WC140225SamReiher

WEARING RAINBOW

SHEER TERROR

Syndicate “soldier” denied bail over alleged extortion of Wangaratta tobacco store

THE accused standover man involved in an alleged extortion of a Wangaratta tobacco store which “struck terror” into the local community has been denied bail. The 23-year-old Doreen man appeared from custody at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Thursday a er allegedly entering North East tobacco stores as a “soldier” of a criminal syndicate.

The court heard prior to the alleged extortion in Wangaratta on July 4, 2023, the accused is alleged to have attended Wodonga Gi s on High Street around 3pm the same day, 2023 with an unknown co-o ender, who was described as 5’2’ and African in appearance.

A female worker in her 50s was allegedly told the accused were ‘Iraqis from Melbourne’ and threatened her to close the store within

24 hours or it would be destroyed.

“You’re frightening the s**t out of me so just go away,” she allegedly told the accused.

At around 4:30pm, the coaccused arrived at Ramseen Gi s on Murphy Street and allegedly made the same threats to a female worker in her 60s.

“My job is to send a message that’s it… my people are not to be f***ed

with,” he allegedly told a Wangaratta store worker over the phone.

The worker allegedly told the accused standover man she also lived at the store.

“I can’t help you with that,” she was allegedly told.

Detective Senior Constable Carly Murdoch from Taskforce Lunar said both stores were owned by the same person, with di erent store managers.

On July 27, 2023 around

midnight, the Wodonga Gi s store was rebombed, with the Wangaratta store set alight at 12:47am.

The same victim present for the alleged Wangaratta extortion was also trapped in its arson, with CFA crews required to extract her out of the premises.

“The end result could have been catastrophic,” Det Sen Const Murdoch said.

Det Sen Const said the accused was believed to be

acting as a standover man for a criminal syndicate who are out to control the state’s tobacco market through fear, intimidation and property damage.

Det Sen Const Murdoch said police feared for the victims involved in alleged extortions in Wangaratta and Wodonga, who could be coerced by other representatives of the crime gang.

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Event Highlights:

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MADDISON Auld (le ), Allison Winters, Elena Sewell-Dolphin and Kirsty Barnes are looking forward to the region’s first Pride Hub reopening at its new location in Wangaratta’s West End tomorrow. Story page 12

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

GOTAFE teachers to get their pay rise

By STEVE KELLY

GOTAFE and other TAFE teachers across the state are celebrating the achievement of pay parity with their secondary counterparts, a er the Australian Education Union (AEU) Victorian Branch achieved a new in-principle agreement with the government.

An approved agreement will deliver a minimum salary increase of 21 per cent over four years, including a 14 per cent increase in the rst 14 months of the deal. The rst increase, backdated to November 2024, will bring Victorian TAFE teachers into line with similarly quali ed and experienced Victorian public school teachers.

The top rate for a classroom based TAFE teacher will grow to $134,775 by the end of the agreement.

A current Level 3.3 teacher’s salary increases from $107,995 to $130,672 by the end of the agreement, with an increase of $9769 at the commencement of the agreement.

A current Level 1.2 teacher’s salary increases from $83,429 to $100,912 by the end of the agreement, with an increase of $7515 at the

commencement of the agreement, Conditions will also improve under the deal.

AEU vice president TAFE and adult provision, Elaine Gillespie, told this masthead that for every hour of teaching TAFE, teachers will have 45 minutes of planning time, up from the current 30 minutes.

She said in-class assessments will now also be

counted as teaching, both changes which are a major win for teachers.

The measures will allow TAFE teachers more time to deliver quality teaching and learning and to support their students.

Ms Gillespie said TAFE teachers deserve the improvements with wages and conditions as they are dual quali ed professionals as they need to be quali ed in

the vocation as well as a quali ed teacher.

“They need to adapt to meet a very diverse student cohort and the diversity has expanded due to the introduction of free TAFE, which is a good thing,” she said.

“Teachers need to ensure that each of those students get a quality education, leveraged in a way that is accessible for everyone.”

Ms Gillespie said the ma-

jority of jobs required in the future will come from a vocational background.

The wage increases will go a long way in maintaining the existing workforce but also attract new employees in a sector that has faced massive sta shortages.

“We have a really hard job in maintaining the sta that we have, never mind attracting new sta ,” she said.

“That’s because they can

get higher pay in the vocation industry, and they back to this as it is a lot less stressful and the hours are better.” She said with the attraction of new teachers it makes for a better experience for students as it brings new ideas into industry.

A spokesperson said the Labor Government’s $4.6 billion investment in TAFE supports Victorians to get the skills they need for free, working closely with TAFEs across the state to make sure course o erings match the in-demand skills, creating a pipeline of workers for the jobs of the future in housing, renewable technology and the care economy.

The in-principle agreement is now subject to a vote by TAFE teachers and then approval by a Fair Work Commission process.

Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney said they’re proud to give TAFE teachers better pay and conditions as it’s absolutely what they deserve.

“Our TAFE teachers are world-class and they’re training our state’s future workforce to build the homes we need, support our clean energy transition, and provide care for those who need it,” Ms Tierney said.

Syndicate “soldier” denied bail over alleged extortion of Wangaratta tobacco store

■ From front page

“Matters with these criminal syndicates related to extortion show if the o ender is remanded on charges, another person from the syndicate will see the victim and force them to make a statement of no complaint,” she said.

“These victims don’t want to sign up to statements due to the fear of retaliation.”

Det Sen Const Murdoch said no charges have been laid for the arson of both stores, but the same vehicle was allegedly present in the incidents.

The court heard police investigators believed the 23-year-old and his co-accused were sending videos of their extortion threats to their manager at a Hawthorn based to-

bacco store, who shared the videos in a group chat.

Police raided the Hawthorn store on September 7, 2023 and seized four mobile phones which contained videos of the alleged extortions.

The 23-year-old was also under investigation for allegedly enacting two other extortions in Melbourne last year.

In September 2024, he allegedly made threats to close down tobacco stores in Flemington and Pascoe Vale.

On November 11, the Pascoe Vale convenience store was destroyed by an arson attack with the Flemington store subjected to attempted arson on October 7.

Det Sen Const Murdoch said police feared the 23-year-old would

Dentists:

Dr. Tony Goodison B.D.Sc (Melb)

Dr. Joe Ibrahim D.D.S (Melb)

continue to o end and place the public in danger, with a history of committing o ences while on bail.

“Investigators believe he will continue to commit extortions and install fear into the community if he is released on bail,” she said.

The 23-year-old was charged with a failure to comply with police ofcers and possession of cannabis when he was arrested at his home on January 23 this year.

Police allege there was three phones hidden in a spare bedroom despite being told the 23-year-old didn’t own a phone and found a black pu er jacket to the same ilk described by the two victims of the alleged Wangaratta and Wodonga extortions.

Defence counsel Lachlan Hosk-

ing argued his client was an alleged lower-level operator of the criminal syndicate and the prosecution failed to establish a risk of serious re-o ending while on bail.

Police prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Stuart Pritchard said the 23-year-old was more than a “bit player” in the syndicate.

“There’s a woman being dragged out by CFA… this matter is very serious,” he said.

“North East Victoria is not used to Iraqis from Melbourne coming down and doing things like this.

“A curfew and an agreement to stay at a static address doesn’t alleviate the risk.”

Magistrate Simon Zebrowski denied the defendant bail, hoping to set an example of deterrence

among the continuous re bombings of tobacco stores statewide.

“These are outrageous o ences; they strike fear into communities and business owners,” he said.

“He brazenly walks up to strong arm businesses and when they don’t comply the business is torched.

“He looks like a soldier as part of a gangland organisation.

“These places like Wangaratta and Wodonga where there is less prevalence of this type of o ending is the thing that strikes terror into the community.”

The 23-year-old will re-appear at the Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court for mention on February 24 on two charges of extortion, drug possession and failure to comply with police.

Teeth For Life

Dr. Michael Lin D.D.S (Melb) Hygienists / Therapists: Cathryn Carboon R.D.H (Adel)

Anne O’Sullivan R.D.T (Melb)

Tina Tsui B.O.H (Adel)

GET ON BOARD:

Tim Phillips and Pete Rourke from Project 365 are looking forward to next week’s show at Avian Park, and encouraging locals to purchase their tickets.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

INSET: FLOW-ON

EFFECT: Funds raised at the last Project 365 show, The Ripple E ect, are set to flow on to benefit the community.

PHOTO:

James Christie Media

Hume Freeway rebel caught at 178km/h at Winton

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

A NEW South Wales man has been taken off the road after being captured by police at 178km/h on the Hume Freeway at Winton on Monday evening.

CONNECTING the community has been a hallmark of Wangaratta’s Project 365 initiative since its inception, and those important links will continue to shine at next week’s show, ‘Bringing Light to the Dark’.

As the calendar ticks down to the February 22 concert by Project 365 band U Can Cry at Avian Park, organisers are looking forward to making some announcements at the show, including where funds from last year’s event will be allocated to assist locals.

There will also be an announcement about local partners for the planned Project 365-funded mental health rst aid scholarship program.

The prospect of seeing funds raised by the community being distributed for the bene t of their fellow residents should o er yet more incentive for people to be part of the experience at Avian Park on Saturday, February 22.

BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au

“It means a lot for us to be able to help out, and I know it means a lot to these groups,” Project 365 founder Pete Rourke said.

“We’re proud of having raised the funds, and proud of being able to distribute them to people who can use them, and being able to give back to the community.

“I try and encourage people to come along to our shows, because the more who attend, the more we can give back where it’s needed.

“There are so many groups which do great work locally.

“I think we’re one of the luckiest communities in Australia, with the amount of people willing to support and help others.

“We are excited to announce, on the night of the event, funding

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30 mental health training scholarships to local businesses and one major donation to an extremely worthy local community group.”

Pete said he and fellow band members heard from locals daily about the impact Project 365 had made in the community, through its work to promote positive mental health and wellbeing through music and social connection, and to spread the message that ‘it’s okay to not be okay’.

“We feel it is making a bit of a di erence, and that speaks to all our supporters, ‘the believers’, for all the assistance they’ve provided us,” he said.

This month’s show will be the third iteration of Project 365, following its initial shows at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre in May, 2021, and ‘The Ripple E ect’ in November, 2023.

Pete said he hoped locals would ock to the February 22 show

to help funds continue to ow through Wangaratta.

“There is no-one not a ected by mental health issues; if it’s not you, it’s someone you know,” he said.

“We want people to say, ‘I live in this community, I love this community, and I want it to be healthy’, and to spend some money to come along and enjoy the night.”

‘Bringing Light to the Dark’ will be held at Avian Park in Newman Street on Saturday, February 22 from 4.30pm, featuring U Can Cry’s performances of ‘bigger songs in a bigger tent and on an even bigger stage’.

Also among the features will be a collaboration with Goldrush Ballooning to create an immersive experience, complete with live music, food, drinks, amid the glow of six hot air balloons.

To book your tickets, visit https://events.humanitix.com/project-365-wangaratta

Police said at around 6:45pm officers received reports from the public of a vehicle travelling at high speed along the freeway. Members from the Benalla Highway Patrol responded, locating the vehicle in Winton and detecting it at an alarming 178km/h.

The 23-year-old driver had his licence immediately suspended and his vehicle was impounded.

“Dangerous driving puts lives at risk, and we urge the public to report unsafe behaviour by calling 000 in an emergency,” a police spokesperson said.

Are you a winner? Come along to find out

THE Rotary Club of Appin Park Wangaratta will be holding the draw of the 2024-2025 Community Raffle today at the Wangaratta Motor Group’s Hyundai showrooms at 5:30pm.

If you have purchased a ticket, don’t miss out on the excitement and be the first to know who the lucky winners are.

Rural City of Wangaratta mayor Irene Grant will officiate the event and light refreshments will be supplied.

Everton community barbecue in March

EVERTON Primary School will host Everton Under The Stars, a free community barbecue, on Thursday, March 20 from 6pm to 9pm.

There will be live music, with a range of salads prepared by students as part of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program.

Students to showcase pedal innovation for Off-Grid Living Festival

By CORAL COOKSLEY

BICYCLES lit up with LED lights for sustainable safety on the road at night will be an innovative project on the horizon in the O -Grid Living Festival’s pedal-powered invention competition for high school students at its April event in Chiltern.

Pedal power – o en referred to as a bike generator – is a form of energy generation where human e ort is converted into electricity or mechanical power.

Beechworth Secondary College (BSC) year 10 student Lilly Dobson, along with a small team of classmates, came up with the idea with a little help from technology teacher Martin Hendriks.

Project ideas have been tossed around in brainstorming sessions among a combined class of 22 year 9 and 10 design and technology engineering students from the festival’s challenge wrapped around creativity and sustainability.

“It’s just cool to see what ideas everyone comes up with to be sustainable and just creating things,“ Lilly said.

Mr Hendriks said recycled bikes are being used too.

Another inventive project idea in the making by a student team is a 12-volt fridge on the back of

a bike with pedalling to keep the fridge running while yet another by students is a pedal-powered winch to be used for rides on Lake Sambell.

The LED light, winch and fridge projects are among two others in the design stage with six key elements of a design process for years 7 to 10 overall from start to nish stretching from identifying the challenge to research and generating the design.

Others include a rede ne of ideas, creating the nal design and producing the product with product evaluation at the end.

Mr Hendriks said around two

projects from ve will be selected for the competition.

The O -Grid Living Festival’s challenge given to students has been to design and build pedalpowered machines showing incredible potential of human energy. Its mission for students is to blend ingenuity with eco-friendly principles with skills and innovative thinking showcased.

Students have been given the chance to explore green technology and its impact on the future too.

Mr Hendriks said it’s good to educate a younger group to think about sustainable products and how energy is used.

COMING TO YOU BY STORM

By SHANE DOUTHIE

WEATHER is the topic of conversation in all aspects, especially in recent weeks as heatwaves and severe thunderstorms have impacted communities across the North East sparking plenty of discussion from locals.

Local weather enthusiasts on all levels have enjoyed sitting outside their home or going for a short drive to view the recent lightning displays, many using a phone or camera to capture the weather phenomenon.

Now, a rare opportunity for keen amateur skywatchers is coming up next month for those who have a passion for weather and wanting to embark on a unique journey.

Wangaratta Chronicle photographer and professional storm chaser Kurt Hickling has been chasing storms for three decades and is o ering a one-o opportunity to join his workshop on Sunday, March 2 at the Wangaratta RSL to share all things weather and encourage more locals to jump on board and learn the tools of the trade.

“It helps the environment and future generations,” he said.

“Any little bit that we can do to encourage our younger generation to think about a change in the way we use energy and to prevent pollution in our environment is a plus.”

BSC principal Patricia Broom said the competition is a good challenge for students while also supporting a local event.

“It’s a really good way of applying skills they learn in woodwork and engineering and systems at school,” she said.

“They’re excited about doing the challenge as well.

“Students love the opportunity to use their skills and work out real world challenges, and it’s good for the planet.

Festival coordinator Arabella Watson said young people are the way of the future.

“They’re the ones with all the ideas and watching them turn raw pedal power into practical solutions is truly inspiring,” she said.

The O -Grid Living Festival will be held on April 12 and 13 at Chiltern.

For more information about the festival and the pedal-power challenge or to enter your school in the competition visit www.ogridevent.com.au/pedal-power.

workshop will cater for all levels of experience and he hopes to see more locals catch the weather bug and venture out to capture that perfect photo.

Over the years Kurt has worked alongside meteorologist and Seven News weather presenter Jane Bunn and former Seven News weather presenter and senior meteorologist David Brown who have both been mentors for Kurt, fostering his passion and dedication for storm chasing, photography and the collecting of data for the Bureau of Meteorology.

Kurt said the upcoming

“A er 30 years as a professional storm chaser, it is time to pass on the secrets and tricks of the trade to those who will be attending the upcoming workshop,” Mr Hickling said.

“Storm chasing and extreme storm chasing is exactly like what you see in the movies, you are up close and personal with the wind, rain and lightning as you follow storms across the region, with your sensors on full alert and your

adrenaline pumping.

“Weather science and weather dynamics have always been a passion of mine and they take you on a continuous journey where you never stop learning.

“The time is now to pass on what I have learnt to locals who have an interest or passion for extreme weather and the workshop will provide that opportunity.

“Weather is very important to many locals, and gaining an understanding of basic meteorology and basic storm photography can really make a di erence.

“By combining that meteorological knowledge with knowing how to best capture images of lightning or other weather phenomena, once you have completed the workshop, you will be able to spend hours of enjoyment experiencing the weather as you have never done before as well as creating a long lasting record to share with others.”

Numbers to the workshop are limited so to book your place, contact Kurt on 0419 442 420 or go to his Facebook page Hickling Photography and leave a message.

Est. 1884, Incorporating Wangaratta Despatch, Est. 1861

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

LOCAL business owners have the opportunity to learn how to build their resilience and become future-proof, as part of the 2025 Annual Business Forum being held at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on February 20.

Hosted by the Rural City of Wangaratta, this year’s event will welcome keynote speaker, resilience expert Michael Licenblat, who will discuss “Turning Challenges into Opportunities: The Power of Resilience”.

Council economic development o cer Olga Davis said in today’s unpredictable world, resilience is no longer just a buzzword -it’s an essential skill.

She said Mr Licenblat believes businesses can train themselves to become ‘pressure-proof’.

“Drawing on insights from psychology, business strategy and martial arts, he argues that setbacks should be viewed not as failures but as fuel for future success,” she said.

“His approach teaches individuals how to navigate pressure with con dence, ensuring they stay ahead even in uncertain times.”

Economic downturns, technological disruptions and shi ing consumer demands continually test the ability of businesses to withstand pressure and push forward, but Mr Licenblat believes what separates those who thrive from those who

falter, lies in how well we adapt, recover and seize new opportunities amidst adversity.

