Wangaratta Chronicle 110123

TODAY

37o Sunny

38o 39o 38o THURS

FRI

SAT

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

www.wangarattachronicle.com.au

100 reasons for Win to celebrate

Tamzyn’s mullet is Summernats champion

Page 3

tv

p plus

GUIDE

Page 7

$1.50 INC. GST

Phone (03) 5723 0100

Warriors’ gutsy win Sport

WE’RE FEELING THE HEAT OF SUMMER SUMMER is turning up the heat this week.

After a mild December, Wangaratta and district is in the grips of a low-intensity to severe heatwave with the Bureau of Meteorology issuing a warning for the coming days.

Today’s temperature in Wangaratta is forecast to reach 37 degrees Celsius, followed by 38C tomorrow, 39C on Friday, 38C on Saturday, 37C on Sunday and 36C next Monday.

Monday’s temperature in the rural city reached a maximum of 35.8 degrees.

Four year old Cohen Ashton of Wangaratta (pictured) was staying super cool at Wangaratta Splash Park on Mitchell Avenue.

The facility is likely to become increasingly popular this week with the hotter weather.

■ Further story page 3 PHOTO: Jeff Zeuschner

Super gift lift WANGARATTA Sports Carnival 2023 received a massive boost over Christmas with two major sponsors allowing an increase in prizemoney to $3000 each for the men’s and women’s gifts.

Wangaratta council will be the major sponsor of the Women’s Gift through its

sdouthie@ nemedia.com.au

Community Sponsorship Program for the next three years while Optus Wangaratta

Bell

attracting some of the best athletes in Australia.

“We are really pleased to have Optus Wangaratta through Wally Pasquali continue their support of the Men’s Gift and the rural city for the Women’s Gift, which has allowed us to lift the

prizemoney of both gifts from $2500 to $3000 each,” he said.

“The program this year is pretty much the same as last year but some of the events will have slightly earlier start times so we hope to finish by 10pm.

“It means the main gift

We Are

A IL

Back To School

LE

B

PERFECT FIT. GREAT RANGE. EXPERT ADVICE.

BY SHANE DOUTHIE

will continue its sponsorship of the Men’s Gift.

Wangaratta Sports Club president Paul Hughes said the support from the rural city and Optus were crucial in continuing the sporting tradition of the carnival and enhancing its reputation for

Your Partner In Fit

The Athlete’s Foot, 20 Murphy Street, Wangaratta Phone (03) 5722 4666

races will be earlier to make them far more family friendly.

“This is our 102nd year and from the committee’s point of view we are committed to keeping it going for the community, the athletes and for all those who have put in so much work over that time to stage it.”

■ Continued page 2

A AV

From First

Councilil throws C h more support pp b behind hi d sports p carnival i l

To Last F a

rewell

Over 130 stores r theathletesfoot.com.au

Page 2 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 11, 2023

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Be prepared this fire season THE Victorian Building Authority (VBA) is urging homeowners to make sure they are prepared this fire season.

With the summer heat rising, VBA state building surveyor Andrew Cialini said people need to have up to date survival plans and get homes ready.

“Steps you can take now include clearing leaves from gutters and installing leaf-guards, as well as protecting evaporative coolers with properly sized metal bushfire mesh screens,” he said.

????????????

Mr Cialini said homeowners can get in contact with a registered building practitioner to see how they can retrofit their properties with additional safety features, as part of their bushfire survival plan.

“There are easy and affordable ways owners can protect their properties from things like ember attack,” he said.

“You can seal gaps in the external walls and eaves with silicone, put silicon weather strips and draught excluders on windows and external doors, cover vents

in external walls with metal bushfire mesh and seal around roofing joints and roof penetrations.”

Removing overhanging tree branches, keeping grass short and cleaning up other debris near your home that could easily catch fire are other useful ways to reduce fire risk.

Mr Cialini said it is also important to make sure your property is accessible for emergency vehicles and has a water supply for firefighting.

He said while building standards reduce the risk

of ignition of homes in the state’s bushfire-prone areas, it is important to note that it does not guarantee a building will survive the unpredictable nature of a bushfire.

Maintenance of the house surrounds plays an important part in bushfire safety.

Leaving early is the safest option to protect yourself and your family.

Leaving early means leaving the area before a fire starts on days predicted to be a catastrophic or extreme fire danger rat-

Teenager bailed following assault allegations

Est. 1884, Incorporating Wangaratta Despatch, Est. 1861

WEATHER

TEMPERATURES: Wednesday Max 37 Sunny

Min 16

Thursday

Max 38 Min 16 Mostly sunny

Friday

Max 39 Sunny

Min 18

Saturday

Max 38 Sunny

Min 19

Sunday

Max 37 Min 19 Mostly sunny

RAINFALL:

Last 72 hours

Last 7 days

Wangaratta

0.0 mm

0.0 mm

Lake Buffalo

0.0 mm

0.0 mm

Cheshunt

0.0 mm

0.0 mm

*NB: Rainfall totals up until 3pm, Tuesday

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

CONTACTS POSTAL ADDRESS: 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta GENERAL TELEPHONE INQUIRIES: 5723 0100 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: 5723 0101 DISPLAY ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: 5723 0139 Fax: 5721 9447 Email: edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au Website: wangarattachronicle.com.au

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

Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Editor Jeff Zeuschner.

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

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

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

Member

ing - not when you can see flames or smell smoke.

Find out more ways to keep your home safe from bushfire on the VBA website and tips on home protection from the CFA website at https://www.cfa.vic. gov.au/plan-prepare/howto-prepare-your-property.

Homeowners should familiarise themselves with the CFA’s fire ready kit and prepare a bushfire plan.

Keep updated on current fire incidents and warnings via the VicEmergency app or website at www. emergency.vic.gov.au.

CARNIVAL BOOST: Wally Pasquali (Optus Wangaratta) and Acting Mayor Harry Bussell (RCOW) announce the sponsorship deal for the Wangaratta Sports Carnival which will see prizemoney for the men’s and women’s gifts increase to $3000 each.

PHOTO: Shane Douthie

Council throws more support behind local sports carnival ■

From page 1 Mr Hughes welcomed the return of the woodchopping which he said always attracted top class competitors, and also the Little Aths events.

Acting Mayor Harry Bussell said the Rural City of Wangaratta was more than happy to support the carnival as part of its Community Sponsorship Program which awarded more than $230,000 to 15 recipients to enhance the social, cultural and environmental fabric of the municipality.

“The Wangaratta Sports Carnival is an important part of the Victorian Athletic League’s calendar, and it has a long history in Wangaratta,” Cr Bussell said.

“The carnival is important for athletes in their preparation for the Stawell Gift, it includes

a number of handicapped running events as well as races for juniors.

“We are also happy to see equivalent prizemoney being offered to men and women at the Wangaratta Sports Carnival.”

Cr Bussell said he was also excited to see the return of the woodchop.

“I’m thrilled to see it back at the carnival and I’m sure it will prove to be a great attraction there is nothing better for generating carnival atmosphere than a woodchop,” he said.

“Council sponsorship of the carnival assists in meeting the event’s running costs.

“We understand there are around 220 participants registered and carnival organisers expect to see around 1000 people in attendance.”

Mr Pasquali said the continuation of the sports carnival was a tribute to the community and the sports club committee.

“It’s so important to support the event because of its history and its standing in the Victorian athletics calendar,” he said.

“It’s one of the critical leadup events in the professional athletics circuit and the Stawell Gift.

“We want to see the community really support it and come down and watch some fantastic athletes showcase their skills.

“There is no doubt some of the athletes competing will feature at the Stawell Gift as well.”

The 102nd Wangaratta Sports Carnival will be on Saturday, January 28 at Norm Minns Oval at the Wangaratta Showgrounds.

A TEENAGER linked to the alleged theft of a number of motor vehicles late last year has been given a final chance to abide by bail, after an alleged domestic violence assault upon his previous release from custody.

The 17-year-old was granted bail at a North East court recently, after he allegedly assaulted another teen during an altercation at a North East address last week.

The accused was said to have been in regular breach of an intervention order before allegedly punching a protected person several times to the head.

It was the third time the teen had been bailed from custody since the start of December, after being linked to the theft of a number of motor vehicles in the area last month.

On one occasion, the teenager was alleged to have stolen two vehicles during a 12 hour period, driving one onto the Hume Freeway while unlicensed, and later attempted to resist arrest while in possession of a knife.

In November, the accused was said to have crashed into and damaged a number of cars while displaying false plates, before leaving the crash scene.

The court heard the accused had 33 pending charges before the court, but only one prior conviction.

A police informant noted it appeared the accused’s offending was beginning to escalate, and previous bail periods had done little to deter his offending.

Defence counsel said his client’s limited history of offending, as well as the closure of vital community support services over the Christmas period, were grounds to provide the teenager with another opportunity to abide by conditions.

The magistrate agreed, granting bail with strict conditions the accused not drive, and abide by strict curfew conditions.

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 11, 2023 - Page 3

Woman bailed after wielding knife

Mullet princess now has eyes on national title

By SHANE DOUTHIE

WHEN 18-year-old Tamzyn Dowell from Wangaratta decided to o enter the Dirty Mullet competition at Canberra’s iconic revhead Mecca a the Summernats last weekend, shee never dreamed she would becomee an overnight sensation.

Tamzyn was crowned Summernats ‘Dirty Mullet’ Grand Mullet Champion in the largest competition of its kind ever held att the event.

“I’ve always supported the mullet style but decided to get onee just to beat my brother Josh (22); he’s been going in it for the last fivee years and he’s never won anything,” ,” she said.

Tamsyn also won the Rookie Mullet title and is the first female to win the overall crown, which came with a massive title belt and entry into the national mullet title competition at Mulletfest in Kurri Kurri in December.

“I had wanted a mullet for ages but only had it cut on December 199 for the competition,” Tamzyn said.

“After I won in Canberra a lot of people came up to me asking for my photo, it was really strange.

“I was even recognised up the street (in Wangaratta) in a shop when n a woman came up to me and said, ‘I saw you on The Project’.”

Tamzyn’s parents, Kylie and Troy, y, are both proud of their daughter

and d acknowledge k l d they h have h a special brood of competitive children; Josh is a national Thunder Sports car racing champion, and sister Chloe is a previous Wangaratta Showgirl winner.

As Troy said, they like having fun.

Tamzyn is likely to be featuring in other mullet competitions this year as ambassador for Dirty Mullet, the Summernats mullet event sponsor.

Dirty Mullet is a family-owned company that specialises in merchandise of all things mullet.

Dirty Mullet founder Erica Graham, who was also one of three judges, said Tamzyn had more than just her hairstyle going for her.

“She was so unique,” Erica said.

“There were some absolutely gorgeous mullets competing but we also considered who would be our best ambassador.

“Tamzyn wears her mullet so well and with pride and also has such a beautiful personality.

“She’ll really be our poster child.”

Tamzyn plans to defend her crown next at Summernats and no doubt the competition will be keener than ever.

By RYAN MALCOLM A WANGARATTA woman will face court in March, after being arrested in possession of a knife on Templeton Street on Monday.

According to Senior Constable Ram Hamidon of Wangaratta police, community members notified emergency service crews of a woman wielding a knife around 11.15am, walking along the street.

Police promptly responded and disarmed the woman, before arresting and detaining her at Wangaratta Police Station.

