WANGARATTA Magpies senior footballers are out of the O&M finals race after losing by two points in a nail biting final quarter against North Albury infront of a large crowd at the WJ Findlay oval yesterday.
Magpies’ captain Daine Porter (with ball in hand) was carried off the ground on teammates’ shoulders at the end of the match, ending his 351 game playing career for the club. FULL STORY IN SPORT
PHOTO: Melissa Beattie
Opponents of Meadow Creek solar facility off to Canberra seeking
Endangered species found near proposed solar farm site
AN endangered frog species has been found near the site of the proposed 330MW solar facility at Meadow Creek and will be a hot topic of discussion in Canberra this week.
Proponents of the Meadow Creek Solar Farm have conducted an environmental assessment of the proposed site and have submitted an Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act referral to the government, which highlighted a presence of the endangered Sloane’s froglet (Crinia sloanei) in the area.
Nearby landholders to the proposed Meadow Creek Solar Farm will join Independent Indi MP Helen Haines when they meet with the environment department in Canberra this week to discuss their concerns in reference to the EPBC Act.
Rail line closure as as Green St bridge put put in place in Plenty of of interest in iconic building
Bright to meet Greta in grand final final
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Proponents of the Meadow Creek Solar Farm officially lodged a planning application with the State Government several weeks ago for what is believed to be a $750m development on the 566 hectare site, which could host approximately 330MW of solar power - supplying over 100,000 regional homes.
Local farmer and landholder, David Minifie, said while the application is yet to be released, developers have said they have found Sloane’s froglet and that has triggered an application into the EPBC Act and it is going through a process but it’s not available publicly yet.
■ Continued page 2 BY
MP wants greater oversight
WANGARATTA-based Independent federal MP for Indi, Helen Haines, has renewed her call for greater integrity and oversight measures for the Future Made in Australia program, ahead of the debate of the government’s Bill resuming in federal Parliament this week.
Dr Haines said she was hopeful of broad support for her amendments to increase transparency on program decisions.
The $22.7 billion program is the largest budget measure in this term of Parliament outside the defence
Concerns remain over $22.6b Future Made in Australia $pgprogram
strategy program, with Dr Haines suggesting there continues to be a “giant question mark” over integrity.
She cited similar concerns raised by the Productivity Commission, Climate Council, Grattan Institute and Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“This is one of the largest budget measures in this term of Parliament, and I want to make sure there is a clear framework in place for
transparency of expenditure and decision making,” Dr Haines said.
She confirmed she will move amendments to the Future Made in Australia Bill to provide the Parliament and the public a line of sight over where funding is going under the program.
Dr Haines met with the Treasurer last month to discuss them in detail and is hopeful the government could agree to the changes.
The amendments would
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require the Minister to give unredacted sector assessments to the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit; sector assessments to be tabled in Parliament within seven sitting days; and require annual reports under the Act to include an annual breakdown of Future Made in Australia supports, including key details such as recipients, purpose, support provided and amount.
Dr Haines said concerns had been raised from a num-
ber of quarters, backed up during public hearings as part of the inquiry, that the fund risked pork-barrelling without the proper oversight.
“Without an oversight and transparency framework, there is a risk that money will be awarded to industries or companies without merit, because of lobbying efforts, because it will win votes in certain electorates, or for other reasons that generally lack integrity in
government decision-making,” she said.
“The public deserves assurance that billions of dollars of their money is being spent responsibly and with integrity, to prevent any pork barrelling occurring under this government, or indeed future governments.”
“If my End Pork Barrelling Bill was passed in 2023, concerns about the integrity of these Future Made in Australia grants would be alleviated.”
Endangered frog species found near proposed Meadow Creek solar facility
■ From page 1
“When the public notice period opens, submitters will be able to give feedback to the planning permit application the government has had since August 17,” he said.
“Concerns we have are that the proponents might have done their studies that alerted them of the Sloane’s froglet prior to heavy rainfalls in 2022 and 2023.
“They have only told us that the froglet was found on one side of Sheep Station Creek, but the timeframe of their study will determine if it was prior to heavier rainfall, the latter which would be more conducive to higher frog populations.
“There are also species that depend on large, old remnant trees which have high value hollow-bearing trees for birdlife and arboreal mammals.”
These include possums and gliders, microbats and many reptiles such as goannas, pythons, dragons, geckos and skinks.
Mr Minifie said they are concerned about how many of these trees will be cleared.
“Even when they’re taking out younger trees, we’re losing 50 years of recruitment, and you have to wait another 100-200 years for the trees to be suitable for certain nesting species,” he said.
“There might also be other species in the area but we haven’t seen the assessment and we don’t have access to the site.
“The proponents have been very poor in communicating much to the public, with only tiny pieces of information given to individuals.
“It’s difficult to formulate much when you don’t have anything to go by.”
Meadow Creek Agricultural Community Action Group members John and Jess Conroy will accompany Dr Haines in Canberra to seek more information on the environmental front.
When the public consultation period does eventually open, Mr Conroy highlighted that the
14-day window to comment was highly restrictive.
“This is heavily weighted in the proponent’s favour given that the final application will have had professionals preparing it for up to three years,” he said.
“It makes it almost impossible to do a counter study against the so-called independent assessments.
“Local opinion and knowledge will have no weight to objecting to any part of the application that an objector believes is untrue or misleading.”
Mr Conroy said the community is greatly concerned their right to appeal any decision has been eroded after the tribunal process was removed by the State Government.
“The number of solar panels have increased to 592,752 up from 475,000, and the lithiumion battery capacity has increased from 250MW to 1GWh,” he said.
The Victorian Government did not respond to a request for information about the planning process timeline by the time of publication.
Hundreds of new species identified in Australia
MORE than 750 new native species were identified last year in Australia, and the Federal Government is backing efforts to identify more species, announcing $2 million to support further taxonomy research.
Among the new species added to the Australian National Species List in 2023 were the Western Laughing Tree Frog, which laughs rather than croaks, an intertidal marine worm named after Sir David Attenborough, and an orb spider named after Tom Hardy’s Marvel character, Venom.
Many of these new animal,
plant and fungi species were identified and classified as part of 10 projects funded under the Australian Biological Resources Study’s National Taxonomy Research Grant Program (NTRGP) in 2023-24.
Taxonomy is the science of describing, naming and recording life on earth – the crucial first step to understanding ecosystems. Taxonomists search for differences in physical appearance, genetics, behaviour and location to determine species that are new to modern science.
Coinciding with Threatened
Species Day on Saturday (September 7), the government announced 14 new projects that have received a total of $2 million in funding to name and classify native Australian species, under the NTRGP 2024-25.
One of the new projects will build on the Laughing Tree Frog discovery data collected by citizen scientists last year.
The croaks will be studied using the FrogID app, comparing differences in male calls and DNA from museum specimens to identify and describe new frog species.
Other projects include for-
mally describing at least 120 new-to-science species of Australia's sixth largest plant genus Lepidosperma (sedges), reviewing the family of orb-weaving spiders to identify 50 new species, and assessing the crustacean biodiversity in Western Australia’s deep-sea marine parks.
The taxonomy research supports the government’s Nature Positive Plan, providing a clearer picture of the nation’s biodiversity to ensure species are preserved and protected for future generations.
ENDANGERED SPECIES: The Sloane’s froglet is endangered in Australia and populations have been found near a proposed solar energy facility at Meadow Creek.
Murphy St icon lures potential tenants
Use of former visitor information centre building must support community gppy
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
A LEASE opportunity of one of Wangaratta’s historic Murphy Street buildings has attracted numerous enquiries, but the eventual tenant will be restricted to what they can use the premises for.
Under an expression of interest (EOI) process that closes this Friday, the successful tenant of 100-104 Murphy Street will have to provide a service that “supports the community” with potential uses, including but not limited to, services for public, health and social welfare, tourism, or education.
The high value street frontage and prominence of the building lends itself to provide for a high exposure business or service that supports the community, and available occupation of the building would be late 2024 to early 2025.
Council, which manages the government owned building, envisions a prosperous central business district with the former visitor information centre premises activated to support the vibrancy of the main shopping precinct.
It will encourage a proponent to undertake the lease that will provide support for the community, employment opportunities, business growth and support the local economy.
The multi-level building lends itself to offices, social enterprise, educational, cultural or commercial activities that provide for the community and offer services available to the public.
“It’s safe to say there has to be some community benefit from whoever ends up occupying it,” leasing agent Garry Nash and Co Real Estate director Mike Noble said.
“It could be a not-for-profit for example or someone who demonstrates a benefit to the community - this will factor
heavily with the consideration.
“There would be some flexibility but there will be more to it than just a commercial return.
“There have been a fair few enquiries, which is good, and we’re hopeful something will come out of that.”
This EOI is an open market call to gauge the level of interest and to obtain market feedback on the type of commercial arrangement that might be possible.
Council welcomes applications from individual groups and consortiums working together to provide services to support the growth of the community.
As the premises is offered in its current condition, proponents are welcome to conduct an inspection by
appointment and/or building inspection report at their own cost.
Following the EOI closure, each short-listed respondent will enter a process of refining their proposal and concept designs.
It is noted that all information will be kept commercial in confidence during this process.
In stage two, the Rural City of Wangaratta will negotiate with the respondents and liaise with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).
The short-listed respondents may be required to present and/or submit additional or modified commercial offers to the panel and DEECA.
As part of stage three, approval will be sought
Police use stop sticks to catch driver speeding in wrong direction on freeway
A SPEEDING driver who was tracked travelling in the wrong direction on the north bound lane of the Hume Freeway last Thursday night between Wodonga and Glenrowan has been charged with multiple offences.
Police said the 33-yearold female driver from Shepparton allegedly drove her grey Mazda 323 south in the north bound lane of the Hume Freeway at speeds in excess of 120kph between Wodonga and Wangaratta.
Police said the Mazda
was first spotted by police in Wodonga about 7:55pm. Officers followed the vehicle for an extended period before stop sticks were successfully deployed on the Hume Freeway at Glenrowan about 8:35pm. During the incident, officers initiated road closures to ensure the safety of the public and other road users.
The female driver and a 29-year-old man passenger from Shepparton were arrested at the scene.
The woman was charged with dangerous driving
whilst pursued by police, reckless conduct endangering life and driving in a speed/manner dangerous to the public.
She was bailed to appear at the Wodonga Magistrates Court on December 17.
The Shepparton man was released without charge.
There were no injuries to any parties.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam or CCTV footage, are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
through DEECA and the minister’s office for the purpose proposed by the respondent, and recommendations will be presented to council for consideration.
The building was established in 1909 as a library and athenaeum.
