Wangaratta Chronicle 050523

A WALK IN THE PARK FOR 300TH MILESTONE

GP wins COVID bid

A MEDICATION that a local GP says is proven to prevent and treat COVID-19 overseas, will become available in Australia again after he successfully appealed to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to have it reinstated.

Wangaratta GP Dr Julian Fidge made a submission last year to the TGA to have ivermectin deleted from the Poisons Standard.

After two rounds of public consultation and 24 submissions, the TGA

TGA decides to allow prescription of ivermectin ppgagain

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

has this week made an amendment to allow GPs to prescribe the medication from June 1.

The restrictions were originally implemented in September 2021 due to concerns regarding the significant increase

in off-label prescribing of ivermectin for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 and the risk of shortages of ivermectin for its approved indications.

In his application that instigated the review, Dr Fidge claimed that the effective banning of ivermectin posed a serious threat to public safety as it “may prevent more than 85 per cent of COVID-19 infections and may prevent

serious illness and death caused by COVID-19 infections”.

With ivermectin unable to be prescribed by GPs, Dr Fidge said it forces patients to access the drug on the black market or use veterinarian ivermectin.

He said it prevented the safe prescribing of the medication by doctors and safe dispensing by pharmacists.

“There was never any

evidence that specialist general practitioners have been prescribing ivermectin unsafely, or that the prescribing by general practitioners was undesirable,” Dr Fidge said.

“The use of ivermectin by Australians will be safer if the listing is deleted, because doctors and pharmacists can then be involved in the use of ivermectin by patients.

“Ivermectin is extremely

cheap, especially compared to the current vaccines and treatments for COVID-19.

“It would remain cheap and accessible for vulnerable patients if the listing is removed.”

Dr Fidge said patients will still be protected by the Australian Scheduling Policy Framework (SPF) and other medical and pharmaceutical safety regulations if the listing is deleted.

■ Continued page 3

CANCER survivor Doug Kneen and daughter Tammy Genn will help mark a major milestone in Wangaratta tomorrow. Doug is one of the volunteers who helps run the Wangaratta Parkrun each Saturday morning from Apex Park.

The free 5km event will celebrate its 300th staging tomorrow, with Doug looking forward to walking the distance with Tammy and her dogs.

Full story page 4

PHOTO: Chloe Jaenicke

Ready to ring to in a new a new monarch

Magpies face a big face a challenge

Tune in for historic coronation

By SIMONE KERWIN

FOR those keen to immerse themselves in the coronation tomorrow, all free-to-air channels will broadcast coverage.

ABC TV’s preview coverage is due to kick off at 5pm, with arrivals from 6pm, the King’s procession from 7.30pm, and the service itself running from 8pm to 10pm.

This will be followed by the procession from Westminster, and then vision of the royal family on the Buckingham Palace balcony from 10.30pm.

Channel Nine and SBS News will follow the coro-

Ringing in a new monarch

By SIMONE KERWIN

AS royal-watchers around the globe prepare to tune in for the historic coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla tomorrow night, a group of local residents will be preparing for their own tribute to the new monarch.

The Holy Trinity Cathedral Bellringers will combine with bellringers from Christ Church Beechworth to present ‘coronation call changes’ on Sunday morning from 11am, following their regular Sunday service ringing between 9.30am and 10am.

The group’s celebratory ringing of the bells at Holy Trinity Cathedral will be one of many ‘Ring for the King’ events planned this weekend across Australia and New Zealand - from Perth to Wellington - by members of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Bellringers.

Holy Trinity Cathedral tower captain Wendy Beer said Sunday’s ringing would involve eight or nine local bellringers, and

nation from 5pm, Channel 10 will begin its coverage at 4.30pm, Channel Seven will follow the event from 4pm (with coverage to shift to 7TWO from 6pm to accommodate AFL broadcasts), and Sky News will report on the coronation from 3pm.

Local interest will centre on the involvement in the ceremony of the Wangarattabased 15th Earl of Loudon, Simon Abney-Hastings, who will continue a long-held family tradition by presenting the Great Golden Spurs to King Charles III.

The 48-year-old Earl inherited the right to be the Bearer of the Great Golden Spurs through the Grey de

Ruthin line (an English baronetcy) and the Marshal family.

Earls of Loudon have filled the role at the coronation of the monarchs of England and Great Britain since the coronation of King Richard I in 1189.

Made almost entirely of gold and each featuring a diamond-encrusted ruby, the Great Golden Spurs symbolise knighthood, and denote the sovereign’s role as head of the armed forces.

Another Wangaratta link at the coronation will be the attendance of former local resident Nick Cave.

The singer replied on his Red Hand Files newsletter to

queries from fans who asked why he had chosen to attend as part of the Australian delegation, saying:

“I’ll make this a quick one, because I’ve got to work out what I am going to wear to the coronation.

“I am not a monarchist, nor am I a royalist, nor am I an ardent republican for that matter; what I am also not is so spectacularly incurious about the world and the way it works, so ideologically captured, so damn grouchy, as to refuse an invitation to what will more than likely be the most important historical event in the UK of our age. Not just the most important, but the

strangest, the weirdest.

“...I guess what I am trying to say is that, beyond the interminable but necessary debates about the abolition of the monarchy, I hold an inexplicable emotional attachment to the Royals - the strangeness of them, the deeply eccentric nature of the whole affair that so perfectly reflects the unique weirdness of Britain itself. I’m just drawn to that kind of thing - the bizarre, the uncanny, the stupefyingly spectacular, the awe-inspiring.

“... So, with all that in mind, I am looking forward to going to the coronation. I think I’ll wear a suit.”

Church in Ballarat in 1952, to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation.

Graeme told the Wangaratta Chronicle last year that the 1952 occasion was special because it was the first time he had rung a peal, in a musical piece which took about three hours to complete.

With King Charles III’s coronation set to be screened widely on TV on Saturday night, Wendy said she would “probably have a look” at the pomp and pageantry (albeit trimmed down from previous events) around the installation of the new monarch.

“It’s a special occasion, and part of history,” she said.

For those keen to try their hand at bellringing, the Holy Trinity group is always on the lookout for new members.

would continue for about an hour from 11am - a chance for locals to pause and reflect on the historic occasion.

“Bells are traditionally rung for major events, such as the end of wars, royal jubilees and instalment of monarchs,” Wendy said.

The bells at Holy Trinity have been rung over the past year for Queen

Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee in June, and as part of a memorial service at the cathedral following the Queen’s passing in September.

In their previous home at St George’s Church in Bolton, Lancashire, the bells - which were cast by John Rudhall in 1806 in celebration of the victory of the Battle of Trafalgar during the Napoleonic

Wars - were regularly used for general service ringing, with full peals reserved for occasions such as the end of World War 2.

They are believed to have sounded for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II’s father, King George VI, in 1937.

The bells sat idle for some time, and following the closure of St George’s Church in 1975, made their

way to Wangaratta in 1977.

They first rang out over Wangaratta in 1987, by which time a group of locals had learnt the ancient art of bellringing, or campanology.

For Graeme Heyes, one of the bellringers who will be part of Sunday’s Ring for the King, the day will recall memories of his involvement in ringing the bells at St Peter’s Anglican

“It’s a great hand-eye coordination and brain exercise, and one of those activities that can suit anyone from youngsters to octogenarians,” Wendy said.

“People just need to bring enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

“It’s not the same as playing music, but a good sense of rhythm never goes astray.”

Anyone interested in joining the Wangaratta group is encouraged to contact Wendy Beer on 0401 815 050.

RING FOR THE KING: Bellringers (from left) Wendy Beer, Graeme Heyes, Helen Briggs and Peter Amor will ring the bells at Holy Trinity Cathedral on Sunday morning, to mark the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

PHOTO: Shane Douthie

CORONATION ROLE: The Wangaratta-based 15th Earl of Loudon, Simon AbneyHastings, will be part of tomorrow’s coronation ceremony.

RESTORATION:

Work was under way yesterday afternoon to replace the cross atop St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Ford Street which fell during the September 2021 earthquake.

Reinstatement of the cross, which was one of the most notable effects of the earthquake in the rural city, readies the church for celebrations this month to mark the 160th anniversary of establishment of a Catholic parish in Wangaratta. Much of the original church’s interior has recently been re-painted in preparation for the anniversary gathering on Saturday, May 20, which will commence with an 11am Mass concelebrated by Sandhurst Diocese

Bishop Shane Mackinlay and priests from across the diocese, and continue with a lunch in St Patrick’s Hall.

Housing top priority ahead of the budget

INDEPENDENT federal MP for Indi Helen Haines wants the government to fund measures to open up housing supply in the regions in next Tuesday’s federal budget.

Speaking yesterday, Dr Haines said the housing crisis is being felt across the North East region, where 40.6 per cent of renters are experiencing housing stress.

“In our region we know that the dire lack of housing supply is a major factor contributing to the crisis,” she said.

“What we need is a dedicated Regional Housing Infrastructure Fund, which would provide funding for enabling infrastructure that would help open new housing developments, like sewerage, drainage, parks and other amenity.

“It would also provide local government assistance to fast-track

planning approvals and reduce red tape.”

Dr Haines is also calling for $2.1 million for site preparation work at the old Wangaratta Ovens College site, where the Rural City of Wangaratta has appointed not-for-profit Nestd to develop new social housing.

“We have projects ready to go in Indi to kickstart building more houses, and we need the government to play its part,” she said.

Dr Haines has also called for funding to improve access to health care in regional, rural and remote Australia.

“Last week Albury Wodonga Health declared a Code Yellow, and we are only at the start of winter,” she said.

“The government has announced a series of measures to strengthen Medicare and I look

forward to seeing more detail and working out what that will mean on the ground in our community.

“The budget must also include measures to help regional Australia’s economic development.

“Our roads need tens of millions of dollars of investment to be made safer but also to help our local economies thrive.

“In the October budget the government announced two new funding programs for regional Australia - the Growing Regions Program and the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program.

“Yet there is still no detail on how these programs will work or when they will open for applications, we need that certainty on Tuesday evening.”

Cost of living relief is at front of mind for Dr Haines, who has

already campaigned to raise the rate of JobSeeker and measures to reduce energy bills.

“After mortgage or rent payments, energy is the most expensive household bill and we need to help households reduce their bills by replacing inefficient gas appliances with high-efficiency electric appliances, powered by renewables,” she said.

“This budget needs to include a comprehensive package to help households increase solar panels and home batteries, and to replace appliances which are costing people more money.”

Dr Haines introduced the Cheaper Home Batteries Bill to help households store renewable energy and reduce bills in March, seconded by Independent MP for Wentworth.

MEDICATION REVIEW: Dr Julian Fidge started the ball rolling to have ivermectin, a claimed prevention and treatment for COVID-19, to become available with doctor’s prescription again.

GP wins bid to ‘COVID-19 remedy’ green-lit

■ From page 1

In its final decision published this week, the TGA has removed the restriction through its scheduling in the Poisons Standard “because there is sufficient evidence that the safety risks to individuals and public health is low when prescribed by a general practitioner in the current health climate”.

“This considers the evidence and awareness of medical practitioners about the risks and benefits of ivermectin, and the low potential for any shortages of ivermectin for its approved uses.

“Also, given the high rates of vaccination and hybrid immunity against COVID-19 in Australia, use of ivermectin by some individuals is unlikely to now compromise public health.”

However, the TGA reported that “it does not endorse off-label prescribing of ivermectin for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19”.

“A large number of clinical studies have demonstrated ivermectin does not improve outcomes in patients with COVID-19,” it said.

“The National Covid Evidence Taskforce (NCET) and many similar bodies around the world, including the World Health Organization, strongly advises against the use of ivermectin for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19.”

Ivermectin for oral use is a prescription only (Schedule 4) medicine in the Poisons Standard.

Up until June 1 it is only approved by the TGA for the treatment of river blindness (onchocerciasis), threadworm of the intestines (intestinal strongyloidiasis), and scabies.

As

My office assists thousands of constituents with NDIS, Centrelink, Medicare, My Aged Care, telecommunications and immigration issues. My office is open 9am - 5pm weekdays. If you need help with any Commonwealth service, please phone, email or visit my office. h any

Wangaratta

@helenhainesindi helen.haines.mp@aph.gov.au

Authorised by Helen Haines 117 Murphy St Wangaratta VIC 3677

your Independent MP, you can count on me. I am your strong voice, working each and every day to advocate for you, your family and our community.

300th Wangaratta Parkrun tomorrow

By CHLOE JAENICKE

THE 300th Wangaratta Parkrun will take place tomorrow at Apex Park.

Participants of the free Parkrun are encouraged to walk, jog, run or volunteer at the 5km event, with the course following the Bullawah Cultural Trail.

Doug Kneen, who has volunteered at 38 of the Parkruns, plans on completing his first ever event by walking the 5kms.

Mr Kneen is survivor of skin, bowel, liver and prostate cancer and has been undergoing different treatments for more than 18 months.

He said he has been volunteering not only to support his daugh-

ter Tammy Genn, who walks the Parkrun with her dogs, but also to meet new people.

“The Parkrun itself is just people out there trying to do something for themselves and if I can get out there and volunteer, that helps them,” he said.

“It means that instead of sitting at home and thinking about things, I actually go out and meet people.”

Mr Kneen said completing the Parkrun has been an aim throughout his cancer journey and this week he finally feels healthy enough to do it.

“It’s about coming out the other end and surviving and it’s just one of the markers along the way that I’d like to say ‘yes, I’ve done the Parkrun’,” he said.

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“It’s letting people know you can get through cancer and you can survive cancer.”

The people he’s met at the Parkrun and throughout his treatment are who Mr Kneen said have helped him the most throughout his cancer journey and he urges anyone with any symptoms to go and get it checked.

The Parkrun starts at 8am tomorrow and everyone is encouraged to join for their own enjoyment no matter how fast they can complete the Parkrun.

Those interested in participating will need to register and bring along their scannable barcode.

For more information on the Parkrun visit https://www.parkrun. com.au/wangaratta/.

Fashion from all ages to support public hospital

THE Zonta Club of Wangaratta is bringing back its ‘Fashion of the Decades’ fashion parade on Saturday, May 13 at the Gateway Quality Motel.

The fashion parade has proven popular in past years, when Reality Fine Clothing in Wangaratta presented winter day and lounge wear.

The fashion parade has been a big part of displaying the latest in fashion every winter and this year will be no exception.

Stacey Thayer of Reality Fine Clothing said lots of bright colours will be on display as well as affordable fashion for every budget.

“The fashion parade gives you just a taste of what we have to offer,” she said.

This year there will be an extra theme to the event with a feature being ‘Fashions of Past Decades’.

Fashions from the 1900s, through the roaring 1920s, the sophisticated 1930s, the way years, into the hourglass 50s and to the 60s will be on parade.

In 1835, Jenny Wise and her husband brought the first cattle from NSW to Victoria; her beautiful wedding dress will be a part of the parade. It will soon be rehoused at the Power House Museum as a major exhibit in Sydney.

Also being paraded is an extraordinary velvet Opera Cape, brought by a woman from Scotland, who in the 1830s was

mother of the first child born in Chiltern.

The show is honoured to have guest speaker Andrew Gilmour who gracefully loaned these beautiful garments and will give more detail at the afternoon tea.

Alison Grant, president of Zonta Wangaratta, said the afternoon will be filled with fashion, wonderful food, friendship and laughter.

All funds raised will be donated to Northeast Health Wangaratta for the purchase of a Vital Signs Monitor, much needed by the health service and people in our community.

Tickets are $52 a head and can be booked through Trybooking (https://www.trybooking.com/ CHHSP).

MISSING: Lillian, from Cheltenham, was last seen at Mitta Mitta at 2:15pm on Sunday, April 30, travelling in a black Honda Jazz. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is urged to contact Wangaratta Police Station on (03) 5723 0888.

Search for missing woman Lillian

PLICE are continuing to search for a 48-year-old Cheltenham woman who went missing while on holiday in Bright.

It is believed Lillian was staying at accommodation on Gavin Street for nine days and was due to return home to Cheltenham on Tuesday, May 2.

She was last seen in a store on Omeo Highway in Mitta Mitta about 2.15pm on Sunday, April 30.

Lillian last spoke to her friend on a video chat at the Bright accommodation about 7.30pm the previous evening.

Her friends and family have not been able to contact her since, which is out of character.

Lillian is travelling in a black Honda Jazz with the registration TEP885.

Police, family and friends are increasingly concerned for Lillian’s welfare due to the length of time she has been missing.

An image of Lillian has been released in the hope someone has information about her current whereabouts.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Wangaratta Police Station on (03) 5723 0888.

A WALK THROUGH TIME: Kay Adams models an 1830’s velvet Opera Cape which will be a marquee feature of the Zonta Club of Wangaratta’s fashion parade on May 13 at the Gateway Wangaratta.

SURVIVOR: Doug Kneen is looking forward to completing his first ever Parkrun walk at Wangaratta’s 300th Parkrun.

PHOTO: Chloe Jaenicke

Familiar faces return for Cathedral College’s 20th anniversary Founders Day g ’ y y Walk down memory lane

BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au

TWO former principals joined a gathering of special guests at Cathedral College Wangaratta’s Murdoch Road campus on Wednesday, as part of celebrations for the school’s 20th anniversary.

The Founders Day event included a morning tea and assembly which took past and present staff, students and connections on a walk down memory lane.

The morning included a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country from Uncle Darren (Dozer) Atkinson, the ringing of the original school bell, a musical item performed by the college ensemble, and a birthday cake.

For founding principal Pam McDiarmid, the day was a chance to see the evolution of the school she led in its infancy.

“I had been at the start of a few state schools in Melbourne, and at Overnewton (Anglican Community College, which began in 1987) before I came here,” she said.

“Starting a school is really about marketing a dream, and there was a lot of going

to markets and down the street to let people know what was happening.

“You’re dealing with a lot of unknowns - that was the challenge we had, but I enjoyed the challenge.

“It’s wonderful to think that people are willing to put that kind of trust in a new school.”

Cathedral College was established to provide an independent prep to year 12 Anglican education for Wan-

garatta and surrounds. Its first students began in 2003 at The Close on the grounds of Wangaratta’s Holy Trinity Cathedral.

In 2011, the college was acquired by the Anglican Schools Commission, and the campus in The Close and a new site in Murdoch Road were gradually consolidated on the current location.

In recent years, development at the school has included a new oval which

One visit dentistry

is utilised by local groups including the Murray Bushrangers Football Club, and a new chapel constructed in the centre of the campus.

Current Cathedral College principal Nick Jones said he was very proud to share the day with those who had helped develop the school.

“These are people who were here right from the start in 2002, when there were conversations around starting a new An-

glican school,” he said.

“There is a lot of history that has led to this moment, and people who have put in hours and hours to see the school survive and thrive.”

Mr Jones told Wednesday’s assembly that “while it is appropriate and right that on an occasion such as today, we reflect on and give thanks to the people who have contributed greatly to the establishment and development of Cathedral Col-

lege, it is also very important that we understand our responsibility in continuing to evolve our great school for the people who will come after us”.

“As students, staff and wider members of our school community who currently enjoy all the amazing benefits of the work of our founders, we must appreciate the awesome responsibility we have to continue the growth and evolution of Cathedral College Wangaratta,” he said.

“What our college will look like, and what it will feel like in 2028, 2033, and 2040 will be a result of the contributions we all make today.

“We are the custodians of this great school, and the legacy we leave will ensure that Cathedral College continues to thrive, flourish and provide a high-quality education experience for the young people of Wangaratta and the North East region.”

Following Wednesday’s Founders Day, the school is now looking forward to its alumni reunion event on Saturday, May 13, when about 50 former students will return to their former school.

The 20th anniversary celebrations will continue with a mid-winter ball in June.

CELEBRATING HISTORY: Current Cathedral College principal Nick Jones (centre) welcomed special guests including past principals David Everett (2005-’12) and Pam McDiarmid (2003-’04), Anglican Schools Commission chief executive officer Rev Peter Laurence, and original school captain Peter Burke to celebrate the Murdoch Road’s Founders Day on Wednesday, as part of its 20th anniversary events.

PHOTO: Simone Kerwin

Galen College is bringing a Disney classic to the stage

By CHLOE JAENICKE

THE cast of Galen College’s High School Musical are excited to bring a film they grew up with to the stage in Wangaratta next week.

High School Musical was originally a movie released in 2006 that was adapted for the stage.

It follows Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez as they struggle choosing between sticking to the status quo and breaking free by performing in the upcoming spring musical.

Cast members said they are excited to perform in a show they are already familiar with from their childhoods.

“I watched it quite a lot when I was younger, I really exhausted myself of watching it,” said year 12 student Tahli Gibson, who plays Sharpay Evans.

“I’d say it’s my favourite movie, I’m basically raised on it,” said year 10 student Alice Appleby, who plays Taylor McKessie.

The students said while the movie is very familiar to them, the stage version has some added dialogue and songs such as ‘Cellular Fusion’ and ‘Count on You’.

Year 10 student Abby Quin even said performing in the show has given her a new perspective on her character, Martha Cox, who she previously viewed as a minor character.

“I used to think she was more of a background character but now I realise how much she’s actually is in it and how much she affects the storyline,” she said.

Due to the actors being around the same age as the characters, many of them are also looking forward to performing in a show they can relate to.

“I would say I relate to Troy because I like doing productions and all that sort of stuff as well as having other interests which are very conflicting,” said year 11 student Toby Beggs, who plays Troy Bolton.

“I think it’s really cool from the past shows we’ve done how it’s about teenagers doing normal things instead of other shows we have done where it’s more adults so it’s a lot more relatable,” Alice said.

While some relate to their characters, others are excited to play characters that are different to themselves such as Tahli in her portrayal of mean girl Sharpay, who tries to sabotage Troy and Gabriella.

“I think she’s a really fun character to play, she’s very mean,” she said.

“I think it’s fun to play someone contrasting to how I act.”

The show will take place on May 11, 12 and 13 at 7:30pm and on May 13 at 1:20pm at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre and tickets are available at www. wpacc.com.au.

GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME: Students (front, from left) Bailey Walch, Spencer Hayward, Jose Obaniana and Tahli Gibson; (back) Toby Beggs, Charli Rispin, Bonnie Melbourne and Charlie Maher are getting ready to perform in Galen College’s High School Musical.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Funding to help expand NESAY health programs

NESAY’s long running Healthy Eating And Living Program (HEAL), which has been supporting Wangaratta’s young people for close to 15 years, has received a funding boost.

The program began in response to NESAY staff noticing a gap in support for young people to build on their independent living skills and interpersonal development.

The HEAL program recently received much-needed funding from the Victorian Government and Commonwealth Government under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

This funding is a great opportunity for NESAY to further develop the existing program design across Wangaratta, Wodonga, Indigo and Alpine LGA’s.

It will not only help deliver existing Group HEAL and Individual HEAL (iHEAL) programs, but it will also help NESAY increase the reach of the programs to provide a Family HEAL program and a Primary School HEAL program.

NESAY’s transitional services manager, Claire Anderson, said each of these programs are specifically designed on the needs of young people and will equip them with life skills to help build resilience and capacity and increase their connectedness to community.