Sen Const Hamidon said police had canvassed a number of witnesses at the scene, and said the woman had not entered any of the nearby businesses before her arrest.

She was later charged with a number of weapons offences and bailed to face Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on March 27.

Fire crews fight year’s first big blaze

By RYAN MALCOLM

CROWNING GLORY: Tamzyn Dowell with her Grand Champion Mullet title belt she won at the famed Summernats car festival on the weekend.

PHOTO: Shane Douthie

Heatwave issued, but falls short of extreme

By STEVE KELLY THE North East is in the midst of a low-intensity to severe heatwave with the Bureau of Meteorology issuing a warning for the coming days.

Today’s temperature in Wangaratta is forecast to reach 37 degrees Celsius, followed by 38C tomorrow, 39C on Friday, 38C on Saturday, 37C on Sunday and 36C next Monday.

The bureau’s three-day heatwave forecast for Thursday, Fri-

day and Saturday has parts of the North East rated as severe, with the whole of Victoria, except the coastline, under at least a low-intensity heatwave.

The bureau issues heatwave warnings when 10 per cent or more of a weather district is in a severe or extreme heatwave.  It is based on three days of unusually high maximum and minimum temperatures for that location.

They use three heatwave categories based on intensity including

low-intensity, severe, and extreme.

According to the bureau during these events, the following risks and advice apply: • extreme heatwaves can be dangerous for everyone; • severe heatwaves can be dangerous for many people, especially older people, babies, children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with medical conditions and people who are unwell; • seek a place to keep cool, such as your home, a library, community centre or shopping centre;

• close your windows and draw blinds, curtains or awnings early in the day to keep the heat out of your home; and • if available, use fans or air-conditioners to keep cool.

Heatwaves are calculated using the forecast maximum and minimum temperatures over the next three days.

This information is compared to what would be considered hot for that location, and also to the observed temperatures over the last 30 days.

NORTH East firefighters quickly extinguished their first major blaze for 2023 on Monday evening, after a header fire broke out in farmland near Bundalong.

Some 12 CFA trucks and crews were called to a Bundalong South property around 6.15pm, after a cropping header caught fire, with the blaze quickly impacting in excess of 150 acres of farmland.

Grassfire advice was posted to the VicEmergency app indicating the blaze was travelling in a north-westerly direction, and urged motorists to allow emergency service vehicles through on Wangaratta-Yarrawonga Road, the Murray Valley Highway and nearby access roads.

Firefighting aircraft were also called to the scene, with the fire ultimately brought under control just prior to 7pm.

However, fire crews remained at the affected paddock areas to continue blacking out the fire.

A second notification indicating the fire had been extinguished was circulated to the affected community around 7.20pm.

With an increased grassfire risk anticipated for the remainder of summer, a CFA spokesperson said it was important to minimise risk during harvest.

“This incident comes as a timely reminder for farmers to consistently clean and maintain their machinery, as well as inspect it thoroughly before and during use,” the spokesperson said.

SENIORS $14 MEALS LUNCH & DINNER DAILY PASTA BANGERS & MASH FISH & CHIPS CALAMARI ROAST ŲŲŘŃŦķơ óƙĞ ƖƙĞĶĞƙƙĞė ďƵƭ ŦŲƭ ĞơơĞŦƭŃóś ƖśĞóơĞ ĐŲŦƭóĐƭ ȏȒ ȔȖȑȑ ȐȖȗȗ Ųƙ ďŲŲŘ ŲŦśŃŦĞ ǍŃó ƭŲǎŦóŦėĐŲƵŦƭƙǔƭóǍĞƙŦɔĐŲŤ ȐȖȓ IƙĞƭó ©ėɏ ÞóŦķóƙóƭƭó ÝU! ȒȕȖȖ

Page 4 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 11, 2023

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Reprieve today... but heat to return

Health service turns to $5000 incentives to help attract staff ALPINE Health, which operates health services in Myrtleford, Bright and Mt Beauty in the Alpine Shire, is turning to financial incentives of up to $5000 to help recruit new staff.

The organisation said with the Australian labour market as tight as it has been in nearly a half century, it has had to “rethink recruitment to compete on a much larger stage”.

Like a growing number of healthcare operators, it is trialing a number of new recruitment incentives both locally and internationally to fill ‘critical in person’ roles where remote work isn’t possible, including registered nurses (including district nurses) and home care support workers.

Financial recruitment incentives of $5000 are being offered to registered nurses and home care support workers.

Trainees are also been sought to undertake a Certificate 111 in individual support course.

For more details go to www.alpinehealth.org.au/careers/jobs or call (03) 5751 9342.

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

By SHANA MORGAN

THE city sweltered through its sixth consecutive day of weather over 35 degrees yesterday, in a heatwave that included four days over 40.

But Wangaratta residents will wake up to some relief today, with a cool change overnight bringing today’s forecast top down to 24 degrees.

The week of hot weather featured two official “heatwave” days, as declared by the Rural City of Wangaratta, and three “heat alert” days.

The peak temperature was 44.6 degrees on Saturday, but residents were still feeling the heat yesterday as the city was on its way to a forecast top of 37 degrees.

The Wangaratta Indoor Sports and Aquatic Centre was open as a free relocation centre for anyone seeking relief from the heat from Friday until Tuesday, but it was not needed by any residents.

The heatwave did not quite reach the extreme conditions of February 2009, which included eight days over 40 degrees within two weeks, but Wangaratta is already well over its January average of 1.4 days over 40.

And despite today’s cool weather, the heatwave is not quite over.

Wangaratta is set to reach 38

ESCAPING THE HEAT: Fraser Burgan (left) and Harvey Pocock (front) enjoyed the Yarrunga pool yesterday.

PHOTO: Simon Groves degrees again on Friday and 36 on Saturday, before a predicted shower hits the city on Monday morning.

This would be the first rain in the city since December 21.

Council’s environmental health coordinator, Ross Cairns, said there were no more heat alert days planned for the rest of the week as yet.

“It’s heating up towards the

end of the week so we’ll have a raincheck when that happens,” he said.

Police have urged people

travelling through regional areas or doing activities such as hiking or camping in the heat to take the proper precautions as it may take emergency services some time to reach them.

The warning follows a number of incidents around the state over the past few weeks, where people have activities in the heat and failed to take items such as sufficient water or sunscreen.

WANGARATTA

Sunday 19 March 2023 Total cash prize pool of over $5000 plus trophies and gift packs

ENTER NOW

For further information and to register go to

wangarattamarathon.com.au

Sponsored by

Charity Partner

Supporting Partner

Victorian Landcare forum at Beechworth THE North-East region Landcare community will host the Victorian Landcare Forum in Beechworth from Thursday, March 23 (evening) to Saturday, March 25.

The forum will provide a fantastic opportunity to share knowledge and experience from around the state, to meet others directly involved in Landcare and to see first-hand the achievements of Landcare in the North-East.

A program is currently being finalised, with registrations to open soon.

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

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 11, 2023 - Page 5

Kids are enjoying their Summer Fun Days, with another today

By ANITA McPHERSON

FAMILY FUN: More than 1000 people came to Apex Park for the first of 3 Free Summer Fun Days for kids, with the second event being held today at the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre pool.

LOCAL families have shown overwhelming support the “3 Free Summer Fun Days” program which kicked off last week in Apex Park, offering a range of engaging activities for kids.

An initiative of the Wangaratta Baptist Church and supported by the Rural City of Wangaratta along with other community groups, the program of three free events in January was designed to offer children some active entertainment during the school holidays.

Pastor Aaron Wardle said more than 1000 people came to the park on January 4, tucking into more than 1400 snags from the barbecue and downing over 400 bottles of water.

“We had over 450 kids play laser tag and hundreds making their own wooden toy in the toy workshop,” he said.

“There was also a dance pop-up

and workshop which plenty of kids enjoyed, and some great live music from the Wangaratta Concert Band.”

Pastor Aaron said the feedback received from those who came along was all positive and with the hot weather forecast this week, a good turnout is expected for event number two at the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre today from 10am to 2pm.

There is free entry for all to the pool and lunch is sorted too, with another free sausage sizzle.

The third free summer fun day will be back in Apex Park on Wednesday, January 18 where there will be giant inflatable water slides, a dry jumping castle and a free sausage sizzle from 10am to 2pm.

No bookings are required, with children, teens and families all encouraged to just turn up on the day (and children remaining the responsibility of parents for the duration of the events).

Drink driver blew 0.187%

A DRIVER intercepted at nearly four times the legal blood alcohol limit last year has said his decision to drive had been fueled by a desire to prevent his brother from doing the same following an afternoon drinking session.

Facing Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Monday, the defendant pleaded guilty to driving under the

influence of alcohol, after he was intercepted on Murdoch Road on May 29 rapidly accelerating and decelerating and drifting across the median line around 8.30pm while headed northbound.

According to police prosecutor Senior Constable Victoria Lennon, the driver had appeared unsteady on his feet and had been slurring

his words when intercepted by police.

Almost an hour after the initial intercept, the accused returned a reading of 0.187 during an evidentiary breath test at Wangaratta Police Station.

Sen Const Lennon said the defendant had informed police he had begun drinking around 4.45pm, consuming four cans of beer and four

schooners of beer, with his last drink at 8pm.

The defendant, who was immediately banned from driving following his interception, said he wanted to “acknowledge the stupidity of my actions”.

“I’m deeply saddened and disappointed for my actions on that night,” he told the court.

A keen footballer, the ac-

cused told Magistrate Ian Watkins he had given the game away in the immediate aftermath of the incident, citing anxiety about facing his team mates.

Mr Watkins said football clubs were the perfect environment to support individuals facing challenging times, and encouraged the defendant to return to training.

“Everybody hits speed bumps in their life,” Mr Watkins said.

“You can provide an example for the young blokes coming through who think it’s okay to go out and drink and drive.”

He fined the defendant $800 and cancelled his driver’s licence for 18 months backdated to May 29 last year.

RISK E R I F YOURODAY IS T

REA RISK A E R I F BUSH LEAVE

For your survival, leave bushfire risk areas.

On Catastrophic rated days, your life may depend on the decisions you make, even before there is a fire.

Stay safe by going to a safer location early in the morning or the night before.

Plan. Act. Survive. Go to emergency.vic.gov.au

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

Page 6 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 11, 2023

wangarattachronicle.com.au

The Australian Quiz

1

Which well-known 19th century poem ends with the words, “Noble six hundred”?

ALREADY firmly established as a pillar of the local sporting community, ongoing community support is set to further bolster the Wangaratta Sports Carnival’s standing in the statewide sporting calendar.

The commitments made by Optus Wangaratta and the Rural City of Wangaratta council to sponsor the Men’s and Women’s gifts respectively come as a massive lift for the event as it looks to continue its post–COVID resurgence.

It also allows the event to continue attracting high–calibre athletes from across the state and beyond, as well as encouraging a host of local talent to compete and place precedence on their hometown race.

This continues council’s funding for local sporting endeavours throughout the region in recent times, with upgrades to Wangaratta’s Barr Reserve and aquatic centre being heavily utilised for international cricket and state swimming carnivals in the last four months.

Council‘s continued investment in the local sporting landscape is clearly part of a commitment to position Wangaratta as an elite hub for competition, a position only strengthened by the increase in prizemoney.