It was used as the municipal library until 1996 when the premises was transferred to the Bruck Community Resource Centre.
Since 1996, the facility has been used infrequently for a range of activities including: library, electoral offices, storage, base for gun buyback scheme, doll exhibition, textile exhibition, jazz festival office, visitor information centre, family history society, and various community purposes.
In 2003, under Section
14(2) of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978, the Rural City of Wangaratta was appointed by the Minister for Planning as Committee of Management of the Crown Allotment.
The terms of use for the premises are subject to the requirements of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 with consideration given to these requirements under this Expression of Interest.
The implementation of council’s Visitor Services Strategy prompted the visitor information centre’s relocation from the building to the Glenrowan Ned Kelly Discovery Hub, with a kiosk established at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Conference Centre in 2023.
NOMINATIONS for the Rural City of Wangaratta council elections this October open today (Monday, September 9).
Voters in the rural city will be electing seven councillors, each representing their own ward, for a term of four years.
Those who have already confirmed publicly that they will nominate include Tania Maxwell (Appin), Dave Fuller (Bullawah), Harry Bussell (King River), Harvey Benton and Jennifer Garrett (Ovens), Irene Grant (Warby), Mel Paul and Peter Siperki (Wareena), and Allison Winters and Joanne Pane (Yarrunga).
Candidates will be updated progressively on the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) website during the nomination period, which ends 12 noon September 17.
Following the close of nominations council’s VEC election manager will conduct a ballot draw on Wednesday, September 18 and determine the order that candidates’ names will appear on the ballot paper.
This final list of candidates, in ballot paper order, will be available on the VEC website later that afternoon.
Contact details for candidates provided for public use will be available on the VEC website as candidates are listed during the nomination period.
A list will also be posted at the end of the day at each council’s election office.
Candidates have the option of completing a questionnaire to allow voters to compare candidates’ experience.
Answers, where provided, will be available on the VEC website from Wednesday, September 18.
Candidate statements and photographs, where provided, will be available online from September 18.
Voting in the council election is by post, and ballot packs to all enrolled voters will be posted out from Monday, October 7.
Postal pack will contain a ballot paper with candidates in your ward only, together with their statements. You must post your ballot or drop it off at the election office before 6pm on Friday, October 25. Election results will be declared on Friday, November 15.
HIGH HOPES: Numerous enquiries have been made by potential organisations, businesses to take on the lease of the prominently located Murphy Street building, but it’s use needs to have community benefit.
Warmest early September day
AN extensive low pressure stretching from south of the Bight right up to northern Western Australia near Marble Bar bought a burst of unseasonable heat to North East Victoria last Friday, with Wangaratta recording a maximum temperature of 27.3 degrees.
There were higher readings for September in 1961, 1987, 2006, 2008, 2017 and 2023, but all these were well past mid month to the end of September.
This means that Friday's reading was the highest ever
WHAT’S UP WITH THE WEATHER?
By Peter Ne son Nelson, retired CSIRO climatologist
temperature recorded during the first week of September. Yarrawonga's 30.1 degrees was easily the highest temperature for the first week of September.
Higher readings for September were 30.6 in 1965, 30.4 in 2006 and 34 degrees in 2017 which were all later than September 18.
It was the same situation at Rutherglen which recorded 28.4 degrees and there were higher readings in late September of 1919 and 1928 as well as 1961, 1980 and 2006. Sydney recorded 29.7 degrees last Friday and this was the highest ever temperature recorded during the first week of September in 166 years of records. It certainly looks like much of this spring season will be notably hotter than usual and very dry for the most part up to early November.
We’re looking at much
needed rain with thunderstorms from about the second week of November through to near the end of December but very hot days in late November and mid December, with the fire danger very extreme up to early November.
TALKING of heat, Fitzroy Crossing in Western Australia has had 11 successive days of intense winter and early September heat, which has never before happened in Australia.
It recorded daily readings of 40.6 degrees, 40.0, 40.4,
40.2, 39.4, 39.4, 39.8, 40.9, 41,3, 40.7, and 40.0 degrees from August 25 to September 4.
The previous record high for August of 38.7 degrees in 1971 was smashed seven times whilst for early September on the 2nd the reading of 41.3 degrees broke the 1971 reading of 39.8 degrees.
This extreme record heat extended southwards to Marble Bar where a reading of 39.7 degrees on August 29 broke the August record high of 38.6 degrees on August 27, 1988.
Lasting impact of women’s pain revealed
BY JORDAN DUURSMA jduursma@ nemedia.com.au
THE State Government’s landmark Inquiry into Women’s Pain has revealed the significant impact pain conditions like endometriosis, pelvic pain and migraines are having on the lives of Victorian women and girls.
Women and girls have shared their experiences of sexism and misogyny, feeling ignored or dismissed by clinicians who attributed their pain to psychological and personality factors, as well as culturally unsafe care.
The stories and experiences generously shared by Victorian women and girls in the survey, via written submissions and forums over recent months, will now form the development of recommendations to improve the way women’s healthcare is delivered in Victoria.
Women’s Health Goulburn North East chief executive officer, Amanda Kelly, said the results of the survey of more than 13,000 respondents are not a surprise, however it was very important to have a clear picture of the state of women’s health right across Victoria.
“We are very pleased to see the inclusive nature of the survey ensuring that many non Englishspeaking women were afforded a chance to respond, as well as the uptake by women living in regional and rural Victoria,” she said.
About 40 per cent of women who participated in the survey were from regional and rural Victoria, and their insights highlighted the importance of being able to access
Other very high temperatures for late August were in 1940, 1954, and 2017 whilst a reading of 39.7 degrees on September 3 was the hottest for early September since 40.0 on September 5, 1944.
So what does this have to do with Wangaratta?
Well, in previous September and October periods where Fitzroy Crossing and Marble Bay saw such heat it was warmer across much of the nation, including Wangaratta and North East Victoria and it was dangerously dry with extreme fire danger.
NEW ARRIVALS AT NORTHEAST HEALTH WANGARATTA
“The launch of the Mobile Women’s Health Clinic, the sexual and reproductive health hubs and the expansion of the Breast Screen service are a fantastic start to addressing the issues that regional women face in accessing the health care we all need.”
- WHGNE CEO Amanda Kelly
the right care closer to home.
“We were able to provide detailed feedback to the inquiry with the generous input of women across our regions,” Ms Kelly said.
“We’ll be looking with interest at the report and recommendations that come from the inquiry to see how they will support women in our region.”
The results come at the same time as the State Government prepares to launch its $5 million Mobile Women’s Health Clinic.
Operated by BreastScreen Victoria to make free healthcare more accessible for women living in rural and regional parts of Victoria, the new mobile women’s
health service will hit the road in late October.
The mobile clinic will offer a variety of women’s health services including sexual and reproductive health information, advice, clinical services and referrals to other necessary specialists.
“The launch of the Mobile Women’s Health Clinic, the sexual and reproductive health hubs and the expansion of the Breast Screen service are a fantastic start to addressing the issues that regional women face in accessing the health care we all need,” Ms Kelly said.
“We’re looking forward to supporting the uptake of these
services and ensuring that all women across our region have improved access.”
A spokesperson for the Premier’s office confirmed Wangaratta will be home to one of 20 new women’s health clinics promised by the State Government.
Women’s Health Goulburn North East in conjunction with Women’s Health Loddon Malle have just launched their own research and recommendations report on women’s experience of sexual and reproductive health services in the region.
You can view the research and recommendations by visiting whealth.com.au.
SOPHIA Coco Jones was born at Northeast Health Wangaratta on Wednesday, July 31 at 12:45am and weighed 2.73kg (6lb .2oz). She is the sister of Baiden, Mason, Logan and Audrey and the daughter of Sandra and Dylan Jones of Wangaratta. Sophia Coco Jones
The Wangaratta Chronicle will be in attendance at the midwifery ward on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9.30am to take photos of newborns with their parents, grandparents and/or siblings. Consent forms are available from Northeast Health Wangaratta and from Wangaratta Chronicle staff on the day.
If you would like a photo but are not at the ward at the time of visiting, you can come into the Wangaratta Chronicle office at 37 Rowan Street during office hours to organise it. Photographs are available to purchase from the Wangaratta Chronicle office.
TIME FOR CHANGE: Women’s Health Goulburn North East chief executive officer Amanda Kelly commend the State Government’s Inquiry into Women’s Pain.
Rail line to close on weekend
Lifting Green Street superstructre in place is part of works forcing shut down on rail line
WANGARATTA’S highly anticipated new Green Street bridge superstructure will be lifted into place when the Albury rail line closes for 60 hours this weekend for essential Inland Rail construction work.
Together with construction partners McConnell Dowell and John Holland, Inland Rail will conduct an extensive program of rail and construction work from Wallan to Wangaratta from September 14 to 16, in which time all train services will be replaced by buses.
The Inland Rail track possession work includes:
• lifting in place the Green Street bridge superstructure at Wangaratta;
• site investigations and survey work at Benalla;
• bridge deck replacements and widening works to enable tracks to be slewed horizontally to cater for double stack freight trains at SeymourMangalore;
• site investigations including bridge inspections and geotechnical testing at Broadford and the Hume Freeway sites at Tallarook and Seymour;
• slewing tracks horizontally to cater for double stacked trains at Wallan and Seymour; and
• installation of new signal gantries at Kilmore East and Tallarook.
Two 50-tonne steel girders will form the backbone of the new Green Street bridge in Wangaratta.
The two main girders and 15 cross girders were delivered to the site last week.
The main girders are 32m long, 2.3m high and 0.8m wide, while the 15 cross girders weighing 3.03-tonne each, are 10.4m long, 0.765m high, and 0.455m wide.
Inland Rail said the Green Street bridge works are due to be completed some time between October and December.
Works at Glenrowan might not take place during the upcoming track possession.
Finishing works at Glenrowan include installation of permanent handrail, anti-throw screens and landscaping, with planned completion by November.
The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) will also conduct essential track maintenance and improvement activities along the length of the line including rail replacement, track reconditioning works, and vegetation management.
Coaches will replace
trains for the entire journey between Southern Cross and Albury during the works period and passengers are advised to check the V/Line website for more information.
left) Hayden Currie, John Blake, Mak Clark and Craig Iskov (third from right) accepted a genrous $2000 donation from Ron Sneddon, Ken Broomhead, Matt DeNatris and Roger Porter.
