SAM Reiher’s exhibition ‘In Bloom’ started yesterday at the Art Gallery on Ovens in Wangaratta. The exhibition features a range of lino prints that contrast urban and natural Australian landscapes. The official opening will take place tomorrow from 12pm to 2pm at the gallery and all are welcome to attend. Full story in What’s On on page 17. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
Tania Maxwell, Dave Fuller join Irene Grant and Harry Bussell on
with count continuing to decide Ovens, Wareena and Yarrunga
THE Rural City of Wangaratta Council for the next four years is starting to take shape, with Tania Maxwell and Dave Fuller joining unopposed candidates Irene Grant and Harry Bussell as the latest to be elected to their respective wards. Both Ms Maxwell and Mr Fuller are in two-candidate wards and have received the
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
required quota to be elected.
Following the counting of votes in the Appin Ward, former state MP Ms Maxwell won by 295 votes with a total of 1563 (55.21%) over fellow candidate and former coun-
cillor (2016-2020) Mark Currie with 1268 votes (44.79%).
In the Bullawah Ward Mr Fuller, who has served on council from 2016 to 2024, was elected with 1820 votes (73.89%), to former councillor (in 1980s) Brian Fox who tallied 643 votes (26.11%).
Preferential vote counting is continuing in the three remaining wards of Wareena,
Yarrunga and Ovens, with the progressive vote as of 3pm Thursday being:
Ovens Ward: Harvey Benton 1207 votes (47.26%), Jennifer Garrett 747 votes (29.25%), and Rebecca Shenfield 600 votes (23.49%).
Wareena Ward: Ashlee Fitzpatrick 1243 votes (47.26%), Peter Siperki 787 votes (29.92%), Mel Paul
600 votes (22.81%).
Yarrunga Ward: Julian Fidge 777 votes (31.73%), Allison Winters 693 votes (28.3%), Anne Dunstan 551 votes (22.50%) and Joanne Pane 428 votes (17.48%).
Following the counting of first preference votes, if no candidate has reached more than 50pc, the candidate with the lowest number
of votes will be struck out and preferences will be distributed to the remaining candidates.
Provisional results in these three wards could be known as early as Friday morning, with the Victorian Electoral Commission scheduled to declare the new council elect on Monday afternoon.
■ Continued page 2
THE Fire Danger Period (FDP) will begin at 1am on Monday, November 18, for CFA’s North East region.
FDP will begin for local government areas including Wangaratta, Indigo, Benalla, Mansfield, Alpine, Towong, Wodonga, and also alpine resorts of Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Mt Buller.
With the commencement of the fire restriction period, a written permit is required to burn off grass, undergrowth, weeds or other vegetation.
CFA District 23 acting assistant chief fire officer Steve Contessa said now is the time for residents to be aware of the conditions around them and to prepare their properties.
“While we’ve had some recent rain, we are concerned that this has caused significant growth in surrounding vegetation,” Mr Contessa said.
“The warmer weather and windy days will see this quickly dry out, significantly increasing the risk of fire to communities across the North East.”
Fire Danger Period information:
A written permit is required to burn off grass, undergrowth, weeds or other vegetation during the FDP.
You can apply for a permit at firepermits.vic.gov.au and it can also be issued by the municipal fire prevention officer or the CFA district office.
Lighting fires in the open without a permit can bring a penalty of more than $21,800 and/or 12 months imprisonment.
For a full list of conditions, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/can.
Farmers can find legal guidelines and practical advice at cfa.vic.gov. au/farms.
More information about FDPs is available online at www.cfa.vic.gov. au/firedangerperiod.
To find out what you can and can’t do during FDP, visit www.cfa.vic. gov.au/can or call VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
District 24 assistant chief fire officer Brett Myers said there is a great deal of fuel out there and they’re predicting a summer of grassfires.
“We’re asking people to keep an eye out on the VicEmergency App and CFA website, to be aware of the fire danger ratings and to know what their plan is should a fire event arise,” Mr Myres said.
“If you can take the time this week to finalise preparing your properties, we strongly suggest you do so, whether that is reduc-
ing vegetation around your property or clearing your gutters.”
Across the rest of the state, a warmer-than-average spring with an uncertain rainfall outlook is expected.
While the fire risk in these areas is considered normal, it’s crucial not to be complacent; fires can still occur anytime and anywhere when temperatures rise, and vegetation dries out.
CFA’s 52,000 members are poised to respond and support communities this bushfire season, and they’re urging people
to use common sense and take responsibility for preventing fires.
North East residents are asked to take this opportunity ahead of the FDP to clean up their properties and for landowners to conduct safe private burn-offs where possible.
Those conducting burn-offs must notify authorities online at the Fire Permits Victoria website (www.firepermits.vic.gov. au), or by calling Triple Zero Victoria on 1800 668 511.
By registering your burn-off online, you allow emergency call takers to allocate more of their time taking calls from people who need emergency assistance immediately.
No burning off is permitted during the FDP without a ‘permit to burn’, which can be applied for through the Fire Permits Victoria website.
There are very strict conditions attached to these permits and the liability sits with the permit holder to ensure they always act safely.
■ From page 1
Cr-elect Maxwell said she was “absolutely so excited” and it will be a fantastic four years and she is looking forward to working with the other councillors.
“I know I have always been very passionate about child maternal health and that is under the remit of local council,” she said.
“I will be really keen to get my hands on the knowledge of prior councillors and documentation to see what we can do to improve services, how we can encourage access to resources, mainly for the prevention of post-natal depression.
“I would really like to liaise with councillors to see how we can bring more events to Wangaratta so people can attend an event and stay the night, then visit other attractions in the region.”
Cr-elect Maxwell acknowledged that people are ambitious going into a new role but noted that “you have to get in there
and look at what’s already in place, what has worked well and what hasn’t worked well”.
“You have to look at all the portfolios that council has and I do think I’m coming in with a common sense approach,” she said.
“It’s important to have feedback from the community and they need to drive this, and I can’t wait to get out and have conversations with people and hear what they would like to see.”
Cr-elect Fuller was singing
ELECTED: Following the release of provisional results, Tania Maxwell has been elected as councillor to the Rural City of Wangaratta Council’s Appin Ward, while Dave Fuller was elected in the Bullawah Ward.
from a similar hymn book, highlighting the need to listen to the community about a sustainable future for council.
He hopes there is an injection of funds from federal and state governments and projects like the Creative Arts Precinct and others could be included in the selection process.
“It’s about community priorities and the pressures on roads and hospital funding might come first,” he said.
“It would be great to see a variety of sporting events come to
town and perhaps the Big Bash cricket and something outside the box that could draw a different crowd and include more people in the community.”
Wangaratta’s local business sector has been an interest of Cr-elect Fuller and he would like the economic development team consolidate recent initiatives.
“What are the business needs now, where are they hurting and are the labour workforce issues still ongoing or are there new directions that are causing sideways pressures on businesses,” she said.
“Then we need to work on the best way to respond to these obstacles.”
He congratulated all the candidates for putting their hands up especially those new to the process.
The pair will join King River Ward candidate Harry Bussell and Warby Ward candidate Irene Grant who were elected unopposed.
A MAN was tragically killed in a road collision, while another driver travelling at 158km/h allegedly had a blood alcohol reading five times the legal limit, in two separate incidents alarming local police.
Every Melbourne Cup Weekend Victoria Police enact Operation Furlong in an attempt to reduce road trauma on the state’s roads, but this year has been disappointing for local police.
In the Wangaratta Police
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
Service Area, a 20-year-old Cobram man was killed in a collision on Tuesday at about 6pm after the vehicle he was driving collided with a truck on the Goulburn Valley Highway at Koonoomoo.
Police are appealing for any witnesses who saw the collision or have dashcam to contact Crimestoppers
on 1800 333 000.
Sergeant Shaun Hillier of Wangaratta Highway Patrol said a driver was detected travelling at 158km/h on the Hume Freeway at Wangaratta on Tuesday.
He said the man returned an evidentiary breath test result of 0.246 and his vehicle was impounded for 30 days - he will receive a summons to appear at court.
“We saw some really concerning and disappointing behaviour by people who
chose to put other road users at risk,” he said.
“As we start to see an increase in visitors to our beautiful region, I would like to remind all road users that they can expect to see a highly visible police presence on our roads and dangerous behaviours will not be tolerated.”
Sgt Hillier strongly encouraged motorists to approach the festive season by making good decisions on the roads.
“If you consume alcohol or
drugs – don’t drive,” he said.
“If you plan on driving long distances – plan your route with regular stops and allow sufficient time to get to your destination.”
Due to protected industrial action impacting reporting processes, Victoria Police was not able to provide results for Operation Furlong across the state.
Total lives lost on Victorian roads stands at 240 compared to 251 this time last year.
fun in the sun at a local splash park.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
By STEVE KELLY
DOORS will open to new residents at the $18 million community housing complex in Wangaratta’s CBD early next year, with work on the 44-unit project nearing completion.
Uniting Vic Tas has rolled out the building project that has progressively transformed throughout the year in Templeton Street, just a short walk to shops, the Ovens River and services.
The development is composed principally of two buildings, which are breezeway buildings that have a central open corridor.
The buildings front Templeton Street and look on to the river beyond and one of the ideas behind a breezeway building is to promote community living.
The units will be one and two bedroom, which will house about 100 people who are on the Victorian Housing Register, and it was made possible by $13.5m through
the State Government’s $5.3 billion Big Housing Build initiative.
Contractually, D5 Build is obligated to finish the project early next year but they’re aiming for a 2024 finish.
Kristie Looney, general manager housing and property at Uniting Vic Tas, said the organisation is excited to see the 44 new units nearing completion and they can’t wait for the first residents to start moving in from early next year.
“These one, two and three bed-
Police, crime a talking point at Moyhu meeting
THE Moyhu Action Group has invited members of Victoria Police (Eastern Region) to a community meeting being held at the Moyhu Soldiers Memorial Hall in Moyhu on Wednesday, November 13 at 7pm. The purpose of the meeting is for residents living in the Moyhu response zone to be updated on the progress of filling the vacant position of police officer at Moyhu, and to participate in a discussion focusing on the high number of recent incidents requiring police attendance in the area, with all interested welcome to attend.
By JORDAN DUURSMA
WANGARATTA had its hottest day in spring on Wednesday, with a maximum temperature of 34.7 degrees recorded at Bureau of Meteorology’s weather station at Wangaratta airport. It was well above November’s mean maximum temperature of 25.8 degrees, and provided the perfect opportunity for locals to make use of the city’s splash park, pools and Ovens River to cool off.
Mark Raymond and his four-year-old son Casey were at the splash park for some fun in the sun.
“It’s great to have this facility here on the hot days,
room units are in an ideal location close to the city centre, public transport, services and amenities,” she said.
“We believe everyone has the right to have a safe and secure home and these units will provide that for the Wangaratta community.
“This is our first project funded by the Victorian Government’s Big Housing Build and we look forward to delivering more community housing across regional areas over the coming years.”
it’s a great spot to bring the kids down to play,” Mark said.
“Casey absolutely loves it down here, it’s our first time this season.”
Wangaratta has only experienced one other day above 30 degrees so far this spring, with the bureau recording a maximum temperature of 32.7 degrees on Sunday, November 3.
The highest recorded temperature in November last year was 36.7 degrees on Saturday, November 11, with a total of four days over 30 degrees over the month. The bureau’s outlook for the month predicts above average maximum and minimum temperatures across most of Australia.
By SIMONE KERWIN
CHLOE Mercer took more than artistic inspiration from her recent immersion visit to the Santa Teresa community, but a striking painting she created on her return serves as a tangible reminder of the experience.
The 16-year-old was among a group of eight year 10 Galen Catholic College students who ventured to Santa Teresa, located near Alice Springs, earlier this year for the first immersion conducted by the school since the advent of COVID-19.
A talented artist who loves to work in acrylics on canvas, Chloe devoted about six hours during the recent school holidays to creating a painting from one of the photographs she took while in Santa Teresa.
The result is a stunning landscape capturing the rocky outcrops and
famous red hues of Central Australia.
The piece speaks to the beauty Chloe found in the Eastern Arrernte community, located about an hour south-east of Alice Springs, which was established as a Catholic mission in the 1950s and is known as Ltyentye Apurte to Eastern Arrernte speakers.
Rather than keep it for herself, though, Chloe plans to send her artwork back to Marist Brother Mark Fordyce and the Santa Teresa community, as a gesture of thanks for the experience of spending time with them.
Chloe said the people of Santa Teresa were the highlight of the immersion.
“I loved things like going down to the footy oval; you’d be there for two minutes and suddenly there’d be kids everywhere wanting to have a kick and to play,” she said.
She said she sought to go
on the trip to experience something different to her own life, and to see what life was like in the region.
“People in the community don’t have everything we have, but they are so happy,” she said.
In addition, the trip was a chance to connect with fellow Galen students and the three teachers who accompanied them, and the group of travellers has bonded through their experience.
Struck by the surrounds of Santa Teresa, Chloe loved the chance to photograph and then paint it.
While art is surprisingly not something Chloe plans to pursue as a career (instead, she’d love to become a veterinarian), she said it offered a mindful break in her routine which she always welcomed.
Her work will no doubt take pride of place in the community, as a reflection of the locals’ enjoyment of their time in Santa Teresa.
By STEVE KELLY
STAMPING out the influence of preference deals on election outcomes by eliminating group voting tickets is one potential reform of Victoria’s Upper House electoral system currently out for public discussion.
Management of poor behaviour by candidates and campaigners, and changes to Upper House regions are also key aspects of Victorian Parliament’s Electoral Matters Committee inquiry.
It recommends the Upper House voting system should be replaced by one where voters can easily understand who their votes will be distributed to.
The committee’s preferred model is a similar system to what is used for the Commonwealth Senate, allowing voters to indicate multiple preferences above the line.
It comes as committee evidence suggests that voters
do not necessarily consult or understand group voting tickets.
And the current system can lead to parties with significant numbers of firstpreference votes struggling to get representation in parliament.
However, the committee found that proposed changes may make it more difficult for smaller parties to be represented in the Upper House.
Former Northern Victoria Upper House MP Tania Maxwell was elected in 2018 with just over 4pc of the vote, but she was not re-elected in 2022.
She made reference to controversial political strategist Glenn Drury’s preference deals that could have candidates with less than 1pc of the primary vote elected.
“This is not a true reflection of voters’ intentions,”
Ms Maxwell said.
“I also believe that the Northern Victorian electorate should be reconsidered as it is currently over 100,000sq/km.”
The committee’s final report sets out the multiple claims about poor behaviour at voting centres, including
aggressive, harassing and intimidating behaviour towards other campaigners and voters.
The Victorian Electoral Commission and several experienced campaigners told the committee that behaviour at voting centres has been getting worse in recent elections.
Poor behaviour was not confined to voting centres and several submitters to the Inquiry noted threats of violence that had occurred during campaigning.
“One candidate was widely reported to have publicly called for the Premier to be turned into ‘red mist’, which has been interpreted as suggesting he be killed,” the report read.
Claims were also made about people interfering with other candidates’ signs in the community, putting up signs where they are not allowed and producing material deceptively appearing to come from other parties.
