next year.
“Around 70 per cent of our patrons were visitors to the area, some of whom were also taking in jazz festival performances.
“Both events have worked in well together and we’re keen to keep that going.”
Mr Lithgow said it had been very satisfying “just seeing people enjoying themselves” at the event.
“Saturday evening was particularly big, with the Blues Roulette Big Band presentation of ‘The Comittments’ certainly being a highlight...with so many people up and dancing,” he said.
Big Record Fair in The Centre was a welcomed addition for those keen on adding to their vinyl collection.
Meanwhile, the King Valley Art Show drew good numbers to King River Brewing over the weekend.
played a near full Holy Trinity Cathedral at Sunday’s jazz mass.
PHOTO: Marc Bongers
BLUES MAGIC: The Sammy Owen blues band entertained the crowd at Tarra Blues 2 on Saturday. PHOTO: Marc Bongers
WINNER: Stephen Byth won the 34th National Jazz Award. PHOTO: Marc Bongers
PHOTO: Je Zeuschner
Endangered species sees federal scrutiny of solar farm project bid
Further assessment of potential impacts on frog, bird and sh activated by law
A DELEGATE for the Federal Minister for Environment has deemed the Meadow Creek Solar Farm project a ‘controlled action’ and any permit will now be determined under state law and national environmental law.
The controlled action was triggered and an assessment will consider potential impacts to nationally protected species including the endangered Sloane’s Froglet, critically endangered Regent Honeyeater, and the vulnerable Murray cod.
A Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
and Water spokesperson said the controlled action status means the permit application will undergo further assessment under national environmental law.
“The project will be assessed in a coordinated process with the Victorian Government,” they said.
“The project will need to be approved under both Victorian state law and the National environmental law.”
The Environment Protec-
Alleged crime spree offender faces more charges in court
A WOMAN currently in custody for a spate of the s and break ins across the North East was back in Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Friday morning to face additional charges allegedly committed while she was on bail.
Appearing via video link from prison, the 29-year-old did not apply for bail, with Magistrate Megan Casey adjourning the two new matters before the court until November 18.
The o ences were allegedly committed shortly a er the woman was granted bail at Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on October 3, a er having been arrested back on September 26 and charged over house break-ins in Myrtleford, Beechworth and Tarrawingee.
The court had previously heard the defendant had around 16 matters outstanding in court, with alleged o ending spread across the North East and Melbourne.
The alleged o ending includes the the of a 12-seater bus, used by charity Riding Develops Ability (RDA), in Myrtleford on September 12, as well as attempted burglaries at two Myrtleford residences on September 22 and 23.
tion and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) allows bilateral assessment agreements between the Australian and Victorian governments.
This process has statutory timeframes, however, overall time to completion can depend on the complexity of the project.
It comes as the public submission period for the permit application for the project closed on Tuesday last week.
Some 537 objections have been lodged to the state permit application, with a group led by King Valley farmers (www.meadow-
creeksolar.com.au) a key driver of a campaign against the facility.
The Rural City of Wangaratta council is among those objecting to the project on several grounds including it being an inappropriate use of prime agricultural land.
The application being considered by the State Government is for a $750m development on 566 hectares of agricultural land at Meadow Creek, with almost 600,000 solar panels and large lithium-ion batteries to provide 330MW of solar power, supplying over 100,000 regional homes.
Key steps in environmental assessment process:
Stage 1: ‘Scoping document’ prepared by DCCEEW and State Government to identify documentation required to assess Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES).
Stage 2: Proponent prepares detailed information regarding EPBC listed species outlined in the scoping document, including impacts, avoidance and mitigations, alternatives and residual impacts/offsets. May include further information regarding social and economic considerations of the proposed action.
Stage 3: Public can provide comments on draft assessment documentation.
Stage 4: Proponent addresses public comments.
Stage 5: Assessment report prepared by Victorian Minister for Planning and issued to the Commonwealth – this will include a section addressing the public comments received.
Stage 6: Using the assessment report, DCCEEW will prepare a proposed decision and, if recommended for approval, any proposed Commonwealth conditions (within 30 days).
• Public can follow progress at https://epbcpublicportal.environment.gov.au and entering the EPBC number: 2024/09931.
It also includes the alleged the of multiple belongings from a homeless man’s campsite at Tarrawingee on September 13, and ve separate counts of aggravated burglary across the rural city, along with drug possession and attempted burglaries in October.
The defendant is remanded in custody and is scheduled to face Melbourne Magistrates Court on January 15.
MARKET: Wangaratta’s Elisha Naish with daughters Elsie (pictured) and Daisy, were among more than 4000 people plying the grounds of the Oxley Shire Hall, enjoying the spring sunshine at the annaul Oxley Bush Market on Saturday. Hall committee secretary Janet Heath said it was one of the largest crowds seen in the market’s 40 plus years history. “It was shoulder to shoulder around the hall and paddock mid morning, with many visitors commenting on the quality and variety of food, produce and products o ered by more than 150 stallholders,” Mrs Heath said. “Live music added to the atmosphere.” Mrs Heath said more than 50 volunteers from the Oxley community were part of the organisation of the annual event, which may have raised near $15,000 for future community events and projects, such as maintaining the historic hall, and supporting Oxley Primary School and Oxley CFA.
Help with plans for Peechelba hall centenary
PLANNING is under way for 2025’s 100-year celebration of Peechelba Memorial Hall (Soldiers Hall).
A gathering will be held at the hall on Saturday, November 9 from 2pm to encourage interested people to share ideas, memories and photos about the venue. Anyone with ideas which could be contributed to next year’s celebration is encouraged to attend. For more information, contact hall secretary Janine on 0419 268 489 or sub-committee member Richard on 0419 384 261.
Fires in district
LOCAL CFA brigades have been quick to respond to several grass and shrub fires in the local district over recent days.
Four CFA units from Milawa, Whorouly and Everton responded to a grass and scrub fire at around 2:46pm on Yarrabee Road in Markwood last Thursday.
A further six CFA units from multiple local brigades, alongside Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), responded to a grass and scrub fire spreading near a shed on Baileys Road at Wangaratta South at 4.15pm that afternoon, with the incident under control by 4:30pm.
Three CFA units also attended a small grassfire on the Hume Freeway near Glenrowan at 4pm Saturday.
MASSIVE
PHOTO: Je Zeuschner
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.
Trumpeting jazz success
Monday, November 3, 2014
By STEVE KELLY
THE 25th Wangaratta Jazz and Blues Festival has been hailed a great success, with record ticket sales.
Organisers say 25,000 people attended the festival over the weekend with accommodation booked out in Wangaratta and surrounding towns.
Several venues were at capacity with others attracting an alternative crowd of people to last year.
International artist Enrico Rava wowed audiences at the Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre (WPAC) on Saturday and Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts attracted an educated base of blues listeners from inter-
state on Friday night.
Queues of people were seen outside the WPAC and St Patrick’s Hall - two of the most popular venues for the weekend.
