WC050824_Digital_Edition.pdf

Homelessness hits 600 in city

LEARNING THE TRADE

■ See full story on page

MORE than 600 people were experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless across Wangaratta in 2023-2024, according to data released by Beyond Housing.

The data shows that of the 648 people seeking homelessness support, 45 were children, 98 were aged 55 and over, 116 were on a Disability Support Pension, and 162 were young people aged between 17 and 25.

A staggering 246 people were seeking assistance for the first time from the region’s primary homelessness access point, and almost 10 per cent identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

Homelessness Week begins on Monday and the latest data shows the main reasons for homelessness were housing crises, financial difficulties, inappropriate housing, and housing stress, while 78 people were victims of family violence, further highlighting the need for comprehensive support services.

Beyond Housing’s chief executive officer Celia Adams said these statistics

underscore a crisis that has been escalating for years, despite continuous warnings from service providers.

“Our older adults and people with a disability are increasingly vulnerable to housing insecurity, and we must provide them with the stability and support they need,” she said.

The data also shows that 44 per cent of all those assisted were singles, while 24 per cent were sole parents with one or more children.

“These figures demonstrate the diverse range of people affected by housing instability in Wangaratta.

“This persistent neglect and lack of action is unacceptable, we must urgently address the systemic issues driving homelessness and commit to providing meaningful, longterm solutions.”

The theme for Homelessness Week 2024, ‘Homelessness Action Now’, calls for urgent action on these pressing issues and the changes necessary to ensure everyone has access to safe, secure, and affordable housing.

■ Continued page 2

BUSINESS END: Denny Weston was among the students learning the bottling process at Squires Winery and part of the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) Agriculture and Horticulture open to students aged 15 to 18 years old.

PHOTO: Elizabeth Gourley

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ARRIVALS AT

The Wangaratta Chronicle will be in attendance at the midwifery ward on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9.30am to take photos of newborns with their parents, grandparents and/or siblings.

Consent forms are available from Northeast Health Wangaratta and from Wangaratta Chronicle staff on the day.

If you would like a photo but are not at the ward at the time of visiting, you can come into the Wangaratta Chronicle office at 37 Rowan Street during office hours to organise it.

Photographs are available to purchase from the Wangaratta Chronicle office.

WE WANT YOUR NEWS

Call the Wangaratta Chronicle on (03) 57230113 or email us at edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au

OAKLEE Lennon White was born at Northeast Health Wangaratta on Monday, July 29 at 11:42am and weighed 3.56Kg (7lb 13oz). She is the daughter of Monique Hannah Bree White and Douglas Allen White of Wangaratta. Oaklee Lennon White

Rylee Caleb Ramage

RYLEE Caleb Ramage was born at Northeast Health Wangaratta on Monday, July 29 at 9:29pm and weighed 3.48kg (7lb 10oz). He is the son of Kiarna Kaltsis and Benjamin Ramage of Benalla.

Hayley Mary Anthony

HAYLEY Mary Anthony was born at Northeast Health Wangaratta on Wednesday, July 31 at 11:02pm and weighed 2.88kg (6lb 5oz). She is the daughter of Kacey Anthony and Mathew Anthony of Wangaratta.

Council launches two community laundry spaces

Free

BY JORDAN DUURSMA

jduursma@ nemedia.com.au

COMMUNITY laundry spaces have been launched in Apex Park and the Wangaratta Showgrounds for people doing it rough, to wash and dry their clothes free of charge.

After identifying a need for people experiencing homelessness to clean their clothes, council negotiated with State Government to allocate some of its home and community care funding to the installation of two community laundries.

Signage has also been installed in the laundries which list additional support services available in Wangaratta.

The laundries are conveniently situated near free shower facilities, offering easy access to these essential services.

Manager of community services Ben Thomas said council is committed to supporting everyone in our community, that includes those experiencing homelessness.

“Our recent initiatives like the community laundries affirm that it’s okay to seek help during tough times,” he said.

“We are extremely proud of the local services and community members that look out for each other and support those who need it, it’s what makes Wangaratta a great community.

“Council will continue to take a proactive and compassionate view on this growing issue by collaborating with partner organisations and the State Government to develop additional projects aimed at

providing stable housing and support for those in need.”

The initiative came out of an action group consisting of local partner agencies facilitated by the Rural City of Wangaratta, formed to consider short term projects to improve the lives of those experiencing homelessness in Wangaratta, these projects include providing freely accessible lockers, installing community laundries, and producing a pocket card listing local community services.

Naomi Roberts, a Wangaratta High School student who played an integral role in getting the lockers up and running, said would encourage everyone to get involved with helping out.

“I knew there were homeless people in the area and they didn’t

have anywhere to put their belongings so we decided lockers were good idea to put into action and give people somewhere to put their things so they can take that weight off their shoulders,” she said.

“It’s great to see that people are using them, it’s a big difference and it’s going to keep going, it doesn’t stop here.”

Director of Zac’s Place and project manager of the Wang Night Shelter Di Duursma said it’s great hearing stories from our homeless friends who are able to use these spaces.

“It feels like none of us are responding to homelessness alone, that we have a city wide response which is unified not only in purpose but passion,” she said.

Council has also developed the

Affordable Housing Strategy, this was adopted by the Rural City of Wangaratta in June, outlining key action areas to generate social, affordable, and key worker accommodation in the region and facilitated the development of the Ovens College site for social, affordable, and residential housing.

‘In need of a helping hand?’ cards which list key information about local support services in a handy pocketable size are available from customer service in the government centre and participating local businesses and services.

If you, or someone you know, needs support visit https://www. wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Residents/ Community-Projects/CommunityRelief for information on available services.

JOINT EFFORT: Ben Thomas, Wendy Steel and Di Duursma are all playing their part in the communities collective response to homelessness

LEND A HELPING HAND: Wangaratta High School student Naomi Roberts, Hannah Dods, Amarina Huggins and Bethany Tanner have lent a helping hand to get lockers for people experiencing homelessness to store their belongings.

PROVIDING ESSENTIAL SERVICES: Ben Thomas, facilities maintenance officer Wendy Steel, Naomi Roberts, Hannah Dods, Amarina Huggins, Bethany Tanner and Di Duursma are excited to announce the launch of two free community laundries. PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

TIME FOR CHANGE: Beyond Housing CEO Celia Adams is calling for urgent action for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

162 young people aged 17 to 25 facing homelessness in district

■ From page 1

“We need substantial investments in social housing, increased JobSeeker payments, higher rent assistance, and incentives for affordable private rentals and key worker housing,” Ms Adams said.

“We must act now to address this crisis head-on.

“We are committed to addressing these issues head-on and advocating for the systemic change necessary to ensure everyone in our community has access to safe and secure housing.”

Over the next two years, Beyond Housing will build 39 new social housing properties in Wangaratta, four in Glenrowan, and 14 in nearby Benalla.

“While this is a positive step, it’s clear that this alone won’t meet the growing demand for safe, secure, and affordable housing,” Ms Adams said.

“We need a sustained commitment to significantly increase social housing, without this, we will see even more people forced into unsafe and unstable living conditions.

“Governments at all levels must make the construction of new social housing a top priority beyond the current election cycle, the time for action is now.”

“Inexplicable

error” cost life in Wangaratta crash

Wodonga woman to serve a three-year community corrections order gyy

A 23-YEAR-OLD Wodonga woman will be made to serve a threeyear community corrections order as a result of an “inexplicable error” to give way on the Great Alpine Road, costing the life of a beloved husband and father.

Judge Anne Hassan delivered her sentencing at Wangaratta County Court on Friday which will see the Wodonga woman serve 250 hours of unpaid community work.

Judge Hassan said the defendant had shown exceptional circumstances to avoid a stint behind bars through an “extreme” decline in their mental health since the collision and a low moral culpability in the accident.

The court previously heard on October 29, 2021, close to 5pm, a 47-year-old Narre Warren man set out to travel to Myrtleford to see family members while staying in Wangaratta.

The defendant, who was 20 years old at the time, was travelling from

Wodonga to visit family based in Waldara and took the Great Alpine Road exit.

Witnesses on the east and westbound lanes of Great Alpine Road saw the hatch of the defendant put its nose into the lane of the road to turn right, and clipped or “tbonned” the rear passenger side of the victim’s Volkswagen that was travelling towards Myrtleford.

The victim’s vehicle lost control, rolled across the lane of oncoming traffic and stopped in the grass field adjacent to the westbound resting on its roof, with the driver pinned inside the car.

According to witnesses, the Volkswagen rolled about 10 times, with police analysts estimating the car had come to a rest 88 metres from the impact of the collision.

Paramedics pronounced the victim dead at the scene at 5:24pm as a result of their fatal injuries.

Judge Hassan acknowledged the defendant was “highly distressed”

immediately following the collision, expressing remorse and fear of going to jail.

The court heard the 47 year old’s car would have been visible to the defendant for around 250m of road before they turned right.

The widow of the 47-year-old victim recalled the lasting impact of devastation of losing a husband and father of three young foster children.

“It’s the little things you miss the most, his smile gone forever,” she said.

“His life was taken in the most preventable way.

“Concentrate when you’re in control of a vehicle, it’s that simple.”

Defence counsel Abbie Roodenburg submitted her client had experienced significant symptoms of PTSD, anxiety and depression and suicidal tendencies in the two years and nine months since the accident.

Ms Roodenburg said treatment

inside of prison would not have been suitable for her client, who had not committed any prior driving offences leading up to the fatal collision.

Judge Hassan also disqualified the defendant’s licence for 18 months, citing the lack of prior criminal history and the “necessity” of a driver’s licence in a regional area as reasons not to go further than the minimum period.

“You were obligated to pay proper attention to oncoming traffic and you did not,” she said.

“It was an inexplicable failure to give way.

“In the future you must always drive with proper care.

“The message must be sent to drivers that they must take care when behind the wheel.”

Judge Hassan said if the defendant had pleaded not guilty, an imprisonment of two years and six months would have been imposed.

12-month delay for city’s $13.3m youth foyer

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

CONSTRUCTION of the

$13.3 million 40 room Youth Foyer at GOTAFE Wangaratta campus has been delayed 12 months with the new start date set for early 2025.

Homes Victoria confirmed that “matters related to the final design and competitive tender to appoint a builder have led to project delays, but it continues to work with GOTAFE to identify the best way to deliver this project”.