Similarly, the committee was told about campaigners using internet addresses and social media accounts with rival candidates’ names to prevent candidates from using them and to spread negative messages about the candidates.
Concerns were also expressed in submissions about electoral matter which could mislead voters.
The discussion paper outlines six new models for voting, including changing to four 10-member regions, increasing the size of the Legislative Council to 49 members and electing seven members from each of seven regions, as well as models where regions are eliminated and members are elected by the whole state.
Improving the election timeline around registration of parties and shortening the nomination period were also recommended.
Written submissions and comments on the example structures are due by February 3, 2025, and to download the discussion paper visit https://www.parliament.vic. gov.au/electoralsysteminquiry.
BY JORDAN DUURSMA jduursma@ nemedia.com.au
WANGARATTA Motor Group (WMG) is hosting a Community Drive Day in collaboration with Loaves and Fishes Christian Caring, Project 365 and Rotary Club of Appin Park tomorrowfrom 8:30am to 12pm.
The day will be an opportunity to donate to a food drive, meet the Project 365 team as they are presented with a donation and fundraise for the Rotary Club of Appin Park as they run a sausage sizzle, with meat donated by WMG and Wangaratta Woolworths.
For the third year in a row, WMG is running a food drive throughout spring in partnership with Loaves and Fishes Christian Caring to encourage the community to fill up a car with non-perishable food and toiletries.
Previous years were Stack The Staria, Top Up the Triton and now Pack the Patrol.
WMG’s general manager Jarred Clark said they started the initiative because he saw an opportunity to support the local community.
“Our local community is very important to our group and this is our way of giving back,” he said.
Josh Glendenning
Loaves and Fishes Christian Caring community development coordinator, David Still, said there is definitely a noticeable increase in demand in the community for support in the lead up to Christmas and in a cost of living crisis.
“One of the really positive
“At a time of year when financial struggles are real, we hope that the food drive assists some of the local community and provides support to a very worthy cause.”
things about this initiative is it helps us fill out some of the short fall we might have in the lead up to Christmas,” he said.
“We are noticing this year in particular that there is not as much spare capacity in the community, so this food drive has been a really helpful to fill some of those gaps.
“We are still seeing the need in the community daily, people have had to cut things out of their budget.
“One of the great things
about this partnership with Wang Motors is that this initiative runs in the lead up to Christmas when the demand goes through the roof, when budgets are under additional pressure from expectations around Christmas.
“I would encourage anyone who has the capacity to come along on Saturday, we appreciate everything the community gives.
“One of our big life savers each year is the significant generosity from the commu-
nity which enables us to do what we need to.”
The event will also be an opportunity for Wangaratta Motor Group to present Project 365 with a new sign written Isuzu UTE MU-X to Project 365 for the year.
Sales manager for Wangaratta Isuzu UTE, Wally Armstrong, said following on from the team’s desire to be involved in the local community and help to promote charity and local organisations.
“Our team supports the efforts of Project 365 and the conversations they are creating around mental health,” he said.
“The efforts that Peter Rourke and his team put in to promoting positive mental health and supporting each other through difficult times is inspiring.
“This is our way of helping Project 365 to visit workplaces, hold mental health talks and workshops and increase awareness of their mission.”
WHITFIELD
A REMEMBRANCE Day service will be held at the King Valley Community Memorial Hall (former RSL hall in Whitfield) on Monday, November 11, with the community invited to gather at 10.50am.
All are welcome, with Leanne Jenvey to have a display featuring the names of returned service personnel who are known to be interred or commemorated at the Whitefield Cemetery in Hyem.
The Cheshunt Craft Group will also be contributing commemorative poppies for the special event, with refreshments available following the service.
OXLEY
OXLEY Residents Association, together with Wangaratta RSL, will host a Remembrance Day service on Monday, November 11 from 10.30am at Oxley Memorial Park.
The service, which will feature author Georgina Banks as guest speaker, will honour the fallen and veterans.
A light lunch will follow at the Oxley Shire Hall on the corner.
MOYHU
THE community is invited to gather for a Remembrance Day service in the Moyhu Lions Park in Moyhu on Monday, November 11 at 9am, with all welcome to attend.
LEARNING EXPERIENCE: Hayden Currie, John Blake and Makenzie Clark, who trekked the Kokoda Track earlier this year as part of the Bob Iskov Kokoda Scholarship, will be guest speakers at Monday’s Remembrance Day service.
THREE local teenagers who trekked the Kokoda Track earlier this year courtesy of the Bob Iskov Kokoda Scholarship will be guest speakers at Monday’s Remembrance Day service in Wangaratta.
John Blake from Galen Catholic College, Hayden Currie from Wangaratta High School and Makenzie Clark from Cathedral College each carried the name of a local World War 2 soldier as they walked in their footsteps from Owers’ Corner in Central Province across rugged and isolated terrain to the village of Kokoda in Oro Province during their eight day, 96km trip.
WANGARATTA North CFA Brigade and North Wangaratta Community Group are working together on a project that will link the memory of local WW1 soldiers and a nurse, with modern day community service.
A magnificent WW1 Honour Board from North Wangaratta State School has resurfaced, has been restored and will take pride of place in the Wangaratta North Fire Brigade’s community room.
After being in various forms of storage for many years, the recovered honour board was eventually passed to Wangaratta RSL Sub-branch.
The RSL has now formally passed the board to Wangaratta North Fire Brigade, and after 55 years of storage it will be officially unveiled in April next year.
Now the North Wangaratta community would like to connect with descendants of those names on the board
so they can be included in the unveiling.
Many of the families are still in the area, and Wangaratta North Brigade would love to hear from them.
They can make contact via email to wangarattanorth.
sec@cfa.vic.gov
Local resident Marg Pullen was a student at the North Wangaratta State School from 1949 to 1954.
Her father, Charlie Grossman, attended the school from 1904 to 1910.
In a lovely touch, Marg grows Flanders poppies, and has promised to plant some seeds at the fire station to complement the connection.
North Wangaratta State School No 2391 opened on May 1, 1881 and closed on October 21, 1969.
The honour board lists the names of 52 students at the school who went to World War 1.
It includes one woman,
Sister McCormack, and the names of six local men who lost their lives.
Names on the honour board are: Blakie J, Bell J, Bell H, Black E, Bull A, Beeby S, Beeby W, Byrne W, Bell H, Buckler C, Canny D, Cowan J, Daffy R, Daffy W, Dysson H, Dunkley C, Donnelly W, Donnelly H, Donnelly A , Ellis W, Flannery D, Flannery E, Grossman S, Hyde G, Hyde H, Hyde A, Hayes T, Helderbrand A, Lacey C, McCormack, Sister, McCormack D, McCormack D, McCormack R, Martell H, Mealey F, Mason A, McDonald W, Naughton T, Painter L, Pearce J, Phillips F, Plum S, Quin C, Robinson M, Ray F, Slavin A, Slavin W, Smith C, Sanderson P, Tippett P, Vonarx F, Watson H.
PRIDE OF PLACE: Wangaratta North Brigade member Craig Iskov and Marg Pullen with the North Wangaratta State School Roll of Honor.
The annual Bob Iskov Scholarship funds local year 11 students to travel to Papua New Guinea to trek the Kokoda Track, giving them the opportunity to challenge themselves, develop leadership and personal skills, and deepen their understanding of Australia’s World War 2 history.
John, Hayden and Makenzie will draw on their experiences as they address the Wangaratta Remembrance Day service, which begins at 10.30am on Monday at the Wangaratta Cenotaph on the corner of Ovens and Docker streets.
The ceremony will mark
the 106th anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended fighting with Germany in World War 1. It will honour service personnel who have died or suffered in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
Those attending the service are asked to arrive before the 10.30am start time.
Decorations and medals can be worn, and descendants of veterans are invited to wear the medals of their forebears on their right breast.
Those wishing to lay a wreath will be able to do so, and there will be poppies for people to place in a hat for remembrance.
By
Georgina
be guest speaker at this year’s Remembrance Day service at Oxley.
Georgina is the author of ‘Back to Bangka’, a book in which she searches for the truth of what happened to her great aunt, Cheshunt nurse Dorothy ‘Bud’ Elmes, who was killed in World War 2.
Dorothy, along with fellow Cheshunt nurse Caroline Ennis, was among the last 65 Australian nurses to evacuate from Singapore on February 12, 1942 aboard the Vyner Brooke, which was later bombed by the Japanese at Bangka Island, Indonesia.
Sister Ennis was one of 12 nurses who were lost at sea, while Sister Elmes was one of 21 massacred on the beach at Bangka Island.
Seventy-five years on, Georgina received an invitation to a memorial service for her great aunt.
She knew little of the national history buried in her family, but as she retraced Bud’s steps in Indonesia, and then deep in archives back in Australia, she was left to make sense of half-truths and con-
front the likelihood that she may never know exactly what unfolded on the beach on that devastating day.
‘Back to Bangka’ is a deeply moving intergenerational family story; a gripping retelling and investigation of events that throw a spotlight on women in wartime, in their vulnerability and strength.
Georgina will speak about the experience of writing the book touching on her family history during the Remembrance Day service on Monday, November 11 at Oxley Memorial Park from 10.30am, which will be followed by a light lunch in the Oxley Shire Hall.
She will also speak at a fundraising event the following day, Tuesday, November 12, at the Wangaratta Library from 10.30am.
“I think it’s really significant to have a speaker talking about the female perspective of war,” Jan Vincent, a local resident who is involved with the fundraiser, said.
The library event, organised through Edgars Books and News, will assist in raising funds to recognise the legacy of Caroline Ennis and Dorothy Elmes. A fundraising drive is cur-
rently being conducted by a group of dedicated locals to raise $27,000 to have two busts (statues) made of Caroline and Dorothy and placed at Oxley Memorial Park, a project supported by the Oxley Residents Association and Everlon Bronze.
During World War 2, Cheshunt was part of the Oxley Shire, and the two local women are named on the Oxley cenotaph, hence the decision to have them placed there.
Copies of Georgina’s book will be available for sale on the day of the fundraising author talk at the library, and between now and the end of November, Edgars is also donating 20 per cent from sales of the book to the cause.
Those unable to attend the fundraiser on November 12 can make a donation to the Bendigo Bank account ‘Honouring our Oxley Shire WWII Nurses’ (BSB: 633-000, Acc No: 219384294, Reference donor’s name).
The fundraiser is a free event, but bookings are requested, and can be made by visiting https://events.humanitix.com/fundraiser-and-inconversation-with-georginabanks
IN the lead up to Christmas and summer holidays, pressure is felt across the community for a wide range of reasons.
For many the season is a tricky time when faced with cultural, financial and family pressures.
This financial pressure is heightened by the current cost of living crisis which has seen many in the community struggling to make ends meet.
It’s in times like these when the community of Wangaratta and surrounds comes together to support one another and together we can make it out the other side.
Wangaratta Motor Group, Loaves and Fishes Christian Caring, Project 365 and the Rotary Club of Appin Park are banding together on Saturday to collect food, fundraise and connect as a community.
The event is the perfect opportunity for locals to come together, give where you can and celebrate our community.
From donating to those who need tangible support in this season, to championing Project 365 on their work helping bring mental health into the light, Saturday will see a true representation of what it means to be part of a community that supports each other through the good times and the tough times.
If you are in the position to give, whether that is financially or otherwise, it’s time to ask yourself what you can do to help those in our community who are doing it tough.
The collaborative effort of the organisations involved is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together, but it’s also a reminder it takes the whole community.
FACEBOOK users this week commented on Tania Maxwell and Dave Fuller being elected to council.
• Lyn Collins: Congratulations tania • Lorraine Wisener: Congratulations David AC Fuller and Tania Maxwell
• Alicia Canning: Congratulations • Joan Fuller: Well done
David
• Liz McKimmie: Congrats Dave.
• Ros Janas:
Congratulations to you both!
• Simon Rumble: Congratulations David!!
• Denise Gay: Well done to both candidates.
• Cheyne Mitchell: Are they business owners?
• Kim Maree:
Congratulations David AC Fuller Facebook users this week also commented on land proposed for a solar facility.
• Linda Simpson: It
WE would like to extend a thankyou to all involved with the very successful jazz weekend.
The huge crowds at all the events we managed to see were a testament that it has definitely been well supported.
Thanks to the youth group from the Wangaratta Players for their ‘Living Statues’ performances.
It was great to see.
The Sunday night performance at the Cathedral with the Daisy Jazz Band and the Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra was quite a spectacular show to listen to as well as a visual treat with the coloured light show inside, and outside on the Cathedral front wall.
The Oxley Bush Market, the King Valley Art Show, the free community stage, the quilt display and the historical museum being open, and the events on Sunday at Apex Park all added to the general buzz in and around Wangaratta.
Congratulations.
Colleen and Lyle Jackel, Wangaratta
ON behalf of the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our community for the overwhelming support shown for this year’s 34th festival.
A board of five people with some dedicated experts were able to rebuild this event and bring it back from ‘the last hurrah’ in 2023.
This weekend was truly a community achievement and only made possible by the dedication of our 40 incredible volunteers, the generosity of our 120 donors, and the invaluable contributions from our sponsors, including North East Kitchens, Canny’s, McPhail’s amongst many other local businesses and Rural City of Wangaratta.
We are deeply grateful to our local community, patrons, and venues who supported our vision and helped make it a reality.
While there are a lot of learnings, we look forward to refining our model while we continue to build on the community value, unique festival experience and financial sustainability.
A special thank you goes to North East Media (Wangaratta Chronicle) for their ongoing support in building community
NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.
was wonderful to be approached by so many strangers over the weekend who are grateful for the objections to solar facilities on productive land. Facebook users this week also commented on the latest reincarnation of the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues.
• Margaret Dawson: What a loud of rubbish!!
• Linda Simpson: Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues have pulled off a
miracle! What a fabulous weekend of live music and events! Congratulations to all involved!
Facebook users this week also commented on the Green Street bridge being set to open before Christmas.
• Tim Longman: One would assume finishing was always the goal but how long is the question
• Kym Marie: Montana Wilkinson just in time for kinder to be almost over lol
Our follower total is Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.
15,032
enthusiasm and awareness for the festival. Your partnership has been vital in growing this event and creating a lasting impact.
Thank you all for helping us celebrate and share the joy of jazz and blues in Wangaratta in 2024.
Sarah Thompson, director, Wangaratta Festival of Jazz Inc.
WE have heard time and time again people tell their children, “Never walk past The Salvos without giving a donation, because they helped us (or your grandparents) during the war”.
A long legacy that The Salvation Army has had during devastating times of war and conflict, where they have provided a safe space of rest and support.
This year marks the 125-year anniversary of The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Defence Services (RSDS) supporting those during these difficult times.
And on behalf of The Salvos, it has been an honour to have served defence members, shoulder to shoulder, during times of war over the past 125 years.
We cast our minds back to the second Boer War in November 1899, when Salvation Army founder William Booth said, “Investigate what can be done for our soldiers in the field of battle.”
Since then, The Salvos have been looking
to find ways to support Australia’s service men and women wherever they find themselves.
The Salvos are proud of the strong bond we have created with our service men and women across the nation, and around the world.
In these times of devastating violence, hardship and injustice, The Salvos look to bring a glimmer of hope and support to those who really need it.