Festival board president Paul Squires said “a resilient bunch” of jazz patrons quickly overcame the inclement weather on Saturday morning to enjoy a fantastic weekend.
He said the event would have brought up to $5 million to the rural city with the festival itself costing
$800,000, but the actual benefit will not be known until results of the survey are in.
“A trend towards people buying packages saw a lot attend the Friday night cocktail party and blues tent,” Mr Squires said.
“More people who wouldn’t usually listen to jazz are starting to like it with international artists in other genres beginning to gain inspiration from it.
“Some venues were at capacity and we might have to look at how we manage them next year to try and accommodate the people who didn’t get to see their desired artist.
“There was a large local contingent seen in Reid Street, but the Blues on Friday night at-
tracted a crowd from Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne.”
Mr Squires said some businesses really capitalised on the higher volume of people visiting the rural city and event organisers will work on how
they can gain more leverage for local traders next year.
“There is no other time in the year that attracts that many people to the CBD and our local retailers should all be able to benefit from this,” he said.
Yesterday’s market in Merriwa Park was arguably the biggest and most well patronised yet, with thousands of people walking between the park and all the free entertainment in nearby Reid Street.
HEADLINE ACT: Internationally acclaimed trumpeter Enrico Rava was a crowd favourite at the jazz festival over the weekend.
PHOTO: Marc Bongers
Progressive results in our rural city council election
Fuller ahead in Bullawah, Maxwell leads Appin, and Yarrunga Ward vote count closest with about 6% separating candidates Fidge and Winters
PROGRESSIVE results in the Rural City of Wangaratta Council election have revealed the candidates leading the vote in each of their wards.
Following the completion of the Group A rst preference votes counted on Thursday, current leaders include Dave Fuller (Bullawah), Tania Maxwell (Appin), Ashley Fitzpatrick (Wareena), Harvey Benton (Ovens), and Julian Fidge (Yarrunga), with Irene Grant (Warby) and Harry Bussell (King River) elected uncontested.
In the Bullawah Ward Dave Fuller has the largest majority with 74.69 per cent (1396 votes) of the vote over Brian Fox 25.31pc (437 votes).
This is with 1967 votes polled (98 informal) from an estimated 3507 electors in this ward (elector numbers March 2023).
In the Appin Ward, Tania Maxwell holds an almost 10pc lead with 54.91pc (1225 votes) over Mark Currie 45.09pc (1006 votes).
Group A votes polled are 2294 (63 informal) from an estimated 3562 electors.
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
In Wareena Ward Ashlee Fitzpatrick has 46.11pc (882 votes), with Peter Siperki holding 31.99pc (612 votes), and Mel Paul 21.9pc (419 votes).
Some 1963 votes have been counted (50 informal) from an estimated 3570 electors.
In the Ovens Ward, Harvey Benton holds a lead with 47.91pc (928 votes), followed Jennifer Garrett 28.91pc (560 votes), and Rebecca Shen eld 23.18pc (449 votes).
Some 1982 votes have been counted (45 informal) from an estimated 3259 electors.
Yarrunga Ward, with four candidates, is the closest count with Group B votes and preferences yet to be processed.
Julian Fidge is in the lead with 32.67pc (589 votes) of rst preference votes counted, followed by Allison Winters 26.51pc (478 votes), Anne Dunstan 23.18pc (418 votes), and Joanne Pane 17.64pc (318 votes).
WHO
WILL BE ELECTED?: Several candidates hold good leads but there’s still plenty of votes to be counted.
This is of 1840 votes polled (37 informal) from an estimated 3398 electors.
Group B ballot papers, consisting of votes received in the mail by the VEC after October 25 but date stamped correctly, are currently being counted.
Following completion of
Up to $2m in road safety funds for city
By STEVE KELLY
THE Rural City of Wangaratta will receive up to $2 million from the Victorian Government to deliver vital upgrades on local roads over the next three years.
Wangaratta council confirmed that it is in early consultation with the government to plan for works on road infrastructure projects that could include new raised crossings, upgrades to kerbs, intersections, roundabouts and pedestrian islands.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Melissa Horne, announced works funded through the $210 million Safer Local Roads and Streets Program which is helping councils identify, plan and deliver projects that keep drivers, cyclists and pedestrians safe.
The government is allocating up to $2 million each to all 79 councils across the state and will provide a wide range of safety improvements until June 30, 2027.
both A and B Group counts, if a candidate has received an absolute majority, which is more than half (50pc +1) of all rst preference votes, a preference distribution is not required, and the candidate is successful.
A preference distribution consists of excluding the can-
didate with the fewest votes and then distributing their second preference votes to the appropriate candidate.
This process continues until a candidate has received an absolute majority.
The next update of votes counted will happen next Wednesday.
Local government authorities own and operate 87 per cent of Victoria’s roads, and every year about 40 per cent of road trauma occurs on council-managed roads.
The Safer Local Roads and Streets Program is backed by the government’s 2030 Road Safety Strategy targets – which aims to halve road deaths, reduce serious injury and ultimately achieve zero trauma by 2050.
One down, another big one tomorrow
THE successful rebirth of the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues over the weekend is welcomed news for our city.
While the event does not have the same community engagement of the previous Reid Street era, it is forging a new path navigating a changed and challenging environment for live music events.
The free community stage, together with other events such as the Jazz Riverside Market and Wang’s Big Record Fair were great complements for the myriad of paid events held across varied venues on the weekend.
There remains plenty of room for further local community involvement and patronage to help enhance the support the festival has received from outside the area.
And therein is one of the key reasons for this festival’s very existence, as its ability to draw more people to our cityto enjoy what we have to offer, not just on one weekend alone, only seeks to strengthen the local economy.
Congratulations to the board and its volunteers and commercial supporters on keeping alive a wonderful event, which we hope can continue to grow.
Speaking of which, tomorrow will see the welcomed return of Wangaratta’s first Melbourne Cup race day in five years.
Much like the jazz festival, the turf club has put considerable time and effort its resurrecting what has been a key event on the city’s annual calendar.
With fine weather to grace the public holiday, we look forward to seeing a big crowd trackside to savour the offerings.
The Quiz No. 109
1. Portugal shares a border with which country?
2. Which sport has been described as being “Two Degrees Safer Than War”?
3. How many metres are in one nautical mile?
4. Which company made the Game & Watch electronic games?
5. In the nursery rhyme, Oranges and Lemons, which bells say ‘When will you pay me’?
6. Who played Colt Seavers in the 1980s TV show, The Fall Guy?
7. Popular comedian, Akmal Saleh, was born in which country?
8. Slovenia has a coastline on which sea?
9. During which century did the Crimean War occur?
10. What is the primary alcohol in the cocktail called a Tom Collins?
11. What is the softest commercial hardwood?
12. Which comet inspired a mass suicide amongst the Heaven’s Gate cult?
13. In Morse code, which letter is represented by four dots?
14. Which Australian group started their career as The 4Trax?
15. In what year did the Fremantle Dockers join the AFL?
16. Which chemical element has the symbol Sn?
17. Porpentina “Tina” Goldstein is one of the main characters in which 2016 movie?
18. By what name is the Taiwan Strait also known?
19. Which Australian Prime Minister guest starred on A Country Practice?
20. In medical terms, MRI stands for what?
FACEBOOK users this week commented on the Green Street Bridge being set to open before Christmas.
