Wangaratta Chronicle - Wednesday, June 14, 2023

MILO HELPS WELCOME GUESTS

CANCER COMPO

Former Wangaratta MP helps leave lasting legacy on female fi refi ghting gpggyggppsupport

A FOUR-year fight which will now see female-specific cancers included under the state’s presumptive rights scheme for firefighters is set to be a key aspect of the legacy of former Wangaratta state upper house MP Tania Maxwell.

Attorney-general Jaclyn Symes recently announced firefighters diagnosed with primary site cervical,

BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au

ovarian or uterine cancers would be eligible for fair access to compensation, as part of new legislation to be presented to parliament in the coming weeks.

The expansion of

the scheme would see firefighters who have served for 10 years and are diagnosed with the cancers on or after June 1, 2016 qualify for compensation.

They would not need to prove firefighting had directly caused their condition.

Ms Maxwell, who did not retain her upper-house seat in last year’s November

election, had campaigned for female-specific cancers to be included under the scheme throughout her term, and said it was a fantastic outcome for all female firefighters and volunteers across the state.

“I’m absolutely elated and to think I will have been instrumental in changing this legislation is a wonderful legacy to

leave,” she said.

“To think now that they (State Government) have just put forward those three female-specific cancers, as we first requested, is just phenomenal and I am just so pleased that it includes CFA as well.

“I just think we’re now going to see equality –we have enough female firefighters, the scientific

evidence has now come out of Canada and the USA so it’s about time that this was implemented.

“It’s a phenomenal legacy – it’s something I wanted to be able to see through and I was truly hoping the government would legislate this – it’s a great day for all those females who are involved in firefighting.”

■ Continued page 2

JULIE Booth and her faithful companion Milo, sitting atop an aged wine barrel, were on hand to welcome visitors to the family's winery at Taminick on Monday for what was a successful King's Birthday Weekend. Full story page 5, more photos page 9.

PHOTO: Chloe Jaenicke

Cancer compensation scheme slated for expansion

■ From page 1

The Liberals and Nationals have announced their support in principle for the expansion of the scheme, but noted it would be reviewed by the shadow cabinet.

South Wangaratta CFA brigade captain Lesley Forman said despite always making efforts to reduce their exposure to contaminants, firefighters were conscious of the risk they faced whenever they were on the fireground.

She said it was comforting to know individuals and families would be supported in the long-term.

“(Awareness around risk) is embedded in all of your training, right from the general firefighting (GFF) training program through and as a crew leader or an incident controller it comes as part of that safety (focus) for all of the people involved when they enter an incident,” she said.

“As studies have become published and it’s definitely hit the media, you’re probably more mindful of it, that there are risks in terms of cancers beyond the normal sorts of risks that you would see and be exposed to.

“It’s certainly nice that governments and other or-

Est. 1884, Incorporating Wangaratta Despatch, Est. 1861

ganisations are recognising these things do exist and they do impact on not just the individual but also families and there can be quite a time lag.

“I hope that any sorts of cancers that are listed (going forward), they don’t have to have the same battle that’s certainly occurred just to get these ones across the board.”

CFA Wangaratta deputy group officer Garry Nash said the outcome was the result of tireless advocacy by Ms Maxwell, as well as firefighting bodies such as Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) and the

United Firefighters Union.

“It’s really very gratifying that Tania when she was an MP took up the cause - being a volunteer firefighter herself – very passionately on behalf of female firefighters with CFA,” he said.

“When you have an incident it affects everybody, and everybody should be given the same insurance and protection whether you’re a volunteer or a paid firefighter.

“It’s a great relief for volunteer female firefighters to know they’re going to be cared for and looked after going forward.”

■ EDITORIAL PAGE 6

Share the journey with support group

SPRINGHURST Old Time

TEMPERATURES:

Wednesday Max 6 Min 13 Showers easing

Thursday Max 4 Min 12 Showers

Friday Max 5 Min 15 Showers

Saturday Max 5 Min 15 Mostly sunny Sunday Max 4 Min 12

WEATHER NEWS TIPS

By SIMONE KERWIN

A NEW, free peer support group for parents and guardians of neurodiverse people will hold its first gathering in Wangaratta tomorrow evening.

To be held at Kids Plus, at 47 Ryley Street (next door to Watermarc) from 7pm to 8pm on Thursday, June 15, the facilitated mutual support group is open to all parents and guardians of anyone who is neurodiverse.

Deb Humphreys is one of two local volunteers with lived experience who have created the support group, and she hopes others will join in the chance to ‘refill their cup’ by sharing time and engaging with peers.

She said the group planned to meet fortnightly at first, then monthly or as required by participants, with its structure and topics to be tailored to the needs of those taking part.

“We will gauge interest, see how it evolves, and go where the group wants to take it,” she said.

Dance will be held on Saturday, June 17 from 7.30pm to 11pm at the Springhurst Hall. Entry is $10 per person, and those attending are asked to bring a plate of supper to share.

Music will be provided by the Rustic Ramblers. For more information, phone 5726 5241.

Police find missing man in Whitfield

By RYAN MALCOLM

AN Edi Upper man who went missing in the King Valley late last week was located safely two days after his initial disappearance.

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Deb will draw not only on her experience as a carer, but also her skills as a facilitator for the peer selfsupport group, and she said there would be a range of opportunities for participants to share and learn from others.

She said the group was open to all ages - from those caring for adults, through to parents, carers and guardians of children - and would offer the chance to explore the joys and challenges of the neurodiversity journey.

“It’s so important to have these connections with others to feel nourished and sustained,” she said.

For more information about the peer support group, contact Deb Humphreys on 0490 286 968.

REFILL YOUR CUP: Peer support group facilitator Deb Humphreys invites local parents and guardians of people who are neurodiverse to come along to the group’s first gathering in Wangaratta tomorrow.

COVID continues general plateau, decline

WHILE there were two more local COVID-19 cases reported to the Department of Health in the last weekly reporting period, broader signs across the state point to a decline.

Active Wangaratta case numbers reached a peak of 69 this year on May 19 but they have since fallen away, down to 32 as of last week.

Across the state, 6135 COVID-19 cases were reported to the department, a decrease of 28 per cent from the previous week.

The number of COVID hospitalisations also fell last week, and quantitative wastewater levelsindicating variants in the wastewater - have also declined.

Despite the positive signs, there are still currently 356 COVID patients in Victorian hospitals and 17 in intensive care, while 64 COVIDrelated deaths were reported to the department in the past week, so the situation remains serious.

There are still 4.2 million Victorians who are eligible but have

Police launched a largescale search utilising ground and air patrols through the King Valley and Myrrhee forest area after 45-year-old Samuel was reported missing, having last been seen in Edi Upper around 5am on Wednesday.

A police spokesperson confirmed Samuel had been found safe ahead of the weekend.

“Missing man Samuel was located safe and well in Whitfield on June 9,” the spokesperson said.

“Police located Sam following sightings of him in the area by members of the public.

“Victoria Police would like to thank the members of the public and the media for their assistance.”

Significant rainfall of up to 140mm in the King River catchment on Thursday morning had previously complicated the police search.

not had their 2023 booster dose, which remains the best way to protect yourself and the community from COVID-19.

The department says we should take a test if we have symptoms and stay home if we are sick.

Booster appointments are available through a local GP or pharmacy including South Wangaratta Medical Centre and Ramsay Pharmacy in Ovens Street, or visit www.healthdirect.gov.au to search for a provider.

FOUND: 45-year-old Edi Upper man Sam was located in Whitfield.

PHOTO: Simone Kerwin

LASTING LEGACY: Former Wangaratta-based state MP for Northern V ictoria Tania Maxwell, pictured (centre) with Wangaratta Group deputy group officer Garry Nash and urban firefighter Monique Hillenaar last year, as part of efforts to expand the state’s presumptive rights scheme to include female-specific cancers.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Two hospitalised after Bungeet crash

By RYAN MALCOLM

TWO men were hospitalised in Wangaratta after veering into a tree while driving near Bungeet early on Tuesday morning.

Emergency services were called to Bungeet Road just after 7.30am, locating a 25-year-old male driver and his 19-year-old

male passenger, both from Kialla, after their Jeep station wagon had veered off the road and into a tree.

An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said both had been injured in the crash, but were in a stable condition immediately following the incident.

The 19-year-old was said to

have suffered upper body injuries, while the 25-year-reported upper body pain, and both were subsequently transported to Northeast Health Wangaratta.

Benalla SES crews were also in attendance, but were not required to extricate the pair from the vehicle, while a single Boweya CFA unit also responded.

A police spokesperson urged anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact authorities.

“Anyone who witnessed the collision or with dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report online at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au,” the spokesperson said.

7-Eleven, fuel station planned for Ryley St

A 7-ELEVEN convenience store and 8-pump fuel station is proposed for a site on the corner of Ryley and Perry streets in Wangaratta.

The planning permit application seeks approval for the use and development of a service station at 22-28 Ryley Street, a site now vacant following the demolition of the Beaurepaires tyre repair centre.

The application proposes a new service station of modern design covering the site of 2415m2.

The proposal is for:

• 8 fuel pumps;

• 7-Eleven pay station and con-

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

venience store with a floor area of 203m2;

• 11 parking bays including a disabled space;

• one loading bay; and

• signage, some of which will be illuminated.

It is proposed to operate the service station 24 hours a day, seven days per week.

Access is proposed from Ryley

Street and Perry Street.

The application can be viewed on Rural City of Wangaratta’s website at https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Development/Planning/Current-applications.

Any person who may be affected by the granting of a permit may object or make a submission, which must be in writing.

For more information, please contact the town planning Unit on (03) 5722 0888.

Council will not decide the application before Friday, June 30.

This latest bid adds to two other newly proposed service stations

which have already been granted planning permits by council.

A Mobil service station and convenience store is proposed at 187-189 Tone Road.

It will involve the demolition of two dwellings, with the development concept to provide the service station development across the frontage of the site, with separate warehouse uses to be placed at the rear of the site which can be accessed through the frontage without disrupting the operation of the fuel sales area.

A permit has also been granted for a 24-hour service station at 4650 Parfitt Road.

By RYAN MALCOLM

FLOOD warnings throughout the North East have largely been lifted, with river levels expected to gradually decline in the coming days.

Having peaked with moderate flooding at 12.51m early on Saturday morning, the Ovens River at Wangaratta receded below the minor flood level (11.9m) on Monday afternoon, and had fallen to 11.5m as of 3pm yesterday.

The King River also reached a peak of 4.08m at Docker Road on Friday morning, falling just below the major flood level, but had receded to some 70cm below the minor flood level as of Tuesday afternoon. The North East’s only remaining flood warning concerns the Kiewa River at Bandiana.

Minimal rain is anticipated in the coming days, with some 5.4mm recorded at Wangaratta Aero’s automatic weather station (AWS) to 3pm yesterday.

Up to 6mm is forecast to fall on Wangaratta before Friday.

Police investigate Reiths Rd car fire

By RYAN MALCOLM

A VEHICLE which was found ablaze in South Wangaratta early on Sunday morning has been linked to an alleged burglary in the local area at the weekend.

Detective Senior Constable Tim Doyle of Wangaratta Criminal Investigation Unit said police had responded to the Reiths Road blaze around 6.30am, locating an allegedly stolen Holden VE utility on fire near the intersection with Shanley Street.

He said police were unsure exactly when the car had been torched, but said it was clear it had been “deliberately set alight”.

The vehicle was allegedly stolen as part of an overnight burglary “not far away” from the Reiths Road site, according to DSC Doyle. He said the roads would have likely been quiet in the lead-up to the blaze, and urged anyone who was in the area who may have noticed suspicious behaviour to contact Wangaratta Crime Investigation Unit on 5723 0888.

Reports can also be made by contacting Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestoppersvic. com.au.

MAKING WAY: The last remnants of the former Beaurepaires tyre repair centre were being removed last week.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

NEW BUSINESS: The site plan and layout for the proposed new 7-Eleven convenience story and fuel station.

Flood threat is expected to recede

The inaugural Thirty X Thirty exhibition

MANY local and regional artists entered their artwork in the inaugural Thirty X Thirty exhibition which opened on Thursday, June 8 at the Art Gallery on Ovens.

40 artists took part in the exhibition and winners were announced on Monday.

The winner of the main prize was Michael Ashby with his piece titled ‘Dusk in King Valley’ and Wendy Richardson’s artwork ‘Now and Gone Forever’ was awarded highly commended.

Today’s a second, but lasting retirement for veteran fireman

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

By SHANA MORGAN

FORMER Country Fire Authority (CFA) regional officer, Neil Brock, will start his second retirement today when he finishes his job at District 23 headquarters.

He originally retired from his command role in 1995 then returned to the CFA in 2003 to work part time with volunteer brigades by organising and sourcing new equipment.

Mr Brock originally only returned for temporary project work, but said he was happy to stay on permanently, especially to work with volunteers.

“It was a useful job, you saw a lot of purpose in what you were doing,” he said.

HIGHLY

“The job that volunteers do is really phenomenal.”

Mr Brock will also be honored at a farewell event tonight.

