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Monday, January 10, 2022

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Sport

Hospital cuts back elective surgery in face of COVID staff shortages

ARTISTS TO BRUSH UP ON SKILLS

By JEFF ZEUSCHNER STAFF shortages due to COVID exposure has forced Northeast Health Wangaratta (NHW) to cancel some elective surgery in order to focus on acute services.

NHW acting chief executive officer, Robyn Gillis, told the Wangaratta Chronicle yesterday that around 60 staff were isolating and absent from work due to either their own COVID symptoms, or being in a household with a COVID positive member.

“As a result we’ve had to cancel non-acute services,” she said.

“All emergency services and surgeries are unaffected, but only category one elective surgeries are proceeding...others are on hold.”

Ms Gillis said while staff only had to isolate for seven days, she believed workforce resources will be an ongoing challenge in the next few weeks.

The hospital’s staff shortages reflect a growing workforce resource challenge across most sectors within the local community, amid the continuing surge of COVID cases.

■ Continued page 3

WANGARATTA Artists Society secretary Marina Foad and president Mary Ellis are among those looking forward to a better year in 2022, with a $9500 council grant helping to provide a series of workshops this year.

Full story page 3 PHOTO: Nick Richards

SUNNY BOOST TWO solar farms planned for the Rural City of Wangaratta are expected to begin construction this year.

Brendan Murphy, head of business development for Bison Energy which is overseeing a solar farm at Laceby, said construction should start there later this year, while Rural City of Wangaratta Mayor Dean

Solar energy gy farms to begin g construction this yyear

BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au

Rees said he believed work would begin on a development at North

Wangaratta early in 2022.

Cr Rees said the “tyranny of time” in getting the 64 hectare North Wangaratta project under way during the pandemic had been a blessing in disguise, due to the advance of solar technology over that period.

He said council had been told by CleanPeak Energy that the farm would create an initial 100 jobs, with five to 10 of those to remain ongoing.

“They are a strong, big company from Sydney and have plenty of experience,”

Cr Rees told the Wangaratta Chronicle.

Meanwhile, Mr Murphy said Bison Energy was looking at late 2022 for the start of works on the Laceby solar farm.

He said delays due to the project being the subject of

a Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) appeal in 2020 meant it was still working to obtain its grid connection agreement.

While this time last year, works had been expected to start in 2021 and take 12 to 18 months to complete, construction is now on the cards in the coming year.

■ Continued page 3

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Page 2 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 10, 2022

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COVID restrictions renewed Businesses largely g y unaffected byy new densityy limits,, but staff shortages g hurtingg

By RYAN MALCOLM B NEW State Government restrictions have seen local hospitality venues adopt strict new one person per two square metre rules, as Victoria looks to combat COVID-19 spread in local eateries.

As of Friday, venues were once again constrained to limits which have become commonplace over the last two years, as COVID infection numbers continued to soar throughout the state.

However, the new restric-

tions did littl little tto address ti dd the issues plaguing much of the industry, according to Charlie’s Burgers manager Jonathan Sanders, as staff shortages due to testing and isolation requirements continue to run rampant.

“It seems like a lack of control,” he told the Wangaratta Chronicle.

“I find it fascinating that we’re not in a lockdown our staff members get tested and isolate and you might not have them for one or two weeks.

“The are nott “Th restrictions t i ti really affecting us so much - the challenge is getting staff.”

The Vine Hotel was also largely unaffected by the new restrictions, although owner Jimmy Ladgrove said the popular North Wangaratta pub had dodged a bullet with restrictions not being harsher.

“It doesn’t really impact us, we can still fit 100 inside and we have our outdoor space,” he said.

“If it was four square

metres t it would ld suck k - our shows tend to sell above 100 tickets and we would have had to cut back to 50.

“A lot of our stuff is outside which helps a lot - we've been busy, and we've had a lot of tourists through which has been great.

“Our staff are all healthy and happy - it must be the North Wangaratta air.”

However, some workplaces have not been so lucky, with recent gains being offset by major staff shortages in both the short and long term.

We W tell t ll people l as they th come through the door to expect delays,” Mr Sanders said.

“Some 40 per cent of our staff couldn't work on New Year’s Eve due to isolation, it’s very difficult to motivate them to come back after.

“We’re feeling very uncomfortable with what’s going on.”

Mr Sanders said while government support during a difficult two years had been much appreciated, a perceived lack of clarity

about b t the th direction di ti off the th ini dustry had left he and other local business owners concerned going forward.

“I appreciate the support the government gave us, but where is the light at the end of the tunnel?,” he said.

“It’s a tough time, you don’t know what’s going to happen down the road, whether we will let the virus go.

“The government regulations aren’t providing enough clarity.”

MPs call on governments to do better with COVID

Est. 1884, Incorporating Wangaratta Despatch, Est. 1861

WEATHER

By JEFF ZEUSCHNER

TEMPERATURES: Monday

Max 33

Min 14

Sunny

Tuesday

Max 31

Min 16

Mostly sunny

Wednesday Max 30

AT THE STATION: The new VLocity train arrives on time at the Wangaratta Railway Station.

PHOTOS: Jeff Zeuschner

Min 16

Possible shower

Thursday

Max 30

Min 16

Mostly sunny

RAINFALL: Wangaratta Lake Buffalo Cheshunt

Last 72 hours

Last 7 days

1.8mm 14.0mm 10.2mm

33.8mm 68.0mm 44.6mm

*NB: Rainfall totals up until 3pm, Sunday

LUCKY NUMBERS Tattslotto - Draw 4223

27, 3, 29, 17, 20, 24 (18, 9) Winning numbers are subject to verification by ticket holders.

NEWS TIPS Office Hours: 5723 0100 After Hours: 5723 0107 Email: edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au

CONTACTS POSTAL ADDRESS: 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta GENERAL TELEPHONE INQUIRIES: 5723 0100 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: 5723 0101 DISPLAY ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: 5723 0100 Fax: 03 5721 9447 Email: edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au Website: wangarattachronicle.com.au

Follow us ADVERTISING CLOSING TIMES Monday Issue: Display Thurs. 10am. Classifieds Fri. 2.30pm Wednesday Issue: Display Fri. 10am. Classifieds Tues. 2.30pm Friday Issue: Display Tues. 10am. Classifieds Thurs. 2.30pm Published by Hartley Higgins for North East Media Pty Ltd, 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677.

Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Editor Jeff Zeuschner.

Copyright: All advertising and editorial content of this issue is the copyright of North East Media Pty Ltd and cannot be used without the company’s permission.

The Chronicle is bound by the Standards of Practice of the Australian Press Council.

If you believe the standards may have been breached, you may approach the Chronicle itself or contact the council by email at info@presscouncil.org.au or by phone on (02) 9261 1930.

Member

Only one in service so far, but new VLocity train making a difference

By JEFF ZEUSCHNER ALL five brand-new standard gauge VLocity passenger trains will be in service on the North East line, replacing all classic fleet trains by mid-2022.

Responding to the Wangaratta Chronicle on Friday, a Department of Transport spokesperson said the remaining four VLocity trains “are set to hit the tracks in the coming months - delivering more reliable, modern and comfortable services for passengers”.

One VLocity train commenced service on December 30.

It is running from Southern Cross Station at 12.05pm, arriving in Wangaratta at 2.48pm, and Albury at 3.55pm, and then provides a return service departing Albury 5.20pm, arriving at Wangaratta 6.14pm and then at Southern Cross Station at 9.45pm.

The VLocity is in service Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.

While travel times remain the same, it is understood reducing journey times of services will be considered as part of a possible future timetable change once more VLocity services are operating on the line.

While it is only early days for the new VLocity train, passenger feedback on the promised “modern, comfortable and reliable” service has been positive.

Wangaratta-based Indi independent federal MP Helen Haines, who travelled on the December 30th service from Chiltern to Albury, said the train provided “a

IMPRESSED: Philip Grochocki travelled on the new Vlocity train from Melbourne to Wangaratta last week and said the ride was “quieter and smoother” than the old trains. much smoother ride than we are used to on the North East line”.

“The new trains have a lot of features - including USB chargers, shared tables, space for bikes and luggage and more access for people with disability,” Dr Haines said.

Other commuters spoken to by The Chronicle have been similarly impressed.

Melbourne resident Philip Grochocki was among those who travelled up to Wangaratta on the service last week, alighting from the train with his bike to ride the rail trail to Bright.

“It’s certainly a lot quieter and smoother than the old service,” he said.

“There was plenty of space, good facilities and you even had the USB charger for my phone.

“It was easy to get the bike on

and off and the service ran to time.”

Beth Strybosch and Matthew Hertz travelled on the maiden voyage from Melbourne to Wangaratta.

“The train was nice and clean, and seems really well-laid out,” said Beth.

“It’ll be good when there’s food service on.

“It was a really smooth ride.”

Matthew said the service is “definitely better now”.

Tarrawingee resident Donovan Jacka was also on the maiden voyage.

“Excellent service. It was interesting to see it stop at each station around five minutes early, and have to wait to leave.

Next to the freeway we were quicker than the cars,” he posted on Facebook.

WANGARATTA-based state and federal MPs have called on respective governments to do better for regional communities in the face of the latest COVID crisis.

Victorian MP Tania Maxwell on Friday wrote to Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley, seeking an “urgent assurance” that the State Government will make rapid antigen test (RAT) kits quickly and readily available to already-vulnerable regional and rural communities, businesses and services in Northern Victoria.

“People in the communities I represent are struggling to access PCR testing, where necessary, and are confused by public health information about isolation requirements,” the Derryn Hinch’s Justic Party MP wrote, seeking the government urgently put in place a public health information campaign that keeps people informed and safe.

Meanwhile Indi federal independent MP Helen Haines on Friday strongly criticised the Federal Government for what she said was its “failure” to support regional Australia in the Omnicron outbreak.

Dr Haines said the government’s lack of preparation and sudden shifts in policy had left the public confused and distressed; and put extra strain on health services as numbers of COVID-19 in the community increase.

“I have been in contact with the local Public Health Unit, the Primary Health Network, GPs, pharmacists and hospitals to get an accurate account of the local situation with COVID-19, and while I am confident in their staff and expertise, I am so angry to hear how they have been let down by the government,” she said.

“We’ve seen a delay at every stage of this pandemic when we’ve had due warning, we have completely squandered any advantage we had from seeing what other countries faced before us.

“At every point the federal government has waited until crisis point to take action.”

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 10, 2022 - Page 3

COVID staff shortages impact elective surgery ■

From page 1 Ms Gillis said there were atleast 200 active COVID cases within the Rural City of Wangaratta.

The figure is a combination of PCR confirmed positive tests and people self-reporting to the Department of Health that they’d returned a positive result on a rapid antigen test kit.

The State Government’s official COVID-19 website updating daily Local Government Areas put Wangaratta at 243 active cases, with 70 within the last 24 hours, up until yesterday morning.

Ms Gillis said the public demand for both PCR screening tests and COVID vaccinations in Wangaratta continued to be “very high”.

She said NHW’s drive-thru COVID screening clinic at the Wangaratta Showgrounds had 293 people through on Friday and 303 of Saturday.

“In the past seven days we’ve screened more than 2000 people locally,” Ms Gillis said.

The screening clinic at the Wangaratta Showgrounds remains open daily from 6am to 12noon, with a reported wait time of up to two hours.

NHW’s COVID vaccination clinic on Tone Road vaccinated 338 people on Friday.

“We did some 1542 booster shots in a week,” Ms Gillis said.

“People can either book an appointment or just walk-in for the vaccination.”

Children from ages five to 11 are expected to be able to receive the first of their Pfizer vaccinations from Wednesday this week at the Tone Road facility.

“We’ve been taking many bookings online over the past few days,” Ms Gillis said.

The vaccination clinic is opened Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4pm and bookings can be made at: https://portal.cvms.vic.gov.au/ or by calling 1800 571 121.

Acting Premier Jacinta Allan on the weekend reminded people that in addition to the vaccination hubs, local pharmacies and GPs were helping roll out COVID booster shots for adults and doses for children.

The government said GPs and

pharmacies had until 5pm tonight to apply for grants of up to $10,000 to assist maximise their vaccination service through extended hours, expanded capacity, or hiring extra staff to deiver more bookings for high-priority groups.

Parents and guardians can book their child’s vaccination through their local GP or pharmacy, or at a state-run centre through the coronavirus hotline or online at coronavirus.vic.gov. au/vaccination-information-children-andteenagers.

The recommended vaccination schedule for most children in the five to 11 age group is two doses of Pfizer vaccine eight weeks apart.

■ EDITORIAL PAGE 6

Workshops to help inspire local artists this year

By ANITA McPHERSON MEMBERS and friends of the Wangaratta Artists Society (WAS) will have more opportunities to brush up on their skills with a new series of workshops scheduled for this year.

The group was successful in its application for a grant from the Rural City of Wangaratta 2021-2022 Community Grants Program, receiving $9500 which will allow it to host a number of professional, practising artists over the course of the year to run classes for both adults and children.

WAS secretary Marina Foad said the group, which has around 40 members, was pleased to receive the funding, after a challenging couple of years.

She said while some artists have already confirmed their workshop dates, others are still to be finalised as the society looks forward to making a fresh start this year.

“Kate Jenvey will be running a coloured pencil workshop in early March and we're hoping Jennifer Paull will be doing a portrait workshop,” she said.

“While 2021 was a difficult year because of COVID, we were really pleased with the success of our 50th art exhibition in October and hopefully this year will be even better.”

There will be a variety of different workshops on offer from when the society resumes its meetings this month through to September, covering a range of different mediums and practices.

Young people will also have the opportunity to participate with some workshops to be held after school hours.

If anyone wants to find out more they can visit the Wangaratta Artists Society on Facebook.

Stolen Markwood ute found in Euroa GETTING CLOSER: A sign on Wangaratta-Eldorado Road highlights the site of the planned North Wangaratta solar farm.

PHOTO: Belinda Harrison

Solar energy farms to begin construction this year ■

From page 1 Mr Murphy said the company was in the process of “updating and reworking the required grid studies to meet Ausnet’s and the Australian Energy Market Operator’s

&

new requirements”.

“Once that milestone is met, we’d hope to be starting construction later in 2022 to early 2023,” he said.

Mr Murphy said due to increases in the cost of

raw materials and shipping/logistics in late 2020, during 2021, and most likely into 2022 during the pandemic, the cost of the solar farm had shifted from an estimated $93 million to the low $100

million range.

The 72 megawatt solar farm is to be established on 130 hectares on the corner of Snow Road and Wangaratta-Kilfeera Road.

It is expected to gener-

ate enough renewable energy to power 27,000 homes, and create 150 to 200 jobs, both during construction and the operations and management phase, along with others which would be ongoing.

POLICE yesterday recovered a vehicle reported stolen from Markwood over the weekend.

Acting Sergeant Jimmy McGinn of Wangaratta police said the owner of the new Holden Maloo ute reported it stolen overnight Friday/Saturday morning.

“With the help of social media the ute was located, safe, in Euroa,” Act Sgt McGinn said.

“Police are continuing to investigate the matter.”

Donut mind if I do 58 REID ST, WANGARATTA

Page 4 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 10, 2022

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SES volunteers kept busy as trees fall amid torrential weather

WHAT’S UP WITH THE WEATHER?

By Peter Nelson, former CSIRO climatologist

Wet, humid conditions across the North East AN inland low pressure trough extending southwards from the Queensland border made quite an squelchy impact last week, breaking our first heatwave for the summer.