Ms Anderson said each HEAL pro-

gram includes cooking and interpersonal skills development and creates a connection to relevant community organisations based on the needs of participants, such as mental health, sexual health, legal, financial and drug and alcohol services.

“Each year through intervention with young people, we see that many

have not had an opportunity to develop life skills such as nutrition/ cooking and budgeting or understand the services that are available to them,” she said.

“This funding will provide a great opportunity for the HEAL program to support young people who are considered particularly vulnerable

Store cattle sale to catch early birds

WANGARATTA’S increasingly popular monthly store cattle sale held on the first Friday of each month, will now begin at 9am.

The shift from a 10.30am start is seen as good news for all involved according to Corcoran Parker stock agent and auctioneer Justin Keane.

“When you think about, we’re ready to go by 9am,” Mr Keane said.

“The cattle come in the night before, the buyers and the agents are ready.

“The earlier start will allow everyone to get home earlier and get a meal into the cattle that day.”

Mr Keane said the cattle sale used to be held at noon years ago before it was brought forward to 10.30am and this was just a natural progression.

“It also brings it in line line with most other cattle sales,” he said.

and needing support to connect, engage and develop their personal skills and capacity to build their resilience.”

The program is expected to be launched soon.

For further details on the HEAL program contact NESAY in Wangaratta on (03) 5720 2201

And for those who didn’t have time for a feed before heading to the sale, don’t worry; the canteen opens at 7am so you can have your breakfast there while catching up on all the farm gossip.

Today’s sale will see around 1200 head of cattle go under the hammer.

BETTER HEALTH SUPPORT: Claire Anderson and Melissa van Bergen from NESAY are delighted to have received more funding to continue their Healthy Eating And Living Program.

PHOTO: Kurt HIckling

College’s growth a credit to dreamers

THE creation, continued growth and continued success of Cathedral College is testament to all who have been involved at the school.

To begin, as the founding principal said, as a dream of a few like-minded people and a handful of students on a single campus at The Close, to 20 years later have in excess of 600 students and some of the best educational and sporting facilities in the rural city is a wondrous achievement.

We often hear of how important education facilities are for the continued growth and sustained health of a community and Cathedral College is a perfect example of that.

There was obviously a ‘market’ for independent prep to year 12 Anglican education in the rural city and Cathedral College has not only filled that gap but grown to become a drawcard in itself to students outside of Wangaratta.

Its modern facilities have also proven a benefit for local community groups who are able to access the facility after hours, repaying the investment beyond its educational value.

Credit must also go to state and federal governments who have provided funding to enable the school to be viable and to grow.

With major redevelopments taking place at Galen Catholic College and funding for major works committed for Wangaratta High School, the facilities for our secondary students are among the best in the state.

APOLOGY: Wangaratta Chronicle apologises for Wednesday’s crossword. The syndicated provider of the content incorrectly supplied the wrong grid to the clues.

■ See page 26 for the correct crossword

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

FACEBOOK users this week commented on this week’s poll, which asked users do you think the age of criminal responsibility should be raised to an age above 12 years old?

• Georgina Rea: Of course it should be raised to 14

• Jeremy Sear-Pirko: Of course it should. 12 year olds are children. Their brains are not developed. They are not capable of criminal responsibility. Anyone thinking criminal punishments for 12

year olds will do anything to help is deluding themselves. It’s the way to permanently break children, which causes them - and the communitya lot more harm in the long run

• Andrew Meloury: Doesn’t matter what the age is set as when they only get a slap on the wrist anyway

Facebook users this week also commented on people on prescription medication being able to get two months’ worth

Rate limit needs to be supported by savings

OUR council deserves praise for breaking their long lasting cycle of increasing Wangaratta’s rates by the most amount allowable.

Although the individual amount saved by ratepayers may be miniscule I am sure that the attitude is appreciated by many.

Each step like this helps to reduce the effects of inflation in some small way and is most welcome in these times.

Obviously like all citizens I want services to continue at their current level or better and this would mean that savings would have to be made in other areas such as cuts to capital expenditure and infrastructure.

We currently have a major project being considered to update, improve, redesign and expand our arts precinct where we will commit $20 million over three years.

I understand that much of this is to be funded by grants from federal and state governments with council funding the rest, perhaps by borrowings.

Given the current economic climate where all levels of government are attempting to reduce infrastructure payments (including grants) I would suggest that this would be an ideal place to start looking for savings.

My point of view has always been that this particular project is far too expensive and expansive than needed by our city and I cannot see a great deal of value in it.

Doug Cooper, Wangaratta South

Political posters do have a shelf life

AS we approach the 12 month anniversary of the federal election, could the National Party please take down its election posters around the electorate. Maybe they are waiting to hold a 12 month birthday party before removing the posters.

Viviane King, Milawa

Aged pension must be indexed more frequently

THE latest quarterly figures reveal a worrying increase with pensioner and age pensioner households recording the largest rise at 2.2 per cent.

Households receiving other government payments recorded a rise of 2.1 per cent.

The impact of cost of living expenses

NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.

translating to half the cost.

• Bellini Homer: Can someone tell them that Medicare is there for the benefit of the sick, not the benefit of profiteers....

• Timothy Simpson: Frees up our doctors time which is good for everybody, Facebook users this week also commented on Merlin Tzaros having a dream finish to his Australian Grand Prix Triathlon (AGPT) series,

winning at Port Adelaide to come third overall in the series.

• Kylie Wealands: So proud of you, Merlin!

• Jacqueline Hobbs: Go Merlin!!!

• Glenn Bouchier: Superstar Merlin

• Mason Scholes: Champion, congratulations Merlin and family. We are so happy for you.

• Jessica Meader: Amazing Merlin! Well done! You’re a super star!

Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.

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14,132

TRIBUTES TO THE PAST: The 2023 Florence Thomson Tour, organised by the Association of Motoring Clubs, through the North East last weekend turned plenty of heads with the drivers dressed in period costume. Pictured are (from left) John and Marion Rhodes, Arnold and Glenda Chivers, Doug and Melissa Sterry, Euan and Katrina McDonald snapped at the famous Devenish silos.

for pensioners reinforces the need for the Age Pension to be indexed more frequently during times of high inflation to ensure payments better reflect living costs.

Under the current system, pensions are adjusted every six months, in March and September.

This leaves recipients playing a game of catch up when inflation is unusually high.

The federal government should index the pension more frequently during times of high inflation to help those most vulnerable.

For pensioners struggling to cover necessities such as food, fuel, and electricity, how often is as important as how much.

For those who are also paying rent, the situation is far more dire.

This is why we are calling for an increase to the maximum rate of the Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA).

In our federal budget submission we have also called on the government to let pensioners work.

These measures will boost confidence in the retirement system and grow the economy.

Clearly, government needs to do more to help people who rely on government payments.

Chris Grice, National Seniors Australia chief operating officer

POLL RESULTS

Do you think the age of criminal responsibility should be raised to an age above 12 years old?

36 Yes 22 No

14

CRIMINAL AGE votes to yesterdaynoon

THIS WEEK

Do you support the Federal Government’s ban on vaping for recreational use?

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PHOTO: The Occasion Studio

FACEBOOK users this week commented on local Sian winning this year’s Rotary Club of Appin Park Wangaratta community raffle and taking home a new Toyota Yarris.

• Tanya Cattier: Yes!! Congratulations Sian!! Great little car for Llewella in a few years!

• Amber Louise Sebire: Congratulations Sian.

• Bev Maher: Great photo Thanks Wangaratta Chronicle

• Jodie Jones: OMG Sian Browne congratulations

• Laura Jane: Congratulations

• Allison Coles Allen: Yay Sian!!!

Facebook users this week also commented on a proposed increase of the age of criminal responsibility that has been received with a mixed response from the region’s politicians and a First Nations elder.

• Josie Hurley: Doesn’t matter what age you are if do the crime you do the time

• Julian Savery: Pretty sure

NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.

as kids we learnt the consequences of doing something wrong.....oh hang on , parents and teachers aren’t allowed to do that now.

• Georgina Rea: 14 at the very least.

• Kylie Dowell: Kids are getting away with committing crimes and that’s why our crime rate is rising and that’s so very wrong. If you’re able to commit a crime... your able to do the time. They need to learn about consequences of their actions.

• Takeshi Covac: Kylie Dowell

frontal lobe,the part of the brain that governs “consequence of action” doesn’t fully develop untill late 20’s…..this is why punishment doesn’t teach consequences in youth….. Facebook users also commented on MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo passing away at age 46.

• Marivic Ampo: So Young! Rest in Peace in The Lord God

• Pam Mcquade: Will be sadly missed

• Christine Edwards: Rest in peace Jock

Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.

Our follower total is

14,132

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101 years of wit and smiles

B l b g

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

SURROUNDED by friends at Respect St John’s aged care, Joyce Barry turned 101 with the smiles and laughter symbolic of her bubbly personality.

Last Monday on her 101st birthday she enjoyed a special birthday event at the aged care facility which included drinks, cake with lifelong friends to the tune of the number one hit single in Joyce’s birth year, 1922, ‘April Showers’ by Al Jolson.

Joyce, with a beloved pot of Great Northern in hand, said reaching an age passed 100 years didn’t feel any different, but felt blessed to be in the company of so many kind people.

“Everyone has been so lovely, they make me feel really good; I’ve got lots of flowers, lots of cards and I’m very happy,” she said.

Joyce was born in Wangaratta, moving to Traralgon before moving back to Wangaratta to complete her high school education and later raising her family.

Joyce said fond memories of growing up in Wangaratta came to her on days like her birthday, where it was clear she had inherited her moth-

er’s healthy living who lived until 101, and her father’s wits.

“My father was the country policeman, I remember I used to go with him when he went out to gather statistics, at the start I thought I was there to help him when he got them, and then I realised I was taken to open gates,” she said.

Joyce served in the air force for four years, from 1942 until 1946, training in Ascot Vale and working in the office at Laverton before transferring to Victoria Barracks.

Joyce and her late husband married in 1945 and raised their family of four in Wangaratta after World War II.

Dick (or RJ Barry) was the long-time manager of the North East Co-operative Store, and who the fountain at Wangaratta’s Rowan/ Ovens/Reid streets intersection is named after.

“They [builders of the fountain] got a lot of people to come to Wangaratta, and help developed Wangaratta,” Joyce said.

Joyce is perhaps best known among the community as a golfer, being a long-time life member of

TOGETHERWITHFRIENDS:

TOGETHER WITH FRIENDS: Glad Ellis, Nancy Smith, Joyce Barry and Lorna Cheong celebrating Joyce’s 101st birthday, still the second youngest of the group of friends with Glad at 103 years young.

the Wangaratta Golf Club, where she celebrated her 100th birthday last year.

She served as secretary and club captain for the club, and said she had many wonderful memories of working behind-the-scenes at club functions, as well as thoroughly enjoying her playing days.

Joyce said there’s no secret how she has made it 101 years of healthy living, giving the same answer as when she was asked on her birthday last year.

“I’ve been asked how I’ve made it to this age beforeI was only 100 then - and I said I played golf for years and I drank light beer,” she said.

Take a peek inside historic home in Wangaratta

WANGARATTA couple Guy and Robyn Robertson were immediately captivated by Warra when it came onto the real estate market just over 10 years ago.

The distinctive, heritagelisted red-brick home built in 1908 would be familiar to anyone who has driven down Murdoch Road; set back from the road behind a large garden and wrought iron gates.

It was built in 1908 in the Queen Anne Federation/ Edwardian period style and was constructed for Wangaratta solicitor Henry Alexander ‘Harry’ Murdoch and his wife Marion, a local artist.

The house, which has had only a handful of owners over its almost 115-year history, is understood to have been originally set amid four hectares of garden with a crescent driveway.

It was in a poor state when the couple bought it, but the Robertson’s are using their extensive renovation experience to return the beautiful residence, filled with stunning architectural features, to its former glory.

Robyn said the home is like a work of art and even after 10

years it continues to reward their passion, remaining a treasure-trove of intriguing finds.

In the latest edition of North East Living magazine we meet the Robertson’s and take a peek inside their home, see some of its extraordinary features and learn more about the intriguing history the couple are keen to preserve.

We also meet some of the dedicated staff working at Northeast Health Wangaratta, learn how much Glenrowan artist Fleur Rendell loves printmaking and talk to Victorian Supreme Court Justice Lex Lasry about his rural escape in Merrijig.

We visit Elizabeth and Stephen Morris at Pennyweight Winery in Beechworth, hear what Moulin Rouge! The Musical star Des Flanagan misses about is old hometown and discover how Oxley residents are working to preserve the heritage of their community.

It’s all in the latest edition of North East Living magazine, available for $5.50 from local newsagencies or from the Wangaratta Chronicle office in Rowan Street.

CHEERS: Joyce Barry enjoyed a glass of Great Northern to go with her 101st birthday celebrations at Respect St John’s aged care.

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

LIFETIME PROJECT: Guy and Robyn Robertson are undertaking extensive renovations at Warra; hoping to preserve it for generations to come.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Road safety project in limbo under government’s review

By STEVE KELLY

ALL projects funded under the former Coalition Federal Government’s Building Better Region’s Fund will be reviewed, leaving more than $11 billion in Victorian infrastructure upgrades potentially at risk.

Independent Indi MP

Helen Haines is still seeking clarity about whether the McKoy Street intersection in Wodonga, which had funding confirmed

four years ago, is in doubt.

The $4 million Rutherglen Heavy Vehicle Alternative Route is also a project that could face the axe.

The fund under review has previously provided $4.4m towards Wangaratta’s outdoor and heated pools project and $2.4m towards the Wangaratta Turf Club redevelopment.

Dr Haines said she was “disturbed” by reports the McKoy Street intersection upgrade is at risk of being cut by the Federal Govern-

ment as part of the infrastructure spending review.

“Since this upgrade was promised almost four years ago, I have pressured the former Liberal Government and now the current Labor Government to see it delivered,” she said.

“Thousands of people drive through this dangerous intersection every day and they deserve better than this.

“When the review was announced my office immediately contacted the In-

frastructure Minister’s office to confirm if McKoy Street is under review.

“I am still seeking that information and hope to speak to the minister soon.”

Dr Haines said that work at McKoy Street should have been well underway as it was promised almost four years ago, but instead there are delays and buck passing between the federal and Victorian governments.

Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King an-

nounced this week that the Labor Government is reviewing its multibilliondollar Infrastructure Investment Program partly due to what she said was a lack of commitment by the former government to deliver on its promises.

“Under the Liberals and Nationals, the number of infrastructure projects in the pipeline blew out from nearly 150 to 800, but their appetite for announcing projects wasn’t matched with a commitment

to deliver,” Ms King said.

“Projects were left without adequate funding or resources, projects without real benefits to the public were approved, and the clogged pipeline has caused delays and overruns in important, nation building projects.”

Victorian Senator Sarah Henderson said Labor is planning to cut significant infrastructure projects designed to help regional communities and local business.

Beechworth artist a finalist in prestigious Australian art prize

By STEVE KELLY

FORMER Moyhu

resident Therese

Shanley is a finalist in the prestigious Sir John Sulman Prize, with the experienced artist attending the opening of this and the highly revered Archibald Prize in Sydney tonight.

Now based in Beechworth, Ms Shanley has been painting since her school years and studying fine arts at university.

Her entry in the Sulman Prize is a painting of her and her daughters on the couch under crocheted blankets.

The intricate work is an oil on board piece titled ‘Under the Milky Way tonight’ and is a naive style painting with the use of patterns central to her work.

In Ms Shanley’s

summary of the piece she describes the importance of embracing the simple moments in life.

“I’ve wrapped us up in our own blankets to protect and nurture us,” she said.

“I’ve always loved crocheted blankets, perhaps because of the nostalgia they hold, as well as the comfort and warmth they give - or perhaps it’s just that they look so good.”

The painting itself took weeks to finish with just one quarter of a blanket taking six hours to paint and then Ms Shanley would have to go over that twice more to add shading and highlights.

“I love painting as it’s a form of meditation for me and my subject matters are the people and everything else around me,” she said.

The Sulman Prize

requires entrants to submit a genre painting that is normally a composition representing some aspect of aspects of everyday life, and may feature figurative, still-life, interior or figure-inlandscape themes.

Even though Ms Shanley is excited about the trip to Sydney and a chance to attend the opening of all three art exhibitions, she won’t be disappointed if she doesn’t win.

Although if she does take out the top prize over a couple of dozen other artists, she’ll be on cloud nine flying home with a handy cheque for $40,000.

The Sulman Prize is one of Australia’s longest running art prizes, established in 1936, and it is held alongside the Wynne Prize, and the most famous Archibald Prize, which has artists paint well-known people.

FINALIST: Therese Shanley’s oil painting titled ‘Under the Milky Way tonight’ is a finalist in the Sir John Sulman Prize exhibition that will open in Sydney concurrently with the Archibald Prize tonight. IMAGE: Art Gallery of NSW

Financial boost for healthcare study

NORTHEAST

Health Wangaratta is encouraging the next generation of health care workers to apply for the State Government’s undergraduate (entryto-practice) nursing and midwifery scholarships which are now open.

These scholarships are available to all new Victorian domestic students enrolling in a professional-entry nursing or midwifery course in 2023 or 2024.

Eligible students will receive funding over four years to offset the costs incurred during study, to a maximum amount of $16,500.

The scholarships are expected to support 10,000 Victorian students across the next four to five years.

All new students enrolled in an approved nursing and midwifery degree in 2023 or 2024 who meet the eligibility criteria will receive this scholarship.

This aims to remove financial obstacles and encourage students to consider nursing or midwifery as a career pathway.

Find out more about the free nursing and midwifery study on offer or how to apply for the undergraduate (entry-topractice) scholarships via the link: https://business. vic.gov.au/grants-andprograms/undergraduatenursing-and-midwiferyscholarships-program.

Applications close on May 24.

GOTAFE graduate wins an inspirational award

GOTAFE graduate Courtney Hindle has been recognised for her ability to overcome adversity and find success, taking out the Inspirational TAFE Student Award at the 7News Young Achievers Awards last Friday.

Courtney overcame several challenges during her time studying her Certificate IV in Mental Health (CHC43315) at GOTAFE, including having to deal with domestic violence and homelessness.

“I became a single mum to two kids while studying, and during this time I became homeless,” she said.

Courtney, who now works at Gateway Health in Wangaratta, completed studies mostly online, although attended Benalla campus once a month to meet in person with her peers and trainer Loretta Andrews.

With the support of those around her and GOTAFE, she was able to overcome other hurdles including study in general at times.

“I had my first child and finished school when I was 16 years old,” she said.

“It was a real shock to the system to be back in a classroom some years later.

“I quit so many times in my head.

“No matter what, my trainer Loretta didn’t give up on me.

“She was just amazing, and a big advocate for me.

TEAM WORK: Trainer Loretta Andrews with Courtney Hindle celebrating Courtney’s Inspirational TAFE Student Award.

AWARD WINNER: Courtney Hindle with her Inspirational TAFE student of the year award that she was awarded last Friday.

“She would always check in and give me extra time or support when I needed it.”

Additionally, Courtney was put in touch with GOTAFE’s learning support team and met with them weekly to receive support as she completed her studies.

Courtney received her award in person at a gala night held in Melbourne last Friday, alongside Loretta.

Loretta has been teaching for more than 25 years, and in industry

for an additional 15 years and says seeing student successes is the highlight of her role at GOTAFE.

“I am very passionate about students and their learning,” she said.

“Courtney is the perfect fit for the mental health sector, and to see her win was so exciting.”

Loretta is a huge advocate for mental health and has been using her role to share her knowledge with future mental health workers.

“To witness their entry into employment for their chosen career and see their dreams come true is the best part of my job,” she said.

Courtney completed 40 hours of placement at Gateway Health in 2022, before she was offered an ongoing position as an Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) worker who assists clients with their goals and recovery journey.

“My favourite part of the job is being able to give back to community and clients - I know what they are going through,” she said.

To anyone who might be struggling, Courtney says “keep going, reach out and don’t give up”.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help and make sure you lean on support that is available to you.”

If you or someone you know needs help, reach out to Safe Steps, Victoria’s 24/7 family violence response centre for confidential crisis support, information and accommodation via phone (1800 015 188), email (safesteps@safesteps.org.au) or website www.safesteps.org.au to utilise the Safe Steps web chat support service available 9am to midnight, Monday to Friday.

Use triple 000 in an emergency. For any further questions, please get in contact with GOTAFE on 1300 GOTAFE (468 233), during business hours or visit https://www.gotafe. vic.edu.au/.

Pay rise of 15% for aged care workers welcomed

CATHOLIC Health Australia’s aged care providers have welcomed the Albanese Government’s historic announcement of $11.3 billion to fully fund the 15 per cent increase to award rates for around 250,000 aged care workers who provide direct care to residents.

The government’s announcement this week aheaad of next Tuesday’s federal budget follows Catholic Health Australia’s recent pledge that every cent of extra government money for wages will go directly into workers’ pockets.

Aged care director Jason Kara said fully funding a pay

rise for hardworking staff was the right thing to do.

“We welcome the Federal Government’s historic investment in our aged care workforce. Improved wages are critical to attracting and retaining staff and delivering quality care to older Australians,” Mr Kara said.

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Pictures’ slideshow and personalised stationery to celebrate your loved one’s life.

A decade of commitment

By RYAN MALCOLM

OUTGOING Wangaratta

RSL sub-branch secretary

Greg Larkins took time last Tuesday to reflect on his decade in the role, as he served as master of ceremonies at Wangaratta’s ANZAC Day service for the final time.

Mr Larkins received a generous applause from thousands of attendees at the main service, as he closed the curtain on his formal involvement with the local sub-branch.

Having taken over the role ahead of the organisation’s move from its former Reid Street premises to the Syd-

Long-time RSL sub-branch secretary hosts final ANZAC Day service gyy

ney Hotel, Mr Larkins said the time was right to pass on the mantle.

“I came on board as they were contemplating relocating, and so that was the big challenge and I enjoyed it,” he said.

“I enjoyed the ride, and now I think it’s all settled down and now it’s an opportunity for me to move on and tackle other things.”

Lieutenant Colonel Andy McDonnell shadowed Mr Larkins at Tuesday’s service, having formally taken on the secretary role earlier this year, and will assume the

responsibility as master of ceremonies from next year. Wangaratta RSL sub-

branch president Lieutenant Colonel (Rtd) Ash Power AO CSC said Lt Col McDonnell

LOCAL APPRENTICE COMPETING IN MAJOR BAKERY AWARD

By CHLOE JAENICKE

WANGARATTA’S Damien Witting, who works at Salus Bakery, will be competing in Australasia’s most prestigious baking competition which returns May 9 to May 11.

Mr Witting said he was very grateful to be nominated through TAFE and appreciates all the support he’s received from TAFE, work and the community.

“I was really excited when they first approached me about it and ever since then, all the support that I’ve had has just been immense,” he said.

“I’m grateful that they saw my potential and decided that I was a worthwhile investment.”

Since 1967, the LA Judge Award has challenged young apprentice bakers in a friendly yet intense threeday competition.

On May 11, the coveted LA Judge title will be presented to the top performer at a gala ceremony in Sydney, attended by baking industry professionals

from across Australia.

