SUCH A TRAGEDY
A WANGARATTA man has pleaded guilty to causing the deaths of his brother and cousin while driving at excessive speeds under the influence on Greta Road in Wangaratta last year.
The 25-year-old appeared at Melbourne County Court on Friday to formally plead guilty to two counts of cul-
pable driving causing death stemming from the April 9, 2023 crash.
The court heard the defendant was driving at a speed in excess of 170kph when he lost control on a bend and his vehicle rolled and hit a tree, immediately taking the life of his 26-yearold cousin, with his 16-year-
old brother suffering injuries he died from six days later.
Another 24-year-old cousin was also in the vehicle and sustained non-life threatening injuries.
The defendant also pleaded guilty to driving under the influence at the time of the incident, giving a blood alcohol reading of 0.079 within
three hours after the crash.
The court heard multiple impact statements from the defendant’s cousin’s family, who were visiting them in Wangaratta over the Easter weekend.
The brother of the 26-yearold victim said he wasn’t just a brother to him, but a best friend and a father figure, and
while he may have physically recovered from the crash, his mental scars may never heal.
“Only dealing with his passing is realising what we truly had,” he said.
“I can only pray you (defendant) are remorseful for your actions and what you’ve taken away from not only my family, but yours.
“It is through my Christian spirit that I forgive you because that’s what Jesus would do.”
The sister of the deceased 26-year-old was the first person to arrive at the scene of the crash, and said she remembered staring at the horrific scene for hours.
■ Continued page 2
CLEAN Up Wangaratta’s (from left) Judy Lowen, Julie Sands, Linda White, Rae Quigley and Andy Kimber are taking part in the global awareness month Plastic Free July across the rural city this month. Full story page 2.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
NEW ARRIVALS AT NORTHEAST HEALTH WANGARATTA
The Wangaratta Chronicle will be in attendance at the midwifery ward on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9.30am to take photos of newborns with their parents, grandparents and/or siblings.
Consent forms are available from Northeast Health Wangaratta and from Wangaratta Chronicle staff on the day.
If you would like a photo but are not at the ward at the time of visiting, you can come into the Wangaratta Chronicle office at 37 Rowan Street during office hours to organise it.
Photographs are available to purchase from the Wangaratta Chronicle office.
Benedict
George Peach
BENEDICT George Peach was born at Mercy Hospital for Women in Melbourne on Tuesday, May 14 at 3am and weighed 1.38kg (3lb .67oz). He is the brother of Zahara and the son of Kayla and Eric Peach of Wangaratta.
Office
5723 0100 After Hours: 5723 0107
wangarattachronicle.com.au
Theo Peter Burman-Lord
Theo Peter Burman-Lord was born at Northeast Health Wangaratta on Tuesday, July 9 at 5:18am and weighed 3.16kg (6lb 15oz). He is the son of Tiffany Burman-Fry and Matthew Lord of Wangaratta.
Aiden Ryan McKendry
Aiden Ryan McKendry was born at Northeast Health Wangaratta on Thursday, July 11 at 6:40am and weighed 3.28kg (7lb 7oz). He is the son of Emma and William McKendry of Wangaratta.
Action group to continue city’s liberation of plastic
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
CLEAN Up Wangaratta (CUW) has seen a reduction in plastic pollution across the rural city as it takes part in further action this Plastic Free July.
The local action and awareness group of Wangaratta Landcare and Sustainability is once again coinciding annual clean ups and activities with the global awareness month, which aims to share plastic free solutions and encourage action to end plastic waste.
Since 2021, clean ups conducted by CUW during Plastic Free July have focused on keeping plastic out of local waterways including One Mile Creek, its adopted section of the old Hume Highway and installation of cigarette butt bins.
Armed with new pickers courtesy of funding from the Glenrowan Solar Farm, group co-conveners Andy Kimber and Judy Lowen said the same areas will be homed in on once again, which have seen dramatic improvement since the group formed five years ago.
“Our main emphasis this July will be keeping single use plastic out of our rivers by just continuing to clean up around Wangaratta, especially the supermarket car parks which are getting better with litter management,” the co-
conveners said.
“Work is needed on the storm water drains which flow into the creek, particularly upstream of Coles supermarket.
“Overall Wangaratta seems to be very clean.
“Because of our very special heritage (Ovens) river, plus the now internationally greenlisted WONP, there is perhaps added pressure to keep plastic crap out of the Ovens.”
CUW will conduct planned clean up of its adopted section of the old Hume Highway during the month as well as a clean up focused on cigarette butt pollution across the CBD, in particular on the Parfitt Road shopping complex car park, council building and Northeast Health Wangaratta car park.
“A huge amount of work has been carried out by council on the revegetation of the health of One Mile Creek and surrounds and the fantastic Mitchell Avenue revamp, which has great infrastructure and very little litter is to be seen there,” Mr Kimber and Ms Lowen said.
CUW believes it has removed 98 per cent of litter from One Mile Creek since beginning clean ups in 2021, when a “wall” of rubbish had accumulated across the Ovens as a result of several flood events along One Mile Creek.
Wangaratta man remorseful, pleads guilty to deaths of brother, cousin
■ From page 1
“Twenty-six years were gone in less than a minute… my heart shattered into a thousand pieces,”
she said
“(My brother) was the father in our family… in less than a minute you were impressed by his care for others.”
The court heard the deceased was to be the best man at his sister’s wedding in the month of the fatal crash.
The court also heard the families enjoyed church, barbecues and various activities while together over the Easter weekend.
On Easter Sunday, the defendant admitted to drinking on the day of the incident, speaking “with pride” about the features of his new white Jeep Chereoke SRT, which he said was a high-performance vehicle with a 475 horsepower V8 engine.
He took off in the vehicle with his three passengers at around 7pm, with dashcam footage capturing his sister waving the group goodbye.
From their home address, the vehicle travelled south on Wangaratta-Whitfield Road before going onto
Clarkes Lane, at a speed of 152km/h.
The vehicle was then caught at 223km/h on Greta Road as they left town.
Performing a three-point turn at a driveway, the defendant accelerated heavily back towards Wangaratta, with a speed of 246km/h displayed on the dashboard.
Going back past the Clarkes Lane intersection, the car was travelling at 225km/h as it approached the bend.
“We’re going too fast for that bend,” the defendant’s younger brother said, moments before the vehicle lost control, careening 160 metres into a paddock after crossing Greta Road’s centre line and clipping a tree.
“It was like being on ice,” a passenger recalled of the incident.
A man in an oncoming car and a nearby resident called emergency services and raced to assist as they saw the extensively damaged Jeep resting on its roof.
Police investigations showed across the four and a half kilometres of driving, the vehicle was going at an average speed of 202km/h.
When police arrived at the incident, the defendant said he was going at around 120km/h around the bend and “lost it”.
He said he had two bourbouns at lunch that day and another bourboun at around 3pm.
The court heard the deceased’s mother broke into tears recalling the loss of her “small in stature, but giant-hearted” son.
“My heart really is broken for my whole family, as we will never get over losing someone with so much potential,” she said.
“We love you and we will miss you always.”
Defence counsel Peter Morrissey said his client apologised deeply for the pain felt by both families.
“He can’t make it right, but he’ll just strive as best he can,” he said.
Mr Morrissey said his client wasn’t thrill seeking and hadn’t executed any dangerous manoeuvres, but was “besotted” with his vehicle and focused on its performance.
The court heard the defendant was experiencing PTSD and survivors guilt and had shown good
character through multiple character references from family, friends and a former school principal.
Mr Morrissey said there was strong evidence of remorse shown.
“He’s really sorry, and it’s going to guide him to be a better person in the future,” he said.
The defence argued for a term of imprisonment in the range of 15 months and two years, while crown prosecutor John Dickie made a case for an imprisonment in the range of the standard term for culpable driving causing death of eight years.
The court heard the maximum penalty of imprisonment for culpable driving causing death is 20 years.
Judge Sarah Leighfield acknowledged the “incredible” forgiveness shown by those affected by the incident, as she considers sentencing on August 7.
Judge Leighfield told the court there was no option other than a term of imprisonment for several years.
The defendant revoked his own bail on Monday at the County Court, admitting him to Port Phillip Prison.
CLEANER WATERWAYS: Clean Up Wangaratta have maintained a focus on keeping plastic out of our waterways this month, led by members Judy Lowen (left), Julie Sands, Linda White, Rae Quigley and Andy Kimber. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
State to fund improvements to Wareena Park oval drainage
DRAINAGE issues on
one of Wangaratta’s most used community ovals will finally be addressed after the State Government confirmed on Friday that it was providing a $600,000 grant to the Rural City of Wangaratta towards the project.
Minister for Community Sport, Ros Spence, said funding for the Wareena Park Oval reconstruction is being provided as part of $20m for 26 projects statewide in the latest round of the Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund.
Minister Spence said Wangaratta will also receive funding for lighting at the Tarooga Park for the Wangaratta Rangers Baseball Club.
Wareena Park oval is used all year round, with cricket in summer months and football in winter months, but wet weather can often see the oval unusable due to drainage issues.
Council director of community and infrastructure, Marcus Goonan, said the rural city has known for many years about Wareena Park’s drainage issues.
“We often end up with a very wet surface there after not very significant amounts of water,” he said.
BY JORDAN DUURSMA jduursma@ nemedia.com.au
“Wareena Park is one of our busiest junior football grounds so this project will install new drainage underneath the surface, reinvigorate the surface and put in sprinklers for those years when it’s a little bit drier.
“We will try to fit the works in between different sports...a timeline is something we will need to look at once we see the exact terms from the funding body and also have a conversation with stakeholders.
“Having more use, particularly of junior sporting fields during the winter months, will enable us to not have to be moving games or clubs around and give stability to some of those clubs who often get shifted during the winter.
“We’ve done some work on the sports ground two at the HP Barr Reserve to fix it up and we’ve noticed the difference in ground one now that we can use ground two.
“This project will give us another ground that is very close to being winter proofed.”
Brett Direen, president
of the Wang Imperials Junior Football Club, which together with the Kangaroos JFC is based at Wareena Park, said the funding is exciting news.
He said both clubs had been working closely with council over recent years to gain funding for a much needed upgrade to oval.
“The poor ground conditions ‘can’ provide additional injury risk to our players when other clubs are playing on good surfaces nearby,” Mr Direen said.