• Katie Graham: Fingers crossed it will be finished soon soooo over it. It might get the traffic situation sorted out especially near woolies and Swan St.
• Mary Armstrong: Completed sometime in the next 2 years.
• Codie Lawrey: And only 5 months after the original
completion date!
• Dom Panuccio: Wow seriously taking this long. Facebook users also commented on the company that manages Rivers and Millers clothing stores in Wangaratta, Mosaic Brands Group, going into receivership.
• Kim Winnell: I admit l haven’t shopped in this store for 4 or more years, found quality went down hill.
• Mary-Ann Quirk: Kim
Support for Reedy Creek track closures
YOUR article on Reedy Creek track closures is a bit of concern.
As a resident who lives on the creek, the damage done by vehicles on the tracks are causing great environmental damage, along with dogs in the park and rubbish/dumped cars being le along the creek.
The huge camp re in the re danger period causes concern among residents.
I have spoken to a number of neighbours and all are in support of what Parks Victoria has done.
Most of the areas are still accessible, people just have to walk.
Parks Victoria is currently updating camping areas like Kangaroo Crossing.
A bit more research on residents of the valley who live on the creek would have balanced the article.
Tony McCready, Woolshed Valley
Congratulations on the jazz festival
Winnell managed to find a pair of shoes for Noel for next to nothing.
• Kim Winnell: Mary-Ann Quirk big discounts l’d say.
• Gail Robertson: I thought it was administration not receivership.
• Karen Brendan Smith: Writing has been on the wall for a long time.
• Trevor Dawson: Another blow to the town.
NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections. Our follower total is Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.
• Kym Marie: Montana Wilkinson just in time for kinder to be almost over lol.
• Jack Carruthers: Rivers went downhill after closing Ballarat Factory. Facebook users also commented on The Centre launching a community program to raise funds of renovations.
• Allan White: A beautiful and significant part of Wangaratta’s history. We need to not only hold on to but maintain our historical buildings and infrastructure for future generations.
15,028
I EXPRESSED my heartfelt gratitude to this year’s Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues organisers and volunteers in Parliament last week, saying how much I was looking forward to the weekend’s festivities.
A huge shout-out to all the volunteers, supporters, and organisers of the festival, which has been going since 1990 with various iterations.
Well done to festival chair Andrew Nunn and the entire organising committee for pulling it all together and getting the backing from businesses around Wangaratta and the North East.
Tim McCurdy, Nationals MP for Ovens Valley
Solar farm projects should go ahead
IN the face of all scienti c evidence of the need to transition to renewable energy away from fossil fuels, the arguments against development of the solar farm at Meadow Creek can be distilled to two: 1) I don’t want it in my backyard (NIMBY); 2) I missed out on having the development on my land (FOMO).
These are reasonable and understandable (if contradictory) arguments, but are not enough to prevent the solar farm development from going ahead.
Graeme C Rose, Wangaratta
Misinformation Bill will silence opinions
I AM very concerned that our ability to speak freely is going to be severely censored by the Federal Government’s recently introduced ‘Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation Bill 2024’ (MaD Bill).
Recently, governments have been using the media to brand anything that goes against their point of view as misinformation or disinformation and have the media cancel or shut down those voices.
Free, respectful debate enables di erent points of view to be discussed and the truth ascertained.
The government’s MaD Bill gives the power to unelected bureaucrats in the Australian Media and Communications Authority (ACMA) to decide what is misinformation and disinformation and then force international corporations such as Meta, Google and X to remove the o ending posts or risk extremely high nancial penalties, which I feel is censorship.
In correspondence with local federal member for Indi Helen Haines, I feel that she may be inclined to vote for the bill, especially when she says: “That the Bill does not seek to regulate or control individual posts. Instead,
it is focused on how platforms as a whole are responding to the proliferation of content that is veri ably false, misleading or deceptive, and causing or contributing to serious harm”.
The question that I ask is “who decides what is veri ably false, misleading or deceptive, and causing or contributing to serious harm?”
And as the answer to me is ACMA.
For this reason, I am Dr Haines to vote against the MaD Bill.
I would also ask all the voters of Indi to contact Dr Haines and tell her how you want her to vote, then she can make an informed vote.
John Moore, Wangaratta
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
FUN IN THE SUN: Phoenix Smith was one of the many local kids who got out and about at Apex Park last week to have some fun in the sun as the warmer weather rolls around.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling.
Additional weekend train services made permanent
EXTRA weekend services on the Albury train line will be made permanent following a trial that was completed back in February.
Two services that have been running as fare cap specials on the Albury line will become permanent from December 1.
This includes the Saturday morning service from Albury to Southern Cross that currently departs at 7.55am, and the Sunday a ernoon service from Southern Cross to Albury that departs at 2.33pm.
Due to ongoing Inland Rail works, the Saturday
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
morning service is currently departing at 7.55am and will continue to depart at this time over the coming months.
Following the completion of these works early next year, it is scheduled to depart at 8.45am.
Passengers are advised to check the V/Line website for the latest travel information, with the new timetables to go live from November 1.
This masthead published a story in March with Benambra MP Bill Tilley calling for the additional Saturday and Sunday services to be permanently added to the timetable.
Nationals MP Annabelle Cleeland expressed similar sentiments and upped the ante in July calling for even more services due to patronage almost doubling since cheap fares were introduced in March 2023.
Problems arose when ticket prices were slashed by about $40 return or the equivalent of a daily metro fare ticket, but the short-
fall with the plan was that only two of six carriages on the Albury line o ered reserved seating.
A large volume of people who didn’t reserve a seat were forced to stand for all or some of the three-hourplus long journey, with some choosing to sit on the oor.
V/Line began a trial making all seating reserved under its booking system from September last year, a system that appeared to work better, however, overcrowding still existed.
The State Government announced on Wednesday that it is delivering more
public connections for regional passengers and the two special weekend services Albury line will be made permanent.
More than 33 million train trips have been taken across the network and more than $90 million has been saved since the fare cap was introduced last year.
Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams said they’re adding almost 100 new services across Victoria’s regional public transport network – making it easier for Victorians to get to where they need to go.”
Open gardens a fundraising success for Friends of Lacluta
By ANITA MCPHERSON
PERFECT weather conditions helped draw hundreds of visitors outside to attend Wangaratta Friends of Lacluta’s open garden event held on Sunday, October 20.
While considerable rain fell just a couple of days before, the bright sunshine which followed brought out the best in all three participating gardens, with plenty of greenery and a variety of species in ower at just the right time.
Wangaratta Friends of Lacluta president Heather Redmond said the organisation’s venture into using online bookings proved most successful, with 79 tickets purchased before the gardens opened.
