Wangaratta Chronicle 110324

Fire funds shortfall

Senior Wangaratta officials issue state funding plea amid headquarter capability concerns ggpqpy

WANGARATTA CFA officials have called on the State Government to urgently address a dearth in appropriate local infrastructure, as the Wangaratta Group remains without a permanent base in the face of potential severe fire weather.

Having written to Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes more than two years ago

BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au

expressing the group’s lack of a permanent headquarters, group officer Lachie Gales recently penned a follow up after “no substantive progress” was made to address the organisational shortfall. The headquarters, as well

as the lack of a permanent local command facility (LCF) from which incident controllers could manage and coordinate responses for local fire events, have been identified as key areas of concern by local and state CFA management, according to Mr Gales. Group meetings, which convene representatives from the group’s 16 local brigades for management

and important training, are currently held between Shanley Street’s Victorian Emergency Management Training Centre, at Ely Street’s CFA District 23 incident control centre, and at the Wangaratta Baseball Club’s pavilion, depending on availability.

An LCF has not operated in Wangaratta since 2004, and while Mr Gales noted there were satellite facilities

at both north and south Wangaratta brigades, the location has been deemed “not ideal” and is said to be impacting the group’s ability to develop new incident management specialists.

Mr Gales said the group management team and its senior officials were “itinerants in (their) own town”, and sought to discuss alternative funding avenues with the minister.

“We continue to struggle to meet our operational commitment and sustain our volunteer structures,” he penned in his most recent letter to the State Government.

“We are in the invidious position of managing the work of a CFA Group, in a major regional centre, without a dedicated group headquarters and LCF.

■ Continued page 2

MARTY and Karen Nixon from Corowa with their LX 1977 model Torana attended the All GM Day put on by the Early Holden Car Club Wangaratta. The day had more than 100 vehicles from Victoria and interstate, with hundreds of people attending the event. PHOTO: Steve Kelly ■ See story page 3

Senior Wangaratta officials issue headquarters funding plea

■ From page 1

“Our arrangements for fire and emergency response, development of incident management personnel, administration of our group and conducting necessary meetings of our brigade leadership change on a regular basis.”

Efforts to incorporate the group into the SES’ state-of-theart Handley Street headquarters were made in 2022 at the behest of Ms Symes, however, an agreement could not be reached.

Having last month served as an incident controller overseeing the major fire response in catastrophic conditions at Beaufort near

Ballarat alongside fellow Wangaratta group official Garry Nash, Mr Gales said local members needed to be “in a much better position than we are now” if those conditions returned to the North East.

He also noted the group could identify appropriate locations on a “relatively modest” budget if the funding was made available.

“The saving grace of the benign fire seasons we’ve experienced over the last several summers will eventually disappear – the effect of the climate crisis is being felt nationally and inevitably we understand we will again be responding to new campaigns

Wangaratta

of major fires that have been a regular occurrence of the last 20 years,” Mr Gales said.

“The clock is ticking on us, and we feel that tension greatly.

“As a level three incident controller and a fireground leader with significant experience of the major campaigns of this century, I can’t stress enough the risk we take in allowing any of our CFA Groups to fall away in their capability and capacity.

“The time is surely coming when we will be put to the test again.”

Ms Symes’ office was contacted for comment last week, but had not done so at the time of going to print.

SEARCH OF A

Charlie’s takes over wellknown Reid St space

CHARLIE’S Burgers has taken over the former Scribblers café building on Reid Street and with a newly built kitchen to boot, they’ve got some exciting ideas for the business which opens this Wednesday.

It won’t be just burgers on the menu as the owners will continue their famous chicken parmas and introduce a breakfast menu, a well-known staple at the location.

Jonathan Sanders and his business partner Mark Manson have been working on securing the space for the best part of a year since they closed Charlie’s at the nearby location

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

on Victoria Parade.

“I was very enthusiastic to get a spot in the main street because the old Charlie’s was at the back and only the locals knew about it - it was the secret of town,” Jonathan said.

“Now we’re on the main street so hopefully we’ll be able to provide additional service for people out of town.”

Charlie’s has several outdoor bench table seating areas and the more intimate table seat-

ing inside, but it’s their plans for the downstairs area that might strike a difference with customers.

“We’re setting up a lounge downstairs so people can sit down and have a nice chat in a great atmosphere,” he said.

“We’re keeping the same core products as before, however, we’ll be opening from Wednesday to Sunday and we’ll be serving breakfast as well.

“This location was wellknown for breakfast and it would be very silly of us not to provide that service.”

Jonathon and Mark are look-

ing forward to serving the business trade and visitors to the CBD on Wednesday, Thursday and weekends.

“The more eateries you have in the city, the more it encourages people to shop elsewhere because when people walk around they tend to spend more money on retail,” he said.

“It has had a lot of history here and we’re pretty excited we bought it and we can provide what people want.

“We’re aware that the cost of living is high and we want to make sure we can provide a nice quality of food at a reasonable price.”

Fire and hazardous material incidents keep emergency services busy

By STEVE KELLY

THREE occupants escaped a house fire on Higgins Street in Wangaratta in the early hours of Sunday morning, with two treated for smoke inhalation on scene.

Emergency services responded to the fire following multiple calls to triple zero at 2.02am.

Three FRV and three CFA brigades responded to the incident with the house about 50 per cent involved.

An FRV spokesperson said there was no threat to adjoining properties and the cause of the blaze is still yet to be determined.

Fire investigation unit was on scene on Sunday morning to determine the

circumstances of the incident. Later on Sunday at 8.31am, five CFA appliances and a commander responded to a hazardous materials incident on Milawa-Bobinawarra Road at Brown Brothers Winery.

“About 16,000 litres of coolant leaked into an underground tunnel below the winery,” the spokesperson said.

The incident was marked under control at 9.46am, however, the response continued for several hours.

“We’ve got FRV and CFA appliances there and they’re dealing with the spill and they’re filling the tunnel with water and allowing it to vaporise into the atmosphere,” the spokesperson said on Sunday afternoon.

IN

HOME: Wangaratta Group officer Lachie Gales (left) and deputy group officer Garry Nash (right) have written to the State Government in search of funding for a permanent group headquarters in Wangaratta.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

PRIME LOCATION: Charlie’s business partners Mark Manson (left) and Jonathan Sanders are super excited about their new restaurant at 66 Reid Street (the former Scribblers cafe site).

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Man bailed amid alleged Peppa Pig ecstasy bust in Wangaratta

A MELBOURNE man

allegedly caught with an estimated $100,000 in ecstasy tablets in Wangaratta late last year has been bailed, following substantial delays in DNA testing of the seized tablets.

Police intercepted the man and a co-accused in Dixon Street in the early hours of December 5, before allegedly finding 10 ziploc bags containing an estimated 500 pink tablets each, which

were said to bear an imprint of children’s television character ‘Peppa Pig’. The court previously heard each bag had the number ‘500’ scrawled on the outside, and were found inside in a shopping bag in the rear driver’s seat of the vehicle.

A number of other phones were allegedly found in the boot of the vehicle, while further phones were also located in

the cabin of the car.

The vehicle’s alleged passenger, a Reservoir man, was granted bail on Thursday, following months of delay in forensic testing of the shopping bag.

Detectives had previously expected the analysis would be completed in February, however, the court heard a backlog meant a result was yet to be returned.

The man’s mother gave evidence before the court

she had jettisoned her son from the family home after finding him using drugs, but noted she was now prepared for him to return to her care.

“He’s in jail, he’s stopped using any drugs, and we did speak with him and I am accepting (of) him and understanding (of) him –he’s going to be okay,” she told Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court.

She told Magistrate Amina Bhai her son needed to have

a routine, and noted he was “a much better person” when he was positively engaging with a corrections order prior to his arrest.

The court had previously heard the man had been transient for the two months leading up to the alleged offending.

Ms Bhai noted the strength of the prosecution case would not be made out until forensic testing was completed, and noted

the man was entitled to a presumption of innocence despite the seriousness of the trafficking charges.

She granted bail with strict conditions the man report to police three times a week, abide by a curfew, comply with his ongoing corrections order and provide mobile phone access to police upon request.

Both he and the coaccused driver of the vehicle will face court in May.

Holden beauties sparkle at All GM Day at Apex Park

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

MORE than 100 Holden and GM vehicles from FX to VF models tantilised motor enthusiasts at Wangaratta’s Apex Park on Sunday.