In collaboration with NESAY, Uniting Victoria and the Brotherhood of St Laurence, GOTAFE’s new Wangaratta education foyer will combine affordable medium–term accommodation with education and training, empowering young people aged 15 to 24 at risk of homelessness to complete their studies and

successfully transition from school into work.

ing – because we know that a stable, secure home is the first step in building a better life.”

More than $13.3 million has been allocated to delivering the Wangaratta Education First Youth Foyer as part of the $50 million Youth Capital Grants program.

The Docker Street development will support young individuals experiencing housing insecurity, aiding them in staying engaged in education and facilitating their transition to longterm accommodation.

Education First Youth Foyers in Wangaratta and Wodonga.

A Homes Victoria spokesperson said they’re delivering 10 supportive youth housing projects across Victoria, including two new regional

Residents will be able to stay at the youth foyer for a maximum of two years, acting as a start of building independence skills before aiding students into the next stage of their lives and accepting new youth foyer residents.

“Education First Youth Foyers are an important service that provide accommodation, education and life skills support to young people with insecure hous-

The Youth Capital Grants program is delivering 10 supportive youth housing projects, including two new regional Education First Youth Foyers and targeted accommodation for young people leaving care, that will provide options for at least 130 young people across Victoria.

DELAYED: Northern Victoria MP Jaclyn Symes (left) and Shepparton youth foyer residents Taylor Lines and Chloe Bergi showcasing the design of the GOTAFE Wangaratta Education First Youth Foyer which secured $13.3 million in funding from the State Government in February 2023.

Students making valuable contribution to winery workforce

Work

W k p i i - i f b i d W g Di i Sp i li S h l d

experience a win-win for business and Wangaratta District Specialist School students

BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au

LEARNING how to harvest grapes and being part of the winemaking process is all in a day’s work for students from Wangaratta District Specialist School.

Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) Agriculture and Horticulture students aged 15 to 18 had the opportunity to head into the vineyard and pick shiraz grapes in 2023 at Squires Winery, empty them into the crusher, and then return this year to assist with bottling, labelling and packing the finished product.

It’s part of an innovative work experience program giving students the practical skills and experience they need to help them develop into valuable and accomplished employees.

Senior school teacher Matt Baxter said the school was always grateful for the ongoing support it receives from the local community, and when they put a call out to see if there was a local business in the agriculture/horticulture sector who was willing to give their students a go as part of a pilot work experience program, Squires Winery was one of the first to put their hands up.

He said about 25 students took part at different times, with up to 20 students a day involved in picking, and groups of eight attending during the bottling and labelling process, accompanied by school staff

“Our goal for those students it to develop their employability skills so they can transition from school into the workforce,” Matt said.

“All the students who do the program are at the age where they are ready to join the workforce.

“We also love this program because we get the chance to showcase how capable our students are, and I think the team at Squires would have the best example of how valuable our students can be to a local business.”

Mr Baxter said Squires Winery, located near Bundalong, was willing to take them through the entire process, even through to the marketing of the finished product.

He said like any first-time vineyard hands, the students had to get used to the challenges of the job; learning how to pick, getting used to the repetitive nature of the process, and working hard outdoors in extreme temperatures.

“The reason why the work experience has been so successful is that staff members have been on hand to teach the employability skills we need to focus on,” he said.

“For instance, if it was a hot day, then our focus would be

on stamina and how we manage the heat; finding a way to persevere and still work a full day.

“Our teaching and education support staff have been an integral part of the process.

“Each day they focus on an employability skill and at the end of the day, they can reflect with the students on how they went with.

“Another factor we all face (which is why a program like this is so beneficial) is the fact that work isn’t always fun, but you still need to front up every day.

“We spoke about it being a bit of a novelty at the start, but then you start getting into the grind - which we did - and a big focus of ours was that even when you’re not enjoying it anymore, you still need to keep going.

“That was probably a challenge for our students, but a really good learning for them.”

Mr Baxter said while it is hard work, it is also something which is right in the students’ skill set.

He said the school needed to be mindful of the sort of career paths their students are suited to, and it sees the agriculture and viticulture industry as really viable employment pathways for its students.

“There’s no reason why they couldn’t complete a task like a neurotypical person could, and I think Squires Winery noticed that - and we certainly noticed it too,” he said.

“We are so appreciative for local businesses giving our students go, because there is sometimes a reluctance to try it - a perceived barrier - but those who do try it find out how valuable our students are.

“If businesses are willing to give them a go, they will find they get an employee who is reliable and willing to complete any task to the best of their abilities.”

Paul Squires of Squires Winery said they were “an exceptional group of young people” and looked forward to it becoming a long-term program.

“It went even better than we expected - they are a joy to work with, they work hard, and they look after each other,” he said.

And the staff were outstanding in terms of the way they manage the program.”

Mr Baxter said the staff team couldn’t be more proud of the effort made by their students.

“What they are learning through work experience is better than anything we teach them in class,” he said.

“As a teacher, I love it - I love seeing our students grow, seeing how engaged our staff are, and we’re just super proud as a school community.”

The school is looking forward to continuing its relationship with Squires Winery, who has also generously offered to donate 10 per cent of the funds from sale of its Early Harvest Shiraz or Fundraiser Pack, back to the school, also offering a 40 per cent discount to purchasers who use the code WDSS40.

More information is available via the winery’s website or Facebook page.

Wangaratta District Specialist School plans to direct those funds towards two initiatives; its work experience program - the money helping to cover the costs involved such as transportation - and also to the purchase of a second wheelchair-accessible bicycle for the school.

Any local businesses who are interested in supporting the work experience program are encouraged to contact the school for further information.

FINISHED PRODUCT: Squires Winery is donated a portion of sales from their early harvest shiraz, which the students had a hand in producing, to the Wangaratta District Specialist School.

PHOTO: Elizabeth Gourley

HEAVY LOAD: Student Tyler Barnes carries a bucket of freshly picked shiraz grapes. PHOTO: Elizabeth Gourley

WORK EXPERIENCE: The hard-working students and staff team from Wangaratta District Specialist School have made a valuable contribution to Squires Winery, which praised them for their outstanding effort.

PHOTO: Elizabeth Gourley

HARVEST TIME: Wangaratta District Specialist School senior school teacher Jordan Griffin and student Cameron Doyle get to grips with grape picking.

PHOTO: Elizabeth Gourley

Six schools to share in $125,000 to help prepare for fire season

SIX schools in the Rural City of Wangaratta will share in $125,000 to make sure they are well-prepared for the upcoming bushfire season.

Schools to benefit are Edi Upper Primary School which will receive $18,979, Glenrowan PS: $21,971, Greta Valley: $19,496, Myrrhee PS: $19,589, Wangaratta PS: $24,436, and Whitfield District PS: $20,717.

Glenrowan Primary School business manager

Anne Hanrahan said bushfire funds are extremely valuable to reduce bushfire risks at the school.

“The majority of the funds are used for grounds maintenance including mowing, edging and the constant clean up of debris which accumulates around the school from surrounding vegetation,” Ms Hanrahan said.

“We have installed two large water tanks to collect our rainwater to keep our

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

oval green and to have storage of water at the school.

“Gutter cleaning is also a continuous task, however, we have installed gutter guard with previous bushfire funds, which has reduced the build up of debris in some areas.

“The funds received each year definitely assist to keep our school fire safe.”

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes announced about 100 northern Victorian schools among 332 government schools across 348 campuses that would share in $8.412 million to carry out essential maintenance work through the Bushfire Preparedness Vegetation Program (BPVP).

The program was introduced in 2018 to help schools undertake essen-

tial vegetation clearance around school buildings prior to the bushfire season and in accordance with municipal fire danger periods.

Schools receiving funds are listed on the Bushfire at Risk Register (BARR), with the work aimed at mitigating the risk of harm to the school’s community and buildings in the event of a bushfire.

The BPVP also provides a School Support Program, where an accredited Bushfire Planning and Design consultant visits a school twice a year to help them prepare for the upcoming bushfire season while also making sure they complete a Vegetation Management Plan every three years.

Ms Symes said the funding means that staff and students can feel safe and prepared during the warmer months, and hopefully these works can ease any worries they may have during bushfire season.

Paramedics speed up emergency response times in Wangaratta

WANGARATTA and the Hume region continue to buck the state trend with improved “lights and sirens” response times.

Latest statistics released by Ambulance Victoria for the last quarter of 2023/24 showed an average response time of 15 minutes and 23 seconds to ‘code one’ emergency responses by paramedics within the rural city.

Wangaratta showed the 10th best improvement across the state on response times throughout the April 1 to June 30 quarter, shaving 35 seconds off arrival to code one callouts.

Some 69.5 per cent of 583 responses were made under the required 15-minute timeframe within Wangaratta, compared to the state average of 64.2 per cent.

Ambulance Victoria (AV) Hume regional director, Steve Doyle, said paramedics

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

reached code one patients 27 seconds faster on average than a year ago, despite a five per cent increase in demand.

“The entire health system continues to be extremely busy due to seasonal illnesses such as flu, COVID-19 and RSV circulating within our communities and our workforce,” she said.

“Our dedicated paramedics and first responders in Hume do an incredible job; working under pressure to provide best care to communities across the state every day.”

“We constantly monitor demand and ambulance availability in real time and work with all hospitals to help transfer patients as promptly as possible, to en-

sure our ambulances can get back on the road sooner.”

Over the past financial year Wangaratta saw an average response time of 15 minutes 52 seconds to a total of 2262 callouts, 22 seconds faster than last year.

Indigo Shire showed the greatest improvement across Victoria on response time from the past quarter, taking off two minutes and 35 seconds from their average response time of 23 minutes and 21 seconds recorded in quarter three.

Compared to this time last year, the biggest improvements in the Hume region were in the Indigo, Murrindindi, Strathbogie and Wodonga LGAs.

But outside of Alpine Shire, surrounding LGAs Benalla, Moira, Hume, Mansfield, Wodonga and Strathbogie all recorded increased response times on

their last quarter.

Victorian Ambulance Union secretary Danny Hill said it was unsurprising statewide response times to code one cases had deteriorated.

“The entire workforce has been screaming ‘iceberg right ahead’, and now the ship is sinking,” he said.

“Paramedics are spending more time ramped at hospital, more time being sent to trivial cases and less time responding to genuine emergency patients.

“AV is an emergency service, that’s what taxpayers pay for.

“But the workforce feel that the current AV executive is taking AV in a different direction and patients are suffering, which is why so many paramedics are calling for the government to take action.”

Paramedics and first re-

sponders in the state have faced the busiest quarter on record, with crews in the Hume Region responding to 5623 code one cases.

