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Wednesday, December 13, 2023
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TOP OF THEIR CLASS Secondary schools proud of all their year 12s’ achievements, with excellent ATARs for duxes
PROUD MOMENT: Greta Dwyer and her mum Jane Kealey were proud of Greta’s high ATAR of 95.2, making her the dux of Galen College. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
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WANGARATTA’S three secondary schools have praised the efforts of their respective Year 12 cohorts in the wake of their VCE results on Monday. Hundreds of local Year 12 students were among more than 50,000 across Victoria who anxiously awaited their ATAR scores, with many waking up early to open their laptop and see how they did in their final year of school. Among them were local duxes Greta Dwyer from Galen Catholic College, Orlando Bulmer from Wangaratta High School and Jake Skahill from Cathedral College. Greta said her ATAR result of 95.2 was completely unexpected. “I was very surprised, it wasn’t what I was expecting,” she said. “I’d like to thank my family for all their support and all my teachers they’ve done an amazing job.”
BY CHLOE JAENICKE cjaenicke@ nemedia.com.au
Greta hopes to go to Monash University next year to study biomedical science or physiotherapy. A college spokesperson said this is a testament to her diligence and hard work throughout the year, and that the school is proud of all its year 12 students who completed VCE. Wangaratta High School student Orlando Bulmer achieved an ATAR of 99.05, putting him in the top one per cent of all Australian year 12 graduates. He said he is considering studying a Bachelor of Science (Advanced Honours) at ANU in Canberra. ■ Continued page 2
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Page 2 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 13, 2023
V/Line industrial action to disrupt local services THERE will be significant disruptions to V/Line train services today due to planned industrial action. Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) members employed by V/Line will take protected industrial action in the form of a work stoppage between 3am and 7am, disrupting V/Line train services across the state. No V/Line trains will run during the stoppage with delays of two hours or more and significant delays are expected throughout the morning as trains get back into position for the normal timetable. A very limited coach replacement service will run for essential journeys until 8am and replacement coaches won’t stop at Metro train stations. Real-time traffic conditions are available at traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au and the latest public transport information is available at ptv.vic.gov.au.
Est. 1884, Incorporating Wangaratta Despatch, Est. 1861
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CONTACTS POSTAL ADDRESS: 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta GENERAL TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES: 5723 0100 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: 5723 0101 DISPLAY ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: 5723 0139 Email: edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au Website: wangarattachronicle.com.au
Follow us ADVERTISING CLOSING TIMES Monday Issue: Display Thurs. 10am. Classifieds Fri. 2pm Wednesday Issue: Display Fri. 10am. Classifieds Tues. 2pm Friday Issue: Display Tues. 10am. Classifieds Thurs. 2pm Published by Hartley Higgins for North East Media Pty Ltd, 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677. Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Editor Jeff Zeuschner. Copyright: All advertising and editorial content of this issue is the copyright of North East Media Pty Ltd and cannot be used without the company’s permission. The Chronicle is bound by the Standards of Practice of the Australian Press Council. 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.
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Boozy motorist hit with 21 month ban
A MAN caught driving erratically in the driveway of a Wangaratta motel while more than four times the legal alcohol limit has been banned from getting behind the wheel for almost two years. The Vanuatu national was found with half-empty beers in the centre console of his Toyota Camry when police arrived at the site on July 9 this year, following reports of erratic driving in the vicinity.
The Wangaratta Magistrates Court heard the 33-year-old, who had been staying in Wangaratta for work, had driven into town to purchase a six-pack of beer around 6.20pm, before returning 20 minutes later and driving erratically around the motel’s carpark. The owner of the motel was said to have been observing the behaviour through the motel’s CCTV network, having
been alerted by guests. The defendant later blew 0.213 when ordered to provide a breath sample at the Wangaratta Police Station. Defence lawyer Nancy Battiato said her client had been in Australia for six months at the time of the offending, and currently held a three-year working visa. She said he had since moved to Werribee, and had acknowl-
edged he had made a mistake in driving. Magistrate Peter Dunn said the alcohol reading was “very high”. However, he noted the defendant had no prior matters before the court, and elected not to convict the man. He imposed a $1500 fine with additional court costs, and banned the man from driving for 21 months.
Police to field community questions
By RYAN MALCOLM
POLICE representatives from the Wangaratta station will gather at the kiosk on the corner of Murphy and Reid streets tomorrow, as part of a concerted effort to improve engagement with the community. Representatives from uniform, Highway Patrol and youth support teams will be on hand between 11am and 1.30pm on Thursday, December 14 to answer questions from the public, as well as provide important security information in the leadup to Christmas. Specialist Highway Patrol members will also speak on Victoria Police’s Christmas and New Year initiative ‘Operation Roadwise’, which will see an increased police presence in the North East to target unsafe road behaviours. Senior Sergeant Mick Mannix said officers were looking forward to the “meet and greet”, and would be happy to engage with any community members or local business owners who wished to attend. He said recruitment information would also be available for those interested in pursuing a career as a police custody officer.
UP FOR A CHAT: (From left) Senior Constable Lachie Battison, Leading Senior Constable Helen Parfett, Constable Zachary Angell, Sergeant Peter McGuffie, Senior Sergeant Mick Mannix and First Constable Hayley McDonald are keen to hear from the community at tomorrow’s ‘meet and greet’ at the Reid Street kiosk. PHOTO: Steve Kelly
Top of their class: Schools praise students ■ From page 1
Orlando said he was elated with his score and that he would like to thank his amazing mentors who helped him along the way. “I was quite shocked, I wasn’t expecting it to be that high,” he said. “All my VCE teachers are immensely helpful in helping me achieve success in those exams.” While Orlando was proud to get such a high score, he said he’d like to remind other students that the ATAR isn’t the “be all and end all”. “It’s not really a measure of your intelligence or future potential,” he said. “There are always different pathways out there for everything you want to achieve.” Wangaratta High School principal, Dave Armstrong, said he was proud of this year’s cohort’s achievements. “Our students have once
REWARD FOR EFFORT: Jake Skahill was dux of Cathedral College with an ATAR of 97.45. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
HIGH ACHIEVER: Orlando Bulmer from Wangaratta High School was proud to achieve an ATAR of 99.05.
year level achieving a score over 70. Cathedral College echoed the sentiments about its 2023 cohort, also achieving a 100 per cent completion rate. Dux of the school was Jake Skahill, who achieved an ATAR of 97.45. He achieved study scores of over 40 in two of his six
subjects of English, Physics, Specialist Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, Chemistry and Biology. He plans to study a Bachelor of Science/Veterinary Science at The University of Melbourne. Two other students achieved scores over 90 and students achieved 11 study scores of 40 or above.
again done our school and our town proud,” he said. “We value this perseverance, growth and effort more than the results and are proud of our deep commitment to ensuring the best learning for all in an authentic context.” The school had a 100 per cent completion rate for VCE this year with a quarter of the
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THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 13, 2023 - Page 3
Boweya blaze burns 30 acres of stubble By RYAN MALCOLM A CROP fire which broke out at a Boweya property on Monday morning burnt an estimated 30 acres of wheat stubble. Emergency crews were called to the Binnie Road premises around 10.20am. A CFA spokesperson said units from Killawarra, Thoona and Boweya responded to the blaze. They said the fire spanned around 30 acres in one paddock of the property. Firefighting crews worked to bring the blaze under control, ultimately declaring the scene safe around 10.45am.
Worker airlifted after hand caught in machinery By RYAN MALCOLM
SERVO PLEA: Council received 61 objections against an application to build a 7-Eleven service station (pictured) on Ryley Street.
7-Eleven servo bid gets 61 objections Council’s p planning g department p recommends controversial servo to ggo ahead WANGARATTA councillors were on Tuesday night asked to approve a planning permit to build a 24-hour/7-day a week, 7-Eleven service station and food and drink store at the corner of Ryley and Perry streets. The application for the Commercial 1 Zoned site sought to change access to a road in a Transport Zone 2 and installation of signage, including a 10-metre high, double-sided illuminated sign. The bid attracted 61 objections after two public notice periods, with changes made to the initial application. The service station design shows a 191.82sqm shop front, a food and drink premises of 120sqm and fuel canopy of 240sqm.
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
Main changes from the initial design include a reduction of three double fuel pumps instead of four, and a reconfiguration of the building footprint. The surrounding area to the north and west contains a mix of retail (K-Mart and Coles), takeaway food premises (Hungry Jacks, McDonald’s, KFC, and Subway), service station with convenience shop and car wash, and hotels/accommodation. Grounds of objection included traffic management concerns, land use compatibility and interface with sensitive land uses, ur-
ban design and signage. Residents expressed their concerns about the proximity of the service station to residential properties, particularly in Meldrum Street. Other key objections included loss of fauna with the removal, concern about contamination of stormwater, increased noise, traffic safety and congestion issues, signage near residential properties, the approval of two other service stations on the same gateway road, and a potential increase in violent incidents. The council planning officer’s report recommended the approval and said the design response has sought to locate the development in such a way as to protect residential proper-
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ties to the east, with landscaping and screening opportunities to protect the residential amenity of residential properties to the south along Meldrum Street. “The subject site is within an area that already poses amenity impacts to the residential area to the south, and it is not considered that the proposal would result in a significant increase in those impacts,” the report reads. “Ultimately, the proposal represents a permissible use within the Commercial 1 Zone and meets the objectives of the relevant policies. “All submissions have been considered and while many concerns raised have merit or are otherwise valid, they are ultimately not strong enough to warrant a refusal of the application.”
A WORKER has been airlifted with a serious upper body injury after his hand was caught in a piece of machinery at a North Wangaratta factory on Monday afternoon. A man in his 20s was transported to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a stable condition, after emergency crews were called to the Buckler Road factory shortly after 3pm. A CFA spokesperson said CFA, Fire Rescue Victoria, SES, Ambulance Victoria and police members worked to free the man over the course of almost an hour, after his hand had become caught in a piece of factory machinery. “The man was safely removed from the machinery just after 4pm and he was airlifted to a hospital in Melbourne,” the spokesperson said. The spokesperson said four CFA trucks had attended the scene.
Vehicle impounded after 150kph speed on Hume Freeway A NEW South Wales driver clocked at more than 40kph above the Hume Freeway’s 110kph speed limit near Wangaratta at the weekend has had their car impounded. Officers intercepted the driver travelling southbound near the Greta Road exit ramp around 3pm on Saturday, after a police radar detected the vehicle at an alleged speed of 151kph. The vehicle was subsequently impounded for 30 days, and the driver was charged with a number of traffic offences. The motorist will face Wangaratta Magistrates Court at a later date.
Page 4 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 13, 2023
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Funds sought to support playground for Hamilton Park A CAMPAIGN to raise funds to install a children’s playground at Hamilton Park is in full swing, with supporters already putting in some dollars to support the cause. Members of the Hamilton Park community want to build a children’s playground within the residential estate near Glenrowan, which is home to around 120 households. While they have a barbecue area, ball courts and a rebound wall, there is currently no play equipment for families with young children to access, which means they have to drive into town, as the nearest play equipment is 4.7 kilometres away - an uphill cycle to Glenrowan. Project coordinator Elisabet Pendavingh said the goal is to have a playground up and running later next year, but they are relying on community support and grant applications to do it. “We are planning to purchase some basic playground equipment, like a slide, swing set, see-saw and monkey bars to cater for little ones under the age of 12,” she said. “It would also strengthen community connection by creating a space for children to play and learn, and for their parents, grandparents and car-
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.
Grace Suzanne Piper FUN FOR ALL: Pippa, Maddy and Jack Atkin, with Julie, Els and Leo Pendavingh, are among the many families who would be frequent users of a playground in Hamilton Park; an asset for all residents. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling ers to meet and socialise.” Phase one of the project would see a slide, climbing structure, swing set and soft fall surface installed by mid next year, with a shade sail and other equipment to follow in phase two.
Funds raised so far include a $1200 grant from Connected Communities Wangaratta Bendigo Bank, a small amount through the Container Deposit Scheme, and they have some money allocated from their own Hamilton Park board.
Grace Suzanne Piper was born on Wednesday, December 6 at 12:32am and weighed 3.42kg (7lb 8oz). She is the daughter of Rachael Piper and Jeremy Piper of Wangaratta.
Donations from the public have climbed to over $1200, and anyone wanting to help can contribute via their GoFundMe page called “A Playground for Hamilton Park” at www.gofund.me/ fab4b752.
CFA brigade is set to expand
Austin Jeffrey Jackson
Wednesday, December 1, 2013 BY ANITA McPHERSON THE Moyhu CFA brigade is set to extend its current facilities in the township, taking over the neighboring Moyhu Community Health Centre and establishing a local command facility. CFA District 23 acting operations manager, Paul Horton, confirmed the organisation had commenced negotiations to purchase the facility at Moyhu from Ovens and King Community Health Service (OKCHS), although exact details on how the facility will be used have not been finalised. “For the CFA it means a great investment in the future of the Moyhu township and district, and particularly in the community, as we believe it will increase our capacity to service the region,” he told the Wangaratta Chronicle. “We can’t confirm when the move might take place, but we look forward to a
NEWEST ARRIVALS AT NORTHEAST HEALTH WANGARATTA
CHANGES IN MOYHU: The CFA has plans to extend their presence in Moyhu, and establish a local command facility in the Moyhu Community Health Centre. PHOTO: Anita McPherson fruitful outcome based around supporting the community and local brigade members.” OKCHS currently provides maternal and child health, nursing and podiatry services from the Moyhu Community Health Centre, which was opened in 1979 as part of a State Government initiative through the Hospitals and Charities Commission to improve health outcomes in rural communities. OKCHS chief executive officer, Ann Wearne, said the outcome of negotiations about the future of the Moyhu centre “were pending” and the organisation would continue to provide health services in accordance with its agreement with the State Government. “The services we deliver to the residents of the King Valley are outreach nursing and allied
health services, provided by staff out of Wangaratta,” she said. “We will continue to provide podiatry, maternal and child health and nursing for a half day each per week in Moyhu while there is demand to do so.” While OKCHS trialled the return of a general practitioner to the centre in 2013 after several years absence, it came to an end within six months. Dorevitch Pathology also trialled a “drop in” blood collection service one morning a week at the centre this year, which was cancelled after two months due to lack of demand. “We have high demand in Wangaratta so it is difficult to have people sitting out there in Moyhu when there are no clients,” Ms Wearne said. “The provision of services
to our smaller communities is predicated on demand and there are often insufficient appointments booked for a service to continue, and we need to ensure resources are well targeted to assist as many people as possible.” OKCHS is building a new centre in Wangaratta and Ms Wearne said the centre would service those who came into Wangaratta for medical, pharmacy and general shopping, and a new bus would also be available to assist older people to access services in the Moyhu area. She said King Valley Children’s Services “continued to utilise the OKCHS centre located in Whitfield for their activities, as they have done now for many years, and there is no change to this arrangement”.
AUSTIN Jeffrey Jackson was born on Tuesday, December 5 at 5:11pm and weighed 4.3kg (9lb 8oz). He is the brother of Lincoln Jackson and son of Rebecca Hanrahan and Chase Jackson of Benalla.
Bonnie Maree Thompson Bonnie Maree Thompson was born on Thursday, December 7 at 11:17am and weighed 3.1kg (6lb 13oz). She is the daughter of Nicole Talyer and Samuel Thompson of Wangaratta.
wangarattachronicle.com.au
THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 13, 2023 - Page 5
Police seeking more eyes on the streets BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au
WANGARATTA police are calling on local residents to register their security cameras, in an effort to expand the city’s CCTV network and save police valuable time when investigating local crimes. Earlier this year, the local police station launched its CCTV camera registry, collating the details of local cameras and their coverage areas to allow police to map out and more accurately gather evidence from within the community. Wangaratta crime prevention officer Leading Senior Constable Helen Parfett said businesses and private residences with cameras could disclose their details directly to police. “Recorded details of where CCTV cameras are located would assist us greatly when investigat- KEEPING AN EYE OUT: Wangaratta crime prevention officer Leading Senior Constable Helen Parfett is ing an incident or crime,” she said. seeking more local CCTV camera owners to join the Wangaratta Police Station’s CCTV registry. “We can look at our map in PHOTO: Kurt Hickling the area of concern and make The calls come due to an ex- thefts this Christmas. contact with the camera owners fett said officers could quickly “When improving the security either by a phone call or email to view the registry’s map to deter- pected increase in thefts and see if their cameras captured any mine where local security cam- break-ins over the Christmas pe- of your home, be guided by comeras were, and promptly contact riod, which LSC Parfett said of- mon-sense and maybe devise a footage. “This process will save police home or business owners to re- ten increased when people were security plan which may include a budget to purchase security investigators valuable time and view footage of a specific time holidaying away from the area. She said thieves would often items,” she said. eliminate time spent driving frame. “If you go away on holidays, To join the registry, locals look for signs nobody was home, around looking for CCTV camare encouraged to provide their such as mail or newspapers not at the time do not post your loeras.” LSC Parfett said the camera name, contact number, email, being collected, or lawns not cation or photos on Facebook registry would only be available business name and camera ad- being mowed, and could often as opportunistic thieves can see dress via email to WANGARAT- be inspired to break-in to a resi- this and know that your home to be viewed by police. dence by spotting empty gift box- will be vacant for a period of Police have conducted door TA-CPO-OIC@police.vic.gov.au. Camera owners are also given es or packaging left in bins or on time. knocking and letter drops “Do not let a home burglary throughout the rural city in recent the option of detailing where on a property’s front nature strip. LSC Parfett said secur- spoil your holiday this year – we months in an effort to further bol- the property the cameras are located, and which direction they face, ing your premises and using would like to encourage evester its intelligence network. In the event of a crime or in- as well as how long the video feed common sense were the keys ryone to put their security and to preventing burglaries and safety first this holiday season.” cident being reported, LSC Par- is stored on their security system.
New Omicron vaccine launched at local pharmacies By RYAN MALCOLM A NEW COVID-19 vaccine designed to target the virus’ Omicron variant will soon be available in community pharmacies throughout the North East and wider Australia. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved the XBB 1.5 category of vaccines earlier this year, for use as a primary vaccine dosage or as a booster vaccine. Pharmacy Guild of Australia national president, professor Trent Twomey, said the new vaccine will target the virus which is currently circulating among the population. “With COVID-19 cases on the rise, it is important that anyone who is due for their vaccination does so as soon as they can at their local community pharmacy,” Prof Twomey said. “Health authorities have recommended that vaccines move away from formulations which target the original or ancestral strain.” Robertson’s Pharmacy owner Bruce Robertson said the vaccines were expected to arrive at pharmacies and surgeries in the North East over the coming days. “Don’t rush - we’ve got hundreds of doses coming over the next few weeks,” he said. Mr Robertson urged locals to contact their vaccine provider ahead of time to confirm they had dosages on hand. Prof Twomey said the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) was not recommending those who are not due for their vaccination to get an additional booster because of the arrival of the new vaccine. “The advice remains that you must wait six months from your last jab to get your next booster shot and older vaccinations still provide protection against the severest of symptoms,” he said. The new vaccines are being manufactured by Pfizer and Moderna, with Pfizer developing a formulation for patients between five and 12 years old, as well as one for patients aged 12 and over. Moderna will produce its own formulation for the latter age range. To find your nearest participating pharmacy, visit www.findapharmacy. com.au.
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Page 6 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 13, 2023
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The Australian Quiz
REGARDLESS of their ATAR results on Monday, Wangaratta’s year 12 students would have likely breathed a sigh of a relief as they reflected on a busy year, and hastily made plans for what’s to come. The limbo period between the students’ final exam and the receipt of their results can feel like an eternity, perhaps only eased with a week of ‘Schoolies’ celebrations in between, and perhaps the mad pre-Christmas rush. As results were released, it was pleasing to see plenty of outstanding achievers across the rural city, with the dux from each of Wangaratta High School, Cathedral College and Galen College receiving an ATAR score above 95. Details about where these students plan to take their studies next year is included in today’s front page story, and the breadth of interests and passions set to be pursued makes for fascinating reading. On the flip side of the coin, there are always students who don’t quite meet their ATAR expectations, and may have been forced to spend the last few days adjusting their tertiary preferences. Others may have already been set on taking a year away from education, and might have begun to make plans to travel the world or dive headfirst into the workforce to gain valuable experience. Whatever the number, the receipt of the ATAR marks an exciting beginning to students’ life as an adult, and will rarely stand in the way of those with a passion or an interest they want to follow. It might just lead them on another adventure to get to where they want to go.
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
ACROSS 1 Hard outer covering 5 Thin fog 9 Diminished by 10 Stagger 11 Musical note 12 Fondness 13 Written accusation 14 Saucy 16 Weary 18 Conscious of 20 Responsibility 21 Afternoon performances 24 Place of retreat 25 Lifted 28 Meditate 30 Wear away 31 A large hand auger 32 Quick 33 Showground attractions 35 Wading bird 36 Sets down heavily 37 Faculty head 38 Assumed name 39 Strong wind 40 Is ahead DOWN 2 Dried grape 3 Shows amusement
4 Faint-hearted 5 Hybrid 6 Detached 7 Decoy 8 Edict 15 Lower world 16 Large volume 17 Sovereigns 19 Be victorious 21 Physical 22 Hail! 23 Prophet 24 Possessed 26 Very heavy 27 Expressing electoral choice 28 Improper application 29 Oozed 31 Decoration 34 Island
SOLUTION C R U S T M I S T D A M I N U S R E E L L O V E C M I N I M S L I B E L P E R T A W A R E T I R E D O N U S M A T I N E E S L H A V E N B E M M U S E E L E V A T E D E R O D E M I S E R R I D E S E F A S T D I B I S D U M P S A L I A S E D E A N N G A L E L E A D S
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Who is best known as the (c) Epiphany drummer and co-founder of (d) Palm Sunday the band, U2? In which part of the human (a) Danny Carey body would you find the (b) Ian Paice cubital fossa? (c) Chad Smith (a) Neck (d) Larry Mullen Jr. (b) Leg (c) Foot What was the first team to concede over 400 points in the (d) Arm 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season? Who directed the 2022 movie, (a) Force The Lost City? (b) Moana Pasifika (a) Nee brothers (c) Rebels (b) Farrelly brothers (d) Drua (c) Coen brothers Maundy Thursday is a Christian (d) The Wachowskis holy day falling on the The Chubu region is one of the Thursday immediately before what? eight traditional regions of (a) Christmas which country? (b) Good Friday (a) Japan
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(b) Indonesia (c) South Korea (d) Thailand
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How many swimming gold medals in total did Australia win at the 2020 Summer Olympic Games? (a) Five (b) Six (c) Nine (d) Eleven
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Player Piano is the first novel by which famous author? (a) Kurt Vonnegut (b) John Steinbeck (c) Ray Bradbury (d) Truman Capote
Bosnia and Herzegovina, often known informally as Bosnia, has a narrow coastline on which sea? (a) Black Sea (b) Tyrrhenian Sea (c) Adriatic Sea (d) Aegean Sea
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Who was the first Governor-General of Australia? (a) Henry Northcote, Baron Northcote (b) William Ward, Earl of Dudley (c) Hallam Tennyson, Baron Tennyson (d) John Hope, Earl of Hopetoun
1 (d) Larry Mullen Jr. 2 (d) Drua 3 (b) Good Friday 4 (d) Arm 5 (a) Nee brothers 6 (a) Japan 7 (c) Nine 8 (a) Kurt Vonnegut 9 (c) Adriatic Sea 10 (d) John Hope, Earl of Hopetoun
ATAR result the start of new adventure
No.54
Have your say in Wangaratta Chronicle poll
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Little hope in improving phone coverage I ENJOYED Indi federal MP Helen’s Haines’ spiel (Haines backs action on regional mobile phone coverage, Wangaratta Chronicle, December 11) on the mobile phones. This has been going on for the entire life of Telstra and here since the inception of mobile phones. I see not a lot of credibility here. I have heard every excuse as to why reception here (Wangandary) has always been substandard and you need phone X; the phones here (Wangandary) and the Internet Dongles (which needed an antenna) have always missed anything near Wangaratta and connected to Beechworth, 40km away. That means that when 3G is closed down next year, and 4G and 5G don’t work here, or are missing, then there will be no effective mobile coverage here for anyone. Based on around 30 years of this situation I have very little confidence in any politician solving this problem, as it has been going on for so long with no action. When we look at the big picture one can only conclude that the whole privatisation of communications has been yet another seriously expensive failure, where money is going into corporate pockets not the infrastructure. The whole NBN and phone network should be re-nationalised under the control of the Federal Communications Minister as it was with the PMG and we get rid of the greedy money changers in the temple. The fact it worked and had people that could fix the network faults is probably why PMG was killed off by the cancel culture. Marc Chick, Wangandary
Give free pool entry over summer holidays THE issue of school age children using the (city’s sole outdoor pool) in Wangaratta must be addressed. Having lost two pools, I suspect with the new pool, not being able to be financed if we kept these, we now have kids from Yarrunga and other areas paying much more than they did previously for the use of what I see is a very necessary facility to teach swimming along with its health benefits. I believe all summer school holidays should be free for people accompanying
Will you utilise the Victorian Government’s Container Deposit Scheme and claim 10 cents back on your containers?
COLOUR FUN: Students let their hair down during Wangaratta Primary School’s Colour Run held last week to celebrate the end of the school year. Among those negotiating their way through an obstacle course and getting doused in colour, were Emily Henschke, Tobi Wheeler, Paisley Farrugia, Eden Boyle. PHOTO: Zoe Henschke children and pensioners. Free bus travel to the pool should also be introduced. I would hope council sees this as a high priority for all this summer. John Vance, Wangaratta
Don’t use migration as cover for housing crisis THE Federal Government is using migration as cover for Australia’s housing crisis. The real cause is decades of government policy that has pushed up the cost of housing. Governments have given handouts to investors, allowed unlimited rent increases, and stopped building homes for the people who need them. That’s why housing is so unfair, so unequal and so unaffordable. Overseas migration was low during the pandemic years, and rents went up not down. And even though we have more homes than ever per person, housing costs keep surging. Instead of pretending the housing crisis
has been imported into Australia, the government needs to take responsibility for the causes of the problem - and start fixing them. To make housing affordable again, the government needs to go back to supplying housing directly and end unfair policies like negative gearing and capital gains tax exemptions that push up housing costs. Government policy created the housing crisis. Only government action can fix it. Maiy Azize, Everybody’s Home spokesperson
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THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 13, 2023 - Page 7
Check out 24/25 budget on Connect Wangaratta THE Rural City of Wangaratta is asking residents for feedback on the 24/25 Budget via Connect Wangaratta - a new website making it easier for community members to have their say about Council projects and activities important to them. The annual budget is a crucial aspect of community governance, and the Rural City of Wangaratta values the input of its residents. Connect Wangaratta streamlines the feedback process, making it easier than ever for com-
munity members to contribute suggestions and ideas for the budget. The portal replaces the traditional written submission method with a user-friendly interface accessible at the tip of residents’ fingertips. The aim of Connect Wangaratta is to foster greater transparency and collaboration between the council and the community. By involving residents in the early stages of the budget development process, the council can review submissions with coun-
cillors and incorporate selected initiatives into the draft budget. This shift in approach allows for increased visibility and input from the community before the final budget document is formulated. Rural City of Wangaratta chief executive officer, Brendan McGrath encourages all residents to explore Connect Wangaratta and share their insights on how the council can better communicate its actions and objectives. “We believe that informed and engaged communities make for
a stronger Wangaratta,” he said. “Connect Wangaratta is a step towards enhancing public participation in local decision-making processes.” The platform is not only about the budget but also a gateway to ongoing discussions about various council projects being delivered. To get involved, visit https:// connect.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/ and have your say on the issues that matter most to you. Your input shapes the future of our community.
NEW MEMBERS: Cherie Holland, Sarah Treloar, Karen Rourke and Graeme Simpfendorfer have joined the Centre Against Violence’s board of directors.
New board members bolster Centre Against Violence advocacy FOUR new board members recently appointed to oversee the North East’s Centre Against Violence (CAV) have expressed their commitment to ensuring the service provider continues to be a local leader in preventing and addressing sexual and family violence. Former Wodonga councillor and North East Victoria Blue Ribbon Foundation president Graeme Simpfendorfer, chartered accountant Sarah Treloar, Goulburn Valley Public Health Unit operations
director Cherie Holland and Northeast Health Wangaratta media and marketing manager Karen Rourke are the most recent additions to the board of directors. They join current board members Mary Reid, Melinda Edwards, Tanya Lowes, David Kidd and Adrian Johnstone. CAV chief executive officer Jaime Chubb said the newly elected board members, who encompass expertise in advocacy, law enforcement, finance,
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health sector leadership and communications, would make valuable additions to the local support initiative. “We are thrilled to welcome Graeme, Sarah, Cherie and Karen to our board of directors,” she said. “Their diverse expertise and shared commitment to our mission will undoubtedly propel CAV to new heights. “We look forward to building on the success of our previous board and making a lasting impact on
the lives of those we serve.” Ms Rourke said she was looking forward to working to strengthen CAV’s community profile and advocacy efforts. “I value the Centre Against Violence for the service they provide to their clients with practical assistance and also preventative work to create cultural change,” she said. “I want to be proactive in helping our community be stronger and safer and apply my skills in a way that can make a difference.”
FUTURE SOLUTIONS: The Future Now exhibition explores positive solutions for the future and tackles the impacts of climate change.
Empowering Wangaratta to “adapt for a changing climate” FUTURE Now an Australian Museum (AM) touring exhibition was developed to highlight positive solutions for the future and tackle the impacts of climate change, will be on display at the Wangaratta Library from February 3 to June 3 2024. It is supported by Wangaratta Landcare & Sustainability in collaboration with Rural City of Wangaratta through a North East CMA Landcare Victoria grant. The interactive exhibition demonstrates how local communities can create a brighter future and a more sustainable way of living through current technologies and nature-based approaches. Centred on three dioramas including Smart Towns, Clever Homes, and Caring for our Country, Wangaratta students and communities can discover ways to help create safe, clean, and healthy futures. “It contains practical examples of how to adapt our homes, towns and landscapes for improved liveability in a changing climate,” Russell Sully from Wangaratta Landcare & Sustainability said. Future Now is part of a suite of exhibitions and activities around climate change from the newly established AM Climate Solutions Centre, which presents the latest cutting-edge research and technological, natural, and communitybased solutions to inspire commitment and change. Curator for Climate Change at the Australian Museum, Dr. Jenny Newell, said the idea behind Future Now is to engage and inform the public about ways we can all work towards a more sustainable future. “Great cities and urban spaces are sensitive to our environment and our cultural histories,” Dr Newell said. “We have designed the three mobile and interactive pods with solutions for the home, urban and rural living as well as bigger initiatives for our country. “We hope to engage local audiences in this significant issue – the sustainability of our planet.” The display gives examples of how to take control of our future by making the changes to our houses, streetscapes and local environment that make them more climate change resilient.
Page 8 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 13, 2023
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Community time Cathedral College Wangaratta
AWARD WINNERS: Students Sam Savage, Chevy Hall, Grace Goldsmith, Ellie White, Charles Wright and Jimi Pell, stand proudly with award boards which have their names etched on them, as worthy winners in their respective categories.
IN term four the middle school students take part in Community Time each fortnight, bringing together the cohorts of year six to year eight in a choice activity. Some boys and girls chose to learn more skills while enjoying some fun games of cricket.
MIDDLE ORDER: Students including Ryan Parsons, Taylor Jones, Harry Chandler, Kalti Ross, Thomas Osborne, Leon Gabler and Lewis Neely took to the pitch to play cricket this term.
Year six celebration
Peter Pan
Appin Park Primary School YEAR six students were sent off in style with a graduation ceremony held in front of the school community, family and friends. Before presenting all of the year sixes to the audience to receive their certificates, a key ring and the portfolio of portraits they have drawn since the start of their primary school days, special awards were presented to selected winners. The Academic Achievement Award winners Jimi Pell and Charles Wright were recognised for their consistent efforts throughout the year and their dedication to all their academic learning opportunities. Sam Savage and Chevy Hall were recognised for their commitment to the school community and the support and help they offer to all
Carraragarmungee Primary School
staff and other students, whether that be raising money to buy things for the school or helping with jobs. The Ian Ward Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Wangaratta, was awarded to Ellie White for her consistent efforts across all areas of her schooling and for the positive role model that she presents. Grace Goldsmith was acknowledged for her artistic skills, her creativity, dedication and focus to all things arty. Jimi Pell was also recognised for his sporting efforts and the great leadership that he shows in team activities, to earn the Athlete’s Foot Sportsperson Award. All students enjoyed the celebrations with their families and are looking forward to the new adventures that lie ahead.
THE stars shone when students performed in Carraragarmungee and Everton primary school’s production of Peter Pan at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre. Among those taking to the stage were Tanner Richardson (Mr Darling), Jarrad Kane (Peter Pan) and Stanley Richardson (Captain Hook). The school community including teachers and parents were very proud of the kids, saying it was a fun night for all involved. ON STAGE: Tanner Richardson (Mr Darling), Jarrad Kane (Peter Pan) and Stanley Richardson (Captain Hook) were among the cast in the school production, Peter Pan.
Swim safe
Colour Run
Oxley Primary School
Wangaratta Primary School
LEARNING to swim and be safe in the water is important for people of all ages. Violet Mitchell and Shakiah Williams were among those enjoying their swimming lessons at Moore Than Swimming.
THE school’s vibrant Colour Run was held again on Friday, December 8 as the grounds turned into a kaleidoscope of joy, excitement and colour. The atmosphere was electric as students dashed around an obstacle course of ropes, slippery slides and cargo nets while being doused in an explosion of colour. The event creates a lasting memory of a day filled with laughter, friendship and a celebration of a successful year at school.
IN DEEP: Oxley students Violet Mitchell and Shakiah Williams were among those having fun and learning a range of skills during their sessions at Moore Than Swimming.
1
What is a pademelon? Is it a) an edible plant, related to rockmelons, b) a small wallaby, or c) a fungus that attacks rice plants?
2
Aluminium is less dense than water, so it always floats on water. True or false?
GOOD CLEAN FUN: Students Katelyn Joe, Ella McGauran, Morgan Hope, Ally Puls, Olive Brown and Maddi Puls had a lot of fun during this year’s Colour Run.
3
At what temperature are Celsius and Fahrenheit the same? Is it a) 0 degrees, b) -40 degrees, c) 32 degrees, or d) never?
4
What element is the Sun mostly made of? Is it a) hydrogen, b) helium, c) neon, or d) iron?
5
In which month is Earth closest to the Sun? Is it a) January, b) March, c) July, or d) October? For more CSIRO Double Helix science visit www.csiro.au/helix or call 02 6276 6643.
1. b) Pademelons are like small wallabies and can be found in New Guinea, Tasmania and the east coast of mainland Australia 2. False. Aluminium is denser than water, so it will typically sink unless it’s hollowed out. There are times aluminium will float on water, such as an empty aluminium can. In this case, it’s actually the air inside the can that’s making it float. 3. b) At -40 degrees Celsius, it’s also -40 degrees Fahrenheit. Fahrenheit degrees are spaced closer together than Celsius, so water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Celsius.4. a) The Sun is about 70% hydrogen, 28% helium and 2% other elements. 5. a) Earth is closest to the Sun in January. It’s about five million kilometres closer than in July, which might seem like a long way, but it’s only a fraction of the average 150 million kilometres to the Sun.?
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THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 13, 2023 - Page 9
Crowd of more than 1000 sang carols into the night By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN THE echoes of Christmas joy was heard around Wangaratta once again on Saturday night at the Wangaratta Lions Carols by Candlelight. Perfect conditions greeted more than 1000 carolers at the Holy Trinity Cathedral grounds, with hundreds of families making the most of a festive night. Music began at 6pm with pre-carols entertainment courtesy of the talented musicians of the Wangaratta Concert Band, conducted by Laura Vincent, before an array of local performers took the crowd into the night, concluding with a 30 minute sound and light show at 9:30pm.
Wangaratta Lions Club president Geoff Turnbull said the carols were great entertainment and overall a big success. “I think the standard of the performers this year was quite high, they sounded fantastic, and Santa was a big hit,” he said. “It was a great night and we’ve had a lot of really positive feedback from the community.” Mr Turnbull thanked the many community organisations who helped support the event, including the Wangaratta Concert Band, Rural City of Wangaratta council, Wangaratta Motor Group and Holy Trinity Cathedral.
A FESTIVE TIME: Wangaratta Lions Club have received positive feedback from their carols by candlelight on Saturday.
SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS: Charlotte Bongers was one of many local performers to impress at the carols.
GLOWING SMILES: Pamela and Amy Wighton were part of the 1000 strong crowd enjoying the carols at Holy Trinity Cathedral.
MUSIC TO THE EARS: Gracie York sings in front of the Wangaratta Concert Band. PHOTOS: Marc Bongers
TO THE TUNE: Chloe Gibson singing her solo.
Young GPs needed to bolster regional stocks ATTRACTING and maintaining clinicians in the North East will be a key consideration for the Murray Primary Health Network (PHN) going forward, as demand for general practitioner appointments continues to outweigh supply locally. The PHN recently released the Murray Health Report: The importance of primary healthcare, which highlights ways the network is working with general practice and health services to support existing GPs and other clinicians within the regional and rural setting. The report also shines a light on the ongoing challenges associated with encouraging young medical students to specialise in general practice, despite its upside as a discipline which allows regional and rural students to work closer to where they live and achieve greater work/life balance. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) recently issued its 2023 Health of the Nation report, which spoke of the growing stress and burnout experienced by general practitioners and the need for continued and sustained policy reform to support them.
South Wangaratta Medical Centre managing director Kim Ching said more needed to be done at a national level to ease the challenges faced by regional GPs, namely an increasing administrative burden and retention difficulties. “Murray PHN will need to really undertake a deep dive into the problems and the details and really strongly advocate for primary health care (to national bodies),” she said. “The RACGP, Services Australia and AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) need to come on board to acknowledge the problem and really find a long term solution, but not a shortterm change that keeps changing and each change imposes more and more administrative burden. “It really does reduce the time for good service delivery by trying to comply.” Murray PHN chief executive officer, Matt Jones, said it had never been more timely to recognise the important work of general practice in the region’s primary healthcare system, and the need to find ways to support medical professionals to work in satisfy-
LONG-TERM OUTLOOK: South Wangaratta Medical Centre managing director Kim Ching has called for the RACGP and AHPRA to ease the administrative burden on GPs to improve service delivery in the regions. ing and sustainable jobs. In the report, Mr Jones noted the region’s health needs had changed considerably in the 50 years since Medicare was introduced, with older patients now living longer with chronic disease. He said many people now need longer and more frequent consul-
tations which, when coupled with a decreasing primary healthcare capacity across the regions, means acute health providers such as hospitals are increasingly being relied on. “General practice requires significant support, including collaborations between all levels of govern-
ment and health services,” he said. “Our work also incorporates the development of workforce, as there is a critical need for more good doctors and the most efficient system possible.” The RACGP report found GP funding was a significant and ongoing issue, with 81 per cent of salaried GPs across Australia in 2022 and 2023 reporting moderate to high job satisfaction, versus 66 per cent who were paid through a proportion of their billings. “For those of us working in rural and regional areas, it is clear that we need more tailored and nuanced models of general practice funding,” Mr Jones said. “Instead of simple fee-for-service funding models, we need long-term planning and support for communities to grow their own workforce and build systems and structures that provide highquality healthcare as close to home as possible.” To view the Murray Health Report, visit https://www.murrayphn.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/RP0328_MHR_Primary-HealthcareGP_Final.pdf.
Page 10 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 13, 2023
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COMMUNITY CORNER
WANGARATTA Senior Citizens Club will host a Christmas break-up lunch at the Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway from 12 noon today. The club will host indoor carpet bowls on Thursday from 12 noon, and cards (euchre) from 1.30pm on Friday, all at its clubrooms in Tara Court, off Ford Street, or in the adjoining St Patrick's supper room. ELDORADO Senior Citizens Club will host indoor carpet bowls at the hall tomorrow from 12.45pm. The next community meal and general meeting is on Thursday, December 14 from 12 noon. WANGARATTA Boomerang Bag ladies will be in the kiosk on the corner of Murphy and Reid Streets on Friday, December 15 from 10am until 2pm. They will be selling their range of bags, produce bags, bowl cosies, aprons, cutlery holders, car garbage bags, Christmas stockings and more. THE Oxley Garden Group's next gathering will be hosted by Patsy Routledge at 46 McCartney Street, Oxley (corner Ely and McCartney Streets) on Thursday, December 14 from 10am. Bring your own cup, chair and a small plate to share. Tea, coffee, etc will be provided. Also bring along cuttings, bulbs, etc, and your gardening know-how to share. For more information, phone Patsy on 0417 141 866. THE next Springhurst dance will be held in the Springhurst Hall this Sunday, December 17 from 2pm to 5.30pm. Music will be be Rustic Ramblers. Entry is $10 per person and attendees are asked to bring a plate of food to share. For enquiries phone (03) 5726 5241. THE Community Christmas Day Lunch in Wangaratta is on again to help spread festive joy to people in the community. It will be held at Wangaratta Uniting Church in Rowan Street on December 25 from 11.30am, lunch to be served at 1pm, and festivities finishing at 2.30pm. Any businesses which would like to provide food or monetary contributions, or volunteers who would like to help out on the day, are invited to contact Jonathan Sanders on 0410 669 908. WANGARATTA Newcomers will hold their next gathering on Thursday, February 1 from 2pm to 3.30pm at Intermezzo Café. Join the group for a cuppa, a chat, and to meet some new people. For more information, phone Joy on 0401 843 815 or Ann on 0435 275 864. ENJOY a coach ride to the Australian Open with locals on Thursday, January 18. Departing the Swan Street carpark at 6.30am, and from the front of the tennis centre at 6pm, the coach will make short breaks at Wallan in the morning and evening, arriving back in Wangaratta at 10-10.30pm. Total cost is $122, which includes a ticket to Margaret Court Arena and the coach fare. For more information, phone or text Marjory Sartori on 0400 285 288.
MERRY MORNING: There was plenty of festive cheer at the Wangaratta RSL yesterday morning, with a special Christmas themed morning tea. Among those enjoying the festivities were (above, from left) Barry Cook, Bud Martin and Doug Williams, as well as (above) Toni Moore and Jenny Ryan. PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling
SOCIAL CALENDAR For more information, contact Dave James on 0409 011 953 or Ros Taylor on 0429 624 844. WANGARATTA Table Tennis Association is hosting a new social daytime group at the Wangaratta Showgrounds pavilion on Tuesdays from 10am to 12 noon. People of all ages, from beginners to more experienced players, are encouraged to play singles and doubles in a relaxed, friendly environment, with coaching for beginners. For more information, phone Maxine on 0403 209 857 or Julie on 0422 321 456. WANGARATTA Symphony Orchestra meets each Tuesday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Wangaratta Baptist Church, 1 Sisely Avenue. New string and wind players are welcome to come along to rehearsals to try out. For more information, email wangsymphonyorchestra@gmail.com or call Chloe on 0413 775 027. THE Wangaratta Artists are under new management, and welcome budding artists to come along, and established artists to exhibit in the studio at Batchelor's Green. The group meets at the studio on Mondays and Thursdays from 12 noon. For more information, phone Clare on 0419 365 149.
VETERAN and family morning tea is held at the Wangaratta RSL on the second Tuesday of each month. All ex-service personnel and families are welcome, for further information contact 0447 217 768.
WANGARATTA Keenagers Table Tennis Club plays on Mondays and Thursdays at the table tennis centre at the Wangaratta Showgrounds. Play begins at 8am. New players welcome. Morning tea provided – please bring your own cup. For more information, contact Trevor Wolfel on 0476 891 596.
PANGERANG Ukes and More meets each Thursday from 5.30pm at Pangerang Community Hub. Cost is $5, and any instruments, as well as voices, are welcome. All enquiries to 0407 311 899.
WANGARATTA Sing Australia Group meets each Wednesday from 7.30pm to 9pm at Purbrick Hall, next to Holy Trinity Cathedral. All welcome – for further information, call Keith Fleet on 0491 114 480 or Cheryl Hoysted on 0419 005 062.
PARKINSON'S Disease Support Group meets every Friday at the Wangaratta RSL for coffee at 10am. Those who are able can meet at the main entrance at 9.30am for a 30 minute river walk prior to coffee.
WANGARATTA Concert Band rehearses on Mondays from 6.45pm to 9pm at the Avian Park Raceway Band Room in Newman Street. New players welcome, contact Helen on 0401 021 448.
GLENROWAN Indoor Carpet Bowls is held at Glenrowan Recreation Reserve Hall each Wednesday – arrive 12.45pm for 1pm start. The competition runs until 3.30pm–4pm, and is followed by afternoon tea. For details, phone Frank on 0409 662 462. WANGARATTA Toastmasters conducts its meetings on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 6.45pm at The Centre in Chisholm Street. For more information, contact president Joanne Howell on 0417 558 881. COME and try croquet at the Wangaratta Croquet Club, 46 Ryan Avenue, on any Monday, Wednesday or Saturday at 9am. Equipment and instruction provided in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. For further information, phone club president Susan Fischer on 0417 217 009. SATURDAY Quilters meet on the first Saturday of the month for a relaxed day of sit, sew and chat, from 10am to 3pm at the Wangaratta Small Bore Rifle Club, off the river end of College Street. Contact Colleen on 0427 221 138. THE North Eastern branch of the Embroiderers Guild of Victoria meets every fourth Tuesday at the Masonic Lodge in Appin St, Wangaratta. Beginners and experienced embroiderers are welcome to come along at 9.30am. For more information, contact Jen on 0407 560562. OSTINATO Wangaratta and District Community Choir meets each Tuesday from 7pm to 9.30pm at the Log Cabin, corner Faithfull and Chisholm Streets, Wangaratta. New members are welcome to join this enthusiastic and welcoming group of singers. For more information, contact Helen on 0457 269278. LIFEBALL is held each Tuesday from 1pm on the basketball court at the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre. Lifeball is a non–contact game of netball, designed by a doctor and physio for the safety of mature players, with no running, walking backwards or throwing high balls, but enjoying fun and friendship. For more information, phone 0418 574 404. COME and play mahjong at the Wangaratta RSL on Thursdays from 11am. Beginners welcome. Contact Jan on 0429 166 016. A NEW croquet club has started at the Wangaratta Lawn Tennis Club in Merriwa Park.
The group plays on Sunday mornings, Tuesday mornings and Thursday mornings, equipment supplied. For more information, contact Anne on 0490 173 169. WANGARATTA Woodworkers Inc meet at the Wangaratta Showgrounds each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9am to 12 noon (closing earlier if no-one is present). The rooms are open on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 7pm to 8.30pm, and Sundays from 10am to 1pm. All welcome. For more information, contact Bevan on 0437 196 118 or Les on 0412 250 674.
WANGARATTA AL–Anon Family Group meets on Tuesdays from 1.30pm to 3pm at the backstage meeting room at St Patrick‘s Hall in Ford Street. All welcome. If your life has been affected by someone else‘s drinking, this group may be for you. Contact David on 0403 552 950 or Bev on 0449 516 828, or phone 1300 252 666. BLOKES Time Out conducts regular gatherings and activities on the third Saturday of the month. For more information, visit gritandresilience@wangaratta.vic.gov.au CYCLING Without Age Wangaratta offers free tri–shaw rides to the elderly, and to people of any age with disabilities or reduced mobility. The group provides regular rides around Wangaratta to people living at home, or living in care. For more information, phone 0418 387 089 or email cwawangaratta@gmail.com TOPS weight supporting group meets at The Centre each Monday from 5pm to 6pm, offering encouragement and great company to support locals in managing their weight. For more information, phone 0458 374 261. CHECK out the Goods Shed at 6-7 Wills Street, Chiltern for displays of model railways, scenic dioramas, hand-crafted models, antique dolls, embroidery, patchwork, thread painting, local artists' paintings, and 3D printing art. Admittance is $5 per adult, with children under 12 years free. For more information, phone Keith on 0477 051 834. TO include your group‘s activities in this listing, email the details to skerwin@nemedia.com.au
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THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 13, 2023 - Page 11
WHAT’S ON
Bush Boogie coming to Whorouly this Friday RURAL City of Wangaratta Youth Services will host a free Bush Boogie event for all ages at Remel in Whorouly on Friday night from 6pm to 9pm. Put on our dancing boots, dress “tacky wacky” and enjoy an unforgettable night of fun with a live DJ, exciting activities, junkyard beats, country dances, lawn games and free food. All ages are welcome to the youth event (children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult) with free bus transport available and tickets at Humanitix.
Hear Beauty & Fear artist talk on Saturday HEAR from artists Robert Hirschmann and Andy Pye about their diverse yet related practices during an artist talk being held at Wangaratta Art Gallery on Saturday, December 16 at 2pm. The informal conversation will be held prior to the opening reception of their joint exhibition, Beauty & Fear, at 2.30pm, to be opened by Murray Art Museum Albury head of curatorial and collections, Michael Moran. Refreshments will be served and free tickets can be booked now at wangarattaartgallery. com.au/Programs/Beauty-Fear-InConversation-Opening-Reception.
yourstars ARIES
(March 21 to April 19) Although taking advice isn’t always easy for the headstrong Sheep, you might want to consider what someone you respect will have to say about an upcoming decision.
TAURUS
CLASSIC STYLE: The Victorian State Ballet’s production of Swan Lake features traditional choreography and a timeless score by Tchaikovsky. PHOTO: Enpointe Productions
Swan Lake ballet will be a vision to behold FOLLOWING sold out seasons, the Victorian State Ballet will bring the popular classical ballet Swan Lake to the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre next year. The Victorian State Ballet (VSB) is proud to present this timeless and superb classical ballet treat for audiences, with traditional choreography by Marius Petipa. The production features a cast of internationally recognised artists, performing the superb ballet technique of Petipa’s orig-
inal choreography, re-staged by VSB director Michelle Sierra. Don’t miss the unforgettable White Swan pas de deux, the thrilling 32 fouettés of the Black Swan, and the worldfamous Act II - Four Cygnets’ Dance. The Victorian State Ballet is Victoria’s leading ballet company, a vibrant, creative company committed to connecting people and dance across Victoria. It offers a program of outstanding classical repertoire
ballets, exhilarating and innovative contemporary dance works and educational workshops for the enrichment, entertainment, education and engagement of communities. A non-profit organisation, its commitment is to connect people and dance across Victoria through a program of beautiful ballet repertoire, exciting and innovative contemporary works, collaborating with leading artists and organisations. Swan Lake is one of the world’s most famous ballets, set
to a timeless score by Tchaikovsky and this will be a spectacular production, featuring a beautiful sea of white tutus which is unforgettable. Suitable for all ages, bring family and friends along to experience the sheer delight and beauty of a classical ballet close to home. The Victorian State Ballet’s Swan Lake will visit the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Saturday, July 27 at 7.30pm and tickets are available at wpacc.com.au.
Museum exhibition in the Bainz Gallery
Enjoy Milawa Carols in the Park Sunday
New Year’s Eve at the showgrounds
THE Wangaratta Historical Society invites the community to step back in time with their exhibition titled “Museum@Bainz” on display in the Bainz Gallery at the Wangaratta Library. The exhibition includes reproduced prints taken from the valuable glass slides which are just a small part of the museum’s collection, offering a fascinating insight into Wangaratta’s past. An official opening will be held on Thursday from 5.30pm to 7.30pm with light refreshments and musical entertainment courtesy of Wang Ukes, with old Wang Songs led by Andy Kimber. For more information or to RSVP contact Prue Noble at wangarattahistoricalsociety@ gmail.com or on 0428 454 303.
THE always popular Milawa Carols in the Park will be held at the Milawa Hall grounds on Sunday, December 17. The singing program begins at 7.15pm and will feature Rodney Vincent, Lachlan McIntyre, Antonia Maher, Atty Carr, Trevor Hourigan, Charlotte Bongers and Denise O’Keefe. The Pulsate Academy Dancers will also perform, along with The Holy Trinity Cathedral Choristers and Sing Australia, with a special appearance by Santa and Rudolph. Candles, food, soft drinks and raffle tickets will be available to purchase on the night including from the Rotary Club barbecue with audience members encouraged to arrive from 6pm (BYO chairs and rugs).
GET ready for a big night of festivities when the Rural City of Wangaratta hosts an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration at the Wangaratta Showgrounds on Sunday, December 31. The celebration will kick off with a warm welcome from local legends Scott & Amanda, followed by Beechworth rising star, Asha Bright, singing original pieces. Then get in the groove when soul band That Gold Street Sound takes to the stage, before the big headline act, Chocolate Starfish performs. There will be fireworks at 9pm and again at midnight, plus family entertainment including inflatables, laser tag, rock climbing, face painting, hair braiding and more. It all starts at 5.30pm with free entry for all, and food and drink available to purchase.
(April 20 to May 20) A new offer is tempting, but don’t be bullied into a quick decision. Rely on your keen Bovine business sense to alert you to anything that might be questionable.
GEMINI
(May 21 to June 20) Your “Gemini Twin” nature rallies to help you deal with this week’s hectic schedule, both in your personal and professional lives. One caution: Watch your diet.
CANCER
(June 21 to July 22) Avoid rushing to make up for lost time on a stalled workplace operation. It’s best to set up a schedule and pace yourself. Welcome the help of your colleagues.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) Despite those glittering holiday distractions that you love so well, be sure to keep your feline senses set on high to alert you to anything that might require fast action.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Making an effort to restore fraying relationships proves to be more successful than you dared hope. The holidays also bring new friends into your life.
LIBRA
(September 23 to October 22) Private and professional matters compete for your attention. Be honest in your assessment of which should get more of it -- and for how long.
SCORPIO
(October 23 to November 21) A seemingly endless list of must-do tasks is best handled by tackling them one by one. Don’t forget to take energy-restoring timeouts between each job.
SAGITTARIUS
(November 22 to December 21) A vexing relationship seems destined to deteriorate no matter what each side tries to do. A third party’s advice just might prove to be helpful.
CAPRICORN
(December 22 to January 19) Reach out and ease any tensions caused by home or workplace pressures before they threaten the relationship-building progress that you’ve made.
AQUARIUS
(January 20 to February 18) You often go out of your way to show kindness to others, so don’t be surprised if other people want to do something nice for you this week.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) People in your life respect your Piscean wisdom, so don’t hesitate to speak up about a matter that you feel isn’t being handled quite the way it should.
Page 12 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 13, 2023
KING VALLEY NEWS
wangarattachronicle.com.au
Covering Moyhu, Edi, Myrrhee, Whitfield, Cheshunt and Whitlands areas
Playspace in Whitfield open for all to access BY ANITA McPHERSON
THE next Moyhu community meal will be held at the Moyhu Soldiers Memorial Hall on Thursday from 12 noon. RSVP is essential one week prior by contacting Neil Jarrott on 5727 9464 or email neil.jarrott@bigpond.com.
Moyhu talent night MOYHU Primary School will present Moyhu’s Got Talent at the school on Thursday, where students will showcase their talents as individuals or in groups. There will be a barbecue at 5.30pm with the show to start at 6pm and all community members and families are welcome to come along. Barbecue meat and icy poles will be provided, with Santa also expected to make an appearance at this special event.
amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au
LOCAL families can now access Whitfield’s new adventure playspace, which was softly opened by the Rural City of Wangaratta on Friday. Temporary fencing was removed to reveal the new playground and visitor hub, which features an adventure net and slide, pendulum swing, sensory activities and an all-access carousel, with soft surfaces suitable for small children. While the playspace is not fully enclosed, the main frontage features a barrier fence and gate along the junior play area, to deter small children from running out towards the road. There are also nature-themed sculptures and play areas, multiple shelters and seating areas, all surrounded by native plantings and shrubs, while the Whitfield train station hut remains in place. Construction was undertaken by Enviro Culture Services, who were engaged by the Rural City of Wangaratta as part of its $4.3M Prosecco Road Revitalisation Project. The local community also pro-
Moyhu community meal on tomorrow
Family movie night in Cheshunt
PLAYTIME: The Rural City of Wangaratta unveiled the new adventure playspace in Whitfield on Friday. PHOTO: Anita McPherson INSET: VISITOR HUB: While the toilets are in operation, the installation of a new septic holding tank in the New Year will ensure the facilities cater for increased usage. vided input into the playground - estimated to have cost just over $750,000 - to ensure it met the needs of both the community and visitors to the region. A council spokesperson said while the project is substantially complete and toilets are operational, the unfinished carpark area will be concreted once an upgrade to the septic tank has been undertaken, expected to
happen in February next year. Some additional tourism signage will also be added to the site, but council is pleased with how the finished product turned out. “With the upgrade of the existing facilities it is anticipated toilet usage will increase,” the spokesperson said. “Additional works relate to the installation of a septic holding tank to retain additional septic
onsite, and reduce the frequency for the tanks to be emptied. “We are extremely pleased with the end result, with the works running close to schedule considering the wet winter. “The playspace has already received positive responses from the community, creating an inviting space within Whitfield to relax and enjoy what the township has to offer.”
PANGERANG Community Hub will host a family fun night at the Cheshunt Hall on Friday night. All are welcome to gather for an outdoor cinema screening of the movie “8-Bit Christmas” plus some fun activities for everyone to enjoy. The event starts at 5.30pm with the movie starting at dusk and entry is free.
Moyhu Lions Christmas market THE Moyhu Lions Christmas country market will be held at the Moyhu Lions Park on Saturday morning from 8am until 12pm. Have breakfast, shop for Christmas goodies and enter the best dressed Christmas-themed outfit competition, with prizes to be won for adults and children.
OU NO T W
Local people, local places
...immerse yourself in the region ..
THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 13, 2023 - Page 13
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Programs Officer Beechworth Correctional Centre is a minimum-security prison for men, with a focus on preparing offenders for their release back into the community. The role of the Programs Officer is to provide administrative support to assist the team with
Administration/ Accounts Officer Full or part time opportunity An opportunity has arisen for an administration/accounts officer to join one of Victoria and NSW’s leading independent news and media groups, based at our Wangaratta office working on newspapers, magazines and digital properties across our group. Following recent acquisitions North East Media is seeking additional administration support. You will also be required to work with the finance team with accounts payable, accounts receivable and general accounting duties. Key Responsibilities Administration: r 1SPDFTT DSFEJUPS JOWPJDFT BOE DSFBUF payments r %FCUPST MFEHFS NBJOUFOBODF NPOUIMZ invoicing and chasing aged debtors r )BOEMJOH PG %FCUPS $SFEJUPS RVFSJFT BOE processing account adjustments Skills and Experience r 1SJPS FYQFSJFODF JO B TJNJMBS administration position r &YQFSJFODF VTJOH BDDPVOUJOH QSPHSBNT r )JHI MFWFM DPNQVUFS TLJMMT JODMVEJOH FYQFSJFODF XJUI FYDFM BOE XPSE r &YDFQUJPOBM BUUFOUJPO UP EFUBJM BOE accurate data entry r &YDFMMFOU DPNNVOJDBUJPO BOE interpersonal skills r 5IF BCJMJUZ UP XPSL JO B UFBN CBTFE environment r 1SPWFO UJNF NBOBHFNFOU TLJMMT BOE BCJMJUZ to prioritise urgent work If you are looking for a new challenge in an energetic and stimulating environment, we would encourage you to apply. Applications should be forwarded to: Deirdre Hart Finance and Administration Manager North East Media dhart@nemedia.com.au
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Page 14 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 13, 2023
4.6 Fibre Glass boat/ trailer, 70hp Yamaha, very little use, all safety gear, new seats, awning, paint and gel coat, totally refurbished, new transom, GPS, S o u n d e r, $ 11 , 9 0 0 . Ph 0407 161 665.
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TOPSOIL SALES Garden, lawn, veggies “COMPOSTED HORSE MANURE” Pick up or delivery. Call, text or leave a message. Greg: 0418 573 836 Wangaratta Garden Supplies Racecourse Rd Near the tip.
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DEATH NOTICES
DEATH NOTICES
McDONALD, Karl.
WADLEY (nee Raison), Olive Mary.
10/1/1970 – 8/12/2023 A long-time friend who will be sadly missed. , ZLOO PLVV DOO RXU ¿VKLQJ WULSV ERWWOH GLJJLQJ DQG RWKHU DGYHQWXUHV ~ ‘Till we meet again, your mate Adie.
Find us on Facebook ĨŽƌ ƵƉĚĂƚĞƐ͘ SIXTEEN month old ewes, 6 available, Wi l t s h i r e h o r n x Australia white ram cross, sheep shed their wool, no shearing needed, ready to join in March, $90 each, $500 for the lot. Ph John 0437 271 480.
FOR SALE $50 OR UNDER 4 wooden chairs with padded seats, 2 high stools, good condition, all $5 each. Ph 03 5721 5882.
If you don't use it...
STAFFORD, Lewis Maxwell. 7/7/1936 – 5/12/2023 Loving husband of Patti. From the boy next door to 62 years and 10 months of marriage. You are gone from my sight, but never from my heart. ~ Your loving wife.
STAFFORD, Lewis Maxwell. 7/7/1936 – 5/12/2023 Loved brother-in-law of Netty and Billy Curtis. Loving uncle of Scott, Joanne and families. Thanks for being my special Godfather ~ Love Jo. Fly high with the angels.
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STAFFORD, Lewis Maxwell. 7/7/1936 – 5/12/2023 Loved brother of Ron and Wayne, uncle of Andrew, Mark, Bree, Dale and Liana. Forever in our hearts. Rest in peace.
28/7/1926 – 9/12/2023 Much loved wife of Jack (dec) for nearly 69 years. Mother and mother-in-law of Glenda, Graeme and Lynn. Gran of Shaun and Nerida, Nicole and Ben, Jess and Joel, Bart and Chloe. Great Gran of Brooke, Lachlan and Bridget; Charlotte and Amelia; Iliana, Cody and Marcus; Isla, Milla and Sullivan. Loved and remembered always.
FUNERALS WADLEY The funeral service for Mrs Olive Mary Wadley will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Monday December 18, 2023 at 2pm. Burial will follow at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery. Olive’s service can be viewed via Livestream at www.masonpark.com.au/live-streaming/
Personal Notices
DEAN, Paul.
WHITTEN, Jeffrey William. 28/10/1942 - 6/12/2023 The committee and members of the North Eastern Car Club would like to pass on their condolences to Betty and family on this sad occasion. Booked into his final control: 6/12/2023 Jeff was a stalwart of the club having started on the committee in 1964. He has been president, treasurer, club champion, life member and member of the Australian Rally Hall of Fame. Member for 56 years. He will be sadly missed at the club and the rallying community. Will always be remembered.
12/12/2009 The years ship by, memories are everlasting. ~ Your loving family.
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McDONALD
Personal Notices DEATH NOTICES
STAFFORD, Lewis. My darling Dad, I’ve lost my buddy sitting beside me at the kitchen table. For now, we’ll say goodbye, but I’ll see you again. ~ Love always, Shazz, Micky, grandchildren Ben, Amber, and their partners Renae and Yvette, great-grandchildren Tianni, Kyra, Corben, Arianna and Samuel.
A funeral service to honour the life of Karl will be held at North East Funerals Bell Room, 184 Greta Rd, Wangaratta on Thursday, December 14, 2023. Private cremation following. Livestream may be viewed at northeastfunerals.com.au/live-stream
Mason Park Funerals
P. 03 5721 5060 W. masonpark.com.au
HUTCHISON, Janette “Janny”. December 3, 2023 Formerly of Bonnie Doon. The Maindample CFA Brigade acknowledges the passing of Janette “Janny” Hutchinson, wife of Dick, mother and grandmother. Janny was a much loved and respected support member of the Maindample CFA over many years and was also a strong supporter for her husband in his endeavours with the Mansfield Group as an officer and for volunteers. Sympathy to Dick and family from Maindample Brigade members. A memorial service will be held today, December 13, at the Bonnie Doon Recreation Reserve Hall at 11am.
classifieds@nemedia.com.au Phone: 03 5723 0101
STRUDWICK, Marjorie Joan “Midge”. Passed away peacefully at Northeast Health with her family by her side on Monday, December 11, 2023. Aged 80 years. Loving wife of Barry (dec). Dearly loved mother of Jo-Anne and Brian (dec), Alana and Peter, Jamie, Sean, Brad and Kerry. Loved Nanna to 13 grandchildren and GG to 13.5 great-grandchildren. In our hearts you will always stay, loved and remembered every day.
A funeral experience... not just a funeral service
STRUDWICK The funeral service for Mrs Marjorie “Midge” Strudwick will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta, on Monday, December 18, 2023 at 10.30am. Private cremation will follow. Please wear something purple to celebrate Marjorie’s life. Flowers are welcome or, if preferred, a donation made in memory of Marjorie to the Cancer Council would be greatly appreciated. Donations can be made at www.cancervic.org.au/support-us/donate Marjorie’s service can be viewed via livestream at www.masonpark.com.au/live-streaming/
Remember your loved one in a lasting way The memory of a much loved family member or friend can live on through a donation to your local health service Northeast Health Wangaratta. This is a direct way of helping us to continually improve patient care and comfort, ensuring the availability of comprehensive health services in our local community. Family and friends can make a donation in lieu of flowers in recognition of the medical care and attention provided.
The bereaved family will be notified of your memorial gift according to your wishes and you will receive a tax-deductible receipt for your donation. To make a donation or to request information about memorial service donations or remembering Northeast Health Wangaratta in your will, please contact Community Engagement Team (03) 5722 5069 or PO Box 386, Wangaratta, Vic 3676.
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THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 13, 2023 - Page 15
CO SO MI O NG N
The ultimate guide for tourists and locals
Page 16 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 13, 2023
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SPORT
Peck runs away to victory Regional sport fund to
ROUND nine of the Wangaratta Lawn Tennis Croquet and Pickleball Club’s aggregate tennis season was played on Saturday at Merriwa Park. It was Phil Peck who had an absolute day out to claim the section one victory by a fair margin. Brian Scobie and Jono Keys took out sections two and three, while Phil Dryden edged out Maree Sullivan for a section four win. In section five Brett McClen battled it out with Michael Falkenberg for victory with McClen winning by just one game. Section six saw Alan Busk salute, while Beth Cope was far too strong in section seven. Results: Section: 1 Phil Peck 24-11, Matt Curran 16-19, Mark Wettern 15-20, Michael Clark 1520. Section: 2 Brian Scobie 23-17, Ben Kneebone 2216, Tom Bloom 19-18, Barry Sullivan 1721, Frank Harris 15-24. Section: 3 Jono Keys 24-9, Hayden Broadbent 1719, Maria Feldmann 16-20, Colin Mackay 15-19, Jacob Reidy 14-19. Section: 4 Phil Dryden 23-17, Maree Sullivan 2116, Henry Dean 20-18, Mason Scholes 1921, Julian Taylor 13-24. Section: 5 Brett McClen 23-17, Michael Falkenberg 22-19, Peter Curran 20-20, Russell Canning 20-23, Andrew Cope 17-23. Section: 6 Alan Busk 23-14, Patrick Oudin 20-14, Pat Flynn 18-15, Des Steele 15-21, Josh Murray 12-24. Section: 7 Beth Cope 23-9, Terry Flynn 21-16, Max McAuliffe 17-17, Peter Ablazej 1324, John Shanley 12-20.
shine bright
TOO GOOD: Phil Peck grabbed a big win in section one.
PHOTO: Melissa Beattie
GRAND FINAL TIME: Andrew Lindner’s (left) Boralman Berkshire will play in tonight’s grand final.
Wangaratta Table Tennis grand finals tonight WANGARATTA Table Tennis Association Spring Competition 2023 semi-final results. A Grade Boralma Berkshire (John Maletta, Andrew Lindner) def Nathan Vincent Fencing (John Wright, Austin Lindner) final rubber score 3-1. Singles wins: Andrew Lindner 2, J Maletta 1, J Wright 1. N.E. Ag & Industrial ( Ash Wurtz, Ash Harding) def Somerset Comms (Marcus Angehrn, Robert Voss) final score 3-0. Boralma Berkshire will play N.E. Ag & Industrial next Wednesday in the Grand final. B Grade Boralma Berkshire (Tim Oliver,
Ron Divinagracia) def Somerset Comms (Michael Bellingham, Ted Tatulaschwili) final rubber score 3-2. Singles wins: T Oliver 1, R Divinagracia 1, T Tatulaschwili 2, Doubles win: T Oliver and R Divinagracia. N.E. Ag & Industrial (Steve Picken, Aaron Plum) def Blue Raven (Mick Gervasoni, Andrew Higgins) final rubber score 3-0. Singles wins: S Picken 1, A Plum 2. Boralma Berkshire and N.E. Ag & Industrial progress to the B Grade Grand final. C Grade N.E. Ag & Industrial (David Hudson, Andrew Holmes) def
Brownles Builders (Phil Densten, Matt Curran) final rubber score 3-2. Singles wins: D Hudson 2, M Curran 1, P Densten 1, Doubles win: D Hudson, A Holmes. Blue Raven (Maxine Miller, Julie Lindner) def Plum Digital Hub (Ryan Burrows, Phil Fitzgerald) final rubber score 3-2. Singles wins: M Miller 1, J Lindner 1, P Fitzgerald 2, Doubles win: M Miller & J Lindner. N.E. Ag & Industrial and Blue Raven meet up next Wednesday in the C Grade Grand final. D Grade Somerset Communications ( Renee McCarthy, Michelle Bowd) def Boralma Berkshire ( John Ngi-
am, Campbell Hobbs) final rubber score 3-0. Singles wins: R McCarthy 1, M Bowd 2. Plum Digital Hub (Reggie Kanaskar, Seth Knox) def N.E. Ag & Industrial (Jesse Hughes, Stephen Alger) final rubber score 3-0. (5-0 if the dead rubbers are added as they were enjoying their night too much to stop at 3! Reggie and Seth won all their matches. Somerset Communications and Plum Digital Hub progress to the C Grade Grand final. All are welcome to the Grand final matches for all grades on Wednesday, December 13, 7pm at the showgrounds venue.
THE future of sport is bright in regional Victoria, with a new fund opening today to help local clubs update their infrastructure and facilities to make way for more locals to play, thanks to the Allan Labor Government. As part of the Labor Government’s investment in regional Victoria, Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence last week opened the new Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund (RCSIF), with funding of up to $60 million available. The RCSIF is funded through the Regional Community Sport Development Fund and the All-Abilities Sport Fund, following consultation with regional communities who said new infrastructure and upgraded facilities were needed to keep local sport thriving. “Sport is really important to Victorians and this is especially true in our regional towns – this fund will ensure local sporting clubs have the best facilities and infrastructure to get everyone in their community involved,” Ms Spence said. “We have fantastic towns all over regional Victoria and local sporting clubs are a big part of a town’s identity – by upgrading their facilities and removing barriers to entry, even more people will be able to get involved with their local sporting club. “Through the Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund we are making sure regional Victorians of all ages, abilities, backgrounds and genders can be part of the big local sporting events that bring communities together.” Regional sporting clubs and community organisations are encouraged to work with their local council or Alpine Resorts Victoria to bring their best ideas forward and make their club accessible and futureready for generations to come. The four streams cover a wider variety of upgrades to suit a range of clubs: Up to $3 million available to develop or upgrade multi-sport indoor courts and aquatic facilities through the Indoor Stadium and Aquatic Facilities Stream Grants up to $1 million available through the Community Facilities Stream to build or upgrade sports pavilions, sports lighting, play spaces and active recreation facilities The Women and Girls Facilities Stream has grants of up to $1 million for new female friendly change rooms or sports courts to help level the playing field For the first time there will be a dedicated All Abilities Infrastructure stream that will provide grants of up to $1 million to renovate existing facilities to ensure they are accessible for people with disability. Complementary grants of up to $50,000 are also available to help boost wider community participation at the upgraded facilities, in partnership with sporting organisations and local disability service providers. The fund encourages regional clubs to design the facilities that matter to their local teams and community, with a focus on getting more people involved regardless of their age, gender, background or ability. Applications for the first round of the Fund are now open - for more information or to apply, visit sport.vic. gov.au.
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THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 13, 2023 - Page 17
SPORT
Wangaratta A1 down Kiewa A1: WANGARATTA bounced back with an important win at home against Kiewa on Saturday. The win keeps Wangaratta in touch with the top four and sets up a pivotal match against fourth side Myrtleford next week. The home side jumped out of the blocks and quickly established a 20 shot buffer which they managed to build on later in the game. Maurie Braden, Jodie Fruend, Jan Hermassoo, and Brian Challman (27-13), and Chris Randell, Gary Fenlon, Lorna Martinelli and Graeme Smith (27-12) were the two big winners. Trevor Selwood, Laurie McDonald, Mark Allan, and Leon Quartermain (24-12) edged well clear late in their game, while Phil Davern, Greg Braden, Steve English, and Greg McDonald (20-19) were pushed all the way but held sway to give Wangaratta all rinks up in the victory. Final scores: Wang 18 pts 98 shots def Kiewa 0 pts 56 shots. Next week Wangaratta travel to Myrtleford. A3: Wangaratta had a disappointing loss at home against Bright on Saturday. Richard Hermassoo, Terry Corrigan, Barb McDonald, and Tyson Chivers (21-20) were the only winning rink for the home side. Peter Selwood (20-25), Brian Godfrey (16-18) and Tom Morrow (16-32) all went down. Final scores: Wang 2 pts 73 shots lost to Bright 16 pts 95 shots. Milawa 57 shots lost to Wodonga 18 pts 92 shots. Next week Wangaratta travel to Beechworth and Milawa are at home to Tungamah. B1: Wangaratta lost by the barest of margins at Benalla on Saturday. The visitors in the main handled the carpet surface with aplomb. Ken Essenhigh, Chris Bell, Lance Jenkin, and Gary Lidgerwood (3016) had a big win, while Keith Izard, Mick Montgomery, Sussan Singleton, and Gayle King (23-17) had a
By PING PONG
A1 WIN: Mark Allan’s A1 side downed Kiewa on Saturday. comfortable win. Richie Allen, Klaus Kazenwadel, Neil Jensen, and John Black (10-31) however struggled on the surface and lost their match to the home side. Final scores: Wang 4 pts 63 shots lost to Benalla 10 pts 64 shots. Moyhu 14 pts 115 shots def Bright 0 pts 23 shots. Wangaratta will travel to St James
HAMS AWAY: The trophies for the club’s final shoot were some delicious hams.
next week and Moyhu will travel to Myrtleford. B3: Wangaratta had a strong win against visitors Beechworth on Saturday. The hot oppressive conditions took its toll on all players, but Wangaratta survived for an important win. Lyn Kahlefeldt, Susan Bull, Michael Howard, and John Keen (27-
PHOTO: Melissa Beattie 15) were never troubled, while Graeme Norman, Lyn Sier, John Knight, and Bob Edwards (16-13) won a close game. Heather Cyle, Ann Keen, Thelma Stones, and Bruce Desmond (22-all) split the points in their match. Final scores: Wang 13 pts 65 shots def Beechworth 1 pt 50 shots. Wangaratta travel to Corowa Civic next week.
CORPORATE CATERING: A group from Foresight Engineering in Bright made use of the club’s facilities on Friday, under the watchful eye of volunteers.
Clay target club wraps for Christmas
By ALISON HARWOOD and BRIAN REID THE Wangaratta Clay Target Club has been busy lately providing their first class facilities to several groups enjoying the sport in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. The club welcomed Foresight Engineering from Bright on Friday, December 8 as part of their corporate Christmas function. Several among the group had not used a firearm before and it was very pleasing to see the entire group smash many targets at the range.
History of Table Tennis bat glue for you
The positive comments from the entire group make these types of events very satisfying for the club and its group of dedicated volunteers. Supervision and some basic coaching from members, as well as the use of members’ firearms, all add up to a fun, safe and enjoyable day for all. We hope some of the people in attendance will return soon for another crack at the sport of clay target shooting. The Wangaratta Clay Target Club also wrapped up their sporting clays shoots for 2023 over the weekend
All trophies were hams generously supplied by Londrigan Beef & Lamb. Flash targets were thrown in the mix and the following were lucky enough to hit them and win either a practice voucher or bottle of beer (donated by Ian Auranaune): John Gibb, Neil Campbell, Royce Wojtowyez, James Chisholm, Robert Pritchard, Barry Ellis, Malcolm Hill, Russell Barnes, Mitch Benton, Simon Palubski, Harry Weygood, Marc Connell, Reg Carmody, Angelo Grassi, Rhys McGauran, Shaun McGauran, and Christian McGauran.
Main event results AA grade - Shaun McGauran and Rhys McGaruan, 93/100. A grade - Christian McGauran and Russell Barnes, 85/100. B grade - Harry Weygood 82/100 and Angelo Grassi 74/100. C grade - Barry Ellis 68/100 and John Gibb 66/100. Junior - Anthony Chisholm 74/110. Ladies - Marion Barnes 60/100. Veterans - Max Kavanagh 75/100. Our next shoot is Sunday, January 14 2024 - until then, have a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
FOLLOWING on from our last report on table tennis rackets, there once was a Hungarian player who was not playing well and started experimenting with rubbers and the glue between the rubbers on the bat. He stumbled on it by complete accident, a chemical process that transforms the rubber on the bat, a revelation that changed table tennis forever. It works with different solvents from certain types of glue and enters the rubbers - by doing so, it expands the rubber equally in all directions, providing better grip on the ball on striking it, which gives the rubber more softness, control, spin and speed. The practice became widespread and before long everybody playing at the top level was doing it and it was perfectly legal. Unfortunately, the practice was pushed to the limit with more volatile chemicals in the glue such as benzene, octane and n-hexane being used it became known as ‘speed gluing’. In 1992, the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) tried to ban this practice, as some players were passing out on the fumes and the practice of sniffing glue was getting players high and was detrimental to their health. There was a huge backlash by the players, and the practice continued and was very hard to police. Players would ‘speed glue´ many times during a championship, and some players wore gas masks while doing it due to the fumes. The ITTF banned the practice for the 2012 London Olympics but there were always ways of getting around detectors, and the practice still continues to this day. Fortunately, Wangaratta’s keenagers are not professional players and this sort of practice is far from our minds. We are there to have fun and play the game as it should be, Monday and Thursday mornings from 7.30am to about 10am.
Page 18 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 13, 2023
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SPORT
STRONG WIN: Ben Brisbourne’s Neto took out race three by an impressive 5.75L.
PHOTO: Racing Photos
Local horse trainers dominate home meeting with five wins WANGARATTA Turf Club’s return to racing was well received with plenty of local trainers enjoying success in front of a home crowd. Ben Brisbourne was the star of the day training a treble as Neto ($4.40) broke his maiden by a whopping 5.75L, Harlem Nic ($3.80) took out race six’s 0-58 handicap, and Redneck Princess ($4.70) saluted in race nine (0-58). Brisbourne wasn’t the only local horseman able to find a winner though with Ledger Racing’s Written Advice ($9.50) grabbing a
BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au
near two length win in race seven (0-58), while Andrew Dale’s Eamonn’s Memory ($6.50) took out race eight (0-58). Wangaratta Turf Club chief executive officer Sean Barrett said it was a massive day. “We had a really good crowd, we’re still tallying the figures up but it was one of the biggest days
we’ve had at the club for a while,” Barrett said. “We were pretty fortunate with the weather given there were other meetings around the area that were affected by rain. “Everyone on course looked like they were having a good time, we didn’t have any trouble with anyone and everyone was well behaved.” Barrett was stoked with how the track raced after drainage works put a lengthy pause on racing at the track. “The track raced really well
which was a great outcome given it was our first meeting since all of the drainage works over the winter,” he said. “The track team have done a sensational job to have the track racing that well before the end of the year. “Brisbourne had a treble and Andrew Dale and Ledger Racing had a winner each so it was a fantastic day for our local trainers as well. “Local trainers also filled the placings throughout the day too.” The turf club has a busy month
ahead with meetings scheduled for January 2, January 11 and January 25. “We have three meetings in January and we’ll kick off with our Family Race Day on January 2 which will be a wonderful event,” Barrett said. “It’ll be a great opportunity for people in town to catch up in the new year and there will be heaps of entertainment. “We’ve got an animal farm, waterslides, jumping castles and face painting so it’ll be a great way to kick off 2024.”
GRANT-FUNDED WORKS AT CROQUET CLUB COMPLETE
READY TO PLAY: Wangaratta Croquet Club members (from left) Marg Bennett, Cheryle Beckley, Joan Dyson, Terry Wilson, Rural City of Wangaratta Mayor Dean Rees, and club member Andy Barbero on the pristine Ryan Avenue courts. PHOTO: Bailey Zimmermann
AFTER more than a year of grant writing, fundraising and physical labour, drainage works to the Wangaratta Croquet Club’s court one are finally complete. The draining and installation of herringbone drainage at the Ryan Avenue court was a massive financial and engineering undertaking, quoted at $32,000 for the whole job. With the total far out of reach of conventional fundraising means, the club was successful in applying for grants from multiple sources last year. A total of $10,000 was received from the Rural City of Wangaratta’s 2022/23 Community Grants Program, $15,000 from the Bendigo Bank’s Connected Community Wangaratta foundation, and $4000 as part of the ARTC’s Inland Rail Community Sponsorships and Donations Program. This $29,000 of grant funding, coupled with a sprinkling of internal fundraising at the club, enabled works to commence in March this year. The court was drained, and herringbone drainage was installed, allowing any water to flow out of the
court into the nearby One Mile Creek. While the plan for exactly how the drainage would be installed changed throughout the course of the almost nine-month project, Wangaratta Croquet Club secretary Terry Wilson said the court had been completely revitalised. “All works were carried out in 2023 and are now complete, with court one once again in a playable condition,” he said. “Prior to the herringbone drains being installed, we regularly could not use court one due to excessive water, which appeared as puddles. “The waterlogging has now been alleviated, especially during periods of heavy rain. “The drainage means that school groups, come and try days, and visits by other clubs on social days will be able to cater for the increased number of participants.” The club wished to thank all the local groups who chipped in to make the project a reality, as well as greens keeper Graham Ray and past president Janet Kelly for their hard work lodging multiple grant applications.
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THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 13, 2023 - Page 19
SPORT
Wang Hardcourt grab convincing win in NERTA By BACKHAND WINNER Section 1 EVERTON managed to scape across the line against a determined Boorhaman, who were always within striking distance of a huge upset win. Everton set up their victory early winning two of the first three sets, but Boorhaman hit back with two of the next three sets to set up an enthralling finish to the match. With three sets to play Everton held a seven game advantage which in the end proved too many for Boorhaman to haul back. Everton won two more sets which put the result beyond the reach of Boor-
haman who were gallant in defeat. Everton’s best were Ruth Kneebone (3), Noel Kneebone and Bec Sacco. Jack Paul (3) was outstanding for Boorhaman and was well supported by Shirley Fuller and Kirsty Tyers. Wang Hardcourt cruised to victory over Corowa on Saturday. After the first round of matches Hardcourt held a seven game lead and when they won the next five sets Hardcourt had established an unassailable lead. Corowa were difficult opponents to shake with most games going to multiple deuces but they weren’t able to win the important points when required, and it was
Hardcourt’s steadiness in these moments which gave them the points and ultimately the match. Hardcourts’ best were Denise Goodwin, Kylie Doig and Mario Pane (3 sets each), Corowa’s best were Peter Filliponi, Jamie Almond and Jo Brooks. Wahgunyah snuck home in another close match 5-4 and 11 games, Wahgunyah were behind after the first three sets but as good teams do they found their rhythm and consistency and won two of the turnaround sets to level the set ledger and hold a three game advantage. Jesse Johnstone and Ethan Palmer put the match beyond doubt for Wahgunyah
with their 8-1 victory as the other two sets were going to the wire. Wahgunyah’s best - Ethan Palmer (3), Travis McDonald and Jesse Johnstone. Rutherglen’s best - Helen Fuge, Nicole Balfour and Freya Somerville. Section 3 Wooragee (Dean Bensted, Ian McVea, Mark Knoth, Eiylish McRostie) caused the boil over of the round when they cruised past Wahgunyah United (Brian Jones, Brad Schmidt, Erinne Lutz, Dorreyelle Carmody) who are entrenched in the top two on the ladder. Wooragee were impressive with a consistency that had been missing before Saturday’s performance and
if they can continue to repeat that performance on a regular basis they will cause a few headaches for the top teams. The Wahgunyah Wranglers (Scott Parker, Nathan Sandral, Josh Parker, Mitch Parker) juggernaut continues to brush opposition teams aside at will and last Saturday it was Wahgunyah Deep Heat (Josh Reid, Jacob Palmer, Kendall Reid, Kath Blake) that felt the wrath of the Wranglers machine. Results Section 1 Wahgunyah 5-56 def Rutherglen 4-47, Wang Hardcourt 7-67 def Corowa 2-36. Section 3 Wooragee 5-43 def Wah-
Elkington plays a QUICK GLANCE: Sam ary cricket blast im pr e leg glance at th urne, where he was state finals at Melbo d’s Primary School ar a part of the St Bern championship team. O: School Sport Victoria PHOT
gunyah United 1-24, Wahgunyah Wranglers 5-47 def Wahgunyah Deep Heat 1-19. Under 15 Rutherglen White 7-42 def Corowa Barty 0-12, Wahgunyah 6-41 def Corowa Hewitt 1-16. Ladders Section 1 Wang Hardcourt 57, Corowa 47, Everton 32, Wahgunyah 30 , Rutherglen 28, Boorhaman 12. Section 3 Wahgunyah Wranglers 37, Wahgunyah United 29.5, Wooragee 23.5, Wahgunyah Deep Heat 8. Under 15 Wahgunyah 41, Corowa Hewitt 37, Rutherglen White 22, Rutherglen Red 21, Corowa Barty 5.
HUGE GET: Patrick Naish has signed on full-time with Wangaratta for 2024.
Naish is a Magpie ■ From back page
RISING STAR: Sam Elkington qualified for four different School Sport Victoria state finals this year, winning the primary cricket blast state championship with St Bernard’s Primary School. PHOTO: Bailey Zimmermann
Sam’s slammin’ year SAM Elkington completed a rare School Sport Victoria ‘grand slam’ this year, competing in four different state finals. The St Bernard’s Primary School year six student showed a knack for the long distance running early in the year making the 3km cross country finals and the 1500m finals, having strong showings in both finals. Sam was a part of St Bernard’s primary school football team which made its way to Melbourne for the finals before saving the best until
BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au
last as a part of the school’s state champion cricket blast squad. The squad of eight took home the state title two weeks ago in what Sam said was the highlight of his outstanding year. “It was kind of weird, I didn’t
think we had won already but we did,” he said. The 12-year-old had success this year for Centrals in the under 12s where he was judged the league’s most valuable player and is currently playing cricket at Rovers United Bruck under 14s and was selected in the WDCA under 13s representative side this season. “It’s tiring because we have to go and play Saturday and Sunday,” Sam said. “I like running and I’ve always
liked footy and cricket… it’s fun to miss school [for sport].” St Bernard’s year 5/6 teacher Dave O’Brien said Sam has been an allrounder at school this past year, having academic success in art. “He’s a loveable kid, very coachable, happy go-lucky and really brilliant,” he said. Sam is finishing his final year in primary school as he makes his way to Cathedral College as a year seven student next year, excited to be making the jump to high school.
Naish played 20 games of AFL football, nine at Richmond and 11 at West Coast from 2018-2022 and will no doubt provide plenty of knowledge to Wangaratta players along with his game on field. “People forget that he was at Richmond when they were at the peak of their powers so I’m sure he would’ve learnt a lot throughout that period that he’ll be able to pass on,” Reid said. “His leadership, along with Brad Melville on the field will be great, they’ll be able to set the boys up on field and help us defend the ground the way we want to. “From what I’ve seen so far Pat isn’t afraid to use his voice.” Wangaratta supporters will be excited to have the Naish name back at Norm Minns Oval after Pat’s dad Chris grew up playing for the Magpies. “The other exciting part is having the Naish name back at the club,” Reid said. “Pat’s dad Chris played a lot at Wangaratta so it will be great to have him back around the club as well.”
Page 20 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 13, 2023
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Locals dominate home meeting
Page 18
DRAINAGE UPGRADE CHERYLE Beckley (left) and Joan Dyson’s (right) Wangaratta Croquet Club received a grant from Dean Rees’ (middle) Rural City of Wangaratta Council to upgrade the club’s drainage. Story: Page 18 PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
Naish is a Magpie Son of a ggun will p playy at Wangaratta g full-time in 2024
WANGARATTA has landed arguably the biggest recruit of the off-season. Former AFL player Patrick Naish has joined the ‘Pies full-time after it was initially expected that he would nominate the ‘Pies as his home club while splitting his time with Carlton’s VFL side. Wangaratta have had a huge off-season locking in Alex Federico and Aidan
BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au
Tilley from West Preston Lakeside, while Brad Melville and Nick Richards will return to their junior club. Wangaratta coach Ben Reid said he was stoked to
get Naish onboard full-time. “When we first started talking to him we thought we’d get him full- time and then that changed to parttime and now thankfully we got him full-time,” Reid said. “With his work commitments he couldn’t commit to VFL so he decided to come to us which is awesome.
“He’s best mates with Alex Federico who we signed a few months ago and I think Pat wanted to play with him and he also knows Cal Moore well from when they were at Richmond together. “He wants to be with us full-time and we’ll welcome him with open arms.” Naish joins a now
scary midfield at Norm Minns Oval that includes Daniel Sharrock, Jackson Clarke, Brad Melville, Alex Federico, Harry Hewitt and Braeden Marjanovic. “Other than Harry and Braeden who are both young we’ve got a midfield that all players are around that 25, 26 year old mark,” Reid said.
“It’s a really good age group who all have their best footy in front of them which is exciting for the club. “With all of those midfielders Pat might play half forward or half back as well, he showed at training on Saturday morning how good of a user he is – he can stop on a dime and hit a target so he can probably play anywhere for us.” ■ Continued page 19
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