It delivered a spell of very humid conditions with mainly north east winds and patchy rainfalls and some active isolated thunderstorms.

Dew point temperatures at places in North East Victoria reached 20 degrees, which is nearly 10 degrees above normal for this time of year.

There was widespread rainfall and also some very isolated heavy rainfalls.

Omeo recorded 113.8mms in the 24 hours to 9am last Thursday.

This was Omeo’s wettest January day in 143 years of records.

The previous wettest January day was 77.7mms on January 10, 1897.

There were only two wetter days overall of 120.7mms in June, 1933 and 131.4mms in June, 2012 in Omeo.

The one in June 2012 brought a freak surge of gale force southerly winds to our region with many trees toppling over.

Further north isolated heavy thunderstorms brought 95.2mms to Temora and 63mms to Narrandera.

For both these places it was the wettest January day since 1974 when there was a widespread heavy rain event on January 11, 1974.

FALLEN trees have kept Wangaratta SES members busy in the new year, with crews having responded to 19 jobs since the beginning of the year.

A drastic change from dry to wet and windy weather saw gum trees fall to the ground in their droves, according to Wangaratta SES commander Tracy Harper.

However, Ms Harper said the rural city has been largely fortunate in the face of last week's summer storms, with no riverine flooding and little flash flooding.

“We’ve had a lot of tree jobs and a couple of building damage calls,” she told the Wangaratta Chronicle.

“We had a gentleman with leaking tiles - the plumber refused to

get up so they called us.

“But there hasn’t been any flash flooding or anything to that effect - we survived it quite well.”

Rainfall totals from 9am Wednesday to 9am Saturday were substantial across many parts of the North East, especially in the Ovens and King catchments.

According to the Bureau of Me-

teorology, Mt Buffalo had 147mm, Mt Hotham 125.4mm, Harrietville 131mm, Eurobin 118mm, Bright 107mm, Cheshunt 44.4mm, Carboor Upper 60.6mm and Everton 62.4mm.

Wangaratta had 33.8mm, Albury 125mm, Rutherglen 65.2mm, Yarrawonga 40.6mm and Great South 32.2mm.

Maria enjoys helping make a difference with families LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

THINKING OF OTHERS: Maria Garvey is encouraging all to get involved with child protection.

PHOTO: Leah Anderson-Byrne

FOR Maria Garvey, helping people has always been a part of her life.

Ms Garvey is currently one of the Wangaratta team managers within the case management team at the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing and has been working in child protection for more than five years.

“When I came out of school I studied childcare but went off on a totally different path,” she said.

“After I had my own children I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do so I went back and studied community welfare work.

“From there I got a job at Upper Murray Families and Queen Elizabeth Centre (QEC) where they do a lot of parenting assessment and programs for child protection clients so I got to know a lot of the team and that’s where my interest started.

“At QEC we did 12 week programs and I didn’t support families longer that that whereas here I am working more intensively and long-term with families.

“Working in the case management team with long-term clients it feels like it’s more time to make and sustain change.

“Through my job at UMFC I got to know the CP team through my collaboration with them and

they’re just amazing, so supporting them drew me to it.”

Ms Garvey said she has enjoyed the position ever since and worked her way from advanced practitioner, to senior advanced practitioner, supervisor and to her current role as team manager.

“I’ve enjoyed the team so much; everyone’s always ready to support each other and the challenges of the role makes you expand your own knowledge of yourself and seek knowledge so you’re always developing professionally,” she said.

“I’ve never worked in metro areas in these roles but the challenges in regional areas is staffing.

“There can be a negative connotation to the job and negative perceptions but there are so many benefits that people don’t know about which I think impact on employment sometimes.

“Within regional areas we need to have people in here working across the sectors to bring everyone together and support these kids.

“I really enjoy my role; it’s such a good place to work for your own personal and professionally development.

“Come and join us.”

For more information, go to https://childprotectionjobs. dffh.vic.gov.au.

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THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 10, 2022 - Page 5

Swim teachers in hot demand: scholarship to help

By SIMONE KERWIN

SWIMMING teachers are in demand across Australia, and the shortage has been felt by the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre (WSAC), according to sports, aquatics and events precinct manager Penny Hargrave.

“We do have a shortage of swimming instructors; where we really have that shortage is for school-based swim lessons during the day in term time,” Ms Hargrave said.

“We do have a good number of instructors, but we probably need to double what we’ve got to be able to meet demand.

“In term four last year, two terms were merged into one, and some of our teachers were spending up to eight hours in the water.

“It’s such an important role, helping kids learn how to swim, and we would love to hear from people who have those qualifications.

“Last year we ran our own swim teacher scholarship, which was really successful in helping to reduce people’s costs and sponsor them to undertake the program, and

we are looking at doing that again.

“With both swim teacher and lifeguard training, it allowed us to - taking COVID out of the equation - do all that we needed to do.”

Ms Hargrave said WSAC was also providing lessons for schools in areas outside Wangaratta, including Myrtleford and Barnawartha, which did not have swim teachers available.

WSAC teachers are operating the VICSWIM program over the first three weeks of January, with bookings available online via www.vicswim. com.au “Swimming lessons during term can be a big commitment for parents, so what we’re also looking at doing is running our swimming program over the 10 weeks of term time, but for those who can't get to the 10 week program, running one week of daily instruction during each school holidays,” Ms Hargrave said.

Learn to swim team leader Rhiannon Froude encouraged anyone interested in taking on a swim instructor role at WSAC to contact the centre on 5722 1723.

IN THE SWIM OF THINGS: Darcy Wheeler, Riley Wheeler, Elliot Offerman, Molly Pethybridge and Elsie Rovers were among the youngsters enjoying swimming lessons at the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre on Thursday.

PHOTO: Simone Kerwin

Perfect storm led to festive jam

By SIMONE KERWIN

TRAFFIC drawn to Wangaratta’s centre on Christmas Eve created a perfect storm for congestion, again raising an issue highlighted during 2021.

Motorists were banked up through the CBD and on the Parfitt Road bridge on that Friday morning, as locals flocking to complete lastminute shopping and gather Christmas supplies merged

with regular Friday morning business traffic.

While the festive season added to demand on the CBD road network, it renewed calls for consideration of congestion issues, which were raised last July when a large gum tree fell across the Parfitt Road bridge and caused gridlock in the city.

Wangaratta-based Ovens Valley state MP Tim McCurdy conducted a survey in the wake of that debate, asking

Rural City of Wangaratta residents late last year for their thoughts on the need for a second river crossing.

Of the 392 people who responded to the survey, 91 per cent said a second Ovens River crossing was needed, with congestion the most popular reason, followed by delays, trucks, and pedestrian safety.

Those who said there was no need commented that traffic volume didn't

justify a change; there was no suitable location; or there were other issues of greater priority.

“We also got some really good ideas back which said avenues rather than another crossing could be considered, especially as the (Parfitt Road) bridge has four lanes, so whether it means a second bridge or other works to address the congestion is the question,” Mr McCurdy said.

“We just want to remove unnecessary traffic from the CBD.” Mr McCurdy said he had presented the results of the survey to Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Ben Carroll, and hoped to discuss them further in the New Year.

He said he would also look to explore the issue of CBD traffic movement further with Rural City of Wangaratta council.

Rural city director infra-

structure services, Marcus Goonan, said last year that a 2016 study had discounted the need for a second crossing in Wangaratta, as there were already a number of access points off the highway, and that council’s stance had not changed on the issue, but that plans were in place for projects to improve movement through the rural city.

Mr McCurdy said he looked forward to discussing these plans with council.

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Page 6 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 10, 2022

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NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.

Challenges continue with rising COVID cases and work force pressures YESTERDAY’S confirmation of another three month extension of Victoria’s pandemic declaration, from this Wednesday, was inevitable.

Unlike previous declarations though, the surge in active cases is almost endemic throughout the state, rather than selective populations.

In Wangaratta, state authorities have put active cases above 250.

While in the main the impact on individuals’ health is generally less severe than previous strains, the disruption being felt across the wider community is more significant.

It is alarming the sheer numbers having to isolate through either being a close contact or having symptoms and awaiting test results.

Northeast Health Wangaratta alone has 60 or more staff unable to work due to having to isolate, which understandibly impacts on operations and in the short term, has seen some elective surgery put on hold.

Of course, such pressures on work forces are being felt across many sectors and that appears to be be ongoing challenge in coming weeks.

While it is easy to be frustrated with the current situation, perhaps looking for someone to blame, our community is best served by tolerance and maintaining a level of civility and common sense.

That includes continuing to practise all the practical COVIDSafe strategies and hygiene advice, and getting your booster shots as soon as possible.

The Quiz No.213 1.

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In the 1930s, which politician both immediately preceded and immediately succeeded James Mitchell as Premier of Western Australia?

The Shorty Awards are an awards event that originally honored top content creators on which social media platform?

Who is often referred to as the ‘father of modern observational astronomy’?

Tahrir Square is a major public square in the capital city of which country?

Perth Glory were playing which team in December 2018 when the goalpost snapped, causing a forty-five-minute delay in the game?

What are the three colours in the KFC logo?

Which former member of Fleetwood Mac released the 2018 album, Solo Anthology?

What is the largest Loch in Scotland by surface area?

In what month is Father’s Day celebrated in the United States?

Who did Liam Hemsworth marry on December 23, 2018?

Which 1980s TV soap featured Ally Fowler and Peter Phelps in starring roles?

The first cricket Test match to be played at Perth Stadium was between Australia and which other country?

Which chemical compound has the formula, NaClO? Nereid, Halimede and Sao are moons of which planet?

In relation to the Australian national education and training institute, NIDA, what does NIDA stand for?

Which country did Australia play against in the first match of the 2019 Hopman Cup tournament?

Who wrote the 1972 novel, It Shouldn’t Happen to a Vet? At the height of its power, the Ottoman Empire spanned which three continents?

In which 2018 movie did Nicole Kidman play the role of Atlanna?

Which cocktail combines the flavours of white rum, sugar, lime, sparkling water and mint?

Answers 1. Philip Collier 2. Twitter 3. Galileo Galilei 4. Egypt 5. Central Coast Mariners 6. Red. black, white 7. Lindsey Buckingham 8.

Loch Lomond 9. June 10. Miley Cyrus 11. Sons and Daughters 12. India 13. Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) 14. Neptune 15.

National Institute (of) Dramatic Art 16. France 17. James Herriot (James Alfred Wight) 18. Europe, Asia, Africa 19. Aquaman 20.

Mojito Compiled by Ric Allport – www.brainfoodfactory.com – Challenge your Brain

FACEBOOK users have been commenting on the Federal Government’s decision to cancel tennis world no.1 Novak Djokovic’s travel visa.

•

Terri Johnstone: Novak...Dont even think to put Australia through our Court System mate, we got better things going on here.

Ricky Iles: Good news.

It gives one of the other tennis players a chance to win the Australian Open.

Dianne Green: Yes

• •

they did, if his management can’t fill out the right forms, that’s their problem not ours Sharon Godwin: Don’t let him in if he does not have the right paperwork.

He is not to be given special treatment because of who he is. He is only a person just like everyone else.

Nadine Cain: No-vaxdjokovic has had months to get vaccinated to play, aka his work, but obviously assumed he would

•

•

have special privileges. It’s good enough for us to be mandated to work then it should be for everyone that comes into Victoria. I DO NOT agree with mandatory laws for Covid at all, but there must not be special privileges other than legitimate health reasons.

Paul Knowles: Wonder which government official gave him clearance to get this far? Someone did a whoopsie and now we are scrambling to undo it. See

•

• •

you at the tennis Novak.

Deb Meldrum Rantall: Absolutely, same rules must apply for everyone Jill Lindquist: Yes, if an individual does not meet the conditions of visa entry to Australia (esp during the COVID pandemic) there should be no ‘work around’. So much for the ‘rigour’ of the process hey?

Serious TA egg on face over this. What was his exemption meant to be based on anyway?

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Early intervention is key to child protection YOUR story reporting the Victorian Government’s recruitment drive for child protection workers had a catchy heading: ‘Go where you’re needed - a rewarding career keeping kids safe’ (Wangaratta Chronicle, December 17, 2021).

But I’m concerned that more child protection staff won’t lead to a reduction in the number of children who need the support of such workers.

In the past two years, Victoria committed $2.2 billion to transform its child and families support system, yet funding for early intervention programs has simmered away without attracting investment of a similar scale.

Unless we make early intervention and collaboration with families to change behaviours and lower the need for child protection our priorities, Victoria will have to budget an exorbitant expenditure to help children and families in crisis.

In my experience, we need to deal with systemic issues in ways that would prevent children falling through the cracks and being removed from their families.

I know that drug or alcohol abuse and illness have serious impacts on some families, so would it not be more effective to fund programs that help parents and carers to address these behaviours and issues so they can make the necessary changes at home?

Children will often end up in the justice system because help comes too little and too late.

I’m continuing my representations to the government to change this.

I’m fighting for early intervention programs to be funded across Northern Victoria so every parent has the opportunity to build skills and confidence and is supported to deal with circumstances that can lead to the removal of children into care.

Tania Maxwell MP, Derryn Hinch’s Justice Party Member for Northern Victoria, Wangaratta

An angel to my rescue ON January 1 I decided to take the train from Melbourne to Chiltern, to do a bike tour from Chiltern via Beechworth to Wangaratta.

I enjoyed the ride up to Beechworth, and then took the rail trail towards Wangaratta.

About 12kms before Wangaratta, where the rail trail crosses the EldoradoWangaratta Road, I got a flat tyre and

Do you think the Federal Government has done enough to improve access to Rapid Antigen Tests?

WARP AND WEAVE: See the work of artists including Jane Theau during the Tensions 2020 Tamworth Textile Triennial exhibition which is visiting the Wangaratta Art Gallery. Theau’s work Anca is a portrait of the dancer Anca Frankenhaeuser, in multiples of lace, shadow and dance movement. The exhibition runs until February 13.

PHOTO: Nick Richards started to push my bike along the road.

After pushing the bike for 2km, someone with a white pick-up stopped.

He said: “I drove past you, but then I decided to be an angel. I turned the car round, and here I am.”

He put my bike in the back and drove me to Wangaratta Station.

Thanks to this angel from Wangaratta.

What a great message for 2022: #decidetobeanangel Sascha Becker, Melbourne

Caring for animals in hot weather WITH the weather heating up, please, please do not leave dogs in cars.

As mentioned on the RSPCA website, it only takes a few minutes for animals to die an agonising death if left in the car on hot days.

You wouldn’t sit in a hot car, even with windows down, so don’t do it to animals.

It is heart breaking seeing dogs gasping for air in cars.

And never walk them in the heat - if it

is too hot for you to hold your hand on the ground, it is too hot for their paws.

And seeing dogs in the back of hot utes, their feet would burn.

Always keep bowls of cool water around the house for your pets.

We as humans with voices, have to speak for the animals who don’t have voices.

I just can’t understand the cruelty some animals have to endure.

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.

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THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 10, 2022 - Page 7

Cattle fetch over $8.5m Prices remain strong as 3640 head sold

THE 2022 cattle stock exchange has got off to a hot start, with last Wednesday’s Corcoran Parker/Elders store sale saw more than 3640 head yarded at the Wangaratta Saleyards.

The second iteration of the New Year exchange saw an extensive turnout, with the total sale grossing $8,557,735, with the average price of $2349.09 per head.