We continue this important work to this day. In Darwin, Townsville, Brisbane, Singleton, Holsworthy, Canberra and Adelaide, we serve those who serve and will continue to do so into the future.
It is a privilege to do so.
Major Brett Gallagher, Chief Commissioner, The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Defence Services
FACEBOOK users commented on The Rural City of Wangaratta receiving up to $2million over the next three years for upgrades on local roads.
• Georgina Cusack: Instead of new infrastructure, how about the funding being directed to maintaining what we already have? The potholes in our roads are increasing daily and getting to the stage that a simple repair will not suffice and a major road rebuild will be required. Dodging potholes is becoming a major driver distraction.
• Jack Bruce: Put a sign at Murphy and reid traffic lights saying pull up to this white line when turning right.. main reason why it blocks up is because if they are turning right towards aldi it blocks the lane from going... but let’s face it.. the council will spend how much on a turf and plants past alpine truss instead of actually fixing roads... can garrentee a few potholes could have been fixed with that money.
• Pete Kranz: Why they didn’t install light at this intersection years ago and keep the other
wangarattajazzandblues Follow
What an incredible performance @hettykate The Quintet: Bass2 this Sunday afternoon at the Holy
by @christiecreatives.
Check out some of our best photos at our @wangchronicle Instagram account.
NOTE: Comments
road open to north bound traffic common sense oh sorry Government don’t do that ..open Templeton Street rail crossing during peak hour traffic times is another traffic easier on the Rowan Green St roundabout Council ? Never gonna happen..
• Sarah Jane: Put a set of traffic lights at this location pictured. Also add right turning arrows (including red) at the Warby Street/Ryley Street traffic lights in the Ryley Street lanes of traffic going both directions. Plus right turning arrows at the Tone
Road/Sisley Avenue traffic lights. Again including red. Another location that needs attention and a set of traffic lights is the Rowan Street/Green Street roundabout. Second river crossing would be excellent because half the time when I come up from Benalla I use the Hume to avoid the bottlenecks in town.
• Mark Bolsius: Will that cover a second (and long overdue) river crossing? The congestion around Murphy St is getting ridiculous.
• Noel McColl: As long as there are no additional bollards.
X USERS this week tweeted about Ben Brisbourne’s horses on cup day.
Emily Riordan @_emriordan
Great effort by Ben, Heather and the team at Wangaratta, third in the Big Dance.
Grand Syndicates @GrandSyndicates
Massive effort by @BenBrisbourne to get this boy over the line first today at Wangaratta. After disappointing over the 2450m last start he was back to the 1590m of today which proved the winning move. Congrats to connections!
BenBrisbourneRacing @BenBrisbourne Big boy boom Son Of A Boom goes bang at Wangaratta in the first to break his maiden with Milos Bunjevac @GrandSyndicates.
If you have something to say, add our handle @wangchronicle to your tweet and we will publish some each week.
Our follower total is Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.
15,032
#boycottMSO @talegio212959
A special event in support of the North east Branch of
By SHANE DOUTHIE
TRUE crime has become a fascination for a growing number of Australians across all forms of media, from books and newspaper articles, to podcasts, tv miniseries and motion pictures.
Now you can find yourself in the middle of your own true crime investigation when ‘Inside Story’ comes to Wangaratta’s Gateway Hotel on Friday, November 15.
In fact, you could say that Inside Story was the groundbreaker of the genre, commencing 20 years ago according Neil Soullier, CEO of Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation.
“Even with all the podcasts and television shows people still love to see and listen to real life detectives talk about their cases,” Mr Soullier said.
“In fact Ron Iddles (from the popular true crime tv series The Good Cop) was one of our first presenters.
“We started with a show in Shepparton and now we would do 10 to 15 shows a year.
“It’s huge the amount of money that’s been raised and it all goes to a good cause; where it’s raised it stays.
“We’ve made donations to 69 hospitals across the state including 44 in regional Victoria.”
Mr Soullier said because the presentations are made by serving detectives it’s too early to say what specific case will be covered in Wangaratta in case there is a last minute change due to work commitments, however, he said he can guarantee it will be entertaining as well as informative.
“The detective will take the au-
dience step-by-step through the investigation all the way to the conclusion,” he said.
“It’s hard to cover every detail of these investigations but the detectives will provide incredible insight into the process as well as the criminal mind.
“It’s not just intrigue, detectives often have a dry sense of humour and I have never seen a presentation done that didn’t have a few laughs as well.”
Mr Soullier said the night was not only a wonderful fundraiser for the local community but also a chance for serving detectives to get some recognition.
“Detectives go about their job without much recognition from their local community,” he said.
“There’s a positive reaction to them at these shows.
“We also have to remember the detectives do the show in
their own time and without pay.
“All the money raised goes to the benefit of their community.”
There is also a Q&A session at the end of each case.
This event is strictly for people 18 years old and over with entry $50 per person (light refreshments provided).
Canapes will be served at intermission.
There will also be a raffle and door prizes with all funds raised by the Blue Ribbon Foundation North East Branch to be dispersed back into the community via purchases of medical equipment and/or funding of specific projects at North East hospitals.
Book your tickets today at Trybooking (https://www.trybooking.com/CRQVO) or by scanning the QR code.
Bookings close Friday, November 13.
donation from the North East Branch of the Blue
Foundation with support of the local community.
By JORDAN DUURSMA
VINYL connoisseurs had their cravings satiated at local record fair over the weekend, with a spread of more than 20,000 records and CDs on offer.
While locals and visitors were browsing the 16 vendors and 53 tables, local DJ Stu and Melbourne DJ Dan Brunswick were spinning records to provide the perfect soundtrack.
Organiser Ben Nyman from No. 49 Record Bar in Murphy Street, said more than 450 people came through the doors with most leaving with an armful of records.
“The DJs were playing heaps of cool tunes, there were full families dancing in the hallway and people were buying up records which was great to see,” he said.
“There were people in town for the jazz festival who stumbled on the record fair and vice versa, and ended up making a big weekend of it centred around music.
“We had a wide range of people through, folks from Albury, Melbourne and even Sydney came down.
“We’re planning on running the event again same time next year to coincide with the jazz festival.”
The event drew a crowd from all walks of life, from veteran collectors to curious youngsters looking to dip their toe in the water.
Local vinyl enthusiast, Elliot McPhee, said the atmosphere at the event was incredible.
“There were friendly faces all around and people were offering me assistance in what to look for and asking neighbouring stalls for any records,” he said.
“I was hoping to find a folk artist from the 60s or 70s, I’m so glad I walked out with Bob Dylan’s Nashville Skyline, Donovan’s Universal Soldier and, while not folk, Simon and Garfunkel’s Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme.
“Overall incredible day, it was great to get a chance to see all the record shops who participated in the event.
“I’m grateful for own record shop, No. 49 Record Bar, for hosting this event and bringing in the other vendors to make it such a friendly and fun event.”
BY CHLOE JAENICKE cjaenicke@ nemedia.com.au
WHITFIELD Primary School’s Outside School Hours Care service has received a 12 month reprieve from closure following intervention from Independent MP for Indi Helen Haines.
Dr Haines welcomed the special circumstance funding lifeline given to the service, but said similar services at Moyhu, Greta, Rutherglen and Yackandandah are awaiting news about their emergency applications after being rejected for funding for the next year - some having received this support for more than 10 years.
She said she had taken the issue to the Minister for Early Childhood Education in person and worked with her office and the services on an interim solution, and remains hopeful of a good result for all services affected in Indi.
Jessica Young, from Outside School Hours Care at Whitfield Primary School, said they were grateful to receive the emergency funding for the next 12 months.
“We are really relieved to have received the emergency funding that allows us to
provide this valued service to our community for another 12 months,” she said.
“It also has enabled us to employ some local young people, including Edan Vanbergan, as assistants to the program as we have been getting busier as the year goes on.”
Under the Community
Child Care Fund, more than 800 services across Australia were found suitable for funding, but only 475 received it as part of a competitive grant allocation process.
Dr Haines said she welcomed the government stepping in with a short-term
solution to keep the services open and that both the funding available and the administration of the Community Child Care Fund were having an unfair impact on regional services and needs to change.
“Many of these services in Indi are based in small com-
munities and support hundreds of families that need before or after-school care in order to work,” she said.
“Not only does it make the logistics of these families’ lives harder, but it also puts the long-term sustainability of these smaller schools, part of the fabric of our
small towns, in jeopardy.”
Dr Haines said she was meeting with the Minister for Early Childhood Education in the next parliamentary sitting week and would be pushing for changes to the funding model, saying a competitive process did not reflect the essential nature of childcare services.
Her work on Outside School Hours Care funding is part of a larger advocacy piece to improve accessibility of childcare for regional communities.
“Early childhood education and care is foundational to the development of children and a key component of the support that families need,” Dr Haines said.
The Parenthood recently released their report, Impactful which includes stories from across regional communities, including families in Wangaratta and Yackandandah.
The report finds the absence of accessible and affordable early childhood education services in the regions has far-reaching consequences for regional, rural and remote communities, including exacerbating cost-of-living pressures.
To see the full report, visit https://www.theparenthood. org.au/impactful.
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - NOW OPEN
REF:
The Australian Government, represented by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to sell water from water rights owners the Southern Connected Murray-Darling Basin who were not eligible for the Restoring Our Rivers: 2024 Selected Catchments Open Tender
This includes water right owners from within Irrigation Infrastructure Operator areas. Owners of eligible water rights in the catchments listed below, including unregulated entitlements and section 51 licences, are invited to express their interest stating the proposed volume and price at which they want to sell their permanent water rights to the department
LIST OF CATCHMENTS:
NEW SOUTH WALES
Murray River
Murrumbidgee
Lower Darling
VICTORIA
BrokenKiewa
GoulburnMitta Mitta
CampaspeLoddon
Ovens & KingVictorian Murray
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
South Australian Murray
The decision to participate is completely voluntary. You must submit an EOI through this process if you want to be considered for any subsequent water purchasing in 2025
To read the Request for Expression of Interest and register your interest, please visit AusTender www.tenders.gov.au - and search for Restoring our Rivers.
MORE INFORMATION: For more information on voluntary water purchasing, visit www.dcceew.gov.au/watertender
ASSISTANCE: For help with using AusTender, visit help.tenders.gov.au If you can’t access AusTender or have questions about the expression of interest process, please email watertenders@dcceew.gov.au
HOW TO REGISTER:
Opened: 30 September 2024
Closing date: 12 noon AEDT, 2 Nov 2024
• Visit www.tenders.gov.au/atm and search for Restoring our Rivers
• Download and read the Request for Expression of Interest documents
• Login or Register as a new user
• Complete the expression of interest response form and submit your response.
Off-Grid Living Festival and many other local community group based events - such as NEMA’s Harmony Day
Sporting Clubs like the Wangaratta Rangers Baseball & Softball Clubfor ‘come & try’ events that grow their club’s membership and promote kids participation
Wangaratta Lions Club - Carols by Candle Light , helping with costs escalating for family events.
Leadership programs like Alpine Valley Community Leadership - to improve connections with schools and future leaders
Community organisations ran by volunteers like Wangaratta Kennel &Obedience Dog Club and Wangaratta Landcare & Sustainability Groups
In 2022 we gave Wangaratta Croquet Club $15,000 for drainage and works through our MegaGrant - applications due to open in Jul -Aug 2025
CONNECTED Community Wangaratta is hosting its 2024 Annual General Meeting with a twist.
It has extended invitations to not only members of the community who are affiliated with sporting clubs and community associations but also their pets.
With the AGM being held on Wednesday, December 4 at the Wangaratta Kennel & Obedience Dog Club at the Wangaratta Showgrounds to group thought it was a perfect opportunity to extend invites to bring along your dog.
Co-chair Maria Wadley said as a volunteer community group working with the community on fun projects, why not make the AGM social and inviting to groups.
“We’ll have some food, and it will be a relaxed meet ‘n’ greet from 5pm, before the heavy stuff at 6pm, with a $2500 giveaway process to cap it off at 6.30pm,” she said.
Between 5pm and 6pm there will be an opportunity for nibbles and while groups socialise with committee members, dogs get to also play.
There is also a grant pool of $2500 up for grabs on the evening, with groups able to pitch a project and potentially pick up $500.
Five lucky groups will benefit from attending and hearing about how the Connected Community Wangaratta group works with community.
Since its inception in 2017 with past members such as Geoff Dinning, Patti Stafford, and Paul McInerny, the current committee has given more than $100,000 back to the community.
Of note was the Mega-Grant process started in 2022, in which the inaugural recipient was the Wangaratta Croquet Club in Ryan Ave who received $15,000.
Awarded every three years, it is
next on offer in 2025 – with applications opening mid-year.
Groups are encouraged to keep an eye out for the yearly grant’s meet ‘n’ greet barbecue.
Co-chair Dave Fuller said this year’s barbecue on October 18 was a success with more than 30 people stopping by for a free snag and chat with the committee.
Seven groups from the municipality also took the opportunity to hear about the grant application process and talk about ideas their group has.
Mr Fuller said applications
• Bore Pumps
• Solar Pumps
• IQ Pool Chemicals
• Pool Pumps & Accessories
• Poly Pipe & Full Range of Fittings
• Suction & Delivery Hose Fittings
• Steel & Fibre Wound Pressure Tanks
• Garden & Irrigation Equipment & Sprays
must address key important criteria that the committee awards on.
“It’s important to us that there is a benefit clearly identifiable to the community and especially one that aims to grow focus and involvement with the group,” he said.
The group derives its funds from the profit shares of the Bendigo Bank group, with just over a $1000 contributed to them each month.
Branch manager Steve Johnson said it’s the bank’s way of giving back locally, and the best bit is lo-
cal volunteers are the ones who get work with their community to grant funds.
“Our branch team love being a part of the process, and seeing projects come to fruition,” he said.
The Annual General Meeting on December 4 is three-fold.
You can attend to find out info, you can apply on the night for a $500 instant giveaway, and you can join the committee, as there are currently three seats available.
For more information email the committee at bbccwangaratta@ gmail.com.
INDI Independent federal MP Helen Haines is asking the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) to investigate election commitments made by the Labor Party in 2022, amounting to $1.35 billion through two invitation-only grant funds.
Dr Haines said that during the last election campaign, the Australian Labor Party made 435 commitments to fund projects, with 86.8 per cent of seats that Labor won or held at the election receiving a grant through the programs.
Only 51.7 per cent of non-Labor seats received a grant.
Once Labor formed government, it directed the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts to set up two grant programs – Investing in Our Communities Program and the Priority Community Infrastructure Program, allocating almost $1.35 billion to these programs in their October 2022 budget.
Dr Haines said Freedom of Information requests show the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government asked the department to undertake a desktop review for project merits after coming to government, long after the spending commitments were made.
She pointed to the program guidelines as a point of concern, noting they were ‘one-off, closed, non-competitive programs’, with the eligibility restricted to those ‘invited to deliver a project identified by the Australian Government’.
“The government had an ‘inviteonly’ list of organisations that could apply through these two programs, mostly projects that were already promised by Labor as election commitments,” Dr Haines said.
“When you put all of the information together – who received a grant, the application process, and the assessment process – we have to ask, does the process for determining recipients under these programs seem rigorous, objective, fair, equitable and responsible?