He said he had mixed feelings about retirement because it means leaving members he has spent so much time with and an organisation he has been part of since joining as a volunteer when he was 16.

When Mr Brock started

as regional officer in 1975, the Region 23 headquarters were at Benalla and he kept a CFA radio in his house, which was also monitored by his wife, Helen, when he was not home.

“There was a lot that the spouses did in those times,” he said.

His son, David, is also involved with the CFA in a more official role as one of the senior station officers with the Wangaratta Fire Brigade. The CFA has also become like “a big family” to Mr Brock and he said the challenge for the organisation is to keep it that way.

AWARD WINNER: Michael Ashby with his award-winning artwork, ‘Dusk in the King Valley’.

COLOURS AND PATTERNS: Artists Helen Hill (left) showing of her artwork ‘Colours and Patterns’.

ART LOVERS: Joy Ramsey, Cheryl Jones and Jenny Emslie celebrating the opening of the inaugural Thirty X Thirty exhibition.

AWARD PRESENTATIONS: Michael Ashby accepting the main prize for his artwork ‘Dusk in the King Valley’.

BRIGHT COLOURS: Resident artist, Joan Mullarvey, enjoying the Thirty X Thirty exhibition. PHOTOS: Chloe Jaenicke

ART CRITICS: Main sponsors, Design by Jones’, Candice and Wade Jones, celebrating Michael Ashby’s award-winning art.

COMMENDED: Wendy Richardson with her highly commended artwork ‘Now and Gone Forever’.

SECOND RETIREMENT: Neil Brock, pictured with wife Helen, will finish his job at CFA District 23 headquarters today.

PHOTO: Luke Plummer

Royal time at wineries for locals and visitors alike

By CHLOE JAENICKE

PEOPLE came from all over to enjoy the wineries and brewery of Glenrowan on the King’s Birthday Weekend.

Baileys of Glenrowan, Booths Tamnick Cellars and Morrisons of Glenrowan opened their doors to visitors from Victoria, interstate and overseas.

“We had a beautiful young crowd of about 10 people from Argentina,” Dianne Morrison from Morrisons of Glenrowan said.

“It was so delightful, and they totally loved it.”

As well as visitors to the region, the wineries also played host to many locals with accompanying guests.

“There were quite a few locals who had visiting friends or family for the weekend that came out to do something in their own area,” said Jenny Booth, from Booths Tamnick Cellars.

“We had quite a few return visitors, one couple said they’ve been coming to this festival for something like 20 years and they returned from Melbourne and said they wouldn’t miss it.”

While the crowds were down from past years at Mor-

risons of Glenrowan, Ms Morrison said she was happy with the turnout overall.

“We’ve been very happy with the number that’s come through, even though it’s less than in past boom years,” she said.

“The turnover might

have been down in terms of the numbers, they were still strong again on Sunday.”

Despite the weather being cold, Ms Booth said the sunshine helped everyone come together and have a great weekend.

“Quite often you have

people come as a couple sitting outside in the sun and just having some lunch or some beers or a wine and they actually start talking and getting in a group together,” she said.

Ms Morrison said part of the weekend’s success was

Alpine fire risk rises as winter sets in

By RYAN MALCOLM

SPECIALIST alpine fire brigades are urging visitors to the region to practice the same fire protocols they would at home while enjoying upcoming trips to the snowfields.

CFA alpine commander Mark Owens said the community should be reminded that fire safety is year-round, with fire risk often increasing as the colder months prevail.

“We want people to enjoy themselves, but to remember to be safe and exercise common sense around fire and heating,” he said.

“During winter and particularly the snow season, the fire risk for accommodation in the area is higher as people switch on heaters, electric blankets, and light fires more frequently to keep themselves warm.

due to the support they had received from the Rural City of Wangaratta council.

“They helped with some event funding sponsorships and were helpful to the Glenrowan wine region event,” she said.

■ More photos page 9

Some duck hunters, protesters breach laws

DURING the 2023 duck season, Game Management Authority’s (GMA) authorised officers undertook 469 patrols at 216 individual wetlands across Victoria.

Authorised officers checked more than 1212 game licences and 981 hunter bags.

Most hunters GMA spoke to were complying with the law and enjoying their time on the wetlands.

However, some hunters and protesters were in breach of game hunting and public safety laws.

Breaches to hunting laws detected throughout the season included failure to comply with the season arrangements, hunting without a valid game licence, possession of toxic shot, two hunters were found

to have exceeded the daily bag limit and one hunter failed to immediately dispatch a retrieved duck.

Breaches to public safety laws detected included entering a wetland without authorisation, hindering and harassing hunters and people littering and leaving campfires unattended,

As a result, the GMA will issue 19 infringement notices and is currently conducting 17 investigations.

A total of 45 breaches were detected throughout the 2023 duck season.

GMA director of compliance and intelligence Paul Stevens said the GMA works in partnership with multiple government agencies to monitor and regulate the 2023 duck hunting season.

“While some people breached game hunting and public safety laws, most people authorised officers spoke to were compliant,” Mr Stevens said.

“Thank you to everyone who acted safely and responsibly during the 2023 duck season.”

The GMA works in partnership with Victoria Police, the Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action (DEECA), the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR), Victorian Fisheries Authority and Parks Victoria to regulate the duck season. Report illegal hunting and breaches to public safety laws to the GMA, visit Report Illegal Hunting or call 136 186.

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“Alpine brigades have been undertaking training and skill maintenance ahead of the season to ensure they are ready to respond in emergencies in all conditions.

“Our brigades have been very active in the past few weeks and will continue their great work by hosting open sessions for people involved in the local tourism industry and wider community to ensure they are all prepared.

“Make simple decisions to stay safe – don’t dry your ski gear or clothes in front of an open fire, make sure you and your family know what to do in the event of a fire and never leave cooking unattended.”

On average there are 3000 house fires in Victoria each year, with most able to be prevented by taking simple precautions, such as using a fire screen in front of an open fire, or leaving drying clothes at least one metre away from all heating.

Other ways to mitigate risk include never leaving portable heaters or fireplaces unattended, never leaving cooking unattended, or never using damaged electrical equipment or appliances.

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GENERATIONAL EVENT: The family wineries of Glenrowan, such as James Booth and Peter Booth, celebrated the King’s Birthday Weekend with many visitors and great weather.

SOME FALLOUT: As a result of the season, the Game Management Authority will issue 19 infringement notices and is currently conducting 17 investigations.

MP leaves a lasting legislative legacy

DESPITE Tania Maxwell falling short in her efforts to be re-elected, it’s pleasing to see an MP so closely associated with the local region play an important role in creating vital legislative change going forward.

The expansion of Victoria’s presumptive rights scheme for firefighters to include female-specific cancers has been at least four years in the making, and will be a major boost to the security and welfare of thousands of female volunteer and paid firefighters in the coming years.

Her efforts in acting as a conduit between firefighters and the State Government played a vital role in breaking down a barrier which has long-existed for so many, at a time when the number of female volunteers is increasing exponentially.

It’s a fantastic legacy to leave, and one which will benefit so many locally and across the state.

Let’s hope it continues to inspire our elected representatives to fight the good fight wherever they can.

The Australian QuizNo.28

1 Kenny’s Window was the first children’s book published by which author?

(a) Dr. Seuss

(b) Maurice Sendak

(c) Beatrix Potter

(d) C. S. Lewis

2 Rocamadour is a popular tourist attraction in which country?

(a) France

(b) Germany

(c) South Africa

(d) Spain

(b) 1970s

(c) 1980s

(d) 1990s

4 Lois Griffin is one of the main characters in which animated TV series?

(a) Bob’s Burgers

(b) Futurama

(c) South Park

(d) Family Guy

5 Which country was the first to have a woman democratically elected as president?

(a) Finland

6 In the NATO phonetic alphabet, which letter is represented by the name of a month?

(a) M

(b) N

(c) O

(d) F

7 Saya Sakakibara represented Australia in which cycling event at the 2020 Summer Olympics?

(a) BMX racing

(b) Road

(c) Mountain biking

Age?

(a) Ray Romano

(b) Jack Black

(c) Tim Allen

(d) Tom Hanks

9 Bromine is a member of which group of elements?

(a) Pnictogens

(b) Chalcogens

(c) Noble gases

(d) Halogens

WE welcome your letters to the Editor. Priority is given to typed/emailed letters under 250 words. Every letter must have your full name, address and a daytime phone contact number supplied for verification purposes. Any letter may be edited for reasons of space, content or legibility. Email edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au Post

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

3

In which decade did the Australian Matildas first play in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup?

(a) 1960s

(b) Iceland

(c) Sweden

(d) Norway

Another MP’s Voice view worth noting

I READ John Moore’s letter in the Wangaratta Chronicle (June 2) with interest so I thought it was worth noting the comments from Julian Lesser (former Opposition Spokesperson on Indigenous Affairs).

Mr Lesser said that the body (the Voice) would eliminate the economic and social differences between Indigenous and other Australians, rather than creating two classes of Australian, as Peter Dutton and other ‘No’ advocates claim.

“The Voice will work on making our remote communities safer,” he said.

“It will work to rid communities of addictions from nicotine and alcohol to ice.

“It will work to address the terrible rates of infant mortality and renal failure in many Indigenous communities.

“And it will work to create local jobs and industries so that we can break a culture of welfare dependency.

“Some say the Voice will give Indigenous Australians a place of privilege.

“Does anyone really believe that Indigenous Australians occupy a place of privilege?”

He said most referendum debates make the “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” argument.

“Normally that is a valid and compelling argument. But the system is broken,” he said.

He mocked suggestions the proposed body would have a say on Australia’s future submarine fleet or purchases by the Department of Finance, pointing out it would not run programs or hand out grants.

“The parliament will still be supreme in matters of policy and law. The Voice will advise,” he said.

“Just like the security services, the chief medical officer, chief scientist, DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) and so many agencies advise”.

Mr Lesser spoke in the House of Representatives on May 24.

If you want to read his full speech you will find it on the Federal Parliament website under Hansard: https://www.aph. gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Hansard

- check the right hand index under Bills -Constitution Alteration (Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Voice) 2023.

Jane Baker, Wangaratta

(d) Madison

8 Who provided the voice for Zeke in the 2002 movie, Ice

10

The Xingu River is one of the longest rivers on which continent?

(a) Africa

(b) Asia

(c) South America

(d) Europe

COSY ATTIRE: As wet winter conditions set in, Yarrunga Primary School students were invited to enjoy a pyjama day on Thursday. Students arrived at school wearing PJs, dressing gowns, Oodies and slippers, and were cosy and comfortable on a day which dawned wet and windy and saw some sun shine through in the afternoon. Among those enjoying the pyjama day, which also encouraged students to warm up with a cup of soup or noodles, were Matilda Brazendale (6), Xander Hickson-Sutcliffe (6), Roseanne Wilson (5) and Damien Thorpe (6).

Painful, costly potholes on Hume Freeway

I AM writing this letter after another drive on the Hume Freeway has completely shocked me in the condition on the road at the moment.

The pot holes are just disgraceful, and if they’ve tried to repair them, they’ve only made them worse.

I have personally had to replace a brand new rim, which was completely cracked through the centre, and tyre (with repair costs exceeding $500) after unavoidably hitting a deep pothole.

I was laughed at by a worker at VicRoads when I asked her for a form to complain about the roads, and apply for compensation for the repair costs.

In the last few months I have also seen others stopped on the side of the highway just after these bad potholes, who must have also had damage done to their vehicle.

I know I’m not the only local who has

had the same issues and concerns about the very dangerous, poorly maintained roads we are made to deal with.

We are all made to pay our registration up-to-date, and this is supposed to cover the cost of our contribution to the local road maintenance and repairs to keep them at a safe standard for all road users.

The Hume Freeway is the main truck route for the eastern side of Australia and sees a massive amount of traffic.

I really wish the government would put the time and money into giving us all a safer freeway - we shouldn’t have to lose lives or have our personal property damaged, and have to pay for repairs that weren’t needed, until damaged from the road.

Don’t we have the right to a correctly maintained highway to a standard that won’t damage our vehicle?

These potholes are that bad you can’t see them until you’re actually right on top of them.

It’s not good enough.

Amber Brudenell, Wangaratta

1 (b) Maurice Sendak 2 (a) France 3 (b) 1970s 4 (d) Family Guy 5 (b) Iceland 6 (b) N 7 (a) BMX racing 8 (b) Jack Black 9 (d) Halogens 10 (c) South America

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Concerted effort needed to address pedestrian safety

PEDESTRIANS are being urged to ‘stop, look and live,’ as part of a new Crime Stoppers campaign aimed at reducing pedestrian casualties when crossing the road in built up areas.

Specifically targeting roadways with a speed limit of 60kph, the new partnership aims to educate vulnerable pedestrians on how they can stay safe using Victorian roads.

Crime Stoppers Victoria chief executive Stella Smith said the campaign would use a variety of techniques to help local residents identify road risks.

According to Victoria Police and Transport Accident Commission data, some 30 per cent of pedestrian deaths occur in regional and rural Victoria.

“Every Victorian deserves to get home safely and the easiest way to achieve this is to identify risks and follow the road rules,” Ms Smith said.