The LA Judge Award is organised and hosted by the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC).

The event is presented in conjunction with the Australian Society of Baking Annual Conference.

Dr Ken Quail, AEGIC interim chief executive officer, said the LA Judge Award was a challenging but friendly competition that was often a life-changing experience for candidates.

“For 54 years, the LA Judge Award has championed excellence in young bakers, acknowledged their baking ability and industry knowledge, and identified future industry leaders,” he said.

“LA Judge candidates take part in an intense but fun three-day contest.

“The young bakers are encouraged to care for and support each other and often form friendships.

“Simply by participating in the competition, each candidate is already a winner.

“Numerous past winners and competitors

of the LA Judge Award have subsequently made significant contributions to the baking industry.”

Dr Quail said the competition relied on the support of industry sponsors to meet the significant costs of running such an event.

The gala dinner and award ceremony will take place at Dockside, Darling Harbour on May 11, and is sponsored by Woolworths.

The winner will receive a special trip to Belgium to visit the headquarters of Puratos, including one week of training and visits to various Puratos facilities including its famous Sourdough Library.

The runner up and candidates will also receive special prizes from Puratos. For further information or to purchase tickets for the event visit https://www. aegic.org.au/domesticservices/la-judge-award/.

PRESTIGIOUS BAKER: Damien Witting is excited for the opportunity to participate in the LA Judge awards.

had big boots to fill in Mr Larkins’ absence.

“Andy’s going to be fantastic - they’re big boots to fill in that Greg’s been doing this for a while now and he’s got it down pat.

“The (laying of the) wreaths is always problematic because you never know who’s going to turn up, but Greg’s done a fantastic job, he’s been a real stalwart and assisted in getting us out of the old venue and into the new, and it’s really popular now which is great.”

In reflecting on his ser-

vice, Mr Larkins said he was particularly pleased to see an increase in younger servicemen and women becoming involved in the RSL.

He said he had no doubt Mr McDonnell, who moved to Wangaratta with his young family 18 months ago, would continue the trend.

“I’ve already had a chat to Andy and I think he will do a great job,” he said.

“I’m really pleased to see younger veterans getting involved in the RSL.

“I’m right off the committee now so I’m just going to enjoy retirement.”

CHANGING OF THE GUARD: Lieutenant Colonel Andy McDonnell (left) has taken over the Wangaratta RSL subbranch secretary role from Greg Larkins, who recently stepped down after a decade in the position. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

PHOTO: Kevin Spendier

Exciting guests last month

WANGARATTA APPIN PARK COMBINED

OUR first meeting of the Probus year was on Tuesday, April 10, where new president Maureen Adcock welcomed those members present and visitors, Jo Adams, Georgina and Erwell Rae.

President Maureen expressed condolences to the family of Lyn Parkinson, a foundation member of the club, who passed away recently.

Deepest sympathy is extended to her husband Charlie.

With all formalities and general business items attended too, president Maureen then inducted Jo Adams into our club.

Janet Watson, Jo’s sponsor, spoke briefly about meeting Jo and welcomed her into the fold and hopes she continues joining in our activities.

Welfare officer Beverly Wolfel made some phone calls to members suffering from COVID-19.

Hope all members are feeling well again now.

Special interests groups continue to be busy with all sorts of activities including games night, breakfast groups, card groups, walking group, craft group and book club.

Other activities planned for the coming months are a Mother’s Day High Tea at King River Café on May 10, lunch at Town n Country Tavern on June 20, and Christmas in July at Ironbark Tavern in Chiltern on July 5.

Wishing all Probus clubs a happy and healthy year ahead to enjoy friendship, fellowship and fun.

WANGARATTA LADIES PROBUS

NEW president Christine Spriggs welcomed everyone to our April meeting including our visitors Rosemary Forster and Karen Kerr.

President Christine thanked the outgoing

committee for their work over the last 12 months and also those ladies who agreed to take on new challenges for the year.

Our first order of the day was a presentation to Fran Don for her 30 year badge.

Fran was speechless for the first time.

After the badge presentation and cake cutting, we all enjoyed a lovely morning tea before getting down to business.

Our new breakfast group is going well with 14 ladies meeting for breakfast at The Gateway.

It was great to see so many attend.

Morning coffee is also going well meeting at Intermezzo on the last Wednesday of the month.

All other groups are going strong.

Our guest speaker was Elizabeth Jesser, who is a registered nurse at the South Wangaratta Medical Centre.

She has gained a grant to promote women’s health in the region.

She reminded everyone that even though you no

longer receive automatic recall for breast screen you can still have them by ringing 13 20 50 or going online.

She also spoke on cervical and bowel cancer testing.

All in all a very interesting talk.

We look forward to an exciting year ahead.

WANGARATTA WEST COMBINED PROBUS

OUR April meeting was held a week early owing to Easter Monday falling on meeting day.

Apologies were more than usual and we hope the “sickies” are able to attend our next meeting.

To get into the Easter mode some members wore Easter bonnets and some were Easter rabbits with colourful ears.

This was fun.

We were rewarded with Easter eggs.

The groups within our club are going well although dolphins would like to see more people at water aerobics on Thursdays at 10am at Moore’s pool.

The Warrnambool trip organised by Helen Baker was a big success.

Vacancies are still available for the trip to Noosa in July.

Avoid the Victorian winter and phone Helen 0448 388 474 if you would like to go away.

Our guest speaker was Rose Couttie who spoke about her role as school chaplain.

There is a demand for this role and her passion was evident as she receives after hours calls and works in with all primary school teachers.

This was a most interesting talk and Rose answered questions from members.

OUR April general meeting featured a special guest speaker in Helen Haines, Independent MP for Indi, who described her experiences as our local representative in Federal Parliament since 2019.

As an independent, she has the option to work with the current government or call them out when they are not delivering on their promises.

Helen said she is inspired by a belief in community values and community participation.

Her office receives 3000 contacts a month relating to wide ranging issues and questions.

She described some of the issues successfully advocated for and continues to represent the community, so is obviously very busy.

It was an interesting and enlightening address with many questions from the audience.

At our March meeting, George Lee was presented with life membership of our Probus club for his

considerable input into the club, especially attending to the welfare of members.

He was surprised but appreciative of the honour. Well done George.

Our coffee mornings at 10am at Intermezzo on first and third Fridays of the month and our pub lunches continue to be popular.

If you are interested in a coffee and chat with friendly fellows please call our secretary Bill Bellis on 5722 9222 and come along and meet us.

WANGARATTA CENTRAL COMBINED PROBUS

CHAIRMAN Rob Lamond opened the April meeting with our new committee.

There were 43 members present and three guests.

The “Who Am I” was Margaret Parfett.

The lucky number was won by Janet Kelly.

Last month we enjoyed a high tea at Julie Lamond’s house, followed by a very in-depth trivia.

Nine members enjoyed a movie “Empire of Light” and then a stroll through the art gallery at Benalla.

Last Monday (May 1) we had a trip to Bright, visiting the gardens and art gallery.

Tomorrow (May 4) members we will be going to WPAC to see “I Love Paris”.

On May 15 at 2pm, there is a visit to the library and behind the scenes at the WPAC.

Breakfast club is on May 11 at The Gateway at 8.30am and on May 24 there is a car observation day.

Diners reported on a very enjoyable evening meal at Watermarc.

No report from Caravanners this month.

Guest speaker Kurt Hickling kept us enthralled with his talk on storm chasing.

He keeps in touch with the BOM (Bureau of Meteorology) so he can keep ahead of the storms.

Gigante

HONOURED GUEST: Members of Wangaratta Men’s Probus Laurence Neal (left) and Jim Cozens (right) with Independent MP for Indi Helen Haines who was a guest speaker for the club’s April general meeting.

WANGARATTA PROBUS (MEN’S)

Triple the love in maternity ward ahead of International Midwives Day

NORTHEAST Health

Wangaratta has cared for its first bundle of triplets this week after a Bundalong family’s newest editions were transferred from the Mercy Hospital.

Layla, Meredith and Audrey were born at 33 weeks and one day to parents Sophie and Ben Pickering after Sophie required an emergency caesarean on April 6.

The triplets spent a week in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit before being moved to the special care nursery and were transferred to Northeast Health Wangaratta on April 24 by the Paediatric Infant Perinatal Emergency Retrieval (PIPER) service.

Mother Sophie Pickering said she was grateful to have her girls home after they were discharged this week.*

“The girls are all going well and we’ve been very lucky that they have exceeded expectations in their first three and a half weeks,” Mrs Pickering said.

“They were on CPAP machines to assist their breathing at the start, but were able to get off those quite quickly and took to the bottles really well.

“I’ve started to combine feeding so we will see how we go.”

Mr and Mrs Pickering have two sons, aged eleven and nine and said they were thrilled to have three sisters join their family.

“The boys are really happy that they now have three little sisters,” Mrs Pickering said.

“It’s going to be a full house but I’m excited about all that lies ahead, even if it’s a little daunting.”

Mrs Pickering was referred to Melbourne for special care throughout her pregnancy given the risk level associated with multiple births, with her care managed between Yarrawonga, the Mercy and Wangaratta.

“I was referred very early in the pregnancy to Melbourne and travelled

every two to three weeks to the Mercy, while seeing an obstetrician in Yarrawonga in-between,” she said.

Maternity ward nurse unit manager, Emma Tucci said that while the work to prepare for the transfer of the triplets was significant, the opportunity to care for the newborns and Sophie had been a lovely and unique experience for the team of midwives and SCN nurses.

“We have capacity for six in the special care nursery, so we did a lot of logistical planning to ensure we could safely care for the triplets and other women in labour over the same period,” Emma said.

“Sophie has been fantastic, she is managing really well and taking on a lot of the day duties herself.

“Given our bed numbers and demand, Sophie hasn’t

THRICE THE LOVE: Midwives Krystle Taylor, Emma Quarrell and Karen Martin from Northeast Health

Wangaratta have been caring for Bundalong triplets Layla, Meredith and Audrey.

been able to stay with her babies, so we juggled the night feeds when mum was at home and it has been so lovely having them here - you can see how cute they are.

“We know Sophie was really looking forward to having her family back together and we supported their transition home as soon as the bubs were ready.”

Mrs Pickering said though she was feeling

tired she was glad to be back in their own surroundings and was grateful to the NHW midwives and nurses for their round-the-clock care.

“The midwives and nurses at Northeast Health have all been fantastic, so incredibly helpful and wonderful with the girls,” she said.

“It’s made the transition really enjoyable, and meeting with the lactation consultant and receiving tips from the midwives has helped me get a plan together for how to manage feeding and the juggle at home.

“We’ll draw on our past experience and the advice provided by others to find what works for us.

“We’ve had a team of family and friends on standby for when the girls were discharged, so we’re really looking forward to starting our lives as a family of seven.”

* The babies were discharged on May 3, 2023.

$14,000 boost to get WHS students moving

By SIMONE KERWIN

STUDENTS are helping to decide where a $14,000 Active Schools grant will be used at Wangaratta High School.

The Active Schools Extracurricular Boost - part of the State Government’s $45.4 million Active Schools initiative, designed to get kids moving - is aimed at supporting secondary schools with the cost of providing extracurricular physical activity opportunities.

A home for justice, traced back in Aboriginal history

Friday, May 3, 2013

By PETER DOUGLAS

RESPECTED Aboriginal elders and dignitaries yesterday filled the Hume Region Justice Service Centre at Wangaratta to mark its official opening.

In what was a dual-event, the gathering also launched the third phase of the Hume Region’s Aboriginal Justice Agreement (AJA), which aims to improve the effectiveness of the justice system in relation to the Indigenous community.

Pangerang elder, Uncle Fred Dowling, set the scene, highlighting the importance of justice.

He noted the site was once a camping spot for local tribes, where justice would sometimes be delivered.

“Once all children grew up understanding and knowing the law

Funding can be spent on the cost of running sporting, recreational or physical activity programs, either before or after school or during break times.

This could include engaging the community or private providers to run programs, or paying casual relief teachers to enable the school to run programs.

Drew Mitchell from Active Schools was part of the team which visited the high school on Monday to conduct some brainstorming activities with senior students.

Mr Mitchell said the program’s framework recognised that keeping young people active required more than a single approach, with opportunities in six priority areas - quality physical education, quality school sport, active classrooms, active travel, active recreation, and a supportive school environment.

Wangaratta High School senior years leader Lesley Forman said the school was keen to ensure the funding was used to create viable opportunities for

students to be active - and some of the best people to understand what would work were students themselves.

“Post-COVID, we are seeing a real need for opportunities like this,” she said.

“It’s a way of connecting the school and students, the community and families so the kids are engaged.

“We’re just putting our toe in the water at this stage, but we’re looking forward to seeing what will emerge.” g

WILL YOU TAKE ME HOME: Rosie is a sensitive and loving dog who is in need of a patient home. It may take a bit of time for Rosie to warm up, but once she does she will shower you in cuddles and kisses. She needs a quiet adult home to make her comfortable. Rosie wants to be your one and only and would prefer to be the only pet in her new home. She has excellent manners especially on lead and can’t wait to meet her new family. Rosie’s microchip number is 956000016674147.

PHOTO: RSPCA

WANGARATTA RSPCA

THE Wangaratta RSPCA currently have plenty of options for your new playmate/s.

For more information or to meet any of the kittens, cats, dogs, puppies and rabbits the Wangaratta RSPCA currently have available, call (03) 5722 2874 or visit the shelter and find your new special friend.

Wangaratta RSPCA’s source code is #BR100934.

Cats:

 Short hair, black, male, 2 years, 956000016678597, ‘Beau’;

 Short hair, black, female, 5 months, 956000016677682, ‘Claire’;

 Short hair, tabby, male, 7 years, 956000016561499, ‘Crash’;

 Short hair, ginger, male, 1 year, 956000015935211, ‘Fraser’;

 Short hair, tabby, male, 2 years, 956000015937376, ‘Jack’;

 Medium hair, grey tabby, male, 2 years, 956000016650935, ‘Johnny’;

 Short hair, torbie, female, 10 months, 956000016651901, ‘Lara’;

 Short hair, black, male, 10 months, 956000015934826, ‘Mitch’;

 Short hair, white, female, 6 years, 956000014982964, ‘Molly’

 Medium hair, tabby, female, 6 years, 956000009357800, ‘Pip’;

 Short hair, ginger, female, 3 years, 956000010432957, ‘Ruby’;

 Medium hair, ginger, female, 1 year, 956000016640670, ‘Shannon’;

JUSTICE HUB: At the official opening yesterday were (from left) Tim McCurdy (MLA, Murray Valley), Attorney-General Robert Clark, developer Gerald Judd and John Duck from the Department of Justice.

 Short hair, tortoiseshell, female, 2 years, 956000016638039, ‘Tallulah’;

 Short hair, black, female, 1 year, 956000016555290, ‘Wednesday’

Kittens:

 Short hair, champagne, male, 9 weeks, 956000016639726, ‘Bubbles’;

 Short hair, ginger, male, 9 weeks, 956000016676706, ‘Carn’;

 Short hair, grey tabby, female, 9 weeks, 956000016319464, ‘Ninja’;

 Short hair, torbie, female, 4 months, 956000016640473, ‘Rose’;

 Short hair, ginger, male, 9 weeks, 956000016629309, ‘Totty’

Dogs:

of their tribe, therefore there were no jails in those days,” he said.

“However, in modern society, there is a need for the justice system we now have.

“Courts and judges now have that role to determine the actions for offenders to help keep our society safe and secure.”

Victoria Attorney-General, Robert Clark, shared Uncle Fred’s sentiment.

“There is universality in the importance of law and of justice,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter what society you’re living in, society can’t

function without a respect for law.

“We now administer justice in a different way, but it’s important as it’s ever been.”

Mr Clark paid tribute to the modern design and the functionality of the building, also highlighting its importance as a key justice hub, thanks to the adjacent courthouse.

He said the building includes many services, such as community corrections, dispute resolution services, and births, deaths and marriage certificates.

Chairperson of Hume Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee, John Martin,

highlighted the importance of version three of the AJA.

“It’s about ensuring people don’t get on the justice merry-goround, but if they do, there are many stops to get back off ... so they can lead into positive areas of life,” he said.

The opening also included a tribal dance ceremony and a barbecue at Apex Park, with Beechworth Corrections prisoners cooking the sausages.

Among the attendees were Tim McCurdy (MLA, Murray Valley) and Rural City of Wangaratta councillor, Don Joyce.

 Kelpie, black, male, 1 year, 956000016705495, ‘Blackie’;

 Bull Arab, white, male, 8 months, 953010006184336, ‘Buster’;

 English Staffordshire Bull Terrier, black, female, 6 months, 956000016681806, ‘Dotty’;

 Kelpie, black, female, 7 months, 953010006181615, ‘Flip’;

 German Shepherd, sable, male, 11 months, 956000015928702, ‘Odin’;

 Kelpie, black, male, 7 months, 956000016681614, ‘Pepp’;

 Rhodesian ridgeback, female, brindle, 6 months, 956000015933473, ‘Remmi’;

 American Staffordshire terrier, black, female, 1 year, 956000016674147, ‘Rosie’

BRAINSTORMING: Wangaratta High School senior years leader Lesley Forman was pleased to see the level of student engagement, as Active Schools’ Scott Criswell and Drew Mitchell spoke to school leaders about opportunities for using the $14,000 State Government funding.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

PHOTO: Kylie Wilson

Enjoy jazzy afternoon with James Morrison

THIS Sunday at 2pm you have a rare opportunity to experience one of Australia’s greatest jazz virtuosos, the legendary Jame Morrison at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre.

Performing for one show only, this intimate concert is an exceptional opportunity to experience one of Australia’s most talented and versatile jazz musicians.

Renowned globally as one of the finest jazz players of his generation, James Morrison is not only a trumpet virtuoso, but the complete showman.

James started playing professionally at age 13 and has a stellar professional career behind him: he has performed alongside the best jazz musicians of our generation and has had the privilege of performing for the President and First Lady of the United States.

Known throughout the world for his sheer brilliance as a jazz

52 Actions exhibition at gallery

ARTSPACE Sydney’s acclaimed exhibition 52 ACTIONS is on national tour, visiting the Wangaratta Art Gallery.

The exhibition features works from 52 Australian artists and collectives across generations, geographies and cultural backgrounds who, working in a wide variety of mediums, highlight the diversity, complexity and dynamism of contemporary Australian art.

The exhibition runs until June 4.

Wangaratta community market

THE Wangaratta community market will run every Sunday at Moore Than Swimming, located at 11-13 Mason Street in Wangaratta, from 8am until 1pm.

There will be a wide range of stalls to browse and refreshments available.

Stalls are available for $25 each (must have own market stall insurance) with more information via the market’s Facebook page.

Somewhere Down the Line exhibition

THE Wangaratta Art Gallery is presenting ‘Somewhere Down the Line’ in Gallery 2 - an exhibition which explores the complexities of boundaries and borders through the works of Bethany Thornber and Courtney Young.

It offers a unique opportunity to explore the interplay between art and culture while demonstrating the ways artists from contrasting backgrounds can come together to create meaningful and thought-provoking works and will run until May 7.

musician, educator and all-round entertainer, James is constantly on the move, performing wherever fine music has an audience.

He has played with legends including Ray Brown, Dave Brubeck, Ray Charles, Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, and Wynton Marsalis.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience pure swinging jazz from the best in the business.

Joining Morrison on stage will be his trio including sons Harry Morrison (bass), William Morrison (guitar) and Patrick Danao (drums).

Together they will present a concert of swinging jazz standards, sublime ballads, and haunting latin numbers with a few surprised thrown in.

The James Morrison Quartet will perform tunes spanning the history of jazz as well as originals by Morrison himself and other Australian jazz greats.

Grab your family and friends and prepare to be blown away!

Harvest Moon Festival at Delatite

DELATITE Winery will hold its end-ofvintage Harvest Moon Festival at the winery in Mansfield this weekend.

This year’s festival will include everything from yoga and meditation, fine-dining to a bonfire night on Saturday night, with estate tours led by David Ritchie on Saturday and Sunday and a Farmers Market on Sunday with free admission for all.

To find out what’s on or to book visit www. harvestmoonfestival.com.au.

Benalla Heavy Horse driving day

BENALLA Heavy Horse driving day returns to the Moorngag Hall and Recreation Reserve (via Benalla) tomorrow from 10am until 4pm. The event will see both Clydesdales and other heavy horses navigate through various obstacles and classes to test the skills of the driver and the horse.

Spectators are welcome with a coffee van and a barbeque on site (bring your own chair).

band

COLLECTION: The next Creatives of Wangaratta and Surrounds (CoWS) market will be held within the CWA Hall in Templeton Street tomorrow from 9am until 1pm. The curated, indoors event features the creative wares of more than 20 local makers showcasing a wide range of craft mediums including unique items made from ceramics, textiles, paper, timber and more, with a broad range of giftware including jewellery

and homewares. In celebration of Mother’s Day which is just around the corner, CoWS will be holding a Mother’s Day raffle and there are 12 lucky door prizes - donated by the stallholders - to be won by those who come along. The hall is located next to King George V Garden and entry is free.

The ever-conspicuous Brown Treecreeper

By IAN DAVIDSON and CHRIS TZAROS

FOUND throughout the open woodlands of eastern Australia, especially on the inland slopes of the Great Divide and the adjoining plains, the Brown Treecreeper is the largest of the six different treecreeper species.

As their name suggests, Brown Treecreepers are adept at clambering trunks and branches of trees as they forage for food.

However, more so than other species of treecreepers, they spend a large proportion of their time feeding on the ground and on fallen timber and stumps, probing cracks and crevices and tossing over leaves and sticks in search of food, which includes ants, spiders, beetles and bugs.

Unlike many other bush birds that can be shy and difficult to observe, Brown Treecreepers are rather conspicuous in their behaviour and are readily observed. They also give a distinctive and farcarrying contact call - a ringing pink-pinkpink, which is often the first indication of their presence.

Spending time in the open on trunks and branches gives this species a good view of their territory and, coupled with their alert nature, they are often the first bird species to give an alarm call in the presence of a potential threat.

When a potential predator such as a currawong or goanna is in close vicinity,

these birds often give a ratchet-like scolding call which helps to discourage the intruder and drive it away.

Brown Treecreepers are communal and sedentary.

They live in pairs or groups of three to six or more birds and hold a large territory of between five to 10 hectares year-round.

They constantly move around their territory, flying from tree to tree on long, gliding flights, during which they display their pale-brown panels in their wings.

From late winter through until early summer, Brown Treecreepers breed, nesting in small hollows in the side of a tree or stump.

They line their nest cavity with dry grasses, stringy bark, lichen, moss and feathers.

Two-three eggs are laid which hatch in around two and a half weeks, and the young then fledge after around three weeks.

Locally, Brown Treecreepers can be found in most areas of native woodland, including red gum along our creeks and rivers, open woodlands in granite country such as the Warby Ranges, and boxironbark forests such as Killawarra.

ENERGISED: With powerful feet and claws, Brown Treecreepers can climb even the smoothest barked trunks and branches in search of food. PHOTO: Chris Tzaros (Birds Bush and Beyond)

New home in Baltimore Estate

A NEAR-NEW build completed late 2021, 24 Sarakos Circuit has all the hard work done with a move in ready home filled with high end finishes.