Early Holden Car Club Wangaratta vice president Ken Essenhigh said it was a successful day considering there were four other car shows in Bright, Wangaratta, Yarrawonga and Swanpool, but they were very pleased with the turnout.

“We had every model of the Holden through from FX right up VF and there were utes, panel vans and if you’re a Holden fan you could find anything you wanted.”

With an end to Holden manufacturing in Australia, Mr Essenhigh said it was extra important to continue these shows into the future.

“I think the Holden movement has become a lot stronger since they stopped production and I know the value of the cars have gone sky-high,” he said.

“People are just starting to realise it’s Australian-made and it’s a home brand which we’ll never see again.

“They’re hanging onto them or looking for cars to buy, so they can say I owned a part of history.

“It’s a great day and it’s good to catch up with people here who come up every year.

“A lot of cars make the pilgrimage every year and I believe there is one from Mount

Tom Price (WA).

“That’s a feather in the cap for the club because I don’t think we’ve had one from that far away.”

Marty and Karen Nixon had their 1977 LX Torana on show which they picked up for $10,000 about 15 years ago.

They had all the rust cut out of it and the motor was done by Brody Automotive in Howlong.

It has a standard 308 engine, 15-

inch wheels and a guy in Corowa did the upholstery for them.

“It’s important to have these shows because it’s about keeping the dream alive,” Marty said.

Fellow Aussie Torana Legends member Travis Burns of Corowa bought his Torana back in 1998 and it was in a sad state when he pick it up.

“I did a full restoration which started in 2000 and I completed it

in 2006 and it’s pretty much how it is now,” Travis said.

“It has a 202 engine, solid cam, balanced and blueprinted engine, four barrel 600 holley carburetor, Celica 5-speed, 308 Torana diff and handles really well with a lowered suspension.

“I have recently gone from 13 inch wheels to 15 inch, a GTS Sprint which is a GTS wheel and a Sprintmaster copy.

“The 13 inch wheels used to make it rev a bit hard out on the highway.”

Travis and his wife get the car out on the road as often as they can but unfortunately she was sick all weekend and couldn’t make the event.

“She’s claimed this Torana off me because I’ve got another one at home and we usually bring both,” he said.

MACHINE: Travis Burns of Corowa with his Torana he bought and restored in 2006.

PHOTO: Steve Kelly

Community, experts back Haines’ integrity resolve

INDEPENDENT Federal MP for Indi Helen Haines hosted an interactive community forum on March 6 as part of a campaign to End Pork Barrelling.

Pork barrelling is the practise used by major political parties to direct taxpayer money to projects in marginal electorates to win votes, without regard to evidence of the project’s merit.

More than 120 people gathered at The Cube in Wodonga and more than 150 participated in the forum online.

Integrity experts including The Ethics Centre Executive Director Dr Simon Longstaff, Centre for Public Integrity Director Geoffrey Watson SC and Centre for Public Integrity Executive Director Dr Catherine Williams were invited by Dr Haines to present at the event.

“I’m so energised that the community joined with me and these respected leaders to back this campaign to end pork barrelling and to learn about the practical steps we can

take to improve the integrity of grants administration,” Dr Haines said.

“The campaign for a federal integrity commission was driven by people in Indi.

“Working with the community, I developed integrity principles which provided a framework for my Australian Federal Integrity Commission Bill. The community got behind it, endorsed it and called for it to be debated in parliament.

“This campaign to end pork barrelling is the next step for us to take together to improve integrity in politics.”

Dr Haines, who was isolating at home with COVID-19, welcomed attendees via a large screen and kept the audience engaged via interactive polls throughout the event.

The results of the poll revealed that the attendees strongly agreed that pork barrelling undermined their trust in government with 97 per cent of respondents agreeing that pork barrelling is

a form of corruption.

Dr Williams outlined the prevalence of pork barrelling using prominent examples such as the Sports Rorts, Commuter Car Park Rorts and the Community Battery for Household Solar Program to explain how the major parties use it for political benefit.

“I’m excited that Dr Haines is throwing down the gauntlet to the Government on how grants administration can be reformed,” Dr Williams said.

“I think the role of local communities in this electorate in the formation of the Nation Anti-Corruption Commission is underestimated.

Community members are encouraged to sign Dr Haines’ open letter to the Prime Minister to support ending pork barrelling at actionnetwork. org/forms/end-pork-barrellingback-helen-haines-bill

Watch the recording of the community forum at helenhaines.org/endpork-barrelling-interactivecommunity-forum/.

Eric’s Kokoda fight touches PNG visitors

Monday, March 10, 2014

By CAITLIN SARTORI

FOR 11 Papua New Guinea porters, dropping by St Catherines Hostel last Tuesday was a touching experience.

While spending three days in the North East on a cultural exchange with No Roads Expeditions, the group visited 100 year-old World War II Kokoda veteran Eric Hodgetts at the hostel.

No Roads porter of seven years, Terrence David, said the visit had been one to remember.

“A highlight of the trip has been visiting a veteran of World War II at St Catherine’s who lost his arm on the Kokoda Track,” Mr David said.

“Some of our porters are related to the Fuzzy Wuzzys, so to have that connection on this trip has been emo-

High

last Tuesday,

tional and eye-opening for everyone.”

“It reflected back to 1942 for some members of the group, it’s been an eye opener for these guys.”

Wangaratta World War II Kokoda veteran Bob Iskov was also visited in his Templeton Street back yard, and enjoyed a singing performance from the porters.

Experiencing culture

in at

(from

of Australian schools and hospitals was what drew Mr David to visiting the country.

“What really attracted me to come to Australia is that we live a simple life in PNG, and for some of these boys they have never been out of the country since they were born, so it’s a big thing for them to come here,” he said.

Reliving city’s cycling links

WANGARATTA’S rich history in cycling and tourism will be revisited next week, when cycling and history fans gather for a special event at Wangaratta’s West End Cycles to celebrate a new book about famous Australian Sir Bruce Small.

Journalist-turned-author Rachel Syers will visit the Muntz Street store on Saturday, March 16 from 11am to 12 noon as part of her Victorian book launch tour, to meet locals and sign copies of her new official biography ‘Sir Bruce Small: From Malvern Star To Mr Gold Coast’.

The book reveals parts of Wangaratta’s vibrant history, when beach girls in bikinis came to visit in the 1960s, and cycling icon ‘Oppy’ pedalled through the streets to the cheers of thousands.

Rachel said the free event would include focus on one of the most famous cycling partnerships in Australian history, between Malvern Star developer Bruce Small and the iconic champion he managed and sponsored, Hubert ‘Oppy’ Opperman.

“The pair soon became cycling soulmates as they toured the world more than a dozen times conquering the sport last century, and are heralded by the cycling community as pioneers in Australia’s golden era of cycling,” Rachel said.

“That’s not to mention Bruce also making his Malvern Star a household name, to the point where even nowadays you can count on people remembering their favourite Malvern Star bicycle as a child.

“I am really excited about the chance to share some of

BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au

the incredible cycling tales in this new book that relate to races through Victorian towns including Wangaratta back when thousands of people would line the streets to watch Oppy cycle past on another world record that was splashed across all the news headlines.”

Rachel’s book was years in the making, involving 100 interviews and research into thousands of news articles, and mentions more than 60 cyclists and 80 events such as Oppy’s final 24-hour ride, which broke 101 records.

It also features more than 260 photos, including many never-before-seen from the private collections of Bruce and Oppy - from Oppy racing over the finish line in the Wangaratta to Bendigo stage of the Dunlop Grand Prix of 1927, to the pair on the deck of a ship sailing together in 1928 to Paris as part of the first ever Australian Tour de France Team.

“I know cycling enthusiasts love their history, so I’m bringing along some memorabilia from Bruce and Oppy’s private collections for a special treat - items that have never been brought out in public before which highlight the magical journey of Malvern Star becoming the best known bike in Australia in Bruce and Oppy’s era,” Rachel said.

Sir Bruce Small’s link to Wangaratta also reveals fascinating details of his lifefrom touring the world with Oppy to win events such as ‘The Ashes of cycling’ in the

UK, to travelling to Wangaratta and towns all over Australia and New Zealand with his promotional team of meter maids and bikini models to attract holidaymakers to the Gold Coast.

Rachel, who grew up in Melbourne and now lives on the Gold Coast, said Sir Bruce Small’s visit to Wangaratta in 1969 during a country tour with his bikini-clad promotional assistants was a great example of why he was known as a ‘messiah of tourism’ and around Australia as ‘Mr Gold Coast’.