“No matter whether you are a pedestrian, driver or cyclist on the road, we challenge everyone to stop and think, is this safe?

“We all play a role in keeping our roads safe and Crime Stoppers Victoria is offering vulnerable pedestrians the tools they need to use our roads safely.

“We have seen 175 pedestrians killed on our roads over the last five years, and a significant number of those have been in 60kph zones.

“We hope with more education and awareness we can reduce the number of injuries and most importantly, deaths on our roads.”

The most vulnerable pedestrians are primary school children aged between four and 12, intoxicated people aged 30-39, and the elderly aged over 70.

Some 36 pedestrians have been killed on Victorian roads in the past 12 months.

Local doctor to fly flag at rural health awards

WANGARATTA will be represented at the upcoming Victorian Rural Health Awards 2023, with Dr Olivia Stuart to fly the flag for a number of local health services.

Recognised for her involvement with Gateway Health and the First Nations Apex Park Bus initiative, Dr Stuart was nominated for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health’ as well as ‘Outstanding Contribution by a Rural GP or Rural Generalist’.

The awards ceremony is set to run online on Tuesday, June 27, and will be hosted by Australian actress, director and regional resident Angie Hilton.

Award nominees this year represent a diverse range of healthcare disciplines, including rural general practitioners, medical specialists, nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals.

improve pedestrian awareness in the

Victoria Police road policing command acting assistant Commissioner Martin O’Brien said police were focused on protecting the most vulnerable road users.

“Too many vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, are being killed or seriously injured and it’s all too preventable,” he said.

“We are grateful to have Crime Stoppers Victoria launching this

campaign, along with the many councils, schools and businesses that will support this initiative to improve road safety.

“Everyone has a role to play in keeping our roads safe, and we urge everyone to think not only about their own safety but how their behaviour can impact the safety of others.”

For more information, visit crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Mount Beauty Medical Centre’s Patricia Ryder was also nominated for the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Rural Practice Management award’, while Dr Laura Zagorski, from Mount Beauty/Falls Creek Medical Centre, will be in direct competition with Dr Stuart in the Rural GP or Rural Generalist category.

Mansfield Medical Clinic and Collected Minds’ Dr Laura Carter was also nominated in the same category.

To register to attend the free event, visit www.rwav. com.au/victorian-rural-healthawards-2023.

If

lwb.org.au

WALK WITH CARE: Senior Sergeant Colin Provan last year led efforts to

rural city.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

SHOW AND TELL:

Students William Cook, Ryan VanDerPoel, Teo Valle, Mark Henschke and teacher Zoe Henschke are pictured with Sam Mac from Sunrise, showing off their robotics.

Breaking news

IT was a brisk three degrees on a Friday morning when Sam Mac from Seven Network’s Sunrise dropped by Wangaratta.

The VEX robotics team from

Wangaratta Primary School

Wangaratta Primary School, in conjunction with Galen Catholic College, took the opportunity to show off their robot coding skills.

The new subject has been a hit this year with primary students, run with ongoing support from Galen College and the Digital Technology Advisory Committee.

Arcade fun

Appin Park Primary School

THE year 3/4 students have been busy investigating arcade games and designing and creating their own.

Working in small groups has allowed each of the students to play a vital role in the development of their game.

Part of the task was to recycle and reuse materials, especially cardboard and readily available resources to make their creation.

The focus was to employ an engineering design process, where they planned, created, tested and made improvements where necessary.

All students were certainly engaged with the task, some not even realising how much reading and maths they were using throughout the production. An open morning is being organised for families and friends to come along and play some of the games.

Out and about Oxley Primary School

MANY students took the opportunity to go and see Roald Dahl’s The Twits, which visited the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre last week.

The live play is based on the on the popular story, which is full of trickery and wickedly-funny pranks.

It was enjoyed by everyone who went along.

Outdoor entertainment

Carraragarmungee Primary School

IT may be winter, but the season is still providing plenty of leaves in the garden to play with.

Students George Newman, Jimmy Niklaus, Amelia Brauman, George Wilson and Cypress Morton were among those outside having fun in nature.

1Which of these lizards does not live in Australia? Is it a) the bluetongued lizard, b) the green iguana, c) the black-headed monitor lizard, or d) the golden-tailed gecko?

FREE PLAY: Carra students George Newman, Jimmy Niklaus, Amelia Brauman, George Wilson and Cypress Morton were almost covered in the last of the leaves.

2

If you replaced Earth with a Sun-sized star, but the Moon stayed where it was, where would the Moon be relative to the new star?

Would the Moon be a) inside the star, b) orbiting around the star, or c) just skimming the surface of the star?

3Which element has the symbol W on the periodic table?

Is it a) hydrogen, b) iron, c) tungsten, or d) lead?

4Where does asbestos come from? Is it a) a type of mineral, b) specially treated plant fibres, c) a type of plastic made from natural gas, or d) recycled coal ash?

they can cause life eateningthr diseases. 5. c) Alpha Crucis, the brightest star in the Southern Cross is 321 light years away.

is a type of mineral with long fibrous crystals. If inhaled

5How long does it take for light to travel from the brightest star in the Southern Cross to Earth?

Is it a) 3 years, b) 32 years, c) 321 years, or d) 3217 years?

For more CSIRO Double

PLAY TIME: Oxley students Jobe Fenn, Tyrone Lowen, Eloise Booth, Stella Ryan and Blair McDonald were among those attending a performance of The Twits in Wangaratta.

GETTING CREATIVE: Students Indie Goldsmith, Zara Pell and Toby Barnes proudly display their ‘Whackem Rockets’ game.

King’s birthday weekend in Glenrowan

MANY braved the cold on the long weekend to visit Glenrowan wineries and the famous King’s Birthday Weekend market on the Monday. The market had something for everyone to enjoy from books to homemade jams and jewellery while wineries had their cellar doors open all weekend for people to enjoy their products, fine food and entertainment.

Victorian Farmers Federation blasts government’s new transmission plan

A NEW statewide plan for transmission infrastructure development has been slammed by the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF), which says the initiative ignores the rights of farmers and regional communities.

New legislation is set to be introduced to Victorian parliament early next year, outlining the government’s “once-in-a-generation’ energy transition utilising Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) throughout the state to replace traditional coalfired power stations.

VFF president Emma Ger-

mano said the framework had failed to consider its impacts on farm business.

“For the last four years, the VFF has consistently called for a coordinated approach to transmission infrastructure planning – the government has heeded our call and taken some action in formulating the Victorian Transmission Investment Framework,” she said.

“Disappointingly, however, the framework continues to neglect farmer concerns – it does not speak about agricultural land use and the impact on food and fibre

PUT THE BRAKES ON BURGLARS AND CAR THIEVES!

production.

“It’s farmers that are slated to host the infrastructure needed for renewable transmission – how could the framework possible ignore farmers and the food we produce?

“There are gaping policy black holes around fair protection for the rights of landowners and these must be addressed and incorporated into the framework – we cannot plan and cost transmission projects if we do not know what the actual level of compensation to landowners will be.”

TASTE TEST: Paul Jenkins and Jane Cooper trying Booths Tamick Cellars on Monday.

POURING WINE: James Booth offering a taste test to Joe Byrne and Jane Cooper.

DAY OUT: Many came down to the Glenrowan Market on Monday, despite the cold weather.

STAYING WARM: Charmine Fitzsimmons and Bill Kohne staying warm while running their stall.

WINTER MARKET: Karen Holzinger braving the cold to sell an array of items. LUCKY DIP: Ida and Georgie Blyth showing off what they picked in the lucky dip at the Glenrowan Market.

HOMEMADE: Helen Smyth sold an array of wooden boards and jewellery at the Glenrowan Market.

PHOTOS: Chloe Jaenicke

WINE AND DINE: Joe Byrne and Natalie Booth enjoying wine at Booths Tamnick Cellars.

MEN'S HEALTH WEEK

He who has health, has hope

ATTENTION all grandpas, dads, uncles, brothers, sons and nephews!

As the region’s trusted medical imaging provider, the X-Ray Group is getting on board Men’s Health Week to support the men in our community.

ACTIVE: There’s more

at

Round or two goes a fair way for mental health

IF you ever wondered why so many men, and a growing number of women become hooked on golf perhaps it’s because you haven’t tried it yourself at the Jubilee Golf Club.

The merits of physical exercise and social interaction for good mental health are well documented and golf provides all that and more for people of all ages.

Even if you are a pro golfer, a round of golf involves a good long walk and plenty of fresh air, all the better enjoyed in a group according to JGC secretary Di Murphy.

“We have something for men and boys virtually of all ages,” Di said.

“We have the North East Veterans golf where men over 50 travel around to other clubs to to compete once month and they all get together and get to know each other.

“We also have a group of retired gentle-

men who drop in every Thursday to volunteer around the course, raking bunkers, filling up sand buckets, mowing fairways which they all enjoy.

“We had one older member who was 90 involved and he said he would have died years ago if it wasn’t for that.

“And if course, there are all the regular competitions during the week and on weekends.”

Di said the groups look out for each other and if anyone is ill or doesn’t turn up they will make a call to see they are alright.

The club plans to further promote mental health by installing a blue seat on the 4th tee which will have the Beyond Blue logo and contact details to encourage players to reach out if they are not feeling okay.

To learn more about the club call the pro shop on 5725 3258.

Although health sometimes takes a backseat in our busy lives, this is the week to prioritise your health or that of a loved one.

If you’ve been putting off that visit to your GP or medical imaging scan, don’t wait until it’s too late.

Prioritise your health today!

With FIVE radiology practices in Albury, Lavington, Wodonga, Yarrawonga and Wangaratta, the friendly team at The X-Ray Group are experts when it comes to detecting and diagnosing health issues.

Their staff understand the importance of early disease detection and provide a caring and compassionate service.

At their local clinic in Rowan St, Wangaratta X-Ray provide a range of services including ultrasound, x-ray, CT and pain management interventional procedures.

MRI, Nuclear Medicine and Bone Mineral Density

scans are also available at The Gardens in Albury.

Each of these modalities provide vital imaging for medical investigations such as prostate cancer, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, lung screening, pain management, neurological brain issues and more.

With prostate cancer the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men, it is estimated 1 in 5 men will face a diagnosis by the age of 85.

Ultrasound and MRI are two non-invasive and highly accurate tools used to detect any abnormalities.

Similarly, cardiac disease is the leading cause of death in Australia and affects

more men than women. Ask your GP about a quick and easy Calcium Score CT, Echocardiogram or CT Coronary Angiogram to help measure your risk of a cardiovascular event.

In recognition of Men’s Health Week, The X-Ray Group are highlighting their continued support and the many services they provide men in our community.

Bulk billing is available, and the X-Ray Group accepts referral forms from other medical imaging providers. Don’t delay, contact Wangaratta X-Ray on (03) 5720 0700 or visit www. thexraygroup.com.au to book an appointment online.

STAYING

to do

Jubilee Golf Club than just play golf. There’s plenty of volunteer work to keep the place in top condition with volunteers including (from left) Nathan Grant, Matt Walker, Russell Stone, Stephen Fisher, Geoff Ryan and Lawrie Godfrey regular participants.

DON’T DELAY, SEE YOUR GP TODAY: The X-Ray Group encourages men who have been putting off that visit to their GP or medical imaging scan, not to wait until it’s too late.

Supporting physical, emotional health

INTERNATIONAL Men’s Health

Week is celebrated every year.

It is an opportunity to highlight the importance of men’s health, and to promote and support the health and wellbeing of men and boys in our local communities.

Gateway Health has many programs available to support not only men’s physical health, but also their mental health and emotional wellbeing.

One of these programs is the Men’s Cooking Program.

“The men’s cooking group has been running since 2018, building the capacity of older men to develop and improve food management skills – including meal planning and budgeting, understanding and following recipes and learning new cooking methods,” Chadia Bastin, Clinical Lead Dietetics, Gateway Health. said.

“Dietitians and allied health assistants work with clients to develop their individual foodmanagement skills to meet their specific needs.

“It’s accessed by men who would like to improve their cooking skills and knowledge, particularly for those who may not have cooked much in the past.

“However, the program does more than simply teach cooking skills.

“Food is a form of social glue, that is able to connect people of

all ages and all walks of life.

“Research shows that social connectedness can lead to longer life, better health, and improved well-being greatly improving our capacity to live well”.

This year, the program has taken on a new spin of health incorporating ‘intergenerational practice’ to build coaching skills in young hospitality students

and cooking skills in older men through a partnership with GOTAFE.

This program has evolved into the “Young & Old Learning Kitchen Skills (YOLKS): An intergenerational cooking program.”

Facilitated by hospitality trainer Glenn Kealy and Dietitians Anita Schirmer and

Chadia Bastin, participants have been meeting weekly since April to learn with and from each other about how to cook flavourful and nutritious dishes.

“It was great to see first-hand the benefits of intergenerational programs in action and the positive social impact they can have on our community,” Glenn Kealy, Trainer and Assessor

Commercial Cookery said. “The use of intergenerational practice in our learning created a more engaging and educational space and built confidence in participants.”

