GRACIE Reid (le ) and Chantelle West are looking forward to a great community day at the Mother’s Day Classic, which is supported by their workplace, Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre. The event raises funds for research into breast and ovarian cancer.
Full story page 7.
Candidates asked about
SEVEN candidates vying for election for Indi in the 3 May federal election shared their thoughts and ideologies with a 150-strong audience at North Wangaratta on Monday night. Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) state president Brett Hosking moderated the Indi candidates forum, however, agriculture wasn’t
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
the only topic on the agenda. People from the audience dictated the course of the forum, which is the only one to take place in Wangaratta ahead of the election.
Childcare, aged care and home support services, water, live export of sheep and cattle, the war in Gaza, and election donations were all raised. Candidates in attendance
included incumbent and favourite to win the seat, Independent Helen Haines, James Trenery (Liberal), Mitch Bridges (Labor), Mark McFarlane (Independent), Tim Quilty (Libertarians), Athol Thomas (One Nation), and Michael White (Family First).
In what was a relatively tame forum there were moments of
emotive response from the gallery on the topic of renewable energy.
Wangaratta resident Lucy Hayes called on Dr Haines to take a stand to help shut down proposed solar facilities like the one proposed and facing strong local opposition at Meadow Creek.
■ Continued page 2
■ Candidates’ Q&A - PAGE 4
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
Enjoy Springhurst dance this Sunday
SUNDAY’S Springhurst Old Time Dance will raise funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
The monthly dance will be held at Springhurst Hall this Sunday, 20 April from 1.30pm to 5.30pm.
Entry is $12 per person, with music provided by Spring Rhythm, and those attending asked to bring a plate of afternoon tea to share.
For more information about the event, phone 5765 1241.
WE WANT YOUR NEWS
Call the Wangaratta Chronicle on (03) 57230113 or email us at edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au
Childcare desert in our region needs attention
CHILDCARE and aged care and how access would be improved for services in regional areas was a question posed to the Indi candidates at the forum in Wangaratta on Monday night.
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
Incumbent Independent Helen Haines led o and gave an example of the severity of the childcare problem in the electorate, noting that there were psychologists who couldn’t access childcare services for their children and as a result they were only about that urgently.”
Dr Haines said the government’s increase of salaries for early education workers was a positive move, but they also need to build more early education centres and she wants to see them double.
She also noted that she was
O
wangarattachronicle.com.au
tial that in regional areas there is the same access to childcare as there is in the cities. He said if elected he’s happy to advocate for any increase and noted that some of the $20 billion regional fund announced by the Coalition will be distributed to childcare.
One Nation candidate Athol Thomas told the forum that “we need to get kids back being raised by their parents” as opposed to being raised in
housing and availability is making it almost impossible for families to be able to set up, live in a house and nd somewhere to call home without both parents working,” he said.
Mr Bridges said he worked in aged care to put himself through uni, and he made note of the TAFE fee free program to train more early childhood educators, and more nurses for aged care.
He said the government has committed to the three-day ents can work which has made a
Others talked about cutting taxes and regulation as a solution
Agricultural land concern top of list at VFF forum
■ From front page
“Lucy, I can’t make promises that I can’t keep - the planning for this belongs to the Victorian state government,” she said, followed by a response of sighs and chatter from the crowd.
“I’m a federal member of parliament and I want to be clear that I can’t make a decision on shutting down any application, any project in Victoria…this lies with the Victorian Planning Minister.”
Dr Haines noted that there needs to be clear de nitions of prime agricultural land and clear ‘no go’ zones.
She later said that the removal of the VCAT appeals process from Victorians regarding renewable energy applications was “a dog act” by the Victorian government.
Bobinawarrah resident John Conroy asked candidates whether they support or oppose more solar farms in North East Victoria and also where do they stand on immigration.
Mr McFarlane said “how dare
they put their junk on our land”, a comment that prompted a round of applause.
He listed alternative energy options but was against nuclear as he believed it was dangerous, especially during times of war.
“Stop selling coal to China, stop being hypocrites,” he said.
Mr McFarlane also called on immigration to be paused for two years and give youth in the country a reason to want to work, with apprentice schemes an option.
Mr Trenery said the locations for solar have to be better targeted, away from prime farmland, and he made note of using the roofs in inner city Melbourne rather than looking to North East Victoria to solve the energy shortage problem.
Mr White was singing from the same hymn sheet and noted that 20 per cent of power was coming from roof-top solar and rural based solar power was not needed.
“There’s plenty of places to put solar panels in Australia where we just don’t need to
touch prime farmland,” he said.
Mr Thomas noted photos and footage of sheep that had been grazing under solar panels having radiation burns on their ears and nose and being entangled in the panel mechanism as they track the sun.
“What we don’t need is a denition of prime farming land, that’s not the solution,” he said.
“Any land that is capable of grazing, growing is prime farming land.”
Mr Thomas said One Nation has a very strong stance on immigration and it needs to be dropped.
“Targeted immigration is ne, it’s not about being anti-immigrants, it’s not about wanting to bring the right people into the country,” he said.
“We want people into Australia who value our country, value our beliefs and our way of life and want to contribute to be valuable members of society.”
Mr Bridges said it was up to individuals landowners as to whether they want to have solar
infrastructure on their land.
“In terms of having solar infrastructure in North East Victoria we are really well positioned to bene t from the transition to solar,” he said.
In terms of immigration Mr Bridges said they can have good jobs in engineering, construction and all supported by fee free TAFE, training people and to bring lots of jobs to the regions.
He referred to the migration as “a correction a er Covid” and the gaps the government has been lling are with skilled migrants.
Real estate agent and local Joe McKenzie made note that solar facilities are devaluing land and the large spaces of arid land should be used ahead of agricultural land.
“Some 90 per cent of Australia is non-arable and here we are having a debate about as to whether we have solar farms on farm land, I don’t get it,” he said.
Greens candidate Alysia Regan and Legalise Cannabis candidate Ben Howman did not attend the forum.
Major parties both commit to some tax relief
BOTH major parties have promised tax cuts to help taxpayers experiencing strain from the cost of living crisis.
The Liberals will deliver a Cost of Living Tax O set to more than 64,710 local taxpayers.
James Trenery, Liberal candidate for Indi, said 93 per cent of taxpayers in Indi will be better
o under this Liberal policy.
“Our Cost of Living Tax O set means Australians earning up to $144,000 get up to $1200 in tax relief when they lodge their tax return (for 2025-26),” he said.
“The tax o set is a part of our plan to reduce your living costs, including halving the fuel tax, saving you 25 cents on every li-
tre – or around $1500 over 12 months; reducing the cost of medicines to $25; and delivering lower gas and electricity bills and lowering in ation.”
Labor also announced an instant tax deduction from the 2026-27 nancial year.
The reform will allow taxpayers a choice to claim a $1000 in-
stant tax deduction instead of claiming individual work-related expenses.
Taxpayers won’t need to collect receipts for deductions less than $1000.
Under Labor, workers earning more than $45k would also be able to access up to $268 in tax cuts from 2026-27.
Est. 1884, Incorporating Wangaratta Despatch, Est. 1861
KEEN TO LISTEN: An audience of about 150 people at the VFF forum listened intently about what seven candidates had to say on a range of topics.
PHOTO: Steve Kelly
Public specialist women’s health clinic to open in city
WANGARATTA’S public hospital will be one of ve services to o er specialist women’s health clinics, as part of a statewide $153 million health package announced by the Victorian government.
A specialist women’s medical clinic is expected to open at Northeast Health Wangaratta (NHW) by the end of the year, with 20 to open over a four-year program, including 12 regional areas.
The clinics will transform how women receive healthcare – removing the barriers many face when trying to access specialist care by delivering more services closer to home.
The program will provide in-
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
creased access to laparoscopies for endometriosis and associated conditions and provided scholarships for more than 150 women’s specialists.
Professionals including gynecologists, urologists, specialist GPs, specialist nurses and allied health support will deliver the services.
Procedures will include medical abortion, conditions including pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, prolapse and incontinence, contraception and menopause services.
NHW CEO Libby Fi s said they are delighted with the announcement of funding to support new women’s health clinics and thrilled that Northeast Health Wangaratta is part of this important investment in women’s health.
“This service will help ensure that women in our region can access timely, equitable and culturally safe women-centred health care, delivered by an interdisciplinary team, closer to home,” she said.
“We’re committed to developing a service that not only provides high-quality clinical care, but also empowers women with the knowledge and support to make informed
decisions about their health.
“While some establishment work is required, we are aiming to have the rst phase of our women’s health clinic operational in the second half of 2025.”
Other clinics to open by the end of the year include Bendigo Health, Latrobe Regional Hospital (Traralgon), Mildura Base Hospital, and Southwest Health (Warrnambool).
This follows the second round of clinics that are at di erent stages of operation at Sunshine, Kyneton, Blackburn, Shepparton, and Monash Health.
The rst ve clinics began services last year at Barwon Health (Geelong),
Grampians Health (Ballarat, Stawell and Horsham), Peninsula Health (Frankston), Northern Health (Epping), and Royal Women’s Hospital.
Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas, said for too long, women have not been heard when it comes to their health.
“We’re making sure every woman in Victoria can access free and comprehensive care, no matter where they live,” she said.
“The third round of women’s health clinics will be a gamechanger for women in regional Victoria, making it easier for them to get the free specialist care they need, closer to home.”
Safe road sharing at Easter starts with respect
ROADSAFE North East is urging all motorists and bike riders to stay alert, be patient, and share the road safely this Easter holiday period.
With more people travelling across the region for family gatherings, holidays and local events, RoadSafe North East spokesperson Aaron Scales said Easter is a timely reminder that respect and care on our roads can save lives.
“Cyclists have every right to be on the road,” Mr Scales said.
“Motorists should not be surprised to see bike riders using our roads.
“The message is simple: slow down, stay alert, and when overtaking a cyclist, leave a minimum of 1.5 metres clearance when it’s safe to pass.”
As part of its ongoing road safety campaign, RoadSafe North East is also renewing its focus on reducing driver distraction, particularly mobile phone use behind the wheel.
Mr Scales said mobile phones continue to be a major source of distraction for drivers, increasing the risk of serious crashes especially for vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians.
“We live busy lives, and for many people multi-tasking feels natural, but there is no place for that behind the wheel,” he said.
“Looking at your phone for just two seconds while driving doubles your crash risk - distraction is deadly.”
RoadSafe North East’s Driver Distraction campaign will remind drivers that using a mobile phone while driving is illegal and dangerous, with heavy penalties applying including nes and loss of demerit points.
Safe Driving Tips – Stay Focused Behind the Wheel
To stay safe and distractionfree while driving, RoadSafe
North East recommends:
Activate ‘Do Not Disturb While Driving’ features on your phone.
Keep your phone out of sightin the glove box or on silent.
Divert calls to voicemail.
Pull over and park safely if you need to make or take a call.
Let family and friends know not to contact you when driving.
Avoid making calls, even
hands-free, in heavy tra c or poor conditions.
Never read or send text messages while driving.
Avoid using smartwatches or wearable tech while behind the wheel.
Remember: In an emergency, you can use your phone to call for help - but only when safely parked out of harm’s way.
Wangaratta motorcyclist dies after hitting a cow
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
A WANGARATTA man has died a er his motorcycle struck a cow on Lake Mokoan Road on Sunday morning. Police said emergency services responded a er the 77-year-old male motorcyclist hit a cow near the Benalla road about 9:45am. The 77-year-old man died at the scene. Police are investigating the incident with the exact circumstances surrounding the collision yet to be determined.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, with CCTV/dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a con dential report online at www. crimestoppersvic.com. au.
According to police data there have been 84 lives lost across the state, just two less than this time last year.
STAY FOCUSED: RoadSafe North East spokesperson Aaron Scales said mobile phones continue to be a major source of distraction for drivers, increasing the risk of serious crashes, particularly for cyclists and pedestrians.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
2025 federal election Indi Candidates
Q1 Why have you put yourself forward as a candidate, and if elected, what principles would govern your representation as Indi’s federal MP?
A1
A fair go for Indi and regional Australia: As Indi’s federal independent MP, we set our priorities here in Indi and my record fighting for our communities and for regional Australia is strong. I have local impact and national influence, with a track record working across party lines and with both the Coalition and Labor in government. I develop solutions in consultation with our community and with the experts. It’s how we do politics differently in Indi and what sets us apart from the major parties. My decision making is based on common sense, accountability, transparency, and fighting for a fair go for Indi and regional Australia.
A1
I’ve put myself up as a candidate for Indi because the government has built momentum in heath, housing, cost-ofliving measures, education, climate and energy, as well as moved the scales and giving the hard workers in Indi better pay and conditions, and made sure that people are keeping more of what they earn. Indi deserves representation that will back in working families. In terms of values; as a social worker, everything that I do is in the interest of fairness, collaboration, action on systemic change, and putting people first.
A1I’m running for parliament because it’s time for change to get Australia back on track. My wife Amanda and I own and operate a small business, run a farm, and like so many people across Indi, pay a mortgage and support our family. Just like you, we’re feeling the cost-of-living pinch. Everything is so much more expensive now than it was three years ago, when Albanese and Labor took over, and sadly, our current member has done nothing about it. I value individual freedoms, free enterprise that supports small business, and listening to our community, like I am on opposing solar factories.
A1
The lack of genuine, grass roots common sense in parliament has impacted most of us across Indi. Rather than get angry, I am pushing for change to bring those values back.Broadly, cost of living stress is obvious but the needs of communities throughout Indi’s many regions are quite different and cannot be adequately addressed without first being heard. Being truly accessible and actively listening to each area’s needs, I want to provide practical solutions supporting individuals, communities, businesses and our kid’s futures with fairness and equity based on my core belief that Australians should come first.
A1 In a wealthy country like Australia, we should have world-class public health, education, and affordable housing. We have the resources to make it happen — but only if we choose to act. Under both major parties, you’re paying too much, while 1 in 3 big corporations pay no tax. Our plan takes on the big corporations and makes them pay their fair share. We’d use it to fund world-class public health and education and genuinely tackle the housing, climate and environment crisis. Our plan is ambitious and achievable – it’s fully costed by the Independent Parliamentary Budget Office. This election, you have a once in a generation opportunity to make it happen. Change starts with your vote.
A1
Australia has a Cost of Government crisis. Australia is headed in the wrong direction. Both major parties have failed us. We are thrashing around to find the new direction.
Libertarians believe too much government is the problem, and individual freedom of choice is the solution.
I’m not promising more spending on someone’s pet projects. No subsidies paid for by higher taxes. The Libertarian Party will cut taxes and spending, leaving you with your own money to spend as you choose.
As I have in the past, I will never vote to increase your taxes or decrease your freedom.
A1 I’m running for Family First in Indi because I am passionate about defending the Judeo-Christian and liberal democratic principles that have built our nation. Family First stands for the values I hold - the sanctity of human life, opposition to radical gender ideology, and for the freedom to practise a faith and to educate your children in it. Our family-centric approach makes us a party of both principle and practicality. We need a common sense approach to energy to end high prices. We support family friendly taxation and housing policy. Less government waste means we can fund the services families actually need.
Q2 What are your three key issues in Indi and what action/policy/ plan do you have to make a di erence?
A2
Housing, health & accountability: People want leadership that is focused on helping our community instead of themselves, and I am laser-focused on achieving a better deal for regional Australia. My solutions to the housing crisis are focused on delivering funding for water, sewerage and power connections to unlock new housing – policy that has been adopted by both major parties and shows my influence on the national agenda. Regional Australians get sicker and die sooner and I am fighting for a dedicated Building Rural Hospital Fund to give regional health services access to funding to improve our local hospitals, keep care close to home and provide more regional training opportunities for healthcare workers. I will continue to hold the government to account, so that taxpayer spending stacks up, we stamp out corruption and ensure public money is spent for public good, not political self-interest.
A2 The three issues I’m most passionate about are education, housing, and energy. Labor is committed to fully funding every public school, giving every child the best start and breaking the cycle of inequality early. Fee-free TAFE means school leavers can train for good jobs in key sectors like health and construction. We’re tackling the housing crisis from every angle - Build to Rent, the biggest rent assistance increase in 30 years, 1.2 million new homes, 100,000 homes for first home buyers, and training more tradies to get it done. In energy, we’re investing in household batteries and renewable projects across the country - well on our way to 82% renewable energy by 2030. Labor is doing the work now to make life better for working people—and I’m ready to fight for Indi to be part of it.
A2
Cost of living is the biggest issue impacting all of us right now. We can’t afford to continue on our current path. Interest rates, power bills, fuel, food, insurance, are all more expensive. Helen Haines has done nothing about it. Only the Liberals will deliver a cost-of-living Tax Offset, cutting your tax by $1,200. Cut the fuel tax in half, saving you 25 cents-per-litre, which is $14 per tank, or $700 a year, percar. We will also build more homes by investing $5 billion in essential infrastructure, unlocking 500,000 homes, we’ll ban foreign investors and temporary residents from purchasing existing Australian homes, and we’ll allow first home buyers to access up to $50,000 of their super for a deposit. We will also deliver cheaper and reliable power by unlocking gas and zero-emission nuclear technology, unlike Helen Haines’ plan for solar factories on our farms.
A2 As your One Nation candidate for Indi, I’m focused on immediate cost-of-living relief. By cracking down on government spending, I’ll fight to put money back in your pockets by halving the fuel excise, pushing for family income tax sharing, and cutting electricity bills by 20%. Housing affordability and availability is another priority - I support One Nation’s plan to make homes affordable again by reforming immigration, banning foreign property purchases, and allowing you to use your superannuation for your own home. Lastly, I am also committed to advocating for measures that will end the utilisation of this region’s prime agricultural land for alternative energy solutions that are against the local communities wishes.
A2 Strong Sustainable Local Economy: • Financial incentives and advisory services for primary producers and regional processors to form cooperatives. • The direct economic benefits of the conversion of rural land to renewable energy generation are fairly shared with farmers and regional communities. • Increased support for new locally developed, owned and operated industries that are socially useful, support a healthy environment and provide fulfilling work. • The development and implementation of strategies to attract new residents and retain existing residents, through the provision of appropriate financial incentives, housing, community services, and cultural engagement. • Increased support for rural and regional arts, festivals and sporting fixtures.
A2
We will unchain the economy to return prosperity to us all, set people free to live as they choose and defend our civil liberties from the ongoing attack by government. We will have a flat rate of tax of 20% on income over $50K, reform business taxation to only tax profits when distributed and reduce government participation in the economy. We will abolish the federal department of education empower parents by handing them control and funding, including home schooling co-operatives. We will protect women’s sport and spaces and restrict gender transition medical intervention to adults. We will enshrine a Bill of Rights in the constitution, abolish Sect 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act, and oppose misinformation and disinformation laws and government censorship of online platforms – there is no democracy or free society without freedom of speech and freedom of association.
A2 Front line service delivery is how government can help Indi residents. Three major issues are ambulance and casualty wait times, more trains on the NE line and faster road repairs. Sometimes road repairs take so long that I suspect more is being paid to hire the warning signage for two years, than what the repair actually costs. It’s too easy just to call for more services. They can only be responsibly delivered if we prioritise spending on what we actually need. When you have spent hours waiting for an ambulance to take your daughter from the local health service to hospital, it’s simple to understand that waste such as Ambulance Victoria hiring diversity officers has to go. Front line service delivery must take priority over woke, virtue signalling expenditure.
A1 A2
We were unable to contact this candidate, nor get a response from his party prior to going to press. The following is taken from the party’s website.
REDUCE HARM: The criminlisation of cannabis use is a decades old, failed policy that disproportinately harms young and Indigenous people and leads to massive upheaval in the lives of otherwise law abiding citizens. CREATE JOBS: Legalising and regulating cannabis will bring one of the nation’s leading cash crops under the rule of law. This will create jobs and economic opportunities in the formal economy instead of the illicit market. SAVE MONEY: Scare law enforcement resrouces will be better used to ensure public safety while reducing corrections and court costs. Governments would acquire significant new sources of revenue for regulating cannabis sales. PROMOTE CONSUMER SAFETY: Cannabis product testing is becoming a standard requirement for legalised cannabis markets. This means consumers are better informed about the cannabis they use.
A1 I have thrown my hat in the ring due to the bad name for independents that has been brought to bare on INDI, by the current sitting member.
It is important that we have a representative that won’t bow to pressure outside of INDI, and concentrates more fully on the needs of our region. Currently we don’t have a true independent representative that cares enough for farmers, nor for the vulnerable in our electorate. INDI needs true independence that’s what I believe I am providing.
A2 The first issue for INDI is the great renewable rollout that is ripping us all off at the power meter box. These solar factories are a cancer on our prime agricultural land, of toxic proportions. We need reliable base load power, but ratcheting up power costs is all this renewable pipe dream is doing. Housing is also in crisis mode, due to immigration sending homelessness rates off the charts. Immigration must be paused for at least two years while we recalibrate, and take care of our own peoples’ accomodation needs.
Finally, we need more funding for long term accomodation for the mentally ill. Drop in centres and headspace centres are not getting the results we need for so many who really need help. This would also create good outcomes for crimes committed by those who simply need long term help.
Ben Howman Legalise Cannabis
Alysia Regan Greens
Athol Thomas One Nation
Helen Haines Independent
Mark McFalane Independent
Michael White Family First
Mitch BridgesLabor
Tim QuiltyLibertarian
James Trenery Liberal Party
Coalition promises $1b to help councils with roads, infrastructure
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
AN elected Coalition federal government will invest $1 billion in councils to deliver critical community infrastructure and road projects.
Under a revitalised Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program, funding will be delivered through two dedicated streams, each worth $500 million.
These include ‘resilience and community infrastructure stream’ – open to all councils, this stream will help strengthen communities against natural disasters and fund essential infrastructure to support local growth; and a ‘roads stream’ – targeted to regional councils to x potholes, maintain and improve local roads.
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development,
Indi, James Trenery, said a Liberal government will reinstate the 80:20 federal funding model for nationally signi cant road projects in regional and remote Australia, ensuring more regional roads and highways get upgraded.
He said regional roads had missed out on critical road funding because of the Labor government’s decision to slash funding for regional road projects by 30 per cent.
“While country roads have been deteriorating, the Albanese Government has cut and delayed more than $30 billion worth of infrastructure projects, and abolished critical road programs for the regions such as Bridges Renewal and Roads of Strategic Importance,” Mr Trenery said.
“The majority of the national highway network runs through regional Australia and Labor’s cuts mean these critical freight routes will be denied the funding needed to maintain e cient, safe and productive supply chains.
“Regional roads are less safe than roads in our major cities, and Australians are ve times more likely to die in a road crash than people in our cities.”
Senator Bridget McKenzie, said the Coalition’s plan would deliver immediate bene ts for communities in our suburbs and regions.
“You don’t have to drive very far out of our capital cities to encounter the extent of degraded roads,” Senator McKenzie said.
“The poor state of regional road networks impacts road safety outcomes and the e ciency of freight movements.
“This investment is critical to address dangerous and damaging local roads for all users.”
Liberal candidate for
The Coalition’s commitment announced on Monday comes a er Indi incumbent Independent Helen Haines released her policy last week that would ght for $500 million in funding for local councils to spend on roads.
Candidates weigh in on Haines’ $500m roads policy
INDI candidates for One Nation, The Greens, and Libertarians have responded to incumbent Independent Helen Haines’ policy to create a Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCI) that would have $500 million to be funded to local councils each year.
Dr Haines’ proposal has been costed by the Parliamentary Budget O ce, which has calculated Indi would receive an additional $36.3 million over four years, including $6.17 million for the Rural City of Wangaratta.
One Nation’s Athol Thomas questioned whether it was a federal issue and also if an Independent could
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
secure the funding.
“While One Nation acknowledges the importance of regional infrastructure, it’s critical to note that roads are primarily a state government responsibility,” Mr Thomas said.
“Federal programs like the LRCI do provide support, however, the state ultimately manages and funds these networks.
“I question how Helen Haines, as an Independent, would secure an additional $500 million speci cally for rural roads in Indi.
“Without being part of a governing Coalition, Independents face challenges in directly in uencing budget allocations.”
Mr Thomas said at the state level, One Nation’s Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell has been actively advocating for regional roads in Northern Victoria.
He said One Nation supports practical infrastructure investment, particularly for regional areas like Indi, but they emphasise state accountability and question the feasibility of an Independent securing such speci c federal funds without coalition backing.
“Having an elected One Nation federal member
SATURDAY 19 & SUNDAY 20 APRIL
would provide a stronger voice to advocate for such funding, coordinating with their state counterpart to ensure it is managed effectively, directed where it is intended to go and required the most without being squandered in government bureaucracy,” he said.
The Greens’ candidate Alysia Regan said the party wants local governments to have the resources they need to provide community infrastructure.
“The Greens are proposing a new Sustainable Cities Agency to administer $40 billion of additional funding for our cities, suburbs and towns over 10 years, and ensure everyone has crucial
Take a day trip to the King Valley. Join us for food, wine, cocktails and some of the best tasting cakes in the NE.
community infrastructure within a short distance of their home,” she said.
“Our Indi community has been taken for granted by the major parties for too long - The Greens will always ght to make sure that our community has a strong voice in Canberra.”