“Or is this just another example of pork barrelling?”
• Pressure Washers
• Pond Pumps
• Wine Pumps
• Fire Hose Kits & Reels
• Fire & Transfer Pumps
• Mowers & Garden Equipment
• Ride On Mowers
• DeWalt Products
• Chain Saws & Accessories
By CHLOE JAENICKE
SINCE 2003, Movember has become a symbol of solidarity and support for men’s health that’s grown to transcend borders and changed the face of men’s health forever.
Supporters across the globe put down their razors, embrace their growing moustaches, and unite in the annual movement to spark millions of important conversations, raise vital funds and continue to advocate for improvements to men’s health.
Wangaratta teenager Xavier Dodgshun (pictured) is among those participating in Movember this year, but the year 9 student isn’t growing facial hair for the cause.
Instead, he has committed to running 100km in the month of November as part of a team of boys from Wesley Grammar School.
The team’s captain started the team after losing a cousin to suicide
and recruited year 11 and year 9 students to join in.
Xavier, who plays cricket with the team’s captain, was keen to get involved.
“I just think it’s a really good cause to be part of because there are a lot of people who don’t speak about their mental health issues and it’s a growing issue,” he said.
The overall team goal is to run 2000km and they have already surpassed their $5000 donation goal.
To support Xavier and donate to Movember, visit https://movember. com/m/15231179?mc=1.
This year, Movember is also launching its first-ever Men’s Health Report and advocacy campaign through the Real Face of Men’s Health to highlight the far-reaching impact and ripple effect a man in poor health can have on his family and community.
To learn more about Movember or to sign up, visit https://au.movember. com/.
REMEMBERANCE DAY: Carraragarmungee Primary School students Mason Webbers, Archy Nottingham, Harmoney McBean and Mia Bell along with Wangaratta RSL committee member Vicki Bear were excited to participate in the RSL’s Remembrance Day Colouring Competition.
By JORDAN DUURSMA
FOR the fifth year in a row, the Wangaratta RSL ran a colouring competition for local children to learn about and reflect on Australia’s military history on Remembrance Day.
There were 17 local schools involved, with 482 entries being submitted to the judges ahead of Remembrance Day.
Wangaratta RSL committee member Vicki Bear, who heads up the activities program for veterans, runs the colouring competition twice a year.
She said it’s a great opportunity to educate local children and help build awareness about Australia’s military history.
“I was in the army for just over 15 years so this is a passion for me, I want to educate the children and help out where I can.
“It’s great to see the kids getting involved and they take a bit of creative licence, there are some beautiful artworks.
The winner from each year level gets a pencil case prize, complete with all of the tools needed to get creative and McDonalds Wangaratta provides Happy Meal vouchers as encouragement awards.
“It’s a fun way for children to learn about our history and be involved in the reflection that we all do around this time,” Vicki said.
To view the entries visit the Post Office Arcade or the Wangaratta RSL to view the winning artworks.
EYE-CATCHING: Unmistakable with their bold markings of white, black and grey – the Whitefronted Chat is a handsome but rare sight in our region.
By IAN DAVIDSON & CHRIS TZAROS
ONE of Australia’s five species of chats, the White-fronted Chat occurs throughout southern Australia, from the south-west right across through South Australia, Victoria, southern New South Wales and Tasmania.
Here in the North East Victorian region, they are regarded as uncommon birds and found only in specific areas, typically open farmlands and around larger lakes and swamps, such as Winton Wetlands.
That said, they occasionally turn up in paddocks throughout our district, and our recent sighting here on the edge of the Warby Range has prompted this article.
White-fronted Chats prefer open habitats comprised mostly of low shrubs and tussocks.
They forage mainly on bare or grassy ground, walking or
running (but never hopping) with a swaggering gait and a back-andforth movement of the head.
They feed almost entirely on small insects, but some seeds may be taken seasonally.
They are generally quite tame and approachable but if disturbed the pair or group takes flight, flying to another area on a slow, jerky, undulating flight before settling again.
They often call in flight or upon landing, and although the call is not particularly loud, the nasal twanging quality of their notes is reasonably far-carrying and conspicuous.
Usually, they are seen in pairs or small groups but after breeding,
mobile flocks in excess of 50 or so can sometimes form.
They are rather conspicuous little birds with a habit of perching prominently atop vegetation or other exposed vantage points such as fences or stumps.
Males, with their stark white faces and underparts, stand out like beacons.
Females, though duller, are also easy to spot.
Nesting takes place during spring with the female building a small cup-shaped nest in a low bush or tussock.
Both sexes then incubate the eggs which take a little over two weeks to hatch, then young leave the nest a further two weeks or so after that.
If the nest is approached too closely, the male will feign injury, fluttering along the ground making distress calls to lure the intruder away from the nest site.
By JORDAN DUURSMA
STRICTLY Quilts exhibition was a success, with crowds of quilters coming from far and wide to admire the creative work on display.
The committee members’ hard work and preparation paid off, with over 300 quilts exhibited over the weekend, ranging from large
scale works to small displays of intricate embroidery.
Member of Centre Quilters and the event organising committee, Ros Janas, said the organising committee was very happy with the community’s support of the quilt show.
“We had lots of people coming through, for some it was their first visit to a quilt show and have been
pleasantly surprised,” she said.
“I chatted to a few people on Sunday and several of them were jazz festival goers and were very pleased to find something else happening in the community.
“The event has made a good amount of money for the charity and some who didn’t want to buy anything were generous and left a donation anyway.”
▲ PROUD SMILE: Barb Miller president of the Saturday Quilters and convenor of the Strictly Quilts Committee was among many who could admire the effort that went into creating the display over the weekend.
◀ TRUE APPRECIATION: Sandy Thornhill-Cole who is an avid quilter joined in the festivities, enjoying the wide range of textile works on display.
Limelight Touring Company’s debut production of Waiting commences this weekend
LIMELIGHT Touring Company will present the Australian play ‘Waiting’ by Dina Ross at the Wilby Memorial Hall on Saturday, November 9 at 7.30pm, Vine Hotel Wangaratta on Sunday, November 10 at 2pm –please book through https://www. thevinehotel.net.au/livemusic, Stage Door Wangaratta on November 14 at 7.30pm – Sold Out, Swanpool Memorial Hall on November 15 at 7.30pm, Yackandandah Court House on November 16 at 2pm and Old Stone Hall Beechworth at 7.30pm.
Tickets are $25 available via Trybooking or visit limelighttouring. com.
AN exhibition titled Crossing by one of the region’s most acclaimed artists, Fran O’Neill, bringing together work completed over the last decade, is showing at the Wangaratta Art Gallery.
Having built a significant international career for her evocative and vibrant abstract paintings, O’Neill has now permanently established her studio in the idyllic surrounds of Cheshunt.
Crossing traces O’Neill’s longing for ‘home’ in those years as an expat, the development of her colour palette and the new work created in response to the quality of light and atmosphere of her Cheshunt studio, and it will be on display until November 10.
BENALLA Art Gallery is welcoming back the nationally acclaimed artist, Scotty So, this November as part of the Benalla Festival on Sunday, November 10 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
He will be holding a one night ticked artistic drag performance titled Thrill of the Camp that will be presented in partnership with Live Art Benalla.
This is an 18+ event and registration is essential prior to the event.
To book your spot, visit https:// benallafestival.com.au/ event/ scotty-so-thrill-of-the-camp/ or contact the Benalla Art Gallery on (03) 5760 2619.
By CHLOE JAENICKE
SAM Reiher’s exhibition, titled
‘In Bloom’, at the Art Gallery On Ovens explores the juxtaposition of Australia’s urban and natural landscapes.
The exhibition began on November 7 and Mr Reiher said he wanted to celebrate the beauty of Australia’s blossoms and frame the landscapes of his lino prints like they were a POV shot from a movie.
“I wanted to celebrate the vibrancy of Australian blossoms, by highlighting their colour and placing them front and centre within the landscape,” he said.
“I try to frame a picture using the foreground, middle ground and background which helps to draw people in and gives a sense of being in the scene.”
Mr Reiher said he watched his dad create prints from a young age, which inspired him to try it himself.
“His style and technique formed a lot of my early influence, as well as providing easy access to all the materials required,” he said.
“The use of solid black when printing has always stood out to me and always captures my attention, so I’ve wanted to try and replicate that in my own way.”
The most intriguing part of creating prints for Mr Reiher is the final reveal of the artwork at the end of the printing process and the contrast between darkness and light.
“Even after hours of work you don’t truly know how the final piece will look until it’s come out of the press,” he said.
“I’m drawn to the texture that the ink leaves and love how you can see that different marks have been produced from varying sized tools.
“Also having to think about darkness and light when using mainly just black and how you
can balance that and produce shades.”
‘In Bloom’ is his first solo exhibition in around 10 years and he said he is looking forward to seeing people’s reaction to his art.
“One of the best things about art is that one person can love it, while the person next to them can hate it,” he said.
“But at least you’ll have seen it and had some reaction.”
Mr Reiher said he is particularly proud of some larger pieces he created alongside Bill Young in the King Valley.
“I’d never worked with such large lino before and it was a real learning curve,” he said.
“Witnessing Bill’s large printing press in action was a rewarding experience and it was great to tap into his wealth of knowledge.”
An official opening for the exhibition will be held tomorow from 12pm to 2pm and it will continue until November 18.
COMEDIAN Ray O’Leary, known for his deadpan delivery and iconic grey suit, will perform at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre this Friday, November 8 at 7pm.
His sharp wit and awkward bravado saw him sell out his 2023 show Everything Funny All The Time Always in his debut year in Australia, and saw him nominated for ‘Best Newcomer’ at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Fresh from appearances on television shows including Ten’s Have You Been Paying Attention? And Thank God You’re Here, tickets are available now at wpacc.com.au.
THE next Winton Fun Day is being held this weekend on Sunday, November 10.
WINTON Fun Days give you the opportunity to navigate your car around the legendary circuit.
One of the standout features of the day is the chance for drivers to bring passengers along, making it a fantastic experience to enjoy with friends or family.
For more information, contact 03 5760 7100 or reception@ wintonraceway.com.au or visit https:// wintonraceway.com.au/winton-funday/.
THE Peechelba Community Market is open this weekend on Saturday, November 9 from 9am to 1pm and is run by locals.
The market features a range of stalls alongside music, food and more. It will take place at the Peechelba Recreation Reserve.
THE Wangaratta Community Market is open every Sunday morning at the Moore than Swimming grass area.
With a range of items including handcrafted items, plants, socks, secondhand books, food stalls and more, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
The market is open from 8am to 1pm.
By SIMONE KERWIN
YOUNG musical talent from throughout the region was on show at the recent Wangaratta heat of the North East Battle of the Bands Series.
The two winners of the October 20 heat, which attracted nine entrants, were The Dunners (bands category) and Ebony Grant (solo).
The winners have progressed to the grand final of the competition, which will be held at the Albury Entertainment Cen-
tre on Saturday, December 14 from 3pm.
The Rural City of Wangaratta plans to offer a free bus to enable local young people to attend the grand final, with an expression of interest expected to be issued on Wangaratta Youth Services socials closer to the event.
Tickets for the all-ages event are available at https://events.humanitix.com/ north-east-battle-of-the-bands-grand-final
All proceeds from ticket sales will go towards community youth programs in the region.
SINGER/GUITARIST:
Anthony
one of the entrants in the
of the
was chosen to perform as a support act for The Push All Ages Tour Wangaratta gig, which will be held at The Vine on November 24. Anthony will perform alongside Samara Bright, Teenage Joans and Pacific Avenue at the event. Tickets are available now at https://www.thepush.com. au/events/all-ages-tour-2024-wangaratta-pacific-avenue-teenage-joans
Improved
Decreased
Turn your unwanted jewellery and gold and precious items into CASH
Your Questions Answered
Show your items to our expert buyers. After we have calculated the price based on its resale value, you can then decide to sell them to us or just walk away with a free assessment of your jewellery!
Is it worth keeping old jewellery that you will never wear again? The extra cash may help now or in the future rather than unwanted jewellery sitting in your drawer!
We buy all gold Jewellery, Antiques & Contemporary Jewellery Diamonds, Silver Jewellery, Gold Sovereign Coins and other coins, Precious Stones, Including Broken Jewellery and Watches and unusual Items.
“Your Jewellery maybe worth a lot more than what you think!”
ONE DAY ONLY!
Wednesday 13th November 2024 - 11am to 3pm
ZONTA Wangaratta are looking forward to a few events they are organising in the next couple of months.
One of these is a fundraising luncheon to be held on November 10 at the RSL Wangaratta.
Bronwyn Hughes will be speaking at this event.
Dr. Hughes is a glass artist, art historian specialising in stained glass.
She will be talking on the
work she is doing around stained glass makers and the Australian stained glass war memorials.
Tickets are $65 per person and are available through www.trybooking.com/CVUXY.
All are welcome to attend.
Zonta Wangaratta are also planning a number of activities for the 16 Days of Activism, which is the United Nations declared period of time between Novem-
ber 25 – Elimination of Violence Against Women – and December 10 – Human Rights Day.
It began in 2008 and is gaining global attention now in 65 countries.
Zonta International regard it as one of their most significant projects for all clubs to participate in.
Orange is the colour that United Nations chose as it is bright, positive, energising and
represents a ‘future free from violence’.
In addition, members will be running a sausage sizzle at Bunnings on Saturday, October 26.
It is hoped that many people will be attending Bunnings on that day and will support the club by purchasing a sausage.
All money raised at fundraising activities go towards the many different projects which Zonta Wangaratta supports.
Friday, November 7, 2014
By STEVE KELLY
THE first of many planned burns in the Rural City of Wangaratta kicked off at Peechelba yesterday.
Burns are conducted as a fire prevention activity and involve the controlled zone application of fire during periods of lower fire risk for fuel reduction, ecological management and forest regeneration.
Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) and Hume region manager planned burning Paul O’Connor said the number one goal was to protect life and property.
“Burns are done with a risk based approach to protect and
maintain ecological health under a fire zoning layer,” he said.
“The first zone is to protect the community and public land and this is conducted in any given area every five years,” he said.
“Zone two is the bushfire moderation zone which looks at the ‘ramps’ or north and west facing slopes and these usually have a 10-year rotation.
“Then zone three is landscape management, which uses the study of key plant species and shrub layers to identify wattles, for instance, which have a 15-year maturity rate, along with Banksias that actually require fire to open pods and generate new growth.”
History also plays a part in DEPI and Parks Victoria’s approach to where they conduct fuel reduction burning.
Mr O’Connor said they conduct ecological studies based on fires in 2003, 2006-07 and 2009 to learn from how fire and regrowth has behaved.
The Killawarra and Warby Range National Park will again be the main focus for the burning program in 2014/15.
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STUDENT SAFETY: Mark Henschke, Ruchika Kumar, Nash Farrugia, Jordana Moore, Milly Higham, Marley Higham, Sophia Boyle, Gemma Flanagan, Chelsea Wallace, Kyrah Evans, Katelyn Joe, Ella McGauran, Morgan Hope, Ryan VanDerPoel, Harlow Muratore, Brayden Howell and Rhys Foster wore red in support of the Daniel Morcombe Foundation.