This brick veneer home comprises four bedrooms, with the master bedroom featuring ensuite with floor to ceiling tiles, double vanity and generous walk-in robe.

Three additional bedrooms are all fitted with BIR’s.

The main bathroom has separate shower and bath with second WC.

A stylish kitchen showcases stone benchtops, electric cooking appliances, butler’s pantry and servery window.

The open plan kitchen living/dining space is a great size along with separate lounge/movie room.

Live in comfort with ducted refrigerated heating and cooling fitted throughout.

Step outside and entertain your

guests with north facing alfresco area all finished with exposed aggregate concrete and access to servery window from the outdoor area.

A shed on the rear of the property offers perfect storage/workshop use (7m3.6m) for a potential purchaser.

If you are currently in the market for a new home with all the boxes ticked then look no further than this property. Book your inspection today.

Gourmet Region at Your Doorstep

• Country living at its best with this unique 4 bed plus study brick family home

• Set on a low maintenance 4 acres just minutes to the popular Cathedral College

• Perfectly located between Wangaratta and the King Valley wine region

Open plan kitchen with spacious lounge room and meals/dining area

• The master bedroom features a full ensuite & walk in robe

• Excellent shedding with 10m x 6m approx. shed, large carport (suitable for a motor home) plus machinery shed

• Secure water via 3 rainwater tanks plus bore water

• Approximately 2kW solar panels

17x17 Hereford & Black Baldy M/A Cows with Hereford

CAF by Red Hill Hereford Bull 1-3m Not Rej

A/c NA Martin-Havilah

14x14 Hereford Cows with 3rd Hereford & Black Baldy

CAF 1-2m, Vibrio & Pestiguard Vacc Not Rej.

A/c IBP-Havilah

7x7 Angus Heifers 2.5YO with Angus CAF 1-2m Not Rej

4x4 Angus Heifers 2YO with Angus CAF 1-2m Not Rej

2x2 Red Angus Heifers 2.5YO with Angus CAF 1-2m

Not Rej

A/c Yoralla-Buffalo River

10x10 Angus Heifers 2.5YO with Angus CAF by Alpine Angus Bull 1-2m Not Rej.

A/c Southfork-Whorouly South

9x9 Angus & Angus x Heifers with Angus CAF 1-2m

Not rej.

13 Hereford/Shorthorn x Heifers PTIC to LBW Alpine

Angus Bull TCC August

A/c B Lobe & S Williams-North Wangaratta

7x7 Angus Heifers by Alpine Angus Bull with Angus CAF

1-2m by Alpine Angus Bull Not Rej.

A/c E Cavedon Holdings-Eurobin

7x7 Angus Cows M/A with Angus CAF 2m Not Rej.

A/c D & H Toner-Barwidgee Creek

6x6 Angus Cows M/A with Angus CAF 2m Not Rej.

A/c P Morrison & Son-Barwidgee Creek

6x6 Angus Cows M/A with Angus CAF 2m

Redepastured to Angus Bull 1/5/23

A/c P & J Carney-Rosewhite

20 Angus Heifers rising 2YO by Alpine Angus Bulls PTIC to LBW Iveragh Angus Bull TCC 12th July for 7 weeks

A/c Buffalo River Pastoral-Buffalo River

15 Angus/Simmental x Cows M/A PTIC to Alpine Angus Bull TCC August

A/c Stellar Livestock-Mudgegonga

14 Angus Heifers Rising 2YO PTIC to Stellar Angus Bull

TCC July

A/c K & K Preston-Mudgegonga

6 Angus Heifers by Prime Angus Bull PTIC to Thologolong Murray grey Bull TCC August

A/c Koska & Williams-Buckland Valley

1x1 Blue Roan Heifer with Angus CAF 6m Redep to Alpine Angus Bull

2 Angus x Cows -2nd calvers PTIC to Alpine Angus bull

TCC August W WEANNERS

A/c D Rae-Murmungee

50 Angus & SimAngus x Steers 7-10m by Webb Black

Simmental & Alpine Angus Bulls WEANED NE Accr.

20 Angus & SimAngus x M/S 12-14m by Webb Black

Simmental & Alpine Angus Bulls WEANED NE Accr.

A/c L, S & T Witherow-Murmungee

60 Angus M/S 8-9m by Black Aqua Angus Bull

A/c J & L Townsend-Germantown

60 Angus/Hereford x M/S 7-9m by Alpine & Stellar

Angus Bulls

A/c C & A Browne-Ovens

50 Angus M/S 8-9m by Alpine Angus Bulls WEANED

A/c Yarumpa-Buffalo River

50 Angus Steers 8-9m by Alpine Angus Bull

A/c IK Junor- Hinnomunjie

45 Angus M/S 8-9m by Alpine & Ardrossan Bulls NE Accr.

A/c CJ & CA Hall-Buckland Valley

40 Hereford & Black Baldy M/S 12-14m by Jarobee Angus Bull

A/c Carroll & Dunn-Mudgegona

40 Angus M/S 8-10m by Stellar Angus Bulls WEANED

A/c K & A McCormack-Ovens

40 Angus M/S 9-10m by Fernhill Angus Bulls

A/c P & P Dawkins-Buffalo Creek

14 Hereford M/S 15m

22 Angus Heifers 12m

A/c Dalander-Porepunkah

35 Angus & Angus/ Hereford Steers 13-14m by Kelly Angus & Murdeduke Angus Bulls WEANED

A/c P & J Carney-Rosewhite

33 Angus Steers 8-9m by Alpine Angus Bull Drenched Cydectin Platinum 20/4 WEANED NE Accr.

A/c NJ Four-Buffalo River

28 Angus & Angus/Hereford x M/S 8-9m by Murramungee Angus Bulls

A/c Rothmore Angus-Myrrhee

25 Angus Steers 10-11m by Injemira & Scotts Angus Bull Drenched Ivomec PO 23/4

A/c S Robertson-Buffalo River

25 Angus Steers 12m by Alpine Angus Bulls WEANED

A/c Rosewhite Estate-Rosewhite

25 Angus & Angus/Hereford x Steers 9-10m by Alpine

Angus Bulls

A/c One Oak-Harrietville

24 Angus & Black Baldy M/S 10-12m by Murramungee

Bulls WEANED

A/c M Blair-Buckland Valley

23 Red Angus & Angus M/S 6-7m

A/c KJ Morrison-Barwidgee Creek

20 Angus M/S 12m by Alpine Angus Bull WEANED

A/c D Hamilton-Whorouly

20 Angus Steers 9m by Alpine & Jarobee bulls NE Accr.

A/c A & B Malcolm-Milawa

20 Angus/Simmental x M/S 9-10m by Woonallee Black

Simmental Bull

A/c M & J Shields-Sandy Creek

20 Angus M/S 9-10m by Alpine Angus Bulls

A/c MV Carroll-Mudgegonga

20 Angus M/S 9-11m by Alpine Angus Bull

A/c RB & RM Lumsden-Buckland Valley

20 Hereford/Holstein Steers 10-12m by Rosstulla

Hereford bulls WEANED

A/c PR & SA Eggleston-Buckland Valley

19 Angus/Hereford x M/S 10m by Alpine Angus NE Accr.

A/c D & S McMahon-Myrtleford

18 Angus & Black Baldy M/S 10m By Jarobee Angus Bull

A/c L Walpole-Rosewhite

18 Angus Steers 9-10m by Alpine Angus Bull

A/c Buffalo River Pastoral-Buffalo River

16 SimAngus x M/S 7-8m by Pinnacle Angus Bull

A/c Andalaur-Byawatha

16 Simmental x M/S 7-9m by Sammi Bella Simmental Bull Multimin Vacc 25/4

A/c Southfork-Whorouly South

16 Fleckvieh Steers 7-8m by Serpell Fleckvieh Bull

WEANED NE Accr.

A/c A & J Brain-Eurobin

15 Angus & Angus x M/S 10m by Stellar Angus Bull

WEANED

A/c R Shaw & S Brindley-Buckland Valley

13 Angus Heifers 16-18m NSM

A/c O’Connors View-Murmungee

12 Angus Steers 14m by Alpine Angus Bulls

A/c Stellar Livestock-Mudgegonga

12 Angus Heifers 19m by Stellar Angus Bulls NSM

A/c JC & J Gardner-Bobinawarrah

12 Angus Steers 9-10m by Murramungee Angus Bulls WEANED

A/c J & B Fraser-Harrietville

12 Angus Steers 10m by Alpine Angus Bull NE Accr.

A/c S & K Ivone-Whorouly

12 Angus M/S 10-11m

A/c B & H McNamara-Whorouly South

12 Fleckvieh Steers 10m by Serpell Fleckvieh Bull

A/c B Hall-Mudgegonga

10 Hereford Steers 10-12m by Newcombe Hereford Bull

A/c IBP-Havilah

10 Angus Heifers Tom Groggin Bred 14m

A/c Tomasoni F/T-Smoko

10 Angus Steers 10-11m by Alpine Angus Bulls

WEANED

A/c E & M Notarianni-Myrtleford

10 Angus Steers 10m by Alpine Angus Bull

A/c Coolungubra Station-Buckland Valley

10 Hereford Steers 10m by Newcombe Hereford Bulls

A/c Koska & Williams-Buckland Valley

7 Angus Steers 10m By Alpine Angus Bulls WEANED

A/c B & J Lindsey-Laceby

7 Angus Steers 8-9m by Rennylea Angus Bull A/c

KJ Goonan-Barwidgee Creek

7 Angus/Hereford x M/S 8-9m by Pinnacle Angus Bulls

A/c DJ & HA Toner-Barwidgee Creek

4 Angus Steers 11m by Weemilah Angus Bull WEANED

A/c B Lobe & S Williams-North Wangaratta

2 Hereford Steers 12-14m

2 Shorthorn Heifers 10m WEANED

Billy & Me - The Hard Work Already Done

• Since 1984 Billy & Me have serviced Myrtleford and surrounds with quality ladies and men’s clothing and accessories for all occasions. Being the only store of its kind in the town and serving a population of over 12,000 people it’s easy to see why this business is the area’s premier place to shop.

‘Acacia Park’ - King Valley Vineyard – 263 ha (651 Acres)

A.P. & R.L. Murtagh A

• 99 hectares (244.6 acres) established, quality vineyard

• 9 varieties – Pinot Gris, Prosecco, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Savagnin, Chardonnay, Tempranillo, Saperavi

• Exceptional water supply – 143meg plus 2 dams and springs with high rainfall 1,000-1,100mm pa average

• Undulating terrain providing a selection of rich productive soils

• Extensive and well maintained Plant & Equipment, workshop tools and parts included in sale

rare

& outstanding opportunity

• Reliable income stream and return on investment

• Two residences set in established and restful park like setting

• Two machinery sheds, workshop, historic King Valley Hall

• Potential for further development with a diversity landscape

• ‘Acacia Park’ offers some of the best views in the King Valley ‘Prosecco Point’ an elevated 700m2 (approx.) site – potential cellar door, restaurant, helipad, new home site, accommodation (STCA).

Agent Remarks: ‘Acacia Park’ is one of a kind, and one of the largest vineyards in the highly regarded and sought after King Valley region. One ownership since 1947. Potential and opportunity for development to tourist attracting enterprises and higher levels if des ired. Inspection and tender offers are encouraged for this outstanding rural asset showing positive returns on investment.

FOR SALE BY TENDER: Tenders will close on Wednesday 17th May @ 12 noon at Agents office. Terms: 1% with tender offer, a further 9% payable if accepted. Full settlement within 60 days of vendor confirming acceptance. The vendor shall have sole discretion to accept or reject any offer submitted and the highest or any tender may not necessarily be accepted. Offered for sale on a Walk In Walk Out basis.

AVAILABLE

23 Baker Street, Wangaratta | (03) 5722 2663 | garrynash.com.au

‘Prosecco Point’

POLISHED PERFORMANCE BY HYBRID HEAVYWEIGHT

AT A GLANCE

By DEREK OGDEN

WITH electric vehicles lighting up the sports utility vehicle market, the Santa Fe has muscled in on the heavyweight SUV segment with the seven-seat premium Elite and flagship Highlander taking on hybridised rivals such as the Toyota Kluger, Kia Sorento hybrid and Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid.

The Santa Fe petrol-electric hybrid has the brains to charge its lithium-ion battery through conversion of kinetic energy while working in conjunction with the internal combustion engine and regenerative brakes while on the move.

Hyundai hybrid is kitted out essentially like its petrol- and diesel-powered cousins.

However, an electric shock comes with the price differences - a high voltage $6500 over the petrol and $3000 on the diesel, which equates to $63,000 for the Elite and $69,550 for the Highlander (the test vehicle, without onroad costs).

With the Hybrid in the higher-grade Elite and Highlander corner, the interior has a classy look and feel, with nappa leather in the latter and other quality materials shared.

Both are seven-seaters but can be reconfigured as a six-seater with two captain’s chairs in the second row instead of the bench. With seven seats, the third row is fit only for littlies, although it does have its own air-con.

As with all Santa Fes, both hybrids are covered by a fiveyear unlimited kilometre warranty, while the battery earns an eight-year 160,000km

guarantee.

Service intervals are 10,000km or 12 months.

STYLING

A major facelift three years ago saw the Santa Fe put on a fresh face and interior.

The new Hybrid differs from petrol and diesel versions only in the wheels - smaller 19-inch alloys with different designsaid to be more aerodynamic and save fuel.

The shapely Santa Fe exterior is well known for its socalled cascading grille, which in the Hybrid case covers a yawning chasm of a radiator.

In profile, looks are toned down a tad in readiness for a robust, yet shapely rear.

INTERIOR

The Highlander Hybrid shares much with the Elite but adds nappa leather upholstery, a power front passenger seat, ventilated front seats and heated window seats in the second row, head-up display and a panoramic sunroof.

Head room is restricted by the intrusion of the sun roof workings.

The boot has a spot for a full-size spare wheel under a flat cargo area and with third row folded, there’s room for family shopping or a stroller.

With five seats in use there is up to 782 litres on offer.

A power tailgate takes away the trauma of loading in the rain.

INFOTAINMENT

There’s a configurable 10.2inch instrument display, which features a digital energy metre and 12.3-inch infotainment dash-mounted touchscreen

with wired Apple CarPlay and digital radio.

There’s a plethora of buttons below the screen on the centre stack, which keeps the need for grubby fingerprints on the glass to a minimum.

A 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system is standard, filling the cabin with quality sound from front to back.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS

Under the bonnet a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with a combined output of 169kW and 350Nm is hitched up to a sixspeed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

While this compares favourably with petrol and diesel performance, when it comes to towing, the hybrid is left behind with 1650kg to the internal-combustion pair’s 2500kg.

SAFETY

The Santa Fe Hybrid comes with all the latest safety systems.

These include automatic emergency braking, which operates at intersections, blind-spot warning, lane keep-

ing assist, rear cross-traffic alert, rear occupant alert, automatic high-beam and adaptive cruise control.

Hybrid Highlander also takes on a 360-degree surround-view camera, blind spot monitor and reverse automatic emergency braking.

DRIVING

First, let’s talk about fuel economy.

Hyundai claims consumption of 6.0L/100km of regular unleaded in the combined urban/highway cycle.

On picking up the Santa Fe Highlander Hybrid with a full tank, the vehicle’s computer read a range of 800km plus.

After a fortnight’s family business, according to the ‘brain’, there was still almost 300km worth on board.

With the odd sampling of Smart in the combined drive/ terrain mode range, most of the time was spent in the default Eco mode, serving up a motorway cruising consumption of 5.3L/100km; around town up to 8.0L/100km was the norm.

At a whisker less than 4.8 metres long, the Santa Fe Hy-

MODEL RANGE

HYUNDAI SANTA FE HYBRID ELITE $63,000

HYUNDAI SANTA FE HYBRID HIGHLANDER $69,550

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Hyundai dealer for driveaway prices.

SPECIFICATIONS (Santa Fe Highlander 1.6L Turbo 4-cylinder petrol, 44.2 kW electric motor, 6sp automatic, AWD)

RATINGS:

Looks: 7/10; Performance: 7/10; Safety: 8/10; Thirst: 8/10; Practicality: 8/10; Comfort: 7/10; Tech: 7/10; Value: 5/10

brid Highlander is knocking on the door of the SUV big time.

However, a well-sorted suspension and responsive steering come up with relaxed ride and handling.

Off the mark, there’s more than a hint of sporty performance under a range of loads, from sole driver to a full seven-up and their gear.

A centre console dial is in charge of combined drive/terrain modes from Eco, Sport or Smart to sand, mud, snow or other obstacles thrown up off road.

Tight parking spaces are easily avoided by using the remote parking system operated from outside the vehicle via the key fob.

Back inside, head-up windscreen display is never an unwelcome driving aid.

SUMMARY

This Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander Hybrid SUV performed well above family expectations.

Say no more.

ENGINE:

Capacity: 1.598 litres

Configuration: Four cylinders inline, hybrid electric motor, 1.49 kWh Li-ion battery

Combined Maximum Power: 169 kW @ 5500 rpm

Combined Maximum Torque: 350 Nm @ 1000-4500 rpm

Fuel Type: Regular unleaded petrol

Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 6.0 L/100km

DRIVELINE: Six-speed automatic, allwheel drive

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:

Length: 4785 mm

Wheelbase: 2765 mm

Width: 1900 mm

Height: 1685 mm

Turning Circle: 11.4 metres

Kerb mass: 1845 kg

Fuel tank capacity: 67 litres

BRAKES:

Front: Ventilated disc

Rear: Disc

STANDARD WARRANTY: Five years / unlimited kilometres Battery eight years / 160,000 kilometres

■ SWITCHED ON: With the Highlander, Santa Fe has taken on a hybrid model role with aplomb.

Relief as road reopens

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

FALLS Creek businesses are breathing a sigh of relief after access to the resort across the Bogong High Plains Road was re-established last week.

Falls Creek Chamber of Commerce president Lisa Logan said there was an air of excitement after the road having been closed since a massive landside six months ago.

“We had been told it would be open on April 25 and I know they worked really hard to get it open earlier so on Sunday when word went around and everyone was aware there was a lot of relief,” she said.

“We know we’re coming into winter and we need so much time to prepare for the season and having access has a huge impact on us, logistically and mentally.

“It also means we can

Alpine Shire considering 3.5 per cent rate rise

By BRODIE EVERIST

RATEPAYERS are facing a 3.5 per cent rate rise for the next financial year, according to the Alpine Shire Council’s 2023/2024 draft budget received by council last week.

The budget proposes a 3.5 per cent increase in average rates, in line with the rate cap set by the State Government’s Fair Go Rates System, but double the 1.75 percent rate rise in 2022/23.

It forecasts a $4.33 million surplus, but council director of customer and community Helen Havercroft said the surplus is inflated by federal assistance grants supplied at the prerogative of the government.

Ms Havercroft said decisions on rate increases can have long-term impacts as rate rises are a percentage increase on the previous year’s rates.

“If we don’t take the 3.5 per cent rate, which has been capped by the State Government, the impacts aren’t just in 23-24, they progress into every year subsequently,” she said.

“We know we’re facing really high inflationary pressures, people have got really high cost of living pressures and this might feel like another cost on top, but it is shared amongst all of the residents and it goes towards funding all of the services that council want to continue to deliver into the future.”

Council invites written submissions from the public on any proposal contained in the budget, with submissions closing at 5pm, Wednesday 31 May 31.

Council is expected to adopt the budget at a meeting on June 27.

reassure people who have booked that they’ll be able to get here.

“We haven’t received further info about dual lane access and if it’s still one lane through winter there’ll be traffic management in place to make sure it doesn’t impact the arrival and departure of customers.

“It’s a short distance to travel but we know it can slow movement down.”

Ms Logan said she was

confident Major Roads Victoria and Falls Creek Alpine Resort understood that.

“It’s very much business as usual; we want to sing it from highest mountain tops that we’re open and we’re continuing to get ready and looking forward to a busy winter.

“We hope people will be mindful to consider Falls Creek as a destination in summer as well.”

St Falls Resort manager Kate Moegel said she was

absolutely thrilled about the reopening and her business is preparing for the winter season.

“We had quite a bit of traffic through as soon as it opened which was exciting and it’s game on from here I think,” she said.

“We know people are keen from talking to tourists who have made it up over the past couple of days saying they’ve been waiting with bated breath, and hon-

estly I think everyone wants to have a sticky beak at the landslide too so that gets them to us too.

“This summer will take more than just winter for us to recover so we need everyone to make plans for next summer and we really encourage people to rebook.

“We’re really happy and proud with the workers on the road and we’re so grateful for them; they really did work hard.”

Myrtleford commemorates women’s service

By BRODIE EVERIST

THE

Myrtleford

ANZAC Day service last Tuesday saw a particular recognition of women’s service in war with the unveiling of the Myrtleford RSL’s bust of Sister Alice Margaret O’Donnell, as well as a female guest speaker, an all-women catafalque party and a female piper leading the march.

Unveiled after the 11am ANZAC service, the bronze bust recognises the service of Sister O’Donnell and her untimely death on the Australian hospital ship Centaur in May 1943.

It complements the nearby bust of Sister Elizabeth Rothery, who served as a nurse in World War I, and the statue of Myrtleford Victoria Cross recipient Albert David Lowerson near the town cenotaph.

“In 2019 we set about doing a bust for Sister Rothery and that was so good, we thought we better keep going,” Myrtleford RSL president Bryan Meehan said.

“I think we’re quite unique in our town of Myrtleford, which punches well above its weight, that we could not only achieve what we’re about to unveil, but that everyone’s come to have a look at it.”

Mr Meehan especially thanked the Milne family, whose donation fully funded the bust, and RSL secretary John Twyford as the driving force behind the creation and installation of the sculpture.

According to a biography provided at the unveiling, Sister O’Donnell enlisted in the Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS) in January 1942 and was transferred to the hospital ship Centaur in in March 193.

On its second voyage to New Guinea the Centaur was torpedoed by enemy fire and 268 of its staff were killed.

Before the unveiling, the Myrtleford ANZAC Day service also featured a speech from Captain Danielle Silvester on the history of women’s service in war, while Colonel Jan McCarthy (ret), president of the Returned Nurses RSL Victorian sub-branch, was the guest of honour.

After the service and unveiling attendees were invited back to the Myrtleford RSL hall for refreshments.

IN REMEMBRANCE: (From left) Judy Roach, 92-year-old niece of Sister Alice O’Donnell; Dr Madonna Grehan, historian who has written extensively on Sister O’Donnell; Dr Kirsty Harris, historian who has written on WWI and WWII nurses; and Colonel Jan McCarthy (retired) president Returned Nurses Sub-Branch Victoria, with the new bust of Sister O’Donnell.

Rural City Connection

Public notices

Have your say on Council’s 2023/24

Draft Budget

Rural City of Wangaratta 2023/24 Draft Budget is prepared as required by the Local Government Act 2020. The 2023/24 Draft Budget outlines the resources required to deliver the Council Plan’s strategic objectives and includes a four-year budget forecast.

