AFTER travelling from Perth on Saturday, the O’Kee e family of (from le ) Jude, Rory, Kate and Harvey were up early in Wangaratta yesterday morning, joining more than 170 people to participate in the Mother’s Day Classic. Story page 3
PHOTO: Jeff Zeuschner
AN alleged crime ring within Wangaratta and the North East has been “signi cantly disrupted” according to police, as o cers seized $1 million worth of drugs and 18 rearms from our streets.
The ongoing investigation conducted by detectives in Wangaratta and Cobram
BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au
since 2023 has seen more than 30 arrests made, 298 charges issued and signicant amounts of rearms and drugs seized. Police said more than 1kg
of meth, 5kg of cannabis, 5000 MDMA tablets, 49g of cocaine and 18 rearms and large quantities of ammunition has been taken o the streets in the duration of the major operation.
Police have also recovered 20 vehicles which were stolen over the past three years.
Detective Inspector Anthony Town said the investigation marked one of the most substantial blows on alleged trafficking of drugs and firearms in the North East in recent years.
“We’ve signi cantly disrupted an alleged criminal network operating right in
our own backyard,” he said.
“This wasn’t a matter of chance - it’s the result of relentless investigative work by our detectives in Wangaratta and Cobram.
“Organised crime groups tra cking drugs and rearms have no place in our community.
“They put lives at risk, fuel violence, and we’re determined to stop them.”
On Wednesday, police detectives supported by specialist strike teams executed multiple search warrants to arrest ve people and seize four guns from alleged trafckers in Wangaratta and Cobram.
■ Continued page 2
VOLUNTEERS, business owners and farmers are pleading with those who wield the power in the Victorian upper house to think twice before voting on legislation on the government’s new Emergency Services Volunteers Fund this week.
CFA group o cer of Wangaratta re brigades group
Lachie Gales unleashed with his view as a re ghter, a landholder and business owner on the proposed levy.
Although he will receive an exemption on his principal primary residence he will have to pay a higher tax on
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
each of his business properties and the Eldorado volunteer of 40 years will be worse o nancially.
Mr Gales questioned why volunteers are not exempt from paying the levy on all properties they own.
He and others are abbergasted that CFA members were not consulted and there is a lack of clarity around who will be exempt and how it will be implemented.
There’s also fears that the ‘volunteers fund’ will impact CFA brigade fundraising activities as people close their wallets a er being hit with the he y tax.
“This sham of the volunteers receiving an exemption from this fund is meaningless and it is just government media spin,” he said.
“In my own case I will pay more than I currently do now to provide the service that I and my colleagues provide for free.
“It is a masquerade to suggest that volunteers will be better o under this.
“Volunteers who are renting their homes will receive no bene t.
“This tax will raise $640 million in the rst year and the amount that volunteers will recoup out of this is less than $6m.
“It’s tokenism to hide behind the bene ts to volunteers out of this fund which is not about volunteers.”
Mr Gales said it’s about shiing the cost of government departments out of general revenue into a standalone tax.
“The only thing that’s not transparent is the government’s information about how
the money will be spent,” he said.
Moyhu landholder Alan Sampson, who has been a CFA volunteer for more than 43 years and former captain for 21 years, said he was sick of being slugged with taxes.
“We are slugged with this tax, slugged with the land tax and there’s no incentive for young people to have a go,” he said.
“We’re going from 28 cents to 83 cents [per $1000 capital improved value] and I ask why solar facilities only pay ve cents.
“Everything is going up and
the price of cattle is not rising to match it, this is a blatant grab for money and they’re going to use us CFA volunteers as the bunnies.
“We’re also the ones who get on the truck and go and put the re out.”
District 23 deputy state councillor for VFBV and volunteer of 25 years Mary Anne Egan said she’s concerned about the lack of transparency and where exactly and how much of the revenue will be dispersed to each group and government department.
The bill is expected to be debated in parliament this week.
MP concerned by ‘false alarm’ fees hitting local workplaces
WANGARATTA-based state MP Tim McCurdy is investigating concerns about escalating charges issued by fire services for false alarm callouts.
The Nationals MP for Ovens Valley said some exceeded tens of thousands of dollars annually.
Mr McCurdy said he had been made aware of incidents where sensitive fire alarm systems are being triggered by minor, everyday events such as burnt toast or steam.
Police land a “substantial blow” with seizure of drugs, guns, five arrested in alleged crime ring
■ From page 1
A 32-year-old Wangaratta man, a 36-year-old Wangaratta man and a 37-year-old Cobram man were all remanded in custody for multiple charges of drug and gun tra cking.
The 37-year-old was also charged with conduct endangering life a er allegedly ring multiple shots from a rearm at a car in Warrick Street, Yarrawonga on 5 March.
All three men faced Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Thursday and were remanded to
re-appear on 7 August.
A 33-year-old Wangaratta woman was charged with drug tra cking and bailed to appear at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on 1 September and a 23-yearold Cobram woman was charged with tra cking meth and cocaine, possession of a taser, and possession of an imitation rearm.
She was bailed to appear at Cobram Magistrates’ Court on 19 August.
Police released footage of three of the arrests on Wednes-
day, which included police seizing an imitation rearm.
Det Insp Town said the force would continue to go a er those who try to pro t from harm.
“This outcome sends a clear message, and we won’t stop until every link in the chain is broken,” he said.
The investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information on alleged criminal activity can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a con dential report at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au
He said despite no emergency, emergency services are now reportedly required to attend all callouts, with organisations charged close to $700 each time - even if it’s quickly confirmed to be a false alarm.
“These are automatic callouts with automatic bills,” Mr McCurdy said.
“Previously, you could stop the response once it was clear there was no emergency.
“Now it appears there’s no way to prevent the charges, even if the alarm is set off by something as simple as burnt food in the kitchen.”
Mr McCurdy said some businesses and facilities have already been hit with fees in excess of $25,000 . He is calling on affected organisations to confidentially share their experiences by contacting his office on (03) 5721 6155 or email tim.mccurdy@parliament. vic.gov.au.
(02) 9261 1930.
By JORDAN DUURSMA
WANGARATTA’S Catholic congretation, together with the ve million other Catholics in Australia, has welcomed the announcement of American Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, chosen by the conclave on Thursday, 8 May, the second day of secretive gathering in Rome.
The 69-year-old from Chicago is the rst pope to be elected from the USA and the 267th ponti of the Catholic church.
He spent much of his career as a missionary in South America,
is an Augustinian Friar and most recently led a powerful Vatican o ce for bishop appointments.
Fr Nathan Verallo, parish priest of the local Christ the King Parish, said this is signi cant to the Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst, which stretches from Bendigo to Shepparton including Wangaratta, because the three former bishops have been part of the Order of Saint Augustine.
“Every pope will make his own contribution according to his time,” he said.
“Pope Francis made signi -
cant contributions in moving the church forward.
“With this new pope, we are excited and full of hope that he will make contributions an in accordance with the will of God and with what the church needs at this time.
“We need to continue to build bridges and beacons of hope to the world.”
Sunday’s mass at St Patrick’s Church in Ford Street announced the new pope.
Since the passing of Pope Francis on Monday, 21 April the section of the mass where the Pope’s name is said has been
blank until Sundays service.
Fr Verallo said this is an exciting time for the local Catholic community and the wider church.