GRADE five and six students recently showed their support for the Daniel Morcombe Foundation, demonstrating a commitment to student safety.
During a dedicated day, students wore red and engaged in activities focused on personal safety, online awareness, and recognising dangerous situations.
Through interactive discussions, they learned
essential strategies for staying safe in various environments, both on and offline.
The initiative fostered a strong sense of awareness and responsibility among students, empowering them to make safer choices.
Their participation reflects the school’s dedication to equipping young people with the knowledge and skills to navigate today’s world confidently and securely.
REGIONAL CHAMPION: Reese Sussyer won first place in the 200m at regional athletics.
REESE Sussyer, a standout athlete from the school, took first place in the 200m at regional athletics, excelling despite being one of the youngest in the 9/10 age group.
After already claiming first at zone the week before, Reese’s impressive speed
has now qualified her for the state competition. Among the nine Wangaratta West students who competed at regionals, Reese was the only one to advance to state, bringing pride and excitement to her school and community.
FOR the past term and a half, students have been learning how to put together a rock performance for their Classroom Music Curriculum Assessment Task.
This has included learning how to play the instruments, learning the piece of music, how the
music all fits together, and how to perform to an audience (including stage presence and managing stage fright).
This culminated in the recent Junior Music Festival which saw all the year sevens and eights perform.
Year sevens took the stage first, playing rock
FUTURE
classics including ACDC’s ‘Back In Black’, Miley Cyrus’ ‘Party in the USA’ and Smash Mouth’s ‘All Star’.
The Wangaratta High School Session Band took the stage for the interval performing Green Day’s ‘Holiday’.
Year eights gave resounding renditions
MUSICIANS: Year two Appin Park Primary School student Henry Bear enjoyed his time as the conductor for the year seven Ringwood Secondary School Training Band.
LAST week students enjoyed a visit from Ringwood Secondary College, bringing along with them their school bands.
There were many students ranging from year seven to year 10 playing a variety of instruments.
They instantly engaged the students with lively music from well-known shows, as well as some very popular current songs.
string, and percussion instruments.
A vocal group also performed using their voices as their instrument of choice.
Year two student Henry Bear was chosen to help conduct the year seven training band and although the upward and downward movements of the baton didn’t stay constant, the young musicians were able to follow along.
of Belinda Carlisle’s ‘Heaven is a Place on Earth’, Coldplay’s ‘Sky full of Stars’, and Jon Bon Jovi’s ‘Living on a Prayer’. Congratulations to the VET sound production team for their huge efforts in setting this up and well done to everyone who performed.
ABOUT TOWN: Moyhu students Jarrah Lewis, Emmy Hansted, Ellie Evans, Sam Allen and Edward Allen enjoyed discovering all Beechworth has to offer.
During the hour session the many different instruments were introduced to the students, including wind, brass,
A thoroughly enjoyable session was had by everyone, once again proving the value of music in our young people’s lives.
IN an exciting outing, grade three to six students travelled to Beechworth with their friends from Whitfield to participate in the Social Enterprise Market Day. This event offered students a wonderful opportunity to explore various stalls set up by their peers, gathering creative ideas for their own social enterprise projects launching next year.
It was an inspiring day filled with innovation and teamwork, and the school community can’t wait to see what Moyhu students will create.
2Where would you find cerumen?
3
1In which type of rock are fossils most likely to be found? Is it sedimentary, igneous or metamorphic?
“WANJINA” is located just 15 minutes to Wangaratta and a brief four minutes to Tarrawingee township.
The property consists of 59acres (approx) featuring sealed road access to both Boralma-Tarrawingee Road and Londrigan-Tarrawingee Road.
The brick veneer home is a solidly built 80s residence in immaculate condition.
The home consists of two bedrooms, both with BIR.
The main bathroom had a recent upgrade and features a separate shower, separate bath and separate toilet.
The kitchen was also recently updated with a gas upright stove, dishwasher, and adjoining dining space.
76 Reid Street
The lounge is separate and is complimented by a cosy combustion heater and brick feature wall.
Externally this property boasts a load of extras.
A games/bar room is perfect for entertaining guests with pool table area, fitted bar and separate office/ storeroom.
More lockable storage is available with another room separate and a fully fitted coolroom perfect for the home butcher.
Shedding is impressive with a machinery/workshop shed (18mx12m) featuring workshop benches, concrete floor along with light and power.
The farm is broken up into four main paddocks, one holding paddock
Open weekdays 9am to 5pm (closed 1pm to 1:45pm)
1300 004 863 humebank.com.au NOVEMBER 8 -
with terrific fencing throughout. Laneway system is in place for ease of stock work, all connecting to solid steel cattle yards with crush and loading ramp.
Stock water is fed from a reliable well to troughs, along with one dam. Water for the residence is from rainwater tanks.
Externally the house has a bore for garden use and the lawn features an irrigated water system.
Other notable features include a large carport suitable for small truck or large caravan, dual solar system (one 3Kw system and a second 6.5Kw system).
Allotments this size are a rarity in today’s market.
Agent | Harcourts Wangaratta
Phone | 03 5722 9444
Auction | 06/12/2024 1pm Onsite (Unless sold prior)
Land | 59 Acres
Location | 461 Boralma-Tarrawingee Road, Londrigan
If you are currently looking for a lifestyle property then look no further. “Wanjina” is being auctioned on December 6 unless sold prior.
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The region’s best property guide located inside your local paper every week and online anytime.
By DEREK OGDEN, Marque Motoring
AS the battle for the streets between electric power and the internal combustion engine continues the latter, in one case, is putting up a stiff rear-guard action with Hyundai upgrading its i30 N performance car.
The new hot hatch has been given a fresh appearance, advanced technology and enhanced safety equipment, capped off by swifter access to the fast-and-furious N Grin Shift function.
All join a powertrain and driving dynamics that already have put Hyundai’s first ‘N’ at the head of the ‘grid’.
With the MY25 upgrade
Australia is the only global market to offer the full Hyundai N range of i20, i30, i30 Sedan and Ioniq 5.
As the chief executive officer of the Hyundai Motor Company
Australia said: “These key updates are about improving the Hyundai i30 N formula without changing the fundamentals … adding to the wellrounded nature of this accessible and exciting performance vehicle”.
The i30 N is covered by a fiveyear unlimited kilometre warranty through Hyundai’s Lifetime Service Plan, which includes Premium Roadside Support Plan and Sat Nav Update Plan.
The 2025 Hyundai i30 N sports a refreshed face, incorporating a redesigned front radiator grille with red-accented inserts in the intakes.
Red detailing extends to the side skirts, adding a further touch of colour.
The 19-inch forged alloy wheels have also received a minor facelift showcased in a matte grey colour scheme.
Hyundai badging has also changed, with matte black on the rear and stylised ‘H’ centred on the meshed radiator grille.
Updated design of the suedeleather-and-Alcantara N bucket seats, with contrast blue stitching, hold occupants comfortably, especially during spirited driving, while the ambience is well supported by new gloss black finish around the gearshift lever.
Boot capacity is 381 litres with the rear seat backs up and 1287 litres with them folded.
Connectivity is better supported by the addition of three USB-C charge points, one in the front and two for back seat passengers, while rain-sensing wipers and an electronic mirror are both now standard, although the latter does have display problems with reflected light.
Among the scattergun upgrades one aspect remains.
Tried-and-tested ingredients are at the core of the i30 N.
At the forefront is the potent 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine pumping out 206kW at 6000rpm and 392Nm between 2100 and 4700rpm, plus a choice between a six-speed manual, or eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to the accompaniment of a raw roar from a chrome-tipped exhaust.
SAFETY
Hyundai SmartSense Safety includes forward collision avoidance assist, multi-collision braking, driver attention warning, lane keeping and lane-following assist, high beam assist, rear crosstraffic collision avoidance assist, safe exit warning and blind spot collision avoidance.
Safety updates include rear occupant alert, which detects if a rear door was opened or shut before the car was started and reminds the driver to check the seats before getting out of the vehicle.
Speed limit assist has the car
■ PETROL POWER: Hyundai’s new hot hatch has been given a fresh appearance, advanced technology and enhanced safety equipment.
provide audio and visual cues to appear when the speed limit is exceeded.
DRIVING
The i30 N test car had an early introduction to fickle Australian weather conditions, facing up to the first storm of the summer season.
In sheeting rain, the highperformance hatchback took to the conditions as well as many SUVs of today.
With an impending hail threat the car made a hasty retreat to take the last parking slot at an undercover car park.
Apart from that ‘unscheduled
incident’ the rest of the time with the potent performance vehicle was relatively relaxed.
Even so, in a unique driving experience, the updated steering wheel offered access to exciting possibilities, especially a red button switching to the cockily named NGS (N Grin Shift) overboost function, delivering 20 second spells of peak power, sharper gear shifts and brassy engine note.
The self-satisfied smile on the face of an enthusiastic driver, in this case, lasted a lot longer.
Combined urban/highway fuel consumption, claimed by the maker at 8.5 litres per 100
kilometres, compared with realtime figures of a tad over 10 litres per hundred kilometres in the city and 6.6 litres per hundred kilometres on the motorway.
SUMMARY
Roll up, roll up for what could be the last petrol powered i30 N hot hatch to come from Hyundai.
The latest upgrade deserves its place as a worthy example of the marque’s fossil-fueled performance pantheon.
RATINGS Looks – 8
– 6
– 7
– 7
– 9
– 5
– 8
– 8
ENGINE
Configuration: four cylinders inline
Maximum power 206kW @ 6000rpm
Maximum torque: 392Nm @ 2100-4700rpm
Fuel type: Premium unleaded petrol, 95 RON or more
Combined fuel cycle: (ADR 81/02) 8.5 L/100km
DRIVELINE: Eight-speed dual clutch automatic, front-wheel drive
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT, AND CAPACITIES
Length: 4340mm
Width: 1795mm
Height:1445mm
Wheelbase:2650mm
Turning circle: 10.6m
Kerb mass: 1541kg
Fuel tank: 50L
BRAKES
Front:
Apply now for the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Scholarship Program. This initiative provides fully funded training to help businesses create supportive, mentally healthy workplaces. Applications close December 13, 2024. The training itself will take place in March 2025. For more information and to apply https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/MHFA
• Tuesday 12 November 10.30am | Georgina Banks fundraiser and in conversation with Belinda Harrison from Edgars Books and News.
Bookings for all events are essential https://shorturl.at/Lx6zq
All are welcome to attend the Friends Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 19 November at 5.30pm. The Friends contribute to acquisitions for the collection; support events, programs, and catering and fund the annual student award. The AGM will include a talk by acclaimed printmaker Kim Westcott.
From now until 1 December your household may receive a call from independent market research agency, who have been commissioned to conduct a community satisfaction survey on behalf of Council. The agency will interview a sample of residents to assess Council’s performance across a range of measures, identifying ways to provide improvement or more effective service delivery to residents. Your details and responses are confidential. Only the overall results are shared with the Rural City of Wangaratta. We appreciate you taking the time to assist us with your valuable feedback. If you have any questions, please call Council on 5722 0888.
The 2023-2024 Annual Report has been endorsed and can be downloaded from our website here: https:// www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/annualreport2024.
Nominations for Rural City of Wangaratta Australia Day Awards 2025 are closing soon. Nominate a citizen, young citizen, community event, or project that has inspired you over the last year.
Nominations close at 6pm, Saturday 9 November 2024. For more information visit: https://bit.ly/4h0ymyK
Each month we are showcasing the cool, quirky, and unique shopping spots across our region. Until November 2024, residents and visitors are invited to explore our charming townships for a chance to win some awesome prizes. Make a purchase at participating businesses, scan the QR code at point of purchase, and you’re in! This month we are highlighting King Valley. More info here: https://bit.ly/3IZq8Xy
There will be a service in Wangaratta to honour armed forces members who have died in the line of duty. On the 11th minute of the 11th hour, we will remember them. Saturday 11 November
Wangaratta Cenotaph - Cnr Ovens & Docker St Service begins @10.30am
To assist residents to clean up around their property, we are offering free green waste disposal at all transfer stations for the whole month of November!
Garden waste, leaf litter, branches and woody material will be accepted. All green waste will be inspected upon entry to transfer stations so please ensure material is separated and free from contaminants, general waste, and recyclables. For further information please contact Council’s customer service team on (03) 5722 0888
Wareena Park Oval on Swan Street is closed for reconstruction, with completion expected by April 2025. Access to Wareena Park Pavilion, the carpark, toilets, dump point and the former bowls club will remain open for public use. Thank you for your patience as we work to improve this community space. To find out more visit Our Projects on our website.
Further details on all tenders may be obtained by visiting eProcure on Council’s website.
For further information on these positions please visit wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Your-Council/Careers
wangaratta.vic.gov.au
37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677
WANGARATTA HARNESS RACING CLUB INC
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Monday, November 25, 2024. Avian Park Raceway,
Enquires and correspondence:
Honorary Secretary
Moyhu Rural Fire Brigade PRE-SEASON MEETING, ESSENTIAL TRAINING AND BARBECUE Moyhu Fire Station Friday, November 15 6pm sharp New members welcome Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Annual General Meeting
Boorhaman Hall 7pm ALL WELCOME
Further information contact Judy 0418 129 367
PEECHELBA
Community Market, November 9, 2024, 9am-1pm, Peechelba Bush Reserve. Music, food, art, plants and much more.
Glenrowan Fire Brigade Pre-Season Meeting
Thursday, November 14 7.30pm Glenrowan Fire Station New Volunteers welcome All brigade members to attend. Enquiries: Peter 0408 313 979
To Visit Visited
GARAGE SALE, on November 9, 9am till 4pm, 4 Hoad Street Wangaratta. No early birds please.
To Visit Visited
HOUSEHOLD and workshop requisites. furniture, Tin trunks, Small trailer, garden tiller, fishing gear, gas gun scarer. Saturday November 9, 8 till 2 624 Benton Rd, Springhurst.
CONCRETING, big or small jobs, paths, driveways, shed slabs, verandahs, 15 years experience. For a free quote phone Trev Anderson on 0422 200 761.
FRANK’S DOG TRAINING, qualified, professional dog behaviourist, nationally accredited, obedience training, behavioral solutions, $70 a session. Ph 0418 314 610. Check out my dog tricks on Facebook.
PAINTER, old school, for all your painting needs, commercial, industrial renovations. Phone Juliano 0412 597 482.
PLASTERER, no job too small. Ph 0424 911 161.
ROUND baling contracting 4x5 rolls 04044471622
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.
TILING, wall/ floor, bathrooms, renovations. Phone Claude 0435 945 513. WHEELER
About North East Media (NEM)
NEM is an independent family owned media company with community and farming newspapers, magazines and websites across North East VIC, Southern and Central NSW.
The Wangaratta Division is responsible for a group of regular print and digital publications, including the tri weekly Wangaratta Chronicle and weekly Ovens and Murray Advertiser. We also have special publications, including North East Living Magazine, North East Tourist News, North East Farmer, Southern Farmer, North East Kids and Footy Focus. Who are we looking for?
The Wangaratta Division is looking for a driven and committed individual to join our advertising sales team, responsible for managing existing clients while growing your own sales.