She said they were delighted to have Irish band Inisher join them once again, playing for most of the day at the Procter garden.
“We raised just on $6000, and all three gardens attracted a lot of interest,” she said.
“Our property owners were all delighted with the crowds and the interest shown in what they have achieved in their gardens.
“We are hugely grateful to all our supporters.
“The money will go towards our scholarships program in Laclutawe have university and vocational scholarships plus encouragement awards to assist students to stay on at school beyond year nine.”
A CYCLING event bringing up to 3000 riders to Wangaratta this month, will undergo a major change next year.
Bicycle Network has conrmed that this year’s 40th anniversary of the Great Vic Bike Ride will be the end of an era.
CEO Alison McCormack said this month’s nine-day bike ride travelling through the North East, with a two night stop over at Wangaratta Showgrounds from November 25 until November 27, is certain to be a great adventure for participants and pump upwards of $200,000 into the local economy.
INSPIRING EVENT: Joye and John Podubinski were among those to open their garden in support of Wangaratta’s Friends of Lacluta.
Funding washes in for CFA brigades
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
FOUR CFA brigades within the Rural City of Wangaratta are set to be bolstered by funding through the State Government’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).
The VESEP grants aim to provide volunteers with the equipment and facilities they need to continue their selfless work safely.
South Wangaratta CFA has received $3010 to upgrade furniture at the station, District 23 Ely Street headquarters were beneficiaries of $2934 to upgrade lighting, and Everton CFA received
$734 for a hose washer.
The rural city’s biggest beneficiary was the Edi CFA brigade which has received $10,000 for a small concrete pad at the front of the station.
Captain Tim Keily said since the opening of the new station in 2018, the brigade has been confronted with an unpleasant small unpaved patch of bark out the front which has proven difficult to maintain.
“They put bark chips down and it’s just a pain, it’s where the water runs and the birds scratch the bark chips out and with the weeds growing in it, it’s just a mess,” he said.
Mr Keily said the works have been quoted and the
brigade will have its 3x2m pad in no time.
Other VESEP funding recipients included Stanley CFA pocketing $33,334 for an upgrade of station amenities and Rutherglen CFA with $145,833 for vehicles and appliances.
Northern Victoria MP and Emergency Services Minister, Jaclyn Symes, congratulated the deserving volunteer groups.
“Our emergency services volunteers work incredibly hard to keep our communities safe, which is why we’ve invested more than $138 million in VESEP grants to support the critical work they do,” she said.
But Ms McCormack says increasing costs and a challenging post-pandemic climate have added to nancial di culties in hosting such an event, and, without government or major sponsor support, this iconic regional event is no longer viable.
She said Bicycle Network is working towards recreating a shorter event in 2025, and 2024 will be the last chance to experience the Great Vic Bike Ride in its current format.
“Local communities have supported and welcomed us annually and we know the Great Vic has had an unforgettable impact on regional tourism,” Ms McCormack said.
She said the Great Vic Bike Ride would not have been possible without the support of thousands of riders, volunteers, sta members, stakeholders and sponsors over its 40-year history.
“We sincerely hope that we can recreate the event in future years, so that many more people can enjoy bike riding across Victoria, supported by Bicycle Network’s team of deeply dedicated sta and volunteers,” she said.
For more information on the bike ride, visit https:// bicyclenetwork.com.au/.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
Junior Reporter Club
Wangaratta’s October was warmer than normal
MAXIMUM temperatures last month in North East Victoria were a couple of degrees above normal whilst minimum temperatures were a shade above normal.
Mean maximum temperatures were 23.3 degrees at Wangaratta, 24.6 degrees at Yarrawonga, 24 degrees at Rutherglen, 23.2 degrees at Benalla and 24.2 degrees at Albury. All these were the warmest for October since 2019.
The mean minimum temperatures were 5.7 degrees at Wangaratta, 7.8 degrees at Yarrawonga, 5.6 degrees at Rutherglen, 8.3 degrees at Benalla and 9.2 degrees at Albury.
Monthly rainfalls were
SOCIAL FOCUS
WHAT’S UP WITH THE WEATHER?
By Peter Nelson, retired CSIRO climatologist
54.6mms at Wangaratta, 41.8mms at Yarrawonga, 57mms at Rutherglen, 51.4mms at Benalla and 42.8mms at Albury. All were near the average or a little below average for October.
Most of the rain fell during thunderstorms on Friday, October 18.
Falls Creek which also had its warmest October since 2019 recorded 53.6mms of rainfall on October 19 and managed to record a total of
Galen students celebrate in style
By SIMONE KERWIN
GALEN Catholic College year 12s marked the end of their secondary school classes with a graduation mass.
Students are currently engaged in exams, which run through until November 20.
141mms for October.
It was unusually hot in Darwin last month.
The mean maximum temperature of 34.9 degrees is now the warmest October on record - the previous being 34.8 degrees in 2009
and this certainly set up a very hot dry November over most of NSW and Victoria with maximum temperatures reaching 36 degrees about November 10 and 41.5 degrees in Wangaratta on November 19, 2009 then
frosts in Wangaratta with the lowest temperature of minus 0.2 on Saturday, October 26, while Rutherglen had nine days of frosts with the lowest temperature of minus 1.3 degrees on Saturday, October 26.
The highest temperatures for all ve towns were around 28 -29 degrees either on October 22 or on October 27.
came a burst of heavy rain about November 22.
The heat peaked at 43.1 degrees about January 12, 2010, then came ooding rains in both February and March of 2010.
There were ve days of
With the prospect of hot days to 36 degrees this week, it is interesting to know that the highest ever temperature in Wangaratta since 1957 during the first week of November was 37.3 degrees in 2018, while Rutherglen had 40 degrees in 1946.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
(Back) teacher Felicity Davis, Jose Obaniana, Shon Francis, Shae Lee Roberts, sta member Charli Rispin,
2024 college captains Tayah Martens and Flynn Habets.
Ella Mitchell, Jackson Jones, Elody D’Agostino and William Gourlay.
Lily Schubert, Ruby Allison, Toby Beggs, Patrick White, Hunter Jones and Shae-Lea Roberts.
Ben Hogan, Gertie Gemmil, Sophie Scalzo and Rose Henry.
Ava McAninly-Bennett and Stephanie Scott.
MARLEE ONGARELLO AND EMILY HOGAN.
KADE MICHELI AND MAISIE CHUCK.
GEORGIA WINSLADE AND CONNOR LIDE.