“It doesn’t help spectators either trudging through the wet and muddy conditions to support
the players at the breaks.
“We have just been lucky this season (touch wood) as it’s been a relatively dry winter so far.
“This funding and drainage works will provide assurance to user clubs that training nights will not be cancelled or games have to be relocated at short notice.”
Mr Direen said both junior footy clubs want to see new changerooms constructed at the oval. The changerooms are among works contained with council’s Wareena Park Masterplan, but so far efforts to attain external government funding have been unsuccessful.
Family violence offender, thief released
A CONVICTED family violence offender and thief was released on bail on Friday after serving 35 days in custody.
The 44-year-old Wangaratta man appeared via video from Port Phillip Prison at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to offences committed over the past 15
months related to family violence intervention order breaches and theft.
The court heard that on April 29, an involved person of an intervention order was awakened by screams of “I still love you” from the defendant.
when aske to leave the defendant broke down the victim’s front door and continually
shouted “I love you” at her.
The victim fled her home and called police, who later arrested the offender.
The court heard the man had attempted to illegally contact the victim through a stolen phone he had taken from Kmart.
The defendant attempted to steal just over $1000 worth of items in stores
across the rural city.
He also pleaded guilty to breaking in and sleeping in a caravan owned by a known associate on April 1 this year without permission.
Defence counsel Nancy Battiato said her client was motivated to address his illicit substance use and would be willing to take part in community work.
The defendant was sent for a community corrections order assessment, but was found unsuitable.
Magistrate Megan Casey, who had previously shown concern for the defendant’s intervention order breaches, told the defendant she would release him on bail for time already served behind bars, bit to use the
opportunity on bail wisely.
“This is an opportunity to get out and get things on track,” she said.
“I know it’s stressful when you first get out, you want to get things in order straight away, but hopefully you can be found suitable for a community corrections order.”
The matter will return to court on August 21.
KICKING ON: Wareena Park oval was in full use Sunday, as Imperials and Junior Magpies’ U12 footballers competed in their WDJFL match.
PHOTO: Jeff Zeuschner
Great turnout for Bangerang event
By CHLOE JAENICKE
DESPITE the wet and cold weather, many still gathered to celebrate NAIDOC Week at the Bangerang Community Day event on Friday at the Wangaratta Bowls Club in Park Lane.
Trust for Nature cultural liaison officer and director at Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Education (ACHE), Ji Atkinson, said around 150 people came to the celebrations, matching last year’s attendance.
“It was a wonderful day... the rain doesn’t keep our supporters away,” she said.
This year’s theme for NAIDOC Week was ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud’.
Popular activities on the day included the traditional dance, didgeridoo and smoking ceremony to kick the day off, the Bitja Woka virtual reality workshop, a weaving workshop, the astrology and artefacts talk and the Animals of Oz wildlife display.
Ms Atkinson said the day was extremely important for the Bangerang people to
have a space “where we’re welcomed and accepted and able to share our beautiful wonderful oldest living culture in the world with many non-Indigenous people”.
“For non-Indigenous folk it’s an amazing opportunity to come together and learn first-hand and celebrate with us,” she said.
The Bangerang Community Day was a partnership between Bangerang Aboriginal Corporation, ACHE, Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation and Rural City of Wangaratta.
Ms Atkinson said she hopes these organisations come together to create similar events in the future.
“It was great for these organisations to come together and build relationships and build future opportunities for the community to learn from each other,” she said.
Rural city environment officer, Vanessa Thompson, said council was extremely grateful and proud to have a hand in putting the celebrations together with the Bangerang people, for the wider community.
Getting into community spirit, enjoying Indigenous culture
By JORDAN DUURSMA
THE Wangaratta Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA) celebrated NAIDOC Week with the community on Thursday at St Patrick’s Hall.
The gathering featured a range of activities to promote reconciliation, including Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, a free community barbecue, kids activities, cultural workshops, watching a performance by the Dinawan Connection Dance Group, hair braiding, a photo booth and ochre painting.
The gathering brought the community together, fostering a sense of unity and community spirit.
smoking ceremony at the
celebration
CELEBRATING CULTURE: Biyala Atkinson-Jack, Maya AtkinsonSolomon and Lomani AtkinsonRatila took part in Clapstick making to end the day.
PHOTO: Chloe Jaenicke
GETTING CREATIVE: Iris Angikiamo and her mum Kate Howard participated in the weaving workshop together. PHOTO: Chloe Jaenicke
TRADITIONAL DANCE: One of the most well attended activities was at the Bangerang Community Day was the traditional dance.
PHOTO: Tori Ferguson, Rural City of Wangaratta
SMOKING CEREMONY: There was a smoking ceremony to kick off celebrations at the Bangerang Community Day. PHOTO: Tori Ferguson, Rural City of Wangaratta
HAIR CARE: Willoh Robinson getting her hair braided at VACCA’s NAIDOC Week celebration.
COMMUNITY SPIRIT: Matilda Daven and Maree Ginkel getting into the community spirit.
BLAK, LOUD & PROUD: Ness Crispin and Michelle Stewart celebrated NAIDOC Week at VACCA’s gathering, honouring the theme ‘Keep The Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud’.
NAIDOC WEEK CELEBRATION: Lyn Bell and Jacki Eckert were part of the crowd who gathered on Thursday to celebrate First Nations culture.
FULL OF SMILES: Spencer Robinson and Oliver Robinson were full smiles celebrating NAIDOC Week.
KEEP THE FIRE BURNING: Kevin Cooper took part in a
VACCA’s community gathering
for NAIDOC Week.
PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling
Jo channelling passion for community into council bid
JOANNE Pane will harness her passion for her hometown when she nominates for Rural City of Wangaratta council in Yarrunga ward later this year.
The 48-year-old daughter of Italian migrant parents who came to Wangaratta in 1959, Joanne (Giovanna) attended primary and secondary school in the rural city before moving to Melbourne to complete a degree in nuclear medicine.
The qualified nuclear medicine technologist, who also works in family-run business Elevated Media Real Estate Photography with her partner Simon, returned to Wangaratta in 2016 and renewed her links in the community, including through Wangaratta Players theatre group.
Earlier this year, Joanne directed the world premiere of the play ‘Clarissa and Pip’ by local playwright Margaret Hickey.
“I love living in rural Victoria, and consider Wangaratta to be a truly beautiful town, with a wonderful sense of love and community,” she said.
“I have strong opinions about community matters, I want to ensure that council decisions are always based on the needs of the community, and that decisions are made fairly, justly and follow the law of common sense.”
Joanne said attributes she would bring to the council table were passion, intelligence, common sense, communication, enthusiasm, and life experiences which had made her resilient and capable.
She said she also pos-
BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au
sessed the ability to look at situations with a level head, to ensure appropriate decisions were made in the best interests of the community.
Joanne said she was passionate about reinstating and upgrading community services, elevating and expanding aged care services, and attracting new businesses to the area.
She also has an interest in festivals and tourism within Wangaratta, supporting small and local businesses, and would strive to ensure even distribution of council funds to a wide variety of community groups and activities.
“I would also use my platform on council to convey to state and federal MPs the need for a complete overhaul of the Northeast Health Wangaratta health system,” Joanne said.
She said this should include a new Wangaratta hospital in a different location, with a new emergency department and dedicated car park, while the existing hospital should become a stateof-the-art aged care facility and primary care centre to ease demand on the NHW emergency department.
Having lost her older brother Fred to a heart attack in 2018, Joanne said she was also keen to push for funding so that all public spaces and community groups would have the chance to purchase and install defibrillator machines.
running in Yarrunga ward.
OCTOBER COUNCIL ELECTION
RURAL City of Wangaratta voters head to the polls, via a postal ballot, in October to elect seven councillors for the next four years.
This year’s election will be different as a state electoral review will see the rural city’s current council ward structure of four wards (one city ward with four councillors, three rural wards electing one councillor each) being replaced with a new seven single-councillor ward structure.
Voters in each of the seven wards (Appin Ward, Bullawah Ward, King River Ward, Ovens Ward, Warby Ward, Wareena Ward and Yarrunga Ward) will only get to choose between those candidates standing in their ward.
Nominations for council are expected to open September 19 and close September 25.
For more details, including enrolment to vote details, visit the Victorian Electoral Commission website: https://www.vec.vic.gov.au/ voting/2024-local-council-elections
IN THE MIX
THOSE who have announced their intention to run in October’s council elections so far are:
APPIN: Tania Maxwell
BULLAWAH: Dave Fuller
WARBY: Irene Grant
WAREENA: Mel Paul
YARRUNGA: Allison
Winters, Joanne Pane
There have not yet been any announcements regarding King or Ovens wards.
Forum tonight for all local sports clubs
SPORTING clubs are expected to be out in force this evening to attend a special community sports forum being held by the Rural City of Wangaratta, together with Good Sports, AFL Northeast Border, and Sports Northeast.
The central talking point will be council’s fair access plan to implement equitable access to publicly owned community sports infrastructure so that women and people of all abilities have equal opportunity to participate in sport.
The forum will also be an opportunity to talk about club culture, inclusion and diversity, vaping, alcohol and other drugs, and more.
The event starts and 7pm and will be held at HP Barr Reserve Community Centre, with registration essential - go to https://events.humanitix. com/wangaratta-sportingforum.
Disqualified driver’s car impounded
WANGARATTA police impounded a vehicle for 30 days after intercepting it and its driver at 4.50am last Wednesday morning in Reid Street.
Enquiries revealed the driver of the blue Volkswagen stationwagon (pictured below) had their licence disqualified. Police also found the driver was in possession of a controlled weapon in the vehicle. The driver will face court at a later date.
Muirs is proudly an Australian owned 4th Generation family business, established 97 years ago.
Specialising in a full range of Ag Chem, Seed and Fertilizer for your Horticulture, Pasture & Cropping needs.
The team of specialist Agronomists & Key Account Managers at our Wangaratta Branch have been supporting farmers locally for over 40 years. Official Opening Thurs 18th July 10am BBQ lunch from 12.30pm
PASSIONATE: Joanne Pane plans to nominate for Rural City of Wangaratta council,
Plastic free push a timely reminder
PLASTIC Free July is yet another timely reminder to keep up to date with your sustainable solutions and do your part to cut down on single use plastics.
With plastics, and single-use plastics in particular, so pervasive in modern life, it sometimes doesn’t occur to us that it all has to be disposed of somewhere.