“We have a new pope, and we are encouraged to continue to pray for him,” he said.
“He is still a man, we must pray that he can act as a shepherd to us and the church, and be a good witness to the world.”
Pope Francis passed away in a Jubilee Year, a special period within the Catholic Church, typically occurring every 25 years, and the new pope has been announced in the Jubilee Year.
ACROSS
1 What is a blossom of a plant (6)
8 To be turned upside down, is to be what (8)
9 Name a raving lunatic (6)
10 What is an official stamp, indicating a standard of purity (8)
11 To recover, is to do what (6)
13 To be infatuated, is to be what (8)
16 What is something that jogs one’s memory (8)
19 To be away, is to be what (6)
22 To verify again, is to do what (8)
24 What are living things (6)
25 Which term implies a relationship to the clergy (8)
26 What do we call things that happen (6) DOWN
2 To go away, is to do what (5)
3 To whinge, is to do what (5)
4 Name the capital of Virginia, USA (8)
5 What is a flat area on which sporting activities can take place (4)
6 What are grave offences (6)
7 Name a funeral vehicle (6)
12 Which instrument is beaten (4)
15 Name an item of footwear (4)
17 Which term means smoothly (6)
18 To impart knowledge, is to do what (6)
20 What is the backbone known as (5)
21 What do we call the hours of darkness (5)
23 To tickle, is to do what (4)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
1 NOSTRUM
(a) A favourite remedy or scheme
(b) One of the openings of the nose
(c) A poem describing a return journey
2 OTOLOGY
(a) The study of bones
14 To strive rudely with others, is to do what (8)
Letters have a number value
Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.
(b) Idleness (c) Knowledge of the ear
Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.
CLUES:
Arranged methodically (5)
Contraction (poet): it is (3)
Cubes (5)
Decrease effect: wear ... (3) In poor physical shape (5) No Third Dividend (3) Produces effects (7)
Quote: ‘... ..., all in’ (3,2) Trash holder: ... Bin (7) Ultra-high Density (3)
ALMOST $100,000 will be pumped into three local community spaces as part of a $5.1 million statewide push to help make Victoria’s smallest towns better places to live, work, stay and play.
Victorian Minister for Regional Development, Jaclyn Symes, on Friday announced
Moyhu, Whit eld and Everton communities were among those to be funded under the government’s Tiny Towns Fund.
Moyhu Tennis Club has received $41,000 for an upgrade of the their courts and multipurpose facility.
Gentle Annie Caravan Park
and Reserve received $48,500 to upgrade its camp kitchen.
Everton Hall and Sports Complex received $5500 to upgrade the acoustic curtains and main stage.
“These investments are all about giving locals what they need to create strong vibrant communities and to encour-
age more visitors,” Minister Symes said.
Some 159 successful projects shared in $5.1 million in round two of the Tiny Towns Fund, selected in rural and regional towns of fewer than 5000 people.
From walking track upgrades to community centre
renovations, grants of between $5000 and $50,000 will help regional communities ourish, boost tourism and support local workers during project development.
Almost 350 projects are being supported through both rounds of the Tiny Towns Fund across more than 300 towns.
RURAL City of Wangaratta councillors will this month review service options to deliver a four-bin waste and recycling system for households throughout the municipality.
The Victorian government, under its Recycling and Circular Economy Act 2021 and aligned strategies, is mandating the rollout of a standardised four-bin waste and recycling system for households by 2027 across all 79 Victorian councils.
This system includes separate bins for: glass (purple lid), food Organics and Garden Organics (lime green lid), recyclables (yellow lid), general rubbish (red lid).
Council already provides green, yellow and red lidded bin services, and needs to introduce the glass (purple lid) kerbside service to provide
a convenient way for households to recycle a wider range of glass items beyond beverage containers.
The implementation supports statewide e orts to separate waste into food and garden organics, mixed recycling, glass recycling and general rubbish to increase recycling rates and reduce land ll.
Council’s director of community and infrastructure, Marcus Goonan, said having a separate bin just for glass makes a big di erence.
“It helps keep things like paper, cardboard and plastic cleaner for recycling,” he said.
“Even one broken jar can turn a bin of recyclable product into land ll, and it means we can give old glass a new life - whether that’s turning it into
new bottles and jars or using it in things like road base and construction materials.”
Mr Goonan said the glass (purple lid) bin is specically for clean, empty glass jars (e.g., sauce and jam) and bottles (e.g., wine, beer, oil, cordial).
“It’s important to exclude loose lids, corks, drinking glasses, crystal glass, mirrors, windows, contaminated bottles, broken crockery, bakeware, and perfume bottles to ensure e ective glass recycling,” he said.
Councillors will review service options at the May monthly meeting, open to the public and to be held at the council chambers on Tuesday, May 27 at 3pm.
Find out more about the new glass bins at: wangaratta.vic.gov.au/PurpleBin
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
A BURNT out air conditioner saw smoke coming from within the Ovens Street/Faithfull Street building complex on Wednesday afternoon.
A Fire Rescue Victoria spokesperson said FRV and CFA crews responded to multiple callers seeing smoke from the building around 3:39pm.
“Firefighters arrived on scene within six minutes to find a fire in an air conditioning duct with a burned-out motor,” they said.
The scene was handed back to the occupier of the facility and was deemed under control 10 minutes later.
Hospital appeal seeks $70,000 for baby units
NORTHEAST Health Wangaratta (NHW) is calling on the community to help raise $70,000 for essential neonatal equipment.
The fundraising campaign aims to purchase state-ofthe-art Panda Neonatal Infant Resuscitation Units to replace NHW’s ageing neonatal resuscitation cots, which are now more than a decade old. For more information or to make a donation, visit nhw. org.au/appeal
COULD the day have been any better?
Apart from perhaps your numbers coming up in the Tattslotto draw the evening before, Mother’s Day was certainly celebrated in style, amid a warming autumn sun’s embrace in Wangaratta and district yesterday.
Breakfast in bed, thoughtful words of love and admiration on a card, perhaps accompanied by a gift or two were common place in local households.
And at the Wangaratta Rodeo Grounds the city welcomed back the Mother’s Day Classic. It was a fabulous return - after a five year hiatus - for an event that truly holds special significance to many in our community.
The opportunity to fundraise and support research into breast and ovarian cancer drew several hundred people, who collectively raised more than $8000 for the cause.
At the heart of the event is a unifying motivation to help others, often drawn from the lived experience of cancer battles - won and lost - by family and friends.
Every day, 12 women in Australia lose their lives to breast or ovarian cancer.
Money raised yesterday aids research that improves survival rates and brings us closer to the goal of zero deaths from breast cancer.
Thanks to research, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer has already increased from 84% to 92%, but there’s still more work to do.
Congratulations to all those you supported yesterday’s event, with special thanks to co-organisers Gracie Reid and Chantelle West and their team of volunteers, backed by the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre.