The carnival has also been made more family–friendly for local residents, with the competition expected to be completed by 10pm to ensure as many attendees as possible.

The groundwork is there to attract plenty of bums on seats for the January 28 event, and it’s now up to local community members to show their support for one of Wangaratta’s most iconic events.

Here’s hoping the community support it receives can continue for another 100 years.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

3 Quickness of perception 4 Ragged strip 5 Gratis 6 Softened attitude 7 Vagrants 8 Transfi 15 Consuming 16 Quote 17 Monarch’s residence 19 Slippery fis 21 Found out 22 First woman 23 Swift animal 24 Sporting item 26 Ripe 27 Quantity 28 Ejection (law) 29 Hollow out 31 Extra-strong porter 34 Female birds SOLUTION S H O R E L D D B E A T T E C T E I D I

F R E T R E R E L B A E E M N E P E T E S V E L O E D S U H A T S E O T N S U E S T R

I O M P E A A L T E I N C G A V T E R E N

D R D E E R D P

ACROSS 1 Operatic airs 5 Variegate 9 Unwelcome task 10 Frolic actively 11 Happen 12 Napoleon’s isle of exile 13 Affray 14 Honey drink 16 Dealt with successfully 18 Himalayan state 20 Formerly Persia 21 Hated intensely 24 Surface slant 25 Arose 28 Single occasion 30 Sharp 31 Sweetener 32 Slender support 33 Talks easily 35 Seize with the teeth 36 Aquatic fish-eting animal 37 Faithful 38 Result from 39 Disencumbers 40 General tendency DOWN 2 Clergyman

I A C C U M P E A N L A N C U E M B U E R

A R E O C T C O I R T E M A S T U T R E

2

Grand Peterhof Palace is a popular tourist attraction in which country?

(a) Germany (b) Austria (c) Switzerland (d) Russia

A couple named Mick and Di are featured in which 2022 Australian reality TV show?

(a) Married at First Sight (b) The Voice (Australia) (c) Gogglebox Australia (d) Australian Survivor Baijiu is a distilled spirit most closely associated with which country?

(a) Tonga (b) Finland

(c) China (d) South Africa

5

Which of the following words is a synonym for the word, appropriate?

(a) Apposite (b) Argent (c) Atrabilious (d) Adumbrate

6

Sydney FC played against which team in the 2021-22 A-League Women’s Grand Final?

(a) Melbourne Victory (b) Perth Glory (c) Melbourne City (d) Adelaide United

4

9

Mohammad Hatta was a significant figure in the history of which country?

(a) Fiji (b) India (c) Sri Lanka (d) Indonesia

7

Bucharest is the capital city of which country?

8

Who directed the 1990 movie, Pretty Woman?

(a) Romania (b) Montenegro (c) Slovakia (d) Hungary (a) Richard Gere (b) Stephen Frears (c) Garry Marshall (d) Kevin Costner

10

Which rugby league personality co-wrote the 2000s book, Don’t Die with the Music in You, with journalist Steve Crawley?

(a) Andrew Johns (b) Wayne Bennett (c) Bob Fulton (d) Mal Meninga

Have your say in Wangaratta Chronicle poll

Visit our website to vote at www.wangarattachronicle.com.au

Nurse on Call a real health alternative A REALLY big thank you to the “Nurse on Call” that I contacted on Boxing Day when I was suffering extruciating pain.

However, before my call to her, I thought about how stressed and overworked both my own doctor and nursing staff at Northeast Health Wangaratta would be and as it was not life threatening, I should take up the offer of calling the Nurse on Call.

We had a discussion about my problem and she said she would get a doctor to ring me about it.

Within 15 minutes I had a doctor call, discussed my symptoms and he said he would send me a text with the medication needed.

This was promptly done and I was able to start the treatment immediately.

I am therefore asking that with our hospital staff being run off their feet, unless you have a serious problem contact the Nurse on Call who I am sure will do all to get you the treatment needed.

A great program to take the pressure off our overworked and understaffed nurses and doctors, with just a phone call.

Ken Clarke, Wangaratta

Many contributing factors to road fatalities

(a) The Charge of the Light Brigade (b) To a Skylark (c) Ode on a Grecian Urn (d) The Raven

3

1 (a) The Charge of the Light Brigade 2 (d) Russia 3 (c) Gogglebox Australia 4 (c) China 5 (a) Apposite 6 (a) Melbourne Victory 7 (a) Romania 8 (c) Garry Marshall 9 (d) Indonesia 10 (b) Wayne Bennett

Support to continue carnival tradition

No.6

THE Transport Accident Commission’s (TAC) Samantha Cockfield was on ABC Radio last weekend and she informed us that three Victorian road crashes in the first week of 2023 claimed nine lives.

She said it was the worst result since 2000.

It is a terrible start to the year.

Ms Cockfield then lectured road users on the need to behave better regarding speed, alcohol and drugs, mobile phones, seatbelts and so on.

It is true that a small improvement in driver behaviour would mean a significant reduction in pedestrian, bicycle, scooter and motorcycle casualties, but road safety is not the sole responsibility of road users.

Contributing factors to road trauma include the state of Victoria’s country roads, the lack of adequate crash/traffic data, the lack of comprehensive road user education in schools, the lack of police patrolling our roads, and the increase in the number of city drivers and tourists on rural roads over the holidays.

Do you agree with the State Government doubling the rate cap for councils to 3.5 per cent?

GARDEN AWARENESS: The children’s playground at Mitchell Avenue apparently isn’t without its hazards. This large limb lost from the gum tree is yet another reminder to stay vigilant and alert when enjoying the natural beauty of our envionment.

PHOTO: Jeff Zeuschner The Motorcycle Riders Association Australia (MRAA) has long complained about the road safety partners’ resistance to Parliamentary Inquiry recommendations and ideas from independent experts.

Damien Codognotto OAM, Motorcycle Riders Association Australia

Government must own up on housing crisis THE Andrews Labor Government has yet again attempted to hide its complete mismanagement of Victoria’s critical social housing stock.

In 2019, Victoria reported 85,626 social housing dwellings.

Since then, Labor has spent $5.4 billion dollars on its so-called ‘Big Housing Build’ but can only report an increase of 343 new dwellings.

At this rate, taxpayers are forking out nearly $16 million per home.

In a further show of contempt to the nearly 65,000 Victorians waiting for public housing, the government has lazily reprinted last year’s social housing report to try and disguise its poor performance.

With what data has been released, Victo-

rians know that from June 2021 to June 2022 more than 3000 extra families were added to the priority waiting list.

This equates to a staggering 58 families a week finding themselves without a home and a government unable to help them.

New Housing Minister Colin Brooks must come clean.

How many homes have actually been delivered from the $5.4 billion of taxpayers’ money spent so far?

Richard Riordan MP, Shadow Minister for Housing

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

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 11, 2023 - Page 7

Winning smile marks a century of life

By SIMONE KERWIN

WIN McDonald said she felt “no different” on reaching her 100-year milestone yesterday.

“I don’t feel like a 100-yearold, though I’m not really sure how a 100-year-old is supposed to feel,” she said with a smile.

The centenarian enjoyed afternoon tea with family and friends on Saturday as a pre-cursor to the main event, and said she’d been showered with birthday greetings and flowers on her big day.

Win was looking forward to lunch in Wangaratta’s CBD with Melbourne-based daughter Julie Duggan as she spoke to the Wangaratta Chronicle in the garden surrounds of St Catherine’s, where she’s currently enjoying respite care.

Genes for long life would seem to have been on Win’s side, as her parents Marie and George Morgan both lived into their 90s - though as the youngest of the Whit-

field couple’s nine children, Win is the first to reach the 100-year mark.

Born and bred in Whitfield, Win said she had loved growing up and raising children Julie and Terry in the area with husband Wilf, whose general carrying business was based in the township.

“I loved the sense of community,” she said.

Julie said her mum had been very involved in that community.

She is a life member of the Red Cross and the RSL women’s auxiliary, and was a keen supporter of the King Valley Football Club while living in the district.

She also follows North Melbourne and Melbourne in the AFL. “She’s a very social person,” Julie said.

“She was very involved in sport, including tennis, and was a good bowler, joining Moyhu Bowls Club and representing the state a couple of times.”

Win said she had loved

CELEBRATION OF LIFE: Win McDonald marked her 100th birthday on Tuesday. meeting lots of different people through her involvement in bowls, and several fellow former bowlers were among those who gathered for Win’s birthday celebration on Saturday.

The event was held at the hall at The Terrace, where Win has lived since Wilf passed away 16 years ago; the couple had moved to Wangaratta from Whitfield a number of years before.

Family, including Julie and Milawa resident Terry, were also among the 65 people who attended Saturday’s celebration, and Win, a grandmother of four and great-grandmother of three, said it had been very special to be surrounded by them as she marked her birthday.

PHOTO: Simone Kerwin

SURROUNDED BY LOVE: Win McDonald was surrounded by family, including (with her in front) daughter Julie and son Terry during Saturday’s afternoon tea celebration of her 100th birthday.

Your phone can help you hear!

TOASTING A TON: Glad Townsend, Yvonne Knaggs, Ellie Black and Verna Nugent were among those who attended the 100th birthday celebrations.

GATHERING TOGETHER: Pam Burrows, Janice Hughes and Marjorie O’Brien.

Ask us how...

Wangaratta's premier audiology clinic FAMILY TIES: Win McDonald with nieces Kaye Holmes, Jennifer Robertson, Janice Hughes and Marjorie O’Brien.

angaratta udiology

82 Docker St Wangaratta|www.wangarattahearing.com.au|Phone: 03 5722 4433

Page 8 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 11, 2023

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Looking for North East Travel Ideas + Events + More......

VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE NORTH EAST VICTORIA

Destinations

VISIT

VISIT

ALBURY - WODONGA CHILTERN +

ALEXANDRA EILDON - BUXTON

VISIT

VISIT

VISIT

EUROA - LONGWOOD STRATHBOGIE +

MANSFIELD

VISIT

VISIT

EVENTS

YARRAWONGA MULWALA

CALENDAR

ECHUCA - COBRAM

+

VISIT

MT HOTHAM

+

WANGARATTA

VISIT

+

+

BEECHWORTH YACKANDANDAH

VISIT

+

BRIGHT POREPUNKAH

+

VISIT

+

MILAWA KING VALLEY

+

T O U R I S T I N F O R M AT I O N O N N O RT H E A S T R E G I O N A L T O W N S, LO C A L N E W S, S N O W N E W S, W I N E C O U N T RY P L U S O U R M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E D I G I TA L E D I T I O N.

Bookmark Now - Mobile Friendly Find all your North East Tourist Information at

northeasttouristnews.com.au

+

+

THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 11, 2023 - Page 9

wangarattachronicle.com.au

‘Modest’ rate cap rise can help, but review is needed

VICTORIAN councils’ peak body says a “modest” increase in the rate cap to 3.5 per cent will help avert the financial stress of the previous few years on councils.

But the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has warned that the cap increase for the pending 2023/24 financial year is only “short term relief” and more action is needed.

MAV president Cr David Clark said pressure will now be on the State Government to provide “fair increases in its upcoming state budget for the key services councils deliver on its behalf”.

He said the rate cap of 3.5 percent for 2023/24 will mean councils have “some relief from the extreme financial challenge” when it was previously set at 1.75 percent against an underlying inflation of seven percent across the economy.