Elders Wangaratta territory sales manager Oliver Mason labelled the current cattle market “as good as it’s ever been”, with some commenting Wednesday was one of the best weaner sales they’ve seen with such an even quality of cattle.

“The feature lines from local areas sold well over expectations - the standout buyers were from northern NSW and southern Queensland,” Mr Mason told the Wangaratta Chronicle.

“By everyone’s estimation, the quality was outstanding - there’s lots of local producers aiming

BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au

for this market and being very selective.

“Some of these cattle could be between $600 to $800 dearer per head than the same time last year.”

Widespread increases of up to $800 were seen across the market, with some lightweight steers selling at almost $10 a kilogram.

Everton’s DKF Heywood and Sons were the big winners, with some 679 cattles (steers and heifers) sold at an average of $2288 per head, with top end steers pocketing $2615.

Steers on the light end sold to $9.50 per kilo live weight, while a large run of heifers sold for $2350 per head to facilitate a restocking interest in Bathurst.

Davilak of Mansfield also had a big day, selling 657 steers, with an average of $2504 per head (CP).

Angus Australia was there to award a ‘champion’ pen of both steers and heifers on the day - steers going to Davilak, Mansfield – 30 steers $2650 (400kg); and heifers going to Deepdale P/Ship, Tallarook – 27 heifers $2490 (363kg).

Mr Mason said the exchange had established itself as a staple of the North East market going forward.

“It’s providing good results and ensuring full confidence in the Wangaratta complex to make it a permanent fixture going forward,” he said.

“It’s really helping to put the Wangaratta Stock Exchange back on the map.

“It gives northern producers a good chance to buy good, long run cattle which they can’t get anywhere else..”

Weekly cattle markets at the Wangaratta exchange are set to return on January 21, while the highlyanticipated Blue Ribbon weaner sales will take place on February 2 and 4.

PLENTY OF INTEREST: More than 3600 head of cattle made over $8.5m at the Wangaratta saleyards last Wednesday.

PHOTO: Georgia Nankervis WANGARATTA STORE SALE Wednesday, January 5, 2022 No. BREED PRODUCER DISTRICT AGENT STEERS 29 Angus DKF Heywood Everton ELD 24 Angus Davilak Mansfield CP 38 Angus DKF Heywood Everton ELD 9 Angus A & M Steiner Mansfield CP 13 Angus X The Oaks Finley ELD 9 Angus MA & JT Scott P/L Staghorn flat CP 159 Angus Davilak Mansfield CP 26 Angus Finger Past Mansfield CP 80 Angus DKF Heywood Everton ELD 70 Angus DKF Heywood Everton ELD 14 Angus Warragai Wymah ELD HEIFERS 4 Angus A & M Steiner Mansfield CP 25 Angus DKF Heywood Everton ELD 11 Angus DKF Heywood Everton ELD 29 Angus DKF Heywood Everton ELD 8 Angus X Nagnom F/T Osbornes Flat CP 2 Angus L & C Glass Allans Flat CP

FRE E c o u rs e

Av Wgt

c/Kg

AV PRICE

212 274 256 225 270 271 322 302 325 310 305

943.0 868.0 855.0 844.0 818.0 774.0 773.0 764.0 756.0 754.0 750.0

$2,000.00 $2,380.00 $2,190.00 $1,900.00 $2,210.00 $2,100.00 $2,490.00 $2,310.00 $2,460.00 $2,340.00 $2,290.00

177 206 218 257 241 215

858.0 854.0 784.0 770.0 726.0 720.0

$1,520.00 $1,760.00 $1,710.00 $1,980.00 $1,750.00 $1,550.00

y o u e r ?

A

Page 8 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 10, 2022

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Kirrily reflects on the beauty of recovery Across the Arts With artist Kirrily Anderson

AN exhibition by Chilternbased artist Kirrily Anderson which is a reflection on the recovery of individuals and the environment following the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires is being held at the Murray Art Museum in Albury (MAMA).

Called ‘And Tomorrow the Beauty Returns’, Kirrily describes the body of work as being born from a desire to find hope and beauty following the loss of such a vast area of natural environment in North East Victoria following that bushfire season.

“It includes detailed works of ink and water colour along with paint created from charcoal collected from affected areas which consider the juxtaposition of beauty and devastation within the burnt landscape,” she says.

“Exploration of the human response to the loss and damage of bushland reserves highlights the necessity of finding beauty within a disaster as a coping

CHANGING ENVIRONMENT: Chiltern artist Kirrily Anderson creates nature inspired work with a nostalgic bent. mechanism during recovery.

“Connecting with community, exploring mediums created from the remnants of fire and showcasing beauty beyond the devastation have all been a result of this 20

month journey.”

The award-winning artist is known for creating natureinspired work with a nostalgic bent.

Influenced by the intricacies of the natural environment, both her work on paper and

her murals embrace tiny details that call the viewer to slow down and see the often unseen.

‘And Tomorrow the Beauty Returns’ can been seen at MAMA in Dean Street, Albury until January 30.

Smokers warned to change household habits VICTORIAN firefighters are urging smokers to adapt their smoking habits in 2022, after responding to more than 200 house fires sparked by smoking materials last year.

According to Fire Rescue Victoria, lit and improperly discarded cigarettes contributed significantly to at least seven deaths in preventable house fires in 2020-21.

Acting Fire Rescue commissioner Gavin Freeman said multiple fatalities had been the result of individuals falling asleep with lit cigarettes.

“Time and again, Victorian firefighters find themselves at house fires sparked by smoking

materials, which are much more likely to turn deadly,” he said.

“I urge all smokers, their friends and families to take some basic fire safety precautions to prevent more tragic deaths from occurring - if you or anyone you know is at risk, please make some changes now before it is too late.”

Smoking while in bed or while affected by alcohol or other drugs also dramatically increased the risk of dying in a house fire, according to CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan.

“Beds, couches and other soft furnishings are highly flammable, so if you fall asleep with a lit cigarette on these surfaces

you could have just seconds to escape,” he said.

“Quitting smoking is the safest option from both a health and fire safety perspective, but if that isn’t possible then firefighters recommend smoking outdoors.

“Make sure you butt out your cigarettes and ensure they are fully extinguished before putting them in the bin, as rubbish and plants can and do ignite due to improperly discarded cigarettes.

“Furthermore, smoking materials frequently cause bush and grassfires, so I urge all smokers to take the time to fully extinguish their cigarettes this summer.”

Smokers are advised to use non-combustible ashtrays where possible to dispose of their butts, using water to quell any remaining ash, while smoke alarms should be installed in every room of the house in a smoking household, according to A/C Freeman.

“Only working smoke alarms will wake you up in the event of a house fire, providing crucial time to evacuate,” he said.

“It is also very important that lighters and matches are kept well away from children, as it is not uncommon for young children to accidentally spark major house fires with lighters and matches.”

Taking care of yourself as you get older AS you get older, it is more important than ever to take good care of yourself.

Your body changes as you get older and looking after your wellbeing is essential to ensure you stay healthy.

Here are four good habits you should adopt to promote healthy ageing and self-care.

Stay active Older adults should be active every day in as many ways as possible.

You should accumulate at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, days.

Simple ways to meet these activity guidelines include taking the dog for a walk, walking to the shops, or doing some gardening.

These activities can also help you to be more social, which is an important factor in being healthy.

Connect with friends and family As you get older, your relationships start to look a little different.

Friends move away, children leave home, and you might have to deal with losing loved ones.

In spite of these changes, it’s important to keep being social.

Having an active social life promotes a strong sense of belonging and community, which will positively impact your health, wellness and quality of life.

Research has shown that older adults face a higher risk of experiencing loneliness and social isolation because they are more likely to live alone, experience loss, face chronic illness and hearing loss.

Eat healthy foods Good nutrition is essential to live healthily and independently, and to maintain a good quality of life.

Unfortunately, many older people are not eating enough nourishing food to meet their nutrition requirements.

To meet your body’s nutrition demands, try eating a variety of different foods.

This allows you to get all the protein, vitamins and minerals that your body needs.

Use the five food groups - grains and cereals; vegetables, legumes and beans; fruit; dairy and alternatives; and proteins like lean meats, fish, eggs, tofu, nuts and seeds - as a guide.

Visit the doctor regularly Regular check-ups are always a good idea, but they are especially necessary as you get older.

Older people are more prone to falling ill, and regular visits to the doctor allow for quicker diagnoses.

It is also important to pay attention to changes in your body, and approach your doctor when you feel that something is wrong.

If you are interested in getting a check-up, contact Gateway Health at (03) 5723 2000 or go to gatewayhealth.org.au to make an appointment with a GP.

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www.galen.vic.edu.au Faith Integrity Respect Self Team

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 10, 2022 - Page 9

Traffic delays on Hume Freeway SPEED and lane restrictions will be in place on the Hume Freeway northbound near Old Barnawartha Road, West Wodonga from 6am to 5pm tomorrow while essential asphalting works take place.

VicRoads advises that Old Barnawartha Road will also be closed in both directions at the Hume Freeway during this time.

Motorists wishing to reach Old Barnawartha Road from the freeway should exit at Melbourne Road and follow the signed detour using Melrose Drive, Moloney Drive, Sheathers Road and Edwards Road, allowing an extra 25 minutes for their journey.

Alternatively, motorists can exit early at the Murray Valley Highway to reach Old Barnawartha Road.

Motorists wishing to enter the freeway towards the New South Wales border from Old Barnawartha Road should enter from the Murray Valley Highway instead.

ON DUTY: A member of the Volunteer Air Observers Corps plots on a gridded table in a country control post the course of planes reported to them from sightings from observation posts in the area.

PHOTO: Australian War Memorial collection

Volunteers kept eyes to the skies for war effort EIGHTY years ago, the Commonwealth Bank building on the corner of Murphy and Reid streets was the base for a volunteer war effort which involved a host of locals, both in Wangaratta and outlying districts.

The role played by the Volunteer Air Observers Corps (VAOC) is one etched in history, but perhaps only in a few memories as years advance.

Formed soon after the bombing of Pearl Harbour in December, 1941 to support the Royal Australian Air Force in sighting and observing aircraft over Australia, the VAOC quickly established thousands of observation posts across the nation, which provided information about aircraft movement to the RAAF’s regional air control posts.

As well as a post in Melbourne, there were others in Victoria at Geelong, Warrnambool, Ballarat, Bendigo, Bairnsdale and Wangaratta.

The local base was situated on the top level of the bank building, according to Betty Mulcahy, a 94-year-old Wangaratta resident who as a teenager was an enthusi-

BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au

astic member of the VAOC. Betty’s father, Vic Culph, was a World War 1 veteran who was interested in doing whatever he could to assist in the war effort, and as such he helped set up the VAOC in the rural city.

A community meeting was held to encourage involvement, and Vic urged Betty to offer her time.

“I used to get called in if someone was sick or couldn’t make it, and went there from school a few times,” she said.

“It was great excitement for a school kid like me, at about 14 or 15, spending three hours or so in the evening taking any calls that came through from the outposts, which were in places like Eldorado, Whorouly, Moyhu, Whitfield, Docker and Ruffy.

“When you’re at school, you don’t think of these things - it was just exciting - but as the years go on, you

This information would then be passed on to the Melbourne base.

Betty recalls a plane crashing at Smoko during the VAOC’s operation, and that the plane was found to be manned by a pilot from Adelaide.

She said her involvement in the VAOC still had an impact today: LOCAL BASE: Space above “I always look up if I see a plane... this building on the corner of though they are all so different Murphy and Reid streets was now.” used as the local control centre As the threat to Australian soil for information sent from VAOC declined, the VAOC’s role was exoutposts.

PHOTO: Nick Richards panded to include coast watching, realise the real impact of war - peo- assisting air traffic control, weather ple losing family members or hear- reporting and fire spotting.

The corps reached peak strength ing they are POWs.” Betty remembers one section of in 1944, with about 24,000 personthe space above the bank being set nel and 2656 observation posts inup as a makeshift café for US sol- volved, and was disbanded in 1946.

The story of the proud civilian diers.

In another area was a large ta- organisation is outlined in a 2009 ble with four telephones stationed book by Don Davis, ‘Watch On around it, and a map of Victoria Wings: The Volunteer Air Observin the centre, on which volunteers ers Corps in Australia, 1941-1945’.

“I would dearly love it if there would chart the movement of aircraft according to the information was anyone around who manned phoned through from those man- some of the local outposts or had ning the outposts, who had under- some memories of that time,” Betty said. taken plane recognition training.

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Local history grants up for grabs WANGARATTA-based Ovens Valley state MP Tim McCurdy is encouraging community members to get involved and apply for the Local History Grants Program run by the Public Record Office of Victoria before it closes on January 24.

He said applications are now open for grants of up to $15,000 to assist local community groups, sports clubs, schools and other organisations that collect and preserve the stories of their region.

The program is open to all not-forprofit community groups.

For more details visit: https://prov.vic. gov.au/community/grants-and-awards/ local-history-grants-program.

$250 rebate for eligible concession card holders ELIGIBLE concession card holders have until January 31 to apply for the Victorian Government’s $250 one-off rebate payment.

The power saving bonus is available to Victorian residential energy customers that receive concession benefits such as:  Centrelink Pension Concession Card;  Jobseeker, Youth Allowance, Abstudy, Austudy;  Department of Veterans Affairs Pensioners Concession Card; or  Department of Veterans Affairs Gold Card.

Ovens Valley state MP Tim McCurdy said his office can assist if people need help with applications, which take about five minutes - call 5721 6155.

Page 10 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 10, 2022

wangarattachronicle.com.au

NATIONAL NEWS

Virus deaths spike, children jabs begin A TOTAL of 20 deaths have been recorded in NSW and Victoria as new COVID-19 cases across the country from the highly-infectious Omicron variant amounted to almost 95,000.

The latest toll came on the eve of the latest stage of the coronavirus vaccine rollout with five to 11-year olds able to get the jab from Monday.

Health Minister Greg Hunt says there will more than enough vaccines available for the 2.3 million children eligible for a jab with three million doses on hand over January.

“We want to encourage all parents to bring their chil-

dren forward over the period between now and the end of January to protect them and help protect the community,” Mr Hunt told reporters in Canberra on Sunday via video-link.

“I am aware and delighted that some general practices and pharmacies have already begun, they have received their vaccines, they have commenced the program and I think that is great news.”

But Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese said parents are anxious because they can’t get appointments for their children.

“That’s a major problem.

We need to make sure that is

addressed. And this government have had a long time to prepare, making sure that supply was okay,” he told reporters in Ingham, Queensland.

He said this has led to Queensland’s decision to delay the start of the school year by two weeks.

“That will have, of course, a further impact on the workforce and a further impact on the economy,” Mr Albanese said.

The latest vaccine launch came as NSW recorded another 30,062 coronavirus cases and its highest number of deaths since the pandemic began, at 16 fatalities.

Victoria posted a further 44,155 new infections and four deaths.

Elsewhere, Queensland reported 18,000 new cases, Tasmania 1406 and the ACT 1039.

However, while daily infection numbers are staggering compared to the impact of previous variants, Mr Hunt said severe illness has been relatively low.

“We have seen very low rates of significant illness, as demonstrated by the fact that approximately half a million cases over the last month, we have seen the number of people on ventilation go from 54 to 76 since December 15,” Mr Hunt told reporters in Can-

berra on Sunday via videolink.

“So that is very heartening.”