“He toured from Tasmania to Tokyo selling the beach lifestyle of the Gold Coast and was heralded for sparking the tourist boom that transformed Surfers Paradise from a seaside haven into a tourist mecca,” Rachel said.

“Bruce was a real people person who was loved on the Gold Coast for his dedication to the town and keeping his promise to donate every cent of his political wages to charity - which he did for the entire 12 years he was Gold Coast Mayor and Surfers Paradise MP.

“He placed a real value on regional towns, which he visited right through the 1960s and 1970s, so that’s why I’m taking this book tour to Wangaratta and other places that are part of his fascinating life story now captured in this book.”

Copies of Rachel’s book will be available at the March 16 event through Edgars Books and News.

For more details about the event, visit https://edgarsbooksandnews.com.au/ author-talk-and-meet-andgreet-with-rachel-syers/

DYNAMIC DUO: Bruce Small with Hubert ‘Oppy’ Opperman

PHOTO: sirbrucesmall.com.au

VISITING: Author Rachel Syers with her biography of Sir Bruce Small, ‘From Malvern Star to Mr Gold Coast’.

PHOTO: Luke Sorensen.

CULTURAL VISIT: No Roads Expeditions stopped

Wangaratta

School

including

left) guide Daniel Hogarth, Terrence David, Jack Deia, Simon Euki, Jack Aoda, Nick Walter, Kassman Peter, Alexandar David, Lexn Saul, Keito Bidana, Walter Lolah, and Archie Nanaba. PHOTO: Luke Plummer

Police “disappointed” after motorists flout freeway warning

A CROSS-BORDER

crackdown on the Hume Freeway last week has left police scratching their heads, after a number of motorists were caught speeding despite knowing police would be deployed between Glenrowan and Wodonga.

Police ran Operation Hamilton in conjunction with NSW Police from Tuesday to Thursday, in response to a 166 per cent increase in fatal collisions (25) and 110pc increase in serious injury crashes (187) throughout the Wangaratta

BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au

and Wodonga police service areas in 2023.

Some 27 injury collision occurred along the stretch of freeway last year, while a fatal crash at the Wenkes Road intersection near Chiltern claimed four lives following a collision between a truck and a car while the latter attempted to merge across traffic.

Wangaratta Highway Patrol Senior Sergeant David

Gillespie said the prevalence of speeding was of particular concern, with 15 motorists caught travelling up to 25kph over the limit, while two others were caught speeding in excess of 135kph.

“We’re seeing speed still being an issue on the freeway, and this is after we’ve told everyone we’re going to be there,” he said.

“It’s not like we’re out there hiding waiting to get you – we’ve told you we’re going to be working out there, we’ve told you what days we’re going to be working there, and we’re

still seeing it.

“Overall the results are actually disappointing, particularly given we’ve told everyone we’re going to be there.

“When you think about it, (low-level speed) it’s speed up to 25kph over the posted limit, so for the Hume Freeway that’s between 110 and 135kph, so when you put it in that context the speeds are getting right up there.

“It’s still concerning a major arterial road in a week leading up to a long weekend, where people are going to be out and about,

the weather’s really good and there are lots of events out in the local community, and we’re still getting people undertaking risk-taking behaviours.”

Light vehicles accounted for 36 offences throughout the operation, while police also identified a number of heavy vehicle operators in breach of their responsibilities.

Some 10 drivers had not appropriately filled out their work diary, one driver was found unlicenced and another truck was found to be unregistered.

“The Hume Freeway is a major arterial route for Australia and heavy vehicles use it all the time, and heavy vehicle operators all know the importance of completing work diaries to a minimum standard,” Snr Sgt Gillespie said.

“It’s something we’re going to maintain a focus on, it’s something that Victorian and New South Wales police will continue to work together on, in regard to keeping that major arterial safe and making sure people see us and we’re visible on the roadway.”

Rotary exchange students return from European sojourn

THREE Rotary Youth Exchange students have returned glowing reviews of their recent three-month European exchange, as part of a gathering celebrating their achievements.

Rotary Club of Appin Park Wangaratta exchange students Jack Whiley (Milan, Italy), Hunter Kerr (Hamburg, Germany) and Santiago Zavellos (Berlin, Germany) recently flew home from their shortterm exchange experiences, and showcased their experiences to Rotarians.

Presenting slide shows, Galen student Jack and Cathedral students Hunter and Santiago shared data about the regions they visited, shared experiences living with their host families, and detailed just how different their day-to-day

life had been.

Rotary Club of Appin Park Wangaratta secretary Bev Maher said each of the students had impressed with the way they had engaged with the exchange.

“They were joined by members of their families, who along with the club Rotarians and families, were delighted in the way these young men presented themselves and the growth they had experienced with their time away,” she said.

“The Rotary Youth Exchange Program provides a unique opportunity for young Australians to experience firsthand the many cultures of a different country, a new way of life and in some instances another language.

“Often, the friendships they make will be life-long

and important in achieving the aims of the exchange – the building of goodwill and understanding between countries.”

Ms Maher said two other students were currently on long-term exchange in Europe, while the Rotary Club of Appin Park Wangaratta was hosting a longterm student from Brazil.

“The program not only gives our students the opportunity to learn more about other countries, but it allows us to showcase our wonderful region and let them experience the wonders Australia can offer,” she said.

ENGAGED IN CULTURE: Rotary Club of Appin Park Wangaratta is currently hosting exchange student Sophia, who is visiting from Brazil.

Serious, fatal crashes across Vic

IT has been a horror long weekend on Victorian roads with multiple fatalities.

A two-vehicle collision in Winchelsea at 10pm on Saturday took the life of a woman.

Two people died in a single-vehicle crash in Picola at 1.30pm on Saturday after a car ran off the road.

A man died in a car rollover at Longwarry on Friday afternoon at 1pm.

And about 10 minutes earlier the sole occupant of a vehicle at Rosedale died after their car crashed into a tree.

This follows another driver and their passenger being killed after the vehicle they were in crashed into a tree at Toorak on Thursday night.

All of these incidents are being investigated as to the circumstances but all could have been avoided.

The number of incidents on the roads over long weekends has historically grown as more people get away.

We have a story on page 5 of today’s Wangaratta Chronicle which reports on the results of a cross-border operation on the Hume Freeway last week and police have expressed their dismay at some of the behaviour.

Some 15 motorists caught were travelling up to 25kph over the limit, while two others were caught speeding in excess of 135kph.

While these excessive speeds didn’t translate into tragedy on our roads, they could have.

Be careful if travelling a long distance on Monday and take the steps to return home safely.

With the Easter break in a couple of weeks’ time, stay alert, avoid distractions, and drive to the speed limits.

The Quiz No. 76

1. Which two countries share a border with Bhutan?

2. What is the predominant colour of the semiprecious stone, lapis lazuli?

3. In which 2013 movie did Margot Robbie play the role of Naomi Lapaglia?

4. Fanfare for the Common Man is a 1942 musical work by which composer?

5. Which country has the world’s only nonquadrilateral national flag?

6. Which state did Kepler Wessels play for in Sheffield Shield cricket?

7. Who is the lead singer of the band, Baby Animals?

8. What is the chemical symbol of barium?

9. How old was Kevin Rudd when he first became Prime Minister?

10. Babycakes, Significant Others, and Sure of You are novels from which popular series?

11. What is the real name of the ‘Postcard Bandit’ who was extradited to Western Australian in May 2016?

12. Riyadh is the capital city of which country?

13. In which decade of the 19th century did James Stirling become the first official Governor of Western Australia?

14. What are the two main alcoholic ingredients in a Blue Lagoon cocktail?

15. Who was the main male star of the 1978 Australian TV mini-series, Against The Wind?

16. The Little Creatures brewing company is based in which Western Australian city?

17. As at 2016, which country has won the World Netball Championships the most times?

18. Which pop artist was famous for his comic strip style paintings?

19. What is the oldest university in Australia?

20. Lake Titicaca is located on the border of which two South American countries?

FACEBOOK users this week commented on an external review of the ‘team health’ at the Wangaratta Sports & Aquatic Centre’ that will ensue over a 3-6 month period providing a confidential platform for employees to raise any concerns

• Charles Branstom: The gym is mostly unmanned.

• Cheryl Jones: Keep up the accountability for all

of us - Thankyou Eric and Daniel.