ACROSS
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD
3 What are said to be a girl’s best friend (8)
7 To be in comfort or luxury, is to be in what (6)
8 What is a formal agreement by two or more nations (8)
9 When questioning, one is doing what (8)
10 What might we call one who complains ill-humouredly (8)
11 To interfere, is to do what (6)
14 What are responsibilities (6)
17 When one gives an account of events, one does what (8)
18 To be mentally bright, is to be what (6)
19 What is advice known as (8)
20 What, in the US, is a five-cent piece (6)
21 To put in good order, is to do what (8)
DOWN
1 What is the act of shutting (7)
2 To have shunned, is to have done what (7)
3 To follow slowly, is to do what (7)
4 What do we call the postman (7)
5 To puzzle completely, is to do what (7)
12 Name a very long Australian river (7)
13 To jump over everything, is to do what (4,3)
14 To be repulsive, is to be what (7)
15 What is imperativeness (7)
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
AUTOPHAGOUS
(a) Self-devouring (b) Self-luminous (c) Self-propelling
E-QUATIONS 7
6 What are chains of mountains (7)
16 To have gone in, is to have done what (7)
2 CONCATENATE
(a) To chain or link together
11 What do we call a person who directs an organisation (7)
Letters have a number value
Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
E-QUATIONS
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
(b) To make or become hollow (c) To grasp as a concept
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:
African country (7)
Bet (7)
Colour (3)
Edict (3)
Beer (5)
French hat (5)
Infamous Dickensian rogue (5)
Louse egg (3)
Over-excited (coll) (5)
Small lie (3)
Average canola yield on target despite half annual rainfall
By KURT HICKLING
LOCAL canola producers are coming to the pointy end of the season as harvesting fast approaches with average yields expected despite receiving only half the average rainfall this year.
An increased price climb to $768/tonne last week - settling at $743 for Victoria - has been welcomed, but is still well off the dizzy highs of 2021 when canola was commanding $1000/tonne.
Andrew Russell, managing director and a shareholder of Lilliput AG - a sister company of the family–owned farming and seed cleaning business Baker Seeds - is expecting an average canola harvest, despite a lack of rainfall and back-to-back heavy frosts.
Mr Russell, who is also chair of the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) southern panel, farms around 2500 hectares just south of Rutherglen with crops this year of canola, faba beans and wheat.
“This year has been a mixed bag when it comes to weather conditions and a lack of rainfall,” he said.
“We have been hit hard by frosts that have continued late into the year, right up to late October.
“These conditions have certainly had an effect on our crops this year, however, we are remaining optimistic that our overall yields will remain at an average which will prove to be a positive outcome.
“I predict a better harvest this year than what we expected which is positive for our business.
“On another positive note, canola prices have lifted over the last few weeks which is great timing for us and local farmers alike.
“Unfortunately, our pasture paddocks have been ter-
INFORMATION SESSION: The Edi Upper Range Catchment Group, alongside Agriculture Victoria, are running an information session on
rible like everyone else in the region, with cattle producers and the dairy industry still feeding out hay.
“Right now, our team have commenced preparations for the upcoming harvest season by cleaning out silos, sheds and servicing our headers, chaser bins, tractors and trucks.
“Considering our rainfall totals for the year, we have grown some handy crops with all things considered.
“Recent rainfall has certainly come in the nick of time to assist in finishing crops prior to harvesting.
“We are very lucky in this region to have the crops we have grown considering other parts of the state are in a bad way.”
Local severe frosts over the last four months have impacted crop development, stunted plant growth and in some cases, wiped out crops completely causing devastation to the live-
lihood of some local farmers.
“We have had some frost damage, but the incidents have been isolated,” Mr Russell said.
“We do not want to be seeing any more frosts this late in the year and they are not welcome for local farmers who are all in preparation for harvest.
“We may see minor damage caused from the recent frosts, but the weather outlook is looking positive which is exactly what we are after.
“Right now, preparations are on track as is our scheduled harvest which will be mid-November where the harvest season will go full steam ahead.
“The overall harvest will paint a clear picture on where we sit by early December.
“We are two weeks ahead of schedule this year because of the lack of rainfall and that will mean things will be wrapped up before Christmas.”
Dairy farmers welcome federal funding boost for biosecurity, urge farm vigilance
AUSTRALIAN Dairy Farmers (ADF) is calling on North East farmers to familiarise themselves with the industry’s extensive biosecurity plans and protocols and review on-farm biosecurity measures.
The call by ADF president Ben Bennett follows the Federal Government’s $95 million boost to Australia’s biosecurity, specifically around preparedness for the H5 strain of avian influenza.
Mr Bennett said while he understands an incursion is likely to impact wild bird populations and the poultry industry, given the crossover of a rare strain of the virus to dairy cattle in the United States, and minor symptoms in humans, the industry is taking the H5 strain of the virus seriously.
He said ADF and the broader dairy sector have been working on an industry-specific re-
Farm dam maintenance information
THE Edi Black Range Catchment Group, in conjunction with Agriculture Victoria, is running a short information session for anyone who has a dam on their property.
They will discuss maintenance, management issues and common
• maintenance and repair;
• spillway/overflow and trickle
• wall leakage and deterioration; • vegetation management;
• catchment management and
The information session will take place this Saturday, November 9 from 9am to 11am at 82 Knaggs Lane, Edi Upper and there will be a light morning tea provided on the day. To RSVP for the event, contact Penny Raleigh on 0427 613 970 or landcare.penny@gmail.com. prepares to commence.
Kurt Hickling
sponse plan in conjunction with Animal Health Australia and other agriculture industries.
“We are working closely with industry and government to further strengthen our biosecurity and ensure we’ve the right support in place,” Mr Bennett said.
“In particular, farmers need help to bolster on farm biosecurity and surveillance measures to assist early detection and reporting.
“We also welcome support for increased testing to ensure strain variation identification, and preparation for potential losses, including proper quarantine, decontamination and disposal of milk and impacted birds.
“All farmers should keep the biosecurity hotline (1800 675 888) close to hand and any suspicious cases of sick birds (wild or domestic) should be reported for analysis.”
BULLS
Wangaratta Livestock Exchange -
PHOTOS:
37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677
The office of North East Media will be closed for business on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 for the Melbourne Cup Holiday. Deadline for classified advertisements for Wednesday, November 6 edition, will be Monday, November 4 at 2pm. Phone 5723 0101 Email: classifieds@nemedia.com.au
MOYHU FOOTBALL & NETBALL CLUB AGM
Tuesday, November 12, 2024 6.30pm
MOYHU CLUB ROOMS moyhufootballclub@ bigpond.com
PEECHELBA Community Market, November 9, 2024, 9am-1pm, Peechelba Bush Reserve. Music, food, art, plants and much more.
CONCRETING, big or small jobs, paths, driveways, shed slabs, verandahs, 15 years experience. For a free quote phone Trev Anderson on 0422 200 761.
PLASTERER, no job too small. Ph 0424 911 161.
WHEELER Earthworks, available for all your earthworks needsyard clean ups, stump removals, driveways, material supply and spreading, rural work and more. Call Marcus on 0491 094 545.
CLASSIFIEDS - 5723 0101
CUSTOMER SERVICE OFFICER
An exciting opportunity now exists for a casual Customer Service Officer to join our Customer Service team based in Milawa, Victoria. What’s on Offer:
• 8-32 hours per week
• Work within one of Australia’s leading wine companies
• A flexible and supportive working environment
• Generous employee benefits including discounts on all products If this role interests you and you believe you have the skills and experience to be successful in this role, then we would love to hear from you! Please scan the QR code below.