The environmental impact of singleuse plastics is devastating, from impacting local ecosystems to larger scale global damage.
The Plastic Free Foundation, the organisation behind Plastic Free July, has hundreds of helpful tips on how to reduce your plastic usage.
Local action and awareness group Clean Up Wangaratta will be heading the charge for a third successive year locally throughout the month.
They have planned clean ups across their regular sections of the city, including popular roads, car parks and waterways.
To the community’s credit, the group have observed dramatic improvement in the presence of single use plastics across the city, in particularly in our main waterways such as One Mile Creek.
While we are already halfway through the month, Plastic Free July is an opportunity for all of us to take some pride in where we live, and put in the bare minimum to do our part and keep our area litter free and beautiful.
Whether it be using a reusable coffee cup with your next coffee, reusing our shopping bags, avoiding single-use plastic bags at the supermarket or picking up plastics left on the street, we can all do our park to keep our world in good health.
The Quiz No. 93
1. The radio station, 882 6PR, first went to air in which decade of the 20th century?
2. Syria has a coastline on which sea?
3. Which team was awarded the wooden spoon for the 2016 WAFL season?
4. Mary, Queen of Scots, was buried in which church?
5. Which singer had the nickname, The Velvet Fog?
6. The eastern lowland gorilla is only found in the wild in which African country?
7. Which novelist created the fictional character, Jason Bourne?
8. Australia’s three largest states in area are Western Australia, Queensland, and which other state?
9. Which country won the first Women’s Rugby World Cup?
10. How many Senate seats did the Palmer United Party win at the 2016 Federal Election?
11. Who played the role of Viola de Lesseps in the 1998 movie, Shakespeare in Love?
12. In which year did South Sudan gain its independence from Sudan?
13. Which two countries claim to have invented the pavlova meringue-based dessert?
14. Invisible Empire // Crescent Moon was the fifth studio album by which Scottish singersongwriter?
15. What are the two colours on the flag of China?
16. Which Fremantle-born politician was the 17th Governor-General of Australia?
17. Who played Laurie Partridge in the classic TV series, The Partridge Family?
18. How many blank tiles are in a standard Scrabble set?
19. Who won the 2015 Brownlow Medal?
20. The Hunting of the Snark is one of the best known ‘nonsense poems’ by which writer?
FACEBOOK users this week commented on a temporary 40kph speed limit that has been imposed around the Christensen Lane area, near Thurles Lane.
• Georgina Rea: I remember back in the day Christensen lane was a quiet unhoused place where we used to run. Progress I suppose but sad I think.
• Leslie Matthews: I really can’t see what the problem is.
• Cody Braden: drive down it towards Williams road and get back to me, carful you don’t smash your rim on that new curb tho.
• Ben Datson: Cody Braden your car would drive straight over it no problem.
• Leslie Matthews: Cody Braden I have. No problems.
• Pat Twitchett: Very poor design one of 10 around our town.
• Stacey Higgins: Just a matter of time till someone
Agriculture industry can propel the economy
THE Victorian agriculture industry can propel the state’s economy and surpass $20 billion dollars of food and fibre exports by 2030 if the Victorian Government focusses on road maintenance, lowering costs and improving freight efficiency.
In our submission to the Refresh of the Victorian Freight Strategy, we’ve said having a plan to maintain and fix regional roads would be key to reinforcing agriculture as Victoria’s largest exporter by value and sustain the more than 154,000 people directly employed by the industry.
Victoria has the worst roads in the country.
The freight strategy must set a vision for us to have the best roads in Australia.
The total neglect of regional roads has happened in part because the previous freight strategy never identified maintenance as a priority.
That is despite it having been a key ask of all freight and transport industry stakeholders.
To continue to supply good quality, well-priced products for consumers here and abroad it’s absolutely vital we have a concrete vision that improves the efficient movement of food and fibre.
Victoria’s new freight strategy must include a dedicated piece focusing on agricultural freight.
Transporting produce through our supply chains represents one of the most significant costs to Victorian farmers. Not only do we feel that squeeze on farm, it drives investment away from our state and our industry.
Rising costs across the supply chain are making Victorian food and fibre less competitive.
Terminal access charges for one of the stevedores at the Port of Melbourne have increased by 52.52 per cent in Melbourne, compared with 38.8 per cent in Sydney and 37.5 per cent in Brisbane this year.
Emma Germano, Victorian Farmers Federation president
Great to see sporting clubs’ success
I’M delighted to see several local sporting clubs will benefit following successful grant applications in the latest Victorian Sporting Club Grants Program.
Following in the footsteps of seven local round one recipients, funding has been awarded to Wangaratta Amateur Olympics
NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.
takes out the light post.
• Emma Williamson: It is ridiculous that it was made so tight when they did this a couple of months ago.
Another stuff up.
• Troy Dowell: Why did we need traffic island’s there when the is thousands of intersections just like it all over that seem to be working fine.
• Christopher Aggenbach: Troy Dowell correct.
• Andrew Mills: Troy
Dowell it was the most expensive way they could find to fill in a pot hole there.
• Russell Edwards: Recently did some work at home and had to submit numerous pages of plans, information and dollars before I could even scratch the dirt. With this in mind, how did this design even get past the planning stage, especially with the chicane and the inexplicable fact they’ve cut off access turning right into Thurles?
Our follower total is Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.
14,914
DETERMINED RACER: Despite rain and slippery ground, Amelia Holloran was determined to participate in the children’s race at the Bangerang Community Day last Friday. In Wangaratta, there was 5.2mm of rain on Friday up until noon and there was 24.8mm for the entire week from July 6 to July 12. Our wettest day last week was Tuesday, with 19mm of rainfall.
Swimming Club, Wangaratta Stingrays Swimming Club, Wangaratta Amateur Swimming Club, and Wangaratta Pickleball Club.
It is fantastic to see local clubs being rewarded for their work and their contribution and growth within the community.
With the cost-of-living pinching household budgets, now more than ever, it is great to see community groups sourcing initiatives to make sport easier and more accessible for everyone.
These grants will help remove barriers and boost engagement in our vibrant regional sporting scene by increasing participation.
Tim McCurdy, Nationals’ MP for Ovens Valley
Labor can’t blame rain for crumbling roads
THE Allan Labor Government is treating Victorians like fools by constantly blaming the condition of our roads on “repeated flooding and unprecedented rainfall”.
Our roads are crumbling due to funding cuts and neglect – not freak weather events.
Bureau of Meteorology rainfall data prove that recent years have been nothing out of the ordinary.
In fact, rainfall has followed a similar pattern to the past 50 years.
The rainfall charts don’t lie and the numbers relating to funding cuts don’t lie.
Figures provided to State Parliament show that the money spent on resurfacing and resealing contracts for our roads in the 2023/24 financial year was just 18 per cent of the previous year, dropping from $201.4 million to just $37.6 million across the state.
Labor’s effort’s to ‘Blame it on the Rain’ are just like Milli Vanilli – totally fake.
Danny O’Brien, Shadow Minister for Roads and Road Safety
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PHOTO: Chloe Jaenicke
Almost $1300 raised for headspace Wangaratta
WANGARATTA residents raised almost $1300 for headspace Wangaratta through their participation in Australia’s largest mental health and fitness event, The Push-Up Challenge, last month.
Locals were among some 218,000 Australians each aiming to complete 3249 push-ups or alternative exercises over 24 days last month - with 3249 tragically representing the lives lost to suicide in Australia in 2022.
Wangaratta team leader at headspace, Katie Shalevski, said they were incredibly inspired and grateful for the overwhelming support from the community during the Push Up Challenge, which saw them surpass their goal.
“The funds raised will contribute to programs and initiatives supporting young people in our community,” she said.
“This collective effort truly showcases the power of community spirit and collaboration in making a positive impact on mental health.”
The Push-Up Challenge aims to bring people together, learn
about mental health, do something good for their physical and mental health and help raise critical funds for mental health services and programs in Australia.
This year also marked two significant milestones for The PushUp Challenge: Australians completed over one billion push-ups since the challenge’s inception,
and the challenge expanded internationally to Canada.
To learn more about The PushUp Challenge and donate for better mental health, visit www.thepushupchallenge.com.au.
Online donations close today.
Young people aged 12 to 25, as well as their family and friends, can visit headspace
Wangaratta for support.
Help is also available via phone and online counselling service eheadspace seven days a week between 9am–1am (AEST).
The number is 1800 650 890.
If you’re looking for someone to talk to immediately, Lifeline (13 11 14) and Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) are available to talk 24/7.
club donates $500 to homeless shelter
By JORDAN DUURSMA
THE local community continues to show it’s support for those experiencing homelessness this winter with the Wangaratta Rod and Custom Club donating $500 to the Wang Night Shelter.
Club president Rennae McKenzie said the donation came from fundraising efforts at the club’s Rod Run event earlier in the year, where members shared their love of street rodding and custom cars with the wider community.
Ms McKenzie said the club likes to give back to the community and had previously donated to the dog obedience club and paediatric ward at the hospital.
“Some of our members thought the Wang Night Shelter would be a brilliant community group to donate to and we’re trying to spread the love,” she said.
“All the volunteers here do
GUIDE Dogs Victoria, with support for Wangaratta council, will host an informative and interactive roadshow in Wangaratta this week.
Focusing on the latest technologies, the event will present products designed to support individuals with low vision and blindness.
Attendees will be able to meet Guide Dogs Victoria’s assistive technology specialists and occupational therapists, who will demonstrate how various
such a wonderful job for the Wangaratta community.
“In one way or another we’re all battling our own troubles and it’s great for those struggling to know there’s someone looking out for them with their best interest in mind.”
The Wang Night Shelter offers a warm meal and safe place to sleep for those experiencing homelessness, seven nights a week in winter - anyone is welcome to stay and no referral is required.
Director of Zac’s Place and project manager of the Wang Night Shelter, Di Duursma, said every dollar counts.
“All donations to the shelter help with the running of the shelter project through the winter as well as keeping the doors open at Zac’s Place and providing what we need to be shared with those who are most vulnerable in our community.” she said.
“I love that today the Wangaratta Rod and Cus-
tom Club brought a car with them and rolled up to the front of Zac’s Place and shared the joy of what they love with us in a way that supports our community, it shows that no matter what people are interested in, we can all work together to provide a safe place for people to shelter.”