• Catherine Harrigan: Well done you Two Eric and Daniel.

• Nick Hill: Bryce Mortimer just get out of the dump.

• Bryce Mortimer: Tim Mortimer about time someone stood up and raised concern, so much rate payers dollars funded this facility, and they struggle to supply one lifeguard for the little

Another tranche of V/Line disruptions

V/LINE will face further escalation of industrial action leading into the Melbourne Grand Prix and the Easter long weekend as the RTBU has announced a further tranche of disruptions .

Further industrial action announced will include two 9-hour stoppages from 3am–12pm on Friday, March 22 and Thursday, March 28 for all non-driving operations staff including conductors, train controllers, stations and customer service staff, authorised officers, bringing the entire regional train network to a halt.

This action will mark nine days of V/ Line train strikes since December.

The RTBU has again provided V/Line with ample notice to have the outstanding matters resolved whilst providing the travelling public with maximum notice to make alternative travel arrangements for the day.

Members are sick of decision makers dodging of responsibility.

The RTBU is ready to negotiate intensively should V/Line and government commit to putting the real decision makers in the room.

The Allan Labor Government must be accountable to regional workers and work constructively to resolve this dispute.

The state wages policy is an ambit being used to hold back regional workers and create a two class transport network.

Into the tenth month of bargaining, the Allan Government has sat on their hands since tabling the last dud deal that already led to today’s stoppage so member’s are angry.

V/Line workers are seeking a fair and reasonable Enterprise Agreement that reflects the conditions already accepted by other employers across the industry. The current offer on the table would leave regional workers worse off than their metropolitan counterparts.

This industrial action will regrettably impact regional commuters and cause significant disruptions to services. As such we encourage commuters to make alternative travel arrangements.

We won’t accept a deal that treats regional workers and their communities like second class citizens.

While the Allan State Government continues to play puppet master, V/Line need to get serious at the bargaining table to resolve this dispute.

RTBU branch secretary, Vik Sharma

NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.

splash park all summer. Facebook users also commented on Reuben Smith concluding a wild final month of the track cycling season as one of the fastest up and coming sprinters in the country.

• Jo Clayton: Well done Reuben!

• Warren Smith: Jo Clayton thanks Jo, he is on fire!

• Lesley Kiker: A huge congratulations Reuben.

• Cassie Hyland: Jessica Meader your boy is smashing it!.

Facebook users also commented on upgrades to the Milawa Community’s local squash courts.

• Ken White: Would have given you blokes a game a couple of weeks ago if I’d known you were still there.

• Rebecca May: Julie Wright great pic of Mr Mark.

Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.

Our follower total is

14,727

Have your say in Wangaratta Chronicle poll

Do you agree with the AFL’s decision to enforce a 21-day return to play protocol after suffering a concussion?

WEST TRACK: Inland Rail took possession of the North East rail line from early last Thursday morning until this Wednesday and will remove the remaining sections of the old Green Street bridge, remove soil and lower tracks, install track drainage, decommission and commence backfill of the ‘dive’ railway line and build a new

Agencies work hard to manage bushfire risk

THIS summer certainly served up extremes of weather.

We experienced storms and floods in parts of the state and extreme heat and bushfires in others.

We feel for the communities affected by these events, and I thank our crews, contractors, incident management personnel and partner agencies for the work they do to keep Victoria safer.

While much of the focus has been on extinguishing these fires, Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) are also the experts at using fire to help reduce the risk of destructive out-of-control bushfires.

We do that by actively using fire to burn out vegetation to strengthen containment lines around a bushfire, and by undertaking planned burning throughout the year.

Both methods had a critical impact in recent fire fights. Burning out operations at the Bayindeen – Rocky Road fire near Beaufort in the days before the February 28 catastrophic fire day significantly limited the spread of fire despite the challenging conditions.

Planned burning done in previous years also helped firefighters contain the Staffordshire Reef fire south-west of Ballarat earlier in the month.

Delivering our bushfire risk management program takes a lot of planning and preparation.

Our climate is changing and finding the right days for safe and effective planned burning is also changing.

Successive wet years resulted in fewer opportunities to deliver our program.

We are committed to keeping Victoria safer from bushfires.

Chris Hardman, chief fire officer, FFMV

NEW

west track, including construction ballast, sleepers and rail.

PHOTO: Inland Rail

Tragedy sparks mental health movement, the Smls project

BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au

LOSING his best mate to suicide at age 18 was the impetus for Danny Allan’s passion to make a difference for those experiencing mental health issues.

Danny, 32, a former Wangaratta resident who has now settled in Edinburgh, Scotland, will return to the North East this month for an event organised as part of his Smls (pronounced Smalls) project.

“The loss of Karl - who was affectionately known as Charlie - sent a shockwave through our entire community; it was the type of loss that changes everything and leaves scars that never fully heal,” Danny said.

“I experienced a lot of guilt, a feeling that I could have done more, and having no idea how to process that, that’s what ultimately led to the creation of Smls.

“Smls is a project I’ve been working on for the last decade. It’s taken on various forms, but the driving motivator has remained the same - to do some good for mental health by contributing in small ways to make a meaningful impact.

“It’s now settled as an online platform for movementbased events, raising money for various mental health initiatives worldwide.”

The first chapter in the Smls story was PAIN, a 131km ultra-marathon run around Edinburgh in September last year which raised more than 6000 pounds for The Joshua Nolan Foundation, a local charity which subsidises mental health therapy for those who desperately need it.

“PAIN is the pillar that defines Smls and everything we’re doing, so it’s incredibly important to me. It will always be a special event that will grow each year in kilometres for the man who inspired its creation, and I

hope it can become a legacy for Charlie and everyone struggling with their mental health,” Danny said.

Now, Danny is preparing for the next Smls iteration, Alpine to The Vine on March 16, which will see him run alongside brother Robbieand also invite community members to take part - in an 80km ultra event raising funds for the Black Dog Institute.

“It’s a good opportunity to reconnect with old friends and the local community, and most importantly to raise money for the Black Dog Institute, who are doing incredible work in the mental health space,” Danny said.

“They really resonate with our ethos, and align with where we believe funds would be beneficial, they’ve been very supportive from day one and great in getting us set up to raise the funds.

“Personally, I see people struggling with mental health more than ever.

“Whether that be because there are more people struggling with poor mental health, or that we’re better at being open and communicative about it, I don’t know - I’ll leave that to organisations like Black Dog to speak on.

“What I do know is that these organisations are doing valuable work, so we should do everything we can to support them.

“I hope we can generate some positive change within the mental health space, and allow everyone to have access to the support they need.

“Whether that be by contributing via the events we directly organise or if by extension we inspire others to do something themselves, it’s all pushing towards a common goal - small steps towards shining a light on better mental health.”

Danny is looking forward to staging Alpine to The Vine.

“It’ll be cool to share some k’s with Robbie - he’s in good nick, so hopefully the heat level isn’t too spicy and we can have an enjoyable day,” he said.

“We’ll be covering 80km on foot from Bright to The Vine Hotel with the local community joining in along the way.”

There will be four checkpoints for locals to join the run - at 58km (near the Ovens-Eurobin Fire Station), 40km (Gapsted, near the CFA station), 20km (Everton Hotel) and 6km (Reedy Creek K14 Streamside Reserve) remaining.

“It’ll be a sociable pace, and we’re encouraging everyone to join for whichever section they fancy,” Danny said.

“It’s self-supported, so we’re asking everyone to bring along their own water and nutrition. We will also have scheduled stops with extra water and some nutrition by Rawvelo, one of our sponsors.

“If running isn’t your jam, that’s fine - we’ll be finishing the run at The Vine Hotel around 1.30pm, where you can buy t-shirts, enter the raffle or directly donate to the charity.

“The Vine Hotel has also generously pledged part of their bar sales to the cause, so pop down for a few beers to support.”

Anyone keen to donate to the cause can visit http:// www.teamblackdog.org.au/ fundraisers/Alpinetothevine

For more information, follow @smlsgoods on Instagram for exact locations and all updates.

* If this media article causes you any distress, please phone Lifeline on 131 114 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

Field trip to explore importance of native vegetation on farms

WARBY Range Landcare Group members and surrounding landholders will this weekend embark on a field trip to better understand more sustainable farming practices.

Many of the group’s members are already incorporating native grass pastures into their livestock feeding lots, as part of an ongoing conversation amongst members.

The Saturday, March 16 event aims to assist landholders in learning about native grasses and their benefits to livestock and the environment.