1. Gary Cosier represented Australia in which sport?
2. Harrisburg is the capital city of which US state?
3. What is the offspring of a male horse and a female donkey called?
4. In 2004, who had a hit with the song, Scar?
5. What is the main ingredient added to minced beef and gravy to make a cottage pie?
6. The Pampas Cat is native to which continent?
7. Which professional wrestler had the nickname, The Million Dollar Man?
8. What is the official language of Cambodia?
9. Which sportsman released the 2005 biography, Last Man Standing?
10. Smirnoff is a brand of what?
11. In which decade were microwave ovens invented?
12. What are the three colours on the flag of Yemen?
13. Jacqueline Kennedy was famous for wearing what type of hat?
14. Which movie series features the characters, Manny, Sid and Scrat?
15. What is the code of generally accepted rules in boxing?
16. Who was Olivia Newton-John’s first husband?
17. What is the study of Coats of Arms called?
18. In which European country is the city of Pamplona located?
19. What name is usually given to the principal female soloist in an opera production?
20. Georges Seurat is best known for his work in which area of the visual arts?
FACEBOOK users have commented on the introduction of home battery subsidies, which was campaigned for by Indi Independent MP Helen Haines.
• Georgina Rea: Good job Helen.
• Natalie O’Brien: Georgina Rea why she had absolutely nothing to do with this? Unless I missed something and she suddenly joined the Labor party?
• Georgina Rea: Natalie
O’Brien it was a private members bill by HH and she so did have something to do with it. I am a Labor voter but I can give credit where credit is due unlike some others.
• Natalie O’Brien: Georgina Rea HH introduced that policy before the 2022 election and it went nowhere. Labor have had ideas about battery subsidies for longer than that and so have other parties for that matter. It’s a bit of a stretch for HH to claim credit when there’s little correlation
VICTORIAN employers and businesses, still struggling following Labor’s punishing 42 per cent hike to WorkCover premiums, need relief and certainty.
With unsustainable increases to payroll and land tax crippling businesses, the Liberals and Nationals are calling on the government to stop punishing employers and freeze premiums for two years.
Under the recent premium hikes WorkSafe revenue increased 53 per cent in 2023-24 - collecting over $1.7 billion more in premiums than the previous year.
They are now operating under a surplus and should not need further blatant revenue raising from employers.
With Treasurer, Jaclyn Symes, refusing to rule out new or increased taxes in the upcoming budget, it is critical that businesses are given certainty and jobs are protected.
NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.
between the two policies and Labor have a fairly transparent process about formulating policy in conjunction with their membership and caucus etc. It’s just a stretch for her to claim any credit for it - I’m not saying it’s a uniquely original Labor idea though either.
• Leslie Matthews: Great initiative from a progressive Government!!
FACEBOOK users also commented on the $1 million drug and gun bust as part of an ongoing
investigation by detectives in Wangaratta and Cobram.
• Kylie Lee: Good.. hopefully it will get the Ice out of this town.. To many are on it.. Facebook users this week commented on the passing of much-loved Wangaratta resident Joyce Aquith.
• Kelli Sinclair Hicks: Sad to hear of Joyce’s passing. An amazing ambassador for target shooting locally, statewide and Australia, and such a talent over many, many years. Rest easy Joyce.
Our follower total is Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.
15,223
We secured a freeze on WorkCover premiums for the 2024-25 nancial year and are now calling on the Allan Labor Government to commit to freezing premiums for the next two years to help employers reduce the burden of their WorkCover premium costs.
Victorian businesses must be supported to increase productivity and create jobs, not burdened with increased costs.
Bridget Vallence, Shadow Minister for Finance
THE Summer Foundation is calling for renewed focus from the Albanese Government to stop younger people with disability from entering residential aged care.
New data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows 81 people under the age of 65 entered aged care in the last quarter of 2024, and there were still 1287 younger people stuck in aged care.
This is despite a government commitment to stop aged care being a destination for younger people with disability.
While the implementation of the Aged Care Act in July this year will mean people under 65 will not be able to access residential aged care, we remain concerned about a loophole which may allow younger people with disability to unnecessarily enter aged care if they are deemed at risk of homelessness.
This situation is not good enough.
The government made a commitment to the disability community that younger people would not be forced to enter aged care. It is a national shame that younger people
FLYING HIGH: Euroa resident Mark Carr spoke at the Wangaratta Library on Wednesday last week about his life-long passion for aviation, which has led to the release of his book, ‘Written in the Sky’. The former Naval aviator and commercial airline captain has explored the experiences that shaped him in the ‘technobiography’, which o ers a rare glimpse into the mechanics of flight, from Mark’s time as a carrier pilot with the Royal Australian Navy, to the turbulent 1989 Australian pilots’ dispute, and life as an expatriate pilot in Hong Kong. For more information about Mark’s book, visit https://melbournebooks.com.au/products/written-in-the-sky
with disability are still being placed in aged care facilities meant for the nal chapters of life, not a life still full of potential.
Even though the younger people in residential aged care targets have passed, the Albanese Government cannot fail in its commitment to people with disability.
We need a renewed focus to get the job done.
Jessica Walker, Summer Foundation head of policy, communications and systems change
NEW data shows Cancer Council Victoria’s 2023 bowel screening awareness campaign, funded by the Victorian government, prompted more than 25,000 Victorians to complete a bowel screening test, which is estimated to save 115 lives through early diagnosis and treatment.
Bowel screening is for people aged 45 to 74 who don’t have any bowel cancer symptoms.
People aged 50-74 receive a free bowel screening test kit from the Australian government in the mail every two years to the address listed on their Medicare card, while people aged 45-49 can request their rst bowel screening test kit by contacting the National Cancer Screening Register.
Public health campaigns help raise awareness of the importance of early detection and address misconceptions which stop
eligible participants completing the test.
Data shows that only 42.6% of Victorians aged 50-74 years are participating in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (2021-22). Bowel cancer is the second biggest cause of cancer death in the country, but also one of the most preventable.
Our research shows while many people are aware of the bowel screening test, they think because they feel t and healthy with no symptoms or don’t have a family history they are not at risk.
To learn more about bowel screening and bowel cancer, head to cancervic.org.au/bowel.
If you need to re-order a free bowel screening test kit, please call the National Cancer Screening Register Contact Centre on 1800 627 701 or visit their website ncsr. gov.au/bowel.
Kate Broun, Cancer Council Victoria head of screening
WE welcome your letters to the Editor. Priority is given to typed/emailed letters under 250 words. Every letter must have your full name, address and a daytime phone contact number supplied for verification purposes. Any letter may be edited for reasons of space, content or legibility. Email edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au Post Letters to the Editor, 37 Rowan St, Wangaratta 3677
THE success of Wangaratta Library’s involvement last year with the Sydney Writers’ Festival Live and Local program prompted its return in 2025.
Appearances at the festival from an impressive line-up of Australian and international writers will be livestreamed to the library between Thursday, 22 May and Saturday, 24 May - at no cost to those who drop in to watch and listen.
From ‘The Book Thief’ author Markus Zusak talking about his new nonfiction release, ‘Three Wild Dogs and the Truth’, to Irish novelist Colm Toibin exploring ‘Long Island’, his long-awaited sequel to ‘Brooklyn’, the program will feature a variety of writers, ideas and conversations set to inspire those who attend.
Also on the bill are ‘Alone Australia’ participant Gina Chick, sisters Liane, Nicola and Jaclyn Moriarty covering their writing careers, and celebrated author Helen Garner speaking about her “nanna’s book about footy”, ‘The Season’.
Sydney Writers’ Festival artistic director Ann Mossop said the Live and Local
BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au
program had been running for a decade.
