By JORDAN DUURSMA
POLICE detected more than 100 offences in local Police Service Area (PSA) during a major road safety blitz over the Labour Day long weekend.
Operation Arid saw police target high-risk driving behaviour and non-compliance over the long weekend in an effort to reduce road trauma.
DRESSED FOR ROYALTY: YouTubers ‘Misfit Minds’, including
dressed in their
had
in search of Wangaratta resident Earl Simon Abney-Hastings.
UK and Melbourne-based YouTubers teamed up to y into Wangaratta in a helicopter on Sunday in search of royalty, Earl Simon Abney-Hastings.
Zac Alsop, who has 2.01 million subscribers on YouTube, joined his friends and fellow pranksters Mis t Minds to carry out their semi-planned shenanigans.
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
The four men, dressed in royal garments, posted to Instagram and TikTok while inight, calling for any subscribers who live in Wangaratta and can provide a car ride from the local airport to the CBD. About seven Wangaratta locals showed up and suddenly they were cast into the mayhem and spontane-
ity that goes hand-in-hand with the pranksters.
Upon arrival at Wangaratta’s Murphy Street, a horse and cart showed up, pre-arranged to take the comedians on a journey around the CBD.
Mr Alsop explained to the Wangaratta Chronicle why they were there and their elaborative mission to nd Earl Abney-Hastings in the name of “justice for Simon”.
He believes that Earl Abney-Hastings should be the rightful King of England.
It’s a long story but it has something to do with an incorrect deviation in the royal family tree.
“If you follow the trail back to the rightful king, he lives in Wangaratta,” Mr Alsop said.
“His Dad immigrated when he was 18 to Jerilderie, NSW and Simon has
been living in Wangaratta since 2012 and we think it’s his rightful place to have a crown on his head.”
The comedians’ attempts to contact and meet with Earl Abney-Hastings went unanswered prior to their Wangaratta visit so they did some asking around to the whereabouts of the Earl.
This is where the plan started to get even weirder.
■ Continued page 4
The Wangaratta PSA saw a significant number of infringements, with 72 speeding offences and 12 unregistered vehicles recorded.
The Wangaratta PSA also saw a significant amount of drink and dug driving offences with nine drink drivers, three drug drivers, one combined drink/ drug diving offence and one other drink/drug offence.
A total 61 lives have been lost on Victorian roads this year, up from 58 at the same time last year.
Police are reminding motorists they will continue to be out enforcing anywhere, anytime across the state’s roads this month, with March considered the most dangerous period on Victorian roads.
Injury collisions in both metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria have historically peaked during March, with 30 fatalities recorded during March 2024 – the highest since 34 were recorded in 2011.
■ Continued page 4
PAUL Moss-Holland will share some interesting history of the Wangaratta Cemetery at the upcoming Wangaratta Family History Society annual general meeting.
The meeting will be held on Saturday, 22 March from 10.30am in the Wangaratta Library’s community room.
Members and guests are welcome to attend.
IN last Wednesday’s Education in Focus feature in the Wangaratta Chronicle, Galen Catholic College’s principal report incorrectly carried the name and photo of Darren ‘Darta’ Hovey. Mr Hovey left the college at the end of last year to take on a new role with Catholic Education Sandhurst Limited, and Jim Samon is the interim principal for term one. Shaun Mason will commence his tenure as the principal of the college in term two.
THERE’S nothing like a community fun run to bring people together - but for Team CAV (Centre Against Violence), it’s about more than just crossing the nish line.
It’s about starting conversations, raising awareness, and showing support for those impacted by family and sexual violence.
And this year, Wangarattabased federal Indi Independent MP Helen Haines is lacing up her runners to be part of the movement.
“I think what Team CAV is doing to address the issue that we all care so deeply about the safety of women and children is a critical part of Wangaratta and something that really matters to me,” Dr Haines said.
“So, I am delighted to be on Team CAV.”
With runners and walkers of all abilities taking part in the Wangaratta Marathon and Fun Run, Dr Haines is embracing the event in her own way.
“I have signed up to do the 5km. I believe I can run or walkI’ll see how I go,” she said.
“I’m really looking forward to being out along the river; it’s awesome. I am sure there will be lots of great people on the walk, and I reckon I will have lots of fantastic conversations.”
For Team CAV, the event is about using everyday moments - like a fun run - to spark meaningful discussions about healthy relationships and community support.
Dr Haines agrees that change starts with open conversations.
“I think if we are going to address the issue of family violence, we need to start at the beginning,” she said.
“We need to change behaviours, including how we think about this, and being part of the community and having conversations as we walk or run is part of it.
“I’m looking forward to having those conversations.”
Dr Haines is also encouraging others to come along and say hello.
“If you see me out on the walk, please come and say g’day and let’s chat,” she said. Join Team CAV at the Wangaratta Marathon and Fun Runs and be part of the conversation.
The Wangaratta Marathon and Fun Run is on this Sunday, 16 March at the Wangaratta Showgrounds.
Fun Run Registrations: https://www.alpinetiming. com.au/registrations/rg550/ Learn more about the Centre Against Violence Community Team: https://centreagainstviolence.org.au/news/ join-team-cav/
THE Wangaratta Chronicle Marathon and Fun Run events are being held on Sunday, 16 March, with start of finish lines at the Wangaratta Showgrounds.
People can enter the 42km marathon, 21km half marathon, 10km and 5km events, with a 2km event specifically for primary school aged children and their parents.
For more details go to www.northeastsports.com.au/ wangarattamarathon
AMBULANCE Victoria (AV)
Wangaratta’s part in rolling out state-of-the-art over snow vehicles received recognition as a nalist at last week’s WorkSafe awards.
The Can-Am Defender all-terrain vehicle was one of threenalists in the Workplace Health and Safety Solution of the Year category. Speci cally designed for snow conditions, the vehicles are purpose-built to handle Victoria’s mountainous conditions by providing smoother and quicker transport for patients and paramedics in an emergency.
New Can-Am Defenders were stationed at Mount Buller, Mount Hotham and Falls Creek last winter.
AV Hume area manager Rob Heaslip said a lot of planning went into the specialist response vehicles.
“A er years of rigorous testing,
we’ve modi ed the design to make the vehicles lighter and easier to operate in Victoria’s unique alpine conditions,” he said.
“The entire project was a massive undertaking, and the result is testament to the collaboration between our operational Alpine sta , AV’s health and safety teams, our eet and equipment colleagues and vehicle engineers at Mader International.
“Ultimately, these vehicles enable a higher level of clinical care, which translates to improved clinical outcomes.
“We are proud to have these innovative vehicles recognised as a nalist at the WorkSafe awards.”
The Genesis Safety Change Table by Genesis Safety Pty Ltd was named the winner of the category which was commended for reducing the risk of hazardous manual handling injuries for early childhood educators.
ALL is set for the celebration of 50 years of the Australian Vauxhall Clubback where it all began - in Wangaratta.
The rally will be based at the CWA hall in Templeton Street with the first arrivals rolling in tomorrow.
“After months of preparation we are ready and excited for the arrival of more than 70 Vauxhalls and almost 150 people coming from every state and territory in Australia to enjoy the hospitality of Wangaratta and surrounds and celebrate this milestone,” local Vauxhall club member Joan Maher said.
“There is a huge range of cars coming, from those that are almost a century old to the much more modern.
“There are also quite a number of the original cars coming that were at the first rally which is a major achievement.”
The rally begins with cars arriving and checking in at the CWA hall on Thursday with plenty of activities to keep everyone busy until they depart the following Monday.
“Our rally includes trips all around our region – Glenrowan, Beechworth and in between, travelling all the way to view the silo art and out to Upotipotpon and finally out to Cheshunt where the first meeting to form the club was held,” Joan said.
“Everyone will be able to see the cars parading through the streets of Wangaratta on Saturday morning and then assembling at Apex Park.
“Then in the evening we will have a display of memorabilia at the CWA hall before closing out the rally with a dinner at the Gateway Hotel on Sunday evening.”
Leigh and Karon Whitfield, the main organisers of the rally, are bringing their beautiful 1927 Vauxhall 20/60 (pictured) which Leigh brought to the rally 50 years ago.
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
CRIME Stoppers Victoria and Victoria Police have launched a new campaign calling on information from the community to help disrupt retail crime.
The ‘Retail Crime Costs Us All’ campaign will see CCTV footage released showing some of the state’s worst retail crime repeat o enders, appealing for community information.
According to the latest data from the Crime Statistics Agency to the year ending September 2024, Wanga-
ratta observed a growth of 37 per cent in the o ences from a retail store compared to the previous year.
Retailers targeted can range from grocery stores and liquor outlets to hardware stores and clothing shops.
On 9 September last year, a former cashier of Sovereign Liquor Wangaratta revealed the “horror” he felt in stopping an attempted aggravated burglary by two teens, one armed with a knife.
Police data says repeat offenders account for nearly 70 per cent of all re-
tail crime incidents.
Chief executive of Crime Stoppers Victoria, Stella Smith, said retail crime affects everyone.
“Retail crime puts frontline workers and the community at risk and fuels further criminal activity,” she said.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe at work, yet frontline retail workers are routinely facing violence and threatening behaviour while simply doing their jobs.”
Police data also showed assaults linked to the in retail settings have risen by
12.3 per cent year on year, with assaults on females in a retail setting rising by 65.7 per cent in 2024.