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Michael Kidd said thankfully most people in Australia aged 12 years and above have been vaccinated with at least two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and this has modified the seriousness of infection for many people.

But he warned with the rising case numbers that have been seen over the past week in many parts of the country, it is likely that many more people will test positive for COVID-19 over coming days and weeks.

“If infected with COVID-19 many of us will have no symptoms at all, some of us will have mild symptoms which can be managed at home, and a very small number of us will require medical care or hospital admission,” he told reporters.

As such, he urged people to be prepared at home with a supply of paracetamol or Ibuprofen and have plenty of fluids at hand should they attract the virus.

“It is important to be prepared because you won’t be able to go to your supermarket or pharmacy if you are diagnosed with COVID-19,” Professor Kidd said.

-AAP

New pandemic declaration to support Omnicron response

FLOODED: Tropical cyclone Seth has dumped more than 600mm of rain on the Mary River catchment in Queensland.

PHOTO: AAP

Teen missing in Qld floods, north on alert A TEENAGE girl is still missing more than 24 hours after she disappeared in floodwaters, after torrential rainfall from a former tropical cyclone was dumped on the Wide Bay region.

Police have resumed the search for the 14-year-old, who was washed away in a car with a 40-year-old man near Booubyjan, near Gympie, in the early hours of Saturday.

More than 38 people have been rescued since tropical cyclone Seth crossed the coast on Friday and dumped more than 600mm of rain on some parts of the Mary River catchment on Saturday.

The river is set to peak in the regional centres of Gympie and

Maryborough on Sunday with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk convening the Queensland Disaster Management Committee to respond.

The girl and the man both managed to get out of the car before it was swept away near the Burnett Highway, but only the man has been found clinging to a tree.

A 22-year-old Sunshine Coast man was found dead inside his submerged ute earlier on Saturday morning after it was swept into a torrent on Friday night.

The Bureau of Meteorology warned that floodwaters could rise to 14m at Gympie, two metres above a moderate flood level, on Sunday.

Downstream at Maryborough a major peak of 10.5m is expected, 20cm below a record flood peak in 2013 when rain dumped by former tropical cyclone Oswald submerged much of the Wide Bay region.

“River levels are high and widespread moderate to major flooding is occurring across the Mary River catchment,” the BoM said in a statement on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the coast of far Queensland from Cape Grenville to Cape Tribulation is on cyclone watch with a tropical low active in the Coral Sea. The forecaster said the slowmoving system is currently packing sustained winds of 55km/h

Solid retail spending expected pre-Omnicron AUSTRLAIANS went on a mass spending spree in the final months of 2021 after many had been cooped up in lockdown battling the Delta variant of the coronavirus.

However, there are already signs that spendup is petering out with the country now engulfed in the Omicron strain.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics will release its first data of the year this week, including retail sales for November on Tuesday.

Economists are expecting another strong result of around five per cent, building on the 4.9 per cent increase in October as NSW, Victoria and the

ACT all emerged from extensive lockdowns.

However, an analysis

by ANZ senior economist Adelaide Timbrell showed spending in the week to January 5 slowed to its lowest level since the Delta lockdowns as consumers showed caution about being in public places.

-AAP

with gusts of up to 85km/h about 365km northeast of Cooktown.

The low is expected to start moving towards the coast later today with the possibility it could form into a category one cyclone in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The BoM said it could bring gales with gusts of up to 100km/h, abnormally high tides, large waves and heavy rain between the settlements of Lockhardt River and Cooktown.

There’s also a risk the system could further intensify once is passes over Cape York and enters the Gulf of Carpentaria.

-AAP

PREMIER Daniel Andrews has extended the pandemic declaration to apply to the state of Victoria from 11.59pm Wednesday, January 12 for three months.

The declaration was announced Sunday afternoon and made under section 165AE of the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 after consultation with and consideration of advice from the Minister for Health and Acting Chief Health Officer.

In making the declaration the Premier said he was satisfied on reasonable grounds there was a serious risk to public health throughout Victoria due to the coronavirus disease, including the rapid spread of the Omicron variant leading to significant case numbers not previously experienced in Victoria.

This risk requires continued public health and other protective measures.

In particular, the Acting Chief Health Officer noted Omicron had become the dominant strain, estimated to account for more than 75 per cent of newly diagnosed cases.

While 93 per cent of Victorians over 12 years have received two vaccine doses against coronavirus,there is currently a low proportion of Victorians who have received a third dose.

The Premier said restoring protection through third dose vaccinations is a high public health priority.

The Acting Chief Health Officer also noted the continuing rise in hospital and intensive care unit admissions, with no indication that Victoria has reached its peak, as well as the potential significant negative impact on essential services and supply chains.

After the initial pandemic declaration, which lasted four weeks, subsequent extensions can last for up to three months.

A pandemic declaration gives the Minister for Health the authority to make pandemic orders he considers reasonably necessary to protect public health after considering the Chief Health Officer’s advice and other relevant factors, including social and economic factors.

The Statement of Reasons, and the advice of the Acting CHO and the Minister for Health will be tabled in Parliament.

Union takes aim at NSW ‘reckless’ decision TRANSPORT workers believe the decision to wind back close contact isolation requirements in NSW is reckless and will threaten the health and safety of staff, while exacerbating supply chain disruptions.

The Transport Workers Union is urging Prime Minister Scott Morrison to include unions in an

urgent supply chain meeting scheduled for Sunday afternoon to properly hear their concerns.

It says NSW Health’s decision to wind back selfisolation requirements for close contacts who work in critical industries like food logistics means employers will be able to prioritise operational matters over

the safety of workers.

“Scrapping isolation requirements for transport workers is beyond reckless - workers are being thrown to the wolves by a government that continues to ignore all the warnings,” TWU national secretary Michael Kaine said in a statement on Sunday.

-AAP

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THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 10, 2022 - Page 11

Anglican diocese to mark its 120 year milestone

By SIMONE KERWIN A HYMN competition will be among the ways the Anglican Diocese of Wangaratta celebrates the 120th anniversary of its first bishop’s enthronement in 2022.

The anniversary will be marked with a service of thanksgiving in Wangaratta on March 13, along with a picnic lunch at the Bishop’s Lodge on the corner of Ovens and Cusack streets, but in the meantime, locals are being encouraged to get creative in composing hymn entries for the competition.

Anyone from within the region is invited to submit either original hymn words to a known tune, or original hymn words with original music.

Entries must be submitted by Friday, February 11, and will be judged by Rev Dr Elizabeth Smith, mission priest, Parish of the Goldfields, and Dr Kieran Crichton, Holy Trinity Cathedral Wangaratta director of music.

Dr Crichton said the chosen hymn would be used during the March 13 service.

“This will be a chance to be part of opening up after COVID restrictions, and also for people to have their work performed by the cathedral choir, which is in the process of being revived,” he said.

Dr Crichton has been director of music at the cathedral since May, having returned to the North East after 30 years in Melbourne,

SONGS OF PRAISE: Singers Charlotte Bongers, Demi Johns, Sophie Bussell and Eva McCaffrey are conducted

by Holy Trinity Cathedral director of music Kieran Crichton, and accompanied by Matthew Schultz during choir practice. A hymn competition will help celebrate the 120th anniversary of the Diocese of Wangaratta in 2022.

PHOTO: Marc Bongers

What made headlines in The Chronicle last week TODAY

Wednesday, January 5

CASES RISING, BOOSTER SHOTS BOOM DESPITE being almost a week into the New Year, the coronavirus pandemic continues to plague Wangaratta with a rise in cases and rapid antigen tests sold out across the rural city.

Yesterday there were 28 new cases recorded in a 24 hour period with Northeast Health Wangaratta acting chief executive officer Robyn Gillis confirming the total number of active cases was 53.

“In the last few days we were open every day and tested more than 3000 people,” she told the Wangaratta Chronicle yesterday.

“December 27 and 28 have been our busiest days with 441 and 430 people tested; probably a lot of people travelling interstate.

“Over the last week we’ve administered 600 booster shots and are encouraging everyone who had their second vaccination four months ago or longer to come in.

“It’s excellent to see so many getting their boosters; it’s probably the best line of defence our community has so we strongly encourage it.”

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Cases rising, booster shots boom...

MOYHU residents are fed up, following at least a month of seeing rubbish regularly pile up in the township’s central park.

Moyhu Lions Club president Nicole Lindsay said excess rubbish in Moyhu Lions Park had been common over many years around Christmas, Australia Day and Easter periods, as people took advantage of camping spots in the district, but this year’s dumping had been “extreme in comparison”.

“It gets taken away by council, and very soon after, there is more there,” Ms Lindsay said.

“I’ve got multiple community

Silage wrap, used toilet paper left in Moyhu park started in early December, and was at the worst levels she had seen.

“One message with a photo was sent at 1.40pm Monday, and by 2pm, the amount of rubbish dumped had doubled,” she said.

She said there appeared to be more campers in the area than usual, with visitors choosing the North East instead of, or because they were restricted from, holidaying further afield during the pandemic.

But Ms Lindsay said the rubbish appeared to be from both

BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au

members messaging me with photos nearly every day of the rubbish in the park.

“The community is just fed up, because it’s been an ongoing issue.”

Ms Lindsay said dumping usually began at the park (located on Moyhu-Meadow Creek Road) around Christmas, but this year it had

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TAKE IT WITH YOU: Chrystal Jones and Nicole Lindsay are among Moyhu residents fed up with excess rubbish disposal in Moyhu Lions Park. This pile of rubbish accumulated around a bin in the park in a matter of hours.

PHOTO: Belinda Harrison

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Testing site changes following COVID case surge

Don’t dump on us

BY LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

months ago or longer to come in.

“It’s excellent to see so many getting their boosters; it’s probably the best line of defence our community has so we strongly encourage it.

“Vaccinations for young children aged 5-11 will also be available in the coming weeks; from the week of January 17.

“We expect online bookings to be up in the next day or two.”

Some locals were waiting up to three and a half hours in line at the drive thru testing clinic yesterday morning but Ms Gillis said there’s no changes in clinic times or location.

■ Continued page 2

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Magpies, RUB to resume WDCA season

AROUND 3800 people gathered at the Wangaratta Showgrounds for the rural city’s New Year’s Eve celebration last Friday. It was a night full of live music, delicious food and a booming display of fireworks. Story, more pics page 15.

PHOTO: Noisebox Productions

...and no RATs left in our city

DESPITE being almost a week into the New Year, the coronavirus pandemic continues to plague Wangaratta with a rise in cases and rapid antigen tests sold out across the rural city.

Yesterday there were 28 new cases recorded in a 24 hour period with Northeast Health Wangaratta acting chief executive officer Robyn Gillis confirming the total number of active cases was 53.

“In the last few days we were open every day and tested more than 3000 people,” she told the Wangaratta Chronicle yesterday.

“December 27 and 28 have been our busiest days with 441 and 430 people tested; probably a lot of people travelling interstate.

“Over the last week we’ve administered 600 booster shots and are encouraging everyone who had their second vaccination four

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locals and visitors, with silage wrap among the bags of refuse this week, and previous dumps featuring packaging from a new tent, buckets, and camping rubbish - including an ensuite tent, and used toilet paper.

“A parent has reported that used toilet paper was strewn around the playground - we think because animals such as dogs, birds and foxes are getting into the rubbish and spreading it further,” Ms Lindsay said.

■ Continued page 2

NORTHEAST Health Wangaratta (NHW) reopened its COVID-19 drive-thru screening site at the Wangaratta Showgrounds this morning following up to four hour wait times and more than 400 tests some days at the Vincent Road screening site.

The change, which will almost double the city’s screening capacity, follows a surge in test demand, on the back on Wangaratta’s active COVID cases rising to 69 - with 14 in the last 24 hours.

That is up from from 53 on Wednesday, according to the Victorian COVID-19 LGA data.

NHW chief executive officer Robyn Gillis told the Wangaratta Chronicle that the Vincent Road testing site - which is now closed - put through 323 tests on Tuesday and 417 tests on Wednesday.

“By opening the showgrounds site we can allow a much larger capacity as it will allow us to run multiple lanes; assuming we have the staff,” she said.

“A large number of our staff are isolating so many others have returned from leave or are working additional shifts to make sure we cater to the community.

“Because of this we ask the community to remain patient with our staff.

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DON’T DUMP ON US MOYHU residents are fed up, following at least a month of seeing rubbish regularly pile up in the township’s central park.

Moyhu Lions Club president Nicole Lindsay said excess rubbish in Moyhu Lions Park had been common over many years around Christmas, Australia Day and Easter periods, as people took advantage of camping spots in the district, but this year’s dumping had been “extreme in comparison”.

“It gets taken away by council, and very soon after, there is more there,” Ms Lindsay said.

“I’ve got multiple community members messaging me with photos

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nearly every day of the rubbish in the park.

“The community is just fed up, because it’s been an ongoing issue.”

Ms Lindsay said dumping usually began at the park (located on Moyhu-Meadow Creek Road) around Christmas, but this year it had started in early December, and was at the worst levels she had seen.

“One message with a photo was sent at 1.40pm Monday, and by 2pm, the amount of rubbish dumped had doubled,” she said.

She said there appeared to be more campers in the area than usual, with visitors choosing the North East instead of, or because they were restricted from, holidaying further afield during the pandemic.

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WHITEFIELD Cemetery at King Valley completed 2021 in outstanding condition, due to the voluntary work of cemetery trust members, with help from the Yooralla organisation.

The cemetery trust’s final meeting for the year was held at the cemetery on December 13th, where future improvements were discussed, and trust chairman David Evans thanked all members and volunteers, for their efforts in making the cemetery a very special place for many families.

Mr Evans said the trust recorded a sound financial position, with income from the sale of plots and maintenance contributions and at least one substantial cash donation.

He said a new Ashes Memorial Wall with 40 cavities is almost ready, and charges for interment have been approved.

The memorial wall forms part of the recently completed rotunda, near the main cemetery gates.

Whitefield Cemetery has a long history of family association, with three families who had members on the first cemetery trust appointed in February 1894 - Izard, Newton and Evans - having that membership retained with three representatives on the current trust.

Trust members Lloydie Batten and Jean McDonald had their terms renewed, and fellow member Marco Martinelli, whose term expires in April, will be re-appointed very soon.

A vacancy on the trust, caused by the retiring of long term secretary, Jim Newton after outstanding service to the cemetery, will be filled by Julia O’Brien - the daughter of the late Jim Evans.

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Friday, January 7

Entries or queries about the hymn competition can be forwarded to registry@wangarattaanglican.org.au, marked to the attention of H Malcolm - DoW hymn competition; or to PO Box 123 Shepparton 3632.

“I know there’s a lot of creativity around this area, so it would be a real gift for people to share their work with us,” Dr Crichton said.

terest in the Cathedral Choristers (for school age singers, singing Sunday mornings during school terms) and Cathedral Singers (for those aged 18 and over, singing for evensong once a month and on Sundays in school holidays).

He said anyone interested in joining either group could apply via the cathedral website, www. wangarattacathedral.org.au

bringing with him more than two decades of experience in church music.

“It’s been wonderful to come to Wangaratta, where the community is so strong and welcoming and people are keen to express their goodwill,” he said.

He said while the pandemic had posed obstacles for such groups, there remained strong in-

It’s another good year for Whitefield Cemetery

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Page 12 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 10, 2022

October Friday, October 1 Family relaxes after actionpacked week LAST week was an eventful one by most locals‘ standards, but for Wangaratta couple Adriana Lark and Chris Clement, perhaps even a little more so.