“It started originally when a Telco supported the cost, but when that ended, we were so addicted to taking our festival around the country that we continued on,” she said.
“A lot of cultural programs happen in big cities, so we’re pleased that people in regional areas can see some of the festival.
“It’s also about people getting together in their communities, finding people with similar interests, and going along to see writers they love or discover new writers they don’t yet know about.”
The Wangaratta Library is one of more than 140 venues spanning all of Australia’s states and territories which are involved in the Live and Local program.
Living, dying a talking point on big screen this week
“There are some amazing people on the program, and audience members are able to ask questions via Slido, which is really easy to do on your phone; you can see
what questions other people have asked, and can even vote for other people’s questions to rise up
DISABILITY support notfor-pro t, Belonging Matters, is hosting a workshop in Wangaratta this month to explore individualised and innovative ways people with intellectual disability and autism can be supported to create a home of their own whilst getting the support they need to thrive.
Chief executive o cer of Belonging Matters, Deb Rouget, will feature as one of the key speakers at the event, being staged at Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Tuesday, 29 May from 9:15am to 4:30pm.
For nearly 30 years, Ms Rouget has been involved in the lives of people with a disability and their families and has gained much practical experience and wisdom about imagining and designing supports that enable people with intellectual disability to live in their own home with a range of personally tailored support.
Ms Rouget said home is a vital part of everyone’s lives.
“It not only provides us with security, privacy, comfort and control but it re ects our identity, our adulthood and our deep sense of who we are and how we connect and belong
KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
Chief executive o icer of Belonging Matters, Deb Rouget, will feature as one of the key speakers.
in our neighbourhood,” she said.
“Yet for many people, particularly with intellectual disability and autism, home is designed by services and limited to group home options.
“This o en means that individuals have little say or control in their own home.
“In this workshop, through the journey of others, we will explore individualised and innovative ways that people with an intellectual disability have created their own home, while getting the support they need.”
Topics to be covered in the workshop include what does it really mean to have your own home and is it possible, creating and holding a per-
sonalised vision for home, rst steps to consider when creating a home of your own that’s unique to you, living in your own home and settling in, a range of home options and creative supports, exploring neighbourhood, addressing barriers and challenges, setting up for long term safety and success, and stories about people living in their own home with a range of supports.
This workshop will be relevant to those supporting people with developmental disabilities.
It will be of particular interest to families and advocates as they think through how their son or daughter might move into, and thrive in a home they can call their own.
Ticket pricing ranges from AUD $0 to $75 and includes morning/a ernoon tea and lunch.
For people with disabilities and their families unable to use NDIS funding or who nd the ticket price a barrier, access to this event is free.
To book your ticket, visit https://events.humanitix. com/my-home-my-waywangaratta.
Bookings close Thursday, 22 May.
the queue,” Ann said.
For more information about the Live and Local program available at Wan-
garatta Library between 22 and 24 May, visit https:// events.humanitix.com/ host/wangaratta-library
FILM screenings in Wangaratta this week hope to encourage open conversations about end of life decisions.
The film is being shown as part of National Palliative Care Week, which runs until 17 May, with the campaign of “What’s your plan?”
It’s a direct approach to Australians and their loved ones to talk about what matters most at the end of life and to make a plan that empowers and respects their choices during the last years, months, and days of life.
To raise awareness about the important issue, the Northeast Health Wangaratta Community Palliative Care team is screening the highly acclaimed film, ‘Live the life you please’.
The film is about living and dying in Australia and explores the nature of palliative care through a series of personal stories.
It might change the way you think about the last chapter of life.
The film will be screened on Thursday, 15 May at 3.30pm at NHW Melbourne teaching learning centre, and on Friday, 16 May at the Wangaratta Library Community Room. If you would like to attend a free screening of the film please call the NHW Palliative Care team on (03) 5722 5184.
By GRACE FREDSBERG
J
oin iconic Australian artist Kate Ceberano as she celebrates 40 years of her music career at her up coming tour in June.
On Friday, 27 June at 7pm, Ceberano will be performing at the Wangaratta Perform ing Arts and Convention Cen tre (WPACC).
The tour pays tribute to her roots, Australian Made, a prominent outdoor musical festival that ran during 198687.
But Ceberano had already been well-enriched with the music world long before that, having been in three bands before making her debut on Australian Made at only 20 years old.
“It turns out that was only the beginning, so I have a lot to be glad for,” she said.
Australian Made embraced the talent of Australian music and artists, including Ceberano herself, INXS, Jimmy Barnes and many other talented musicians from around the nation.
“I think it’s really important for Australia to have an identity,” she said.
“I think sometimes we don’t rate our own resident culture and music as high as we do international artists.”
She said Australian music has a distinct sound unique to Australia, and prides her own music on being formed around this Australian identity.
“I think we have a certain sound,” Ceberano said.
“I don’t really know how to classify it, but I know it’s different from global artists.”
Ceberano said her music intends to elicit some kind of emotional connection to and association between an audi-
King
ence members’ own memories.
“When [audiences] come to my show, they’ll discover parts of themselves in the show,” she said.
“Sometimes when I’m sitting and looking out at an audience, I can almost see a sea of memories.
“You go and set up a song and it’s like you’ve kind of started a picture in the mind and you’re the soundtrack to some memory of theirs.”
Ceberano said preserving ties with regional Australia is incredibly important to her as an Australian artist.
“In 40 years, so much has changed but regional touring is an essential part of what makes an Australian artist,” she said.
Supporting her shows are Kathleen Halloran and Darren Harts, who will join Ceberano on stage alternating between guitar and bass.
“(Kathleen) is one of the most exciting young electric guitarists in the country; in fact, one of her biggest fans is Ian Moss from Cold Chisel,” Ceberano said.
“I think that they’re just go-
ing to be just as exciting to watch as well because they weren’t born in the time of the Australian Made concert.
“I think for them to jump
into the skin of these songs will give them a deeper understanding of their musical roots as Australian musicians.”
If you’d like to join Ce-
berano live alongside her equally electrifying supporting artists, visit https://www. wpacc.com.au/Whats-On/ Kate-Ceberano.
the Arts
THE 2025 Across the Arts retrospective exhibition is being held in the Bainz Gallery at Wangaratta Library during May.
The exhibition features 31 artworks by 18 Goulburn and North East Arts Alliance (GANEAA) members in a wide variety of styles and mediums including ceramics, printmaking, painting, photography and textiles. It can be seen throughout the month during library opening hours with an Across the Arts retrospective celebration on Sunday, 25 May from 2pm to 4pm.
AN exhibition called Crystalline at the Wangaratta Art Gallery brings together existing and new bodies of work by Brisbane artist Elizabeth Willing exploring the interconnected qualities of alcohol and sugar.
Working across textiles, sculpture and installation, Willing’s works are performative and often participatory explorations of foods both concept and material.
Crystalline can be seen in Gallery 1 until 18 May.
AUSSIE comedian and singer/songwriter Kevin ‘Bloody’ Wilson will perform at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre (WPACC) tomorrow at 7pm. The highly anticipated return is part of his new “Aussie Icon Tour” with the comedian performing his funniest songs, hilarious stories and shooting down political correctness.
Tickets for his 2.5 hour show are $75 so book now at www. wpacc.com.au/Whats-On/ KEVIN-BLOODY-WILSON.