“This modest increase has been welcomed, however the MAV continues to call for an independent review of the way in which the cap is allocated,” Cr Clark said.

“The rate cap rise is the start of what is needed to help

AS reported in last Friday’s Wangaratta Chronicle, the rate cap is the highest since the State Government established its Fair Go Rates system in 2016.

Rural City of Wangaratta councillors will consider whether to increase total rates and charges revenue by up to 3.5 per as discussions around the 2023/24 draft budget commence in coming weeks.

Acting Mayor Harry Bussell said “sobering conversations” will be needed around the budget, noting the need to balance what is sustainable for the community.

councils feeling the financial pain of the current inflationary environment, combined with staff shortages, and cost shifting from the State Government.

“Key service areas like maternal and child health (no funding increase since 2015), school crossing supervisors (modest increase for one year after no increase since 2016), and early years infrastructure (where the State Government has provided only 40 percent of the funding required for its proposed expansion) are key areas the local government sector will now pursue in the lead up to the 2023 state budget.

“Each year councils spend between 20-40 percent of their budgets on new infrastructure, be that roads, aquatic facilities, streetscapes, or play-

grounds and parks.

“In the current year costs for these works have escalated in the order of 35 percent, something the rate cap doesn’t deal with, hence the need for the review.”

Cr Clark said the rate cap system treats all council’s as “homogonous organisations”, whether they have significant non-rate funding streams or not.

“For many councils, service delivery is tied almost exclusively to its rate income capacity,” he said.

“This also requires review and flexibility to be applied.

“Council’s are not complex, they raise funds from the community and spend it all back in the community.

“Less money over time means less services that we can provide.”

SUMMER FUN: Wangaratta’s Frank Garth Reserve has been a popular destination for those seeking relief from the summer heat this week. For Wangandary’s Ivy Bettio, a combination of the sandy beach and junction of the Ovens and King rivers makes it her favourite summer spot. “We spend most the summer here,” said Mum Rosie, relaxing in the shade as the temperature passed 35 degrees on Monday afternoon. “She even wrote to Santa last year asking for a sun chair for me to be able to sit with her.”

PHOTO: Jeff Zeuschner

Australia Day Free Event

Celebrations King George V Gardens

Thursday 26 January | 8am-11am Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony

Citizenship Ceremony

Australia Day Awards Scan Here

Free P Entryool !

Also on the day:

• Free Lions Club Brekkie BBQ • Live Music & Concert Band • Free entry and pool party at WSAC 11am-3pm

For more information scan above or visit

wangaratta.vic.gov.au/sitp

Page 10 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Australia’s waste challenges can’t be solved in just one day. So, if you can’t pull together a Clean Up crew, you can Step Up with a small donation to help us continue to Clean Up Australia, every day.

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 11, 2023 - Page 11

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Off-road speedster crash cut power to local homes

A WANGARATTA teenager who carelessly drifted his 4WD utility along dirt tracks near Beechworth before crashing into a concrete power pole has avoided conviction.

The 18-year-old pleaded guilty to careless driving matters while facing Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

His crash at Fighting Gully Road on September 4 last year left parts of the Beechworth

and Stanley communities without power for up to 18 hours.

Police prosecutor Constable Imogen Akers said the accused had been a probationary driver for only four months when he and an 18-year-old friend decided to go four-wheel-driving, initially driving to Stanley before cutting through Pund Road and onto Fighting Gully Road.

According to Const Akers, a witness spotted the accused allegedly travelling well

above the posted 60kph limit at Pund Road, before hearing a loud bang as the vehicle rounded a corner.

Another witness said they had then spotted the vehicle travelling above 60kph along Fighting Gully Road and sliding around a corner, before a similarly loud bang was heard, with residents rushing to find the utility had crashed into - and knocked over - a concrete power pole.

Const Akers said the vehi-

Emily Staggard (10) and brother Ron (9) joined mother Elizabeth at last Friday’s all breeds weaner sale in Wangaratta, the Molyullah’s youngsters’ first cattle sale since moving to the North East in the last 12 months. The Staggards weren’t the only family interested in the cattle on show, with a strong turnout of potential buyers attending the 2700head sale. PHOTO: Ryan Malcolm

A BRIDGE over Fifteen Mile Creek at Myrrhee that was washed away during the October floods will be replaced with $265,698 being brought forward from the Rural City of Wangaratta council’s future years bridge program.

The total cost of the bridge is $508,630 and council will recover the balance of the cost through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements which only funds “like for like” works.

Access to a property has been hampered since

Looking for North East Travel Ideas + Events + More......

VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE NORTH EAST VICTORIA

Destinations

VISIT

VISIT

VISIT

ALBURY - WODONGA CHILTERN +

ALEXANDRA EILDON - BUXTON

BEECHWORTH YACKANDANDAH

VISIT

VISIT

+

VISIT

ECHUCA - COBRAM

+

+

VISIT

MT HOTHAM

+

The accused’s passenger was said to have feared for his life as the incident unfolded.

In explaining his driving, the accused said he had completed his learner hours in a significantly lower vehicle with a low centre of gravity, and had not been used to driving a raised utility.

He said he was willing to complete a safe driver course and a good behaviour bond as a result of his actions, a sentiment Magistrate

Ian Watkins agreed with.

“There are probably some four-wheel-drivers out there who would say 100kph is just too fast,” he said.

“This is a serious matter you could have killed yourself and your mate.”

Mr Watkins ordered the accused complete a defensive driving course in Melbourne as well as pay $300 to local charities, however, did not impose a licence suspension or convict the teenager.

$508,000 spend for a new bridge at Myrrhee

ON THE MOOVE:

MANSFIELD

cle’s front passenger side had collided with the pole, with the accused’s passenger transported to Northeast Health Wangaratta with minor neck injuries.

The accused told police he had believed he had been in a 100kph zone, and may have had mud on his tyres which had reduced the vehicle’s grip, however, police were reported to have labelled the crash a result of ‘speed and inexperience’.

WANGARATTA

+

VISIT

+

BRIGHT POREPUNKAH

VISIT

VISIT

EUROA - LONGWOOD STRATHBOGIE +

MILAWA KING VALLEY

VISIT

EVENTS

YARRAWONGA MULWALA

CALENDAR

+

+

+

+

T O U R I S T I N F O R M AT I O N O N N O RT H E A S T R E G I O N A L T O W N S, LO C A L N E W S, S N O W N E W S , W I N E C O U N T RY P L U S O U R M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E D I G I TA L E D I T I O N.

Bookmark Now - Mobile Friendly Find all your North East Tourist Information at

northeasttouristnews.com.au

the floods with temporary vehicular access installed until the new bridge is built.

The bridge at 1037 Northeys Lane, BenallaWhitfield Road was on council’s top 10 bridges to be replaced and officers had already completed a replacement design.

Haring Constructions Pty Ltd was awarded the contract and is responsible for removal of the damaged bridge entirely and construction of a new bridge as per the tendered specifications.

Page 12 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 11, 2023

wangarattachronicle.com.au

WHAT’S ON

Portrait of Wangaratta photo workshop

School holiday fun at the library

A UNIQUE photography essay workshop facilitated by local photographer and awardwinning artist Nat Ord will be held at the Wangaratta Art Gallery on Saturday, January 21.

Designed to accompany the current exhibition, “A Portrait of Australia, stories of Australia through the lens of Australian Geographic”, it will give participants the opportunity to join Nat on a guided walk around Wangaratta to capture their own series of photographs, using photography as a way of storytelling across various devices.

The workshop will run from 10am until 3pm and places are strictly limited with more information including registration at www. wangarattaartgallery.com.au.

Summer in the Park activities in January ENJOY sessions of Body Balance and Tai Chi in the King George V Gardens during January, as part of the Rural City of Wangaratta’s Summer in the Parks Garden Series.

Reward your mind and your body with the free early morning classes in the gardens, with Body Balance sessions from 7am to 8am on Wednesday, January 18 and Tai Chi from 7am to 8am on Friday, January 13, 20 and 27 with all welcome to come along and join in.

yourstars ARIES

(March 21 to April 19) Make a start on that new workplace challenge. But get more information before you find yourself too deeply involved without knowing in which direction you should go.

TAURUS

(April 20 to May 20) You might find things becoming tedious as your schedule slows down after the holidays. Use this time to get information about a possible post-New Year job change.

GEMINI

(May 21 to June 20) The creative Twin finds outlets for his or her ideas in the early part of the week. The practical Twin takes it a step further and rallies support to turn the ideas into reality.

CANCER

(June 21 to July 22) It’s time to stop being intimidated by someone’s negative behavior. Start taking positive steps on your own to help strengthen your position down the line.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) Look closely at

that so-called golden opportunity. Best to be a cautious Cat who approaches things slowly, rather than one who pounces without knowing where you’ll land.

DANCING QUEENS: BABBA will bring their superb re-creation of 70’s super group ABBA to Wangaratta as part of a live concert in June.

Dazzling ABBA experience for fans of all ages ONE of Australia’s most popular tribute bands, BABBA, will have audience members dancing and singing along when they perform all the hits from the super group ABBA at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Saturday, June 3.

Since 1994 BABBA has performed all over Australia, Asia and New Zealand to sold out audiences and rave reviews, taking on the roles of Benny, Bjorn, Agnetha and Frida and transporting everyone back to the 70s in a show full of humour, dazzling costumes, Swedish accents and

unforgettable dance moves.

The group of experienced musicians and singers create the illusion of one the world’s biggest bands, paying tribute to ABBA’s legacy of hits which still resonate with fans of all ages today.

Hear songs including Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Fernando, Waterloo and many more, performed with heart and authenticity, allowing the music to flow through the audience.

Remember the unmistakable harmonies of the girls which sit comfortably alongside the driving rhythm section and classic Bjorn

guitar riffs the world loved so much.

The BABBA show is jam packed with glitz, glamour and musical memories, taking everyone on a journey through time to when satin was king and dancing queens ruled.

BABBA is the ultimate feel-good fun time; no matter how old or how young you may be, the show, just like the music, is timeless.

BABBA - Live in Concert comes to the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Saturday, June 3 at 8pm and tickets are on sale now at www.wpacc. com.au.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Your

apology can resolve that personal situation before it overshadows the start of your new year. You’ll feel better, even if you’re only partly to blame for what happened.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Avoid

overtaxing yourself, even if your energy levels are high and you feel that you can do it all.

Best to pace yourself so you won’t run yourself down.

SCORPIO

(October 23 to November 21) Your sense of humor helps get you through a stressful period. Some of your quick quips can take the edge off any remaining negativity being aimed at you.

SAGITTARIUS

(November 22 to December 21) Your artistic talents not only help you express yourself these days, but they also set up a line of communication between you and someone very special.

CAPRICORN

(December 22 to January 19) It’s fine to appreciate the importance of having a “proper form” for doing things. But relax a bit in order to allow newcomers on the project to feel less intimidated by you.

AQUARIUS

(January 20 to February 18) Use your boundless reserve of optimism to persuade others to work with you so that you can resolve a difficult workplace problem before it ruins the dynamics in place.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) You

brim over with self-confidence as you begin to tackle a new challenge. And, before you know it, you’re not alone: Others have taken the plunge with you.

Molly Rocket, Suzi to headline local show

By SIMONE KERWIN TRIPLE J Unearthed find Molly Rocket, and Melbourne indie rock artist Suzi will headline the Beats Fest All Ages Tour event at The Vine Hotel on January 22.