Those who wish to financially support the cause
WORLD-CLASS SPEAKER: Nicholas Wyman will be speaking at GOTAFE’s 2024 Industry Connector Event in Wangaratta on July 30.
technologies are able to assist individuals with low vision and blindness maintain independence and enhance their life quality.
Screen readers, screen magnifiers, specialist vision-specific devices, and everyday devices with built-in accessibility features will all be explored.
Highlights will also include learning about the accessibility features of mobile phones and how they can assist in navigating new environments, as well as becom-
ing acquainted with apps designed to assist with reading labels, menus, and identifying people in photos.
This event is also an opportunity to socialise and meet new people within the local blindness and low-vision community.
The event will be held at Quality Hotel Gateway Wangaratta Victoria this Thursday from 1:30pm to 4:30pm and Friday from 9am to 12pm.
Light refreshments will be provided.
can donate at Bendigo Bank to Zac’s Place Inc, ref. Wang, BSB 633000, Acc. no.155600257 or The Wang Night Shelter has accounts that people can donate directly to at Everyday Gourmet and La Bella Rocca.
To get involved or for more information, contact the Wang Night Shelter via email at wangnightshelter@ gmail.com.
TEAM EFFORT: Daniel Field, Doug Booth, Di Duursma, Morris Lister, Rennae McKenzie, Geoff Hope, Thomas McKenzie, Cliff Jacka and Gemma Duursma are part of the effort to look after those in need.
A WORLD-class speaker on skills and workforce development will share his insights at GOTAFE’s 2024 Industry Connector Event in Wangaratta this month.
Building on the success of last year’s event in Wangaratta attended by business and industry leaders, this year’s event is themed around accelerating our region’s workforce potential through workplacebased training.
Nicholas Wyman, who began his career as an apprentice in Melbourne and is now an internationally renowned workplace-based training expert, will speak at the Wangaratta event at 8am on Tuesday, July 30 at GOTAFE’s Tone Road campus.
“Nicholas has delivered over 500 workshops and keynote presentations across the world and has worked with governments and major corporations to implement skills programs,” GOTAFE’s executive director student experience Laura Baker said.
“We’re excited to bring Nicholas to our region, directly after he is due to speak at the National Apprentice Employment Network (NAEN) Conference in Adelaide.”
Ms Baker said the event would help employers to gain practical advice and inspiration while networking with experts in the field of workplace-based training.
“Workplace-based training, such as apprenticeships and traineeships can be an intimidating space for employers to step into,” she said.
“GOTAFE is here to walk side-by-side with employers from across the region to help increase understanding of hands-on skills development and the earn as you learn/workplace-based training model.”
Places at the free event is limited and those interested in attending are encouraged to book early, by visiting https://www.gotafe.vic.edu.au/whatson/industry-connector-events.
FITNESS AND MENTAL HEATLH: headspace client liaison officer, Trent Cassidy, and community awareness officer, Lara Taylor, helped raise funds and awareness for mental health in the Push-Up Challenge. PHOTO: Chloe Jaenicke
Life drawing workshop in Wangaratta
THE Wangaratta Artists Society Inc (WAS) will hold a life drawing workshop on Saturday, July 20 for all those interested in developing their life drawing skills.
Easels, tables and butchers paper will be available (byo painting materials) with the workshop to be held at 9.30am for a 10am start, running until 12pm.
The cost is $15 for members ($20 for non-members) to cover the cost of the model, and bookings are essential by contacting Wendy Stephens on 0402 288 207, or email publicity@wangartists.org.au.
Membership of WAS, based at The Studio in Batchelors Green, Wangaratta, is $50 a year with forms available at the studio (which will be closed to non-participants during the workshop).
The Good exhibition at art gallery
THE Good, a major new solo exhibition by artist Anna Louise Richardson, is open at the Wangaratta Art Gallery.
Working primarily in charcoal and graphite, Richardson’s work explores ideas of intergenerational exchange, parenthood and identity based on her experiences of living and working on a multigeneration beef cattle farm in rural Australia. It explores the complex relationships between humans and the natural world, tinged by grief and the competing demands of nurturing new life, and will run until August 11.
Fearless tapestry weavings
FEARLESS is an exhibition of tapestry weavings by Flossie Peitsch which is open in Gallery 2 at Wangaratta Art Gallery until August 4.
The artist’s textile practice is informed by the history of women’s craft work, particularly the quilting traditions passed down through the matrilineal generations of her family.
Fearless brings together a body of work created over the past seven years, informed by her experiences as an educator in very remote Indigenous communities and her close familial relationships, as one of four sisters.
New showing from artist
AN exhibition of small works of collage by resident artist Georgina Wills which elevates the humble childhood practice of cutting and pasting has opened at the Art Gallery on Ovens.
It is Georgina’s first solo exhibition at the gallery since becoming a resident artist following her success in the gallery’s inaugural Thirty by Thirty exhibition last year, when her collage of Amsterdam won the viewer’s choice award.
See Cut ‘n’ Paste at the Art Gallery on Ovens in the laneway off Murphy Street until July 22, open Monday, Thursday and Friday from 10am until 4pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 2pm.
IN BLOOM: Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn from renowned artist Jacqueline Coates.
Artist to share her journey
By JORDAN DUURSMA
THE Wangaratta Artists Society Inc is hosting a free meet and greet with renowned Australian art tutor Jacqueline Coates on Monday, August 5 at 6pm at Batchelor’s Green Reserve on Tone Road.
Jacqueline will share how she started out as an artist and became a selling artist, supported her family as
a single mum from her art and share inspiration with others on their art path.
She will be also have her inspiring book, Make Money From Art, available on the night.
Specialising in oil and acrylic painting, Jacqueline’s subject matter is focused on the beauty of blooms including peonies, roses, tulips, frangipanis, blossoms, and fruit.
Local artist Robyn White will also share about art activities at the Wangaratta Art Society Inc and how to get involved.
“We have a group of enthusiastic artists who love creating their art at the studio and membership is open to anyone who would love to paint and use the studio space and hang out with like minded others on their art journey,” Robyn said.
A selection of local artist’s work will also be on show at the studio.
To secure your spot RSVP to jotrezona@gmail.com with RSVP Meet The Artist in the title, include your name and contact details.
Wangaratta Artists Society Inc will also host a free colour mixing workshop on Monday, August 5 from 2:30pm to 5pm and painting workshop on Tuesday,
August 6 with Jacqueline. Jacqueline is known for her painting method that creates confidence in her students, no matter the stage of their painting journey from total newbies to artists refreshing painting techniques and seeking new creative inspiration. For more information on these events visit https:// artscreativehub.com/workshops/.
Help create stone soup with Amandhi da Silva
COOK UP: The folktale of stone soup will come to life during a workshop at the Wangaratta Art Gallery, inspired by works including Anna Louise Richardson, Stock pot, 2023, charcoal on cement fibreboard, 90 x 114 x 3cm.
A WORKSHOP which invites participants to help create a communal “stone” soup with chef Amandhi da Silva, while sharing stories and then enjoying the delicious offering, will be held at the Wangaratta Art Gallery on Saturday, July 27.
The workshop complements current exhibition
The Good by Anna Louise Richardson, in which the artist explores rural life and the complex relationships between humans and the natural world.
Richardson describes
the stock pot as an object of magic.
“You put in what could be classed as waste: carrot tops, veggie peelings, meatless bones, carcasses of roast chooks, all manner of things, all squirrelled away in bags in the freezer until a critical mass is met and the witches brew is concocted,” she said.
Stone Soup itself is a poignant European folktale about the use of wit and ingenuity needed to survive when times are tough, and a story of communal sharing and nurture.
In the many versions of the story, a stranger arrives
at a village, carrying nothing more than an empty cooking pot.
Upon their arrival, the villagers are unwilling to share any of their food stores with the very hungry travellers.
The travellers fill their pot with water and make a soup from an inedible object (such as a stone), prompting curious questions as to their intentions, before eventually, villagers start adding ‘flavour’ to the stone soup, creating a delicious broth that is shared among all.
Join the workshop and bring along a favourite soup
ingredient to contribute to the pot while sharing the ingredient’s unique story or importance to your family’s kitchen, before enjoying the broth with others.
It runs from 11am to 2pm on Saturday, July 27 and tickets are $35 (Wangaratta Art Gallery Friends $30) which includes soup, bread and a complimentary glass of bubbles. Numbers are limited, with early booking recommended (please advise of any dietary requirements) by visiting wangarattaartgallery.com.au/ Programs/Workshop-Stonesoup-with-Amandhi-daSilva.
Light shines on local landscapes by Leon Pappas
A SELECTION of artworks by Baddaginnie painter Leon Pappas are on display at the Benalla Art Gallery, as part of the gallery shop exhibition program throughout July.
The exhibition, Light — The Way I See It, captures the charm of the Australian landscape through masterful brushstrokes and a strong appreciation of light.
The collection is particularly inspired by the landscapes of Benalla and Pappas’ hometown Baddaginnie, including bush settings and notable buildings, informed by the artist’s
deep connection with the local area.
Originally from Greece, Pappas immigrated to Australia in 1959, developing his passion for art through formal studies at Prahran College of Technology and Monash University.
Under the guidance of renowned mentors Max Middleton, Ernest Vogel and Dawson McDonald, he honed his skills, eventually debuting at Kew Gallery in 1968.
Pappas has exhibited at venues such as the World Art Gallery, St Kilda, and Windeyer Gallery, Toorak, before settling in Baddaginnie.
He now contributes to the local artistic community through his involvement with the Benalla Broken River Painters and the U3A, where he generously shares his expertise.
Benalla Art Gallery director Eric Nash said the exhibition is further evidence of the depth and diversity of artistic talent in the region and will appeal strongly to lovers of traditional landscape paintings traditions.
Of his approach to art, Leon Pappas says every brush mark must have a purpose to fulfil and contribute to the whole.
“My advice —paint regularly and don’t give up,” he says.
“My goal is to make my focal point more entertaining, more surprising, more joyful to look at - I do this for my enjoyment and hope the viewer sees it as well.”
The works are available for purchase in the gallery shop during July or by contacting the gallery 5760 2619 or gallery@benalla. vic.gov.au.
ILLUMINATED LANDSCAPE: The exhibition includes works such as Leon PAPPAS, Another Day in Paradise, oil on canvas, 31.5 x 51.5 cm (framed).
Greta pupils research into lives of local servicemen
STUDENTS in grades three to six at Greta Valley Primary School spent five weeks researching a soldier buried in the Greta cemetery, presenting their work at the community’s ANZAC Day service.