Emergency Departments also faced the busiest quarter on record with more than 503,000 presentations statewide - up six per cent compared to the same time last year.

AV executive director regional operations, Danielle North, said AV constantly monitored demand and ambulance availability in real time and worked with hospitals to help transfer patients as promptly as possible, to ensure our ambulances can get back on the road sooner.

“We also review and adjust the ambulance call taking and dispatch grid, based on research, clinical expertise and our large body of clinical data, to ensure it remains suitable for the Victorian en-

vironment,” Ms North said.

“Staying up to date with your yearly flu and COVID-19 vaccinations helps protect you, the people around you, and makes a difference reducing demand on our paramedics during this busy time.”

State Government Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said the state’s doctors, nurses and paramedics were delivering world-class healthcare despite record demand.

The latest quarterly performance data shows the planned surgery waitlist is now the lowest it has been since the beginning of the pandemic.

“We’ve completely reformed how we deliver surgery – so that more Victorians can get the care they need sooner, no matter where they live,” Ms Thomas said.

BE PREPARED: The State Government will fund six schools in the Rural City of Wangaratta about $125,000 to assist with the reduction of bushfire risk ahead of the upcoming fire season.

A response to make people’s lives better

HOMELESSNESS Week starts today and one of its functions is to shine a light on a topic that has historically been overlooked.

Some 648 people sought homelessness support through Beyond Housing in 20232024.

Since the start of the pandemic many people’s financial circumstances have been greatly impacted and this has continued over the last two years with growing inflation.

The local statistics tell a story that people are struggling to pay rent, have regular meals and pay their bills.

For many they are sleeping rough or haven’t got a place to call home.

Beyond Housing CEO Celia Adams said there needs to be substantial investments in social housing, increased JobSeeker payments, higher rent assistance, and incentives for affordable private rentals and key worker housing

The government has responded to the housing crisis to an extent, however, the wheels appear to be turning very slowly.

Hundreds of people need the support now, not in 2-3 years’ time.

It’s a problem that can be viewed as one too great to fix, but there are people and organisations in Wangaratta who refuse to accept this.

The latest initiative (see page 2) is a free laundry for people experiencing homelessness.

This is so valuable for people who do not have access to laundry facilities.

The laundries at the showgrounds and Apex Park are located near free shower facilities as well.

These facilities enable people to experience the basic necessities of life.

It is a great show of community spirit by all the people behind these initiatives.

The Quiz No. 96

1. What is Australia’s second oldest capital city?

2. Vodka, Galliano and orange juice are combined together to make which popular cocktail?

3. Who was the first driver to win five races in the 2016 Formula One season?

4. In which movie did Mark Wahlberg play the role of Eddie Adams/Dirk Diggler?

5. What is the plural of the word, moose?

6. The Dominican Republic and Haiti are located on which island?

7. If you had a ‘gross’ of something, how many items would you have?

8. Phrenologists are mainly interested in which organ of the human body?

9. In which sport do South Africa and Australia compete for the Mandela Challenge Plate?

10. Which popular musical, first performed in the 1970s, features the song, I Hope I Get It?

11. Who wrote the bestselling 1992 novel, The Pelican Brief?

12. In computer terminology, what does SQL stand for?

13. What name is used to describe a resident of San Marino?

14. Six Ribbons - The Ultimate Collection is a 2011 greatest hits album by which Australian musician?

15. Which often used substance has the chemical formula, C5H8NO4Na?

16. In 2014, who replaced Peter Dutton as the Federal Minister for Sport?

17. How many swimming gold medals did Maddison Elliott win at the 2016 Summer Paralympics?

18. In 1966, Lesotho gained its independence from which country?

19. The Hairypeople are a race of humans that feature in which 2016 TV series?

20. In which country did the Samoyed breed of dog originate?

FACEBOOK users this week commented on council seeking commercial expressions of interest on tenants for the former Wangaratta Visitor Information Centre on Murphy Street.

• Ronan Holdsworth: I thought it was condemned from the top floor not being stable hence the reason for moving the info centre.

• Joanne Pane: Ronan Holdsworth No, top floor

is fine. You’re thinking of the historical society building. That’s a whole other issue.

• Ronan Holdsworth: Joanne Pane well it should be an artist studios and working gallery.

• Joanne Pane: Ronan Holdsworth or a historical museum.... we don’t have a museum, which is ridiculous for a town of this size and history. So much indigenous and non

Flexibility needed to reduce absenteeism

YOUR article on the rise in absenteeism post-COVID at schools throughout regional Victoria on Friday, July 26 ignites great concern for communities.

Schools around the world are impacted by, most notably, an upward trend in emotional based school absenteeism (EBSA), post COVID.

In addition to the article’s comments, absenteeism is impacted by three main elements including ‘school related factors’ such as bullying, academic challenges, and school relationships; ‘family related factors’ such as wellbeing, disengagement between home and school, and ongoing family conflict all impact children deeply.

Most notably, however, is the greater understanding we have of ‘child related factors’.

Neurodiversity and sensory disorders, special education needs and an overall range of trauma conditioning are just some factors that have created unrealistic expectations for students, who struggle to engage in the mainstream formula.

No level of interception will engage these children impacted by elements mentioned, to cope academically, in environments designed to teach classes of over 20 students.

Along with exposure to hundreds of children on school grounds throughout the day and harnessed to rigid daily routines that some students have always struggled with.

Now is the time to listen to experts in ‘complimentary educational settings’ that support our amazing mainstream education centres.

In 2023, Genevieve O’Reilly shared with the Chronicle when announcing her retirement as principal from Wangaratta’s Borinya School, that we need more flexible learning schools for those students who struggle to engage in mainstream education spaces.

She witnessed profound success in this formula.

Wangaratta children need access to another flexible learning space where students can attend school in person.

If we can support this, then we are supporting our most vulnerable children and families.

Sage Forster, Wangaratta

A health lesson welllearned to be shared

I’VE been in hospital at Northeast Health Wangaratta recently, on three separate occasions, due to fainting episodes resulting in falls with head injuries.

Doctors were not able initially to establish a

NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.

indigenous history locked away that no one can see.

• Kevin Adams: Ronan.. that is correct.

• Ronan Holdsworth: Joanne Pane we should do that then, would be wonderful to see.

• Mark Perry: Joanne Pane not to mention the Kelly connection..

• Lorraine Monshing Oam: Fix it up Council & turn it into Historical Society rooms, seeing as the Old Fire Station

is not big enough. Stop selling off our Historic assets, and building new buildings.

• Tim Cole-Jarred: It’d be a perfect info centre....

• Lorraine Monshing Oam: Tim Cole-Jarred yep! Agree, strange that ??

• Kathrine Waugh: Tim Cole-Jarred, it was a wonderful building and place to work.

• Fiona Watson: Be a wonderful spot for a museum.

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

14,913

are keen to hear from anyone who may be able to provide animals for the always-popular animal nursery at the annual event, which will be held on October 11 and 12. If you will have any young animals like the little guy in this photo available at the time of the show, please phone 5721 3280 or email wangarattashow@ westnet.com.au.

cause, despite careful examinations of history, and lots of tests.

These episodes occurred only at home and not on any of the days/nights I stayed in hospital.

Now that I know the reason behind the attacks, I’m writing to warn others: if you’re prescribed a new medication, do read the literature that comes with it.

Not only did I not do that, I also blithely took a tablet, prior to each fainting attack, knowing the drug was out of date, but thinking it would work anyway. (I took it for heartburn and it did work to quell my tummy).

When, in a recent ‘aha!’ moment I decided to read the printed information accompanying the drug, I discovered that some people can have severe reactions to it.

Reading on I saw that several of these: nausea, vomiting, flushing and itching, were symptoms I’d experienced during my episodes.

I now also know that while some drugs may just lose effectiveness over time, others may actually become toxic.

The drug I took was four years old - way, way, way out of date.

Was I stupid? Yes indeed, but I have learned:

1) to always read the info that comes with prescribed medicines; and

2) to pay heed to use by dates.

While I feel this worth sharing, I have another, heartfelt reason to write.

I want to thank all of the wonderful health professionals who looked after me each time

I needed the hospital.

To the ambos who brought me to hospital: thank you so much.

You were clear and supportive and calming in my time of distress.

To the doctors and nurses in ED and to those in the surgical ward, thank you heaps for being so understanding, so supportive, so cheerful and so professional in your interactions with me.

And to the patient transport people who got me to Melbourne and back, thank you.

I’m glad I met you.

It is a very reassuring thing, in this rather crazy world, to realise that there are so many very decent human beings living in my community.

Bloody good on ya.

Jeremy Fournier, Meadow Creek

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BABY ANIMALS: Organisers of this year’s Wangaratta Show

PHOTO: Emma Lenihan

Writers can make their mark

YOUNG writers keen to share and showcase their work are encouraged to take part in this year’s Wangaratta Young Writers Award, with entries now open.

Conducted by the Rotary Club of Appin Park Wangaratta, in conjunction with the Wangaratta Library, the competition recognises primary and secondary school-aged young people from the area for their writing of short stories and poetry or song lyrics.

BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au

The award encourages young writers to develop their capacity and imagination through their writing, with organisers saying they are keen to ‘unearth local talent and inspire young people to be creative’.

All young people between the ages of 10 and 19 are en-

couraged to put pen to paper and enter an original piece of writing in a series of age categories.

First, second and third prizes are available in each age group’s story and poetry/ song lyrics category.

Entries will close on Friday, September 20, the last day before school holidays, allowing young people seven weeks to prepare their submissions.

Judging will take place in late September, and an award

Greta students discover father and son who served

By OSCAR GRAHAM, ARCHIE McCONOCHIE & HUNTER POLLARD

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

In the next instalment of the series we are sharing with the support of school principal Howard Gibson, students Oscar Graham and Archie McConochie tell us about Hector Sinclair, while Hunter Pollard tells us about Hector’s son, Hector Gordon Sinclair.

The project has revealed how many local families were affected by war, including multiple generations.

Hector Sinclair was born in 1877.

His father was John Munro Sinclair and his mother was Annie Carmichael. His siblings were Mary Mcleod, Margaret Ella and William Sinclair.

Hector Sinclair’s wife and next of kin was Mary Ethel Jeffery who he married in 1921 and they had two children, Hector Gordon and Hazel Mary Sinclair. Hector Sinclair joined the NSW Imperial Bushmen for the Boer War and he was a trooper.

son, Hector Sinclair (left) and Hector Gordon Sinclair (right).