Caitlin Hawker Bailey, a bright young GOTAFE student who took part in the YOLKS program said, “A highlight has been interacting with people outside of my regular age group.

“It’s been fantastic teaching someone that is willing to work, to listen and participate and I feel good knowing I have taught them something that I know they will take home and use.”

And Mick Villella an older participant in the YOLKS Program, agreed.

“It was good to work with younger people and learn more about our generational differences,” he said.

“I learnt about their ideas and shared ours and we found the best ways to work well together.”

For more information or to enquire about a future program, please contact Gateway Health by email: info@gatewayhealth. org.au, or phone 03 5723 2097, or visit the website: www. gatewayhealth.org.au.

Eligibility criteria and fees apply to some Gateway Health services. Please read the service information available on their website for details.

BODY AND MIND: Gateway Health has many programs available to support men’s physical and mental health including the Men’s Cooking Program which was a hit for Alan McHaffie and Barry Small (pictured).

Margaret Hickey to speak at the Wangaratta Library

AWARD-winning local author and playwright Margaret Hickey will celebrate the release of her new novel at the Wangaratta Library tomorrow from 6pm.

Author of Cutters End and Stone Town, Margaret will discuss her latest book Broken Bay; the third crime novel featuring Detective Mark Ariti.

Proudly supported by Edgars Books and News, bookings are essential with tickets available athttps://events.humanitix.com/ meet-the-author-margaret-hickey or by contacting the library.

Alpine Brass Festival

THE Alpine Brass Festival will be held on Saturday, June 17 at the Bright Entertainment Centre from 1pm to 6pm. Hear bands from across the state play at the all-ages event, with food and drink available.

Adults, children and family tickets are available and all proceeds go to the Victorian State Youth Brass Band, with more information at www.skunkworkscommunity. com/alpine-brass-festival.

yourstars

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) You Ewes and Rams will find your ideas cheered by a mostly receptive flock. Those few dissenters could well be turned around by your charm and powers of persuasion.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) It’s time for the bold and beautiful Bovine to shake off the dust of the past and shape up new ideas for the future. This could surprise some folks, but they’ll soon adjust.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Those nagging new doubts about an upcoming decision should alert you to step back (at least temporarily) so you can reassess its potential impact from a new perspective.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) That unpleasant situation you hoped would go away by itself needs immediate attention before it affects an upcoming decision. Expect your supporters to rally around your cause.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) You’re moving up and away from that recent setback. But remain cautious about finances. An exercise in thrift today helps cushion a possible end-of-themonth money squeeze.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) You’re still dealing with overtones of pessimism that cause you to doubt your ability to make some needed changes. But the negative pressures will ease up by week’s end.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) There could be some fallout from the way you handled a recent family problem. But those who know that you were in the right won’t hesitate to step in on your behalf.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Financial strains ease by week’s end. Meanwhile, focus on cultivating that new relationship if you hope to have it blossom into something more meaningful.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Health matters once again dominate the week. Be careful not to ignore recurrences of an old problem. An almostforgotten commitment resurfaces.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) The emergence of an unusual selfish streak could dismay those close to you. Defy it -- don’t justify it -- so you can become your gracious self again.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Reassess your decision to stay with the status quo. It might seem like the sensible thing to do right now, but changes around you could make that choice a risky one.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Move decisively, but cautiously, when dealing with a delicate personal matter. The fewer mistakes you make now, the less likely it is that the problem will recur later on.

A joyful celebration of Italian heritage

A BAND of young Italians from Melbourne who play music which proudly celebrates their heritage, will play at the Da Vinci Club in Wangaratta on Saturday, July 1.

Siesta Cartel describe themselves as a unifying musical movement made up of members whose hearts beat to the music they play from a long time ago, where their beloved tradition was born.

They play the sounds of Italian migration and songs they grew up with - traditional music which is resonating with a growing audience around the country and beyond - as the band performs at Italian festivals, special

WinterFest community event in Wangaratta

BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au

events and large scale community celebrations, even taking their reinvigorated sound back Italy itself where it has been enthusiastically embraced.

The bands say they are on a mission to preserve the wonderful culture they were born into, to be proud of it and to share it with others.

“We know what our ancestors went through for us - to give us our lives of hope, prosperity and opportunity,” they say.

THE Rural City of Wangaratta will be present a WinterFest in the grounds of the Holy Trinity Cathedral on Saturday, June 24 from 10am to 9pm.

Featuring activities and entertainment for all ages, there will be live music, drumming, a Wangaratta’s Got Talent competition and dancing through to a lantern procession.

There will also be roller skating, tobogganing, jumping castles, roving street performers and artists, with a range of speciality food and drinks available, and entry is free.

“We aim to teach the next generation that this must be kept alive - to never forget where we came from.”

Siesta Cartel recently released an album called Canzoni Di Mio Padre (Songs Of My Father) dedicated to every migrant Italian who paved their way in Australia.

It includes songs such as Canzone Appassiunata, Guaglione, Tu Vuo’ Fa’ L’Americano and Bella Ciao which people of all ages love to singalong and dance to; fans describing their music as uplifting, joyful and thoroughly entertaining.

The band has plans to record more music, make film clips and

Lacemaking workshops at Wangaratta Art Gallery

WANGARATTA Art Gallery will host an upcoming residency and workshops led by acclaimed artist Mary Elizabeth Barron as part of a series of events to accompany the 2023 Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award (WCTA).

Barron’s residency and workshops will provide a unique opportunity for participants to explore the art of bobbin lacemaking and create contemporary pieces using recycled materials.

The residency and workshops will take place in Gallery 2 from June 24 to July 1, with an artist meet and greet on Saturday, June 24 at 2pm and all welcome (RSVP essential). Workshops are free and will run on Sunday, June 25 at 10.30 to 12.30 and 1.30pm to 3.30pm, with bookings essential by calling 5722 0865 or visit www. wangarattaartgallery.com.au.

create a theatre show which will tour Australia telling the beautiful story of migration through music and dance.

Before they embark on their next exciting journey, experience the energy of Siesta Cartel live at the Da Vinci Club in Pyles Lane on Saturday, July 1.

Doors will open at 5.45pm with tickets including a delicious, three course meal, which will be served from 6.30pm (drinks at bar prices).

Tickets are $75 per person ($70 for members) available now from www.eventbrite.com.au or to find out more, call Pip on 0409 307 606.

Ian Moss acoustic tour

MUSICIAN Ian Moss, who Cold Chisel bandmate Don Walker once described as “the most gifted musician I’ve ever seen”, will visit the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention in December as part of his The Rivers Run Dry solo tour.

The tour will feature songs from his new album Rivers Run Dry, along with hits including Bow River, Tuckers Daughter, Telephone Booth, My Baby and more, performed in an intimate solo setting.

Ian Moss will play on Friday, December 8 at 8pm and tickets are on sale now at www.wpacc.com.au.

UPLIFTING CELEBRATION: Siesta Cartel will have everyone dancing at the Da Vinci Club on Saturday, July 1.

Moyhu walking track is a few steps closer

BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au

THE community is invited to contribute to the development of Moyhu’s new walking track, leading from the township to the King River, with a community planting morning being held this Sunday.

It follows considerable work undertaken recently by local residents and members of the Greta Valley Landcare Group, supported by the Rural City of Wangaratta, which has contributed people-power and funding towards the project.

In a collaborative effort involving two working bees, community members have removed woody weeds from the roadside, Boggy Creek and the King River, assisted by spray contractors which were engaged through funding from a council grant.

The idea of establishing a safe, off-road walking track providing public access to the river has long been on the community’s wish list, with local resident and Landcare vice president Rob Edgar a driving force behind making it happen.

The Greta Valley Landcare Group, who celebrated their 30th anniversary in 2022, embraced the idea when it was raised by Mr Edgar last year, believing it would leave a legacy for the local community.

During the recent working bees, the team focussed on removing weed species including Desert Ash, White Cedar, Privet and Willow, making the area easier to maintain for locals, and showcasing the distinctive poplar avenue which lines the track.

WANGARATTA Prostate Cancer Support Group will hold its next meeting today from 7pm to 8pm at the North Eastern Hotel (Northo) in Spearing Street.

Members and prospective members are welcome to come along earlier at 6pm for dinner prior to the meeting. Partners most welcome.

For more information, phone Bill on 0408 552 768, Neil on 0427 214 856 or Frank on 0448 313 506.

WANGARATTA Senior Citizens Club will host bingo from 1.30pm today at its clubrooms in Tara Court, off Ford Street.

The club will host indoor carpet bowls from 12 noon tomorrow (Thursday), cards (euchre) from 1.30pm on Friday, indoor carpet bowls on Monday from 12 noon, and cards (500) and hoy on Tuesday from 1.30pm, all at its clubrooms or in the adjoining St Patrick’s supper room.

Next Wednesday’s social gathering will be lunch at the Wangaratta Club from 12 noon.

WANGARATTA Royal Children’s Hospital Ladies Auxiliary will hold its winter street stall on Thursday, June 15 in the council kiosk in Reid Street, to raise funds for the RCH.

Beautiful hand-knitted baby and children’s wear, cakes, preserves and other items will be available for sale from 8.30am, as well as freshly-made lamingtons.

A PEER support group for parents and guardians of anyone who is neurodiverse, will commence on Thursday, June 15 between 7pm and 8pm at Kids Plus, 47 Ryley Street (next to Watermarc).

The group plans to meet fortnightly at first, then monthly or as required by participants.

For more information, phone Deb Humphreys on 0490 286 968.

WANGARATTA Cake Decorators meet every third Saturday of the month at

King Valley residents meeting

THE next meeting of the King Valley Residents Association (KVRA) will be held tonight at the Whitfield Recreation Reserve from 6pm to 7.30pm.

It will take place in the AC Swinburne Pavilion and all interested are welcome to attend.

Moyhu country market on Saturday

THE next Moyhu country market will be held on Saturday at the Moyhu Lions Park from 8am until 12pm.

There will be fresh local produce and preserves plus a range of other stalls, as well as a hot breakfast available courtesy of the Moyhu Lions, plus piping hot coffee.

Food hub in Cheshunt

THE Sustainable King Valley food hub is open on the first and third Saturday morning of the month from 10.30am until 12.30pm at the Cheshunt Hall.

Stock up on quality, affordable, waste-free, bulk wholefoods and enjoy great social connection this Saturday morning, with all welcome to come along.

The works also prepared an area for a bridge which will be constructed over the Boggy Creek once funding can be secured for this component of the track.

Volunteers will be on site on Sunday to plant specially selected local native species to beautify the walking trail, with the plan to add signage identifying the individual plants.

Planting coordinator Sally Day said the group wanted to provide a site where people could see examples of different native spe-

Galen College in Phillipson Street from 10.30am.

The next meeting is on June 17, when the group will welcome Chris Cottrell from Melbourne, demonstrating a toy box. Those who want to take part must book and pay $10 for their kit by June 10. Cost for the day is $15 members and $20 non-members. BYO lunch and mug. All welcome.

Phone Jeanie on 0439 087 630 for more information.

COME and try croquet at the Wangaratta Croquet Club, 46 Ryan Avenue, on any Monday, Wednesday or Saturday at 12.30pm.

Equipment and instruction provided in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. For further information, phone club president Susan Fischer on 0417 217 009.

THE Australian Plant Society (Wangaratta) will hold its next meeting on Thursday, June 22 from 7pm at the Masonic Hall, corner Appin and Esmond Streets.

Presenter will be John van Riet, on the subject ‘The History and Art of Botanical Illustration’. The presentation will include an opportunity for all in attendance to do an illustration.

THE North Eastern branch of the Embroiderers Guild of Victoria meets every fourth Tuesday at the Masonic Lodge in Appin St, Wangaratta.

Beginners and experienced embroiderers are welcome to come along at 9.30am. For more information, contact Jen on 0407 560562.

SATURDAY Quilters meet on the first Saturday of the month for a relaxed day of sit, sew and chat, from 10am to 3pm at the Wangaratta Small Bore Rifle Club, off the river end of College Street.

Contact Colleen on 0427 221 138.

A NEW croquet club has started at the Wangaratta Lawn Tennis Club in

SOCIAL CALENDAR

Merriwa Park.

cies and learn more about their individual characteristics, so they could determine if they may be suitable to plant at their own properties.

The planting morning will begin this Sunday with hot coffee and Greta Valley Landcare Group’s annual general meeting at 9am in the Moyhu Lions Park.

The planting will be followed by an early lunch generously catered and donated by the Moyhu Lions Club, with all welcome to join in.

The group plays on Sunday afternoons, Tuesday afternoons and Thursday mornings, equipment supplied. For more information, contact Anne on 0490 173 169.

VACCA Ovens Murray will host a NAIDOC Week event at Apex Park on Sunday, July 9 from 1pm to 4pm. Come along and enjoy the Clothing the Gap walk along the Bullawah Cultural Trail from 12.15pm, and stay for the community gathering, which will feature a free community barbecue and entertainment.

COME and play mahjong at the Wangaratta RSL on Thursdays from 11am.

Beginners welcome. Contact Jan on 0429 166 016.