In 2023, the Warby Range Landcare Group held a native grass species identification field day where members were invited to learn from a specialist in grass species identification and the traditional medicinal and food sources of native grasses.

In 2024, the focus shifts to providing members the opportunity to learn about the benefits of native grasses in the landscape as a whole, as well as the benefits of incorporating native grasses into their paddocks to feed livestock.

Environmental consult-

ant Ian Davidson will talk about the environmental benefits of native grasses, while farmer Russell Ellis will show members how he has incorporated native species into his pasture regime.

The event will convene at Thoona Hall from 9.30am, and is free for landcare members, while a $20 cost will apply to non-members, and includes a membership to the Warby Range Landcare Group.

Thoona CWA will cater the event.

To RSVP, contact Kerri Warburton on 0418 427 730 before March 12.

GEARING

Danny Allan in

GENERATING CHANGE: Former local Danny Allan hopes locals will take part in and support the Alpine to The Vine event on March 16, which will raise funds for the Black Dog Institute.

World’s finest quilt craft on show at quilt convention

THE ACROSS

A LOCAL quilt enthusiasts are sure to find plenty of inspiration at the 18th Australasian Quilt Convention (AQC) being held at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne from April 11 to 14.

The annual event showcases the best Australian and global quilt craft and offers workshops from renowned crafting experts, with quilters travelling from all over Australia and New Zealand to attend the four day event, featuring tutors from France, the UK, USA and Australia.

There will also be quilt displays including international collections from USA’s QuiltCon 2024, and finalists’ entries in the Australian Quilt Show Challenge, now in its third year, which offers a prize pool of over $31,000, including $19,800 in cash.

Expertise Events craft consultant Judy Newman said anyone can visit the AQC and enjoy the quilt show and shopping, and this year’s display is like no other.

“The collection visitors will view at AQC can be seen only at this event and it will delight anyone with an appreciation of textile art,” she said.

Also on the program are Sketchbook Quilts by Gillian Travis of the UK, 39 quilts responding to theme of “Red”

from the Studio Art Quilt Associates global exhibition, the first exhibition of 20 Perspectives by a group of international artists , and the AQC challenge themed “Oh My Stars!”; with 30 quilts having been selected from quilt-

ers from around the country. Visitors can also see colourful works by Jen Kingwell, winner of the prestigious Rajah award for 2023.

A showcase of quilting art, first-class works, expert work-

shops and unique retailers, all under the dome of Melbourne’s iconic Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton Gardens, tickets are available now at www.aqc.com. au with (seniors/pensioner discounts available).

Working mothers reflect on COVID drinking impact

NEW studies by La Trobe University have shed light on the impact of additional responsibilities women assumed by ‘default’ during the COVID-19 pandemic, influencing a spike in drinking among working mothers.

The two studies drew on the same sample and interviewed 22 Australian women over five months in 2022, who mostly

identified as professional workers between the ages of 36 and 51.

They described feeling overburdened during COVID-19 restrictions because of their increased workload through working from home, parenting, household and teaching roles, and lack of organisational support, contributing to heightened alcohol consumption.

Lead researcher and PhD candidate Maree Patsouras, at the Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, said drinking alcohol for many women became a coping mechanism to surviving the day.

However, the attitudes towards drinking shifted from pleasure to negative connotations as the study progressed.

While most of the

women spoke about their return to pre-alcohol consumption once lockdowns lifted, others said the drinking practices that had been learned and reinforced during lockdowns were harder to undo.

Researcher Dr Gabe Caluzzi said this period of social change highlighted the tendency for people to fall back into traditional gender roles, and provid-

ed a case study for better arrangements in the event of a future disaster.

“It’s about making sure that women are supported in workplaces and in their homes and that there are resources for women to access, whether that’s childcare or homeschooling, so that not all the burden is placed on themselves to manage these tasks,” he said.

WHAT’S UP WITH THE WEATHER?

By Peter Nelson, Peter retired CSIRO climatologist

Rutherglen takes summer heat prize over Wangaratta

WHILE Perth, Sydney and Brisbane all recorded one of their hottest summers on record, Hobart recorded its warmest February since 2001 and its third driest February in 140 years of record with only 4.2mm.

The drier Februarys were in 1914 and 2001 the old Hobart Gardens records did record a very dry February of 2.8mm in 1843.

Further south at Macquarie Island, 133.6mm fell during February, the wettest for February since 147mm in 2022 and before that 136.6mm in 1988.

This very wet February at Macquarie Island set up a cold southerly blast to Tasmania on Sunday, March 3 resulting in very low minimum temperatures.

The minimum temperature fell to 0.4 degrees at Smithton, the coldest for March since 2011.

The mean maximum temperatures for the summer season at both Wangaratta and Rutherglen are normally within half a degree of each other; but this summer Rutherglen has been more than a degree hotter than Wangaratta.

The last summer this happened was 49 years ago in 1974-75.

This unusual temperature pattern also happened two other times; in 1925-26 and the 1934-35 summers.

We are facing heatwave conditions during he second week of March with the highest temperature being higher than the hottest day recorded during this last summer.

The City of Melbourne not often records a hotter day in March than in the previous summer.

Only seven times since 1855.

These were in 1892, 1893, 1934, 1940, 1953, 1974 and 1978.

Interestingly, all except 1940 were notably wet years in Victoria and most of NSW, Tasmania and South Australia.

SEEING RED: On display at the 18th Australasian Quilt Convention (AQC) will be pieces from the RED Studio Art Quilt Associates global exhibition, including Siesta Cubano by USA expert fine art quiltmaker, Caryl Bryer Fallert-Gentry.

AUTUMN HEATS UP: Retired climatologist Peter Nelson believes we are facing hotter conditions during the second week of March than the hottest day recorded during this last summer.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Patricia wines a special collection

THREE special wines will be released by Brown Brothers this month as part of its Patricia collection.

The matriarch of the Brown family and a pivotal figure in shaping the family business, Patricia celebrated her birthday each year on St Patrick’s Day (March 17), which is also the release date for the Patricia wines.

In the lead-up to this year’s 21st release, a dinner will be held at Brown Brothers on Friday, March 15.

Winemakers and Brown family members will take those attending on a journey through the new release wines, which will be paired with exquisite food created by head chef Bodee Price, alongside a taste of rare and back-vintage highlights from the Brown family cellar.

This year’s Patricia wines, sourced from premium vineyards across Victoria and Tasmania, are the 2018 Patricia Pinot Noir Chardonnay – King Valley; 2022 Patricia Chardonnay –Tasmania; and 2019 Patricia Shiraz – Victoria.

The culmination of the very best in viticulture and winemaking, the Patricia label is celebrated not just for its matriarchal heritage, but for the dedication and time-honoured techniques di splayed

within every bottle.

Patricia wines exemplify sophistication and balance. Each bottle is not just

a wine; it’s a testament to the enduring passion and legacy of the Brown family, offering a sensory journey

appreciated by wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.

Tickets to Friday’s Patri-

cia Ball ($185 per person) are available via https:// www.brownbrothers.com. au/events/patricia-ball-2024

Locals to become cemetery friends

By SIMONE KERWIN

SIX locals have nominated to join the Rural City of Wangaratta’s Friends of the Cemetery Group.

Marcus Goonan, Rural City of Wangaratta director community and infrastructure, said documents were being finalised for approval by the Wangaratta Cemetery Trust this month.

“A group meeting will be scheduled, tentatively expected around April,” he said.

The volunteer group will assist with the upkeep and preservation of the Wangaratta Cemetery.

Mr Goonan said when the group was mooted last year that most other cemeteries had ‘friends’ groups, and most ran with volunteer assistance, particularly in rural towns.

He said while the Wangaratta Cemetery operated with two full-time staff and a number of part-timers, with councillors managing the cemetery trust on behalf of the rural city, once people were interred, their families were largely responsible for the upkeep of graves.

The Friends of the Wangaratta Cemetery group would help staff maintain the cemetery.

Mr Goonan said no further applications for the group were being accepted at this time.

SPECIAL COLLECTION: Brown Brothers head of innovation Emma Brown (left) and winemaker Katherine Brown are looking forward to this year’s 21st release of the Patricia collection.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

The ultimate guide for tourists and locals

Inspiring the next generation of women

BY CHLOE JAENICKE cjaenicke@ nemedia.com.au

MANY enthusiastic young women gathered at the Gateway Hotel to learn about their future career paths at the Zonta International breakfast on Thursday, March 7.