Freemasons support Bob Iskov Kokoda Scholarship
WANGARATTA Lodge of St John and Freemasons Foundation has provided a $2000 donation to further support the Wangaratta RSL Bob Iskov Kokoda Scholarship and its next group of students who will walk the Kokoda Track in 2025. This is the third of four annual donations the Wangaratta Lodge of St John and the Freemasons Foundation has committed to the scholarship, in order to assist local students experience the Kokoda Track and reflect on the significance of the track in the
battle to save Port Moresby and subsequently Australia during World War Two.
The scholarship aims to improve the knowledge of local youth about the difficulties and sacrifice made by Australian soldiers defending Australia.
It also is intended to assist those students to improve their personal resilience.
The donation was made a recent event at the Wangaratta RSL, where the three students who walked the track this year - Mak Clark, John Blake and Hayden Currie - each pro-
vided moving testimony of the experience and the life long memories it provided.
The Wangaratta RSL presented several major sponsors, including the Wangaratta Lodge of St John, Freemasons Foundation and Ken Broomhead OAM with plaques to thank them for their support to make the scholarship possible each year.
Further information or enquiries regarding membership of Freemasonry, contact Wangaratta Lodge of St John secretary Roger Porter at 0417 329 792.
Trains on the Seymour and Shepparton lines will continue running during these works.
Ed Walker, Inland Rail delivery director B2A, said track possessions are
critically important for the completion of the Inland Rail project.
“They allow our team to access the rail corridor safely and complete essential work without
trains operating,” he said.
“A lot planning takes place, so we can complete a large volume of work in a short period of time and keep the disruption of the rail line to a minimum.
“Wangaratta will be the focus of the track possession with the new Green Street bridge lifted into place and work continuing at the railway station.
“Site investigations will also take place at sites due for construction next year, including Benalla, Broadford, and the Hume Freeway at Tallarook and Seymour.
“We apologise for the disruptions and thank local communities for their patience and understanding as we carry out the work on this major nation building project.“
Inland Rail is a nation building project that will transform how goods are moved around Australia, first connecting Beveridge to Parkes, NSW, by 2027 before later connecting from Narromine, New South Wales, to Kagaru, Queensland.
In Victoria, work is taking place to enable doublestacked freight trains to pass safely and ensure everyday products can be delivered faster and more reliably around Australia.
HEAVY LIFTER: A large crane was seen in Wangaratta last week which will be used to move large girders into place to form the Green Street bridge. The bridge will open at an undisclosed date between October and December.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT: 2024 scholarship recipients (from
Call out for council candidates is official
NOMINATIONS for the Rural City of Wangaratta council election officially open this morning.
Those seeking to run for the seven position on our council, to serve the community for the next four years, have until noon next Tuesday, September 17 to nominate.
Over the past several months we have featured those who have already publicly declared their intention to run, and we will also look to do similarly as and when new candidates are known.
This election, which is purely by postal ballot, will be different to previous years, as a new ward structure will see only one councillor elected from each of the seven wards.
Candidates can nominate for any of the seven wards, and voters will only get a ballot for the specific ward in which they’re enrolled, not all seven wards.
So, there is the possibility that if one ward only has one candidate, they will be elected without ward voters having to cast a vote.
For democracy’s sake, and that of the importance of local government, let us hope that is not the case.
All too often our council can be the subject of ridicule, rather than praise - perhaps the price of having so much responsibility and accountability back to its community amid an ever challenging environment where local funds and services are stretched when state and federal funding and support is lacking.
Standing for council, seeking the opportunity to perform a civic duty with decisions fundamental to our communities, is not the faint hearted.
We hope to see a strong field of candidates in all our wards.
The Quiz No. 101
1. Which country starts with the letter, O?
2. Who was the lead singer of the Australian band, Frente?
3. Excluding injury time, how long in minutes is a standard adult soccer match?
4. What type of seeds are used to make traditional tahini?
5. In Greek mythology, who was the mother of Persephone?
6. Henry John Deutschendorf, Jr. was better known by what name?
7. Which chemical element has the symbol, Se?
8. Who played the role of Sayid Jarrah in the TV series, Lost?
9. Which Australian state has a mountain called The Acropolis?
10. In which country were Swatch watches developed?
11. Which Australian journalism awards were established in 1956?
12. Who played Norman Bates in the 1998 movie, Psycho?
13. What is the capital city of Portugal?
14. In 1996, who did Peter Costello replace as the Treasurer of Australia?
15. At which Summer Olympics did Stephanie Rice win her three gold medals?
16. Who wrote the nonsense poem, Jabberwocky?
17. Which country shares borders with Vietnam, Laos and Thailand?
18. In relation to the magazine, FHM, what does FHM stand for?
19. Infectious mononucleosis is more commonly known as what?
20. Which Muppet character has the catch phrase, Wocka Wocka Wocka?
FACEBOOK users have been commenting on the CFA addressing fears of solar farm fire management risks at a group meeting on Wednesday.
• Greg Benton: Fire risk or not, they are an eyesore and a blight on our landscape.
• Linda Simpson: Greg Benton and totally unnecessary when a proper commercial rooftop solar program
could meet all of Australia’s power needs!
• Robyn Laskovas: Linda Simpson I totally agree Linda, but the trouble is the old infrastructure of the power lines wouldn’t handle the feedback so I’ve been told.
• Na Um: Not sure if firemen hose down high voltage lines or even attempt to put out a lithium battery fires. So I guess let it burn.
CFA is ready for fire season. Are you?
VICTORIA could be facing an earlier start to the fire season this year and we’re asking those living in high-risk areas to take action to prepare their family and property.
The Spring Seasonal Outlook released last week predicts an increased risk of fire to the southwest, west and northwestern parts of Victoria due to a drier than average first half of the year; while the fire risk across the rest of Victoria is predicted to be normal, noting there is a chance the fire season may also begin earlier than normal in areas dominated by drier forests, woodlands and heathlands – inland and coastal.
CFA is ready to protect our communities, as we do every year and has been working with our Victorian emergency service partners throughout the cooler months to prepare for fire season and this year is no exception.
Our crews urge the public to understand that fire safety is a shared responsibility between fire services and the community.
We’re asking all Victorians in high-risk areas to take simple actions to prepare their family and property as the weather begins to warm.
If you live near areas with bush, forest, long grass or coastal scrub, these actions and decisions may well save your life and property in the event of a bushfire.
Find some time to sit down with your family or household and make a Bushfire Survival Plan, and if you already have one, it’s a great time to review it.
It’s also the perfect time to tidy up your property - this can include clearing your gutters, pruning branches away from your roof or walls, keeping grass shorter than 10cm and removing leaves and twigs from around your property.
Landowners should also consider private burn offs to remove green waste ahead of Fire Danger Period (FDP) declarations.
All burn-offs must be registered, which can be done online at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au.
Stay informed by downloading the VicEmergency app to stay across incidents and fire danger ratings in your area.
I urge all Victorians to visit the CFA website to learn more about how they can prepare themselves ahead of this bushfire season at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/prepare.
Jason Heffernan,
CFA chief officer
Act now for dementiafriendly future
WITH around two-thirds of people with dementia living in the community this Dementia Action Week (September 16-22) we
NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.
• Linda Simpson: Na Um that’s right and can take days or weeks whilst releasing toxic smoke into the air and chemicals into the environment to poison our waterways!
• Adam Anderson: Since when has North East Vic been classed as an “extreme bush fire zone”?
• Georgina Cusack: Adam Anderson hop on to the Vic Planning website and you will see that many areas, including
areas within the RCoW, have bushfire overlays on them.
• Linda Simpson: Adam Anderson were you here in 2019/2020?
• Linda Simpson: Georgina Cusack pretty much everywhere except Wangaratta, Benalla, Wodonga & other major towns which are the Evacuation Centres for the area & deemed not at risk of being consumed by bushfire.
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FINALLY JOINS THE ROVERS: It may only have been for 44 minutes, but seeing Judd Porter (left) in a Wangaratta Rovers’ footy jumper is a memory that will last a lifetime for club co-president Wally Pasquali. After losing a bet with Wally, Judd wore the Rovers’ jumper on Friday afternoon, outside Paulie’s Corner, for as many minutes as Porter’s beloved Wangaratta Magpies lost to the Rovers during their senior derby final the previous Saturday. “Judd was very confident ahead of the match, and I can’t believe we finally got him into a Rovers’ jumper,” Wally said. “We gave him number 10, which was his dad Noel’s number when he played for the Rovers.” Noel played 148 senior games and won several flags with the Rovers. His sons, Judd and Daine however, created their own footy careers with the Wangaratta Magpies. Judd played in more than 250 games, sharing premierships with brother Daine, who captained the Magpies this season, played his 350th game in the qualifying final loss to the Rovers, and called time on his O&M playing career after his team’s two point loss to North Albury yesterday.
are calling on all Australians to take action to make their communities more welcoming and accessible for people living with dementia.
More than 421,000 Australians are currently living with dementia, but this number is expected to increase to more than 812,500 by 2054.
A lack of knowledge and understanding of dementia can lead to people living with dementia feeling excluded and experiencing discrimination.
People living with dementia tell us they want to belong - they want to be part of their community and to feel valued.
That’s why this year’s theme for Dementia Action Week - September 16-22 - is ‘Act Now for a Dementia-Friendly Future’.
All people impacted by dementia deserve to be supported and welcomed in their communities, no matter where they live.
So please, find out how you can influence change in your community to create a more dementia-friendly future at dementia.org.
au.
Merran Kelsall, Dementia Australia chair, Bobby Redman, Dementia Australia advisory committee chair
Andrew Nunn
High praise for quick action after blackouts
I WOULD like thank the Ausnet crews and GAME workers for their quick response in getting the power back on in our street after Monday morning’s blackout.
I would also sincerely like to thank Callum the policeman for his help and support following the storm.
Maree Parkinson, Wangaratta
WE welcome your letters to the Editor. Priority is given to typed/emailed letters under 250 words. Every letter must have your full name, address and a daytime phone contact number supplied for verification purposes. Any letter may be edited for reasons of space, content or legibility. Email edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au Post Letters to the Editor, 37 Rowan St, Wangaratta 3677
Family violence victim shares “emotional” toll of ordeal
A VICTIM of family violence has told the Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court of how it had “broke” her while trying to hide her injuries at work.
Appearing at court recently, a 37-year-old Wangaratta man pleaded guilty to assaulting his ex-partner who he had shared a relationship with for 20 years.
The court heard on March 8 this year, a bedroom argu-
ment between the couple boiled over into the kitchen, with the defendant throwing a cup full of coffee at the victim.
The victim was then kneed and pushed as the defendant grabbed her arm.
The victim left the room limping, unable to get changed before leaving the house to go to work.
The victim told the court how she tried to hide her anx-
iety and injuries sustained during the incident throughout the rest of the day.