On Tuesday, September 21, die–hard Melbourne fan and expectant mum Adriana was in the midst of a fortnight–long build–up to her Dees‘ AFL grand ¬ final clash with the Western Bulldogs, when it became apparent that her baby – due on October 4 – would arrive in time for the match.

Monday, October 11 Barrelling towards boom A TOURISM boom is expected in the North East next month, as Melburnians thirsting for some of the state‘s ¬ finest wines flood the King Valley.

But consumers are urged to temper their expectations, as COVID restrictions and massive staff exoduses are set to continue to leave wineries hamstrung as they respond to an increase in demand.

Wednesday, October 13 Metro drags chain REGIONAL areas will be dragged back by metropolitan Melbourne‘s poor vaccination rates with the Victorian chief health officer (CHO) confirming yesterday that restrictions will only ease when the whole state reaches a 70 per cent double vax rate.

A dozen regional areas have already reached the 70 per cent double vax rate ahead of the October 26 indicative roadmap deadline for restrictions to ease.

Friday, October 15 Virus returns CONTACT tracing is underway after the rural city recorded three additional COVID– positive cases yesterday in the wake of a mass testing drive.

The three new cases follow announcements on Wednesday that a Wangaratta local had been infectious in the community after contracting the virus from outside the region.

Monday, October 18 Trains on track MORE than a decade long nightmare of rail service delivery on the North East line is hopefully nearing an end, with new VLocity

 October 27:SPOO KY SEASON: There were ple of frightening and wonde nty rful costumes to be seen at Wangaratta Children’s Ser this week in the lead up vices to Halloween, including little demon Hunter Strachan, 4, and the beautiful Hazel Jackle , 5.

PHOTO: Kieren Tilly

GAMES  October 6: FUN AND Primary d’s nar Ber St AT SCHOOL: (left) and School students Rory Willet g back at Olivia Morrow are loving bein 2 students school, with prep to grade this week. returning for on-site learning ren Tilly PHOTO: Kie

Wednesday November 10 Wednesday, Bollards audit

trains to take passengers by the end of the year.

The first of the six new purpose built standard–gauge VLocity trains have commenced testing on the line.

THE new arrangement of bollards and concrete islands along Wangaratta‘s Phillipson Street could be remedied with VicRoads now undertaking an audit of the works.

Wangaratta council met with Regional Roads Victoria last Friday to assess to the road and the safety measures that have taken place.

Wednesday, October 20 Emergency activated WANGARATTA has recorded its highest daily COVID–19 positive case number since the pandemic started, with six confirmed yesterday.

It brings the total active cases in Wangaratta to 13 (as of 8.30am Tuesday) with contact tracing by Albury Wodonga Public Health Unit continuing.

Friday, October 22 High school alert WANGARATTA High School was required to close for the day yesterday, after a confirmed COVID–19 case attended the Edwards Street campus on each school day last week.

Principal Michelle Bootes informed parents, teachers and students on Wednesday night that the high school would close on Thursday “as a precaution to identify students or staff who may have had close contact with the case.“

Monday, October 25 Numbers rising WANGARATTA High School (WHS) will reopen to eligible students from today and VCE exams will go ahead this week after all close contacts to a confirmed COVID case have been identified, now in isolation.

It comes as the number of active COVID cases in Wangaratta reached 40 yesterday following daily figures of one on Friday, 11 on Saturday and five on Sunday across the rural city.

Wednesday, October 27 Three schools hit THREE Wangaratta schools have been impacted to varying degrees due to confirmed positive cases of COVID–19 last week but all have now welcomed students back to resume classes.

Wangaratta West Primary closed on Monday for deep cleaning and Galen

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Friday, November 12 Police appalled

 October 15: MATCHING BOOKS AND PEOPLE: Former librarian Pauline Moncrieff has started two ‘book circles’ in Wanga ratta, encouraging ng people to come along and talk about what they’ve been reading or watching ng.

PHOTO: Kieren Tilly Catholic College was able to escape closure by deep cleaning the school over the weekend.

Friday, October 29 Rapid tests coming THE North East could be set to receive consideration for rapid antigen testing from as early as next week, as the border‘s COVID situation continues to worsen.

Rapid antigen tests allow those with COVID symptoms to conduct a preliminary test at home, before undertaking an evidentiary test at their local screening clinic.

November Monday, November 1 Homes on hold INSUFFICENT sewer capacity will bring new housing development in Wangaratta to a grinding halt.

North East Water held a meeting last week with more than 40 developers, representatives from local authorities, and real estate agents to explain the issues.

Wednesday, November 3 Flexibility the key AUTHORITIES must adopt theflexibility demonstrated in many sectors over the past two years to overcome the

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infrastructure issues impacting on new developments in Wangaratta, according to local real estate agent Garry Nash.

The Wangaratta Chronicle reported on Monday that insufficient sewer capacity meant future subdivisions in the rural city‘s housing growth corridors in the north–west and south urban areas could not currently be approved.

Friday, November 5

Rural CFA cash boost

MILAWA Fire Brigade is set to receive almost $200,000 in state funding, as part of a major coup for the region‘s emergency services providers.

Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes announced the funding yesterday, which will see more than 300 volunteer emergency groups around the state receive a share of more than $14 million.

Monday, November 8 $13m proposal A $13 million social housing development has been proposed for Wangaratta‘s central business district.

A planning application lodged with the Rural City of Wangaratta proposes to build three separate three storey buildings, containing 44 one, two and three bedroom units.

AN eight–day road blitz has seen the Wangaratta police service area record ssome of the highest offence numbers state–wide, as police targeted major st roadways and tourist hotspots. ro The rural city trailed Banyule (Melbourne‘s north east suburbs), (M recording a total of 308 detections over re the Operation Compass period, which th encapsulated the Melbourne Cup long weekend and the first weekend of November.

Monday, November 15 Marmungun Marvel THE Wangaratta–based Marmungun Rock Ceremony continues to raise its profile, reigning supreme in the Indigenous Culture category of this year‘s Tidy Towns Awards.

The ceremony, which has celebrated Wangaratta‘s Citizen of the Year since 2017, sees recipients have their handprint carved into Apex Park‘s Murmungun Rock during National Reconciliation Week, as part of a traditional Indigenous ceremony.

Wednesday, November 17 Masterplans ready AVENUES for external funding are being sought in order to progress masterplans for Wangaratta‘s ‘parklands‘ and Wareena Park areas.

The Wangaratta Parklands Masterplan (which covers the Wangaratta Showgrounds, Norm Minns Oval, WJ Findlay Oval, and the Barr Reserve including the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre) and the Wareena Park Masterplan were both adopted by the Rural City of Wangaratta last year.

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Friday, November 19 Rees likely to lead COUNCILLOR Dean Rees will throw his hat in the ring to continue as Rural City of Wangaratta mayor which would bring up his fourth year in the top job over two terms on council.

The mayoral election will be the ¬ first point of business at next Tuesday night‘s council meeting and Cr Rees will use his top track record as the city‘s mayor to try and convince others of his worth.

Monday, November 22 High rise living A FOUR level 21–unit high end development is being planned for Wangaratta‘s Railway Precinct with company The Quarter having lodged a development plan with the Rural City of Wangaratta council.

The property, located between existing businesses Ricky Chops barber shop and Wangaratta Uniform Zone will have 15 three–bedroom, two–bathroom units and six two–bedroom units, equipped with super stylish fittings – car parking included.

Wednesday, November 24 Wonnangatta breakthrough AN investigation into the disappearance of Wonnangatta campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay has seen a major breakthrough, after an arrest was made on Monday a¬fternoon.

A 55–year–old Caroline Springs man was detained by police at around 5:30pm on Monday, with an interview concerning the pair‘s disappearance slated to take place this morning.

Friday. November 26 Pool attracts hundreds WANGARATTA will host its first long course swim meet in decades, showing off the newly built FINA approved 50–metre outdoor pool this weekend to competitors from across Victoria.

It will give the city its ¬first realisation of the people pulling power the $18 million community asset can attract, with some of the state‘s best up and coming swimmers competing.

Monday, November 29 SES HW opens THE ribbon at Wangaratta‘s new state– of–the–art SES base has ¬finally been cut, months after crews began operating from the rural city‘s emergency services precinct.

2013, 2013 falling seven per cent on the year previous.

Some 1631 incidents were categorised as criminal in nature in the year to September, 50 per cent of which resulted in charges being laid.

The new station, which was delivered as part of a $54.51m investment into SES facility infrastructure last year, was formally completed in December, with crews commencing operations from the station in December last year.

Wednesday, December 22 VLocity trains “imminent”

December

SIX new VLocity trains will commence passenger services on Albury line “imminently” but the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) could not guarantee a rollout before the end of the year.

The delay is despite completion of testing of the multi-million train fleet by the end of November, with the Victorian State Government waiting on the ARTC to sign off on the rolling stock for several weeks.

Wednesday, December 1 CFA warning WANGARATTA has been warned to prepare for an increased grass fire risk when its ¬ fire danger period commences in mid–December.

Fire restrictions are set to be enacted from 1am on December 13, with above average rainfall throughout the North East during the winter and spring months resulting in strong pasture growth in paddocks and along roadsides heading into summer.

Friday, December 3 An ideal alliance JUST in time for International Day of People with Disability, Merriwa Industries and the Wangaratta District Specialist School have formally recognised their close partnership with a memorandum of understanding this week, working to future–proof the lives of local kids.

The document, more than 12 months in the making, includes pathways to employment for students to Merriwa, opportunities through local all abilities football and netball, as well as supporting each other in access to community events and other connections.

Monday, December 6 $1M+ clean up CLEAN up and remediation costs of lead contaminated soil from the Wangaratta Clay Target Club (WCTC) will be well in excess of $1 million.

Authorities have con¬firmed the removal of contaminated soil from the club grounds will cost an extra $140,000, which will be paid by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.

Wednesday, December 8 $1m tourism lift–off AERODROME upgrades totaling more than $1m will play an important role in opening the region to increased tourism

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D 6: BRIGHT ANity and  December rs ve di w ne The BEAUTIFUL: at Yarrunga Primary al inclusion mur t complete. os School is alm Zeuschner PHOTO: Jeff

 December 3: CHRIS TMAS SHOPPING: CWA me mbers Wilma Bright and Pau la McGavin welcome everyone to join at their inaugural Festive them Fair on December 12.

PHOTO: Nick Richar ds

Friday, December 24 No rest for testers : Jade Gibson has put her name in the  December 15: STANDING TALL re by making the top 10 in January’ss sphe strato c musi ern west country and em PHOTO: Love Gem orth.

Tamw in on Star Maker Competiti opportunities, pportunities according to Wangaratta Mayor Dean Rees.

Mr Rees and Victorian Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie were on–hand at Wangaratta Aerodrome on Monday, as the airport‘s new commercial hangar, upgraded taxiways and relocated refueling station were unveiled, jointly funded by council and the Federal Government.

Friday December 10 Live and study FUNDING is being sought to build an $11.4 million youth foyer at the GOTAFE Wangaratta campus to support vulnerable young people who need a place to live while studying further education.

Design plans are ready to go and a multi–agency e¬ffort is gaining momentum to attract State Government funding prior to next year‘s election, enabling 40 self– contained studio apartments to be built at the Docker Street campus.

Monday, December 13 Flooding change AN amendment to Wangaratta’s Urban Flood Overlay has been approved by the Minister for Planning Richard Wynne.

This has resulted in changes to the existing Floodway and Land Subject

03 5721 3758 55 Murphy Street, Wangaratta edgarsbooksandnews.com.au

t Inundation I d ti O l ithi urban b to Overlays within Wangaratta.

Wednesday, December 15 A star on the rise RENOWNED local musician Jade Gibson is not just a rising star in Wangaratta but on her way to national superstar status after securing a position in the top 10 of the Tamworth Star Maker Competition.

The Star Maker Competition runs each year and aims to find the best country singers in the country and this year Victoria‘s sole finalist is Jade Gibson.

Friday, December 17 Bollards moving SOME bollards along Wangaratta‘s Phillipson Street will be relocated as part of changes to make the street safer.

At several intersections along the street concrete platforms which housed stand– alone bollards were also removed this week.

Monday, December 20 Crime plummets WANGARATTA has recorded its lowest number of criminal incidents in a year since

PLANS to scale back COVID testing P capacity in the rural city during the cap holiday period have been scrapped, ho amid am an increase in case numbers throughout the country. thr The announcement comes the same T day the State Government re-instated a mask mandate in all indoor settings outside of private homes from 11:59pm last night.

The Vincent Road screening clinic facility had initially aimed to provide testing on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from Christmas Day, but the rapidly changing situation will see COVID testing remain available seven days a week, with reduced hours on weekends.

Friday, December 31 Build it and they’ll come DEVELOPMENT of key projects even amid COVID-19 restrictions - and the prospect of more to come in 2022 should give local residents plenty to celebrate this New Year weekend, according to Rural City of Wangaratta Mayor Dean Rees.

Cr Rees said seeing the city’s new aquatic facilities in use during 2021, as well as the completion of the railway precinct - which was celebrated with a public opening in May - had been positive road signs during the second year of the pandemic.

“There has been heaps going on,” he told the Wangaratta Chronicle yesterday.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Page 14 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 10, 2022

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Junior Reporter Club

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO...

6 Reid Street 67a W WANGARATTA

P: 5722 9211 P

Xavier Dodgshun ..................... January 10 Sonny Wallace ........................... January 11

Braeyln Xavier Porpora ...... January 14

Clancy Ledger........................... January 12

Lucy Dunne ............................... January 15

Joel McNeill ............................... January 12

Milly Hingham ........................... January 16

Sam Cutler ................................. January 12

Marley Hingham ....................... January 16

This Week’s Winner of a birthday cake from Shelley’s Country Bakehouse is Braeyln Xavier Porpora To be in the running to win a birthday cake from Shelley’s Country Bakehouse, join the Junior Reporter Club. Phone 5723 0100 or email mpelly@nemedia.com.au with your child’s name, address, DOB and phone number. Your address and phone number will not be printed in the Chronicle but is required to contact you should you win the cake. Birthday Book is for 1 to 14 year olds. All existing Birthday Book participants will remain eligible to win a birthday cake.

Pies, Pasties & Sausage Rolls, Salad Rolls, Breads, Cakes & Pastries, Cold Drinks & Coffee HOURS: H OUR RS S: M Mo Monday on nd day ay - F Friday riday ri da d ay 6 6.30am .

- 5.30pm S Sa Saturday atu turd urrd day day ay 7.

7 7.00 7.00am .00 00am am - 2.30pm

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 10, 2022 - Page 15

wangarattachronicle.com.au

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

Apt Area Dais Data Eat

5 Which musical composition

18 20 21 23

1 NAMASTE (a) In India, a traditional form of greeting (b) A disease transmitted by tsetse flies (c) The language of the Aztecs 2 OBJURE (a) To chide (b) To bind by oath (c) To express disapproval

BIYWORD

223

Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

N

7

6 7

3

4

© Puzzles supplied by AUSPAC MEDIA

5

2

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1

S S T T U Y

N O O Q R R

CROSSWORD

DOWN 1 Picture problem 2 Moderate 3 Final word 4 Fix up

G I I I L M

O A P U A S

ACROSS 1 Tolerate 5 Pathetic 6 Hand-me-down 7 Revamp (coll)

Solve the crossword.

Each answer has four letters.