Further information and a position description may be obtained by emailing careers@brownfwg.com.au or by calling Allyce on (03) 5720 5500. Applications will close on 8 November 2024
Advertising Sales/Account Manager (Print & Digital)
About North East Media (NEM)
NEM is an independent family owned media company with community and farming newspapers, magazines and websites across North East VIC, Southern and Central NSW.
The Wangaratta Division is responsible for a group of regular print and digital publications, including the tri weekly Wangaratta Chronicle and weekly Ovens and Murray Advertiser. We also have special publications, including North East Living Magazine, North East Tourist News, North East Farmer, Southern Farmer, North East Kids and Footy Focus.
Who are we looking for?
The Wangaratta Division is looking for a driven and committed individual to join our advertising sales team, responsible for managing existing clients while growing your own sales.
The ideal candidate will have:
• At least 2 years’ sales experience (sales of advertising in multi-media is a plus, not essential)
• The capacity to see opportunities and market trends and a drive to achieve results to help our business grow
• Effective communication skills (verbal and written), enabling connection with a wide range of people across various industries
• The capability to sustain existing relationships and continuously build new ones
An excellent work ethic and organisational skills (including maintaining current records in our company CRM program) enabling you to consistently meet deadlines and achieve your sales targets. The ability to collaborate (including with your manager, sales colleagues, our editors and graphic designers) to ensure seamless execution of advertising campaigns
A motor vehicle and a current driver’s licence
What are we offering?
ISUZU Tipper for sale, 2016 model, 102,000km,
A full-time position with an attractive remuneration package comprising a base salary, commission and employer superannuation contributions.
While this is a maternity leave position, we envisage that the role will lead to an ongoing employment opportunity at the at the end of the 12 month maternity leave period.
How to apply
If you are self-motivated, results-orientated and looking for a challenge in the media environment, forward your resume and covering letter to: Kevin Spendier Advertising Manager kspendier@nemedia.com.au
Wangaratta & District Cricket Association
SCOREBOARD: Saturday, November 2
WANGARATTA MAGPIES VS CITY COLTS
WANGARATTA MAGPIES 1ST INNINGS
Cooper Matheson (c) run out: Mitchell Giggins 7
Jarryd Wallace c: Josh Nanson b: Kent Braden 7
Jack Davies st: Mitchell Giggins b: Josh Nanson 28
Oliver Andrew lbw: Alasdair Brett 17
Nic Bonwick lbw: Alasdair Brett 10
Callum Honey c: Jed Marek b: Matthew Lister 7
David Killen c: Jed Marek b: Kent Braden 8
Brandon Fitzpatrick b: Josh Nanson 1
Rhys Grant c: Mitchell Giggins b: Josh Nanson 4
Matthew Prestianni not out 3*
Kieran Radcliffe lbw: Jed Marek 8
Extras 9
Total 10 / 96
Overs 46.2
Bowling: Josh Nanson 12/4/22/3, Tyler Nanson
7/1/16/0, Kent Braden 10/4/16/2, Jed Marek 4.2/1/4/1, Matthew Lister 7/2/14/1, Alasdair Brett 4/1/11/2, Connor Ormond 2/0/5/0.
CITY COLTS 1ST INNINGS
Mitchell Giggins lbw: Rhys Grant 6
Aaron Thrum not out 14*
Josh Nanson c: Jack Davies b: Kieran Radcliffe 5
Joshua Newton not out 43*
Extras 8
2 / 71
Overs 25
BowlINGs: Rhys Grant 3/0/14/1, Kieran Radcliffe 4/1/4/1, David Killen 4/0/11/0, Matthew Prestianni 7/2/16/0, Cooper Matheson (c) 6/0/18/0, Jarryd Wallace 1/0/3/0.
OVENS VALLEY UNITED VS YARRAWONGA MULWALA
OVENS VALLEY UNITED 1ST INNINGS
Gregor Fraser c: Reid Clarke b: Angus Heslin 55
Seamus Phillips (c) c: Reid Clarke b: Angus McMillan 5
Michael Roberts run out: Van Kreeck, Reid Clarke 18
Geeth Alwis not out 140*
Cooper Thomason b: Ben Welsh 21
Noah White c: Van Kreeck b: Brock McCabe 3
Kane Fitzpatrick lbw: Jobe Fraser 25
Conner Forde b: Van Kreeck 3
Nicholas Impink not out 3*
Dylan Bursill (c) dnb
Glenn White dnb
Extras 28 Total 7 / 298
Overs 69
Bowling: Angus McMillan (vc) 14/2/47/1, Angus Heslin 15/2/57/1, Matt Knight 4.2/2/9/0, Van Kreeck 7/2/16/1,
Brock McCabe 11/0/68/1, Kyle Archibald (c) 3.4/2/6/0, Jobe Fraser 8/0/58/1, Ben Welsh 6/1/23/1.
YARRAWONGA MULWALA 1ST INNINGS
Reid Clarke not out 2*
Kyle Archibald (c) not out 5*
Overs 3
Bowling: Cooper Thomason 2/1/3/0, James Neary 1/0/6/0.
BEECHWORTH WANDERERS VS ROVERS UNITED BRUCK
ROVERS UNITED BRUCK 1ST INNINGS
Charith Perera b: Timothy Cogger 3
Luke Whitten c&b: Timothy Cogger 24
Reid McNamara c: Brenton Surrey b: Kayde Surrey 23
Paddy McNamara (c) c: Lewis Richards b: Henry Scalzo 13
Jeremy Wilson (c) c: Brenton Surrey b: Henry Scalzo 3
Ryan Collier lbw: Kayde Surrey 11
Matthew Whitten c: Lewis Richards b: Jack Morrissy 39 Lakpriya shantha Gangabadawatta Arachchilage lbw: Kayde Surrey 3
Jacob Schonafinger c: Will Prebble b: Brenton Surrey51
Brady Bartlett b: Brenton Surrey 3
Daniel Jones not out 1*
Extras 18
Total 10 / 189
Overs 69.3
Bowling: Timothy Cogger 10/3/34/2, Jack Ryan
18/4/45/0, Richard Worcester 8/3/22/0, Kayde Surrey 12/6/17/3, Clancy Ellett 3/0/14/0, Henry Scalzo 7/1/21/2, Brenton Surrey (c) 8.3/1/17/2, Jack Morrissy 3/1/7/1.
BEECHWORTH WANDERERS 1ST INNINGS
Kayde Surrey c: Jeremy Wilson b: Jacob Schonafinger 2
Clancy Ellett not out 0*
Will Prebble not out 0*
Extras 0
Total 1 /0
Overs 2
Bowling: Jacob Schonafinger 1/1/0/1, Paddy McNamara (c) 1/1/0/0.