Their job was to catch prisoners, get supplies and they were trained to know how to ride, shoot and navigate in the bush. He sadly died on June 12 in 1951 aged 74 years old.

Hector Gordon Sinclair was born on August 13 in 1925 in Moyhu. He was 94 years old when he died.

His mum’s name was Mary Ethel Jeffery and his dad’s name was Hector Sinclair.

Hector’s wife’s name was Norma Elizabeth George

and they had four children - David, Peter, Gregory and Jennifer.

He was training for the Air Force and was going to fight in the Second World War but the war ended before he had finished his training.

His service number was 431978 and he enlisted in Melbourne on September 10 in 1945 and he trained for the Royal Australian Air Force.

He was sent to Canada to complete his training.

Hector died on August 18 in 2019 in Wangaratta.

Pet microchipping day on next month in Wangaratta

THE Rural City of Wangaratta is pleased to announce the upcoming pet microchipping day at the Wangaratta Kennel & Obedience Dog Club on Sunday, September 8.

The event will be an opportunity for community members to check their pet’s microchip details are up-to-date or get them chipped and registered at the heavily discounted rate of $20.

If you have a dog or cat that isn’t microchipped or registered, you are encouraged to attend.

If you are unsure if your pet’s microchip information is correct, council officers will be on hand to check and update your pet’s details.

Registering and microchipping your pet for a fee of $20 represents substantial savings.

presentation for winners will be held at the Wangaratta Library on Thursday, October 10.

The Wangaratta Young Writers Award entry form will be available to download on the Wangaratta Library Facebook page.

For more information about the competition, contact the Wangaratta Library on 5721 2366 or email library@wangaratta.vic.gov. au

Typically, pet registration alone ranges from $50 to $150, while fines for unregistered wandering pets can reach as high as $800.

In addition to microchipping and registration, the microchipping day will feature family-friendly activities including free face painting and a barbecue.

Attendees can also enjoy agility demonstrations by the talented dogs of the Wangaratta Kennel & Obedience Dog Club.

“Council is pleased to be working with the Albury Animal Care Centre, Wangaratta Vet Clinic, and the Wangaratta Kennel & Obedience Dog Club on this day,” Stephen Swart, council director sustainability and culture, said.

“It is important to ensure pets details are up to date as this information helps council officers to reunite lost pets with owners as soon as possible.”

Microchipping day for cats and dogs will be held from 10am–2pm at the Wangaratta Kennel & Obedience Dog Club at the rear of the Wangaratta Showgrounds.

FAMILY FOOTSTEPS: Greta Valley Primary School students Oscar Graham, Archie McConochie and Hunter Pollard write about father and

DO YOUR PET A FAVOUR: Microchipping day for cats and dogs will be held at the Wangaratta Kennel & Obedience Dog Club on September 8.

PROMOTING YOUNG TALENT: Writers Anika Robinson and Teresa Lilly Corboy, first and second placegetters in the Year 10/11/12 poetry/song lyrics category of last year’s Wangaratta Young Writers Award, with Rural City of Wangaratta Mayor Dean Rees and Rotary Club of Appin Park Wangaratta president Geoff Dinning at the 2023 presentation ceremony.

Telling Harry’s courageous story for future generations

BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au

AUTHOR Ryan Butta is looking forward to a road trip from the south coast of NSW to Wangaratta, to promote his new book, ‘The Bravest Scout at Gallipoli’.

The writer was last in the rural city two years ago to speak about his first work of historical non-fiction, ‘The Ballad of Abdul Wade’, and will be back at the Wangaratta Library on August 21 from 2.30pm to discuss the new release.

“It will be great to get out and meet some readers,” he said.

‘The Bravest Scout at Gallipoli’ tells the story of Harry Freame, who became the first Australian to win the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) at Gallipoli.

Harry, who was raised as a samurai, risked his life again and again in World War 1 to scout the beaches and hills of the battlefield, reporting invaluable intelligence back to his officers and relieving stranded soldiers who would otherwise have surely died.

Some say he should have

received the Victoria Cross but didn’t because he was halfJapanese, a fact he tried hard to conceal.

After the war, Harry became a soldier settler and champion apple grower, but when Japan emerged as a perceived threat to Australia, he was recruited into Australian intelligence to spy on the Japanese community in Sydney.

Before Japan’s entry into World War 2, Australia opened a diplomatic legation in Tokyo and Harry was sent as a translator, but his real role was as a spy.

Extraordinarily, his cover was leaked by the Australian press, and the Japanese secret police tried to assassinate him not long after his arrival in Tokyo in 1941.

Harry died back in Australia a few weeks later, but his sacrifice had never been acknowledged by Australia, until Ryan’s research prompted him to push for official recognition for Harry, who was then in an unmarked grave in Rookwood Cemetery.

“I came across Harry’s story while researching, and he had such a great bio - adventurer, orchardist, interpreter - I thought it was a fascinat-

ing story,” he said.

“(Through my research), I got a strong sense of who he was, and the fact that Harry didn’t like to big-note his contribution to the war.

“For instance, he won the DCM, but he said it was just for carrying water; the full story was that he saved the lives of men while carrying water to the frontline.

“When you write someone’s biography, you come to know them, and I guess you lose them in a way too, once it’s completed.

“More people need to know what Harry did. His story needs to be known more widely, because a lot of the time, the Anzac myth is used to promote White Australia.

“What if Australia’s best soldier at Gallipoli was not a white Australian, but was actually a Japanese samurai raised under the code of Bushido?”

Ryan said he had enjoyed the investigation into Harry’s life and death.

“I love delving into the archives,” he said.

“I use (online research portal) Trove a lot, and if it wasn’t for Trove, I would have finished this book in half the time.

“It was really interesting looking at things like the history of Japanese-Australian relations.”

He said he enjoyed writing historical non-fiction.

“I think people want to know what happened in Australia, because they don’t know all the stories,” he said.

“I’ve been really lucky, and well-supported by Affirm Press, to be able to work on telling those stories.”

Ryan said his author talk at the Wangaratta Library would cover not only his work on this book and an overview of Harry Freame’s life, but Ryan’s own path to writing and being published.

To book your place at the Wangaratta Library event on August 21, which is supported by Edgars Books and News, contact the library on 5721 2366 or visit https://events.humanitix. com/meet-the-author-ryanbutta

* Thanks to Affirm Press, the Wangaratta Chronicle has two copies of Ryan Butta’s ‘The Bravest Scout at Gallipoli’ to give away to lucky readers. If you would like to be one of them, email skerwin@nemedia.com. au and let us know why you would like to own a copy.

Cayden’s artworks are out of this world

By JORDAN DUURSMA

LOCAL artist, Cayden Jackson, is holding his debut exhibition at Where’s My Coffee, showcasing paintings ranging from landscapes to sci-fi imaginings which transport the viewer across the universe.

The 18 year old has a passion for art and has been experimenting with different techniques and styles at VMCH’s Cre8 Shed.

Cayden visits the Cre8 Shed once a week to work on his paintings and socialise with others who are working in the creative space.

“I currently focus on my paintings at the Cre8 program at VMCH...this program helps me to create these amazing paintings and help me put on this exhibition,” he said.

“Painting is a stress-relieving activity for me, it lets me express my creative side and reduces tension and anxiety at the same time.

“Something I love about painting is the vibrant colours...my paintings can range in

different styles as I’m trying to branch out of my comfort zone.”

Cayden, who was born in Wangaratta and

went to Appin Park Primary School, is now studying at Boronia.

He started his painting journey 12 months ago and has been very busy creating, with a wide array of works on display for the public to admire, and even buy, over the next two weeks.

Cayden said his parents are one of his main sources for inspiration when it comes to exploring his creativity.

“Since my father is a tattoo artist, I think he inspired my artistic side,” he said.

“My mum is the one who inspires me the most, she has always been there for me, everyday I am inspired by her.

Cayden said a challenge he has had to overcome is learning how to be patient.

“It’s not easy to paint in a rush,” he said.

VMCH is a registered NDIS provider, working to help individuals reach their goals through a wide range of disability support programs, the Cre8 Shed is one way they support Cayden on his creative journey.

PART OF OUR HISTORY: Ryan Butta’s latest release, ‘The Bravest Scout at Gallipoli’, tells the story of Harry Freame, a man once known as ‘the Marvel of Gallipoli’.

YOUNG GUN: At just 18 years old, artist Cayden Jackson held his very own exhibition.

LOCAL TALENT: Cayden Jackson showcasing some of his recent artworks at Where’s My Coffee. PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

North East firies answer Canadian call

LOCAL Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) firefighters have answered the call of their Canadian counterparts to support the efforts to contain the country’s devastating bushfires.

North East Victoria firefighters Jarrod Hayse, Matthew Parker and William Bailey were deployed to Alberta last week, taking on roles as agency representative, task force leader and heavy equipment boss during a 35day deployment.

An additional 10 arduous FFMVic firefighters from the region departed on Thursday, August 1 to further support the response, including Canadian-born Steve LeBrun. Steve heads back to Canada after starting his firefighting career in the southern Rocky Mountains almost 20 years ago.

“For me, this is an amazing opportunity to be able to go back to Canada and lead a crew of professional fire fighters to help protect communities from these devastating fires,” he said.

A total of 62 FFMVic personnel are supporting the ongoing wildfire response, continuing a long-standing relationship between Victoria and Canada.

Canada is experiencing significant fires across the country, including a fastmoving wildfire in the Canadian Rockies which prompted 25,000 people to flee the near-deserted town of Jasper with flames higher than treetops, devastating up to half of its structures.

Hume Deputy Chief Fire

Officer, Aaron Kennedy, said FFMVic firefighters and incident management staff brought extensive emergency management experience taking on specialist roles, as well as on ground firefighting.

“Our arduous firefighters are well-prepared to face Canada’s challenging and remote terrain, bringing specialist skills in tree-felling and dry firefighting tech-

niques,” he said.

“I am confident that they will be put to good use and will make a positive impact on the ground.”

While the deployments provide additional firefighting resources, they also offer invaluable opportunities for FFMVic staff to expand their operational experience in different environments.

In 2019-20, Canadian firefighters supported Victorian

firefighting efforts, and since then, FFMVic staff have been part of multiple deployments to Canada over the past two fire seasons.

As Victoria prepares for the upcoming bushfire season, FFMVic is recruiting several hundred Project Firefighters to bolster their permanent firefighting staff.

These roles offer a valuable entry point into careers in environmental and emer-

gency management. Some of FFMVic’s former Project Firefighters have gone on to support firefighting efforts across Australia and internationally.