This was the 18th year of the Zonta breakfast, which exposes year 11 students across the North East to potential career paths as a part of International Women’s Day celebrations.

There were around 96 students at the breakfast from 10 different schools across Wangaratta, Benalla, Yarrawonga, Rutherglen and Beechworth.

Before the breakfast, the students were asked to submit a chosen career path so they could be paired with a mentor.

One of the students in attendance was Hannah Stafford from Wangaratta High School, who chose the paramedic career path.

“I’ve always wanted to be a paramedic all throughout my schooling,” she said.

“My science teacher told me about the breakfast and then I got a couple of my friends and we all came along.”

Hannah was inspired to become a paramedic by family members who work in the health field.

“My cousin said how much he loves working as a nurse and how much he wanted to get into paramedicine,” she said.

“He’s just super passionate about his job and really enjoys it so it made me really want to do it as well.”

Hannah said she found the breakfast valuable as it gave her an opportunity to learn about the pre-requisites and university requirements to become a paramedic.

“The paramedics said the main pre-requisite was biology,” she said.

“I was also thinking of doing a double degree in nursing and paramedicine, which they all recommended.

“I’ve enjoyed meeting eve-

ryone seeing all my friends here as well and just how passionate the paramedics are, that’s really inspiring.”

Georgia Clark was one of the paramedics who shared her expertise with the teenagers and said it was refreshing to see so many motivated young girls.

“I’m very passionate about International Women’s Day, so I thought what a great opportunity to come and hopefully influence some young girls,” she said.

“I’ve enjoyed hearing how excited the girls are to embark on their journey and on their new career opportunities.

“It’s exciting to see young motivated individuals want to get into the health field which is what we need because obviously we’re still crying out for paramedics.”

According to Ms Clark, paramedicine is an excellent career and she is looking forward to seeing more women in the field.

“Back in the day, paramedics were predominantly male and we’re now seeing a shift where it’s becoming a more female workplace,” she said.

“I think it’s great since women are empathetic maternal people and that’s so suited to the career.”

TOGETHER:

MOTIVATED WOMEN:

INSPIRED WOMEN:

CAREER MOTIVATED:

NEXT GENERATION: Milla Fletcher, Laynee Rhodes, Lucy Bassett, Hayla McGregor are excited for their futures.

Heidi Graham and Ronja Reynolds were inspired at the Zonta International breakfast.

LEARNING

Swaye Frankland, Tara Wevers and Pratistha Shrestha are looking forward to their future careers.

Kiera Ward, Felicity Camplin, Mia Ham, Makenzie Clark enjoyed learning about future career paths together.

Lrorilli Anderson, Lili Ashby, Ava Rakness, Abbey Butler and Rilee Hooper were all inspired by their mentors.

FUTURE PARAMEDICS: Zoe Beatson, Elise Ransay, Lilli Martin, Jade Lawrence, Annie Harding, Hannah O’Connor and Hannah Staffiord learnt tips to become paramedics from Jamielee Sexton, Georgia Clark. PHOTOS: Chloe Jaenicke

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

MINI WORD FIND

ACROSS

1 Name one of a breed of greyhound with a very long silky coat (6)

8 Which association of over 100 national police forces is used to fight international crime (8)

9 Which term implies frigid or extremely cold (6)

10 What is dampness known as (8)

11 Name the father-inlaw of Moses (6)

13 What is the strict adherence to law (8)

16 Which person values property for taxation (8)

19 Which cross is given to British civilians for bravery (6)

22 What do we call a jaunty libertine (8)

24 Which sailing vessels are used for private cruising (6)

25 What forms the extremity of something (8)

26 What is an exit (6)

DOWN

2 Which furnace is used for heating metal (5)

3 What is a coop for confining small animals (5)

4 Name the last tsar of Russia (8)

5 What is something extremely small (4)

6 Which term implies a relationship to a wedding (6)

7 Name the Spanish conqueror of Mexico, Hernando ... (6)

12 What are spigots more commonly known as (4)

14 Which spout often terminates in a grotesque head with an open mouth (8)

15 What is the given name of the Welsh actor, dramatist, etc, ... Novello (4)

E-QUATIONS

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

17 Name an English pioneer of birth control, Marie ... (6)

18 To disinter, is to do what (6)

20 To take place, is to do what (5)

21 Who founded the Microsoft Corporation, Bill ... (5)

23 What is the monetary unit of the Republic of South Africa (4)

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

WHICH WORDS

1

(a)

(b) A

(c)

2

(a)

(b) The plant traveller’s-joy

(c) A jingle in two short

BIYWORD

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

CLUES:

Bulldozer (coll) (5)

Clearing in forest (5)

Elaborate signature: ...-Tag (3)

Fish eggs (3)

Goon Show character (5)

Opposite of wet (3)

Self-contradictory statement (7)

Street markets (7)

Unnaturally

SOLUTIONS SUDOKU

QUICK THINK

Varroa mite threat imminent

By KURT HICKLING

A NATIONAL plan to tackle the pest varroa mite has been approved by the national management group almost five months after the government’s abandonment eradication efforts.

The varroa mite is an external parasitic mite that attacks and feeds on honey bees and is one of the most damaging honey bee pests in the world.

Varroa destructor is a distinctive-looking small mite, around 1mm in diameter and is reddish-brown colour and can be seen with the naked eye.

The mite attaches itself to the bee and feeds on them which weakens the bee and kills colonies.

A significant mite infestation leads to the death of a honey bee colony, usually in the late autumn through early spring.

The Victorian Government announced effective February 16 that the entire state of Victoria was a general controlled area which means a person must not move affected livestock or livestock products into the general controlled area from any other state or territory.

However, this does not ap-

ply if a person has been issued a permit and the movement of stock is within the conditions of the permit.

Walkabout Apiaries business manager Greg Whitehead of Milawa believes while the varroa mite presents no problems locally, it will be a matter of time before problems will arise.

“Walkabout Apiaries produces local honey using Australian eucalypt trees from the high country,” Mr Whitehead said.

“Bees in NSW that have been detected with the mite are isolated with a red zone created where hives are restricted to travel.

“This is an example why beekeepers in Victoria are hesitant to travel into NSW due to risk of losing colonies.

“It is very important for these zones to be locked down.

“While laws and permits have been set by the Australian and state governments, we are still seeing bees with varroa mite travelling from the coast into inland Australia spreading mite.

“It’s not a matter of if but when we will be affected by varroa.”

Bees are contracted by local farmers to assist in pollination of flowers, however,

Wangaratta Livestock Exchange - Prime Market Report

the problem for beekeepers that multiple hives from various locations are contracted together which elevates the risk of mite.

“Multiple beekeepers are all contracted to almond plantations in the last week of July each year,” he said.

“As apiarists, we rely on the responsibility of others when multiple hives are brought together that the colonies have been checked and the bees are healthy and hives are constantly checked.

“This is the responsibility of everyone to ensure when

the contract is met, our hives come home in perfect health.

“The consequence of varroa mite is that a loss of a hive can be around 40 per cent which is devastating when we are talking about 200-300 hives.

“Right now the best thing

we can do is locate our hives to a safe and isolated area, regularly check hives and test for varroa mite.

“If all apiarists do the right thing, we can protect and preserve our bees and continue the production of quality honey.”

Farmers urged to travel the world and see what’s possible

FARMERS and agriculture industry professionals are invited to grasp a once-in-alifetime opportunity, as Nuffield Australia opens applications for 2025 scholarships from Monday, March 4.

HEIFERS

Successful applicants receive $40,000 to fund 15 weeks of study overseas, across 18 months.

“The scholarships offer a unique opportunity to visit, learn from and collaborate with some of the world’s leading agricultural businesses,” Nuffield Australia CEO and 2013 Nuffield Scholar Jodie Redcliffe said.

“In opening these scholarships, we’re encouraging farmers and other industry participants to think big and see what’s possible for their business and industry in 2025 and beyond.”

Nuffield Australia awards around 20 scholarships each year, with a focus on advancing sustainable and profitable primary production.

The scholarships provide a unique global learning experience, allowing scholars to remain competitive and grow their skill sets.

Scholarships build capacity for individuals, their businesses and the broader industry.

Ms Redcliffe said Nuffield Australia would again offer up to five drought resiliencespecific scholarships this year, supported by the Australian

Government’s Future Drought Fund.

“As farmers we know that Australia is prone to drought.,” Ms Redcliffe said.