A RESERVE: Rovers United Bruck 6/150 Adriano Speziale 38* Matthew Thewlis 3/43 def Wangaratta Magpies 10/111 Oscar Timms 24 Blake Nixon 2/2. Yarrawonga Mulwala 6/191 Fraser Smart 64 Robert Barry 2/34 def Ovens Valley United 9/112 Benjamin McMasters 38* Tyrn Docking 3/24. City Colts 3/216 Ben Feldtmann 52* Lochie Pymer 2/29 def Delatite 151 Mark O’Loughlan 77 Thomas Moore 4/11.
B GRADE: Beechworth Wanderers 125 michael schultz 43 Hayden Williams 3/17 def by Ovens Valley United 146 Rian Banks 31 Lachlan Fitzpatrick 3/26. Yarrawonga Mulwala 113 Hudson Gillies 25 Mark Richards 4/24 def Rutherglen 92 Mark Richards 32 Hunter Frauenfelder 5/14. Benalla Bushrangers 3/159 Craig Williams 64* James Campbell 2/30 def Rovers United Bruck 8/158 Jeremy Ackroyd 71 James Dalton3/9. Merton 9/138 Jai Lerch-mackinnon 47 Daniel Witham 3/43def by Milawa 7/139 Jason Papworth 42 Adam Storer 2/12. City Colts 3/54 Max Marek 29 Andrew Cook 3/16 def Delatite 9/52 Nicholas Ferguson 28 Peter Spring 3/0.
C GRADE: Gapsted 114 Nathan Blyth 24 Marcus Hargreaves 4/7 def by Yarrawonga Mulwala 9/198 Ben Pickering 59 Nathan Blyth 6/23. Greta Blue 5/144 Michael Barnard 53* Paul Ivery 3/25 def Benalla Bushrangers 117 Chris Lindsay 26 JC Grundling 3/35 Beechworth Wanderers 0/29 Fill-in 22* def Greta White 26 Ashley Morris 7 Hamish Malsem 3/3. Rutherglen 5/145 Warwick Thompson 80* Sam Hazell 2/29 def by Benalla Bushrangers Blue 5/147 Sam Hazell 61 Andrew Holmes 3/27.
CLASSY: Beechworth Wanderers’ under 14 star Hugo Rodda tucks one around the corner.
UNDER 16: Ovens Valley United 177 vs City Colts. Rovers United Bruck vs Benalla Bushrangers 9/109. Beechworth Wanderers 7/244 vs Delatite. UNDER 14: Ovens Valley United vs Benalla Bushrangers 9/168. Greta Blue vs Wangaratta Magpies 149. Benalla Bushrangers Blue 119 vs Yarrawonga Mulwala Bulls. Yarrawonga Mulwala Rams vs Wangaratta Magpies Black. City Colts vs Beechworth Wanderers 7/138. Rovers United Bruck Gold vs Rutherglen United 80. UNDER 12 GOLD: Yarrawonga Mulwala Bulls 6/91 def by Yarrawonga Mulwala Lakers 3/109. Wangaratta Magpies White 8/58 def Benalla Bushrangers 7/128. Benalla Bushrangers Blue 4/149 def Wangaratta Magpies Black 7/55. Delatite Gold 8/65 def by Yarrawonga Mulwala Rams 6/104. UNDER 12 BLUE: Rutherglen United 5/95 def Beechworth Wanderers 6/89. Rovers United Bruck Green 4/137 def City Colts White 3/62. Ovens Valley United Orange 3/120 def Greta 8/68. City Colts White 3/92 def Rovers United Bruck Gold 5/80.
Wangaratta & District Cricket Association
SCOREBOARD: Saturday, November 2 2024/25 season
CITY Colts’ A grade cricketers are well on top of Wangaratta Magpies after day one of their two day affair at Norm Minns Oval on Saturday.
At 4/71 the Magpies were in reasonable shape to post a competitive total but a collapse saw the Colts gain ascendancy in Kent Braden’s 300th A grade game.
The away side went on to claim 6/25 to roll the Magpies for just 96 runs with Jack Davies top scoring with a conservative 24 from 77 balls.
With 25 overs left in the day’s play, the Colts took to the batting crease and at 2-14 Wangaratta Magpies had a sniff.
However, City Colts opener Aaron Thrum occu-
BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au
pied the crease for 14 not out from 77 rocks, along with the hard-hitting Josh Newton finishing the day on 43 not out to leave their side with just 25 runs to chase to salute.
“They were going okay and we struggled to get Jack (Davies) and Ollie (Andrews) out,” City Colts captain Mitch Giggins said.
“We weren’t too worried with them in though because they weren’t scoring quickly and the outfield was so slow that it made boundaries hard to come by.
“Once we got one of them the other followed
and then from there we just ticked the rest of them off.”
Colts seamer Josh Nanson was outstanding with the ball picking up 3/22 from 12 overs helping his side on their run through the Magpies’ lower order.
“Josh was outstanding, it was probably the best I’ve seen him bowl,” Giggins said.
“He was really controlled and kept putting it in good areas.
“Usually he gets cranky and tries to bowl too quick and declines as his spell goes on so it was good to see him so controlled.”
With the bat, Giggins (6) and Nanson (0) departed early but Giggins was stoked that Thrum and Newton hung around.
“Josh threw his hands at a wide one which he didn’t need to have a go at and then I was trapped in front so it wasn’t the ideal start,” he said.
“We can all learn something off Aaron (Thrum) though, he just stays patient and chews through the balls which is what we needed at the time.
“Josh Newton did his thing, he made 100 last week and now he’s 43 not out – our goal with the bat was to be not many wickets down for 30-odd but Josh got the show on the road so to be 2/71 and in the box seat to win is great.”
After one and a half games, Newton’s been a godsend for City Colts so far making 123 runs after a knock of 106 against
Benalla Bushrangers last weekend.
“I’ve known him for a while and I knew he could bat, he’s made good runs but has also made a lot of 20s and 30s and gets himself out,” Giggins said.
“He’s been super in his first couple of hits and hopefully it continues.
“It’s a pity he can’t bowl for us because he’s really handy with the ball but his knee won’t let him.”
Giggins said it was a super start to the day with Braden recognised for his 300 A grade games with City Colts.
“It was a special and emotional start to the day for Kent,” he said.
“John Hill and Mick Lappin said a few words and presented him with a few
Colts in box seat against Magpies
things we got put together for him.
“Kent devotes his life to cricket so it’s great that he’s being recognised and to be in the box seat to win for him is terrific.”
In other games, Ovens Valley United set Yarrawonga Mulwala a huge total of 299 to chase with the Lakers wrapping day one up at 0/9 and Beechworth Wanderers need 190 for victory over Rovers United Bruck and will resume at 1/0.
For Ovens Valley United, import Geeth Alwis continued his domination with his maiden WDCA century, whacking 140 not out from 138 balls. His knock included 15 boundaries with his side now in the box seat to down the defending premiers.
runs against Yarrawonga Mulwala.
SHOT: Oliver Andrews takes a single.