A D E E F F

SOLUTIONS

213

QUICK THINK

213

SUDOKU

4 25

CLUES: Drank heartily (7) Drinking vessel (3) Flies high (5) Genital area (coll) (5) Japanese currency (3) Knight’s title (3) Legal tender (5) Pose (3) Renew equipment (5) Thin tin alloy sheet (7)

WHICH WORDS: 1 (a) In India, a traditional form of greeting, 2 (b) To bind by oath

R÷S K-R R+H O-S R-H S×D O-N

BIYWORD

D H K N O R S

213

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.

E-QUATIONS

WHICH WORDS

tropical America (6) What is another name for a wigwam (6) What is a dull yellowishbrown colour (5) To force out from a place, is to do what (5) Name one of the lepidopterous insects (4)

14

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term for Christmas (4) 17 What is a large lizard of

12

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C D O L E O N A O T R A M I K E I E N D A O E A K L E Y H J N A M E L K C T I L T S

7

15 Name an alternative

Fore Gums Ill Lime Log

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6

is numbered (4) Name an Australian long-distance runner who held several world records, Ron ... (6) To be destined to an adverse fate, is to be what (6) Which term describes that which is stylish (4) Name those officers whose chief function is to investigate by inquest (8)

F G L L T E

Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally.

Some letters are used more than once.

A C O O R O A N E E R S

Y O U I L V

B R A C E S U A N A G E N D A B A P C Y C L E S H H I O D I C T A T G E S U P E R M A P O A N T E A T A E H

579-213

DOWN 2 Name a famous

English public school, founded in 1567 (5) 3 What is an artificial waterway for navigation, drainage, etc (5) 4 What is a photograph that is taken quickly (8)

G D R M A I

MINI WORD FIND

A A A E S T

QUICK THINK ACROSS: 1 Bear, 5 Lame, 6 Used, 7 Reno.

DOWN: 1 Blur, 2 Ease, 3 Amen, 4 Redo.

25 26

G R S O I L I T N

24

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22

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holding up trousers (6) Who was defeated at the Battle of Waterloo (8) What is a list of matters to be brought before a committee, council, etc (6) Name a highly seasoned shoulder cut of smoked beef (8) What are long periods of years (6) In Latin America, what is a country house (8) What do we call a person exercising absolute power (8) Who was a renowned US markswoman, Annie ... (6) Name the alter ego of Clark Kent (8) Name a glossy substance applied to a surface for protection, etc (6) What is an echidna (8) Which two poles support the feet some distance above the ground (6)

213

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ACROSS 1 Which straps are used for

MINI WORD FIND

912

Page 16 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 10, 2022

wangarattachronicle.com.au

MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL: We all know how that one ends - Snow White is fairest of them all and the evil queen is not happy. You won’t mind who gets the most compliments though when you take this ‘Snow’ home. Snow’s microchip number is 941000026567123. PHOTO: Belinda Harrison

WANGARATTA RSPCA

DON’T SHOOT: State MP Bill Tilley wants the Victorian Government to stop shooting brumbies in the high country, saying other management measures are needed.

Brumby carnage is not based on numbers: MP WODONGA-based Liberal state MP Bill Tilley is calling for an end to the State Government’s “slaughterfest” of brumbies in the Alpine National Park.

He said visitors to the Eastern Alps reported 40 horses were shot in one location in mid December, while others say horses are being shot and covered with branches to hide the evidence, while deer and pigs are left in the open and uncovered.

Mr Tilley has questioned

the basis for aerial and ground shooting of horses in the high country, noting the government’s recently released “Protection of the Alpine National Park: Feral Horse Action Plan” doesn’t quantify the number of brumbies left following the 2020 bushfires.

“In May the Minister wrote to me saying that an aerial survey was part of the process that Parks Victoria would use in its brumby management plan and yet there is no reference to that

survey or current numbers in the latest piece of propaganda,” he said.

“The plan admits the mortality rate from those fires remains unknown but quotes figures from previous versions that have been hotly disputed.

“Yet now they are shooting horses from helicopters and chasing the wounded down to shoot them again, still with no guarantee the horse is dead when it hits the ground.”

Mr Tilley said Parks Victo-

ria and environmental experts agree that eradication is impossible, so long-term management strategies must be put into place.

“The quick fix of kill and walk away is not accepted by the community,” he said.

“I say let’s allow the traditional roping and mustering and let’s manage the brumbies.

“It’s more humane and less costly than shooting from a helicopter and then chasing the wounded to shoot them again.”

WANGARATTA

Sunday 20 March 2022 Total cash prize pool of over $5000 plus trophies and gift packs

ENTER

NOW Sponsored by

For further information and to register go to

wangarattamarathon.com.au Discounts apply for early registration

WANGARATTA RSPCA has many lovable creatures waiting for the perfect family to take them home.

All adoptions are via online application only at rspcavic.org.au.

Animals can only be seen via the application process.

The animal adoption source code is BR100934 and animal microchip numbers are listed below.

The New Year, New Home adoption Promotion is running at the Wangaratta RSPCA until Tuesday January 18 with adoption fees for rabbits and cats reduced to only $22.

Cats:  Short hair, tabby, male, 1.5 years 956000013283833, ‘Toby’;  Short hair, grey and white, male, 10 years, 956000001996230, ‘Pencil’;  Short hair, tabby, male, 4 years, 991001001837153, ‘Cricket’;  Short hair, white, female, 1 year, 941000026567123, ‘Snow’;  Short hair, tabby and white, male, 2 years, 956000013349763, ‘Martin’.

Various kittens also available.

Dogs:  Greyhound mix, cream and white, female, 6 years, 956000003772377, ‘Sheba’;  Greyhound mix, sable and white, female, 3 years, 956000006454352, ‘Missy Moo’.

MARATHON HALF MARATHON 10KM 5KM 2KM PRIMARY SCHOOL CHALLENGE

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 10, 2022 - Page 17

IN PERSON BY PHONE BY EMAIL 37 Rowan Street, classifieds@ 5723 0101 Wangaratta nemedia.com.au 3677

WHEN TO BOOK

Chronicle Classifieds 2.30pm business day prior to print North East Jobs 3pm Friday

SELLING BUY A CAR ONLINE

2 WEEKS REGIONAL WITH PICTURE

from only $40

OPEN HOURS 9AM TO 5PM MON-FRI

General Classifieds: wangarattachronicle.com.au Employment: northeastjobs.com.au Real Estate: northeastproperty.com.au

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

Sandy WANTED TO BUY

We have a client seeking to purchase the following: 5HVLGHQWLDOO\ ]RQHG ODQG VXLWDEOH IRU PHGLXP GHQVLW\ /DQG VL]H ² $FUHV +D ² +D

/RFDWHG ZLWKLQ WKH 5XUDO &LW\ RI :DQJDUDWWD SUHFLQFW For confidential discussion please contact our office on (03) 5722 2663 or Garry Nash directly on 0418 573 089 or via email gnash@ garrynash.com.au

Classifieds Work!

Phone:

(03)

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Ph 0434 395 006 Monday - Friday 10am - 7.30pm SWA 13164XE

Credit Card &Eftpos facilities Why not charge your advertisement to Mastercard or Visa?

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EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

Ovens Business and Taxation Services

Ovens Business and Taxation Services

is looking for an experienced, motivated and energetic person to join our team to assist with

Bookkeeping Support The successful candidate would possess the following; Knowledge with MYOB, Xero – Knowledge in all aspects of payroll.

Excellent reconciliation skills.

Attention to detail and excellent communication skills are crucial.

Be able to work independently while also being able to motivate themselves and their team.

Be enthusiastic, energetic, and highly motivated.

Be able to manage and prioritise tasks and projects on the go.

Be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

If this sounds like you please send your resume and letter of application to enquiry@obts.com.au If you have any questions please contact our office on (03) 5721 6766.

EMPLOYMENT

is seeking a

Qualified Accountant to join our team.

The successful candidate would possess the following; Ability to communicate confidently with clients.

Excellent knowledge of MYOB, Handi Ledger/Tax, SimpleFund 360.

Knowledge of Small to Large Business Advice Services.

Prepare financial reporting including BAS/ IAS, FBT, Payroll Tax. Respond to financial inquiries by examining, summarizing and interpreting data.

Ability to manage tax reporting for SelfManaged Super Funds.

Ability to complete Company, Trust, Partnership, Personal & Investment Property Financials & Tax Returns.

Ability to work autonomously and in a team environment.

CA or CPA Membership preferred.

A salary package is negotiable and will be based on experience and qualifications.

There will also be future opportunities to become a partner.

Please send your resume through to enquiry@obts.com.au or contact the office on (03)5721 6766 if you have any questions.

Advertise FREE! If you’re selling for $50 or less Sell those unwanted items that are lying around your home or gathering dust in the shed!

Simply fill in the coupon below and deliver by hand, fax, or post to ‘Free Classifieds, 37 Rowan St, Wangaratta.’

Name:............................................................................................................

Address: .......................................................................................................

Phone:...........................................................................................................

We require physically fit and enthusiastic Cellar Hands and Forklift Operators for the 2022 Vintage.

Candidates must be able to provide evidence of their COVID-19 vaccination history.

Please contact Allyce on 0466 798 611 for more information or send an email outlining your experience and availability to careers@brownfwg.com.au

TRUCK DRIVERS WANTED

For the 2022 Grape Season.

MUST BE OR HAVE: COVID-19 COMPLIANT, CURRENT HC LICENCE, OVER 25 YEARS OLD, FORKLIFT LICENCE, EXPERIENCED WITH GENERAL FREIGHT. APPROXIMATELY 8-10 WEEKS WORK, STARTING APPROX MID FEB. Above Award Wages for the right applicants.

PHONE GREG 0429 306 679 or email jenveytransport@gmail.com

School Receptionist Australian Christian College - Hume, at Benalla is looking for a full-time receptionist to work in our team. Duties include: managing all school communications, data entry, filing, and related office work.

The successful applicant will have an engaging personal manner; suitable administrative experience and/or qualifications; a vibrant Christian faith and is a confident user of technology.

Only applications made on our website will be considered. Applicants can apply at: https://www.acc.edu.au/careers/hume-vic/ school-receptionist/

✁

CONDITIONS:- Advertisements will not be accepted by phone or email - Prices included in advertisement must not exceed $50 in total - No commercial advertisers - Price and phone number must be included in the advertisement - No animals can be advertised unless being offered FREE - No auto parts or accessories can be advertised - Advertisements will appear in Monday or Wednesday editions only - One entry per household, per week - The publisher reserves the right to publish on the next available date if space is unavailable.

- Advertisements may only be submitted on this form.

(Original only - No photocopies)

CASUALS REQUIRED ABOVE AWARD WAGES AND PENALTY RATES START EARLY FEB 2022 (Approx. 8 WEEKS WORK)

Wangaratta’s Market Place 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta. Fax (03)57219447 Emailyouradvert______________classifieds@nemedia.com.au

ĂŬĞƌ ͬ ĂŬŝŶŐ ƉƉƌĞŶƟĐĞ Wanted Beechworth Bakery is seeking ĨƵůů ƟŵĞ ďĂŬĞƌƐ ŝŶ ĞĞĐŚǁŽƌƚŚ͘ YƵĂůŝĮĞĚ ĂŶĚ ƉƉƌĞŶƟĐĞƐ ;ϭƐƚ͕ ϮŶĚ ĂŶĚ ϯƌĚ LJĞĂƌͿ ǁĞůĐŽŵĞ ƚŽ ĂƉƉůLJ͘ Call 0423 868 401 for more info and/or to apply.

Page 18 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 10, 2022

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DEATH NOTICES 5 Geese, 6 weeks old, $45 each or $40 each for the lot. Phone John 0438 050 475, Harrietville.

SIMMONDS, CONCRETING - Big or small jobs. Paths, driveways, shed slabs, verandahs. 15 years experience. For a free q u o t e p h o n e Tr e v Anderson on 0422 200 761.

BMW F650GS Dakar adventure bike, 2002, 7 months rego (WB10173A62ZF66 978). Fun touring or commuting bike, reliable and in good condition, panniers included, $5100. Ph 0407 520 461.

Lorna.

The Committee of Management, 0DQDJHPHQW 6WD൵ and Residents of St Catherine’s extend our deepest sympathy to Evin and Bev, Rhonda and Tom (dec), Marj (dec) and Tony, June and Rob, Lyn and Gaddy, Di and Shane, Christine and Dion, Shirley and John, Jack and Dianne and family on Lorna’s passing.

Personal Notices may be placed before 2.30pm the business day prior to publication

LIVINGSTONE (nee Bell), Joan Roberta.

Passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 6, 2022 at Rangeview Private Nursing Home.

Aged 82 years.

Loved wife of Robert (dec).

Kind and caring Mum of Chris, Scott (dec), Andrea, and Tina and mother-in-law to Aileen, Paul, and Ludo.

Cherished Granny of Jamie, Erin, Sienna (dec), Nathan and Elise.

Silent thoughts of time together, Hold memories that will last forever.

TODAY

30o Showers

27o 28o 30o THURS

FRI

SAT

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

www.wangarattachronicle.com.au

Ronan brushing up on local laneways

Phone (03) 5723 0100

$1.20 INC. G

Magpies are big improvers Page 9

Sport

Pages 10-11

Cases rising, booster shots boom...

HELLO 2022 AROUND 3800 people gathered at the Wangaratta Showgrounds for the rural city’s New Year’s Eve celebration last Friday. It was a night full of live music, delicious food and a booming display of fireworks. Story, more pics page 15.

PHOTO: Noisebox Productions

...and no RATs left in our city

DESPITE being almost a week into the New Year, the coronavirus pandemic continues to plague Wangaratta with a rise in cases and rapid antigen tests sold out across the rural city.

Yesterday there were 28 new cases recorded in a 24 hour period with Northeast Health Wangaratta acting chief executive officer Robyn Gillis confirming the total number of active cases was 53.

“In the last few days we were open every day and tested more than 3000 people,” she told the Wangaratta Chronicle yesterday.

“December 27 and 28 have been our busiest days with 441 and 430 people tested; probably a lot of people travelling interstate.

“Over the last week we’ve administered 600 booster shots and are encouraging everyone who had their second vaccination four

FUNERALS

BY LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE landersonbyrne@ nemedia.com.au

months ago or longer to come in.

“It’s excellent to see so many getting their boosters; it’s probably the best line of defence our community has so we strongly encourage it.

“Vaccinations for young children aged 5-11 will also be available in the coming weeks; from the week of January 17.

“We expect online bookings to be up in the next day or two.”

Some locals were waiting up to three and a half hours in line at the drive thru testing clinic yesterday morning but Ms Gillis said there’s no changes in clinic times or location.

■ Continued page 2

LIVINGSTONE The funeral service to honour the memory of Mrs Joan Roberta Livingstone will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta tomorrow Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at 10.30am.

Private cremation will follow this service.

In lieu of flowers, Joan wished a donation be made to the Royal Children's Hospital.

Donations can be made online at www.rchfoundation.org.au/donation/ rchdonation

classifieds@nemedia.com.au

Phone: 03 5723 0101

CreditCard& Eftposfacilities

Why not charge your advertisement to Mastercard or Visa?

5723 0101

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Local News.

Glenn & Emma Bouchier Page 4 - THE CHRONICLE, Friday, January

Honouring the journey 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta www.masonpark.com.au

5721 5060 ALL HOURS

SOCIAL FOCUS

CLASSIFIEDS 03 5723 0101

2021 - Page 5

College Wodonga had a median of 29, with 3.2pc 40+.