“Of all the climate challenges to affect Australia, drought is one of the most feared and costly in terms of production losses.

“Droughts also bring other emergencies like bushfires, and take a toll on the mental health of farmers and their communities.

“Nuffield is proud to partner with the Future Drought Fund to deliver specific drought resilience scholarships and also to weave the topic through our scholarship programs and training.

“This will give all our scholars the knowledge and experiences to understand the topic and make a difference in their communities.”

Claudia Benn, from Arcadia Valley, Queensland, received a Nuffield scholarship for 2024 to help Australian farmers improve diversity and restore biological relationships in grazing systems.

She said she almost didn’t apply, but is glad she did because her “life has already changed considerably, and my Nuffield journey has barely even started”.

“The application process alone is a great learning and growth experience so, really, you’ve got nothing to lose by

having a go,” Ms Benn said.

“Once you’ve decided to apply, my advice is to pick a topic you’re passionate about and one that will make a positive contribution to your industry, and then stay true to that.

“I am at the very beginning of my Nuffield journey, and I can already feel it is shaping me personally and professionally.”

Ms Benn, along with fellow 2024 Scholar Ashley Wiese, from Highbury, WA, and the rest of the cohort were in Canberra last week, followed by the global congress in Brazil mid-month.

Mr Wiese said he now regretted waiting so long to apply for a scholarship.

“I think it is hard to ignore the impact of widening your networks globally,” he said.

“I went into the scholarship thinking it was all about my project, but I have realised that Nuffield is focused on supporting my personal growth.

“ I have found the whole experience to be really genuine and supportive.”

Nuffield Australia encourages applications for research topics relevant to any or all industries in the Australian agricultural sector.

Applications close on Friday, May 31. Find out more and apply at https://www.nuffield.com.au/ how-to-apply.

Walkabout Apiaries business manager Greg Whitehead pulls all stops to check hive health.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling.

Walkabout Apiaries manager talks about risks involved with varroa mite WlkbAiilkbikildihiiimigration

37

EMPLOYMENT

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

PAINTER, old school, for all your painting needs, commercial, industrial renovations.

Phone Julian 0412 597 482.

PAINTER. Ovens and King Painting Service, trade qualified, over 25 years experience, Interior/exteriors, for free quote phone Cherime Demaj 0422 778 257 or 5721 5482.

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

TILING, wall/floor, bathrooms, renovations. Phone Claude 0435 945 513.

WHEELER

Earthworks, available for all your earthworks needs - yard clean ups, stump removals, driveways, material supply and spreading, and more. Call Marcus on 0491 094 545

EMPLOYMENT

Teaching Position available.

Outdoor School - 15 Mile Creek Campus

Are you interested in working with students from grade 3 to 12 in a residential outdoor setting?

Outdoor School, 15 Mile Creek campus has a three-term contract position available for the remainder of 2024.

15 Mile Creek runs predominantly 5 to 12 day programs for state school students. Staff are required to work overnights on occasion both on and off site. Staff earn time in lieu as per the Victorian Governments Schools Agreement. Programs vary week to week ensuring the work is always engaging for staff and students.

A comprehensive induction process is in place to ensure staff have the skills and knowledge to be effective at Outdoor School.

If you would like further information, please feel free to ring the Campus Principal Rhys Evans on 0428 789 338. You are welcome to make a time to come out and visit our school. The position is currently posted on recruitment online.

Applications close on the 13th of March. Job number is 1404999

JOBS AT INDIGO

Youth Resilience Peer Worker

Beechworth

Fixed Term - Part Time 24hrs per week

Ending 20 December 2024

$63,005 - $66,914 p/a pro rata

Applications close 4pm Sunday, 17 March 2024

Visit www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au/jobs to download the position’s recruitment kit, and to view instructions on how to apply.

www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au

Phone: 1300 365 003

FULL TIME TEACHING POSITION

Year 5/6

Fixed Term

Classroom Teaching Position

For terms 2, 3 and 4, 2024

St. Patrick’s Primary school Wangaratta is currently seeking an enthusiastic full time classroom teacher for Terms 2, 3 and 4, 2024. The successful applicant will enjoy working in a new dynamic and creative space with small class sizes, in a supportive school community.

Applicants must have:

A strong commitment to Catholic Education and Catholic Identity member of our professional learning community

Current Victorian Institute of Teaching registration (VIT)

An understanding of and commitment to the VRQA Child Safe Standards

Please submit an expression of interest letter and current Curriculum Vitae

GRADUATE TEACHERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

Application Requirements:

Application letter, Curriculum Vitae & Three verbal referees

Email applications to: Mrs Gabrielle Downie principal@spwangaratta.catholic.edu.au

Applications close: 4pm, Monday, March 25, 2024.

St Patrick’s Primary School, Wangaratta promotes the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children.

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

CARAVANS & CAMPERS

FREE range hens, been laying 12 months, available Wangaratta, Friday, March 15, between 12noon - 1pm. Metry’s Poultry Farm, phone 0416 151 696.

MAZDA 3 Meo 2010, 2ltr manual, 6 speed, graphite in colour, cruise control, always serviced at Mazda, rwc, new tyres, excellent condition, 1 owner, 287,000km, $6500 ono, (X0C012). Ph 0456 236 310.

OLD cars wanted, cars removed. Ph 0435 083 115.

AG bike

X R190CT, as new, p urchased new in A pril 2023, travelled only 350km, farm bike r egistration (2049Z) and RWC, $5500. Ph 0407 752 960 (no text)

2005 Ford Falcon Ute XR6 BA MK II, auto, super cab, 173,000km, new tyres, (THQ392), $9500. Phone Danny on 0405 165 092.

2009 Ford Mondeo XR5, m anual, 180,00km, (1SM6DN), adaptive cruise control, bluetooth, sunroof, all-round parking sensors, service history, $8500. Ph 0458 583 608.

CARAVANS & CAMPERS

REGENT Cruise SE, Series 3, pop up caravan, 17ft 6in, new annex and new roll out, $18,500

REDUCED

KOKODA caravan

20’6” 2017 model, full ensuite with ceramic vanity, front island queen bed, café dinette with trifold table, 190Ltr 3 way fridge, full oven with 3 gas and 1 electric burner, 19” digital TV, reverse cycle aircon, LED down lights, top load washing machine, rolled bench tops, drawers on rollers, diesel heater installed, double glazed windows, full checker plate on front and all-comp sides, roll-out awning, 2x 95ltr water tanks with galvanised stone, 22.6Ltr gas and electric hot water system, 2x 9kg gas bottles, deep cycle b attery with charger, solar wiring provision with regulator, generator hatch, picnic table, 6” alloy wheels, dual access tunnel boot with lights, immaculate condition, $49,950, legitimate r eason for selling, located in Bright.

P h 0418 802 351 or 0427 189 176.

WANTED

WANT to buy Toyota HiAce Camper Van and Small Caravan. Call Brendan 0402 113 112.

SUNCAMPER Pop-up camper, good condition, near new canvas, pvc windows, zips, flooring, 2 double beds, table and seating, includes annex and 8 person canvas tent, $3000 ono. Ph 0438 722 310.

FOR SALE $50 OR UNDER

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Wangaratta & District Cricket Association

REVIEWS: Saturday, March 9 2023/24 season

RUNS THERE: Yarrawonga’s Matt Casey hooks the ball around the corner.

APPEAL: Fraser Ellis goes up with the appeal in the Wangaratta Magpies’ loss to Yarrawonga Mulwala.

BEND THE BACK: Zac Guilfoyle puts everything into the delivery.

By NATHAN DE VRIES

IT was a fascinating weekend of must-win cricket across the Wangaratta and District Cricket Association’s A grade competition, as teams played out their final match before the finals next weekend.

Wangaratta Magpies faced a daunting task of defending 152 against top team Yarrawonga Mulwala, needing a win and other results to go their way to book a ticket to the semi-finals.

Unfortunately for the ‘Pies, Yarrawonga proved too good, batting out their overs to make 7/197.

Beginning the day at 1/0, the Lakers were put on the back foot when Matt McCabe tried to turn a ball from Chris Clement, resulting in a leading edge bobbling up to Thomas Clayton.

After Reid Clarke edged one behind the stumps for 13, the Lakers were floundering at 3/37.