“The day he hit me, it broke me emotionally,” she said.
“In that moment I knew our relationship was over… I didn’t want to expose our children to family violence again, I’m scared they will grow up thinking this assault is normal.
“I feel like it will take a while to trust another part-
ner again, he has deeply impacted my mental health, self-esteem and confidence.”
The incident was selfreported to police by the offender two weeks later, who said he had gotten upset and bruised his partner’s leg in the altercation.
Defence counsel Geoff Clancy said his client was under a lot of pressure at the time and was remorseful he
had taken out the “nasty” assault on the victim.
Mr Clancy said his client accepted the relationship was over.
Police prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Liam Murdock said It was a traumatic incident for the victim and she was dealing with the circumstances.
Magistrate Amina Bhai imposed a 12-month good-be-
Northeast Mums for Peace ready to rally for Palestine
ANOTHER ’Peace for Palestine’ rally will be held in Wangaratta this Sunday, September 15 in King George Gardens.
‘North East Mums for Peace’ have been holding a monthly rally since June and they will be joined by Indi Independent MP Helen Haines this Sunday, who will address the crowd.
Jessica Carson from North East Mums for Peace said September marks a year of the “ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people”.
“It’s nearly a year of witnessing some of the most horrific images on our screens - I am left grappling with a profound question: What does it truly mean to be human?” she said.
“In our tranquil corner of the North East, we live in relative comfort and freedom, going about our daily livesworking, spending time with family, and enjoying the privileges many around the world can only dream of.
“Yet, while we revel in these blessings, the people of Palestine are trapped in a relentless cycle of fear, destruction and grief.
“The contrast between my own life as a mother, filled with the simple joys and safety of raising my children, and the brutal realities faced
by Palestinians, forces me to confront an uncomfortable truth.
“How can we continue with our lives as though these atrocities are distant or irrelevant?”
Ms Carson said turning a blind eye to the suffering of others diminishes our own humanity and implicates us
in the violence and oppression.
“Accepting such horrors in one place risks normalising them everywhere,” she said.
“To be human, then, is to recognise our shared dignity and to act with empathy and justice.
“It means standing in
solidarity with those who suffer, regardless of the distance between us.
“As the humanitarian crisis in Palestine deepens, it is crucial that we do not remain passive.
‘We must act, demand justice, and stand with those enduring unimaginable suffering.
“Our global humanity hinges on our response.”
Ms Carson said Sunday’s peaceful, family-friendly walk aims to show solidarity with the people of Palestine and to advocate for justice, with all members of the community welcome to join at 3pm in King George Gardens.
City reloads on federal funding wishes
By STEVE KELLY
RURAL City of Wangaratta will apply to the next round of the Federal Government’s $600 million Growing Regions Program funding which opened this month.
A council spokesperson said it was evaluating various projects for the next round of applications, where grants of between $500,000 to $15 million are potentially available.
“Our goal is to strategically identify and prioritise initiatives that will best serve our community’s needs and maximise the impact of the funding opportunities available,” the spokesperson said.
“We are committed to ensuring that our application
is well-aligned with the program’s objectives and that it supports sustainable growth and development in our region.
“Further updates will be provided as we move forward with this important process.”
Wangaratta missed out on round one funding, however, the Benalla Art Gallery was awarded $2.9 million to assist with its redevelopment and expansion and Mansfield Shire was awarded $1.4 million for its new Lords Reserve Pavilion.
Wangaratta council stopped short in highlighting which projects it would seek funding for, but social housing infrastructure has been high on the city’s agenda in the past.
Minister for Infrastruc-
CASH SPLASH: The building of the outdoor pool in Wangaratta was made possible with a contribution of Commonwealth infrastructure funding towards the total cost several years ago, similar to what’s on offer now.
ture Catherine King announced $393m in round two funding is available for community infrastructure projects across regional and rural Australia.
She said the program provides access to funding for projects such a libraries, parks, multi-purpose com-
munity centres, and sport and cultural facilities that enhance liveability, bolster social cohesion and support local amenity.
Ms King said round two will have a single-stage application process, unlike round one which had twostages.
haviour bond without conviction on the defendant, with the self-reporting of the matter valuable in her decision.
“It’s a significant example of an unlawful assault,” she said.
“Your offending has had a significant impact on her and the children.
“For children who are exposed to acts of family violence, that is family violence against them.”
Have your say on waters fees and charges
NORTH East Water (NEW) is hosting a pop-up kiosk the Wangaratta Coles Supermarket tomorrow from 11am to 1pm for locals to provide feedback and have their say on fees and charges. Visit the kiosk to share your thoughts on NEW’s submission process as they prepare to develop their five year plan determining their fees and charges processes.
A NEW spokesperson said they will actively engage with customers to understand their needs, preferences and priorities, and the public feedback will be instrumental in shaping NEW’s price submission.
If you can’t make it, you can complete the survey in your own time at https://haveyoursay. newater.com.au/our-pricesubmission/exploring-customerexpectations-survey.
Vic Hub has appointed a new leader
THE Victoria Drought Resilience Adoption & Innovation Hub (Vic Hub) has announced Dr Sara Hely as its new director.
Dr Hely brings a wealth of experience in research and farming, along with a deep understanding of the challenges posed by drought to rural Victorian communities.
She said she is committed to building on the solid foundation laid by the previous leadership team, expressing gratitude for their contributions.
She said feedback from the ANAO review into the design of the program has also been incorporated in this second round.
“The program is open, competitive and meritbased, with a continued focus on integrity, transparency, accountability and collaboration – to ensure a fair process for Australia’s regions and address a decade of mismanagement by the Coalition,” Ms King said.
“An eligibility checklist has been published on my department’s website to assist potential applicants.
“The government is committed to delivering community-focused infrastructure which contributes to local and regional priorities, where it is needed most.”
Reflecting on the broader context, Dr Hely said in Australian Government’s budget statement earlier this year, it committed $561.3 million over eight years to build on the Future Drought Fund’s success, allow refining of existing programs and developing new initiatives.
“Similarly at the Vic Hub, we will build on past successes, developing new projects through consultation and continuing the work that began four years ago,” she said.
“We aim to help farmers plan, manage diversification and set goals to adapt to a changing climate.
“Additionally, we’ll continue to help regional communities in managing drought and other climate risks.”
Under Dr Hely’s leadership, the Vic Hub will remain focused on empowering regional stakeholders to address the challenges of drought and climate variability with locally tailored solutions.
RALLY FOR PEACE: North East Mums for Peace are holding another Peace for Palestine rally at 3pm this Sunday, September 15, in Wangaratta’s King George Gardens.
Marian Gordon painting exhibition
AN exhibition of paintings by Marian Gordon has opened at the Art Gallery on Ovens and will run until September 16.
Marian paints her experience of place, capturing the distinctive shapes found in the decaying industrial history of the North East, with subjects including local water tanks, towers and the Eldorado Dredge.
Capturing her emotional response to the colour, object and place by working “en plein air”, see the collection on Monday, Thursday and Friday from 10am to 4pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 2pm.
Artmania exhibition at Wangaratta Art Gallery
ART as Sanctuary presents a diverse selection of new work from the resident studio artists currently attending Artmania Wangaratta; an all-inclusive space for people of all abilities to explore their own artistic interests in a variety of ways.
Across media, style and theme, the exhibition being held in Gallery 2 at the Wangaratta Art Gallery, is an array of contemporary works from outsider artists in the NDIS sector.
Full of colour, beauty, humour and grace, Art as Sanctuary celebrates Artmania artists and their artistic contribution, and it is on display until September 15.
Quilts on display at My Little Patch
A SELECTION of quilts made by local quilter Di Butler is on display at My Little Quilts for the month of September.
See them in the shop at the rear of 49 Reid Street during opening hours.
Trio exhibit work in Bainz Gallery
AN exhibition of paintings by three local artists who are showing their artwork together for the first time, is being held in Bainz Gallery at the Wangaratta Library.
It features the work of friends Barbara Forster, Margaret Bennett and Dawn Meader, and showcases their individual painting styles and interests.
Margaret said the abstract works reflect an inner landscape deeply influenced by the country around her; Dawn uses oils and says while her current work is rooted in realism, she is also drawn to the vibrant and expressive qualities of impressionism; and Barb likes to combine abstract style with realism and loves using bold, textural colour effects in her work.
There are over 30 artworks on display, most created in recent times, and they are for sale by contacting the artists.
Barb said she decided to call the exhibition “In Memory of Cheryl” as a tribute to Cheryl McCormack, who sadly passed away late last year.
She said it was Cheryl who initiated their springtime exhibitions at the Bainz Gallery; something they enjoyed participating in for about three years.
The exhibition can be seen during library opening hours for the month of September and entry is free.
I think abstract work can be very enlightening as it challenges us to let go of our need to always understand, to have to think with our mind rather than to feel with our body or our soul.
- WANGARATTA ART GALLERY DIRECTOR RACHEL ARNDT
Fran’s powerful artworks engage the body and soul
AN exhibition of compelling works by a local artist who sits within an acclaimed cohort of international contemporary abstract painters, is showing at the Wangaratta Art Gallery.
Born in Wangaratta and now living in Cheshunt, artist Fran O’Neill has built a significant international career, particularly in North America, for her evocative and vibrant abstract paintings.
Wangaratta Art Gallery director Rachel Arndt said she first became aware of O’Neill’s work when the artist held a solo exhibition in Brisbane where she was living and working at the time.
She said she read a review of it and was intrigued, both that O’Neill hailed from Wangaratta, and that she was forging a significant career among art circles in New York.
FOLLOWING the success of performances by Andrea Lam and the Grigoryan Brothers earlier this year, Benalla Art Gallery is bringing two new concerts to Benalla in October.
On Saturday, October 5 the gallery will host acclaimed Victorian duo ZÖJ to present their concert, Where Are You From?
ZÖJ were recently awarded the Art Music Awards 2024: Award for Excellence in Experimental Practice.
Featuring Gelareh Pour on voice and Persian Kamancheh, and Brian O’Dwyer on drum kit, ZÖJs performance is an exploration of identity, place and the bridging of cultures.
Through emotionally raw soundscapes, ZÖJ share their lives, and reactions to the world around them.
Where borders blur, cultures intertwine, and the complexities of belonging and origin sit alongside those of the present and future.
ZÖJ’s music invites audiences to challenge the notion of a
BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au
After taking up the position of director of the gallery, Ms Arndt met the artist, visited her studio and saw her work - produced using gloved arms slathered in paint - and was mesmerised by it.
“I find Fran’s work highly compelling,” Ms Arndt said.
