Wangaratta Chronicle 100723

Magpies lose by a point in blockbuster grand final replay: SPORT

WILDLIFE ENCOUNTER

SAFETY CONCERNS

ROAD safety and the safety of personal possessions are among the local community’s biggest concerns, according to an in-depth police survey initiative.

Local residents were among more than 11,000 across the state who took part in Victoria Police’s recent community sentiment survey, with Wangaratta and Wodonga residents also highlighting drug and alcohol-related

Residents identify key issues as part of police survey yyppy

BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au

offending and safety in public places as key concerns.

The survey was available over a five week period between March 31 and May 7, with respondents asked to select their top three

community safety concerns out of eight options.

Safety on Victorian roads has been a key talking point throughout the year, with some 161 fatalities occurring throughout the state so far this year, a 29.8 per cent increase on last year’s figures.

Five road users have died in 2023 on roads within the Rural City of Wangaratta, the highest figure among

the North East local government areas (LGAs). A decline in the safety of personal property was also reflected in recent crime statistics for the rural city, with the Crime Statistics Agency reporting thefts from retail stores (90 up from 56 in 2022) and thefts from motor vehicles (103 from 60) had each increased considerably in the 12 months to March.

Motor vehicle thefts also rose from 23 to 54 during the same timeframe, while local police have investigated a spate of thefts from construction sites as recently as last month.

The concerns expressed by Wangaratta residents were largely in line with statewide results, a Victoria Police spokesperson said.

Some 58 per cent of

Victorian respondents expressed concern around safety in public places, while safety of property and possessions ranked second. Half of respondents identified road safety as a top-three concern.

“Victoria Police’s community sentiment survey shows safety in public spaces ranked as the top safety concern for a second successive year,” the spokesperson said.

■ Continued page 2

LENNY White and Noah Cooper were rapt to check out Bubblegum the blue-tongue lizard as part of the Animals of Oz wildlife presentation in Wangaratta on Friday. The show, which featured everything from possums to spiders, was part of NAIDOC Week celebrations. Full story, more photos page 2.

PHOTO: Bailey Zimmermann

Police survey reveals local safety concerns

■ From page 1

“Safety of people’s property and possessions, road safety and drugs also rated strongly in the results.

“Cybercrime and online safety for the first time made the top five concerns identified.

“Survey results are used to help identify and address what matters most to local communities through Victoria Police’s backto-basic neighbourhood policing initiative.”

The results of the survey also showed some 80 per cent of respondents felt comfortable talking to police and protective services officers, in line with last year’s 79 per cent result.

A greater police presence and more patrols in public spaces and on roads, was the state’s top suggestion for improving community safety, while more CCTV and better lighting in public places was ranked second.

Est. 1884, Incorporating Wangaratta Despatch, Est. 1861

WEATHER

Milk price a confidence boost for dairy farmers

By KURT HICKLING

NEW milk prices released on July 1 have further bolstered confidence levels among local dairy farmers.

Prices have remained steady across the region at $9.20kgMS with a slight variance amongst farmers which is consistent to last year’s prices.

Dairy Australia industry analyst Eliza Redfern said a number of factors influenced the prices passed on to local farmers.

“A smaller milk pool has spurred competition amongst processors to secure milk, driving above average farmgate milk prices relatively on par with last season’s prices despite falling global dairy export prices, which are taken into account for milk prices offered to farmers in the more southern export focused states,” Ms Redfern said.

“Because of a tighter milk pool, competition becomes secure among farmers who can shop around and choose the best processor offering the best rate.

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“Every farmer will choose their own processor that meets the farmer’s needs based on the number of cows, milk produced and rates paid.

“The current milk prices remain stable across the state and more so in North East Victoria.”

Oxley Flats dairy farmer Trevor Hourigan, who runs a herd of

300 cows on 400 acres with his daughter Aime Hourigan, said the prices are good news.

“The latest announcement is welcoming news to our farm as it gives us confidence moving forward into next year,” Mr Hourigan said.

“I am very happy with the new prices with other farmers sitting at a consistent rate around $9.20kgMS.

“We supply our milk to Bega who offer a competitive rate and will continue to contract with them as a supplier.

“The current milk pool is small locally which creates a competitive market and will continue a high demand for milk on our farm and other farmers nearby.

“The milk pool is tipped to reduce because farmers

cannot get staff or choose to retire without family members choosing to take over their business.

“So a small milk pool means better competition for us...the future over the next 12 months is looking very promising.

“Overall the dairy industry local to Wangaratta remains positive along with the future of our business.”

Families learn about the local country

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

WILDLIFE and learning about the local environment were key themes for the family fun Kids on Country event in Wangaratta on Friday as a part of NAIDOC Week celebrations.

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Hosted by the Rural City of Wangaratta council, Trust for Nature and Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Education, the event attracted a healthy crowd throughout the day with activities on offer including wildlife education workshops, face painting, an Elder lounge, traditional art and a free barbeque lunch.

The wildlife presentation by Animals of Oz showcased a slate of native wildlife from possums, spiders to lizards and taught crowds more about our friendly native creatures.

Families embraced the NAIDOC Week spirit with Indigenous art themed face paints and T-shirts taking in the week’s theme ‘For Our Elders’.

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NEW TOOLS: Trust for Nature’s Will Ford in the process of making clapsticks fresh from tree logs at their education workshop on Friday.

LUNCH IS SORTED: Cameron Poulton and mum Michelle happy to be served lunch by the GlenrowanWarby Ranges Lions Club.

POSITIVE OUTLOOK: Aime and Trevor Hourigan see a positive outlook for the dairy industry.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

AMONG THE SHRUBS: Dirk Todd, Aiden Carman and Wade Blake checked out the environment and sustainability stall showcasing some of the local fauna.

Talks continuing on Murphy St building

BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au

DISCUSSIONS are ongoing between the Rural City of Wangaratta and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action regarding the future of the city’s former visitor information centre building in Murphy Street.

Wangaratta’s visitor information centre relocated in April to the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre, where it now exists as a seven-day-a-week kiosk located between the centre’s Ford and Ovens streets entrances.

This change left vacant the centre’s previous home, at 100-104 Murphy Street, which was constructed in 1909 as Wangaratta’s free library and housed the city’s library for many years, before it relocated to Ovens Street and Ely Street, and then to its current position in Docker Street.

The Murphy Street building has been leased from DEECA by council, and rural city director sustainability and culture Stephen Swart said council was continuing to work with DEECA to determine the options available for the building.

“It is an important building in Wangaratta’s central activities area,” Mr Swart said.

The visitor information centre’s departure from the location follows the Wangaratta Family History Society’s forced move from the upper floor of the Murphy Street building in recent years due to safety concerns, after a structural report found the first

Suspicious blaze at airport cause $500K damage

By JEFF ZEUSCHNER

A FIRE at a private hangar at Yarrawonga airport early Sunday morning is being treated as suspicious by authorities.

Detective Senior Constable Guy Mitchell of Wangaratta Criminal Investigation Unit said the blaze had caused as estimated $500,000 in damage.

“We believe the fire started around 4am Sunday and it is being treated as suspicious,” Det Sen Const Mitchell said.

“A light aircraft, four cars, a caravan, boat trailer and ride-on-mower all stored in the hangar have been severely damaged in the blaze.

“We believe the estimated damage caused by the blaze is in the vicinity of $500,000.”

Det Sen Const Mitchell said a crime scene was established with investigators and members of the arson squad from Melbourne on site yesterday.

“We’re asking the public if they saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area after 3pm Saturday, or saw anything before 4am Sunday morning that can help with our investigation, to please contact the Wangaratta Police Station (5723 0888),” he said.

floor was unsuitable for storing its heavy archives, and raised concerns about evacuation options in the event of fire.

The family history society moved to a new home in the current Wangaratta Library in Docker Street in early 2021.

Meanwhile, Mr Swart said council had received positive feedback about the new WPACC-based visitor information centre model.

“It’s obviously a very different

model of providing visitor services, but we have had a fair bit of positive feedback from visitors, especially when they come to get information and then go on to visit the art gallery next door or stop for a coffee... it connects them with other local activities,” he said.

“Obviously, our team and customers are still getting used to this way of doing things, and we are also looking to have an information centre at Glenrowan (in

the new interpretive and cultural centre) when the building is completed, which will ensure services are provided in different locations.

“We also have satellite sites, in various shops and coffee shops, which are not manned but enable us to provide visitor information across the municipality.

“The idea is based on the visitor services strategy, aimed at taking information to visitors instead of waiting for visitors to come to us.”

Wet weather sees minor flooding in catchments

By JEFF ZEUSCHNER

MINOR flooding of the Ovens River at Wangaratta yesterday is expected to peak around 12.10 metres Monday evening.

The Bureau of Meteorology forecast the Ovens to exceed the 11.9 metre minor flooding level at Wangaratta

on Sunday afternoon.

It said weekend rainfall of between 20-40mm had seen some minor flooding in both the Ovens and King catchments.

The King River was near the moderate flooding level (of 3.95 metres) at Docker Road Bridge on Sunday afternoon, and likely to

remain above the minor flood level (3.70 m) today.

Rainfall totals up to 1mm a day are forecast for Wangaratta much of this week. While the bureau’s weather station at Wangaratta Airport recorded no rain in the 24 hours to 9am Sunday, the city certainly had rain, with some home

gauges recording 1-5mm.

The BOM’s rainfall for Wangaratta over the past seven days to 9am Sunday stood at 27.8mm.

The heaviest seven day ranfall in the King catchment was at Whitlands with 69mm, followed by Carboor with 52.6mm.

Mt Buffalo Chalet had

the heaviest falls in the Ovens catchment, with 27mm in 24 hours to 9am Sunday, and 105.8mm for the past seven days.

Harrietville and Bright both had 13mm in the 24 hours to 9am Sunday, with 65.8mm and 56.2mm respectively in the last seven days.

■ More weather - P8

A 14-YEAR-OLD boy was airlifted to the Royal Childen’s Hospital in a serious but stable condition on Friday morning, after suffering a gunshot wound near Cheshunt.

A police spokesperson said officers were called to King Valley Road near Cheshunt around 8am, after the teenager suffered non-life threatening injuries while allegedly hunting in the area.

An ambulance Victoria spokesperson said the teen had been subsequently airlifted to the Royal Children’s Hospital in a serious but stable condition shortly after 8.10am.

A relative is understood to have visited Cheshunt General Store following the incident in search of medical supplies.

Detectives were assessing the scene on Friday and police said investigations into circumstances surrounding the boy’s injuries remain ongoing.

