SCHOOL holidays are in full swing, and families have been making the most of the fine autumn weather to explore Apex Park and its playground facilities this week. Toby and Milla Casey and Max O’Keefe are pictured taking it easy in the parkour park.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
draw
CANDIDATES for the federal seat of Indi will be o cially declared in Wangaratta at noon today, when the Australian Electoral Commission conducts its ballot draw.
And the AEC has conrmed that early voters can head to the polls a er the Easter long weekend, with
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
an early voting centre to open at Wareena Park Hall.
Eight candidates have publicly announced their intention to nominate for Indi in the 3 May federal election,
including incumbent Helen Haines (Independent), James Trenery (Liberal), Mitch Bridges (Labor), Alysia Regan (The Greens), Athol Thomas (One Nation), Tim Quilty (Libertarian), Michael White (Family First), and Mark McFarlane (Independent). Others may have nominated, with the AEC withhold-
ing public announcement of candidates until the declaration and ballot draw today.
The event will con rm the order of candidates on the ballot paper and it will be held at 12 noon Friday at The Centre, 17 Chisholm Street, Wangaratta.
It’s a contest that is expected to crank up on Monday night
next week with the Victorian Farmers Federation Wangaratta and district branch hosting a candidates forum at 7pm at the North Wangaratta Football Netball Club rooms.
All members of the public are invited to attend the town hall style Q&A forum to ask candidates questions on any election related topic.
Dr Haines has held the Indi seat for two terms a er taking over from fellow Independent Cathy McGowan in 2019. Ms McGowan famously beat former Liberal MP Sophie Mirabella in a tight contest in 2013 and again at the 2016 election.
Continued page 5
$1 billion pledge for mental health services
FREE mental health care under Medicare announced by federal Labor as part of a $1 billion plan to bolster access if re-elected has been welcomed by Labor candidate for Indi and social worker Mitch Bridges.
The plan includes:
$225 million for 31 new and upgraded Medicare mental health centres;
More than $200 million for 58 new, upgraded or expanded headspace services;
$500 million for 20 youth specialist care centres for young people with complex needs; and
$90 million for more than 1200 training places for mental health professionals and peer workers.
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
He said that for too long governments have focused too much on the pointy end of the crisis when it comes to mental health support.
“I’ve seen the value that early intervention to our young people, not only in terms of the cost bene t when you consider the savings that the approach makes in terms of intensive services that can be avoided, but also the impact that we can make as professionals on the trajectory of their lives,” Mr Bridges said.
Mr Bridges said this announcement and funding shows that the government is taking early intervention seriously.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the new network of 20 youth specialist care centres will close another critical service gap in
the mental health system, ensuring young people in what mental health experts call “the missing middle”, get the specialist help they need.
He said these will aim to ll “the missing middle” service gap which means young people with complex mental health needs, like personality disorders, eating disorders and early psychosis, can get the ongoing and intensive care they need, outside of hospital.
“As we expand the range of free services backed by Medicare, the Medicare Mental Health phone line (1800 595 212) and website (medicarementalhealth.gov.au) will help Australians nd the free service that is right for them,” Mr Albanese said.
The prime minister said providing more free, public mental health services for Australians with di erent levels of need will help to relieve pressure on the subsidised services provided by
private psychologists.
He said it will take pressure o the Better Access program, support psychologists to work to their full scope of practice and spend more time treating people with moderate and high needs.
The Coalition has promised to invest an additional $400 million in youth mental health services, including regional mental health services and a National Centre for Excellence in Youth Mental Health.
Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that 8.5 million or 43 per cent of the population aged 16-85 years old have experienced a mental illness.
Some 4.3 million or 22pc have experienced a mental disorder in the last 12 months.
Finalists announced for Wangaratta’s $40,000 textile award
THE Wangaratta Art Gallery has announced the nalists for the 2025 Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award, with each artist now in the running to take home the $40,000 acquisitive award.
Now in its ninth iteration, the Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award was initially established to mark Wangaratta’s long and prominent history of textile manufacturing and cra making.
In furthering this unique tradition and social history, the award celebrates and strengthens the development of contemporary textile practice in Australia.
With the signi cant investment of project partners, the Kyamba Foundation, the $40,000 o ered in prize money makes it the richest textile prize in Australia.
The 10 nalists, selected from more than 430 entries Australia wide, are contemporary artists who not only demonstrate a mastery of technique in a broad textile medium, but innovation and excellence
alongside a rigorous and robust conceptual practice.
The 2025 finalists are:
(NSW), Cara Johnson (VIC), Charles
Levi (NSW), Emily Simek (VIC), Jacqueline Stojanovic (VIC), Sera Waters (SA) and Jemima Wyman (NSW/ USA).
The finalists were selected by a panel of three including 2023 award winner and artist Sepideh Farzam, Ararat Gallery Textile Art Museum Australia visual arts coordinator Katy Mitchell, and Wangaratta Art Gallery director Rachel Arndt.
Ms Arndt said the award attracted a calibre of artists that are leading contemporary dialogue and practice both within the textile medium and across disciplines.
She said since inception, Wangaratta Art Gallery’s textile focus has been, and continues to be, demonstrated through programming and acquisition.
“The award is intrinsically embedded within this direction yet with more expansive aims - to recognise
the textile medium as fundamentally situated within contemporary visual arts practice and to elevate textiles on a national scale,” Ms Arndt said.
The biennial award showcases some of the most celebrated contemporary artists working in textiles from across the country and is one of the most signi cant art prizes in the national art calendar.
Previous nalists include Raquel Ormella, Paul Yore, Kate Just and Hiromi Tango who regularly exhibit overseas and in major Australian galleries.
The winner will be selected from the nalist exhibition by guest judge, Murray Art Museum Albury chief executive o cer Blair French and will be announced at the opening and award ceremony on Saturday, 24 May.
The Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award exhibition will be held at Wangaratta Art Gallery from 24 May to 17 August.
Helvi Apted (VIC), Elisa
Jane Carmichael (QLD), Hannah Cooper (NSW), Charlotte Haywood
Five groups share in RSL’s $25,000 grants
BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au
FIVE local groups will bene t from funds provided by the Wangaratta RSL Sub-Branch in its latest $25,000 community grants round.
Support provided to Open Door Neighbourhood House ($6000), Big Brothers Big Sisters ($6000), Into Our Hands Give Wangaratta Fund Madge Brown Foundation partnership ($5000), Zac’s Place ($5000) and Thread Together ($3000) will ow to the wider community through a range of initiatives.
The RSL’s community grants program has been running since 2019, and was developed following the club’s establishment at its current premises in Templeton Street, which allowed it to increase support for the local community.
As a not-for-pro t organisation which primarily serves the needs of returned service defence members within Wangaratta and surrounds, the club created the funding program to assist other communitybased organisations in delivering bene ts to those in need.
The grants program aims to support groups which carry out programs and projects addressing social issues, or which provide facilities for Rural City of Wangaratta residents.
Open Door Neighbourhood House will use its funds to help vulnerable people access aged care, National Disability Insurance Scheme, alcohol and other drug and/or mental health support and assistance.
The project will ensure that members of the community don’t fall through the gaps due to their digital literacy skills, isolation or ability to navigate complex systems.
The RSL funding will allow Open Door to employ experts who can undertake this work and create lifechanging outcomes for the district’s most vulnerable people.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Wangaratta’s grant allocation will support the program’s work to provide volunteer mentors for young people who are at risk, o en due to social issues such as problem gambling, substance abuse and family violence.
Compassionate, non-judgemental volunteers are recruited from within the community, screened and provided with basic training, and
carefully matched with young people in need, who bene t from the stable adult in uence.
Caz Sammon, community-based mentoring coordinator for BBBS Wangaratta, said the RSL had been a friend and supporter of the program since it was revived in the rural city.
“This community funding keeps us going; we have no ongoing or government funding, so these grants are what keeps us in our community,” she said.
“The di erence our mentors make is life-changing to these young people.”
Caz said the group was actively seeking more mentors to cater for demand, and anyone seeking more information could contact her on caz.sammon@bbbsau.org
For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters, visit https:// bigbrothersbigsisters.org.au/
Into Our Hands Community Foundation will direct its $5000 allocation to a pool of funding which will be distributed to the Wangaratta community at the end of the nancial year, through an open
SATURDAY 19 & SUNDAY
grant round in partnership with the Madge Brown Trust.
Past support for the initiative from the RSL has made a meaningful impact, and will again support local initiatives.
For more information about the upcoming grant ground, keep an eye on the Into Our Hands Community Foundation website, https://intoourhandsfoundation.com.au/
Funding provided to Thread Together, which is overseen by the Wangaratta Baptist Church, will enable expansion of the service.
Thread Together collects brand new, end-of-line stock from some of Australia’s largest fashion retailers, and provides it to people in need, who are referred by local agencies.
The Wangaratta hub is set up in the form of a retail store, with guests able to browse, choose, and try on clothing items to ensure they t, and then select two full out ts per visit.
“Last year, we clothed more than 250 people, this year we are on track to clothe 500, and next year we are aiming to clothe 1000 people,” Wangaratta Baptist Church
Pastor Aaron Wardle said.
“This grant from the RSL helps keep us open.”
Pastor Aaron said while the initiative has strong volunteer support, more assistance is always welcome, and anyone interested in helping out can email aaron@wangarattabaptist.com.au
Another initiative supporting the district’s most vulnerable people is Zac’s Place in Wills Street.
As the seventh winter of Wang Night Shelter approaches, Zac’s Place continues to operate yearround to provide community, administration and continuing support for those staying in the winter shelter.
Zac’s Place operates as the daytime space of the shelter, facilitating community and providing a connecting point for those experiencing homelessness.
Its RSL grant will be used to support needs including administration and project coordination of the shelter, provisions, and sourcing of food and necessities for those being supported.
Take a day trip to the King Valley. Join us for food, wine, cocktails and some of the best tasting cakes in the NE. A selection of sweet treats to tempt the most hardened of sugar deniers! Easter Sunday feast on our homemade gnocchi from 12 noon - 2:30pm. Pizzini is closed Good Friday. Open every other day 10am-5pm.
“He deserves a second chance” –local lawyer, victim plead for mercy on Noah Balta
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
A WANGARATTA lawyer, and his client who was victim of a “savage and brutal” assault at the hands of Noah Balta, have pleaded to see his attacker given a second chance.
The Richmond footballer became eligible for team selection this week a er his club imposed a four-week suspension following his attack on a 27-year-old man on 30 December last year at Mulwala Ski Club.
Balta fronted Corowa Local Court on 27 March where CCTV footage of the assault was aired, depicting him pushing and landing several blows to the victim’s head.
The victim su ered severe lacerations to the face, concussion, rib fractures and was subsequently diagnosed with PTSD.
According to multiple reports, the prosecution submitted the o ence warranted a jail term.
The victim and his lawyer, John Suta, pursued legal action against Balta for damages and it was settled following the 27 March court appearance.
Mr Suta said Balta made a “terrible” mistake, in a “brutal, alcohol fueled and unprovoked” attack on his client, who echoes his thoughts.
“He presented himself to police the following day, made full admissions and pleaded guilty at the rst opportunity,” he said.
“He appropriately settled my client’s claim for damages in the civil jurisdiction and has made amends.
“He conducted himself as a model litigant in the matter… he deserves a second chance.”
Richmond face Fremantle in Adelaide on Sunday, with teams expected to be announced on Thursday night.
Balta is set to be sentenced for his criminal matter on 22 April at Albury court.
VITAL ASSISTANCE: Wangaratta RSL general manager Chris Simsen (far le ) and Wangaratta RSL Sub-Branch treasurer Ron Sneddon (far right) with representatives of three recipients of the latest RSL community grants round, Wangaratta Baptist Church Pastor Aaron Wardle from Thread Together Wangaratta, Caz Sammon from Big Brothers Big Sisters Wangaratta, and Into Our Hands Community Foundation executive o icer Sylvie Huigen.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
Family values number one for Michael White
By STEVE KELLY
FAMILY First candidate for Indi and Beechworth resident Michael White is not new to politics, having campaigned for the party at a state level for Northern Victoria.
It is the rst time Mr White has contested Indi and he nominated because he wanted to stand up for Family First’s values.
“What Family First talks about correlates with my own personal values,” he said.
“People who vote for Family First are those looking for an
alternative on the conservative side of politics.
“Our society has Christian values and we’re prepared to take those and put them in public policy.
“We look at the basic unit of our society, the family, and make sure we have public policy which supports that.
“It’s like stepping back and looking at what are the fundamentals of our society and what should we defend rather be engrossed in promoting a particular interest or idea, for example workers rights or the environment,
which other parties tend to do.
“This is not a bad thing, but we tend to take a bigger picture view which is why I wanted to run as a candidate.”
Mr White said Family First’s focus at this election is for sensible policies on energy to ensure prices don’t rise for struggling Australian families.
“We have concerns about government going too fast down the renewables track,” he said.
“We’re interested in making sure we have a reliable and a ordable power system rather than the current ideology which
says we have to go 100 per cent renewables.”
Given the chance he would convert the money spent on “bloated bureaucracy” into faster road repairs, shorter casualty wait times, and more frequent trains on the North East line.
Mr White said he also wants better care for children who aren’t born with the bene t of a stable family.
He has experienced rst hand how kids can thrive when they have a permanent home and the damage done when they don’t get that soon enough.
Libertarians plan to reform tax system
By STEVE KELLY
CUTTING taxes is a key policy Libertarian candidate for Indi Tim Quilty is pushing as he nominates for his second time in the electorate.
Politics and numbers are a familiar space for the Wodonga accountant as he served over four years in the state upper house for Northern Victoria under the party’s former name, Liberal Democrats.
their own earnings and they’ll only pay tax when when they start taking pro ts.”
“We want to make Australia better and it has been pretty obvious we’ve been on a downward slide, something has gone wrong and both of our major parties are completely out of touch,” he said.
“Our Independents aren’t doing much better so I want to stand to make a di erence and I want Australia to be a place for our kids to have better jobs in, and I think the Libertarian party has the answer for that.
“I have a track record in parliament.
“People know I will ght for their freedoms and oppose tax grabs, wasteful spending and bad government regulation.
“Libertarians think Australia needs a radical program of tax and spending cuts, economic reform, regulation removal and protection of individual rights.”
Mr Quilty detailed a few of the party’s policies including cutting taxes - $50K tax free threshold, 20 per cent tax, combined family incomes (so $100K TFT for couples), and only taxing company pro ts when distributed, not when earned.
“We’re also proposing reforms to com-
Cheaper electricity – no bans, no subsidies and protecting the environment from wind, solar and powerline destruction are key policies.
“As a party we have long proposed legalising nuclear power and the Liberal party took our policy, which was great,” Mr Quilty said.
“We don’t want to subsidise or the government to pay for it, we just want to make it legal then let businesses do whatever is cheapest and drive energy prices down.
“What we’re doing with solar panels and wind farms and the connecting infrastructure which has been le out of the equation, is driving up energy costs.”
The Libertarians want to abolish the Federal Department of Education, encourage new education models and fund children, not schools, including home education co-ops.
Other goals include protecting womenonly spaces and sports; reforming immigration to reduce the economic strains; enshrining rights in the constitution; defending freedom of speech; promoting rights to privacy; and ending Australian involvement in overseas con icts.
New Independent on the scene
By STEVE KELLY
MARK McFarlane wants to keep it real as a candidate for Indi as he believes there are too many groomed politicians following the party line.
Glenrowan is close to Mr McFarlane’s heart as he lived there for more than a decade and the now Benalla resident describes himself as a conservative Independent who is out to serve the people.
He took aim at incumbent Helen Haines because as he said farmers feel like they’re not getting any support from her around the construction of solar facilities on agricultural land.
“I am not for this renewable push and I’m representing the people who just want good base load power and I want to continue to support the coal and gas industry,” he said.
As a carpenter and home designer, he feels their needs to be a greater focus on building houses rather than the government just throwing money at schemes and nothing happens.
Mr McFarlane was an Australian Army apprentice carpenter when he was younger and he wants to see the
Army apprentice schools (formerly at Bonegilla and Mt Martha) reinstated to help bolster the military as well as the building industry as more people become quali ed.
“I am a real choice for the independence of Indi, and not an advocate for Climate200, World Economic Forum, World Health Organisation or the United Nations,” he said.
“These are all unelected in ltrators on our free way of life.”
Other topics Mr McFarlane is interested in include a push for better health care around untested vaccines, carcinogenic EMF microwaves from 5G towers and transmitters, aeroplane pollution and weather manipulation of the skies.
He also wants to lessen the income tax burdens on the average Australian, keep coal and gas in the power generation mix, and see an end to parental right impediments around schooling and medical aspects of people’s own children.
“I also want to stop the roll-out of toxic wind/solar and battery factories on our country, as well as lowering migrant stress on our housing and public facilities,” he said.
Est. 1884, Incorporating Wangaratta Despatch, Est. 1861
FAMILIAR FACE: Libertarian candidate for Indi Tim Quilty.
STANDING FOR PEOPLE’S RIGHTS: Mark McFarlane says he’s the real choice for independence in Indi.
federal election - INDI
Indi candidates’ forum Monday
By STEVE KELLY
INDI candidates for the 3 May federal election will answer questions at a town hall style community forum next Monday.
Hosted by the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) Wangaratta and district branch and moderated by state president Brett Hosking, the forum will start at 7pm at the North Wangaratta Football Netball Club rooms.
The forum is open to all members of the general public and questions across all election relevant topics will be ac-
cepted in the Q&A format.
“Our branch has a history of hosting the forum over many years and we encourage everyone to turn up,” Wangaratta and district branch president Greg Mirabella said.
“The format will allow each candidate a couple of minutes to address the audience and then the microphone will be passed around the room for a Q&A.
“Brett will moderate the forum and vice president Peter Star will also be in attendance.
“The forum will have a town hall feeling where people will
stand up and let y with whatever it is they want to ask.”