In this next instalment of a series we are sharing with the support of school principal Howard Gibson, students Ted Clancy and Tom
JOHN LEGG by TOM LAMBERT.
John Legg was born in 1892 and his parents were Marianne Whitehead and Oliver Legg. His education was at Greta South Primary School and Hansonville State School and for secondary education he went to Melbourne High School.
Then he went on to university in Melbourne and became a veterinarian.
He enlisted in Melbourne on May 9, 1915 at age 23.
John left Melbourne on June 3, 1915 on the ship called Port Macquarie.
SLAP
Lambert share what they found out about the Legg brothers.
The project has given students an opportunity to get a better understanding of the war experience. It has also revealed just how many local families were affected by conflict; some having multiple family members serving at the same time.
John fought in World War I and he got some awards as well.
He served in Egypt and France.
He was a Lieutenant Captain and his next of kin was his father, Oliver. In April 1919, John Legg was discharged and entered the Royal Veterinary College in London.
He married Olga Katrina Uhd on June 20 in 1923 in Townsville.
They had two children - John Davidson Legg and Marion Legg. John died in Richmond in 1984 at the age of 98.
WAR EXPERIENCE: Greta
School
. BANG. KISS. putting revolutionary teenagers centrestage at WPACC
SLAP, A video of 16-year-old Immi hitting a security officer goes viral.
Bang, Sofia’s impassioned speech for the victims of a school shooting makes international news.
Kiss, In the car park of a small-town Woolies, people rally around Darby and Daniel as the boys lock lips in an attempt to set the world record for the longest kiss.
But when their stories go viral and the whole world is watching, what will they do next?
Writer Dan Giovannoni tracks three young people whose stories kickstart a series of events none of them could have anticipated, transforming them into global symbols of revolution in his play SLAP. BANG. KISS.
SLAP. BANG. KISS. returns with a national tour as part of Melbourne Theatre Company’s acclaimed Education & Families Program following out a sell-out season in 2022 and will hold 22 performances in 16 venues, including the Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre on Tuesday, August 27 at 12pm.
Mr Giovannoni said he hopes young people are inspired by the play to make changes in the world.
“I wanted this play to be
an invitation to young people stepping into the world, an opportunity to see folks like them leading change, demanding their voices be heard,” he said.
“They are often shaped by the world around them, but they are also capable of doing the shaping.”
Melbourne Theatre Company artistic director and cochief executive officer, AnneLouise Sarks, said she hopes the play can have the impact it had when it first toured in 2022.
“This is an important work that speaks directly to our younger generation,” she said.
“This national tour ensures this work is seen by more young Australians in the hope
it inspires them, as it did for so many during the 2022 season.”
The touring performances will be complemented by a suite of detailed digital resources to support students’ study and learning outcomes.
MTC Education’s array of study resources is provided free of charge and available alongside a growing library of award-winning materials designed to enhance students’ experience and engagement with the arts.
For more information visit mtc.com.au/plays-and-tickets/whats-on/other-events/ slap-bang-kiss-tour/ and to book tickets visit https://www. wpacc.com.au/Whats-On/ SLAP.-BANG.-KISS.
LOUIS THOMAS LEGG by TED CLANCY.
Louis Thomas Legg was born on March 6, 1894. He was one of 10 children and was brought up by his parents Marianne Whitehead and Oliver Legg.
His brothers were John (Jack) and George, and his sisters were Celia, Emily, Florence, Anne, Edna, Kathleen and Edna Mary.
Sadly Edna died at birth, so they named their last daughter Edna Mary.
Louis enlisted to fight in World War 1 on January 13 in 1915 in Melbourne.
He embarked on September 23 in 1915 onboard the HMAT A57 Malakuta.
His service number was 1054 and his rank was Private.
He was in the 8th Light Horse Regiment and his next of kin was his father, Oliver.
Louis was shot in the right leg but he still survived.
Louis was awarded medals
which included the British War Medal, the 1914/15 Star Medal and the Victory Medal.
In later life, Louis went missing on a snowfield at Mount Franklin when he was in his forties, but luckily he found a homestead near Brindabella.
He met a lady named Amy Tuckwell and they got married on December 18 in 1942 but they had no children.
Louis sadly died on the April 1 in 1979 at the age of 85.
Valley Primary
student Tom Lambert enjoyed learning about John Legg (pictured right), who was a veterinarian.
FASCINATING LIFE: Greta Valley Primary School student Ted Clancy chose to look into the life of Louis Thomas Legg (left).
VIRAL SENSATIONS: SLAP. BANG KISS. follows three young people transform into global symbols.
Kids get creative with coloured clay at the library
THE Rural City of Wangaratta hosted another school holiday program at the
with primary school kids getting
◀ READY TO CREATE:
Making decorative bowls at the Wangaratta Library
THERE was plenty of activity at the Wangaratta Library last week as children made decorative bowls using coloured fabric pieces as part of the Rural City of Wangaratta’s school holiday program.
CHECK THIS OUT: Holly Lee.
PROUD AS PUNCH: Alice Kittelty.
WORK IN PROGRESS: Annika Carson.
ANIMATED DESIGN: Ashlee Lengrand.
ALL IN THE MATERIAL: Lydia Lengrand.
PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling.
WORK OF CREATION: Grace Jackel.
CHECK THIS OUT: Madelyn Benton.
GOOD VIBES: Ollie Kittelty and Thomas Reid.
FUN WITH FRIENDS: Alice Kittelty and Indi Reid.
HOLIDAY FUN: Alana Thomas.
Haddie Borschmann.
▲ PICK A COLOUR: Jane Thomas.
PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling
CLAY TIME: Koa and Yorke Daniels with Henry McInnes. T H B
BIG SMILES: Ollie Kittelty.
GAME FACE: Ryan Hassan.
CREATIVE ART: Lilly Britton.
Wangaratta Library last week,
creative using coloured clay to form their own work of art.
Junior Reporter Club
ACROSS
4 What is a meeting of students for discussion of a specific topic (7)
8 Who is the commanderin-chief of a navy (7)
9 What are large lizards (7)
10 To be leaving one’s vehicle, is to be doing what to it (7)
11 What are units of conductance (7)
12 Which sword is used only for thrusting (6)
14 What is a turning point known as (6)
18 To be curved, is to be what (7)
21 What is a frame of latticework (7)
22 Which sea lies to the north of Australia (7)
23 To have vocalised, is to have done what (7)
24 What is a crisp, dry biscuit (7)
DOWN
1 Which substance is used as an insect deterrent (7)
2 To be clever, is to be what (5)
3 Name a system of writing for the blind (7)
4 Which term suggests an affront (6)
5 To grieve, is to do what (5)
6 What are children’s nurses known as (7)
7 What are artifices called (5)
Letters
13 Shrove Tuesday is known as which Day (7)
15 Who painted Bailed Up, Tom (7)
16 What might we call the beach (7)
17 To tell fully and distinctly, is to do what (6)
18 What is a metal device used for fastening things together (5)
E-QUATIONS
19 To be humming, is to be what (5)
20 Name a form of silica (5)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
1 MORIGERATION
(a) Deferential behaviour (b) Dying state (c) Peevishness
2 QUISLING
(a) A trick or peculiarity of action (b) One who aids the enemy (c) An odd-looking person
Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.
CLUES:
Bitterly pungent (5)
Dine (3)
Executives (abb) (5)
External Carotid Artery (3)
Guided (3)
Inflammation of the mucosa (7)
Mountaineers’ tools (3-4)
Poisonous (5) Praise highly (5)
Student Representative
Opening milk prices sour dairy farmer’s expectation
WHOROULY dairy farmer
John Pethybridge says opening milk prices from most processors has fallen well short of expectations and continues to put an unfair squeeze on farmers.
Lismore-based processor Norco has topped the opening price offerings with $12.35 per kilogram milk solids.
Norco largely caters for the fresh milk and ice cream market and is the nation’s largest farmer co-operative, providing consistently high returns to suppliers.
Bega, Fonterra, Bulla and Saputo are closely matched with their price announcements, keeping a tight market for dairy farmers to continue with their regular processor or opt to switch.
Prices see Bega at $7.90$8.20/kg MS, Fonterra $8.00/ kg MS, Saputo $8.00-$8.15/ kg MS, Lactalis $8.40/kg MS, ADFC $8.20/kg MS, Bulla
$7.85-$8.65/kg MS, ACM
$7.75/kg MS, Ky Valley Dairy
$8.00-$8.30kg/MS and Frestine at $8.00/kg Ms.
Mr Pethybridge, who runs 251 dairy cows on his 800 acre property, said the new price announcement from processors are very disap-
BY KURT HICKLING khickling@ nemedia.com.au
pointing with no consideration for local farmers in the North East after a poor autumn period.
“The dairy industry locally is currently under immense pressure,” he said, noting that some farmers had little to no grass in paddocks.
“By having little feed in paddocks farmers outlay added expenses to buy in feed which narrows profit which is tough because processors have not taken this into account.
“We have had some rain but it’s not raining grass as the last few months to date have proven conditions in the field to be very different and testing the industry locally.
“We have been lucky as we have grown extra corn in anticipation for what is happening now to try and manage store feed supply.
“Every farmer is in a different position as those who have irrigation to pastures will have more feed than those who do not, despite recent rainfall.
“A lack of feed on pastures will continue to be a struggle until the weather warms up come spring.”
Mr Pethybridge said dairy farmers are locked in to their milk price once they sign their contract with the processor of choice for the next 12 months.
Confidence boost ahead of Thursday sale in Wang
By KURT HICKLING
A LIFT of 60c/kg for light steer calves at Wodonga livestock exchange recently has been welcomed by breeders as the store market showed signs of returning to a more traditional price trading pattern.
It’s also a boost in confidence for local producers with the upcoming store sale at Wangaratta this Thursday, July 18.
In recent months, market prices have remained below average due to a poor autumn period with little rain which has put pressure on cattle producers financially as substantial feed in paddocks is absent causing the added expense of buying in feed.
Wangaratta Elders stock agent Oliver Mason believes the recent Wodonga sale, in combination with a changing market, will see a positive shift at Wangaratta this week.
“The store sale this Thursday is looking very optimistic with the market starting to shift in our favour,” he said.
“A lot of stock has shifted north of the state which has opened the market in Victoria, bringing back confidence in the market at a local level in Wangaratta.