Detective Superintendent Geri Porter said retail crime poses a direct threat to the safety of both workers and shoppers.
“Victoria Police takes this issue seriously, with over 1133 o enders arrested in the past month (1 – 31 January), and more are expected to be held accountable in the coming months,” she said.
“We are working very closely with retailers to address
this issue and our priority is to ensure everyone, including workers and shoppers, feel safe when visiting retailers.”
The community can assist police by providing any information about o enders, including their names, locations they frequent, licence plate details, any information about stolen goods including where they are being held, or information about recipients of stolen goods.
Learn more about the campaign visit www. crimestoppersvic.com.au/ current-focus/retail-crime
By JORDAN DUURSMA
LOCAL charitable organisations are encouraged to apply for grants of up to $5000 before the 2025 grant round of the Garry Nash & Co Community Fund closes on Tuesday, 18 March.
The Garry Nash & Co Community Fund, a sub-fund of Into Our Hands Community Foundation, provides grants to not-for-pro ts, schools and community groups for projects in housing and homelessness, natural disaster relief, health and wellbeing, and education.
Garry Nash & Co director Mike Noble said charitable groups who fall into those broad categories are encouraged to apply.
“We have $40,000 available this round which is quite a signi cant sum of money that will be able to make a positive di erence on the community,” he said.
“We have been very impressed with how groups have used the funds over the years...some of these groups operate on a shoestring budget and $5000 can go along way with helping the work they do.”
Since its establishment in 2021, the fund has distributed more than $100,000 to more than 50 community organisations, making a tangible impact across the Wangaratta area.
Mr Noble said Garry and Marion Nash started giving to the community when they opened the business back 1981 and this is a way the team can continue their legacy.
“This is a way we are able to give back to the community and know that it is going to support local grassroots organisations,” he said. to apply go on online at https://tinyurl.com/ mr2bme84 and download a hard copy at Garry Nash & Co. Community Fund - Into Our Hands; or pick up an application form from Garry Nash & Co o ces in Wangaratta.
■ From page 1
Road Policing acting assistant commissioner, David Byrt, said while the majority of drivers were doing the right thing and driving safely over the long weekend, disappointingly police continue to detect far too many motorists disregarding the road rules.
“Speeding even a little bit over the limit significantly increases your risk of being involved in road trauma, and yet the majority of those we caught speeding this weekend were considerably over the limit,” he said.
“We will continue to have zero tolerance for those who blatantly choose to speed on our roads – this behaviour puts not only the driver at risk of a collision, but all other road users.
“Collisions involving speed have historically been at their highest during March, so we need motorists to take their foot off the accelerator, slow down and stick to the speed limit.
“During this high-risk month of March, police will continue to have a major presence on roads across the state – we are doing everything we can to drive down trauma on our roads.”
Other offences in the Wangaratta PSA over Operation Arid included two disqualified drivers, two unlicensed drivers, one offence of disobeying signs/signals, one seatbelt offence, one mobile phone offence, one impoundment and three cyclist offences.
THE Rural City of Wangaratta invites expressions of interest from rural communities who would like to be considered to host a Pop-up Cinema during the winter months of June–August.
This initiative aims to engage the community through accessible lm screenings that foster social connections.
Council will deliver one pop-up cinema per rural town, providing all movie
screening equipment, and an operator.
The cinema screening equipment is suitable for either indoor or outdoor use and there are a range of family friendly movies to choose from.
of fundraising, or a potluck style dinner where attendees bring dishes representing their cultures, or a talent show that highlights local performers.
Any funds raised will go back to the community
tertain but also strengthen community bonds and foster connection and creativity.
“Fostering social connections during the winter months is crucial for maintaining community spirit,” Mayor Irene Grant said.
mit their proposals outlining their vision for hosting a pop-up cinema event.
Proposals should include details such as venue selection, lm programming, audience engagement activities, and logistical arrange-
■ From page 1
It involved ying the Earl to a micronation where he would be given a small piece of land to be renamed England for one day when Abney-Hastings would be crowned the King of England.
From there, Mr Alsop
said the new King would Knight all of the comedians, making them the only people in the last 500 years to have a legitimate Knighthood.
Rumour has it they were next heading to Jerilderie to nd any Abney-Hastings descendants if the Earl
continued to prove elusive, or if he wasn’t willing to play ball.
What happened next is anyone’s guess but they are now busy in the editing suite pulling together their adventure.
The Wangaratta subscribers also had an expe-
rience they won’t forget in a hurry.
To check out their YouTube sites visit https://www.youtube. com/results?search_ query=Zac+Alsop and https://www.youtube. com/results?search_ query=mis t+minds
encouraging the community to participate in our engagement activities, including an online survey and in-person listening posts.
The survey opens today until 17 April and can be completed by visiting: northeasthealth.org.au/ have-your-say Listening posts also kick off tomorrow with a session at the Wangaratta Library from 11am to 1pm.
PLAYERS enjoyed a funlled evening of barefoot bowls at the Moyhu Bowls Club on Friday, 7 March with the Moyhu Primary School team winning round ve; players Adam Vescio, Hamish Falla and Corey Sloan celebrating their second victory in the competition.
generously donated by Nikkos Butchery in Wangaratta.
The club said it was grateful to Max Baker for organising Friday night bowls, and Christine Magee who arranged the nightly ra e and reports for the Moyhu Facebook page.
The meat tray raffle prize was won by David Allen,
Thanks also went to Joe Northey and Max Montgom-
ery for skilfully cooking the sausages, the volunteers managing food sales and Neil Magee and other members for serving bar refreshments.
Next Friday night is the grand nal with Stewart Day and Neale Grimshaw to deliver a special touch for the evening by preparing a lamb on the spit.
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
MULTIPLE local firefighters contained a grass and scrub fire near Beechworth which burned for more than an hour last Thursday afternoon.
A Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) spokesperson said 17 FFMVic firefighters and multiple local CFA brigades responded to the blaze on Six Mile Road at 3.15pm.
A first attack dozer was called to the scene as crews were able to contain the grass and scrub fire to 2000m2 in size at 4.30pm.
The cause of the fire is being investigated in conjunction with Victoria Police.
The FFMVic spokesperson said Beechworth FFMVic crews returned to the fireground on Friday to black-out hot-spots and patrolled the fire until it was safe.
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
WORKSAFE Victoria has reminded Victorians that workplace tragedy doesn’t discriminate a er releasing its workplace death and injury claim tallies for 2024.
WorkSafe recorded 50 lives lost at workplaces across the state throughout the year with more than 25,500 workers being accepted for injury compensation claims.
There were ve fatalities recorded in the Hume region, including two in the Moira Shire, two in the Mitchell shire and one in Wodonga.
While no deaths occurred in the rural city, Wangaratta recorded the equal third-most injury claims for compensation in the Hume region with 133.
The region accepted the most injury work claims across regional Victoria with
1,328 claims, down on 2023’s gure of 1546.
Within the Ovens and Murray area encompassing shires in Wangaratta, Alpine, Benalla, Indigo, Mans eld, Towong and Wodonga, 654 injury claims were made in 2024, down 79 on the year prior.
WorkSafe executive director health and safety, Sam Jenkin, said the toll highlighted the fact any workplace was susceptible to a
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
A CYCLIST has died after a crash at Falls Creek on Sunday night.
Police said officers were called to Bogong High Plains Road after reports a bicycle had left the road about 7pm on 9 March.
“A yet-to-be formally identified male rider was located and treated at the scene but could not be revived,” a police spokesperson said.
The exact circumstances surrounding the crash are yet to be established.
Police said the investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or with footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au Riders descended on Falls Creek for the Peaks Challenge ride on Sunday as cyclists took on a 235km ride with 4000+ metres of climbing and a 13-hour deadline.
tragedy, so it was essential for employers and workers to stay vigilant.
“Victoria is among the safest places to work in the world but it is simply unacceptable lives are still being lost in what are entirely preventable workplace incidents,” Mr Jenkin said.
“No family should su er the devastation of losing a loved one at work and we remain unyielding in our commitment to working towards
a future of zero workplace deaths.”
“For too many years we have continued to see workplace harm due to the same hazards in the same industries, which is why WorkSafe has set ambitious targets to challenge the status quo.
“We are asking for the support and buy-in of the entire Victorian community – only together can we create safer workplaces that last for generations to come.”
The incident follows an unrelated fatal crash in the Alpine area at Buffalo River on Saturday morning which claimed the life of a 23-year-old Queensland man.
Police will continue to be out in force for Operation Arid until 11:59pm Monday, in an effort to reduce road trauma on local roads.
So far this year, 62 lives have now been lost on the state’s roads, up from 58 this time last year.
THE annual Wangaratta Marathon and Fun Run are on again this Sunday and it’s not too late to enter into an event.
Event categories range from 2km (primary school students), 5km, 10km fun runs, and the half and full marathon.
With a growing push for people of all ages to remain active, it’s events like this that help people get out and about, whether it’s for a walk, jog or run.
The event also offers groups from local workplaces, or social and recreational settings to enter a team and this has been popular over the previous 13 times the event has been staged.
This year Team CAV will take to the track again and the Wangaratta Chronicle has been publishing stories about keynote people who have joined their team.
With the team members’ participation they bring their support of a message that we stand against violence in our community.