The ideal candidate will have:
•At least 2 years’ sales experience (sales of advertising in multi-media is a plus, not essential)
•The capacity to see opportunities and market trends and a drive to achieve results to help our business grow
•Effective communication skills (verbal and written), enabling connection with a wide range of people across various industries
•The capability to sustain existing relationships and continuously build new ones
•An excellent work ethic and organisational skills (including maintaining current records in our company CRM program) enabling you to consistently meet deadlines and achieve your sales targets.
•The ability to collaborate (including with your manager, sales colleagues, our editors and graphic designers) to ensure seamless execution of advertising campaigns
•A motor vehicle and a current driver’s licence
What are we offering?
A full-time position with an attractive remuneration package comprising a base salary, commission and employer superannuation contributions.
While this is a maternity leave position, we envisage that the role will lead to an ongoing employment opportunity at the at the end of the 12 month maternity leave period.
How to apply
If you are self-motivated, results-orientated and looking for a challenge in the media environment, forward your resume and covering letter to: Kevin Spendier Advertising Manager kspendier@nemedia.com.au
(Operations & Services Positions)
Jubilee Golf Club are on the lookout for an enthusiastic individual to join our team and play a pivotal role in our Pro-Shop and golfing facilities area.
As part of our dynamic team, you’ll have opportunities for growth, development, and a chance to work in a picturesque setting.
The ideal candidates will exhibit flexibility in working varied shifts across a 7-day roster, including weekdays, weekends and public holidays. MiClub golf timesheet and competition software is used (full training will be provided). Responsible Service of Alcohol Certification (or willingness to obtain).
If you’re excited about being part of our team, we encourage you to enquire or submit your cover letter and resume to:
The Secretary, 0437 800 982 pinjarra.1@bigpond.com
Application closing date Friday, November 29, 2024 Publications, Communications & Reception Officer
We require a fulltime Publications and Communications Officer covering all aspects of College publications, print and online media, social media and website maintenance. The successful applicant will also assist in administration, including maintaining family and student records, census, and providing reception support for busy periods and absences.
We offer an attractive salary in line with experience.
For a position description and in order to apply, please scan the QR code below or visit https://careers.ceosand.catholic.edu.au/ jobs/search and search the job number below. Please include a cover letter that addresses the key selection criteria.
For more information, please contact the Business Manager on (03) 5752 1596. Marian College is a Catholic secondary school, serving the Myrtleford and Alpine Valley regions of Victoria’s North East. The College enjoys close partnerships with St Mary’s Primary School and St Mary’s Parish.
Monday 11th
Wangaratta
VPS 2 Value 1 - $58,539 - $66,858 / Value 2 - $68,045 - $75,175 (full-time equivalent per annum) plus superannuation
Ongoing - Full Time
Administration Support Officers provide a point of contact for key stakeholders from a diverse range of organisations, government, private, public and community services sectors. Attention to detail and teamwork underpin success in this role as well as a demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively and effectively. The role provides wide ranging administrative, secretariat and support functions.
The Administration Officer provides assistance to the Child Protection program and will be responsible for a range of key tasks from preparation of high-level correspondence, complaint management, diary management, meeting preparation, minute taking, coordination and management of a range of secretariat and administrative support functions.
Pivotal to your success in this challenging yet fulfilling role, the successful candidate will possess demonstrable skills in the following key areas.
• Exceptionally strong organisational skills coupled with a strong problem-solving skills and ability to take the initiative
• Self-motivated underpinned by a can-do attitude.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills with the ability to forge relationships at all levels of the Organisation
• A remarkably strong team focus with responsiveness and attentiveness a strong indicator of future success
Contact for further information: Angie O’Halloran angie.ohalloran@dffh.vic.gov.au
Reference number: DFFH/COPL/0381418
Applications close: 13 November 2024
For more information about this opportunity, please go to www.careers.vic.gov.au and download a position description to view departmental information, the selection criteria, our pre employment screening requirements and our Diversity and Inclusion commitments.
About the Company: At Brown Family Wine Group, we are passionate about our quality wines and our amazing people, and we are committed to the core family values of our company - Wellbeing, Respect, Innovation and Pride in What We Achieve Together. We are a proud and passionate business who is strong on values and culture. Most recently we have identified by workplace culture authority Great Place to Work as one of the 100 Best Workplaces in Australia for 2024. We have also maintained our certification as “A Great Place to Work” for the sixth year in a row and we are committed to honouring this recognition throughout all aspects of the business.
Location: Our Winery is based in Milawa northeast Victoria and only 15 minutes’ drive from Wangaratta.
Opportunities Available: We’re on the hunt for fit, healthy, and enthusiastic individuals to work in our winery over our busy vintage period – from early February to around mid-April 2025. We have multiple roles available – Cellar Hands (no experience required as full training will be available), Forklift Operators (with HR licence (LF) and at least 12 months experience) and Laboratory Assistants (a minimum of year 12 chemistry study or experience in laboratory techniques).
What’s Required: A good level of physical fitness, be committed to work for the entire vintage period (approx. 8 –10 weeks), the flexibility to work shifts and a willingness to work up to 6-7 days/week. Overtime and appropriate penalty rates will apply.
This is a great opportunity for students who are considering a GAP year to work locally and gain some work experience in a dynamic, safe and supportive environment.
What’s on Offer:
•Opportunities to meet new people
•A safe working environment
•Comprehensive training and induction
•Product Discount
•Work with a leading globally recognised brand
•Accredited Great Place to Work
Timing: Interviews will be held in mid to late November with the roles commencing early February through to mid-April (depending on the season).
Applications close 8 November 2024.
Senior Solicitor
163-167 Welsford Street Shepparton (Flexible-Hybrid)
$109,730 - $132,764 (full-time equivalent per annum) plus superannuation
Full-time. Flexible. Fixed term from appointment until 19 December 2025
The Senior Solicitor role in the Statewide Child Protection Litigation Office (Statewide CPLO) is responsible for providing legal services including advice, support and representation for child protection. The solicitor is required to appear and conduct litigation matters in various courts including the Children’s Court of Victoria, Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), and related jurisdictions. You will work predominantly with one of Statewide CPLO’s legal teams and will travel to various Children’s Court locations and child protection offices.
Contact for further information: Kylie Caminha Kylie.Caminha@dffh.vic.gov.au | 0492 299 001
Reference number: DFFH/CDS/567317
Applications close: Sunday 17 November 2024
For more information about this opportunity, please go to www.careers.vic.gov.au and download a position description to view departmental information, the selection criteria, our pre employment screening requirements and our Diversity and Inclusion commitments.
Join our amazing team of educators and a professional environment that is passionate, collegial and focused on learning for all. We are currently seeking applicants for the following ongoing positions:
2015 HINO, 187,000 km’s, 12/24 Rego (1SM6CX) 3.5 TONNE, DIESEL MOTOR, TUCKAWAY TAILGATE VERY GOOD CONDITION, COMES WITH RWC
Ph 0419 030 666 PRICE TO SELL AT $35,000
2015 Hyundai i30 Trophy, mint condition, leather seats, alloy w heels, 150,000 Country Kms, full service history, RWC provided, rego till May 25 (1EK1PD), $12,000. Ph 0404 704 300.
ISUZU Tipper for sale, 2016 model, 102,000km, 6.5 gvm, very good condition, reg (XV12DL),$65,000 including GST. Ph 0428 356 463.
3.8 MTR
Our school community promotes the safety, wellbeing, Galen Catholic College embraces diversity and social inclusion backgrounds to apply.
Are you passionate about Early Childhood Education and seeking a new career opportunity?
NERPSA is an Early Years Management organisation, dedicated to providing high quality education and care in North East of Victoria. NERPSA is committed to providing and actively promoting the safety and wellbeing of all children in our services. We are currently seeking dedicated Early Childhood Teachers and Educators to join our team in 2025. We are also offering a limited number of traineeships and school-based apprenticeships. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
description please contact Angelina on 0428 982 617 or hr@nerpsa.com.au.
To apply, please submit your resume, a cover letter detailing your experience, and three referees who can comment on your experience working with children, to Angelina at hr@nerpsa.com.au.
Closing 5pm 22nd November 2024.
P.D and W.S
S.D x W.S Hillview Rams Chiltern 0437 490 738
Breeding rams since 1994
1 Girl, 4 Boys Jack Russell pups, ready to go from November 12, Microchipped, vaccinated and wormed. $1000.00 each.
Microchip numbers: 95600160801510
95600001608870 956000016018442 956000016078820 956000016046758
Source Number: MB265002
OLD cars wanted, cars removed. Ph 0435 083 115.
WANTED! Pop-
Top caravan or an aluminium boat 75 horsepower or higher with steering wheel. Ph 0402 113 112.
If you don't use it...
FIREWOOD
Bulk loads
Redgum box and Bluegum Garden sleepers
Post and rail fencing Onsite milling Firewood cut and split Ph 0448 933 999
2021 Sea-Doo Fish Pro Jetski 140h, $16,000, just serviced, comes with fish finder. Ph 0408 573 651.
ELECTONE electric organ with 4 leg stool, 2 rows of keys plus foot pedals, $450 or nearest offer. Ph 0400 615 998.
ELECTRIC Scooter, excellent condition, as new, all inclusive battery charger, $1000 ONO, paid $1800. Ph 0436 425 412.
FREE Range Hens, ISA Brown Pullets, POL, $30 each. Phone Becky or Hugh on 5798 1868.
TYRES new and secondhand, trailer, rims, wrecking. New hours 9am to 5pm, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 44 Newman Street, Wangaratta. Ph 0428 257 221, Adzam Tyres.
$5kg bring your own containers
Open 8am-5pm daily (closed Fridays)
SMITH’S GLENROWAN ORCHARDS 0408 597 770
BIRD, Russell Keith Bedford “Keith”.
18/8/1947 – 5/11/2024
Aged 77 years.
Passed away suddenly at Northeast Health on November 5, 2024.
Loved son of Ron and Marjorie (both dec).
Adored husband to Lynette. Loved father to Damian and stepfather to Carina. Granddad to Ethan, Joshua and Jackson.
Silent thoughts of time together, Hold memories that will last forever. As per the families wishes, a private funeral service will be held.
A donation made in memory of Keith to The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research would be greatly appreciated. Donations can be made online at www.wehi.edu.au/
Mason Park Funerals
5721 5060 masonpark.com.au
JACKSON (Wise), Irene Rita.
16/7/1929 – 1/11/2024
Passed away peacefully after a short illness, surrounded by her family. An extraordinary life, well lived over 95 years.
Loving and loved wife of Keith (dec).
Loving mother of Raymond and Jenny; Mervyn and Glenys.
Cherished Nan of Kara, Michael, Coby, Genna, Timothy, Janet.
Adored Great Nan of Nathan, Jordan, Erika and Emilio.
Her love, generosity, compassion and kindness was a blessing to us all. Family was her dearest treasure, and she was ours. Gone from this life but held dearly in our hearts forevermore.
JACKSON (Wise), Irene Rita.
16/7/1929 - 1/11/2024
As the years unfolded, we all appreciated you more and more.
We are all thankful that you were a special part of all our lives. Always showing your love in many ways.
You will be forever loved and missed.
~ Ray, Jenny, Kara, Michael, Nathan, Coby, Jordan and Genna.
JACKSON (Wise), Irene Rita.
16/7/1929 – 1/11/2024
We shall miss the love she devoted to us, her time, her care, her selflessness along with her delicious baked treats, especially the cream sponge birthday cakes, on every birthday.
We loved her ability to see the positive in the world and her readiness to laugh at her own jokes.
An extraordinary life, of 95 years, fully lived with determination and tenacity to the very end.
The last of her family line, now rejoined in the next life, including with her beloved Keith.
A unique Mum, Nan and Great Nan forever inscribed in our lives and hearts.
Dearly loved Mum of Mervyn and Glenys; adored Nan of Tim, Janet and generously loving Great Nan of Erika and Emilio.
MOZURAS, Margaret.
The Staff and residents of Illoura Residential Aged Care are saddened by the recent passing of Margaret Mozuras. We would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Margaret during this difficult time.
SPEZIALE, Romeo. 3/7/1953 – 31/10/2024
Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories. We will miss your sense of humor and your fun- loving ways.
You will be forever in our hearts.
Love from Adrian and Aurelia, Rosie and family, Nick, Anne and Family, John, Beatrice and Family. Rest in peace.
JACKSON
The funeral service to celebrate the life of Irene Rita Jackson will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Friday, November 15, 2024 commencing at 10.30am. Burial will follow the service at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery. Irene’s wishes were for all attending on the day to wear colourful clothing.
Mason Park Funerals 5721 5060 masonpark.com.au
Cory Knight November 1, 2020.
Four years have passed, No one knows the heartache that lies behind our smiles. They say that time heals, but neither time nor reason will change the way I feel. No one knows how many times I have broken down and cried. Missing you. ~ Love Mum.
LUMBY, John William. Passed away November 6, 2011.
Time slips by and life goes on, But from our hearts you are never gone. We have so many precious memories, That throughout our lives will stay, of our special Dad and Pop, Who is remembered with love each day.
Dearly loved Dad and Pop of Sharon, Michael and Jordan.
POWER, Margaret Nancy November 9, 2019. In Loving Memory of our; Maggie, Mum, Nanny &
Deeply
forever
~ Bill, Ash, Narelle, Kerryn, Trevor and our families.
By PHOEBE MORGAN
ANOTHER calendar of ‘Historic Myrtleford Images’ is now available for residents and those who were once locals, to seek a memento of the past.
The images selected for the Myrtleford and District Historical Society (MDHS) 2025 Historical Calendar range from an event in 1854 to a fire in 1978.
They are a blend of photographs from the historical society’s catalogue and the ‘Tiff Rayner’ Collection.
“We produce the calendar every year,” former historical society president, John Taylor said.
“Tiff Rayner released them from 2008 until his sudden death in 2016.
“From there, we’ve been following on the tradition of releasing these calendars for him.”
The photographs represent community life in the district across that period and include important social and recreational events, residents’ working lives, transportation and those signifi-
cant places which still exist today.
“We try to coordinate a suitable photograph to pair with each month,” said MDHS president Kerry Murtagh.
“In April, for example, we wanted to represent Anzac Day with a photograph of a Light Horse Brigade.”
The calendars are available at Myrtleford’s Old School Museum on Sundays, open from 11am to 2pm, or at the monthly community market, held on the second Saturday of each month from 8:30am to 12pm.
“The historical society greatly appreciates the continuing support of the Myrtleford Post Office and Myrtleford Newsagency, where the calendars can be found now and at other times throughout the year,” Mr Taylor said.
“Purchasing one for $20 is a means of supporting our ongoing work of preserving, recording and displaying artefacts and documents and assisting an increasing number of people doing family research in what is a challenging time for small community museums.”
By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE
BRIGHT’S 32nd Rod Run is bringing a welcome boost to the local economy, with local businesses reporting visitors are staying for longer and spending more.
Bright Chamber of Commerce president Marcus Warner said the annual event this weekend provides a “significant economic boost to the town and local community on what would normally be a very quiet weekend, post the long weekend.”
“Local businesses are reporting people are coming for longer stays this year, around five to six day stays instead of the three to four day stay we usually see which is helping fill in the gaps between the long weekend and the Rod Run,” he said.