CONFIDENT: Elders stock agent Oliver Mason sees bigger and better things to come.
“We have a great lineup of cattle and buyers for the sale on Thursday, which again is presenting confidence for the local market and a positive shift towards better things to come.
“Cattle sales have been tough, especially for producers with the lack of rainfall, however, recent rain has put some green back in the paddocks which is a positive spin heading towards spring.
“The recent lack of rainfall has forced producers to sell, in some cases too early.
“The sale on Thursday has presented plenty of interest from local buyers and buyers from out of town which will help the potential of bidding being driven up.
“Local agents, producers and buyers are feeling quietly confident as we are now seeing a positive move forward and hope the market continues to step forward in the right direction.”
Thursday sale at the Wangaratta Livestock Exchange commences at 9am.
“As a committee member for Dairy Farmers Australia, the opening milk prices from processors are not only poor but fall so short that they have not met dairy farmers halfway,” he said.
“Milk processors make a big profit in any event so there should be no reason
to squeeze farmers.
“Processors are trying to increase their profit margin and take away from the hard-working farmer.
“I’m a young farmer who works hard, I’m trying to remain optimistic, however, I’m not happy with the overall situation with the current milk prices.”
Hear from The Unbreakable Farmer at a free dinner and talk at Tarrawingee
JOIN others for a complimentary dinner at the Plough Inn at Tarrawingee from 5.30pm-8pm this Thursday, July 18 featuring The Unbreakable Farmer.
The event is hosted by the Rural City of Wangaratta and the Wangaratta Livestock Exchange, and supported by the Victorian government.
Don’t miss guest speaker, Warren Davies, the Unbreakable Farmer, who will speak on his experience as a farmer and spreading his message of resilience, persistence and determination to survive and succeed on the land.
Recent climate events have significantly impacted our agricultural community, requiring ongoing support and intervention.
Agriculture Victoria has been instrumental in providing essential resources and recovery services, and their support for this event will help council continue supporting our farming community together.
Registration is essential. All enquiries email: r.golia@wangaratta.vic.gov. au.
HEIFER
Wangaratta Livestock
UNHAPPY: Whorouly dairy farmer Jon Pethybridge is frustrated with the recent farmgate milk price announcement.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
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About us: Brown Family Wine Group, a family-owned multi brand wine business, is one of Australia’s most loved and trusted wine companies. With premium vineyards in Victoria and Tasmania, our family of wines has grown to Ridge and Innocent Bystander. We are looking to develop our business through our diverse and exciting portfolio. About the role: This is a crucial role which has shared and materials to support business requirements across the are dispatched on time and quality standards are met. What’s required: You will be an experienced forklift operator shift work. Ideally, you will have basic computer skills and warehousing principles and practices would be a bonus. You
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• Coordinate, schedule and manage the grape and juice intake from internal and external growers during vintage
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Your pro-active and flexible approach to your work and the capacity to work in a busy team environment will be rewarded.
More Information: Further information and a position description can be obtained by emailing careers@brownfwg.com.au or by calling Allyce on (03) 5720 5500.
HOLDEN Colorado LX, 2009, crew cab, petrol, automatic, 165,600km, rego t ill March 2025 (WXH019), RWC (pending), $14,000. Ph 0417 326 739.
HOLDEN Commodore sedan 2000, Olympic model, reliable, body needs work, (QAO524), $1000, located in Wangaratta. Ph 0402 184 262.
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer ES CJ, Auto Odo 182,013km, 4cyl 2.0L petrol, 6 speed constantly variable transmission, Reg (YTT860), expir y December, 2024, $7,500. Ph 0490 388 939.
SUBARU Impreza sedan 2006 model, 70,000km, 1 owner, runs well, good condition, RWC, registered till January 2025 (TZA175), $8500. Ph 0400 927 274.
PACKAGE Deal, for genuine sale 2004 Ford F250, 7.3ltr Diesel, 292,000km, has near new bravo a/t Maxxis 980 tyres, plus 2 spares on back, rear camera, rear airbag suspension, 274ltr fuel capacity plus 100ltr tank under rear canopy, rear slide on picnic table, central locking system, Hayman Rees tow ball, top winch to help load the boat, plus 15,000 pound bull bar winch, lots storage includes 2x60ltr fridge slides, plus boat motor slide, 2 large draws in canopy, lots storage above canopy and below 3x120 Uni solar panels, has pro star solar controls wired ready to go, 4 glass matt batteries, plus built in charger, built in compressor. Side steps and bull bar all aluminum, driving lights CB radio, electric brake system to suit caravan, fully serviced and will sell with road worthy. Caravan, 2004 Kedron Cross Country, made in Brisbane, 20ft inside, electric brakes, pullout awning, has matching wheels as the F250, dual axle plus 2 spares. 2 x jerry can holders at rear, in front bin has 4 x glass matt batteries, pro star solar controls invertor, has 4x120 Uni solar panels on roof, tv antenna, fold up side cooking table built on side, steps that fold up on the door, single beds with inner spring mattresses, wired for CPAP machines x 2, lots storage cupboards, built with Tasmanian oak, 4 burner stove with grill and oven, 240ltr Vitri Frigo, full sink, wired for TV, reverse cycle air con, Island bench table with storage under seats, storage under beds, brand new elec and gas hot water service (never used), water filters and hoses, electric legs, A-Trail Jack plus ockie wheel, 2 wind stiffeners pegs and mat (outside 8x4m) original tyres and rims for caravan, out door shower, 5 water tanks, one tank for drinking only, carpet or vinyl flooring, wired for 12 volt or 240 volt, full annex plus extra plus sun shade, never used, new wheel bearings (never used), 2 gas bottles, front bin and generator compartment, very clean and neat, has lots of extra’s as well. $139,900 ono package deal, will consider splitting, but they do compliment one another. Boat not included. Ph 0427 936 630.
CARAVANS & CAMPERS
HYSTER forklift, new gas bottle, new battery, $5200. Ph 0427 936 630.
FIREWOOD mixed loads, bulk orders only. Ph 0448 933 999.
LEATHER couches, excellent condition, top quality $495,Pair Retro Kriesler Radiogram, good working order, $250. Ph 0478 162 069.
DEATH NOTICES
In Remembrance of COPLEY, Peter.
Robin, Ros and the team at Watters
Electrical deeply mourn the loss of Peter, our General Manager of 8 years. Under his exceptional and visionary leadership, our company reached new heights, a testament to his unwavering dedication and forward-thinking.
Peter was more than just our leader; he was a vital part of the Watters family, a cherished colleague and friend. Peter’s spirit and legacy will forever remain a part of Watters Electrical. We extend our deepest sympathies to the Copley family.
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
WANGARATTA
Chronicle photographer
Melissa Beattie made her way to the Ovens & Murray Football League reserves match between Albury and Wangaratta Rovers to capture some action.
CONNOR CRIMMINS
RILEY ALLAN
MAX CULLEN
BRODIE PAUL
JAI DAL ZOTTO
JEZ REGONI
REGAN GORMAN
MATHEW SMITH
HARRISON McCARTHY
NOAH AMERY
WINNERS AND LOSERS
OVENS AND MURRAY SENIORS LADDER
SCOREBOARD RESERVES
WANGARATTA 5.2 6.3 6.5 9.6.60
GOALS: WANGARATTA: C. Moore 3, J. Smith 2, M. Newton 2, F. Ellis 1, D. Porter 1. Yarrawonga Seniors: L. Williams 3, B. Kennedy 2, B. Coghill 1, T. Nyholm 1, P. Lewis-smith 1, B. Coburn 1, H. Wheeler 1, M. Casey 1, B. Frauenfelder 1, C. Wilson 1. BEST: WANGARATTA: C. Knowles, A. Tilley, L. McVeigh, T. Norton, W. Tua, C. Barrett YARRAWONGA: L. Masters, D. Howe, L. Howe, L. Williams, N. Pendergast, P. Lewis-Smith.
WODONGA RAIDERS 2.3 5.5 7.5 9.6.60 NORTH ALBURY 3.4 5.6 6.11 14.11.95
GOALS: WODONGA RAIDERS: J. Burke 2, M. Way 2, A. Scammell 2, S. Darley 1, B. St John 1, C. Ellis-Yolmen 1. NORTH ALBURY: J. Minogue 6, N. Dennis 2, J. King 2, F. Gardiner 1, L. Taylor 1, C. Winter 1, K. Duncan 1.
BEST: WODONGA RAIDERS: S. Darley, C. Ellis-Yolmen, B. O’Neill, B. St John, A. Scammell, I. Kotzur. NORTH ALBURY: J. Hayes, F. Gardiner, J. Minogue, I. Campbell, C. Winter.
NETBALL SCORES THIRDS RESULTS
A GRADE
Wodonga Raiders 61 def North Albury 52 Corowa Rutherglen 48 def Wodonga 20 Wangaratta 39 def by Yarrawonga 40 Myrtleford 54 def Lavington 46 Albury 54 def Wang Rovers 34
B GRADE: Wangaratta 37 def Yarrawonga 32; Myrtleford 58 def Lavington 35; Albury 38 def Wang Rovers 31; Wodonga Raiders 43 def by North Albury 48; Corowa-R’glen 38 def by Wodonga 40.
C GRADE: Wangaratta 46 def Yarrawonga 37; Myrtleford 53 def Lavington 33; Albury 46 def Wang Rovers 27; Wodonga Raiders 43 def North Albury 40; Corowa-R’glen 39 def by Wodonga 47.
17 & UNDER: Wangaratta 48 def Yarrawonga 15; Myrtleford 51 def Lavington 27; Albury 18 def by Wang Rovers 68; Wodonga Raiders 40 def North Albury 19; Corowa-R’glen 26 def by Wodonga 91
15 & UNDER: Wangaratta 54 def Yarrawonga 31; Myrtleford 51 def Lavington 41; Albury 26 def by Wang Rovers 56; Wodonga Raiders 41 def North Albury 19; Corowa-R’glen 30 def by Wodonga 52.
Albury 3.4 (22) def by Wang Rovers 8.10 (58)
BEST: ALBURY: O. Feuerherdt, H. Just, J. Shanahan, L. Koller, F. Scholes, S. de Steiger. WANGARATTA ROVERS: T. Vincent, H. McMonigle, R. Ely, S. Rourke, C. McNamara, J. Marek. Myrtleford 2.3 (15) def by Lavington 17.12 (114)
GOALS: MYRTLEFORD : B. Rea 1, N. Hall 1. LAVINGTON: R. Costello
6, H. Wilson 3, C. Hall 2, L. McEvoy 2, S. Junck 1, D. Meani 1, F. Scott
1, T. McGrath 1. BEST: MYRTLEFORD N. McMonagle, W. Graham, J. Browne, S. Crisp, J. Hazeldine, F. Jones. LAVINGTON : R. Costello, T. Goonan, D. Finnimore, H. Wilson, L. McEvoy, C. Stringer.
Corowa R’glen0.5(5) defbyWodonga25.12(162)
GOALS: WODONGA: J. Grohmann 6, J. Hodgkin 5, A. Andrews 5, R. Mimmo 3, M. Bedson 2, M. Prenter 2, J. Hochfeld 1, N. Ritchie 1. BEST: COROWA RUTHERGLEN : L. Tafft, L. Hill, D. Thomson, B. Eyers, E. lane, B. Julian. WODONGA: J. Grohmann, J. Hodgkin, A. Andrews, R. Mimmo, J. Stone, B. Nicklin. Wangaratta 7.8 (50) def Yarrawonga 1.6 (12)
GOALS: WANGARATTA : M. Bihun 4, N. O’Kane 3. YARRAWONGA : J. Eales 1. BEST: WANGARATTA : H. Canning, W. Petersen, O. Boyle, C. Petersen, J. Styles, O. Roberts. YARRAWONGA : T. Marriner, X. Mitchell, P. Waugh, S. Bigger, M. Lightbody. Wod. Raiders 8.7 (55) def Nth Albury 4.7 (31)
GOALS: WODONGA RAIDERS T. Ellis 2, B. Wilson 1, T. Smith 1, J. Cannell 1, R. Finnimore 1, B. Capper 1, D. Ramage 1. NORTH ALBURY: L. Hetherton 3, M. Heriot 1. BEST: WODONGA RAIDERS J. McCarty, W. Nankervis, B. Wilson, T. Smith, J. Stewart, J. Burkitt. NORTH ALBURY : C. Spencer, T. Hunt, W. Clohesy, J. Smith, A. Jansen.
GOALS: ALBURY: J. Kelly 3, J. Conlan 3, M. Walker 3, C. McGrath 1, B. Kelly 1, T. O’Brien 1, W. Unthank 1. WANGARATTA ROVERS: A. Marklew 3, A. McCarthy 2, B. Filo 1, S. Cattapan 1, L. O’Brien 1, L. McCartney 1. BEST: ALBURY: J. Page, I. Muller, J. Kelly, F. Carroll, T. Quade, M. Duncan. WANGARATTA ROVERS: K. Parnell, J. Mcquade, L. O’Brien, W. Nolan, X. Allison, A. McCarthy. ALBURY 3.4 6.11 11.14 13.19.97
GOALS: MYRTLEFORD: L. Hourigan 2, N. Turner 1, R. Bouker 1, L. Miotto 1, F. Dale 1, S. Curtis 1, T. Cossor 1, J. Muraca 1. LAVINGTON: S. Driscoll 1, T. Oosterhoff 1, D. Smith 1, T. Hargreave 1, N. Newton 1, B. Ashley-Cooper 1, J. Costello 1. BEST: MYRTLEFORD: S. Curtis, H. McKerral, Z. Pethybridge, R. Forrest, D. Batey, B. Ricardi. LAVINGTON: N. Newton, J. Hart, B. Ashley-Cooper, T. Hargreave, J. Spina, C. Annett.
GOALS: COROWA RUTHERGLEN: L. Nicholson 1, D. Hope 1, J. Kuschert 1. WODONGA: J. Cassidy 2, J. Mathey 2, Z. Harding 1, R. Gill 1, K. Mimmo 1, J. Yelland 1. BEST: COROWA RUTHERGLEN: R. Eyers, D. Hope, J. Hansen, T. Forrest, C. Bertram, L. Nicholson. WODONGA: Z. Harding, J. Mathey, N. Bradshaw, M. Wilson, M. Soroczynski, W. Bradshaw.
WINNERS AND LOSERS
GOALS: BONNIE DOON : J. Law 2, J. Curtin 2, B. Hedin 2, C. Smedley 1, A. Bennett 1, J. Goonan 1, C. Humphrey 1. GOORAMBAT : K. Black 2, S. Malay 2, J. Webster 1, R. Goodley 1, V. Butler 1.
BEST: BONNIE DOON : J. Goonan, B. Smith, L. Murray, P. Cairns, l. berriman, J. Curtin. GOORAMBAT : R. Walker, A. Moloney, J. Bate, S. Malay, D. Beavis, J. Webster.
NTH WANGARATTA 2.1 2.2 3.3 3.5.23 GRETA 3.2 4.10 10.11 13.13.91
GOALS: NORTH WANGARATTA : J. Nanson 2, M. Prestianni 1. GRETA : L. Kennett 5, J. McClounan 4, B. Whinray 2, T. Webster 1, A. Green 1.
BEST: NORTH WANGARATTA : A. Enever, J. Nanson, M. Sayers, J. Brown, P. Kelly, T. Johnson. GRETA : J. Kelly, L. Kennett, P. Fruzynski, J. McClounan, T. Baker, A. Green.
A GRADE: Bright 67 def Benalla 32; Bonnie Doon 85 def Goorambat 26; Nth Wang 35 def by Greta 77; Tarrawingee 30 def by Milawa 58
B GRADE: Bright 66 def Benalla 32; Bonnie Doon 70 def Goorambat 21; Tarrawingee 30 def by Milawa 52
B RESERVE: Bonnie Doon 71 def Goorambat 17; Nth Wang 34 def by Greta 61; Tarrawingee 34 def by Milawa 49
C GRADE: Bright 81 def Benalla 14; Bonnie Doon 68 def Goorambat 45; Nth Wang 24 def by Greta 56; Tarrawingee 30 drew with Milawa 30 15 & UNDER: Bright 12 def by Benalla 25; Bonnie Doon 76 def Goorambat 3; Nth Wang 18 def Greta 17; Tarrawingee 10 def by Milawa 19
ROUND 16
SATURDAY, JULY 20
BRIGHT vs MOYHU
BENALLA vs BONNIE DOON
KING VALLEY vs GOORAMBAT
MILAWA vs WHOROULY
TARRAWINGEE vs NORTH WANGARATTA
GRETA - BYE
GOALS: MOYHU : W. Phillips 2, D. West 2, H. Grant 1, H. Bell 1. KING VALLEY: R. Wait 6, B. Wheeler 3, W. Davies 3. BEST: MOYHU: B. Zimmermann, J. Hansted, J. Coonan, L. Semmens, M. Thrum, H. Grant. KING VALLEY: S. Bettio, T. Roman, B. Collihole, D. Maples, R. Wait, J. Burchall.
GOALS: TARRAWINGEE : D. Savage 2, H. Amery 1, J. Hoggan 1, W. Styles 1. MILAWA : J. Lea 7, B. Kearns 6, S. De Napoli 3, J. Wallace 2, J. Baker-Swain 2, A. Bihun 2, J. Owen 1.
BEST: TARRAWINGEE : S. Piper, L. Allan, T. barnes, H. Amery, W. Creed, B. Igri. MILAWA: J. Owen, B. Kearns, M. Batey, D. Bihun, H. Allan, A. Bihun.
GOALS: BRIGHT: L.Quirk 8, C.Thomason 6, M.
BRIGHT: C. Thomason, J. Love, M. Rampling, L. Quirk, C. Cambridge-Dillon, D. Breeding. BENALLA: S. Cox, D. Nero, R. Nedeljkovic, D. Preston, D. Button, D. Lancaster.
Pinder, M. Cocks, R. Markwick, C. Turner. GOORAMBAT: D. Brain, J. Trevena, B. Doig, D. Lawford, S. Shepard, T. Wapling.
MATCH REVIEWS
Premiership contenders continue to perform across the O&K comp
King
■ From back page
claims
“Especially against the good sides, we’ve had moments where we match it but can’t sustain it for long enough.
“It’s about putting it together for a longer period of time, and with a young group, that’s our focus, to buy into our game plan.”
Davies praised his forwards for putting the score on the board when they had the chance, as well as defensive running from the King Valley midfielders.
“We had Ryan Wait, ‘Wheels’ (Beau Wheeler) and Bill (Davies) all kicked a bit of a bag there, so they’re dangerous enough up forward,” he said.
“We’ve had Tony (Ciancio) the last few weeks kicking goals as well, but he played thorough the midfield.
“We’ve got enough people down there who can kick a score, we’ve just got to get it in there for them.
“Having our mids getting more of the footy and working defensively, it really worked in our favour.
“Without Ben (Bray) yes-
terday, Connor (Shanley) had a bit of a day out, and was complemented by our back six who all performed and worked together there.”
The weekend’s results means a two game margin has opened up between the Roos in sixth and the other sides vying for a spot in September.
While they do face tough sides like Greta and Bonnie Doon in the run home, Davies said winning upcoming matches against Goorambat (round 16) and North Wangaratta (round 20) were nonnegotiable.
“We’ve under no illusions we’ve got to win another one to be there about in the finals, that’s the challenge for us now,” he said.
“From our point of view, our two worst games have probably been against Goorambat and North Wangaratta, so we’ve got a little bit to prove there.
“They were the better sides in the first match-up, so if we can prove ourselves a bit more there, then we’ll be a read-hot chance come the pointy end of the season.”
By NATHAN DE VRIES
THE top end of town in the Ovens and King senior football competition continued to distance themselves from the rest of the ladder after the weekend’s round 15.
Greta threw a spanner into North Wangaratta’s hopes of a finals qualification, smashing the Hawks 13.13 (91) to 3.5 (23).
The Hawks kept pace with the highly touted Blues for the first half, thanks to their backline denying Greta any easy looks on goal, the scoreline 2.2 to 4.10 at half-time.
Greta cleaned up their performance and went to another level after the break, booting six goals while conceding one through the third quarter to take a 50-point lead.
The Blues’ defenders kept North Wangaratta’s forwards silent for the final term, completing the 68-point win.
Lachie Kennett and James McClounan were outstanding for Greta, kicking nine goals between them, while Adam Enever and Josh Nanson led the way for the Hawks.
The Hawks now sit two games outside the top six, with just five matches to go.
Elsewhere, Milawa handed Tarrawingee a 123-point belting 23.17 (155) to 5.2 (32).
A five goal to two opening quarter set the tone for the match, as Milawa piled on the pain to lead by 45 points at the main break.
The Demons booted 14.7 through the back half of the match, with Jared Lea (seven goals) and Braydon Kearns (six) the main damage deal-
ers, while Josh Owen and Michael Batey were also strong.
Sam Piper and Lukas Allan provided something for the Bulldogs to get behind, halving contests and fighting hard.
Bright also picked up a sizable percentage-boosting win over the struggling Benalla All Blacks, the Mountain Men victorious 23.21 (159) to 1.1 (7).
The Panthers were never in the contest, with Bright the dominant team across the ground for four quarters.
Luke Quirk shone up forward, finishing with a bag of eight majors, while Cooper Thomason continued his bid to go back-to-back in the league goal kicking race with six of his own.
For the Panthers, big man Ryan Nedeljkovic stood up well against Joe Gray in the ruck, while Sam Cox continued to impress.
In other matches, Bonnie Doon held off a challenge from Goorambat, taking the win by 29 points, 10.14 (74) to 7.3 (45).
The Bombers got off to a flying start, booting five goals in the opening term, but only kicked five more for the rest of the match.
While the Bats kicked straighter and ran the game out well, they couldn’t stand up to Bonnie Doon’s repeat forward 50s and midfield craft
Jack Goonan was on fire for the Bombers, alongside Beau Smith and Luke Murray, while Goorambat’s Sully Malan (two goals) and Rick Walker were among the best for the Bats.
REBOUND PLAY: Mitchell Sayers looks for a way out of North Wangaratta’s defensive half.
PLAY ON: Greta’s Brand Whinray takes down Kyle McQuade as the ball spills free.
PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling
RUCK BATTLE: Adam Enever attempts to slap the ball forward in the Hawks’ loss to Greta on the weekend.
Valley
crucial 29-point win over Moyhu Hoppers to edge closer to fi nals berth
ONE STEP CLOSER: Jack Davies said the Roos will need to win at least one of their next four matches to guarantee a spot in finals.
PHOTO: Nathan de Vries
Newton to depart Magpies for coaching gig
WANGARATTA great Michael Newton will depart the Magpies at the end of the 2024 season.
The 38-year-old will call time on his glistening O&M career to coach home club Whorouly in the Ovens and King.
Newton has played 108 games with the Pies, kicking 395 goals at an average of 3.66 goals per game.
He captained the club to the 2017 premiership against Albury, winning the Did Simpson Medal with eight goals.
“I’m coaching Whorouly in the Ovens and King, so I just wanted to put it to rest,” Newton said.
“It’s a tough call to make, but the body’s just not there any more.
“I’m 38 next year, so I’ll go out there and enjoy playing, I’ve got family out there, so it’s going back to where it started.”
■ More to come
CALLING TIME: Michael Newton will leave Wangaratta at the end of the season to coach Whorouly.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
MATCH REVIEWS
‘Pies
WANGARATTA battled hard but were pushed aside by the O&M’s premiership favourite at Norm Minns Oval on Saturday.
The Magpies trailed by just three points at half-time but a three goal to seven second half saw Yarrawonga grab a 9.6 (60) to 13.13 (91) win.
Wangaratta captain Daine Porter was disappointed with the result.
“We were on top in the first quarter. took control and were playing the way
shown the benchmark
BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au
we wanted to play,” Porter said.
“In the second quarter they started to get their game going, they went from two goals down to two up and then after half-time they took control.
“To be honest it was a pretty disappointing performance, I felt like we had more to give.”
Yarrawonga’s big bodies found their groove in the second half with their contested game reigning supreme.
“Our pressure wasn’t where it needed to be after the first quarter,” Porter said.
“We were also out hunted and they definitely got the better of us in the contest, particularly in the midfield which was disappointing for our mids.
“Unfortunately we had lapses and you can’t have
them against the good sides because they’ll put you away.”
The battle in the ruck between Wangaratta’s Chris Knowles and Pigeons’ star Lach Howe lived up to the hype with the pair both having their moments.
Knowles was named Wangaratta’s best, while Howe featured in the Pigeons’ best players.
“’Knowlesy’ did really well and might’ve won the battle in the end,” Porter said.
“He got on top early and then Howe fought back, it was a great battle.
“They’ve had some good match ups over the past few years, they went at it in the 2022 finals series which was good to watch.”
For Wangaratta, Callum Moore slotted three majors, while Michael Newton and Jessie Smith kicked two each.
Yarrawonga star forward Leigh Williams kicked three for his side, while Ben Kennedy finished with two.
Hawks stumped by hot Albury outfit, lose by 36-points
By WILLSON MACK
A THIRD quarter blitz from Albury saw Wangaratta Rovers go down at the Albury Sportsground on Saturday.
The Tigers led by just three points at half-time, but slammed on five third quarter goals to Rovers’ two to blow the game right open. Rovers then failed to kick a goal in the last term as Albury grabbed a 13.19 (97) to 9.7 (61) victory.
Wangaratta Rovers football operations manager Barry Sullivan said it was a tale of two halves.
“The second half was the difference in the end, Albury really got going,” Sullivan said.
“Their big players got on top, (Isaac) Muller was dominant - had plenty of clearances and gave his mids first use.
“And then for the first time in a while our backline probably got beaten.”
Albury’s had multiple options up forward with former Hawthorn player Mat Walker and VFL-list-
ed Jacob Conlan kicking three goals each.
“Our backs have stood tall all year but Albury’s forward line was on song,” Sullivan said.
“They’ve got a number of dangerous players when they have everyone available and Jacob Conlan and Mat Walker were strong.
“They also had a number of other guys stand up – Jake Page played a role on ‘Muz’ (Sam Murray) and did a good job on him and Hamish Gilmore also stood out.”
Sullivan admitted the Hawks were slightly off
“Our disposal (efficiency) was down compared to what the usual standard is,” he said.
“Whether that was down to their pressure or we had an off day I’m not sure but that was certainly an area where we lacked.
“We’ll be keen to rebound next week tough.”
For Rovers, Alex Marklew booted three majors, while Alex McCarthy continued a strong season with two goals.
WRAPPED UP: Sam Murray is tackled by Albury’s Fletcher Carroll.
RELIABLE: Xavier Allison sends Rovers forward.
STRONG HANDS: Alex Marklew takes a mark.
ROVERS GO DOWN: Alex McCarthy was one of Rovers’ best in their loss to Albury on Saturday. PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie
UNDER PRESSURE: Nick Richards just gets a kick away.
CLOSE CONTEST: Wangaratta’s Chris Knowles and Yarrawonga’s Lach Howe enjoyed a good contest in the ruck.
RIVALRY: Tensions were high in the battle of old foes.
Riders compete in State Endurance Championship
RACE CHAMPIONS: Tracy-Lee Cosser and her horse Illarak Bequest won the 160km State Endurance Horse Championship in the middleweight division.
ENDURANCE TEST: Clea Gaultier and OSO Nerida, Alandi Durling and Sienna Confession, Wendy Riha and Bullio Gebreselassis, and TracyLee Cosser and Illarak Bequest participated in the Victorian State Endurance Horse Championship.
ELDORADO hosted the Victorian State Endurance Horse Championship on Saturday, July 6 and Sunday, July 7.
Twenty-five riders and their horses competed in the 160km event.
Riders completed the 160km distance over five stages with horses needing to complete vet inspections and rest periods before continuing onto the next stage.
This year’s 160km State Championship was won by Tracy-Lee Cosser from Holbrook riding Illarak Bequest in a riding time of 11hrs 14min.
The competition had weight divisions and a junior section, where riders from the Border region prominently featured across the divisions.
Lightweight division: 1st Chloe Hayden on Betty Be On Time (Holbrook); 2nd Sarah Parker on OSO Sahara (Table Top); 3rd Arabella Ward on Littlebanks Integrity (Walwa).
Middleweight division: 1st Tracy-Lee Cossor on Illarak Bequest (Holbrook); 2nd Wendy Riha on Bullio Gebreselassie (Corryong); 3rd Alandi Durling on Sienna Confession (Bowmans Forest).
Heavyweight division: 1st Shelley Jones on Shellal Blue; 2nd Heather Nagle on Aloha Dash; 3rd Andrew Martin on Musical Gully Bugle. Junior division: 1st Poppy Kettlewell on Oso Surprise (Table Top).
The event hosted an 80km event which is completed in two stages with the weight divisions won by William Edwards riding Splash (heavyweight), Kylie Jonkers riding Girilambone Usain (middleweight), Robin Gossip riding Raymar Amira (lightweight) and Madison Hooper riding Currowan Kav (junior).
ROVERS ROLLED
Roos closer to finals
King Valley claims crucial 29-point win over Moyhu Hoppers to edge closer to finals berth
KING Valley’s 29-point win over Moyhu on Saturday may just be enough to secure a top six finish for the first time since 2019.
The Roos stood up in the big moments during what was a crucial match for both sides, coming away with the four points, 11.5 (71) to 6.6 (42).
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
It took a while for Moyhu to work into the game, allowing King Valley to take a three-goal lead into halftime off the back of some strong stoppage work.
The Roos continued to kick away through the thirdquarter, opening up a five goal lead.
Despite the Hoppers kicking the first three goals of the final term, King Valley steadied and ran away with the crucial win.
Salvatore Bettio and Tim Roman were brilliant,
while Ryan Wait was the target up forward, finishing with six goals.
For the Hoppers, Bailey Zimmermann and Jordan Hansted were consistent through the midfield, supported by Matt Thrum and Josh Coonan.
King Valley co-coach Jack Davies said he was thrilled
to see his side stand up in vital matches.
“It was sort of a minifinal for us – if we dropped that one, we were no chance of making finals, but now we keep our season alive,” he said.
“We’re starting to play a decent brand of footy that we’re all buying into.
“I think it got a bit scrappier and we switched off for a bit there, particularly in the first five minutes of the last quarter, but we got back on top again.
“They fought hard and made it a bit of a scrap, and it went into their hands a little bit.
■ Continued page 17
JACE McQuade’s Wangaratta Rovers went down to Albury by 36-points at the Albury Sportsground on Saturday.
■ Story: Page 18
PHOTO: Melissa Beattie