While applications closed on July 28, FFMVic is still accepting applications for locations across the North East with vacancies.

For more information, visit: https://jobs.careers.vic. gov.au/pff

By STEVE KELLY

A DRAFT council expenses policy, which supports councillors and members of delegated committees to perform their duties without disadvantage, is seeking public feedback.

The policy covers costs incurred by councillors or members, ranging from parking fees, private vehicle use, public transport, private phone and data charges, training and conferences, meals, accommodation, local municipal events and functions, and civic functions.

Expenses also cover reimbursement of costs where the provision of childcare is reasonably required for a councillor or member to perform their role. All claims must be made on an approved payment request form and original receipts must be attached for all claims.

Council director corporate and leisure, Sarah Brindley, outlined the policy at the July ordinary meeting of council this week and said it was a requirement under the Local Government Act to have an expenses policy and this policy was undergoing a scheduled review.

“We proposed no changes to the policy but we are seeking council’s endorsement for a public exhibition of the policy over a 28 day period,” she said on Tuesday.

If there are no submissions the policy will not need to return to council for approval and will be automatically adopted.

CANADA CALL: 10 arduous FFMVic firefighters from the Hume region have been deployed to Canada, including seven firefighters who left from Albury Airport last Thursday. Pictured L-R front: Inneke Nathan, Kirsty O’Reilly, Natasha Brown. Back: Steve Le Brun, Pat Bowers, Mitch Beaton, Fiona Powles.

Community on board for Great Victorian Bike Ride

BY JORDAN DUURSMA jduursma@ nemedia.com.au

ORGANSIERS of a cycling event which will bring 3000 people to Wangaratta in November say they are thrilled by the level of support and interest already being shown by local community groups, businesses and tourism operators.

Great Vic Bike Ride organisers held a public meeting in Wangaratta last week to discuss local opportunities for involvement in the biggest multi-day bike ride in the Southern Hemisphere, which will start in Wodonga on November 23 and end 501kms later in Healesville on December 1.

Wangaratta will play host to the 300 participants in this massive event, hosting overnight stops on November 25 and 26, with riders based at the Wangaratta Showgrounds.

The riders will arrive from Myrtleford and do a loop ride out to Lake Mokoan the following day and head off to Mansfield on November 27.

Bicycle Network chief executive officer, Alison McCormack, said she was thrilled at the turnout and show of support from the community at last week’s meeting.

closures in this region, traffic will be managed through a lower speed limit being implemented for a window of time along the bike rider’s route.”

Bike riders have a twohour window to leave the camp on a riding day between 6:30am to 8:30am.

Ms McCormack said they’ve been doing it for 40 years so it’s a well-oiled machine.

“We will have traffic management in place, we’ve done several trips with police and generally we ride on 80km roads and during the time the bike riders are on it, it becomes 60km,” she said.

Rural City of Wangaratta councillor Harvey Benton said the event will be huge and a reminder for road safety as motorists and cyclists travel together.

“It’s important to remember it’s a shared pathway, I think it’s got to get to an ‘us’ not an ‘us against them’ attitude going forward,” he said.

“It’s 100 per cent the communities who are the bike rider’s favourite part.

“The meeting was to engage the community because we are coming through the town, and we want to make sure all the bike riders engage in the community and spend money,” she said.

“It’s not just about the bike riding, it’s the warm welcomes on the way, it’s the people who go out of their way to do things and to set up stalls that make it a wonderful thing.”

volunteering and events, highlighting the economic boost the event will provide for the region.

The meeting discussed opportunities for the community to be involved through

Ms McCormack said the one thing you want to do after a bike ride is to have a yarn with your mates over a beer.

“There is a big economic benefit for the restaurants, pubs, bars and accommodation...each rider spends an average of $35 a day on the Great Vic, injecting more than $100,000 each day into the region,” she said.

“There will be no road

“It’s comes back to respect on the road, particularly if you have the number of people travelling through, we’ve got to look out for one another.”

Planning information including details of campsite locations and changes to traffic conditions were discussed at the meeting. For more details visit greatvic.com.au.

Choirboys to spill the beans on Aussie rock golden age

By JORDAN DUURSMA

ICONIC Aussie rock band, the Choirboys, are set to put on a show named after their hit song ‘Run To Paradise’ at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Conventions Centre on Friday, August 16.

As part of their tour across the East of Australia, ‘Run To Paradise’ is a sort of spilling the beans, tell all kind of show.

The show is all about the stories that sound all too familiar within the culture widely assumed of the music industry - sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll and they tell it all.

It’s part story, part song that chronicles some of the wildest, most risqué, outrageous, and downright hilarious stories of Australian Rock.

Bass guitarist, Ian Hulme said the show is a story telling exposé on the Australian music industry and the Choirboys’ experiences, decades later is just bizarrely funny.

“At this point in our lives you reflect back, we have been very privileged and lucky, it’s been an amazing experience,” he said.

style the band witnessed of the youth in the 70s is ultimately what gave birth to their seminal rock anthem, Run To Paradise.

Front-man, Mark Gable, said they didn’t call it Pub Rock in those days.

“We were there in the beginning and we’re still here now,” he said.

“Put it down to hearsay, it’s our opinion, it’s what we saw, it’s what people told us and most of it is extremely funny and incredibly interesting.

“Some of the stories are so funny and just plain stupid because back then, we could do things that nobody else could do because it wasn’t a normal job.

“There were no rules.”

“It was just one foot in front of the other, Australian pubs were having bands seven nights a week so we were gigging seven nights a week.

“On reflection you go ‘wow’ that was really the birth of

“It was the golden age of pub rock, but we didn’t think it at the time.

Australian pub rock through that 70s and 80s period.”

Ian recalled one of the bizarre and funny memories of gigging when back in the day pubs didn’t always have facilities.

“We are waiting to go on stage and Mark said ‘I need to

have a pee’ and there was no toilet available but there was a schooner glass there,” Ian said.

“Mark uses the glass and puts it down just as Brad goes to grab a beer, he has a swig of it and goes ‘did I just drink what I think it was’, it’s just

one of those weird things of the time that wouldn’t happen today.”

As young twenty-something-year-olds, Choirboys formed in 1978, growing up on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

The wild, hedonistic life-

Which movie star did the Divinyls bass player meet under a table at a nightclub, what were Chuck Berry’s weird work tactics, if Deep Purple was responsible for Mark walking with a limp, and what happened to a pair of Iggy Pop’s pants?

Come along and find out. Visit https://www.wpacc. com.au/Whats-On/Choirboys-Run-To-Paradise for tickets and more information.

COMMUNITY TO BENEFIT: Mayor Dean Rees, Bicycle Network CEO Alison McCormack and Cr Harvey Benton said the Great Vic Bike Ride will provide an opportunity for an economic boost in the region.

PHOTO: Jordan Duursma

AUSSIE ROCK LEGENDS: The Choirboys - Brett Williams, Mark Gable and Ian Hulme - are set to take a walk down memory lane at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on August 16.

Ag career chance for uni graduates

UNIVERSITY graduates passionate about agriculture are being offered the opportunity to commence their careers with Rabobank, with the opening of applications for the specialist agribusiness bank’s 2025 18-month graduate program, which kicks off in February 2025.

The world’s leading specialist food and agribusiness bank, Rabobank is one of Australia’s largest agricultural lenders and a major provider of business and corporate banking services

to the country’s food and agribusiness sector.

Rabobank group executive, chief HR officer Belinda Webber said program participants have the opportunity to gain skills, knowledge, and experience while working across “one of Australia’s leading agricultural and financial institutions”.

The bank is seeking graduates for its 2025 program in a range of business areas including rural banking, sustainability, risk management, technology,

operations, legal, business transformation and finance across a variety of regional and metropolitan locations.

Ms Webber said each graduate would rotate across a range of areas within their chosen function as part of the program.

Applications close on August 23 with places offered to the successful candidates in November and commencing in February 2025.

For more details go to https://www.rabobank.com. au/careers/graduate-program

Firefighters rapt with support for flying doctors’ fundraiser

Monday, August 4, 2014.

By SHANA MORGAN

TREK the Trak firefighters are on target for one of their best fundraising efforts, with over $3000 raised so far.

The group of 10, including two Wangaratta firefighters, make their annual travels riding motorbikes through the Australian desert into movies to raise money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).

The movie, titled Ground Zero - Maralinga, was screened last month for the first time and

there are still tickets for the second screening on August 10.

Carl Stibilj said he was thankful for all the local support and donations, including a $500 donation from Cafe Martini.

The Trek the Trak group will head off on its fifth annual trip into the desert, for a fortnight.

FUTURE LEADERS: Some of the Rabobank current graduate program cohort are (from left) Jesse Nichols, Moni Lambert, Grace Bowd, Angus Keeble and Milly Bell.

GENEROUS DONATION: Mark Sorrenson from Cafe Martini (second right) presents a $500 cheque to Wangaratta’s firefighters (from left) Carl Stibilj, Rob Skase, Steve Larke, Rob Con-way and Michael Cornish.

PHOTO: Luke Plummer

| Junior Reporter Club

ACROSS

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

3 Which Turkish city was formerly Constantinople (8)

7 Name the Australian engineer who invented the automatic totalisator, Sir George ... (6)

8 Dealing with a disease in order to provide a cure, is what (8)

9 Which nationality was Georges Bizet (6)

10 What do we call the driver of a car (8)

11 Which city was the host of the 2004 Olympic Games (6)

14 Name another term for an account book (6)

17 What are marinated fillets of herring, served as hors d’oeuvres (8)

18 What is an earlier name for silver (6)

19 Name another word for a large advertising billboard (8)

20 Who are amongst the most caring people in hospitals (6)

21 Name Australia’s national health scheme (8)

DOWN

1 What is a small seedless raisin (7)

2 What do we call a woman engaged to be married (7)

3 What is a narrow strip of land connecting two larger masses of land (7)

Letters

4 Name a univalve marine mollusc (7)

5 Which water makes the best cup of tea (7)

6 Name an unpowered, flat-bottomed barge (7)

11 In the Bible, who was the traditional founder of the Hebrew people (7)

12 Which country is known as the Netherlands (7)

E-QUATIONS

13 To be a wandering type of person is to be what (7)

14 What is a form of pasta cut into flat sheets (7)

15 Which term describes Australian soldiers (7)

16 What is a preacher of the gospel (7)

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

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

CLUES:

Charging with offence (7)

Earthquake starting point (5)

Instant messaging program (3)

Metal container (3)

Number subtracted from (7)

Of ions (5)

Part of a step (5)

Senior (abbr.) (3)

Sovereign (5) Tree (3)

Solve

Lamb prices to offset season

Recent lamb prices expected to set a positive trend heading into the spring season pppgpg

BY KURT HICKLING khickling@ nemedia.com.au

RECENT sheep store sales have set a benchmark, showing solid prices are here to stay for now, instilling confidence for producers leading into spring.