Matthew Casey turned the innings around the Yarrawonga, batting for 129 deliveries for his 52 runs to take the Lakers within 65 runs of the target, and alongside Brock McCabe (15 from 92 balls) and Harrison Wheeler (64* from 82), the Lakers found their way over the line. Clement was the standout with the ball, finishing with 2/24 from his 15 overs, an incredible economy of 1.6.

Clayton (1/6), Matt Gathercole (1/33), Fraser Ellis (1/27), Frazer Dent (1/7), and Charlie Stafford

■ From back page

“We got them both in the first four overs, and we were able to roll through them from there.

“We just bowled one side of the wicket, ‘Schona’ (Jacob Schonafinger) bowled really well, built up the dot ball pressure, he was able to cash in and get a couple of wickets, and the rest of us got a couple of wickets around him, which was good.”

With eight catches taken and two run outs across the day, the Hawks’ fielding was on point.

“We’ve had a bit of trouble in the slips cordon this year, but to be able to take all of our slips catches was a credit to us,” McNamara said.

“We’ve got a new addition in there, Blake Nixon, he took three of them which is really impressive.

“We’ve been really focusing on that, taking our halfchances, and we did that in the first innings, which is impressive.”

Rovers United Bruck finish the home and away season second on the A grade ladder, and will face City Colts in the semi-final this coming weekend.

Wangaratta Magpies miss out, City Colts catapult into finals

(1/9) all picked up wickets.

The result means the Magpies finish the season fifth on the ladder, and will miss out on finals cricket.

Elsewhere, City Colts secured their ticket to the semis with a hard-fought win over Ovens Valley United.

Defending 7/178, the Colts took almost 47 overs to take the Tigers down 9/108, after Seamus Phillips retired hurt in the third over.

The Tigers never looked settled, with wicket falling at regular intervals as Josh Nanson (1/16), Archie Crispin (1/8) and Jed Marek (1/7) bowled well and attacked the stumps.

Matthew Lister bowled more than his fair share of overs, and reaped the rewards, taking 4/28 from his 13.5 overs.

For the Tigers, Glenn White’s punchy 33 from 36 deliveries was the only bright spot.

With plenty of overs still in the day, Colts batted again, bowled out for 78 from 22.4 overs.

White (4/16) and import Gurjot Gosal (3/29) were devastating with the ball, while Will Petersen’s 24 from 28 was a handy innings ahead of finals.

The Colts finish the home and away season third on the ladder, and will take on Rovers United Bruck this weekend for a shot at the grand final.

Beechworth will play Yarrawonga Mulwala in the other semi-final, after the Wanderers took the win over Delatite by 30 runs.

Rovers’ bowling attack rips through Benalla Bushrangers ahead of A grade semi-fi nals

PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie

PULLED: Benalla’s Michael Honman whips a shorter ball through the leg side.

ROCKET: Josh Ansell launches the ball from the outfield. PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie

HOWZAT: Harry Jones asks the question of the umpire.

SAFE HANDS: Rovers United Bruck’s Blake Nixon took three slips catches in the first innings on Saturday.

AFL implement 21-day concussion break for community football

IN a landmark decision, Australian Football community competitions at all ages (i.e. adult/open competitions and all junior competitions), will adopt a mandatory minimum 21-day return to play protocol.

This new protocol will apply for State Football competitions (including the VFL and VFLW), elite pathway competitions (including the Coates Talent Leagues for boys and girls) and all community football competitions.

The AFL will work with all leagues and football bodies to encourage the universal adoption of this important benchmark position in our sport in all states and territories.

Under the new community football guidelines, the earliest that a player suffering a concussion can return to play is on the 21st day post the concussion incident provided they get medical clearance.

In AFL and AFLW, where there are advanced care settings for players suffering a concussion, the mandatory minimum 12-day return to play protocol will be maintained.

The minimum 12-day protocol provides a platform for the management of elite athletes under the constant care of club medical professionals to monitor their progression through the wellestablished 3-stage, 11-step protocol.

The new community football guidelines and the elite football guidelines are instep with the recent Australian Institute of Sport’s Concussion and Brain Health Position Statement regarding return to play protocols post-concussion.

AFL General Counsel Stephen Meade said the AFL takes very seriously the issue of concussion and the updated community football guidelines reflect the AFL’s ongoing commitment to the health and safety of all pre-

sent, past and future players.

“The AFL’s concussion guidelines are the most stringent concussion protocols in Australian sport both at a community and elite level and we are committed to continuing to take action to protect the safety of players at all levels of the game,” Mr Meade said.

“The updated community guidelines represent a significant step in the AFL’s existing record of ongoing

improvements to its concussion management strategy that reflect medical research and other learnings over time.

“We play a contact sport and there is always going to be risk, however, over recent years we have continued to take action to strengthen match-day protocols and amend the Laws of the Game to discourage high contact, and we will continue to do so.

“We continue to listen and learn from the medical and scientific professionals and take action to deal with the important topic of concussion and player safety.

“While there are risks of injury in our sport, we will continue to act to reduce and manage those risks, and there are also many very significant physical and mental health benefits of playing our great game.”

Under the new commu-

nity guidelines, the earliest that a player can return to play after a concussion is on the 21st day after the day on which the concussion was sustained and provided that the player has safely progressed through each phase of the return-to-play program.

The example being if a player suffers the concussion playing in a match on a Saturday (for ease of the example, let’s assume that

the match in which the concussion is sustained is on Saturday, June 1 and all subsequent matches in the competition are also played on a Saturday).

The day on which the concussion is sustained is day 0.

Day 1 of the minimum 21day protocol is the day after the match, namely Sunday, June 2.

The player will, at a minimum, miss the next two Saturday fixtures (i.e. the match on Saturday, June 7 and the match on Saturday, June 14).

However, as Saturday, June 21 is the 21st day after the day on which the player suffered the concussion, the player may potentially return to play in the match on Saturday, June 21, assuming that the player has safely progressed through the three stages of the protocol and been approved by their medical practitioner to return to play.

The return-to-play program consists of three distinct stages – rest, recovery and graded return to training and play.

The updated guidelines insist on a minimum period of 24 hours (or longer) for each step of the progression and, if any symptoms recur during the graded return to training and play stage, the player athlete must go back to the previous symptom-free step.

The guidelines also insist on an individualised approach to return to play where factors such as young age (i.e., 18 years or younger), where there is a history of learning disorders or mood disturbance that may impact on monitoring of recovery, or a history of multiple concussions, may necessitate a more cautious and conservative approach.

The player must have medical assessment prior to being cleared to return to full contact training with the group and then a further medical assessment before being cleared to return to play.

BIG CHANGE: Community footballers will now be required to have three weeks off if they suffer a concussion.

SAFELY HOME

■ Story: Page 18

Hawks peak for finals

Rovers’ bowling attack rips through Benalla Bushrangers ahead of A grade semi-fi nals gpggg

ROVERS United Bruck has put the rest of the A grade finalists on notice after a commanding victory over Benalla Bushrangers, taking 14 Bushrangers wickets for 155 defending 239 at WJ Findlay Oval.

Benalla’s first innings lasted 37.1 overs, needing a healthy run rate and to bat

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

their full allotment of overs, but the Hawks took an early advantage when skipper Paddy McNamara trapped Michael Honman LBW first ball.

Benalla only managed to

cobble together 57 runs for their 10 wickets, with McNamara (4/13) and Jacob Schonafinger (3/16) acting as the enforcers, and Josh Ansell and Jeremy Wilson chipping in with a wicket each.

The Hawks’ fielding was near flawless, with sharp catches taken in the slips and run outs affected in

trying conditions.

RUB then sent the Bushrangers back in to bat for the 37 remaining overs in the day, with McNamara tossing the ball around to his extensive bowling list, and Benalla ending the day and their season at 4/98.

McNamara said it was a brilliant performance from

his team heading into a crucial part of the season.

“We’ve probably been down with the ball over the last month or so, so to get 240 on the board last week and then to get 14 wickets on Saturday is really good for our confidence going into the finals in the coming weeks,” he said.

“We just came out and didn’t really have much fear.

“We knew if we went hard and tried to get a wicket early, try and get the big wicket of ‘Sunny’ (Priyank Chohan), break that partnership of him and (Michael) Honman, we knew we were going to be right in it.

■ Continued page 18

YARRAWONGA Mulwala’s Brock McCabe makes his ground as Magpies’ wicketkeeper Cooper Matheson waits to take the bails off. The Lakers downed Wangaratta in the last round of the home and away season, ending the Magpies’ finals hopes.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie