Wangaratta Chronicle 120623

SPOILED FOR CHOICE

COURT SUPPORT

WHOROULY Football

Netball Club will have a long-awaited upgrade to its netball court with $500,000 in funding announced for two multi-purpose courts to be built at the recreation reserve. Works will be carried out in the 2023/24 financial year, with $250,000 coming from the Victorian Government’s Country Football and Netball Program delivered in partnership with the AFL, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria.

The other half will be

$500k wish for Whorouly netball courts upgrade comes true $ypg

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

funded by the Rural City of Wangaratta council bringing it forward from the 2024/25 financial year to make the long awaited dream a reality sooner than forecast.

“Local sporting clubs are the heart of regional communities, and

Whorouly is no exception,” Mayor Dean Rees said.

“Council has been looking for funding assistance to upgrade the courts for some time and we are really happy this project will be able to be commenced and completed in the next financial year.”

Deputy Mayor Harry Bussell said his community is very happy to know their netball courts will be upgraded.

“The Whorouly Lions

are a significant club in the Ovens and King,” Cr Bussell said.

“This funding will provide a real boost to the morale of the club from the A-grade players right through to the development squad kids.

“Sporting infrastructure is important in small rural communities for mental and physical wellbeing, it provides a place of connection.

“We can’t wait for the

works to get underway.”

Cr Bussell said the Whorouly Recreation Reserve is the hub of the local community, and this funding has been widely welcomed by the committee of management, Whorouly Football Netball Club and the local community.

It’s been a 12-year mission by key people at the club in advocating for the courts that will update the single court facility,

which is well past its used by date.

Club president Eddie Costenaro said everyone at the club was thrilled with the confirmation of the funding to greatly update the facilities.

“It was a very nice surprise for everyone at training on Thursday night, it was fantastic news,” Mr Costenaro said.

“The courts will finish off what we’ve been able to achieve over the last 10 years with the new club rooms.”

■ Continued page 2

FELIX Harvey and John Naylor were just two of the many attendees at the Rotary Clubs of Wangaratta Book Fair over the weekend, with thousands of pre-loved books available for purchase at cut rates. The fair added to a busy long weekend for the region, as hundreds flocked to a host of events including the King Valley’s Weekend Fit for a King, and Glenrowan’s Trails, Tastings and Tales food and wine festival.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

WHO

$500k wish for Whorouly netball courts upgrade comes true

■ From front page At least six teams have to make do with one court for training two nights per week and people feared that players would leave the club if the courts were not updated prior to the scheduled 2024/25 financial year.

Mr Costenaro said the courts will be used during the summer months as well for other purposes, so it’s not just the netballers who will benefit from the improvement.

“We’ve got some cracking facilities at Whorouly and a

lot of really good volunteers who keep everything maintained,” he said.

“We’re a close knit club and community and when people need help we always give support.

“There are about 40 kids at Auskick and there are young people coming through so the club is continually growing and this upgrade will maintain us for the next 20 years.

“We get people, especially campers, who come down and they can’t believe what such a small community does.”

Mr Costenaro thanked

WEATHER

council for its support in achieving the state grant and funding for the courts.

The money comes after the Rural City of Wangaratta Council met with about 40 locals to discuss key infrastructure in the town as part of the Rural Placemaking Project and Snow Road District Plan last September.

The construction of new courts were brought up at a council meeting held at the reserve 12 months ago, with $30,000 confirmed in the 2022/23 budget to unde rgo a detailed design of the courts.

Rivers reach peak throughout region

FLOODWATERS which flowed through the King Valley and into Wangaratta at the weekend are expected to gradually recede in the coming days.

Both the Ovens and King rivers reached just shy of the major flood level at Wangaratta and Docker Road respectively late last week, following a 140mm downpour in parts of the King Valley overnight Wednesday

and into Thursday morning.

The Ovens River peaked at 12.51m around 3am on Saturday morning, having risen almost four metres in the preceding four days, while the King River at Docker Road reached 4.08m in the early hours of Friday morning, just below the 4.10m major flood level.

The river had previously exceeded the major flood level at

Cheshunt around midday on Thursday.

Both rivers remained above the minor flood level yesterday, with Apex Park and major sections of the North Wangaratta floodplain inundated with water.

The Great Alpine Road between Porter Street and Fisher Lane was subsequently closed to traffic on Friday afternoon, as was Gravel Pit Road be-

tween Tone and Reith road, after the Three Mile Creek also broke its banks.

Stretches of Docker-Carboor Road, Oxley-Meadow Creek Road, and WhoroulyBobinawarrah Road were also impacted by floodwaters.

Up to 20mm of rain is forecast for Wangaratta on Tuesday, however, minimal rain is anticipated through the remainder of the week.

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Police arrest four amid links to outlaw motorcycle gang

FOUR people were arrested and two have been charged as part of an investigation into a series of incidents linked to the Finks Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) near Wodonga.

to be patched members of the Finks OMCG.

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

Warrants were executed at properties in Wodonga, Wodonga West and Barnawartha from 7am on Friday morning by members of the Echo Taskforce, VIPER Taskforce, Wodonga Crime Investigation Unit and Wodonga police.

They arrested a 37-year-old man, a 42-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman, each from Barnawartha, as well as a 30-year-old Wodonga man.

The three men are alleged

The 37-year-old Barnawartha man has been charged with blackmail, traffick drug of dependence, possess drug of dependence, burglary and commit indictable offence whilst on bail.

The 30-year-old Wodonga man has been charged with blackmail, extortion, possess prohibited weapon, handle stolen goods, possess drug of dependence, breach a condition of bail and commit indictable offence whilst on bail.

The pair are expected to face Wodonga Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

The 42-year-old Barnawartha man and the 39-year-old Barnawartha woman were both released pending further enquiries.

Police also seized drugs including methylamphetamine and GHB, knuckledusters and an allegedly stolen bicycle during Friday’s searches, which followed a number of incidents in the Wodonga area over the last fortnight believed to be linked to the Finks OMCG.

This includes an altercation which took place at a McCrohan Court address on June 1.

A 30-year-old Wodonga man was subsequently arrested by police on Wednesday, June 7 and

charged with aggravated burglary, extortion, burglary and commit indictable offence whilst on bail.

The man will face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court again on August 30.

The investigation also includes an incident at the same property on June 5 where a 28-year-old man was allegedly assaulted.

Police believed these incidents were all targeted.

The investigation into the incidents remains ongoing.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www. crimestoppersvic.com.au.

WANTS IT: Netballer Grace Way in action on the existing court at Whorouly during a recent game against Tarrawingee, as the crowd watches on.

PHOTO: Nathan De Vries

BLOCKED OFF: Floodwaters in Apex Park stretch across the Bickerton Street carpark near the Wangaratta Stockbridge.

PHOTO: Ryan Malcolm

Region’s regal weekend showcase

By RYAN MALCOLM

A HOST of events throughout the region have benefited from strong attendance in recent days, as the region celebrated the King’s Birthday extended break in style.

Returning for the first time since 2019, the King Valley’s Weekend Fit for a King festival made a major splash, with hundreds of tourists and locals taking in the tastes, sights and smells of eight venues throughout the region on Saturday and Sunday.

Despite chilly weather prevailing and minor flooding throughout parts of the region, Pizzini event coordinator Lou Way said visitors had turned out in force to the event, which included Pizzini’s traditional long lunch on Saturday which drew a crowd of 160.

“It was fabulous, it was super exciting to have Weekend Fit for a King back – it’s the first year post-COVID that the festival’s happened and it was brilliant to see lots of happy people milling around,” she said.

“Even though the weather

wasn’t super toasty, they all rugged up and came out and enjoyed some wine and food and lots of fun times.

“There was a little bit of misty rain at one point (on Saturday) but it didn’t deter anyone – they had their warm jackets on and they still had a blast of a time and it didn’t seem to faze

them at all so it was lovely.

“It was a lovely mix (of attendees) – there were plenty of visitors from Melbourne and further afield and then plenty of locals who managed to come out, and we’re expecting hopefully quite a few more locals today (Sunday).”

Other major events throughout the weekend

included the Rotary Clubs of Wangaratta’s Book Fair, which drew a strong crowd of literacy lovers keen to find a bargain, as well as Glenrowan’s own Trails, Tastings and Tales food and wine festival, which will continue today.

Ms Way said it was pleasing to see so many people returning to the region over

the busy long weekend.

She said early indications from the participating venues had been largely positive.

“It looked like there were a few people coming through and it was really lovely to see them moving around through the participating venues,” she said.

“It’s just so wonderful to be

able to have people back for the festival and to be able to showcase the wine and food and produce (of the region).

“We now have a gin distillery (Hurdle Creek Still) participating so it’s really just amazing to showcase what we do well up here and really show off that warm King Valley hospitality.”

National textile talents on show at Wangaratta Art Gallery

A SYDNEY-based Iranian contemporary artist’s insight into discrimination and the restriction of women’s rights in her native Iran has been crowned the winner of the prestigious $40,000 Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award for 2023.

Sepideh Farzam’s work ‘Losing Eyes for Freedom, 2023’ was recognised as part of the Wangaratta Art Gallery’s official opening on Saturday, with her work reflecting on the hundreds of people killed and thousands imprisoned and blinded as a result of demonstrating against Iran’s morality police.

Ms Farzam subsequently commissioned a craft-woman to hand weave a carpet representing the young women hand in hand, before Ms Farzam then handstitched waxed threads through each girl’s face to represent bleeding and blinded eyes.

As part of the exhibition, Brisbane-based Quandamooka woman Kyra Macktelow was also commended with the Ruth Amery Award for her work ‘One continuous string, 2021’.

Her work recreated the uniforms First Nations children were forced to wear at Moongalba (Myora mission), with the attempt at assimilations ultimately disrupted through the continuation of traditional weaving practices.

Judge Rebecca Coates said all

29 finalists were to be commended after being shortlisted from a field of over 350 applicants.

“The range of artwork was exciting; from sculptural forms transformed through performance, dance and sound; artworks that spoke of Country, lan-

guage and culture and invited us to think about and create a shared future; and works that exploded the very nature of the material itself, even turning fabric into sculpture with a steel or leatherlike quality, abject and visceral in turn,” she said.

“This year, I was looking for artists’ works that demonstrated an excellence in material practice in whatever form, and which talked to our shared understanding of the world in which we live.

“The winning work by Sepideh Farzam… is impressive in scale, collaborative in nature, and speaks to our times.

“Like many of the weaving traditions it draws on, it (was) made through collaboration, and like many traditional crafts often done by women, alludes to the often invisible nature of many of these repetitive tasks.

“The work also talks to a larger truth, and the systemic abuse and treatment of women in many countries that continues to this day… these are conversations that must continue to be had in a country like Australia, and ones that we can’t take for granted.”

The awards were held in partnership with the Kyambra Foundation.

The exhibition’s 29 works will remain on display at Wangaratta Art Gallery until August 20.

TUESDAY PARMA DAY $20 POT & PARMA

TEXTILE SHOWCASE: (from left) Prize judge Rebecca Coates, Rural City of Wangaratta manager arts, culture and events Simone Nolan, and gallery director Rachel Arndt with Kyambra Foundation representatives June Brown, Cynthia Brown and John G Brown and Sepideh Farzam’s winning entry.

PHOTO: Marc Bongers

STRONG TURNOUT: Natalie Pizzini oversees Pizzini’s Saturday long lunch, which saw some 160 guests in attendance.

PHOTO: Jeff Zeuschner

LIVING IT UP: Glen and Yvonne Deegan enjoy a wine and a bite to eat at Brown Brothers on Saturday, as the King Valley’s Weekend Fit for a King kicked into gear.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Tim inspiring students in and out of the classroom

A WANGARATTA teacher passionate about sharing his love of physics swapped the classroom for the racetrack during this year’s Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Tim Friel relocated from Canberra last year to teach maths and physics at Wangaratta High School through Teach for Australia’s Leadership Development Program.

He’s now in his second year of teaching at the school while undertaking his Masters degree through the program.

With free tickets from the Australian Grand Prix Corporation’s Driving Learning program, and transport support from NE Tracks Local Learning and Employment Network, Tim joined senior Wangaratta High School students from physics, workrelated skills, and sport and recreation classes on an excursion to Melbourne for the March grand prix.

It wasn’t just a fun day out; students were tasked with exploring the applications of physics to race cars, documenting the different aspects of occupational health and safety at a major event, and gained exposure to the diversity of career paths available.

“Students were grinning as F3, F2, F1 and V8 Supercars flew past at speeds above 200 kph,” Tim said.

“Several students took the opportunity to sit in F2 cars as they met with mechanics in the pits, while other students explored the tech zone, with electric vehicles, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathemat-

ics) exhibits and F1 professionals sharing their experiences.

“For days following the excursion, students were talking about their experiences.

“The excursion has really increased their engagement

with their classroom learning.”

The opportunity to inspire young minds in this way is precisely the reason Tim decided to become a teacher.

After gaining his Bachelor of Science (Theoretical

Physics) he worked in the education field, including supporting female and under-represented populations to maintain their involvement with the STEM sector –following the mantra ‘if you can see it, you can be it’.

His strong belief that all students deserve equitable opportunities to be successful in their lives led him to pursue teaching through Teach for Australia’s program.

While he entered teaching with a focus on physics,

Tim said one of his standout teaching moments so far was in the maths classroom.

“In working with my year seven mathematics class last year, in my first year of teaching, I was able to create a positive classroom environment to support the growth of all learners – who achieved at least one year’s growth across the year,” he said.

“This strong improvement was possible because of the highly collaborative staff at my school, who were consistently willing to share resources, provide feedback, and spoke positively about the potential of all students.”

Another standout for Tim has been exploring his new community.

“The Wangaratta community has been so welcoming, and it has been a pleasure to explore the region, when assignments allow,” he said.

Teach For Australia’s Leadership Development Program recruits and develops high-calibre careerchangers, and graduates, to teach in communities where workforce needs are highest.

Participants study their Master of Teaching (Secondary) (Leading Learning) through Teach for Australia’s academic partner Australian Catholic University, while teaching subject areas directly related to their previous studies and supported by mentoring and coaching to accelerate their professional development.

Applications for the 2024 intake of the program are now open.

For many people, the after Funeral gathering can be almost as important as the Funeral ceremony itself.

Wangaratta's premier audiology clinic

Mason Park’s Memories Room, directly opposite the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery is the ideal location to gather and support one another following a loss. It is a fully licensed facility and we have many food and drink options to suit everyone.

Mason Park Funerals

GREAT EXPERIENCE: Wangaratta High School year 12 physics students Tom Christison, Logan McDonald and Harvey Moore were among those who enjoyed the trip to this year’s Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix. INSET: WHS teacher Tim Friel.

Grit and Resilience celebrates past, future at Heartbeat event

WANGARATTA Grit and Resilience Program coordinator Bek NashWebster said last Wednesday’s seventh Heartbeat event for the initiative was a night of “celebration, community and connection”.

And she urged locals to consider how they could be involved in the program as it evolves into the future with ongoing State Government funding.

“We hold Heartbeat events to check in with the community, share the work of the Grit and Resilience team, and map out the future direction of the program,” she said.

“Heartbeat #7 was a milestone event. Over 98 members of our community joined us to reflect on the program from its inception in 2019 to today.

“We were Welcomed to Country by Bpangerang traditional owner Roland, who shared the beautiful story of the first Bpangerang people.

“He told us the origins of Bpangerang connection to lands, water, animals and sky. We were so privileged

to receive his gentle storytelling of his cultural history.”

Ms Nash-Webster said Helen Haines (MHR, Indi),

Rural City of Wangaratta Mayor Dean Rees and Grit and Resilience Program consortium chair Jacki Eckert spoke of their

ongoing support of the program.

“They threw their full weight behind supporting the mental

health and wellbeing of our community and the Grit and Resilience Program’s work in building connection, inclusion, and

support,” she said. She said a highlight of the evening was an address by keynote speaker Kerrie Hicks, former Victoria Police local area commander for Wangaratta, who spoke about her life journey of community service which took her to Iraq as an investigator of war crimes for the United Nations, and the subsequent launch of her business, Gritential Coaching.

“Kerrie’s passion and ability to connect to the room was brilliant,” Ms Nash-Webster said.

As a result of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, the Grit and Resilience Program is evolving and wants to hear from the local community.

“Representation from across the diverse tribe of people that make up our community is wanted to walk with the Grit and Resilience Program as it evolves,” Ms Nash-Webster said.

“Please reach out and get involved by visiting https://www.wangaratta. vic.gov.au/Residents/GritResilience.”

TIME TO DONATE: CFA assistant chief fire officer Glenn Pröbstl donated blood to kickstart the 2023 Emergency Services Blood Drive.

Emergency

families to give vital blood donations

CFA is calling on its members and their families to roll up their sleeves to donate blood this winter, as part of the 2023 Emergency Services Blood Drive.

The annual effort, which is supported by Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, runs from June 1 to August 31, and encourages members to make a significant contribution to those in need by donating blood and plasma.

The blood drive also allows emergency service

response

providers such as Victoria Police, SES, Fire Rescue Victoria and Ambulance Victoria to engage in friendly competition to see which can donate the most blood products.

CFA assistant chief fire officer (ACFO) Glenn Pröbstl, said CFA’s 52,000 members had the capacity to support those in need.

“Our members always rise to the occasion for worthy causes and the Lifeblood Emergency Services Blood Drive is no ex-

ception,” he said.

“I hope our members can get behind the challenge once again this year to help save lives.

“Making a blood donation takes about one hour of your time and you can make a significant difference to someone else’s life.”

Wangaratta’s Lifeblood donor centre is open Wednesday 11am to 6.30pm, Thursday 11.30am to 6.30pm, and Friday 7.30am to 2.30pm.

To register, visit www.lifeblood.com.au.

WORKING TOGETHER: Cr Dave Fuller, Wangaratta Grit and Resilience Program coordinator Bek Nash-Webster, Rural City of Wangaratta Mayor Dean Rees and guest speaker Kerrie Hicks with members of the band U Can Cry, who performed at Heartbeat #7 on Wednesday.

Regional netball an ongoing investment

THE continued investment into local netball facilities going forward by local and state governments will play a vital role in ensuring sport remains a vital aspect of life in rural communities.

News Whorouly is set to benefit from a $500,000 boost to its netball facilities comes in the wake of similar upgrades to North Wangaratta Recreation Reserve being completed and plans to resurface the Barr Reserve courts to service the future of the region’s junior ranks.

Wangaratta Showgrounds is also anticipated to undergo a netball-related revamp in the near future courtesy of the State Government, with new change rooms slated to be developed for netball and female football players.

Netball is such a vital aspect of the local sporting ecosystem, and it’s important that these sorts of projects continue to be prioritised by key decision-makers.

Much has been made about the drop in volunteers across the board in the wake of COVID-19, and sporting clubs have been among the hardest hit.

These sorts of investment initiatives are key to ensuring these regional communities feel valued and appreciated, and incentivise ongoing involvement in local clubs, which could in turn improve the local volunteer-pool.

In the short-term, Whorouly will be buoyed by much-needed upgrades to its netball facilities which will improve the safety of players and modernise the Whorouly Recreation Reserve.

In the long-term, the investment could result in major benefits to the strength of a rural club which is a vital cog in its community, and regional netball as a whole will benefit.

The Quiz No. 39

1. Which team was awarded the wooden spoon for the 2015 WAFL season?

2. Who was the main female star in the 1998 movie Sliding Doors?

3. Flying Fish Cove is the main settlement of which Australian territory?

4. How many feet are there in a mile?

5. Which classic cartoon character had the alter ego, Hiram Fly?

6. In January 2015, Lleyton Hewitt played against which tennis star at the launch of the Fast4 Tennis format?

7. Morecambe and Wise?

8. Jock Zonfrillo hosted which 2015 Australian cooking reality television series?

9.

Time we acknowledge past, unite for future

LORNE Campbell (Wangaratta Chronicle letters, June 5) raises points supporting the ‘No’ vote to the upcoming referendum for The Voice to Parliament.

This allows for respectful discussion around a conversation that many feel confused by.

Addressing some of these points, we must be clear on all elements though.

Yes, there is spending on this issue.

It’s long overdue though as we remain the only country throughout the Commonwealth to never have formally acknowledged Indigenous occupation prior to the illegal British colonisation of this country we call home.

This will finally allow modern Australians to acknowledge gratitude for our residence in a country where hundreds of thousands of Indigenous lives were destroyed allowing us to prosper on the land they cared for and were deeply connected to through a culture that was honed over 65,000 years.

Colonisation is the reason why the Indigenous population is as low as it is, however instead of being allowed to live among and thrive inside the growing of this country after occupation, they were denied freedom, culture, language, their children and community, as well as all the rights we have taken for granted including the right to be acknowledged as Australian residents and to vote until 1967.

Over 90 per cent of the Australian population amended the referendum with that acknowledgement.

The Indigenous politicians in our Parliament are not there to fix that trauma, nor do they represent the many diverse nations within the Indigenous community.

They are there to represent their constituencies, not to advise on policies outside of their jurisdiction.

That is not appropriate or fair.

Indigenous members may have the same rights as everyone else, but there has been so much incredible disadvantage due to colonisation that they are often racially vilified because of the ineffective policies of action that have not worked in the attempts to reconnect people to culture and wellbeing.

A stable official advisory board to assist governments of the day to help minimise the continuing significant disparity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians around health, life expectancy, children in care and more with policies can finally be advised on by those with shared culture and experience.

A Voice to Parliament is an advisory board, nothing more.

It means that the next government cannot throw out ineffective policy after policy.

Should the State Government guarantee all regional councils financially benefit from the 2026 Commonwealth Games?

Read Constitution to understand how it works

I WRITE to thank John Moore for his letter on Friday, June 2 (Wangaratta Chronicle).

He identifies the full extent of the ignorance of Peter Dutton, the alternative Prime Minister, on the operation of the Australian Constitution.

This revered document outlines, among other things, how laws are made for Australians, the operation of the legal system and the role of the states.

It is surprisingly small.

It provides no more than the principles upon which laws are made.

It contains no laws that affect Australians directly.

10. in the 2015 AFL season?

11. Frank Celenza, Eddie Parise, Suze DeMarchi

12. the Great Southern wine region?

13. Who replaced Philip Ruddock as AttorneyGeneral of Australia in 2007?

14. Genghis Khan was the emperor of the Mongol Empire during which century?

15.

16. Perth Glory defeated which team in the Round of 16 match of the 2015 FFA Cup?

17. Who wrote the 1976 novel, The Boys from Brazil?

18. Venezuela?

19. known?

20. Who did Danny Green defeat in his August

After 250 years, it also means that we as a country can also formally acknowledge that we care about the price that was paid for our privilege.

That we care that the oldest surviving culture of people on this planet are our Indigenous First Australians.

And instead of dividing the nation, we come together and finally mark the need to acknowledge and heal the atrocities that occurred by people long dead, who illegally took over a land that the rest of us have arrived in and continue to prosper on.

Together, we can finally acknowledge that we are all valued and deserve a fair go, including the people who cared for this place and who’s families paid the ultimate price for our prosperity on it now.

CélineForster,Wangaratta

A successful ‘YES’ vote will do nothing more than to provide Indigenous Australians with an opportunity to contribute to the discussion of laws proposed for parliament on matters that affect them.

It does not (and cannot) give Indigenous Australians a ‘second vote’.

Don’t take my word for it.

Download your very own copy at The Australian Constitution – Parliament of Australia (aph.gov.au) and read it for yourself.

Believe Mr Dutton’s deceptions if you must, but don’t confuse them with truth.

GraemeRose,Wangaratta

NZ model could be a solution for us too

AS we get closer to the referendum on The Voice vote, the topic has caused a lot of controversy.

I was born on the anniversary of Wait-

angi Day - a day in New Zealand where the Maoris signed a treaty with the Western settlers, and it got me thinking of how the NZ Parliament is made up.

Searching Google, I found that as of 2022 there are 11 Aboriginal members of Parliament in Australia.

In NZ, they have both general and Maori electoral boundaries - one super-imposed over the other, a total of 18 overall, covering the entire country.

To quote Wikipedia: “ ... thus, every part of New Zealand simultaneously belongs both in a general seat and in a Maori seat.”

I am all for the Aborigines to have a voice in Parliament, but after hearing Aboriginal opinions on a current affairs programme, I’m wondering if the Voice referendum will make any progress for positive change for our First Nations people.

I think the Kiwis have a better solution on the political problem more than us Aussies. Have Aborigines voted by Aborigines to represent them in a normal Parliament setting, working hand-in-glove with the other elected officials to get stuff done.

DianneNicholson,Milawa

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

Perth Demons

Gwyneth Paltrow 3. Christmas Island 4. 5,280

Fearless Fly 6. Roger Federer 7. Eric, Ernie 8. Restaurant Revolution

Spanish 10. Josh Kennedy 11. Baby Animals 12. Porongurups, Mount Barker, Albany, Denmark, Frankland River 13. Robert McClelland

PROJECT PROGRESSING: Wangaratta High School principal Dave Armstrong shows a section of new palisade fencing installed along the school's Phillipson Street boundary. The Department of Education has funded installation of the new 2.1m high fencing, which will eventually encircle the high school, to improve the security and integrity of the campus. Mr Armstrong said the project had been progressing well.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Villa Maria Catholic Homes Cre8 program building skills and confidence for its pggppparticipants

Shed success sparks plans for expansion

SUCCESS enjoyed by a Wangaratta program run by VMCH (Villa Maria Catholic Homes) has prompted plans to expand the initiative to Melbourne and Shepparton.

The Cre8 shed run by the Catholic for-purpose organisation gives participants the chance to build on their carpentry skills, become more independent and confident, and connect with peers.

This month, VMCH is launching its Build a Shed appeal, aimed at raising $80,000 to open two more Cr8 sheds.

VMCH chief executive officer Sonya Smart described the success of Cre8 as “astonishing”, and said it addressed a service gap in the community to meet the diverse needs and goals of people with disability across generations.

“Cre8 is many things to many people,” she said.

“It’s a safe and supportive place for teens to hang out after school and meet friends, for school leavers to pursue their woodwork interests and

build their confidence, and for adults to gain purpose through creating items to sell.