Yarrawonga College P-12 was a median of 28 with 3.3pc of scores 40+.

The top three schools in Victoria were Bialik College in Hawthorn that had a median of 38 with 39.9pc of scores 40+, Mount Scopus Memorial College was next with 38 and 39.7pc, with Ballarat Clarendon College third with 38 and 38.4pc.

For the full results visit vcaa.vic.adu.au.

Proud Member of Australian Funeral Directors Association

c REVVED UP: Northeast Radio Control Club president Matthew Johnson-Begg works on his machine in the pits.

c HOT WHEELS: Teo Valle (9) from Peechelba raced for the first time in RC Touring Class.

c FAST TRUCK: Talon Fullerton (14) from Wangaratta with his racing truck.

A

SIGH OF RELIEF: After a long, tough

BORDER BUBBLE IS NOW IN PLACE

John & Christine Haddrick

THE Wang Repair Café will hold its next event tomorrow at Apex Park from 8am until 12pm.

The café will have some t-shirt rugs for sale as well as other items, and cash donations as well as donations of unwanted Christmas presents for them to sell would be appreciated, as the volunteer-run organisation seeks assistance to cover its operating costs and ensure its continuation.

Bring items in need of repair to the park tomorrow morning where volunteers will be on hand to help bring them back to life.

Victorian and New South Wales border residents will be able to travel into Victoria by showing their driver’s licence or other formal photo ID, to access the services they need.

Travel delays are expected, so please plan ahead.

year local graduates Kayla Fisher

(left) and Amy Henderson were celebrating

their university offers yesterday.

PHOTO: Kieren Tilly

Teens look to the future with uni offers

WANGARATTA High School year 12 graduates Kayla Fisher and Amy Henderson were among hundreds of local students, and tens of thousands around the state, who received their first round university offers yesterday.

The pair are both interested in humanitarian work and development, and were offered their first choice course at their chosen universities.

Kayla, 17, has been offered a

double degree in Arts and Public Policy with a major in third-world development at the Australian National University in Canberra.

“I was happy with my ATAR score even if I thought I could do better but it’s been a tough year,” Kayla said.

“It was difficult not having feedback from classmates because I didn’t know if I was doing okay or needed to improve.

“But, I got there in the end and am

looking forward to the next step.”

Amy, 18, will be doing occupational therapy at Deakin but hopes to branch into humanitarian work in third world countries.

“I had hoped for a higher ATAR but I didn’t need one, I’m pretty happy with how I went,” Amy said.

“Last year I really missed out on having the balance of sport and social aspects of school which really help me get through the study aspect.

“The offer I received was my first choice so I’m really happy with that.

“I’ll jump straight in this year I think because my initial plans to have a gap year and travel aren’t likely now.

“Eventually I want to go into allied health overseas and Kayla and I have always talked about collaborating; she’s more interested in the politics side and I’d do the health side so that could be cool.”

Musicians invited to orchestra meeting MUSICIANS interested in becoming part of a new regional orchestra being formed in Wangaratta will be meeting in the King George V Gardens on Sunday at 2.30pm.

A newly formed committee, involving local violinist Sally Ross, will be in attendance and the group welcomes other potential members to come along, particularly seeking violin and flute players, a percussionist and a conductor.

For more information visit the Wangaratta Arts Council on Facebook or come along to the meeting in the park on Sunday.

Home Care Packages for Wangaratta

W

For details phone the Classifieds today

eld Secondary College had a median of 29 with 1.3pc of scores 40+.

Myrtleford P-12 College had a median of 28 with 3.9pc of scores 40+, while Marian College had a median of 28 with zero scores 40+.

Mount Beauty Secondary College had a median of 28, with 2.7pc of scores 40+.

Wodonga Senior Secondary College had a median score of 23, with 1.1pc of scores 40+, while Catholic

O

You’ll be amazed just how much your Classified ad will stand out when you add a colour wash.

College had a median study score of 29, but it was its 40+ score that was a standout with 13.7pc reaching the A grade figure.

Benalla P-12 College had a median study score of 26, with zero over 40+, while FCJ College Benalla had a strong median of 30 with 6pc of scores 40+.

Euroa Secondary College’s dux achieved one of the highest scores in the region with a 98.55 ATAR.

N

4),%$ ROOF REPAIR EXPERTS 4RIDENT 2OOlNG ,EAKS lXED REBEDDING AND POINTING YEARS EXPERIENCE FREE QUOTE AND ADVICE 0HONE 'LENN

with his Touring Car. PHOTOS: Kieren Tilly

age of 40+ scores at 3.6pc compared to Cathedral’s 3.3pc. skelly@ nemedia.com.au But while Wangaratta High School had a lesser meWangaratta’s three sec- dian study score at 26, it was ondary schools stack up well better than Galen and Cathewhen compared to others dral with a 40+ percentage of across the region and even 3.9. several metropolitan counAcross the region Goulterparts across the state. burn Valley Grammar School Galen Catholic College in Shepparton had a median and Cathedral College both 35 with 21.6pc achieving achieved a median study 40+, placing it 30th best in score of 29 with Galen get- Victoria.

BY STEVE KELLY

LL

2%345-0).'

FREE QUOTE PERMIT SUPPLIED

LIC $", 0H

! (

THE CHRONICLE, Friday, January 15,

Wangaratta students compare admirably after a year like no other ting a slightly better percentBeechworth Secondary Mansfi

CA

0!).4%2 ALL WORK GUARANTEED RELIABLE AND PUNCTUAL 7ILL BEAT ANY QUOTE 0H

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Country stacks up in VCE

A STUDENT’S ability to apply themselves during their schooling is a large part of how they perform in VCE, but there are many other factors that contribute their desired outcome such as getting into a university course of their choice.

Despite students dealing with adversity from the pandemic in 2020 and the touted country-city education divide, they performed reasonably well judging by the VCE study scores released by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCCA).

Wang Repair Café returns

COLOUR to your life

wangarattachronicle.com.au

MEMBERS of the Northeast Radio Control Car Club gathered at Mitchell Avenue last Saturday to test their vehicles in competition.

New members are always welcome.

For more information contact president Matthew Johnson-Begg on 0467 974 305. f INTO HIS CARS: Gordon Flighty

Add a little

15, 2021

Charge up your engines

Live at home for longer

For more information visit CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, Melbourne

Latrobe Community Health Service has worked as a trusted provider of Home Care Packages for 23 years. If you live in Wangaratta or the surrounding area, we can help you live at home for longer.

Gardening and home cleaning

Home nursing services Caring local staff

Transport for medical appointments

Personal care 1800 242 696 or visit care.lchs.com.au

Latrobe Service

All Hours

Email: classifieds@nemedia.com.au Phone: 03 5723 0101

Remember your loved one in a lasting way The memory of a much loved family member or friend can live on through a donation to your local health service - Northeast Health Wangaratta. Your memorial donation can assist in securing the continued availability of comprehensive health care locally.

The bereaved family will be notified of your memorial gift according to your wishes and you will receive a tax-deductible receipt for your donation. For further information or to make a donation please contact: Community Engagement Team (03) 5722 5069 or PO Box 386, Wangaratta, Vic 3676.

Subscribe now at

wangarattachronicle.com.au/subscriptions

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 10, 2022 - Page 19

NATIONAL SPORT

Need Djokovic at the Open: Kyrgios NICK Kyrgios once said he could not stand Novak Djokovic, describing him as “a tool”. Yet he has now become one of his old foe’s most unlikely and sympathetic backers, declaring that Djokovic hasn’t been treated humanely and that tennis really needs its world No.1 back at the Australian Open.

As Djokovic underwent another night at the immigration detention hotel In Melbourne preparing for Monday’s legal hearing over whether he can stay in Australia and defend his title, he’ll doubtless have

been touched, and a touch amazed, to hear of his unexpected new champion.

Back home in Serbia on Saturday, Djokovic’s family held a rally in support of him in Belgrade for the third successive day while Prime Minister Ana Brnabic promised him the full weight of government support over his visa battle to ensure he could enter Australia.

“We’ve managed to make sure gluten-free food is delivered to him, as well as exercising tools, a laptop and a SIM card so that he is able to be in contact with his family,”

the PM explained.

So, no surprise there.

Yet more shocking to Djokovic may have been the increasing sympathy he’s received from the most high profile Australian men’s player, Kyrgios, with whom he’s previously appeared to share the frostiest of relationships.

“Honestly, I hope it all gets sorted as soon as possible. For the sport, we need him here, it’s that simple,” Kyrgios said.

“He’s one of the most influential sports people, probably of all-time. If he’s ready to play and he’s allowed to play, I think it’s in a way good for our

sport with all this attention.

“His life’s probably hard enough as it is, and I know what that’s like.  “I’m feeling for him now.

Like it’s not really humane, is it, what’s going on?”

Djokovic has also found support from his old friend, another former Australian ‘enfant terrible’ Bernard Tomic who, like Kyrgios, said he wished the situation surrounding Djokovic’s visa exemption had been handled very differently.

Djokovic, who is seeking a record 21st grand slam at Melbourne Park, has said in his

legal challenge that he’d been given the medical exemption because he had contracted COVID-19 last month.

His plight has become a diplomatic minefield with claims from Serbia that the 34-year-old is being treated like a prisoner, while Djokovic himself appears to have become a poster boy for opponents of vaccine mandates around the world.

Yet Kyrgios reckoned that his apparent enmity with Djokovic had always been blown out of proportion and he praised the Serb for how selfless he’d been when do-

FUTURE: Zak Crawley has provided a beacon of hope for the beleaguered English batting lineup.

nating thousands of dollars to bushfire victims in Australia two years ago.

“He’s actually helped us, like he’s reached out. He didn’t have to do that. Most athletes wouldn’t, they’re selfish. So I don’t forget that,” said Kyrgios.

And one thing Kyrgios is sure of. If the champion does get cleared to stay in Australia and defend his title, that famed Djokovic stubborn, bloody-mindedness is going to be even more armour-plated.

“If he’s allowed to play, I reckon he’s going to be pissed off,” said Kyrgios.

- AAP

(AP PHOTO)

Zak Crawley is England’s future: Michael Vaughan ZAK Crawley has emerged as the harbinger of hope for England on an Ashes tour that has otherwise foreshadowed a bleak future.

Crawley scored freely, quickly and confidently on Sunday in a fashion that belied his age, lack of experience in local conditions, and Australia’s star-studded attack.

The 23-year-old, who put Mitchell Starc’s nose out of joint with his chat earlier in the SCG Test, pulled powerfully and drove diligently.

Crawley was unable to register England’s second hundred of the series, falling for 77 when trapped lbw

by Cameron Green late in the morning session.

But the youngster’s performance was notable in the context of England’s brittle batting on this tour, and the side’s revolving door of openers since the rock-solid combination of Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook.

“Real promise from Zak Crawley.

There’s the future for England,” for-

mer captain Michael Vaughan said on Fox Cricket.

“He must be given a long run, opening the batting.

“This is the player England have to give a long run in the side.”

Crawley’s intent in his 100-ball stint at the crease matched prematch comments about how this Test would be “easier” than the Boxing Day Test. “Having watched the Ashes a fair bit, I feel there seem to be a lot more

Freo, Eagles brace for long AFLW road trip FREMANTLE coach Trent Cooper is confident his team will be rewarded with a series of home games at the backend of the AFLW season once Western Australia’s border reopens.

The Dockers started their campaign with a 28-point win over cross-town rivals West Coast at Fremantle Oval on Saturday.

With WA’s border closed to the rest of Australia, both teams will now have to head over east until premier Mark McGowan flings open the doors on February 5.

The Dockers will take on GWS, Richmond, Colling-

wood, and North Melbourne away before returning home for the round six clash with Carlton on February 12.

Fremantle are also scheduled to host Adelaide at Fremantle Oval in round eight, while the locations are still yet to be set for their round nine match against Melbourne and round 10 encounter with the Western Bulldogs.

West Coast will spend the next five matches on the road, with their next home game not scheduled until round seven against Richmond on February 19.

Some question marks still surround the nature of what

WA’s border will look like when it opens, or even if there may be a delay given the huge COVID-19 outbreaks in the rest of the country.

Cooper is optimistic that Fremantle will be able to host their scheduled home games.

“Pretty confident,” Cooper said.

“Everyone we’re speaking to is saying Feb 5 will be the day.

“We’re really looking forward to the trip away. We know there will be some challenges but we’re looking forward to getting away and seeing how many of those games we can win.”

- AAP

runs here (at the SCG). I am looking forward to that,” he said.

Crawley’s exclusion from Tests in Brisbane and Adelaide raises yet more questions about the visitors’ selections on this trip.

England logged opening partnerships of zero, 23, seven, four, four, seven and 22 in this series prior to Crawley and Haseeb Hameed’s 46run stand at the SCG. Hameed’s miserable tour continued in his second dig at the SCG

when caught behind on nine, having failed to add a single run after being dropped by wicketkeeper Alex Carey.

Hameed has 80 runs at 10 this series, putting him at risk of setting an unwanted record if retained in England’s XI for the Hobart series finale.

David Warner’s ineffectual 2019 Ashes tour, when he managed 95 runs across 10 innings, is the lowest ever tally achieved by an opener in a five-Test series.

- AAP

Ash Barty aims for double glory in Adelaide ASH Barty could lift two trophies on Sunday as the world No.1 continues to build an impressive case ahead of her Australian Open tilt later this month.

The world No.1 was dominant against defending Adelaide International champion Iga Swiatek on Saturday night, booking her place in the final with a 6-2 6-4 win.

She’ll play world No.14 Elena Rybakina in Sunday’s final, where a victory would take Barty’s record against top-20 rivals to 17-1 since the beginning of last year.

The Wimbledon cham-

pion will then team with compatriot Storm Sanders in the doubles final.

“This is where I want to play my best tennis; I want to give myself an opportunity to play for titles in Australia,” Barty, who won the Adelaide singles crown in 2020, said.

“So it’s certainly really nice to have an opportunity in two finals ... it’s going to be really exciting for my singles, then to go out there with Stormy and have some fun in doubles.”

Barty’s incisive serve has ensured she kept complete control in comfortable wins

over Swiatek and world No.12 Sofia Kenin, who beat her in the 2020 Australian Open semi-finals en route to the title.

But the 25-year-old Queenslander said she had been content with how she’d taken the initiative in rallies too, something she’ll need to repeat against Kazakhstan’s Rybakina at Memorial Drive.

“It was a sense of as soon as I had an opportunity and a sniff, I needed to be able to take it, take the initiative,” she said of her tactics against French Open champion Swiatek - AAP

Page 20 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 10, 2022

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Ghost Doctor

Cricket

Horse Racing October Monday, October 4 November for CBL WANGARATTA Warriors will be waiting until the end of November to get their season underway.

Usually, the Country Basketball League season starts in the first week of Octoberober, but restrictions don’t allow the league to go back.

Wangaratta Basketball Inc. president Adam Maher said preparations are starting to get underway for the upcoming season.

Wednesday, October 6 Just what the Ghost Doctor ordered JAMES Fraser’s Ghost Doctor put on an impressive display in race seven at Bendigo on Sunday to score by three lengths in the pouring rain.

The seven-year-old gelding notched up his 10th career victory with a perfect ride by Kiran Quilty to salute at $2.70 in the $35,000 Bendigo Locksmiths BM64 Handicap.