COLTS ON TOP: Josh Nanson took three wickets as City Colts sit well on top of Wangaratta PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie
Local horses on show for Melbourne Cup Day meet
By WILLSON MACK
PLENTY of locally trained horses will take to the pristine Wangaratta Turf Club track for tomorrow’s Melbourne Cup Day races.
The six-race card will see Andrew Dale, Ledger Racing, Ben Brisbourne, Chris Davis and Adrian Corboy all saddle up runners.
For Dale, he’ll have four runners in action with Super View, Rushford, Miss Beautiful and College Dropout all accepted, while Garros and Anthemic are emergencies.
Dale said he’s looking forward to getting out on his home track.
“It’s very much an opportunity to get out on the
home track,” Dale said.
“The facilities are looking awesome at the moment, the track’s in great nick and the marquees are all set up for what will be a good day.
“The weather’s also looking good as well.”
After winning at Balranald last start, Super View will be hoping to continue his winning form in
race four’s benchmark 52 (2000m).
In race six (benchmark 52) College Dropout will back-up from Saturday’s meeting at Berrigan where he finished five lengths away in a class 2, while Rushford will back-up from his run at Wycheproof in race six (benchmark 52) where he was three lengths
away in a benchmark 50.
“A number of them went to Berrigan on Saturday so it’ll depend on how they back-up but I think we should have a couple of chances,” Dale said.
“College Dropout ran pretty well at Berrigan in a similar grade and Rushford was the same at Wycheproof.”
Perfect conditions for turf club’s Cup Day return
■ From back page
“We’ve got plenty of outdoor entertainment, plenty of extra seating and shady areas for general admission this year,” he said.
“We’ll have the big Pizzini Fashions on the Field program, face painting for the kids, Wicked Waffles, we’ve got an outdoor barbecue along with our normal canteen and public food offerings.
“Presales are going well, we’re booked out with our umbrella packages.
“There are still some availability in the Grand Oaks Room and the Party on the Hill package, so people can still access tickets for those two areas or purchase their general admission when they arrive at the gate or online beforehand.”
The sound of thundering hooves will commence from just after midday, with the first of a six-race card at the local track set for a 12.11pm jump, with the final race from 4pm. Racing from Flemington will be broadcast throughout the day, with the Race That Stops A Nation from 3pm.
“It’s looking good, great conditions for coming to the races,” Mr Barrett said.
“The venue’s looking fantastic, the guys have done a great job getting everything ready for a bumper day on Tuesday.”
PHOTO: Nathan de Vries
It’s time to get your outfit ready for fashions on the field
By JORDAN DUURSMA
WITH beautiful weather forecast, locals are expected to be out and about in their finest outfits for tomorrow’s Ovens Ford Melbourne Cup Day Races at the Wangaratta Turf Club.
Fashions on the Field offers a chance to strut your stuff infront of three judges, vying for thousands of dollars in prizes.
Fashions on the Field host Shannon Pizzini said the event is a highlight and a long standing tradition on race day which people look forward to.
“Whether they enter or not it’s an event people come to watch to see the different fashions and to support their family or friends who have entered,” she said.
“We love a reason to dress up and we love to dress up for the races.
“We would love to see people dressed up in fashion that expresses who they are, look confident in, have had fun with their style and dressed to impress.
“I would encourage people to come along and get involved as it is a fun part of race day, it would be amazing to see locals enter and enjoy the experience.
“We have great prizes up for grabs from our wonderful local prize sponsors as well.
“Locals will want come out to make the most of the weather and enjoy all the best race day action and then continue the fun dancing to DJ M-KEY.”
The Pizzini Melbourne Cup Day fashions program commences at 2:10pm, just inside the entrance gates. No registration required; just show up in your racing finery, ready to strut your stuff.
Wangaratta Turf Club chief executive officer Sean Barrett said bookings are going strong for Melbourne Cup Day races.
“We have some availability left in the Grand Oaks Room and Party On The Hill but we’ve sold out everywhere else,” he said.
“General admission can be
purchased on the day at the gate at $20 per person, gates open at 11am.
“We’re looking forward to a great day.”
Prizes:
LADY OF THE DAY
1st Prize - Skinsational Cosmetic Nursing - Skin Treatment Package valued at over $1000.
2nd Prize - Jessie’s Creek Cottage King Valley - two-night stay for two people valued at $430.
GENTLEMEN OF THE DAY
1st Prize - Judds=Menvoucher valued at $499 + Rinaldos Casa Cucina voucher valued at $100.
2nd Prize - Judds=Menvoucher valued at $299.
MILLINERY AWARD
1st Prize - Reality Fine Clothing - voucher valued at $250, plus a handbag.
2nd Prize - Donna Bella Lingerie - voucher valued at $100.
JUNIOR OF THE DAY –16&U Girls and Boys.
1st Prize - Flynns Inland & Surf - voucher valued at $100.
CUP DAY RACING: Andrew Dale’s College Dropout will feature at the Wangaratta Turf Club’s Melbourne Cup Day races.
DRESS TO IMPRESS: Fashions on the Field will be another big part of the Ovens Ford Melbourne Cup Day Races at Wangaratta Turf Club tomorrow.
BRING ON THE RACES: Wangaratta Turf Club CEO Sean Barrett is excited to have Melbourne Cup Day racing back.
300 GAMER
CITY Colts stalwart Kent Braden rolls the arm over in his 300th game. Braden took 2/16 from 10 overs to help his side gain ascendancy over Wamgaratta Magpies.
■ Story: Page17
PHOTO: Melissa Beattie
Ready for races
Perfect conditions for turf club’s Melbourne Cup Day return tomorrow after ve-year hiatus
THE Race That Stops A Nation is almost here, and the crowds will be trackside at the Wangaratta Turf Club on Tuesday to take in the big race for the rst time in ve years. Between COVID restrictions, track works and the ever- ckle weather gods, punters, fashionistas and the
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
general public have been unable to enjoy Melbourne Cup Day at the local track since 2019.
Now, with the track looking a dream and a gorgeous
29 degree sunny day forecast, the party is ready to go.
Wangaratta Turf Club CEO Sean Barrett said he was looking forward to welcoming the crowds back tomorrow for the Ovens Ford Melbourne Cup Day Races a er a long break.
“It’ll be ve years since the last time we ran a Melbourne
Cup Day, it has been a bit of a hiatus, but we’re looking forward to a cracking day and relaunching the event for the local community,” he said.
“We would’ve loved to have raced during that time, but we’ve had COVID, we had a washout (2022) and track works last year.
“It’ll be good to get back
in the swing of it, get people here on Cup Day enjoying themselves and having a great day.”
Racegoers will spend Tuesday morning getting frocked up before the gates open to the public from 11am.
The turf club will have a free bus running to the track,
with pick-ups from Town N Country Tavern, Gateway Hotel, Wangaratta RSL, W.J. Findlay Oval, Wangaratta High School, and West Side Tavern.
Mr Barrett said there’ll be a bit of everything to keep punters entertained throughout the day.
■ Continued page 19