WANGARATTA Keenagers Table Tennis Club plays on Mondays and Thursdays at the table tennis centre at the Wangaratta Showgrounds.

Play begins at 8am. New players welcome. Morning tea provided – please bring your own cup. For more information, contact Trevor Wolfel on 0476 891 596.

WANGARATTA Concert Band rehearses on Mondays from 6.45pm to 9pm at the Avian Park Raceway Band Room in Newman Street.

New players welcome, contact Helen on 0401 021 448.

GLENROWAN Indoor Carpet Bowls is held at Glenrowan Recreation Reserve Hall each Wednesday – arrive 12.45pm for 1pm start.

The competition runs until 3.30pm–4pm, and is followed by afternoon tea. For details, phone Frank on 0409 662 462.

King Valley United club comedy night

THE King Valley United Football and Netball Club will be holding a comedy night on Saturday, June 17 at the Whitfield Recreation Reserve. Fresh from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, The Suburban Footballer - Tom Siegert will perform, with meals from 5.45pm and the show starting at 6.30pm, plus a massive club raffle.

Tickets are available through www.trybooking. com with a bus running from Whitfield to Wangaratta after the show.

WANGARATTA Sing Australia Group meets each Wednesday from 7.30pm to 9pm at Purbrick Hall, next to Holy Trinity Cathedral.

All welcome – for further information, call Keith Fleet on 0491 114 480, Cheryl Hoysted on 0419 005 062 or Marlene O‘Keefe on 0417 454 126.

WANGARATTA Symphony Orchestra meets each Tuesday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Wangaratta Baptist Church, 1 Sisely Avenue.

New string and wind players are welcome to come along to rehearsals to try out.

For more information, email wangsymphonyorchestra@gmail.com or call Chloe on 0413 775 027.

WANGARATTA Woodworkers Inc meet at the Wangaratta Showgrounds each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9am to 12 noon (closing earlier if no-one is present).

The rooms are open on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 7pm to 8.30pm, and Sundays from 10am to 1pm. All welcome.

For more information, contact Bevan on 0437 196 118 or Les on 0412 250 674.

OSTINATO Wangaratta and District Community Choir meets each Tuesday from 7pm to 9.30pm at the Log Cabin, corner Faithfull and Chisholm Streets, Wangaratta.

New members are welcome to join this enthusiastic and welcoming group of singers. For more information, contact Helen on 0457 269278.

LIFEBALL is held each Tuesday from 1pm on the basketball court at the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre.

Lifeball is a non–contact game of netball, designed by a doctor and physio for the safety of mature players, with no running, walking backwards or throwing high balls, but enjoying fun and friendship.

For more information, phone 0418 574 404.

WANGARATTA AL–Anon Family Group meets on Tuesdays from 1.30pm to 3pm at the backstage meeting room at St Patrick‘s Hall in Ford Street. All welcome. If your life has been affected by someone else‘s drinking, this group may be for you.

Contact David on 0403 552 950 or Bev on 0449 516 828.

WANGARATTA Toastmasters conducts its meetings on the second and fourth Monday of each month from 6.45pm in the community room at the Wangaratta Library in Docker Street.

For more information, contact Leah Walker at leahwalka@gmail.com

BLOKES Time Out conducts regular gatherings and activities on the third Saturday of the month.

For more information, visit gritandresilience@wangaratta.vic.gov.au

CYCLING Without Age Wangaratta offers free tri–shaw rides to the elderly, and to people of any age with disabilities or reduced mobility.

The group provides regular rides around Wangaratta to people living at home, or living in care.

For more information, phone 0418 387 089 or email cwawangaratta@ gmail.com

TOPS weight supporting group meets at The Centre each Monday from 5pm to 6pm, offering encouragement and great company to support locals in managing their weight.

For more information, phone 0458 374 261.

TO include your group‘s activities in this listing, email the details to skerwin@nemedia.com.au

ALL CLEANED UP: With the site now free of weeds, the designated walking trail from the township to the river in Moyhu can be planted with native species, which will begin on Sunday.

INPERSONBYPHONESELLING

37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677 5723 0101 classifieds@ nemedia.com.au Chronicle

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These will add a refreshing variety to your diet.

When: Tuesday Evenings

May 16, June 20, July 18, August 15

Time: 7 - 8:30pm

Where: Seventh-day Adventist Church Hall 10-12 Phillipson Street, Wangaratta. Recipes will be provided and you will be able to sample the dishes.

Notification of Proposal to Upgrade NBN™ Radio Network Base Station

Facilities

As part of the fixed radio (wireless) component of the Network, nbn is proposing to expand the existing radio network base stations at the following location:

The proposed works on site will involve:

than 1.2m in diameter

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

PAINTER, old school, for all your painting needs. Commercial, industrial renovations.

Phone Julian 0412 597 482.

General Classifieds: wangarattachronicle.com.au

Employment: northeastjobs.com.au

Real Estate: northeastproperty.com.au

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

Wangaratta Chronicle

Cadet Journalist Career Opportunity

Full time 38 hours per week

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

The cadetship is ideally suited for a Year 12 graduate.

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

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

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

Candidates must have excellent verbal and written English, sound computer skills, solid general knowledge, a genuine interest in the local community, and an ability to build rapport and networks quickly. You will need to be well organised, able to work to deadlines, and have strong attention to detail. Candidates must hold a valid driver’s licence, be available to work flexible hours, and photography and social media skills are desirable.

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

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

JOBS

CHECK OUT OUR NORTH EAST

in today's Regional Extra for more employment opportunities. Published every Wednesday in your Wangaratta Chronicle, Ovens and Murray Advertiser, Myrtleford Times and Alpine Observer

Advertising Account Manager (Full-Time)

Wangaratta Chronicle is looking for a driven and committed individual to join the advertising team at our office in Wangaratta. If you can always see an opportunity and enjoy the idea of helping businesses grow, then we want to talk to you. To be successful in this role you will be able to demonstrate Excellent work ethic, organisational skills & attention to detail with a drive to achieve results.

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

Taking over an established client list, you will be selling advertising and digital marketing opportunities to existing clients while looking to drive new business opportunities.

An ability to develop and maintaining business relationships will be the key to your success in this role.

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

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

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

PETS & LIVESTOCK

It is with sadness we announce the passing of Toby the Camel from Oxley Flats. Thank you to all the people who cared enough about Toby and took the time to make his life interesting.

FEMALE Golden

Retriever puppy, 8 weeks old, bred locally, parents available to view, vet checked, microchipped, vaccinated and wormed every 2 weeks, ready for her new loving family, microchip no: 991003002269989, Source ID: MB184128, for further information phone 0429 461 422.

MOTOR VEHICLES

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

ROBERT FRY

18/6/2023

Happy 85th Birthday Bob.

Love from Edna and all the family.

DEATH NOTICES

CROFT, Rhonda Joy. Of Wangaratta, formerly of Bright. Passed at Wangaratta Hospital on June 7, 2023. Aged 60 years.

Loving mother of Steven and Jessica. Grandma of Ethan. As per Rhonda’s wishes, a private cremation has been held. Colin and Pam Ling Rutherglen-Corowa Funerals Locally owned.

WATERMAN, Barbara (Nan).

Thank you for your love, laughter, stories and ice-creams. We adored you. Always in our thoughts and hearts. ~ Fran, Josh, Violet and Hazel.

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All Hours

KICKS FREE: Grass flies as under under 12 College footballer Hayden Ledger gets boot to ball.

HANDS FREE: Luke Pensak frees his arms and works to get the handball off.

BODY WORK: Charlie Kelly positions himself over the ball while Luke O’Brien barrels in.

BEST: KANGAROOS: Jackson Jones, Will Graham, Zac O’Shannessy, Curtis Hines, Jaxon Coleman, Ollie Kent. COLLEGE: Fraser Burgan, Levi Smith, Rory Harvey, Charlie Haring, Tom Rebbechi, Judd McGennisken.

KANGAROOS: Curtis Hines 2, Ryley Downing 1, Harvey Jacka 1, Jackson Jones 1, Corey Marjanovic 1. COLLEGE: Brandon Harrison 1, Hudson Lloyd 1, Ayden Peebles

BEST: BENALLA BULLDOGS: Jaxon Brunner, Kyle Pearce, Hunter Carter, Lucas Ham, Cohen Symes, Oscar Beaton. JUNIOR MAGPIES: Will Phillips, Corey Petersen, Tobias Ellis, Kaeden Burrows, Henry Scalzo, Jackson Hewitt. GOALS: BENALLA BULLDOGS: Kyle Pearce 1, Cohen Symes 1. JUNIOR MAGPIES: Will Phillips 17, Kaeden Burrows 3, Riley Burrows 3, Jackson Hewitt 3, Corey Petersen 2, Keegan Anderson 1, Ryley Dalton 1, Henry Scalzo 1. Benalla Giants

BEST: BENALLA GIANTS: Xavier Wapling, Will Botten, Mitchell Cooney, Max Smyth, Trent Nicholson, Logan Hyland. IMPERIALS: Harrison O’Brien, Luke Griffiths, Charlie Maher, James Long, Will Prebble, Mitchell Schultz. GOALS: BENALLA GIANTS: Owain Boyle 2, Josh Stacey 2, Ryder Levy 1, Max Smyth 1. IMPERIALS: Will Prebble 5, Dylan Savage 2, Archer Direen 1, Benjamin Rea 1, Max Startin 1. Bright 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3.3

Tigers 7.6 13.11 17.19 20.28.148

BEST: BRIGHT: Jack Thomson, Zac Bradley, Lee Robinson, Ethan White, Tyke Dobie, Angus Murrells. TIGERS: Jake Wall, Benjamin Hogan, Malachy Allen, Jayden Whitehouse, Lucas Alexander, Angus McClen.

GOALS: TIGERS: Lucas Webb 4, Benjamin Hogan 2, Ryan McKay 2, Jake

Wall 2, Samuel Allan 1, Malachy Allen 1, Wil Carmody 1, Hugh James Carroll 1, Deacon Cleal 1, Harvey Dodgshun 1, Harry Mullane 1, Jack

Preston 1, Jayden Whitehouse 1, Drew Winter 1.

Centrals 2.5 3.7 5.10 8.12.60

Mansfield 4.0 10.4 12.7 17.10.112

BEST: CENTRALS: Bailey Paul, Cody Johnson, Hunter Barry, Seth Johnson, Cooper Boman, Kade Hadley. MANSFIELD: Adam Storer, Jack Marks, Samuel Guppy, Tyler Polkinghorne, Astin Browning, River Reeve.

GOALS: CENTRALS: Bailey Paul 3, Hunter Barry 2, Cooper Boman 1, Kade Hadley 1, Seth Johnson 1. MANSFIELD: Adam Storer 8, James Benton 2, Samuel Guppy 2, Tyler Polkinghorne 2, Harry Craddock 1, Oscar Guppy 1, Jack Marks 1.

TACKLED: Urban Holt wraps up Jay Guley.

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

BEST: KANGAROOS: Jamie Scheier, Henry Ackerly, Harry Chandler, John Crotty, Dael Johnston, Oscar Edwards. COLLEGE: Christian Pasquali, Lenny Sims, Harrison Bowman, Hudson McKenzie, Sam Reid, Harvey Lyster. GOALS: KANGAROOS: Billy Hiskins 2, Alasdair Brett 1, John Crotty 1, Oscar Edwards 1, Kade Jackson 1, Eamon Mullins 1, Ollie Reynolds 1. COLLEGE: Joshua Duffy 3, Christian Pasquali 2, Nathan Allan 1, Fraser

BEST: BENALLA BULLDOGS: Luke Boulton, Kobi Thwaites, Ryder Robertson, Nate Nicholas, Jackson Fry, Mason Butterworth. JUNIOR MAGPIES: Leo Sammon, Harry Allan, Oliver Bladon, Charlie Suffield, Cooper Cassidy, Joel McNeill. GOALS: BENALLA BULLDOGS: Nate Nicholas 2, Luke Boulton 1, Ryder Robertson 1. JUNIOR MAGPIES: Oliver Bladon 1, Cooper Cassidy 1, Archie Johnson 1, Sam McIntosh

Joel McNeill 1, Leo Sammon

BEST: MYRTLEFORD: Skylah McPherson, Leon Gabler, Noah Robb, Taylor McPherson, Jade Hazeldine, Matthew Morgan. MANSFIELD YELLOW: Andrew Friday, Nicholas Hoskin, Xavier Maroney, Judd Turner, Gus Robinson. GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: Skylah McPherson 1. MANSFIELD

YELLOW: Xavier Maroney 6, Gus Robinson 4, Andrew Friday 2, Pichpanha

BEST: BENALLA GIANTS: Josh Hart, William Martin, Liam Fielding, Harrison Skelton, Josh Mathieson, David Vanderleeuw. IMPERIALS: Archer Direen, Beau Benton, Oskar McGahan, Jake O’Connor, Matthew Gay.

GOALS: BENALLA GIANTS: Riley McCarthy 2, Josh Hart 1. IMPERIALS: Harry Allen 5, Max Marek 4, Archer Direen 3, Gus Marek 2, Beau Benton 1, Ryley Canning 1, Finn Hughes 1, Oskar McGahan 1, Isaac Robinson 1, Aiden Sibraa 1.