He says history has shown that some of the most successful businesses emerged from crises.

Companies that once struggled with rejection or economic setbacks have gone on to rede ne their industries - like startups that pivoted during the pandemic, or how local businesses found new ways to serve customers during economic slumps.

Ms Davis said for those

looking to build resilience and future-proof their businesses, the 2025 Annual Business Forum will provide actionable insights on turning obstacles into opportunities.

She said alongside the keynote address, the event will o er networking opportunities and access to support from Small Business Victoria, AusIndustry, and AgBiz Assist.

The event runs from from 6pm to 9pm with tickets available at investwangaratta.com.au.

DEMO DAY FIELD DAY

AFTERNOON: 11AM 12PM 1.30PM 2.30PM 3.30PM

SEEDERS JAYLOR MIXER

PADDOCK NEXT TO MCGREGOR MACHINERY

SPEED DISCS

SEEDERS MIXED MACHINERY FEED OUT / BALERS

& MACHINERY REPS WILL BE ONSITE! BEVERAGES

Public employees a necessary cost

THERE aren’t many weeks of the year when employees and unions from some government organisation aren’t pushing for better conditions and wage increases.

In recent months there have been a succession of public sector employees fighting for better pay to meet their demand and expectations within the job.

The cost of living crisis hits all parts of the community and with record high inflation, some professions pay more than others.

TAFE teachers are the latest to secure an in-principle deal with the government.

A 21 per cent increase over four years is a considerable pay rise and this follows news of a 4.5 per cent pay rise for policeboth of these still need to be voted on. What is a common theme with all of these EBAs is they take an incredible amount of time from when they begin to when they are resolved, and this can partly be explained by the massive debt Victoria faces.

The 2024–25 Budget Update forecasts net debt will grow from $133.2 billion on 30 June 2024 ($2.6 billion lower than the 2024–25 Victorian Budget forecast) to $187.3 billion by 30 June 2028.

With a few years yet before a state election, the current Allan government must start balancing the books, not so much for their own political survival, but for the state’s.

That can be done with less waste, less expenditure or increased revenue (not only from taxes) but also lower expectations from Victorians - whether it’s in services, infrastructure and even wages.

We need that articulated by each political party well before the next election or things can only get worse.

FACEBOOK users this week also commented on independent MPs supporting a bill that would help protect whistleblowers.

• Ross Benton: I think this is about the third time HH has made this announcement. Hmmmmm, oh yes, there’s an election around the corner. Others comments are correct, it’s on the record, HH has voted with Labor 80% of the time.

• Alec Anne Phillips: Ross Benton Just heard it announced on Skye News (can’t get free-to-air news at the moment) that HH is preferencing votes to Labor in the up-coming Federal election. I hope she will make sure her electorate know her preference in plenty of time to make an informed decision on whether she gets their vote.

Anne

• Leslie Matthews: I expect the usual array of

VFF urge for caged egg phaseout pause

THE Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is calling on the state and federal governments to pause the proposed national phaseout of conventional cages by 2036 until a reliable supply of eggs to the community and businesses can be guaranteed.

Ongoing impacts of avian in uenza is severely hampering the supply of eggs to consumers and all forms of egg production must be utilised to maintain future supply.

Recurring avian in uenza outbreaks has demonstrated the need for a robust and resilient egg industry.

We need a supply chain that is designed with consumers in mind and their needs.

This includes eggs from all production systems such as barn laid, cage and free range and enables consumers to choose how their eggs are produced and at the same time ensuring supply of eggs is as resilient as possible.

Caged egg systems provide a safer internal environment, signi cantly reducing the risk of avian in uenza transmission through contact with wild birds.

The impending phaseout of conventional cages, coupled with a lack of clear transition planning from governments, has created uncertainty within the industry.

Australian egg farmers invest considerably in strict biosecurity protocols and uphold world-leading animal welfare standards, ensuring consumers have access the best possible eggs

Action is needed to ensure a steady and reliable future supply of eggs.

We’re calling for the state and federal governments to pause the proposed national phaseout of conventional cages.

If not, future shortages will also driveup egg prices, placing additional nancial strain on Australian families.

The VFF urges governments to work closely with industry to develop a practical transition plan that ensures egg supply remains stable and a ordable for all Australians.

Until such a plan is in place, the proposed phaseout must be paused to avoid unintended consequences for food security and local farmers.

Meg Parkinson, VFF egg group president

Rising numbers destroying young lives

ON International Childhood Cancer Day (February 15), the Leukaemia Foundation is calling for greater awareness, and support, for the growing number of Australian children,

disgruntled, bitter and twisted LNP voters will give the “Helen votes with the ALP and the Greens all the time” yet another run.

Facebook users this week also commented on the new gym proposal for Nowan Street opposite the Wangaratta Railway Station.

• Maree Canavan: Why not food, or shops • Leslie Matthews: We seem to have a common

NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections. Our follower total is Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.

mindset that we must be able to park our cars at the front door of everything we do. Whatever happened to walking, sharing with a friend, catching a bus, riding a bike or getting a cab?

• VaL Am-Me: Do we really need another gym?

• Connor Hudston: VaL Am-Me what I was thinking But if it brings business it’s a good thing

• Aaron Ashman: VaL Am-Me yes

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CATERING FOR EVERYONE: A new toilet facility will be built at

support needs. The Apex Park Changing Places

allows people with

for people with

support needs to participate in

elements of community

without having to

their time out due to concerns about being

to access a suitable toilet. These facilities enable people with

support needs to enjoy day-to-day activities that many might take for granted. Changing Places facilities include elements such as a height-adjustable adult-sized change table, toilets with circulation space for easy access and automatic doors. The changing place will be accessible by a Master

same

type used for the Liberty Swing in Batchelor’s Green.

and their families a ected by the disease.

With the numbers of blood cancer incidence and mortality on the rise in all age groups in Australia, concerningly the disease is set to impact more children in the future with no sign of it slowing down.

The Leukaemia Foundation rmly believes that one death is one too many and is determined to see zero lives lost to blood cancer by 2035 with a commitment to invest further funds into blood cancer research and increase its support and services for patients around the country.

With the incidence of blood cancer increasing in both children and people of all ages in Australia, there is no doubt that the Leukaemia Foundation is going to need to support more Australians in the future as they face blood cancer head on

To ensure that the Leukaemia Foundation can continue to support the growing number of children, individuals, and families a ected by blood cancer in the next decade, they are calling on everyday Australians to help raise vital funds through this year’s World’s Greatest Shave.

The World’s Greatest Shave is the Leukaemia Foundation’s biggest injection of funds each year that enables us to continue our life-changing support and services for patients and their loved ones.

It also allows us to further invest in vital blood cancer research to support the development of new treatments and the future prevention of blood cancers to help stem the rise

in incidence and mortality for all Australians. Funds raised through World’s Greatest Shave ensure the Leukaemia Foundation can o er families accommodation (a home away from home) while they are going through treatment, assistance with transport to appointments, education and information around their speci c type of cancer, as well as other practical, nancial, emotional and mental health support.

The Leukaemia Foundation has a bold goal to raise $12 million dollars through this year’s World’s Greatest Shave.

To be counted in the ght against blood cancer and help support children and Australians of all ages living with the disease, register to participate at worldsgreatestshave.com or call 1800 500 088.

Chris Tanti, Leukaemia Foundation CEO

Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK), the

key

FACEBOOK users this week commented on the tap-andgo public transport trial.

• Hugh Mags: Ahh the whole trial is to ensure a better rollout than the original which was plagued with issues, and still is. Laurence Ira Savage, have a look

• Leslie Matthews: What exactly is the point of the National Party?

• Julie Braden: Why would anyone with sense use Tap & Go when it costs the user more than the fair? Also - it doesn’t

take into account concessions.

$1.7billion upgrade? Victoria CANNOT afford this.

• Julie Roberts: When was the last time either of these MP’s actually used public transport??? As someone who regularly uses the local bus network and who actually participated in this study I think they both need to pull their heads in. This system has made using the bus system WAY more accessible and has many benefits. Typical out of touch politicians driving around in

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Check out some of our best photos at our @wangchronicle Instagram account.

&

their BMW’s who have not set foot on a bus in 50 years!!!

• Stephen English: You tell Um Julie might have been driving there BMW’s but not around here because the roads are that stuffed the BMW would only last a couple of K and fall apart

• Craig McDonald: We all know the Nats don’t want us to enter the 21st century.

FACEBOOK users this week also commented on the council’s drop-in session that welcomed community

members to directly raise questions with consultants and council staff on the Climate Adaption Plan draft.

• Hugh Mags: Climate change is a farce - there had my say. Stop with the fear.

• Stephen English: Well how about letting us clean up the road sides so we can get fire wood and remove the fire hazards that are rife along all our roads in the council area

• David Diffey: Hope we get an Aust DOGE and reduce crap spending !

X USERS this week tweeted about a local bushranger, solar panels and severe weather events.

Stuart Batten @SBattenResearch

Morgan’s Lookout. The bushranger Mad Dan Morgan would keep watch from here for any coppers hunting him down, much like Harry Power (a mentor of Ned Kelly) would from Power’s Lookout near Wangaratta (where Morgan’s headless body is now buried!).

xroadie @xroadie

Just drove thru Glenrowan near Wangaratta and the amount of solar installed on old untenable farmland is mad. Check out Glenrowan Winton and Mokoan solar farms but the landscape looks like the Little River area. And heaps of solar fits in well VICSES News @vicsesnews

Severe Thunderstorm - Advice for Wangaratta and surrounds. You should Stay Informed. For more info: http://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/#!/ warning/36644/moreinfo… #vicstorms

If you have something to say, add our handle @wangchronicle to your tweet and we will publish some each week. NOTE:

Our follower total is Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.

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It’s another beautiful morning in Wangaratta

Weeding Racing @craigweeding

The HIVE building and mural at Brown Brothers Winery has officially opened. Initiated by Katherine Brown and assisted by Council’s Youth team, the mural project bought together local artists.

wangaratta_council

Join Team CAV and move for a cause

WANGARATTA Sports & Aquatic Centre (WSAC) is teaming up to support the Centre Against Violence (CAV) to raise awareness and support for a safer community.

As part of this initiative, WSAC is o ering a special free cardio tness class, led by local instructor Mim Murray, to encourage the community to come together, get active, and show their support.

It will be held at WSAC today at 5.15pm.

Mim, a passionate advocate for social justice and community safety, is eager to welcome everyone to this exciting event.

“Supporting CAV is important to me because it is a much-needed not-for-pro t organisation that helps to protect and support victims of family and sexual violence,” Mim said.

“By backing CAV, you’re contributing to a safe and secure community for everyone.

“Engaging with CAV aligns with the commitment to social justice, ensuring that everyone has the right to live free from violence and fear.

“The more people that show up, spread the word and show support the more impact we can create in raising awareness.

“By standing with CAV, we are collectively advocating for a future where safety and respect are fundamental rights for all.”

The Cardio Fitness Class prom-

ises 45 minutes of high-energy movement.

“Participants can expect 45 minutes of high energy, great music, sports inspired movement patterns and a welcoming, fun group of Body Attackers to share the moment with,” Mim said.

“We work hard but also have a lot of laughs, encourage and li each other up and share the good vibes.

“Body Attack is for everyone – a cardio workout that is fast or slow – high impact or low impact that leaves you feeling good on the inside and the outside.

“I think the environment is electric in the group tness room and I really look forward to meeting new participants if they take up WSAC’s awesome o er of a free class.”

Community members are encouraged to wear pink, purple, or their CAV shirts to show their support.

While donations are welcome, participation in the class is completely free, making it an accessible way for everyone to get involved.

Mim is also taking her support for CAV a step further by running the 10km event at the Wangaratta Marathon & Fun Run alongside friends.

“I’m really looking forward to moving with lots of people for this great cause,” she said.

“It’s a wonderful incentive to get

out and go for a run or a walk.”

For Mim, wearing a CAV t-shirt is more than just a show of supportit’s a powerful statement.

“For me, wearing a CAV t-shirt represents solidarity and advocates for social change and hopefully encourages discussions around the issue of violence in relationships.

“As I am a design teacher, I absolutely love the Matisse like shapes and colours that have been selected.

“It not only looks cool but serves as a visual statement for the cause.”

CAV plays a vital role in addressing and preventing family violence and sexual assault.

Their services not only help individuals heal and rebuild their lives but also support a culture of accountability and prevention within the community.

WSAC and Mim’s fundraising and awareness e orts will help amplify this message and encourage more people to stand with CAV.

For more information, about joining team CAV go to: https://centreagainstviolence.org.au/news/ join-team-cav/.

JOIN ME: Fitness instructor Mim Murray will host a free cardio fitness class at WSAC today to support CAV. Everyone is welcome to participate.

Bull Sale

PRIDE HUB REOPENS IN WANGARATTA, STRENGTHENING LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY SUPPORT

THE region’s rst Pride Hub has moved and is set to reopen at a new location in Wangaratta’s West End.

The reopening event is to take place from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, February 15.

This milestone marks a renewed commitment to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community in North East Victoria through advocacy, social connection, and essential services.

The Pride Hub, which originally opened in 2023, o ers a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ people, their families, and allies to gather, connect, seek support, and access services.

The new space at 38B Larkings Street, Wangaratta, features an o ce space, program/meeting room, and retail shop.

Activities scheduled over the next few months

include Dungeons and Dragons sessions, cra a ernoons, community meals, peer support groups, and individual peer mental health support.

“The Pride Hub has been a vital, safe space for community over the past two years, and we’re incredibly excited to see it grow and expand in our new location,” Alice Meravi, the Wangaratta chair of LINE (LGBTQIA+ In The North East), stated.

Allison Winters, LINE Wangaratta executive o cer, added that their team were so proud to continue to deliver this project in the community.

“Over the past 12 months, we’ve coordinated over 50 free activities, events, and programs, and we’re looking forward to continuing to deliver this to meet community needs,” they said.

The reopening event will feature opportunities to learn more about the programs and services available at the hub.

Community members, services, and organisations are warmly invited to attend and show their support for fostering an inclusive and diverse Wangaratta.

LINE Wangaratta Inc is a community-led notfor-pro t charity that coordinates social inclusion programs and events, aims to connect and support, raises awareness in the community, encourages services and businesses to be LGBTQIA+ inclusive, and has a vision of change in the North East region.

More information about LINE Wangaratta at www.linewangaratta.org or www.facebook.com/ linewangaratta/

December’s figures may see the end of “inflation curse”

By GRACE FREDSBERG

FOR the rst time in three years, the annual in ation rate has dropped below three per cent, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

In ation gures released to the public two weeks ago have generated speculation over whether interest rate cuts could happen at the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) meeting next Tuesday.

The annual trimmed mean - a measure of underlying ination - was 3.2 per cent in the December quarter, down from 3.6 per cent in the September quarter.

The ABS has reported that

the consumer price index has dropped to 2.4 per cent in the past 12 months to the December quarter, meeting the target band published by the RBA.

Electricity, new dwelling prices, health expenditures and automotive fuel prices are the chief contributors to the slowing in ation, according to Dr Issac Gross, an economics lecturer from Monash Business School.

The ABS also reported that the annual goods in ation is the lowest it has been since 2016, while services, including childcare and insurance, remain at a high.

Dr Gross said these gures are promising and a strong

indication that the “in ation curse” has ended.

“While the unemployment rate remains low, this low ination should give the RBA scope to cut interest rates at its next meeting and maybe even again in May,” he said.

In light of this new data, the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) has called on the RBA to lower interest rates for Australian citizens.

“With in ation consistently falling and rmly in the target band, it’s hard to justify leaving rates this high,” said ACOSS CEO Cassandra Goldie.

“Raising the cash rate has dramatically increased nancial stress among people on

low and modest incomes.

“It’s time to nally give people some desperately needed relief.”

Helen Haines, Independent federal MP for Indi, acknowledged the cost of living pressures that still persist even with the slowing rates.

“Many people are struggling at the checkout and the cost of groceries, power bills, and transport is really biting,” she said.

Dr Haines said that households are paying 11 per cent more for groceries compared to what they were 12 months ago, according to research from Compare the Market in January this year, and that

more than 60 per cent of homeowners are nding it hard to pay their mortgage and bills.

“However, the independence of the RBA is critical and we should not foreshadow any decision they may make,” Dr Haines said.

“But I know there are plenty of people hoping for a rate cut in the coming weeks, and I do too.”

Liberal candidate for Indi, James Trenery, said that although latest figures fall within the target band of RBA, inflation figures must continue to subside so interest rates are lowered.

“We really do need to get

that down because it affects interest rates, because it affects cost of living,” he said.

“I’ve been out doorknocking, talking to people in the community, and cost of living is the number one issue.”

Mr Trenery said the Coalition is pushing forward incentives to reduce inflation, including nuclear energy plans.

“Dutton’s put out a discussion and plan around reducing power [costs], and we’re having a bit more of a sensible conversation around it too since he spoke about nuclear, so that’s been very important,” Mr Trenery said.

NEW CHAPTER: Allison Winters, LINE executive o icer, is confident that the hub’s new location will appeal to the community. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Lasting impact of daylight robbery

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

AWangaratta man who was held at knifepoint and thwarted an attempted robbery at Sovereign Liquor in Wangaratta said he still feels the ongoing trauma of having his life ashed before his eyes.

The incident occurred on September 9 last year, when the 62-year-old (who requested not to be named) was serving a regular customer at the Greta Road bottle shop.

He said around 2:50pm, the customer alerted the bottle shop attendant to two children “acting weirdly” around the corner of the shop, which prompted the customer to lock their van.

The 62-year-old took a glance from inside at the teens who he recognised from a short time earlier.

They entered the store and asked for water, which the man refused because they were underaged.

Around 3:15pm one of the teens re-entered the store, this time sporting a ski mask.

He said he wanted to borrow the cashier’s phone to call his mother so she could pick him up.

The 62-year-old turned to go and grab his phone and then saw the taller teen, now wearing a bandana, with a four pack of Vodka Cruisers in his arm, walking straight out the door.

He was urged to stop before the teen pulled out a knife, the size of your ordinary carving knife.

“He had it within centimetres to my eye, my cheeks, my stomach and he kept thrusting it at me,” the 62-year-old said.

“I tried to remain calm, even though I felt horror.”

The man said the teen made multiple threats to stab him, while he pleaded with him not to hurt anyone

and to take the drinks.

“I FELT HORROR” –MAN HELD AT KNIFEPOINT IN ATTEMPTED AGGRAVATED BURGLARY

“I backed him up a little bit just trying to calm him down,” he said.

“He then held the knife up in the air and I just took my chance.”

In a spur of the moment decision fueled by adrenaline, the bottle shop attendant made a move to restrain the teen.

“He had one hand full with the drinks in the le and right hand with the knife, I quickly grabbed him by the wrist and twisted his arm,” he said.

“Then with my right hand I grabbed him by the shoulder and the drinks went ying out of his hand and onto the ground.

“I laid on top of him with my arm across his neck trying to hold him down.”

The man said he then screamed for help as he laid on top of the teen.

“The manager is not

It’s so hard to explain how I feel and what’s been going on in my head, I’ve had horrible dreams.

normally there but he was out the back counting the takings for the week and I’m screaming out for help, but he couldn’t hear me,” he said.

The man said he saw the other teen wearing a ski mask come up behind him as he laid on top of the knife wielder, but backed away as two witnesses walked through the door and saw the struggle.

He said the manager nally heard the man’s plea for help and called triple zero.

The man said he restrained the teen for around ve or six minutes

until police arrived and handcu ed him.

O cers also arrested the second teen who was in the parking lot.

The man said he was overwhelmed with emotion in the a ermath.

“I went out and sat on the coolroom trailer at the front and I completely lost it,” he said.

“It was ght or ight, you don’t kxnow what you’re going to do but I just took that chance.

“He could’ve put the knife into my forearm or the side of my body.

“I thought he couldn’t get away with it, you can’t take my eye out or stab me a er all of my years of work.”

The man said he has been diagnosed with PTSD as a result of the incident, seeing a psychologist regularly and hasn’t been back to his former workplace since his actions on that day.

“It’s so hard to explain how I feel and what’s been going on in my head, I’ve had horrible dreams,” he said.

“I’m not comfortable going outside, I’ve got a couple of lovely, big dogs and if I do go out the front of the house I’ll have the dogs with me.

“I’m just nervous about going places or having anyone behind me.

“Unfortunately I’ve

become a bit of a recluse because of this.”

The former bottle shop attendant said he’s had strong support from family and friends, and he now lives with a relative.

He said he misses his interactions with regular customers, with some checking in on him in the past few months.

“I think people need to know this has happened in their own country town… be alert and be aware,” the man said.

The matter was heard at a North East Children’s Court earlier this year, with the 15-year-old Melbourne boy who held the man at knifepoint given a diversion.

Support is available for those who may feel distressed.

Critically endangered birds call North East wetlands home

A NEW pictorial guide to wetland birds of North East Victoria is now available to help the community get to know their local birdlife.

Developed by Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), the guide features 52 wetland birds including critically endangered species such as the Australian Painted-snipe and the Arctic breeding migrant Sharp-tailed Sandpiper.

“Visiting local wetlands and observing birds is a great way to get outdoors and connect with nature,” said Dan Pendavingh, DEECA natural environment program o cer.

“North East Victorian wetlands are critical habitat for an array of wetland birds, including threatened species.

“Wetland-dependent bird species are declining at an alarming rate.

“Of the 52 species listed in the brochure, 14 are threatened and therefore are protected under state and national environmental legislation.

“The fact that they call North East Victoria home makes our wetlands extra special.

“Permanent and temporary wetlands are critical for biodiversity and ecological productivity, so it’s important that we conserve and restore wetland habitats to support their bird populations.”

DEECA’s natural environment program supports the conservation of wetlands on private and public land.

Ongoing work to protect and restore wetland habitats including weed and predator control and

environmental watering is also supported by Catchment Management Authorities and community groups. The wetlands birds guide was developed in partnership with Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, North East Catchment Management Authority, Birdlife Australia, Swamps, Rivers and Ranges and RiverConnect. It adds to the existing collection of North East Victorian ora and fauna brochures developed by DEECA, including reptiles and frogs, wild owers of the foothills and mountains, turtles and sh and woodland birds.

Visit the DEECA website for an online copy and to download the full collection https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/biodiversity/ ora-and-fauna-brochures-of-nevictoria-hume-region.

HOME AMONG GUM TREES: Native birds love Black Swamp at Boorhaman.

DREAMS AND NIGHTMARES: A Wangaratta man said he still has regular nightmares a er he was involved in a burglary attempt at Sovereign Liquor in September last year. PHOTO: Shutterstock

Students building friendships with Sri Lankan pen pals

STUDENTS from Wangaratta Primary School have been making friends across the world through an exciting letter exchange project with students from Dambana Primary School in Sri Lanka.

The initiative, supported by the Rotary eClub of Change Makers, has given students an opportunity to share their lives, culture, and experiences, forming real connections with their Sri Lankan counterparts.

11-year-old Poppy has been one of the most enthusiastic participants, eager to learn more about her pen pals in Dambana.

She said they have already shared details about the Australian weather and seasons, as well as animals native to the country.

“When we got our letters back, my class and I were scrambling on top of each other to get them,” Poppy said.

“I kept reading mine over and over.

“I can’t wait to learn more about their landmarks and what traditional food they eat.”

Rotary volunteer Robyn Jones played a key role in facilitating the exchange, personally delivering letters to Dambana Primary School.

While in Sri Lanka, she taught English through song, introducing students to classics like “Five Little Ducks” and “Wheels On The Bus”.

She also provided teachers with digital recordings of the songs to help students continue learning after her visit.

“This project is about more

By KIM CHING, South Wangaratta Medical Centre

JAPANESE encephalitis (JE) is a serious viral infection caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes.

While most infections are asymptomatic, severe cases can lead to inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), resulting in longterm neurological complications or even death.

JE is not contagious and cannot spread from person to person.

In February 2022, the JE virus was first detected in Victoria, prompting the South Wangaratta Medical Centre and other healthcare providers to offer the JE vaccine to eligible Victorians.

Since then, the vaccination program has been expanded and modified to better protect those at risk.

As of January 2025, a confirmed human case of JE has been identified in a resident of northern Victoria, marking the first case of JE in the state this mosquito season.

Environmental surveillance has also detected the virus in northern Victoria along the Murray River, as well as in mosquitoes and feral pigs in New South Wales.

CONNECTING THROUGH CURIOUSITY: Illustrations by students depict Australian native wildlife to their pen pals in Sri Lanka. INSET: LEARNING: A map of Australia shared with Dambana Primary School.

than just letters,” Robyn said.

“It’s about connection, cultural understanding, and showing students that no matter where we live, we share the same excitement and curiosity about the world.”

The letter exchange is part of the broader Dambana School Project, an initiative improving education, infrastructure, and cultural preservation in Sri Lanka’s Indig-

enous Vedda community.

With the Rotary’s support, the school now has running water for the first time in 35 years, modernised toilets, whiteboards, a laser printer, and a growing library.

The Wangaratta students are eager to keep the friendship growing and are looking forward to writing more letters.

Their dream is a chance to connect through more letters,

video calls and learn more about Sri Lanka’s culture, history, and daily life.

Robyn said the Rotary eClub of Change Makers remains committed to supporting global educational exchanges, enriching students’ perspectives, and strengthening friendships across borders.

For further information, contact Rotary volunteer Robyn Jones on 0432 639 901.

These findings indicate that JE virus is likely circulating in northern Victoria this summer. The JE vaccine is available free of charge for specific groups at higher risk of exposure to the virus, including eligible individuals in 24 high-risk local government areas (LGAs) in northern Victoria.

Priority is given to those living or working in areas with known mosquito activity, particularly near wetlands, rice fields, or other water bodies.

For the most accurate and up-to-date eligibility criteria, please refer to the official Victoria Government health website or consult your local healthcare provider.

Take Action to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent Japanese encephalitis.

If you or your family members fall into the eligible categories, don’t wait - contact the South Wangaratta Medical Centre or your local healthcare provider to schedule your vaccination.

For more information, visit the Victoria Government health website or speak to a medical professional.

THE SUPERB FAIRY-WREN… A TRULY SUPERB BIRD

By IAN DAVIDSON & CHRIS TAZAROS

ONE of the great things about living in North East Victoria is being able to observe wildlife in their natural state, even in our gardens and parks.

A spectacular example of this is the delightful Superb Fairy-wren, which is seen in family groups wherever suitable dense understory vegetation exists and no cats are present.

Quiet observation near grassy areas next to shrubbery can be rewarded with amazing scenes of these birds feeding, playing, teaching and squabbling amongst each other, seemingly unafraid of human presence.

It can allow the observer to forget about the problems in the human world and lose oneself in the natural world.

With gleaming, velvety blue-andblack plumage, the male Superb Fairy-wren is easily distinguished and is undoubtedly the reason the species got its name the “Superb” Fairy-wren.

Brightly plumaged males are often accompanied by a band of brown “jenny wrens”, often assumed to be a harem of females, but a proportion of these are males which have not yet attained their breeding plumage.

Females and young birds are mostly brown with a dull red-orange area around the eye and a brown bill.

Females have a pale, greenish gloss, absent in young birds, on their otherwise brown tail.

The legs are brown in both sexes. Superb Fairy-wrens feed on insects and other small arthropods, including spiders and ants, which are caught

mostly on the ground, but may also be taken from bushes.

Feeding generally takes place in small social groups.

However, being sedentary (stay within a defined home range) they need to find food year-round; for example, in winter when little food is available, they can be seen foraging in the canopy or trunks of trees.

Their untidy nest is a dome-shaped structure of grasses and other fine material with a clutch of three or four eggs. It is usually placed in a low bush and is made by the female.

The female incubates the eggs alone, but both sexes feed the young.

Other members of the group will also help with the feeding of the young.

Their natural habitats in the region include patches of rushes and sedges adjoining creeklines and rivers, woodlands with patches of low shrubs, as well as urban parks and gardens.

Luckily, the Superb Fairy-wren is still common in and around Wangaratta and surrounding towns and farms wherever suitable habitat exists.

Quiet observation near a bird bath at this time of year can often yield good sightings.

If you have access to binoculars, the colours and antics of these exquisite birds are a wonder to witness.

However, if you would like to enjoy them in your garden or nearby parkland, it is essential that pet cats are not allowed to roam free outside, because these mostly ground dwelling birds have little hope of escaping their predation.

WEDNESDAY 26TH FEBRUARY, ALBURY 5:30PM

As spots are limited please call to register your interest, Helloworld Albury, Wodonga, Wangaratta and Bright. Beer, wine and nibbles provided.

BRILLIANT HUES:

A striking male Superb Fairy-wren.

PHOTO: Chris Tzaros (Birds Bush and Beyond).

By CORAL COOKSLEY

INDIGO Shire is a step closer to be recognised on the world stage with Victoria’s Gold elds added to the Australia’s World Heritage Tentative List last Friday.

Announced by the Federal Government, it’s a rst formal step on the path to World Heritage status, celebrating extraordinary history, culture, and heritage of Victoria’s goldrush era.

The Victorian gold elds are home to the most extensive and best surviving goldrush landscapes in the world.

The project has been a partnership between state and federal governments,

First Nations groups, 15 local councils (including Indigo Shire), as well other organisations now continuing to work together to develop the nomination and begin the World Heritage process.

Indigo Shire’s inclusion in the bid consortium is due to the strength of its gold rush heritage, speci cally the National Heritage Listed Beechworth Historic Precinct and the distinctive sluicing and water mining techniques (and relics) used throughout the Shire.

Beechworth History and Heritage chair Jamie Kronborg welcomed the Victorian Gold elds’ addition to Australia’s World Heritage Tentative List.

Victoria’s goldfields added to Australia’s World Heritage Tentative List

“Gold discoveries in the 1850s led to a great migration of people from all parts of the world to what became Beechworth, Rutherglen, Chiltern, Stanley and Yackandandah,” he said.

“What that led to is all around us – remnant mining landscapes, artefacts, colonial-era streetscapes and signi cant buildings in the heart of our Indigo towns.

“But the miners’ diversity and aspiration also gave us an invaluable cultural legacy.

“In response to the colonial government’s exorbitant gold licence fee (about $190 per month), miners on Spring Creek and elsewhere petitioned intelligently, peaceably and in great

numbers for equality and the right to vote.

“It was an ambition superbly expressed just a few years later in the purpose and neoclassical design of Beechworth Town Hall.

“Architect J. J. Coe called his design ‘Verbum spei’ –‘Word of hope’ – acknowledging the miners’ successful campaign for electoral representation.

“This powerful story of democracy is one to celebrate and last year’s National Heritage Listing of Beechworth’s Historic Precinct and potential World Heritage Listing provide the frameworks for it to be told.

Mr Kronborg said there was more to tell about what

happened in these Indigo communities and how they developed socially, culturally and economically.

“World Heritage Listing would be a terri c achievement, but Indigo communities need to nd out what the bene ts and impacts could be,” he said.

“We should take care to ensure that listing would work in our communities’ best interests, not just for economic ones.”

A bid spokesperson said achieving UNESCO World Heritage status will bring extensive bene ts to the region’s local communities including economic and social revitalisation, strengthening regional identity, building

community pride and providing educational opportunities.

A 2024 economic assessment found that the listing could see 2.5 million new visitors to the Victorian Goldelds region over 10 years, with an estimated visitor spending increase into local economies of more than $500 million.

Indigo mayor Sophie Price said World Heritage Listing will see a surge in cultural heritage tourism and an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary stories that form our history.

“It will also mean signicant investment in conservation and preservation,” she said.

Military vehicles getting geared up to roll on in to Corowa for annual event on March 10 - 16

THE 45th Annual Swim-In and Military Vehicle Gathering, the largest in the southern hemisphere, will be held in Corowa from March 10 to 16.

Presented by Khaki Vehicle Enthusiasts Incorporated, it will be Year of the Mack and Unimog, but owners of all types of military

vehicles are welcome to enter. Veterans and vehicles will be reunited in the Club Corowa carpark on Thursday, March 13 from 11am to 2pm with all ex-service veterans and personnel are invited along to be reunited with restore vehicles they may well have driven or rode in, with

a military band from Kapooka also in attendance.

On Saturday, March 15 there will be a street parade leaving Bangerang Park at 9am, travelling down Sanger Street and to the showgrounds were there will be a static display and swap meet.

The majority of vehicles attending the event are of World War 2 vintage. They include many Jeeps, Blitzes, Dodge Weapons Carriers, Studebakers, GMC trucks, White Scout Cars, Chev trucks, Ford trucks, Bren Gun Carriers, Harley Davidson motorcycles, Amphibious Jeeps,

DUKWs and many more.

The event also attracts members with post-WW2 vehicles including Land Rovers, Saracen Armoured Cars, Ferret Scout Cars, HUMVEE [Hummer], ACCO Internationals and many others. For more information visit www. corowaswim-in.org.

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEKEND

BEAUTY ABOUNDS IN THE BIRDS AND THE TREES

By ANITA MCPHERSON

THE rst solo exhibition by new resident artist Karen Brown, has opened at the Art Gallery on Ovens in Wangaratta this week.

Called The Birds and The Trees, it celebrates the beauty of the ordinary, the obvious and the overlooked in our surrounds, with many of the works inspired by what can be seen and found during Karen’s regular walks along the banks of the beautiful Murray River near her home in Albury.

Karen’s realistic and detailed artworks encourage the viewer to look a little closer at their environment, taking note of the delicate colour and structure of foliage such as eucalyptus leaves.

“The exhibition is what I’d called Aussie bush-themed, featuring native species and birdlife,” she said.

“When I go for a walk along the river I’m just surrounded by beautiful leaves in all their di erent colours and forms.”

“I always say nature is perfectly imperfect - no two things are the same - and the colour palette of the eucalyptus leaves can vary greatly, including some quite deep purples.”

While Karen has worked in many mediums including acrylics, watercolour, oils, pastels, inks, printmaking and sculpture - she says her passion is drawing.

This exhibition includes works using graphite and coloured pencils, ink stippling

and acrylic painting.

In recent years, Karen has begun holding workshops, along with private tutoring, to teach coloured pencil techniques to others.

She hopes to develop an interest in, and change the perception of, coloured pencils

amongst the arts and wider community.

Come and see The Birds and The Trees at the Art Gallery on Ovens in the laneway o Murphy Street today and Monday from 10am until 4pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 2pm, with entry is free.

Hear the soundtrack of generations live

Moyhu Lions monthly market tomorrow

THE next Moyhu Lions Market will be held on Saturday, February 15 at the Moyhu Lions Park in Moyhu from 8am to 12pm.

There will be a wide variety of stalls, a homegrown vegetable display, with delicious, freshly made Bruschetta on the breakfast menu from the Moyhu Lions Club.

Tickets will also be available for the monthly raffle with the chance to win a $100 meat voucher.

Outdoor Ball in Merriwa Park

ENJOY live music and dancing with family and friends when the Rural City of Wangaratta presents the Outdoor Ball on Saturday, February 15 from 6pm to 10pm in Merriwa Park.

The free community event will feature live music by one of Australia’s top Latin Bands, Zona 7, with a variety of food and drink options from local vendors, including a selection of local beer and wine (no BYO alcohol, glass containers and knives, including cheese knives).

An optional VIP table which seats up to 10 guests can also be booked for $100 at events.humanitix.com/2025-wangarattaoutdoor-ball-table-bookings.

Wangaratta Players presents Baskerville

SEE Wangaratta Players Inc’s presentation of the Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville - A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, which is delighting audiences at the Stage Door Studio in Wangaratta.

From the multi-award-winning playwright comes a fast-paced adventure about everyone’s favourite detective duo Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson as they endeavour to crack the mystery of “The Hound of the Baskervilles” before a family curse dooms its newest heir. Watch as the intrepid investigators try to escape a dizzying web of clues, silly accents, disguises and deceit as the actors deftly portray more than 40 characters.

ABBA tribute band Bjorn Again to put on a Valentines Day show in Wangaratta

By JORDAN DUURSMA

THE world’s number one ABBA tribute band, Bjorn Again, is headed to Wangaratta for their Waterloo Anniversary Tour on February 14 at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre.

The band will celebrate the golden jubilee of ABBA’s historic Eurovision Song Contest victory in 1974 with ‘Waterloo’ – a moment that changed music history forever and catapulted ABBA into the hearts and minds of music lovers across the globe.

Band member Agnetha Falstart said the audience can expect a sing-a-long, dance-a-long extravaganza with all of the best hits of ABBA.

“We like to get everyone dancing and having the time of their lives whether they are life long fans of ABBA or new fans from the Mamma Mia movies,” she said.

“It’ll be a massive party as it’s the rst time we’ve been in Wangaratta since 2022.

“The whole band is so excited.”

Bjorn Again is a globally recognised show performing across the globe to critical acclaim and is endorsed by the original members of ABBA.

Agnetha said what makes the show special is that they are paying tribute to ABBA, one of the biggest pop bands in history and celebrating the launch of it all

with 50 years of their Eurovision win with their hit ‘Waterloo’.

“We really like to see everyone smiling and dancing and getting into the music for the show, and sharing the music that has joined generations together,” she said.

“Everyone is so passionate about the show, having a great time on stage and making sure our audiences are having fun.

“With so much great music to perform, we really have an extravagant show with amazing visuals, musicians and some stun-

ning out ts with glitter, sequins and platform shoes - it really is a massive party.”

Bjorn Again was formed in Melbourne in 1988 by John Tyrrell and Rod Stephen.

The band performed its rst show in 1989 and has now performed in over 120 countries worldwide.

Agnetha said it is important to the band to get to regional areas.

“We love to make our shows accessible for everyone and travelling to areas like Wangaratta

where we have a lot of fans,” she said.

“Touring regionally not only gives people the chance to experience ABBA songs live, but allows people who aren’t in metropolitan areas to enjoy our concert in their hometown.

“Plus, we get to see the beautiful town every time we come back.”

For more information, visit https://www.wpacc.com.au/WhatsOn/Bjorn-Again-Waterloo-Anniversary-Tour.

Limited tickets remain for shows on February 14, 15, 21 and 22 at 7.30pm, and on February 16 and 23 at 2pm, so get them now at trybooking.com/CXPSH.

Golden Needles embroidery at Bainz Gallery

AN exhibition by the North Eastern branch of the Embroiderers Guild of Victoria, celebrating 50 years in Wangaratta, is on display at the Bainz Gallery at the Wangaratta Library during February.

Golden Needles features a wide range of works by members showcasing the variety of techniques and materials available to the contemporary embroiderer.

In addition to individual works, there is also a group work of “frog” inspired embroidery panels on display, created in conjunction with the Peechelba Machine Embroidery Group.

Wangaratta community market

THE Wangaratta community market runs every Sunday at Moore Than Swimming, located at 11-13 Mason Street in Wangaratta, from 8am until 1pm. There are a wide range of stalls to browse with new and used items, plants, fruit and veg and more, with refreshments available, and the Wang Repair Café also on site this weekend. Stalls are available for just $20 each (no bookings required) and car boot sales are welcome for $15, with more information via the market’s Facebook page or call Sheree on 0401 665 886.

GLOBAL SENSATION: Hear the world’s number one ABBA tribute band, Bjorn Again, live in concert on February 14 at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Conventions Centre.

EYE FOR DETAIL: Resident artist Karen Brown invites the community to see a collection of her artworks on display at the Art Gallery on Ovens this weekend.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

GREAT news for shers of the North East region, as VFA’s stocking of numerous sh species has broken previous records held by the shery.

The Allan Labor Government is bolstering sh stocks in 11 waterways across regional Victoria, helping to improve the populations of threatened sh species.

Minister for Outdoor Recreation and Environment Steve Dimopoulos announced the successful stocking of a record 141,000 trout cod and nearly 100,000 Macquarie perch into 11 waterways backed by a $15 million investment into expanding sh hatcheries.

“Our investment into growing our hatcheries is paying dividends and will mean more sh in our rivers and lakes across the state,” he said.

Mr Dimopoulos said that “record stocking of trout cod” is an imperative step forward in aiding the recovery of this threatened species.

Fortunately, ve waters shared in the 141,000 trout cod ngerlings that were released, which is nearly triple the previous best of 51,000 ngerlings in 2001.

Amongst them were the Campaspe and Kiewa rivers, where Trout cod have been absent for decades, along with Corryong Creek,

and the Goulburn and King rivers.

The King River welcomed 30,000 Trout cod and 10,000 Macquarie perch ngerlings.

Meanwhile, 10,000 sh were stocked in the Ovens River, and an-

NEWCOMERS GATHER AT INTERMEZZO

WANGARATTA

Newcomers held their latest gathering on Thursday at Intermezzo Café.

The group’s monthly events are a chance for meet for a cuppa, a chat and to meet new people, especially for those who are new to the area.

For more information on the Wangaratta Newcomers, phone Susan on 0412 497 183, Joy on 0401 843 815 or Ann on 0435 275 864.

other 12,660 in the Bu alo River.

Like Trout cod, Macquarie perch were once abundant in northern rivers, but had declined signi cantly.

“As a kid, I remember my great uncle Bill Winnell telling me about the Bluenose cod (Trout cod) and Macquarie Perch that were once abundant in the Ovens River in Wangaratta,” said Wangaratta recreational sher, Robbie Alexander.

“These sh were almost mythical to me as a kid and now they are a common by-catch.”

Their recovery has been prioritised through stocking, habitat restoration, monitoring and dedicated research.

The VFA’s Snobs Creek team and partners are pursuing the holy grail of ‘Cracking the Code’ to breed Macquarie perch in captivity, reducing the need to source fish from the wild every breeding season.

In a rst for the program, male Macquarie perch that were bred at Snobs Creek in 2019 and 2020 have now been used to fertilise eggs from wild females, to produce some of this season’s ngerlings.

For the full list of stocked waters and sh numbers, visit https://vfa. vic.gov.au/recreational-fishing/ fish-stocking/trout-cod-and-macquarie-perch-stockings-2024.

SES courts new members

Friday, February 13, 2015

By SHANE DOUTHIE

THIS Valentine’s Day

the Wangaratta SES is spreading the love inviting prospective recruits along to an information session at their Millard Street headquarters.

The local SES is one of the strongest in regional Victoria with 30 members ready to assist the community in local emergencies from road accidents and storm damage to missing persons and river rescues, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

“We have a wide variety of roles for volunteers, male and female, with half active in operational duties and the other half in administration and support,” said Wangaratta SES unit controller Catherine Russell.

“Our members range in

age from 18 years old to their late 70s and they receive nationally recognised training in any field they choose.

“People could have a background or skills in finance, information technology, web design, mechanics; there are no prerequisites in joining.

“Training is weekly in an adult learning environment. It’s competency based so you are learning on the job.

“Once people get into it they just love it.

“There is a lot of

camaraderie and an incredible amount of satisfaction from doing what we do.”

Ms Russell said many members used their SES training to forge new careers gaining qualifications in other fields including as paramedics and nurses.

The information sessions will be held tomorrow at the SES headquarters in Millard Street, Wangaratta from 3pm to 6pm with a free sausage sizzle.

Another session will be held on Wednesday, February 18 from 7pm to 9pm.

Ingrid Snoek and Joy Brooks.

John Cuthbert and Barb Vial.

Susan Cuthbert and Wilma Bright.

JOIN US: SES volunteers Carina Heppell and Elizabeth Frazer want more members. PHOTO: Marc Bongers

Virtual emergency care from your home

By STEVE KELLY

A REGIONAL Victorian mother has urged the community to consider the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) as their go-to option for non-life-threatening medical emergencies.

Robina Saunder was sick with Covid-19 when she suddenly developed a head-to-toe rash and shortness of breath.

She was con dent the condition wasn’t life-threatening, but said the symptoms worried her family.

“I could see the concern on my husband’s face and he asked, ‘do we need to go to the hospital?’,” she said.

“Coincidentally, while this was happening, our neighbour, who is a paramedic, came around to drop o some eggs from her chickens.

“My husband explained what was going on and she told him to contact VVED. It was her advice that prompted us to use it.

“That was the rst time we’d ever heard of it.”

VVED is an Australian- rst video telehealth medical consultation service, run by Northern Health and funded by the Department of Health, for people with non-lifethreatening medical conditions.

It is free to access and sta ed by highly skilled emergency doctors and nurses who can assess and treat patients virtually, arrange referrals

and provide a follow up care plan, if required.

VVED is available across Victoria 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can be accessed by anyone with a mobile device and an internet connection.

Importantly, it helps keep ambulances available for the sickest patients.

Robina’s neighbour, Ambulance Victoria paramedic Kyla Aucote, said VVED was the perfect service for her friend.

“I was quite concerned because a few years ago Robina had an anaphylaxis event with unknown cause, where she had similar symptoms to this and had to be taken to hospital,” Kyla said.

“After speaking to Robina’s husband, I felt the chance of it being that was low, but I knew she needed to see a doctor as soon as possible, so I recommended they use VVED.”

Robina was connected to a VVED nurse almost immediately, then passed on to a doctor who assessed her rash and breathing via video.

“It’s virtual but it’s real and immediate,” Robina said.

“I felt reassured because everyone was so caring and I didn’t have to put others at risk by visiting my GP clinic while Covid-positive.”

The VVED doctor determined Robina required urgent medical treatment and arranged for an am-

IMPORTANT STEP TO PROTECT VICTORIAN CATS AND WILDLIFE

By JORDAN DUURSMA

THE State Government has launched Victoria’s rst ever cat management strategy.

The 10 year strategy aims to improve responsible ownership and education programs, and increase desexing rates, improving the health and wellbeing of domestic cats and protecting Victoria’s unique native wildlife.

The strategy also addresses the challenges of unowned and semi-owned cats, which make up most of the cat intake at shelters.

It will look at ways to promote full and responsible ownership of these cats and target programs to capture, desex and rehome.

Wangaratta Veterinary Clinic’s Dr Lorna Undy said as a veterinarian she loves to see all sorts of animals through the doors, and cats are no exception.

“At Wangaratta Veterinary Clinic we do unfortunately see many unwanted or stray cats that contribute to overpopulation that need desexing or vaccinations,” she said.

“We know that our feline patients who are kept safely indoors or in enriched outdoor enclosures live longer and are safer than those who roam, and we are here to support cat owners and the community to implement this strategy over the next 10 years.”

The strategy is geared towards improving information sharing between councils with successful cat management

hours or take up a hospital bed when I didn’t need it.

“The whole process was simplied. I was so impressed with it.”

Kyla said VVED had been the best development in her 19 years as a paramedic.

“Especially in regional areas where wait times to see GPs can be extremely lengthy, VVED allows timely assessment and treatment which is important to stop the progression of the patient’s illness,” she said.

“It’s also great for the patient as no one wants to drag themselves out of the house when they’re feeling sick.”

She said it’s making an impact in helping ambulances get back on the road quicker a er attending to patients.

“There are some patients that are hard for paramedics to medically clear and normally we would transport them to hospital – now we can clear them by consulting with a doctor through VVED,” Kyla said.

Free Detox your Home event coming

WANGARATTA and district residents are encouraged to clear out sheds and cupboards of unwanted household chemicals and dispose of them at the Detox your Home event, on Saturday, February 22.

Registrations to the event are essential by February 20 at www.sustainability.vic. gov.au/detoxyourhome.

strategies and deliver more exible registration options.

Importantly, the strategy recognises that cat management is a shared responsibility between councils, the State Government, community members and animal welfare organisations.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence said she knows how much Victorians love their pet cats.

“This strategy will help promote responsible cat ownership, while also protecting our environment and native wildlife from cats,” she said.

“This is Victoria’s rst ever cat management strategy, designed to improve the welfare of our domestic cat population while reducing the burden on rescue shelters and nding wild cats a new safe home.”

Cats are much loved companions and family members, but growing cat populations bring challenges.

These include a threat to native wildlife and an increasing demand on councils and shelters.

Victoria is home to more than 227,000 registered cats, along with a signi cant number of unregistered, unowned or feral cats in Victoria.

Minister for Environment

Steve Dimopoulos said developed with expert advice, this strategy will help better safeguard the native wildlife while helping more cats to nd a new loving home.

To read the cat management strategy, visit agriculture.vic.gov. au/livestock-and-animals.

bulance to be sent to her house, where the paramedics could administer medication without needing to transport her to hospital.

“Within the hour I was ne,” Robina said.

“I didn’t have to show up at an emergency department and wait for

“It can save us all a trip to hospital, and we are able to teach the patient that they can access VVED themselves in future.”

Some other options available when people need timely medical care and health advice but don’t need to visit an ED or an emergency ambulance include Urgent Care Clinics, Nurse on Call, local GPs and pharmacists.

LOOKING AFTER FURRY FRIENDS: Dr Lorna Undy from the Wangaratta Veterinary Clinic with Harry the cat.

Once registered, people can drop items at the Council Works Depot, 51-69 Newman Street, Wangaratta between 9am to 12 noon on the day.

Sustainability Victoria has been running the program statewide for more than 30 years.

Detox your Home is a free and convenient service for residents to safely dispose of unwanted everyday household chemicals such as weed killer, pesticides, cleaning chemicals, cosmetics, cooking oil, and more.

Chemicals collected at Detox your Home events include:

• Fuels and ammable liquids – turpentine, methylated spirits, petrol, kerosene, diesel, paint thinners

• Garden – herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, pool chemicals, poisons

• Household – cleaners, bleach, ammonia, oven cleaner, solvents, cooking oil, re extinguishers

• Car – wax, transmission uid, body ller, brake uid.

Common household chemicals do not belong in land ll.

Pouring them down the drain or placing them in kerbside bins pollutes our waterways, harms animals and vegetation.

“Everyone in the community can help keep toxic chemicals out of the environment by registering online and bringing items to the Detox Your Home event,” Sean Ginnivan, waste services coordinator, said.

“It’s a free event that bene ts the environment and the community.”

The items are sorted by quali ed chemists and transported to a specialist waste treatment facility where they are either repurposed, recycled or stored in secure land lls.

Chemicals that can be disposed of also include items you can nd around your home labelled Corrosive 8, Oxidizing agent 5.1, Toxic 6.1, Flammable liquid 3, Flammable solid 4.1, and detergents, glues, re extinguishers and more.

HANDY NEIGHBOUR: Ambulance

Victoria paramedic Kyla Aucote came to the rescue of neighbour Robina Saunder.

FREE CLEAN OUT: Detox your Home of chemicals on Saturday, February 22 for free.

Why regional votes will count this election year

LIZ RITCHIE CEO, Regional Australia Institute (RAI)

THE dawn of a New Year brings with it a sense of hope and optimism and moves us one step closer to our collective vision of ‘rebalancing the nation’ensuring appropriate services and opportunities for all Australians no matter where they reside.

This is particularly front of mind in North Queensland, where incredible scenes of devastation are unfolding a er days of unrelenting rain. The people of this region are no strangers to a ‘big wet’ – but it is clear this ongoing natural disaster will leave a lasting impact and a ect the wider nation at large.

It is why, as we take this vision into 2025, we embrace the upcoming federal election as an opportunity to debate the issues that will shape this vision’s success or failure, ensuring the regions are a part of important national discussions.

Engaging with all leaders, both future and current, on regional Australia’s role within the national agenda is a critical priority. It is a chance for all sides of politics to listen to regional voters and to ensure that the promises they take to the next election, aligns with the current needs of regional Australia and contributes to the future prosperity of all Australians.

Key to prioritising regional Australia in the national debate is broad and deep acceptance of the role regional Australia is set to play in our nation’s future.

We currently feed the nation, power the nation and drive the top 10 exports. We represent 37% of the population, and for the rst time in seven decades, we welcome more city dwellers moving to regions each year, than the opposite direction. Record jobs, a lower cost of living, great communities and wide-open green spaces are some of the key reasons two-in- ve city dwellers (a stark 40%) are considering a move to the regions. So, what are the settings we require to enable this prosperity?

To achieve our vision of rebalancing the nation, we need to ask all our political leaders, current, future and aspiring the question – how well do you know regional Australia?

And this goes beyond our current political and governance environment, because every single ministerial department makes decisions that impact regional, rural and remote Australians. And it is every parliamentarian, Labor, Liberal, National, Green or Independent that has a say in policy making and the passing of legislation.

Are leaders who come from our cities aware of the very di erent challenges in regional Australia, so they can make decisions that propel regional Australia forward?

Are current and future members of our metropolitan seats aware that job vacancies in the regions have grown three times faster than in their own backyard?

Do they know that while cutting migrant numbers can relieve pressure in Melbourne and Sydney, they are already declining in regions

desperate for more skilled labour?

Are current and future members of metropolitan seats aware that while childcare is an issue in cities, the situation is dire in regional areas, which is creating a hand brake on social and economic opportunities for families and communities?

Does every urban politician appreciate what it means for regional Australia to be hosting 90% of Australia’s renewable energy projects – leading the energy transition and facing one of the biggest transformations in a generation?

Do they understand the liveability and service challenges this is placing on our regional communities, who were already hampered from multigenerational under-investment?

Housing, health, education and workforce training. Can you even imagine for a moment what it feels like to be told the local GP’s books are closed due to demand with no emergency facility within 300km?

Parties and politicians who

Urban and regional communities have di erent needs, they vote di erently and despite the smaller regional population, their vote can shi the balance of power.

focus on city-centric, one size ts all policy agendas, ignoring the challenges of regional Australia, will ultimately risk votes.

Anyone who still believes there ‘aren’t enough votes’ to matter in the regions, haven’t yet looked under the hood of recent elections.

At the 2022 federal election

Labor clinched power by swinging metropolitan seats. However, of the 18.5% of seats that swung towards the Liberal and National parties on two-party preferred preferences, 61% were in regional and rural areas. In the last Queensland election, the swing

right was modest in the cities but deemed huge in the regions.

In the United States, the surge in rural Republican votes was reported as ‘backlash’ to unpopular Democratic agriculture policy not focused on the needs of rural communities, and credited as one of the big contributors to a Trump win.

Urban and regional communities have di erent needs, they vote di erently and despite the smaller regional population, their vote can shi the balance of power.

Regional Australian communities want to hear how

policy, both present and future, will impact them and the speci c challenges they face. While issues like cost of living, housing and jobs are shared with metropolitan areas, the impact of relevant policies is o en very di erent.

If Australia wants to fast track to a more productive and prosperous nation, we need to shi our gaze to regional Australia.

As Australia’s only think tank focused on regional Australia, we continue to share the data and evidence that showcases the very real renaissance that is happening before our eyes – yet our capital cities or swinging seats continue to take centre stage.

Let’s not repeat history, let’s ensure that a vision for our nation has a vision for our regions at its centre. Over the coming months we’ll be sharing our plan for the future that propels our Regionalisation Ambition. We’d love to hear your ideas for the future as well – collective action is the only action worthy of pursuing.

Quality family home with space and terrific views

LOCATED in the historical township of Glenrowan just minutes’ walk to the town centre is 13 Hill Street.

It was completed in 2023 with four bedrooms, two bathrooms on a large 1252m2 allotment.

The stylish kitchen is fitted with electric cooking appliances, stone benchtops, double sink and large breakfast bar.

There is an abundance of under bench and overhead storage and also includes generous walk-in pantry.

The kitchen, dining and living areas are all fitted with contemporary vinyl plank flooring.

These main living areas are drenched

in natural light through the large windows taking in the mountain views.

Main bedroom features a huge walkin robe and full ensuite with double vanities.

A further three bedrooms are all fitted with built-in robes.

The main bathroom is well designed with separate shower, bath and vanity.

A separate toilet at the entrance to the bathroom is conveniently located.

A large walk-in linen provides generous storage.

Heating and cooling are well catered for with fully ducted refrigerated system throughout.

Externally, the undercover entertain-

ing area is fitted with a ceiling fan for comfort and has stunning views of Mount Glenrowan.

Lawns and garden are well established and there is a concrete path around the entire house.

The property is connected to town water and septic along with a 22,500lt tank.

Only 15 minutes to the Wangaratta CBD, 13 Hill Street, Glenrowan offers great space, a quality home with stunning views, in near new condition all within walking distance to the Glenrowan township.

Please call Hugh Amery on 0487 777 311 to arrange your private inspection.

QUALITY

design, this beautiful home is in the desirable Waldara Park Estate opposite the reserve capturing creek views.

Positioned in a quiet location, it provides a low maintenance yard without any compromise on living space.

There are three bedrooms, two-bathrooms with the primary bedroom offering a full ensuite and walk-in robe.

The clever design captures an abundance of natural light and offers a contemporary open plan kitchen, living and dining with direct access to the alfresco area and rear yard.

Location | 13 Creek View End, Wangaratta

A fully secure double lockup carport includes internal access to the home.

The central kitchen is well appointed with stainless cooking appliances, dishwasher, breakfast bar and ample storage.

Main bathroom provides a separate bath and shower.

The second living area and designated study nook completes the home.

Ducted gas heating and evaporative cooling ensures the perfect climate all year round.

The home is perfectly located to take advantage of the Wangaratta golf course, walking/bike tracks, schools and sporting facilities.

This fantastic property is ideal for any family, downsizer or investment.

Please call Danial Siperki on 0400 027 473 to arrange your private inspection.

Doing cycle safety together for Lake Hume challenge

CYCLE Safety partner for Lake Hume Cycle Challenge, RoadSafe North East, is encouraging all cyclists and motorists to think and act ‘safety rst’ for this year’s event on this Sunday, February 16.

Working closely with organisers in the lead up to the event, RoadSafe North East aims to promote a mindset of shared respect between cyclists and motorists, reminding all road users they are one community on the road and everyone has the right to ride and travel safely for work, sport and play.

RoadSafe North East ambassador Glenn Clarke (former Olympic and Commonwealth Games cyclist) said supporting events such as the Lake Hume Cycle Challenge is an important part of its campaign to raise awareness of minimum passing distances, keeping cars and cyclists safely apart and saving lives on the roads.

“In the lead up to the Lake Hume Cycle Challenge and on event day, there will be a much larger presence of cyclists on our country roads,” he said.

“Cyclists have every right to be on the road, and motorists should not be surprised, nor resentful of their presence.

“We strongly urge motorists to be generous when passing and give at least 1.5 metres safe passing distance, between the vehicle and the cyclist.

“A er overtaking, ensure you are well clear of the cyclist before moving back into the lehand lane.

“Please don’t ‘shave’ or ‘squeeze’ past the cyclist - this is all sorts of scary and dangerous.

“If there isn’t su cient space to pass, just hold back and wait until it’s safe to pass.”

Mr Clarke said drivers need to be mindful that the road rules allow cyclists to ride two abreast or to ride in bunches.

“This gives them a bolder presence on the road is much safer than riding in single le, which can encourage drivers to pass too closely,” he said.

RoadSafe North East’s Electronic Display Board will be placed in a highly visible location on the Murray Valley Highway, Bonegilla (just west of the intersection with Mahers/Bonegilla Roads) in the lead up week to this year’s event on Sunday, February 16.

The sign will display messages about the event date, as well as a visual reminder about the need to look for cyclists, slow down and take care when passing.

Mr Clarke will also be running Kids Rider Bike Education skills sessions at the event start/ nish at Ebden Reserve on Lake Hume, from 8.15am to 10.45am.

The RoadSafe North East trailer will be set up with kids bikes and helmets provided at the skills course location.

Bird flu at Euroa property

AGRICULTURE Victoria has praised the quick actions of a Euroa poultry property as it conrmed on Saturday the presence of avian in uenza at the site, which has now been placed into quarantine.

Diagnostic testing performed by the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness at Geelong con rmed the strain found is the highly pathogenic H7N8, which is di erent from those strains that were eradicated in outbreaks in Victoria, New South Wales, and ACT last year.

The strain detected is also di erent from the H5N1 avian in uenza strain that is impacting the USA and other parts of the world.

Agriculture Victoria sta are on

the ground to assist the disease’s control, support the business, and investigate further.

A control order under the Livestock Disease and Control Act 1994 is being established, which includes a restricted area extending approximately 5km around the impacted property and a control area in the eastern part of the Strathbogie Shire.

Bird owners are warned to not transport birds in this area.

Victoria’s acting chief veterinarian Cameron Bell praised the poultry business for alerting AgrVict as soon as they suspected the presence of disease in their ock.

‘Avian in uenza is commonly spread by wild birds, and unfortunately, despite the business having

excellent biosecurity controls in place, poultry have been infected,” Dr Bell said.

“The business has acted quickly to identify the infection within the ock and are working closely with Agriculture Victoria o cers to contain the outbreak.”

Avian in uenza is a viral disease of birds and is found globally.

Virus strains are described as low pathogenicity (LPAI) or high pathogenicity (HPAI).

While cases among humans in direct contact with animals infected with highly pathogenic strains are possible, the current risk to the public remains low.

Every poultry and egg producer should have an on-farm biosecurity plan and know the signs of diseases

that could a ect their animals.

All poultry and bird owners across Victoria are reminded to follow best biosecurity practices such as keeping poultry sheds, yards, aviaries, and equipment clean and restrict contact between poultry and wild birds.

Agriculture Victoria said consumers should not be concerned about eggs and poultry products from the supermarkets, they do not pose a risk and are safe to consume.

Poultry farmers, backyard ock and bird owners are urged to report any cases of unexplained bird deaths to the 24hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or to their local vet.

Paragliders from around the world take flight at Bright

By PHOEBE MORGAN

ALMOST 100 competitors launched from Bright’s Mystic Hill on the rst day of the week-long Paragliding Open on Sunday, o ering a very colourful display as they took o .

While the rst day of the competition was called o due to an impending thunderstorm, the event will run until Saturday, February 15, with competitors aiming for two clear days of racing.

“Bright is an excellent location,” event organiser Martin Joyce said.

“There’s a lot of di erent routes we can y in this area, which is ideal for competitions.

“Flying up and down the Kiewa Valley and Ovens Valley is a beautiful thing to behold.

“The Open takes a lot of organising, which starts as soon as the previous event ends: around 35 percent of our pilots come from overseas and another 30 percent are from interstate.

“There’s an international database of competitions hosted all around the world, so we try to organise events here during summer when it’s winter overseas.

“National events like the Bright and Corryong Opens help to nd new champions and get the rankings for the Australian pilots.”

The competition works like a sailing race: all 90 competitors start up in the air inside a circle, where they navigate to by GPS.

When everyone is in position, their instruments beep to mark the start of the race.

They y past other GPS markers around a circuit and the rst person to complete the circuit is the winner.

“The success of these events is very much dependent on the grace and permission of the local landowners, who remain patient when we land in their properties,” president of the North East Victoria Hang Gliding Club, Roger Turner, said.

“We’re very mindful of paddocks that have been listed as out-of-bounds when we host events and aim for the designated landing zones at all times.

“There should be an incredible and colourful spectacle for people in the Bright area this week and we hope everyone has a great time.”

Brian Jessen from Luxemburg said he was only a spectator during this tournament and looked forward to seeing other pilots’ talent on display.

“I’ve been to a lot of tournaments with lots of talented pilots,” Mr Jessen said.

“It’s good to be here just as a spectator and not in the competition this year, because I went up for a ight yesterday which was absolutely beautiful.”

The championship has been running for approximately 30 years, allowing competitors to get the best view of the region from the air.

The Bright Brewery is one of the main sponsors, with Icom Radios Australia and the Alpine Shire Council.

TIME TRIAL: Launch was slightly delayed on Sunday morning as each paraglider had to wait for the perfect air current to take o . PHOTOS:

▶ GROUP GLIDE: All five lanes at the Mystic Hill launch pad were open to get gliders in the air as quickly as possible.

Phoebe Morgan

QUICK ACTION: A new and more deadly strain of bird flu has been found at a Euroa poultry property. AgVic has quarantined the are and an area with a 5km radius.

RIDE SAFE: RoadSafe North East ambassador Glenn Clarke will be running Kids Rider Bike Education skills sessions during the Lake Hume Cycle Challenge this Sunday.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Deepal S07 takes tech to a whole new level

By

DEEPAL is a sub-brand of Changan Automobile which is the fourth largest Chinese brand behind BYD, Geely and SAIC.

It is imported here through Inchcape who also bring in Subaru and Peugeot vehicles.

The first model to come here is the S07, a mid-sized SUV that will compete against EVs including the Tesla Model Y, Subaru Solterra, Toyota bZ4X, Ioniq 5 and Kia EV5, all of which are more expensive.

Deepal S07 comes in a single variant priced at $53,900 plus on-road costs.

STYLING

Opinions seem divided on the external appearance of the Deepal S07 which, although classed as an SUV, isn’t far o looking like a large hatchback.

We were immediately turned o by the huge chiselled shape at the front with large triangular openings on either side with a patterned interior and small foglights at the top.

There’s LED lighting all around the vehicle including a three-piece cloverlike design to the headlights and tapered daytime running lights.

The three-part design is repeated on either side of the full-width rear brake lights.

The S07 comes with 19-inch alloys as standard with optional 20-inchers.

Frameless windows add an attractive appearance.

The panoramic sunroof extends over the entire length and width of the vehicle.

The interior trim is available in two standard colours: Black or Orange.

INTERIOR

■ CUTTING-EDGE TECH: Drive in style - and be protectedwith Deepal S07’s impressive safety features.

AT A GLANCE

While almost every current new vehicle relies on a dashboard-mounted touchscreen for a variety of controls and settings, Deepal S07 takes this to another level.

It e ectively has no dashboard, no driver’s instrument screen, physical controls or knobs.

Virtually everything is controlled through a 15.6-inch screen.

The only thing directly in front of the driver is a camera mounted on the steering column that monitors driver inattention – more on that in our drive impressions.

The positive aspects of the Deepal’s touchscreen are its size, shape and location.

Rather than spanning most of the dashboard, as is becoming common in other vehicles, it automatically tilts towards the driver bringing it within easy reach.

In place of an instrument cluster, many of the most important drive settings can be included in a excellent customisable head-up display that overcomes much of the need to look at the touchscreen.

Strangely, the air conditioning vents cannot be adjusted either manually or through the screen – or if they can, we couldn’t find how.

Rear seat passengers get their own climate control panel between the front seats which also allows the front passenger seat and the sunroof to be adjusted.

Boot space is 445 litres with the rear seatbacks in place, expanding to 1385 litres when they are folded.

There is also a useful 125 litres in the trunk (ie. under the bonnet), a convenient spot for the charging cables.

POWERTRAIN

Power comes from a single, rear-mounted electric motor that generates 160 kW and 320 Nm from a 79.97 kWh ternary lithium battery.

Energy consumption is listed as 18.8 kWh per 100 kilometres with a claimed range under the WLTP system of 475 kilometres.

Maximum AC charge rate is 11 kW and DC is 92 kW.

SAFETY

Deepal S07 has just been tested by ANCAP and achieved all five stars.

In addition to the normal statutory safety features, including seven airbags, Deepal S07 comes with front collision warning, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist alert, lane keep assist, rear cross tra c alert and braking, lane departure warning, lane change assist and centre control and rear collision warning.

There are also front and rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, automatic crash unlocking, adaptive cruise control, intelligent speed limit alert, tra c sign recognition and tyre pressure monitoring.

Last, and very much least, is the driver attention alert which is activated whenever the driver takes their eyes of the road for even a couple of seconds.

The quite insulting message is “Please Concentrate”

which ignores the fact that so much attention need to be directed to the touchscreen.

The alert is not only harsh but carried on for up to 10 seconds.

Fortunately, there is a shortcut on the screen that enables it to be turned o quite easily along with the other usual suspects – very sensitive speed limit alert and lane correction.

We don’t object to these features in principle.

After all they are there to protect bad drivers and no doubt serve that purpose well.

DRIVING

There’s a fair bit to learn prior to hitting the road with the Deepal S07.

First up, the doors will automatically unlock and the thin handles pop out when the vehicle senses the keyless fob.

When you enter, you’re greeted by a “Welcome to Deepal” voice message.

Annoying, but it does clarify that the name should be pronounced like ‘steeple’ rather than ‘dee-pal’ as I’d been doing.

Next thing, there’s no start button, just select the gear from the column stalk and you’re ready to go, although most drivers will precede that by turning o any unwanted alarms.

There are no interior door handles.

Instead, they are unlocked through one of four buttons on the front armrests – one touch unlocks the door and a second one opens it.

The other three buttons control the windows and manually lock and unlock the doors.

The standard adjustments needed before moving o are to adjust seat and mirror settings.

No problem with the first, the front seats are powered with the usual controls at the outer side.

Not such luck with the door mirrors which can only be adjusted through the touchscreen.

Once set, the positions can be locked in which is fine when there’s only one driver but annoying where there are multiple drivers.

Visibility is excellent to the front and sides but not so at the rear where a combination of three headrests and a thin screen seriously restricts viewing.

Unlike other silent EVs the Deepal has an exterior warning sound to alert pedestrians.

Although the Deepal does have the instant acceleration that comes with all EVs, it’s two-tonne weight means it’s not as sharp of the line as lighter vehicles.

However, once underway it picks up quickly and o ers a beautifully smooth, quiet and comfortable driving experience.

As with all EVs Deepal S07 comes with regenerative braking to increase battery charging.

There are three levels although it doesn’t include onepedal driving.

SUMMING UP

The deciding factor for most potential Deepal buyers is whether they are willing, or able, to adapt to such a techheavy vehicle.

Safe to say that it will appeal much more to younger drivers than older ones and therefore the price, although competitive in its segment, is still likely to be around $60k on the road.

Putting all our criticisms aside, the Deepal S07 is an excellent car to drive and would make a perfect long-distance cruiser although you’ll need to plan your own charging schedule.

The standard warranty covers seven years but, unusually, just 160,000 kilometres. Battery warranty is eight years and 240,000 km. After the vehicle’s initial complimentary service at 5000 km or six months (whichever comes first), the service intervals will then follow the regular service intervals of 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first.

Finally, although the Deepal brand is e ectively unknown in Australia, it is being backed by the well-established and trusted Inchcape group.

RATINGS Looks: 7/10

Performance: 7/10

Safety: 8/10

Thirst: 7/10

Practicality: 7/10

Comfort: 9/10

Tech: 9/10

Value: 8/10

STANDARD WARRANTY

Vehicle: Seven years, 170,000 km

Battery: Eight years 240,000 km

MODEL LINE-UP:

Deepal S07: $53,900

Note: This price does not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Deepal dealer for drive-away prices.

Alistair Kennedy, MARQUE MOTORING

Rural City Connection

Saturday, 15 February 6pm – 10pm

Bring your friends and family for an unforgettable evening under the stars at Merriwa Park. Enjoy the vibrant sounds of Latin band, Zona 7, capture memories at the photo booth, pack a picnic or purchase local beers, wines, and food. No BYO alcohol permitted, no knives, including cheese knives, service dogs only.

Annual Business Forum

Local business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs are invited to the 2025 Annual Business Forum. This event is aimed at connecting and empowering the local business community with a keynote address by Michael Licenblat. The forum will take place on Thursday 20 February, from 6 - 9 pm at the WPACC. For more information and to book visit: www.investwangaratta.com.au

Detox Your Home

Help keep toxic household chemicals out of the environment by spring cleaning your home and delivering them to the Detox Your Home event on Saturday 22 February 2025

9:00am - 12:00pm at the Council Works Depot, 51-69 Newman Street Wangaratta. Registrations are essential and close 20 February 2025. Register via www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/detoxyourhome

Have Your Say on the following projects via

Municipal Early Years Plan

Help shape our Municipal Early Years Plan by having your say. This plan shapes early years programs and support for children 0-12 in our Rural City. Tell us what’s available, where support is needed, and what that looks like for your family.

Climate Adaptation Strategy

Have your say on the draft 10-year Climate Adaptation Plan for council’s assets, operations, and service delivery. This strategy will prepare council to become more resilient to the e ects of climate-related natural hazards.

Community Satisfaction Survey

From now until mid-March your household may receive a call from an independent market research agency, who have been commissioned to conduct a community satisfaction survey on behalf of Council. The agency will interview a sample of residents to assess Council’s performance across a range of measures, identifying ways to provide improvement or more e ective service delivery to residents. Your details and responses are confidential. Only the overall results are shared with the Rural City of Wangaratta. We appreciate you taking the time to assist us with your valuable feedback. If you have any questions, please call Council on 5722 0888

Tenders

86774 Milawa Rail Trail Sealing Tender closes at 2pm on Thursday 6 March 2025. Further details may be obtained by visiting EProcure on Council’s website.

Planning Applications

Application No PlnApp24/161

Location 37 Greta Road Wangaratta

Proposal 2-lot subdivision, creation of access to a Transport Zone 2, and buildings and works for the construction of the second dwelling. Submissions close 14 February 2025.

Application No

PlnApp24/191

Location 2 Greta Road Wangaratta

Proposal Application for approval of a Development Plan under the Development Plan OverlaySchedule 3. Submissions close 28 February 2025.

These applications can be viewed on Rural City of Wangaratta’s website under Development, Planning, Current Applications. Any person who may be a ected by the granting of a permit may object or make a submission (in writing). For more information, please contact Planning on 03 5722 0888.

Positions Vacant

For further information on these positions please visit wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Your-Council/Careers

Outdoor Ball

IN PERSON BY PHONE

37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677

WHEN TO BOOK BY EMAIL

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of Financial Members of the Wangaratta RSL Sub-Branch Inc will be held in the 2/24th Inf Bn Function Room on Tuesday 25 March 2025 commencing at 5pm.

Nominations for Senior Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and two Committee positions will open on Friday 28 February and close at 4.00pm on Friday 07 March 2025. Nomination forms and position details can be obtained from the Secretary. Email: secretary@wangarattarsl.org.au

COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE VACANCIES

Northeast Health Wangaratta (NHW) is seeking for people to join its Community Advisory Committee as a community representative.

The Community Advisory Committee is a subcommittee of the NHW Board of Directors. Becoming a community representative is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the way NHW delivers care to our community.

We encourage applications from our diverse community, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, those with disability, cultural and gender diversity.

Visit www.northeasthealth.org.au/communityadvisory-committee/ for a Position Description and details on how to apply. Applications close 21 February 2025

Enquiries can be made with Ms Cheryl Clutterbuck, NHW Board Director/Community Advisory Committee Chair on 0428 680 949.

10 COLLEEN CLOSE. Vintage, home wares, craft, old books, water and fuel tanks, whipper-snipper. Saturday, February 15, 8am til 12 Noon.

ELECTRIC mini treadmill, as new, $250 ONO. Ph 0407 353 054 or 5721 7212.

FREE Range Hens, ISA Brown Pullets, POL, $30 each. Phone Becky or Hugh on 5798 1868.

TYRES new and secondhand, trailer, rims, wrecking. New hours 9am to 5pm, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 44 Newman Street, Wangaratta. Ph 0428 257 221, Adzam Tyres.

WINDMILL , nonoperational, as a garden feature, Southern Cross, head 6’, height 28’, $1200. Phone Ron 0427 303 035.

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

DANIEL’S Carpentry and Maintenance Solutions. Servicing Wangaratta and surrounds. For a free quote and examples of my work nd us on Facebook or www. danielscarpentry. com.au or phone 0413 660 636.

FRANKS DOG

TRAINING, behavioral solutions, quali ed, experienced, a ordable. For more information please ph Frank 0418 314 610

MARK ’S Mowing, reasonable prices, ride on mowing, edging, clean up, spraying and any waste removal. Ph 0472 603 156.

MAZDA BT50 2013 Freestyle cab/tray, diesel, 4x2, manual, 79,000kms, one owner, regularly serviced, RWC, reg (1BN6TC), $19,000. Enquiries 0427 817 166.

2013 ISUZU MUX LSU 4X4, turbo diesel, good condition, 280,090kms, reg (1II4XI), $26,000 ONO. Ph 0498 118 997.

2009 Honda CTX BUSHLANDER. Good condition, Approx 14,000kms, VIN 9C2M35UO8R002382, New fork seals, resent oil change, tires 80 %, Everything works, No further use $2,300 ono PH 0499036050.

MAZDA 3 SP25 2009, one owner, 255,000km, RWC, reg (XKA544), immaculately maintained, fullservice history available, very reliable 4cyl 2.5L, auto, $6750. Ph 0409 814 364.

2022 Volvo XC 60. Registered BVC024 until Jan 2026. Warranty until Jan 2027. Travelled only 48500 Km. Price $45,000. Phone Tony 0409239326 RWC provided.

1998 Jayco Eagle 12 folding camper, excellent condition, queen size bed, provisions for 2-3 children comfortably, reg (R91716), $12,000. Ph 0490 780 438.

Press Assistant

Full or Part Time Opportunity

North East Media the publisher of Wangaratta Chronicle has an opportunity for a Print Assistant to join our established team based at our Wangaratta print site. No experience in the print industry is required.

Duties Include

• Supporting our technical print team in producing over 25 newspapers every week.

•  Assisting the lead Printer in the operations of the press, including set up and production

• Job preparations using raw materials such as plates, paper and ink.

• Helping operate the newspaper collating machine

• General housekeeping of working environment such as cleaning and keeping area safe.

• Newspaper and magazine deliveries.

Please send applications to: Danny Fogarty Print Manager North East Media dfogarty@nemedia.com.au

ALLMUSTGO,Corner Swinburne Drive and Oxford street, Motorbike Clothing/ gear, cycling gear, outdoor chairs and many more bits and pieces. Saturday, 8am to 1pm garage door on Oxford street.

SHEDCLEAN OUT, Steel trailer 68inches X 7 , New Tyres, Air compressor, Electric welder, electric emery wheel, water bath sandstone, loading ramps steel, heavy duty drill stand, portable work bench, meat band saw and minners shed of many tools. 10am Saturday or Sunday, 47 White St, Wangaratta. Phone 0357813948 for entry.

WOLF HOUND/ STAG HOUND PUPS, $1000, 6 males and 6 females, all vet checked, microchipped and immunise, 7 weeks old, ready for their forever homes. Ph Derek 0400 432 877 or Raelee 0407 093 914. Source number: EE187629. 95600001 6280825,9560000163 04455,95600001630 2496,956000016304 922,9560000160187 71,95600001630326 0,956000016281151 , 956000016300494, 956000016078636, 956000016267858, 956000016301244, 956000016267825.

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

PAINTER. Ovens and King Painting Service, trade quali ed, over 25 years experience, Interior/exteriors, for free quote phone Cherime Demaj 0422 778 257 or 5721 5482.

WHEELER Earthworks, available for all your earthworks needsyard clean ups, stump removals, driveways, material supply and spreading, rural work and more. Call Marcus on 0491 094 545.

2009 TOYOTA LANDCRUISER, 4.5CC V8 turbo diesel, genuine, 282000kms, one owner, many extras, with roadworthy, rego XCM 077, $45,000. Phone John 0427 769 534.

OLD cars wanted, cars removed. Ph 0435 083 115.

QUINTREX BayHunter runabout, 1992, 4.4 metre aluminium V-hull, with canopy and side window panels, trailer and 40HP Mercury engine, life jackets, reg to Sep 25, $12,000 ONO. Ph 0419 870 472.

YAMAHA XJR1300, excellent condition, only 17,600km, regretful sale due to ill health, $6000. Ph 0427 500 800.

GARAGE SALE

Teaching Position available.

OUTDOOR SCHOOL

15 Mile Creek Campus

Are you interested in working with students from grade 3 to 12 in a residential Outdoor setting.

15 Mile Creek has a contract position available for the remainder of 2025.

15 Mile Creek runs predominantly 5-to-12-day programs for state school students. Staff are required to work overnights on occasion both on and off site. Programs vary week to week ensuing the work is always engaging for staff and students.

Staff earn time in lieu as per the Victorian Governments Schools Agreement.

A comprehensive induction process is in place to ensure staff have the skills and knowledge to be effective at 15 Mile Creek.

If you would like further information, please feel free to ring the Campus Principal Rhys Evans on 0428 789 338.

You are also welcome to make a time to come out and visit our school. The Job is currently posted on recruitment online.

Job Number 1464719

Applications close on February 23rd

We have an excited opportunity for a talented Shop Manager to join our vibrant team at the Vinnies Benalla Shop!

Join Victoria’s Leading Not-For-Profits! Competitive Salary + Tax Reducing Salary Package

Permanent Full Time Opportunity!

Monday to Friday

You will lead a team of amazing staff and volunteers who are just as passionate at giving back to their community as you will be! If you love the idea of contributing to your local community by growing sales, coaching your budding retail heroes, and bringing in much needed funds to the organisation, then we would love to hear from you!

To apply, please visit: svdpvic.applynow.net.au/jobs/SVDP347653

You also can send your application to: recruitment@svdp-vic.org.au

LABOURER POSITIONS AVAILABLE

IMMEDIATE START

Are you looking for a rewarding career in the drilling industry?

Are you looking for a rewarding career in the drilling industry?

We have an exciting opportunity for Labourers to join our team. This permanent position offers excellent career growth potential.

We have an exciting opportunity for Labourers to join our team.

This permanent position offers excellent career growth potential.

SPECIALISING

Mineral exploration

IN:

Domestic water wells

Irrigation wells

Managed aquifer

recharge/injection wells

Enironmental & Geotechnical drilling

Dewatering wells

Drilling consulting

Geothermal drilling & exploration

Artesian wells

CONTACT: P: 03 5721 9288

E: enquiries@adamsdrilling.com.au W: www.adamsdrilling.com.au

As a Labourer, you will work closely with the Driller, assisting on a range of drilling rigs, including mud rotary, rotary air, and dual rotary systems. You’ll gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment, with plenty of opportunities to develop your skills and progress within the company.

What We Offer:

• A stable, permanent position with a reputable company

• Opportunities for career advancement and skill development

• A dynamic, supportive team environment

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and be part of an industry leader, we’d love to hear from you!

CANDIDATES FOR THIS ROLE MUST:

• Be highly motivated, enthusiastic and physically fit.

• Be able to work in a team.

• A current Heavy Rigid Truck Licence is essential.

• Be able to pass a Pre- Employment Medical/Drug and Alcohol test and regular drug and alcohol screening.

• Be flexible towards working away from home on shift rosters and roster changes.

• PLEASE NOTE: This is not a FIFO or DIDO position

HOW TO APPLY:

Applicants should submit CVs to ehs@adamsdrilling.com.au or 1 Bickerton Street, Wangaratta 3677 “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.”

JOIN OUR TEAM

Truck Driver/Meat Lumper

Wangaratta Abattoirs requires a reliable person able to be a delivery driver to distribute carcass meat throughout Victoria and the Riverina to local butchers and supermarkets. Early morning starts to allow delivery to butchers during the day and some heavy lifting is involved.

We are prepared to teach the suitable person lifting techniques to assist with carcass deliveries.

HEAVY RIGID LICENSE ESSENTIAL.

This is an opportunity to build towards a long term position with our company. Apply by return response to this advertisement, call Peter Booth on 5721 2349 or come in and see us at 53 Greta Road, Wangaratta.

Celebrant Roxanne Bodsworth

Available for Marriages, Namings, Funerals, and all your celebrancy needs.

Marriage Celebrant since 2008 Funeral and Naming Celebrant since 2000

Phone: 0428 401 964 www.sunwyse.com.au

ARTIS (nee Milburn), Judith. 23/4/1940 – 5/2/2025

Our beautiful Baya has le us. We’re heartbroken but incredibly thankful to have loved her and be loved by her.

Missed and remembered by Bec, Ian, Ebony, Eden, Kade and Beau.

BROADBENT, John Je rey “Je ”. 18/1/1933 – 06/2/2025

The family of Je Broadbent is saddened to announce his passing on February 6, 2025. Aged 92 years. Passed away peacefully. Loved and remembered always.

BONACCI

Antonio 12/6/1936 – 11/2/2025

An opportunity has arisen for a graphic designer to join one of Victoria’s and NSW leading independent news and media groups, based at our Wangaratta office working on newspapers, magazines and digital properties.

North East Media and its related group companies are seeking a graphic designer. You must be able to multitask, have strong organisational skills and be able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines. You must also be a team player who shows initiative and be able to work with minimal supervision.

Your experience will include sound skills developing artwork using Adobe InDesign. Experience designing artwork for multiple digital channels, including websites, social media, email marketing would be an advantage.

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:

Kelly Lovell

Creative Services Manager North East Media klovell@nemedia.com.au www.nemedia.com.au

In loving memory of Antonio Bonacci who passed away peacefully at the Royal Melbourne Private Hospital on February 11, 2025. Dearly loved husband of Giuseppina. Adored father of Domenic, Mary and Jim (dec).

Cherished Nonno and Bisnonno. Loved by all who knew him and remembered always. Rest in peace.

COLSON, Graham. 20/11/1940 – 5/2/2025 CFA Volunteer 20/11/1954 – 5/2/2025

Captain, South Wangaratta Brigade 1969-1996

Deputy Group O cer 1975 – 1995 Group O cer 1995 – 2010 National Emergency Medal National Medal (3 clasps) CFA Commendation for Service

The Wangaratta Group of Brigades mourns the passing of Graham Colson, an outstanding Leader of Wangaratta District CFA re ghters for most of his long life. Graham was an exemplary volunteer for his community, with a dedication to service that inspired many others around him. An active re ghter in the eld and an authoritative leader within the organization, Graham was a willing mentor that built our capacity carefully.

His in uence remains strong amongst his many friends throughout CFA even in his passing. His enduring legacy will be his contribution in creating the landmark historical record of “Make Tankers Ten”, a history of re ghting in the North East.

Our deepest condolences go to Sally, Fiona, Emma and their family, we are forever grateful for the sacri ce and service that Graham gave so willingly.

STRIBLEY, Nathan Robert. 12/10/1984 - 10/2/2025

Much loved son to Robert (dec) and Glenys. Beloved husband to Nicole. Adored father to Robert and Ari. Forever in our hearts.

STRIBLEY, Nathan.

Adored son-in-law of Eric and Janine, Much loved brother-in-law of Wayne & Alecia and Lauren & Aaron, and cherished “fun” uncle to Cooper, Mila and Eli.

To say you were one in a million is an understatement!

Your generosity, big heart, humour and infectious personality were beyond compare. Our hearts are broken and our family dinners will never be the same.

STRIBLEY, Nathan.

Bin nights, hunting road trips and life will never be the same without you!

An amazing man that always had our backs!

Love you Sneebs. Hold the Rum and Fanta for when we meet again.

~ Love Boogs, Tato and Vaya. xxx

STRIBLEY, Nathan.

Life is better in a cult.

We love you Stribs.

O’BRIEN, Leo Maurice “Maurice”. Passed away at Illoura Aged Care Wangaratta on Thursday, February 7, 2025. Aged 94 years. Loved husband of Joan (dec). Stepfather of Kelvin and Wendy, Anthony and Wendy and their families.

STRIBLEY, Nathan.

1984 forever. Make sure you keep those button eyes on Nik and the boys.

Love ya Sneebs. ~ Salmon, Sti y, Milapead and Nash Potato.

BROADBENT

The funeral service to celebrate the life of Mr John Je rey “Je ” Broadbent will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street,Wangaratta on Friday, February 21, 2025 at 10.30am. Burial will follow the service at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery. Donations made in Je ’s honour to Alzheimer’s Australia would be welcomed. Donations can be made online at https://donate.alzheimers.com.au.

Mason Park Funerals

5721 5060 masonpark.com.au

O’BRIEN

The funeral service for Mr Maurice O’Brien will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 10.30am. Burial will follow at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery.

Mason Park Funerals 5721 5060 masonpark.com.au

STRIBLEY

A funeral service to honour the life of Nathan Stribley will be held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, corner of Ovens and Docker St Wangaratta, on Monday 17 February, 2025 commencing at 2pm. Private cremation will follow the service. Nathan’s funeral may be viewed via livestream at northeastfunerals.com.au/ live-streaming.

O’BRIEN, Leo.

The Sta of Illoura Aged Care would like to pass on their condolences to the family and friends of Leo. His passing has saddened the Illoura community.

BONACCI

Requiem mass for the repose of Antonio’s soul will be held at St Mary’s Catholic Church, 29 Lawrence Street, Myrtleford commencing at 10.30am on Friday, February 21, 2025. The funeral will leave at the conclusion of prayers for the Myrtleford Lawn Cemetery.

Antonio’s service can be viewed via livestream at northeastfunerals.com.au/live-streaming

25/8/1944 – 13/2/2015

I hate that I can't see your face, except for a picture on my mirror.

But I love that when I look at it, I feel you are near. I hate that you can't speak to me when I mention the word "DAD."

But I love the way your voice is in my memory from all the talks we had.

PS Say hi to Mum for us.

~ Love Craig and Sean, Shane and Mel, and Emma.

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 owers in recognition of the medical care and attention provided.

The bereaved family will be noti ed of your memorial gift according to your wishes and you will receive a taxdeductible 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 5310 or PO Box 386, Wangaratta, Vic 3676.

McDONALD, Bernard Leslie.

Ablett Pavilion transformation in final stages of completion

THE much-anticipated upgrade to the Ablett Pavilion, part of the RC McNamara Reserve in Myrtleford, is nearing completion, with the new and improved facility expected to open by April 2025.

With work progressing smoothly, the Ablett Pavilion will soon be ready to o er rst-class facilities that cater to the needs of a growing range of users, including local sporting clubs, community groups, and emergency services.

The upgraded pavilion will allow for larger events and functions, providing a space for community gatherings, sports and more.

It will also continue to serve its crucial role as a place of refuge in times of bush re emergencies, supporting the resilience of the Myrtleford community.

Alpine Shire Mayor, Councillor Sarah Nicholas, said the community could say goodbye to the facility as they know it and prepare to welcome a newly upgraded space that will provide rstclass facilities for both sporting and community events.

“We’re thrilled that the Ablett Pavilion upgrade is nearing completion,” she said.

“This facility plays a central role in our community: whether it’s supporting local clubs, hosting events, or providing a place of refuge in an emergency.

“This upgrade will provide better facilities and allow us to host larger events and provide more services, ultimately strengthening the community.

“We are grateful to the McNamara Reserve Committee of Management for their e orts and to the Commonwealth Government for their support.”

The Ablett Pavilion, home to the Myrtleford Alpine Saints Football and Netball Club and a key location for community events, has been a highly val ued asset for the area.

MYRTLEFORD

By PHOEBE MORGAN

THE highly anticipated Myrtleford Splash Park is back on track for completion, with installation of water features and shelters set to begin in mid-February.

Alpine Shire Council’s director assets, Alan Rees, said nal commissioning and the park opening to the community is expected by late April.

“We know the community is eager to enjoy the new splash park and we’re focused on getting it nished as soon as possible,” he said.

“The contractor will be back on-site from February 17, working hard to complete the nal stages.”

Alpine Shire Mayor Sarah Nicholas highlighted the importance of the project, being constructed on Lewis Avenue

As the facility’s needs grew, it became clear that upgrades were necessary to continue providing essential services to the community.

In May 2021, the McNamara Reserve Committee of Management successfully sought funding from

administered by the Commonwealth Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources.

As part of this funding agreement, Alpine Shire Council has been responsible for project management and the administration of payments for the works.

hard work and dedication of the McNamara Reserve committee of management, Alpine Shire Council, and several contractors and suppliers, including: Foursite Construction, Sacca’s Carpentry, Muraca Plumbing, Primma Electrical, Myrtleford Furnishings and

weld Engineering, Ovens Valley Cabinets, Lukey T Concreting, Rocklea Builders and Mihaly Slocombe Architects.

To stay updated on the ocial opening of the revamped facility, make sure to follow the project page at: https:// engage.alpineshire.vic.gov. au/%21drafts/ablett-pavilion-upgrade.

Mt Buffalo bin theft being investigated

BRIGHT police are continuing to investigate a costly the at Mount Bu alo National Park.

Park rangers were surprised to discover the skip bin used on site had been relieved of its four wheels a er it had recently been emptied.

The skip was taken down to the park entrance station by one of the rangers on the evening of Monday, January 27 and emptied by JJ Richards.

At some point overnight, opportunistic thieves made off with the skip’s wheels before rangers arrived to bring it back up to the Mt Buffalo Chalet on Tuesday morning.

“I noticed the the when I arrived at work the next day,” ranger team leader at Mt Buffalo National Park, Tomas Sanchez said.

“It’s the rst incident of the we have had within the park in a long time.

“It’s frustrating for both sta and for the community who look a er the national park.

near Happy Valley Creek.

“The Myrtleford Splash Park has been communityled from the very beginning, with strong advocacy from the Myrtleford Chamber of Commerce and Tourism,” she said.

“It’s going to be a fantastic space for locals and visitors to enjoy, and we appreciate the community’s patience as we work towards the nish line.”

Significant progress has been made since the building permit was issued in December 2024.

Footings have been poured and the plant room and toilet block are in place.

Underground plumbing and control wiring for all water features have been installed.

A new power supply has been connected to the site.

All water features and shelters have been delivered and are being prepared for installation.

The Myrtleford Splash Park is fully funded by the Commonwealth Government under the Black Summer Bush re Recovery Grants Program.

For project updates visit: https://engage.alpineshire.vic. gov.au/major-projects/myrtleford-splash-park

“The biggest frustration for me and my colleagues up here, is the inconvenience for the community and having to shi our focus from looking a er the environment, to tidy up these sorts of messes.

“It will cost the park around $1000 to get the wheels replaced, which are tax-payer dollars which have now gone towards something it didn’t need to go to.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Bright Police Station on (03) 5755 1444.

PHOTO: Alpine Shire Council

JUBILEE GOLF CLUB

SATURDAY, February 8

Ladies’ Par

Winner: Kellie Roberts -1. B Winner: Marion Hunt +1.

Ball Winners: Carolyn Jeffery 2 balls -1, Ros White -1, Chris Boseley -2.

NTPs - 4th: A Comensoli, 8th: M Adams, 13th: C Boseley, 17th: K Roberts.

Men’s Par

A Grade Winner: Charl De Mink +3, Brendan Cairns +2.

B Grade Winner: Gary Dinsdale +3, Alan Sands +2.

C Grade Winner: Lawrence Miller C/B +3, Geoff Veldman +3.

D Grade Winner: Rog Henderson +7, Dave Anderson +1.

Ball winners: Hamish Lewis +2, Pat Ernst +2, Andrew Charles +1, John McKenzie +1, Jaxon Osmotherly +1, Martin Hill +1, Gordon Paterson +1, Ian Mills 0, David Richards 0, Nigel Cooper 0, Bill O’Brien 0, Rick Harnwell 0.

NTPs - 4th: Adam Anderson, 8th: Wayne Hibberson, 13th: S Fischer, 17th: Wayne Hibberson.

Sunday, February 9

Men’s and ladies Stableford

A Grade Winner: Thomas Aggett 41.

B Grade Winner: Daryl Johnstone 42.

C Grade Winner: Mark Currie 39.

Ball winners: Mick Reidy 41, Jeremy Pope-Mercieca 38, Peter Glidden 37, Nic Bronwick 37, Brian Lee 36, Martin Hill C/B from others 36.

NTPs - 4th: P Gledden, 8th: G Ryan, 13th: M Currie, 17th: M Drage.

Monday, February 10

Monday Veterans

A Grade Winner: Martin VanRhee

38. B Grade Winner: Ian Mills 38. C Grade Winner: Ian Harbourd 34. Ball winners: Brian Carr 37, John Porter 36, Neville Hogan 34, Russel Stone 34, Stan Goldsworthy 34, John West 33, John Batchelor 33, Pat Ernst 33.

NTPs - 4th: Neville Hogan, 8th: Keith Moorhead, 13th: Gerard O’Brien, 17th: John Porter.

Tuesday, February 11

Ladies’

A Grade Winner: Liane Graham 37.

B Grade Winner: Janet Wraith 41. Ball winners: Judy Fogarty (2) 35, Robyn Hogan 34, Wendy Hogan c/b from others 34.

9 Hole: Kathie Hyland.

NTPs - 4th: Di Murphy, 8th: Linda Stone, 13th: Liane Graham, 17th: Wendy Hogan.

Wednesday, February 12

Men’s 18 Hole Stableford

A Grade Winner: Glenn O’Connell 38. B Grade Winner: Lawrence Miller 36. C Grade Winner: John Batchelor 37. Ball Winners: Andrew Skewes 38, Rhys Rigoni 36, Brian Thomas 36, Martin Hill 36, Peter Ford 36, Terry Docherty 35, Phillip Bebb 34, Mitch Howe 34, Robert Hancock 34, Ian Weidemann 34.

NTPs - 4th: Dave Woodstock, 8th: Andy Walker, 13th: Andrew Skewes.

WANGARATTA GOLF CLUB

WGC Competitions: Week ending February 9

Tuesday, February 4

Women’s

18 Hole Stableford

Winner: Caroline Sullivan 37 points.

Runner Up: Nora Martin 34 Points.

NTPs - 11th: Dawn Fleet.

9 Hole Stableford

Winner: Barb Thomas 19 Points.

Runner Up: Dona Harper 18 C/B Points.

Ball Winners: Jan Hill.

NTPs - 9th: Maggie Ray.

Wednesday, February 5

18 Hole Stableford Event

Winner: Maurie Braden 40 Points.

Runner Up: Michael Webster 39 Points.

Ball Winners: Trevor Clark, Beau Wheeler, Kurt Schubert, Matt Nicolosi, Andy Raison, Robert Fischer,

Mark Hall, Craig Donoghue. NTPs - 4th: Dean Campagna, 7th: Beau Wheeler, 9th: Arnold Sparks, 11th: Rod Moyle, 13th: Adam Williams, 16th: Trevor Clark.

9 Hole Stableford Event

Winner: John Millman. Runner Up: Grahm Whitehead.

Thursday, February 6

Women’s

9 Hole Stableford

Winner: Wendy Stephens 19 C/B Points. Runner Up: Sue Miller 19 Points.

NTPs - 11th: Judy Brown, 13th: Jan Hill.

Friday, February 7

Medley Competition

9 Hole Stableford

Winner: David O’Brien 19 Points.

Runner Up: Nick Jones 8 C/B Points.

Ball Winners: Stephen Smith, David Woodstock.

NTPs - 11th: David O’Brien, 13th: David O’Brien, 16th: David O’Brien. Saturday, February 8

Men’s

18 Hole Men’s Stableford

A Grade Winner: Dale Carmody 41 Points. Runner Up: Jason McCoy 40

C/B Points. B Grade Winner: Tyler Dunn 45 Points. Runner Up: Tim Leslie 43 Points.

C Grade Winner: Robert Fischer 44 C/B Points. Runner Up: Ashton Brookes 44 Points.

Ball Winners: David Warnaar, Michael Webster, Scott Thomson, Brannan Duffy, Marty Anania, Jake Goddard, Duane Kerwin, Dean Stone, Chris Martens, David Altair, Harry Allan, Paul Judd, Daymn Hoffard, Criag Donoghue, Jake Burns, Jason Perna, Paul Smithwick, Barry Thompson, Arnold Sparks, Geoff Webster.

NTPs - 4th: Trevor Clark, 7th: Wayne Milthorpe, 9th: Scott Thomson, 11th: Michael Webster, 13th: Greg Sullivan, 16th: Matt Nicolosi.

Birdies: Michael Webster, Arnold Sparks.

Secret 6: Geoff Webster.

Raffle Winner: Dale Carmody.

Women’s

18 Hole Stableford Event

Winner: Carolyn Sullivan 40 Points.

NTPs - 11th: Carolyn Sullivan.

Sunday 9th February 2025

18 Hole Medley Stableford

Winners: Jeremy Winter 39 Points. Runner Up: Matt Walsh 37 Points.

Ball Winners: Craig Taft, Lachy Moore, Glen Seymour, Trevor Cooper.

TARRA GOLF CLUB

RESULTS Saturday, February 8

The members played a stableford event which was won by Lucia DaPos 33pts, and runner up was Pete Nolan 32pts.

NTPs - 4th: Mark Nolan, 8th: Peter Scoullar.

The club was represented by four members at the NEDGA opening day which was held on the Wodonga course on Sunday, February 9.

While they were not successful, all had an enjoyable day’s golf.

Golf to be played on Saturday, February the 15 will be decided on the day - it will be an 8.30am roll up for an 9am hit off.

The early starts will continue for the remainder of the warm season until otherwise advised.

New members are always welcome at the Tarrawingee Golf Club with first year membership of $100 and very reasonable competition fees.

This can be done by contacting a member or phoning 0428 122 590.

Tarra Ladies

Tarrawingee ladies enjoyed a 3-person Ambrose event in very pleasant golfing conditions last Tuesday.

The winners were Di McLaughlin, Joan Quarrell and Toni Wilson.

The 2025 season will officially commence next Tuesday, February 18 with a 9-hole stableford competition starting at 8am for an 8.30am start.

A pleasant morning tea will follow - details available from Di McLaughlin or Joan Quarrell.

WANG CROQUET

RESULTS for Monday, February 10 are as follows:

Maureen O’Keefe and Dawn Wind

d Cheryle Beckley and Terry Wilson 7/5, Robyn Muller and Janet Kelly

d Bronwyn Townsend and Elise

Downes, Christine Ireland d Gavan Kelly 7/6.

On Monday, Gavan Kelly cleared an opposition ball causing his ball to jump and score the hoop, and later in the same game he caused an opposition ball to score a hoop.

He was pleased with the first result but not the second.

Last weekend Andy Barbero placed third in the Australian Croquet Association Presidents Eights second eight.

The field had some of the top players in Australia competing, so well done Andy.

Wednesday morning only attracted five members due to the elevated temperatures, while a few more turned up for the cooler twilight session at 6pm.

Play is at 9am on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, with twilight play from 6pm on Wednesday evenings.

Please arrive 15 minutes earlier to allow for a draw to be undertaken.

The club is located at 46 Ryan Avenue, Wangaratta.

For further information please contact president Susan Fischer on 0417 217 009 or secretary Terry Wilson on 0417 326 739.

WARBY WALKERS

FRIDAY, February 7 to Sunday, February 9, Weekend at Mount St Bernard Lodge.

We had 29 participants on the weekend staying in the ancient but superbly upgraded Wangaratta Ski Club lodge at Mount St Bernard.

The weather was a little bleak on Friday afternoon, subsequently the direct ascent of Mount Smythe’s south face near the lodge was postponed.

Saturday’s walks all started at the Mount Loch carpark and all three walks headed to Derrick’s Hut for morning tea.

The easy walk was the 8.5km return walk to the hut with many wildflowers out under the overcast sky, and lunch was enjoyed along the track overlooking the Mount Hotham village.

The medium walkers (10km)

continued onto Mount Loch (1,865m) taking photos from the stone cairn and checking out the terrific view, and enjoyed their lunch before their return to the start.

After morning tea, the hard walkers continued along an old mining track to Spargo’s Hut, located in a grassy clearing, and then descended along Golden Point Spur through the forest to the bridge over Swindler’s Creek.

This was followed by a steep zigzag climb up to the Cobungra Ditch walking track where we took a rest and enjoyed our lunch.

We then headed along the Cobungra Ditch Track to the Davenport Access Track and followed it downhill to the Silver Brumby Hut.

A well-earned rest was had before the 3km ascent to the southern end of the Huts Walk.

A couple of black snakes were encountered along the route.

The walk was approximately 15km.

A very tasty dinner of lasagne and salad followed by chocolate brownie and lemon tart was enjoyed back at the lodge.

Sunday’s wet and misty weather put an end to the walks program for that day, so the Dinner Plain walks await our next visit to this area.

Many of the participants enjoyed a coffee and snack break in gorgeous Harrietville on the return trip home.

Many thanks go to Helen and Adrian for providing the key to the first rate lodge a few kilometres to the southwest of Hotham Heights.

Coming Events

Sunday, February 23

Beechworth Tree Walks - Erin, 0419 200 998.

Join in on the Eucalyptus, Ha-ha Wall and White Oak walks at Mayday Hills, Beechworth.

A shady walk of approximately 6km in the 27-acre parklike grounds, with exotic trees and shrubs, set against a backdrop of magnificent native trees

Wednesday, February 26

Ovens River and One Mile CreekAndy, 0439 209 749.

An easy walk of approximately 8km alongside the Ovens River taking in Sydney Beach, Mullinmur, and the northern beaches, then alongside One Mile Creek to Mitchell Avenue.

TOUGH SHOT: Peter Glidden putts from the rough at Jubilee Golf Club.

Warriors heading to Championships

THIS weekend is one of the most important for Wangaratta’s under 18 boys and girls basket-

It’s the Junior Country Championships in Bendigo this weekend, and Wangaratta’s two top age sides are about to go up against the best in the state.

Both the girls and boys teams are ranked in the top 16 in the state, and will ght out for glory

Wangaratta Basketball Inc coaching director Jacqui Henry said this weekend’s tournament was the culmination of their junior basketball careers.

“This is what our tournament season leads to, every tournament we’ve played since last September is leading up to this weekend, preparation for this

“On Saturday, they have round games and you play teams that you’ve been allocated to play against, and at the end of Saturday, depending on how many games you win you either end

“Div one means you’re the best, the top eight teams in Victoria, and div two means you’re within the top 16 in Victoria.

To have two sides qualify for the championships is a major achievement, one which provides positive feedback for local basketball in the Wangaratta area.

“To make div one and two is our aim every year, and both the under 18 girls and boys have done that,” Henry said.

“It’s great for Wangaratta because it means our program is doing OK and we are competitive at that level.

“If we were able to go all the way, for us, it would mean our program is on the right track and we’re doing the right thing.

“The winner of div one boys and girls get to go to the national championships a er that against other states.

“That shows country towns can achieve, and that would be an outstanding result.

“It just gives our athletes the con dence to go on further with their basketball.”

Henry and the WBI want to acknowledge and thank their coaches who have helped tirelessly throughout the journey.

“Our coaches are volunteers, they travel the state with the athletes to help them achieve –it’s not for their own personal goals, it’s for the athletes,” she said.

LAST weekend saw 15 basketball sides from Wangaratta head up the Hume Freeway to participate in the Wodonga Junior Invitational Tournament.

“On the Sunday, it’s immediate knockout – if you lose a game, you’re out, but if you keep winning you either win division one or division two.”

Wangaratta Warriors take to the court at the Junior Country Championships this weekend in Bendigo.

Juniors sweat it out at Wodonga tournament

Up against squads from further a eld than they’d normally play against, such as Lakes Entrance and Canberra, the tournament was a good chance for the Warriors try new game plans.

The format of the tournament meant pool games would be vital, with limited semi- nal matches on the cards – the top team from most groups would head into the grand nal.

The under 12 division one boys side had a great tournament, defeating Albury by 10, Canberra Blue by 43, and YarraMul Lakers by 16.

Unfortunately, a 29-42 loss to Wodonga Wolves meant they would nish second on the ladder and miss out on a grandnal.

The under 12 division three boys would face a similar scenario, nishing second overall with a 3-1 record, but missing out on nals.

They played some brilliant basketball, exempli ed by a 38-10 whooping of Deni Giants Orange.

Wangaratta’s under 12 division two girls balanced their tournament ledger, finishing mid table with a 2-2 weekend.

The side managed to defeat Wodonga (27-20) and Albury (26-10), but fell to Yarrawonga Mulwala (27-30) and Wagga (2430).

The under 14 division three boys were imperious in their tournament campaign, accounting for Albury (27-21), Lakes Entrance (52-14) and Tumut (38-24).

However, a ve-point defeat to Myrtleford meant they nished second in their group and missed a nals showdown.

The under 14 division two boys recovered well a er losing their rst match by 10 points to Wodonga Wolves Maroon.

The Warriors downed Albury by 10, Lakes Entrance by 10, and Shepparton by 19, narrow-

ly missing a nals quali cation spot.

The under 14 division one girls had a tough tournament, winning just one of their four matches.

The highlight was a gritty and hard-fought win over Yarrawonga Mulwala 13-12.

Their division three counterparts played well all weekend, but didn’t have enough wins to guarantee a nals berth.

The under 16 division three boys copped a few tough results, but will learn from the tournament and grow as players.

Their closest margin was a 16-point loss to Lakes Entrance 17-33.

The under 16 division two boys rebounded from a 34 loss in round one to down Myrtleford 29-24.

However, the rest of the tournament wouldn’t go their way, with losses to Albury (24-50) and Tumut (24-57) seeing them nish towards the bottom of their ladder.

The division one under 16

side would record one win from their four matches, a nailbiting one point win over Canberra 29-28.

Wangaratta’s under 16 division one girls team would have an interesting tournament, backing up a four point loss to Wodonga with a shellacking of Canberra by 33 points, 39-6.

They’d then draw with a strong Bendigo Braves out t 23-23, before falling to Swan Hill by nine points.

The under 16 girls division two side would nish in the middle of their table, with two wins and two losses from their weekend’s exploits.

The boys under 18 division two team were around the mark all tournament, but nished h overall with a 2-2 record, with the division one team facing a similar end result.

Due to a limited number of entries, Wangaratta’s under 18 division one girls team did make a semi nal.

However, a tough tournament for them continued, unable to record a win.

Clay target club back in action

A GREAT day was had last Sunday at the Wangaratta Clary Target Club with 24 shooters braving the warm weather to shoot the 100tgt Sporting Clays event.

The winners had their work cut out for them, with a strong eld in attendance.

AA and OverallBrett Jory 93/100, second - Scott Henshall 83/100.

A - David Jackel, second Steve Coulston 79/100.

B - Nicholas Carlson 84/100, second Mario Bisignano 78/100.

C - Marion Hill 48/100. Sub Junior - Sam Gibb. VeteransTrevor Beach - 84/100.

Winner of the ra e - Alison Harwood. Brett Jory also received a dinner voucher for the Eldorado Pub.

A single 25 was shot for the day, shot by Scott Henshall. A massive thanks to all who helped set some targets: Brett Jory, John Gibb, Sam Gibb, Mario Bisignano, and others lending a helping hand. Bruce Henshall dished up the barbecue lunch with snags and rissoles supplied by Londrigan Beef & Lamb.

The next sporting clays shoot will be on Sunday, March 30, set for a 10am start.

CHAMPIONSHIP READY: Wangaratta’s division one under 18 boys squad is set for a shot at the title.

GAME PLAN: Wangaratta’s under 16 division two girls team go over strategies at the Wodonga tournament.

SURE SHOTS: The winners from the weekend’s shoot at the Wangaratta Clay Target Club.

Wangaratta & District Cricket Association

By NATHAN DE VRIES

ENDING day one of a match needed only 55 runs for victory sounds like a cakewalk on day two, but when you only have a handful le in the shed, it’s a recipe for pressure cricket.

It’s exactly the situation Ovens Valley United nd themselves in heading into Saturday’s nal day against Beechworth Wanderers, resuming at 6/44 chasing the Wanderers’ 98 all out.

A er performing so well with the ball to restrict Beechworth to their second-lowest total this season, a series of failures from the top and middle order le the match well and truly in the balance.

Ovens Valley United head coach Geeth Alwis, who himself was removed for a single, said it was very tough surface to bat on last weekend.

“There was something in the wicket all day, there was moisture on the wicket and a bit of everything for the bowlers, spinners and seamers,” he said.

“That’s why the bowlers dominated the game.

“A er tea, it’s not that hard to bat, you just need to put your head down and build a partnership.

“Respect the good balls, put the bad balls away, just the basics of cricket.

“The game is quite balanced, they were in a similar situation, they were 6/34 and we missed three chances in a row to get someone out and they built up a 40-run partnership.

“That was the di erence in the game, so far – I would say we’re one partnership away from the win.”

With the way the ladder is positioned, a victory is non-negotiable

if the Tigers want to play nals cricket this season.

They sit fourth overall, equal on points with Yarrawonga Mulwala – who need another 69 runs with nine wickets in hand for victory over Benalla Bushrangers – and with a bye before the end of the year.

“It’s kind of a knockout game for us,” Alwis said.

“Yarra might get a win easily against Benalla, so if we don’t get a win in this game, our nals run is going to be over.

“That’s why this game is so important for us, we need to win this game rst then look at the next game.”

Many of the Tigers’ hopes rest on Cooper Thomason and Kane Fitzpatrick, who will be in the middle when play resumes.

While both are very talented players, the Beechworth bowling attack is nothing to sneeze at, with Matt Ryan (9o/5m/10r/3w) looking exceptionally challenging.

Thomason has spent the week in Melbourne representing the Wangaratta and District Cricket Association at Country Week, and has been on re with the bat, including a glistening 91 o 84 against Gisborne on Monday and 37 o 57 against Bellarine Peninsula on Wednesday.

“If Cooper bats the way he bats, the game might be done within 15, 20 overs easily,” Alwis said.

“He’s gotten into form at the right time.

“I’m pretty con dent in the batters, we’ve got three proper batters le including the two in the middle, and I think we’re going to get the job done on Saturday.”

The match resumes at 1pm this Saturday at McNamara Reserve, with Ovens Valley United sitting on 6/44 needing 99.

ON YOUR GUARD: The Tigers’ middle order and tail will need to fire a er Beechworth

top batters last weekend.

By NATHAN DE VRIES

THEY may be down and out, but the Wangaratta Magpies will look to take positives from the conclusion of their clash with Rovers United Bruck.

The Magpies were dismantled last weekend for 67, with the Hawks cruising to 5/151 by stumps.

Only three batters made it to double gures in the rst innings, with Kyle WinterIrving top scoring with his 20 from 50 balls.

Magpies batter Jack Davies said last week the side was not up to standard.

“They’ve got the wood over us in the last couple of times we’ve played them, but it’s disappointing.

“It’s disappointing not only to score 67, but I think the most disappointing thing was only batting 37 overs and to not be consistent enough with the ball.

“Credit to them, they bowled well as they always do, we just couldn’t absorb

the pressure and bat for long enough.

“Hopefully we get an opportunity to rectify that and put it back on them a little bit, and bat for longer periods of time.”

The Rovers still have plenty of batting in the shed, with Jeremy Wilson, Cormac McNamara, Brady Bartlett and Dan Jones still to come.

Opener Ryan Collier (38*) and Lucky Shantha (15*) are set to resume at the crease this Saturday.

It means, barring an overnight declaration – which, with only a lead of 84 runs, would be less sporting and more ruthless– the Magpies face more than a few overs in the eld this weekend.

Regardless of how the match progresses on Saturday at the Showgrounds, Davies said there would be a lot to take from it.

“Obviously we’ve got a lot to prove to ourselves and the comp, so we’ll get back out there,” he said.

“If you want to do well this

Partnerships crucial for Tigers in Beechworth chase

Wangaratta Magpies have “a lot to prove” in RUB finale

year you’ve got to make runs against quality bowlers like they have.

“We need an improved effort, bat for as long as we can.

“With our bowlers, we need to bowl as a unit - more two-day, boring lines rather than being overly attacking.

“They took it to us and we weren’t able to keep that pressure.

“We’ve got a bit to work on all round, but just be more consistent.”

The match resumes at 1pm this Saturday, with Rovers United Bruck sitting at 5/151. Elsewhere, Yarrawonga Mulwala will be looking to keep their nals hopes alive as they chase down a meagre total set by Benalla Bushrangers.

The Bushrangers were cleaned up within 52 overs for just 95 runs.

Yarrawonga has made signi cant strides on wiping o that total, sitting at 1/27, needing another 69 for victory.

STILL GOING: Jack Davies said the Magpies would look for improvements when their match with Rovers United Bruck resumes this weekend.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

cleaned up

Ovens Valley’s

PHOTO: Janet Watt

Country Week goes from bad to worse for WDCA

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

THE Wangaratta and District Cricket Association sits winless towards the bottom of the division two ladder after the rst three matches of Country Week.

Tuesday’s match between the WDCA and their Gisborne counterparts was a shocker.

A er winning the toss and bowling on a green top at Windy Hill, WDCA couldn’t restrain the Gisborne batters, who hammered 7/325 from their 50 overs.

In reply, WDCA was rolled for 135, a loss of 190 runs.

Early signs were good for WDCA, with skipper Paddy McNamara picking up the early wicket of Gareth Sharp for eight runs in the second over.

Opener Riley Vernon and new batter Marcus Stewart would make light work of WDCA bowlers, building a partnership of 109 before Tyler Nanson dismissed Vernon for 55.

A er Gregor Fraser picked up two wickets in consecutive balls, the door was open for WDCA to rip through the Gisborne middle order.

However, it was promptly shut, with Stewart and Nathan Fowler keeping the runs owing for Gisborne no matter who was tossed the ball.

Fowler would bring up his half century o just 30 deliveries, while Stewart would cross into triple gures and keep going, ending unbeaten on 152* from 169 balls.

Paddy McNamara (3/62 o 10) and Gregor Fraser (2/51 o 10) were the pick of the bowlers, but everyone in the attacked copped a bit of stick - the lowest economy rate was Fraser’s 5.10 an over.

Set 326 to win at a required run rate of 6.52 an over from ball one, it was always going to be a tough one for WDCA.

Charith Perera provided some entertainment early,

STORMING IN: Matt Ryan has taken a wicket in every Country Week match he’s played in this season.

taking the rst over from Harrison Sheahan for 13 runs and belting his way to 27 from 22 balls before he was dismissed in the seventh over.

Jack Ryan only lasted three deliveries before he was back in the sheds without troubling the scorers, with Cooper Thomason failing to back up his e orts in the last match with an edge to the keeper on one.

Paddy McNamara (46 from 65) would try and keep his side in the match, and built a ne 32-run partnership with Gregor Fraser (18 o 40), but neither could revive the innings.

Josh Willis (3/21 o seven) and Taylor Stevenson (3/30

o 10) did the damage for Gisborne, with Matt Barake busy behind the stumps, pouching ve catches.

Wednesday’s clash with Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association was a chance to clear the cricketing palate.

Played on a tricky deck down at Hogan’s Road Reserve in Hopper’s Crossing, WDCA was sent in to bat and lasted their 50 overs, putting 9/193 on the board.

Cooper Matheson (34 from 45) and Tyler Nanson (26 from 39) put on 60 for the rst wicket, but had little support from the rest of the top order, with James Thewlis (0) and Paddy McNamara (3) failing to re.

Rovers have spark for more glory

■ From back page

“It’s a great opportunity for them to work hard over the pre-season and cement a spot and for our grand nal team we had six players who were 20 and under,” Sullivan said.

“It shows the opportunities are there and the under 18s won the premiership last year and there is some great talent coming through into our senior ranks this year and they’ll all be striving to get their rst senior game or cement a spot as a senior player.”

The rst practice match will be on Saturday, March 1 at Cathedral College against Mooroopna with the

under 18s starting at 10am, followed by a six-quarter senior match combined.

Sullivan said Mooroopna coach John Lamont is an experienced coach and always has his team up and about, which has been the case in pre-season matches between the two clubs over the last few years.

“The first official practice game allows young, up and coming players to get the attention of selectors and it allows coaches to work on a few game plans,” he said.

“As we progress through the games, we will hone our skills so we’re ready for that rst round.”

The subsequent practice

matches will be at Mans eld against the Eagles on March 15, and then against Maribyrnong Park away on March 22.

“We’ll have a week off before the round one match against Wang and you don’t need a lot of motivation to build up for the first round anyway, but when it’s against Wang we all know they’ll be giving a good account of themselves and working hard to the first game as we will and it should be a great contest,” Sullivan said.

The round one derby will be played at the WJ Findlay Oval on April 5, an occasion when the Rovers will unfurl their premiership ag.

Cooper Thomason provided some handy middle order runs with his 37 from 57, with contributions from Jack Ryan (16) and Dylan Bursill (10).

Gregor Fraser (17* from 33) and Ryan Collier (18* o 30) would see out the innings.

The WDCA defence started well, with Bellarine 1/6 a er the rst two overs.

Matt Ryan and Jimmy Thewlis bowled a tight line, forcing the required run rate ever upwards, with Paddy McNamara snaring the second wicket in the 13th.

Shane Murdoch and Ben Robertson dug in for Bellarine, happy to let the dot balls

from WDCA pile up.

The dam would burst in the 31st, when some sharp elding from Josh Nanson would run Robertson out for 29, with Gregor Fraser castling Matthew SampsonBarnes for a duck two balls later, Bellarine 4/88.

A stunning 104 run-partnership from Murdoch and Ben Norgrove (46* o 55 deliveries) would be the di erence, and no matter who was brought into the attack, no WDCA bowler could break the partnership until the penultimate over.

Matt Ryan managed to get Murdoch out caught for 76 o 116 balls, and when the next delivery went for a leg

bye, Bellarine were 5/193, scores level with an over to go.

Skipper McNamara brought it down to the wire, with dots from the rst three deliveries bringing WDCA close to a draw.

However, a wayward one was sent to the boundary by Zac Jones, WDCA defeated by ve wickets.

Jimmy Thewlis was the pick of the bowlers, picking up a wicket and going at just 2.30 an over from his allotment of 10 overs.

WDCA rounded out their Country Week campaign on Thursday against South West CA – match report in Wednesday’s Chronicle.

PULLED: Charith Perera pulls Gisborne’s Harrison Sheahan for a boundary.

RUNS: Cooper Matheson cuts the ball away at Country Week. PHOTOS: Peter Whitten

Warriors off to Champs

KEEPING UP

Rovers have spark for more glory

Premiers’ mindset, new signings and drive of young guns has club well poised for 2025

By STEVE KELLY

THE thirst is very much there for the Wangaratta Rovers as they embark on the 2025 season to prove to naysayers that the premiership wasn’t a uke.

With several departures, balanced by de nitive signings, and a fresh drive from younger players with an impetus to prove their mettle, the Rovers will be

ready for game-on come the round one local derby showdown against their hometown rivals.

Three practice matches are locked in against Mooroopna, Mans eld and Maribyrnong Park next month which will have the Rovers boys primed for their 2025 campaign.

Rovers football operations

manager Barry Sullivan said two players have committed, including Charlie Thompson, who has been

playing in the WAFL over the last couple of years and was Perth’s best and fairest in 2023.

Also committing fulltime is Nathan Cooper who Sullivan said is one of, if not, the premier backman in the VFL system and was fortunate enough to win a senior premiership at Werribee last year.

“At the end of the day we realise we weren’t expected to win the premiership, and we’re really

pleased with the result we got,” Sullivan said.

“This year we genuinely believe we want to prove it wasn’t a uke and we understand we’ll be a bit more of the hunted rather than the hunters.

“We’ve got something to prove, and we want to make sure we give a good account of ourselves.

“The thirst is de nitely there and there were some very unlucky

senior players last season, who either through injury or just missing out, are really keen to be part of a successful side.”

The Rovers have lost Jack Gerrish (Katamatite), Finn Osbourne (Corowa) and Will McCarthy (SANFL), but Sullivan said at the end of the day younger players are coming through the system all the time.

■ Continued page 35

REGULARLIVEMUSIC PETFRIENDLYBEERGARDEN

RYAN Collier keeps up to the stumps in the WDCA’s Country Week clash with Bellarine Peninsula on Wednesday. Story page 31.

PHOTO: Peter Whitten