The July store sale in Wodonga saw prices averaging around $8.50-9kg dressed weight where the Corowa store sale reflected similar prices, instilling confidence in the sheep market.

Boorhaman sheep producer and livestock manager Dale Martin runs 270 ewes and lambs on 100 acres and believes that despite a tough beginning to the year, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

“The autumn break was very late, although we really didn’t have one as such,” Mr Martin said.

“We had a glimmer of hope in early March with rainfall, but the expectations turned quickly as conditions deteriorated, creating issues.

“Store sales were way down which created pressure during this period and forced the farm to add costs to feeding out hard feed.

“We were in a position a

couple of years ago where processors were packed to the rafters and farmers couldn’t move there stock due to the influx of lamb.

“Adding to feeding costs affected our bottom line as little to no feed could be found in our paddocks.

“Pressure on feeding out on our lambs during the autumn period added to extra costs with feeding and maintaining good weight on the animals.

“The unusual situation we have had is feeding out as far in a July.

“By now the paddocks should be plentiful with grass and fodder for the sheep but unfortunately frost conditions are slowing things down and it simply comes down to waiting for warmer temperatures to eventuate to speed growth along.

“The expense of feed gives us no option as keeping our stock in good condition for sale means hard feeding is important.

“Overall we are feeding out 500kg of corn per day which is an added expense.”

Most local producers have all experienced the same woes when it comes to an unusual year, however, as spring is fast approaching, the tide is turning, seeing a shift in circumstances with store sales giving farmers a glimmer of hope to see a return.

Wangaratta Livestock Exchange -

“Eight years ago you could buy a good store lamb for $50, since then the market has had plenty of ups and downs and finally prices are sitting in a healthy position at $9/kg, giv-

ing confidence to local producers,” he said.

“I believe these prices are here to stay for months to come as processors are preparing for spring which will drive demand and again, hold firm prices.

“With a positive outlook on a steady price structure, this will bridge the added expenses during the autumn and winter periods and add a return to our bottom line.

“We have contracts with our processors where our lamb will end up locally at Woolworths, Coles and IGA Corowa which is positive for consumers that our lamb stays local.

“Moving forward, with some good spring rain and maintained pricing, we should see a very busy and profitable end to 2024.”

Tamara off to Paris after winning national wool broker award

By KURT HICKLING

TAMARA Pabst, wool technical officer at AWN based in the North East, has taken out the title of the National Council of Wool Selling Brokers of Australia (NCWSBA) wool broker award for 2024.

The award, established in 2012, encourages newer members of the industry and promotes excellence in all aspects of wool broking while promoting broking and the industry as a prospective career for young people.

The awards also help raise the profile and increase the understanding of the important role of wool brokers.

A graduate of the highly regarded Bachelor of Agriculture at Melbourne University’s Dookie campus, Ms Pabst worked at Dookie College farm for a year after graduating before moving to a merino stud near Benalla.

It was there that she honed her knowledge of stud stock for the next three and a half years, before joining the team at AWN as a wool technical officer two and a half years ago.

During that time, Ms Pabst has built relationships with clients across North East Victoria and the Riverina in New South Wales.

When she isn’t on-farm with clients, or attending the weekly wool sales in Melbourne, Ms Pabst can be found at home on the farm, where she and her partner Stuart run 500 merinos.

Working on-farm and studying has provided Ms Pabst with a wide skill set, both technical and practical.

“My technical skills include typing samples with AWEX-IDs, preparing and valuing catalogues each week, as well as auctioneering on sale day,” she said.

“My background working on a sheep stud has provided me with a good foundation and knowledge of sheep genetics and ram selection and I’m confident in the ins and outs of breeding values and

assisting clients in using them to their advantage.”

Ms Pabst also manages the audits and accreditations for the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) in the southern region, both through New Zealand Merino (NZM) and the G Schneider Authenticode RWS program. She said that she would encourage any young wool broker to apply to be part of the Wool Brokers Award competition.

“I learnt so much from the program, from presentation and active listening skills to a greater understanding of the off-farm processes from our visits to the AWTA testing laboratory and visiting the ABMP Textiles circular knitting factory in Melbourne,” she said.

“For me, something I have found in my time as a wool broker so far, and something that was definitely highlighted to me throughout this program, is that no two clients are the same.”

As the winner of this years’ award, Ms Pabst has won a trip to the 2025 IWTO Conference in Paris to connect with the people from across the wool supply chain and to learn more about the challenges and opportunities in the wool industry on a global scale.

POSITIVE OUTLOOK: Sheep producer and livestock manager Dale Martin believes solid lamb prices are here to stay for now.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

TOP HONOURS: Tamara Pabst is proud of her recent recognition.

37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677

SINGING lessons available. All ages. Teaching privately via online video sessions. Focusing on techniques such as breathing, pitch, vocal tricks and performance. $30 per half hour, $50 per hour. Contact Claire O’Connell 0481 387 127.

Cafe at Rees & Rees

Full kitchen

Available immediately Contact Dean 0418 553 087

ASSISTANT ACCOUNTANT

Permanent position based in Milawa

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

Role Snapshot: Reporting to the Cost Accountant this role involves the day-to-day preparation and control of the company’s accounts with focus on cash, product costing, inventory controls and reviewing work orders.

Key Accountabilities:

• Reconcile inventory control accounts

• Prepare product costs and review cost variances

• Maintain the Group’s fixed asset register

• Maintain capital lease records and reconciliations

• Complete bank and other reconciliations

About you:

Ideally you will have the following skills, experience and qualities:

• Qualifications in Accounting or substantial relevant experience

• Already studying towards being a Chartered Accountant (CA) or Certified Practising Accountant (CPA).

• Power BI experience (preferred but not essential)

Accounts Administration Assistant Plantation Harvesting, Myrtleford

We are seeking an Accounts Administration Assistant to assist with accounts receivable/payable, reconciling, reporting, timesheets, data entry and general admin.

We are looking for someone with:

• Accounts and administration experience

• Strong attention to detail

• High level of accuracy in numerical data

• Must have Xero and MYOB software experience

Previous exposure to the forestry or earthmoving industry is highly desirable however not essential.

working hours, working within a small and friendly team. Applications can be emailed to admin@howerussell.com.au

For enquiries, please call 0400 826 704.

MERCEDES C300 sedan, 2018, Auto, White, black interior, 6 months rego (AYG702), RWC, HAS 4AMG PACKAGES, air suspension, petrol, 2ltr Turbo, 74,910km, full service history, excellent condition, $48,000. Ph 0412 543 949.

2018 Toyota Prado, 4WD, Auto, white, 7 seats, bull

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

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

PAINTER, old school, for all your painting needs, commercial, industrial renovations. Phone Juliano 0412 597 482.

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

• Developed analytical and problem-solving skills

• Very high attention to detail

• Strong Excel skills

What’s on offer: For the successful candidate we offer a great work culture, career development and a competitive salary plus generous employee benefits including discounts on all products.

More Information: Further information and a position description can be obtained by emailing careers@brownfwg.com.au or by calling Allyce on (03) 5720 5500.

Applications close August 15 2024

FOR SALE, Dorpers, sel f shedding, young ewes, some with lambs, tagged, healthy, from $80, can deliver. Ph 0459 899 884.

PACKAGE Deal, for genuine sale 2004 Ford F250, 7.3ltr Diesel, 292,000km, has near new bravo a/t Maxxis 980 tyres, plus 2 spares on back, rear camera, rear airbag suspension, 274ltr fuel capacity plus 100ltr tank under rear canopy, rear slide on picnic table, central locking system, Hayman Rees tow ball, top winch to help load the boat, plus 15,000 pound bull bar winch, lots storage includes 2x60ltr fridge slides, plus boat motor slide, 2 large draws in canopy, lots storage above canopy and below 3x120 Uni solar panels, has pro star solar controls wired ready to go, 4 glass matt batteries, plus built in charger, built in compressor. Side steps and bull bar all aluminum, driving lights CB radio, electric brake system to suit caravan, fully serviced and will sell with road worthy. Caravan, 2004 Kedron Cross Country, made in Brisbane, 20ft inside, electric brakes, pullout awning, has matching wheels as the F250, dual axle plus 2 spares. 2 x jerry can holders at rear, in front bin has 4 x glass matt batteries, pro star solar controls invertor, has 4x120 Uni solar panels on roof, tv antenna, fold up side cooking table built on side, steps that fold up on the door, single beds with inner spring mattresses, wired for CPAP machines x 2, lots storage cupboards, built with Tasmanian oak, 4 burner stove with grill and oven, 240ltr Vitri Frigo, full sink, wired for TV, reverse cycle air con, Island bench table with storage under seats, storage under beds, brand new elec and gas hot water service (never used), water filters and hoses, electric legs, A-Trail Jack plus ockie wheel, 2 wind stiffeners pegs and mat (outside 8x4m) original tyres and rims for caravan, out door shower, 5 water tanks, one tank for drinking only, carpet or vinyl flooring, wired for 12 volt or 240 volt, full annex plus extra plus sun shade, never used, new wheel bearings (never used), 2 gas bottles, front bin and generator compartment, very clean and neat, has lots of extra’s as well. $139,900 ono package deal, will consider splitting, but they do compliment one another. Boat not included. Ph 0427 936 630.

MILNE, Nancy.

Members are saddened by Nancy’s recent death.

Past President and longtime member.

Rest in peace now Nancy.

~ Ladies Probus Club of Wangaratta.

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

WINNERS AND LOSERS

SCOREBOARD RESERVES RESULTS

WODONGA RAIDERS 0.1 0.4 4.5 5.7.37 YARRAWONGA 4.4

GOALS: WODONGA RAIDERS: C. Howells 2, W. Robertson 2, M. Way 1. YARRAWONGA: L. Williams 5, P. Lewis-Smith 4, N. Fothergill 3, J. Koopman 2, C. Wilson 2, M. Casey 2, Z. Forge 1, B. Frauenfelder 1, W. Wheeler 1. BEST: WODONGA RAIDERS: A. Scammell, C. Daly, N. Conway, C. Ellis-Yolmen, N. Bracher, W. Robertson. YARRAWONGA: P. Lewis-Smith, H. Wheeler, L. Williams, B. Frauenfelder, C. Wilson, J. Koopman.