“Lots of businesses who would not normally benefit on a traditionally quiet weekend do very well out of this event which is encouraging to see.
“It’s great that the spend isn’t just on the cars but extends into the community and is spread among local businesses.”
Organiser Mike Dealt said
he expects to see around 500 entrants and 15,000 people enjoying festivities over the three day carnival.
“The cars are coming up on the Tuesday of Melbourne Cup and not going home until Monday or Tuesday of the next week,” he said.
“So we put something on for three days but they’re around a lot longer; it’s a carnival event these days.”
Alcohol restrictions are again in place during the period 10pm Thursday, November 7 to 7am Monday, November 11 for the event.
The alcohol restrictions apply to public areas across the Bright CBD, including Gavan Street, Railway Avenue, Ireland Street, Howitt Park and Centenary Park.
There will be road closures on Wood Street, Burke Street, Camp Street and Ireland Street.
Prominent temporary signage and advertising will be used to ensure that the alcohol restrictions designation is well communicated to event attendees.
For tickets, go to https:// www.trybooking.com/events/ landing/1148341.
75 per cent of Bright’s valley residential development stage one lots sold
By Leah Anderson-Byrne
CIVIL works for stage one of the Bright Valley residential development are well underway, with plans to build a $4 million communal landscape community facility which developer Will Deague believes will be the most extensive in any subdivision in Victoria.
Mr Deague, who is chief executive officer of Deague Group, said 75 per cent of the 50 lots that make up stage one of the total 40 hectare subdivision on the western outskirts of Bright, have been sold.
“So far we’ve had 2000 inquiries to date, organically
through our website, without much advertising,” he said.
“A third of those have gone to holiday makers, a third to owner/occupiers and a third to investors with the most popular property our three bedroom house.
“We’re also three weeks away from completing a display home at 4 Gavin Street, showcasing the house type we’re building at Bright Valley and we’re excited to show that off to everyone.
“Onsite, Winslow have started civil works which includes the wetlands north western corner where we’ve built a storm water runoff for the entire site.
“It’s the lowest point of
the site and from there the storm water gets cleaned before heading to an outfill drain to the river.
“We’ve done a temporary swell drain running along the Great Alpine Road which will relieve any flooding
around the valley area, before we move onto the power and sewerage civil works.”
Mr Deague said the first two stages will work on and below the monocline embankment separating the lower and upper portions of the site.
“We’ve given Alpine Shire Council our draft plans but are about to launch detailed plans for the $4 million landscaping works we’re doing along that monocline,” he said.
“We’re doing pump tracks, barbecue areas, a sculpture park, outdoor gymnasiums, lookouts, water features and areas for working away from home, and we’ve given council plans for three slides based on the ski fields, for kids play.
“We’re hoping to have all works complete by the end of next year, with the first houses to be built mid-next year after the civil works and statement of compliance are done.
“We hope to start and never stop, and that our development will help the key worker accommodation shortage.
“It’s such a unique town with the lack of residential land and I think the price growth will be maintained with short term letting in strong demand.
“We’ll continue working with community and council and we’re excited to show everyone the quality we can deliver.”
Saturday, November 2
Men’s 18 Hole Stroke/Pairs
Championship
A Grade Winner: Chris Palmer 70. B Grade Winner: Trevor Nippress 65. C Grade Winner: Martin Hill 72. D Grade Winner: Robert Skase 71.
Ball winners: Alex Jones 71, Nigel Cooper 71, Glenn Ryan 72, Robert Voss 72, Stephen Wilson 72, Dean Murdoch 73, Andrew Walker 73, Bernie Grealy 73, Colin Braden 73, Bronte Bruce 73, Daniel McPhee 74, Peter Collihole 74, Alex Gibbs 74, Gary Waldder count back from many 74.
Pairs Championships
Scratch: Greg Rigoni and Steve Fisher 168. Nett: Gary Walder and Alex Jones 145.
NTPs - 4th: Neville Hogan, 8th: Greg Rigoni, 13th: Bill O’Brien, 17th: Gary Walder.
Saturday, November 2
Ladies’ 18 Hole Stroke
Winner: Jackie O’Brien 70.
Ball Winners: Linda Stone (2) 71, Mary Jones 73, Vicki Moorhead 74. NTPs - 4th: Jackie O’Brien, 8th: Linda Stone, 13th: Linda Stone, 17th: Ange Mitchell.
Sunday, November 3
Men’s and Ladies Stableford
A Grade Winner: John Johnstone
41. B Grade Winner: Wayne Hibberson 37.
Ball winners: Felix Gamze 37, Matt Sanders 36, Glenn O’Connell 35, Di Murphy 34, Oliver Andrew 34.
NTPs - 4th: Di Murphy, 8th: Tanu Nu’u, 13th: Wayne Hibberson.
Sunday, November 3
Men’s and Ladies’ Stableford
A Grade Winner: Peter Challman
38. B Grade Winner: Chris Allan 44.
Ball winners: Liane Graham 36, Trevor Nippress 35, Mark Flack 35, Josie Fitzsimons 34, Joshua Hartwig 34, Melody Adams c/b 34. NTPs - 4th: Andrew Skewes, 8th: Josh Hartwig, Josie Fitzsimons, 13th: Aaron Kungl, Melody Adams, 17th: Aaron Kungl, Liane Graham.
Monday, November 4
Men’s vets 18 hole Stableford
A Grade winner: Keith Moorhead
38. B Grade winner: Stan Goldsworthy 38. C Grade winner: Phillip Bebb 35.
Ball Winners: John McKenzie 37, Alan White 36, Alex Gibbs 36, Gordon Patterson on c/B from others 34. NTPs - 4th: Stan Goldsworthy, 8th:
Pat Ernst, 13th: Ian Harboard.
Wednesday, November 6
Men’s 18 Hole Par
A Grade Winner: Keith Moorhead +3. B Grade Winner: Brian Luxford +2.
C Grade Winner: Noel Holmes +3.
Ball winners: Ian Wiedemann 2
balls +2, Bernie Grealy +2, Brendon Essex +1, Ian Dinsdale +1, Martin Hill +1, Michael Baillie c/b from others 0.
NTPs - 4th: Brian Luxford, 8th: Peter Ford, 13th: Stan Goldsworthy, 17th: Trevor Nippress.
Wednesday, November 6
Men’s 9 Hole Stableford
A Grade Winner: Mark Dean 21. B
Grade Winner: Michael Lugg 19.
Ball winners: Leo McKoy 20, Alan White 18, Mal White 18, Brendan Nolan c/b from others 16. NTPs - 13th: Ron Renkin .
WGC COMPETITIONS: Week ending November 3
Women’s
Tuesday, October 29
18 Hole Stableford Event
Winner: Lorraine Adams 37 points. Runner Up: Maggie Ray 36 points C/B.
Ball Winners: Candice Jones, Lois Sanderson, Nora Martin, Jan Hill, Dona Harper, Barbara Thomas, Dawn Fleet, Karen Smith.
NTPs - 7th: Nora Martin, 11th: Jan Hill.
9 Hole Stableford
Winner: Wendy Stephens 19 points. Runner Up: Rosemary Webb. Men’s
Wednesday, October 30
18 Hole Stableford Event
Winner: Trevor Trimble 40 points. Runner Up: Robert Fischer 39 points C/B.
Ball Winners: William Slade, Tennessee Younger, Andy Raison, Matt Nicolosi, Ethan Roach, Stuart Bowman.
NTPs - 4th: Rod Moyle, 7th: Bobby Hutchieson, NTP 9th: Bill Dodd, NTP 11th: Jake Burns, NTP 16th: Ethan Roach.
9 Hole Stableford
Winner: Sam Antonacci 18 points C/B. Runner Up: Peter King 18 points.
Ball Winners: Graeme Arnold, Graham Whitehead, John Millman.
Women’s
Thursday, October 31
18 Hole Stroke Event, Medal of Medals Winner: Sue McCall 75 nett.
Runner Up: Barbara Thomas 80 nett.
18 Hole Stableford
Winner: Maggie Ray 37 points.
Runner Up: Jan Hill 35 points.
Ball Winners: Rosemary Webb, Nora Martin, Ros Gormly.
NTPs - 9th: Ros Gormley, 11th: Glenda Dodson.
Men’s
Saturday, November 2
18 Hole Stableford Event
A Grade Winner: Dean Campagna 39 points. Runner Up: Jeremy Winter 38 points. B Grade Winner: David Altair 40 points C/B. Runner Up: Luca Campagna 40 points.
Ball Winners: John Southwell, Ethan Roach, Cameron Nottle, Christopher Martens, Rod Moyle, Jared Lea, Michael Banister, Will Styles, Graeme Ray, Mark Comensoli, Geoffrey Webster.
NTPs - 4th: Geoffrey Webster, 7th: Rod Moyle, 9th: Ray Hutton, 11th: Phillip Winnell, 13th: Jeremy Winter.
Birdies: Subway - Ethan Roach.
Secret 6: Jared Lea.
Raffle Winner: Karen and Ed Smith.
Sunday, November 3
18 Hole Medley Stableford
Winner: Trevor Cooper 41 points. Runner Up: Riley Southwell 38 points.
Ball Winners: Martin Anania, Brandon Bowen.
9 Hole Medley Stableford
Winner: Carl Stibilj 21 points.
Runner Up: Andrew Storer 16 points.
TARRAWINGEE Golf Club results
Saturday, November 2.
The members played for the November Monthly Medal and it was won by Pete Nolan 92/26/66.
The runner up was Mark Nolan returning after a hip replacement with a nett 70.
Nearest the pins on the 2nd was Lindsay Steer and on the 4th was Pete Nolan.
A total of five members attended the Yackandandah Annual with some mixed success and to support other NEDGA clubs event with their Tournaments.
Golf to be played on Saturday, November 9 will be organised on the day with all members welcome, with an 11.30am roll up and 12 noon hit-off.
New members are always welcome at the Tarrawingee club with a first-year membership
of $100 and very reasonable competition fees, this can be done by contacting a member or phoning 0428 122 590.
Members are reminded that the Annual Meeting of the Tarrawingee Golf Club is to be held after golf on November 30 at approximately 1.30 pm, all members are advised to attend.
RESULTS for Monday, November 4 are as follows:
Janet Kelly and Terry Wilson d Margaret Bennett and Gavan Kelly 7/1, Christine Ireland d Gabi Heywood 7/5.
Last weekend Andy Barbero was runner-up in the Owen Edwards Challenge held in Melbourne.
The field was mostly members of the Victorian Squad playing against each other with the winner being Owen Dickinson of Essendon Croquet Club.
On Wednesday evening play was interrupted twice by heavy rain, thunder and lightning.
Play is at 9am on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, with twilight play from 6.00pm on Wednesday evenings.
Please arrive 15 minutes earlier to allow for a draw to be undertaken.
The club is located at 46 Ryan Avenue, Wangaratta.
For further information please contact president Susan Fischer on 0417 217 009 or secretary Terry Wilson on 0417 326 739.
SATURDAY, November 2.
White Box Walk, Chiltern-Mt Pilot NP.
This popular walk was attended by nine members and five casual walkers who followed up the ‘Try Bushwalking’ campaign by Bushwalking Victoria and attended their first walk with us.
The 8.5km loop walk starts at the Honeyeater Picnic Area then heads off to the remains of the Golden Bar Open-Cut Mine.
The forest is a remnant of the Box-Ironbark type and is made up of mostly Grey Box, White Box, Red Box and Mugga Ironbark.
The forest is young having regrown after mining operations and logging ceased.
There are old mineshafts and mullock dumps remaining from the
mining.
There were several birds about and our twitcher Pete identified the following: Olive-backed Oriole (we heard then throughout the walk), Brown Treecreeper, Striated Pardalote, Grey Shrike Thrush, Kookaburra, White-winged Choughs.
Other birds calling most likely species of Honeyeater and others saw a lorikeet or rosella.
There were very little flowering eucalypts etc thus the lack of birds.
We also came across five kangaroos, an echidna and two wallabies, one with a joey with feet extending out of the doe’s pouch. Wildflowers that we came across were the everlasting, nodding blue lily, bluebells, plus other purple and mauve wildflowers.
We came across grass trees close to the end of the walk.
Morning tea was taken at some fallen trees for seating enroute, and lunch was back at the Honeyeater Picnic area along with a cuppa.
Coming Events
Sunday, November 17
Mount Glenrowan and Chick Hill, WONP (Jeanette, 0417 546 974).
A medium return walk of approximately 11km, mostly along gravel road and some bush tracks, with a visit to Chick Hill enroute to Morgans Lookout at Mount Glenrowan for excellent views.
There is one steep section of sealed road leading to the communication towers near the start and end of the walk
Saturday, November 30
Kangaroo Hill, Eldorado (Jeanette, 0417 546 974).
A choice of two walks.
A medium/hard loop walk of approximately 14km from Eldorado township to Reedy Creek, and into the Chiltern Mount Pilot National Park.
Following gravel roads, bush tracks and a short, steep, rough and rocky scramble over a partly eroded bush track enroute to the top of Kangaroo Hill for excellent views, then back down to a creek crossing. Some minor waterfalls if there’s been enough rain.
A shorter option of ~11km excludes the climb up Kangaroo Hill. Both walks include a creek crossing, so BYO spare footwear and poles.
MILAWA have confirmed their senior coaches ahead of the 2025 O&K football and netball seasons.
Matt Graham will stay on as coach of the senior Demons for his third season in the top job, while Kerrie Gray will continue in her role as Milawa’s A grade netball coach.
After first being appointed as coach ahead of the 2023 season, in partnership with club champion Ben Clarke, Graham will steer the ship solo in 2025.
Under Graham, the senior Demons have been extremely competitive, making finals each year and maintaining a healthy win/ loss record of 24-15.
While they were knocked out in the first week of finals in 2024, Graham said the objective was continued and lasting growth and improvement.
“Our goal is clear – sustained success across all levels, from creating junior pathways, develop our reserve players and to drive our seniors,” he said.
“We’re driven to create a club where local talent thrives, with strong pathways and a culture
that pushes everyone to be their best.
“I’m proud to lead this next chapter and confident in our ability to achieve something special as a community.”
Over on the netball court, Kerrie Gray was confirmed to continue as the Demon’s A grade coach.
The Demons have been one of the teams to beat for the past few seasons, and despite not making the grand final for the first time since 2017, Gray said the entire netball program performed exceptionally well.
“You can’t always measure suc-
cess by the trophy cabinet, this season was really successful,” she said.
“A grade played some awesome netball during the season before being riddled with illness and injury during finals.
“Our under 15s that Ella (Kent) and I coached were amazing, their improvement as individual players and as a team was so good, and they got to experience finals netball.
“I am keen to get back to training and start working with our coaches and players to make sure that we again have a successful season and give ourselves every
opportunity to play finals.
“We will continue to focus on our junior development pathways and getting the basics right across our club,
“I am really committed to engaging players by challenging them with new drills and strategies – the game is evolving and we need to as well.”
The club also announced their full netball coaching staff, with Kim Michelini (B grade), Kerri Michelini (B reserve), Sarah Matthews-Vincent (under 17s), and Ella Kent and Maya Ackroyd (under 15s) leading the squads.
PUBLIC access to the $12.4 million new basketball stadium at the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre is still off limits.