The 2023/24 Draft Budget is now on public exhibition for community feedback through written submissions.

How to access documents

Copies of all documents are available from the Wangaratta Government Centre, Cnr Ford & Ovens Streets, Wangaratta during office hours or online at www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au

How to make a submission

By Email: council@wangaratta.vic.gov.au.

Please include “2023/24 Draft Budget” in the subject line.

Mail: PO Box 238, Wangaratta VIC 3676.

Please include “2023/24 Draft Budget” as the reference.

In Person: To Customer Services, Wangaratta Government Centre – Corner Ford and Ovens Street, Wangaratta.

Please include “2023/24 Draft Budget” as the reference to your submission

Closing date for written submissions

Any person may make a written submission regarding the proposed 2023/24 Draft Budget. Submissions will be received up to 5pm on Friday 26 May 2023.

PLEASE NOTE:

Submissions are public documents and form part of the meeting minutes. Therefore submitters’ names and addresses will become part of the public record. Anyone who has made a written submission to the Council may request to be heard in support of their submission, or be represented by another person acting on their behalf. If you want your submission to be heard by Council, you must advise this in your written submission.

Council will meet to adopt the 2023/24 Budget at the Ordinary Council Meeting on 27 June 2023 at 6pm.

For further information please contact (03) 5722 0888.

Conflict of Interest Policy 2023

Council is considering establishing the Conflict of Interest Policy 2023. This is being revised as part of Council’s standard policy review cycle, to clarify the types of conflicts of interest, formalise Council’s approach to conflict of interests disclosures, to establish circumstances in which affected persons must not participate in a decision making process and to satisfy the provisions of the Local Government Act 2020 (Vic). All submissions and any proposed changes will be considered by Council prior to the policy being adopted.

Submissions will be received up to 5.00pm on 26 May 2023. To view this policy please visit, https:// www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Your-Council/ Public-notices

Public notices

Public notices

Inclusive Wangaratta Working Group

Rural City of Wangaratta is seeking expressions of interest for our Inclusive Wangaratta Working Group. We are seeking input from people with direct experience of diversity, including but not limited to age, gender, ability, cultural background, socio-economic background, religion or sexual identity. Council understands that not everyone is the same, with the same needs, access or abilities. Council recognises that the needs of individuals and particular communities are often different. The issues affecting one community may not be relevant to another. Whilst some Council actions, projects and services target specific parts of our community, we are dedicated to creating a safe, supportive and inclusive community for everyone.

The Inclusive Wangaratta Working Group will be a key stakeholder in the development of the Inclusive Wangaratta Framework to ensure that all voices and experiences are meaningfully captured in the policy to reflect the diversity in our growing community.

To find out more please visit, https://www.wangaratta.vic. gov.au/Your-Council/Committees/Inclusive-Wangaratta or email council@wangaratta.vic.gov.au.

Planning Applications

Application No PlnApp23/015

Location Co Store 86 Reid Street Wangaratta

Proposal

Development of an electronic promotion sign and associated works

These applications can be viewed on Rural City of Wangaratta’s website under Development, Planning, Current Applications. Any person who may be affected by the granting of a permit may object or make a submission (must be in writing). For more information, please contact the Town Planning Unit on 03 5722 0888. Council will not decide these applications before 23rd May 2023

Positions vacant

Kindergarten enrolments open

If you are looking to send your child to kindergarten in 2024 Wangaratta Children’s Services have places available! There are integrated and sessional programs available for both 3 and 4-year-olds.

For more information, please visit https://www. wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Residents/Families-and-children Our early childhood educators will inspire your child’s thinking and learning.

Tenders

Q40076 Glenrowan Heritage Centre – External Sign Tender closes at 2pm on 16 May 2023.

C40034 Bank Street Pump Station Tender closing at 2pm Monday 22 May 2023.

C39979 Everton Tennis Court Redevelopment

Tender closing at 2pm Monday 24 May 2023. Further details may be obtained by visiting Council’s website

Councillor & Executive Support Officer

Graduate Design Engineer

Mechanic

Gallery Technician

Senior Gym Instructor

Domestic Care Worker

Community Care Worker

Lifeguard

Aquatic Education Instructor

Gym Instructor

Group Fitness Instructor

Customer Experience Officer

For further information on these positions please visit https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Your-Council/ Careers

WHENTO BOOK BYEMAIL

INPERSONBYPHONESELLING

37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677 5723 0101 classifieds@ nemedia.com.au Chronicle Classifieds 2.30pm business day prior to print North

ACAR BUY ONLINE

2 WEEKS REGIONAL WITH PICTURE from $42 General Classifieds: wangarattachronicle.com.au

Employment: northeastjobs.com.au

Real Estate: northeastproperty.com.au

WANGARATTA’S MARKET PLACE WITH OVER 40,000 READERS EACH WEEK IN PRINT AND ONLINE

Across the Arts – Home. Workshops in Visual and Performing Arts May 12-14, 2023. For information and bookings www.ganeaa.com.au

ATA Concert at The Vine Hotel, Saturday, May 13, 6.30pm – 10.00pm

Featuring Adam Simmons, Chloe Jade and Andrée Cozens. Bookings www.thevinehotel.net.au/eventdetails /across-the-arts-2023-at-the-vine

WANG’S ONLY 5 STAR CARWASH the best CARWASH

22 - 24 Handley Street, Wangaratta

Wangaratta Stingrays Swim Club AGM 6.30pm, Friday, May 26, 2023 Wangaratta Bowls Club

20 Park Lane, Wangaratta

All members and interested parties are welcome to attend.

Enquiry of positions contact: presidentwangarattastingrays@gmail.com

GRASSY WOODLANDS

Conservation & Research Forum

Hear from industry-leading speakers bringing together the scientific and farming learnings for the conservation and restoration of the Grassy Woodlands of north east Victoria.

Friday, 12 May 2023

9.00 AM - 4.30 PM ( + optional dinner) - Tickets $20pp

Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway 29-37 Ryley St, Wangaratta

This project is supported by the North East CMA, with funding from the Australian Government's National Landcare Program.

Register now at : https://events.humani tix.com/grassywoodlands-forum

WELCOME TO OUR OPEN DAYS FOR 3 AND 4 YEAR OLD KINDERGARTEN IN 2024

(4 Year Old Program)

– Appin Street, Wangaratta

Wednesday 17th May: 9.30am – 11.00am

(3 & 4 Year Old Program)

– Church St, Benalla

Wednesday 17th May: 12.30pm – 2.00pm

(3 & 4 Year Old Program)

– Main St, Chiltern

Friday 2nd June: 9.00am – 11.00am (4 Year Old Program)

– Merriwa Park, Wangaratta

Tuesday 30th May: 1.00pm – 2.30pm (3 & 4 Year Old Program)

– Swan St, Wangaratta

Wednesday 31st May: 2.30pm – 4.00pm (3 & 4 Year Old Program)

– Old Hume Highway, Glenrowan

Tuesday 16th May: 2.30pm – 3.00pm (3 & 4 Year Old Program)

– Burke St, Wangaratta

Thursday 1st June: 2.00pm – 3.00pm (Occasional Care, 3 & 4 Year Old Program)

– Byrne St, Moyhu

Tuesday 23rd May: 2.00pm – 3.00pm (3 & 4 Year Old Program)

– Munro Ave, Benalla

Wednesday 24th May: 2.30pm – 3.30pm (3 Year Old Program)

– Burke St, Wangaratta

Friday 26th May: 9.30am – 10.30am (4 Year Old Program)

– Orkney St, Wangaratta

Thursday 18th May: 1.30pm – 3.30pm (3 Year Old Program)

(3 & 4 Year Old Program)

– Church St, Whorouly

Thursday 25th May: 1.00pm – 2.00pm

03 57212755

DINNER SPEAKER ONLY

David Lindenmayer Professor of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Australian National University

David Watson Professor of Ecology Charles Sturt University

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

To Visit Visited

SATURDAY, May 6, 8am-3pm, 26 Yarrahill Court, Wangaratta. Moving house sale.

To Visit Visited

69 VINCENT ROAD, Wangaratta, Friday 3pm - Sunday 12noon. Everything cheap or free, this is going to be big, something for everyone, cash only, round rubber drink trough or wading pool, plenty of handyman tools, drills, jigsaw, polisher sander, scrap book stuff, toys, cd’s, tapes, mantle clock, womens clothes and shoes, kids bikes - 3 wheel metal trike, metal dolls pram and wooden dolls bed, metal framed mesh wire in lengths etc, metal and mesh work bench, 4 wheel trolley, just too much to list so come have a look.

Vacancies

Professional GardenerBeechworth

FIRST floor office space in Reid Street, carpet, split system heating and cooling, $95 p/w, includes power. Phone 0431 190 630.

DANIEL’S Carpentry and Maintenance

Solutions. Servicing Wangaratta and surrounds. For a free quote and examples of my work find us on Facebook or www. danielscarpentry.com or phone 0413 660 636.

ENVIRO LIQUID

WASTE. Your locally owned and operated septic cleaning business. Servicing septics, grease traps, triple interceptors and winery waste. Phone Peter 0419 163 420.

GARDENING, MOWING for all gardening needs in Wangaratta district from Violet Town to Cheshunt, Springhurst, Bundalong South. Please phone Geoff Moore 0421 639 775.

HEDGE TRIMMING, gutter cleaning, pruning, garden tidy up, rubbish removal, odd jobs. 25 years trade experience.

Phone Michael 0412 857 771.

PAINTER, old school, for all your painting needs. Commercial, industrial renovations.

Phone Julian 0412 597 482.

Gardener to work 1030am – 230pm Wednesdays (Preferably but not essential) every week 4 Hrs to mow lawns and look after the Property is ½ acre – garden in front yard and Evergreen trees at the back, fernery at the west side of the house. Must have ABN, police check and insurance. Contact Margaret on 03 5728 1141. Call after 1030am.

Medical Practice requires a PART-TIME

PRACTICE NURSE

FILLED

(Ideally four permanent days plus relieving)

Previous General Practice experience preferred.

Good communication and interpersonal skills essential.

Please forward CV with minimum 2 referees to: admin@wangmed.com.au Or

Business Manager PO Box 693

Wangaratta 3676

Applications Close: May 14, 2023 Or

Apply through SEEK https://www.seek.com.au/job/66945898

Full Time Ongoing Justice Officer

Finance

Salary Range: $56,271 – $72,262

Ward Clerk – Medical Part Time, Permanent Contract 44 hours per fortnight

Physiotherapist – Grade 2

Full Time, Fixed Contract 76 hours per fortnight

Dietitian – Grade 2

Part & Full Time, Fixed Contracts

For further details and employment opportunities visit northeasthealth.org.au/careers

FACILITIES TRADESPERSON

About us: Brown Family Wine Group, an innovative family-owned multi brand wine business, is one of Australia’s most loved and trusted wine companies. We have evolved from a single brand to a family of brands that now includes Brown Brothers, Devil's Corner, Pirie, Tamar Ridge and Innocent Bystander. We are a proud and passionate business who are strong on values and culture. We have been certified as "A Great Place to Work" and are committed to honouring this recognition throughout all aspects of the business.

About the role: Reporting to the Facilities Supervisor, you will be responsible for customer service improvement requests, programmed and reactive maintenance of the facilities and buildings, small facility and building upgrades to ensure the buildings and facilities are to a high, safe and functional standard for the internal and external customers and stakeholders.

About you: To be successful, you will have previous experience carrying out commercial maintenance in a similar role or be trade qualified in either mechanical, carpentry/building, plumbing or similar disciplines.

You will also be able to demonstrate the following skills and aptitudes:

-Excellent interpersonal and communications skills both written and verbal.

-Computer literate with excellent organisational and time management skills

-Ability to work well autonomously or within a team.

-Highly motivated with a 'can do' attitude and an eye for detail.

-Well presented and customer service focussed.

-Current driver’s license.

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.

-All tools and equipment provided.

Interested? Apply now by scanning the QR Code below. Scan to Apply

The Hume Region Finance team supports and delivers a range of financial services for two minimum security prisons; Beechworth Correctional Centre and H.M Prison Dhurringile along with four Justice Service Centres at Wangaratta, Shepparton, Wodonga and Seymour. The Justice Officer Finance position is responsible for performing a range of financial tasks including accounts payable, purchasing transactions ensuring compliance with procurement policies and providing financial transactional assistance to staff across the Hume Region. The role will also be involved with the maintenance of asset registers and conduct periodic reviews of assets at all regional locations. Location can be based in either Wangaratta or Wodonga and will include regular attendance at the Beechworth Correctional Centre.

As our ideal candidate you will possess:

- Knowledge of basic accounting processes in particular accounts payable.

- Team player with capability to perform a variety of tasks with minimal supervision

- Computer literacy in Microsoft applications including Excel and Outlook. For more information and to apply for this role, go to www.careers.vic. gov.au and type in Job ID DJ9200-APRIL2023 or visit www.seek.com.au or contact Hayley Lacey at hayley.lacey@justice.vic.gov.au

Applications should include a resume and cover letter that details your motivation for applying and includes the skills and the attributes you would bring to the role.

Galen Catholic College

succeed based on their gifts and talents.

We are currently seeking applicants for the following positions: Student Counsellor / Social Worker (Full Time, Fixed Term)

Indonesian Teacher (Full Time, Ongoing) (Full Time, Fixed Term)

Learning Mentor (Full Time, Ongoing)

Finding the right job for you matters to us

EVANS, Betty.

JOIN OUR TEAM

FCJ College Benalla is seeking passionate applicants for the following positions:

Food Technology, Japanese VIT Qualified Tutors & Religious Education Teachers

A letter of application and resume are invited from suitably qualified/experienced teachers to commence in Semester 2, 2023.

Applications close on Friday 19th May 2023

APPLY NOW VIA THE FCJ COLLEGE WEBSITE: www.fcjbenalla.catholic.edu.au

DIFFEY

Maria and Gary Fullwood and Rhonda and Naomi and Paul on

We wish them a lifetime of happiness together.

MONRO (SCHIRMER), Michael and Rosslyn. Married at St Patrick’s Church, Wangaratta on May 5, 1973.

Congratulations on your 50th Anniversary.

~ Love from Leonie, Janine, Sharon and Paul.

BOWIE, Robert Arthur (Bob). 13/6/194128/4/2023. Our deepest and sincere condolences to Leonie, Andrew, Lauren, Matthew, Rachel, Chlo, Chelse, Dustin, Hadley and extended family on the passing of Bob.

- David, Jan, Jason, Lea, Ivy and Margaret. Resting peacefully.

8/7/1927 – 29/4/2023

Passed away peacefully at Northeast Health Wangaratta with family by her side.

Dearly loved wife of Hugh (dec).

Loved Mum of Barb and Paul, Heather and Todd.

Adored Grandma of Aiden and Molly, Daniel and Casey, Hannah, and Jack. Great Grandma of Mia, Ollie, Bella, Harry, Loui and Amelia.

May the winds of love blow softly, And whisper for you to hear. That we will love and remember you, And forever keep you near. Forever in our hearts.

EVANS, Betty.

Dear friend of Jen, Terry, Stuart, Lindi and Dan Kirby.

Our thoughts are with Barbara, Heather and their families.

CASUAL PRUNERS REQUIRED

Above Award wages

Generous product discounts available

Immediate start

Large vineyard 35kms Southeast of Wangaratta looking experienced pruners. You must be fit and healthy, have reliable transport and available for the whole season.

Only experienced pruners will be considered.

Please contact Fran on 0457 882 223 for more information.

ANGUS bulls, very quiet, good growth. Visit mmas.com.au for videos, data and pricing.

Murramungee Angus Stud, ph 0429 809 288.

FREE Range Hens, ISA Brown Pullets, POL, $27 each. Phone Becky or Hugh on 5798 1868.

MINI Parti Poodles, DNA tested, available now. Call Karen 0417 362 961.

Microchip numbers: 991003002269911, 991003002269912, 991003002269906, 991003002269909, 991003002269914, 991003002269921.

Source ID number: MB218464.

EMPLOYMENT FOR SALE

CARAVANS & CAMPERS

ANTIQUE Jacobean sideboard and matching oval table which has an extension, includes 6 chairs, dark stained timber with barley twist legs, $2500 ono. Ph 0448 501 673.

ICE green velvet curtains with swags and tails, 3.5m x 213 drop, 2.5m x 213 drop, als one set of fuschia colour velvet curtains, 3.5m x 213 drop, all pinch pleated with hooks and rings, one two seater lounge setee in floral colour, all in good condition. Ph 0400 076 185.

2016 Ford Territory, titanium, diesel, auto, 7 seater, RWC, full service history, 60,000km, REG (1IR4EG), $32,000 ono. Ph 0427 595 561.

GEERING, Don.

WM Statesman (1OJ9OS), immaculate condition, 229,000km, new timing chains, p lugs, tyres, battery, Rego till April 2024, RWC, $13,000 ONO. Ph 0438 217 103.

BOWIE, Robert Arthur (Bob).

The family of Robert Arthur Bowie (Bob) is saddened to announce his passing on April 28, 2023. Aged 81 years.

Bob was dearly loved by his family and will be sadly missed by all. We are all so lucky to have experienced his kindness, sense of humour and wit.

Devoted husband to Leonie Margaret for 45 years.

Our deepest sympathies to Lois (Loey), Tanya, Paul and families on the sad loss of your beloved husband, father and Pa. Our love and thoughts are with you.

~ Lorraine, Bev, Barb and families.

GEERING, Don.

Loving cousin and great mate to us all.

We had lots of special times together.

~ Ken, Marg, Darren, Michael, Justin, Luke and families. We will miss you always.

GAZAL Zodiac pop top caravan 17 ft, registered, tare 1150 atm 1450, very good condition, new awning, Reco 3-way fridge, diesel heater, gas/electric hot water, external shower, 2 water tanks, led lighting throughout, windguard aerial, 1500w invertier, 200w solar panel on roof, 2 batteries, p rivacy screens and walls, $16,000 ono. Ph 0428 398 360.

Quinces $2/kg, seconds 90c each

Pomegranates $1 each, seconds 50c each

Persimmons $1 each

SMITHS GLENROWAN ORCHARDS

Open weekends 8am-5pm or by arrangement 0408 597 770.

KOTZUR grain silo, 4 ringed cone bottom, $3000, overhead diesel tank with ladder 900 litre capacity $750, Massey Ferguson 690 tractor with grader blade, jib and slasher, $5500, stock crate for tandem trailer 197cm x 150 high, $250. Ph 0418 573 683.

KUBOTA ride on mower T2290, 48” cut, 52 hours, serviced, as new. Ph 0419 539 653.

MOTHER’S Day flowers available, chrysanthemum bunches from $15, mixed posies from $20, box and flower arrangements available, portia mix, gerbera and lily mix. Delivery available, 78 Arundels Lane, Wangaratta. Ph 0407 500 302.

TYRES new and secondhand, trailer, rims, wreckiing. New hours 9am to 5pm, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 44 Newman Street, Wangaratta. Ph 0428 257 221. Adzam

Tyres.

2013 Ford Territory, diesel, auto, 2.7lt V6 turbo, RWD, 7 seater, in excellent condition, services regularly, 4 n ew tyres and RWC, 255,000km, reg (1PB4ON), $11,000 ono. Ph 0407 050 406.

Dearly loved father and father-in-law to Michelle and Eugene, Lisa, Andrea and Glen, Andrew and Lauren, Matthew and Rachel. Adored Pop to Luke and Min, Josh and Bec, Tim and Laura, James, Emily, Nicholas, Jesse, Chloe and Chelsea, Dustin and Hadley. Great Pop to George, Thomas and Hamish, Edward and William.

Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.

BURNS, William Colin. 2/1/2000 – 19/4/2023

Cherished Memories

SUBARU Forester

2021 MY21 2.5iS AWD Wagon Auto, REG (1TF1ZE), 43,000 km, r egistered Feb 2024, black leather interior, sunroof, full service h istory, towbar and tinted windows, $39,950 Call: 0407 000 512.

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

2000 silver Commodore Executive, low kilometers, one owner, reg (QMC201), one owner, $3500 ono. Ph 5721 6078.

Treasured memories of a beautiful Grandson. Taken too soon. Loved Grandson of Ken and Sharon Godwin.

DOOLAN, Chris.

The members of the Oxley Fire Brigade would like to offer their deepest sympathies following the passing of Christopher (Chris) Desmond Doolan.

Chris was a member of the Oxley Brigade for 50 years and held the role of Brigade Secretary for almost 20 years. Our thoughts are with his friends and family.

GEERING, Donald Richard Thomas (Don).

1/11/1942 – 2/5/2023

Passed away peacefully at home with family by his side. Loved husband of Lois. Loving Dad of Tanya and Tony, Paul and Susie. Very much loved Pa of Riley, Harri, Wil, Max and Levi.

In our hearts you will always stay, Loved and remembered every day.

MARSHALL, Mary Helena.

The family of Mary are saddened to announce her passing on May 1, 2023. Aged 93 years.

Mary was dearly loved by her family and will be sadly missed. We have all been so lucky to have her in our lives.

Mary will now be reunited with her loving husband.

Devoted mother, mother-in-law, Grandma and Great Grandma.

Special thank you to the staff of Northeast Emergency Department for the care they provided to Mary and her family. Finally at rest.

Personal Notices

may be placed before 2.30pm the business day prior to publication

classifieds@nemedia.com.au

Phone: 03 5723 0101

RYAN, Terence Edward (Terry)

15/10/1948-2/5/2023

Passed away at home in Albury surrounded by family aged 74 years.

Formally of Wangaratta.

Eldest son of Win and Mick.

Much loved brother to Joan (dec), Phillip (dec), Des, Andrea and Sue.

SINCLAIR (nee George), Norma Elizabeth. 21/12/1929 - 15/4/2023

Aged 93 years.

Late of Wangaratta. Died peacefully at Estia Health, Dalmeny, NSW.

Dearly loved wife of Gordon (dec), together for 67 years.

Devoted mother and mother-in-law of David and Joan, Peter and Lyndell, Greg and Margy, Jenny and Dean Northwood.

Adored Grandma to 9 and Great Grandma to 10.

Reunited, hand in hand with Gordon. Her love, wisdom and kindness. Forever in our hearts.

SIPERKI, Antonios.

14/9/1931 – 30/4/2023

The family are saddened to announce Antonios Siperki died peacefully at Estia Health, Wodonga, on April 30, 2023. Dearly loved husband of Eleftheria (dec). Devoted father and father-in-law of Nick and Sylvia, Steve and Faye, George and Tess.

Adored Papou to 15 grandchildren and Big Papou to 15 great grandchildren. Antonios will be greatly missed but reunited with loved ones gone before him.

FUNERALS

BOWIE

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a service to celebrate the life of Robert Arthur Bowie (Bob) to be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street Wangaratta, on Saturday, May 13, 2023 commencing at 12pm.

In lieu of flowers a donation in Robert’s name to the Royal Children’s Hospital would be appreciated. Donations can be made online at www.rchfoundation.org.au/donation/ rchdonation/

Bob’s service can be viewed via livestream at www.masonpark.com.au/live-streaming/

FUNERALS

EVANS

The funeral service for Mrs Betty Evans will be held in Holy Trinity Cathedral, corner Docker and Ovens Streets, Wangaratta on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 10.30am.