The two young winning acts from this year’s Wangaratta Battle of the Bands - local band The Dunners and solo artist Iva Mahoni - will warm up the stage at the North Wangaratta venue for the headliners, in a show set to run from 12 noon to 5pm.

Described on their Instagram page as a ‘four-piece alt-something rock band’, Molly Rocket is a South Australian outfit which has had two singles added to Triple J Unearthed radio; the group’s latest single, ‘Asphalt’, was released in November.

Band members Joseph Keating, Ella Phillips, Ben Main and Georgie Evans have previously supported bands including Spiderbait, Ocean Grove, Polish Club and Pacific Avenue.

They received this year’s Emily Burrows Award, which is presented each year to an up-and-coming South Australian musician or band.

UP-ANDCOMERS: South Australian indie band Molly Rocket will perform at the 2023 Beats Fest FReeZA event in Wangaratta.

On receiving the award, the band collectively said: “We want to take this moment to encourage every individual with a keen interest in music to go out there and put your art into the world. No matter how worried you may be about how people will perceive it, if your art means something to you, it will resonate with others.”

Suzi was Triple J’s Unearthed feature artist earlier this month, and her music has been described by Unearthed music director Dave Ruby Howe as “piercing and unguarded”.

She has performed at festivals including Knight and Day 2021-’22

and Into the Wilderness.

Tickets to the January 22 event in Wangaratta, which will be presented with the help of local FReeZA group Spilt Milk, are just $20 each, and can be purchased at https://events. humanitix.com/beats-fest-or-allages-gig FReeZA events are drug, smoke, vape and alcohol-free, with food and non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase on the day.

Children under 13 must be supervised.

For more information, follow RCoW’s Youth Services on Facebook or Instagram.

A WIDE range of creative activities are on offer for primary aged children at the Wangaratta Library in the January school holidays.

Kids can make their own wooden flying bird today from 2.30pm, design and paint a wooden bookmark on Friday from 10.30am, while next week there is a door hangermaking workshop on Tuesday and birdhouse building session on Thursday.

Bookings are essential, with more information on all activities available by visiting the library on Facebook.

Cinema to pop up in Merriwa Park SEE family movies in Merriwa Park from January 19 to 21 when Cinema Pop Up comes to Wangaratta as part of Summer in the Parks.

The line-up includes a screening of Trolls World Tour on Thursday, January 19, with DC League of Super Pets on Friday, January 20 and The Bad Guys on Saturday, January 21 and tickets are $5 for adults (kids free) with a premium package also available.

Tickets are essential, available at www.cinemapopup. com.au with gates opening at 7.30pm for a picnic, bar and entertainment and the movie to start at nightfall.

Cash and Carter tribute show LEAVING Jackson, the Johnny Cash and June Carter show, will visit the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Thursday, March 9.

It is a heart-warming and inspiring night of music which tells the life story of the couple played out through some of the greatest songs ever written including Folsom Prison Blues, Jackson, Walk the Line, Ring of Fire and many more.

Tickets are available at www.wpacc.com.au.

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 11, 2023 - Page 13

Repair cafe is seeking more ‘fixer’ volunteers WANGARATTA Repair Cafe is seeking new repairers to share their skills and help the community give new life to broken stuff.

Member Gillian Anderson said the local volunteer group is among almost 2500 worldwide that works to repair, reuse and repurpose broken objects.

“Wangaratta Repair Café has been successfully running for five years, repairing hundreds of items which would have found their way to landfill,” she said.

“Clocks, lamps, gardening equipment, bikes, textiles and electronic items are just some of those we’ve fixed.

“We ‘pop up’ at the Wangaratta Farmers Market on the second Saturday of each month with our fantastic off grid trailer, carrying our repair tools.

“Our volunteers are passionate about attempting to fix all items presented to us.

“We need an electrician and people with fixing skills to come and ‘give it a go’ with us.

“Only half a day per month is required, but we also meet occasionally for a meal and a short meeting to discuss our progress.”

The Wangaratta Repair Cafe will be at Wangaratta Farmers Market, in the grounds of the Holy Trinity Cathedral, this Saturday from 8am.

“We would love to welcome new ‘fixers’ as well as have a go at repairing items for our local community,” Ms Anderson said.

You can contact the Wangaratta Repair Cafe at fixit@ wangrepaircafe.ord or via Facebook at WangRepairCafé

FIX IT: Volunteers, such as of Jason Townsend (pictured), help repair items the public brings to the Wangaratta Repair Cafe, but more ‘fix it’ volunteers are needed.

WANGARATTA Senior Citizens Club resumed its activities on Monday.

The group will host indoor carpet bowls from 12 noon tomorrow (Thursday), cards (euchre) from 1.30pm on Friday, indoor carpet bowls on Monday from 12 noon, and cards (500) and hoy on Tuesday from 1.30pm, all at its clubrooms in Tara Court or in St Patrick’s supper room.

Members will gather for lunch at the Wangaratta Club next Wednesday, January 18 from 12 noon.

information, call Keith Fleet on 0491 114 480, Cheryl Hoysted on 0419 005 062 or Marlene O’Keefe on 0417 454 126.

WANGARATTA Concert Band will resume activities on Monday, January 16.

New players welcome, contact Helen on 0401 021 448.

SATURDAY Quilters resume gathering on Saturday, February 4 at the Wangaratta Small Bore Rifle Club, off the river end of College Street, starting at 10am and finishing around 3pm.

For more information, phone Colleen on 0427 221 138.

GLENROWAN Indoor Carpet Bowls will resume activities on January 18.

For more information, phone Frank on 0409 662 462.

WANGARATTA Sing Australia Group will resume activities in mid-January.

All welcome - for further

WANGARATTA Symphony Orchestra will resume on January 31.

For more information, email wangsymphonyorchestra@gmail. com or call Chloe on 0413 775 027.

WANGARATTA Newcomers will hold their next gathering on Thursday, February 2.

WANGARATTA Keenagers Table Tennis will resume play on Monday, February 6, and always welcomes new members.

For more information, contact Trevor Wolfel on 0476 891 596.

SOCIAL CALENDAR WANGARATTA Woodworkers Inc meet at the Wangaratta Showgrounds each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9am to 12 noon (closing earlier if no-one is present).

The rooms are open on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 7pm to 8.30pm, and Sundays from 10am to 1pm. All welcome.

For more information, contact Bevan on 0437 196 118 or Les on 0412 250 674.

OSTINATO Wangaratta and District Community Choir meets each Tuesday from 7pm to 9.30pm at the Log Cabin, corner Faithfull and Chisholm streets, Wangaratta.

New members are welcome to join this enthusiastic and welcoming group of singers. For

more information, contact Helen on 0457 269278.

LIFEBALL is expected to resume in early February.

For more information, phone 0418 574 404.

WANGARATTA AL-Anon Family Group meets on Tuesdays from 1.30pm to 3pm at the backstage meeting room at St Patrick’s Hall in Ford Street.

All welcome. If your life has been affected by someone else’s drinking, this group may be for you.

Contact David on 0403 552 950 or Bev on 0449 516 828.

WANGARATTA Toastmasters conducts its meetings on the second and fourth Monday of each month from 6.45pm in the community room at the Wangaratta Library in Docker Street.

For more information, contact Leah Walker at leahwalka@gmail. com

BLOKES Time Out conducts regular gatherings and activities on the third Saturday of the month.

For more information, visit gritandresilience@wangaratta.vic. gov.au CYCLING Without Age Wangaratta offers free tri-shaw rides to the elderly, and to people of any age with disabilities or reduced mobility.

The group provides regular rides around Wangaratta to people living at home, or living in care.

For more information, phone 0418 387 089 or email cwawangaratta@ gmail.com TOPS weight supporting group meets at The Centre each Monday from 5pm to 6pm, offering encouragement and great company to support locals in managing their weight.

For more information, phone 0458 374 261.

TO include your group’s activities in this listing, email the details to skerwin@nemedia.com

:HOFRPH WR

Administration Office reopens on the 24 January 2023.

Students return on the 31 January 2023.

:H ORRN IRUZDUG WR ZHOFRPLQJ RXU QHZ DQG UHWXUQLQJ VWXGHQWV 03 5723 0500

wangaratta.hs@education.vic.gov.au

www.whs.vic.edu.au

Page 14 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 11, 2023

wangarattachronicle.com.au

Mobile coverage reliability needs government action NATIONALS leader David Littleproud is calling for government intervention to ensure Australians in regional and remote areas have adequate mobile coverage, because “telcos have failed to provide an adequate service”.

Mr Littleproud said extending and reforming the Universal Service Guarantee (USG) to mobile phones from landlines and introducing mandated mobile roaming in 2023 was essential to grow the regions and protect lives.

“In 2023, communication has never been more important,” he said.

“It’s critical as a safety and emergency response, enabling better commerce, business and social interaction in areas of limited network coverage.”

Mr Littleproud said he supported the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) recent decision to rule out a 10-year mobile infrastructure sharing deal with Telstra and TPG Telecom because more than 700 towers would have been lost.

He said mandating roaming in regional and remote areas, however, would share all the towers between all the telcos, which in turn, would maintain and improve coverage and competition.

Mr Littleproud said the former Coalition Government funded more than 1200 new or upgraded mobile base stations under their Mobile Phone Black Spot Program,

HAVE YOUR SAY: Nationals leader David Littleproud is urging local residents to participate in a survey to help bolster mobile coverage. which the telcos benefited from.

He said there now needed to be regulatory guidelines to make sure they could be used by all Australians, no matter what telco they were with.

“If mandated domestic roaming in rural areas was introduced in concert with reforms to the USG that extended to mobile service and removed the averaging provisions that currently allows Telstra - the recipient of the $270 million in USG funding - to have landline customers without phones for months, then services would improve,” Mr Littleproud said.

“The USG isn’t working and needs reform, which was highlighted in the Regional Telecommunications Review handed down just before the federal election, yet the new government has made no commitment to implementing its recommendations.

“Telcos should also be forced to maintain mobile towers, not just landlines.

“Unfortunately, the October 2022 Budget also revealed cuts to regional telecommunications despite the urgent need for improvements.”

The former Coalition Govern-

ment directed an ACCC inquiry into mobile roaming, to focus on the costs and access to telecommunications towers and facilities.

Mr Littleproud encouraged those living in rural and remote locations to complete the online survey: https://consultation.accc.gov.au/accc/ regional-mobile-infrastructure-inquiry/ “I’m urging our regional communities to provide input into the consultation process, open until February and prior to the publication of the Regional Mobile Infrastructure Inquiry draft report in April, 2023,” he said.

Solar fires prompt warning ENERGY Safe Victoria (ESV) is reminding Victorians using solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to have them serviced every two years, following three house fires over the past two weeks.

ESV acting chief executive officer Ian Burgwin said faults that cause fires are a risk, particularly in older solar PV systems that have not been properly maintained or serviced by a licensed A-grade electrician regularly.

He said over the past two weeks, ESV has investigated three fires at homes involving older solar PV systems, which hadn’t been serviced over the previous two years.

In all three incidences the fires were caused by faulty or malfunctioning d.c. isolators.

“These avoidable fires serve as important reminders, that just like a car, rooftop solar installations need to be serviced regularly to ensure they’re always running safely,” Mr Burgwin said.