CAUGHT: Dane Jeffries misses the handball as the ball spills out.

BEST: KANGAROOS: Urban Holt, Mason Skermer, Bodi Jackson, Earnest Byrne, Charlie Kelly, Luca Solimo. COLLEGE: Luke OBrien, Luke Pensak, Tate Llewellyn, William Pickett, Eli Maher, Jayda Massey-chase.

Luca Solimo

BEST: BENALLA BULLDOGS: Charlie Bell, Joshua Montgomery, Zane Peisley, Hugh Ross, Nicholas White, Ben Wells. JUNIOR MAGPIES: Tyson White, Lukas Cannata, Baxter McLeod, Mason Jones, Elijah Harris, Jimi Pell. GOALS: BENALLA BULLDOGS: Oliver Parker 2, Joshua Montgomery 1, Oliver Wardill 1. JUNIOR MAGPIES: Jimi Pell 1.

BEST: CENTRALS: Archie Knobel, Nicholas Jones, Samuel Elkington, sonny gales, Jesse Walkerden, Angus Fraser. MYRTLEFORD - RED: Jake Jennings, Gemma Corcoran, Milla Corcoran, Orlando Hunkin, Owen Pethybridge, James Tilson. GOALS: CENTRALS: Archie Knobel 3, Samuel Elkington 1, Angus Fraser 1, Angus Hines 1, Nicholas Jones 1, Charlie Richards 1, Seth Webster Mizzi 1. MYRTLEFORD - RED: Jake Jennings 1.

BEST: BENALLA GIANTS: Xavier De Fazio, Thomas Mount, Jack Hart, Eli McKean, Jude Binion, Trae Hopgood. IMPERIALS: Judd Campbell, Thomas Sealey, James Irvine, Ames Rea, Logan Wilson, Wally Startin.

GOALS: BENALLA GIANTS: Thomas Mount 2, Jude Binion 1, Jack Hart 1. IMPERIALS: Gus Marek 1, Sam Newton 1.

BEST: BRIGHT: Ari Payne, David Finlaw, Campbell Nightingale, Oliver Kelly, Harris Bruneau, Kody Watkins. TIGERS: Blake Kantor, Paige-Lee Dummet, Mia Simpson, Vaughn Godenzi, Logan Benton, Sam Gibb.

Mac Correll

Xavier

BEST: BRIGHT: Hamish Johnston, Fraser Stephens, Matthew McCann, Noah White, Lachlan Russell, John Caloutas. TIGERS: Thomas Jones, Marlon Togolo, Nate O’Keefe, Sam Morey, Zachariah Akers, Oliver Mullane. GOALS: BRIGHT: Gabriel Banks 4, Harry West 2, Hamish Johnson 1. TIGERS: Riley Webb 3, Henry Gibb

GOALS: BRIGHT: TIGERS: Logan Benton 2, Hugh Sharp 2, Kobe Ackroyd 1, Blake Kantor 1, Thomas McCully 1, Austin Whitehead 1.

UNDER 17 LADDERUNDER 14 LADDERUNDER 12 LADDER

Junior Dragons represent league at Canberra

WHILE the majority of Wangaratta Dragons Hockey Club enjoyed the King’s Birthday Weekend bye, two junior players made the trip up to Canberra to represent Hockey Albury Wodonga in the Junior Representative Tournament.

Under 15 players Ellie Samson and Adara Evans were both picked to represent the league, with Samson in division one and Evans in the division two team, with six matches played by each squad.

The division one side came home with two wins and a draw in the finals resulting in a fifth place finish - third, fourth and fifth were all equal in point by the end of the tournament.

Samson scored a goal in the last game before finals.

The team really played well together as a team, which really showed in the results - the music blaring from the change

room dance party showed how much fun they had.

The division two team celebrated a hard fought win in their final game to finish on a high.

Team manager Kylie Samson commended the dedication of both Dragons players in making it to representative level.

“The girls have trained hard for this, travelling to Albury for training every Monday night,” she said.

“Their commitment to their sport is admirable, they are both valuable members of the team.

“The standard of the tournament was really high with the ACT state team players playing for the Canberra teams - the teams both showed a lot of growth and improvement of skill levels.”

The Wangaratta Dragons will be back on the field this weekend as round 10 of the Hockey Albury Wodonga season begins.

Deja vu for Wangaratta Golf Club

By WILLSON MACK

THE Wangaratta Golf Club has suffered another flooding setback.

Throughout last spring the local golf club was regularly closed due to flooding and the latest downpour originally forced the course to close the back nine for the weekend.

However, Monday’s King’s Birthday Medley still went ahead with the club playing all holes bar the 11th and 12th.

Chris Martens took the competition out with 38 points off a 2.7 handicap.

Wangaratta Golf Club president Greg Sullivan was still in good spirits despite the flooding.

“At this stage only hole 12 is still flooded,” Sullivan said.

“On the 12th you tee off into a dip then come up the hill and back down another dip so the water just sits in the dips.

“We still played comps on the weekend and had a really good King’s Birthday competition.”

Sullivan said it’s a waiting game as to when the course will be back fully operational.

“I noticed between Friday night and Saturday that the water had dropped around 30cm so we’ll just have to wait and see how long it takes,” he said.

“After all of the floods last year we’re sort of used to it now and it’s just something we have to live with.

Second edition of pickelball border battle a success

THE second edition of the Battle of the Border pickleball tournament has been hailed a success.

After making its debut in Wangaratta last year, the King’s Birthday weekend tournament was played in Benalla with NSW taking the win 110-74 over Victoria for the second successive year.

Over 75 players took part in the event that was organised by the Wangaratta Pickleball Club at the Benalla Indoor Recreation Stadium.

Wangaratta Pickleball Club president Bryan Wilson was stoked with the day.

“It was a huge success, the biggest one yet,” Wilson said.

“We had no issues at all across the weekend thanks to our club mem-

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

bers who were on deck running the canteen, fixing the tape on the courts or sitting doing scoreboards.

“None of it would be possible without the help of those people.”

Wilson wasn’t originally in the Victorian set up but received a late call-up after another member pulled out of the tournament.

“The end result was a lot closer than last year but we were still a long way off them,” Wilson said.

“The open division played better than theirs but then our over 50s

were beaten by a fair bit.

“I was a late call in and ended up playing in all four games but unfortunately lost them all but they were all within two points.

“One of the games was decided in a sudden death point so that was exciting.”

Pickleball is massive in the United States and Wilson is hopeful a similar progression can be made in Australia.

“I was talking to the Pickleball Victoria president and he said that this time last year they had 200 members and then this year that’s risen to 800,” he said.

“Hopefully tournaments like these will help grow the game, we had the highest level players from

both states playing against each other.

“Hopefully next year we’ll be able to run the tournament on the new courts in Wangaratta.”

Dinners were had at the Benalla Bowls Club which was where the highlight of the weekend came for Wilson.

“The biggest hit for the weekend was Tracy Loyst’s homemade soup,” he said.

“We had dinner at the Benalla Bowls Club both nights with all of the players amd everyone loved the soup.

“We thank our sponsors for the weekend, particularly Redbank, as well as all of the members of the club for helping out.”

“In a perfect world we’d love to have a levee bank so the water couldn’t come in but that’s obviously not the way it is.”

Aside from the flooding, the Wangaratta Golf Club is in great condition with the driving range a massive hit, while members numbers are strong.

“All in all we’re happy with how everything else is tracking,” Sullivan said.

“We had strong fields for competitions throughout the spring and summer and member numbers are in good shape.

“The driving range has been great for the club, our Friday night happy hours are always good fun with people coming for a hit and a drink while watching the footy.”

The next mission for the local club will be to install higher netting along the sides of the driving range.

CLOSED: The Wangaratta Golf Club has closed holes 11 and 12 due to floods.

SUCCESS: Wangaratta Pickleball Club president Bryan Wilson (right) in action for Victoria at the Battle of the Border tournament in Benalla.

GOAL: Ellie Samson celebrates scoring a goal with teammate Ella Nelson.

IN ACTION: Adara Evans on the field at the Junior Representative Tournament.

LEAGUE REP: Ellie Samson (pictured) was one of two Dragons picked to represent Hockey Albury Wodonga in Canberra. PHOTOS: Wes Samson

SPORT

Wangaratta Auskickers to play curtain-raiser between WDJFL matches

■ From back page

To accommodate the Auskick match, the under 14 and under 17 Tigers-Kangaroos matches will be delayed by 15 minutes, with the under 14

ROUND 9

match beginning at 10.30am and the under 17s from 12.20pm.

Wangaratta and District Junior Football League operations manager Pranav Menon

said the idea was exceptional.

“From the league’s perspective, I don’t see why this is not a great idea,” he said.

“This is going to be a great

experience for Auskickers who are going to be involved in the junior league next year. “Parents involved in Auskick get to experience the culture of junior league clubs

and feel welcomed for next year.

“I am extremely happy to see the Tigers and Kangaroos working together and making it a success

NETBALL REVIEWS

for both clubs.”

The Auskickers will take to the field at the conclusion of the under 12 match between Tigers and Kangaroos at Barr Reserve this Saturday.

Rovers break winning drought

WANGARATTA Rovers A grade netballers are on the board.

The Hawks grabbed their first win for the 2023 season with a seven goal victory over North Albury at Bunton Park.

Rovers increased their lead at every break to run away strong 48-41 winners with Kelsie Wilson leading her team to victory in her return.

Wangaratta Rovers coach Gracie Reid was ecstatic with the win.

“We’re very happy with the win,” Reid said.

“We’ve been working so hard so to put a win on the board is just awesome.

“It’s nice to be rewarded before the second half of the season begins.

“I think it just shows that when we all put our minds to something we can achieve it so that’s great for a young g roup.”

Toni Wilson Medalist

Emily Browne was sidelined for the clash only helping the Hawks in their bid for a first victory.

Rovers’ dominance was highlighted by leading at every break and Reid saw the performance in that manner.

“I think it was a four quarter effort,” she said.

“Everyone just worked so hard for the whole game so it was a real team

effort.

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

“We were all fired up to do well before the game and when we saw Emily Browne on the sideline we were all pretty happy because she’s such a big asset to them.”

Sami Kreltszheim was influential in the victory netting 27 goals, while sister Rebecca shot 21.

“Both our shooters were really good I thought,” Reid said.

“Kelsie was great in GK as well, when she comes back home she fits back in really well because she grew up at the club.”

Wangaratta Rovers now have the first weekend of the spilt round off but will take on Wangaratta Magpies in Sunday week’s derby.

“The first half of the year has been really tough losing by 30 goals a lot of the time,” Reid said.

“The win definitely helps show that we can do it though and now we’re looking forward to playing the Magpies.

“We usually show up and play well against them so hopefully we can give them a solid game.”

ROUND RESULTS:

NORTH East

Bushrangers

Basketball (NEBB) is a collaboration between local North East basketball associations with the commitment of “Creating Realistic Pathways for all North East Athletes”

Eleven NEBB junior teams compete in the Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) - the highest level junior competition in Victoria.

One NEBB Youth League Men’s (YLM) team competes in the semi-professional Big V competition.

Big V & VJBL consist of teams from both metropolitan and regional Victoria.

U14 Boys 1 46 def McKinnon 2 39

(Top Scorers: Keoni Anderson 14, Charlie Voss 10, Harris Kain 8)

U14 Boys 2 40 def Ballarat 2 33

(Top Scorers: Brock Buckland 15, Joseph Milton 6, Cruz McAuliffe 6)

U14 Girls 1 30 def by Geelong 1 35

(Top Scorers: Ella Mercieca 14, Minnie Humphry 4, Scarlett Van Schaik 3)

U14 Girls 2 38 def Macedon 1 26

(Top Scorers: Allira Cullinger 11, Kaity Ford 9, Maria Hanely 7)

U16 Boys 1 62 def Melbourne 1 58

(Top Scorers: Dashiell Smith 17, Connor Breheny 11, Blake Newton 10

U16 Boys 2 43 def Westgate 3 42

(Top Scorers: Not available)

U16 Girls 1 BYE

(Top Scorers: )

U16 Girls 2 def Diamond Valley 2FORFIET

(Top Scorers: )

U18 Boys 1 BYE

(Top Scorers: )

U18 Boys 2 40 def by Bacchus Marsh 1 47

(Top Scorers: Nic Watson 11, Cam Cooper 9, Zach Schluter 7)

U18 Girls 41 def by Pakenham 1 48

(Top Scorers: Montana Burke 14, Jess Freeman 13, Elyssa Coke 7)

PROUD COACH: Coach Gracie Reid in action.

PASS AWAY: Sophie Larkin sends a pass off.

STAR: Kelsie Wilson battles with her opponent.

GREAT DISPLAY: Sami Kreltszheim shot 27 goals in Wangaratta Rovers win over North Albury at Bunton Park on Saturday. PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie

U16 GIRLS 1 TEAM: BACK (L-R) Lizzie Carty (Coach), Elise Napier, Crystal Holdsworth, Lily-Anne McClure, Charlotte Ogier, Charlotte Woosnam, Indiana Phillips, Nick McClure (Assistant Coach). FRONT (L-R) Mekenzie Wood, Meg Evans, Beth Morris, Kiera Freeman.

Whitehead brings up 50 games

HAWK veteran Jess Whitehead played her 50th game for Wangaratta Rovers’ open women’s football side on Sunday at the WJ Findlay Oval.

Whitehead, who served as trainer for the under 14s prior to her milestone match, is the embodiment of the phrase ‘heart and soul of the team’. She brought up game number 50 with the Rovers when she ran out with her teammates to take on the ladder-leading Lavington Panthers.

Countless tackles were laid throughout the course of the match, the pressure from both sides was high, and there were no easy possessions anywhere on the ground.

The Hawks’ ruck duo of Amy Collins and Helen Collins, combined with some pinch-hitting from Sophie Boyle, were outstanding and their efforts were well supported by a midfield group which put together four quarters of the kind

of football that can take a team a long way in the competition.

Deb Platfuss made her long-awaited return to the field, and celebrated her comeback with a goal in the third quarter.

The great wall of Frankie Butler was impassable across the half back line, while up forward Kelsie Powles displayed all the class for which she has become known since moving to Rovers at the start of the season.

The difference in the game was the ability of the Panthers to capitalise on their forward 50 entries, while Rovers found it difficult to get the ball deep into their 50, in order to put pressure on the Lavington defence.

At the end of the game, the scoreboard belied the performance of the Hawks, who will take plenty of positives from the game.

Final score: Wangaratta Rovers 1.0 (6) lost to Lavington Panthers 10.11 (71).

Best: Wangaratta Rovers - Jacinta Findlay, Asha Foubister, Kelsie Powles, Frankie Butler, Kate Burns, Celia Piesse; LavingtonAlice Voss, Gabrielle Goldsworthy, Samantha Creasy.

The under 17 clash was always going to be a tough one for the Hawks, with the Panthers having their full team including representative players available.

Lavington worked well straight from the centre bounce, scoring four quick goals, but with the ball spending most of the quarter in the Rovers’ backline, Hawk backs Mackenzie Clark, Alana McKenna, Lucy Mansfield and Lucy Kiely were as solid as they have been for the season.

The second quarter was a little more even around the ground, but Lavington kept coming, and despite the Hawks’ best efforts, the Panthers were able to score another three goals for the term.

After half-time, the Rovers girls came out more en-

thusiastic and determined, with Ammy Thompson, Gemma Couch-Trinder, Trin Preer and Mia Johnston cutting Lavington’s run out of the centre.

Clare Collins, Ali Jones and Lily Gibb made an impact, and Rovers kept Lavington to one goal and a couple of points while having some of their own opportunities in the forward 50.

The last quarter was another good one for Rovers, as they won the ball around the ground with some great transitions and a couple of shots on goal.

The backline was still solid, the centre and rucks were doing the job, and the forwards came into the game, with the opposition commenting on the improvement shown by the Hawks.

Final score: Wangaratta Rovers 0.1 (1) lost to Lavington 8.10 (58).

Best: Wangaratta Rovers - Amelie Thompson, Lily Gibb, Trinny Preer, Lucy

Kiely, Mia Johnston, Gemma Couch Trinder; Lavington - Eliza Hart, Lacey Harrison, Portia McDonnell, Jessica Morgan, Majella Day, Telia McGrath.

The under 14 Rovers met ladder-leaders Lavington in a tough contest. Numbers were strong, with 20 players pulling on the brown and gold, and captain for the day was Sadie Skewes, who played courageously through the backline and led the girls well.

The first quarter was filled with lots of great contests, with Rovers players competing well to try and win ground balls and put the Panthers under pressure when moving the ball forward.

Ruck Zierra Melbourne continued her dominant season, winning taps to the advantage of the mids around the ground.

The second quarter was the Hawks’ best, as they held the opposition to a single goal, and there was lots of great leading and mark-

WANGARATTA ROVERS vs THURGOONA

If you would like to give AFL a try or you are

ing to get the ball repeatedly out of their defensive end.

The second half was fiercely contested, with lots of tackling, running and chasing, and some strong marks from defensive players Amy Lowe, Trinity Hassgall and Harper McGrath.

Tackle of the day came from another great chasedown and tackle from Lily Currie Fraser, who was duly rewarded with a free kick for her efforts.

The hard-working midfield managed to propel the ball forward several times, including a couple of forward 50 entries in the third and fourth quarters.

Final score: Wangaratta Rovers 0.0 (0) lost to Lavington Panthers 18.10 (118).

Best: Wangaratta Rovers - Lily Currie Fraser, Trinity Hassgall, Molly Thomas, Amy Lowe, Sadie Skewes, Zierra Melbourne; Lavington Panthers - Ellie Wright, Clare Hyland, Matilda North, Charlie Gibson, Eve Webb-Hunt, Sybil Triggs.

MOVING FORWARD: Mia Johnston prepares to kick, under pressure from her Lavington opponents, during Sunday’s under 17 clash at the WJ Findlay Oval.

PHOTO: Kev McGennan

Junior Dragons represent league

Page 17

Auskickers on show

WANGARATTA’S future football stars will get a taste of what a junior league game day is like this Saturday, when the local Auskickers play a curtain-raiser match between the under 12 and under 14 matches between Tigers and Kangaroos at the Barr Reserve.

The match, a collaboration between Wangaratta Auskick Centre, Tigers and Kangaroos JFC, and AFL

NEB, aims to prime next year’s under 12 players and parents with what it’s like to be part of the junior league.

Wangaratta Auskick Centre president Ben Watts said it was a brilliant chance for the up-and-coming football-

ers to get a sneak peek at what awaits them in their football futures.

“The under 10s that are going to go on to junior league next year, we want them to experience what a junior league day looks like,” he said.

“They’ve got canteens and games one after another, whereas Auskick’s structured at the one time and we don’t have a proper canteen set up.

“It’s just a different feel for them, but also good for some of the junior league kids to sit around and watch some of these kids play because a year or so ago these kids were playing Auskick on a Sunday as well.

“I know it’s probably been done in other areas but to the best of my knowledge and chatting to other people, I don’t think it’s been done before in conjunction with

the Wangaratta and District Junior Football League.”

Tigers JFC secretary Kathy Dodgshun said playing between junior league games would help with clarifying the pathways available to players leaving Auskick.

“They are the feeders into the Wangaratta teams, there’ll be 20-odd kids who are going to play on Saturday and some might come up to us and some might go off to

Kangaroos,” she said.

“We know they get plenty of opportunities to do it at Ovens and Murray and Ovens and King, and go down to the AFL, but it will be good to have a bit of a look at what junior league’s going to be like for them.

“It’s not only for the players, it’s also for the parents to see what the culture of junior league clubs are.”

■ Continued page 18

SKYE Fulton and her Wangaratta Rovers teammates are on the board for the 2023 season, grabbing their first win for the year against North Albury at Bunton Park on Saturday.

Story: Page 18

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

Bringing words to life

A SHARED creative passion has seen Stanley couple Janet Tweedie and Roger Timewell immerse themselves in the arts in their much-loved local communities since moving from Canberra six years ago.

With a love of the theatre, Janet joined Beechworth Theatre Company where she has taken on the role as president while the pair ignited the successful Winterwords Festival three years ago.

Janet’s love of acting began as a youngster and she then followed her creative heart in later years.

“I was one of those kids that did the shows in front of families with the kid next door,” she said.

Janet dabbled in piano and ballet when young, played the French horn a little in high school and loved singing.

While training to be a teacher in her early 20s the aspiring performer discovered a private acting school in a student newspaper advertisement with a free introduction.

“It was a group-based ensemble and I fell in love with acting and studied with the school for the next three years learning every aspect of the craft as well as directing,” she said.

Adding to her creative bow, Janet undertook classical singing lessons for

ANIMAL CARE

By CORAL COOKSLEY

several years too.

With a discovery of musical theatre, Janet’s acting wings flew when she scored a chorus role in the classical musical ‘My Fair Lady’ at Perth’s Garrick Theatre followed by an Oklahoma production with Western Australia’s opera company’s musical theatre group.

“I completely then fell in love with the combination of acting and singing,” she said.

“I also worked on the Swan River wine cruises as an entertainer singing while in and out of teachers college.”

With a move to Canberra where she lived for 27 years, the performer’s acting pursuits stalled as she raised a family over that time.

“I tried to go back to singing lessons but when you’re bringing up three kids and studying, it wasn’t possible,” Janet said.

“I undertook a degree in psychology, followed by honours then a PhD in psychology.”

When seeing her children become involved in music as well as her daughter participating in musical theatre, Janet’s passion for acting and singing rekindled and she started auditioning.

■ Continued page 6

HEALTH

YOUR GARDEN

◆ IMAGINATIVE COUPLE: Janet Tweedie and Roger Timewell had the idea to create a celebration of words that was more than a Writers Festival.

PHOTO: Coral Cooksley

with BELINDA

YOUR

with DIANA

Eye ulcers – ouch!

IS your animal winking at you, or are they trying to tell you that they have a sore eye?

Ocular pain appears in animals as holding the eye fully or partly closed, avoiding bright light, discharge from the eye and sometimes attempting to rub the eye either with their paws, on their legs or on other surfaces.

The most common cause of ocular pain is ulcers in the cornea and deeper layers of the eye.

Corneal ulcers can affect cats, dogs, horses and cattle.

The cornea is a specialised layer of skin which acts as a protective window for the eye.

A corneal ulcer occurs when there is damage to the layers of the cornea, often from a trauma.

Other reasons for ulcers include eyelid abnormalities, grass seeds, decreased tear production, problems with the eye blinking or infections.

These ulcers can range in severity from those just affecting the superficial layers, to ulcers which extend right through to the deepest layers of the cornea.

If left untreated corneal ulcers can potentially cause the eye to rupture leading to blindness and irreparable damage.

A veterinarian can diagnose superficial corneal ulcers by closely examining the eye and

with Lorna Undy from Wangaratta Veterinary Clinic

with the use of a fluorescent green stain. If an ulcer is present, it will soak up the stain and fluoresce under UV light.

Once a diagnosis of a corneal ulcer is made, the treatment will depend on the severity of the ulcer.

Superficial ulcers will usually heal by themselves, with a vet prescribing antibiotic ointment to prevent any further infection whilst healing takes place.

Regular re-visits to the clinic will be required to monitor the eye during this time.

Complicated or deep ulcers may require surgery to help the healing process, sometimes requiring referral to a specialist.

Corneal ulcers can deteriorate quickly, so it is very important that you have your vet examine any eye problems early with your pet. Some medications can even make corneal ulcers worse, so it is not recommended to treat eye problems at home but rather consult with your local veterinarian as soon as you notice any squinting, discharge or pain.

This Day in History, 1975

MORE people than the Springhurst Primary School had seen for many a long year turned up on this day.

Former student, Cr Colin Diffey, assisted by Cr Bill Diffey, opened the festivities.

The honour of being the oldest pupil to return for the school centenary went to Lizzie Wighton, at 88 years old.

A Centennial Ball was held at night and celebrations continued the following day.

THERE may not have been much snow around for the King’s Birthday long weekend, but the 2023 snow season still got off to a bang at Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Dinner Plain.

Fireworks were just part of the range of activities, inside and out, to keep visitors and mountain residents entertained, with around 5cms of the white stuff from last week’s cold snap offering a glimpse of what we all hope is more to come.

In fact, the Bureau of Meteorology was forecasting potential snow falls today, with between 5-10mm on Sunday, and 1-5mm on Monday likely at both Falls Creek and Mt Hotham.

PET CORNER

With good snowmaking opportunities over the coming week, it will not be long until lifts will be open for skiing and boarding.

For the latest snow reports for both mountain resorts go to www.skifalls.com.au and www. mthotham.com.au websites.

One of the highlights of the opening weekend at Mt Hotham was the charity auction of 27 chairs from Mt Hotham’s iconic first ever chairlift, The Playground Chair, which opened in 1969 and was the main access lift back ton the village until 1993 when the Village chair opened.

A large group of people gathered at The Bird for the auction

WANGARATTA RSPCA has many lovable creatures waiting for the perfect family to take them home. If you want to add a furry friend to your home, call (03) 5722 2874 or visit the shelter at 1 Connell Street Wangaratta. Wangaratta RSPCA’s animal adoption source code is BR100934

PRETTY PRINCESS: Princess was named for her lady-like demeanor. She is a polite and beautiful girl with a gentle and patient nature who may be suitable to living with primary aged children or older. Princess wouldn’t be suitable living with cats but may enjoy the company of another friendly dog. She loves to snuggle and don’t be fooled by her age because she still has a lot of love and energy to give. Her microchip number is 956000016678750. PHOTO: RSPCA.

and raised $75,800 to support local charities through Hotham’s Epic Promise Foundation.

A further 30 chairs are available for an online auction via the Givergy platform on Sunday June 11, with bidding closing on June 18 at 6pm.

To bid on the remaining chairs visit: https://www.givergy. com.au/ HothamPlayground ChairliftAuction/

Mt Buffalo has seen some light dustings of snow, according to cross country ski school owner David Chitty.

He said while not enough for tobogganing, there is a good amount of snow for sightseeing for the next couple of weeks.

Gillian Bencke, Cope, 2020/21 detail, wool, silk, cotton, sequins, beads, brass,

x

x

Winner WCTA 2021, Wangaratta Art Gallery Collection

◆ OPENING BID: The Bird at Mt Hotham was packed on opening weekend for the auction of chairs from the mountain's first ever chairlift.

Government funding for hearing aids

DO you wonder about why you might occasionally miss the message, especially in background noise?

What about the television volume?

What strategies might you use to help get the message better, whether in quiet or in noisy situations?

A hearing test can be of assistance in understanding these problems and your local Audiology clinic is a resource you can access.

If you are on a pension or hold an eligible DVA card, you can access hearing services, including a hearing test, at no cost.

This program is administered by the federally funded Hearing Services Program (HSP).

It provides subsidised high-quality hearing services and devices to eligible Australians with hearing loss through their voucher scheme.

The ongoing care through the HSP assists people to mange their hearing loss and improve the way they interact with their community.

Eligible adults who do not have a hearing loss can also benefit from an annual hearing check through the program.

Hearing services providers, such as Wangaratta Audiology, can help you find out whether you have a hearing issue and what management options are available.

A comprehensive hearing assessment means you can have a hearing device fitted properly.

If the use of a hearing device is recommended, hearing aids and other assistive listening devices fitted through the HSP include both fully subsidised hearing aids and partially subsidised aids. Follow-up appointments and annual review ensure the continued optimal function of your hearing aids.

The HSP program also provides support to manage the costs of looking after your hearing devices through an annual maintenance agreement.

with Diana Bienvenu, Audiologist, Wangaratta Audiology

HSP also funds Hearing Australia to provide hearing services for people under the age of 26 years, eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and people who need specialist services or live in a remote area.

For example, for HSP-eligible people who have a cochlear implant, maintenance for the implant can be organised.

Each client can choose their hearing services provider, provided that the next hearing provider is accredited with the Hearing Services Program.

If your circumstances change or you decide that you would prefer to see someone else you can contact a new provider and arrange a transfer.

Your information will be forwarded to the new provider.

Your maintenance agreement will also transfer with you, and you will then contact the new clinic about any question.

If you wish to check your eligibility of have questions about the services which you would like to receive, please contact your local hearing clinic, Wangaratta Audiology, on 03 5722 4433.

Our staff members are always happy to answer your questions and assist you in understanding the options available through the HSP Program.

Perfect time for home grown winter remedies

TEAS, oils and salves are the best-known home remedies herbalist have in their tool kit to help manage viral infections, cuts, grazes and basic burns.

Many of these can be made from plants grown in the garden over winter.

With a little preparation and early season planting you could have your own DIY tool kit ready to use by spring.

1. Calendula officinalis: Pot marigold is a cheerful yellow flowering daisy like flower that makes a beautifully healing oil used in creams for rashes and cuts.

It is freely reseeding annual, best grown in full sun.

Collect the petals, cover in olive oil in a jar and leave at room temperature for 4-6 weeks.

Ensure the petals stay covered by the oil.

Strain and apply oil neat or mix into vitamin E based creams.

Alternatively dry the flowers well and use in a tea to gently detox and promote healthy skin.

2 Melissa Officinalis: Lemonbalm grows like a weed in the right conditions and will add a lovely bright green patch to your garden.

Typically this one flourishes Spring, but I have noticed mine currently in full form.

It smells divine.

With its incredibly uplifting in scent and taste, this herb makes the perfect cup of afternoon tea for fried and frazzled nervous systems.

Fresh leaves are best.

Add 5-6 crushed leaves to hot water.

3 Peppermint: Like Lemonbalm,

Peppermint thrives in sunny spots and will overtake your garden in early winter if in full sun.

It won’t like the frost.

However, with good compost or a liquid feed in a pot you will have a plentiful supply.

Use Peppermint in salads or teas, fresh or dried work well.

4. Mullein: The flowers of this plant make a beautiful oil, which can be used used for its antiviral properties in the ear.

It softens ear wax, stimulates microcirculation in the ear and eases pain.

As a tea Mullein leaves can be steeped in hot water and useful for viral coughs, sometimes combined with thyme.

Make the oil using the same instructions as the calendula oil.

The seeds germinate in winter and thrive in cold harsh winters.

The flowers wont be ready until Spring, but use the young fresh leaves as soon as they grow.

5 Thyme: Perfect in a pot, thyme grows best with tough love.

Simply water as needed, but do not overwater. Thyme has incredible antiviral properties.

You can make a thyme throat syrup by filling a jar ¾ full of fresh thyme and covering completely with local honey.

Mix well and leave to steep for three weeks, ensuring thyme is covered.

Then remove the thyme springs and use the honey one tsp at a time for sore throats, or in your herbal teas.

with Naturopath Belinda McPherson (BHSCI. NATUROPATHY)

Bringing words to life

■ From page 1

Joining the Queanbeyan Players (QP), she performed in many shows in ensemble and principal roles over five years, and in 2015 Janet was thrilled to direct QP’s production of ‘My Fair Lady’.

“Besides Roger and I falling in love with Beechworth, one of the reasons in choosing to move to the town when we decided to leave Canberra was Beechworth had a theatre company,”

Janet said.

For her UK-born partner Roger whose work travels had covered Britain, Australia, and New Zealand, his approach to most things in life has been creative.

Roger has a degree in philosophy and worked in information technology (IT) for most of his career but has always had a passion for visual arts.

The pair revel in an exchange of ideas between them with a buzzing energy created from their different points of views and backgrounds.

“Great complementary ideas stem

from our conversations,” Roger said.

Among them had been the conceived idea of a celebration of words in every shape and form with Winterwords started three years ago to spice up cold, wintry nights in Beechworth.

Sitting in a pub in Bendigo, the imaginative couple had eyed posters advertising the Bendigo Writers Festival sparking an idea to create an event for a celebration of words being more than a Writers Festival.

“We wanted it to be inclusive, affordable, and more open, and to be created for the people by the people,” Janet said.

“We’re building it for the community and if the tourists want to join in, they are welcome.”

“Writers Festivals are great, but we wanted something different, to be more than authors and books, and to remain small and focus on as much local talent as possible.”

In fleshing out ideas the pair tossed around how words are

used in different ways.

“There’s all sorts of ways in which we use words such as in writing, music, art, poetry, playing games, drama, singing and much more.” Janet said.

“We engaged with local creatives to suggest our thoughts, who then came together with their own skills and amazing ideas for topics.

“From that point it grew to our first Winterwords in 2021.”

Janet said her contribution to Winterwords has been bringing everyone together with their creative energy as well as her organisational and marketing skills.

“It’s really hard work in the lead up to running 25 events, with most in two days, but it is so rewarding seeing people having a great time.”

In creating Winterwords, Janet and Roger feel they will leave a legacy of an inclusive event with everyone contributing as part of a team.

“If people take on our ideas and they are adopted elsewhere, that would be rewarding too,” Roger said.

“With my involvement in Beechworth Theatre Company, I would love to see a thriving theatre company financially secure and that keeps producing high quality performances a couple of times a year with a dedicated band of people willing to step up and organise to keep it growing.”

“You need to be the best community theatre company for a little town like Beechworth that you can be.”

“I’m big on cooperation, vibrancy and not competition, and if you walk away from something that you have helped to create, support or reinvigorate along with many other people, it’s rewarding to see those ventures continue.”

A non-profit organisation, Winterwords Autonomous Collective Inc is a registered association.

For more information about an exciting Winterwords program between June 21 and 25 visit www.winterwords.com.au

◆ CREATIVE HEARTS: Janet Tweedie and Roger Timewell created the Winterwords festival as a way to celebrate words in every way shape and form.

NorthEast JOBS

Circulating in Wangaratta, Myrtleford, Bright, Mt Beauty, Beechworth, Yackandandah, Rutherglen, Chiltern and districts

GREAT JOBS FOR GREAT PEOPLE

The following opportunities now exist for enthusiastic, safety focused people with suitable experience and qualifications. Please visit our website to find out more about current positions available across Mawsons business divisions.

Kyneton – Concrete Truck Driver – KYNE004

Myrtleford – Concrete Truck Driver – MYRT004

Rochester – Concrete Truck Driver / Batcher – ROCH001

Wangaratta – Concrete Truck Driver – WANG002

Mildura – Concrete Cartage Contractor – CCSMILD03

Shepparton – Concrete Cartage Contractor – CCSSHEP07

Mansfield – Concrete Truck Driver – MANS003

Lake Cooper – Quarry/Loader Operator – LKCQ004

www.mawsons.com.au/careers/join-us

Advertising Account Manager (Full-Time)

Wangaratta Chronicle is looking for a driven and committed individual to join the advertising team at our office in Wangaratta. If you can always see an opportunity and enjoy the idea of helping businesses grow, then we want to talk to you. To be successful in this role you will be able to demonstrate

Excellent work ethic, organisational skills & attention to detail with a drive to achieve results.

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

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

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

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

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

Bacteriophages - the super bug killer?

IMAGINE an organism that could hunt you down across a vast distance, attach itself to you via its long, spindly, barbed legs, and then inject it’s genetic material into you - effectively taking over your body and forcing you to incubate and birth millions more of these organisms which in turn burst out of your body and hunt down more of your kind.

Sounds like something out of Ridley Scott’s ‘Alien’, right?

Well, I have some good news.

These organisms are very real, and you’re currently covered in them.

Billions of them, in fact.

Collectively known as bacteriophages, these microscopic organisms are, very fortunately, harmless to humans, but prove quite deadly to bacteria and may just hold the answer to the problem of superbugs - bacteria that have evolved and become immune to antibiotics.

Let’s back up a moment

Prior to the mid-twentieth century, people would commonly die of all sorts of bacterial infection.

The smallest cut, if infected, could prove terminal for people, and infections such as pneumonia, gonorrhea or rheumatic fever would often result in the death of a patient.

In 1928, Professor of Bacteriology Alexander Fleming returned from a holiday and discovered something peculiar in a petri dish containing Staphylococcus - bacteria that cause boils, sore throats and abscesses.

It was dotted with colonies, save for one area where a blob of mold was growing.

The zone immediately around the mold - later identified as a rare strain of Penicillium notatumwas clear, as if the mold had secreted something that inhibited bacterial growth.

Fleming found that his “mold juice” was capable of killing a wide range of harmful bacteria, such as streptococcus, meningococcus and the diphtheria bacillus.

About a decade later, pathologist Howard Florey and Ernst Chain at Oxford University began the work of turning penicillin from a laboratory curiosity to a life saving drug.

Wartime constraints made progress difficult for the researchers, but by the mid 1940s, commercial production and distribution was in full swingbeginning the era of antibiotics, a miracle medicine that has saved countless lives.

In the words of Jeff Goldblum, ‘Life finds a way’.

The invention of antibiotics might have been a ‘happily ever after’ moment for humanity, but bacteria is an organism, just like every other form

of life on Earth and, just like every other form of life, it evolves and adapts in order to survive a changing environment.

As the use of antibiotics became more widespread, and it’s usage became more spurious as production costs decreased, more and more bacteria was exposed to antibiotics.

As a result, the strongest strains of a virus would live long enough to reproduce and eventually superbugs were born - monstrous bacteria that are immune to antibiotics.

It’s estimated that around 290 people in Australia die each year from resistant superbugs, and approximately 23,000 people died in America in 2017.

Alarmingly, it’s estimated that if current trends continue, superbugs could kill more people than cancer by 2050.

Enter the bacteriophage

While the concept of injecting a genocidal, mass replicating virus into our bloodstreams might, at first glance, seem like an incredibly bad idea, bacteriophages possess a number of interesting properties that make them attractive as a treatment against bacterial infection.

Firstly, while antibiotics are a kind of carpetbomb solution to killing bacteria - killing off good

and bad bacteria in our bodies indiscriminately - bacteriophages are specialised killers, only targeting a specific bad bacteria.

They are so specialized, in fact, that they are unable to harm humans at all, our cells are simply too different.

Secondly, while bacteria have evolved and become immune to antibiotics, bacteriophages also evolve - effectively engaging in an arms race with bacteria that they are presently winning by a landslide.

Thirdly, even if bacteria did manage to evolve and become resistant to bacteriophages, current studies show that in order to build such resistance, bacteria must give up its immunity to antibiotics. This would allow us to trap bacteria in a catch-22 situation - die by bacteriophage, or die by antibiotic.

It’s still early days, and while some experimental bacteriophage treatments have been conducted with very effective results, authoritative bodies - such as the Food and Drug Administration - have yet to approve the treatment, leaving pharmaceutical investors reluctant to provide necessary funds.

The future will tell if humanity teams up with bacteriophages in the next major against superbugs.

with Chris Febvre NEM GRAPHIC ARTIST cfebvre@nemedia.com.au

◆ ASSASSIN: In simplest terms, a bacteriophage is an organism that hunts down and infects specific types of bacteria, and it is these properties make them a potential weapon against superbugs.

PHOTO: Shutterstock