VACANT: The future of Wangaratta’s former visitor information centre - originally the city’s library - at 100-104 Murphy Street is still the subject of discussions between the Rural City of Wangaratta and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.

PHOTO: Simone Kerwin

Boy airlifted to hospital with gunshot wound

Rachel new director at Wangaratta Art Gallery

THE Rural City of Wangaratta has appointed Rachel Arndt as the new director of the Wangaratta Art Gallery.

Council said Ms Arndt is an accomplished arts leader and curator who brings over two decades of experience in the visual arts in Australia and internationally to the role, where she will lead the gallery into its next exciting stage.

In multiple roles, Ms Arndt led a comprehensive range of programs, strategic initiatives, funding opportunities and professional development events for the gallery sector, including the largest regional touring exhibition program of contemporary art in Australia.

In early 2021, she moved to Queensland to lead The Condensery in Toogoolawah, where she implemented the gallery’s inaugural strategic vision and artistic program, including the first professionally curated suite of exhibitions.

With a deep commitment to connecting artists and art with audiences, she established a new learning and engagement program focusing on children and young people, implemented a comprehensive rebrand and embarked on a marketing strategy to build the gallery’s profile and reach.

Ms Arndt also spent four years in the UK working across exhibitions, loans, acquisitions and collection management for the Arts Council Collection in London and Christ Church Picture Gallery in Oxford.

She holds a Master of Arts Administration from UNSW and a Bachelor of Visual Arts (Honours) from the University of Sydney.

“I strongly believe that public art galleries, such as Wangaratta Art Gallery, play a vital role in community life, fostering engagement with art, culture and ideas, building excitement and pride, bringing vitality and wellbeing to everyday life,” she said.

“Wangaratta Art Gallery already provides access to

Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award

THE eighth Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award and exhibition is open in Gallery One at the Wangaratta Art Gallery.

The Wangaratta

Contemporary Textile Award is a biennial event, presented in partnership with the Kyamba Foundation, which celebrates the diversity and strength of Australian textile art.

The 2023 exhibition includes 29 works, in what is a representation of excellence from practitioners across the nation, and it will be on display until August 20.

Jazz in July at The Vine

THE High Society Jazz Orchestra will present a Christmas in July concert at The Vine Hotel in North Wangaratta on Saturday, July 29.

Warm up with a festival celebration, with the 11-piece outfit to play from 8pm with tickets available now at thevinehotel.net.au.

Flirtation with Abstraction by Frank Burgers

- Rachel Arndt

I strongly believe that public art galleries, such as Wangaratta Art Gallery, play a vital role in community life, fostering engagement with art, culture and ideas, building excitement and pride, bringing vitality and wellbeing to everyday life.

the very best art, playing a central role in the cultural life of residents and visitors to the region.

“I see opportunities for the gallery to continue to carve its niche amidst the Victorian gallery offerings - to grow its cultural offering locally, regionally and nationally and further establishing Wangaratta as a dynamic and vibrant cultural destination and prosperous rural city.

“I look forward to drawing on my networks and experience in exhibitions, touring and

engagement to deliver ambitious, inspiring and sought-after exhibitions that engage and enrich, aligned with creative programs for all ages, building audiences and opportunities locally and national recognition and reach.”

On a personal level, Ms Arndt said she’d heard Wangaratta was a great place to live and raise a family, and admits to being attracted to its proximity to gourmet food and wine regions.

“I knew it was Nick Cave’s birthplace and that he

had a chequered history, but that he had attributed his creative origins and inspiration to growing up here - and that is certainly very attractive,” she said.

“Council’s clear support and investment in the arts and its plans for the creative precinct was another drawcard.”

Ms Arndt said she suspected the community would be creative, supportive and culturally sophisticated, and since arriving, has found it to be true.

“There is a huge amount

Enjoy Therese Shanley’s Nostalgic

PRINTED works by former Myrrhee resident Therese Shanley are currently on display at the Benalla Art Gallery, taking over the gallery shop space for the month of July.

The exhibition by the now Beechworth-based artist is called Nostalgic Reflections and features hand-painted drypoint prints, depicting the people, places and objects that surround and inspire her.

Therese portrays beauty in the simplicity of her day-

to-day, drawing on memory to create feelings of nostalgia, calmness and positivity.

She grew up in a large family on a farm in Myrrhee and, raised by a creative mother, the joyful skills of knitting, sewing and crocheting were embedded in her at an early age, with drawing and painting to quickly follow.

Therese completed a Bachelor of Art/Fine Art, majoring in painting, at La Trobe University in Bendigo.

She spent the next few years travelling France,

Spain, Amsterdam, Britain, Ireland, Indonesia and Australia with a camera and a sketch book.

Therese focused primarily on painting for many years, but her love for printmaking crept back into her life when she met King Valley-based master printmaker Bill Young in 2017, who has assisted her with all her printing since.

Therese has won two best ‘Works on Paper’ awards and has been the finalist in numerous art prizes including the Sir John Sulman Prize

of support for the arts and for progressive ideas - it’s a really exciting place and space to be,” she said.

Rural City of Wangaratta manager of arts culture and events, Simone Nolan, said attracting someone of Ms Arndt’s calibre and experience was a delight.

“This is a true reflection of what a strong arts and cultural presence can deliver for our region and who it can attract - we look forward to working with Rachel’s creative vision and expertise,” she said.

“Importantly, Rachel is committed to programming specifically for regional audiences, for all ages, families, community groups and tourists.

“This unique focus will continue to grow the Wangaratta Art Gallery profile.”

A NEW exhibition called Flirtation with Abstraction featuring the work of artist Frank Burgers is coming to Gallery 2 at the Wangaratta Art Gallery on Saturday.

Flirtation with Abstraction explores the local artist’s interest in abstraction.

Working with planes of flat colour and structural line, Burgers’ keeps his visual language consistent in response to his immediate environment and experience, whether capturing representation or figurative scenes.

The exhibition will run from July 8 to August 13, with an official opening by Beechworth Contemporary artistic director Nina Machielse Hunt this Saturday, from 2pm.

Reflections exhibition

2023, the Peeble Print Prize and the Portia Geach Memorial Award.

She has featured in more than 25 group and solo exhibitions in North East Victoria, Melbourne, Queenscliff, Albury and Sydney, and her work is held in numerous private collections as well as the Wangaratta Art Gallery collection.

Benalla Art Gallery director Eric Nash said this exhibition features an uplifting selection of printed works by a talented artist from this

region, which are sure to be appreciated by all who see it.

Therese Shanley said the gallery offered a wonderful opportunity for small exhibitions to be held in its shop, and she was thrilled to be part of it.

The exhibition will run at the gallery throughout July.

FOND MEMORIES: Nostalgic Reflections includes Therese Shanley, Twenty thousand Hundred 2022, hand painted drypoint, 29.8 x 38.8cm.

FRESH APPROACH: An accomplished arts leader and curator, Rachel Arndt is the new director of the Wangaratta Art Gallery.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Local doctor takes vaccine query to court

WANGARATTA-based doctor Julian Fidge is set to take two of the world’s biggest COVID vaccine-providers to the Federal Court, amid his concerns the pair have been operating without a proper licence.

Dr Fidge last week filed an injunction to prevent the further distribution of Moderna and Pfizer’s Comirnarty and Spikevax products, arguing the companies had not obtained the necessary licences from the Gene Technology Regulator (GTR) to deal with genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Dr Fidge filed letters of demand with Pfizer, Moderna, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the GTR on Tuesday, and noted he had not received any communication from any of the involved parties within 48 hours.

“When we were discussing the new vaccines and the problems which seem to have arisen from their use, one of the things which came to mind as a farmer was the GMO law,” he said.

“We understand about GMOs in farming with crops and things like that, but then that led to the consideration of whether the vaccines were in fact GMOs and when we looked at the legislation it seems to be quite clear that they are.”

A GMO is regarded as an animal, plant, or microbe whose DNA has been altered using genetic engineering techniques, a process Dr Fidge alleges

Beckley family welcome baby Sylvie

SYLVIE Beckley was born at Northeast Health Wangaratta on Tuesday, June 4 at 12:23pm and weighed 3.325kg (7lb 5oz).

She is the sister of Archer, Logan and Toby Beckley and daughter of Stefanie Wilson and Dean Beckley of Wangaratta.

Top builders awarded for North East constructions

BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au

occurs through the COVID vaccines’ use of nucleoside-modified messenger Ribonucleic Acid (modRNA).

“AstraZeneca brought out a vaccine initially and they acknowledged it was a GMO and they actually got a licence, but Pfizer and Moderna don’t seem to have a licence and they’ve got essentially the same sort of product as AstraZeneca, so it begs the question as to why they haven’t gone through that process and whether they should.

“Until we resolve that question I don’t think they should be allowed to distribute their product, in the same way that a person without a licence shouldn’t be allowed to drive.”

Having first consulted lawyers four months ago before progressing his concerns, Dr Fidge said he was hopeful a Federal Court ruling could be achieved by as early as this week.

However, he noted the nation’s reliance on both the Moderna and Pfizer products had raised questions about what the next step would be.

The Wangaratta Chronicle sought comment from the TGA but had not received a reply prior to going to print.

THE Wangaratta Chronicle will be in attendance at the Northeast Health Wangaratta midwifery ward on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9.30am to photograph newborns with their parents, grandparents and/or siblings.

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

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

A SLEEK contemporary Wodonga home with dramatic interior skillion roof lines, and the demolition and construction of a new multisports facility at Holbrook have been rewarded with top honours at the 2023 Master Builders Victoria Regional Building Awards, North East region.

Trentwood Homes Pty Ltd from Wodonga took out the title of 2023 MBV Regional Residential Builder of the Year, North East for the fourbedroom, triple garage home which boasts clean lines and large expanses of glass.

While the Gilchrist Property Group from Wodonga was awarded the title of 2023 MBV Regional Commercial Builder of the Year, North East, for its first major commercial project since the company was formed in 2020.

Both winners will compete at the Victorian Excellence in Constructions Awards next month.

The two top awards were among 19 awards for display homes, custom homes, commercial buildings, and renovations announced at a gala dinner last Friday evening at the Commercial Club in Albury in front of 120 guests.

Two Wangaratta builders were among the winners with Jack Amery Constructions Pty Ltd winning Best Custom Home $300,000-$400,000; and Ovens and King Builders winning Best Sustainable Home.

Your place to feel good.

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Have your say on our renewable transition

AUSTRALIA’S transition to renewable energy continues to power on, driven by the need to find alternatives to traditional carbon sources to address climate change.

Amid the closure of coal fired power stations and pursuit of hydro projects such as Snowy 2, the country’s renewable push has been largely visible locally through the advent of large scale solar farms across our rural landscape.