A private burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers a donation made in memory of Betty can be made online to the Royal Children’s Hospital at www.rchfoundation.org.au or the Make a Wish Foundation at www.makeawish.org.au

Betty’s service can be viewed via livestream at www.masonpark.com.au/live-streaming/

GEERING

The service to celebrate the life of Mr Donald Richard Thomas (Don) Geering will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Friday, May 19, 2023 at 2pm. Burial will follow at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a donation made in memory of Don to MND Australia can be made online at www.mndaustralia.org.au/donate

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

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

All Hours 5722 2525 northeastfunerals.com.au

FRENCH, Russell John. 10/9/1944 – 4/3/2023

Rhonda, Shane, Brendon, Craig and their families, wish to express their sincere thanks to those who attended Russell’s funeral, as well as the ongoing support, phone calls,

MARSHALL

The funeral service to honour the memory of Mary Marshall will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 commencing at 10.30am.

Private cremation will follow this service.

SINCLAIR

A funeral service to celebrate the life of Mrs Norma Sinclair will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta, on Friday, June 2, 2023 commencing at 10.30am. Burial will follow at the Greta General Cemetery.

SIPERKI

The funeral service to honour the life of Mr Antonios Siperki will be held in the Greek Orthodox Church, 3 Mather Street, Wangaratta on Thursday, May 11, 2023 commencing at 10.30am.

The funeral will leave at the conclusion of Mass for the vault section of the Wangaratta Cemetery.

Ward of Northeast Health, for their support

SCHULTZ, Peter. 18/4/1957 – 1/3/2023

We would like to sincerely thank our beautiful family, friends, work colleagues for their support, flowers, cards, phone calls, messages, visits, hugs, the generous gift of food and kindness of help in many ways on the passing of our much beloved husband Peter, father and Pop. We are truly appreciative to all our workplace families, Woolworths, Holmes, Theobald, Racing Victoria, to the Inchbold family and workers that formed a guard of honour, also to Tradies, and dear friends at Peter’s funeral.

A huge thank you to Glenn and staff at Mason Park Funerals, to our celebrant Darren who made everything possible that we asked. What a fitting farewell of celebration of his life.

To Anthony, Debbie and Karina that are one of our closest family friends, of all their kind words in the eulogy and stories. We are truly grateful and forever thankful to every one of you.

~ Teresa, Emily, Jessica, Simon, Ryan, Annie and Andrew.

IN MEMORIAM CLARKE, Arthur.

Treasured memories of a good man. Passed away May 4, 2019. Loved and sadly missed always. ~ Val and family.

In loving memory of COSTANTINO, Rosa. May 6, 2021

You left us beautiful memories, Your love is still our guide, Although we cannot see you, You’re always at our side. Resting in God’s Heavenly care. ~ Lovingly remembered, Alba, Ian and your Grandchildren.

COMENSOLI, Rob and Val.

“We treasure the love that you gave us and the life and years we all shared.”

~ Kim, Craig, Bridie and Charlotte xoxo

John & Christine Haddrick

Rangers enjoy home diamond success

ROUND two of the North East Baseball was played at Targoora Park on Sunday with all five grades taking the diamond.

Wangaratta Rangers played Albury Bears in the under 12s with Bears being the more experienced team which gave the young Rangers practice in fielding and knowing where to throw the ball when they got it.

Each Rangers player got a safe hit when they batted and are looking forward to playing again this Sunday.

Bears won 21 runs to nine.

In the C Grade game, Rangers played Wodonga Warriors.

This is a new grade to the association where the juniors too old to play under 15s play and the team is topped up with adult players who are learning the game. Warriors batted first and brought in six runs for the dig.

Rangers brought in three runs in their turn at bat, then both teams did the same in their second innings.

Warriors won 12 runs to Rangers six.

Rangers Orange played Bears in the B Grade game and were behind the eight ball all game when Bears batted through their line-up in their first turn at bat to score the maximum seven runs for the dig.

Wangaratta Dragons thrive Dragons thrive on hockey field on field

WANGARATTA Dragons under 16s girls took the field on Friday night for the first time since before Easter, led out by captain Ellie ‘Chicken’ Samson.

Playing short, the Dragons received a helper from Falcons to bring the team up to eight.

The Wangaratta girls played extremely hard and never put their heads down.

No matter what the score was in the end they came off the field with big smiles on their faces, but not as big as star goalkeeper Eva Siperki, who was on fire and player of the match.

Some other wins for our game were our defensive short corners, not a single goal scored against them on the short - a massive well done to the defence.

Ada Wheeler had an outstanding passage of play up the sideline against multiple opponents even jinking the ball over a defensive tackle and continuing into the ‘D’.

With a few new additions starting this week, team numbers are growing along with the side’s competitiveness.

The division three men had a cracking game on Saturday against a very strong (second on the ladder) team from Corowa.

The team is really starting to come together and live up to the preseason expectations.

Tim Longman and Charles Webster in the midfield were feeding the ball to Hunter Kerr and his dad Stewart to really put the pressure on a strong defensive line-up.

A little shell-shocked by the relentless attack, Corowa didn’t score in the first half.

The Wangaratta men had their work cut out in the second half.

With Anthony Couche and his son Sam doing an amazing job in defence they were just plain unlucky with some awkward deflections finding the back of the net, the men conceded two goals.

With the score at 2-0, the men held their heads high and played an amazing game.

The under 14s mixed played at home in Wangaratta against a very strong Scots Albury boys team, with plenty of players on the bench to keep them fresh.

The Dragons had a tough game under relentless attack from the multiple players in the Scots forward line.

Jake Lane captained the team and we had some strong defensive work from Noah Fitzgerald, Braiden Hodge, Adara Evans, Lily Radnor and Sophie Shallue.

Hamish Kerr pushed hard all day trying to make play, driving into attack and was rewarded best on ground for his efforts.

The squad needs to keep training as a team and practise fundamentals - well done to everyone on the team for having a solid effort.

It has been an exciting start to the season for the women having teams in division two and three. Round five welcomed a some new faces which helped immensely as it was looking like division two wouldn’t play a full team.

Never underestimate the Dragon ladies as they pulled together and found the numbers.

New and old players meshed together and formed a really strong team that managed to beat the Magpies 4-0.

Jamielee Sexton played up from division three and managed to score a ripping three goals, with a fourth goal scored by Christy Christie.

Younger players Chloe Collins and Ellie Samson had great confidence and managed to get themselves into some fabulous space. Talk from the backline was loud and clear from Paula Collins and ‘Turtle’ which helped the front line lock in any free hits given to the opposition and keep the ball close to the Magpies goalpost.

As always, everyone put in 100 per cent effort with amazing talk

and support from the whole team.

The under 16 boys travelled up the highway to Albury again on Friday night, this time up against Wodonga.

It was a high-paced, fast flowing game with plenty of ball movement going end to end.

Wodonga were the first to score in the first half, despite a solid defensive effort from the junior Dragon boys.

The boys took to the field in the second half with the same determination that they started the game with, and were able to level up the score through Andrew Groves pouncing on a loose rebound from the goalie to put the ball in the back of the goal.

Henry Findlay and Ollie Chambers ran all night in attack, with Ollie Fox making some crucial touches.

In defence Alistair Merritt and Luke Mercer stuck to their opponents all night not giving them much space to attack.

A special shout-out goes to Xavier Bennett, who made an amazing goal line save, stopping the ball from going in after his goalie was left floundering on the ground during a short corner.

The boys have shown good progression through all their games so far and should be proud to come away with a 1-all draw.

Rangers then got three up, three down without getting a runner on base.

Rangers Orange scored three runs in their second turn at bat, but Bears did not slow down batting safe hits to the outfield and forcing the runners around the diamond to run out winning 24 runs to Rangers Orange, four.

Rangers Grey played Wodonga Warriors I the other B Grade game and with some good batting and base running they were able to bring in the first win for the club for the day.

Tony Smith was Rangers best with the bat, batting 1000 for the game, while Ossie Osbourne scored a grand slam when he came to bat with bases loaded.

He hit deep to rightfield and ran the four bases before the ball was thrown in. Rangers Grey won 21 runs to Warriors, 11.

In the final game for the day, Rangers Black played Wodonga Warriors in the A Grade game.

Warriors were a new look team from last year with scribe only recognising three of the players.

They had their first three batters on base but left them there when their next three batters were put out without reaching first base.

Rangers Black scored three runs in their first dig then Warriors equalled the score in their turn at bat.

Black took advantage of the walks that they were given to bring in another five runs to hold the lead at the top of the third innings.

Warriors found it hard to get a runner safely on base for the rest of the game and Rangers Black ran out winning 16 runs to Warriors, four.

Wangaratta Rangers play Porepunkah Panthers at Porepunkah this Sunday in the A Grade, B Grade Grey and C Grade while B Grade Orange and their under 12s and under 15s travel to Benalla to play Benalla Bandits.

EAT MY DUST: Chloe Collins keeps her Magpies opponents in her wake as she drives up the field.

COMPOSED: Ellie Samson plays the ball out of Wangaratta’s defensive end.

COMPOSED Elli S l th

WANGARATTADragonsunder TimLongman and Charles Thesquadneedstokeeptra

MATCH PREVIEWS

Panthers keen to get on the board

By NATHAN DE VRIES

AFTER controlling the league last season, Benalla All Blacks’ senior squad are yet to record a victory in season 2023, a fact coach Nich Spencer is eager to change.

The closest margin they’ve faced this year was their 43-point loss to Whorouly in round one, with the Panthers falling to Bonnie Doon, Moyhu and Bright before taking the bye last week.

With fresh legs and a hunger to replicate the success of past seasons, the Panthers will be ready to go when they host King Valley tomorrow at Friendlies Oval.

Spencer said despite results, his team was still pumped up to put in the work and come back strong.

“The vibe hasn’t been bad at the club or anything like that, we’ve still been hitting the track pretty hard, just trying to grow as a group,” he said.

“You get to this time of the year, and this is our team now, there’s no one coming to save you or help you.

“We’re just putting in the hard yards and trying to get better as a team, trying to scheme up game plans that will put us in the best position to win.

“We’ve had a few pretty decent

injuries in the last couple of weeks as well - losing Trent Chapman, we’ve had Damian Broughton out for a couple of weeks battling injury, Jacob Donlon doing a knee, another leader around the club.

“We are battling those sorts of things but we’re pushing forward and trying to have a crack still.”

Spencer said winger Kyle Colli-

“It’s good having someone at that size, he’s tough, he’s willing to get in there and do the dirty work but he’s also flashy.

“Kyle Collison’s another bloke, he’s been renowned as a winger, no one can catch him - I haven’t seen him get caught holding the ball the whole time I’ve been at the club.

“He’s just got wheels, he’s having a breakout year, it’s probably a battle on between those two blokes for our best and fairest at the moment.”

If the Panthers can take the Roos by surprise early and stick to their guns, they have every chance of posting their first win of the season tomorrow.

“If we snag a win, that’s greatit would just show the hard work’s paid off,” Spencer said.

Tough battle ahead for Blues

By NATHAN DE VRIES

GRETA’S A grade squad will look to reclaim their title as queens of the netball court when they go up against current ladder leaders Whorouly tomorrow at home.

son and forward-turned-midfielder Cody Crawford had been lifting the squad up, and expected them to do the same against the Roos.

“Cody Crawford’s having one of those years again, but this year not so much in front of goal - this year, we’ve put him on-ball, he’s probably run 85-90 per cent on-ball for the game,” he said.

“Regardless of the result, we’re just going to try and magnify and pick up on the things we did and didn’t do well.

“It’s just going to be about putting together a four-quarter performance, and if we can reach that, then we’ll take that.

“Hopefully this weekend we can have a crack at doing that, and put a few things into play that we’ve been working on over the break we’ve had.”

Dees and Hoppers go head to head

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

AFTER returning from the bye with a massive win over Tarrawingee, Milawa will be looking for another success when they travel to Moyhu to take on a youthful Hoppers outfit.

Even on points and with 91.14 per cent separating the two sides, a win to either squad will be the first step in separating themselves from the rest of the ladder.

Milawa coach Matt Graham said his side was finding their feet after an inconsistent season so far.

“We’ve got seven or eight new players in the team, so there’s going to be ups and downs, and it’s going to continue further for probably the entirety of the season,” he said.

“When the group clicks and starts moving and playing the way they have the potential to do so, we can score very quickly and very heavily.

“We’re working on taking it quarter by quarter at the moment.

“It doesn’t matter who we’re playing - as we saw, if we lapse and don’t play three quarters of football, we can end up six goals behind at three quarter time.

“The competition, the league as a whole, with the injection of youth that’s come to Moyhu, come to us, come to North Wangaratta, has evened the competition up.

“Any week, someone could roll any team.”

Graham said his forward line was beginning to click, with Declan Joyce-Lawford’s seven goals last weekend against Tarrawingee a positive sign of things to come.

“(The importance of) taking our opportunities, that’s prob-

ably what we took out of rounds two and three,” he said.

“We had multiple opportunities to win the game against King Valley, we had multiple opportunities to win the game against Bonnie Doon - that just comes with new players building the confidence within each other.

“The guys not only have to be con-

fident with being able to kick the goal, but the guys bringing it into the forward line have to be confident with who they’re kicking it to.”

The match with Moyhu will be a great test for the new Demons lineup, with both squads boasting new young recruits.

“Moyhu are definitely on the rise, (coach) Darren Bell’s done everything right, not only for Moyhu, but probably the league with his injection of youth,” Graham said.

“What you’d expect from a young team, falling away late in games, I think Darren’s instilled a belief in them that they’ve got perseverance, they’re never out of the contest and no one’s going to be able to blow them away.

“For us, ‘Decca’ (Declan JoyceLawford) has been just an injection of enthusiasm into the team, Harry Allan returns on the weekend, straightens us right up, then you’ve got the stalwarts like Ben Clarke, Josh Owen, Xavier Ham that are just doing the consistent thing.

“Liam Byrne is another one, he’s started to find his feet in how his role works within our team.

“We’re impressed with everyone - they’re understanding their roles, now it’s just getting it to click for four quarters, and we should hold ourselves in a very good position in most games.”

In other matches, Whorouly takes on a storming Greta squad, the Panthers host King Valley, Goorambat hosts Bonnie Doon, and Tarrawingee heads to North Wangaratta to play the Hawks.

After dropping a close game against Tarrawingee a fortnight ago, the Blues will go into the match angling to hand the Lions their first loss of the season.

Greta coach Milly Matthewson said the loss hadn’t shaken her side’s confidence in their abilities.

“It’s always disappointing when you come close but can’t quite secure the win,” she said.

“Having a loss early in the season though it gives us a great opportunity to analyse where we can play and work together better.

“I’d say the solid win against Bonnie Doon was a great bounce back from Tarrawingee.

“We’re travelling well so far, it’s such a great group of girls and we’ve been having fun getting back into the season both on and off the court again.”

The Lions have been on a roll this season, with strengths across the court, but the deciding factor of the game will be which team’s defence holds up the best.

“Whorouly always provide a high intensity game, with defensive pressure that you can’t underestimate,” Matthewson said.

“Our defence over the past few games has been of an intensity that I know will match Whorouly and fingers crossed give them a run for their money.”

Whorouly coach Ebony Allen said her side is embracing the challenge.

“This weekend will be a big test for us against Greta,” she said.

“They have been the team to beat for so long but we know our strengths and what is working well for us, so I am confident it will be a good match up.”

In other A grade matches tomorrow, the Roos head to Benalla to play the All Blacks, the Bats host the Bombers, Moyhu takes on Milawa at home, and North Wangaratta goes up against Tarrawingee.

YOUNG AND HUNGRY: Liam Byrne and the Milawa Demons take on a charging and youthful Moyhu Hoppers outfit tomorrow.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

REBUILDING: Benalla All Blacks coach Nich Spencer said a win over King Valley tomorrow would be a great reward for his hard working squad.

PHOTO: Nathan de Vries

TRUE TEST: Taylah Reidy and the Greta A grade squad will have their hands full when they host Whorouly tomorrow.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Devils’ a chance to widen gap

WANGARATTA City gets the chance to widen the gap on Wodonga Diamonds when they clash at Latrobe on Sunday.

As it currently the stands, the Devils are only one spot above the Diamonds in fifth position on the table and a victory would widen the gap from two points to five.

Wangaratta will be hoping to replicate their FA Cup result two weeks ago when they downed the Diamonds 3-0.

However, Wangaratta City coach Raff Molinaro said he doesn’t want his side to get ahead of themselves.

“We don’t want to feel like it’s an easy game because we beat them in the FA Cup,” Molinaro said.

“Diamonds were a bit unlucky in that game and had a lot of shots on goal that just missed or hit the post.

“Their ground will probably suit them more too because it’s bigger so we just want to focus on playing the football that we were at the start of the year.”

The Devils found their groove in the second half against Albury Hotspurs which they will be hoping to carry over to Sunday’s clash.

“Controlling the ball has

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

been the focus all season and as we saw on the weekend, if we do that well we play good football,” Molinaro said.

“We want to be positive in our attacking transition but we also have to be patient and choose the right way to do it.

“Ethan Whiley, Dan Kelly and even Oscar O’Keefe have looked dangerous in front of goal so we need to give them the best opportunities that we can.”

Kelly will return from suspension this weekend after sitting out the clash with Hotspurs.

“’DK’ (Kelly) will come back in which is a massive in and Jordan Vellien will be available after being a late out with illness last Sunday,” Molinaro said.

“Jaxon Osmotherly is back training so he’s probably not too far off either so we’ll just have to wait and choose the right moment to bring him back.

“Raul Pahina has kept two clean sheets the last couple of weeks so it’s going to be difficult to figure out how to fit them both in best.”

Diamonds a chance for Lady Devils’ redemption

AFTER falling to Albury Hotspurs after being in the box seat for most of the match, Wangaratta’s senior women’s soccer squad will have a chance to get back to their winning ways when they travel to the LaTrobe University ground to take on Wodonga Diamonds.

Coming off a 2-3 loss to the top squad, coach Dan Kelly and his squad will be resetting to play the current last place side.

“It will be good match,” Kelly said.

“We pipped them last time 3-1, but we let a goal through, so this week we’re really going to try to work defensively and try and keep a clean sheet, which we haven’t done this season yet.

“If we can do that, I have no doubt we’ll score and come away with the three points.”

With striker Sarah Morris finding the back of the net multiple times in their clash against Hotspurs, as well as in two of the side’s past three matches, the Lady Devils are well equipped up forward.

Defensively, the Lady Devils

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

have conceded 16 goals so far this season, with a tight game against Diamonds sure to boost Wangaratta up the ladder.

Despite facing the lowestranked team, Kelly said his side would take it as serious as any other match.

“I don’t think we’ll be overconfident because we haven’t won in two or three games,” he said.

“There’s a desire to get back to their winning ways.”

The division one Lady Devils take on Wodonga Diamonds from 11.20am this Sunday at the LaTrobe University soccer ground.

It will be a tougher match for the reserves side, with Diamonds on top of the ladder after only dropping a single match.

The reserve Lady Devils are yet to square off against Diamonds, with their match set to get underway from 9.50am.

SUNDAY, MAY 7

JUNIORS: FROM 8:30AM

D1 WOMEN: 11:20AM

D1 MEN: 3:00PM

DEFENSIVE CHALLENGE: Beth Cope and the Lady Devils will look to keep a clean sheet when they take on bottom side Wodonga Diamonds this Sunday.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

ON THE RUN: Ethan Whiley and Wangaratta City take on Wodonga Diamonds this weekend.

PHOTO: Katarina De Napoli

OVENS AND MURRAY

Huge challenge ahead of Magpies

WANGARATTA faces one of their biggest tests for the season this weekend.

The Magpies will make the trip to the Albury Sportsground to take on the Tigers who have enjoyed an undefeated start to the season.

Wangaratta coach Ben Reid won’t be in action after receiving a three match suspension for striking but will still be able to coach on the day.

Reid said his side is looking forward to the challenge.

“Albury look really strong again this year, they’re just a strong club so no doubt it’s going to be a tough challenge,” Reid said.

“It’s not often teams go there and win but we managed to do that last year so we’ll take confidence from that.”

After an inconsistent start to the year, Reid wants a four quarter performance out of his side.

“We’ve been playing well in patches this season but that doesn’t get the job done against good side,” he said.

“The challenge for us will be playing four quarters and if we do that we’ll match it with any side in the competition.

Interleague

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

“Playing four quarters will be the aim this week and there’s no greater challenge than going to Albury and doing that.”

The Tigers boasts a potent forward line with key forward Jacob Conlan booting 12 majors from three games this season, while former AFL player Jeff Garlett and nifty third tall Riley Bice will prove a tough task.

“Their forward line is strong,” Reid said.

“I really rate Jacob Conlan, he’s a fantastic player in good form so it’ll be a big challenge for whoever gets the job on him.

“Then they have Jeff Garlett and Riley Bice who are dangerous and even Ben Kelly’s been spending time down forward so they’ve got plenty of avenues to goal.

“Our whole team defence will need to be strong to limit their impact.”

Wangaratta’s midfield will be boosted with Hunter Gottschling expected to return from injury, while Rich-

squads picked for GV clash

THE Ovens and Murray’s interleague squads have been picked for Saturday, May 20’s clash against the Goulburn Valley League at the Albury Sportsground.

Wangaratta Magpies have opted not to put any players up for selection in the senior men’s football in the wake of their salary cap breach in the off-season.

The senior men’s football, open age netball and underage football squads have all been picked with local players featured as follows: Senior men’s football

Wangaratta Rovers: Tom Boyd, Brodie Filo, Jack Gerrish, Alex Marklew, Toby Murray, Codu Schutt, Dylan Stone.

Open age netball

Wangaratta: Ellie Cooper, Georgia Clark, Hannah Grady, Issy Newton. Underage football

Wangaratta Rovers: Riley Allan, Justin Lewis, Ned Turner, Will Ashton, Sam Nolan, Finn Osborne, Charles Ledger, Judd Schubert.

Wangaratta: Charlie Holland-Dean, Hunter Graham, Charlie Ross, Hugh Canning, Harry McMonigle

mond VFL vice-captain Brad Melville will also suit up for the Magpies.

“At the moment whichever team is winning the midfield seems to be the team that comes out on top,” Reid said.

“Our midfield wasn’t too bad in the first two rounds but then we dipped against Yarrawonga so we need our midfield to be strong around the ball.

“We get a couple of soldiers back with Hunter Gottschling returning from injury and Brad Melville comes back from the VFL too.”

Albury ruckman Isaac Muller has once again been in dominant form, averaging 43 hit outs a game.

“Muller’s the best ruck in the league so we’re going to have to try and nullify him,” Reid said.

“That job won’t be left just to ‘Knowlesy’ (Chris Knowles), Cal Moore and the talls will have to help him out as well.

“We’ll wait and see how much Cal plays in the ruck but it’ll just depend on where we need him at that point in time.”

Wangaratta Rovers have the bye this weekend as they’re fixtured to play Corowa-Rutherglen.

Wangaratta netballers primed for Tigers

By WILLSON MACK

WANGARATTA A grade netballers will take on the sixth placed Albury this weekend at the Albury Sportsground.