GOALS: COROWA RUTHERGLEN: S. Dunstan 8, T. Longmire 1, N. Wright 1, J. Johnstone 1, B. Minogue 1. MYRTLEFORD: L. Murphy-Dale 8, R. Bouker 2, B. Ricardi 2, M. Munro 2, J. East 1, T. Cappellari 1, D. Harrington 1. BEST: COROWA RUTHERGLEN: S. Dunstan, R. Eyers, B. Morton, J. Eyers, L. Arcuri, T. Longmire. MYRTLEFORD: T. Cossor, R. Bouker, R. Forrest, S. Curtis, L. Murphy-Dale, J. East. COROWA-RUTHERGLEN

NETBALL SCORES THIRDS RESULTS

A GRADE

Wodonga Raiders 47 def by Yarrawonga 50 Corowa Rutherglen 62 def Myrtleford 42 Albury 65 def Wodonga 49 Lavington 34 def Wangaratta 33 Wang Rovers 47 def by North Albury 54

B GRADE: Albury 36 def by Wodonga 40; Lavington 27 def by Wangaratta 49; Corowa-Rutherglen 36 def by Myrtleford 60; Wodonga Raiders 48 def Yarrawonga 38; Wangaratta Rovers 40 def by North Albury 57

C GRADE: Albury 44 def by Wodonga 47; Lavington 20 def by Wangaratta 49; Corowa-Rutherglen 40 def by Myrtleford 44; Wodonga Raiders 51 def Yarrawonga 34; Wangaratta Rovers 25 def by North Albury 61

17 & UNDER: Albury 25 def by Wodonga 94; Lavington 26 def by Wangaratta 42; Corowa-Rutherglen 23 def by Myrtleford 62; Wodonga Raiders 73 def Yarrawonga 23; Wangaratta Rovers 57 def North Albury 39

15 & UNDER: Albury 33 def by Wodonga 45; Lavington 64 def Wangaratta 30; Corowa-Rutherglen 31 def by Myrtleford 62; Wodonga Raiders 61 def Yarrawonga 30; Wangaratta Rovers 67 def North Albury 42

Wang Rovers 25.13 (163) def Nth Albury 2.2 (14)

GOALS: WANGARATTA ROVERS: P. Coleman 5, O. Clelland 5, H. McMonigle 5, J. Marek 3, J. Correll 2, R. Ely 1, C. Breheny 1, S. Comensoli 1, B. Pellegrino 1, S. Rourke 1. NORTH ALBURY: W. Clohesy 1. BEST: WANGARATTA ROVERS: R. Ely, H. McMonigle, T. Vincent, P. Coleman, S. Rourke, J. Marek. NORTH ALBURY: Z. Graham, M. Norman, C. Spencer, O. Bruce, R. Wall. Lavington 2.4 (16) def by Wangaratta 9.13 (67)

GOALS: LAVINGTON: T. McGrath 1, C. Hall 1. WANGARATTA: B. Newton 3, N. O’Kane 3, W. Prebble 1, O. Roberts 1, C. Petersen

1. BEST: LAVINGTON: O. Hutchins, M. Plunkett, R. Costello, T. Goonan, J. Powling, S. Junck. WANGARATTA: O. Roberts, C. Donald, C. Haring, O. Boyle, B. Newton, W. Petersen. Corowa R’glen 17.12 (114) def Myrtleford 4.12 (36)

GOALS: COROWA RUTHERGLEN: I. Dickinson 8, J. Kuschert 2, L. Nicholson 2, C. Duryea 1, L. Hill 1, J. Lavis 1, A. Williams 1, R. Beattie

1. MYRTLEFORD: N. Hall 2, T. Miller 1, A. Smiles 1. BEST: COROWA

RUTHERGLEN: I. Dickinson, L. Nicholson, J. Lavis, R. Beattie, J. Keys, C. Duryea. MYRTLEFORD: B. Paul, N. Hall, J. Hazeldine, F. Jones, S. Crisp, B. Rea. Wodonga Raiders 8.3 (51) def Yarrawonga 7.8 (50) Albury 5.12 (42) def Wodonga 5.5 (35)

GOALS: ALBURY: M. Walker 3, J. Conlan 2, L. Tiziani 1, C. McGrath 1, R. King 1, J. Garlett 1. WODONGA: T. Miller 3, A. Jorgensen 2, J. Mathey 2, R. Gill 1, J. Yelland 1, R. Venturoni 1, K. Mimmo 1, N. Bradshaw 1. BEST: ALBURY: C. McGrath, I. Muller, R. King, M. Duncan, T. Quade, M. Walker. WODONGA: T. Miller, N. Bradshaw, C. Morrison, J. Mathey, A. Jorgensen, M. Wilson.

GOALS: LAVINGTON: T. Oosterhoff 5, S. Hargreave 2, J. O’Brien 1, J. Driscoll 1. WANGARATTA: X. Laverty 2, M. Newton 1, C. Naish 1, M. Grossman 1, M. Bihun 1, F. Ellis 1, B. Marjanovic 1. BEST: ???LAVINGTON: J. Costello, T. Oosterhoff, T. Hanna, C. Annett, J. O’Brien, T. Hargreave. WANGARATTA: T. Norton, D. Porter, C. Barrett, C. Knowles, C. Naish, B. Marjanovic.

ROVERS

GOALS: WANGARATTA ROVERS: A. Marklew 6, E. Dayman 3, J. Lewis 2, S. Murray 1, S. Booth 1, E. Amery 1, K. Williamson 1, A. McCarthy 1, L. McCartney 1. NORTH ALBURY: K. Tallent 4, L. Taylor 1, N. Dennis 1, J. Minogue 1, J. King 1, K. Duncan 1, C. Winter 1. BEST: WANGARATTA ROVERS: A. McCarthy, J. Mcquade, B. Filo, E. Dayman, A. Marklew, W. Nolan. NORTH ALBURY: F. Ramage, L. Taylor, K. Tallent, J. Hayes, J. Minogue, J. Weidemann.

WINNERS AND LOSERS

GOALS: BENALLA ALL

1, C. Orchard 1, D. Nero 1. NORTH WANGARATTA: J. Devine 3, T. Nanson 2, M. Curtis 2, T. Schulze 2, D. Bradley 2, J. Brown 1. BEST: BENALLA ALL BLACKS: S. Cox, D. Nero, R. Nedeljkovic, C. Orchard, P. McDonald, D. Button. NORTH WANGARATTA: S. Gales, D. Williams, T. Schulze, A. Enever, T. Johnson, D. Killen.

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

A GRADE: Benalla All Blacks 32 def by North Wangaratta 37

Goorambat 36 def by Milawa 72

Whorouly 34 def Moyhu 31

B GRADE: Benalla All Blacks 30 def by North Wangaratta 57

Goorambat 27 def by Milawa 59

Whorouly 50 def Moyhu 34

B RESERVE: Goorambat 18 def by Milawa 76

Whorouly 48 def Moyhu 25

C GRADE: Benalla All Blacks 13 def by North Wangaratta 65

Goorambat 63 def Milawa 25

King Valley 40 def by Bonnie Doon 61

Whorouly 27 def by Moyhu 34

15 & UNDER: Benalla All Blacks 28 def North Wangaratta 25

Goorambat 3 def by Milawa 45

King Valley 14 def by Bonnie Doon 47

Whorouly 20 def by Moyhu 23

No other scores available at time of print.

ROUND 19

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10

BRIGHT VS NORTH WANGARATTA

TARRAWINGEE VS BENALLA

BONNIE DOON VS WHOROULY

GRETAVS MILAWA

GOORAMBAT VS MOYHU

KING VALLEY - BYE

GOALS: GRETA: C. Crawford 13, B. Newbold 6, F. Judd 6, J. McClounan 4, L. Kennett 4, J. Baker 2, T. Arrowsmith 2, N. Pell 1, D. Walker 1, J. Bell 1. BEST: GRETA: L. Kennett, C. Crawford, J. McClounan, B. Newbold, L. Minogue, D. Walker. TARRAWINGEE: H. Amery, W. Creed, J. Khan, O. Sharp, D. Cleal.

GOALS: GOORAMBAT: C. Hunter 3, D. Haebich 3, L. Boyle 3, R. Goodley 2, V. Butler 2, J. Dunne 1, B. Wapling 1. MILAWA: J. Wallace 3, S. De Napoli 2, B. Kearns 2, J. Lea 2, B. Bartlett 1, B. newton 1, K. Collisson 1. BEST: GOORAMBAT: V. Butler, J. Dunne, S. Malay, A. Moloney, C. Hunter, R. Wilson. MILAWA: T. Dunn, B. Kearns, A. Bihun, B. Fitzpatrick, S. Pane, C. Dunn.

GOALS: KING VALLEY: B. Wheeler 4, A. Ciancio 1, W. Davies 1, C. Davies 1. BONNIE DOON: M. Hedin 2, L. Murray 1, S. Campitelli 1, B. Hedin 1, J. Octigan 1, C. Humphrey 1, A. Bennett 1, J. Law 1. BEST: No best players have been selected.

GOALS: WHOROULY: J. Newton 3, C. Wood 2, B. Harrington 1, S. Piazza 1. MOYHU: N. Stewart 2, D. West 2, A. Thrum 2, L. Reynolds 1, J. Coonan 1, J. Hansted 1, B. Zimmermann

D. McDonald, H. Grant, H. Verdon.

Whitecross,

Hooper,

Arrowsmith,

McClounan,

Baker, B. Hogan

Igri,

Hamill,

Everitt, M. Barry, N. Grant, B. Nolan.

MATCH REVIEWS

Third quarter blitz sees Hawks home

WANGARATTA Rovers bounced back from a disappointing last outing to record an impressive win over North Albury at WJ Findlay Oval on Saturday.

The Hawks fur ther consolidated their place in second position in the 45-point victory, piling on six unanswered third quarter goals in the 17.10 (112) to 10.7 (67) affair.

Rovers coach Sam Murray was pleased with the display.

“We’re confident that when we get the right personnel in we play a good brand of footy and we’re a good team,” Murray said.

“We’ve been challenged over the past few weeks with injuries and we just haven’t been playing a brand that we’re happy with.

“So to put together three good quarters yesterday was great, we probably didn’t start as well as we would’ve liked but once we made a few changes after half-time we got on top.”