Widely welcomed by many, these solar farms have however raised questions over the best use of farming land and a raft of other associated concerns with such a development in a rural community.

The Federal Government is currently undertaking a review which seeks to ensure electricity transmission and renewable energy developments deliver for communities, landholders and traditional owners.

The review is a great opportunity for individuals and groups to raise any concerns, and offer suggestions about maximising benefits for communities to be derived from projects.

With change happening so fast, opportunities like this are not be wasted.

WE welcome your letters to the Editor. Priority is given to typed/emailed letters under 250 words. Every letter must have your full name, address and a daytime phone contact number supplied for verification purposes. Any letter may be edited for reasons of space, content or legibility. Email edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au

Post Letters to the Editor, 37 Rowan St, Wangaratta 3677

The Quiz No. 43

1. How many 500 cc World Championships did Mick Doohan win?

2. In Season 10 of the TV series, Friends, who did Phoebe marry?

3. Luanda is the capital of which African country?

4. Which company makes SAO biscuits?

5. Who wrote the 2003 book, After Life: Answers From the Other Side?

6. Which animal is on the flag of Tasmania?

7. Which West Coast Eagles player came in 2nd place for the 2015 Brownlow Medal?

8. Lessons to Be Learned was the 2008 debut album of which Australian singer-songwriter?

9. What is the smallest US state in area?

10. The World Wide Fund for Nature was founded in which decade of the 20th century?

11. Which comedian had the real name, David Tynan O’Mahoney?

12. In what year did the Perth Scorchers win their first Big Bash League title?

13. Which drink combines vanilla ice cream, lemonade and lime cordial?

14. The world’s highest waterfall is located in which country?

15. Which horse was the first to win the Melbourne Cup in three successive years?

16. In relation to the drink brand, UDL, what does UDL stand for?

17. Mount Clarence and Mount Melville are suburbs of which Western Australian city?

18. Which 1986 movie starred Madonna and Sean Penn?

19. Gado Gado is one of the national dishes of which country?

20. Which four teams played in the semi-finals of the 2015 WAFL season?

FACEBOOK users this week commented on the heritage listed Cusack footbridge that was officially removed last week.

• Darrin Jarvis: Let’s make a tunnel so our homeless have somewhere to sleep.

• Jayne Sacco: I used cross over it when my kids where little they loved watching the trains go underneath.

• Sandy Hickey: What’s taking it’s place?

• Timothy Simpson: Sandy Hickey A petrol station.

• Takeshi Covac: Sandy Hickey and another water tower art work as we’ve made so much cash from tourist visiting the other one there going to lower rates rather than find a way to spend it all and ask for mor.e

• Mark Sanders: Sandy Hickey They’re being replaced with an underpass.

• Georgina Rea: They say it is progress but I just find it sad.

• Tesha Davern: So glad they have removed it. It

It’s a simple question - yes or no?

I WOULD like to respectfully respond to John Moore’s letter (Wangaratta Chronicle, July 3) regarding the invitation to attend a ‘Voice to Parliament Community Forum’ at the Cube in Wodonga lacking a ‘No’ representative.

Arguably, a larger milestone as far as alterations to the Australian Constitution occurred in 1967 with 91 per cent of the nation voting that the First Australians finally be included into the Australian constitution as Australian citizens.

Since then, discrimination and substantial abuses towards First Nations people have still continued.

Policies based on lack of understanding of culture and individual communities have been repeatedly put in place, wasting taxpayers money and frustrating First Nations communities.

A Voice to parliament and acknowledgement of the millennia existence of Australians prior to colonisation will effectively lead Australia in the direction of inclusivity and marry the past and the present more fairly and effectively.

A referendum vote does not require debate so much as the answering of the question around whether you believe that First Nations people should be allowed a Voice to advise government of the day on the effectiveness of policies to support the specific needs of the many different First Nations communities around Australia.

That’s it.

A debate is not in line with referendum protocol.

Just a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer.

The people presenting at the forum are there to answer questions as to what a Voice to Parliament will mean.

Which, quite simply, will finally create dialogue with governing parties to provide specific advice from those who understand the unique and diverse Indigenous community needs around policy and legislation that will support First Nation Peoples issues only and assist government and Australia as a nation.

Céline Forster, Wangaratta

Parliament must listen to all Australians

I AGREE with John Moore’s letter (Chronicle, July 3) that our federal parliamentary representative should respect the views of all her constituents.

We came to Australia in 1949 and set to use the skills our 300,000 year culture taught us.

We worked, we built, we studied and

was dangerous every time I crossed over it the boards would lift and the gaps in it weren’t safe.

• Paul Crabb: So removing all the pedestrian crossings before new crossing is in place. Long walk around !

• Sue Canny: Oh well if I was ten again I’d have to find another way to school. Not cool.

FACEBOOK users also commented on a development plan to build a cryogenic/liquid hydrogen

refueling station for trucks at Winton being submitted to the State Government.

• Chris Darlow: All that for 150 trucks.

• Chris Darlow: The land down there is good foe nothing else so why not.

• Geoff Gottschling: What a joke!

• David Lawson: This is progress for our area.

• Glen Farish: That’d be great, as long as it has good prices it’ll be worth having one here.

Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.

Our follower total is

14,250

Winton Wetland’s special NAIDOC Week morning tea on Friday attracted an enthusiastic crowd. Koorie cultural officer Nikki James (pictured with her father Uncle Lance and son Joshua) spoke about traditional life on the wetlands and what Elders mean to Yorta Yorta people. A traditional smoking ceremony was also conducted near the Possum Coak Sculpture created by artist Dr Treahna Ham, who was present on Friday. The sculpture is one of 15 works created by talented Yorta Yorta artists featured on an outdoor walk.

endeavoured to do the best in and for the peaceful, beautiful country that adopted us.

We soon came to realise that the Aboriginal people seem to be somehow separate and disadvantaged.

Then came the 1967 referendum that changed Section-51 of the Constitution to allow Parliament to “make laws for peace, order, and good government” for all Australians”.

The constitution change was carried by 93 per cent of the voting population that included First Nation people old enough to vote.

It was an enthusiastic affirmation that Australia is one nation, one people, and one law.

Now we are urged to endorse a change to the Constitution that by definition divides the nation into those with a special ‘Voice’ and the vast majority without it.

History tells us that carries the seeds of future strife.

Let the 11 First Nation representatives in Parliament represent their people, all their people, they are endowed with vast powers that our democracy bestows on them.

Gabriel Stecher, Devenish

Staff at WSAC are just doing their job

THE Rural City of Wangaratta is regularly advertising jobs at the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre.

Most people recognise that recruitment of staff is challenging for business these days.

However, I have witnessed a level of bullying and abuse targeting, in particular, staff at WSAC.

The centre has experienced a number of problems since council took over management of the centre and it appears that centre users/customers are often seen taking their frustrations out on staff

It’s sobering to see the abusive customers are often older people who should know better.

So please, be nice and be kind to the staff and take your complaints through proper management channels who are responsible for the running of the centre, not the person at the desk or the person who is making your coffee.

Jane Baker, Wangaratta

Mike Hannigan

Angola 4. Arnott’s

John Edward

SHARING KOORIE CULTURE:

PHOTO: Rene Martens

Road safety support sought

By RYAN MALCOLM

STATE funding will be sought to help improve the safety of pedestrians and cyclists within the Rural City of Wangaratta.

The State Government’s TAC Local Government Grant Program recently opened, offering analysis

grants of up to $30,000 and infrastructure grants of up to $100,000 for projects which adopt safe system principles to reduce crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists.

The grants will require a 1:1 matched contribution by the local government area.

Rural City of Wangaratta

director community and infrastructure, Marcus Goonan, said council would be submitting a funding application ahead of the August 9 deadline, but noted the exact project was yet to be finalised.

Transport Accident Commission chief executive officer, Tracey Slatter, said the

grant program’s safe system approach recognises different elements of the road environment must work together to keep everyone safe, such as roads, roadsides, vehicles, travel speeds and road users.

She said additional grants of up to $30,000 are also available for developing

road safety strategies and for purchasing variable messaging signs.

Ms Slatter said local councils were best-placed to address the needs of cyclists and pedestrians.

“Victoria’s local councils are responsible for roads that are often used by cyclists and pedestrians and

Positions open for region’s project firefighters

FOREST Fire Management

(FFMVic) is hoping to boost its North East firefighting stocks ahead of summer, with applications for project firefighter roles at 18 locations now open. Positions are now available at Wangaratta, Benalla, Yarrawonga, Beechworth, Bright, Ovens, Mount Beauty, Mansfield and Shepparton, as well as a host of other towns in the region, for those keen to work outdoors, learn new skills and protect the community and environment.

FFMVic deputy chief fire officer, Jarrod Hayse, said the positions would suit a range of interested applicants.

“These fixed-term positions are a fantastic opportunity for people from all walks of life, who are physically fit, to get out in the bush, protect our region from bushfires and help maintain public land,” he said.

“They can also be called on to support other emergencies

like last year’s Victorian flood.

“Many of the forest firefighters deployed to the current Canadian bushfires started their careers as project firefighters.”

Seasonal project firefighters are recruited each year, employed on a full-term basis between October and April, with the ability to branch from general firefighting into fire support and rappel crew roles.

There are also positions designated for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people.

Mr Hayse said ideal candidates would be fit and healthy and hold a current manual driver’s licence.

“Successful recruits will be fully trained and get the opportunity to work with experienced staff from a range of fire management agencies across the state,” he said.

Applications close on July 30.

To apply, visit jobs.careers. vic.gov.au/pff or call 136 186

they are best-placed to identify what infrastructure is needed to keep them safe,” she said.

“Improving road safety in Victoria is everyone’s responsibility and these grants will ensure we’re supporting local councils to improve in the overall health and mobility of their communities.”

Drivers urged to observe school speed zones

STUDENTS returning to the classroom and motorists heading back to work after the winter school holidays are being urged to heed the return of school speed zones from this morning.

School speed zones will be in operation from 8am to 9.30am, and from 2.30pm to 4pm on weekdays until the end of term three on September 15.

According to a Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson, motorists had a responsibility to drive with caution when travelling near schools, as younger children often don’t have the same awareness of road safety as adults and their behaviour could be unpredictable near roadways.

“Patience and courtesy from road users will help keep everyone in and around school zones safe, including students, teachers, parents/ guardians and crossing supervisors,” the spokesperson said. For real-time traffic conditions, visit traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au.

FIREFIGHTING BOOST: Forest Fire Management Victoria is recruiting project firefighters ahead of summer.

WHAT’S UP WITH THE WEATHER?

By Peter Nelson, Peter Retired CSIRO climatologist

Extraordinary weather across our country

JUNE had the most extraordinary weather events across the nation.

While Perth had it’s coldest June since 1981, several towns in the central west and north west of Queensland had their warmest ever June in more than 120 years of records. These towns included Mt Isa, Cloncurry, Julia Creek, Blackall, Barcaldine, Roma, Charleville and Richmond.

Previous warm Junes at most of these towns did occur in 1991, 1957, 1942, 1940 and 1918.

June was also warmer than May this year at most of these towns.

This last happened in 1968 and before that in 1918.

I am inclined to follow the 1918 event because mainly the last two years were very similar to that of 1916 and 1917 over the eastern states.

In addition the first four months of 1918 were decisively cooler like this year whilst the first four months of 1968 were the hottest on record in Victoria .

A rain band which first crossed the Kimberley region of WA then reached Tennant Creek at the beginning of July delivered a total of 77mms, which was the wettest for July since 94mms in 1895.

In recent years 74mms fell in July of 1978 at Tennant Creek which did set up a wet August and wet November and December in Victoria and then a very hot and dry January and February in 1979.

The rain band quickly reached the north west of Queensland with all time record daily rainfalls for Cloncurry, Mt Isa and Julia Creek.

Other high July rainfalls at these three towns were previously in 1895, 1900, 1920, 1978 and 2016.

All these did actually lead to very hot summers in Victoria despite a wet December.

The month of June in North East Victoria at Wangaratta, Benalla and Rutherglen was much wetter than average with 98mms, 122.9mms and 118mms respectively.

It was the wettest June at Benalla since 1996 and before that in 1991.

The mean maximum temperature was a shade below the June normal, but the mean minimum temperature was two degrees above normal and higher than that for May which previously happened in 1902, 1916, 1957 and 1991.

The springs of 1902, 1918 , 1957 and 1991 were all decisively warmer and drier than usual in Victoria but with a wet December to follow.

FRESH SNOW DUMPS A DELIGHT FOR RESORTS

FALLS Creek alpine resort became the first in Victoria to reach and surpass the magic one metre snow depth on the weekend.

It’s average snow depth at 9am yesterday morning was 105cm, having received 24cms of fresh snow in the past 24 hours - 38cms in the last seven days - and 198cms so far this season.

Mt Hotham’s average snow depth at 9am yesterday was 88cms - with 14cms in the past 24 hours, 38cms in the last seven days and 184cms so far this season. Both resorts had further fresh falls yesterday, with the 14 day forecast indicating around 2cms of fresh snow for most days, with 10-20cms this coming Saturday.

BELOW median rainfall is very likely (greater than 80 per cent chance) for Victoria from August to October, according to the Bureau of Meteorology’s latest long range forecast.

Updated last week, the bureau’s forecast for August to October is also indicating above median maximum temperatures are very likely (greater than 80 per cent chance) for almost all of Australia.

For August to October, minimum temperatures are likely to very likely (60 per cent to greater than 80 per cent chance) to be above median for almost all of Australia.

The bureau said its forecast is influenced by a number of factors, including likely El Niño development, the potential development of a positive Indian Ocean Dipole, and record warm oceans globally.

June remains city’s wettest month so far

JUNE is traditionally Wangaratta’s wettest month of the year, and that was certainly the case again this year.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology’s weather station at the Wangaratta aerodrome, the city received 98mm of rainfall last month.

This was well above the city’s 65.8mm mean average since 1987, and was the 17th wettest June in the past 100 years - the wettest being 200.5mm in 1931.

Not surprisingly, the month was punctuated by several bouts of minor to moderate riverine flooding on the back of significant rainfall throughout the

BY JEFF ZEUSCHNER jzeuschner@ nemedia.com.au

Ovens and King catchments.

Rain fell in Wangaratta on 20 of the 30 days in June - well above the monthly average of nine days - with the heaviest falls being 35.2mm on Thursday, June 8.

June’s rainfall brings the city’s mid-year total to 334.8mm, which is well above the mean average of 288.9mm.

After a relatively dry start to the year with below average

rainfall of 29mm and 11.6mm in January and February, March and April had well above average rainfall of 93.4mm and 66mm, while May’s 46.8mm was slightly below average.

The city’s heaviest falls were accompanied by our highest minimum temperature for the month of 13.3 degrees, while the city’s highest maximum temperature of 20 degrees was on Sunday, June 4.

Wangaratta’s lowest minimum temperature was -2.1 degrees on Tuesday, June 20 and our coldest days were Wednesday, June 21, Friday, June 23 and Wednesday, June 28 when the maximum tempera-

ture only reached 9.7 degrees. The month’s mean maximum of 13.4 degrees was slightly below the average of 13.9 degrees, while the mean minimum of 4.8 degrees was well above the average of 2.9 degrees - in other words, the days were marginally colder but evenings/morning warmer than usual.

While were far from being a windy city, last month certainly bright several winds of change, with the wind speed exceeding 20kmh on 22 of the 30 days, and more than 50kmh on three occasions, the strongest being 54 kmh at 4.12pm on Monday, June 19.

Chance of below median rainfall, above median heat lifts in forecast

POWDER PERFECT: Winter Olympian alpine skier Harry Laidlaw was knee deep in powder at Mt Hotham on Saturday.

PHOTO: Dylan Robinson

Doug receives 50 year service medal

DOUG Evans OAM, JP, was recently awarded with a 50 year service jewel by Wangaratta Lodge of St John.

Doug is a well known identity in Wangaratta although he now lives at Mulwala.

He was a Wangaratta councillor for 12 years until 1980 and served as the city’s mayor from 1974 to 1976.

Doug has a long history of service to the community.

He is a Justice of the Peace, was chairman of the Wangaratta Regional Development Corporation, was a board member of Northeast Health Wangaratta for 12 years and of Yarrawonga Health for 10 years.

He has also been involved

in many other organisations, too numerous to list.

In accepting his award Doug commented that being a member of Freemasonry has been a rewarding experience.

Although not able to attend regularly due to his other commitments he has maintained his membership as a way of acknowledging his support for the organisation.

For further information or enquiries regarding membership of Freemasonry contact secretary Roger Porter on mob: 0417 329 792, email: stjohn66@ freemasonswangaratta.net. au or visit www.freemasonsvic.net.au

Bonegilla Stories show goes live

By SIMONE KERWIN

WANGARATTA’S Simon Reich has received a soughtafter grant from the City of Melbourne to expand his ‘Bonegilla Stories’ podcast into a live show.

‘Bonegilla - The Migrant’s Journey’ will see Simon’s interviews with more than 40 migrants projected onto screens around the stage at the Melbourne Museum Theatre in three shows over December 7 and 8.

The people featured have also supplied Simon with Super 8 film and photos documenting their life journeys, which will be interspersed through the presentation.

Live piano and string quartet music will play Simon’s composed soundtrack during the performances, which will be held at 7.30pm on Thursday, December 7 and Friday, December 8, and in a matinee show on Friday, December 8 from 1.30pm.

The production will tell the story of local people who immigrated to Australia in the wake of World War 2.

Among those featured are Wangaratta resident Rosa Sartor, Irmgard Rettberg, and Eddie Stibilj.

Based on Simon’s six-part ‘Bonegilla Stories’ podcast, the new production also follows his award-winning ‘Up from the Rubble’ podcast about his father, German migrant Manfred Reich, who came through the Bonegilla migrant camp near Albury-Wodonga.

This podcast received a W3 award in the USA, and was runner-up in the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences’ Webby Awards.

“I have now filmed interviews with migrants to Aus-

Council cuts down single-use plastic waste

RURAL City of Wangaratta council have cut down single-use plastic waste by an estimated 35 per cent from council offices as a result of an internal 12-month program.

Facilitated by not-forprofit organisation Plastic Oceans Australasia, the Engaging in Plastic-free Innovation for Change (EPIC) education program focused on behaviour change and alternatives to single-use plastic in the workplace.

Rural city chief executive

officer Brendan McGratrh said council recognised the importance of making environmentally sustainable choices and moving away from the use of single-use plastics around the workplace.

“The reduction in waste made over the last 12 months is an achievement worth celebrating, however, it is the behaviour change driven by the program that is even more important,” he said.

“Internal survey results

from the program show the use of disposable coffee cups, plastic cling wrap, plastic straws and cutlery, and the use of plastic shopping bags has declined, and that people are opting not to purchase pre-packaged fruit and vegetables.

“Undertaking the EPIC Plastic Oceans Australasia program has provided a significant benefit to our organisation and we will continue to implement the practices learned in the program.”

Introducing the mighty

tralia spanning the years 1949 to 1961,” Simon said.

“Listening to my podcast immerses you in an audio world of the hardships endured by war-ravaged migrants, and their brave pursuit of a better life in Australia.

“One in every 20 Australians have a direct connection to the Bonegilla migrant camp, so this is an important project to inform descendants.

“Through the integration of video and music, I am hoping to introduce new audiences to the beauty of music to create stories, and to the use of artistic treatments of interviews, archival footage, graphics and animations to whet the artistic appetite of both older audiences attracted to the Bonegilla migrant camp marquee, and young audiences glimpsing the beginnings of multi-culturalism in Australia.

“I am hoping this project will inform and influence public opinion about recent migrant arrivals and the similarity of their stories of warravaged homes and seeking a better life.

“It is a common thread through the hardships endured by immigrants nearly 80 years ago.

“I am also hoping to highlight the futility of war, as the recent Ukraine invasion has shown how nothing has been learnt in the time between the end of World War 2 and today.

“Just capturing these stories has shown that most of the immigrants have not shared these stories with their relatives and friends before, so the journey in itself has brought families together and elicited enormous pride from descendants.”

To book your tickets to see the show in Melbourne, visit https://www.bonegillamigrants.com.au/

* Simon Reich has offered a ticket giveaway for locals keen to travel to Melbourne to see his show. If you would like to be one of those in the running for the two prizes of two tickets, email skerwin@ nemedia.com.au and let us know why you would like to see ‘Bonegilla - The Migrant’s Journey’.

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TELLING HER STORY: Irmgard Rettberg is among those Wangaratta artist and musician Simon Reich interviewed as part of his ‘Bonegilla Stories’ podcast, which is now being expanded to a live show.

AWARDED: Wangaratta Lodge of St John member Peter Adams (left) and Dianne Evans watch on as lodge secretary Roger Porter (right) presented Doug Evans with his award and certificate for 50 years service.

Your say on transition to renewable energy

NORTH East residents will be able to have their say on the nation’s renewable energy transition, as part of an independent inquiry into how renewable projects and infrastructure will impact regional communities across the country.

Recently announced by Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, the review hopes to enhance community support and ensure electricity transmission and renewable energy developments deliver for communities, landholders and traditional owners.

Independent Indi MP Helen Haines said she had worked closely with Mr Bowen to ensure the terms of reference would properly cover the opportunities and challenges being faced in Indi and across the country.

She said the impact of large-scale renewable energy projects on regional communities had not received enough attention, and noted the same communities would bear the risks of the energy transition, despite the Indi community being largely supportive of the shift to renewable energy.

Local large-scale renewable energy projects have already been established or planned in the form of solar farms at Winton, Glenrowan and Meadow Creek.

“Regional Australia will be the home of this country’s renewable energy transition,” Dr Haines said.

“The vast bulk of our renewable energy system will be built in regional Australia, stretching from Esperance to Gippsland to Cape York.

“Renewables are being developed at a lightning pace right across our continent – but we must listen to the communities affected and make sure we get it right, or we risk failing to meet our emissions reduction and renewable energy targets.

“We can’t have big companies roll into town, steam-

Council goes 100 per cent renewable energy

THE Rural City of Wangaratta has flicked the switch on sourcing 100 per cent renewable energy.

Council has joined the global transition away from fossil fuels towards an environmentally-conscious and sustainable future, with acting chief executive officer Sarah Brindley noting the decision made sense and would see considerable financial savings.

“Council has signed onto the Victorian Energy Collaboration (VECO), the largest ever emissions reduction project by Australian local governments,” she said.

“We have joined with 50 other councils in pooling electricity needs into one longterm contract with Red Energy, who are providing renewable energy generated from wind farms here in Victoria.

“VECO recognises the benefits of renewable energy for the environment and the economy, and we are very pleased to have been able to make this switch.”

VECO entered into a longterm contract with Red Energy which was devised to protect councils from forecast recordhigh wholesale prices and to help increase the stability of the state’s energy system.

roll the objections of communities, then take all the benefits offshore, leaving locals with nothing.

“We need to ask who benefits from renewables infrastructure, and are the host communities being brought along in the process?”

Dr Haines said she had worked alongside ACT Independent Senator David Pocock to ensure the review would consider issues important to her community, including the impact of renewable energy projects on agricultural land, emergency management, fire and biosecurity risks and increases in insurance premiums for landholders.

She noted the review

would also investigate benefit-sharing with local communities, exploring financial benefits, employment opportunities and skills development for locals.

“Everyday regional Australians should get a fair share of the benefits of the current boom in renewable energy projects – this means jobs, training, and the opportunity to take up a stake by co-investing in local projects,” Dr Haines said.

“We should harness the power of the renewable energy industry to deliver a generation of prosperity for everyday regional Australians – we can’t be left behind in the renewable energy transition.”

Regional and rural roundtables are set to be conducted as part of the review, led by Australian Energy and Infrastructure commissioner Andrew Dyer and involving community, worker, farmer and industry participation.

Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) communities, of which there are two in the Indi electorate (Ovens Murray REZ, encompassing Eildon to Dederang, and Northern REZ, which encompasses Glenrowan across to Shepparton), will be required to host a number of roundtables, with an eye to a final report being delivered by the Minister for Environment by the

end of the year.

Mr Bowen said the review was the next step to ensuring the nation’s energy market rules and reforms were fit for purpose to engage properly with communities.

“The government is working with states, territories, communities, market bodies, and energy companies to ensure community consultation on new energy infrastructure isn’t just a tick-a-box exercise,” he said.

“Our reforms are focused on giving better information to landholders and communities about their rights, involving communities earlier and more effectively, and properly handling any complaints.”

The move is poised to see council exceed its Environmental Sustainability Strategy goal of sourcing at least 50 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2025, and is estimated to see an annual 3700 tonne reduction in council’s CO2e greenhouse gas emissions.

“In addition to these savings and in a step to generate a portion of our own energy needs onsite, council has installed 120kw of solar panels on our buildings across the municipality,” Ms Brindley said.

“It is anticipated that we will increase solar generation with further installs to improve electricity resilience and create further financial savings.”

Owned by Snowy Hydro, Red Energy is a 100 per cent Australian-owned and operated energy retailer based in Melbourne.

Fresh snowfalls blanket resorts, opening more ski lifts, terrain

Monday,

July 8, 2013

AT long last, the heavens have delivered and North East alpine resorts are now covered by more than a foot of fresh snow.

Falls over the weekend, and forecast to continue today, have seen both Falls Creek and Mt Hotham open more lifts and terrain to skiers and snowboarders.

Gina Woodward, sales and marketing manager for both mountains lift companies, said Falls Creek village has been transformed overnight into its true ski-in/ski-out style for the season.

“The official natural snowdepth across the mountain is over 46cm and in snowmaking areas is more than 50cm with the guns still blaz-

ing all day after starting up again last night,” she said yesterday.

“In the forecast ahead, there is more snow and cold temperatures on Monday (today) with only a sunny break on Tuesday ahead of more snow through to the weekend.

“This will also allow the snowmaking team to continue working their magic in order to get more runs and more trails open.

“Natural snow is deepest in the Sun Valley area so we are working

to open that area as soon as possible.”

As of yesterday, Falls had six of its 15 lifts open, with good skiing and boarding on Wombats Ramble - Australia’s longest beginner run, which has opened for night skiingMouestrap, Main Street and Dovers.

At Mt Hotham, three of its 12 lifts were operating yesterday, with over 37cms of natural snow seeing Summit Trainer, Sun Run and Big D all open.

At Mt Buffalo, tobogganing at Dingo Dell was opened for the first time this season yesterday, and the Bogong loop and Horn Road were open for cross country skiing.

The Dingo Dell cafe is open daily throughout the school holidays, from 10am to 5pm.

REVIEWING RENEWABLES ENGAGEMENT: Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, and Independent Indi MP Helen Haines have worked closely together ahead of a review of the impacts of renewable projects and their infrastructure.

SNOW FUN: Sally McLaren, 23, enjoyed the new snow at Falls Creek on the weekend.

PHOTO: Chris Hocking

Wangaratta Handweavers & Spinners 50th anniversary

THE Wangaratta Handweavers and Spinners marked their 50 year anniversary with a special exhibition at the Milawa Community Hall on July 1 and 2.

The exhibition had many works from members on display including pin looms and basketry.

Members from across North East of Victoria, including Bright, Euroa, Benalla and Beechworth, meet every Tuesday for a chat and to exchange tips and tricks in the art of handweaving.

LEARNING TECHNIQUES: Gesine Weidmann practised many techniques with the rest of the group.

LONGTIME MEMBER: Jean Walpole has been with the group since its humble beginnings.

DEVELOPING SKILLS: Lynelle Bourne (left) has learnt many new weaving techniques while making friends with others in the group.

CELEBRATING DESIGN: The Wangaratta Handweavers & Spinners celebrated their 50th anniversary through holding an exhibition to showcase their designs.

WEEKEND WEAVING: Ruth Wolfel worked with wool to create new and interesting designs.

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

MASTERFUL DESIGNS: Pauline Carson (pictured below) has created many designs over her time with the Wangaratta Handweavers & Spinners.

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

ACROSS

3 Name an earlier English stage and film actor, Charles ... (8)

7 What do we call a flock of geese (6)

8 What are large systems of stars held together by gravitation (8)

9 Which court game for two players uses light rackets and a small rubber ball (6)

10 Name a poisonous evergreen shrub with handsome white or rose-coloured flowers (8)

11 What was the given name of a president of South Africa ... Mandela (6)

14 Which term relates to financial matters in general (6)

17 What are conceited dandies (8)

18 Which zone lies between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn (6)

19 To equip or array, is to do what (8)

20 Name another term for a halo (6)

21 Name small Pacific flatfishes often eaten as food (4-4) DOWN

1 What is a large tentlike shelter (7)

2 Name some tropical American lizards (7)

3 Name a breed of domestic fowl (7)

4 Name an important central South American tribe of Tupian family and affiliation (7)

5 Which term implies a group of three (7)

6 What is one of the external openings of the nose (7)

11 Which drinks are said to be the food of the gods (7)

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

SUDOKU

12 Name another term for a dictionary (7)

13 To be pompous or bombastic, is said to be what (7)

14 When one fixes something firmly, one does what (7)

15 Which term describes the highest in rank or authority (7)

16 What might we call an object of art of a former period (7)

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

WHICH WORDS

BIYWORD

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

CLUES:

Arid zones (7)

Blue-flowered plant (7)

Consumed (3)

Disorganised skirmish (5) Do it yourself (3)

Lean and sinewy (5)

Lips (5)

Looped knot (3)

Lunar excursion module (3)

Stationed (5)

QUICK THINK

Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

SOLUTIONS

Fewer numbers at market

FRIDAY’S quiet monthly store cattle sale at Wangaratta shouldn’t deter local producers, as drier months ahead look to turn the currently lower than average market, according to local Corcoran Parker stock agent Reiley Murtagh.

Some 400 head went under the hammer at the Wangaratta Livestock Exchange on the wet Friday morning, where the best quality cattle made $1220 per head, with 500kg Angus steers averaging $3-$3.10 per kg and high quality 250kg cattle going for an average of $3.30-$3.40 per kg.

Mr Murtagh said the downpour of rain across the region may have forced clients to hold their cattle for later sales.

“I’d imagine there would have been a few cattle that couldn’t get out of where they were due to the weather and you will find that June and July are usually quieter months,” he said.

“There has been a fair spread of rain everywhere at the minute which is giving people a bit more confidence and people will tend to hold at the minute.”

Australian herd levels have peaked at their highest point since 2014, which has seen the market produce lower than average prices due to the

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

drastically increased number of cattle retained and the volume produced.

Cattle producer John Rouse was among those at Friday’s sale, with his son’s Wayne, looking to sell two of his Hereford and Angus cattle from his hobby farm in Myrtleford.

He said they needed to sell at the sale to make room for their small operation which has experienced plenty of rain over the start of winter like manty other properties and is hoping a turn in market prices is on the horizon.

“At the moment it’s bloody saturated the ground, you can’t do much with it at our place as the tractor goes knee deep in mud,” he said.

“I reckon another six weeks and the rain will go, it has to.

“It [the market] is going to go up; it’ll never go back to where it was because that’s ridiculous, who could afford to buy them?”

The annual Gordon Sinclair Memorial Weaner Sale next month is set to host to up to 4000 head of cattle on August 18.

Mr Murtagh said more weaner cattle will be up for sale as a whole from next month and expects a drastic change in market prices once the cattle start appearing from wet pastures and under the hammer.

“There’ll be people holding out for that sale in particular,” he said.

“I think you’ll see numbers start to increase from now.”

Local voices

are

needed in national farm crime survey

THE Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is urging local farmers to have their say on the impact of farm and rural crime through the Australian Farm Crime Survey.

VFF president Emma Germano said the survey has been commissioned by the University of New England and aims to provide a comprehensive snapshot of all farm crime across Australia.

“This is the first national survey to have been undertaken in two decades and the results will provide invaluable insight into farm crime across Australia,” she said.

“Livestock theft in Victoria alone has hit a 10 year high, costing farmers a staggering $6.7 million dollars last year.

“We know farm crime is

HAVE YOUR SAY: VFF president Emma Germano is urging local farmers to participate in the survey.

underreported, so the real figure could easily be much higher.

“Whether it be theft involving livestock, farm equipment or property damage and illegal trespass, farm crime has an enormous financial impact and can be a terrifying experience for farming families and staff,

which can’t be tolerated.”

Ms Germano said the results of the survey would be used to advocate for greater resources and awareness campaigns to combat farm crime.

“It’s so important that as many Victorian farmers as possible take part in the survey to ensure issues faced by local farmers are understood,” she said.

“The results will help provide the VFF with valuable insight and data which can be used in our advocacy for greater government action in dealing with farm crime.”

More information, including the online link to complete the survey is available at https://unesurveys. au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/ SV_barMN4RDkQtl0O2

Milawa guest at inaugural trade forum

BROWN Family Wine Group will be among the guest speakers at the inaugural Halliday Trade Forum, taking place on August 3 at the Prince Hotel in St Kilda.

The forum is designed to provide an opportunity for wine professionals to connect, collaborate and learn from each other, no matter which sector of the industry they work in.

It will include a panel discussion featuring tasting team

members and guests sharing their experiences, challenges and successes as wine industry professionals, and the release of Halliday Wine Companion’s annual trends report, which looks at buying and drinking habits, emerging varietals and wine styles, viticultural trends and experimental winemaking techniques. Attendees will then hear from representatives from Tide.PR (Mumbrella

CommsCon Boutique PR Agency of the Year 2022) Reload Media, Brown Family Wine Group and Shopify in a session dedicated to selling direct to consumers.

Two separately focused streams are on offer in the afternoon, including an interactive marketing workshop and a masterclass with James Halliday, with more information and tickets available via Humanitix.

CHEERY TIMES AHEAD: Corcoran Parker cattle agent Daniel Craddock brought along daughters Tara and Felicity to the monthly store cattle sale on Friday morning, as kids made the most of their last days of school holidays.

PHOTO: Bailey Zimmermann

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An ability to communicate with a wide range of people across various industries. Create innovative business proposals, develop collaborative partnerships and provide excellent customer service both internally and externally.

Taking over an established client list, you will be selling advertising and digital marketing opportunities to existing clients while looking to drive new business opportunities.

An ability to develop and maintaining business relationships will be the key to your success in this role.

An attractive remuneration package is offered including a base salary, commission and employer superannuation contributions.

North East Media is an independent media group publishing award winning publications in print and online across North East Victoria and beyond.

Please forward your application and covering letter to Ian Pople Sales Manager at the Wangaratta Chronicle, ipople@nemedia.com.au

Tiguan

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.’ 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) Name:. ........................................................................................................... Address: ....................................................................................................... Phone: ........................................................................................................... Wangaratta’s Market Place 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta. Fax (03)57219447 ✁ If you’re selling for $50 or less Find the widest range of jobs in the North East at

ANGUS bulls, very quiet, good growth, visit mmas.com.au for videos, data and pricing, Marramungee Angus Stud. Ph 0429 809 288.

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

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

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DEATH NOTICES

PARKER (Murray), Ruth Deidre. Of Beechworth.

Deepest sympathy to Ian, Marion and family and Hamish, Isabella, and Grace on the loss of a wonderful daughter, sister and mother.

Dearly loved and greatly respected niece and cousin of the Chalker’s; Marian, Tony (dec. October 2022) and their family. A loving, caring person who will be missed by many. I greatly appreciate Ruth’s help, especially during the past couple of years. ~ Love Marian.

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

5722 2525

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. This is a direct way of helping us to continually improve patient care and comfort, ensuring the availability of comprehensive health services in our local community.

Family and friends can make a donation in lieu of flowers in recognition of the medical care and attention provided.

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.

To make a donation or to request information about memorial service donations or remembering Northeast Health Wangaratta in your will, please contact -

Community Engagement Team (03) 5722 5069 or PO Box 386, Wangaratta, Vic 3676.

WINNERS AND LOSERS

OVENS AND MURRAY SENIORS LADDER

SCOREBOARD RESERVES

WANGARATTA

YARRAWONGA

GOALS: WANGARATTA: Callum Moore 2, Michael Newton 2, Cameron Barrett 1, Matthew Kelly 1, Liam Mcveigh 1, Will O’keefe 1, Daine Porter 1, Ben Reid 1, Jessie Smith 1, Murray Waite 1. YARRAWONGA: Leigh Williams 5, Cameron Wilson 3, Dylan Conway 1, Nicholas Fothergill 1, Bailey Frauenfelder 1, Max Hemphill 1, Leigh Masters 1. BEST: WANGARATTA: Daniel Sharrock, Matthew Kelly, Liam Mcveigh, Callum Moore, Cameron Barrett, Michael Newton. YARRAWONGA: Cameron Wilson, Leigh Williams, Lach Howe, Harrison Wheeler, Mark Whiley, William Wheeler.

GOALS: WODONGA RAIDERS: Tom Bracher 2, Nick Bracher 1. WODONGA: Oscar Willding 5, Jett Cassidy 2, Nicholas Hynes 2, Adam Jorgensen 2, Angus Baker 1, Kade Mimmo 1, Noah Spiteri 1, Matthew Wilson 1. BEST: WODONGA RAIDERS: Cameron Ellis-Yolmen, Nelson Bowey, Bradley St John, Alex Daly, Hayden Clarke, Lewis Waters. WODONGA: Thomas Johnson, Joshua Mathey, Charlie Morrison, Jett Cassidy, Noah Spiteri, Matthew Wilson.

NETBALL SCORES THIRDS RESULTS

A GRADE

Wangaratta 38 def by Yarrawonga 42

BEST: WANGARATTA: Issy Newton 3, Brooke Pryse 2, Hannah Grady 1.

YARRAWONGA: Laura Davis 3, Emily McNamara 2.

GOALS: WANGARATTA: Georgia Clark 23, Amanda Umanski 9, Kellie Keen 6.

YARRAWONGA: Madeleine Allan 17, Hidden Player 17, Kaleisha Pell 8.

Lavington 60 def Wangaratta Rovers 31

BEST: LAVINGTON: Tayla Furborough 3, Brooke Wilson 2, Kate Mastronardi 1.

WANGARATTA ROVERS: Samantha Kreltszheim 3, Kelsie Wilson 2, Molly Murray 1.

GOALS: LAVINGTON: Hidden Player 41, Olivia Sanson 14, Brooke Wilson 5.

WANGARATTA ROVERS: Rebecca Kreltszheim 16, Samantha Kreltszheim 15.

Wodonga Raiders 71 def Wodonga 38

Albury 33 def by North Albury 43

B GRADE: Wangaratta 28 def by Yarrawonga 35;

Wodonga Raiders 45 def Wodonga 35; Albury 42 def by North Albury 59;

Lavington 53 def Wangaratta Rovers 39.

C GRADE: Wangaratta 34 def Yarrawonga 32; Wodonga Raiders 35 def by Wodonga 42; Lavington 44 def Wangaratta 22; Albury 28 def by North Albury 37; Corowa-Rutherglen 29 def by Myrtleford 43.

17 & UNDER: Corowa-rutherglen 42 def Myrtleford 25; Lavoington 30 def by Wangaratta Rovers 45; Wodonga Raiders 50 def Wodonga 37;

Wangaratta 49 def Yarrawonga 39; Albury 26 def by North Albury 67.

15 & UNDER: Corowa-Rutherglen 18 def by Myrtleford 24; Wodonga

Raiders 28 def by Wodonga 40; Lavington 22 def Wangratta Rovers 17;

Wangaratta 57 def Yarrawonga 8; Albury 7 def by North Albury 31.

Wangaratta 8.13.61 def Yarrawonga 4.5.29

BEST: WANGARATTA: Harry McMonigle, Max Bihun, Cooper Newton, Blake Newton, Kaeden Burrows, Keahn Driscoll.

ARRAWONGA: Hunter Frauenfelder, Lochie Forge, Mitchell Parker, Jack Eales, Ned Harvey, Toby Farrell. GOALS: WANGARATTA: Max Bihun 3, Hunter Graham 2, Blake Newton 1, Charlie Ross 1, Asher Simmonds 1. YARRAWONGA Geoffrey Montgomery 2, Jack Eales

1, Hunter Frauenfelder 1.

Wod. Raiders 8.4.52 def Wodonga 4.5.29

BEST: WODONGA RAIDERS: Harry Sweetman, Oliver Robertson, Cohen Trujillo, Connor Howells, Archer Scammell, Fraser Jensen. WODONGA: Coen Ainsworth, Jack Mathey, Jackson Dines, Reuben Bourke, Hugh Venturoni, Isaac O’Neill. GOALS: WODONGA RAIDERS: Finn Gray 2, Lincoln Reed 2, Seth Albon 1, Ethan Deery 1, Tyrone Ellis 1, Tom Johnson 1. WODONGA: James Grohmann 2, Daniel Finnimore 1, Hugh Venturoni 1.

Lavington 0.9.9 def by Wang Rovers 7.6.48

BEST: LAVINGTON: Xavier Russell, Jack Costello, Lochie Semmler, Ryan Lord, Oscar Lyons, Cruz Nash. WANGARATTA ROVERS: Harry Nolan, Jai Dal Zotto, Zak Sartore, Judd Schubert, Ned Turner, William Ashton. GOALS: WANGARATTA ROVERS: Jai Dal Zotto

2, Ned Turner 2, Samuel Comensoli 1, Judd Schubert 1, Oliver Sharp 1. Albury 10.7.67 def North Albury 7.12.54

BEST: ALBURY: No best players have been selected.

NORTH ALBURY: No best players have been selected.

GOALS: LAVINGTON: Ewan Mackinlay 2, William Glanvill 1, Tim Hanna 1, Tom Hargreave

1, Jake O’Brien 1. WANGARATTA ROVERS: Alexander Marklew 3, Thomas Boyd 2, Brodie Filo 1, Justin Lewis 1, Alex McCarthy 1, Dylan Wilson 1. BEST: LAVINGTON: Shaun Driscoll, William Glanvill, Jonathon Spina, Tim Hanna, Ewan Mackinlay, Christopher Annett. WANGARATTA ROVERS: Will Nolan, Brodie Filo, Alexander Marklew, Samuel Murray, Alex McCarthy, Cody Schutt.

GOALS: ALBURY: Jeff Garlett 3, Riley Bice 2, Jim Grills 1, Kolby Heiner-Hennessy 1, Rhys King

1, Tom O’Brien 1, Elliott Powell 1. NORTH ALBURY: Joshua Minogue 2, Kade Brown 1, George Godde 1, Layton Taylor 1. BEST: ALBURY: Riley Bice, Isaac Muller, Hamish Gilmore, Jacob Page, Brayden O’Hara, Max Byrne. NORTH ALBURY: George Godde, Jack Reynolds, Cayden Winter, Isaac Campbell, Hayden Cooper, Joshua Minogue.

ROUND 13 -JULY15

YARRAWONGA vs WODONGA RAIDERS

WODONGA vs LAVINGTON

WANGARATTA ROVERS vs MYRTLEFORD COROWA-RUTHERGLEN vs ALBURY NORTH ALBURY vs WANGARATTA

WINNERS AND LOSERS

OVENS AND KING SENIORS LADDER

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

NETBALL SCORES

A GRADE:

Goorambat 34 def North Wangaratta 27

Benalla All Blacks 32 def by Moyhu 48, Greta 69 def Bright

5, Bonnie Doon 43 def by Milawa 56

B GRADE:

Goorambat 36 drew North Wangaratta 39, Benalla All Blacks 50 def Moyhu 19, Greta 55 def Bright 25, Bonnie Doon 28 def by Milawa 63

B RESERVE:

Goorambat 37 def North Wangaratta 25, Benalla All Blacks

47 def Moyhu 16, Greta 25 def by Bright 41, Bonnie Doon 38 def Milawa 33

C GRADE:

Goorambat 53 def North Wangaratta 24, Benalla All Blacks

33 def Moyhu 20, Greta 27 def by Bright 46, Bonnie Doon 54 def Milawa 18

15 & UNDERS:

Benalla All Blacks 15 def by Moyhu 24, Greta 23 def Bright 10, Bonnie Doon 29 def Milawa 6

*Other match results unavailable at time of print.

SATURDAY, JULY 15

BONNIE DOON vs GOORAMBAT MOYHU vs KING VALLEY

BRIGHT vs BENALLA ALL BLACKS

MILAWA vs TARRAWINGEE

GRETA vs NORTH WANGARATTA

WHOROULY - BYE

RESULTS

Albury ..................22.13.145

North Albury..............2.0.12

BEST: ALBURY: Jacob

BRUNNER, Harry Cameron, Spencer Jones, Cooper Page, Chas Retallick, Max Bruton NORTH ALBURY: Connor Bradbury, Joel Gare, Joshua Mercieca, Riley Webster. Lavington ..................8.6.54

Wangaratta Rovers .....6.7.43

BEST: LAVINGTON: Judd Mcleod, Bailey Pirnag, Darcy Hennessy, Hunter Galvin, Neil Smith, Darcy Smith. WANGARATTA ROVERS: Rufus Niedra, Noah Amery, Zak Sartore, Connor Crimmins, Brodie Paul, Kyle Smith. Wodonga Raiders .........1.1.7 Wodonga ................13.15.93

BEST: WODONGA RAIDERS: Aaron Spencer, Wade Knights, Bailey Phillips, Angus Eberle, Kieran Jones, Alex Jamieson.

WODONGA: Myles Jewell, Kade Brown, Riley Gill, David Kapay, Jack Chesser, Dylan Bramble. Wangaratta................5.3.33 Yarrawonga ...............5.8.38

BEST: WANGARATTA: Waitai

Tua, Josh Tweedale, Ryan Battin, Josh Nanson, Braeden Marjanovic, Patrick Wright.

YARRAWONGA: Jarryd Hatton, Tim Lawrence, Douglas Arnold, Jack Forge, Beau Seymour, Ross Mulquiney.

# TEAM %PTS

1 Lavington...............206.07 40

2 Albury.....................289.11 36

3 Yarrawonga............221.98 36

4 Wang Rovers..........180.92 24

5 Wodonga ...............176.60 24

6 Wangaratta ............113.64 20

7 North Albury............29.81 4

8 Myrtleford ................27.34 4

9 Wodonga Raiders....14.20 4

SCOREBOARD RESERVES RESULTS

GOALS: GOORAMBAT: Travers Nolan 2, Aaron Blackburn 1, Ryan Burns 1, Benjamin Reaburn 1. NORTH WANGARATTA: Jack Brown 2, Jamie Berry 1, Adam Enever 1, Tyler Nanson 1, Matthew Prestianni 1. BEST: GOORAMBAT Ryan Burns, Jim Taylor, Tim Colville, John House, Wil Hoskins, Alexander Moloney. NORTH WANGARATTA: Jay Barker, Adam Enever, Patrick Kelly, David Killen, Timothy Wilson, Daniel Williams.

GRETA

BRIGHT

GOALS: GRETA: Brenton Newbold 2, Joshua Bell 1, Frazer Judd 1. BRIGHT: Dylan Bursill 2, Guy Campbell 2, Nathan Lyons 2. BEST: GRETA : Zac Northey, Brenton Newbold, James McClounan, Bradley Whinray, Joshua Bell, Lachie Kennett. BRIGHT: Joe Gray, Michael Elliott, Bradley Nightingale, Reuben Jamieson, Dylan Bursill, Tex McIntosh.

BENALLA ALL BLACKS 0.2 1.4 5.8 6.10.46

MOYHU 1.2 1.5 3.8 6.10.46

GOALS: BENALLA ALL BLACKS: Jayden Brady 2, Cody Crawford 1, Albert Hill 1, Tom Levy 1, Brendon Smith 1. MOYHU: Jacob Beattie 1, Jared Lea 1, Jett Roberts 1, Nick Stewart 1, Charlie West 1, Bailey Zimmermann 1. BEST: BENALLA ALL BLACKS: Kyle Collisson, Cody Crawford, Chelton Orchard, Jesse Walker, David Button, Jack Melrose. MOYHU: Bailey Zimmermann, Matthew Thrum, Lukas Jakobsson, Liam Cook, George Hearn, Jack McKinley.

KING VALLEY 2.0

WHOROULY 2.0 2.1

GOALS: KING VALLEY: Anthony Ciancio 3, Charlie Arthur 1, Jack Davies 1, Hayden Sims 1, Thomas Wright 1. WHOROULY: Riley Calvene 1, Simon Chalmers 1, Adam Harris 1, Lachlan Moore 1, Cameron Wood 1. BEST: KING VALLEY: Sam Evans, Charlie Davies, Beau Wheeler, Jack Davies, Anthony Ciancio, Ryan Wait. WHOROULY: Darcy O’Shannessy, Edward Bramich, Paul Glanville, Matthew Vescio, Andrew Newton, Samuel Piazza.

Goorambat ...............2.1.13 North Wangaratta .23.17.155

BEST: GOORAMBAT: Daniel Hooper, Todd Wapling, Aiden Phillips, Todd Haslam, Andy Ellis, Lawrence Richards. NORTH WANGARATTA: Blake Marlborough, Luke Brown, Joshua Ismale, Dylan Fischer, Chase Jackson, Cameron McCormack. Greta ........................2.8.20 Bright .......................9.8.62

BEST: GRETA: Joshua Cleeland, Damiun Cassidy, Jason Humphries, Aaron Cleeland, Charlie Hernandez, Craig Williams. BRIGHT: Brodie Brain, Jed Pryor, Callum Smith, Nick Howell, Thomas Gray, Jesse Bilkey. Benalla All Blacks ...19.6.120 Moyhu ......................4.5.29

BEST: BENALLA ALL BLACKS: Eoin Fitzgerald, Karl Mullins, Tomás Ó Suilleabháin, John Hughes, Joshua Kotvas, Harry Moran. MOYHU: Jaden Scobie, Tom Bannon, Harrison Bell, Ryan Hargreaves, Anthony Welsh, Jack Manners. King Valley ................7.8.50 Whorouly ..................4.2.26

BEST: KING VALLEY: Josh Brown, Joel Burchall, David Lang, Alex Tatulaschwili, Bradley McPoyle, Shane Lindsay. WHOROULY: Damien Kleine, Marc Costenaro, Ryan Harris, Jake Morey, Jack Rufford-Sharpe, Jed Marek. Bonnie Doon .............3.7.25 Milawa .....................3.5.23

GOALS: BONNIE DOON: Luke Murray 2, Al Bennett 1, Joel Sanford 1. MILAWA: Harry Allan 2, Luke Toohey 1. BEST: BONNIE DOON: Luke Murray, Matthew Hedin, James Fox, Campbell Smedley, Joel Sanford, Morgan Evans. MILAWA: Luke Toohey, Aiden Bihun, xavier Ham, Josh Owen, Liam Murphy, Brent Newton.

BEST: BONNIE DOON: James Trellu-Coker, Andrew Marshall, Shane Polkinghorne, Trent Smith, Jason Heathcote, Luke Jenkins. MILAWA: Jonathon Campbell, Tim Leslie, Michael Box, James Peck, Daniel Larkings, Luke Niklaus.

Greta Blues finally fall in the wet

By NATHAN DE VRIES

GRETA’S undefeated run in the senior Ovens and King football competition was ended by a surging Bright squad in trying conditions on Saturday, the Mountain Men home 5.8 (38) to 4.9 (33).

In cold, wet and muddy circumstances, both teams battled hard to find any legitimate scoring shots, but Bright went into the first break with a seven point lead.

With rain never really far away, Greta seemed to click into gear, capitalising from turnovers and poor execution from the Mountain Men to hit the front with a four goal term, with Brenton Newbold picking up two.

The slog continued after half-time but neither side was able to find the middle of the goals with any great effect, with eight behinds and only one major score kicked through the third term, with Greta up by seven points heading into the fourth quarter.

Bright managed to pick up two goals in the final quarter while the Blues’

chances went wide, taking the win and ending Greta’s undefeated season.

Bright coach Paul Harrison said his side performed well given the trying conditions.

“It was a hard game all day, and we knew it was going to be a close game,” he said.

“They kicked four goals in the first half and we probably gave them two or three ourselves, just trying to be a bit too pretty early in the game and hitting those short 45s instead of getting the ball long down the line.

“We knew at half-time we were going to still maintain momentum and have the majority of the play, so if we could just get back to basics, be one on one across the ground and just play a bit of surge footy we could get the ball forward and get numbers running onto the ball and probably run over them.

“The boys kept getting the ball in there and thankfully we were able to get a couple on the board and get in front, and we defended really hard over the last couple of minutes to hold onto the win.”

Joe Gray, Michael Elliott and Dylan Bursill performed well in the wet for the Mountain Men, while club stalwart Brad Nightingale had a terrific game in his 300th outing.

For Greta, Brad Whinray and Zac Northey were prominent, while James McClounan and Lachie Kennett turned in solid games.

“After playing Bonnie Doon and Greta we were confident they’re no better than us, we had our chances to win both those games when we played them the first time, so we went in confident, knowing we were in with a big shot,” Harrison said.

“Guys like Dylan Bursill impacted the game in patches when he had to and did his job, Joe Gray was really good in the ruck all day, gathered plenty of the ball around the ground.

“Michael Elliot was really good down back for us, Reuben Jamieson held Frazer Judd to just one goal.”

The Blues are now just one game clear of Bonnie Doon on top of the ladder, while Bright sits another game back in third.

Bombers outlast Milawa Dees in tough conditions

By NATHAN DE VRIES

DRY weather football was a memory of the past at Bonnie Doon on Saturday, as the Bombers and Demons battled it out on a muddy and wet deck.

An early lead to the home side helped them come away with the four points, defeating Milawa 4.9 (33) to 3.7 (25).

The Bombers capitalised on their chances while the ground was still serviceable, with a two goal lead at quarter time seeming insurmountable in the conditions.

The middle of the ground was a battlefield, with each

side struggling to get the ball moving and into their forward 50 to set up a scoring chance.

The margin was halved by three quarter time, thanks to a clean clearance from the centre by Milawa, but the Bombers were able to hold on to take the win by eight points.

Bonnie Doon coach Ken Murray said the game was an absolute slog.

“It was just a battle all day, there was no pretty footballyou couldn’t overuse the ball, it wasn’t the day for it,” he said.

“There were no easy passages of play, a two goal lead

felt like a solid lead on that day.

“We got a couple (goals) in the first quarter, we set up a little bit differently because we figured we’d have to try and score early to set up the game because we knew how it would deteriorate.

“A couple of those little things paid off and we were able to get a couple of goals in that first quarter which, ultimately, was the difference.

“Milawa have got a good defence, so we had to do our best work to get a score on the board.

“I think we had a few missed shots in general,

went out of bounds on the full or pulled up short when they’d normally kick the goal from that distance.

“It felt like we had a lot of opportunities to do better but it came down to the conditions, that’s what we all had to play in.”

Luke Murray for Bonnie Doon and Harry Allan for Milawa were the only multiple goalkickers on a day where scoring chances were few and far between, while the midfielders were worked hard all day.

“I felt our half forward, Luke Murray, was probably a big part of why we won – he

was able to mark the ball really strongly all day which was a really hard thing to do, and he was probably one of the only people on the ground that did it,” Murray said.

“We had a guy, Luke James, play a different role for us – we wanted him to play a high-pressure, almost defensive forward role, and he was terrific, he fought away all day and halved a lot of contests which meant the ball spent more time in our forward 50.

“Campbell (Smedley) and Matt (Hedin) were strong around the ball again.

“It doesn’t matter wheth-

er you win by a point or 10 goals, you take the win against a quality opposition in Milawa.

“I think it just illustrates there’s not a lot between the top four sides this year, and sets up a pretty exciting end of the year.”

It was a low-scoring round across the competition, with North Wangaratta taking the points over the Bats 6.10 (46) to 5.8 (38), Bright handing the Blues their first loss of the season by five points, the Roos downing Whorouly by two goals, and Benalla and Moyhu fighting out a 6.10 (46) each draw.

CAUGHT: Michael Elliott wraps up Greta’s Chris Dube as the ball spills free. PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

HIT OUT: Joe Gray soars in the ruck over Nick Pell.

CHARGE: Dylan Bursill attempts to shake the tackle in the Mountain Men’s close win over Greta.

CONTEST: Zac Tanner and Harry Allan go up in the contest. PHOTOS: Pam Zierk-Mahoney

WET AND WILD: Luke Toohey kicks up a spray as he fights for the ball at Bonnie Doon on Saturday.

Wangaratta fall to Yarrawonga by a point in a thriller

■ From back page

“There’s no doubt they’re the best team in it so we know we have to improve.”

The result was a massive improvement from Wangaratta’s 31-point loss to Yarrawonga in round three with Reid admitting his side is building.

“We’re playing far better footy now and we’re continuing to build as the season goes on,” he said.

“We don’t want to be playing our best footy now though and we’d like to think we’ve got that ahead of us.

“It’s one of those season’s where you can’t look too far ahead though, we’ve got North Albury next week and they pushed Yarrawonga last weekend.”

For the ‘Pies, Daniel Sharrock continued his strong season racking up plenty of the ball in the middle, while Liam McVeigh was strong on a wing.

“’Dools’ was strong again, he’s been really good all year,” Reid said.

“Jessie Smith played down back and was strong I thought and Liam McVeigh was good on the wing – he seems to relish muddy conditions.

“I thought ‘Knowlesy’ (Chris Knowles) had a great battle with Lach Howe in the middle too, Cal Moore played in the ruck a bit too and gave us a fair bit when he was in there, he probably got us back into the game at times.

“Will O’Keefe kicked a nice goal in the third quarter and he’s showing that he can play senior footy.”

PHOTOS: Melissa

Hawks hold off wasteful Panthers

WANGARATTA Rover’s senior footballers held on against Lavington in Alex Marklew’s 100th game at the Lavington Sportsground on Saturday.

Leading by 18-points at three quarter time, the Panthers fought back to get within a goal of the Hawks but it was Rovers who braved soggy conditions to grab a five-point win.

Rovers made the most of their opportunities in front of goal with the Panthers left to rue their missed opportunities in the 9.7 (61) to 6.19 (55) contest.

Marklew was stoked with the win.

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

“It was a cracking win,” he said.

“We never seem to play too well in the wet and they definitely had their chances and had a lot of shots at goal but our pressure was good enough to keep us in the game.

“We’ve had a bit of a rough patch over the last few weeks so we put it on ourselves to stand up and we did that when we needed to.

“It was like a mini final

for us because if we lost that and then had to play Albury, Yarrawonga and Wangaratta in the back half of the year it would’ve made it hard.”

The Panthers had a bunch of difficult, flying shots at goals in the last term but also missed some set shots in a quarter which saw the home side add 2.6 from about 80 per cent forwardhalf possession, with Rovers adding one straight.

“Lavington were a good contested side, their work around stoppages was good and a lot of their shots on goal came from stoppages,” Marklew said.

“I felt like we had most

of the play but they had lots of shots so it was a bit of a weird one.

“They were unlucky on the scoreboard in the end but I still feel like we controlled a fair bit of the game.”

Rovers star Brodie Filo relished the conditions and was arguably his side’s best player, while Sam Murray was once again excellent.

“Sam Murray was elite, he put us on his shoulders,” Marklew said.

“Filo was really good too, he played like he does up in Darwin and adapted to the wet weather really well.

“As soon as the ball had a bit of mud on it he was class,

it was like he was playing with a dry footy that he used a hair dryer on.”

Although it wasn’t a day for marking forwards Marklew bagged three majors in the victory, while Tom Boyd kicked two.

“I can barely mark the ball on a dry day so it wasn’t a good day for big clunks,” Markew said.

“I just tried to get some body work done early so I could try and take it on the chest.

“The boys were putting the ball in good positions though but it was nice to get on the end of a few.”

Marklew joins his grand-

father Roly (162 games) and dad Rick (229) in the 100 game club with the Hawks to honour Alex more at this weekend’s home game against Myrtleford.

“I haven’t really thought of it (100 games) too much,” Marklew said.

“Pop played 160-odd and dad played 230-odd so to get to 100 myself is pretty special.

“I played my first game in 2013 then had a few years away from the club as well as COVID so it’s taken a while.

“I’ve got good mates at the club and my family are involved too so I just love playing here.”

ON THE BOOT: Luke Saunders boots the ball long.

QUICK HANDBALL: Daine Porter gets a handball away.

GOOD BATTLE: Ben Reid flies at the ball.

HOT CONTEST: Matt Kelly is put under pressure in Wangaratta’s one-pont loss to Yarrawonga. PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

LAUNCHED: Sam Murray fires a kick off.

ONE ON ONE: Sam Henderson tries to gain possession.

ON THE HANDS: Paddy McNamara looks for a teammate.

100 GAMES: Alex Marklew played his 100th game for Wangaratta Rovers in their five point win over Lavington on Saturday.

Beattie

Greta’s unbeaten run over Page 18

SLOPPY AFFAIR

WHOROULY’S Cam Wood tries to gather the ball in a muddy slog at Whitfield on Saturday, where the Roos took the win by two goals in a low-scoring affair. Grounds across the region were inundated with water, with no O&K senior side kicking more than 46 points. Match reviews on page 18.

One-point thriller

Wangaratta and Yarrawonga put on a show for spectators with the latter saluting in a WdYhfihhlliihillthriller

LAST year’s O&M grand final rematch lived up to expectations in what was one of the games of the season thus far at the Norm Minns Oval on Saturday.

Wangaratta’s clash against Yarrawonga was expected to be a tight tussle but no one would’ve predicted a one point margin at the final siren.

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

Despite leading at every change and having a 13-point buffer at three quarter time, the Magpies couldn’t hold on with the Pigeons snatching a 12.14 (86) to 13.9 (87) win.

Although his side was on the wrong end of the stick, coach Ben Reid admitted it was an exciting game of footy.

“We started strongly and put scoreboard pressure on them early but unfortunately we had 26 scoring shots and could’ve put the game out of reach but we didn’t capitalise,” he said.

“We dug in and tried to get back in the game in the last quarter when we were down by a couple of goals which was a positive but overall it was disappointing to lose after having the lead at three quarter time.”

Yarrawonga’s midfield turned the screws in the final term, gaining the ascendency around the con-

test with Cam Wilson and the Wheeler boys (Willie and Harry) leading from the front.

Wilson was outstanding in his side’s win, booting three majors playing in a mid-forward role.

“I don’t think we dropped off in the last quarter they just lifted,” Reid said.

“They were winning the

ball out of the middle and it lived in their forward half for the first 10 minutes of the last quarter.

“Other than the first 10 minutes of the game where we kicked three it was one of those games that was goal for goal and they managed to get over the top of us in the end.

■ Continued page 19

PHOTO: Nathan de Vries