The Magpies will go into the clash as heavy favourites having won all games bar one, while the Tigers have notched up just the one win this season.

Wangaratta coach Lou Byrne is hoping her team will get a chance to experiment this weekend.

“Albury will be a pretty similar team to North Albury I think,” Byrne said.

“I believe they’re missing one of their mid courts and could be missing another as well so it’s going to be interesting to see how they go.

“I think this weekend will give us a chance to experiment and move a few players around and

get more players on the court.”

Wangaratta brought several new players into their senior line up over the off-season with Ellie Cooper and Brooke Pryse two key recruits joining Wangaratta’s A grade squad.

Byrne said her side is still learning to play together.

“I definitely think the confidence is building within our squad and we’re starting to become a close unit,” Byrne said.

“We’ve got a few new players in our squad so we’re still working on building trust and playing together.

“We haven’t put together a full four quarters yet, we’ve been playing a half or three quarters so we really want to work on playing a full four quarter game over the coming weeks.”

LEAPING LIZARDS: Callum Moore and Wangaratta make the trip to the Albury Sportsground to take on the Tigers.

PHOTO: Marc Bongers

STAR: Ellie Cooper and Wangaratta take on Albury this weekend.

PHOTO: Marc Bongers

Storm King rules Sydney soft tracks

■ From back page

“He’s always been a big raw horse with plenty of natural ability and he just needed to put it all together which he’s doing now,” Brisbourne said.

“He’s had two runs in a week now so he’s done a good enough job to be looking at a handicap at Randwick on May 27.

“He’ll come back down here

for a few weeks and we’ll continue to tick him over.

“He’s going up the handicaps now so we can look at better races.”

Brisbourne’s Diesel will be looking to continue the stable’s strong form when he takes his place in the Murrumbidgee Turf Club Guineas (1600m) today.

The three-year-old opened in the market at $9.50 and looks a

live chance after drawing barrier one.

“Diesel’s going super,” Brisbourne said.

“He won the Albury Guineas first up and then had a rough run in Adelaide last start where we just couldn’t get him on track.

“He’s come back and freshened up nicely and from barrier one won’t be wide on the turn.”

All-abilities soccer on the rise

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

WANGARATTA’S all-abilities teams will play their first season in division one of Football Victoria’s AllAbilities League

The all-abilities soccer side plays every second weekend in Melbourne against seven other teams from the area.

The team was set to play their first match this weekend but it has been rescheduled for the following weekend when they’ll meet Carnegie.

Wangaratta City president Kristy Mellor is looking forward to the competition.

“We’ve had a Wangaratta all-abilities team for a number of years where it originally started from the Wangaratta District Specialist School,” Mellor said.

“That side would play in gala days and exhibition matches but this is the first time the team has gone to Melbourne and played in a proper competition.

“Last year the team would play against each other, or against the over 35s or u16s and there wasn’t really another all-abilities team.

“Albury Hotspurs have one but they’re probably more of a social team and the players we have are probably a bit more competitive.”

The side is a mixed open team with people over the age of 14 allowed to join.

The All-Abilities League is a seven vs seven competition played in two 20 minutes halves.

“At the moment we’ve got nine registered players but have around 15 interested and we’re still open to play-

ers joining,” Mellor said.

“Games start at 1:30pm so we’ll leave Wangaratta at 9am and should be back by 6pm every week.

“We had a 14-year-old from Albury Hotspurs’ all-abilities team join and his dad offered

to drive the bus every week which is a great help.”

Merriwa is sponsoring the side, donating playing gear, as well as a bus and petrol for the trips to Melbourne.

Mellor can’t wait to see the players challenged on the

soccer pitch.

“Our players have played for a long time and they know how to play so it’ll be great to see them play competitively,” she said.

“They played a practice game against our over 35s

team recently and the over 35s were surprised how good they are.

“All of the players are really excited to be playing for points in a competition where there’s finals and a winner at the end.”

EXCITING TIMES: Wangaratta mayor Dean Rees (fourth from back right) gave Wangaratta’s All-Abilities team his best wishes for the season ahead. (L-R) Kristy Mellor (president WCFC) Reagan Rice, Shantelle Bennett, Dylan Graham, Jim Tobias, Michael Virgona (coach), James (Jelly) Elkan, Alex Graham, Kyle Retallack, Cr Rees, Lachlan Jacobs, Daniel Pioch, Wade Blake, and Hamish Sommerfeld.

GAPPING THE FIELD: Storm King made it back-to-mack Sydney wins with victory at Canterbury on Wednesday.

PHOTO: Bradleyphotos.com.au

NO BOOKING FEES!

WEBSTERS

LightinguptheNorthEastsince1929

P: 03 5722 9600 W: travelncruise.com.au

round

Friday, May 5

Carlton vs. Brisbane Lions (MRVL) (N)

Saturday, May 6

Richmond vs. West Coast Eagles (MCG)

Geelong Cats vs. Adelaide Crows (GMHBA)

Gold Coast SUNS vs. Melbourne (MS) (T)

GWS GIANTS vs. Western Bulldogs (MO) (N)

Fremantle vs. Hawthorn (OS) (N)

Sunday, May 7

Port Adelaide vs. Essendon (AO)

Collingwood vs. Sydney Swans (MCG)

North Melbourne vs. St Kilda (MRVL) (T)

leaderboard after round 7

Dameon Holmes .44

Brett Anderson ...44

Max Webster ......43

Jess Maddy.........42

Beth Watson.......42

Chris Doyle ...........41

Dave Harrop .........41

Carlo De Napoli .....41

Tom the Baker.......40

Rob Bell ...............40

Jack Penny ...........39

Nick Bell ..............39

Kent Wathen ........38

Nicci Bettles .........38

Shayne Gannon ....36

Cassie Hall ...........36

Tom McCurdy .......35

Pranav Menon ......34

Sean Barrett .........34 Trent Terry ............34

Sarah Crothers ......31

Helen Haines .......29

FLYING PASS

Storm King rules Sydney soft tracks

Brisbourne galloper makes it back-to-back Sydney victories at Canterbury on Wednesday gpyyyy

STORM King ($4.40) put his rivals to the sword when making it back-to-back Sydney metropolitan wins on Wednesday, taking out race four at Canterbury.

After winning his first Sydney start on Anzac Day, Wangaratta trainer Ben Brisbourne’s talented stayer was victorious in

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

the benchmark 72, TAB Handicap (1900m) by a convincing three lengths.

Jockey Sam Clipperton sat behind the leader before

turning for home and out sprinting his opponents down the straight.

Brisbourne couldn’t be happier with his gelding’s form.

“He’s done a really good job on that Sydney leg,” Brisbourne said.

“We found softer tracks for him in Sydney which has

been the key and he’s just been really impressive.

“At the back end of his three-year-old year he was doing well and that wasn’t on soft tracks so it was just about waiting for those tracks and we didn’t feel there were any suitable races in Melbourne so we sent him up to Sydney.”

Despite carrying 62kgs, punters flocked to Storm King, backing him into the second favourite behind John O’Shea’s Domingo.

“The race mapped perfectly on paper,” Brisbourne said.

“I got a bit worried at the top of the straight when he was sitting in a bit of a flat spot but he was

really strong to the line.

“Over both his runs in Sydney he’s run a slick last 200 metres which gives us plenty of confidence going forward.”

Brisbourne will now target May 27’s Randwick meeting for Storm King as he looks to win his first Saturday metropolitan race.

■ Continued page 33

Due to the Classifieds section spilling over, today’s scoreboard and the Oxley Table Tennis report will appear in Monday’s Chronicle.

WANGARATTA Dragons’ division two ladies player Naomi Reid fires a pass off in her team’s 4-0 win over the Magpies.

 Story: Page 29

PHOTO: Wangaratta Dragons Hockey Club

Education & Career Development

Apprenticeships for males and females

New rural doctors

Mentors to help young job seekers

Education & Career Development

Join a global leader at Thales

THALES is a global technology company that are leaders in aerospace, space, defence, and digital security.

With facilities in Benalla and Mulwala that focus on the manufacture of munitions to support the Australian Defence Force (ADF), Thales has been a significant employer in the community for years; providing a range of employment opportunities.

A significant number of employees based at these sites have worked for Thales for more than 10 years in various roles demonstrating that a career with Thales can provide longterm satisfaction, enjoyment and sustainable work-life balance.

There are a range of exciting career prospects at Thales as outlined below including: production worker, laboratory technicians, mechanical and electrical maintenance trade and engineering positions.

Positions that don’t require a significant amount of experience include:

Production workers

Production workers play a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency and quality of the company’s products.

They assemble, test, and package a wide range of components for the defence sector.

With ongoing training and development programs, Production workers can hone their skills and advance their careers.

Laboratory Technicians

Thales offers a range of laboratory roles, including technicians, chemists, and materials scientists, who contribute to the development of high-quality products.

Our technicians carry out a wide range of tasks, including preparing and conducting experiments, operating and maintaining laboratory equipment and collecting and analysing data.

Positions that require a certificate or degree include:

Mechanical and electrical maintenance trades

Thales’ state-of-the-art facilities in Benalla and Mulwala require highly skilled mechanical and electrical

maintenance fitters to maintain and optimise the performance of their advanced production equipment.

These professionals work closely with engineers and other technical experts to diagnose and repair faults, perform preventative maintenance, and implement upgrades to ensure the smooth operation of the manufacturing process.

Engineering

At Thales, engineers work on some of the most innovative and challenging projects in the defence sector.

Opportunities are available across various engineering disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, and process engineering.

Thales’ engineers design, develop and test new products and technologies, as well as optimise existing systems.

The company offers a stimulating work environment that fosters collaboration and creativity while providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development.

Thales’ facilities in Benalla and Mulwala offer a wide range of employment opportunities and Thales’ commitment to training, development, and employee wellbeing ensures that staff members can thrive in their chosen fields.

For those looking to build a future in with Thales, visit their website at https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/career.

MADE LOCALLY: Thales facilities at Benalla and Mulwala focus on the manufacture of munitions to support the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Career change tests Jack’s metal

WHEN Jack Jeffries decided it was time for a change of careers, he found his ideal job with Burder AgAttachments in Wangaratta.

“I had been in the hospitality industry as a qualified chef for a number of years but decided it was time for a change,” Jack said.

“I was looking for a new challenge and when I saw the job at Burder advertised, I decided to give it a go.

“I have always enjoyed problem solving and building/doing things with my hands, building intricate products and I am passionate about working with metal.”

Jack is now a third year apprentice with Burder, completing a Certificate III in Engineering Fabrication.

“I enjoy every aspect of the job and love the diversity I get at Burder,” Jack said.

“I have been exposed to all areas of the welding shed so I am now capable of building lots of the different products we offer our customers.

“I have also been exposed to the bending machines in the steel shed, which is

another side of engineering that I get the opportunity to learn.

Jack said that no day is ever the same and that he enjoys when a customer brings in a product to be modified.

“There are no drawings to follow with custom jobs

that are brought in by customers, so I have to work it out on the spot to make it work for the customer,” he explained.

“I also love when a new product is developed, and I get to weld it together for the first time - it is a real challenge to do something

you have not seen before.”

As team leader in the work area, Jack has several different responsibilities each day.

“I have to order metal parts from different work areas around Burder to be able to complete my jobs, I have to ensure

that deadlines are met as scheduled, I work with the engineering team to simplify ways to build our products or fix any issues with them and I work with our sales team to help them support our customers.”

Jack is happy he decided to make the switch and

Looking for the next exciting challenge in your career? Then you are looking in the right place!

Burder AgAttachments offers a career opportunity and not just a job. You will be given plenty of opportunities to grow with our company and there will be continual training to ensure your success.

Burder AgAttachments has more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing agricultural equipment with more than 600 dealers across Australia. Burder Industries is always on the lookout for passionate and like-minded professionals to jump on board with us. As a market leader in agricultural manufacturing industry, you can be certain that there will be no dull days and there will be plenty of fun challenges.

Apprenticeships

Cert III Engineering - Fabrication Trade

Cert III Engineering - Mechanical Trade

Immediate Start

Adult Applicants welcome

Product Assembler/Installer

Final assembly and installation role

Installation of products to tractors and vehicles

Ability to work from drawings

Mechanical Aptitude

Training program to assist in transition into role

burder.com.au/careers

Burder AgAttachments, a family owned engineering company, seeking enthusiastic people to join our team.

Steel Parts Team Member

Work as part of our external contract team

Sorting, working and packing parts for supply

apply and take on an apprenticeship with Burder AgAttachments and encourages others to do the same when the time feels right.

“They are a great team to work with, arranging days off is simple and the worklife balance has been great.”

Ability to work to schedules and read from drawings

am upply di

Suits a well organised person who takes pride in their work

On the job training provided

Laser Parts sales and nesting

Contracting, quoting and selling steel cut laser parts

Computerised nesting of parts for cutting

Managing production and delivery

Invoicing goods

Extensive training provided

Industrial Spray Painter

Preparation and painting of agricultural parts

On the job training provided

Potential for a traineeship

Part of the finishing team

ENGINEERING HIS CAREER: Apprentice Jack Jeffries loves his role at Burder AgAttachments.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Pursue your dreams and change your life with Free TAFE

AN expansion of Free TAFE in 2023 has helped remove financial barriers to study.

With enquiries open for Semester 2 intake, there has never been a better time to apply to study at GOTAFE.

Gain hands-on experience while you study and learn from industryexperienced trainers so you can graduate with job-ready skills.

The introduction of Free TAFE, combined with the flexible, supportive learning environment at GOTAFE helped Kate Reid make the decision to enrol in the Diploma of Nursing (HLT45121).

After a career in the human resources and business management world, Kate knew she wanted to make a difference through nursing.

“Always having an itch for nursing, I reached out to the staff at GOTAFE and they told me the Victorian Government was subsidising the course and it was offered in a part and full time capacity,” Kate said.

“I felt like this was my chance

to pursue a career path I’d always wanted to.”

The supportive learning environment at GOTAFE and state-of-the-art facilities have set Kate up for a strong future in nursing.

“The staff are an attribute,” she said.

“They are extremely supportive and personable.

“They work with you and want to see you succeed.

“The campus is modern and has a great vibe.

“You feel part of a community.

“I felt completely supported, encouraged and connected.”

Whether you’re considering a career in nursing, or other in-demand industries such as agriculture, community services, hospitality, or early childhood education and care, now is your chance to explore your opportunities and find your passion.

Make the most of Free TAFE. Visit the GOTAFE website and apply now.

NURSING A PASSION: Kate Reid has enrolled in a Diploma of Nursing (HLT45121) with GOTAFE.

Training and assessment options at 1 Stop

WITH campuses in Wangaratta, Bundalong and Barmah, 1 Stop Driving School is centrally placed to deliver high quality training.

They take pride in offering and delivering training and assessment in the fields of civil construction plant operations and driving operations, and as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO #40729) 1 Stop has earnt a reputation as a leader in the provision of flexible and innovative services.

Among others, the following three courses will be run in 2023 and now is the time to contact 1 Stop to book your place.

Certificate III in Agriculture

This certificate will give you the skills and knowledge to work independently and in teams, on a wide variety of practical tasks.

You will gain hands-on experience in machinery operation, selecting suitable management techniques and problem solving techniques to manage the unexpected.

AgVet Chemical Users course

This course provides

participants with information on state legislation and knowledge on issues including identifying of pests, issues associated with chemical use, understanding and selecting farm chemicals, transporting and storing chemicals, risk management and analysis planning for chemical use and application, cleaning and disposing of farm chemicals and chemical record keeping.

This is a nationally accredited course applicable to Victorian and New South Wales land managers and provides training required by the Department of Environment and Primary Industry for issue of an Agricultural Chemical Users Permit (ACUP).

Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations

Build your career as a trade qualified plant operator with this nationally accredited course.

Learn how to safely operate plant equipment such as excavators, backhoe, loaders, skid steers and rollers, as well as working on exciting civil infrastructure projects, White

Card and First Aid topics and more in a booming industry.

The Certificate training courses are delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth funding.

1 Stop’s goal is to provide students with a safe, fair and supported environment to participate in their training and assessment, and to ensure they are job ready.

They believe that every individual matters and that everyone has the potential to learn new skills and gain new knowledge.

They strive to inspire confidence, belief and value in vocational education for the individual, the employer, and the industry.

If you are currently employed in, or want to enter sectors such as civil construction (plant operations), forestry or timber, road transport, driver training and license endorsement, materials handling, industrial licensing or maritime, 1 Stop Driving School can help you get the qualifications you need to succeed.

& Career Development

A global education at a local university

LA Trobe University believes everyone should get to study at a globally renowned university, regardless of postcode.

La Trobe is Victoria’s only state-wide university with campuses in Melbourne, Bendigo, Shepparton, Mildura and AlburyWodonga.

Preparing students for the real world of work lies at the heart of La Trobe’s approach to teaching, with work integrated learning, work-based learning and placements built into many courses.

As a result, La Trobe graduates are rated first in Victoria and third across all Australian universities for overall employer satisfaction.

Additionally, La Trobe ranked second in Victoria and fourth across all Australian universities for technical skills, with 96.6 per cent of employers satisfied with La Trobe graduates’ technical skills.

La Trobe Deputy ViceChancellor (Students) Professor Jessica Vanderlelie said these strong results reflected the University’s focus on helping students prepare for workplace success throughout the course of their studies - giving students the benefits of a world-class education at a local university.

“Our course design, as well as our work-integrated learning programs where students gain firsthand experience of the workplace, ensure our students have the creativity, flexibility, resilience and technical capability employers are seeking,” professor Vanderlelie said.

World-class facilities

La Trobe’s commitment to investing in local communities has seen the University invest in its regional campuses, including the recently completed $60 million Bendigo Campus Transformation Program that included a new engineering and technology building, expanded library and more.

The Shepparton Campus is undergoing a $10.5 million redevelopment to improve the study experience for local students.

This includes high-tech clinical teaching spaces, modern study areas and a flexible space for community events.

While on campus, students learn in facilities

built to prepare them for the real world, such as the La Trobe University Rural Health School - Australia’s largest rural health school.

The School boasts facilities such as nursing simulation labs, a paramedicine practical laboratory and multipurpose skills laboratories - so students can practice their skills in a safe and controlled environment.

The advanced facilities offered by La Trobe is a vital component in preparing students for a career as a healthcare professional, such as Bachelor of Nursing student Thomas Schmitt.

“La Trobe’s fully equipped Clinical Learning Unit has enabled me to practice important clinical skills in a safe environment before going out on placement,” Thomas said.

“Rural nursing placements in the Goulburn Valley are very hands-on and I always feel like a vital member of the team.”

Connected to community La Trobe University partners with organisations

and community groups throughout regional Victoria.

The industry and community partnerships are aimed at enhancing the learning experience of students, fostering research opportunities for local organisations and building professional skills in the region.

“We know regional

students deeply value the strong connections they build with lecturers and fellow students, the experience of attending a vibrant regional campus, and the strong links they form with local employers,”

La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor John Dewar AO said.

La Trobe has strengthened

its support of regional students by building more flexibility into a range of degrees with StudyFlex, allowing students the option of studying online, oncampus or a blend of both.

According to Professor John Dewar, the combination of StudyFlex and La Trobe’s Regional Connect program means

regional online students can feel right at home.

“Our Regional Connect program gives students access to events, networking opportunities, placements and project partnersmeaning that whether studying online, face-to-face or a mixture of both, they will continue to reap the benefits of regional study.”

OPTIONS: StudyFlex at La Trobe allows students the option of studying online, on-campus or a blend of both.

WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES. INDUSTRY CONNECTED. GREAT EMPLOYMENT OUTCOMES.

Make your gap year count

CONNEX Group offer a unique gap year and cadetship program which gives young people the chance to remain living locally, while gaining experience in the construction industry.

Connex Group is a multidisciplinary company which provides engineering design consultancy and a specialist workshop fabrication modelling service.

Cadets have exposure to a client base which includes steel fabricators, structural detailers, engineers, architects and project managers and complete several short courses to add to their skill set.

They have access to the Achievement Program, a State Government health and wellbeing initiative which focuses on areas such as healthy eating, physical activity, and mental health and wellbeing.

There is potential through the Connex program for further casual and full-time employment during chosen studies, as well as an industry pathway post-study.

Connex Group general manager/director Kevin Feldtmann said he loved the idea of offering opportunities local young people may not otherwise have in their region.

“The program is suited to local students with an interest

in visual communications, maths, engineering and project management or fabrication,” he said.

2022 saw the successful completion of the pilot Gap Year, with three students completing 12 months with the company.

Connex has employed another three local cadets in 2023.

Two of these cadets are based in the detailing department of the company, with the third being based in the engineering department.

While the cadets’ primary

duties are within their specific department, Connex has tailored the program to provide a broad experience in the industry by offering rotations through their structural engineering department/detailing department, point cloud scanning, and their

Gap Year & Cadetship

industry partners through fabrication, project management, and project site erection.

Connex is fortunate to be partnered with La Trobe University-Engineering, which guarantees all students who participate in their program an automatic placement into Engineering at La Trobe’s Bendigo Campus.

In 2022 the cadets were exposed to the university’s lifestyle through campus visits and online mentorships along with visits from key mentors from LaTrobe. This year the new cadets have had their first visit from the La Trobe mentors with the relationship to continue throughout the year.

“We are very pleased to have partnered up with La Trobe and look forward to a long relationship with La Trobe,” Mr Feldtmann said.

The team was really excited with the success of the first year of the program and 2023 has started with the same positivity.

Connex is looking forward to seeing this year’s students develop and learn about the different aspects of the construction industry.

For further information visit www.connexgroup.com.au/ gap-year-cadetship-program/ or contact Amanda Herezo at admin@connexgroup.com.au.

NEW CADETS: Angus Lewis, Ben Sgarioto and Liam Hill have joined Connex’s gap year and cadetship program for 2023.

PHOTO: Belinda Harrison

Doctor of Medicine (Rural Pathway) student Yong Deng

YONG Deng is a rural medical student who is currently completing the Doctor of Medicine (Rural Pathway) degree at the University of Melbourne in Wangaratta.

The Doctor of Medicine, Rural Pathway, is for students from a rural background who are committed to undertaking their medical education wholly in a rural setting and becoming a part of rural and regional Australia’s medical workforce.

Yong spent his first year of the program in Shepparton before electing Wangaratta for his second year of Medicine.

Prior to starting the degree, Yong was working in Melbourne as a pharmacist.

However, it was Yong’s experiences as a child which led him to study medicine.

Yong spent several years in a Kenyan refugee camp before moving to Australia.

He saw first-hand the effects of living in a developing nation and the inadequate access to medical care.

From his lived experience, Yong feels it’s his duty of care to deliver quality healthcare in areas of need across the globe including

rural and remote Australia.

Thanks to the Doctor of Medicine (Rural Pathway) program, he is on his way to becoming a rural doctor.

We asked Yong what some of the highlights of the program have been so far, he replied as follows:

“Meeting so many incredible people and getting to explore Shepparton; I got to enjoy dinners with new friends, went bowling with local doctors, our lecturers/clinical educators and the University staff

“To top it all, the student Outlook Rural Health Club organised a skiing trip - it’s still one of the most memorable experiences that I am super grateful for.