“We’ve seen people walk into this program quite withdrawn and without much direction, but with some mentoring and support, they’ve become more confident in achieving their goals.

“It’s life-changing, and we’d love to see it happen for people in other communities.”

Cre8 is part of VMCH’s wider Job Skills program, which gives people with disability

the opportunity to build on their skills across areas such as horticulture, hospitality and retail, in readiness to enter the paid workforce.

Mas Smart said workingaged people with disability are twice as likely as those without disability to be unemployed, and to experience social isolation.

“We’re hoping the public can get behind this important appeal to make a dent in these kinds of statistics,” she said.

“We want to give people with disability the opportunity to carve out their own future, doing what they love.”

For Wangaratta man Geoff Pearson, the local Cr8 shed has been a “revelation”.

Geoff, now 56, was diagnosed at age 42 with Parkinson’s, something he had thought was “a disease for old people”.

As the reality of his diagnosis set in, the engineering lecturer was forced to contemplate a new way of living.

“As my condition pro-

gressed, I had to start asking myself some hard questions,” Geoff said.

“I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life watching telly.

“I wanted to contribute.

“But what workplace really needs people who can be perfectly calm, purposeful and productive one hour – and then incapacitated the next?

“Right from the start (Cr8) felt right.

“The staff were friendly and caring, my abilities were respected, and my disabilities accepted.

“It felt like the kind of place where I could learn and grow with my changing abilities.

“Somewhere to learn and

teach, where I could be inspired to design and create.”

James Elkan (23) joined Cre8 as a shy 19-year-old keen to build on his woodwork skills for a future career.

Four years later, he is thriving.

“I love creating new projects and sometimes taking them home to show off my hard work,” he said.

“The staff are like friends because we have a laugh, and they don’t tell us off

“It helps me feel supported and I trust them, so I feel like I could talk to them about anything if I needed to.”

Geoff agreed that the social connections had been a bo-

nus to emerge from Cr8.

“I am working alongside men and women of a broad range of backgrounds and abilities and making new friends,” he said.

“It is a place where I can be me, in all my shaky, imperfect glory.

“It’s been incredible to be given real responsibilities and real work from the outset.

“People are putting their faith in me again, and from that my faith in the world is being restored.

“I feel hope again.”

If you’d like to donate to VMCH’s Build a Shed appeal, visit www.vmch.com.au/buildashed.

an election Love to lead?

You could run

The Victorian Electoral Commission is seeking highly organised people to train as Election Managers.

Previous electoral experience is not essential. However, you must:

• be a strong communicator

• be able to manage and direct multiple activities within a tight timeframe

The next Victorian Local Government elections will be held in October 2024 and this role requires availability for approximately 15 weeks around this time.

For a job description, further information, and to apply, please visit vec.vic.gov.au/jobs

• be able to follow procedures to ensure elections are fair, impartial and conducted according to the law. @electionsvic

Authorised by D. Fleming, Acting Electoral Commissioner, 530 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria.

RIGHT AT HOME: James Elkan loves creating new projects in the Wangaratta Cr8 shed.

HOPE SPARK: Wangaratta’s Geoff Pearson said the local Cr8 shed had been a “revelation”.

Race theme drives revheads to Benalla Art Gallery exhibit

ARTS lovers and petrolheads have been revving up their engines and heading to Benalla, since the launch of an exhibition called Hot Lap by Eamon O’Toole.

A self-confessed revhead, artist and dirt bike rider, Eamon is fuelled by his life-long passion for all things motorsport - a passion which he turns into sculptural creations of his favourite motorbikes and cars.

Painstakingly created out of hand-moulded plastic, enamel, aluminium foil, texta and more, he works are authentic scaled replicas of an impressive array of motor vehicles, tools, and motorsport paraphernalia.

Continuing the Australian tradition of ‘making do’, Eamon approaches his work with the enthusiasm of a backyard inventor, and creatively problem solves by handcrafting materials into highly detailed

artworks that appeal to both the motorsports enthusiast and the backyard tinkerer.

His work has been exhibited in major solo and group exhibitions including at Cairns Regional Gallery, Ipswich Art Gallery, Queensland Art Gallery and the National Gallery of Victoria, and pieces are held in numerous private and public collections.

Fan favourites within the current exhibition include Wayne Gardner’s world championship Honda NSR500 motorbike, Ayrton Senna’s McLaren Formula 1 car as well as an Australian workhorse, the Ute.

The exhibition was scheduled to coincide with a number a key motorsport events taking place in the Benalla region, including the recent Historic Winton celebration.

The exhibition Hot Lap will be on display at Benalla Art Gallery until July 16.

Madi to take stage for NAIDOC event

By SIMONE KERWIN

A MUSICIAN who has warmed the stage for artists including the late Archie Roach, and Isaiah Firebrace, Benny Walker, Fanny Lumsden, Kutcha Edwards and band Darlinghurst will feature at a NAIDOC Week celebration in Wangaratta next month.

Madi Colville Walker, a proud Yorta Yorta woman from Moama, has performed widely since her debut performance at the Country Music Association of Australia Junior Academy.

She was nominated for the Music Victoria Archie Roach Foundation Award for Emerging Talent, and completed a national tour

of Australia with singersongwriter Alice Skye.

Now, she is preparing to perform at Apex Park on Sunday, July 9 at the NAIDOC 2023 Wangaratta community gathering being arranged by VACCA (Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency) Ovens Murray.

In keeping with the theme of this year’s NAIDOC Week, ‘For Our Elders’, Madi draws on many people for her inspiration in music, including her grandfather and Yorta Yorta Elder Archie Walker, and guitarist Rob Walker, who taught Madi to play guitar.

These family members, along with her extended family, encouraged Madi to write her own songs,

armed with her guitar and a beautiful voice.

She will be part of the entertainment on offer at Apex Park on July 9 between 1pm and 4pm, which will also include the Indigenous Outreach Projects hip hop crew, fun stalls, big games, boomerang painting and throwing, weaving and dilly bag making, face painting, and a free community barbecue.

The community gathering will follow the Clothing the Gap walk along the Bullawah Cultural Trail which commences in Apex Park at 12.15pm on the day.

The no-alcohol and smoke-free event is open to everyone, and follows a successful 2022 event also held in Apex Park.

Exhibition of small local artworks

AN exhibition called Thirty X Thirty which features a collection of small works created by regional artists has opened at the Art Gallery on Ovens.

The not-for-profit gallery is excited to be holding the inaugural award and exhibition which attracted 90 entries from over 40 artists across the local region. All works are for sale and they will be on display at the gallery located in the laneway off Murphy Street until June 26, with entry free.

Bling It On at the Bainz Gallery

AN exhibition showing the textile talents of the Peechelba Machine Embroidery Group and members of the Embroiders Guild Victoria North Eastern branch is on display in the Bainz Gallery at the Wangaratta Library.

Participants contributing to Bling It On have taken inspiration from ancient cultures, marine environments, postcards and decorative patterns to produce wall hangings, jewellery, small artworks and icons using a variety of textile art techniques, featuring shiny and luminous materials. Bling It On runs at the Bainz Gallery throughout June.

Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award

AN exhibition of selected finalists in the Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award remains on show at the Wangaratta Art Gallery until August 20.

TALENTED: Madi Colville Walker will perform at the NAIDOC Week celebration in Apex Park on Sunday, July 9.

Valley wineries’ effort pays off

Monday, June 10,2013

By JEFF ZEUSCHNER

EVEN the weather was happy to come out and party in the King Valley for the annual Weekend Fit for a King festivities.

The brilliant sunshine on Saturday and Sunday seemed nature’s way of endorsing the hardwork the valley’s 10 participating wineries put in, and which continued to win wide acclaim from visitors.

Benalla couple Jim and Jenny McGrath are regular wine festival goers, and said each year they are “even more impressed” by the effort wineries go to.

“We know the food, wine and entertainment is always top notch...but it really is amazing to see improvements each year,” said Jim.

“Just look around you at the tables set out on the grounds here (at Pizzini Wines), with their e tablecloths, decor and even vases with roses.

“It’s just so relaxing.”

Melbourne foursome Kevin Parker, Michelle Sheehan, Andrew Tintillier and Jane Trevaskis were “literally in heaven” sampling local wines, and the Yowie Lager at Ciccone Wines.

“We go to alot of wine festivals and this is the first time we’ve been here...but we’ll be back, for sure,” said Andrew.

“We’re staying in the valley

and will visit all 10 wineries.

“It’s just so beautiful here... and it’s great to see such fantastic Italian wines, as well as a locally crafted boutique beer too.”

Alison Heywood was among a busload of 24 Benalla residents who were dropping into cellar doors as they slowly meandered their way up the valley.

“We usually come over for this and the La Dolce Vita festival later in the year,” she said, sampling a drop at Dal Zottos.

“It’s been a fantastic day...the oven fired pizzas here have been particularly delicious.”

Liz Ellis, event manager for Wines of the King Valley, which co-ordinates the festival, said based on wine glass sales alone there would have been 3000 visitors across the weekend.

The Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award is a biennial acquisitive award and exhibition, which celebrates the diversity and strength of Australian textile art.

SCALED REPLICA: The exhibition includes Eamon O’TOOLE, Honda NSR 500 (Wayne Gardner Motorcycle) 1989-90 plastic, enamel, steel, rubber, aluminium leaf, felt tip pen 230 x 100 x 75cm

PHOTO: Brian Hand, Private collection

FUN IN THE SUN: Melbourne visitors (from left) Kevin Parker, Michelle Sheehan, Andrew Tintillier and Jane Trevaskis got a real taste for the Italian wines and Yowie Lager of offer at Ciccone Wines.

PHOTO: Jeff Zeuschner

Catching Barra with the best

LIFETIME fisherman and local Craig Norton went to lengths he believed no other Wangaratta fishermen had achieved last month.

Competing with long time fishing mates Shannon ‘Mousie‘ Latham from the NT and Luke Matthews from Queensland, Mr Norton and his team placed in the top five in arguably Australia‘s premier barramundi fishing tournament, the 41st annual Northern Territory Barramundi (Barra) Classic.

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@

Held during the peak fishing times, barramundi are caught, measured, tagged and released by teams of three individuals and scores are accumulated on a length basis daily.

and four, before storming home with one of the highest scoring days of the competition on day five to finish fifth out of the 58 competing teams.

Mr Norton said fifth was the highest he has placed in a fishing competition and was rapt to be able to do so at a prestigious fishing event like the Barra Classic.

Team XXXX finished with 2215 points and 26 barra caught, averaging 80–90cm in length, while the winning team finished 6000 points ahead of the rest of the competition with 10,040 points over the five days.

up there for me; there are a lot of people I met on the water and socialise with,” he said.

“You get to know a lot more people and you get to learn a lot more seeing everyone fish.”

with a couple of mates so I did that and ever since then I‘ve been going every year, I loved it that much.”

“The first couple of days were tough; I dropped a big fish on the second day, they‘re pretty hard to keep on those big ones,” he said.

A series of rules prohibited fishermen from using live bait, restricted fishing to a 52km stretch of the river and disallowed fishermen from being assisted when fighting a fish on the line.

This year was Mr Norton‘s 22nd straight year travelling to fish at the Daly River, where he said he instantly took a liking to the lifestyle and climate up north.

Mr Norton was owner and founder of Adventure, Camping, Fishing and Firearms on Rowan Street until he sold it last year to allow more time in pursuing his outdoor hobbies.

The NT Barra Classic held on the pristine Daly River, located in the NT (250km south of Darwin), is the self–proclaimed flagship barramundi fishing tournament worldwide.

Fishermen compete over five consecutive days, with the winner taking home the much coveted ‘Barra on a stick‘ trophy.

After a quiet first two days

Team XXXX (named after their Queensland brewery sponsors) rallied to 11th on the overall leaderboard with a successful day three

“We spent a couple of days casting [lures] but we caught the big ones trolling when we changed our way.

“To finish that high in the comp was pretty good, especially against 58 teams.”

Mr Norton wrangled in five scoring barra across the week; and said he loved every minute of competing in the competition for the third time on a river he visits often.

“My father would take me out fishing locally... I chased cod, yellow bellies, trout and I‘ve done a bit of game fishing [locally] as well, but the barra seems to take my interest the best,” he said.

Mr Norton said he‘ll continue his fishing holidays up north and competing in competitions to support his mate Mousey, who runs Mousie‘s Barra and Blue Water Charters in the NT.

PUT THE BRAKES ON BURGLARS AND CAR THIEVES!

“It‘s like another family

togoupfishinginDarwin tothefun,hesaid.

“I had the opportunity to go up fishing in Darwin

tournament with a successful three 58 teams. Its like another t to go up in Darwin to the fun, he said.

“I‘ll keep doing it, it‘s good interest and I love it, a couple of mates go up from time to time with me, adds to the fun,” he said.

nemedia.com.au

FINS UP: Craig Norton with one of his fine barramundi catches while fishing on the Daly River for the NT Barra Classic fishing tournament.

TEAM XXXX: Luke Matthews (QLD), Shannon Latham (NT) and Wangaratta‘s own Craig Norton competed at the Barra Classic last month and finished fifth out of 58 competing teams.

TROLLING AWAY: Craig Norton, in his XXXX Gold sponsored fishing team apparel returned home to Wangaratta after a successful fifth placed finish for his team at the prestigious NT Barramundi Classic last month.

PHOTO: Bailey Zimmermann

Intergenerational Masterchef Challenge

By CHLOE JAENICKE

PARTICIPANTS of the Young & Old Learning Kitchen Skills (YOLKS) Program hosted an Intergeneration MasterChef Challenge at the GOTAFE Wangaratta Campus Restaurant on Wednesday.

Participants have been meeting up monthly with hospitality trainer Glenn Kealy and dieticians Anita Schirmer and Chadia Bastin to learn how to cook flavourful and nutritious dishes.

As part of their final cooking session, YOLKS participants competed in a pizza challenge where invited guests voted on which teams dish they liked best.

The program was created by Gateway Health in partnership with GOTAFE.

SOCIAL FOCUS

Welcoming winter at Apex Park

THE first day of winter did not keep families from heading down to Apex Park for some fun with everyone enjoying an afternoon out. PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

TASTE TEST: William Wadley and Richard Lovett had the opportunity to both cook and judge the pizza competition.

MASTERCHEFS: Nang Phopu, William Wadley, Glenn Kealy and Cailtin Hawka Bailey have spent weeks preparing for the Intergenerational Masterchef Challenge.

COOKING TOGETHER: YOLKS participants Caitlin Hawka Bailey and Glenn O’Connell working together to win the challenge.

GOURMET CHALLENGE: Hospitality trainer Glenn Kealy and participant William Wadley preparing the pizzas. PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

FULL SWING: Lilly Plath takes some hang time on the rope swing. HAPPY DAYS: Leo Pendavingh loves the trampoline.

TIGHT–ROPE: Josie Shortland navigates the rope crossing.

DON’T FENCE ME IN: Nolan Martinelli is keen to play outdoors.

BIG SMILES: Xander Shortland enjoys some free time.

Local people, local places

...immerse yourself in the region

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

ACROSS

4 Who landed in NW Australia in 1688 and 1699, William ... (7)

8 Name an Australian painter and teacher, Thea ... (7)

9 If one receives superannuation, one is what, perhaps (2,5)

10 What is violation by a subject to one’s state (7)

11 What is a military commander (7)

12 To push forcibly, is to do what (6)

14 Name a renowned city in Texas (6)

18 Which cold, dry, northerly wind is common in southern France (7)

21 La Paz is a capital of which S American republic (7)

22 Which syrup is obtained in refining sugar (7)

23 What are uncommissioned sailors called (7)

24 What do we call the loud cry of an elephant (7)

DOWN

1 Which term applied to a person expresses an attribute (7)

2 What, in golf, is a score of one over par (5)

3 Name an alternative word for hoards (7)

4 What, colloquially, is a slow-witted person (6)

5 Which person works with stone (5)

6 To endanger, is to do what (7)

7 Which term implies country life (5)

13 Who was known for quotes, Jean Jacques ... (7)

15 What is competence in any field of action (7)

16 Name the region of contact between processes of two or more nerve cells (7)

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

SUDOKU

17 What was the given name of Einstein, the Germanborn physicist (6)

18 To have encountered something, is to have done what (3,2)

19 To replace a section of the tread of a tyre, is to do what (5)

20 Who explored the NSW Blue Mountains and Bathurst districts in the 1800s; George William … (5)

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

WHICH WORDS

1 ARTHROSIS

(a) Connection by a joint

(b) Gout

(c) A vegetative cell that has passed into a resting state

2 EXCIDE

(a) To leave out

(b) To cut off

(c) To lay bare by digging

BIYWORD

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

ICLUES:

All the same: as ... (3)

Capital of Egypt (5)

Flashy young men (5)

Gravely culpable (7)

Local environment plan (3)

Precipitating (7)

Soft headdress (3)

Total (3)

Transparent refractor (5)

Written language (5)

QUICK THINK

Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

SOLUTIONS

Tertiary students can apply for agricultural scholarships

RIVERINE Plains Inc invites tertiary students working towards a degree or diploma in agriculture, agricultural science agribusiness or engineering (or who can demonstrate a passion for agriculture in another discipline), to apply for one of five scholarships being offered by the group in 2023.

The 2023 Riverine Plains Scholarship Program includes the Alvan Blanch Australia, Corteva Agriscience, Hanrahan Family and Uncle Tobys Scholarships.

Each scholarship provides $5000 over two years (or a single year for final year students applying for the Corteva Agriscience Scholarship) to assist with costs associated with studying (textbooks, cost of living etc).

The scholarships also include work experience and mentoring opportunities, as well as access to Riverine Plains and other industry events.