“Each work is highly colourful and gestural, its own experiment in palette, form and movement, with her fluid marks referencing her own body and the immersion required by the self as an artist.
“For me, her arcs and swirls mirror hanks of long, looped and twisted yarn or the exterior pattern of a thick ply skein, recalling
her childhood spent here in Wangaratta with its deep textile affiliation.
“She is also making work under the abstract tradition, that was so heavily male dominated.
“It should not be the case, but it’s a remarkable feat that a woman artist, from regional Victoria, would forge such a substantial career amidst the art circles of New York – the very home of abstract expressionism.”
Ms Arndt said she was pleased O’Neill agreed to show her work in Wangaratta - sharing it with the local community - and those who have seen it are calling it “exciting”, “beautiful” and “stunning”.
She said it was also an opportunity for the public to get a better understanding of abstract art
BRIDGING CULTURES: ZÖJ, featuring Gelareh Pour and Brian O’Dwyer, was recently awarded the Art
Award for Excellence in Experimental Practice.
singular identity, question whether we truly belong to just one place, and ponder what it means to belong.
Gelareh Pour’s kamancheh, voice and poetry blend seamlessly with Brian O’Dwyer’s drum kit, creating a dialogue between Iranian and Australian landscapes.
The wood in Gelareh’s kamancheh comes from Iran, while Brian’s drum kit is crafted from Australia. These instruments, made by Iranian and Australian artisans, symbolise the convergence of diverse influences and the creation of something new and unique.
On October 26, the gallery
practice and how it should be viewed and appreciated.
“I think abstract work can be very enlightening as it challenges us to let go of our need to always understand, to have to think with our mind rather than to feel with our body or our soul,” Ms Arndt said.
“Many find abstract work intimidating or distasteful, because it is not easily recognisable as something – a scene, a person or an object – and the psychological depth that is hinted at scares us.
“We want to understand and when it’s unknowable we baulkand I think that’s what this type of work teaches us - to use our senses in different ways, to relax into the moment, to trust our own intuition and to imagine.
“It’s very powerful.”
welcomes back violinist Jonathon Glonek, who will be accompanied by pianist Nicky Poznak to present a body of works celebrating Nocturne form and expression.
This concert forms part of a series of public programs complementing the current exhibition Nocturne: Benalla Art Gallery Collection, which explores multiple interpretations of the theme ‘nocturne’, specifically focusing on the scenes, sounds and movements ‘of the night’.
The program will include two large works; Cesar Franck’s Faure Romance for Violin and Piano, and Gabriel Faure’s Faure Romance in A major for violin and piano Op. 13, while a thrilling selection of miniatures and Nocturnes by Chopin and Debussy will provide a wondrous contrast for the second half of the program. Spaces are limited and tickets can be booked directly through the gallery or from www. benallaartgallery.com.au
Music Awards 2024:
TRAIL BLAZER: Fran O’Neill is well-known in the New York art world but recently returned to Australia and now works from her studio in Cheshunt.
PHOTO: Jeremy Weihrauch
Ovens St property auctions spark widespread interest
By STEVE KELLY
THE auctions of two Wangaratta CBD commercial properties sparked high interest of 5000 online views over four weeks, with one selling and the other likely to sell within the week.
One property at 74 Ovens Street that has a pharmacy at the front side sold at auction within the quote range and is currently under contract.
The other is The Fountain Centre located at the corner of Ovens and Reid streets and it was passed in.
Both properties were auctioned through the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) and online by Garry Nash and Co Real Estate with 60 genuine buyers.
“It was incredibly strong on the interest front but had it been 12 months ago there would have been hotly contested bidding,” Garry Nash and Co director Mike Noble said.
“It’s probably a sign of the times where you’ve got a combination of high interest rates and the new commercial property tax regime and increased land tax.
“It’s just a headwind at the moment for many investors and we’re finding a lot of investors are considering other states where the conditions are
a bit more favourable.
“Vendors have been realistic as far as their price expectations and it’s not as though they’re in the market to set new records, they’re just working to
market expectations.
“This is just that 6.5 per cent return on investment but it’s just that bit more of a grind.”
Mr Noble was pleased that a local investor snapped up the pharmacy building and he said they have a fair bit of traction at the moment with The Fountain Centre which was pleasing.
Tenants at The Fountain Centre include Elevate Fitness Studio, Fair Dinkum Builds, Maple May, Habitat Planning, Sleep Right, and Do My Hair.
KEITH’S AWSOME FOURSOME CLEAN UP AT SPORTS DAY
FOUR young Whitfield Primary School students produced a noteworthy achievement at the recent King Valley cluster sports day.
Part of the 36-strong Whitfield contingent competing in the Personal Best Sports Day alongside students from Edi Upper, Greta Valley, Broken Creek, Moyhu and Myrrhee primary schools, the four Keith siblings managed a rare feat.
Ruby (10), Bonnie (nine), Frankie (7) and Millie (6) Keith all emerged as overall champions for their respective age groups at the sports day.
In addition, Ruby broke the triple jump record, Bonnie set a new record in the 400m, and Frankie broke the high jump record.
While they are not regular athletics competitors, the quartet’s effort can be attributed to a combination of natural talent, and the active, outdoor lifestyle they enjoy on their family farm at Cheshunt, where they love riding bikes and horses and swimming in the river.
Council’s tourism funding program seeks applicants
COMMUNITY groups, tourism operators, and festival organisers in the Rural City of Wangaratta are encouraged to apply for council’s revitalised Tourism Event Funding Program.
Grants of up to $2000 are available for small events, and up to $5000 for major events taking place between January 1 and December 31, 2025. Applications are now open and will close at 3pm on Monday, September 30.
The program aims to stimulate economic benefits, enhance community culture, draw in key target markets, and bolster the region’s current tourism streams.
It also assists in allowing existing events to become more financially stable and sustain their presence on the region’s calendar.
Tourism Event Funding Program has recently simplified the application process
and now offers two streams:
• Tourism Event Grants: this stream focuses on supporting the development and growth of new events or those in their early years.
• Tourism Event Sponsorship: this stream is designed to support established events that have demonstrated continued growth over the past years and have consistently attracted a strong following from visitors outside our region.
Successful applicants of the Tourism Event Sponsorship will now receive funding for up to three consecutive years, reducing the need for annual applications and providing some financial security.
This change aims to help event organisers focus on growth and achieve longterm sustainability.
Councillor Harry Bussell said the streamlined application process will support newer events and help or-
ganiser’s get up and running.
“It will also boost the potential of our larger events that attract visitors from across Victoria, Melbourne, and southern NSW,” he said.
“With a total of $40,000 available across the two funding streams, we urge event organisers of all sizes and at all stages to apply.
“Applications can include costs associated with marketing, strategic business plans for event development, activities to expand an event program, or costs associated with securing or hosting an event.”
Application forms, further information and guidelines are available: https://www. wangaratta.vic.gov.au/YourCouncil/Grants-and-funding/Tourism-Event-Funding.
For further information or to discuss your event, contact the economic development team on 03 5722 0888 or economicdevelopment@ wangaratta.vic.gov.au.
He said interest rates coming down will help but they were just one factor and even residential overheads are there for investors.
“The increase in residential requirements for owners with safety checks and other facets, the returns just get eroded,” he said.
Mr Noble explained that at auction in a tougher market people really need to have unconditional money ready to go, but if the property is passed in that gives potential buyers to access finance if required.
Planned disruptions to the Glenrowan Telstra mobile network from tomorrow
TELSTRA has advised that its mobile base station will shutdown in Glenrowan during the hours of 7am to 3pm between Tuesday, September 10 and Wednesday, September 18 while a third party completes upgrade work on the tower.
Services will be restored at the end of each day and the network will be restored over the weekend of Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15.
Telstra mobile customers will receive text messages advising them of the upcoming works. Landline services and NBN internet services will not be impacted.
Any calls to Triple Zero from a Telstra mobile when the site is off air will automatically be diverted to any working mobile network for connection to emergency services and should not be impacted.
For mobile coverage in the interim, if residents have access to a Wi-Fi signal at home or at work, Telstra encourages residents to activate Wi-Fi calling.
Many businesses use the Telstra network for their EFTPOS terminals, however, Telstra says it does not operate the EFTPOS network; it is operated by financial institutions.
Retailers are being advised to contact their bank for more information and details on how to ensure continuous service.
SOLD: The Ovens Street pharmacy building (above) sold at auction, while The Fountain Centre was passed in.
FINE PERFORMANCE: Age champions Millie, Frankie, Ruby and Bonnie Keith with their mum Sally and their age champion medals at the King Valley cluster sports day.
Kinder facing closure
Beechworth’s largest kinder for last 26 years facing uncertain future in wake of council EOI gyg
BEECHWORTH’S largest kindergarten running from Mayday Hill for the last 26 years stands to be ousted at the end of next year if a resolution cannot be found for the service to remain.
A revamp of leasing renewal by Indigo Shire Council gained approval at council’s August meeting to seek Expressions of Interest (EOI) for a single tenant to offer childcare services, placing the Beechworth Kinder with its 60-year-old history in jeopardy of continuing.
Presently the site is occu-
BY CORAL COOKSLEY ccooksley@ nemedia.com.au
pied by Beechworth Kindergarten and Beechworth Community Early Years Learning Centre, with each having separate tenancy agreements.
Kinder committee executive team president Averil Halleur said the EOI required a successful childcare service to operate both kinder and childcare services.
“Our sessional kinder is not in the childcare space and
while council would accept our submission, we have been advised it would be non-conforming and we would not be a genuine contender for the lease,” she said.
Ms Halleur said there is also not sufficient time on the lease to relocate with its expiration at the end of next year.
“It would take a minimum of three years to relocate in securing a new site with certification and approval processes required by the Department of Education,” she said.
“It places us in a very difficult position and unless coun-
cil overturned the decision to proceed with its existing proposal or can extend our lease, we will have to close.”
Ms Halleur said the kinder for three to four-year-olds had been unaware the EOI was on council’s meeting agenda, believing it had been approved.
But word quickly spread, which saw the committee and parents filling the gallery at the meeting.
“We raised a number of questions read out collectively with no answers and an indication council would come
back to us, and yet they still voted and approved the proposal,” Ms Halleur said.
Kinder committee member Liana Beatson said consultation had been lacking by council with the EOI process with a single tenancy.
Ms Halleur said options had been explored with Beechworth Community Early Years Learning Centre (BCEYLC) that offered both childcare and kinder service for three to four-year-olds, but had been insufficient common ground.
BCEYLC president Lauren
Heritage listing sees precinct partnership
TWO Beechworth community organisations and a major social enterprise are collaborating to ensure the community is actively engaged in the development and activation of plans for Beechworth’s colonial-era centre.