“I also enjoyed living in a beautiful and affordable accommodation through the University of Melbourne.

“The new MD teaching building is remarkable although we never took the advantage of the Sectra Visual Dissection Table more than we did with the outdoor basketball court.”

To learn more, search Doctor of Medicine Rural Pathway or visit the University of Melbourne website.

HAPPY IN THE COUNTRY: Yong Deng is completing a Doctor of Medicine, Rural Pathway, to become part of rural and regional Australia’s medical workforce.

Join Australia’s leading regional university

CHARLES Sturt University

(CSU) is your go-to uni for career and workforce development in North East Victoria.

Whether you’re taking your first step after school, looking for a career change, updating your qualifications or undertaking research, they have the course for you.

Why them?

They are grounded in the qualities they draw from their regional roots - their sense of community, the ability to tackle hard work and their resilience.

They understand the regions - because they’re part of them, providing professional education and research for more than 100 years.

They believe in making a difference.

They connect students to their purpose, and they use that purpose to make their communities better.

And when we make communities better, we create a world worth living in.

CSU know that to do that, you need to fit study around your life.

That’s why they provide a range of study options.

Want to study on campus?

You’ll find the six Charles Sturt campuses in some of the fastest growing regional cities in New South Wales.

Living and learning regionally

comes with perks.

The cost of living is generally lower than the city, you can adventure in your own backyard and the nearest capital city is always within reach.

All of their campuses include

libraries, learning commons and a full range of support services.

They also have police recruitment training at Goulburn, and study centres in Canberra and Wangaratta. Prefer to study online?

Live in North East Victoria?

Study with Australia’s most experienced online uni.*

When you study with CSU online, you have the flexibility to control your schedule.

Decide where and when you learn - and complete your work

when it’s most convenient for you.

Fit study around part-time work, family, volunteering and internships.

Whatever works for you.

Because as an online student, you don’t have to attend classes at a specific time - you’re the master of your timetable.

You’ll be part of a diverse community - more than 27,000 students are studying online with Charles Sturt right now - and you’ll connect with your classmates on online forums and groups.

And whenever you like, you can go onto campus to use their full range of services and facilities.

See how Charles Sturt University can support you studying from North East Victoria

From health and wellbeing, to study and careers, their Wangaratta Regional Study Centre can connect you with personalised support to help you succeed.

Plus, you’ll have access to stateof-the-art learning and teaching facilities, seminar and meeting rooms, videoconferencing, science and computer labs, and quiet study spaces.

Ready to get started?

Check out their courses or reach out for a chat about your options via study.csu.edu.au.

*2019 National Data: The Department of Education, Skills and Employment, Higher Education Statistics.

study.csu.edu.au

We’re the uni for you.

Our Wangaratta Regional Study Centre can help you get the most from your online studies. From private study spaces and collaborative seminar rooms, to research labs and access to support services – it’s your place to connect with the Charles Sturt network.

OPTIONS: The six Charles Sturt University campuses are located in some of the fastest growing regional cities in New South Wales.

Career Development

From struggle to success - CVGT Employment mentor helps Zavier thrive

ZAVIER fell on hard times.

But with the help of CVGT Employment mentor Anty, she got her career and life back on track.

“Being unemployed was really challenging,” Zavier said.

“Having a mentor helped me to gain the strength and courage I needed to make a change.”

Zavier had very few people in her life that could support her.

She was lacking career direction and at risk of homelessness.

Zavier connected with CVGT Employment mentor Anty and for the first time she found someone who genuinely cared.

“Zavier wanted a permanent residence; a place to call her own,” Anty said.

“We knew to achieve this, she had to get a job.”

Drawing on her employment expertise Anty started to develop a pathway plan to help Zavier gain work.

Together, they worked on

developing employability skills, including rehearsing interviews and confidenceboosting techniques.

Anty encouraged Zavier to get her driver’s license,

a major barrier that often holds back job seekers from obtaining employment.

Anty arranged for Zavier to complete her White Card course, giving her the

licence needed to carry out construction work.

“Zavier had the strength and determination, I just needed to mentor her in the right direction,” Anty said.

With Anty’s help and guidance, Zavier was successfully offered a store worker role with a local employer.

“Having a mentor was

having someone I could look up to for guidance and support,” Zavier said.

“Anty taught me to never give up and always have hope.

“Believe in yourself and your dreams and even though it’s hard you are stronger than you think.”

Zavier successfully turned her life aroundovercoming barriers many face when looking for work - and she recently celebrated her six-month work milestone.

“Seeing this kind of transformation is what this job as a mentor is all about,” Anty said.

“It lights my heart that I get to spend valuable time helping people see their worth and strength.”

If you are experiencing challenges with mental health, education, social support, and employment you too can turn your life around.

If you need support, connect to a CVGT Employment mentor today - call 132 848 or visit www. cvgt.com.au.

Meaningful work tailored to your needs is available CVGT Employment harnesses your abilities to create meaningful and sustainable work with an employer who understands you.

BACK ON TRACK: Thanks to Anty and CVGT, Zavier found work and recently celebrated her six month anniversary.

Supporting more regional students

COUNTRY Universities Centre (CUC)

- Ovens Murray is supporting even more regional students on their education journey.

The CUC is a free service for any student currently studying a degree or course.

“This semester alone, we have students from 17 different universities from across Australia, as well as eight higher education providers and TAFEs,” Centre Manager, Mark van Bergen said.

“Two thirds of our students are studying part-time, with around the same number studying their course fully online.

“A quarter of our students are upskilling and completing post graduate qualifications, and most pleasing is that half our registered students are the first in their family to undertake a degree.”

Laura Mack is studying Bachelor of Nursing through La Trobe University and registered with CUC Ovens Murray’s Wangaratta service last month.

“CUC is a fantastic local opportunity to study,” Laura said.

“It is great to have access to a quiet study space, facilities and support for free that we don’t normally have in the regions.”

Registered students have free, reliable, fast internet, printing, dual screen computers and a quiet dedicated study space.

Students can access the centre seven days a week from 7am to midnight and can use the centre when they need.

“The access times give me the flexibility I need when juggling study, placement and a family,” Laura added.

For more information or to register for this free service, visit www. cucovensmurray.edu.au.

STUDY TIME: La Trobe University student Laura Mack works on an assignment for her Bachelor of Nursing degree at the Wangaratta CUC.

Don’t bust a boiler, just give it a crack

LILY-MAY Rogers-Harding grew up in a household where she and her younger siblings were encouraged to be their own people; be leaders not followers, respect people, think for themselves and have their own opinions.

She has grown up around chefs, tradies, mechanics, truckies, meat workers and woodchoppers and counts herself lucky to have had such an experience as she has met many different characters and heard lots of colourful language and banter.

“My brother and sister and I were all raised the same, regardless of our gender and we were told there is nothing in life we can’t do and no limits we can’t reach,” Lily said.

Such positive encouragement and nurturing gave the 19 year old the courage to follow her own path when she fell in love with engineering and boiler making during her final year of schooling.

“I didn’t feel comfortable going to university straight after school as I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study,” Lily said.

“I was never taught anything about engineering or the different elements of it during my schooling so I was very curious about what it was and sought more information online and from businesses around town.

“I did some work experience in different engineering workshops during the last term of year 12 to see what I might like to do once I finished and then found that GOTAFE offered a boilermaker course.”

David and Leanne Cruickshank from Allied Engineering employed Lily as an apprentice Boilermaker following her completion of VCE and Lily enrolled at GOTAFE in Wangaratta in a Certificate III in Engineering.

While Engineering and Boilermaking have traditionally been male-dominated fields, Lily said that there are plenty of females now entering them and she expects her workmates to just be themselves and do their job, teach her and, most importantly, let her do her job and display her talents.

“I don’t mind being treated

like one of the guys and I love being a female in the engineering industry,” she said.

“My work family is very supportive and don’t see me as just a female - I’m a workmate that has to meet the same high standard that is expected for everyone.

“One of the best thing about my job is that I not only make boilers/tanks for local companies, I make council shelters for Melbourne or pipe systems for farms, so there’s a lot of variety.

“I love working on the old machinery at Bruck Textiles, I find the equipment and structure so interesting and challenging.”

This year, Lily has enrolled in a Certificate IV in Engineering to expand her knowledge and skills in metallurgy and inspection and engineering design.

“School isn’t for everyone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t put yourself out there and find a trade or industry you want to explore,” she said.

“Don’t quit, just give it a crack because university and GOTAFE provide you with learning opportunities and support at any age.”

Custom Steel &

Aluminium Stainless Steel General Engineering

Lily Rogers-Harding is completing an apprenticeship as a boilermaker with Allied Engineering in Wangaratta.

PHOTO: Belinda Harrison

Perfect start to a career in journalism

I ARRIVED at the Wangaratta Chronicle in 2019, just a week after graduating high school.

I had no idea what I wanted to do after school but the opportunity to join the Wangaratta Chronicle as a cadet arose.

Originally I applied for the position as a cadet journalist in the early general news side of the paper, however, an opportunity to join sport came to fruition and I jumped at that with both hands.

As a sports-loving 18-year-old, sports journalism combined both my love for sport, as well as writing which I saw as one of my strengths at school.

The opportunity to combine these two facets, along with earning a full- time wage and having my study at Deakin University paid for was too good to pass up.

Under the tutelage of all senior journalists at the Wangaratta Chronicle, I have been able to not only improve my writing, but also learn other valuable skills such as pagination.

My time as a sports journalist has been nothing short of interesting.

When I took on this job I had absolutely no idea that I would have virtually no sport to report on through 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as partly through 2021, but I feel that these times have only improved my skills as a journalist.

Throughout these times I had to search far and wide for stories, while my hard-news style of writing only improved with all the cancellations

that occurred throughout that time, which I believe will only hold me in good stead for my future in this arena.

Since then, sport has returned and I’ve been able to get back to writing match reports on all sport and cover things like grand finals which has been some of my highlights thus far.

For me, reporting on the 2022 Ovens and Murray grand final was a massive highlight with Wangaratta saluting in an absolute thriller against Yarrawonga at the Lavington Sportsground.

Memories like that is why many people should seriously consider taking on a cadetship at the Wangaratta Chronicle

Throughout all of this I was studying online with Deakin University’s Country Press Australia’s PostCadet Journalism course, which gave me an extra insight into the world of journalism.

Thanks to this course I secured a position at Deakin University, studying a Bachelor of Communications.

Due to my prior studies as a cadet journalist I’m eligible for recognition of prior learning which gives me credits that will cut my course down and allow me to finish my bachelor degree a lot sooner.

My career at the Wangaratta Chronicle has equipped me of life-long skills and knowledge and I strongly encourage any young person to give this path a go.

• Interested? See below.

Soon to be Year 12 graduate or past graduate

Excellent English skills

Passionate about the local community

Ability to build rapport & network quickly

Strong organisational skills & attention to detail

Valid driver’s licence

Photography and/or social media skills

JOB DONE: Willson Mack completed his three-year cadetship with the Wangaratta Chronicle in 2022 and is now attending university in Geelong to complete his Bachelor of Communications.

What is Startup Shakeup?

STARTUP Shakeup is here to help you make your business ideas a reality.

Do you want to bring a new idea to life or do what you do in business differently?

Would you like to meet others who share your innovative streak?

Then join the Startup Shakeup community... it’s your ticket to networking and educational events that will support your mission to solve local problems and make your business the best it can be.

This is the network for you, the movers, shakers, and innovators in our community.

“My biggest ‘aha’ moment is the journey doesn’t need to be lonely; shared joy is double joy,” Lyndal (Ideas Lab Graduate) said.

“I have gained so much from weekly sessions with likeminded individuals all riding the same wave.”

Startup Shakeup grows your skills while building your confidence, accelerating regional innovation and helping you grow your business.

As an independent Not for Profit, Startup Shakeup works in collaboration with partners to offer a year round calendar of programs and events, connecting and strengthening Startups, Shakeups and Innovators across the region.

They see this region as diverse, innovative and resilient in which Innovators thrive; a region where businesses can start, adapt, expand and connect; growing and supporting a sustainable economy and strong communities.

To achieve this, they believe that we all have a role to play.

Like Startup Shakeup themselves, the businesses they work with value their networks, connections and the community that surrounds them.

They have an open door to diverse ideas, innovation and partnerships.

Through innovative collaboration and leadership, inclusion and reach, enabling empowerment and investment in the

future, Startup Shakeup supports the growth and development of regional entrepreneurs. They will help them to

thrive as they connect them to a network of advisors, resources and funding opportunities, and will help develop and

value driven operators who want to see a regional community of innovators and innovations succeed.

Startup Shakeup is supported by Alpine Shire, Benalla Rural City, Indigo Shire, Moira Shire, Towong Shire, Rural City of Wangaratta and City of Wodonga, sponsors NBNCo and GOTAFE and has received program funding from LaunchVic, Department of Justice, Precincts and Regions and Emergency Recovery Victoria.

With this, they offered previous and ongoing programs including, but not limited to:

The Incubator: Taking your idea to the next level;

Bootcamp: Pressure testing your Idea;

Jumpstart Me: Business idea validation; Inspire Me “Meetups”: Sharing regional stories of success;

Regional Skills

Network: Professional advisors supporting

community organisations in Alpine and Towong Shires; Click Region: Building digital confidence;

Smart Seeds Challenge Workshops: Communityled identification of issues needing solutions;

Smartmate Pitch Coaching: Preparing innovators to stand loud and proud when pitching their idea;

Launches and Share Your Impact Night: publicly launching your idea and pitching to the public;

Rocket Seeder

Innovation 101: Designed expressly for Food & Ag Startups;

Storytelling workshops: What makes a good story and how to make your business story stand out;

Strategic Creativity: Rethinking what you do and how you do it; See more events and programs at www. startupshakeup.org or email hello@startupshake.org.

GROW YOUR SKILLS & BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE

Regional programs, events & mentors that help you make your ideas a reality, bring a new idea to life, do business differently, & meet others who share your innovative streak

and develop my concept in a structured and supportive manner.

The highly collaborative environment meant IIF went from a concept to a reality in a number of months, and the business would not have been able to progress without it.

– Nathan, Invest In Farming

We know digital technology is constantly evolving, and that negotiating online can be daunting. We know small businesses are often time poor, overwhelmed with irrelevant information, and looking for sources they can trust.

right audience & social media advertising, to building your budget & cyber smart tips. For

NEW SKILLS: Lyndal Symons was a graduate of the Ideas Hub program and learnt a number of new ways to take her business into the future.

Digital confidence and literacy with Click Region

STARTUP Shakeup

conducted a North East Victoria Small Business Survey early in 2022 around digital confidence.

The results showed that digital literacy is low in North East Victoria, in fact 9.9 points under metropolitan Melbourne.

Startup Shakeup considered the survey results and decided it was best to create an educational style platform to help small businesses digitally up-skill themselves.

It was clear they needed a trusted source of information, somewhere safe to explore and a resource that could act as a time management tool for those that are time poor.

That’s how Click Region was born.

Click Region’s website is designed to inspire and educate small businesses to feel confident in the digital space.

It helps you navigate and learn online business tools and programs.

The information is tailored in short, direct topics, no

longer than seven minutes, so you can spend more time where you choose.

No more hours spent digging through irrelevant content to find the steps you need.

With Click Region you learn the information ‘on the go’ that is fundamental to running your business.

The topics are designed to use simple steps and clear language to ensure it is easy to understand and implement.

With business topics such as ‘what is your target audience’, ‘social media paid advertising’, ‘building your budget’, ‘scaling up or down’ and more, it will give you a strong start.

Based around a sustainable model to ensure continuity for the website, Click Region has both free and paid content.

To get started, all you need to do is jump on the website www.clickregion.org.au register as a user and start exploring.

If you have any questions, the Click Region team can help.

You can email them at hello@clickregion.org.au.

Kids Get Money is a financial literacy education platform for schools – our mission is to reduce the numbers of people living in poverty through the power of education. We provide easy-to-use software for teachers and students - everything is built in so there’s no overhead for teachers in preparing content, finding resourcing, booking facilitators - it’s all right there…students and teachers love it.

Why did you reach out to Startup Shakeup?

I had been thinking about how to get Kids Get Money off the ground for some time. Following our move to Bright during COVID, I became aware of the Startup Shakeup incubator program - I took a leap to apply and the rest is history.

What programs, projects or events have you been a part of?

I was a part of the Incubator for Start-Up’s, funded by Launch Vic and run with Runway Ballarat. I have also benefited from the expertise of Marketing, Strategy and Brand experts through the Regional Skills Network

What did you learn most through Startup Shakeup?

The most significant learning has been that it takes a community to raise a Startup – the belief, encouragement and support this community has provided to me is invaluable.

Are you a Year 3-10 teacher wanting to give students more real-life money education? We would love to talk to you about how we can help you and your students, get in touch at https://kidsget.money

HERE TO HELP: Click Region has free and paid content available to inspire and educate small businesses and help them feel confident

Working Together program

STARTUP Shakeup and Click Region are here to help guide you on your digital journey.

Whether you are a new small business, established small business, a community organisation or have a business idea in the making, they want to teach you the skills you need to thrive in your business online.

Startup Shakeup was funded by the State Government of Victoria through Emergency Recovery Victoria’s Working Together

grant program to assist the small business communities of Towong and Alpine Shires.

To build your digital confidence and increase your online skills, they first need to speak with you.

By understanding what you are looking for, they will be able to assist you further in your digital journey.

However, if you don’t know where to start, that is ok as well, they can guide you through that process.

Digital skills can be

“Inspire Me” event

extremely varied for each individual, hence why it is integral to have an initial conversation so you can get the personalised assistance you need.

There are a series of workshops available to help you grow, including beginner face-to-face sessions and online intermediate zoom sessions.

Please contact Bree, Program Manager (Digital) directly at hello@clickregion.org. au to secure your initial one-on-one call.

ARTIFICIAL Intelligence

(AI) is rapidly transforming the business landscape, and understanding its impact is crucial for any aspiring entrepreneur.

That’s why Startup Shakeup is hosting an upcoming regional event, “Inspire Me” AI: Where Startups and Business Meet the Future.

The event will bring together accomplished professionals, Dean Arnel (Founder, Culture Collective), Bronwen O’Shea (Founder, StoryUp) and Daswin De Silva (Centre for Data Analytics and Cognition, LaTrobe University), to discuss the latest developments in AI and how they are driving innovation in various industries.

This isn’t your typical meetup - it’s a chance for attendees to connect with like-minded individuals in the local start-up and business communities who are interested in what the future is going to look like and how they can harness the potential.

From seasoned entrepreneurs to curious individuals interested in the

possibilities of AI, everyone is welcome to join the engaging conversation and Q&A session.

The event promises to be both fun and informative, with the potential for attendees to gain new ideas and connections that could take their business to the next level.

The impact of AI on business and daily life is a topic of immense interest and importance.

By attending this event, attendees will have the opportunity to learn from experts, engage in discussion and connect with others who

share their interests.

Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or simply curious about the potential of AI, this event is a must-attend.

So, mark your calendars and join the discussion on the future of AI and its impact on business and daily life.

The event will be held on Friday, May 12 from 4pm to 6pm at Wodonga Hyphen Library Gallery, and tickets can be booked through Startup Shakeup’s website or https://events.humanitix. com/inspire-me-ai-meetupfor-startups-and-businesswodonga.

LAUNCHED: Bree Nightingale, Program Manager, Working Together; Dean Purkis, Acting CEO, Emergency Recovery Victoria; and Ilena Young, Managing Director, Startup Shakeup at the launch in March.

Q & A with Nathan McPhee, Founder of Invest Inya Farmer

Who is Invest Inya Farmer (IIF)?

IIF is on a mission to break down the barriers between the people who grow our food and everyone who eats it... and it starts with your smartphone.

Through our easy-to-use IIF app, consumers can invest in agriculture and potentially profit from farming, without owning the farm.

Buy a single cow, a dozen oysters or a hectare of wheat.

It’s not your typical investment.

It’s a win-win partnership that can transform farm businesses and deliver ‘profit with purpose’ for members.

IIF gives farmers direct access to consumer-sourced capital to improve their cash flow, transform their business and foster a unique connection with consumers that they won’t find anywhere else.

Along the way, you’re helping to bridge the city/country divide by sharing the growing journey with the people who’ve invested in you, both financially and emotionally.

Why did you reach out to Startup Shakeup?

I had an idea about investing into cattle, without needing to own a farm, but I didn’t know how to pursue the idea or if it was even worth pursuing.

Whilst deliberating whether to progress or abandon the idea, I noticed an ad about an upcoming Incubator program with Startup Shakeup.

I read about the program and it seemed like it would help test, refine and develop the idea, so I applied and I am very grateful I did.

What programs, projects or events have you been a part of?

IIF was part of the foundation incubator cohort of Startup Shakeup.

This program ran for about four months, during which

time I was provided coaching and relevant tools and techniques to unpack and progress my raw idea.

We emerged from the program with a well-defined and developed concept and business plan, confident and ready to tackle the next stage.

Following the incubator we have attended a number of networking and other events, which was been great to share ideas, build relationships and connections.

What did you learn most through Startup Shakeup?

Startup Shakeup taught me that through small progression, a fledging idea can evolve into something meaningful.

Q & A with Craig Docherty, Founder and CEO of Fusion Safety

Tell us about Fusion Safety

FUSION Safety is a values-based Australian owned and operated professional safety and leadership consultancy with a clear and incisive focus on improving lives.

From its Basecamp in Mount Beauty and Asia Hub in Singapore, Fusion Safety successfully works with national and international organisations to create workplaces that are highly reliable, focusing on empowered leadership as a means of enhancing the quality of work teams.

Why did Fusion Safety reach out to Startup Shakeup?

Craig Docherty, Founder and CEO, initially reached out to Startup Shakeup to find networking opportunities amongst other professionals across North East Victoria, as well as a means of resourcing sales and marketing expertise.

What programs, projects or events have you been a part of?

In 2022, Craig spoke at the Startup Shakeup Digital Innovation Futures (DIF) Festival.

“At the DIF, I spoke about three focus areas that form part of what we do at Fusion Safety: leadership

qualities that work, the use of technology in business, and working with international clients from North East Victoria,” he said.

“Specifically, I spoke about the importance of building rapport and embedding dignity and respect in the role repertoire of all leaders.”

Startup Shakeup has helped Fusion Safety to find a community of other leaders across North East Victoria.

What did you learn most through Startup Shakeup?

“Startup Shakeup has successfully emphasised the substantial professional network in North East Victoria,” Craig said.

“When people consider starting a business, it seems that they often gloss over the regions because they expect that expertise lies in the cities.

“This mindset ignores the skills and experiences that live out here in regional Australia.”

Fusion Safety’s relationship with Startup Shakeup has helped Craig to tap into what he knew was an impressive network of professional expertise in this region, which he recommends as a fantastic resource for businesses looking to start up in northeast Victoria. Improve your leadership capabilities with Fusion Safety by visiting their website: www. fusionsafetymgt.com.

LEADER: Craig Docherty, Founder and CEO of Fusion Safety.