Rural City of Wangaratta advised that the required Occupancy Permit has been delayed due to the ongoing process of confirming that all fire safety requirements have been met.
Council reported that this
matter is only for the new works, with no impact to the existing WSAC facility.
“This process is outside the control of the WSAC team and is necessary to ensure the building’s safety and compliance,” a spokesperson said.
“Council continues to work closely with fire safety experts to ensure the facility meet safety standards.
“Progress has been made towards completing this, but the time it will take remains unclear.
“Further updates will be provided when more information is available.
“We understand the facility’s importance to sporting group’s activities and regret any inconvenience this delay may cause.
“We’ll continue to work with
By NATHAN DE VRIES
WHOROULY’S A grade netballers are well equipped to tackle the 2025 O&K season, with senior coach Kelly Cousins remaining in the top job at the Den.
Cousins, who in her first season back in charge of the A grade squad, led her charges to an elimination final, holding their own year-long against some of the best sides in the competition.
Cousins said she was eager to continue to build the side.
“If you want to make your mark or get any inroads at a club, you’ve got to give at least two years,” she said.
“I’ll just be A grade coach this year, I won’t be taking B grade.
“It’ll be good just to focus on the one team, it’s not easy doing backto-back games, and even at training you’re only one person, you can only be in one place at one time.”
A poor first half in Whorouly’s 2024 elimination final against Tarrawingee ultimately spelled defeat for the Lions, but Cousins said there were crucial lessons to take from the experience.
“We’re getting there, we’re on the cusp of really matching it with those top four sides, we’ll push them next year,” she said.
“We’re just looking to be able to consistently increase our intensity and match that across four quarters.
“If you look at our final with Tarrawingee, they blew us out in the first half, but in the second half we were only a few goals down.
“The girls definitely have the ability to match it, they just have to learn to match it across the four quarters.”
With a new senior football coach bringing players out to the Den, there would doubtless also be some new faces in the netball program for 2025.
stakeholders to complete this process as soon as possible and ensure a successful public opening.”
The only action the new court has had is when a pre-season match was played at the stadium between South Melbourne Phoenix and Brisbane Bullets, attracting a massive audience of more than 1000 people on August 29.
The club has already confirmed Sally Sharp’s addition to the ranks, who arrived at Whorouly with partner Declan Hoy-Maroney.
“There are a few extras I’ve heard on the vine that might be coming with some footballers,” Cousins teased.
“We probably won’t have our try-outs until late January, but we’re going to start preseason up at the end of November which will coincide with the footballers.
“I guess it’s wait and see at this time.”
By SHANE DOUTHIE
PATIENCE will be the key when Beechworth Wanderers continue their chase to overhaul Rovers United Bruck’s (RUB) gettable total of 189 in round 4 of WDCA A grade.
That said they will have to do it without opener Kayde Surrey who was dismissed for just two runs caught off the bowling of Jacob Schonafinger when Wanderers had to navigate two overs before the close of play.
It was Schonafinger who earlier provided the anchor for RUB’s total, top-scoring with 51 as his teammates fell around him at regular intervals, despite several making handy starts.
Wanderers coach Kate Burns was happy with the side’s effort to restrict RUB to fewer than 200 runs on the fairly hard Baarmutha Park ground.
“The under 16s in the game before were going at a run a ball so I thought our bowlers did pretty well,” Burns said.
“When Richie (Worcester) felt some tightness in his hammy (after just eight overs) a few others had to step up and bowl some extra overs.
“I was particularly impressed with Henry Scalzo, he bowled really well and is only in his first year out of juniors.”
Scalzo took 2/21 from seven overs with his left-arm seamers, his inswingers causing headaches for the right-handed batters.
Kayde Surrey took 3/17 from 12 overs, while Brenton Surrey and Timothy Cogger took two each and Jack Ryan deserves a mention for his epic 18 overs effort.
Burns said while the 190 target was achievable her
■ From back page
“Thrummy’s great - he put his hand up, wanted to open for the two-dayers, so we chucked him in to give him a crack and he loves it.
“He just chews up balls, gets under the opposition’s skin and he’s not afraid to put it away if the time comes, he’s solid as a rock.
“Joshy’s just backing it up off his hundred he got in the last game, so he’s in fantastic nick – it would be good to see him go big again.”
With the match accelerating at a rapid pace, if the Colts can mount a large enough total, an outright result may not be out of the question.
“We don’t really have any plans as to how far and how much we want to go, we’ll see how we go,” Giggins said.
“We might be able to bang a 250 score on the board and send them back in at some point.”
The second day of the A grade’s first longform matches resume this Saturday from 1pm.
BREAKTHROUGH EFFORT: Henry Scalzo took two early wickets against RUB to help restrict the their innings.
side won’t be taking anything for granted.
“We have to secure the points first before we think about anything else,” she said.
“They’ve got a lot of talent in their bowling line-up so our batters will have to be on their game.
“Before the game I would have said Kayde was due for a big score, he’s been batting so well, but he got himself out and will now face a long day ahead watching the others.
“We will need one of our batters to set themself for a big innings and hopefully
a few others can contribute along the way.
“We have the batting depth, players like Clancy (Ellett) and Brenton know what to do and young Will Prebble at number three is due.
“He’s only 15 but it shows how much faith Brenton has in him.”
If the Wanderers can reach the target on Saturday, what happens after that will depend on a number of factors.
“If we can get the 190 it will be up to Brenton to decide which way we go, whether it’s chasing more runs or going for quick wickets, he’ll decide that on the field,” Burns said.
“But we have to focus on reaching the target before anything else.”
And while the A grade men do battle this weekend, the under 14 girls have their second round of matches
By NATHAN DE VRIES
THIS Sunday, the best junior cricketers in the Wangaratta and District Cricket Association have the chance to cement their spots in the league’s sides ahead of the representative season.
The WDCA will be holding their trials over the next few weeks in the leadup to the first junior representative cricket clash of the 2024/25 season.
This Sunday, the league will hold trials for the under 15, under 14, and under 13 teams, with under 12s trials to be hosted next Sunday, November 17, down in Benalla at the Arundel Street grounds.
Locally, the under 15 trial
begins from 10am at Bill O’Callaghan Oval, while the under 14 for the Blue and Gold sides will be on the second Barr Reserve oval.
The selection trials for the Under 13 Blue and Gold squads will take place this weekend at North Wangaratta Recreation Reserve.
The under 16 side has already been selected, with 12 players set to take on Shepparton on Sunday, November 24, with a venue to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
WDCA junior cricket coordinator Wayne Cooper said the trials allowed players from across the region to try their hand at a higher level.
“We do our best to pick our best team,” he said.
“The WDCA rep program allows people from every club in our area to trial.”
The representative program has produced some stars who have gone on to higher standards of cricket, such as Jobe Kennedy and Jimmy Thewlis in Premier Cricket, or Harry Jones and Jobe Fraser in Vic Country sides for national championships.
Cooper said while the representative season will still go ahead, it will look slightly different from previous years.
“We’re still doing the internal trial and we’re playing Shepparton and Murray Valley, but Country Week locally is different, there’s no under 16s anymore, there are only
with Beechworth taking on RUB at Mayday Hills Oval from 9am on Sunday.
Burns said more girls are invited to join the club as the competition hopes to expand.
“Not all girls want to play with the boys so if you love cricket this is the place to be,” she said.
“The under 14s are coached by Lewis Richards and we want to encourage more girls to get involved.
“It’s a really great environment for kids to be a part of.”
Burns said she was hopeful of organising some friendlies for the senior women’s side too so any women interested is also urged to come along.
For information on how to join go to the PlayCricket website and search for Beechworth Wanderers, or go to the club’s Facebook page.
under 12s, under 13s, under 14s and under 15s,” he said.
“We’re entering under 16s and under 17s teams in the Northern Rivers Cricket Country Week which is going to be held in the Murray Valley for under 16s and Goulburn Murray for under 17s – they’ll actually stay away for a week.
“The focus from a Cricket Victoria view is under 15s leading into North East Knights.
“Unfortunately kids from the local area have to travel to Melbourne to play in the Under 18 Premier Cricket, and there are no regional teams in it.”
The trials for WDCA junior representative teams begin this Sunday.
By NATHAN DE VRIES
LOCAL trainer Ben Brisbourne was still celebrating the phenomenal result from Tuesday’s Big Dance race at Royal Randwick.
Brisbourne’s Suparazi produced a stunning final 400m to close on the outside from 11th to third in the $3 million race for some of the best country horses.
Despite a near-perfect run, Suparazi could only claim the bronze, nevertheless netting a $300,000 purse.
Brisbourne said the atmos-
phere at Randwick was incredible.
“It was super, it’s nice to be involved in one of those big days and to have a horse who we thought was a live chance,” he said.
“He acquitted himself very well, we’re very proud of what he achieved.
“It was a good pay day for the owners, he’s a super horse for the stable.”
Wangaratta was well-represented in the Big Dance, with local trainer Craig Weeding’s Prince of Helena also in the race, finish-
ing 17th overall.
Starting from barrier eight, Suparazi kept pace with the pack before exploding through the final 400m.
“The race worked out more or less perfectly,” Brisbourne said.
“We got in a spot where we wanted to be, travelled kindly, presented once they straightened up.
“Unfortunately, there were only a couple too good for us, but we beat the rest.
“It was a super effort, I wouldn’t have changed anything on the day
or in his lead up to the race.
“I thought he presented very well for his grand final.”
Brisbourne teased Suparazi might have a few races left in the spring.
“We’ll just see how he is, he’s back home now so we’ll see how he is in the next few days,” he said.
“There might be one more run in him, there are some pretty good prize money races coming up – he might have one more run before being safe for the autumn.”
FELICITY Roycroft, proudly racing under car number Wang 65 and holding the title of Ladies Vic 1, is no stranger to speedway.
When she’s not at the track, she’s running Aerodrome Automotive with her husband Shane, a business that’s also a dedicated sponsor of Wangaratta City Raceway.
This is her eighth year racing, a journey that has seen her take time out to raise two children along the way.
Growing up in a family of racers, it was almost inevitable she’d end up behind the wheel.
The youngest of seven kids, Felicity found her way into speedway through her husband, who let her race his car - from there, she was hooked.
Felicity races a Ford FG Falcon (4L) and competes in several classes at Wangaratta, including Sports Sedans, Ladies Sports Sedans, Production Sedans, and GOS (Goulburn Ovens Sedans).
She takes immense pride in watching her own children race, admiring the respect and passion they bring to the sport.
As the current secretary of
By NATHAN DE VRIES
WANGARATTA horses thrived at Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup Day races at the Wangaratta Turf Club, with several locally-trained horses enjoyed varying levels of success.
It was a positive day for trainer Andrew Dale, who had Super View finish second by less than a length in race four, before Rushford took out race six comfortably by two lengths.
Dale said overall, the Cup Day races at Wangaratta were exceptional.
“It was a good day – the facilities, the track, the turf club did a great job,” he said.
“Rushford was a recent acquisition for the stable, he was purchased quite cheaply on the Inglis Digital platform.
“We were always hoping we could win a couple of races with him, we’ve only had him for a couple of starts and he was able to win nicely in Wangaratta, albeit in a restricted grade.
“We’ll take it one race at a time, we’ll look at the calendar and find another option for him in the next couple of weeks.
“Super View is another recent acquisition for the stable.
“He was narrowly beaten on Tuesday, he won the start before, and he was narrowly beaten the start before that, so he’s been quite consistent over the last couple of months.”
Ben Brisbourne had the first local winner of the day, with Son Of A Boom saluting in race one.
“He’s been a pretty slow-maturing horse, a little bit frustrating for the connections – we thought he would’ve won a couple of races by now,” Brisbourne said.
“We’ve been trying him up in trip and he hasn’t been quite running it out, so the drop back to a mile looked like it really suited him.
“It’s nice to get a win on a home-town track, always.
“He’s a big, slow-maturing horse both mentally and physically, he’s shown us enough at home to say he’ll win more than just a maiden, so I was just delighted the owners allowed me to persist with him.
“It’s important to get these wins on the board.”
Wangaratta City Raceway, Felicity has a deep appreciation for the volunteers who keep the club running.
“From the canteen staff to the flaggies, stewards, and infield crew, everyone plays a vital role,” she said.
“It’s a tough job, and we couldn’t do it without them.”
Her trophy cabinet is impressive, boasting multiple wins across various classes.
Felicity is the reigning Ladies Vic 1, Ladies Club Champion (for three years running), Sports Sedans
Marg Beattie Memorial (twice), Queen of the Valley, and Queen of Carrick in Tasmania.
Felicity supports a wide range of classes, from Crash n Bash to Street Stocks, Modified Sedans, and more.
Her favorite racing memories revolve around traveling with her kids, sharing the joy of speedway together.
Looking ahead, her big ambition is to make a mark at an Australian Title.
“Hopefully, I don’t have to wait until 2026 for the Production Title at Wang, but I’d love to do well in an Aussie Title,” she said.
Club Champion (also for three years), and overall Wangaratta Club Champion (three consecutive years).
She’s finished Vic 2 in Standard Saloons twice and currently holds the title of Vic 3 in GOS.
Notable wins also include the
Her sponsors include Aerodrome Automotive and Be Seen Signs.
You can follow Felicity’s racing journey on Facebook, where she shares her adventures on the track.
As her son says, “As long as you’re having fun, Mum, I’m proud of you” - but winning never hurts!
OVU Tigers, City Colts sitting pretty as first red ball contests resume this weekend g,ygpy
AS the A grade competition moves to wrap up the first round of red ball cricket for the season, Ovens Valley United and City Colts find themselves both in a strong position to record a win in their matches.
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
abandon to salute with 140* from 138 balls.
patient, we’ll get the reward.
shed to upset Wangaratta Magpies on their own deck.
After a woeful run with the bat in last season’s twodayers, Ovens Valley United have 298 on the board to defend after declaring seven down last Saturday against Yarrawonga Mulwala.
Their monster total came in large part from one of the best knocks the A grade competition has seen in some time from playing coach Geeth Alwis, who hammered the Lakers with
After performing well in batting partnerships last Saturday, Alwis said the Tigers’ bowlers would need to combine to knock over a proven Lakers batting order.
“We need to be disciplined, we need to bowl one side of the wicket and be patient,” he said.
“I’m pretty sure if we bowl disciplined and be
“Chasing 298, it’s not going to be that easy because they need to build plenty of partnerships and we need to make sure we’re not going to let that happen.”
Yarrawonga Mulwala will resume at 0/9 this Saturday at Myrtleford’s McNamara Reserve.
Elsewhere, City Colts have just 26 more runs to make with eight wickets in the
The Colts were imperious with bat and ball last weekend, knocking the ‘Pies over for just 96 all out, and will resume the run chase at 2/71.
Aaron Thrum (14* from 77) has been steadfast in his defence after the Colts lost early wickets at the start of their innings, more than content to let
superstar slugger Josh Newton (43* from 60) bash the Kookaburra all over the Showgrounds.
Colts skipper Mitch Giggins said their batting efforts last week sees them on the precipice of victory.
“It’s very nice to be in this position, you don’t get the opportunity very often, so we’ll try and make the most of it,” he said.
■ Continued page 34