Beechworth History and Heritage, Beechworth Inc, Old Beechworth Gaol and the Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE) have formed Beechworth Historic Precinct Partnership, aiming to work with the community, Federal Government and Indigo Shire Council to shape priorities for the precinct following its National Heritage listing in August.
Beechworth History and Heritage chair Jamie Kronborg said each of the partnership members, like many Beechworth residents, had a “keen, natural interest in the future of the place at the heart of our community”.
“The partnership’s aim is to bring together our community’s and partner organisations’ voices for the planning and activation of this newly-listed national heritage place,” Jamie said.
“The listing signals to Beechworth and the wider world the cultural value of the fine standard of colonial administrative buildings, old gaol, town hall and what they represent.
“It also presents a rare opportunity for the community to realise the social, economic and cultural benefits of the listing.
“For this to happen all voices have to be at the table to help plan the next steps, and engagement needs to be open, inclusive and genuine.”
TOGETHER: Old Beechworth Gaol and
Katrina Witherow and Beechworth
on Monday to discuss plans for the
ACRE and Old Beechworth Gaol chief executive Matt Pfahlert said the organisations he leads were excited to be cofounders of the Beechworth Historic Precinct Partnership.
“With Beechworth History and Heritage and Beechworth Inc, we’ll be working collaboratively with local groups to bring the precinct to life for generations to come,” Matt said.
“We believe the precinct is a great canvas for cultural storytelling and interpretation that can foster social inclusion and a place we can all be proud of. “
Beechworth Inc chair Katrina
and
Witherow said the community’s business advocacy organisation was honoured to collaborate with Beechworth History and Heritage, Old Beechworth Gaol and ACRE to form the Beechworth Historic Precinct Partnership.
“The National Heritage listing provides us with an opportunity for our organisations to represent our community, ensure custody and management of the precinct with Indigo Shire Council in ways that meet our community’s expectations, and work as key participants in future planning for these significant
historic assets,” Katrina said.
“We aim to advocate for our community in the development and operation of management plans for the precinct consistent with National Heritage management principles and our organisations’ shared aspirations and visions for the future of our businesses and the wider Beechworth community.
“Our collaboration will build on our community’s heritage and culture that provides the rich history we share today.
“This is a unique opportunity and we look forward to the work ahead and a positive future together.”
Malins said the door is open with council.
“We all want to work together to find a solution,” she said.
Indigo Shire Mayor Sophie Price said the Expression of Interest is a transparent process open to the entire kinder and child care sector or consortium with experience and certification.
“We want to ensure this process delivers the best possible child care and kinder services for local families and the community for years to come,” she said.
Second community scale battery set for Yackandandah
A SECOND community battery for Yackandandah is set to be coming to Yackandandah Sports Park.
TOTALLY Renewable Yackandandah (TRY) hosted a community information evening on August 22 to provide details of the forthcoming community battery.
The battery addition to the multi-use facility, which is home to at least eight formal user groups, will deliver significant benefits in savings, resilience and reliability.
Supported by Indigo Shire Council and made possible with funding from the State Government, the battery is designed to continue operating during disruptions to the mains supply, providing welcome support during extreme weather or emergencies.
While the sports park is not a safe haven during fires, it can support the community during the recovery phase with essential amenities such as toilets, showers, shelter, and catering facilities.
The installation will include a 60kW solar system paired with a 200kWh battery, with community retailer Indigo Power appointed as the construction partner.
The battery will charge daily from the solar system, discharge each evening to power the stadium and contribute surplus clean energy to the local electricity network.
This collaborative initiative is made possible due to the enduring support of the Australian Ethical Foundation, via a $40,000 grant to kick-start the project and a $287,000 grant from the State Government’s 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program.
Additionally, the Yackandandah Community Centre has pledged a $3000 community grant and the Yackandandah Folk Festival has also contributed.
TRY anticipates the battery will be operational by early 2025, marking another significant milestone in the community’s journey towards 100 per cent renewable energy.
Drag’d Out Beechworth ramps up for another dazzling event
By CORAL COOKSLEY
THIS year’s Drag’d Out
Beechworth Party in Pride festival is shaping up to be another gloss, glam and dazzle event with a fresh inclusive theme to draw huge crowds. With a great line of performers, including those who trip the global stage, the festival’s creative director Andrew Madden said world class production is inclusive, safe, friendly and fun, and for all ages.
The queer, inclusive threeday festival of the arts cele-
brates everyone within the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies while with its diversity brings people together from all walks of life.
Mr Madden said the festival’s new look this year is inspired by the inclusive flag colour palette with some new performers coming to town being some of biggest known headliners.
“We’ve reinvented the festival again as we do every year and have some of the biggest headline acts we have ever had,” he said.
Among them includes “Fountain Lakes in Lockdown” – an immersive dining experience held at the Memorial Hall with vibrant performances hosted by performer Art Simone and ‘Kath and Kim Fountain Lakes in Lockdown’ crew.
Mr Madden said the festival will again include a rainbow ball for young people which was based on last year’s success rated by participants safe, inclusive, and fun.
As not-for-profit event with funds raised to cover the run-
ning costs, Mr Madden said an annual donation is made to volunteer-led charity LINE in Wangaratta to support their work.
The event also received up to $10,000 of State Government funding as part of its Regional Activation Program of Victoria’s Pride throughout November.
For more information about the festival being held from November 22 to 24, to check out the fabulous program and book tickets visit www.dragdoutbeechworth.com.au.
ACRE chief executive Matt Pfahlert (left), Beechworth Inc chair
History
Heritage chair Jamie Kronborg at Old Beechworth Gaol
Beechworth Historic Precinct Partnership.
PHOTO: Jerun Terlaak / Scout Studio.
GLAMOUR AND GLITZ: Beechworth Drag’d Out performers entertained an audience at a Billson’s event last year. PHOTO: Andrew Madden
Students take the stage
By SIMONE KERWIN
VALUABLE performing arts experience came the way of many Wangaratta students last week, as they took part in a festival at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre.
Sandhurst Arts on Show involved more than 250 Catholic school students
from the region, including those from Wangaratta’s Our Lady’s, St Patrick’s and St Bernard’s primary schools, Galen Catholic College and Borinya Wangaratta Community Partnership.
Schools from Benalla, Rutherglen, Myrtleford, Beechworth and Chiltern also took part over the twoday event on Wednesday
and Thursday at the WPACC.
To prepare for the festival, students and teachers have been working with the Australian School of Performing Arts and practising in their school settings over the past two terms.
Claire Spinelli, education officer for the arts at Catholic Education Sandhurst, said Sandhurst Arts on Show
provided an opportunity for schools to perform rehearsed and prepared repertoire, and to showcase the capacity and skills of arts teachers and students in the diocese.
“The arts is an integral aspect of Sandhurst schools,” she said.
“The partnership between CES Ltd schools and Austral-
ian School of the Performing Arts is well-established, and provides the opportunity to expose and engage students in the choral arts.
“Since its inception in 2009, the program has expanded to incorporate Sandhurst Arts on Show.”
The high-energy event, which included singing, dancing, drama and cho-
ral performances, began in Wodonga on Tuesday before moving on to Wangaratta on Wednesday and Thursday. Last week’s shows will be followed by others in Bendigo, Echuca, Cobram and Shepparton in a three-week roadshow extravaganza involving more than 1500 students from Catholic schools in the Sandhurst diocese.
Monday, September 8, 2014
By CAITLIN SARTORI
EXPLORING relevant youth related issues in the Rural City of Wangaratta has newly elected youth mayor, Ella Thompson, and deputy youth mayor, Corinne Antonoff, really excited.
The duo was elected into their respective roles last week along with 10 other students as the group prepares for their 2014/15 term as youth councillors.
A youth councillor role is not a new thing for Ella and Corinne, as both of the Wangaratta High School students have served a previous term and six months respectively in the roles.
“It was really worthwhile the
Ella, Corinne keen to serve youth
first time,” Corinne said of her decision to apply as a councillor again.
“It’s definitely a great opportunity to have a voice for youth in the Rural City of Wangaratta,” Ella said.
“And also on a personal level, I saw it as a great learning opportunity to gain life skills, see and learn how a council works and things like that.”
“We’re around like minded people, it’s a really great environment to be in.”
One of Ella’s main ideologies is equality, while Corinne is passionate about the issue of youth poverty.
“We have the opportunity to change things, and there’s a lot
of roles we can become involved in within the whole community,” Corinne said.
“It’s not like when you’re at school, you can only go so far with a leadership role but as a youth councillor we can influence not just the people we hang around with.”
“Council is really good with the way youth council is set up, it’s flexible and we can contribute how we want and bring the ideas we have,” said Ella.
Organising a Youth Summit to be held in Wangaratta next year and developing a new youth contact card is also on the agenda along with contributing to various advisory and community committees across the rural city for the next 12 months.
ARTS IN ACTION: Our Lady’s Primary School student Neve Miller sings and dances her way through Sandhurst Arts on Show.
TIME TO SHINE: Charlotte Wisener from Wangaratta’s Our Lady’s Primary School takes centre stage.
▲ ROLL CAMERAS: Shailla Temwake and James Turvey from Our Lady’s Primary School.
◀ REACHING THE AUDIENCE: Our Lady’s Primary School student Violet Fitzgerald loved being part of the festival.
PERFORMING ARTS STARS: St Patrick’s Primary School choir members (back) Ally Grace, Stella Jarman, Oliver Forster, (middle) Harlan Witte, Caitlyn Elizabeth, Charlene Wahlert, Elsa Winter, Darby Hunter, Pippa Keane, (front) Imogen Gray, Stella Reid, Isabelle Huhn, Milla Chandler and Lucy Malcolm wowed the audience with their dancing, acrobatics and harmony singing to their chosen song, ‘Best Day of My Life’.
▲ HANDS UP WHO’S HAVING FUN: Local Catholic school students enjoy Sandhurst Arts on Show.