BENALLA Art Gallery has un veiled a new gallery shop exhibi tion of stunning handcrafted jew ellery by Mansfield-based artist, Sue Plumb.
The display, entitled ‘Shapeshift ing’, features a collection of unique silver rings, earrings and pendants, and will be featured un til 31 May - with all works available for sale.
Sue has used a combination of hand-forged silver and traditional Japanese Mitsuro Hikime wax casting and incorporated gemstones, pearls and organic materials to create the work for her exhibition - exploring the transitions of state as a metaphor for our lived experience.
“From infancy through adulthood, our reality is in a state of flux, like molten metal in a crucible.”
The artist is inspired by botanical form and natural materials.
ver and believes in the integrity of the handmade and the importance of the emotional connection between object and user.
“As personal adornment and worn on the body, jewellery is both intimate and functional, it must offer the wearer comfort, but also pleasure and delight,” Sue said.
“It is time that forges a bond between artifact and person.”
Although Sue spent her early childhood in Australia, she went to art college in England where she was introduced to jewellery making. She then pursued her new passion, first at a gold and silversmithing school in Holland, and then at RMIT upon her return.
“We think of ourselves as concrete entities and yet we move through life in transient form, a series of mutable manifestations in one lifetime, within and without,” she said.
Her work aims to preserve simplicity of design, organic line and form.
Above all she strives for beauty, because just as in the natural world, beauty brings us joy.
She predominantly works in sil-
Sue is drawn to the philosophy and aesthetic of the arts and crafts movement of the late 19th century and its reaction against a decline in standards associated due to industrial manufacturing and mass production.
The Wangaratta Chronicle will be in attendance at the midwifery ward on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9.30am to take photos of newborns with their parents, grandparents and/or siblings.
Consent forms are available from Northeast Health Wangaratta and from Wangaratta Chronicle staff on the day.
If you would like a photo but are not at the ward at the time of visiting, you can come into the Wangaratta Chronicle office at 37 Rowan Street during office hours to organise it.
Photographs are available to purchase from the Wangaratta Chronicle office.
By
MAY has got off to a hot start.
On May 1 Perth recorded a maximum temperature of 31.6 degrees, its warmest for May since 32.7 degrees in 2018.
These warm conditions advanced into North East Victoria where maximum temperatures reached 27.3 degrees at Wangaratta, 26.8 degrees at Rutherglen, 27.2 degrees at Yarrawonga and 26.7 degrees at Albury.
All were the hottest for May since 2018 when maximum temperatures were all around 28.6 degrees.
The previous hottest for May before that occurred in 1988.
Mahid Hasan
Mahid Hasan was born at Northeast Health Wangaratta on Thursday, 8 May at 9.42am and weighed 3.16kg (7lb). He is the brother of Mahida and the son of Tahera Jannat and Mohammad Mehedi Hasan of Wangaratta.
Zadie Jane Caddey-King was born at Northeast Health Wangaratta on Tuesday, 29 April at 10.14pm and weighed 3.11kg (6lb 9oz). She is the daughter of Sam Caddey and Alex King of Wangaratta.
EMERGENCY services are urging landowners to take extra precautions before an expected surge of planned burn-offs this month.
CFA volunteers responded to 936 incidents caused by escaped burnoffs across the state last year as landowners looked to take advantage of the mild autumn conditions to burn-off grass, stubble, weeds and undergrowth to maintain and prepare their properties.
CFA and Triple Zero
Victoria expect a surge in burn-off registrations over the coming weeks with fire restrictions eased across the state.
Triple Zero Victoria chief operating officer Nicole Ashworth encouraged residents to plan ahead and register their burn-off online.
“When someone calls 000 to report seeing smoke we can confirm if it’s recorded on the burnoff register,” she said.
“Check the weather, plan ahead and notify
us online through Fire Permits Victoria’s website - it’s fast, easy and most importantly, allows our call-takers to focus on emergency calls.”
Acting CFA chief officer Garry Cook said the Fire Permits Victoria website is the preferred platform for community members to register their burns and is just one of many safety steps to take.
“By registering your burn-off, it allows emergency services to verify the fire is not an emer-
gency, manage fire risk effectively and avoid placing unnecessary strain on local brigades,” he said.
“In 2024, over 19,084 volunteer hours were utilised responding to incidents involving escaped burn-offs.
“Our message is clear – please don’t leave your burn-off unattended.
“We ask landowners have enough people and water on hand to monitor, contain and extinguish their burn-off safely and consistently monitor wind
conditions before and after the burning day.” If you wish to start your burn-off immediately (within two hours), you can register calling 1800 668 511, however early online registration is preferred.
To register planned burn-offs online, visit the Fire Permits Victoria Website: www.firepermits. vic.gov.au/notify For more information about burning off safely, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/ burnoff.
Monday, 11 May, 2015
By ANITA McPHERSON
LOCAL Scouts are about to celebrate the official opening of the group’s new-look digs at a special ceremony being held this month, and they’re excited.
Group leader Carolyn Hicks said the team had been working on the major refurbishment project at the hall in College Street for the past 18 months, with the help of financial assistance from Scouts Victoria and a $5000 community grant from the Rural City of Wangaratta.
New plumbing and electrical work has been completed, asbestos has been removed and there’s a brand new kitchen
complete with fridge, freezer and oven.
Ms Hicks said there is even purpose-built storage with plenty of room now for their canoes.
“It has taken a lot of hard work but to see it finally come together is just fantastic,” she said.
“We’ve almost finished the project and now have a beautiful facility, and we’re going to hold an official reopening on 19 May.”
In attendance will be the Scouts Australia assistant chief commissioner, State commissioner and a number of district level leaders.
Ms Hicks said the group will also be celebrating its name change from 3rd/4th Wangaratta Scout Group to Wangaratta Scout Group.
“We have lots of fun planned for kids, with a ‘try scouting’ program for ages 6-14 being run based on the theme of ‘fire and fuel’, and we would love to invite the community of Wangaratta to celebrate with us at this free event,” she said. The re-opening will be held at the hall in College Street on Tuesday, May 19 at 6pm.
BOER GOATS, 1xF
boer goat registered, $200, papers included, 3xF kids, pure bred, 5 months old, $80 each, all lead trained. Contact Deb 0402 263 962.
WINDSOR Seaview
Plumbing and Gas-Fitting
Freedom FM is one of the largest and longest-serving providers of public housing maintenance services in Victoria, currently managing nine contracts across metropolitan and regional areas.
We are inviting Expressions of Interest from qualified Plumbing and Gas-Fitting Subcontractors to deliver maintenance services in Government Housing throughout the Benalla, Wangaratta and the surrounding areas.
This opportunity offers:
• Consistent workflow – no quoting or chasing payments
Long-term partnership and business growth
• Full training and onboarding support
Scope of works includes (but not limited to):
Blocked drains
• Sewer and stormwater repairs
• Tapware, guttering, and downpipe replacements
• Burst pipes
Toilet/cistern and appliance installations
We’re looking for subcontractors who are:
• Reliable and resilient
• Fully licensed and suitably qualified Flexible and professional
To express your interest, please email: admin@freedomfm.com.au
TYRES new and secondhand, trailer, rims, wrecking. New hours 9am to 5pm, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 44 Newman Street, Wangaratta. Ph 0428 257 221, Adzam Tyres.