Alvan Blanch is a global engineering company that specialises in innovative design, production and installation of high-quality

machines and integrated systems for the processing of agricultural produce and waste materials.

Riverine Plains has partnered with Alvan Blanch Australia to offer two scholarships in 2023, with the aim of attracting, recognising and encouraging people into agriculture in the Riverine Plains region.

The scholarships aims to support students from a non-farming background who are considering agriculture as a career.

Corteva Agriscience is a global agriscience company dedicated to agriculture and their scholarship has a plant breeding and agronomy focus.

In 2018, the John Hanrahan Scholarship was established to recognise and encourage agricultural excellence in the Riverine Plains region.

The scholarship is named in honour of John Hanrahan, a successful and experienced farmer and respected community member from Coreen, who passed away suddenly in 2014.

The Uncle Tobys Schol-

arship aims to recognise and encourage agricultural excellence, with a focus on general agronomy, oats, and post farm-gate manufacture.

This is the first time that the Riverine Plains Scholar-

ship Program has been able to offer such a diversity of scholarships.

While all the 2023 scholarships have a focus and desire to contribute to the agricultural sector, there are also scholarships designed

especially for students from a non-farming background, as well as for those studying engineering or another discipline.

Applications for the 2023 Riverine Plains Scholarship Program close at 5pm on

Thursday, June 22. For general enquiries about any of the scholarships listed below, please contact Brooke Sanderson on 03 5744 1713 or email brooke@riverineplains.org. au.

Case studies to inform energy saving practice

FARMERS will be provided the skills to save energy, money and time, with a host of online case studies now available through Agriculture Victoria.

The case studies explore seven Victorian farmers and the on-farm energy decisions they made, and the resulting benefits they found by investing in new technology. The cases look at solar panels and battery storage, improving greenhouse insulation, energy efficiency for croppers with chaser bins and belt shifter improvements, gains for grape

growers to improve yield and quality, rapid chiller in a dairy farm lowering costs, and rooftop solar panels and solar water pumps.

Agriculture Victoria farm business economist Julie Harman said the case studies had been made available online as part of the Agriculture Energy Investment Plan, and a podcast with farmer Tony McCarthy was also available for those who preferred to listen rather than read.

“The economic case studies consider benefits such as energy savings and co-benefits such as labour productiv-

ity, on farms across a range of agriculture industries,” she said.

“Tony arrived in Australia with just a backpack and has since been focusing on building up his business from scratch, of which energy management has and is an important part.

“An energy audit undertaken through the Agriculture Energy Investment Plan was a big leg up for Tony in identifying energy savings.”

To view the final case studies, visit extensionaus.com. au/energysmartfarming/onfarm-energy-efficiency-andcost-savings.

MAKING SAVINGS: The online case studies explore a host of practices, including how to save energy through the use of solar pumps.

FLASHBACK: 2022 John Hanrahan Scholarship winner James Wight (right) being congratulated by Barry Membrey.

INPERSONBYPHONESELLING ACAR BUY ONLINE

WHENTO BOOK BYEMAIL

37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677 5723 0101 classifieds@ nemedia.com.au Chronicle Classifieds 2pm business day prior to print North East Jobs 3pm Friday OPEN HOURS 9AM TO 5PM MON-FRI

2 WEEKS REGIONAL WITH PICTURE from only $42

General Classifieds: wangarattachronicle.com.au

Employment: northeastjobs.com.au

Real Estate: northeastproperty.com.au

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

EMPLOYMENT

Advertising Account Manager (Full-Time)

Wangaratta Chronicle is looking for a driven and committed individual to join the advertising team at our office in Wangaratta.

EMPLOYMENT

Casual Prison Services Officer

An exciting role at Beechworth Correctional Centre, a minimum-security prison for men, with a focus on preparing offenders for their release back into the community. This position will require direct prisoner contact.

in The Chronicle, Ask us about 5723 0101

If you can always see an opportunity and enjoy the idea of helping businesses grow, then we want to talk to you. To be successful in this role you will be able to demonstrate Excellent work ethic, organisational skills & attention to detail with a drive to achieve results.

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

PAINTER, old school, for all your painting needs. Commercial, industrial renovations. Phone Julian 0412 597 482.

An ability to communicate with a wide range of people across various industries. Create innovative business proposals, develop collaborative partnerships and provide excellent customer service both internally and externally.

Taking over an established client list, you will be selling advertising and digital marketing opportunities to existing clients while looking to drive new business opportunities. An ability to develop and maintaining business relationships will be the key to your success in this role.

An attractive remuneration package is offered including a base salary, commission and employer superannuation contributions.

North East Media is an independent media group publishing award winning publications in print and online across North East Victoria and beyond.

Please forward your application and covering letter to Ian Pople Sales Manager at the Wangaratta Chronicle, ipople@nemedia.com.au

Wangaratta Chronicle

Cadet Journalist Career Opportunity

Full time 38 hours per week

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

The cadetship is ideally suited for a Year 12 graduate.

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

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

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

Candidates must have excellent verbal and written English, sound computer skills, solid general knowledge, a genuine interest in the local community, and an ability to build rapport and networks quickly. You will need to be well organised, able to work to deadlines, and have strong attention to detail.

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

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

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

EMPLOYMENT

LOOKING FOR A NEW CHALLENGE?

Marjory Watts

We are looking for a Full Time Commercial Property Management Administrator for immediate start. Please visit our website for more details or to apply. Home > About > Careers garrynash.com.au

Ph: 03 5722 2663

LEARN MORE:

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Advertise your car, boat, caravan, bike or trailer across all North East Media newspapersfor Conditions apply.

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

MOTOR VEHICLES MOTOR VEHICLES

Celebrating her 100th Birthday Family and friends will be celebrating the 100th Birthday of Mrs Marjory Watts on June 13, 2023 at the Tanunda Golf Club, SA. Marjory is a former resident and farmer at Wangandary and Wangaratta and has latterly retired to Gawler, SA. She and her late husband Ron were renowned in the

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Rain can’t stop young Rain can’t stop young cross countr y r unner s cross country runners

AND THEY’RE OFF: The large field of competitors in the boys 9-10 age group shot out of the blocks at

Thursday.

Rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of around 500 runners from about 40 primary schools in the North East who descended on Wangaratta’s Barr 2 oval and neighbouring bushland last Thursday for School Sports Victoria’s Ovens and Mitta Division Primary Cross Country event.

With soggy ground underfoot and sporadic rain showers above, boys and girls aged from nine to 13 years kept their minds focused and their legs pumping through the two to three kilometre course, depending on age groups.

Supportive parents hugged many parts of the course voicing words of encouragement, with no shortage of spectating students cheering on their fellow team mates.

Mum Caz Hart, rugged up for wet weather, had a brimming smile and warm embrace for her daughter

BY JEFF ZEUSCHNER jzeuschner@ nemedia.com.au

Amelliah, after she crossed the finish line ahead of the rest of the field in the 9-10 year old girls’ two kilometre race.

Proud older sister Hayleigh Frost also beamed with excitement as Amelliah caught her breath.

“That was very hard,” the Wangaratta West Primary school student gasped.

“I hadn’t been doing a lot of running, but playing footy at school, and basketball helps.”

St Patrick’s Primary School students Darby Hunter, Pippa Keane, Imogen ‘Midge’ Johanson and Matlida Ginnivan were also bubbling at the finish line after competing in the 9-10 year old girls’ race, with Darby among the top 12 placegetters who

qualify for the Hume region championships in Benalla this Friday.

“The top 12 qualifiers in each of the age groups (9-10, 11, and 12-13 boys and girls) will compete against other qualifiers in our region from Shepparton, Wodonga and Seymour,” explained Leah Cornish, PE teacher at St Pat’s.

“While it’s been a bit wet, it’s still been a great day and

we’re really proud of how all the kids competed.

“Our school had 27 students run and six qualified for the regional event.”

Event co-ordinator Carolyn Willett praised all schools and competitors.

This Friday’s regional event will determine who progresses to compete at the state trials in Melbourne in term three.

THEY’RE QUICK: The top three placegetters in the boys 9-10 age group were (from left) 1st Ben McLean of St Mary’s Myrtleford, 2nd Caleb Thwaites of St Joseph’s Benalla; and 3rd Todd Lawless of Sacred Heart Yarrawonga. INSET: The trio doing battle out on course.

WE DID IT: Celebrating after finishing their race were St Patrick’s Primary School students (from left) Darby Hunter, Pippa Keane, Imogen ‘Midge’ Johanson and Matilda Ginnivan.

WELL DONE: Wangaratta West Primary School student Amelliah Hart get a warm hug from Mum Caz and elder sister Hayleigh Frost after winning the girls 9-10 two kilometre race.

GET READY: Competitors in the girls 11 age group get set at the start line.