VOICE FOR YOUTH: Rural City of Wangaratta youth mayor Ella Thompson (front) and deputy youth mayor Corinne Antonoff. PHOTO: Luke Plummer
Junior Reporter Club
ACROSS
1 Who conquered Britain in 55BC (6)
7 What is a concluding part added to a literary work (8)
8 What are royal domains (6)
9 Name the break, as between acts of a play in a theatre (8)
10 Which gland lies in the human thorax (6)
11 What is a pattern, used as a guide (8)
14 What is a tactical unit of an air force (8)
18 Name a prominent seaport of South Africa (6)
19 What do we call an unmarried man (8)
21 Which type of street is wide, and lined with trees (6)
22 Name a genealogical register of horses (8)
23 In films, what do they call persons hired to play in mob scenes (6)
DOWN
1 Name those who are in charge of museums, art galleries, etc (8)
2 Who was given the head of John the Baptist (6)
3 What is an electrical non-conductor called (8)
4 Name an Australian term for an elevator (4)
5 What is a reddish brown horse (6)
6 Name an emirate in south-western Asia (6)
12 Who was a popular comic magician (8)
13 Name another term for preachers of the gospel (8)
15 Which imperial liquid measures are approximately 1.137 litres (6)
16 What are plant lice (6)
E-QUATIONS
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in
17 Name the archaic term for silver (6)
20 Which machine is used for weaving yarn (4)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.
1 FUNDUS (a) A supply or source of money (b) The bottom of anything (c) An expert
2 INUREMENT (a)Habituation (b) Anointing (c)Placement in an urn
Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.
CLUES:
Aged (3)
Boat with oars (7)
Bowling club (coll) (5)
Football (coll) (5)
Joint (5)
Motion about vertical axis (3) Opponent (3) Past tense: stand (5) Rural singles dance: ... ball (3) Small knob (7)
Riddellvue Angus auction
35A
RIDDELLVUE Angus has faced a few tough seasons and fluctuating cattle markets since moving to Markwood last year, but it hasn’t hindered the continued improvement of its herd.
Principal Ian Bates said despite having to feed cattle through the winter, the spring sale bulls are looking as good as ever, with 35 Angus bulls aged 18 months along with 19 registered females to be auctioned this Thursday on-site at 153 Markwood-Tarrawingee Road, Markwood.
“Old timers in this area are saying the season is one of the worst they’ve seen, so it has been a battle, but the bulls are going along really well,” he said.
“This will be our fourth sale at Markwood, and since the move the climate in the beef industry has been very tough.
ON-SITE AUCTION: Some
bulls across the catalogue, consistent right through and presenting really well.”
With early bull sales in the north of the country looking promising, Ian is hopeful there will be a change of sentiment - and weather - moving into the spring.
“We’ve had more than 50ml last month, which has made a little bit of movement, and the days are getting longer so we are heading in the right direction, with a lot of crops looking good in the district,” he said.
“The spring sales in the north are going well and Victoria is normally the cheapest place to buy bulls, which isn’t a reflection of the bulls, it is just that there are a lot of good bulls in Victoria that people overlook.”
Thursday’s spring sale, to be held on-property and via AuctionsPlus, will include sons of the $64,000 Reiland Ricochet R952, a bull which has TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation estimate breeding values is in the top five per cent of the breed for calving ease and top 10 per cent for docility and intramuscular fat.
“When I saw the Ricochet
“And while opening new doors is harder in tough conditions, the locals have been really receptive to us in the area and past clients have followed us along, so it has been a good balance.”
bull I wasn’t necessarily looking to buy a new bull but we went up to the Reiland sale at Gundagai and we liked everything about the bull - it had a great set of numbers, and he has proved the ground that he is stronger than his 600-day numbers show, so to me it is a very special bull,” Ian said.
“We will end up retaining 50 to 60 females, and he has been used heavily in the Reiland herd and other prominent studs- we have now
sold him on to Merlewood Angus for stud duties.”
This will be the first time Riddellvue will offer Reiland Ricochet progeny under the hammer, and Ian is excited for clients old and new to see the bulls.
“They have great temperament; confirmation and their feet are fantastic,” he said.
“I am really looking forward to them coming through the sale.”
As usual, Riddellvue will also offer 19 registered fe-
males at the spring sale, and there is a chance of Ricochet progeny to be included in that lineup as well.
One of the other prominent sire lines in this year’s spring sale will be by Blackjack Genesis Q04, a son of Pathfinder Genesis with growth figures in the top 10 percent.
“I’ve never seen such good feet as the Genesis bulls in this sale, and there is a bigger group of them,” Ian said.
“It is just a great lineup of
Last year’s spring sale at Riddellvue sold 21 bulls to a top of $12,500 and average of $6675, while in the autumn of this year a Genesis son made the top price of $10,000 and the 21 bulls cleared averaged $6450.
Pre-sale inspections are available from 10am this Thursday 12 September, ahead of the sale kicking off at 1pm.
For the latest news and sale updates visit www.riddellvue.com.au or Riddellvue Angus Facebook & Instagram Page.
Feedback sought on dingo conservation and wild dog management across Victoria
FARMERS, Traditional Owners and environmental groups across the state are being called upon to help shape the review of dingo conservation and wild dog management in Victoria.
Victorian Minister for Agriculture, Ros Spence, said the government wants to hear from farmers impacted by predation as part of the consultation process “and use their feedback to help shape the settings that will protect livestock”.
Drop-in face-to-face sessions were held in Mansfield and Tallangatta last week, and for more details about
how you can provide feedback visit agriculture.vic.gov. au/dingoreview.
Minister Spence said feedback is sought on the economic and social impacts of the dingo unprotection order, building on the government’s understanding of the different views about the current order.
Victorian Minister for Environment, Steve Dimpoulos said local knowledge and expertise will help form part of the review as the government worked towards a future that appropriately balances the conservation of dingoes with the protection of livestock.
will jointly consider the feedback, alongside the latest scientific research and data, in determining the future policy settings beyond October 1, when the current dingo unprotection order is due to expire.
Dingoes are listed as a threatened species under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975.
The dingo unprotection order only permits control activities on specified private land and within a three kilometre buffer zone on public land in the east of Victoria.
Wednesday 25th September 2024
On Farm 1053 Benalla-Yarrawonga Road Goorambat Vic & On AuctionsPlus 1pm start, Inspection from 11am Rams are protected with Gudair (OJD Approved vaccinants), GlanEry 7in1, Footvax and vaccinated as lambs with Bovilis MH. Registered flocks with brucellosis free accreditation. Lambplan Figures Available. Lunch catered for.
35 Angus bulls aged 18 months along with 19 registered females will be auctioned this Thursday on-site at Riddellvue Angus at Markwood.
IN PERSON BY PHONE
37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677
CONCRETING, big or small jobs, paths, driveways, shed slabs, verandahs, 15 years experience. For a free quote phone Trev Anderson on 0422 200 761.
MARK’S Mowing, reasonable prices, ride on mowing, edging, clean up, spraying and any waste removal. Ph 0472 603 156.
PAINTER, old school, for all your painting needs, commercial, industrial renovations. Phone Juliano 0412 597 482.
PLASTERER, no job too small. Ph 0424 911 161.
WHEELER Earthworks, available for all your earthworks needsyard clean ups, stump removals, driveways, material supply and spreading, rural work and more. Call Marcus on 0491 094 545.
An opportunity has arisen for a graphic designer to join one of Victoria’s and NSW leading independent news and media groups, based at our Wangaratta office working on newspapers, magazines and digital properties.
North East Media and its related group companies are seeking a graphic designer. You must be able to multitask, have strong organisational skills and be able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines. You must also be a team player who shows initiative and be able to work with minimal supervision. Your experience will include sound skills developing artwork using Adobe InDesign. Experience designing artwork for multiple digital channels, including websites, social media, email marketing would be an advantage.
If you are looking for a new challenge in an energetic and stimulating environment, we would encourage you to apply.
Applications should be forwarded to:
Kelly Lovell Creative Services Manager North East Media klovell@nemedia.com.au www.nemedia.com.au
TAILGATE VERY GOOD CONDTION, COMES WITH RWC Ph 0419 030 666
FORD FG XP6 Ute 2009 model, auto, 160,000km, great ute, rego (XJX004), $13,500 ono. Ph 0409 724 921.
Wangaratta Rovers 7.9.51 def by Wangaratta 8.12.60
GOALS: WANGARATTA ROVERS: O. Clelland 3, J. Correll 1, R. Ely 1, C. Gracie 1, N. Scholte 1. WANGARATTA: C. Petersen 4, A. Simmonds 2, M. Bihun 1, W. Petersen 1. BEST: WANGARATTA ROVERS: N. Scholte, R. Ely, T. Ford, C. McNamara, C. Gracie, R. Harvey. WANGARATTA: C. Petersen, O. Boyle, C. Donald, H. Canning, M. Schultz, J. Styles.
Lavington 4.10.34 def by Albury 9.7.61
GOALS: LAVINGTON: D. Finnimore 2, N. Edwards 1, C. Hall 1. ALBURY: D. Dunstan 5, S. de Steiger 1, K. Griparis 1, H. Just 1, J. Power 1. BEST: LAVINGTON:D. Finnimore, C. Baxter, F. Scott, C. Hall, D. Meani, R. Costello. ALBURY: D. Dunstan, B. McCloskey, J. Shanahan, L. Hogan, B. Kerr, F. Scholes.
WANGARATTA ROVERS
GOALS: YARRAWONGA: L. Williams 3, B. Frauenfelder 2, L. Howe 2, B. Kennedy 2, P. LewisSmith 2, C. Wilson 2, M. Casey 1, J. Koopman 1, L. Morey 1, W. Wheeler 1. WANGARATTA
ROVERS: J. Gerrish 1, A. Marklew 1, F. Osborne 1, D. Stone 1, D. Wilson 1.
BEST: YARRAWONGA: R. Bruce, L. Morey, P. Lewis-Smith, W. Wheeler, D. Howe, M. Gibbons. WANGARATTA ROVERS: B. Filo, W. McCarthy, C. Ledger, L. McCartney. YARRAWONGA
GOALS: Unavailable at time of print.
BEST: NORTH ALBURY: A. Gardiner, G. Godde, T. Broomhead, F. Gardiner, J. Minogue, J. Hayes. WANGARATTA: J. Clarke, A. Federico, A. Tilley, T. Norton, H. Smart, M. Anderson.
WINNERS AND LOSERS
NETBALL SCORES
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
A GRADE: Bonnie Doon 65 def Milawa 33
B GRADE: Bonnie Doon 45 def Tarrawingee 38
B RESERVE: Milawa 29 def Whorouly 27
C GRADE: Greta 46 def King Valley 32
15 & UNDER: Greta 31 def North Wang 13
SENIORS SCOREBOARD
B. Smith 1, Private player 1. BRIGHT: C. Thomason 5, D. Bren 2, L. Quirk 2, J. Dalbosco 1, C. Martin 1, M. Paulsen 1. BEST: BONNIE DOON: C. Smedley, J. Fox, L. Murray, J. Goonan, M. Hedin, J. Curtin. BRIGHT: A. Dalbosco, C. Thomason, S. Dalbosco, M. Elliott, P. Bren, N. Lebish.