Mid-season recruit Ed Dayman proved his worth immediately as he kicked three majors, giving the Hawks a different look up forward.

“He just gives us some good height and is a great option down the line,” Murray said.

“’Gatto’ (Shane Gaston) was happy to get him in because it allows him to ruck for 60 per cent of the game and then swap with Ed.

“Having another tall option in the forward line gives us the ability to play fast and direct which we’ve probably lacked a bit.”

Alex Marklew was back to his best booting six majors in the victory.

“’Fud’ (Marklew) has been struggling with his body a bit this

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

season but he’s getting on top of it and we saw yesterday (Saturday) how important he is for us,” Murray said.

“His energy is so infectious so when we have him playing well it lifts everyone.

“I was just really pleased with his ability to contest.”

Murray felt that the Rovers’ third quarter was one of his side’s best this season.

“We definitely did play some of our best footy all season in that third quarter,” he said.

“Keeping North Albury to two points for that quarter was probably the most pleasing part because they’re one of the best scoring sides in the competition.

“Our pressure was immense and we took our chances and hit the scoreboard.”

Alex McCarthy continued his strong season, playing a role on Hoppers superstar Tim Broomhead.

“I thought his role on Tim Broomhead was near perfect,” Murray said.

“We have so much respect for Tim, he gives them offensive drive so we gave Alex a role on him and while Tim still got a bit of the footy his influence was nullified.

“The role he played allowed our mids to get to work.”

The Hawks are set to regain Lochie O’Brien back from overseas in next weekend’s clash with Wodonga, while Dylan Wilson may also return.

Magpies come up clutch once again, down Panthers

By WILLSON MACK

WANGARATTA came up clutch at the Lavington Sportsground on Saturday taking the win by a thrilling three points.

Despite fielding an undermanned side that was missing the likes of Callum Moore, Nick Richards, Alex Federico and Jackson Clarke, the ‘Pies fought off Lavington.

Wangaratta could’ve almost put the game to bed by half-time but an inaccurate 4.11 saw them lead the Panthers by just two points at the change.

However, they flipped the script in the second half, finding their kicking boots to grab a 9.5 (59) to 8.14 (62) victory.

Wangaratta coach Ben Reid felt his side could’ve made things easier on themselves.

“It was a good result but we probably shot ourselves in the foot a bit because we kicked 4.11 in the first half,” Reid said.

“If we turned a few more of those points into goals we probably would have put them to the sword.

“To Lavington’s credit they stuck at it though and threw some good footy at us in that last quarter.”

Wangaratta extended the margin to 14 at three-quarter time, but Lavington key forward Tim Oosterhoff then kicked two goals in the first two minutes to cut the margin to two.

The Magpies regained the ascendancy with a 10-point buffer, but Oost-

erhoff landed his fifth major to cut the margin back to within a goal, making for a tense final few minutes.

The ‘Pies have now won three of their past four games by 10 points or less.

“We do train that red time stuff so we know what to do when we’re in that situation,” Reid said.

“Ever since that Rovers game (lost by three points) we’ve put a bit more work into it.”

The Magpies were forced to find other avenues to goal in the absence of Moore and they did just that with seven different goal kickers.

“We had an even spread, which was good, and it’s something we’re going to have to get good at,” Reid said.

“Cal’s such a focal point for us so we needed other guys to step up and a few of them could’ve finished with more (goals) if they had kicked straight.

“Our forward pressure was strong which was a real plus for us.

“Guys like Will O’Keefe and Max Bihun were good in that area and I also thought Liam McVeigh and ‘Juice’ (Newton) competed really well for us.”

Xavier Laverty was the only Magpie to kick multiple goals, finishing the day with two, while Tyler Norton was excellent.

The Magpies are hopeful of getting Federico and Clarke back for next week’s clash with Corowa-Rutherglen, while Richards won’t be far off either.

‘PIES WIN: Tyler Norton was excellent in Wangaratta’s thrilling three point win over Lavington.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

CLEAN: Brodie Filo swoops on a ground ball.

STRONG HANDS: Tom Boyd takes a grab.

PHOTO: Mrac Bongers

ZIPPY: Kieran Parnell gets away.

Bats beat sevenyear Dees curse

■ From back page

The Bats will play Moyhu (eighth) and Benalla All Blacks (11th) to close out the home and away season.

Dominant final quarter delivers delight for Hoppers MATCH REVIEWS

Elsewhere, Panthers came within four goals of North Wangaratta, but the Hawks eventually triumphed 12.115 (87) to 9.9 (63).

The match was an arm wrestle throughout, with Benalla more than matching the Hawks in and around the contest.

The Hawks started to gain more possession through the second half, successfully kicking three goals in the third quarter which could’ve been even more.

Trailing by 16 points heading into the final term, the Panthers tried to mount a comeback, but North Wangaratta’s backline were more than up for the challenge.

Benalla’s Sam Cox, David Nero, and Ryan Nedeljkovic continued their run of stellar form, while Michael Ryan booted three goals.

For the Hawks, Sean Gales was outstanding, with five players kicking multiple goals.

In other matches, Greta showed just how damaging their forward line can be in a 257-point obliteration of Tarrawingee.

The Bulldogs failed to record a score, as the Blues romped to a 40.17 result.

The match was practically in the bag after the first quarter, when the Blues had booted 12 goals and never looked like conceding one in return.

Cody Crawford would finish the day with 13 goals, assisted up forward by Frazer Judd (six goals), Brenton Newton (six), Lachie Kennett (four) and James McClounan (four).

Hugh Amery and Will Creed fought hard for the Bulldogs all day, while Oliver Sharp and Jalees Khan turned in solid performances.

Bonnie Doon continued their undefeated run through season 2024 with a narrow 9.15 (69) to 8.7 (55) win over King Valley.

Eager to defend their Whitfield fortress, the Roos kept pace with the reigning premiers for the first half, with the Bombers only leading by 13-points by half-time.

The Bombers went on lockdown, limiting King Valley to just three goals through the second half, with Bombers producing more looks on goal.

Matt Hedin was Bonnie Doon’s only multiple goal kicker, while King Valley’s Beau Wheeler left with four majors to his name.

By NATHAN DE VRIES

A NEAR flawless fourth quarter has seen Moyhu come form the clouds to blast Whorouly off the park to record a 27-point win.

After a blistering first term, the Hoppers rarely had the game under control until the final 25 minutes, running out winners 11.14 (80) to the Lions 7.11 (53).

The Hoppers opened the match with intensity, booting five goals to two to in the opening term.

However, Whorouly’s big-bodied and physical midfield brigade soon got to work, dragging the Lions back into the contest by half-time.

It soon became evident scoring efficiency inside forward 50 would be the determining factor in the contest, with Moyhu narrowly ahead at the halfway mark 5.7 to 4.8.

Each team tried to gain the upper hand, but errant goal kicking kept their opponent in the contest, with the Lions taking a fivepoint lead into the opening term.

Then, the Hoppers took their chance.

Moyhu played like a team possessed, winning the ball from the middle and delivering it to their forwards, while the Hop-

pers back six repelled any chances Whorouly created.

The Hoppers seized the opportunities when they arose, kicking five goals unanswered to complete the thrilling win by 27 points.

Josh Coonan was best on ground for Moyhu, standing up well in the backline, while Matt Thrum, David McDonald and Harry Verdon were classy around the footy.

Whorouly skipper Glenn White led from the front for his side, while Josh Newton (three goals) and Sam Ferguson were influential.

Moyhu coach Darren Bell said the intensity and effort from his undermanned squad was second to none.

“Just on three quarter time we had three boys on the bench we couldn’t use again, a couple of concussions and a hamstring,” he said.

“Noah Campbell got a concussion, big (Paul) Glanville cleaned him up early accidentally, Harrison (Bell), just on halftime, got knocked, then Jordie Hansted asked for a run in the middle, he had three really good contests in the middle and then his hamstring went bang.

“It was a battle of the midfield - we were pretty

good early, nice and clean, ‘Thrummy’ (Matt) Thrum playing his 150th game was really good for us early.

“Whorouly was getting it out of the middle more than we were, so that stemmed how they game was flowing.

“If we could just putting pressure on Whorouly kick after kick they will hopefully turn one over after two or three possessions, and it seemed to work a little bit.”

Bell said the game was there to be won in the final minutes of the third quarter, which saw Moyhu build momentum.

“We just had to all pull together, things were staring to turn – I was so impressed by those last eight to 10 minutes of the third quarter, how we just grit our teeth and stuck fat,” he said.

“Credit to the boys, we were actually clean with the ball, which has been a bit of a problem for us, but when you’re clean you can get out quicker and not worry about pressure.

“That really worked for us, and once you get momentum, it gets carried on and on.”

Moyhu will miss out on a top six finish and play their final game of the season next weekend against Goorambat, with the bye in round 20.

CLEARING BALL: George Hearne slams the ball on the boot before he’s taken down by Sam Piazza.QUICK HANDS: David McDonald looks to fire off a handball.

MASSIVE COLLISION: Matt Vescio (bottom), Moyhu’s NIck Stewart, and Ed Woolford collide. PHOTOS: Nathan de Vries

HAWKS SALUTE

WANGARATTA Rovers mid-season recruit Ed Dayman was influential in his first game back for Rovers, booting three majors in his side’s 45-point win.

■ Story: Page 17

PHOTO: Marc Bongers

Bats’

Goorambat at their electric

FOR the first time since 2017, Goorambat has defeated Milawa in seniors footy.

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

The historic triumph comes off the back of a dominant second half, with the Bats running away with it 15.15 (105) to the Dees’ 12.9 (81). With just one point in it at half-time, the Bats’ midfield and forwards were

clinical in their execution, while their backs clamped down hard on the dynamic Milawa forward line.

Goorambat had worked their way to an 11-point lead by three quarter time, and put the foot down during the final quarter to run out 24-point winners.

Lachlan Boyle, Duane Haebich and Charles Hunter were damaging up forward for the Bats, finishing with three goals apiece, midfield dynamos Jamie Dunne and Sully Malay were silky smooth with ball in hand.

For Milawa, Tyler Dunn was best on ground, aided by Jarryd Wallace (three goals), Braydon Kearns and Simon Pane.

Goorambat coach Ben

Wapling said his side finally produced their best footy for the full four quarters, with an eye on maintaining their form. The win brings Goorambat one step closer to finals qualification, fifth overall and a game clear of North Wangaratta in seventh.

■ Continued page 19