Barr 2 oval on

PHOTOS: Jeff Zeuschner

Wangaratta’s flag appeal delayed again

WANGARATTA Football Netball Club’s appeal against the stripping of its 2022 O&M senior football premiership has been delayed once again.

A decision was set to be made today but AFL officials have deemed the appeal complex and have said they need more time to investigate.

A date for a decision hasn’t been announced.

The Magpies were stripped of the 2022 premiership by the O&M board after the club breached the league’s $125,000 salary cap.

The punishment came on top of three sanctions handed down by the AFLNEB Disciplinary Committee.

AFLNEB handed the Magpies a $28,000 fine, the club was ineligible to compete for premiership points in the first two games of the season and had their player points allowable reduced from 40 to 36.

In December 2022, Wangaratta self–reported an overpayment due to an administrative error and the breach was rectified, once identified.

Milawa FNC unveil Bobbie Brown netball scoreboard

MILAWA Football Netball Club

has unveiled its new digital netball scoreboard named after late longtime volunteer Roberta (Bobbie) Brown.

Bobbie was lost in tragic circumstances in January 2017.

Her husband (Peter) and three children (Roxanne, Michaela and James) all played football or netball at Milawa and her commitment to supporting them and the club came in many forms.

“I’m forever indebted to the Milawa Football Netball Club,” Peter Brown said.

“Bobbie was a real mother and followed her children who all played at Milawa.

“For the club to recognise Bobbie among all of the other volunteers is a great honour and i’m really pleased that she’s got that scoreboard there forever.

“It was a tragic end to her life but the family is slowly rebuilding and things like this helps us.

“It was great to have everyone’s support there on the special day.”

The plaque and scoreboard were made possible by funds raised in Bobbie’s name after her passing.

The newly named scoreboard acknowledges Bobbie’s contribution to the club, as well as the other quietly hardworking volunteers of the Milawa Football Netball Club.

“It’s just a nice way to be able to remember a special person at our club,” Milawa FNC president Bruce Graham said.

“It was a tragic end to a person’s life and we just think it’s a great way to remember Bobbie.”

Youth driving healthy O&KFNL comp in season 2023

■ From back page

All teams have at least one grade in a finals position going into the league bye, with teams including Bright and Benalla battling in the senior grades but excelling in junior netball competition.

Menon said a notable difference this year compared to recent seasons has been the concerted effort of clubs investing time to foster connections with the district’s junior football and netball players and clubs.

“I think seniors’ numbers have been really good, but it’s always been that case where after three or four rounds clubs always struggle to find players,” he said.

“The good thing about this is because the under 17s sometimes have a bye in the junior leagues, clubs are looking into junior players as prospects for their clubs.

“If you go through the rounds now you can see the junior league has been represented in the Ovens and King, so that’s a good opportunity for the juniors to just experience senior games, and in terms of the clubs, it helps build their base for next year as well.”

Menon said while clubs were beginning to explore the options in connecting with the junior leagues in prior years, COVID-19 stifled the activity, so it’s good to see the club connections restarted this year, especially in football.

“Ovens and King clubs especially are building those relationships and they see the importance of providing pathways for junior clubs to experience senior footy,” he said.

“Centrals play all of their home games at North Wangaratta, College have a Thursday session out at Milawa, King Valley is doing really great with the Kangaroos… more and more Ovens and King clubs are taking that initiative in trying to build those relationships with the junior clubs.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw more junior footballers coming into the Ovens and King in the coming years.”

The league resumes play this weekend, with Greta at Moyhu, Milawa at Benalla, Tarrawingee at King Valley, Bright at Goorambat, Whorouly at North Wangaratta and Bonnie Doon with the bye.

ALIVE AND WELL: Goorambat’s Sam Gladstone with O&K Football and Netball league general manager Pranav Menon, who said competition to the halfway point of the season has been exciting across all grades.

IN THE THICK OF IT: Ruby Lane-Gee of North Wangaratta at the centre pass as O&K squads look to reset for the second half of the season this week.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

SUPPORT: The Milawa FNC was out in full support at the unveiling of the Roberta ‘Bobbie’ Brown Scoreboard.

PROUD: Peter Brown (with granddaughter Robbie) and daughter Roxanne (with daughter Luna) couldn’t be happier with Milawa FNC’s new netball scoreboard named in honour of their wife and mother Bobbie.

PHOTOS: Marc Bongers

MATCH REVIEW

Wangaratta Rovers fail to fire in North Albury clash

■ From back page

“We had a few little niggles that inhibited our ability to run and spread.

“We didn’t put enough pressure on their ball carriers, that gives them good delivery into the forward line which makes a difference.

“In previous weeks, our midfield pressure and pressure up the ground puts their ball carriers under pressure and therefore they dump kick in a little bit which makes it easier for our backs.”

From a strong start to the season which saw the Rovers win their first three matches, losses to Myrtleford (round four) and Albury (round six) slowed down some of the momentum.

The Hawks were tipped to be legitimate premiership contenders after their 15.9 (99) to 9.13 (67) triumph over last year’s runners up, Yarrawonga, last weekend.

However, the loss to the current seventh-ranked side North Albury will cause some nerves at WJ Findlay Oval ahead of the always-electrifying Wangaratta derby coming up on Sunday, June 25.

“No matter where anyone is on the ladder, it’s always a really good contest,” Sullivan said.

“Everyone lifts for that game, so hopefully we can put in a good performance.”

In the midday match on Saturday, the Rovers reserves notched up their fifth win of the season with a 70 point thumping, while the thirds got home comfortably by 49 points.

OVENS AND MURRAY SENIORS LADDER

SCOREBOARD

GOALS: YARRAWONGA: Nicholas Fothergill 3, Ryan Einsporn 2, Leigh Williams 2, Cameron Wilson 2, Matthew Casey 1, Bailey Frauenfelder 1, Michael Gibbons 1, Leigh Masters 1, Logan Morey 1, William Wheeler 1. WODONGA: Jack Chesser 2, Oscar Willding 2, Angus Baker 1, Jett Cassidy 1, Adam Jorgensen 1. BEST: YARRAWONGA: Ryan Einsporn, Cameron Wilson, William Wheeler, Leigh Masters, Tyler Lovell, Bailey Frauenfelder. WODONGA: Jack O’Sullivan, Charlie Morrison, Oscar Willding, Daniel Wortmann, Angus Baker, Matthew Wilson.

GOALS: NORTH ALBURY: Nathan Dennis 5, George Godde 2, Layton Taylor 2, Thomas Anderson 1, Archer Gardiner 1, Julian Hayes 1, Joshua Minogue 1, Jack Penny 1. WANGARATTA ROVERS: Will Christie 2, Thomas Baulch 1, Brodie Filo 1, Justin Lewis 1, Alexander Marklew 1, Alex McCarthy 1, Lockey McCartney 1. BEST: NORTH ALBURY: Fletcher Ramage, Nathan Dennis, Flynn Gardiner, Ryan Polkinghorne, George Godde, Joshua Minogue. WANGARATTA ROVERS: Samuel Murray, Will Christie, Alex McCarthy, Will McCarthy, Jace McQuade.

NETBALL SCORES THIRDS RESULTS

A GRADE North Albury 41 def by Wangaratta Rovers 48

BEST: NORTH ALBURY: Maddie Pearson 3 Grace Hay 2 Hidden Player 1

WANG ROVERS: Samantha Kreltszheim 3 Kelsie Wilson 2 Hidden Player 1

GOALS: NORTH ALBURY: Lily Kelly 24 Sophia Kohlhagen 17

WANG ROVERS: Samantha Kreltszheim 27 Rebecca Kreltszheim 21

Wodonga Raiders 46 def Myrtleford 45

BEST: WODONGA RAIDERS: Mackensey House 3 Molly Goldsworthy 2 Mia Lavis 1

MYRTLEFORD: Rebecca Piazza 3 Hidden Player 2 Sophie Hanrahan 1

GOALS: WODONGA RAIDERS: Mia Lavis 22 Emily Stewart 21 Taylor Donelan 3

MYRTLEFORD: Rebecca Piazza 29 Sally Botter 14 Saige Broz 2

Albury 50 def Lavington 48

BEST: ALBURY: Hidden Player 3 Gabrielle Mcrae 2 Niamh Thorn 1

LAVINGTON: Maddy Plunkett 3 Olivia Sanson 2 Tayla Furborough 1

GOALS: ALBURY: Lilli Howe 34 Skye Hillier 16

LAVINGTON: Maddy Plunkett 28 Olivia Sanson 20

Yarrawonga 55 def Wodonga 37

BEST: n/a. GOALS: YARRAWONGA: Hidden Player 26 Kaleisha Pell 19 Laura Davis 10

WODONGA: Cassi Mathey 15 Elizabeth Murphy 15 Lily Mckimmie 7

B GRADE: Wodonga Raiders 41 def by Myrtleford 49; North Albury 52

def Wangaratta Rover 43; Yarrawonga 43 def by Wodonga 46; Albury 54 def Lavington 41. C GRADE: Wangaratta 42 def Corowa-Rutherglen