Bright’s Cooper Thomason inspires six-goal final term to send Mountain Men into decider
FINALS
MATCH REVIEWS
■ From back page
“It was about where we’ve come from and the journey we’ve been on to not let it finish at a prelim final, and feel the pain of what we felt at the end of last year, and use it for good in the last quarter,” he said.
“They’d had three quarters of their best footy, and they still hadn’t put us away.
“In the first half they were well and truly on top, but we knew if we could just even it out then it would go a long way in us kicking a score.
“We rebound well off half back, so if we could win 50 per cent of stoppage clearances, it gives us a few more looks inside 50 as well.
“It helps when you get good entries to one-onones, because our forwards are very hard to beat when they’re getting genuine one-on-ones.”
Thomason was incredible in the final quarter, standing tall in the forward line and kicking true to lift his team to victory.
Five of Bright’s six fourth-quarter goals came off Thomason’s boot in a clutch finals performance for the ages.
“He is a special player and his game went up,” Harrison said.
“He hadn’t had a great game before that, he started in the midfield and just found himself getting way too high up the ground trying to chance kicks.
“We spoke about it at half time about staying inside forward 50 - there’s a reason he’s kicked 94 goals as a deep forward, so stay there.
“He was sensational in that last quarter, but we had to have 21 blokes who were going to stand up, and when it was their time to impact the game, to impact it.”
Coach Campbell Smedley was best on ground for the defeated Bombers, alongside Clyde Baker Medal winner Matt Hedin was impressive, while Al Bennett finished with three goals.
In the earlier reserves game, Milawa came from behind to post a two-point win over Bright, 9.4 (58) to 8.8 (56).
The Mountain Men will take on Greta in the 2024 senior football grand f inal this Satu rday, September 14, at WJ Findlay Oval.
Wangaratta Magpies stun Hawks in thirds derby semi-final clash
By WILLSON MACK
WANGARATTA thirds handed fierce rivals Wangaratta Rovers their first loss of the season and booked a spot in the 2024 O&M grand final.
The Magpies trailed by a goal at the main change but found three second half goals to one to salute 7.9 (51) to 8.12 (60) in their semi-final infront of a large crowd at the Wangaratta Showgrounds on Saturday.
Wangaratta coach Damien Lappin was proud of his side.
“It’s a fantastic feeling,” Lappin said.
“It’s always good to have that week off so the boys can recover.
“Knowing that we’re in a grand final it just great, I’m really pumped and excited for the whole team.”
Wangaratta played themselves into form with a ripping 63-point win over Lavington in last weekend’s qualifying final.
But Lappin felt his side went up a level against their hometown rivals.
“I think we went up another gear from last week, I was really proud of our effort last week,” he said.
“Our effort, intensity and the way we harassed was excellent last week but I thought we added a touch of class today.”
It was a frantic last few minutes but the Magpies held their nerve.
“We moved the ball really well and the poise we showed in the last five or six minutes was really great,” Lappin said.
“They probably showed more maturity than some of the blokes playing senior football so I’m really proud of them.
“I know that they’ll know that the job’s not done, they’ll be focused on training well and playing in a couple of weeks time.”
Corey Petersen was outstanding booting four majors in a best on ground performance, while captains Josh Styles and Hugh Canning led from the front.
“Our captain Josh who ended up with a split on his eye just gives you everything every week,” Lappin said.
“Our other captain Hugh Canning was on his death bed all week so for the two leaders to stand up is great.
“But you don’t win a finals game unless there’s 22 contributors and I think that today we did have 22 and that’s why you win a big final.”
For Rovers, Oscar Clelland was the only Hawk with multiple goals kicking three, while Noah Scholte, Ryley Ely and Tom Ford were named their best.
The Hawks now turn their attention to a meeting with Lavington in next weekend’s preliminary final at Birallee Park.
CONTESTED FOOTY: Bright’s Clay Cambridge-Dillon and Bonnie Doon’s Matt Hedin struggle for the ball.
PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling
Hawks were smacked by on-song Yarrawonga Pigeons in semi-final
AN inaccurate Wangaratta Rovers were the victims of a Yarrawonga masterclass in their O&M senior football semi-final, played infront of a big crowd at Norm Minns Oval on Saturday.
The Hawks failed to register a goal until the 24th minute of the third term when Finn Osborne slotted a set shot from 30 metres out on a slight angle.
That was one of only four Rovers goals as Yarrawonga flexed their muscles in the one-sided 17.9 (111) to 5.10 (40) affair.
Rovers football operations manager Barry Sullivan said it was a tough day at the office.
“Yarrawonga were very impressive,” Sullivan said.
“We didn’t take advantage of some opportunities early on and then once they got their tails up they just dominated.
“We were inaccurate but I don’t think that was too much of a concern because they put us under so much pressure that we ended up having to have shots from difficult positions.
“Their pressure in their forward half would allow them to set up so well behind the ball.”
The Hawks went into the match without coach Sam Murray (suspension) and Samuel Cattapan (shoulder).
Yarrawonga couldn’t be contained on offence with the flag favourites finishing with six players kicking
BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au
multiple goals and nine different goal kickers.
Pigeons star Perry Lewis-Smith was terrific finishing with 24 touches and two goals.
“They were just impressive and have so many quality players,” Sullivan said.
“They had a few A graders return, guys like Dan Howe which were really handy for them and at the same time we were missing some of ours.”
In a day where not many positives could be found, youngster Will McCarthy made a successful return from a lower leg injury.
“Will McCarthy was probably the highlight for us,” Sullivan said.
“He came back from injury and tried hard all day.”
Hawks star key defender Jace McQuade watched on from the sidelines in the last quarter with his right boot off.
After finishing second the Hawks earnt a double chance and will take on North Albury this Sunday at Birallee Park.
“We deserve the second chance we’ve got so we’ll dust ourselves off and go again,” Sullivan said.
“Hopefully we can get back to the form we’ve had for the past month or so.”
‘Pies go down by two points to Hoppers in semi-final
for the Magpies in their semi-final
By NATHAN DE VRIES
THE hearts of the black and white army were shattered on Sunday as Wangaratta Magpies’ senior footballers lost to North Albury by two points in the first semi-final at WJ Findlay Oval.
The Magpies held a 10-point lead at three quarter time, but the Hoppers produced great footy when it mattered to come home 12.10 (82) to Wangaratta’s 12.8 (80).
Wangaratta looked on fire early with a six goal to three opening quarter, but North Albury were able to leap back into the contest using their speed in the second term.
A tense and electric second half saw momentum and the lead seesaw, but the Hoppers had the fresh legs to run over the top and into a preliminary final by two points.
Wangaratta coach Ben Reid said his side had been outworked by a healthier outfit.
“I’m proud of our effort to hang in there all day, we probably had two or three blokes out on the field who probably shouldn’t have been out there had it been a regular season game,” he said.
“They just outworked us, to be honest.
“Whenever there was a one-on-
one contest on the wing or up forward, they had a second or third player there.
“They just outnumbered us at the contest and then we were too slow to get to it, then they got us on the overlap from there.
“The last half I thought was a real arm wrestle – both teams throwing everything at each other which you expect in a do-or-die final.
“Credit to them, they’ll be pretty tough to beat next week.”
Mark Anderson was outstanding in a selfless tagging role on Hoppers’ superstar playing coach Tim Broomhead, while Aiden Tilley was impressive in defence and Callum Moore booted four goals in his first game back after missing eight weeks with a hamstring injury.
“‘Broomy’ is a really good player, and we thought we were a bit light on for our mids with some guys missing through injury and whatnot, so we tried to take away one of their better players,’ Reid said.
“I thought Mark did a fantastic job on him, Harry Smart was another one who was really strong.
“‘Cal’ Moore up forward came back and kicked 4.4, Aiden Tilley down back was really strong again.”
It was an unfortunate swansong for Magpies captain and 351-gamer
Daine Porter, who was chaired off the ground in his final outing in the black and white.
It was also the last hurrah for Magpies’ Michael Newton, Callum Moore, and Reid himself.
“The three of those boys have been fantastic servants for the footy club, particularly Daine and ‘Juice’ (Newton) who have been there for a long time,” Reid said.
“The amount of effort those two have put in, it’s something the whole footy club should be really thankful for – I know I certainly am as their coach, they’re two fantastic blokes and I’ve really enjoyed my time.
“Cal Moore, he’s just a freak with some of the stuff he can do - he had eight weeks out with a hammy, so to come back and do that just shows his talent.
“Thank you to the whole footy club and everyone involved, the volunteers, supporters and players for my time here, I’ve enjoyed every bit of it.
“We’ve got the reserves and thirds still alive, so hopefully we can get some silverware in the next couple of years.”
The Hoppers take on Wangaratta Rovers this weekend at Birallee Park, with the winner to take on Yarrawonga in the grand final.
TALL TIMBER: Chris Knowles wins the ruck contest. PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie FAST HANDS: Waitai Tua fires off a handball under pressure.
LOWER THE EYES: Xavier Laverty chips a kick inside forward 50.
BALL MAGNET: Alex Federico was impressive
loss to North Albury.
SILKY: Lochie O’Brien finds space.IN THE HANDS: Tom Boyd takes possession.
CLEAN: Finn Osborne swoops on a loose ball.
BELTED: Jace McQaude’s Wangaratta Rovers were smashed by Yarrawonga on Saturday.
PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling
ONE of the greatest fourth quarter performances was what was needed - and delivered - to see Bright’s senior footballers triumph in their preliminary final over reigning premiers Bonnie Doon at North Wangaratta on Saturday. Forward dynamo and
league leading goal kicker Cooper Thomason booted five of Bright’s six goals in the fourth term to see the Mountain Men come from the clouds in a 12.4 (76) to 10.9 (69) thriller - and earn the right to take on Greta in the O&K
WANGARATTA Rovers’ Dylan Wilson is swamped by Yarrawonga players in his side’s 71-point loss at Norm Minns Oval on Saturday. The Hawks failed to kick a goal until the end of the third quarter. They will now play North Albury in this weekend’s preliminary final, with the winner to take on Yarrawonga in the grand final.
19
grand final this Saturday.
The Bombers were in charge early, and stamped their authority on the game in the second quarter.
Bonnie Doon’s midfield brigade were on top of Bright, as the Bombers leapt
forward to lead by 15 points at half-time.
The second-half was an arm-wrestle, as a rejuvenated Bright outfit matched Bonnie Doon across the ground, trailing by 16 points with a quarter to play.
Bright coach Paul Harrison said the three-quarter time talk was centred around refusing to let this match be the end of their journey, and fighting to the last siren