Ghost Doctor and Red Impulse flew to the lead where they opened up a three length gap on the rest of the field at the 1000m mark.

as they chase down redemption after losing to Echuca in last season’s final.

Burns will provide endless support and knowledge for all girls, especially those targeting premier cricket debuts in the near future.

Monday, October 18 One-dayers prominent THE Wangaratta and District Cricket Association fixture for 2021/22 has been finalised.

Round one looks set to be played on November 13, given Victoria reaches the 80 per cent double vaccination figure.

The draw features just two, twoday games in the final two rounds of the season, along with 12 one-day matches with the final to be played on March 26 in the longer format.

Wednesday, October 27 Wangaratta name 2022 netball mentors WANGARATTA has announced

their coaches for next year’s Ovens and Murray Football Netball League season.

Experienced A grade players Chaye Crimmins and Hannah Grady will lead their side as playing co-coaches, while former Wangaratta Rovers player and coach Tracey Matheson will lead the B Grade.

Nellie Purches will coach the C grade and Rachelle Petts will lead the u17s.

Friday, October 29 Tournament scrapped WANGARATTA Basketball Inc’s annual junior tournament has been cancelled for the second year running.

The tournament which was scheduled for November 20-21 usually draws in 120 teams from all over Victoria.

The board decided to cancel the tournament last week following uncertainty on whether it would be permitted to run in time.

November Wednesday, November 3 Gun bat joins ‘Pies WANGARATTA Magpies have snared one of the biggest signings of the off-season on the eve of the start of the Wangaratta and District Cricket Association season.

Gun batter Pranav Menon will join the club after relocating to the area, moving from Melbourne premier cricket club Prahran.

Menon made his first grade premier cricket debut last season, slashing 42 against Northcote.

Monday, November 8 Beattie’s four gets Hawks over the line in a thriller RAIN may have forced round two of the Wangaratta and District’s Cricket Association’s A grade T20 double header to be abandoned late Saturday afternoon, but round one saw a big

Basketball

(L–R) Charlie Maher, Adam Maher and Cooper Cassidy

Monday, October 11 Pitch perfect for local curators WITH the sun shining and the start of the WDCA cricket season just a few short weeks away, preparations are underway to get the turf wickets around the region looking as good as they can.

Pitch conditions can drastically alter the outcome of a match and even player enjoyment - no one wants to spend all day on a slow, dead wicket.

Batters look to play their best shots on a reliable deck with no nasty surprises, while bowlers want bounce, pace, variation and turn.

upset at WJ Findlay Oval.

Rovers United Bruck rolled over defending WDCA premiers Yarrawonga Mulwala as the Hawks chased down 95 runs with a ball to spare.

Hawks’ all-rounder Jacob Beattie smacked a four off the second last ball of the game to run away with the victory.

Wednesday, November 10 O&K’s Night of nights AFTER a tumultuous year for community sports, the Ovens and King Football Netball League’s presentation night last Sunday recognised the very best in its footy and netball in all grades of competition.

Suits, dresses and fancy attire replaced the game day playing uniforms as representatives from clubs across the North East descended on Wangaratta for a night of food, drink, conversation and celebration of a fantastic, if short, season from opponents and teammates alike.

Friday, November 12 Get your tickets WANGARATTA has snared Melbourne premiership captain Max Gawn for a sportsman’s night next month.

Gawn, who was this year named the All-Australian team captain, will also be joined by premiership winning teammate Jake Lever at Norm Minns Oval on December 11.

Melbourne downed Western Bulldogs in September to break their 57-year premiership drought in a 74-point flogging.

Wednesday, October 13 Burns locked in THE Wangaratta and District Cricket Association’s women’s team has announced their playing coach for the upcoming Goulburn Murray Cricket season.

Former Western Australia state seamer Kate Burns will lead the squad

 Josh Porter

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THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 10, 2022 - Page 21

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Max Gawn

Cricket

Football

Monday, November 15 Moore’s just too good WANGARATTA’S Callum Moore has taken out the Ovens and Murray Football Netball League’s 2021 Morris Medal.

Moore had 17 votes heading into the final game and failed to poll, leaving Albury midfielder Carroll as the only player capable of equalling his tally with a best-on-ground display.

However, Carroll snared just the one vote against Myrtleford to finish with 15, with Moore’s Pies teammate Joe Richards jumping into second with 16 after grabbing maximum votes against Yarrawonga in the final round.

Wednesday, November 24 Thewlis thumps ton JIMMY Thewlis stamped himself as one of the region budding stars on Sunday afternoon after smashing a century in representative cricket.

The Wangaratta Magpies budding star smacked 124 off 148 balls for North East Knights as they downed Gippsland Pride 118 in round one of the u16 Youth Premier League.

His mammoth century included just six boundaries, spending over three hours out in the middle of Bill Lawry Oval.

Friday, November 26 Vax mandate hits sports

(70-80) on Saturday night, the local side found redemption on Sunday as they thrashed newcomers Mansfield 70-35.

Wangaratta Basketball president Adam Maher believes the Warriors should have won on Saturday.

Friday, December 3 Wangaratta veteran reaps premiership success WANGARATTA RSL member and Victorian Wheelchair Football League (VWFL) premiership player Brett Newman believes his most recent success could spark a boon for the startup sport in the North East.

Newman’s Collingwood side rounded out a gutsy grand final victory against old foes Essendon at Boroondara Sports Complex on Sunday, only hours after their captain/coach Brendan Stroud sadly lost his battle with cancer.

Newman, the side’s vice-captain and now two-time premiership player (2018, 2021), said the win had been the best he had ever experienced.

Friday, December 3 Hawks lose keys WANGARATTA Rovers will be eyeing replacements for reigning best and fairest winner Tom Thynne and former Melbourne player Matt Jones.

Gold Coast product Tyler Cornish also looks doubtful to stay.

The pair indicated that they won’t be staying on at WJ Findlay Oval as the search for key players continues for the Hawks.

Monday, December 6 Menon’s masterclass gets the Magpies over line against RUB A CRUCIAL innings from Wangaratta Magpies’ Pranav Menon was instrumental in getting the win over Rovers United Bruck (RUB) in their A grade WDCA clash on the turf at Norm Minns Oval on Saturday.

Menon belted 92 runs from 115 deliveries to help set a formidable total of 204.

Wangaratta skipper Jack Davies said Menon was at the crease at a pivotal point in the innings.

Wednesday, December 8 Ledger’s gelding in sensational form LEDGER Racing’s Dynamic Sensation continues to go from strength to strength in its fledgling career.

The four-year-old gelding notched up its second career win ($3.80) in impressive fashion at his home track on Thursday afternoon.

Carrying the heaviest weight of the field (63.5kg), hoop Pat Moloney steered the gelding home to win by a head over Ken Aldous’ Sokkies.

Monday, December 13 Track return THE Wangaratta Turf Club’s Christmas Races meet attracted plenty of locals flocking to the track for the eight race card.

Thousands of patrons stormed through the turf club gates to watch

Cricket Sienna Sims

A VACCINATION mandate coming into effect for children aged 12 years and two months or older last week has thrown local sporting clubs and venues into a spin having to navigate the latest challenges in what has been the COVID-19 maze of restrictions.

The Victorian Government COVIDSafe settings update disallows people without an exemption over this age bracket from training or competing in sports.

The coronavirus.vic website says: “If you are fully vaccinated, you can attend sporting and recreation facilities (eg sports grounds, gyms and swimming pools) and sporting events.

local trainers dominate their home race day with four locally trained gallopers notching up victories.

Wangaratta Turf Club chief executive officer Sean Barrett was stoked with how the day panned out.

Wednesday, December 15 Cresswell takes the reins as Rovers A grade coach WANGARATTA Rovers has secured talented coach Jo Creswell to coach their A grade netball squad for the 2022 O&M season, joining husband Daryn as senior coaches in the gold and brown.

After a long search for a replacement for outgoing coach Noel Halton, Creswell put her hand up to lead the squad due to a lack of other serious applicants.

“They advertised for coaches and it’s very difficult out there, people obviously feeling the effects of COVID and I guess people see that they can actually have a life outside of sport,” she said.

Friday, December 17 Running for a reason AFTER literally months of waiting, two local athletes completed the 21.1km half marathon event of the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival last weekend, with their fundraising campaign earning over $2000 for Beyond Blue.

Greta South’s Sophia McCarthy and Glenrowan’s Lewis Holland Dean were training hard for the event’s original start date of October 10, before COVID restrictions forced organisers to push the event back until early December.

“Since we signed up ages ago it was hard when it got moved to December,” McCarthy said.

Monday, December 20 Wilson, Ashton earn big call up WANGARATTA duo Darcy Wilson and Will Ashton have been named in the U17 Victoria Country cricket squad.

The squad will compete at the national championships in Bendigo next month against all states and territories besides Queensland and Western Australia.

The local pair has been training with the U17 Emerging Players Program over the winter and were selected for the squad from those 30 players.

December Wednesday, December 1 Warriors win one from two WANGARATTA Warriors started their season off in okay fashion over the weekend with one win and one loss.

After losing to Benalla by 10 points

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Page 22 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 10, 2022

wangarattachronicle.com.au CRICKET may have been cancelled on the weekend, but Wangaratta Chronicle photographer Melissa Beattie found golf and tennis in full swing on Saturday, capturing this collection of shots. These and other potographs can be purchased at the Wangaratta Chronicle office in Rowan Street.

MAREE SULLIVAN

BRIAN SCOBIE

MICHAEL FALKENBERG

GUY ROBERTSON

CHRIS MARTENS

ANDY RAISON

ALLAN BUSK

JOHN SOUTHWELL

BEN JOHNSON

GLEN SEYMOUR

KURT SCHUBERT

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 10, 2022 - Page 23

SPORT

Action packed Wangaratta Sports Carnival ready to go THE Wangaratta Sports Club is gearing up to present the annual Wangaratta Sports Carnival on Saturday, January 22 at the Wangaratta Showgrounds.

The 101st running of the Wangaratta Sports Carnival will commence at 5pm and will continue through the evening featuring an actionpacked schedule of events including short and middledistance handicaps, junior races and woodchopping, culminating under lights in the Yes Optus Wangaratta Gift.

An important fixture on the Victorian Athletic League (VAL) calendar, the carnival continues to the attract competitors from across the country seeking to take a share of the total prize pool of more than $10,000.

Once again entry is free to spectators to enjoy some of the best foot running in the state with the beautiful backdrop of the Wangaratta Showgrounds.

The running of the 2022 carnival has been made possible by the ongoing support

of principal sponsor Yes Optus Wangaratta, carnival partners Rural City of Wangaratta, Wangaratta Chronicle, VAL, Winsec, Raison Glass, Ausview Sashless Windows, Kamwang, Alan Mills, Australian Physical Education Resources, Nutrien Harcourts, Ovens Ford Kia, the Past Runners Association as well as generous support from local sponsors, members and the community.

Paul Hughes, newly appointed president of the Wangaratta Sports Club, noted the importance of the carnival.

“After successfully celebrating the centenary carnival in 2021, the volunteer committee together with the VAL is excited to confirm this historic event for another year and with the ongoing enthusiasm and support from across the community we are working hard to ensure that the Wangaratta Sports Carnival remains a regular feature on the athletic and region event calendar for many years to come,” Hughes said.

GEARING UP: The Wangaratta Sports Carnival will go ahead on January 22.

SOARING: Jac Holmes attacks the rim.

PHOTO: Kieren Tilly

JUMPER: Liam Wright in action for the Warriors on Saturday night at Benalla.

PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie

Missed chances cost Warriors

By WILLSON MACK

WANGARATTA Warriors chances of playing finals were dealt a huge blow on Saturday night, falling short of the Benalla Breakers in the first match of the weekend’s double-header.

The Warriors went down 68-62 with some late drama seeing the Breakers home in Benalla.

Warriors’ Lloyd Wright was called for a charging foul in the third quarter, and he disagreed

with an umpire not calling what he thought was a similar foul from Benalla in the fourth term, which saw him cop a technical foul, resulting in three free throws which Breakers star Eric Miraflores made.

“Once again it was a lack of discipline that saw us go down by six,” Warriors coach Michael Jenkins said.

“Lloyd was called for a charging foul and then a similar play was made later on with the shoe

on the other foot and Lloyd thought he was hard done by.

“We need to push through those moments of frustration but at the same time that wasn’t what costed us the game.”

Jenkins said his side’s 15 missed free throws was a big difference between the two teams.

“We missed makeable shots from players talented enough to make those shots and we didn’t convert our free throws,” Jenkins said.

“We did show some good fight though which was a positive.

“Since Seymour, where the effort wasn’t there, we’ve managed to show energy in all of our games.

“Too often we’ve let the frustration get the better of us though.”

Benalla’s Eric Miraflores (24 points) and Sam Beks (23) were unstoppable for the home team, while Wright top scored for the Warriors with 21 points.

“Eric was strong and Sam Bek was incredible,” Jenkins said.

“Bek made some tough shots when we had defence on him, he was making fall away jump shots over contested hands and then on the flip side we were missing lay ups which hurt us.

“At the end of the day we were out played.”

The Warriors’ game against Mansfield on Sunday will be reported in Wednesday’s Wangaratta Chronicle.

Page 24 - THE CHRONICLE, Monday, January 10, 2022

wangarattachronicle.com.au

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FULL FLIGHT WANGARATTA Warriors young gun Charlie Young attempts a lay-up as Benalla star Eric Miraflores tries to get his hand in for the block on Saturday night.

The Warriors went down by six points.

■ STORY: Page 23 PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

Wangaratta W angaratta Sports Carnival ready to go - Page 23

Chaos for WDCA

WDCA fforced d to cancell weekend k d off matches h d due to rain i and d COVID-19, T20 T20s cancelled ll d

THE Wangaratta and District Cricket Association was forced to cancel its weekend of matches off the back of a week of constant rainfall.

Wangaratta had 33mm of rain from Thursday to Saturday with the bulk of it coming on Thursday (24mm), making it hard for curators to prepare pitches.

“We had too much rain on

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

Thursday and then I ended up out at Whorouly on Friday and there was a downpour there,” WDCA president Greg Hoysted told the Wangaratta Chronicle yesterday.

“As it turned out the weather looked okay for Saturday but the pitches weren’t prepared and the grounds were still soggy.

“There wasn’t much we could’ve done to get cricket going so that was the main basis for our decision.”

Next weekend was scheduled to host a double header of T20’s, however, the

association has decided to cancel those fixtures and the T20 competition due to the current COVID-19 climate.

Instead, the weekend’s cancelled games will be rescheduled to this Saturday, January 15.

“A grade and A reserve were meant to play the second round of T20’s but having teams moving around

isn’t ideal in the current COVID climate,” Hoysted said.

“There’s no certainty around COVID-19 so we decided to cancel the T20 competition all together.”

Along with rain, the virus also played a factor in the cancellation of this round.

“We’ve asked clubs to let us know how COVID is af-

fecting them and some clubs are fine and would’ve been able to field all sides but others would have struggled to field teams in lower grades.

“We’ve said that if any games are affected by COVID we will reschedule them to a later date and if that can’t happen we will make the game a draw and not a forfeit.”

Wangaratta featuring the

WANGARATTA

GIFT under lights

SPORTS CARNIVAL

SATURDAY JANUARY 22 5pm-10.30pm WANGARATTA FREE ENTRY SHOWGROUNDS

Principal Sponsor WANGARATTA