OLDWARES , collectables, records, home wares, rustic, glassware and furniture. Items must be vintage, pre 1980. Call Rebecca 0400 327 696, or David 0418 665 420. No electrical, bedding or jewelery.
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.
Caravan for sale, $23,500, dual axle, 2x 100 ltr water tanks, recently serviced and new awning installed, porta loo with privacy tent, full annex, 3 way refrigerator, single beds, FULLY EQUIPPED including a new 24” Smart TV, 2 sets of linen, everything you need to pack up and go, immaculate condition. Contact Brian on 0400 309 747, leave a message if unavailable.
EVERNEW 16ft pop-top caravan for sale, “Elite” model in immaculate condition, twin beds, new Dunlopillo mattresses, two new adult sleeping bags, new interior carpet, built in microwave oven; portable T.V. and DVD player, plus T.V. aerial, two spare wheels, two gas bottles, towing hitch with support bars, jack for front and side lift, new caravan cover, pull out awning and separate annexe walls and poles, fly screens on all windows, extra equipment and accessories includes electric water jug, $9750. Ph 0419 348 033.
Who are we looking for?
North East Media is looking for a driven and committed individual to lead our advertising sales team at Wangaratta, where you will be responsible for managing existing clients while growing your own sales for group newspapers (including the Wangaratta Chronicle), websites and special publications.
The ideal candidate will have:
• The capacity to see opportunities and market trends and a drive to achieve results to help our business grow.
• Effective communication skills (verbal and written), enabling connection with a wide range of people across various industries.
• The capability to sustain existing relationships and continuously build new ones.
• An excellent work ethic and organisational skills (including maintaining current records in our company CRM program) enabling you to consistently meet deadlines and achieve your sales targets.
• The ability to collaborate (including with your manager, sales colleagues, our editors and graphic designers) to ensure seamless execution of advertising campaigns.
• A motor vehicle and a current driver’s licence
What are we offering?
A full-time position with an attractive remuneration package comprising a base salary, commission and employer superannuation contributions.
About North East Media
North East Media, a division of Provincial Press Group, is an independent family-owned media company publishing over 25 newspapers across North East Victoria, Central West and Southern NSW.
How to apply
If you are self-motivated, results-orientated and looking for a challenge in the media environment, then please forward your resume and covering letter to:
Edward Higgins
CEO
North East Media ehiggins@nemedia.com.au
RECEPTIONIST/ LEGAL ASSISTANT POSITION
Busy legal practice seeking office superstar on full-time or part-time basis. Current or prior experience in admin, banking, real estate or law will be highly regarded. We are looking for a great communicator with fast and accurate data entry skills, a strong work ethic and a friendly, positive and professional manner. Proficiency with Office 365 and the ability to learn quickly are necessary for this role.
Resumes accompanied by a handwritten cover letter are to be submitted by email to admin@mclaylegal.com.au by Friday, May 23, 2025.
Duties will include:
• Reception duties Outside office duties (mail, deliveries, filing and banking)
• Administrative support
• General administrative tasks (typing, filing, scanning)
• Diary management
• Data entry
• Liaising with clients
The successful applicant must be proficient in Microsoft Office and have previous reception/ administration experience, excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong attention to detail. Applications can be emailed to Tess@mgrsolicitors.com.au
Please contact Tess on 03 5721 2149 if you have any questions.
WANGARATTA Chronicle photographer Kurt Hickling made his way down to the Barr Reserve netball courts on Saturday, 3 May to capture some of the action from the opening round of the Wangaratta Netball Association’s Saturday morning competition. Photos can be purchased from the Chronicle office on Rowan Street.
WODONGA 3.0 9.2 10.9 12.12.84
YARRAWONGA 2.1 4.3 6.4 7.7.49
GOALS: WODONGA: N. Spiteri 4, R. Bourke 3, M. Wilson 2, A. Jorgensen 2, T. Miller 1. YARRAWONGA: B. Coghill 2, M. Findlay 1, D. Howe 1, N. Pendergast 1, B. Kennedy 1, J. Urquhart 1. BEST: WODONGA: C. Morrison, R. Venturoni, N. Bradshaw, T. O’Sullivan, A. Jorgensen, R. Bourke. YARRAWONGA: D. Howe, N. Irvine, M. Holgate, B. Coghill, N. Fothergill, M. Findlay.
NORTH ALBURY 2.5 7.10 14.14 20.16.136 WODONGA RAIDERS 3.3 5.5 7.6 9.9.63
GOALS: NORTH ALBURY: J. Murphy 4, T. Broomhead 4, N. Dennis 3, L. Taylor 3, A. Gardiner 2, K. Flack 1, C. Gardiner 1, J. Penny 1, C. Winter 1. WODONGA RAIDERS: C. Taylor 2, A. Scammell 2, B. Jones 1, N. Clarke 1, B. Sheridan 1, C. Smith 1, C. Anderson 1. BEST: NORTH ALBURY: T. Broomhead, B. Rigoni, J. Hayes, F. Gardiner, A. Gardiner, J. Mooney.WODONGA RAIDERS: C. Rich, L. Waters, B. St John, I. Kotzur, A. Pocock, W. Robertson.
A GRADE
Albury 29 def by Lavington 55 Myrtleford 33 def by Corowa Rutherglen 51 Wodonga 56 def by Yarrawonga 75 North Albury 54 def Wodonga Raiders 48
B GRADE
Albury 34 def by Lavington 45 Myrtleford 26 def by Corowa Rutherglen 56 Wodonga 50 def by Yarrawonga 56 North Albury 46 def Wodonga Raiders 27
C GRADE
Albury 28 def by Lavington 72 Myrtleford 51 def Corowa Rutherglen 29 Wodonga 41 def by Yarrawonga 54
North Albury 26 def by Wodonga Raiders 46 17 AND UNDER Albury 35 def by Lavington 40 Myrtleford 43 def Corowa Rutherglen 33
Wodonga 32 def by Yarrawonga 34
North Albury 25 def by Wodonga Raiders 51 15 & UNDER
Albury 11 def by Lavington 57 Myrtleford 61 def Corowa Rutherglen 26
Wodonga 57 def Yarrawonga 31
North Albury 25 def by Wodonga Raiders 62
Wodonga 11.13 (79) def Yarrawonga 2.3 (15)
GOALS: WODONGA B. Parkin 4, J. Hodgkin 2, C. Collins 2, D. Mcburnie
1, C. Brookes 1, F. Kosmina 1. YARRAWONGA: B. Johnson 1, L. Henley 1. BEST: WODONGA E. Kennedy, C. Collins, L. Ceglar, J. Hodgkin, W. McCoy, M. Collins. YARRAWONGA: S. Trembath, A. Jaques, t. baxter, J. Woodhead, S. Bigger, R. Bone. Myrtleford 8.6 (54) def by Corowa Rutherglen 10.8 (68)
GOALS: MYRTLEFORD H. Stripeikis 3, J. Notarianni 2, R. Warner 2, T. Cooper 1. COROWA RUTHERGLEN D. Purcell 4, L. Webb 2, I. Dickinson 2, F. Byrnes 1, J. Forge 1. BEST: MYRTLEFORD J. Hazeldine, H. Stripeikis, R. Warner, N. McMonagle, J. Notarianni, O. Benson. COROWA RUTHERGLEN: A. Coppolino, J. Lavis, A. Coghill, I. Dickinson, B. BilneyDinan, L. Webb. North Albury 6.9 (45) def Wodonga Raiders 5.8 (38)
GOALS: NORTH ALBURY: T. Hunt 3, T. Wiesner-Milham 1, C. Singe 1, H. Westmoreland 1. WODONGA RAIDERS: B. Saunders 2, J. McCracken 1, R. Piper 1, B. Capper 1. BEST: NORTH ALBURY: C. Moncrieff, I. Daley, Z. Lambert, T. Mcintosh, J. Eckhardt, O. Ackerly. WODONGA RAIDERS J. McCracken, R. Piper, A. Alatalo, A. Everett, A. Bollinghaus, H. Gray. Albury 13.6 (84) def Lavington 11.7 (73)
GOALS: ALBURY: J. Carey 5, R. O’Sullivan 3, D. Dunstan 3, L. Reid 1, R. Tinworth 1. LAVINGTON: I. Robertson 3, C. Hall 3, C. Way 2, N. Edmunds 1, C. Webb 1, A. Russell 1. BEST: ALBURY J. Carey, R. Tinworth, R. O’Sullivan, R. Brown, S. O’Connell, E. Wallgate.LAVINGTON: C. Hall, A. Toohey, D. Meani, R. Costello, A. Russell, Z. Klemke.