So far, footballers, councillors, the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre, police members, NAB bank staff, and a politician have jumped onboard the cause.
CAV’s involvement is about starting conversations, raising awareness, and showing support for those impacted by family and sexual violence.
If you’re part of a community group, sporting club or just a group of family or friends, it’s not too late for you to enter a team to promote your cause in the Community Challenge.
There are plenty of prizes up for grabs and distances to suit all ages and abilities. Or simply come along to the event on Sunday and enjoy the scenic path that winds along the Ovens River.
For more information about registration visit https://northeastsports.com.au/ wangarattamarathon.
1 Which two people won the 2022 Wimbledon men’s doubles final?
(a) Nikola Mektić and Mate Pavić
(b) Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury
(c) Matt Ebden and Max Purcell
(d) Juan Sebastián Cabal and Robert Farah
2 Wagashi are traditional Japanese what?
(a) Flower arrangements (b) Confections (c) Floor cushions (d) Costumes
3 What is the first movie in The Hobbit series?
(a) The Battle of the Five Armies (b) The Desolation of Smaug
(c) An Unexpected Journey
(d) The Pursuit of Azog and Bolg
4 One Hand, One Heart is a song from which popular musical?
(a) West Side Story
(b) The Rocky Horror Show (c) Rent (d) Cabaret
5 Which of the following countries does not share a land border with Russia?
(a) Estonia (b) Lithuania (c) Latvia (d) Romania
6 Dyscalculia is a term referring to a wide range
IT was great to see the wonderful mural on the wall of North East Water’s water treatment facility at the Ovens River bridge on the entrance to Wangaratta.
It is really beautiful, and I hope it wins the international prize.
I think Julian Clivijo should be very proud of this mural.
What a shame we cannot say the same for that rubbish that is on the water tower at the railway station.
Let us hope we can see more of Julian’s style of mural around our wonderful city.
Philomena Trevor-Hunt, Wangaratta
NOTHING ever changes does it?
James Trenery (Liberal Party candidate for Indi) made a number of claims about Helen Haines’ (MP for Indi) performance (in Friday’s Wangaratta Chronicle) which were completely false.
Three years ago Liberal Senator Jane Hume made claims about Helen Haines’ voting record which proved to be nonsense.
I am reminded that it happened 53 years ago - when Gough Whitlam (Labor candidate for PM) said that he’d promised that when Billy MacMahon (Liberal PM) stopped telling lies about him, he’d stop telling the truth about McMahon.
The Liberals sprout about honesty and integrity, but they can’t seem to tell an actual truth.
Peter Leonard, Wangaratta
THE Allan Labor Government is living in denial about stripping millions in funds from the Country Fire Authority (CFA).
CFA annual reports show government grants to the CFA have fallen from $351.6 million in 2020/21 to $339.5 million lastnancial year and there is a further $2 million cut in the current nancial year.
At the same time as the CFA is su ering cuts, Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) last year received a budget increase of $192 million – or 22 per cent.
of learning disabilities most closely related to what?
(a) History
(b) Reading (c) Writing (d) Mathematics
7 In 2022, who was inducted into the Logie Hall of Fame?
(a) Bruce McAvaney
(b) Kerry O’Brien
(c) Noni Hazlehurst (d) Molly Meldrum
8 The two official languages of Tuvalu are Tuvaluan and which other language?
(a) French
(b) English
(c) Portuguese (d) Dutch
9 How many female competitors took part in the 1896 Olympic Games?
(a) Zero (b) Five (c) Eleven (d) Twenty-three
10The scientific text known as the Almagest was written by which influential historical figure?
(a) Socrates (b) Ptolemy (c) Pythagoras (d) Plutarch
An astounding $31 million was spent on consultants and $125 million on overtime as the CFA was le to su er.
In Question Time in Parliament last week, Premier Jacinta Allan refused to concede the CFA had su ered a cut.
As the “money pit” that is FRV continues to get all the spoils, the CFA su ers and Premier Allan refuses to own up to it.
It comes amid more pain in a cost-of-living crisis, with Labor’s new emergency services tax set to rip $2.1 billion out of the pockets of Victorians over the next three years.
The increased tax will now fund a range of government agencies and public servants that have previously been core government services funded out of consolidated revenue.
The new tax is double dipping on Victorians.
Danny O’Brien,
Shadow Minister for Emergency Services
THE Salvation Army is calling on Australians to dig deep and give to their Cyclone Alfred Appeal in support of those displaced by the disaster.
The Cyclone Alfred Appeal is aiming to raise $5 million which will directly support those impacted during this disaster.
The Salvation Army is grateful for the generous support of its partners, including
Woolworths and The NAB Foundation, kickstarting the Salvos Cyclone Alfred Appeal to $1 million.
The Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) has teams deployed in evacuation centres across QLD and NSW providing meals and other support.
We will remain in communities for the long haul, not just in the initial emergency response but throughout both short - and long-term recovery phases.
To donate to The Salvation Army’s Cyclone Alfred Appeal, please visit salvationarmy. org.au.
You can also donate in store and online at Woolworths.
Major Bruce Hamer, The Salvation Army
FISH researchers from the Arthur Rylah Institute, DEECA, have been surveying the Ovens River around Wangaratta recently to establish the health and size of the native fish population.
Researchers were using electrofishing boats to locate the presence of Murray cod and golden perch (recreational native species), and Macquarie perch and trout cod (non-recreational native species).
North East Catchment Management Authority (NECMA) assisted Wangaratta Landcare and Sustainability Inc to remove carp caught during the survey to be turned into fertiliser.
This is the ninth year the surveys have been conducted and the results are used to inform the management of water for the environment and other river health improvements.
Stocking of trout cod and Macquarie perch into the Ovens River around the Wangaratta district in recent years has seen native populations continue to increase.
Native fish will be the focus of a free event in Wangaratta’s Apex Park later this month.
Hosted by NECMA and the Rural City of Wangaratta, the event on Friday, 28 March from 4pm to 7pm is designed to be a fun handson learning experience all
local fishing guru and Wangaratta Chronicle columnist Robbie Alexander, as well as talk to experts about local conservation efforts to improve fish habitat and get
some sustainable fishing tips and giveaways.
A Carp Muster fishing competition with prizes is also being run by Swamps, Rivers and Ranges.
THE Rural City of Wangaratta has launched its rst annual Business Health Check.
This survey is designed to give local business operators the chance to share their insights and experiences, and to help shape the future of business support in the region.
Mayor Irene Grant said the annual initiative will help track business trends over time, giving council a clearer picture of how the local economy is evolving.
She said the consistent feedback will guide e orts to promote economic growth, attract new investment, and develop targeted support programs tailored to the needs of local businesses.
Mayor Grant is calling on businesses of all sizes and industries to get involved.
“Local businesses are the backbone of our community,” she said.
“This survey is a chance for business owners to have their voices heard and directly in uence how we support them moving forward.
“Whether you’re running a shopfront, managing a farm, or working on the tools, your feedback will help us identify opportunities, address challenges, and create programs that make a di erence.
“Over time, this annual check-in will also help us track trends and see how the business landscape is changing.”
The survey will focus on:
• Identifying industry trends and new opportunities;
• Understanding the current business climate;
• Shaping workshops and support programs based on needs;
• Highlighting key issues for council to advocate on behalf of local businesses.
The survey is open until Friday, 2 May and business owners who opt in will receive a summary of the results shortly a er the survey closes.
For more information or to complete the survey, visit www.connect.wangaratta.vic. gov.au/business-health-check.
YEAR 12 psychology students have been studying the e ects stress has on the body.
To test this, students undertook a VR simulation of walking on a platform from a skyscraper.
Each student had di erent reactions, but all seemed to enjoy this activity in the class.
WALK: Teacher Candace Potter guides student John Wohlers through the VR simulation as classmates watch on.
ON Thursday, the grade 5/6 classes have a specialist day.
They participate in physical education, visual arts, science and Italian.
Recently they made and tasted an Italian dish, Bruschetta with students enjoying the avours of the tomato, basil, oil and salt.
ALL ABOARD: Appin Park students Abby Butler, Indie Goldsmith and Marleigh Berry enjoyed using public transport on their recent camp to Melbourne.
YEAR 5/6 students recently travelled to Melbourne to enjoy the various opportunities city life can offer.
The three-day experience saw them visiting a variety of iconic places like the Melbourne Zoo, Old Melbourne Gaol, Eureka Skydeck, MCG and the Queen Victoria Market.
Other places of interest were the Lego Shop, ACMI, Parliament House and Parliament Station with the very extended escalators, China Town, and
STUDENTS will put their Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden cooking skills to the test when they create salads for Everton Under The Stars, a free community barbecue, on Thursday, 20 March from 6pm to 9pm.
There will be live music, with Wangaratta High School student Anthony Chisholm set to perform on the night.
UP: Everton Primary School students Archie
Rafa Ananda, Mitchell Titcumb and Logan Doug are learning handy skills as part of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program.
READY TO FEAST: Carra students Hamish Brauman, Jacob Saunders, Odie Siharaj, Max HerrmanO’Brien and Archy Nottingham lined up for pancakes on Pancake Day.
THE school community recently celebrated Pancake Day. Everyone enjoyed the deliciously sweet treats, served up as part of the annual tradition.
topped off with learning new skills on the ice at O’Briens Icehouse.
Coping with public transport was an experience, which started early Monday morning when travel arrangements went from the train to getting to Melbourne by bus.
Walking and using trams were the general choice of travel (although walking may not have been the students’ choice) to get around inner Melbourne.
Peak hour on public transport really helped develop
the students’ awareness of everything and everyone around them as they felt like sardines, squashed together.
This didn’t stop them from smiling and engaging with some of the other travellers.
This experience helped develop the independence, resilience and coping strategies of all students.
When things didn’t go to plan, they were able to show adaptability and exibility - a great learning experience for all.
1How do frogs breathe? Do they absorb oxygen through a) their lungs, b) their skin while swimming, c) the roof of their mouths, or d) all of the above?
2What is the more common name for a Telopea plant? Is it a) waratah, b) wattle, c) gum tree, or d) bottle brush?
3Which of the following is not a star? Is it a) Proxima Centauri, b) Sirius, c) Aqua Regia, or d) Polaris?
4
What kind of rock is coal? Is it a) sedimentary, b) igneous, or c) metamorphic?
5What is the biggest number that can be written in one byte of data? Is it a) 100, b) 255, c) one million, or d) about 32 million?
more CSIRO Double Helix science visit
6643.
A GROUP of Galen Catholic College year 11s are set to pedal some joy onto the faces of children under the care of the local Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) with new bikes.
During their Vocational Major induction day, students participated in various hands-on learning activities that showcased the units they will cover throughout the year.
To engage the Year 11 students in an activity promoting teamwork and
community, they were divided into seven groups.
Within these groups, students were tasked with assembling children’s bikes, requiring them to utilise their communication, problem-solving, collaboration, and listening skills to achieve a common goal.
To emphasise the community aspect of the course, the bikes were donated to DFFH Wangaratta, where they will be distributed to clients who may need a new bike or are receiving one for the first time.
TWO men from Melbourne caught illegally spotlighting for protected wildlife at Abbeyard near the Alpine National Park have had their rearms, spotlights and hunting equipment forfeited and destroyed.
The men faced Werribee Magistrates’ Court last week and pleaded guilty to illegal spotlighting, rearm o ences and shooting protected wildlife.
They were both ned, ordered to pay court costs and placed on 12 month good behaviour bonds.
Game Management Authority (GMA) authorised o cers had tar-
geted the area a er community members and hunters reported illegal hunting activity occurring at night.
GMA o cers intercepted the o enders in their 4WD vehicle a er observing the men travelling slowly along the West Bu alo Track, holding a rearm and aiming spotlights into the bush.
Upon inspection o cers found a loaded centre re ri e and a rimre ri e in the back seat of the vehicle, along with loose ammunition, four spotlights, three dead brushtail possums, and other hunting equipment.
Speaking a er the court case, GMA director of compliance and intelligence, Zac Powell said, people who hunt in Victoria have a responsibility to know and follow the law, and those who break it will be caught and held accountable.
“Illegal spotlighting, hunting protected wildlife and irresponsible behaviour is dangerous and can put communities, properties, wildlife and livestock at risk,” Mr Powell said.
“Those who break the law face signi cant nes and penalties, they may be prosecuted, have
their equipment con scated and lose their game and rearms licences.
“In some cases, o enders may face jail terms.
“When hunters and community members report illegal spotlighting, they are helping the GMA and partner agencies to target problem areas and protect their communities.”
Mr Powell urged community members - including hunters, campers and local residents - to report illegal spotlighting to the GMA through its website at gma. vic.gov.au or by calling 136 186.
Have your say in shaping the future of healthcare services and accessibility in the north east. Northeast Health Wangaratta is developing its 2025-2028 Strategic Plan and we need your input!
Get involved by completing the quick, easy and confidential online survey to share your thoughts on healthcare priorities and improvements. Alternatively, you can attend one of the Listening Posts, where you can engage directly with NHW representatives and provide feedback in an open forum at these venues.
Wangaratta Library
Wed 13 March - 11am to 1pm
Beechworth Library
Mon 17 March - 9.30am to 11.30am
Benalla Library
Wed 19 March - 1.30pm to 3.30pm
Myrtleford Library
Thu 20 March - 10.30am to 12.30pm
Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre
Thu 20 March – 3.30pm to 5.30pm
Scan the QR code or visit nhw.org.au/have-your-say
PRESIDENT Gerry Knobben
welcomed 58 members and guest Ron Summers at the February meeting.
Inductions to the club were celebrated with Fay and Raymond Steadman, Pat and Roger Henderson, and Rosemary and Des Steele.
A very warm welcome is extended to you all.
Today’s “Who am I” was of Annie Buckingham based in Thornbury.
She did her Midwifery Course at Footscray and delivered well over 100 babies before moving to Wangaratta Base Hospital.
Ms Buckingham lived in Moyhu for 24 years, before moving to Wangaratta in 2014.
She enjoys older styles of music and cake decorating, and plays the Bongo Drums and Canasta.
Apologies were accepted by the 13 members absent on the day.
Upcoming events for the year:
Thursday, 13 March: Breakfast Club at 8.30am, at the Gateway.
Sunday, 27 April – Tuesday, 6 May: Caravan Club with 2 nights at Big 4 in Swan Hill.
Tuesday, 2 September: 10-day Norfolk Island tour.
Costs $5645pp.
Monday, 20 October: 6-nights on the Princess Cruise (inside cabin), taking in Melbourne, Hobart, Sydney, Melbourne.
Costs $1,629pp.
Guest speaker Tracy Peters at the Adult Programs and Services Librarian at the High-Country Library in Wangaratta.
The library is a safe space for all, and inclusiveness is strongly promoted.
Tracy told us all the di erent aspects of the library services.
The next general meeting and AGM will be held at the Wangaratta Bowls and Sports Club at Park Lane, at 10.00am on Friday, 21 March.
By BRIAN FOX
FIRSTLY, some good news; one of our long-time members who has held every position of responsibility in our club, including multiple times as president, secretary and treasurer, Ken Clarke is now up and about albeit slowly.
Ken had a fall some months ago, followed by a stint in hospital. He is not driving, so the probus members volunteer taxi service is working well.
Last meeting, Bill Harvey was deputed.
He gave us the bene ts of his long-term career as a senior ambulance o cer.
Bill has been doing this for some time and is aware that, as we all get older, there is a need to be more exible in mind and body when driving or walking.
In January, we had neck exercises, followed by - would you believe it - toe exercises in February. According to Bill, wriggling your toes stimulates the many muscles in your feet, giving you better balance and quicker
responses when moving about.
Then, two of our long-standing members took the oor in succession to talk about railway trains.
Warren Garrett led the charge, describing to us a trip that is available on slow rail, towed by a Vic rail with a rather ancient diesel engine.
Trip cost is around $1000, but from Warren’s description, it will be a holiday to be remembered as it tours around country Victoria.
Reginald Dobson enlightened us that during his lifetime he has been a railway bu .
For a recent birthday, his children bought him an excursion that only a railway bu would be brave enough to participate in.
Reginald drove a small steam engine along the Pu ng rail track towing a single carriage with about 15 friends and relatives.
He had to be there early in the morning to be given instructions by a licensed train driver.
From his animated regale of the event, a great time was had by all including the amateur train driver.
And yes, they did supply a stoker, so Reginald did not have to shovel coal.
Our club resident, Wangaratta historian, George Lee, lled us in with a bit more history about our wonderful town and its environment.
In closing, it should be noted that, while we are an exclusive men’s club even in these days of inclusion, the club has bene ted by being excluded from the requirement for all clubs to be mixed-sex.
We have a ladies club, men’s club, and mixed-sex club options within Wangaratta, catering for everybody.
Following our February meeting, 10 of us took the opportunity
of enjoying a delicious lunch provided by the Wangaratta Club chef.
COMBINED PROBUS CLUB
PRESIDENT Pauline opened the meeting, welcoming all members and guest Mary Alesani.
There were several apologies from absent members, and we hope they are well enough to attend our March meeting.
Eight members celebrated February birthdays, with Betty Greenwood celebrating a very special one.
Congratulations Betty.
The garden club is active again, a er the hot weather, and arrangements have been made to visit Beechworth and Albury gardens, the ower show, Stanley and Bright.
Contact Shirley 0405 020 617 for further details.
Ten pin bowling has been arranged for Friday, 14 March, with lunch at the Lunchbox in Murphy Street a erwards.
The trip to Alice Springs and Uluru is the big upcoming holiday, taking place from 12-18 July.
If you would like to go, contact Helen 0448 388 474.
President Pauline again asked members to seriously consider taking on a committee role next month to keep the club running successfully.
A er morning tea, we listened to our guest speaker, Belinda Harrison, who spoke about two nurses from Cheshunt who served in WW2 and lost their lives.
Dorothy “Bud” Elmes and Caroline Ennis “Carrie” are their names.
Belinda is on the committee raising funds to have a memorial erected at the Oxley War Memorial.
was John Perri from The Occasion Studios who spoke about how photography was in the past, the present and where it may be headed in the future.
John brought some restoration photos he had done and spoke about transferring tapes, slides and negatives to USB or hard drive.
John also has negatives from 1988, so if you have had photos taken by John you can still get prints done o them.
John is happy to give people a tour of the studio to have a look at some of the di erent equipment he uses.
It was a very interesting talk on how photography is going at the moment with so much digital technology.
Several of the members were seen in discussion with John at the end of his talk.
PRESIDENT Lyn Evans called the 11 February meeting to order and welcomed members present and two visitors.
Apologies were accepted for those unable to attend today, hoping any “sickies” are on the mend and can be at our next meeting on 11 March, which also happens to be our AGM.
Anyone wishing to donate to this worthy cause can do so at Edgars Books and News or Bendigo Bank.
The president thanked Belinda and presented her with a small gi .
PRESIDENT Christine welcomed members to the February meeting including our two visitors –Merrilyn Stevens and Elaine Beal.
Judy Seymour and Colleen McMillan were presented with their 20 years badges at the meeting, well done ladies.
Our Fun and Fitness Group will be celebrating 30 years of exercising later this month.
Doreen Holmes and Janet Clarke were presented with certi cates of achievement as they have been involved in fun and tness for the entire 30 years.
The group has 12-15 people consistently attend each week and is always looking for new members.
Our breakfast at the Gateway kicked o again for the year, with 15 ladies enjoying another great meal, lots of talking and laughter, getting the day started on a high.
Our book swap at each meeting is going strong and it’s good to be able to swap books instead of having to pay for them.
A great incentive to keep your mind active.
Ten pin bowling started back for the year on Valentine’s Day, with seven ladies having a fun- lled a ernoon that concluded with co ee and chocolates at Muddy Waters.
Our virtual tour of Tasmania continues in Launceston and will visit Grindelwald Swiss Village.
We are nearing the end of our tour of Tasmania.
Our guest speaker for the month
The correspondence and nancial report were dealt with and general business attended to, with mention of PSPL joining fee rates and membership costs for the coming probus year.
A proposal was to cap membership at 85 members, as we will have 77 members in March.
If you are interested in joining our fun and friendly club, please contact a member or email probusappinpark@gmail.com.
Special interests groups remain very active and popular, with the gentleman’s breakfast at the Gateway last month.
The evening and a ernoon card groups on Tuesdays are always going well.
Cra group attendees kept ngers busy with a special project or two last month
Friday pub lunch on the third Friday of each month is enjoyed by members at di erent venues around town.
February’s lunch was at the RSL and March’s lunch will be at King River Café (14 March).
Sunday movie group members and friends recently enjoyed lunch at Aroma Deli before heading to the cinema to see the Bridget Jones movie, followed by the movie “Widow Cliquot” on Sunday, 2 March.
A planned Lake Mulwala cruise was postponed due to weather conditions and will take place later alongside a pokies trip planned for Thursday, 13 March.
Costs are $15 pp, and the bus departs Wareena Park at 9.15am. In September, a two-night trip to Melbourne is planned.
Contact Amelia or Marianne for details.
The Caravan and Cabin group trip to Castlemaine in October is being organised by Jan Kellet and Terry Brew, and by all accounts, has proven popular as most cabins are booked out.
THE Wangaratta District Specialist School (WDSS) Benalla campus, costing almost $7 million over the past ve years, has opened, o ering students living in the area a shorter commute.
Local upper house MP for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes celebrated the opening of a new contemporary campus, located next to Benalla P-12 College.
Wangaratta District Specialist School services the North East, catering for students with mild to severe intellectual and associated disabilities from 5-18 years old.
The school services Benalla, Myrtleford, Ovens and King valleys, Rutherglen, Wahgunyah, and Wangaratta districts, transporting students via bus.
It is comprised of a new singlestorey building, plus curved masonry walls and a structural steel frame and roof structure.
The large building includes ve classrooms, an art/science space and a PE room.
It also houses o ce and administration spaces and bathroom amenities, junior and senior outdoor play areas with modern playgrounds and landscaping.
The state government has invested $16.9 billion over the past 10 years to build new schools and deliver more than 2200 school upgrades − supporting more than 26,000 jobs in construction and associated industries.
The Victorian Budget 2024/25
invested $947.7 million to build 16 more new schools – completing the promise to deliver 100 new schools between 2019 and 2026.
Ms Symes said they’re giving every Victorian child the best op-
portunities - and that starts with making sure every student has the facilities they need to learn and grow, no matter what school they attend.
“I am thrilled to be touring the new campus at Wangaratta Dis-
trict Specialist School,” Ms Symes said.
“These state-of-the-art new buildings are ensuring students from across our region get the very best education close to home.”
Non-voters asked to explain why they
THE Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) is urging Rural City of Wangaratta residents not to ignore a request for an explanation as to why they appear not to have voted in the last local council elections in October 2024.
The VEC has issued close to 530,000 ‘Apparent failure to vote notices’ across Victoria and recipients must respond by the 28-day deadline with a detailed explanation.
The notice is an opportunity to avoid a fine if non-voters provide a detailed response with supporting documentation.
The VEC is required to automatically fine non-respondents or those who do not provide a valid reason for failing to vote, the penalty is $99.
Electoral commissioner Sven Bluemmel said that recipients should contact the VEC for assistance if unsure what to do, rather than ignore the notice.
“If you need help understanding what the notice means and what you need to do, you can call us on 1300 551 575 or visit our website at vec.vic.gov.au,” he said.
“Information on what to do if you receive an apparent failure to vote notice is available to view in 10 in-language videos.
“I also encourage you to sign up to our VoterAlert service, to make sure you’re notified whenever there’s a state or local council election you need to vote in.”
The VEC issued VoterAlert reminders by SMS and email at key points in the election to 2.5 million enrolled voters who had provided their details.
They included reminders on the close of roll date and a reminder to vote.
People can sign up at any time to be reminded to vote in all future state and local council elections at: vec.vic.gov.au/ VoterAlert.
By JORDAN DUURSMA
CROWDS of locals and visitors ocked to the Wangaratta Farmers’ Market on Saturday morning with perfect weather to browse stalls from local growers, producers and makers.
The Wangaratta Farmers’ Market is an accredited Victorian Farmers Market Association market, meaning consumers can be con dent that all stallholders are selling their own locally grown, sourced and made product.
The market runs the second Saturday of each month in the grounds of the Holy Trinity Cathedral from 8am until 12pm. For more information or to get involved as a stall-holder or volunteer, visit https:// wangarattafarmersmarket. com.au/ or contact the team at wangarattafarmersmarket@ gmail.com.
FRESH PRODUCE: Brian Jones and Luisa Batalha from Small
THE community is invited to share the excess from their veggie patch and sample goodies grown by others at the Autumn Harvest celebration at the Cheshunt Hall this Saturday morning.
Hosted by Sustainable King Valley, Autumn Harvest has become a regular event based on community connection over simple ideas, while sharing local knowledge and discoveries.
Sustainable King Valley’s Kate Walsh said a lot of growing took place in the region over the season and by sharing the abundance from our gardens and orchards, we can reduce waste and reduce fruit y.
She said it was also acknowledgment of how good gardening was for our physical and mental health (and the planet’s health) with freshly grown and picked produce packed full of nutrients, while eating what we grow reduced the impact of transportation, refrigeration and packaging on the environment.
“Food done well is a simple concept yet how very powerful it is, given we spend so much time eating, and it makes a real di erence,” she said.
“And what a wonderful way to connect with people, sharing ideas, produce, seeds and conversation over gardens, recipes and ethical eating.”
The Autumn Harvest festival o ers more than just food and gardening too with information on pest control, native plant propagation lessons by one of Australia’s top botanists (with the opportunity to go home with cuttings in the
BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au
pot and knowledge on how to grow more of your favourite plants), demonstrations on preserving, and activities for kids.
There will also be the Monster Zucchini Competition, recognising how quickly a zucchini can grow if le unpicked, and o ering ideas and recipes on what to do with the humble and abundant crop.
The King Valley CWA will also be judging the best jamwith most of the entrants expected to be from local schools - but all are warmly welcome to bring their jam along and see if it makes the cut.
There will also be a ra e, an interactive critter display, and representations from Parks Victoria, the Rural City of Wangaratta and King Basin Landcare sharing helpful information.
Ms Walsh said maybe you have lots of spare produce growing at home, maybe you don’t, but all are welcome to bring a basket and take some home.
“Or come along and enjoy sharing a cuppa and a scone or some other sweet treat baked by the CWA, watching the activities around you and sharing some good conversation,” she said.
The Autumn Harvest celebration at the Cheshunt Hall from 10.30am to 12.30pm, with a gold coin donation to the Sustainable King Valley food hub appreciated.
WANGARATTA Senior Citizens Club will host bingo at its clubrooms in Tara Court, off Ford Street, today from 1.30pm.
The club will hold indoor carpet bowls on Thursday from 1pm, cards (500) on Friday from 1.30pm, indoor carpet bowls on Monday from 1pm, and cards (500) and hoy on Tuesday from 1.30pm, all in the clubrooms or the adjoining St Patrick’s supper room. Social gathering next Wednesday, 19 March will be lunch at the Wangaratta Club from 12 noon.
WANGARATTA Prostate Cancer Support Group will hold its next meeting at the North Eastern Hotel on Wednesday, 12 March from 7pm to 8pm.
Members and prospective members are welcome to come along earlier at 6pm for dinner prior to the meeting. Partners most welcome. For more information, phone Bill on 0408 552 768, Neil on 0427 214 856 or Frank on 0448 313 506.
OXLEY Garden Group’s first gathering for 2025 will be at Park Lane Nursery, 95 Park Lane, Wangaratta on Thursday, 13 March from 10am. Bring a chair, a cup and a small plate to share. All welcome. For further information, contact June on 0497 860 785 (text only).
CONNECTING Community Café runs during school terms on Thursdays from 10am to 11am at
Intermezzo Café. Learn what’s happening in the community, meet others and have a place to drop in, have a cuppa and chat. For more information, contact Open Door Neighbourhood House on 5721 9175.
ST Michael’s Car Boot Sale will be held on Saturday, 15 March from 9am to 12 noon in the grounds of St Michael’s Anglican Church, on the corner of Appin and O’Leary Streets. Browse through a selection of quality second-hand goods, as well as a bake sale and plant sale.
CAKE Decorators Association of Victoria Wangaratta Branch will hold its next gathering on Saturday, 15 March.
Running from 10am to 3pm in the Galen College food tech room off Phillipson Street, the event will guide participants through making a ‘fashionista cake’.
Afternoon tea provided (BYO mug), tea and coffee available all day, BYO lunch. Cost is $20 members, $30 non-members, junior members $15, junior nonmembers $20. For information and bookings, phone 0419 513 735.
WANGARATTA Family History Society will hold its annual general meeting on Saturday 22 March from 10.30am in the Wangaratta Library Community Room.
Guest speaker is Paul MossHolland, who will share some interesting history of the Wangaratta Cemetery. Members and guests welcome.
WANGARATTA Old Time/New Vogue Dancing is held every Tuesday from 7pm to 10pm at the CWA Hall in Templeton Street.
Admission is $10, please bring a plate of supper to share. Entry also includes raffle ticket and lucky door prize. Phone 0431 190 630 for more information.
WANGARATTA Keenagers Table Tennis competition is held at the Wangaratta Showgrounds each Monday and Thursday from 8am.
New players welcome, morning tea provided (BYO cup). Contact Nick Youings on 0408 240 554.
CENTRE Quilters Circle meets on the second Thursday of each month from 10am in the Uniting Church Hall in Rowan Street.
New members welcome, current members are willing to share their expertise and skills. BYO lunch. Contact Wendy on 5722 4415 or Leonie on 0403 226 129.
THE next Moyhu Lions Club country market will be held this Saturday from 8am to noon.
Along with a range of stalls to browse, the club will be holding the Lions Biggest Barbecue raising money for the Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation. Tickets will also be available for the monthly raffle with a $100 voucher to be won.
AN autumn dance event will be held at the Moyhu Soldiers Memorial Hall on Saturday, 5 April.
It will be the first since recent renovations were completed, and it’s hoped the event will be the forerunner of regular attractions taking place at the hall.
There will be live music with Marc Paola, a raffle, and supper will be provided (with drinks at bar prices) and early bird tickets are just $20 per person, available until 22 March via Eventbrite or by calling Josie on 0407 722 526.
THE Rural City of Wangaratta has advised the Redcamp Bridge in Myrrhee will be closed from 31 March to 22 April, to allow for its replacement. To reduce the impact on families, council said works will occur during the final week of school term one, and the first day of term two, and that emergency management agencies are aware of the scheduled bridge closure.
General users of the road will be notified of any changes to the closure dates of the bridge via the VMS boards currently on site on either side of the bridge, with updates at wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Development/Our-projects/RedcampBridge-Replacement-Boggy-CreekMyrrhee.
PANGERANG Ukes and More meets each Thursday from 5.30pm at Pangerang Community Hub.
Cost is $5, and any instruments, as well as voices, are welcome. Enquiries to 0407 311 899.
THE North Eastern branch of the Embroiderers Guild of Victoria meets every fourth Tuesday at the Masonic Lodge in Appin St, Wangaratta.
Beginners and experienced embroiderers welcome from 9.30am. Contact Jen on 0407 560562.
SATURDAY Quilters meets on the first Saturday of each month from 9.30am in the Wangaratta Small Bore Rifle Club rooms off the river end of College Street.
Beginner and experienced members welcome. Contact Frances on 0417 158 220.
WANGARATTA Table Tennis Social Group is held every Tuesday from 10 am to 12 noon, at the Showgrounds table tennis pavilion.
All ages and abilities are welcome, with coaching for new players. Free tea and coffee. Entry fee $2. For more information phone Maxine on 0403 209 857.
FREE weekly weight loss park classes are held during school terms on Mondays at 9.30am on Barr Reserve Oval 1 (Bill O’Callaghan Oval).
Those taking part are advised to allow 90 minutes for the social and fun class, with a 10 minute chat before and after the 50 minute session. For details or to join, text or call Dani on 0467 494 024.
WANGARATTA Toastmasters meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 6.45pm at The Centre in Chisholm Street. For more information, contact Joanne Howell on 0417 558 881.
OSTINATO Wangaratta and District Community Choir meets each Tuesday from 7pm to 9.30pm at the Log Cabin, corner Faithfull and Chisholm Streets, Wangaratta. New members welcome. Contact Helen on 0457 269278.
LIFEBALL is held each Tuesday from 1pm on the basketball court at the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre. Phone 0418 574 404 for more information about this non-contact game of netball.
WANGARATTA Sing Australia
Group holds its weekly meetings each Wednesday from 7.30pm to 9pm at Purbrick Hall, next to Holy Trinity Cathedral. All welcome. For details, call Cheryl Hoysted on 0419 005 062.
TO include your group‘s activities in this listing, email the details to skerwin@nemedia.com.au
A NEW exhibition called Faces Incognito by artist Kerrie Ware, will open at the Art Gallery on Ovens on Thursday, 13 March.
Kerrie is a mixed media artist with an interest in texture, montage, colour, the written word and photography and artworks in the exhibition explore the connection of humankind to our environment.
The exhibition will run from 13 March to 24 March at the gallery in the laneway off Murphy Street and entry is free.
STRAP yourself in for an hour of laughs when comedic powerhouse, Tommy Little, brings his brand-new hour of stand-up, I’m Not Proud, to the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Saturday, 15 March at 7pm.
One of the nation’s most beloved performers and radio co-hosts, Tommy has won over audiences across the country with his sharp wit, hilarious banter and engaging storytelling.
His high-energy show and outrageous tales are guaranteed to keep you laughing from beginning to end, with tickets available at wpacc.com.au.
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) It’s a good time to reassess important relationships, both personal and professional, to see where problems might exist and how they can be overcome. Keep the lines of communication open.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) It’s not easy to bring order to a chaotic situation, whether it’s in the workplace or at home. But if anyone can do it, you can! A pleasant surprise awaits you by week’s end.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Be careful that you don’t make an upcoming decision solely on the word of those who might have their own reasons for wanting you to act as they suggest. Check things out for yourself.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A personal relationship that seems to be going nowhere could be restarted once you know why it stalled. An honest discussion could result in some surprising revelations.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) An unexpected attack of self-doubt could be a way of warning yourself to go slow before making a careerchanging decision. Take more time to do a closer study of the facts.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A workplace problem needs your attention now before it deteriorates to a point beyond repair. A trusted third party could be helpful in closing the gaps that have opened.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A recent family situation could give rise to a new problem. Keep an open mind and avoid making judgments about anyone’s motives until all the facts are in.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Rely on your always-sharp intuition to alert you to potential problems regarding someone’s attempt to explain away the circumstances behind a puzzling incident.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Although you still need to do some snipping off of those lingering loose ends from a past project, you can begin moving on to something else.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) With your self-confidence levels rising, you should feel quite comfortable with taking on a possibly troublesome but potentially wellrewarded situation.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Travel is favored, both for business and for fun. The end of the week brings news about an upcoming project that could lead toward a promised career change.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) You might feel suddenly overwhelmed by a flood of responsibilities. But if you deal with each one in its turn, you’ll soon be able to hold your head above water and move on.
St Patrick’s celebration at The Vine
CELEBRATE St Patrick’s Day with a Sunday lunch event in the beer garden at The Vine Hotel in North Wangaratta on Sunday, 16 March.
Bring family and friends and enjoy live music by local superstar Paddy Murphy and Guinness & Kilkenny on tap and flowing all day. It runs from 12pm to 4pm and entry is free with tickets at thevinehotel. net.au.
at
THE Wangaratta Library is excited to introduce the Gardener’s Library, a fantastic new resource for the community.
By JORDAN DUURSMA
VERSATILE star of stage and screen John Waters is set to visit Wangaratta on Friday, 14 March for his live show of ‘Radio Luxembourg’.
Featuring Stewart D’Arrietta and The Chartbusters, the show celebrates the smash hits of the 60s in the British pop invasion that changed the world of modern music forever.
Born in London, John was in his teens and early twenties during the 1960s and considers himself one of the luckiest music lovers as a result.
The reason why is in part due to Radio Luxembourg.
At a time when commercial radio licences were not available in the UK, pop and rock music of the day was broadcast from continental Europe.
This access was courtesy of the independent principality of Luxembourg - a clever move by the British record industry to circumnavigate the laws of the day.
John said the great boom in pop music, which started in the US with Elvis Presley and his contemporaries, took a quantum leap with the arrival of the British-led ‘revolution’ and was opened up to him and a whole generation by that great invention: the transistor radio.
“We could hide under the bedclothes to mu e the sound from our parents ears, tune in to 208 on the medium waveband, and listen to Roy Orbison and Frankie Avalon, Motown and the Four Seasons and Dion,” he said.
“When we no longer had to hide, the Beatles exploded onto the scene followed by so many others, and the ‘British Invasion’ really began including bands like The
Moody Blues, the Kinks, The Who and scores of others.
“This was our identity.”
In a phenomenal walk through nostalgia and an era of music that remains in the cellular memory of fans over several generations, the show explores the evocative strains of Peter Saarstedt’s ‘Where Do You Go to My Lovely’, and the memory dredging ‘Waterloo Sunset’ by the Kinks and ‘To Love Somebody’ by the Bee Gees, to the infectious grooves of ‘Itchycoo Park’ by the Small Faces and the anthemic ‘My Generation’ by The Who.
John said this music has endured and transcends generations.
“I have children now who are in the late teens an early 20s and they
love this music as well,” he said.
“I think it was a special time for the song-writing and performing and I think the quality of the songs was very high then.”
John said the audience can expect to have “a bit of a party”.
“So far I’m happy to report the audience is coming in great numbers and they’ve been absolutely going o ,” he said.
“Sometimes the show goes on a little bit too long because I’ve jumped down the stage and I’m dancing with people, holding out the microphone and we’re all just singing.”
To secure your seat or for more information, visit www.wpacc. com.au or call 03 5722 8105.
The initiative will provide access to a variety of gardening materials including seeds, plant cuttings and even old newspapers for composting, making it easier for local gardeners of all skill levels to grow and nurture their green spaces. An official launch event, where the community will learn more about how the Gardener’s Library works, will be held on Thursday, March 20 from 2pm to 3.30pm. Meet fellow gardening enthusiasts and explore how this shared resource can support sustainable gardening practices in the community, with no bookings required.
INSPIRED by his father’s survival of WWII and his immigration to Australia, filmmaker and musician Simon Reich has created Bonegilla - The Migrant’s Journey; a multi-media show which will visit the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Sunday, 23 March.
Over the past seven years Simon has filmed interviews with more than 20 Australian migrants who arrived between 1949 to 1961, which will be played on big screens around the stage, including interviewee supplied photos and videos.
The multi-media show immerses the audience into the hardships endured by war ravaged migrants and their brave pursuit of a better life in Australia, and is supported by live music performed and composed by Simon Reich on piano with a string quartet. See it at 2pm with tickets available now at wpacc.com.au.
37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677
PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT WANGARATTA SOUTH INCLUDING 5G
Optus plans to upgrade the telecommunications facilities at the below mentioned address with the addition of new 5G equipment:
Lot 1 Plan TP318999 Taminick Gap Road, Wangaratta South VIC 3678 (RFNSA: 3675002)
The proposed 5G upgrade will consists of:
• Replacement of three (3) existing panel antennas with three (3) new panel antennas (each not more than 2.8m in length);
• Installation of two (2) new panel antennas (each not more than 2.8m in length);
• Replacement of nine (9) existing Remote Radio Units (RRUs) with five (5) new RRUs;
• Installation, relocation and removal of ancillary equipment, including a GPS antenna, mounts, feeders, cabling, combiners, and other associated equipment; and
• Internal works within existing equipment shelter.
Optus regards the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”), the based on the description above. The proposed infrastructure will comply with ACMA EME regulatory arrangements. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code 2020, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Vanessa Wan at Service Stream Limited, 0447 240 015, Optus.Submissions@servicestream.com.au or Zenith Tower B, Level 3, 821 Pacific Hwy, Chatswood NSW 2067 by 5pm, Thursday 27 March 2024
If you would like to know more about the site, further information can be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/3675002
Wangaratta Table Tennis Association
Autumn Comp Muster Nights
March 5 & March 12, 2025
SENIOR GRADES - 7PM
JUNIOR GRADES - 6PM TO 7PM
ALL NEW AND PAST PLAYERS WELCOME
All enquiries: Tom Brown 0429 809 927
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.
MARK ’S Mowing, reasonable prices, ride on mowing, edging, clean up, spraying and any waste removal. Ph 0472 603 156.
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.
TENTERFIELD
QUEEN bedroom suite, includes queen bed frame with large headboard and fabric accent, 2x2 drawer side tables, 1x5 drawer horizontal cabinet, purchased from Harvey Norman 2019, $1,500 ono, pick up Wangaratta, Contact Jason 0434 590 566.
CROSSFIRE EV Farm Ute side by side, $15,500, great little EV for around the farm or small property, have added a solar panel and MPPT controller to charge the battery, excellent condition only 2 years old and hardly used, only 218km on the clock, 48 Volt AC induction motor, regenerative braking, on board Delta Q 1200W charger with 240V lead, 27 HP / 119 N.m Torque, improved traction and stability over loose or slippery surfaces with 2WD and 4WD options and ability to select high, med and low range, 12" aluminium wheels with 6 ply 26" Carlisle knobby o -road tyres, hard top roof, independent front and rear suspension with nitrogen lled shock absorbers, practical and durable polycarbonate manual tipper tray, easy access walk through cabin, long bench seat, tow ball/tow hitch, 3500 lb winch, 200W solar panel and 10A Renogy Rover Boost solar charge controller with battery temperature and voltage monitoring and bluetooth connectivity. Ph 0407 171 345.
MATTRESS protector, new with stretch walls, queen size, ex pillow talk, new $79 - selling for $40. Ph 5721 5592.
STYLISH and collectable “Fossil” womens leather wallet, tan in colour with fold over leather clasp and “Fossil Badge” approx 8 inches x 5 inches in size, contains personal cards, lost at Kmart in a trolley, reward for information and return. Ph 0418 175 624.
many accessories, excellent condition $22,000. Ph 0427 002 860.
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).
$30,000
Ph 0434 590 566
MAZDA 6GT wagon, 2014, 2.2litre twin turbo diesel, 6 speed auto, leather interior, 129,000 km, Mazda serviced since new, rego expires October 2025 (1DZ 7ZL), excellent condition, $14,000. Ph 0438 556 959.
MAZDA 2023 CX3 auto hatch, reg CHC333, one owner, immaculate condition, service books, 11,875kms, RWC, $27,750. Phone Maxwell.K.Batey on 0419 547 308.
We’re seeking enthusiastic people, who have a passion and experience in livestock and cropping. Our family farm is centrally located between Wangaratta, Benalla, and Yarrawonga, with a main focus on prime lamb, cereal cropping and a newly acquired Poll Dorset Ram Stud.
Tasks include every aspect of the farm as the seasons change. Lambing, shearing, droving, animal health, sowing, spraying, harvesting, machinery maintenance, stock replacement and pasture care.
Experience and knowledge favoured and the ability to work as a team and individually is required.
Above award wages offered and further extras available to the right person. Applications including a cover letter and resume can be sent to jameses@live.com.au by March, 21, 2025
Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. For more information call Steve on 0412 652 376.
Wangaratta Abattoirs requires a reliable person able to be a delivery driver to distribute carcass meat throughout Victoria and the Riverina to local butchers and supermarkets. Early morning starts to allow delivery to butchers during the day and some heavy lifting is involved. We are prepared to teach the suitable person lifting techniques to assist with carcass deliveries.
HEAVY RIGID LICENSE ESSENTIAL.
This is an opportunity to build towards a long term position with our company. Apply by return response to this advertisement, call Peter Booth on 5721 2349 or come in and see us at 53 Greta Road, Wangaratta.
placing your
JONES (Brown), Faye Jeanette. 23/1/1954 - 8/3/2025
The strongest, most graceful woman we know, our mum, Faye Jeanette Jones passed away peacefully on March 8, 2025 in the beautiful surrounds of Anam Cara House. Loved mother to Karen, Sandra and Alice. Adored Nanna to Ethan, Kayden, Logan, Ella and Zoe.
BRADFIELD, Audrey.
Dearly loved sister of Neville (dec), sister-in-law of Bev. Aunty to Mark, Vicki, Lisa and families.
“You will be forever in our hearts”
WANGARATTA Chronicle photographer Melissa Beattie made her way down to WDCA junior cricket on Saturday to capture some action from the under 16s match between City Colts Mixed and Beechworth Wanderers. Photographs can be purchased at the Chronicle.
THIS year’s Netball Victoria State Titles were hosted in Frankston, and there were more than a few local netballers in action both on the court and coaching from the sidelines.
The tournament is an opportunity for all 18 regions across Victoria to compete in a round-robin style tournament, with the top teams playing off in finals to crown the state champions.
The three-day tournament is a deemed one of the best in the calendar year, showcasing up-and-coming talent of athletes, coaches and umpires from across the state.
Stacey Lamb (Wangaratta Rovers) coached the North East Open team with Fiona Boyer, who finished third in the state.
The side went down in the semi-finals to metropolitan region Elmer, who would go on to win the tournament.
The team, led by four-time O&M Toni Wilson medallist Emily Browne and Yarrawonga star midcourt Matilda Kennedy, included Wangaratta Rovers Mikaela Trethowan, Holly McCarthy and Amelia Sharp.
All three shone throughout the weekend - Trethowan played a pivotal role as a shut-down wing defence, Sharp was outstanding and showed such determination to play out the 30 minutes games as a ring defender, and it was a real joy to see McCarthy play in the mid court with Browne.
The region’s under 15 team, coached by Wangaratta Magpies Shea Cunningham and Bianca Mann, also tasted success.
They also finished third in the state, going down to Dandenong Valley in extra time in the semi-final.
Vice-captain Minnie Humphry (Wangaratta) was outstanding for the young side.
Wangaratta was well represented in the under 17 division with Milly O’Kane and Issy McMahon from Wangaratta Magpies, and Rovers Laney Draper, Lily Palmer and Lily Lyster a part of the team that finished ninth overall.
WANGARATTA became the first side in O&M bowls history to win four consecutive Midweek Pennant titles when it defeated Wodonga at Corowa Civic last Tuesday. It didn’t take Wangaratta long to adjust to the smaller Corowa greens as they began the better of the two sides and quickly built a double-figure margin past the midway mark of the game.
Wodonga produced a fightback to reduce the margin to just seven shots, however, Wangaratta rallied and broke the game wide open in the closing stages.
Phil Davern, Laurie McDonald, Gary Fenlon and Greg McDonald were always in front in their game posting a 23-18 win, and likewise Chris Randell, Greg Braden, Mark Allan and Leon Quartermain lead from start to finish to win 19-13.
Maurie Braden, Trevor Selwood, Jan Hermassoo and Graeme Smith made it a clean sweep of rinks for Wangaratta after coming from behind to win 24-19.
Wangaratta will now head to Moama Bowls Club to represent the O&M in the State Pennant playoffs on Monday, 28 April and Tuesday, 29 April.
Final scores: Wangaratta 66 shots def Wodonga 50 shots.
■ From back page
The D2 team had big wins against Shepparton and Myrtleford, and followed it up with a six-point win over Benalla, securing top spot in the pool.
Their quarter final match-up against Yarrawonga saw the Warriors start slowly and found themselves 13 down at half-time.
While the Warriors outscored Yarrawonga 23 to 14 in the second half, it wasn’t enough to claw back the half-time deficit, with the Warriors falling four points short.
Wangaratta’s under 14 girls D1 side had a mixed weekend, with big losses to Echuca and Mansfield but were able to get close wins over Yarrawonga by two and Wodonga by one. Unfortunately, they missed out on a finals spot by percentage.
The girls D2 squad finished their pool games on top of the ladder with wins against Euroa, Yarrawonga and Albury.
A slow start in the quarter final against Deniliquin saw the girls down by seven points at half-time and while they outscored their
opponents 10-5 in the second half, they fell short by two points.
WBI president Adam Maher said despite the tournament being held elsewhere, it was a brilliant weekend.
“There were lots of smiling faces at the end of it, a really good feeling around the courts for both the days,” he said.
“There were lots of questions, obviously, about why we were in Wodonga and when we’re getting back and all of that.
“There were a lot of conversations around what’s next from various associations, but on the whole, it’s a feel good tournament.
“There were some really positive outcomes, and the coaches expressed how good their season had been and how much growth they’ve gone through from first game to last.
“For the ones who are going to championships in the next few weeks, there were some positives for them – we know what we’ve got to work on this week for the 16s, and for the next three weeks for the 12s and 14s.”
ROUND 19 of the Wangaratta Lawn Tennis Croquet and Pickleball Club was played in good spirits, but if the close results are any indicator, there was plenty of competitive banter flowing across the courts.
Section one saw Mark Brown triumphant, the veteran securing the win with his impressive score of 24-10.
It was a gridlock in the rest of the section, with Mark Wettern emerging second with 17-19, while Kevin Callahan and Andrew Harris drew on 17-20.
In section two, Jono Keys took the top spot with a solid 23-15, narrowly accounting for Thomas McDonald’s 22-16.
Colin Mackay rounded out the podium with his 17-21, while Andrew Cope came in with 14-24.
Section three saw Patrick Nielson handle all competitors with his 24-16, four games ahead of Mason Scholes and Jason Tan (20-22).
Mickael Falkenberg and Matt Murray couldn’t be split, both coming in with 19-21.
Mark Gorman was the man to beat in section four, coming in with a strong score of 24-18.
Slightly behind him was Peter Curran (21-19), with Phil Dryden (20-22) and Alan Busk (19-23) slightly off the pace.
In section five, Pat Flynn dominated the field, claiming the win with 24-10.
Des Steele and Greg Renner tied with 16-18, while Geoff Davidson brought up the rear with his 12-22.
Terry Flynn blitzed the field to take out section six, well in control with his 21-9.
Sue Piper (17-13) trailed slightly behind Flynn, while John Shanley (16-14) and Robyn Snowdon (6-24) fought hard all day.
RESULTS
Section: 1
Mark Brown 24-10, Mark Wettern 17-19, Kevin Callahan 17-20, Andrew Harris 17-20, Matt Curran 15-21.
Section: 2
Jono Keys 23-15, Thomas McDonald 22-16, Colin Mackay 17-21, Andrew Cope 14-24.
Section: 3
Patrick Nielson 24-16, Mason Scholes 20-22, Jason Tan 20-22, Michael Falkenberg 19-21, Matt Murray 19-21.
Section: 4
Mark Gorman 24-18, Peter Curran 21-19, Phil Dryden 20-22, Alan Busk 19-23.
Section: 5
Pat Flynn 24-10, Des Steele 16-18, Greg Renner 16-18, Geoff Davidson 12-22.
Section: 6
Terry Flynn 21-9, Sue Piper 17-13, John Shanley 16-14, Robyn Snowdon 6-24.
PRECISION STRIKE: Robyn Snowdon looks to go down the line.
By BACKHAND WINNER
Preliminary nals
Section A
COROWA Blue (Jamie Almond, Brian Jones, Peter Filliponi, Mariannne Spencer) have won the right to challenge Wang Hardcourt for the Section A title a er they dispatched cotenant Corowa Red (Greg Filliponi, Aaron Spencer, Claire Davidson, Helen Fuge) on Saturday.
Corowa Red have put the racquets in mothballs for another year as they had no answers to the consistency, power and precision of Corowa Blue.
From the outset, Blue had all the early ascendancy with crucial early sets, and it was catch-up for Red after that.
Red was unable to muster enough e ort to topple the all-conquering Blue as they cruised to victory and a shot at the title.
Blue’s best were Jamie Almond and Marianne Spencer, Red’s best were Claire Davidson and Helen Fuge.
Section B
Wooragee Blue (Mark Knoth,
Dean Bensted, Nathan Parkes, Eiylish McRostie) defeated Wahnation (Jack Reid, Josh Parker, Max Harvey, Jaxx Johnstone) to earn the right to play Wahgunyah Red in the grand nal.
Wooragee were always in control of the match, and were never challenged on the scoreboard, although a couple of sets could have gone the other way if the luck had been with Wahnation at the opportune moments in those sets.
The scoreboard would have been closer which may have forced Wooragee to the brink, but their steadiness in a crisis was the di erence between the two teams.
Wooragee’s best were Nathan Parkes and Mark Knoth, while Wahnation’s best were Jack Reid and Max Harvey.
Results
Section A Corowa Blue 6-48 def Corowa Red 0-16.
Section B Wooragee Blue 5-46 def Wahnation 1-32.
Section A
Wang Hardcourt vs Corowa Blue
- Hardcourt will start overwhelming favourites based on the season’s results, with Hardcourt holding a 3-0 lead over Corowa Blue.
Prediction: Hardcourt to win 4-2 and 10 games.
Section B
Wahgunyah Red vs Wooragee Blue - Wahgunyah Red have been the form team all year and deserve to be favourites, and only nerves and stage fright will prevent Wahgunyah from winning the ag. Prediction: Wahgunyah Red to win 5-1 and 15 games.
Under 15
Wahgunyah Black vs Corowa Demons - Wahgunyah have shown consistent form all year and Corowa Demons are not to be taken too lightly as they are hitting form at the right time of the year, but the overall strength of Wahgunyah should see them ease past Corowa to victory.
Prediction: Wahgunyah Black to win 4-3 and ve games.
DES Steele flicks a shot back over the net in WLTCP aggregate tennis.
■ Results, pictures page 19.
PHOTO: Melissa Beattie
EVEN though it wasn’t held in town, organisers of the Wangaratta Under 12/14 Junior Basketball Tournament are calling it a massive success after a huge turnout from across the North East. Held in Wodonga, due to Wangaratta not having enough suitable courts to host a tournament of that
size, juniors from across the region came together across Saturday and Sunday.
The Warriors sent seven teams to compete, with three under 12 and four under 14 sides representing the home club.
The under 12 D1 boys started off the tournament with two tough losses to
Shepparton and Deniliquin but finished the round games strongly with big wins over Echuca and Yarrawonga, setting up a semifinal against Shepparton.
The Warriors held a slim one-point lead at half time, but Shepparton dominated the second half, running out 12-point winners.
The D2 boys had big wins against Euroa, Shepparton, Albury and Mansfield Blue, with their only loss in the pool games coming against Wodonga, which saw them finish second and a semi-final match up against Mansfield Gold.
Unfortunately, the Warriors were no match for
Mansfield Gold in the semifinal.
The under 12 D1 girls battled bravely in their pool games against Echuca, Shepparton and Wodonga seeing them finish fourth and match-up against top placed Echuca in the semifinal.
The young Warriors put in
a much better performance against Echuca than in their earlier game, but unfortunately the end result was the same.
In the under 14 division, the D1 boys showed patches of great play in their losses to Myrtleford, Wodonga 1, Echuca and Shepparton, and finished the weekend with a strong seven-point win over Wodonga 2.
■ Continued page 18