34; Yarrawonga 50 def Wodonga 34; Albury 24 def by Lavington 48;

North Albury 49 def Wangaratta Rovers 33; Wodonga Raiders 49 def by Myrtleford 53. 17 & UNDER: Wangaratta 48 def Corowa-Rutherglen 33; Yarrawonga 34 def by Wodonga 56; North Albury 54 def Wangaratta Rovers 39; Albury 38 def Lavington 27; Wodonga Raiders 94 def Myrtleford

16. 15 & UNDER: Wangaratta 34 def Corowa-Rutherglen 21; North Albury

34 def by Wangaratta Rover 36; Yarrawonga 8 def by Wodonga 62; Wodonga Raiders 29 def Myrtleford 28; Albury 24 def by Lavington

Yarrawonga 10.9.69 def Wodonga 4.7.31

BEST: YARRAWONGA: Geoffrey Montgomery, Mitchell Parker, Memphis Bramich, Luke Slattery, Ned Harvey, Lachlan Phillips. WODONGA: Reuben Bourke, Jack Mathey, James Grohmann, Josh Still, Ezekiel Morey, Isaac O’Neill GOALS: YARRAWONGA: Blake Keenes 3, Lachlan Phillips 3, Lochie Forge 2, Ned Harvey 1, Joseph Lee-Conway 1. WODONGA: James Grohmann 1, Jack Mathey 1, Lachlan Nugent 1, Etienne Tshijika 1.

Nth Albury 6.3.39 def by Wang Rovers 13.10.88

BEST: NORTH ALBURY Cooper McIntosh, Jackson Carey, Joshua Murphy, Marty Norman, Jesse OBrien. WANGARATTA ROVERS: Oliver Sharp, Charlie Lugg, Jack Keys, Judd Schubert, Charles Ledger, Ryley Ely. GOALS: NORTH ALBURY: Joshua Murphy 4, Lachlan Harvey 1, Eligh Houston-Damic 1. WANGARATTA ROVERS: Judd Schubert 5, Lachlan Barbour 3, Jai Dal Zotto 2, Riley Allan 1, Samuel Comensoli 1, Ryley Ely 1, Oliver Sharp 1.

Wod. Raiders 13.10.88 def Myrtleford 2.3.15

BEST: WODONGA RAIDERS: Archer Scammell, Connor Howells, Harry Sweetman, Angus Quinn, Finn Gray, Bailey Smith. MYRTLEFORD: Marcello Vescio, Luke Nannipieri, Saxon Rosser, Harry Stripeikis, Jake Skahill. GOALS: WODONGA RAIDERS: Finn Gray 6, Zac Whitsed 3, Tom Johnson 1, Lincoln Reed 1, Jack Stewart 1, Harry Sweetman 1. MYRTLEFORD: Luke Nannipieri 2.

Albury 6.6.42 def Lavington 5.10.40

BEST: ALBURY: Rory Parnell, Fraser Bennett, Zachariah Packer, Charlie McGrath, Charlie Summerfield, Ty Quade. LAVINGTON: Jesse Hart, Jack Costello, Will Liersch, Harryson Barber, Alex Swinnerton, Will Mitchell

WODONGA RAIDERS

GOALS: WODONGA RAIDERS: Harley Bennell 4, Nathan Clarke 2, Cameron Ellis-Yolmen 2, Ben Hernan 1, Brendan Kantilla 1, Ned Twycross 1. MYRTLEFORD: Declan Bren 4, Simon Curtis 3, Thomas Cappellari 1, Ryley Sharp 1, Kyle Winter-Irving 1. BEST: WODONGA RAIDERS: Cameron Ellis-Yolmen, Harley Bennell, Ned Conway, Tom Bracher, Lewis Waters, Indhi Kotzur. MYRTLEFORD: Elijah Wales, Brody Ricardi, Declan Bren, Austin Wickes, Ryley Sharp, Simon Curtis.

ALBURY 2.6 2.14

LAVINGTON

GOALS: ALBURY: Luke Daly 2, Rhys King 2, Jacob Conlan 1, Jeff Garlett 1. LAVINGTON: Shaun Driscoll 2, Jack Driscoll 1, William Glanvill 1, Tim Hanna 1, Jack Harland 1, Ewan Mackinlay 1, Jake O’Brien 1. BEST: ALBURY: Kolby Heiner-Hennessy, Max Byrne, Elliott Powell, Rhys King, Isaac Muller, Jessy Wilson. LAVINGTON: Shaun Driscoll, Nicholas Newton, Jake O’Brien, Tyson Neander, Tim Hanna, William Glanvill.

ROUND 10 - SPLIT ROUND JUNE 17, 24, 25

ALBURY V YARRAWONGA

NORTH ALBURY V WODONGA

RAIDERS V COROWA-RUTHERGLEN

RESERVES RESULTS

Albury ......................10.6.66

Lavington .................10.8.68

BEST: ALBURY: Harry Cameron, Charlie Lappin, William Blomeley, Oliver Hayes, Jacob BRUNNER, Will Unthank. LAVINGTON: Andrew Yates, Kel Evans, Nick Brennan, Aidan Cook, Kai Davies, Judd Mcleod. Wodonga Raiders .......9.6.60 Myrtleford ................5.5.35

BEST: WODONGA RAIDERS: Angus Sinclair, Max Glass, Thomas Gibbs, Angus Eberle, Declan Rochow, Tyrone Ellis. MYRTLEFORD: Tom Sparks, Benjamin Paddle, Mitchell Botter, jye gribbin, Matthew Paddle, James McPherson. North Albury .............5.5.35

Wangaratta Rovers 15.15.105

BEST: NORTH ALBURY: Justin Lawler, Joel Gare, Jackson Cross, Jamieson Bouffler. WANGARATTA ROVERS: Connor Shanley, Sam Allen, Nicholas Redley, Nic Henderson, Cameron Nottle, Nathan Gamble.

Yarrawonga ..............14.6.90

Wodonga ...................8.7.55

BEST: YARRAWONGA: No best players have been selected. WODONGA: No best players have been selected.

SAT 17

SAT 17

SAT 24

LAVINGTON V MYRTLEFORD SAT 24

WANGARATTA V WANGARATTA ROVERS SUN 25

SLOTTED: Will Christie nailed two goals against the Hoppers.

OUTNUMBERED: Sam Murray struggles to maintain possession as the Hoppers surround him.

CHARGE: Jace McQuade leaps for his opponent in the Rovers’ 37 point loss to North Albury on Saturday. PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie

Youth driving healthy O&KFNL comp in season 2023

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

A SPURT of youth into the Ovens and King Football and Netball league has revamped a high level of play on and off the field to the halfway point of the 2023 season.

All but one top grade football and netball side have registered wins with senior Milawa netball and Greta football the only teams yet to drop a game.

Rover s crash in Rovers crash in Hopper s clash Hoppers clash

AN upset loss over the King’s Birthday weekend sees Wangaratta Rovers sit flush in the middle of the ladder at the halfway point of the season, after the Hawks failed to fire against North Albury at Bunton Park, downed 8.4 (52) to 14.5 (89).

One of the most exciting sides in the O&M, the Rovers failed to capitalise on forward entries after an early lead,

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

with the Rovers only up by a point by half-time.

The Hoppers accelerated after the break, slamming on three goals and another four minor scores while keeping the Rovers to just two behinds

to head into the final term with a 19 point lead.

A four goal to one final term put the result beyond the Hawks, with North Albury forward Nathan Dennis ending with five for the match.

Seven Rovers found their way onto the score sheet, with Will Christie the only multiple goal kicker with two to his name.

Sam Murray and Jace Mc-

Quade were among the best for the Rovers, working hard to fend off the threatening North Albury forward lineup.

Rovers football operations manager, Barry Sullivan, said the loss was a blow to the side.

“We got outplayed in the second half, no doubt about that,” he said.

“They came with a lot of energy, we had a few nig-

gling injuries which unsettled us a little bit, but at the end of the day, that was no excuse – they just played too good.

“Once they got those first two goals after half-time, they really gained in belief, ran hard and spread well, and capitalised on their opportunities whereas we didn’t.

■ Continued page 19

In his first year as O&K general manager, Pranav Menon said he was extremely excited by the high level of competition that has been di splayed across the league so far compared to recent seasons.

“If you see all the games in the football and the netball there are not too many teams who are dominating, there are a couple of clubs doing well who have had a good season in the first half of the year but they haven’t had it easy,” he said.

“It’s really exciting, and I think all the clubs are pretty keen to have this break (over King’s Birthday weekend) and get onto the second half of the season.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if there were upsets in the whole Ovens and King because that’s how the competition has been.”

■ Continued page 18

WANGARATTA Rovers’ Sam Murray’s mark gets spoiled by Hopper Nathan Dennis, who punches the footy clear.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

SLIPS THE HANDS