ALBURY 4.3 6.5 9.7 13.10.88
0.4 4.9 7.11 8.12.60
GOALS: ALBURY: R. Garthwaite 4, M. Walker 2, K. Heiner-Hennessy 2, J. Page 1, I. Muller 1, L. Koller 1, E. Ziebarth 1, J. Pitt 1. LAVINGTON: S. Driscoll 2, A. Cook 2, J. O’Brien 1, N. Newton 1, J. Glanvill 1, C. Sanson 1. BEST: ALBURY: J. Gaynor, R. Garthwaite, J. Hillary, J. Conlan, M. Duncan, J. Pitt. LAVINGTON: E. Perryman, N. Newton, J. Costello, J. Glanvill, J. Driscoll, C. Douglas.
GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: K. Agosta 3, D. Bren 3, R. Smith 3, M. Munro 3, R. Sharp 2, J. East 1, B. Ricardi 1, R. Calvene 1. COROWA RUTHERGLEN: K. Bradtke 2, D. Hope 2, P. Lavis 1, K. Williamson 1. BEST: MYRTLEFORD: R. Smith, M. Munro, J. East, T. Cossor, T. Cappellari, M. Tenardi. COROWA RUTHERGLEN: L. Mccarthy, D. Melksham, J. Hansen, D. Clancy, J. Rowston, F. Osborne.
GRETA: B. Whinray, J. McClounan, C. Crawford, J. Kelly, B. Pearson, J. Bell.
GOORAMBAT 2.2 4.3
GOALS: GOORAMBAT: D. Haebich 5, M. Ryan 2, R. Goodley 2, Z. Amarant 1, A. Moloney 1, B. Wapling 1, B. Stepien 1. MILAWA: B. Bartlett 6, B. Kearns 3, A. Law 3, J. Stevenson 2, T. Dunn 1, D. Fountain 1, J. Whitehouse 1. BEST: GOORAMBAT: D. Beavis, J. Webb, J. Dunne, M. Ryan, J. House, Z. Amarant. MILAWA: T. Dunn, B. Kearns, A. Law, B. Bartlett, J. Lea, K. Stevenson.
Myrtleford �������������� 9�14 (68)
Corowa R’glen 4 6 (30)
BEST: MYRTLEFORD: L. Miotto, N. Turner, R. Grant, L. Young, R. Forrest, L. Hourigan.
*Ladder correct at time of print from Ovens and King website.
A GRADE:
Whorouly 50 def Greta 25; Goorambat 39 def by Milawa 40; Bright 62 def Nth Wang 21; Benalla 26 def by Moyhu 48; Bonnie Doon 59 def Tarrawingee 50.
B GRADE:
Whorouly 46 def Greta 39; Goorambat 26 def by Milawa 41; Bright 46 def Nth Wang 34; Benalla 24 def by Moyhu 68; Bonnie Doon 45 def Tarrawingee 37.
B RESERVE:
Whorouly 48 def Greta 44; Goorambat 22 def by Milawa 49; Bright 58 def Nth Wang 15; Benalla 33 def by Moyhu 34; Bonnie Doon 51 def Tarrawingee 35.
C GRADE:
Whorouly 19 def by Greta 38; Goorambat 25 def by Milawa 37; Bright 48 def Nth Wang 20; Benalla 26 def by Moyhu 62; Bonnie Doon 69 def Tarrawingee 29. 15 & UNDER:
Whorouly 28 def by Greta 41; Goorambat 5 def by Milawa 79; Bright 72 def Nth Wang 13; Benalla 36 def Moyhu 28; Bonnie Doon 68 def Tarrawingee 14. Not all scores available at time of print
SAT, MAY 17
GRETA vs BONNIE DOON NTH WANGARATTA vs GOORAMBAT
TARRAWINGEE vs WHOROULY
KING VALLEY vs BENALLA ALL BLACKS
MOYHU vs BRIGHT MILAWA - BYE
BRIGHT 5.1 11.2 14.4 19.7.121 NTH WANGARATTA 2.1 3.4 6.6 7.7.49
GOALS: BRIGHT: C. Thomason 7, W. Wales 3, C. Banks 3, R. Bacon 2, J. Love 1, D. Chellew 1, A. Dalbosco 1, C. Thomson 1. NORTH WANGARATTA: J. Kemp 3, H. Fraser 2, T. Nanson 1, C. Smith 1.
BEST: BRIGHT: C. Thomason, C. Banks, W. Shem, R. Bacon, S. Buckley, W. Wales. NORTH WANGARATTA: J. Adamo, J. Devine, B. Raggett, A. Knights, T. O’Bien, D. Bradley.
BENALLA 2.2 3.5 3.6 5.9.39 MOYHU 7.4 13.6 16.14 21.18.144
GOALS: BENALLA ALL BLACKS: S. Cox 2, T. Levy 1, C. Orchard 1, D. Broughton 1. MOYHU: B. Zimmermann 5, J. Hansted 5, P. McNamara 3, K. Pensak 1, N. Stewart 1, A. Thrum 1, H. Verdon 1, G. Hearn 1, J. Coonan 1, H. Bell 1.
BEST: BENALLA ALL BLACKS: K. Linke, S. Cox, T. Levy, J. Walker, R. Nedeljkovic, D. Broughton. MOYHU: P. McNamara, N. Gamble, J. Coonan, B. Zimmermann, H. Verdon, A. Thrum.
DOON
GOALS: BONNIE
WODONGA: B. Russell, D. Livingstone, L. Nugent, E. Tshijika, H. Venturoni, R. Mimmo. YARRAWONGA: J. Robinson, M. Grinter, A. Dickins, T. Muldoon, D. Flanagan.
North Albury 8 3 (51)
Wodonga Raiders ���� 11�6 (72)
BEST: NORTH ALBURY: J. Spurr, R. Wall, T. Field, C. Summers, B. Spurr, C. Fisher. WODONGA RAIDERS H. O’Neill, N. Twycross, D. Ramage, J. Cannell, B. Knights, J. Casey.