Mr Mirabella explained that questions to candidates and the answers will be the focus.
“We will be rigorous on shutting people down as you do get audience members who want to stand up and give a speech,” he said.
“We won’t allow it to become a debate between candidates and the rules are that if a candidate feels aggrieved at something someone else has said they will just pass a note, and if we deem it appropriate, that person will get a right of reply.”
INDI CANDIDATES: Indi candidates, who have publicly announced they will nominate, include (clockwise from top le ) Mitch Bridges, Helen Haines, James Trenery, Alysia Regan, Athol Thomas, Tim Quilty, Michael White, and Mark McFarlane.
Candidates confirmed today for Indi election
■ From page 1
In 2019 Dr Haines won 51.4 per cent of the vote over Liberal Party candidate Steve Martin, despite a 4.1pc swing to the Libs.
She backed up in 2022 to beat Liberal candidate Ross Lyman after achieving a 7.55pc swing in her favour.
Voters will be able to head to the polls in Wangaratta after the Easter weekend from Tuesday, 22 April, with the early polling place at Wareena Park Hall.
Opening hours will include 22-24 April (8.30am-5.30pm), 26 April (9am-4pm), 28 April to
1 May (8.30-5.30pm), and 2 May (8.30am-6pm).
Polling places on Election Day voting, 3 May, will be open from 8am to 6pm.
In the Rural City of Wangaratta they include: Fr James Byrne Memorial Hall, White Street; Purbrik Hall-Holy Trinity Cathedral; St Bernards Primary School Hall; Tarrawingee Community Hall; Glenrowan Primary School; Milawa Public Hall; Eldorado Memorial Hall; Moyhu Soldiers Memorial Hall; Springhurst Primary School; and Whorouly Library Hall.
Ballot packs will be sent automatically to registered postal voters, visit https://www.aec. gov.au/election/pva.htm.
Coalition’s $20b Regional Australia Future Fund
NATIONALS leader David Littleproud has announced a new $20 billion Regional Australia Future Fund, to deliver a guaranteed annual funding stream in perpetuity for regional, rural and remote Australia.
In a major funding announcement Thursday, the Coalition pledged to preserve a portion of commodity windfall receipts towards the establishment of Regional Australia Future Fund to grow this fund to $20 billion.
“This is about putting regional people rst and leaving a legacy for future generations,” Mr Littleproud said.
Mr Littleproud said the fund will be legislated in perpetuity and have clear investment principles, will be transparent and benchmarked with a legislated state
of the regions review by an independent committee, which will inform each four-year investment plan.
The initial key priorities of the Regional Australia Future Fund include:
• Fixing local road and transport networks.
• Growing the regional health workforce.
• Developing regional industries to drive economic growth and create secure jobs.
• Delivering exible childcare solutions for families.
• Growing tourism industry opportunities.
• Supporting regional businesses to market and export their product.
• Improving regional mobile and internet services.
• Building and upgrading economic and community infrastructure,
facilities and services.
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Senator Bridget McKenzie, said this will be a transformative investment.
“This is an historic moment for the one third of Australians who live outside the big capital cities – a perpetual fund to future-proof regional Australia against short-termism and governments who leave regions behind,” Senator McKenzie said.
Liberal candidate for Indi, James Trenery, said the fund will have an initial injection of $5 billion and receive a percentage of annual commodity windfalls until the fund reaches $20 billion.
“The funding stream will be in addition to normal government spending - not replace it,” he said.
Plan ahead and keep your holiday on track
WHETHER you’re camping, mountain biking or hiking, paramedics are encouraging Victorians to know their limits and stay safe while outdoors these school holidays.
Ambulance Victoria (AV) Wilderness Response paramedics have recently responded to several calls for falls and high angle rescues across the state.
While it’s great to see Victorians exploring all the state has to offer, AV Alpine senior team manager Jonathan Hopkins said it was important to always be prepared and do activities within your limits.
“You never know what might happen, so it’s important to be as prepared as possible before heading off on your next adventure,” he said.
“Always carry some sort of communication device such as a phone or radio and let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
“Make sure your clothing and footwear are appropriate for the conditions and bring plenty of water, food, matches, sunscreen and a torch.
“You can’t predict when an emergency will occur, so our advice is to carry a first aid kit, know snake bite management and learn how to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).”
You should also check the weather and be prepared for conditions to change, especially when heading to remote or unfamiliar locations.
Mr Hopkins said emergencies can happen in unfamiliar locations so it’s important to familiarise yourself with resources available to help contact Triple Zero (000).
“Download the EmergencyPlus app which has a built-in GPS function to help you provide coordinates to the Triple Zero (000) call taker,” he said.
“The app also contains the what3words software which works offline, so can be used in remote areas with poor data connection to quickly provide an exact location.
“You may also consider a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) which, when activated, sends an emergency signal via satellite to emergency services.”
Download the VicEmergency app or visit Vic Emergency to be notified of incidents and warnings in your area.
Tips to stay safe while hiking:
Always let someone know where you’re going and when you’re expected to be back.
Be sure to bring enough water and food, and anything else you need to stay safe such as matches, a torch, sunscreen and basic first aid kit.
Be cautious that, depending on conditions, there is a potential risk of hypothermia and heatstroke.
Download the EmergencyPlus app which has a built-in GPS function to help a caller provide call takers with location details. The What3Words location function works offline so it can be used in remote areas with poor data connections as well.
Download the VicEmergency app to be notified of incidents and warnings for your area. Check for any road and trail closures that may impact your plans.
Resources on CPR, alternative services and staying safe outdoors are available in multiple languages on the Ambulance Victoria website: ambulance.vic.gov.au/translated-resources/
Happy reunion for exwelder Norm Adams
LOCAL resident Norm Adams recently ful lled his wish to reunite with his old workmates from the Gas and Fuel Cooperation of Victoria (GFCV) at a reunion dinner on March 27.
The 93-year-old spent time contacting his old friends from the workplace in hopes of organising a catch-up following his retirement 36 years ago.
In 1971, Norm began working for Colonial Gas.
What was meant to be six weeks of work to cover someone’s sick leave turned into 18 years of his favourite job.
A er delivering gas bottles in the early days of his career, he began training to become a service welder.
In this position, he had to connect homes to the main existing gas lines around Wangaratta by welding on live gas lines of high and low pressure.
In 1973, Colonial Gas was pur-
chased by the GFCV, according to the Public Record O ce Victoria.
The GFCV came into operation in 1951 and was a public authority of the state, owned jointly by the government and shareholders.
Norm became part of the Wangaratta, Benalla and Euroa GFCV group.
He can tell you everything about his time at the company; from his co-workers, to the names of the contractors, to the streets he welded services into.
He made some great friends and came home with some good stories, which have been told to his children and grandchildren many times.
Before Norm came to work for GFCV, Wangaratta was supplied by coal gas from a plant/ coal tank established where we would nd Wangaratta McDonald’s today.
In 1969, the Victoria Pipelines
Commission ordered a pipeline for natural gas from Melbourne.
A former GFCV employee said the rst home in Wangaratta to be connected to natural gas was in Murdoch Road, on Monday, 22 August, 1977.
Statistics from the Public Record O ce state more than one million home appliances converted to natural gas state-wide by GFCV and Colonial Gas.
By the end of 1977, appliance conversions were completed in Seymour, Benalla, Wangaratta and Shepparton.
In 1995, The Gas and Fuel Corporation of Victoria was absorbed into the State Electricity Commission of Victoria.
Norm nished work with the company in 1989.
He still has the retirement poem his workmate Ron Briggs wrote for his going away lunch.
So where did all the Gas and Fuel employees go?
Norm wanted to nd out.
He enlisted the help of his granddaughter to put a post on Wangaratta’s Community Noticeboard Facebook page, reached out to people he knew were still in Wangaratta, put a notice in the paper and even cold-called people from the phone book.
He was determined to reconnect with as many of his old work mates as possible.
On 27 March, the reunion of the Gas and Fuel Corporation Wangaratta, Benalla and Euroa nally commenced.
The group met at the North Eastern Hotel in Wangaratta, with 30 people in attendance, including ex-employees and their partners.
If you have natural gas supply to your home in Wangaratta, and it was built before 1995, chances are, one of these exemployees helped to get it there.
FAREWELL LETTER: The letter addressed to Norm Adams from his workmate Ron Briggs.
Yarrunga principal change, Galen too
By SIMONE KERWIN
YARRUNGA Primary School is set for a change of principal, with current leader Fran Waterman taking on a new role in Wodonga.
Ms Waterman has been provisionally appointed as the inaugural principal of Leneva (Frederic Street Road) Primary School, a new school currently being built in Wodonga. She was provisionally appointed following a statewide principal selection process, and is expected to commence work at Leneva Primary in term two. Michael Jenkins, who has been sharing the principal position with Ms Waterman, will step into the role of acting principal for term two, with advertising for a substantive principal to take place during the term.
Ms Waterman’s move from Yarrunga is not the only principalship change taking e ect in Wangaratta in term two.
Shaun Mason, who was last year appointed principal of Galen Catholic College to replace Darta Hovey, will begin in the role next term, a er completing term one at FCJ Benalla, where he has been principal for threeand-a-half years.
Jim Samon spent term one as acting principal at Galen.
Police fines to go digital in major overhaul
DRIVERS can expect to see on the spot fines sent straight to their phones while behind the wheel in a police overhaul of the infringement notice system.
can dedicate more time to policing and community safety.”
Victoria Police has rolled out new technology that allows officers to create and issue penalty infringement notices via email or text.
State Highway Patrol members were the first to begin issuing electronic penalty infringement notices (ePINs) in Victoria in February.
The application features built-in information on penalty codes, penalty amounts, demerit points and the ability to calculate infringement due dates.
RETURNING: Shaun Mason,
DEPARTING: Fran Waterman will move from her role as principal of Yarrunga Primary School to take on the principalship at new Wodonga school Leneva Primary. INSET: RETURNING: Shaun Mason, a former deputy principal at Galen Catholic College, will commence term two in his role as Galen Catholic College principal.
There have been 5143 ePINs issued between 11 February and 7 April.
Deputy Commissioner, Wendy Steendam, said the new ePINs application, which operates on Victoria Police issued mobile devices, simplifies the process of issuing an infringement.
“With Victoria now introducing digital licences and a lot of traditional paperwork now digital, introducing electronic infringements is a natural and timely progression for the force,” she said.
“This new technology makes a significant difference to how we issue fines, and how the public receives them.
“Reducing the time required for police to complete paper-based administration means we
Those who have interacted with police and are receiving their infringement notice electronically are asked to provide their email address or mobile phone number. The same processes for payment and objection applies to ePINs as it does now for paper-based infringements.
If a member of the public cannot receive the infringement notice electronically, the ePIN can be printed and mailed to their residential address.
Victoria Police typically issues around 350,000 paper infringement notices at the roadside each year. The ePINs capability will gradually be rolled out across the state throughout 2025, with all Victoria Police members to be equipped to issue infringements electronically.
The force-wide rollout is expected to be completed by June 2025.
For more information, please visit https:// www.police.vic.gov.au/ infringement-notices
NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.
RSL continues to make a difference
SINCE its inception in 2019, Wangaratta RSL sub-branch’s community grants program has given a significant helping hand to worthwhile community groups.
The latest round of funding (featured in Simone Kerwin’s article on page 3 in today’s Chronicle) continues that tradition with $25,000 shared between Open Door Neighbourhood House, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Into Our Hands Wangaratta Fund, Madge Brown Foundation partnership, Zac’s Place and Thread Together.
A diverse group of recipients indeed which reflects the breadth of the RSL’s impact on different sections of our community.
Of course this is not the only meaningful contribution the sub-branch makes to the rural city and with ANZAC Day just around the corner it’s a timely reminder that RSLs across the country are as relevant today as when they began in 1916 in providing support and advocacy for our service personnel.
And while these cash grants will make a major difference for each of the recipient groups you will see if you read the article they need other support as well.
Big Brothers Big Sisters for instance welcomes non-judgmental volunteers to mentor young people who are at risk while Thread Together, which collects brand new clothing to pass onto those in need, more volunteers are also needed.
When you consider they helped clothe more than 250 people last year and expect to double that in the next 12 months, you can see why.
Zac’s Place and Wangaratta Night Shelter likewise are coming into their most demanding time of year as our local homeless seek shelter from the cold.
By supporting the RSL, you are also supporting the wider community.
FACEBOOK users this week commented on
MP Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell’s claims that grocery prices will rise if the proposed fire services levy passes.
• Linda Simpson: It’s a disgraceful cash grab and no doubt being shelved until after the election as Federal Labor don’t want the inevitable voter backlash falling on them! After the Election, it will be right back and shoved quickly and quietly through Parliament!
• Craig McDonald: We all
need the emergency services from time to time. I imagine the people complaining now would also be the first to scream when their properties are impacted by a lack of funding.
• Leslie Matthews: Bit of a stretch...
• John Barnard: Leslie Matthews don’t think it is, on costs created to farmers by the this new tax will be passed on, remember user pays in the end Facebook users this
week also commented on the reopening of a trail after a tree which caught ablaze on Sunday fell.
• Syd Knight: Nice fire wood
• Lisa Delahunty Peach: Syd Knight was thinking the same……..won’t last long!!
• Barry Burns: will bet no one is allowed to take it
• Alexis Baillie: Lucky it didn’t burn into the ground
• Leslie Matthews: Some people see firewood others see ongoing habitat destruction.
Don’t vote for parties, vote for real change
THERE is that old saying of shooting yourself in the foot when things go wrong, well Peter Dutton has managed to blow his leg off with his backdowns, policies with no real data or costings, just make it up as you go.
His closeness to Trump, real or imagined, is also not doing his team any favours.
A vote for the local Lib candidate is a vote for Dutton.
Just as true a vote for any Labor candidate is a vote for the current government.
I think if you want some real change in our politics the more Independents the better.
A hung parliament where legalisation is voted on without the typical party line sounds a good move for common sense and better democracy, that’s what I hope for.
My vote will be for Helen Haines.
As with the senate ballot paper I vote below the line not the party line.
If you want the $300 billion AUKUS rubbish of phantom submarines, instead of money spent where we need it like on housing, hospitals and services, keep voting for the major parties and business as usual.
Luke Davies, Wangaratta
Facebook users this week also commented on WorkSafe Victoria’s ‘Don’t cross the line’ campaign.
• Craig McDonald: I had a serious death threat once from a customer because they couldn’t get their new internet dongle to work. His wife rang the store to warn that he was “coming to get me”.
• Paul Crabb: Frustration is understandable , but to take it out on understaffed workers is not on !
Our follower total is Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.
15,217
Dear Climate200, farmland is not a renewable
COVERING our farmland in solar panels is not a good thing for regional Australia.
According to Energy Victoria, Victorian households and businesses installed 630 MW of rooftop solar systems in 2023/24, which saw rooftop solar provide 9.3 per cent of Victoria’s electricity generation in 2023/24, up from 7.9 per cent during the previous year.
So if the current federal Labor government pursues its ambition of 82 per cent renewables, it’s almost impossible to imagine what our farmland is going to look like in the years ahead.
Covering our countryside in panels, wind towers, and transmission lines in order to send intermittent electricity to Melbourne for a few hours a day is neither a practical nor political solution to reducing greenhouse gases.
For all the vast landscape of our country, we have precious little high-quality
personnel from the region a chance to catch up in a relaxed, friendly environment, the morning tea is held on the second Tuesday of each month from 10am to 11.30am at the RSL in Templeton Street.
productive farmland.
Here in the North East we are fortunate with the land we do have.
Why would we agree to put large parts of it out of production, covering it with solar panels?
Most, if not all of these projects have business cases that are based on Carbon Credits for the project owners, not the sale of electricity.
The state government has removed our rights to object to large renewables projects; so much for democracy.
The only hope we have of stopping the march of solar panels across our beautiful landscape is a change of federal government.
I assume the current member for Indi, Helen Haines, in accepting Climate200 funding to pay for her campaign, will support Mr Albanese and his 82 per cent.
We cannot afford this, therefore, I will not be voting for Helen Haines.
A change of federal government would
CATCH-UP: Bluey Bettles and Alex McMillan were among the local veterans who enjoyed Tuesday’s morning tea gathering at the Wangaratta RSL. A popular initiative which gives current and ex-service
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
go along way to reducing this expansion in Victoria and a Coalition victory in the next state election could finish it off altogether.
Carl Stibilj, Wangaratta
Facebook users this week also commented on conflicting views on the government’s planned battery boost aimed at cutting costs and taking climate action.
• Angus Calder: Of course Haines supports the policy - her funding is coming in large part from millionaire renewables investor Simon Holmes a Courts Climate 200 who are also supplying the campaign strategists. The key strategists are all former employees of Adam Bandt and
other Green Senators and of Jim Chalmers the ALP Federal Treasurer. All of this was front page news today in Sydney and the funding and support is confirmed on the Climate 200 website. Indi farmers do not want these toxic tax swindle farms destroying our region but our local member who pretends to be Independent but votes 75% of the time with Adam Bandt cant get enough of them to support her campaign finance.
• Craig McDonald: Angus Calder can I see some links for that please?
NOTE:
• Georgina Cusack: We have a large 12kW solar system which cost us $14,000 seven years ago. So we are not anti solar. However, I am concerned that with this new battery rebate it will only benefit those who have spare cash to splash on batteries. Those in rental accomodation and those in financial stress, which is 64% of Indi, will gain nothing from this policy. In fact they will probably be worse off because the power companies will want to maintain their profit margins and as those with solar and batteries will save money,
while those in financial stress will need to pay more. Does not seem fair to me.
• Na Um: Solar sounded good at the time. How long will it be until we are charged for feeding power to the grid. Now they want us to have batteries.
• Tim Bright: Na Um batteries make sense to spread the output load and/or the network demand. Their problem is the upfront cost and the rate of return on the investment. If this helps get more out of solar then that can’t be bad.
Our follower total is Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.
X users this week commented on the upcoming arrival of Dane Swan to Milawa, the Ovens and Murray FNL season launch and Victorian Farmers Federation events this month.
Trevor Watson @trev1712
Upcoming Sportsman’s Night at the Wangaratta Turf Club. Get along to see and hear from @swandane in support of the @ MilawaDemons
Ovens & Murray FNL @omfnl
After that MASSIVE season opener in Wangaratta, the SS&A Ovens & Murray FNL officially launches into Round 1! It’s time for everyone to shake off that rust, and get back on the field and court! Check out our website for the full fixture.
Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) @VicFarmers
Plenty of VFF April events for you to come to:
15,217 Tweet
wangarattamazda Follow
ing 2024! A special mention to Noel for 10 years service to One Mile Motors, Wangaratta Mazda and the Mazda Brand in Northern Victoria and beyond!
Check out some of our best photos at our @wangchronicle Instagram account.
10 April - @vffStockSense Handling W’shop (Echuca)
11 April - @vffStockSense Stock Handling W’shop (Bendigo)
14 April – VFF Wangaratta Fed Election Forum
17 April – VFF St Arnaud Community Meeting
More:https://vff.org.au/events/
If you have something to say, add our handle @wangchronicle to your tweet and we will publish some each week.
Don’t miss an unforgettable Easter weekend. Join us to celebrate
Ben Brisbourne maintained his good record at Gundagai on Sunday, winning the 2025 Gundagai Cup with Star Buyer.
Given a phenomenal ride by Holly Durnan, the Wangaratta galloper was a class above his rivals.
It was another great day of racing at Gundagai.
Punter
Last night we celebrated excellence! Something we aim for every day! Congratulations to Noel & Mel for an outstand-
Ron Chapman: preserving history
RON Chapman has been a member of the Warby Engine Club for the past 20 years and has amassed an eclectic collection of rare tractors, railway trikes and re trucks.
Ron was born in Geelong in 1957 to Jack and Irene Chapman who ran a dry grocers store selling biscuits, our and cooking ingredients.
He was the youngest of seven children.
Ron le school at 16 to become an apprentice sheet metal worker at J.C. Taylors in Geelong and stayed with the company for over a decade.
In 1976, Ron married Elizabeth and in the early nineties the collapse of the Pyramid Building Society forced the Taylors, his employer, into receivership.
As a consequence, Ron and Elizabeth moved to Co s Harbour, so that he could continue to work at his trade.
Ron’s rst tractor restoration was completed while living in Co s Harbour.
He was gi ed a Howard 2000 by his father.
The problem was that the clutch did not function and repairing it was not an easy task.
As luck would have it a repair shop called Geriatric Tractors was nearby and Ron was able to source the parts and be given advice from an expert as to how to complete the repair.
Ron and Elizabeth moved to Wangaratta in 1999 to be closer to their families in Geelong.
They purchased a property that had an established dog and cat kennel business and began operating Kelly Country Pet Resort.
Ron also held part-time positions at Nortons Plumbing and at OP Industries, fabricating sheet metal stainless steel bins and air conditioning units.
His son David and his grandchildren Lucas and Mathew share his obsession with engines and rare machinery.
WARBY
ENGINE CLUB DISPLAYS
WILL BE
AT
THE
WANGARATTA HISTORIC MOTOR SHOW & FLY IN
Since joining the Warby Engine Club, Ron has participated in numerous club displays at the Wangaratta, Myrtleford, Mans eld shows and the Beechworth Drive Back In Time event.
He has held the positions of president and vice-president and performed the duties associated with those roles, conducting meetings and organising events for members.
The 45 year old club currently has 58 members and is one of the oldest engine clubs in Australia.
Ron’s involvement with the Wangaratta Historic Motor Show committee was inspired by Richie Gardner and Mick Daws, the co-founders of the event, who approached the Warby Engine Club to become part of the group in 2014.
“I thought that it was an excellent idea to include the local clubs who wanted to be involved in the motor show to provide an event where members could mix and interact,” he said.
Servicing Wangaratta for over 20 years in Implant placement
Dentists:
Dr. Tony Goodison B.D.Sc (Melb)
Dr. Joe Ibrahim D.D.S (Melb)
Dr. Michael Lin D.D.S (Melb)
Ron is also proud of the contribution that the event has made to the local community, with proceeds from the Saturday night auction and the Sunday display being donated to individuals su ering hardship and to local health and wellbeing institutions to help make a di erence.
Part of the Chapman historic machinery treasure trove will be on display at the Wangaratta Historic Motor Show & Fly In to be held at the Wangaratta Airport on Sunday, 27 April commencing at 9am.
Entry for adults is $25 and children under 15 are free.
A huge display of trucks, tractors, re engines, ambulances, veteran, vintage and classic vehicles, motorbikes, military vehicles, stationary engines and Aircra will keep the family engaged for hours.
The Lions Club of Wangaratta is catering for the event along with several street traders o ering a variety of food a drink options.
DENTAL IMPLANTS
A fixed and reliable alternative to dentures or deteriorated teeth
Straumann Implants - Today’s leaders in dental implants guaranteed
Hygienists / Therapists:
Cathryn Carboon R.D.H (Adel)
Anne O’Sullivan R.D.T (Melb)
Tina Tsui B.O.H (Adel)
For one or more missing teeth or full arch (All-on-4)
Denture stabilisation
Immediate solutions completed in the comfort of our practice
SHARED PASSION: Ron Chapman (right) and son David and his son share a passion for engines and rare old machinery and will be part of this year’s Wangaratta Historic Motor Show & Fly In to be held on Sunday, 27 April.
MADE FOR EACH OTHER:
Ron Chapman on one of his old tractors.
RCH Appeal inspires Jess’ health career
THE North East tradition of CFA brigades travelling around urban streets and rural homes to collect for the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Good Friday Appeal will continue in 2025.
In Wangaratta, the city’s donation total is tipped to pass $3 million gathered for the hospital since the rural city’s entry to the appeal in 1969, and contributions handed to those manning and walking with re trucks on Good Friday has been a signi cant part of that.
Among those who have seen the impact the region’s generosity can make is Jess Patterson, for whom volunteering with CFA and supporting the Good Friday Appeal has been part of life for as long as she can remember.
Growing up in Baddaginnie near Benalla, Jess and her family have dedicated countless Good Fridays to rattling tins alongside their brigade members to raise vital funds for the RCH.
Now, as a nal-year radiography student, Jess credits these experiences with shaping her career path.
Inspired by the impact of community fundraising and the compassionate care provided by the RCH, she is pursuing a future in paediatric radiology to make a direct di erence in children’s healthcare.
Jess’ journey with CFA began in 2010 when her family moved to a hobby farm outside Benalla.
Her father, Geo Patterson, joined Baddaginnie brigade, and soon the entire family including Jess, her mother Trish, and younger sister Nicole became active volunteers.
“Living in rural Victoria, joining CFA felt like a natural choice not just to protect our own property but to support our community,” Jess said.
“It also became a great way to connect with people in our small town.”
DEVOTED COLLECTORS: The
For Jess and Nicole, the Good Friday Appeal quickly became a family tradition and friendly competition.
Each year, they would pair up with a parent to see who could collect the most donations while walking door-to-door in Benalla.
“As kids, riding in the fire trucks, meeting generous locals, and watching our collection tins get so heavy we could barely carry them was incredible,” Jess said.
“It was a tangible reminder of how communities rally together to support those in need.
“The Good Friday Appeal showed me the power of community and the impact of compassionate healthcare.
“I wanted to contribute, not just through fundraising, but as a healthcare professional helping children directly.”
A childhood experience needing
Volunteers sought for Wangaratta collection
AS locals gather their contributions in readiness to hand over when fire trucks make their way around the region next Friday, volunteers are also being sought from the Wangaratta community in the lead-up to and on the day.
If you are able to assist with collections at Wangaratta’s central traffic lights from 9am to 12 noon this Friday or Saturday, next Thursday or on Good Friday, please contact Wangaratta and district Good Friday Appeal coordinator Alex Carmody on 0428 120 310.
Locals can also support the appeal by dropping in to the barbecue at Bunnings Wangaratta this Saturday from 8.30am to 4pm.
For more information on how to support the Good Friday Appeal, visit www. goodfridayappeal.com.au
an X-ray cemented her passion for radiography.
“The radiographer was so kind and reassuring, and I realised how crucial it is to make children feel comfortable in medical settings,” Jess said.
“Throughout my clinical placements, I’ve focused on creating positive experiences for young patients.
“Seeing the work done at hospitals like RCH has only strengthened my determination to work in paediatric radiology.”
This year, CFA volunteers across Victoria are aiming to surpass $40 million in total funds collected for the Good Friday Appeal across 74 years; Jess and Nicole are proud to have played a small part in this achievement.
Boorhaman Hotel gears up for fundraiser
PLANS are set for Boorhaman Hotel’s annual Good Friday Appeal event in support of the Royal Children’s Hospital. Boorhaman’s Good Friday activities start with local fire trucks visiting homes and volunteers rattling tins, with the event at the hotel to begin at 2pm.
A major highlight will again be the Ducky Drop fundraiser, where 200 rubber ducks will be dropped from a helicopter at 4pm and prizes awarded for those which lands closest to and furthest from the pin.
Other activities will include yabby races, raffles, lucky dips, and face-painting for the kids, while an auction will be held from 5pm, featuring a range of good and services.
For more information, contact the hotel on 5726 9335.
McEvoy Tavern has a big day planned too
MCEVOY Tavern in Eldorado will be holding their ‘Family Fun Day’ Good Friday Appeal fundraiser for their fourth consecutive year on Friday, 18 April, opening at 12pm. Over the past three years, upwards of $50,000 has gone directly to the appeal, raised from the event organised by Eldorado resident Molly Chambeyron. Ms Chambeyron has promised an exciting day for the whole family; with an Easter egg hunt, face painting, Harley rides and a monster auction.
A “huge craft room” for all the kids to use, an appearance from the Easter bunny and the crowd-favourite ferret racing is also in store, and the LARP [live action role players group] are also on board.
For those interested in volunteering, you can contact Ms Chambeyron on 0417 405 669.
They’ll be at Hamilton Park at 9.30am before making their way through Glenrowan and later surrounding areas including Greta. Glenrowan CFA out collecting
LISTEN out for sirens in your street this Good Friday as the Glenrowan CFA makes their way through the district.
Good Friday Appeal is a family tradition for Jess and Nicole Patterson.
Savour Sri Lankan culture
Wangaratta to celebrate Sinhala and Tamil New Year with a vibrant cultural festival
By JORDAN DUURSMA
THE North East Sri Lankans Association (NESLA) is proud to host the Sinhala and Tamil New Year Festival this Saturday, 12 April from 9am-3pm at the CWA Hall and King George Gardens in Wangaratta.
Returning for its second consecutive year, the event invites the broader community to come together and celebrate the traditional Sri Lankan New Year - a joyous occasion recognised as Avurudu in Sinhalese culture and Puthandu in Tamil culture.
This vibrant cultural festival marks the beginning of the solar new year as per the traditional Panchanga calendar and Buddhist calendar and is widely celebrated by both Tamil and Sinhalese communities in Sri Lanka.
The day will be packed with traditional games, cultural performances, music, dance, and authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, o ering something for all ages and backgrounds.
The festival aims to bring together diverse communities to celebrate, share and learn about Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.
NESLA secretary Punarji Gunaratne said the event is open to everyone.
“The Sri Lankan community in North East Victoria
TRADITION:
Yoshani Desilva,
share a long history in the region and are an integral part of the wider community,” he said.
“We believe it is a great opportunity for Sri Lankan - Australian communities to share a culturally signi cant
day and make friendships.”
April marks the harvest season in Sri Lanka and other South Asian countries.
The traditional new year festival is centred around the rice harvest, which is the staple food in Sri Lanka.
Punarji said this celebration is also in uenced by astrological beliefs, with speci c auspicious times set for starting work, education, and trading during the new year period.
“It is crucial for the Sri
Easter Saturday fun at Apex Park
CELEBRATE the season with Wangaratta Baptist Church’s free Easter Fun Day, to be held on Easter Saturday at Apex Park.
Running from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, 19 April, the event will feature a rock-climbing wall, Jurassic in atable, an adventure tools toy workshop, face-painting, balloon animals, a cra activity, free co ee and hot chocolate, a free sausage sizzle and hot cross buns, as well as an Easter egg hunt. There is no require-
ment to book to attend the free Easter Fun Day. Children, teens, and families are encouraged to turn up on the day.
Children do remain the responsibility of parents for the duration of the event, and the event will continue regardless of weather, as there is provision for cover at Apex Park.
For more information, contact Pastor Aaron Wardle on 0415 721 590 or at church@wangarattabaptist.com.au or visit the Free Easter Fun Day page on Facebook.
LOTS OF FUN: Face-painting will be among the activities available at the Wangaratta Baptist Church’s Easter Fun Day on Easter Saturday.
“Various activities are organised to foster these social bonds, and we are excited to host a series of fun games at the Sinhala and Tamil New Year event to celebrate.”
Festival highlights include Kotta Pora (a traditional pillow- ghting contest on a suspended beam), Aliyata Aha Thabeema (a fun challenge to draw the elephant’s eye), Kana Mutti Bindeema (a potsmashing competition with a surprise twist… blindfolds included), and a variety of children’s games and activities to keep the little ones entertained.
For those who prefer to soak in the atmosphere, there’ll be a mouth-watering selection of Sri Lankan delicacies to enjoy, with plenty of opportunities to try something new.
Cultural entertainment will also be front and centre, with vibrant dance performances by the acclaimed Shali and Shani Performing Arts Australia, bringing the rhythm and energy of Sri Lanka’s traditional dance styles to life.
Lankan community to uphold these cultural rituals and pass them down to future generations,” he said.
“The new year holds significant value as a time for Sri Lankans to reconnect with relatives and friends.
This community celebration is proudly supported by the Victorian Multicultural Commission and organised by NESLA volunteers.
Attendees are required to obtain a free ticket prior to the event for catering purposes at https://www.facebook. com/share/1PSH7vdsSq/.
Free training helps support people in suicide distress
A FREE, evidence-based suicide prevention training course is available to anyone living or working in the Murray PHN (Primary Health Network) region.
Murray PHN is funding Question. Persuade. Refer. (QPR), an online training program endorsed by the Black Dog Institute’s LifeSpan trials.
QPR helps people to identify the warning signs of someone at risk of suicide, builds confidence to speak to them about their thoughts and provides the tools to connect them with professional care.
The training is open to anyone 18 years or over, takes only 60 minutes and can be complet-
ed in multiple sittings.
It’s perfect for hairdressers, baristas, bankers, sporting clubs, or anyone who regularly interacts with a range of people. Interested community members can visit murrayphn.org.au/qpr to register. Registration includes access to several useful resources related to suicide prevention.
If you are in an emergency or at immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, please contact emergency services on 000.
Other services include Lifeline –13 13 14 or lifeline.org.au or Suicide Call Back Service –1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au
CELEBRATE
North East Sri Lankans Association members (from le ) Sameera Fernando, Shyamal Mendis,
Charith Perera and Senaka Lakmal are inviting the community for a day of colour, culture and connection to help ring in the New Year the Sri Lankan way.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
Whorouly Primary make way for healthy eating
WHOROULY Primary School has embraced healthy eating as part of a new, student-led approach to the statewide Vic Kids Eat Well initiative.
Supported by the Victorian government and delivered by Cancer Council Victoria, the Vic Kids Eat Well initiative is a free movement that provides Outside School Hours Care Services (OSHC), schools, sports clubs, council and community-run organisations with the resources to give kids the healthy start they deserve.
With the support of Gateway Health, OSHC students were to get involved with upgrading their food menu to include nutritious and healthy options.
Whorouly Primary School’s OSHC coordinator, Kylie McAuli e, said involving students with the process was key to introducing new food options they would enjoy.
A tasting session was held for students to explore healthy and nutritious options which could make their way to the menu.
Sydney Writers Festival headliners streamed to Wangaratta
“As part of Vic Kids Eat Well’s ‘bite-sized’ changes, OSHC students are now offered a variety of fresh, tasty and nourishing snack options that include fruit and vegetables, such as berries and carrot and celery sticks,” Ms McAuli e said.
“We know the consumption of fruit and vegetables is important for both physical health as well as mental health and wellbeing, so we’re really pleased with this shi .”
The service also swapped juice boxes for milk and wa-
ter at both breakfast and afternoon tea.
OSHC is supported locally by Felicity Kennedy, a dedicated health promotion professional from Gateway Health.
“It was great to chat with the kids and to base the new menu on their preferences,” Ms Kennedy said.
“It means the new food options are more likely to be consumed and enjoyed.
“The students also feel part of the process, empow-
ered and have an increased understanding about nourishing foods.”
Ms Kennedy commended Ms McAuliffe’s efforts to implement such beneficial changes, and said students and families are responding to the transition positively.
“It’s a pleasure working with a coordinator and school that are so willing to explore change; we’re seeing the bene ts for everyone,” she said.
By SIMONE KERWIN
FOLLOWING the success of Sydney Writers’ Festival livestreams to the Wangaratta Library last year, the Live & Local program will return this May.
Sydney Writers’ Festival is Australia’s largest celebration of books and ideas, and brings together the world’s finest authors and esteemed thinkers for insightful and exhilarating conversations and discussions.
The Live & Local program offers a free livestream of festival sessions to libraries and community centres across regional Australia, to share directly with their audiences. Sessions streamed to Wangaratta last year included those featuring Trent Dalton, Leigh Sales, Lisa Millar, Julia Baird and A C Grayling. This year’s program promises to bring headline events direct to Wangaratta on Thursday, 22 May, Friday, 23 May and Saturday, 24 May during opening hours.
Myrrhee community book swap
By ANITA MCPHERSON
THE community is invited to a book swap at the Myrrhee Community Hall on Sunday, 13 April from 10.30am to 12 noon. There will be barista coffee and homemade cakes available, along with the opportunity to swap and share excess produce from the veggie patch, with all welcome.
LEAFY GREENS: Belle Neary (le ) and Lexi Watson prepare to plant a variety of fresh, nutrient-filled veggies.
GREEN THUMBS: Students (from le ) Rowdy Watson, Lexi Watson, Porter Chalmers and Belle Neary take to gardening with enthusiasm. PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling
Community partnership makes big difference for local youths
GOULBURN-MURRAY Water (GMW) has been providing new opportunities for a local charity supporting vulnerable youths.
Founded in 2017, Boys to the Bush is a community-based charity focused on preventative early intervention strategies for ‘disconnected’ young males.
It runs several programs aimed at instilling a sense of belonging within participants and connecting them to their communities.
GMW has recently supported the charity by hosting various excursions to Lake William Hovell and Lake Nillahcootie over the past six months.
Wangaratta’s Boys to the Bush program coordinator Peter Rourke said it had been a great addition to the charity’s program.
“It’s an amazing opportunity for the kids to get out, walk across the dam wall, and learn more about how the dam works and its role in the
broader system,” he said.
“It’s a very engaging educational experience for them.
‘They learn a lot and have a great time while they are there.”
GMW senior storage o cer
John Ashmead has hosted several of the tours at Nillahcootie and William Hovell.
He helped organise the partnership between the two organisations, having seen the potential for GMW to contribute.
“Boys to the Bush makes an important di erence to the lives of so many young people,” he said.
“On a few occasions, I’d had some of the kids from the program and their MENtors come round to my farm to help out and learn some new skills.
“I know they are always looking for new opportunities to get the boys out and experiencing new opportunities and thought this was something we could help with at GMW.”
John said he was pleased
GMW had been able to provide the opportunity.
“It’s been great having di erent groups come out to Nillahcootie and William Hovell,” he said.
“It is really a nice way for GMW to support its communities.”
Peter said he was eager for the partnership between Boys to the Bush and GMW to continue.
“Without the help of our community we can’t provide these fantastic opportunities for the kids, so it is fantastic when places like GMW help us out,” he said.
“The sessions at GMW have really had a positive impact on the kids. O en, we nd them talking about their trip to the storage weeks a er it happened, so it is providing a valuable experience for them.”
People can learn more about Boys to the Bush by heading to the charity’s website: https:// boystothebush.org.au.
Playground joy at Milawa
Friday, 10 April, 2015
By CAITLIN SARTORI
BUILT from an outpouring of community spirit, hundreds of children and families are set to benefit from the recently completed playground at the Milawa Recreation Reserve.
Some $27,000 was raised through generous contributions from members of the community, the Milawa Football/Netball Club, cricket club and the Milawa Recreation Reserve committee.
Locals Lia Williamson and Luke O’Keefe, who both have young families, were key drivers of the project.
Mrs Williamson said fundraising began in October last year and it was “amazing” the project had been completed on time, ready for start of the Ovens and King football netball season.
“It’s incredible how communityminded people are to contribute to a project like this, it’s overwhelming,” she said.
“On the long weekend in March we got the majority of it done during a working bee.
Aussies urged to uncover hidden toilets
10 years ago 10 years ago
“We never expected to have a shade sail up from the start, but we had enough funds left over to purchase one which will be invaluable come summer time.”
Mr O’Keefe said the new addition will be used all-year-round.
“With the new bike track which connects Milawa straight to the recreation reserve now, the playground will be a real asset to the community,” Mr O’Keefe said.
“It’s already had a lot of use in the past few weeks and it’ll be well used in the summer with the cricket season and events at the recreation reserve.
“Canny Carrying Company freighted all of the equipment from Melbourne at no charge which was outstanding considering they have no direct connections with the club.
“And Peter Ramsay of Ramsay Contracting donated his time and equipment to do the digging and ground work...it was a huge effort.
“We had donations from $20 to $1500...it all helps and we’re grateful for all the work that’s been done to make it happen.”
BE part of The Great Dunny Hunt over the next month. Continence Health Australia is once again on the hunt for Australia’s missing public toilets, as it aims to ensure every available toilet is added to the National Public Toilet Map, a crucial resource for those living with incontinence. This year’s hunt runs from Monday, 14 April to Sunday, 11 May, coinciding with the start of World Continence Week. Despite the map already listing more than 24,200 toilets, Continence Health Australia believes many ‘secret’ toilets remain unaccounted for, tucked away in small towns, parks, libraries, service stations, and newly-built community spaces. Those who upload details about missing toilets can go in the draw to win one of three $500 EFTPOS vouchers. Visit www.continence.org. au/great-dunny-hunt and www.toiletmap.gov.au for more information.
JOY FOR ALL: Milawa locals Nate and Janelle O’Keefe with Jess and Jack Conroy are glad to see the playground at the Milawa Recreation Reserve ready for use.
PHOTO: Luke Plummer
ON TOUR: (From le ) Blaike Mankey, John Ashmead (GMW), Ryley Davies, Jandamarra Atkinson, Brad Burgan (BttB program coordinator) and Simon Dale (BttB program coordinator) during a visit to GMW major infrastructures (inset).
Crested Shrike-tit brings punk back
By IAN DAVIDSON and CHRISA TZAROS, with assistance from HENRY (8) and EMILIA (5) Davidson
WITH its distinctive Mohawk style crest, black-and-white striped face, and bright-yellow front, the Crested Shrike-tit should be easy to see. Yet it is usually only seen when close to the ground and not when feeding in the canopy of trees.
However if you listen carefully, you can hear them tearing off pieces of bark with their stout bills.
When Crested Shrike-tits call they often make a repeated plaintive whistle: ‘keep-keep-keep’; but can also be like ventriloquists and mimic other species.
The Crested Shrike-tit is a mediumsmall bird with a striking black and white striped head and neck, a small crest that is often held flattened over their crown, a black throat, and a short heavy bill with hooked tips.
It has wide, rounded wings and a square-tipped tail that can appear slightly forked.
Females have a smaller head crest and an olive-green throat.
Young birds have a pale throat and a brown back.
These birds have amazingly strong bills, shaped much like an old-fashioned can opener, to enable them to pry open bark from the branches to access the bugs underneath.
The Crested Shrike-tit is found in eucalypt forests and woodlands, forested gullies and along rivers in drier areas.
It is sometimes seen in parks and gardens, and on farms with scattered trees.
The Crested Shrike-tit feeds mainly on spiders and insects like cockroaches and beetles that live under
bark and grubs that feed on the foliage, tearing at or probing bark for prey with its short strong bill.
It may forage alone, in pairs or in groups of up to five birds, which are usually related.
Shrike-tits are also observed in mixed feeding flocks with other insect-eating birds.
The male Shrike-tit selects a nestsite in a high fork of a eucalypt tree, attracting the female by vibrating and waving his wings.
The female builds the deep coneshaped nest from dry grass and bark strips, covering the outside with spider web, moss and lichen.
The male helps collect materials, and both sexes incubate the eggs and feed the young.
Two broods may be raised in a season, and the young birds may remain with their parents until the beginning of the next breeding season.
The Crested Shrike-tit lives in a limited territory, and we are fortunate locally that they are reasonably common, primarily because of the many tree-lined waterways that occur in our towns and across the region.
This allows these birds to forage in gardens and farmland with some trees, and in remnant bushland patches often affording us with glimpses of these wonderful birds.
At present they may be seen and heard feeding on the trunks and branches of trees where bark is part way through shedding.
UNMISTAKABLE
HEADGEAR: Crested Shrike-tit proudly displaying its crest.
PHOTO: Chris Tzaros (Birds Bush and Beyond)
Rooftop solar turns sunshine into cheap and clean energy
By RUSSELL SULLY, ANN BRAIN, JOHN NAYLOR for Wangaratta Landcare & Sustainability
THE Wangaratta region is truly a special place blessed with abundant sunshine for generating solar electricity.
Rooftop solar panels harvest the sun, making it the cheapest home delivered electricity in the world.
Getting rooftop solar helps you embrace energy transition and ongoing cost savings.
Abundant solar energy, positive policy decisions and technological improvements have enabled over 3.5 million Aussie households to install rooftop solar.
This currently accounts for more than 11 per cent of our nation’s electricity supply.
Over 12 months to March this year due to our rooftop solar panels, our household paid $589 in electricity bills by consuming 3100 kw and generating 9554 kw. This is for a 7 Star energy rating all-electric home, including electric vehicle charging since June last year. Households with rooftop solar can enjoy cheap,
clean energy, and use this to power their efficient electric appliances and cars, unlocking a lifetime of savings and low emissions living. It is time for every
hiring!
Australian household to enjoy the solar revolution. Energy cost varies from $0.40/Kwh for grid electricity to $0.05/Kwh for solar energy (See residential delivered energy price comparisons 2025 by Rewiring Australia).
Residents of a typical new, all electric detached home (without solar) will spend around $2070 per year on energy bills, compared with around $2950 per year for a dual fuel (electric and gas) home.
That means going all electric will put around almost $900 per year back in the pockets of new homeowners.
Savings can increase to approximately $1820 a year for households choosing to install solar panels.
Choose the biggest system you can afford and will fit on your roof to future-proof growing household demand.
This also provides for
future needs such as electric vehicle charging.
It costs less to install all at once, and you can be covered for a range of uses.
We recommend considering from 5kw up to 10kw depending on your budget and roof space.
Roof space facing north, west, and east can all accommodate rooftop solar panels.
There are rebates from state and federal government available to defray the cost of installation.
Why choose solar?
Save money - The cheapest form of delivered energy available in the world is Australia’s rooftop solar. The day you start powering your home’s energy needs from your rooftop solar is the day you will save money on your energy bills.
Good for our climateThanks to this technology,
you can power your energy needs using a clean energy source without the greenhouse gas emissions produced from fossil fuels.
The more rooves with solar panels, the faster we can get to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
Build your electric home - Once you have got energy flowing straight from your rooftop, you can use electricity for heating, cooling, cooking, hot water and even charging an electric vehicle.
Be energy independentThe best way to maximise benefits is to run your appliances when your panels are producing energy.
Improve your property value - Rooftop solar installations can increase the value of a property.
Studies have shown that homes equipped with solar panels tend to sell faster and at higher prices than those without, as they offer prospective buyers longterm energy savings and environmental benefits. Helps your community – More local solar benefits the whole community as it reduces the cost of generation and power transmission. Estimates are that every megawatt of solar installed in Australia creates 39 jobs.
A 6.6 KW PV SOLAR PANEL AND EVACUATED TUBE SOLAR HOT WATER PANELS ON A NORTH FACING ROOM.
Eric’s space adventure
Tawonga South polar explorer splashes back to Earth a er spending four days in space
By JEFF ZEUSCHNER
TAWONGA South resident Eric Philips OAM is back on Earth after last week becoming the rst Australian in space under our nation’s ag.
The polar explorer and adventure guide safely splashed down in the Paci c Ocean o the coast of California early Saturday morning, aboard a SpaceX capsule.
The capsule had launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida last Tuesday a ernoon as part of the private Fram2 mission, funded by cryptocurrency billionaire Chun Wang who was the mission commander, accompanied by fellow crew members Norwegian lm director Jannicke Mikkelsen (vehicle commander) and German robotics researcher Rabea Rogge (pilot).
The space ight rookies spent more four days orbiting the Earth’s poles - the rst time humans had own such a mission over the
north and south pole - passing the poles every 46 minutes.
Mr Philips, who was the medical o cer and mission specialist, told the Alpine Observer prior to the ight, that becoming the fourth Australian to go into space was something he thought would never happen.
“I’ve been a polar explorer for 35 years and have always dreamed of being an astronaut but this certainly wasn’t something that has been in the works in terms of my life trajectory,” he said.
“I saw the rst moon landing live on television and come from that era of being super inspired by early space travel but I never had the concept it would happen for me.
“I felt the need to explore and adventure as a kid and have since led, guided and pioneered many expeditions through the Arctic Circle, Greenland, Antarctica and Patagonia.
“When this invitation came up
(from Chun) to join a space mission, I jumped at it.”
Crew members carried out more than 20 experiments during the mission, including the rst attempt to grow mushrooms in space, capturing the rst onorbit X-rays of the human body, and investigating the e ects of microgravity on the human musculoskeletal system during spaceight.
Back on Earth, Mr Philips told the Sunday Project that oating in the no gravity environment was amazing, but he felt like he weighed 1000 pounds when he landed back on Earth and walked from the capsule.
He said the experiments had looked at space travel’s e ects on the human body and that the nutrition experiment indicated mushrooms will grow in space.
Fram2 was SpaceX’s 17th human space ight overall, and the sixth launched for private customers.
Breakfast Club the perfect start to day for Bright P-12 students
By SINTA O’DONNELL, year 10 student on work experience
BRIGHT P-12 College is currently running a Breakfast Club Program, introduced by the state government over the last several years to assist families with their morning schedules.
The club provides free meals for all students across the primary and secondary grades, to support families in the area and assist in preparing for their day ahead.
It serves a variety of different breakfast foods and drinks, including
cereal, toast, fruit cups, milk and milo.
The school ensures that any food provided is healthy, safe to eat and accommodates students’ needs, so that they can start their day adequately fueled and ready to learn.
Bright P-12 College is set to change the day the Breakfast Club runs starting next term, to be scheduled for Tuesday mornings according to new program coordinator, Mandy Clayton.
“Breakfast Club has helped to increase school attendance and engagement, while also prop-
erly assisting students in regulating their emotions,” Ms Clayton said.
“It’s a place of community within the school.”
Resources for the Breakfast Club Program come primarily from Foodbank, a hunger relief organisation that believes that everybody should have access to good, quality food no matter the situation.
Foodbank supplies Bright P-12 College with nutritious breakfast food, while the more particular foodstuffs like oat or rice milk are donated by Woolworths.
Bright P-12 College said
Woolworths’s support really assisted make the Breakfast Club happen.
The school has received positive feedback from parents, with some saying it is much easier to get the kids to school when Breakfast Club is on.
The final Breakfast Club for term 1 will be held this Thursday.
Breakfast Club Programs, supported by the state government, are also available at Myrtleford P-12 College, Mount Beauty Secondary College, Mount Beauty Primary School and Dederang Primary School.
Open garden to fundraise for the Good Friday Appeal
By PHOEBE MORGAN
GEOFF and Kathy Dyt are opening their Myrtleford garden this week to help raise funds for this year’s Royal Melbourne Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
Their front and back gardens have been transformed into fairy wonderlands with a myriad of decorations, including a large range of High Country miniature hut models on load from a friend.
Geo , who oversees appeal fundraising in the local area, said there will also be a small ra e on o er, for people who attend the open garden.
“However the main Good Friday Appeal ra e, which we run at local supermarkets, is going on right now and will be drawn on Good Friday,” he said.
“Last year the Myrtleford district raised over $33,000...hopefully we are able to do some-
thing similar again this year.”
The ra e’s rst-prize winner will have the choice of either a Greenpower 60V Blower Kit, donated by Ovens Valley Chainsaws and Lawnmowers, valued at $449 or an Endota Spa Rejuvenate Package, including a 120-minute treatment of massage, facial, cleanse, de-stress and refresh session, valued at $330.
The ra e’s third prize is an Endota Spa Travel Case, which contains a number of quality skincare products.
The fourth prize is a Cadbury Easter hamper, donated by the Good Friday Appeal, which is full of scrumptious seasonal goodies.
The Dyt’s Open Garden showcase will be held at 33 Elgin Street, Myrtleford, on Thursday 10 to Sunday 13, April, from 10am to 4pm, (open from 9am Saturday 12, April), with entry only a gold-coin donation.
SPACE ADVENTURER: Eric Philips (le ) back on Earth with his crewmates.
GREAT START TO THE DAY: Enjoying the Breakfast Club at Bright P-12 College are (from le ) Ari Penaluna, Elliot Porter, Fergus Porter, Malachy Tripp, Walter Bailey and Louise Bailey.
MAGICAL MENAGERIE: Kathy and Geo Dyt’s fairy garden covers a number of themes, as the eclectic ensemble spans the front and back gardens. PHOTO: Phoebe Morgan
Off-Grid Living Festival in Chiltern
CELEBRATE and investigate sustainable living when the Off-Grid Living Festival is held at the Chiltern Racecourse and Recreation Reserve on April 12 and 13.
There will be 10 festival areas to explore and over 300 stalls showcasing ideas relating to energy and technology, home and building, water and waste, health and wellbeing, food and gardening and much more.
Featuring workshops, demonstrations and talks as well a food trucks, live music and entertainment for kids, tickets are available now at offgridevent.com.au until sold out.
Wangaratta Farmers Market on Saturday
MEET local growers and makers at the Wangaratta Farmers Market on Saturday, 12 April in the grounds of the Holy Trinity Cathedral from 8am to 12pm.
There will be wide variety of stall holders showcasing the region’s produce, including seasonal fruit, vegetables, meats, cheeses, baked goods, preserves and much more.
A Story of Hope with Marc Ryan
COME along to a one-of-a-kind comedy show, as Marc Ryan, known as the Beautiful Bogan, shares his experiences at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Saturday, 12 April from 6pm to 8pm.
Marc has dedicated the past four years to addressing the often taboo subject of mental health, drawing from his own struggles with PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation stemming from childhood trauma.
There will be lots of jokes, laughter, stories and hope, shared with a blend of humour, aimed at making the conversation about mental health more accessible and relatable.
Tickets are free with registration at wpacc.com.au and light refreshments available on the night.
Two Sisters exhibition at Art Gallery on Ovens
AN exhibition called ‘dada wawilitwo sisters’ is open at the Art Gallery on Ovens in the laneway off Murphy Street in Wangaratta. It is a combined exhibition featuring the mixed media and photographic works of artists Eve
Tartan-weaving a feature of Wool Day
STRATHBOGIE’S Stewart MacLaughlin will be on hand to demonstrate the art of weaving tartan scarves during this Saturday’s Wool Day at Milawa Hall.
Stewart began weaving just 18 months ago when he joined Wangaratta Handweavers and Spinners, keen to weave a vest for his wife using the wool from her own sheep.
He had bought a small loom, and went along to one of the group’s monthly meetings at the Milawa Hall to boost his knowledge.
As well as reading endlessly on the subject, he asked heaps of questions and picked up tips from speaking to fellow weavers.
He had spun the yarn to weave the vest, but was still waiting for a decision from his wife, so in the meantime, Stewart turned his attention to mastering the skills required to weave tartan scarves.
He is working with four-ply pure wool from Bendigo Woollen Mills and dyeing most of the colours himself, usually requiring between four and six colours for each tartan.
The scarves are woven in a 2/2 twill, and to date Stewart has nished seven. These have been in three di erent tartans: MacLaughlin, Cameron and Douglas.
Stewart’s next purchase was a four-sha table loom, which weaves an 18” fabric width.
Continually re ning his e -
Crocker and Silvia Worboys.
Meet the artists on Saturday from 12 noon to 2.30pm, with drinks and nibbles provided, and the exhibition to run until 14 April.
Friends of Warby Ovens art exhibition
FRIENDS of Warby Ovens National Park are holding an art exhibition in the Bainz Gallery at the Wangaratta Library during April.
Participating artists will be exploring three different ecologies in the park, the Warby Range, Killawarra Forest, and Lower Ovens, in forms
ciency, he converted this loom to a oor loom with pedals, and is currently weaving on a 30” table loom.
He has woven a carpet wool sample on the four-sha loom and plans to make this into a bag.
Stewart joined last year’s annual two-day weaving workshop at Milawa Hall, organised by weaver Dianne MacNamara of Yarrawonga,
of visual art including painting, lithograph, ceramics, photography and embroidery.
All are welcome to visit during library opening hours and entry is free.
Wangaratta community market
THE Wangaratta community market runs every Sunday (except Easter Sunday) at Moore Than Swimming, located at 11-13 Mason Street in Wangaratta, from 8am until 1pm.
There are a wide range of stalls to
when participants each warped up their own loom to weave a variation of shadow weave.
Stewart enjoys hand-spinning and, together with 12 other members, has been spinning and weaving white Su olk for a feature display at Wool Day.
The items in this display will be part of a non-competitive exhibition at the Bendigo Sheep and
browse with new and used items, plants, fruit and veg and more, with refreshments available.
Stalls are available for just $20 each (no bookings required) and car boot sales are welcome for $15, with more information via the market’s Facebook page or call Sheree on 0401 665 886.
Benalla Street Art Festival this weekend
THE streets of Benalla will come alive as the three-day Benalla Street
Woolcra Show in July, demonstrating the possibilities of craing using eece from this typically meat-breed of sheep; Su olk is the feature breed of the 2025 Bendigo Sheep Show.
Stewart will be demonstrating weaving tartan scarves at the Wool Day event at Milawa Hall on Saturday, 12 April, when the hall will be open from 10am to 3pm.
Art Festival transforms laneways, walls and buildings into an open-air gallery of cutting-edge street art from 11 to 13 April.
Since Benalla hosted its debut street art festival in 2015, it has built a reputation as one of the most exciting cultural destinations in regional Victoria, with 85 large-scale murals already scattered throughout the rural city.
This year’s festival will take it to the next level by unveiling 10 stunning new murals, with a number of complementary activities and events taking place, and more information available at benallastreetartfestival. com.au.
By JUD MULLINS
AN audience of 400 lled the Wangaratta High School Performing Arts Centre last week for the annual talent quest.
‘Nostalgic Kids’ TV’ was the theme chosen by the year 12 class of 2025, which saw 34 students perform across 23 student acts in addition to six sta acts and the traditional year 12 nale, providing three hours of entertainment.
The overall winner award went to the band Us Again, featuring year 12s Anthony Chisholm (vocals), Josh Robertson (guitar), Harry Goeby (bass) and Kallam Pensak (drums).
They gave a tight, polished performance of The Backstreet Lovers’ slow Indie rock track ‘Pool House’, to deliver their nal talent quest appearance in style.
Josh made talent quest history, claiming his third overall winner award to achieve equal standing with the only four other students (David Scott, Rob Doig, Glenn Doig and Stephen Salathiel) to have won it three times.
Josh’s other wins came backto-back in years nine and 10 (2022-’23) as bassist for Indie rock band The Dunners, the only band/act to ever win the title consecutively.
Best female vocalist, for the second year in a row, was year nine student Alexis Cox. Solo to a backing track, she sang Loren Allred’s ‘Never Enough’, from the lm ‘The Greatest Showman’, with her soaring vocals leaving many in the audience with goosebumps. Also for the second consecutive year, Anthony Chisholm took out best male vocalist.
He was part of four acts, singing a cover of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ ‘Around the World’; groovy R&B tune ‘Get You’; ‘Like No Other’; and ‘Pool House’ with Us Again.
The talented singer-songwriter, who last year won the JMC Academy Songwriting Award and performed on the Push All-Ages Tour, handled the range of genres with ease. Best instrumentalist on the night was year 10 guitarist Spencer Dickson, who played Dream Theatre’s ‘Under a Glass Moon’ to a backing track. Despite damaging his own guitar’s humbucker pick-up during soundcheck in the morning, and having to borrow a guitar for the show, Dickson shredded the epic seven-minute opus, leaving several veteran musicians in the crowd speechless. The best new talent award went to a band of year eight
Us Again takes out talent quest
boys called Pickle, who played one of the most iconic grunge tracks of the 1990s –Nirvana’s ‘In Bloom’.
Classmates Cristian Hazpazis (vocals), Henry Lloyd (guitar), Tyler Robertson (bass) and Jack Vincent (drums) played it superbly and cemented themselves as the school’s best up-andcoming rock band.
The special judges award was won by a band of mostlyyear 11 boys called Refrigerator Girl (named a er a girl whose photo was on their friend’s fridge).
The band, comprising Levi Zachariou (vocals), Luka Hildebrand (guitar), Cooper Young (bass), Aurelio McIl-
roy (piano) and Sam Day (drums), played the Elvin Bishop song, ‘Fooled Around And Fell In Love’.
Best variety act went to year 10 student Lusila Solomua, who danced to a medley of several cultural songs, inspired by having just returned from a year living in New Zealand with her family.
The smooth way she executed the dance moves, her stunning traditional out t, the interesting hooks of the music, and her beaming smile had the crowd enraptured, and provided the most unique performance of the night.
The last of the awards was for best year 12 costume, which went to the Fireman
Sam group, of which Bianca Taylor was the ringleader.
Other groups including Shaun The Sheep, Scooby Doo and Mister Maker were strong contenders.
Outside the award winners, there were other moving highlights; year 10’s Harrison Kelly played piano and sang a stirring original ballad called ‘Little Me’, one of three songs he’s recorded and released on Spotify; while year eight Brock Hinds produced a powerful performance of a song called ‘My Life’, accompanied by teacher Harry Hildebrand.
Another highlight was Hildebrand’s own performance which featured him
singing original lyrics and playing guitar to the tune of The Violent Femmes’ ‘Blister in the Sun’, in a song titled ‘We Go to Wangaratta High’ which prompted a singalong. In line with tradition, the sta acts and year 12 nale closed the show.
The sta acts featured three former overall winners - Alex Johnson (2003), Laurence Adorni-Dickson (2017) and Scott Solimo (1989). Johnson sang with Hildebrand (bass), Morgan Clark (guitar) and Jud Mullins (drums) in a PE teacher supergroup on the classic ‘Fireman Sam’ theme song, dressed in full CFA out ts courtesy of CFA captain Lesley Forman.
Adorni-Dickson (bass) and Solimo (drums) played behind John Paola (vocals) and Carlia Van Hoorn (sax) in the music sta supergroup, playing Bob The Builder’s version of ‘Mambo No.5’.
Jack Nolan sang o -stage as Alice Reynolds puppeteered a Kermit The Frog doll; Tim Butland (blackboard), Meg Whatley and Lesley Forman mimed ‘Mr Squiggle’; the admin team (Laura De Lacy, Melissa Finnigan, Kylie Fountain, Bron Knox, and Amy Waide did ‘Fraggle Rock’; Rheanna Lang, Andrea Matheson and Lisa Norris swarmed the stage as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and then a crew of about 20 sta nished it o as Ghostbusters.
Year 12 MCs Swaye Frankland and Hannah Sta ord then introduced the the year 12 nale, superbly choreographed by Hannah and fellow student Ivy O’Connor, to conclude the night.
A medley of hits such as ‘Gangnam Style’, with the whole cohort in their ‘Nostalgic Kids’ TV’ costumes and dancing in sync, nished with the chorus of the 2024 viral banger ‘Fein’ by Travis Scott.
MC DUO: Swaye Frankland and Hannah Sta ord hosted the evening.
PHOTO: Kev McGennan
OVERALL WINNER: Us Again (Josh Robertson, Anthony Chisholm, Kallam Pensak and Harry Goeby).
PHOTO: Kev McGennan
YOUNG TALENT: Henry Lloyd on stage at the talent quest.
PHOTO: Marc Bongers
MOVING: Harrison Kelly’s performance was among the highlights.
PHOTO: Kev McGennan
Second gen Toyota C-HR brings style
By
WE’VE always liked the look of the Toyota C-HR.
Now in its second generation and built in Turkey, C-HR o ers more style, more power and more equipment than before but it comes at a cost.
Prices have jumped considerably since our last encounter with the little crossover.
The letters C-HR stands for Compact High Rider, Cross Hatch Run-about or Coupé High-Rider.
STYLING
A rationalised line-up sees three models, with a choice of two drivetrains and either front- or all-wheel drive.
Adopting Toyota’s new ‘Hammer Head’ design language, C-HR is distinguished on the outside by 17 or 19inch alloys, LED lights with automatic high beam, a rear spoiler plus a grained pattern for the front grille, black bumpers and pillar trim.
Entry GXL is priced from $42,990 plus on-roads and comes with a 1.8-litre four cylinder hybrid drivetrain, together with a 7-speed CVT style transmission and frontwheel drive.
Next comes the flashy Koba, the subject of our test, priced from $49,990, with the same 1.8-litre hybrid and 7-speed CVT.
This hybrid is shared with many Toyota models, including Corolla, Corolla Cross and Lexus CT hatch.
At the top of the range sits the all-wheel drive GR Sport, priced from $54,990 plus on-
roads, with a larger 2.0-litre hybrid.
Inside, the fit out uses a range of recycled materials and no animal-derived products.
Standard kit includes heated sport front seats with combination suede-like and fabric upholstery, powered driver seat with memory, dual-zone climate air with nanoe X air cleaning technology, ambient lighting with colour selection and privacy glass for the rear, and rearside windows.
There are also 19-inch alloys, adaptive cruise, keyless smart entry and start, digital rear-view mirror, auto LED lights and wipers, autolevelling bi-LED headlights, electronic parking brake, front and rear parking sensors, and a 4.2-inch colour driver display and a powered tailgate.
SAFETY
A comprehensive fivestar safety package encompasses 10 airbags, panoramic view camera, colour head-up display and forward collision warning, brake assist and autonomous emergency braking.
The Toyota Safety Sense suite includes the pre-collision safety system, active cruise control, lane trace assist, parking support brake, road sign assist (speed signs only), safe exit assist and more.
Koba and GR Sport both get a tyre repair kit.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
The hybrid powertrain consists of a naturally as-
MODEL LINE-UP:
GXL 2WD: $42,990
Koba 2WD: $49,990
GR Sport AWD, $54,990
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Toyota dealer for drive-away prices.
pirated 1.8-litre engine and single electric motor, with a combined output of 103kW and 142Nm up 14 per cent on the previous model.
The electric motor contributes 70kW and 185Nm to this equation, with an updated lithium-ion battery pack replacing the old nickel metal hydride unit.
The CVT transmission provides seven steps or simulated gears that provide a sportier drive, but lacks paddles.
DRIVING
Two words spring to mind when it comes to describing the C-HR stylish and tight. It’s 37mm wider than its predecessor which provides more shoulder room but the wheelbase remains the same at 2640mm.
That said, the design is amazing and unlike anything
out of the Toyota playbook, with a two-tone paint job that is a minor masterpiece.
The rear seat is claustrophobic, lacks legroom, doesn’t have rear air outlets and looks like it would get little use.
The concealed rear door handles, designed to give the car a coupe-like appearance, are awkward to use.
The privacy glass also makes it di cult to see out of the back.
The boot is on the smaller side.
The cabin has a more premium feel than before and it’s worth taking some time out to sit and study the interior.
Check out the textures, finishes and the way panels flow into each other they’re really something.
Though the infotainment screen is angled towards the
driver, it and the instrument cluster remain separate units, instead of being housed in a single panel as is the norm.
It suggests the design is a reworking of the previous setup, rather than an all-new approach.
A smaller and lighter hybrid transaxle improves noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels, while the 1.8-litre petrol engine has been refined.
Both GXL and Koba are front-wheel drive only GR Sport is all-wheel drive.
The extra power shows, with greater electrical assistance where it is needed around town, but is o set to some extent by an extra 30kg of weight.
The car also spends more time in EV mode, thanks to the better battery and electric motor combination.
The CVT transmission provides seven steps or simulated gears that provide a sportier drive, but lacks paddles.
Punch the accelerator and the petrol- engine will kick in.
Based on a revised version of Toyota’s TNGA-C platform, suspension is Mac strut at the front and double wishbones at the rear across the line-up.
Ride and handling are terrific, with grippy Bridgestone Turanza rubber.
But the steering feels rubbery at times and the drive experience is far from engaging.
You need to work the drivetrain hard to get the best out of it, but the CVT’s ability to deliver the goods is limiting.
Under hard acceleration, it becomes harsh and noisy,
producing a sound like a lawnmower about to run out of fuel. In the end you’ll run out of power before you run out of grip.
Fuel consumption is a claimed 4.0L/100km, it takes standard 91 unleaded and has a 43-litre tank. We were getting 4.7L/100km after more than 600km behind the wheel.
SUMMING UP
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again.
C-HR is a better looker than the Nissan Juke, its most direct competitor.
It’s a car I want to like but one which always seems to fall short short on power, short on space and short on practicality.
The all-hybrid line-up has pushed up prices more than $10,000, with the mid-spec Koba expected to account for 70 per cent of sales.
STANDARD WARRANTY: Five years / Unlimited kilometres
■ SAFE AND STYLISH: The Toyota CH-R Koba o ers a sleek two-tone look and brings a five-star safety rating.
CHRIS RILEY, MARQUE MOTORING
A RARE and exceptional opportunity to purchase the well-established ‘Moore Than Swimming’ a reputable swimming education centre that has proudly served the community for over 25 years.
The site is rich in history and presents diverse possibilities whether you are a developer, investor, or looking to secure a substantial landholding in the heart of Wangaratta.
Located at 11-13 Mason Street, this prime parcel of land presents 2.46 hectares (6 acres) offering a canvas for a variety of residential development projects.
Whether you’re looking to continue the legacy of the property or transform it into something new, this site offers the ideal location and space to bring your vision to life. Conveniently located near the Town N Country Tavern, childcare centre, bus stop,
Exciting residential development opportunity in Wangaratta
Chemist Warehouse and a medical centre also within close proximity.
This is the first time 11-13 Mason Street has been offered to the market since 1997.
The property will be auctioned on-site at 1pm on Friday, 9 May 2025 (unless sold prior).
Don’t miss out on your chance to secure this exceptional piece of Wangaratta real estate.
Agent | Harcourts Wangaratta
Phone | (03) 5722 9444
Auction | Friday 9 May 1pm onsite (unless sold prior)
Land | 6 Acres
Location | 11-13 Mason Street, Wangaratta
ONLINE CLEARING SALE
COLLECTION DATES:
RESIDENCE FOR SALE - Comfortable 3 bedroom residence, modern appliances, set
further details please contact our
village of Harrietville. Pristine Ovens River frontage for all your camping, swimming and shing needs.
Plus breathtaking views to Mount Feathertop with Great Valley Trail at your front door. Immaculately presented sandstock brick residence with a blended timber exterior ideally positioned to merge into the surrounding countryside with picture perfect views. Luxurious master suite with ensuite, WIR and BIR’s plus three additional generous bedrooms and well appointed main bathroom.
Modern kitchen with twin AEG ovens, SMEG induction cooktop, dishwasher, Caesarstone benchtops and Butler’s pantry. Massive open plan living with combustion wood heater and decked undercover alfresco area. Plus separate studio, workshop/machinery shed and open bay shedding.
Fully fenced into four main paddocks with the potential to graze a small number of livestock. Plus established Truf ere with mature English Oak trees and opportunity to generate additional income.
Only 10 mins to Bright, 10 mins to Harrietville, 40 kms to Mount Hotham and 55 kms to Dinner Plain.
INSPECTIONS Strictly By Appointment Only FOR SALE Price On Application
JOHN HONEYCHURCH 0419 790 924
MICHAEL WELLER 0410 663 041
Rural City Connection
Youth Climate & Resilience Program
Do you care about the environment? Do you want to inspire change and grow as a leader? Join a free oneday leadership program for young local changemakers. Wednesday 28 May, 9.15am-4.30pm at the Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre. For more information contact environment@wangaratta.vic.gov.au or sign up via the QR code today.
Business Health Check
Take the Business Health Check Survey via Connect Wangaratta. Share what’s working and what’s not, so we can better support local businesses like yours. Survey closes Friday 2 May.
Planning Applications
Application No PlnApp25/014
Location 19 Warrawong Lane GLENROWAN
Proposal Application for Variation to restrictive covenant and building and works for the construction of a domestic outbuilding These applications can be viewed on Rural City of Wangaratta’s website under Development, Planning, Current Applications. Any person who may be a ected by the granting of a permit may object or make a submission (must be in writing). For more information, please contact Planning on 03 5722 0888. Applications close 25 April 2025.
Tenders
T15285 Supply and Delivery of single cab chassis & wood-chip tipper collection body
Tenders close on Wednesday 23/04/2025 at 12pm
Further details may be obtained by visiting eProcure on Council’s website
Community Grants Opening Soon
Get ready for the annual Community Grants Program! Applications open Thursday 1 May and close on Thursday 2 June. The Program assists community to deliver projects that enhance accessibility, promote equity and resilience, and improve the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors to the region.
Youth Strategy
Young people aged 12-25 are encouraged to voice their ideas, hopes, and priorities via the What YOUth Want campaign. The 60-second survey is designed by and for young people. Participate for a chance to win great prizes. For more information follow @wangyouth on Instagram. Survey closes Sunday 11 May.
Local Laws
Council’s Local Law No. 1 - Community Amenity, is due for review. We’ve simplified the language, made it easier to find provisions, and made sure it meets our legislated obligations. Take the quick survey and let us know if you are happy with the changes. Survey closes Wednesday 30 April.
Aerodrome
Rural City of Wangaratta gives notice under section 115 of the Local Government Act 202 (the Act) of its intention to lease the Terminal Building at the Wangaratta Aerodrome, 72 Brian Higgins Drive, Laceby. Written submissions can be made before 4.00 pm Monday 28 April.
Community Food Survey
Expressions of Interest –All Outdoor Expo
EOI’s are open for the All Outdoor Expo taking place at the Wangaratta Racecourse on Sunday 1 June 2025 . The event is tailored for businesses including but not limited to camping, hiking, fishing, boating, caravanning, four-wheel driving, mowers, chainsaws, and adventure gear specialists. Applications close 1 May 2025. For more information and to submit visit www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/outdoorexpo-eoi
IN PERSON BY PHONE
EASTER PRINT DATES
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2025
Classifieds cut off:
2pm, Tuesday, April 15, 2025
THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2025
Classifieds cut off:
2pm, Wednesday, April 16, 2025
GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 2025 NO PAPER
EASTER MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2025 NO PAPER
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2025
Classifieds cut off:
2pm, Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Please note our office will be closed GOOD FRIDAY and EASTER MONDAY and will re-open as usual Tuesday, April 22 at 9am
Wishing all our advertisers and readers a safe Easter Break
Tarrawingee Recreation Reserve
Notice is given of a PUBLIC MEETING to be held at the Tarrawingee Football Club Rooms, Nolan Lane, on Monday, May 5 commencing at 7.30pm. The purpose of the meeting is to nominate no less than three (3) or more than nine (9) persons as the Committee of Management for the Tarrawingee Recreation Reserve for a term of three years. The current committee’s term will expire on June 13, 2025. All positions will be declared open and nominations will be accepted prior to or on the night. Nominations from women, Aboriginal people, people with disabilities, young people and people from culturally diverse backgrounds are encouraged. Further information, nomination forms and nomination declaration forms may be obtained by contacting your local Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action o ice or at the meeting. For further enquiries contact the Secretary, Toni Wilson on 03 5725 1720.
To Visit Visited
BOOK SALE, 10am start, Sunday and Monday. Very good condition, all read once, hundreds of books, different categories. 45 Evans Street, Wangaratta.
To Visit Visited
EASTER garage sale, household furniture, Baltic Hall stand, bi-fold doors, Thule cargo capsule, kitchenware, fowlers jars, vinyl records, national bank calendars, books, bric-a-brac, craft supplies, household goods, vintage garden implements, bikes, garden stuff and much more.
Saturday April 19 , 8am onwards, Meadow Creak Road, Oxley, cash or pay id.
To Visit Visited
FAMILY tent and household items, Saturday, April 12, 8am-1pm, 77 Wilson Road, Wangaratta.
To Visit Visited
HOUSEHOLD items, shed items, furniture, plants, camping gear and more, Saturday, April 12, 9am-1pm, 8 Blackboy Lane, Glenrowan.
To Visit Visited
HUGE furniture, antiques, garden, home wares, Friday 11, 12pm-5pm, Saturday 12, 9am2pm, 66 Edwards Street ,Wangaratta, no early callers.
To Visit Visited
MOVING house, household goods, books, a variety of garden and shed goods, Sunday, April 13, 8am-12pm, Lyons Road, Tarrawingee.
BATHROOM renovations, carpentry and plastering. Ph 0424 911 161.
CONCRETING , big or small jobs, paths, driveways, shed slabs, verandahs, 15 years experience. For a free quote phone Trev Anderson on 0422 200 761.
FRANKS DOG TRAINING, behavioral solutions, quali ed, experienced, a ordable. For more information please ph Frank 0418 314 610
KITCHENS JUST FOR YOU, cabinet making solutions. Kitchens available before Christmas. Phone Roland 0414 950 647.
PAINTER, old school, for all your painting needs, commercial, industrial renovations. Phone Juliano 0412 597 482.
WHEELER
Earthworks, available for all your earthworks needsyard clean ups, stump removals, driveways, material supply and spreading, rural work and more. Call Marcus on 0491 094 545.
REQUIRE Gardener to prune 12 standard roses, located Wangaratta. Phone John 0428 574 287.
FREEDOM ON
WHEELS, Mobility
Scooter for active living, compact and lightweight for easy manoeuvrability, comfortable seating with adjustable armrests and headrest, powerful motor for smooth and e ortless rides, longlasting battery for extended use, $3900. Phone Denice on 0402 411 346.
GALAXY Odyssey Special Edition 2011 16ft 6 poptop, a beautiful van packed with features, including: fold-up a-frame chassis, single axle, queen size pillow top island bed, slim line venetians, colour TV with Wynguard aerial, rear camera with audio, water lter, $27,500. Ph 0407 053 349.
STACER 3.62m
aluminium boat, fully carpeted, all safety gear, bucket seats, nav. lights, large esky, electric bilge pump, Lowrance sh finder, Mercury 15 hp, EFI electic start outboard motor on electric trim and tilt, easy ow boat trailer, $6500 rm. Ph 0418 872 389.
If
MUST SELL
URGENT sale 2018
MUST SELL
2007 NISSAN PATROL Ti Manual, approx. 190k on the clock, includes roof rack and awning, selling due to moving interstate, open to negotiation, pick up Wangaratta, (1YP8XF).
$25,000
Ph 0434 590 566
Retreat Fraser 210C caravan, 21 ft van with semi offroad suspension, has travelled approximately 40,000kms and only been bitumen, many extras and extremely clean van, $72,000 negotiable. Call 0427 597 618 for more details.
JAYCO Journey 19 pop top caravan, excellent condition inside and out, reg AUG 25, island seating, double bed, separate toilet and shower, oven, 3 phase fridge, tv, extras added, $34,990. Ph 0419 591 422.
QUINTREX
FREE Range Hens, ISA Brown Pullets, POL, $35 each. Phone Becky or Hugh on 5798 1868.
BayHunter runabout, 4.4 metre aluminium V-hull, 90s model, with canopy and side window panels, trailer and 40HP Mercury engine, life jackets, reg to Sep 25, $11,000 ono. Ph 0419 870 472.
Apprentice Printer
Full-Time Position
Award winning newspaper publisher, North East Media, has a vacancy for an apprentice printer to work at our state-of-the-art press facility in Wangaratta, where the Wangaratta Chronicle and more than 20 other regional newspapers are printed.
The successful applicant will be committed to completing the four years of training,during which they will be taught all facets of newspaper printing. Applicants must be self motivated, reliable and be able to work in a close team environment.
This is a full-time position of 38 hours per week, but some flexibility will be required.
If you are looking for a new challenge in an energetic and stimulating environment with a long standing publisher, we would encourage you to forward your covering letter and CV (including three referees) to:
All applications are regarded as private and confidential. Award wages apply.
STUDENT SERVICES AND ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR
Part-time (FTE 0.6, hrs neg).
Location: Wangaratta
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
An individual who is dedicated, passionate and enthusiastic about creating opportunities for regional and remote students.
• Strong collaborative skills with ability to build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders and work within a team.
• Good public speaker, presenter, and ability to coordinate activities and events.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organisation and time management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and social media knowledge.
Email degrees@cucovensmurray.edu.au or Call 0490 022 028 to request a copy of the Position Description. Applications close Friday, May 9 at 5pm.
District Support O icer
Wangaratta
Full Time | Fixed Term to 18.08.2025
$60,524 pa (plus 11.5% superannuation) pro rata
This varied, fixed term opportunity will not only allow you to showcase your strong administrative skills, but you will be joining an organisation that has a meaningful purpose in the community.
The person we are looking for will be hands on and keen to join a small team that will provide you with the ability to apply your array of skills to a variety of tasks. For further information about this position, including a Position Description, key requirements and details on how to apply, please visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au and select ‘Volunteer & Careers’ followed by ‘Jobs at CFA’. Closing date: 16 April 2025 (11:59 pm).
THE ROLE OF PUBLISHERS
MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST
Part-time position: 4 days per week (Mon-Thurs) plus rotational Sundays.
Please contact Teresa McMahon for further information or to apply. (03) 9989 4717 teresamcmahon.negp@gmail.com
Happy 80th Birthday
Dorothy Campbell
Wishing you the happiest birthday.
~ With lots of love from your family and friends.
(03) 5723 0101
Our Vision is to provide pathways for all to succeed based on their individual gifts and talents. Join our amazing team of educators and a professional environment that is passionate, collegial and focused on learning for all. We are currently seeking applicants for the following ongoing position:
Laboratory Technician (Part Time)
Applications close on Wednesday 23rd April at 12pm. For further details on how to apply please visit our website https://www.galen.vic.edu.au/employment/
Our school community promotes the safety, wellbeing, and inclusion of all children.
Galen Catholic College embraces diversity and social inclusion and encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Advertisers please note! Much hardship and difficulty is caused to job seekers by misleading advertising placed in the employment columns. Our Employment column is reserved for advertisements which carry a specific and genuine offer of employment. Ads for 'Business Opportunities', 'Commission Only' training courses and employment services should be submitted under those headings. Placing misleading ads is an offence against the Trade Practices Act and state/ territory fair trading acts and all advertisements are subject to the publisher's approval. For further advice, contact: The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on 1300 302 502 or your state consumer affairs agency. NorthEast JOBS
CONSTABLE, Howard Alfred. ‘Howie’ 18/3/1952 – 8/4/2025
e family of Howard Constable is saddened to announce his passing on April 8, 2025. Aged 73 years. Passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side, a er a short illness.
Much loved husband of Sheree.
Loving father and father-in-law of Sharna and Matt, Travis and Jacinta, Taryn and Luke.
Adored Pa of Addy, Lewie, Lacie, Nash, Eddie and Aliza.
Today, tomorrow, our whole lives through, We will always love and remember you.
CONSTABLE, Howard.
So very sad for you Sheree on the loss of your husband of 46 years and Sharna, Travis, Taryn, and your families on the loss of your Dad, father-in-law and Pa. Our hearts ache for you all at this saddest of times.
Rest in peace Howie. ~ Brother-in-law of Lareen and Allan Bovill.
CONSTABLE, Howie.
Sincere condolences to our much-loved sister, sister-in-law and cousins on the sad passing of your husband, father and Pa of your children.
Sheree, Sharna, Travis, Taryn, Matt, Jacinta, Luke, Addie, Lewis, Lacie, Nash, Eddie and Aliza, this sad journey you have travelled together has nally ended and Howie is at peace.
Our family has many fond memories of fun times together at Dunlop Street, and we look forward to more to come.
Much love to you all.
~ From Dayle, Eric, Alastair and Nickala, Steph and Jack. Rest easy, Howie.
CONSTABLE, Howard.
The Wangaratta Chronicle directors and sta would like to express our sincere condolences to Sheree and family on the passing of Howie.
HILL, Martin. 22/1/1969 – 9/4/2025 Passed away at Northeast Health Wangaratta. Loved and missed. ~ Anna and Tess. A private cremation has been held. Mason Park Funerals 5721 5060 masonpark.com.au
NICHOLLS,
Donald Arthur.
Passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Monday April 7, 2025. Aged 88 years.
Much loved husband of Lorraine (dec) for 60 years.
Loving father and father-in-law of Meredith and Paul Miegel, Tim, Jeremy and Lynne, John and Brigita.
Cherished grandfather and great-grandfather of 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
His pleasures were simple, his needs were few, If his family was happy, he was too. He gave us love in the fullest measure, Care, devotion and memories to treasure, He shared our dreams, hopes and tears, Thank you ........ for those precious years.
MOORE, Graham Cyril.
5/5/1948 – 4/4/2025
CONSTABLE
The funeral service to celebrate the life of Howard Constable will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Thursday, April 17, 2025 commencing at 10.30am
Burial will follow the service at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of owers donations to Palliative Care, Wangaratta in memory of Howie would be appreciated givenow.com.au/nhw
Howard’s service will be available to view via livestream at www.masonpark.com.au/live-streaming/
Thank You
BRADFIELD, Audrey.
Audrey’s family extend their heartfelt thanks to family and friends for their sympathy and kindness shown to them during their recent loss. Your support has been appreciated during this di cult time.
GRENFELL, Lorraine.
The Grenfell family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to all family and friends for their overwhelming support during this di cult time.
Your kind messages, thoughtful cards, visits, owers and meals have been a source of comfort and strength, and we are deeply thankful.
CLARKE, Bob. 1935 – 2024
Passed away April 14, 2024. Somewhere over the rainbow, my loving darling waits for me. Loving and missing you so much. ~ Dot and family.
JONES (Dyer), Lynette Margaret. 13/4/2017
Father of Wayne and Darren.
Privately cremated.
KNEEBONE,
Adam Eugene.
A graveside service to honour the life of Adam will be held at the Myrtleford Lawn Cemetery on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, commencing at 10.30am.
NICHOLLS
SEBALY, Bruno.
14/3/1942 – 4/4/2025
Passed away peacefully with his children and grandchildren by his side.
Beloved father of Trudy and Anthony. Adored Opa of Matthew and Brandon. Great Grandfather of Hudson and Noah. Reunited with his great love Mary Byrne (dec).
WESSELS,
Klaus.
22/5/1945-4/4/2025
Loving husband.
Privately cremated as per Klaus’ wishes.
The funeral service to celebrate the life of Mr Don Nicholls will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta, on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 commencing at 10.30am. Burial will follow at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery. Masonic brethren are respectfully invited to attend.
Flowers are welcome, however, a donation in memory of Don to the Garvan Institute of Medical Research would be appreciated. Donations can be made online at www.garvan.org.au/donate/unravel-ibd Don’s service can be viewed via livestream at www.masonpark.com.au/live-streaming/ Mason Park Funerals 5721 5060
We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the dedicated sta at Wangaratta Private Hospital for their exceptional care and compassion in supporting Lorraine.
A special thank you to the wonderful team at Mason Park, whose professionalism and kindness were truly appreciated.
We are also grateful to Father Nathan for his guidance and for leading a beautiful celebration of Lorraine’s life.
CATT, Susan Coralie.
“Hi our Darling Girl” Loving memories of Lynette never die, As the years and days pass us by, In our hearts memories are kept, Of one we loved and will never forget.
~ Love Mum; David, Jan; Lauren, Andrew, Chloe, Chelsea; Jason, Lea, Ivy and Fia. Xoxo.
CATT, Susan Coralie.
In loving memory of my darling wife. Passed away April 11, 1989. Aged 40 years. A very special lady. Today our thoughts are with you, But that is nothing new, We thought about you yesterday, And the day before that too. With aching heart and tears unseen, Wishing your absence was only a dream.
To hear your voice and see your smile, Just to sit and talk awhile.
To be together in the same old way, Would be my dearest wish on this day. Loved and sadly missed every day.
Passed away April 11, 1989. A mother truly is a mother for life. Behind our smile there is many a tear, For a wonderful mother we love so dear. As time goes by the emptiness grows, We miss you Mum, More than anyone knows.
Our Mum’s memory will be with us forever.
We love and miss you Mum.
- Karen, Allison, Amee and Mark.
SEBALY
A graveside funeral service to celebrate the life of Bruno will be held at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery on Thursday, April 17, 2025, commencing at 1.30pm.
- Yours forever Kevin.
CATT, Susan Coralie. In loving memory of Mum, Nanny Catt. Passed away April 11, 1989. No matter how I spend my day, No matter what I do, No morning dawns, Or evening falls, Without a thought of you. In our hearts now and forever. All our love, Karen and Brayden. xoxo.
funeral
Remember your loved one in a lasting way
The memory of a much loved family member or friend can live on through a donation to your local health service - Northeast Health Wangaratta. Your memorial donation can assist in securing the continued availability of comprehensive health care locally. The bereaved family will be noti ed of your memorial gi according to your wishes and you will receive a tax-deductible receipt for your donation. For further information or to make a donation please contact:
Engagement Team (03) 5722 5310 or PO Box 386, Wangaratta, Vic 3676.
WANGARATTA Chronicle photographer Kurt Hickling was at the Wangaratta Derby last Saturday to capture some of the action from the under 15s netball and thirds football matches. Photos can be purchased from the Wangaratta Chronicle office in Rowan Street.
ISSY PIZZINI
COOPER BOMAN
EDEN WHITE
CALLUM BOTT
MINNIE HUMPHRY
STEPH PARSONS
PAIGE ELY
MIKAYLA BRADLEY
OWAIN BOYLE
LEXIE LOOBY
Bats at the ready: Oxley table tennis returns
By JUNE UEBERGANG
THE words of the old song ‘here we are again, happy as can be, all good friends and jolly good company’ rang true when 16 players arrived with good enthusiasm for the rst round of the 2025 Oxley social table tennis competition, held last Monday night at the Oxley hall.
Ripping straight into gear, ‘big boys’ Neil Spurgeon and Richard Morgan paired up to take on the ever-ready livewires Kate Cole and Graham Stephens, in what developed into a long, hard-fought game, where every shot in the book, and then some, were on show.
While the fellas tramped heavily to cover the table and beyond, Kate tripped the light fantastic as she bounced every which way in her determination to return every ball.
With everyone pulling shots from nowhere and playing them everywhere, scores went point for point from start to nish, until a couple of lucky net cords resulted in Neil and Richard winning by a whisker.
In a ‘family a air’ match, Adam Bosley and daughter Millia faced up to ‘Poppy’ Neil Brock and granddaughter Harper Nethercote in a long and determined battle of wits and agility.
While the old blokes used their experience and strengths, they
each relied heavily on their sharpminded girls to set up the points for the kill.
With scores see-sawing right throughout, it was anyone’s game to win, and ttingly, both pairs won in a tiebreaker.
Keen as mustard, another of ‘Poppy’ Brock’s ‘up and at it’ granddaughters, Asher Nethercote, teamed up with Alison Stephens in a lively game against newcomers to the competition Amanda Van Der Poel and her ‘born with a bat in his hand’ son Ryan in a match from which we all learned a thing or two.
While Ryan produces his sliced serves and strokes, Amanda backed
him up with ni y placements, while Asher and Alison took them on delivering swi ies to all points of the table.
Fun to play and fun to watch,nal scores saw Amanda and Ryan notching up a narrow victory.
There was no shortage of power when Clive Brooker partnered William Bonwick in a no-holds-barred game against Manni Poulos and Mick Gervasoni.
With each contributing his own signature style of play while complementing his partner’s, every inch of the table and beyond were belted and bruised by their determination to score the winning
shot at every opportunity.
Final scores not recorded, but both pairs work winning smiles, shook hands, and immediately lined up for a replay.
A er having played many doubles and singles matches for the night, everyone recuperated with a cuppa and supper, while holding post-mortems of games won and lost and penciling in replays for next week.
Adults and secondary school students of all ages and abilities are welcome to join the group which meets every Monday night beginning at 7pm at the Oxley hall – BYO bat, $2 entry, and a plate to share.
Dragons roaring into hockey season
THE Hockey Albury Wodonga season continued over the weekend, with Wangaratta Dragons teams in the thick of the action
The West End Cycles division three women’s team headed to Albury on Saturday for a showdown against the Wombats.
With 12 players hitting the eld this week, the Dragons showed up with strong energy, great communication, and impressive teamwork right from the start.
Although the game kicked o with a few nerves in the air, it didn’t take long for the Dragons to nd their rhythm.
Within the rst ve minutes, they broke through the Wombats’ defence with two early goals, setting the tone for the rest of the match.
From the rst quarter to the nal whistle, the Dragons maintained full control, nishing the game with a dominant 8–0 win.
Every player gave it their all, playing at 110 per cent and showing brilliant passing and cohesion throughout.
Emma Gall, Kylie Samson and Kate Reilly all scored two
goals each, with single strikes coming from Christy Christie and Hannah Lindsay.
The nal whistle brought smiles all around, with the team proud of their performance and result - a big thank you to the Wombats for a fantastic game.
The division two men travelled to Albury on Sunday for a hard-fought match against Wombats.
Coming o an amazing game last week the men were in high spirits as they took to the eld.
With Alex Ellem and Luke Mercer stepping up for the day, they proved just how versatile they are with some creative plays through the mid eld.
Alex Doig, Sam Couche and Andrew Bock held down the defence with Alex James making some miraculous saves in goals to hold the score at nil all at the half time break.
The Wombats came out strong in the second half with two goals, but Michael McMurrie found the net in the
third quarter and with that the Dragons’ con dence grew.
In the last quarter Alistair Merritt ran the ball through the mid eld beautifully and set up some courageous plays until Cameron Leathem, in his second ever game of hockey, scored his rst goal to equalise the scores at 2-2 just before the nal buzzer sounded.
All the senior teams are at home in Wangaratta this weekend, with the division three teams playing on Saturday wearing yellow in support
of Endometriosis Awareness.
If you are looking for some entertainment to ll your Saturday while supporting a worthwhile cause, come along to the Cathedral College hockey pitch from 1pm.
The division three men travelled up to Wodonga on Saturday a ernoon to take on Wodonga.
A er their win last week, the Dragons were feeling good about the game, however, Wodonga had a di erent idea.
Wodonga started the game
with speed and intensity which the Dragons struggled to match.
Unfortunately, the Dragons were unable to keep Wodonga at bay, allowing four goals to be scored in the rst quarter.
The next three quarters were very even with the Dragons reigning in Wodonga, managing to move the ball down the eld getting themselves into multiple scoring opportunities.
The Wodonga defence held rm with their goalie making a number of good saves to keep the Dragons scoreless, the Dragons going down 4-0.
Simon Lipshut with a best on ground performance tried his best to keep the Dragons in the game, getting good support from Wes Samson, Stewart Kerr, and Michael Wheeler across the eld.
Chris Ellem made a great positioning play and was unlucky not to get enough stick onto a good crossing pass to de ect the ball into the goal.
The Dragons will regroup at training this week ahead of Saturday’s game at home against the Magpies.
DRAG FLICK: Izaac Cameron takes the shot.
PLAY ON: (from le ) Neil Spurgeon, Manni Poulos, Graham Stephens, Mick Gervasoni prepare for the next point.
BACK IN ACTION: (from le ) Adam Bosley, Millie Bosley, Harper Nethercote and Richard Morgan at the Oxley social table tennis competition.
PHOTOS: Neil Brock
Merlin’s a dual Aussie champion - and off to worlds
WANGARATTA High School student Merlin Tzaros is a dual Australian champion, a er winning two gold medals at the School Sport Australia Triathlon/Aquathlon Championships held in Perth recently.
Tzaros, 16, won the two gold medals as well as a bronze at the event staged on the Rockingham Foreshore between March 25 and 27.
The rst of his medals came on the opening day of the event, when he claimed a bronze in triathlon.
Tzaros completed the 750m swim, 20km ride and 5km run in under an hour (58:32.95) to nish third of 33 competitors, behind only two year 12 boys from Sydney and Brisbane - o cially making him the fastest schoolboy triathlete in Victoria, and the fastest year 11 in Australia.
SPORT
JUBILEE GOLF CLUB
THURSDAY, 3 April
Ladies stroke 18 hole
Winner: Mary Jones +2.
The following day in the aquathlon (1km run, 200m swim, 1km run), he became the fastest senior (year 11/12) schoolboy in the nation, with his time of 9:19.38 securing him the gold by two seconds, in a eld of 33 racers.
Then, on the nal day of competition, the School Sport Victoria Team Vic and VIC Triathlon team member snared his second national gold medal in two days, winning as part of the Victorian team in the senior triathlon relay.
A er a month of racing, Tzaros completed his season with another gold medal on the Gold Coast last weekend.
He won the Age Group National Sprint Championships, and in doing so has secured himself an automatic quali cation to compete at the world championships in Wollongong this October.
Ball winners: Joy Hester C/B from others +4, Frances Duffy C/B from others +4.
NTPs - 4th: M Jones, 8th: R Grealy, 13th: J Hester, 17th: J Hester.
Wednesday, 2 April
9 hole Stableford
Winner: Tamara O’Connor C/B from Michael Tanner 19.
Ball winners: Michael Tanner 19, Colin Braden 19, Peter Walker 18, Brendan Nolan 17, Matt Walker 17.
NTPs - 8th: S Richards.
Saturday, 5 April
Ladies stableford
Winner: Tamara O’Connor 38.
Ball winners: Kellie Roberts 2 balls 37, Mary Jones, Ros White. NTPs - 4th: Yogie Naidoo, 8th: Ros White, 13th: Kellie Roberts, 17th: Mary Jones.
Men’s captains stableford
A Grade Winner: Pat Ernst 35. B Grade Winner Glenn O’Connell 38. C Grade Winner: Bronte Bruce 37. D Grade Winner: Peter Collihole C/B Robert Skase 37.
Ball winners: Robert Skase 37, Trevor Gunn 34, Neville Hogan 34, Chris Palmer 34, Andrew Charles 33, Peter Geldens 33, Peter Ford 33, William Slade 33, Jim Moore 33, Lawrence Miller 33, Aaron Kungl 32, Alex Gibbs C/B from others 32.
NTPs - 4th: C Palmer, 8th: J Porter, 13th: W Roberts, 17th: B Bruce.
Ball Winners: Frazer Dale, Henry McInnes, Isaac Willett, Trevor Clark, Matthew Walsh, Andrew Storer, Charl DeMink, Dan Madden, Peter Maddern, Michael Cordier, Phillip Winnell, Ben Clarke.
NTPs - 4th: Charl DeMink, 7th: Isaac Willett, 13th: Denis Hill, 16th: Dan Madden.
9 Hole Stableford Event
Winner: Peter King 21 points.
Runner Up: John Walker 20 points.
Ball Winners: Edwin Smith, David Lawson, Bob Haynes.
A Grade Winner: Neil Membrey 38 points. Runner Up: Julian Bau 36 points C/B.
B Grade Winner: Trevor Trimble 44 points. Runner Up: Jack Dean 40 points.
Ball Winners: Stuart Bowman, Jeremy Winter, Ian Rundell, Isaac Willett, Matt Fischer, Kris Allan, Glen Seymour, Ray Hutton, David Woodstock, Phillip Winnell, Hudson Membrey, Geoffrey Webster.
NTPs - 4th: Drew Winter, 7th: John Southwell, 9th: Daniel Bihun, 11th: John Southwell, 13th: Hudson Membrey, 16th: Ian Rundell. Secret 6: Julian Bau.
The members played a stroke event for the April Monthly Medal which was won by Alex McMillan 103-31-72.
The competition winner was Mark Nolan 85-14-71, ball winner Pete Nolan nett 73.
NTPs - 4th: Lindsay Steer, 8th and Aroma Deli Award: Lindsay Steer. Monthly Awards – Birdies: Pete Nolan. Gobblers: Angelo Garraffo. Captains Award: Mark Nolan. Sec Award: Peter Scoullar.
Golf to be played Saturday 12 April will be the first round of the singles KO. It will be an 11.30am roll up for a 12pm noon hit-off.
New members are always welcome at the Tarrawingee Golf Club with first year membership of $100 and very reasonable competition fees, this can be done by contacting a member or phoning 0428 122 590.
Tarra Ladies
In delightful autumn conditions the Tarra ladies completed the first round of the club championships on Tuesday.
At this stage it is a very evenly contested event.
Good results for the first round
were submitted by Joan Quarrell and Carole O’Sullivan.
Challenging them at this stage however are Di McLaughlin, Lynn Barrow and Cindy Hardy.
It will be a strong battle this year.
WANG CROQUET
RESULTS for Monday, 7 April are as follows:
Joan Dyson and Margaret Bennett d Wendy Waddington and Maureen O’Keefe 7/6, Sue Downie and Pauline Bailey d Sue Fischer and Cheryle Beckley 7/6, Shane Downie and Jed Hart d Elise Downes and Robyn Muller 7/3.
Last Saturday, Robyn Muller ran a beautiful hoop-in-one between hoop nine and ten.
On Monday, former member (now captain of Victoria) Shane Downie and partner Sue visited and enjoyed some games with our members.
On Wednesday, Wangaratta travelled to Beechworth for the start of the pennant season.
Beechworth defeated Wangaratta eight games and 68 hoops to four games and 59 hoops.
This weekend, three members of Wangaratta Croquet club are representing the North East in the Regional Singles Championship in Melbourne.
Andy Barbero is playing in division one, Janet Kelly is in div two and Maureen O’Keefe is in div three.
Club captain Terry Wilson and associate member Jed Hart are
refereeing at the event.
Play is at 1pm on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday – please arrive 15 minutes earlier to allow for a draw to be undertaken.
The club is located at 46 Ryan Avenue, Wangaratta.
For further information please contact president Susan Fischer on 0417 217 009 or secretary Terry Wilson on 0417 326 739.
WARBY WALKERS
WEEK away at Anglesea – Saturday, 29 March to Saturday, 5 April, based at the Anglesea Family Caravan Park.
The week was full of great walks mainly along the gorgeous coastline.
Sunday’s walks were following the perimeter track near Anglesea, following the river and visiting Roadnight Beach.
Monday saw the group tackle the area around Airey’s Inlet with tall forests and grass trees,
While Tuesday was time to visit Bells Beach and Point Addis area with the spectacular coast views and waterfalls.
Wednesday was Lorne’s turn to explore waterfalls and coffee shops.
Thursday’s adventures involved the areas around Airey’s Inlet and the lighthouse.
Friday’s planned walks had to be adjusted due to fuel reduction burns but plenty of beaches and lighthouses and coffee shops were visited.
Coming Events
Sunday, 13 April, Myrtleford to Gapsted, Stanley State Forest –Marita, 0427 521 122.
This medium walk starts at the outskirts of Myrtleford, and meanders along bush tracks skirting the edge of Stanley State Forest towards Gapsted. There are areas where views of the surrounding hills, and mountain ranges, can be seen.
Saturday, 26 April, Yackandandah Creek - Karen, 0409 215 286.
An easy walk of approximately 6.5km, or an easy/medium return walk of approximately 13km along a new section of the rail trail between Yackandandah and Osbornes Flat.
The trail leads alongside the Yackandandah Creek, and is mostly within the Recreation Reserve.
A good surface, slightly undulating, with about 50m difference in elevation from one end to the other.
READY TO LEARN: Tennis Australia and Tennis Victoria launched one of the first regional level one coaching courses in Wangaratta on Tuesday at the Wangaratta Hardcourt courts. It was a busy day with social tennis and pickleball players also in action. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
EARNING A SPOT: Running to victory in the Gold Coast Triathlon, Merlin Tzaros earns his place to represent Australia.
MID-COMPETITION: Wangaratta High School student Merlin Tzaros hits the road during competition in Perth.
Prime time: Beechworth to debut new lights honouring past legends
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
PAST and present Beechworth
Football Netball Club legends are set to grace Baarmutha Park on Saturday in what is set for an historic sporting night for the community.
Five premierships; four decades and two leagues apart are set to be celebrated as the Bushrangers host league powerhouse Kiewa-Sandy Creek in what will be the club’s rst home night game in its history.
Club co-president Emma Carey said the night would be a massive occasion for the town and the club was excited to showcase Baarmutha Park under dark.
“It’s pretty cool we get to use our lights, having a night game we’ll have a bigger crowd than normal which is exciting,” she said.
“We’re set for a ripper day, Danielle Bell our canteen manager has spent hours planning with the crew to make sure we have everyone going and Dan Cooper has pre-cooked the burgers for us as the butcher in town.
“Bec West and Bree Chambeyron have spent hours putting together the volunteer roster for this one.”
First-time reunions will be taking place for Beechworth’s Ovens and King League 1982 and 1993 reserves premierships and 2000-01 senior premierships.
There will also be a reunion of the club’s most recent senior ag in the Tallangatta league in 2010.
Kel Clark, who was a part of the 1982 reserves premiership side as a budding 18-year-old, said he was eager to organise a celebration with his former teammates, having not had a reunion in the 43 years since.
“We’ve always talked about having a reunion and I raised it with the committee three or four months ago,” he said.
“The committee said they had never had a 2010 reunion as well, and it just grew from there.
“Some blokes haven’t seen each other for 10, even 20 years, it’s going to be fantastic.”
Beechworth’s back-to-back triumphs as the Bombers in 2000-01
Rested
By NATHAN DE VRIES
premierships in 2000 and 2001 in their final years in the O&K.
RETURNED: Tim Oliver paddles the ball back over the net.
Close contests at Wangaratta table tennis
IT was another enjoyable round of matches Wednesday evening in the cooler conditions.
Results - Round 3, autumn competitions, Wednesday, April 2.
A grade
Appin Park Store (John Wright, Markus Angehrn) def Nathan Vincent Contracting (Nathan Vincent, Ash Harding), final rubber score 3/2.
Matches won - singles: J Wright 2, N Vincent 1, A Harding 1. Doubles: M Angehrn/I Groom (sub).
broke a 21-year drought in the seniors before the club switched leagues in 2003.
The reserves’ 1982 and 1993 teams were the last two Beechworth reserves teams to win premierships in the grade.
In 2010, the seniors were able to break through for their rst premiership in the Tallangatta league a er falling short in the grand nal a year prior.
Carey said a large majority of the premiership winning past players were expected to be at the ground Saturday.
“Other people who have commitments during the day can still do their thing and then come,” she said.
Prior to the A grade tipping o on the courts at 6pm, a separate major milestone will be celebrated in the B
grade with Coby Surrey bringing up her 350th senior match.
Surrey has been a pillar within the Bushrangers netball scene since the club moved to the Tallangatta league, having had multiple coaching stints and mentored a majority of the current playing group.
A pre-game presentation will take place at the start of the B grade from 4:50pm.
The new $360,000 lights were erected at Baarmutha Park in August last year a er the club secured around $320,000 in grants from Indigo Shire Council and Sport and Recreation Victoria.
Carey said the committee were eager to mark the historic night game on a grand occasion, bringing forward the combined reunions in their home opener of the season.
“It’ll be great for spectators to see the lights in action,” she said.
The current day senior Bushrangers will be entering their clash against Kiewa-Sandy Creek full of con dence a er taking down last year’s grandnalists Chiltern last weekend.
Both teams enter the game as the only undefeated sides a er two games into the season.
The Hawks are considered one of the teams to beat once again this year and they’ll have extra motivation to claim bragging rights over former coach Jack Neil, who guided the Hawks to grand nals in 2022 and 2023.
Gates will open at 12pm with the juniors getting underway from 12:15pm, with the A grade netball starting from 6pm and senior football to kick o from 6:15pm.
and ready: Devils take on Diamonds
HAVING a week away from the rigors of competition can help a side gather its breath and reset.
A er sitting on the sidelines last weekend with the scheduled bye in round ve of the Albury Wodonga Football Association season, the Lady Devils are back.
The division one women’s side will by rested and hungry to secure their rst win of the season, having fallen 1-3 to Albury United and 0-8 to Boomers so far this season.
They take to South Wangaratta Reserve from 11.20am.
In other matches, Wangaratta’s division one men’s side will look to bank the three points when they take on the Diamonds.
A er an agonising draw last weekend against Melrose a er leading 3-0 at the half, a win this weekend will do wonders for the Devils’ condence.
The Diamonds sit h overall with a 2-1-1 record from their four matches, and will present a challenge for the Devils.
Senior coach Vitaly Leschen said it was time for his side to show what they’re made of.
“It is again a very good challenge for the lads and our last home game for a few weeks,” he said.
“I think the boys have shown over the last three or so games we are not far o at all.
“It is about keeping on going, and it’s the half chances and little moments in the game suddenly begin to fall your way when you keep working.
“We have Raul [Pahina] coming back this week which will provide a boost.
“The boys should be aiming to get a win in front of our crowd and supporters, to take into the next few weeks on the road.”
The senior men’s game begins at 3pm.
Matches won - singles: Andrew Lindner 2, E Kibble 1, A Wurtz 1. Doubles: A Wurtz/ Austin Lindner.
B grade
Boralma Berkshire (Steve Picken, Tim Oliver) def Somerset Communications (Klaus Kazenwadel, Kim Brown), final rubber score 3/2.
Match wins - singles: S Picken 2, K Brown 1, K Kazenwadel 1. Doubles: S Picken/T Oliver. Nathan Vincent Contracting (Michael Bellingham, John Maletta) def NE Ag & Industrial (John Bajada, Sienna Bajada), final rubber score 3/2.
Match wins - singles: M Bellingham 1, J Maletta 2, J Bajada 1. Doubles: J & S Bajada. C grade Auto 8 (Mick Gervasoni, Seth Knox) def Somerset Comms (Reggie Kanaskar, Chris Dean), final rubber score 3/2.
Match wins – singles: S Knox 2, M Gervasoni 1, C Dean 1. Doubles: R Kanaskar/C Dean. D grade
Appin Park Store (Renee McCarthy, Michelle Bowd) def NE Ag & Industrial (Tim Loffler, Josh Loffler), final rubber score 4/1.
Match wins – singles: R McCarthy 2, M Bowd 2. Doubles: T & J Loffler.
Somerset Communications (Maxine Miller, Paul Hughes) def Auto 8 (Matt Curran, Jesse Hughes), final rubber score 4/1.
Match wins: M Miller 2, P Hughes 1, M Curran 1. Doubles: M Miller/P Hughes. The table tennis competition returns after the school holiday break, on Wednesday, 23 April. Enquiries to Wangaratta Table Tennis Association president Tom Brown on 0429 809 927.
SWEET NINETIES: The 1993 Beechworth reserves O&K premiership team.
GLORY DAYS: The 1982 Beechworth O&K reserves premiership winning team.
LIGHT IT UP: Baarmutha Park will showcase its new lights in a grand occasion on Saturday, celebrating five past premierships over four decades and two leagues.
MASSIVE CHANCE: Liam Cooper and the Devils have the opportunity to take a huge scalp when they host Wodonga Diamonds this weekend.
PHOTO: Kat De Naps Photography
Wright 2, N Vincent 1, A Hard-
BACK-TO-BACK: Beechworth claimed
MATCH PREVIEWS
In-form Bats to face reigning premiers
By NATHAN DE VRIES
THIS weekend, Goorambat’s senior squad face their biggest challenge of the season so far when they host the 2024 premiers, Greta.
The Bats have been on the up over the last few seasons, backing up their nals appearance last season with back-to-back wins to commence the season, albeit without their rst string side.
Wins over King Valley (64 points) and Moyhu (17 points) have proven to the league and the side internally their brand of footy can stack up against the competition.
“Last year has given us some con dence, we worked really hard and we’ve worked on those
areas again this year of where we want to improve,” Goorambat coach Ben Wapling said.
“I just think we’re really trying to hone in on the way we want to play and the way we want to go about things, our pressure around the ground and the way we’re moving it.
“No matter what, we see it as the marathon not the sprint, we just take each week as it comes.
“We just want to win enough games to be up there again and try and manage our side well to make sure we can have another crack.”
Wapling admitted the Bats were still some way o elding their best side at once, with injury concerns and unavialabilities, but he was proud of how the side had operated so far.
“We’ve got through our matches but we won’t be near full strength until at least a er Easter at least, and even a er that we’ve got a couple of injuries to come back,” he said.
“Big ‘Curto’ [Curtis Ankers] last week, he’s a bit of a stalwart of the club, he just stood up when it counted.
“We lost Sam Gladstone to a hamstring at training, he and Ben Reaburn are usually our anchors in the backline.
“Curto’s always solid, there aren’t many times I can sit there and say he’s had a bad day, but he stood up with Sam not being there last week.”
The Blues will be looking to bank some points early a er falling in their opening round match.
“They’re a quality, experienced
Tarrawingee hopes to break
A grade voodoo when they host Milawa in round three
■ From back page
“It is always a tough match, and there is no doubt they are great side with a lot of talent across the whole court.
“We are hoping to match up against them well, but every player will have to be strong in their own position.
“We have a few new and returning players to our team this year, and with them, they bring a lot of speed through the midcourt, as well as giving us di erent combinations across the whole court.
“Milawa’s shooters are always accurate, so our defensive end will have to work
hard all game, but we are more focused on playing our game rather than counteracting theirs.”
In other round three matches, the Bombers host Moyhu, the Bats are at home to the Blues, King Valley heads across to Whorouly, and the Hawks face o against the Panthers at Friendlies Oval.
HEATED REMATCH: Tarrawingee’s Tig White and Milawa shooter Emily Canny will likely match up directly when the Bulldogs host the Demons this weekend.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
out t, we’ve got a fair idea of the way they like to play and what they need to do,” Wapling said.
“Hopefully we can put up a good ght and just see where we’re at as well.
“At the end of the day, we play them now and no matter what, win or lose, we get another opportunity and opportunities each week to keep moving along the board.”
Goorambat host Greta in their round three clash, with reserves from 12pm and seniors from 2pm.
Elsewhere, the Hoppers head down to Bonnie Doon, Whorouly takes on King Valley at the Den, the Panthers and Hawks face o at Friendlies Oval, and Tarrawingee will look to take down Milawa at Tarrawingee.
surgery a er he went down in round one.
Help Josh heal
THE O&K community is rallying behind Goorambat’s Josh Heylbut after he broke his C6 and C7 vertebrates in his round one match against King Valley.
After receiving a severe knock, Heylbut went down and had to be airlifted to Melbourne for treat-
While he is at home and recovering well, the bricklayer will be unable to work for at least 12 months, and a GoFundMe has been started to help him and his family while he
More than $11,000 has already been raised of the $31,000 target.
Bats coach Ben Wapling said Heylbut was the heart of the club and urged people to support him if they can.
“I knew there was something wrong when he went down and he was in so much pain, because he’s just so tough,” he said.
“He’d been at cricket all season and we hadn’t had him at preseason because if he’s doing something he’s dedicated to it.
“It just shows his character, he was at training Tuesday night on crutches in a neck brace after having major surgery.
“That just shows the calibre of person he is.
“He’s a real clubman, and I hope people can get around him - hopefully we can help the family out, it’s tough when something like this happens and not everyone’s got the insurance when they’re working for themselves.”
In addition to the GoFundMe, the Bats will host a joint golf day with Benalla Bushrangers Cricket Club, where Heylbut also plays, at Jubilee Golf Club to raise some money.
Set for Sunday, May 25, the $35 entry will go towards helping Heylbut and his family on the long road to recovery.
For more information, visit the Goorambat Football Netball Club on Facebook, and to donate directly visit https://gofund. me/12d68b72.
BATS AND BLUES: Jamie Dunne and the senior Bats host a powerhouse Greta squad in round three.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
Warriors state div five runners up
THE Wangaratta Warriors’ under 14 boys and girls teams travelled to Ballarat over the weekend for the 2024/2025 state championships, with both squads coming away as division ve runners up.
On day one, the boys were defeated by the strong Macedon Rangers and Leongatha teams, but they were too good for Ararat running away with a 25-point win.
Finishing third in their pool, the young Warriors quali ed for division ve.
The boys were at their absolute best on day two, and convincing victories over
Foster, Morwell and Maryborough earnt the boys top spot in their pool.
Day three saw convincing wins in their quarter nal against Morwell and seminal against Maryborough, leading them to a grand nal match-up against local rival Yarrawonga Mulawla.
The grand nal was a tight back and forth contest, with both teams playing some great basketball while ghting fatigue a er nine games in three days, but the Warriors just couldn’t make any inroads into the half-time de cit, eventually going down 34-42.
The girls team started day one on re with a comfortable win against Lakes Entrance, but losses to Bairnsdale and Colac saw them nish third in their pool, qualifying for division ve.
The girls, like the boys, were at their best on day two, defeating Terang, Lakes Entrance and Leongatha to secure top spot in their pool.
Day three started with a strong 17-point quarter nal win over Maryborough, followed by a 10-point semi nal win over Foster, setting up a grand nal match-up against the only other undefeated di-
MATCH REVIEWS
vision ve team, Sale. The Warriors jumped out of the blocks and held an eight-point quarter time lead, but Sale fought back in the second quarter to hold a four-point lead at the half. The Warriors were able to reduce the de cit to one at three-quarter time.
The fourth quarter was a tight tussle, but the Warriors’ shots just would not go in and the girls eventually lost 34-46.
Wangaratta’s under 12 boys and girls head to Bendigo this weekend for their state championships.
Homeward bound for ‘Pies
By NATHAN DE VRIES
AFTER their thrilling derby win to kick o the 2025 Ovens and Murray season, the Wangaratta Magpies commence the home and away season for real with a game against Corowa Rutherglen under lights at the Showgrounds.
Fresh o dusting the reigning premiers by two goals in a high-pressure season opener, the Magpies will host a lively Roos out t on Saturday evening.
With a game under their belt and four points on the board, Wangaratta coach Jason Heatley said the side was recovering well, and had some takeaways from their narrow win on the weekend.
“It was pretty warm, rst game under that sort of pressure, so with that comes some soreness but also with that it might give us an advantage heading into someone else’s round one,” he said.
“There was a lot of general soreness - we’ll probably lose Harry Smart and maybe one other, that’s generally the cycle, rinse and repeat moving forward.
“If you look across the numbers, they’re really pretty even except for the clearances, I think they were +14.
“We think there were some reasons for that that we’ve had a bit of a look at.
“First hands on the footy still becomes a really crucial part of the game, so there are some things we looked at.
“The boys did some things in Wang during the week, we’ll do some stu with our Melbourne and Geelong guys to replicate that, and head into playing a side this week
that has gone through a lot of turnover.
“The plan this week has just been around what we know, but there is probably going to be a lot that we don’t know, but that’s okay.”
Leading the Roos is an old foe of the Magpies, with former Wangaratta Rovers and Wodonga Raiders coach Daryn Cresswell taking up the mantle at John Foord Oval.
A er being the whipping boys of the league last year, banking only the one win from 18 matches in 2024, Corowa Rutherglen is rebuilding rapidly.
The Roos have been the busiest club during the o season, with at least 20 new signings reported, and Heatley said he was unsure of what they would be faced with on the park.
“It’s a VFL bye this week, so who will they have available, what they look like, it’s a complete overhaul of their list, how they’ve managed themselves during the preseason –that will all play itself out over the weekend,” he said.
“It’s going to be warm, so you’d think a bit of the dew might form later.
“They guys have been training in those sorts of conditions for a while now, and it’ll be the same for both sides.”
Football at the Wangaratta Showgrounds commences at 2pm on Saturday with the thirds, with reserves from 4pm and the seniors from 6pm.
Elsewhere, Wangaratta Rovers will be looking to snatch their rst points of 2025 when they take on the North Albury Hoppers at Bunton Park.
Big test for ‘Pies against netball heavyweight
By SHANE DOUTHIE
AFTER picking up the four points last week against cross-town rivals Wangaratta Rovers in an encouraging display, the Magpies face O&M netball powerhouse Corowa-Rutherglen this Saturday evening at the Showgrounds.
The encounter begins at 5pm and the outcome will give Wangaratta coach Shea Cunningham a clearer idea on how her team is travelling. “Last week was a good hit
out, the rst game is not always the greatest but we’re better for the run,” Cunningham said.
“We have plenty of work still do and plenty to work on.”
The Magpies will be without rising young gun Milly O’Kane who will be in Sydney representing Victoria in the U17 national championships.
“It’s a big hole to ll, whoever is chosen will have to be able to play in the defensive end as well as in the goal circle,” Cunningham said.
“But we have plenty of options to choose from.
“Corowa has maintained most of the team from last year, they’ll be very strong and are are the standard this year along with Yarrawonga.
“We’ll go in with an expectation just to have a real good crack.”
Cunningham said the club’s depth was standing it in good stead while a few familiar faces are unavailable this year including the likes of Issy Newton, Georgia Clark, Chaye Crimmins and Brooke Thorp.
“It’s about making sure we develop depth across all grades,” she said.
“By giving younger and new players a taste of A grade it can only make us stronger when some of the experienced players return.”
O’Kane was one who has already impressed, making the transition from last year in the under 17s and C grade to the top level relatively comfortably, while recruit Paige Zamperoni was another young star to catch the eye.
“Paige is de nitely one to
look out for, she was very impressive at wing defence last week and complements Leah Jenvey perfectly,” Cunningham said.
“She has the right attitude, is super t and highly competitive.
“Holly Humphries is another, she’s only 17 and in her rst game held her own and just got on with it in a high pressure situation.”
Wangaratta Rovers in the meantime will travel up the highway to Bunton Park to take on North Albury.
The Hawks will be buoyed
by their performance last week against Magpies but have another tough test against the Hoppers who were knocked out from the nals last season in a one point loss to the Roos.
Netball: 1pm U15s 2.20pm U17s 3.40pm C
LIGHT UP THE NIGHT: Alex Federico and the Magpies host Corowa Rutherglen on Saturday evening under lights at the Showgrounds.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
2025FootyTIPPING AFL
Round
THURSDAY APR 10
Adelaide vs. Geelong (Adelaide Oval)
FRIDAY APR 11
Collingwood vs. Sydney (M.C.G.)
SATURDAY APR 12
Nth Melbourne vs. Gold Coast (Blundstone Arena)
Carlton vs. West Coast (M.C.G.)
W Bulldogs vs. Brisbane Lions (M.C.G.)
Melbourne vs. Essendon (Adelaide Oval)
SUNDAY APR 13
Richmond vs. Fremantle (M.C.G.)
St Kilda vs. GWS Giants (M.O.D.B.A.)
Port Adelaide vs. Hawthorn (Adelaide Oval)
LADDER 05
ROUND
After 04
2025FootyTIPPING AFL
THE FOOTY PULSE
SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMS: FUN AND PLAY FOR KIDS!
Our School Holiday Programmes kicked o this week in Wangaratta with over 60 kids participating in a full day of fun-filled activities. Looking for more opportunities for your child to enjoy less screen time and more playtime?
We have several exciting programs coming up: Wodonga: Martin Park on Wednesday, 9th April Benalla: Benalla Showgrounds on Monday, 14th April
Wangaratta (All Girls): Barr Reserve on Wednesday, 16th April
Scan the QR code below to register for your nearest program!
NEB kicked o its 2025 Volunteer Recognition Program in partnership with Apco Service Stations by recognising Cassandra Bennett from Wahgunyah Football Netball Club for her contribution to the club, helping to raise funds for new junior teams and organise a successful Indigenous Day.
If you know a Volunteer, Coach, or Umpire at your Club or Auskick Centre who has had a positive impact, nominate them now by scanning the QR Code.
o in the North East Border Female Football League last Sunday! It’s great to see young girls across 7 Clubs start their footy journey, with the female football pathway in the region now complete from Auskick to Open Women’s.
Merlin Tzaros proudly displays his three medals from the School Sport Australia Triathlon/ Aquathlon Championships.
■ Story page 30 STAR
Dogs and Dees
Tarrawingee hopes to break A grade voodoo when they host Milawa in round three
IT’S only round three, but fans of O&K A grade netball will be treated to a potential grand nal preview as two of the premier teams face o on the court. This weekend, Tarrawingee and Milawa will come head-to-head on the netball court for the rst time this season, in a match which is sure to be top quality.
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
O en put at the top of punters’ premiership favorites, the Bulldogs and Demons both made nals last year – the semi- nal and preliminary, respectively –and will be eager to continue their form.
Both teams are undefeated in 2025, setting the stage for a massive showdown.
Tarrawingee coach Tig White said the start of the season has been fantastic.
“We had a few players away in round one, so to have them slot into the team for round two gave us the opportunity to trial di erent combinations across the whole court,” she said.
“We have a few new and returning players to our team this year, and with them, they bring a lot of speed through the midcourt, as well as giving us di erent combinations across the whole court.
“We are very fortunate to have a good side again this season and like all teams we would love to be competitive deep into
the finals, but there are so many changes amongst all the clubs this year that it is really hard to guess who the top team will be come September.
“We aren’t focused on nals just yet - there is a lot of netball to be played before then, so we are just looking forward to each Saturday game as it comes.”
Milawa will be favorites to
come out on top, having not lost a match to Tarrawingee in the A grade competition since round 14 in 2022.
However, the o season has seen arrivals and departures from both camps, making for a scintillating match-up across the court.
“We are looking forward to playing Milawa,” White said.