“If you are one of the growing number of Victorians embracing solar power, please ensure your system is serviced by a licensed A-Grade electrician at least once every two years.”

ESV launched its Show Your Solar Some Love campaign last year, urging Victorians to have their solar systems serviced by a licensed A-Grade electrician every two years to prevent faults.

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN - CADET JOURNALIST (Sport / General News) Is this you?

Study Journalism at Deakin University for 3 years Wangaratta Chronicle is currently seeking expressions of interest from motivated candidates to join the team in Wangaratta as a cadet journalist.

The successful candidate will learn how to write clear, concise and interesting news, sport and feature stories for our newspaper and associated digital and social media platforms.

TO APPLY Please email your cover letter & resume to: Jeff Zeuschner, Group Editor E: jzeuschner@nemedia.com.au

Soon to be Year 12 graduate or past graduate

Excellent English skills

Passionate about the local community

Ability to build rapport & network quickly

Strong organisational skills & attention to detail

Valid drivers licence

Photography and/or social media skills

THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 11, 2023 - Page 15

wangarattachronicle.com.au

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

WHEN TO BOOK

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

SELLING A CAR

2 WEEKS REGIONAL WITH PICTURE

from $42

OPEN HOURS 9AM TO 5PM MON-FRI

BUY ONLINE

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

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

EST 1948 For the best range and priced work boots in town.

Work orders welcome

66-68 Murphy Street, Wangaratta 5721 3458

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

PLASTERER, no job too small. Ph 0424 911 161.

Wangaratta Chronicle Cadet Journalist Career Opportunity Full time 38 hours per week

North East Media, publisher of the award winning Wangaratta Chronicle, is currently seeking expressions of interest from motivated candidates to join the team in Wangaratta as a cadet journalist.

The cadetship is ideally suited for a Year 12 graduate.

It is for three years, including course study by correspondence from Deakin University.

The successful candidate will learn how to write clear, concise and interesting news, sport and feature stories for our newspaper and associated digital and social media platforms.

We are searching for a budding writer who has the skills, passion and determination to be a journalist of the future.

Candidates must have excellent verbal and written English, sound computer skills, solid general knowledge, a genuine interest in the local community, and an ability to build rapport and networks quickly.

You will need to be well organised, able to work to deadlines, and have strong attention to detail.

Candidates must hold a valid driver’s licence, be available to work flexible hours, and photography and social media skills are desirable.

North East Media is a leading independent family-owned media group with a commitment to community journalism.

Applications, including covering letter and resume, should be emailed to Group Editor Jeff Zeuschner at jzeuschner@nemedia.com.au

CLASSIFIEDS

WORK! 5723 0101 EMPLOYMENT St Catherine’s Hostel Wangaratta Inc

$49.7342 per hour base rate + shift allowances + applicable penalty rates St Catherine’s is a not for profit, private 72 bed aged care facility. Permanent part time positions available on set roster. Applicants must be committed to working in a caring team oriented environment.

Terms and conditions are in accordance with St Catherine’s Hostel Wangaratta Inc. (trading as St Catherine’s Hostel) ANMF and HSU Enterprise Agreement 2021 Essential Criteria: &RPSDVVLRQDWH FDULQJ DQG JHQWOH QDWXUH &XUUHQW UHJLVWUDWLRQ ZLWK $3+5$ DV D registered nurse. $EOH WR GHPRQVWUDWH D KLJK VWDQGDUG RI resident centred care ([FHOOHQW FRPPXQLFDWLRQ VNLOOV &RPPLWPHQW WR 6W &DWKHULQH·V YDOXHV Desirable: 3UHYLRXV H[SHULHQFH LQ $JHG &DUH Position Descriptions are available from 5HFHSWLRQ 0RQ ² )UL DP WR SP All enquiries and applications, including CV and current referees to: Email: caremanager@stcatherineshostel.org.au Attn: Heila Brooks Telephone 03 5721 2243 Applications close 5.00pm 30 January 2023 All applications will be managed with the strictest of confidentiality

PROJECT FORTY NINE Beechworth Café/Deli Looking for

KITCHEN AND FLOOR STAFF to join our growing team Casual and Full-Time positions available Day shifts only Call Lisa 0402 305 486 or email lisa@projectfortynine.com.au

Find the widest range of jobs in the North East at

For the 2023 Grape Season.

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

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

Duties will include, but not limited to: ƥ L Û ® ¨ Û À à ƥ I § ® v® ½v § ® ³ ³À Àà ³À customers ƥ § ® ³ ®Û³ à ƥ IÀ ® Ãȳ § v® ÃÈv § ® à ¨Û à ƥ 9v ®Èv ® Ãȳ § ¨ Û ¨Ã ƥ ³Ë®È À Ãv¨ à Forklift and driver licences are an advantage Some Saturday morning work is required on rotating roster A cover letter and resume can be dropped into 26 Tone Road Wangaratta.

80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80

KEN FARRELL January 11, 2023

Happy 80th birthday Ken and Dad. Love from Jacquie and Nicole and Peter and Trent and your 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80

80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80

School cleaners wanted for 2023 WWCC Police Check Own Transport Contact (02) 6056 2494 or enquiries@ bordercleaning.com.au

in today's Regional Extra for more employment opportunities.

Published every Wednesday in your Wangaratta Chronicle, Ovens and Murray Advertiser, Myrtleford Times and Alpine Observer

CRIBBES, Suzanne Frances.

7/6/1943 – 7/1/2023 Loved sister of Graham (dec) and sister-in-law Dianne.

Loved Aunty of Matthew, Miranda, Warwick and Timothy and their families.

At peace now Sue.

CRIBBES, Suzanne Frances (Sue).

SOLD

2002 Pajero Exceed, reg (1JQ4FI), leather 7 seats, 4x4, 3.2l diesel, RWC, 415,000km, good reliable vehicle, some 4x4 gear and parts, $4500. Ph 0448 065 279.

NORTH EAST JOBS 2010 Skoda Octavia, white, only 106,000km, one owner, excellent condition, reg until March 2023 (XUL064), service history available, $11,500. Enquiries 0419 257 214.

Passed away peacefully at Rangeview Nursing Home Wangaratta on Saturday, January 7, 2023.

Aged 79 years.

Daughter of Thomas and Joyce (both dec), sister and sister-in-law to Joy and Bob (dec), Jan and Jim (dec), Pamela (dec), Ian (dec) and Judy (dec), Rosemary (dec), Graham (dec) and Dianne, Heather (dec), Nanette and Malcolm.

Loving Aunt to her nieces, nephews and their families.

A generous and humble woman, fondly remembered.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Sue’s life in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Friday, January 13, 2023 at 10.30am.

CRIBBES, Suzanne Frances.

FOR SALE

Seeking highly motivated, enthusiastic team member to join the team.

The successful candidate must possess a can-do attitude and be eager to learn quickly in a fast-paced environment.

80

80

SCRIBBLERS CAFÉ

Position Vacant Fulltime Storeman

80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80

80

CHECK OUT OUR

TRUCK DRIVERS WANTED

Registered Nurses – Grade 5 Permanent Part Time Night Shift positions Permeant Part Time Weekend Shifts

EMPLOYMENT

66 Reid Street, Wangaratta $65,000 walk-in-walk-out Ph 0408 205 066 or 0488 311 391

PRE decimal coins, SHQQLHV ÀRULQV DOVR DOEXPV URXQG FHQWV 3KRQH 5D\ RU PRELOH &XW WKLV DGG out.

CARS wanted, cars removed. Ph 0435 083 115.

2004 Toyota Hilux Workmate, reg (SYE246), manual 2WD, 2.7lt petrol, 84,000km, one owner, excellent condition, $7500. Ph 5755 1850, Bright.

2004 Commodore Acclaim, 203,000km, silver, RWC, 5 months reg (TSF065), good condition, automatic, new tyres, $7500. Ph 0419 629 935.

June 7, 1943 - January 7, 2023 Sister of Janice and sister-in-law of Jim (dec) Canny.

Auntie and great auntie to Glenn, Joanne, Robyn and their families.

Sue lived her whole life in Wangaratta and loved the town and surrounds.

She was an important part of our family and possessed a generous community spirit.

Rest in peace.

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

FIREWOOD, MIXED SPECIES, 10M LOADS. Ph 0448 933 999.

HAY rolls and small squares, $88 and $12.10, Great area, delivery available. Phone Ned 0407 516 221.

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

Page 16 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 11, 2023

wangarattachronicle.com.au

DEATH NOTICES

Personal Notices

GARDINER Irene Edith 20/6/1944 - 6/1/2023 Passed away peacefully at Whiddon Aged Care, Grafton NSW with loving family by her side.

Dearly loved mother of Dianne and Graham.

Father-in-law to Darryl.

Grandmother to Coen and Chloe A graveside service to honour the life of Irene will be held at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery on Friday, January 13, 2023 commencing at 2pm.

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

IN MEMORIAM TORCHIA, Felice.

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

WATSON John (Jack).

21/4/1937 – 10/1/2022 Nonno slipped away, quietly one year today.

He simply went to sleep, no more to wake or weep.

We remember and gather here, and quietly shed a tear.

But Nonno is not truly gone, because his memory lives on.

He walks beside us every day unseen, unheard but always near, Still loved, still missed and very dear.

classifieds@nemedia.com.au

Phone: 03 5723 0101

7KH 6WD൵ DQG UHVLGHQWV RI ,OORXUD 5HVLGHQWLDO $JHG &DUH DUH VDGGHQHG E\ WKH UHFHQW SDVVLQJ RI -DFN Watson. :H ZRXOG OLNH WR H[SUHVV RXU GHHSHVW FRQGROHQFHV WR WKH IDPLO\ DQG IULHQGV RI -DFN GXULQJ WKLV GL൶FXOW WLPH

GRAHAM, Robert Ismay (Bob).

A funeral experience... not just a funeral service

Mason Park Funerals

P. 03 5721 5060 W. masonpark.com.au

Never to be forgotten.

We miss you Nonno Felice. ~ Love Alessia and Massimo. xx

John & Christine Haddrick

Formerly of Docker and Mulwala Lifestyle Village, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2022 in Yarrawonga.

Aged 88 years.

Proud Member of Australian Funeral Directors Association

Husband of Edith.

Father of Ian, Annabel and Alison.

Grandfather of Anthony, Aaron, Kyle, Martin, Alessandria and Michael.

Great grandfather of Audrey and Freddie.

All Hours

northeastfunerals.com.au

Peacefully sleeping.

TODAY

29o

Mostly sunny

FUNERALS

29

o

THURS

30 31o o

FRI

SAT

McBRIDE, Marion Ruth.

GRAHAM

16/9/1933 – 3/1/2023 Much loved friend of Amelia and Dennis.

An active, respected member of Wangaratta Appin Park Probus Club.

Will be missed by all her friends and family. ~ Amelia and Dennis Edwards.

A service to celebrate the life of the late Robert Ismay (Bob) Graham will be held at the Chapel of Yarrawonga-Mulwala Funeral Services, 67 Ely St, Yarrawonga, on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at 11am.

Following the service the family will attend a private interment at the Mulwala Lawn Cemetery. ,Q OLHX RI ÀRZHUV GRQDWLRQV PDGH LQ PHPRU\ of Bob to Rural Doctors Foundation or Rural Aid would be greatly appreciated.

Donations may be made at: www.ruraldoctorsfoundations.org.au or www.ruralaid.org.au For those unable to attend a live stream link is available at www.ymfs.com.au

ROBERTSON, Rohan.

21/8/1961 – 27/12/2022 It is with sad hearts we announce the sudden passing of Rohan Robertson.

Loving son of Gwen and Keith (dec).

Brother of Shane and Leisa.

Brother-in-law to Fiona and Dale.

Uncle to Sophie, Alannah, Billy, Liam, Kyle and Jess. $ VHOÀHVV PDQ ZKR OLYHG D IXOO OLIH of love and laughter.

Treasured memories, forever in our hearts. #RIP Barry from Brunswick

WHEELER, Leonard John.

2/5/1947 – 7/1/2023 Passed away peacefully with family by his side.

Son of Leonard James and Dulcie Pearl (both dec).

Loving husband of Christine for 51 years.

Loved father of Marcus and Alison.

Loved father-in-law of Melinda.

Loved Poppy of Darcy, Riley and Tobi.

Loved brother and brother in law of Robert, Stephen and Maria.

Forever in our hearts.

ROBERTSON

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

www.wangarattachronicle.com.au

WELCOMING IN THE NEW YEAR

$1.50 INC. GST

Phone (03) 5723 0100

MORE than 6000 people enjoyed the free entertainment at the Wangaratta Showgrounds to welcome in the New Year on Saturday evening. Among those staying around the fireworks at 9pm were (from left) Charlie and Laura Bell, Dusty Pantling and Ash Hanby.

See full story, more photos page 4. PHOTO: Coby Canning

Beef bonanza: $90M traded in record year

Page 3

2022 in review

plus

tv

GUIDE

Mourning loss of a sporting legend Sport

MURDER CHARGE Three charged with murder of Wangaratta teenager, with investigations ongoing

POLICE have estimated it could be up to 16 weeks before an autopsy is obtained following the alleged murder of a 19-year-old Wangaratta man on Christmas Eve, whose body was found in a burning car near Shepparton.

Emergency services were called to the car fire

on Loch Garry Road at Bunbartha around 10am, extinguishing the blaze before locating the body of Charlie Gander inside the vehicle.

Danny Clarke, 38, and Kylie Stott, 37, both from Shepparton, and Mooroopna man Dimitri D’Elio, 24, were formally charged

with the teenager’s murder on December 30, and were remanded in custody at Shepparton Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

At a filing hearing yesterday, Homicide Squad Detective Senior Constable Alex Nucci said the investigation remained ongoing, with officers expected to

cember 30, Stott had made comment which was not consistent with the investigation, and noted two of the co-accused had denied the offending and one had refused to comment.

Defence counsel Rebecca Park called for police to expedite the provision of CCTV footage, which

sift through 100s of hours of CCTV footage in the coming weeks, and refused to rule out the involvement of other persons of interest.

Applications for further CCTV footage had also been made, according to DSC Nucci.

He said in record of interviews completed on De-

she said could assist the formulation of a defence or potential bail application for Stott.

However, Magistrate David Faram noted it would be impossible for the case to proceed without a completed pathology report on the body.

■ Continued page 3

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED A1 Tyrepower will provide you with PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AND ADVICE ON ALL YOUR TYRE NEEDS!

Ph 5721 8488

A1 T

W

tt

C

R

&N t

St

t W

tt

*TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY.

Local News.

The memorial service for Rohan Robertson will be held at the Moonee Valley Racing Club, McPherson Street, Moonee Ponds on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 11am in the Octagonal Room.

Following the service there will be a private cremation.

Moonee Ponds 9337 7477

WHEELER The Funeral Service for Mr Leonard John Wheeler will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Friday, January 13, 2023 at 2pm.

A private cremation will follow.

In lieu of flowers a donation made in memory of Leonard to the Cancer Council can be made at www.cancervic.org.au/ Leonard’s Service will be available to view via Livestream at www.masonpark.com.au/live-streaming/

Subscribe now at

wangarattachronicle.com.au/subscriptions

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 11, 2023 - Page 17

SPORT

GREAT ROLL: Barbara McDonald in action for Wangaratta B3 in their win over Beechworth on the weekend.

PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie

LINE IT UP: Richard Allen prepares to bowl.

Wangaratta A3 bowlers return

By MAURIE BRADEN WANGARATTA A3 started the new year with a solid win at home against Beechworth on Saturday.

Tom Morrow, Steve English, Lorna Martinelli and Steve Bihun (29-10) were in complete control all day to post a huge win, while Leon Quartermain, Graeme Smith, Barb McDonald and Tyson Chivers were just as impressive with a (25-14) win.

Gary Chambers, Brian Challman, Richie Allan and Bob McCalman lost by the barest of margins (17-18) against a strong Rickie Robinson rink, and Gary Fenlon’s rink went down (11-28).

Final scores: Wang 14 pts 82 shots def Beechworth 4 pts 70 shots.

Milawa and Bright played out a thrilling draw at Bright on Saturday.

Dave Allan, Shane Cousins, Colin Reid and Barry Walker (21-19) and Ron Wel-

fare, Bernard Neal, Jane Osmotherly and John Blackwell (23-21) were the two winning rinks for Milawa.

Close losses to Terry Hallinan (22-25) and Marty Lane (22-23) saw both teams split the points on the day.

Final scores: Milawa 9 pts 88 shots drew with Bright 9 pts 88 shots.

Next round Wangaratta play Yackandandah at home and Milawa will travel to Howlong.

The remaining grades of

weekend pennant resume next week with Wangaratta hosting Kiewa in A1, St James B1 and Beechworth B3, while Moyhu B1 will host Swanpool.

Ovens and Murray State events: Ian Brimblecombe has won back-to-back O&M singles titles when he defeated fellow Wangaratta player Ethan Fruend at Benalla (2515).

Brimblecombe defeated Mick Vaughan (YMGCR)

(25-13) in the semi-finals while Fruend won through to the final with a (25-16) win over Chris Randell (Wang).

Brimblecombe combined with Rob Mitchell (Benalla) to claim the O&M Men’s Pairs title held at Wangaratta.

They defeated Wodonga pairing Mason Bayliss and Josh Rudd in the final.

Wangaratta had three of the four semi-finalists with last year’s winners Adrian

Pantling and Ethan Fruend going down to Brimblecombe and Mitchell and Maurie and Greg Braden falling to Bayliss and Rudd.

Wangaratta’s Rhoanna Smith went down in a close game (19-25) against eventual winner Mary Tragardh (Myrtleford) in a semi-final of the women’s singles.

Smith’s best win was in round two when she defeated Australian squad member Kylie Whitehead (Wodonga).

Juniors hit the ground running for country week

By NATHAN DE VRIES THE next generation of star cricketers in the Wangaratta and District Cricket Association began their representative season over Sunday and Monday, with the start of Junior Country Week.

The best junior cricketers in the WDCA, from under 12s to under 16s, began their campaign against the cream of the crop from Cricket Albury Wodonga (provincial, country and Hume) and Cricket Wagga Wagga in matches played across the North East.

WDCA junior representative cricket liaison Wayne Cooper said the representative side of the game was a great chance for up-andcoming stars to test their abilities against players they wouldn’t normally face.

“The standard is a lot higher than your club cricket,” he said.

“From a league point of

GREAT SHOT: Ben McMasters flicks the ball through the leg side in his under 14 representative match for Wangaratta Blue against CAW at McNamara Reserve in Myrtleford.

PHOTO: Janet Watt view, most of the teams have gone well.

“We’ve had a couple of issues with one of the under 12 teams with injuries and unavialabilities just with kids going on holidays, but most of the teams have turned out alright.

“They’re all still a chance

at making the finals.”

Country Week will continue this coming Sunday and Monday before the finals, set for Sunday, January 29.

RESULTS Under 12 Wangaratta Blue U12 10/195 D Hargreaves 34 R Leith 26 C Billingsley

TACTICAL MEETING: (from left) Wangaratta under 16 skipper Trent Berry and batters Adam Storer and Angus Williams discuss the plan of attack at a drinks break.

PHOTO: Shane Douthie 2/11 def CAW Stars 10/66 L Sanderson 3/10.

Wangaratta Gold U12 3/158 L Solimo 39* J Montgomery 28* def CAW Renegades 9/147 H Bowles 73* B Gray 25 L Benton 2/14.

Wangaratta Blue U12 v Wangaratta Gold U12 results unavailable.

Under 13 Wangaratta Blue U13 7/261 N White 53* B Maloney 32 def CAW U13 10/168 E Wilson 47 S Chant 30 O Lewis 3/14.

CAW Hume U13 3/210 R Barber 37* T Brand 33 def Wangaratta Gold U13 9/136 O Edwards 82*.

Wangaratta Blue U13 v Wangaratta Gold U13 results unavailable.

Under 14 Wangaratta Blue U14 6/122 M Feldtmann 51* J Torney 23* T Derrick 3/22 def by CAW U14 8/161 T Derrick 47 T White 35.

Wangaratta Blue U14 5/124 L Ham 44 R McNamara 2/13 def Wangaratta Gold U14 5/122 R McNamara 43 X Dodgshun 38 J Torney 2/19.

Under 15 Wangaratta U15 8/134 J Priest 58 N Andrews 3/17 def

by CAW Country U15 1/135 W Scammell 59* J Whiting 32*.

Wangaratta U15 1/156 J Fraser 88* def CAW U15 10/154 M Borrell 50 B Wilson 25 K Sullivan 2/8.

Under 16 Wangaratta U16 6/143 A Storer 35 A Massey 3/13 def CAW Country U16 10/113 D Winter 3/24.

Wangaratta U16 v CAW U16 results unavailable.

Page 18 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 11, 2023

wangarattachronicle.com.au

SPORT

Clement relishing return

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

WANGARATTA Magpies’ superstar seamer Chris Clement has returned to the WDCA with a bang.

After taking last season off after the arrival of his daughter, Clement returned to Norm Minns Oval this season which has now seen him snag 22 wickets at an outstanding average of 6.5 from his 10 matches.

His 22 poles sees him not only lead all wicket-takers for the 2022/23 season, but sits a whopping seven clear of City Colts’ Kent Braden in second place.

Clement believes having a season off has left his game in a good position.

“I took a year off when we had a baby and I thought I’d maybe sneak in a few games but it was just too difficult,” Clement said.

“Having the year off has definitely freshened me up, especially injury wise because I’m getting older and I’m now one of the eldest at the club.

“The club’s been great with me as well, I can only train once a week with work and family and they’ve been really accommodating of that.”

Clement was once again a key figure in his side’s strong start to their two day

GUN: Wangaratta Magpies’ star Chris Clement has enjoyed a stellar start to this year’s WDCA season. PHOTO: Melissa Beattie clash against the undefeated Rovers United Bruck on the weekend.

The Magpies bowled the Hawks out for 95 with Clement claiming an economical

3/25 from his 15 overs which included five maidens.

He admitted he couldn’t wait to get stuck back in to cricket with the Magpies.

“I’m loving this year, I was

chomping at the bit to get back into it,” he said.

“I’ve had some good results personally and as a team we’re going pretty well too so it’s been awesome.

“We’re sitting second and there’s so much hunger from the boys to do well this year, I think having a few new faces at the club helps that as well.”

Clement joined Wangaratta Magpies in the 2020/21 season after crossing from Omega in Melbourne’s South East Cricket Association.

“I came to the WDCA from a competition played on synthetic wickets so in my first year in the competition I was bowling too short and not getting many nicks,” he said, “I feel like this year I’ve changed more to a turf length which seems to be working better.”

Clement has gone on to forge a super bowling partnership with Magpies recruit Fraser Ellis with the duo already combining for 35 wickets this season.

“I love bowling with Fraser, it’s been awesome having him at the club,” Clement said.

“He’s the one who scares the batters with his extra pace and then I just try and bowl around him and hold up my end.”

The Magpies sit second on the WDCA standings as they make a charge to the premiership after falling one win short last season.

“I’d just love to be a part of winning the club a premiership,” Clement said.

“I was there grand final day last year and it hurt to see the boys lose so there’s definitely some unfinished business there.

“We’re all working hard to get that result.”

Two losses but improvement’s there for Warriors

By WILLSON MACK WANGARATTA Warriors returned to the Country Basketball League courts with clashes against Benalla Breakers and Albury Cougars awaiting.

It wasn’t the weekend the Warriors were looking for though, falling to the Breakers 100-68 at Benalla on Saturday night, followed by a 68-98 home court loss to the Cougars on Sunday.

Saturday’s clash with Benalla saw the home side jump out to a 27-7 lead, immediately putting the Warriors on the back foot.

Wangaratta couldn’t recover from that deficit despite the efforts of Liam Wright (17 points) and Ned Turner (12 points).

For the Breakers it was Tom Downie who did the damage, shooting the lights out in a 27 point display, while superstar guard Eric Miraflores made 20 points of his own.

The Warriors then fronted up against Albury at home on Sunday afternoon.

Wangaratta fell 11 points behind (11-22) after the first term, but managed to break even in the second quarter to go into the break trailing 29-40.

It was the third quarter where the Cougars pulled away, putting in an 18-31 term to see them to victory by 30 points.

Warriors young star Brodie Paul was excellent with 22 points, while Sam Maher (15 points) and Wright (14 points) played their part.

Albury had an even spread of contributors with all players besides Jack Paul shooting double figures.

Sam Hawkins and Lachlan Thomas led the Cougars’ point scoring with 18 each.

The Warriors sit seventh on the CBL standings with a home town meeting with league leaders Seymour set for Sunday afternoon at 2pm.

TALL TASK: Wangaratta’s Olivia Holmes performed well against Albury’s Tahli Smith in the Warriors’ five-point thrilling win.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

Magnificent comeback ■

CONTRIBUTOR: Liam Wright was one of the stand out Wangaratta players across the weekend’s double-header.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

From back page “I think the girls knew in the last minute they had the game,” he said.

“The Albury coach called a time-out with a minute and a half left and that’s exactly what I wanted him to do, because it was a close game and I wanted to save my time-out if I had to advance the ball or anything like that.

“I tried to give them control of the game, I said to them ‘you know what’s going to come’ and I let them tell me even though I knew.

“Just keeping the girls calm and not letting them sit in their own heads too much, just going out and executing what they’ve got to execute.”

Olivia Holmes played well on the everdangerous Smith, while Jorja Reidy, Taylah Reidy and Kyia Wohlers all contributed on the scoreboard with 11 points each in the whole-team effort.

The Warriors sit at sixth on the ladder with three matches to play.

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 11, 2023 - Page 19

SPORT

Aggregate tennis returns to picturesque courts

By PHIL PECK

WINDING UP: Michelle Flynn hits a forehand.

IN FORM: Frank Harris took out section three of the Wangaratta Lawn Tennis Club’s aggregate competition.

PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie

GOOD TOUCH: Dave Postlethwaite in action.

THE second half of the summer aggregate season hit off with 35 players making it down to the picturesque Merriwa Park tennis complex.

The front show courts were down to two courts from the three in preparation for the upcoming long weekend of the Premier Panels Australia Day tennis tournament where over this period approximately 35 sets of tennis will be played on each of the courts.

The curator has been plying his trade to perfection and the courts are looking and playing an absolute treat of which is a credit to his trade.

Section one saw Matt Allen win all of his sets to finish with a win.

It was Matt’s ground strokes that saw him set up many of the points for his partner to put away the easy volley.

Coming in second was Brendan Liddell with 20 games from Phil Peck on 18 games.

Kev Callahan ended the day in fourth with 15 games with Mark Brown rounding out the section.

Dave Postlethwaite came out firing in section two with his forehand hitting the spot most times as he only lost the one set for the day by the barest of margin’s in a tiebreaker.

Dave finished with 23 games from two fast finishers in Carmine Adamo and the master of the slap in Matt Curran.

Carmine took second spot on games against with 21/17 versus Matt’s 21/18.

Maree Sullivan ended the day in fourth position with 18 games from Mario Pane on 14 games.

It was a good Christmas break for one Frank Harris as he spent all his vouchers on remedial ointments and massages to assist his aging body to get through the rest of the season.

Whatever tonic he used certainly worked as he won the section three with a complete score of 24 games.

Coming in second and striking the ball with some vengeance was Michelle Flynn with 21 games from Julian Taylor in third with 20 games.

Brian Scobie and Michael Ibbott were left to fight out the remaining spots with Brian edging ahead when it mattered most.

Shane Flynn was back on the aggregate scene for the first time since 2018 and he left nothing in the tank as he won section four with 20/12.

In second on games against was Greg Renner with 20/15 from Mike Falkenberg on 19 games.

Alan Busk was hitting his volleys as one has come accustomed to see but it was not enough as he finished fourth with 16 games from Mark Gorman.

Court 16 was where a tennis clinic was being held with Peter Curran in section five putting on a display for all to see.

If it was not a glancing back hand volley for a winner then it was a deft lob to the back of the court.

Russell Canning was in awe of Peter’s game of which he was happy to come second (21 games) to the great man.

Noel Boyd, Pat Flynn and Amy Lairson rounded out the section in that order.

Beth Cope took the bragging rights home as she won section six with 23 games against her father Andrew who came in second with 20 games.

Peter Ablazej finished third with 18 games from Max McAulliffe on 17 games followed

by Cate Geard.

John Shanley took home another glass as his forehand did not let him down as he won section seven with 24 games.

Tony Clarebrough came in second with 19 games from Geoff Davidson with 17 games.

Sue Piper was hitting the ball to all corners, but some a tad long as she finished in fourth with 16 games from Mick Keogh in fifth place with 12 games.

Entries to the Saturday aggregate play are needed to be in prior to 12:30pm on the day or through the club website www.wanglawntennis.com.au via phone (03) 5721 2438, or simply by placing your name on the aggregate sheet in the clubhouse.

Wangaratta City FC lose key players for 2023 season

By WILLSON MACK WANGARATTA City will be without several key players from their 2022 grand final side but coach Raff Molinaro is still seeing positives.

The Devils are set to lose their Irish trio in Kieran McLaughlin, Tommy McCarron and Shane Dillon, but it will be captain Lachlan Campbell who will leave the biggest hole.

Campbell, a 2019 best and fairest winner, has relocated to Geelong, while the Irish players have moved to Perth for work reasons.

Molinaro said it’s hard to tell how his squad is shaping up for 2023.

“This year will be a bit of

a transition season for us because we have lost a few players,” Molinaro said.

“Some have left a bit sooner than expected but we’re still fortunate to have had solid numbers at training so the hit hasn’t been too hard.

“What we do now is have a look at the squad we’ve got coming into the resumption of pre-season but I’m confident we’ll have a good squad of 15 to 20 players there.

“The exciting thing about January and February is you never know who’s going to turn up to training.”

The loss of Campbell can’t be underestimated after beginning his soccer at the club, progressing up from

Miniroos to eventually lock down the right back spot in the first team.

A similar hole is left by McCarron, McLaughlin and Dillon, with the latter scoring Wangaratta’s first in the 2022 grand final loss to Albury United.

“Lachie is one of those players who are born and bred in Wangaratta and is a Wangaratta junior, a senior captain and premiership winner,” Molinaro said.

“His leadership is going to be the thing that will be missed most so there will be a captaincy role there for someone who’s willing to step up.

“You’ve got to understand though that for people born

in the area there’s always going to be the thought there of moving away for work, sport or a change of scenery.”

The Devils return to preseason tomorrow night as they resume their journey towards the 2023 season.

“It was good to get the boys together in November and December and we accomplished what we wanted to do there,” Molinaro said.

“January and February is now about focusing on the season ahead and implanting structures that are obviously going to be different to last season with the players we’ve lost.

“We also want to get some fitness under everyone’s belts as well.”

BIG OUT: Wangaratta City captain Lachie Campbell won’t be at the club in 2023.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

Page 20 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 11, 2023

wangarattachronicle.com.au

WLTC aggregate tennis report

ªxHRKILCy872010z

Page 19

FUTURE STARS LOCAL cricketing stars are out in full force with the annual junior country week being played throughout the North East. Van Creek’s (pictured) Wangaratta Blue u14s fell to Cricket AlburyWodonga by 39 runs. Creek starred with the ball taking 2/16 from eight overs.

■ Story: Page 17 PHOTO: Janet Watt

Magnificent comeback Wangaratta g Warriors’’ women fought g back from a 13 p point first q quarter deficit to beat Alburyy SUNDAY saw scenes of fortitude and incredible courage at the Wangaratta Indoor Sports and Aquatic Centre, where the Wangaratta Warriors women’s basketball team came back from a 9-22 first quarter deficit to take the win by five points over Albury Cougars.

The Cougars, currently second on the ladder, came

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

out with intent as Albury’s Tahli Smith (20 points for the match) opened her account.

Wangaratta couldn’t seem to make any real impact early, trailing by 13 points by the first break.

Y TODA UR O M T O I O VIS SHOWR NEW

!

The second quarter was a stark contrast from the first, as the Warriors stunned Albury by outscoring them 16 points to nine to bring the margin down to just two points by half-time.

Wangaratta kept the pressure on the Cougars as their offensive game gathered momentum, led by Ebony Norris (13 points).

Coach Scott Butler said

the sheer belief the side has in their abilities went a long way in turning the tide.

“When the first half happened I knew we were heading in the right direction even though we were down by two points at the half-time, I think I knew the girls had control of the game,” he said, “At that stage there was a little bit of belief in everything

we worked on in the year.

“I did call a time-out in the first quarter and we discussed a few things, how to try and shift that momentum, but I think when that shift started to happen I think the girls started to actually believe in it, they started to think ‘hold on a second, this might work’.

“I tried to explain to the girls if we slow the offence

down, use that shot clock to our advantage and use that path in the offence, it puts them as a team under a lot of pressure.”

The two sides went point for point in the final term, and when there was only a minute left on the clock and the Warriors were ahead, Butler said his side knew they had pulled off the win.

■ Continued page 18

WANGARATTA BEARINGS AND INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES

WANGARATTA BEARINGS AND INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES

75 TONE ROAD WANGARATTA VICTORIA 3677

Agricul

tural

03 5721 6633

s Tr a i l e r s i o n is m Hose Tr a n s n s o r i g t o Cast Irriga We l d i n n s o t i i s t b g a Drill earin Lubric ols re. . . ucts B ts d s o r r e P t e r To lots mo l r i w l s F o e u Ai l P B p s ools otive itting Hand T Autom Safety Brass F