ROUND 6
SATURDAY, MAY 17
YARRAWONGA vs WANG ROVERS
COROWA RUTHERGLEN vs WODONGA
WANGARATTA vs NORTH ALBURY RAIDERS vs LAVINGTON MYRTLEFORD vs ALBURY
Solimo, J. Cain, B. Jenvey, L. Allan, C. Fitzgerald. Goorambat 2 1 (13) Milawa 23 14 (152)
BEST: GOORAMBAT D. Barber, N. Holmes, A. Ellis, M. Dansey, J. Bramich, J. Priest. MILAWA C. York, R. Young, H. Dodgshun, N. Farley, T. Leslie. Whorouly 6 7 (43) Greta 13 8 (86)
BEST: WHOROULY: D. Gephart, J. Penn, K. Fitzpatrick, J. Morey, J. Burns, J. Pethybridge. GRETA: L. Arrowsmith, J. Cleeland, A. Kennedy, E. Sheather, M. Naish, T. Gottschling.
Bright 9 13 (67) North Wangaratta 5 3 (33)
BRIGHT: D. Mccormick, E. White, D. Martin, L. Robinson, A. Barnard, J. Dalbosco. NORTH WANGARATTA: Z. Heard, A. Harris,
By NATHAN DE VRIES
FOR the rst time this season, Moyhu’s senior footballers sang their song a er a dominant performance on Saturday.
Taking on the languishing Benalla All Blacks, the Hoppers were transcendent, banking the points 21.18 (144) to the Panthers’ 5.9 (39).
The match was set up from the rst quarter, when Moyhu slammed on seven goals to two to head into quarter time with 32-point bu er, which only grew as the match went on.
The Panthers had no answer for the Hoppers’ clean movement out of the middle and their repeat entries into their forward line.
Jordan Hansted and Bailey Zimmermann booted ve goals apiece, best on ground Paddy McNamara chipped in with three, with seven others hitting the scoreboard.
For Benalla, Kieran Linke and Sam Cox were among the best on ground, while the big-bodied Ryan Nedeljkovic and Damian Broughton fought hard at the contest.
The Panters are now the only senior team in the Ovens and King league to be winless.
Elsewhere, Tarrawingee came nine points shy of the scalp of the season against Bonnie Doon.
The Bulldogs were well and truly in the ght from the rst quarter, but Bonnie Doon managed to hold on to take the win 8.6 (54) to 6.9 (45).
It was a low-scoring a air, a testament to the grit and pressure present between the arcs at the Bonnie Doon Recreation Reserve.
The Bulldogs trailed by 10 points at the long break but managed to bring it back within a goal at thenal change of ends.
Despite brilliant e orts from
Nick Redley, Cam Chamberlain and Mark Tatt, Tarrawingee came up just short, with Bombers Peter Cairns and Joel Sanford helping pull their side over the line.
The margin was far greater out at Pioneer Park, where Bright put North Wangaratta to the sword, with their accurate kicking giving them a 12-goal winning margin.
Cooper Thomason starred for the Mountain Men, kicking seven goals in the 19.7 (121) to 7.7 (49) nal tally.
The gap was out to 46 points by the half, and while the Hawks’ defensive structure limited the damage from then on in, it was far too big a mountain to climb.
Cy Banks and Wayland Wales played their role for the Mountain Men, while Jayden Adamo and Jhye Devine were among the best for the Hawks.
Milawa exacted revenge on Goorambat for their 2024 nals loss with a de nitive result over the Bats, 17.15 (117) to 13.6 (84).
The fast-starting Dees ripped into the contest early, kicking nine rsthalf goals with another half-dozen minor scores, while their defence repelled most of the Bat’s entries.
The momentum continued Milawa’s way through the second half, with Goorambat throwing everything at the contest to wrest control back.
While they nished strongly, kicking six goals straight in the nal term, Milawa were too good, with their multiple shots on goal netting three majors in the fourth to see them run out winners by 33 points.
Milawa’s Brady Bartlett won the game within a game, kicking six goals to outscore his opposite number at the other end of the ground, Duane Haebich, who booted ve for the day.
Blues breath a sigh of relief, hold off
■ From back page
“Once we started to use a bit more of the inside, it looked like we got better looks, so it was about quelling the pressure on the ball kicker coming into the forward 50.”
For the Lions, Max Scott and Jessie Smith were dominant across half back, with big ruck Ed Woolford growing in leaps and bounds ever match, while Newton was the top goal kicker on the ground with six.
Greta’s leaders stood up when it mattered, with Brad Whinray a well-deserved best on ground, while James McClounan, Jack Kelly and Cody Crawford (four goals) were impactful.
“When you play some of those top teams, they force you to li the pressure - as a coach, you’d like it to be unconditional every single week, but it really is set by your leaders,” Dube said.
“Brad Whinray, Josh Bell, James McClounan, Des Kelly, Cody Crawford, Tom Fursdon, Cam Green - when these guys get to work it’s contagious, they set the standard for others.
“What pleases me is Cody’s defensive stu , and on Saturday he led the way in our front half.
“We forced turnovers, we tackled with pressure, we retained the ball in our front half better than we have for a long time.
“Defensively, he was enormous – there were turnovers, there were repeat entries that were directly linked to him.”
The win sees the Blues keep pace with the top end of town, third overall with a record of 5-1, while Whorouly slumps to seventh with 3-3.
MOYHU’S George Hearn fights through the stoppage in the Hoppers’ huge win over Benalla. Moyhu recorded their first win of 2025 with a 105-point demolition job over the Panthers
■ Story page 15.
Garry Jones
Reigning senior premiers survive a scare from a dangerous Whorouly outfit, home by 25 points
IT was a closer game than perhaps many were expecting, but Greta emerged on top against a rapidly improving Whorouly by 24 points on Saturday.
A er a contested rst half, Greta senior footballers managed to li across all three lines to run out winners 15.12 (102) to the Lions’ 12.5 (77).
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
The match was on right from the rst siren, with goals kicked at both ends of the Whorouly Recreation Reserve early.
While the Blues had the early advantage of a 13-point
rst quarter lead, Whorouly roared back into the contest to lead by three points heading into the long break.
Greta’s defensive apparatus went to another level a er the break, limiting Whorouly to just one goal in the third quarter and keeping Lion Michael Newton under control for the most part.
At the other end, power for-
ward Cody Crawford was putting in the work, helping Greta open up a three-goal lead heading into the nal quarter.
The mid eld contest kept rising in intensity and pressure, but Greta had enough of a lead to bank the points.
Blues coach Chris Dube said it was a high-calibre match from both sides.
“It was probably a better
watch than I wanted, I certainly lost a bit of hair watching it from the sidelines,” he said.
“It was contested, it was tough, and there was also a bit of class from both sides.
“It felt like whoever’s mideld got better looks inside, their team scored.
“In the rst half we didn’t pressure enough in the
middle and Juice [Michael Newton] got some ball he could run into - it wasn’t just bombed on his head, it was really purposeful.
“In the second half, we knew we were still there, even with Whorouly leading, so we just had to trust that if we tightened up a little that it was going to go the distance.
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