Libertarians candidate Tim Quilty also highlighted roads were a state issue but have become a “mess” due to state and federal government revenue raising.
“The Melbourne government can’t be trusted to spend money in the regions – they would blow it all in Melbourne, which is why the roads are messed up now,” Mr Quilty said.
“We need structural reform, including separating control of regional Victoria from the giant money-sucking black-hole of Melbourne.
“I have a strong record of advocating for xing roads in Northern Victoria, and I will continue to do this as a federal MP, even while I push for cuts in taxes and wasteful spending.
“We will identify where cuts to government spending will come from to pay for any increase we propose.
“Any candidate advocating for more spending without identifying how it is paid for is either misleading you or a believer in the magic money tree, in neither case should they actually be an MP.”
A selection of sweet treats to tempt the most hardened of sugar deniers! Easter Sunday feast on our homemade gnocchi from 12 noon - 2:30pm. Pizzini is closed Good Friday. Open every other day 10am-5pm.
Candidates need to voice the stark reality
THIS masthead has published stories about the housing crisis for several years and it has steadily worsened for different sections of our community.
For some, the situation is dire, with people living the most desperate stages of their lives.
There is a beacon of hope locally with homelessness shelters gearing up to open during the cold winters months.
Other services like Wangaratta Carevan operate all year round to assist families and individuals living rough.
Young people who cannot live at home for a range of reasons are particularly vulnerable.
NESAY reports in today’s Chronicle (page 8) that if the first episode of homelessness is supported well and early, it can be brief and non-recurring.
This is often key to helping our young people in the local community who find themselves in these predicaments.
The latest figures from the Council to Homeless Persons also show that public housing waitlists across Victoria continued to climb in 2024, with more than 67,000 households now waiting for housing.
But it shouldn’t solely be a state issue.
As the head of a local housing organisation will highlight in Thursday’s Chronicle, it’s time for the major parties at federal level to step up with policy to bring relief.
She points out that if you don’t have a ‘spare’ $50,000 in superannuation to put to a housing deposit, you may not qualify for a mortgage, even if the required deposit is only 5 per cent.
Affordable housing in regional communities needs to be on the lips of every federal election candidate over the next couple of weeks to the 3 May election.
Who was married to Russell Brand from 2010 to 2012?
(a) Christina Aguilera
(b) Katy Perry (c) Britney Spears (d) Avril Lavigne
4 The city of Nizwa is a popular tourist destination in which Middle Eastern country?
(a) Oman (b) Saudi Arabia (c) Bahrain (d) Qatar
5 Which of the following golfers missed the cut after round 2 of the 2022 British Open tournament?
(a) Ernie Els (b) John Daly (c) Tiger Woods (d) All of the above
Major political parties need to get real
THIS election campaign has got away from policy, but to see who can spend the most plus some comments seem open ended.
Chris Bowen made a comment about no nuclear reactors in Australia.
So, I presume he is going to close the nuclear reactor at Lucas Heights, which is a suburb of Sydney and has been operational since 1958.
Not sure how may Australians realise that this facility produces essential medical radioactive products for the treatment of cancer.
Even though it is small it produces many different types of radioactive sources which add to its complexity.
Then I hear that both parties are going to allow some Canberra public servants to continue working from home.
So, I presume this will mean Federal Police and Border Security personnel along with many others will now be allowed to work from home as otherwise it is discrimination.
6
The Heisenberg uncertainty principle is most closely related to which field of science?
10 Which science fiction novel was the first novel in the Sprawl trilogy? (a) Neuromancer (b) Foundation (c) Brave New World (d) Slaughterhouse-Five
Or maybe the personnel who work from home have their pay cut by maybe ve per cent, which are costs they would normally accrue going to the o ce.
Also, the mounting debt will be imposed on many people under 35 in the future whose living standards will be severely diminished.
Why does the Treasurer not publish the interest payments projected for the next ve years to cover the mounting debt as part of their election posters?
I believe voters are becoming disillusioned with the three major parties as they all have lost their original principles and should all change their names to re ect their present principles which are odds to the original ones when established.
John Walker, North Wangaratta
No place for renewables or Haines in Indi
THE question must be asked does Helen Haines realise that her obsession in ghting climate change and pushing solar panels and batteries is doing more harm to Indi residents than all her other e orts on behalf of the electorate combined.
Firstly, her aim to reach Net Zero (emissions) by 2050 are worthless and actually harmful (solar panels, batteries everywhere) while China, India, Russia and the USA pump out 60 per cent of the world’s emissions at full pace.
Secondly, all the expenditure spent on
roo op solar, solar farms and batteries is also worthless when it is realised that the fuel (sunshine) for solar panels is severely limited, because there is no such thing as a solar mine, that can provide unlimited amounts of sunshine, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Instead in reality, the sun only shines in a useable fashion for solar panels about six hours a day (in winter) and with clouds and rain, that time can be little or nothing with the remaining 18 hours, in darkness producing nothing.
This makes solar installations and batteries completely unreliable and uneconomical.
In addition, the environmental and economic damage done by the permanent pollution of rural land is enormous.
And no thought has been given to the looming disaster of the dismantling and disposal of millions of roo op, farm solar panels and batteries.
Will the residents and councils of Indi be le stuck with this huge, toxic problem and enormous cost?
Indi, must not have another three years of Helen Haines.
John Moore, Wangaratta
If
you want change, vote a new Independent
IN reference to the letter from Luke Davies (Wangaratta Chronicle, Friday, 11 April).
You were describing me perfectly, until you ended with your preferred candidate in Helen Haines.
Fact is, I am the only chance for any real change that is not a party candidate.
You said you wanted real change Luke, but then you went back to the same old, same old, current member and still expect real change.
Helen has been there for two terms now and has had her chance, it’s time for the real choice for Indi, not a part of the Labor/Green/ Teal alliances of Climate 200, but an independent who is one of us.
Mark McFarlane, Independent candidate for Indi
FUN AT THE LIBRARY: Lily Britton was among the holiday makers enjoying some fun activities at the Wangaratta Library last week, creating a mosaic bee bowl to take care of the busy bees giving them a watering bowl and a safe place to drink and stay healthy. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
Community set to gather for Mother’s Day Classic
THE popular Mother’s Day Classic will return to Wangaratta this May.
Organised by Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre (WSAC) colleagues Gracie Reid and Chantelle West, and supported by WSAC, the event o ers a positive way to kick o Mother’s Day on the morning of Sunday, 11 May.
“It’s the rst Mother’s Day Classic to be held in Wangaratta for a while, and it’s a great opportunity for people to come together to walk or run and support research into breast and ovarian cancer, as well as raising awareness,” Gracie said.
“Chantelle and I work together and saw the opportunity arise to bring the event back, so we got our heads together and started planning to host it.”
The Mother’s Day Classic began in 1998 with events in Melbourne and Sydney; 27 years later, participants line up across Australia to stand together and start their Mother’s Day with purpose, showing support for a cause that a ects so many.
Since 1998, $46.1 million has been donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, and $1.2 million to the Ovarian Cancer
Man facing jail time on firearm offences
A MYRTLEFORD man is looking at time behind bars
a er a large quantity of rearm parts and a stolen air rie were found at his Moyhu dwelling, a court has heard.
Appearing at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Monday, the 27-year-old pleaded guilty to gun possession charges and numerous drug, driving and the o ending while on a community corrections order.
The court heard police conducted a search warrant at a Moyhu address on 13 September last year.
The defendant was living at a shed turned home for six months with his partner at the property owned by his partner’s family.
The family members were present as police arrived, but the court heard the defendant was appearing before Myrtleford Magistrates’ Court that day for separate matters.
Police found multiple rearm parts at the entrance and bedroom of the dwelling, including a stolen air ri e which had been taken in a burglary at Harston in February 2019.
Firearm parts seized by police included long arm stocks, bags of ammunition, a custom made rearm, shotgun barrels, a ri e scope and a recently varnished stock hanging by a string above the bed.
The defendant did not have a rearm licence and was pro-
hibited to own rearms due to prior incidents in 2022.
A er he was charged and bailed by police over the phone, he told o cers it was “stupid luck” he had been found with the rearm parts and the stolen air ri e at his dwelling.
Defence counsel Nancy Battiato said her client and his partner allegedly drilled a hole into an “unusual” bedroom wall cavity located in a step, where it was plastered, the same day the police arrived to search the property.
Ms Battiato said the pair found all of the rearm parts in the wall cavity.
“They panicked and they didn’t know what to do with them,” she said.
The defendant also admitted to numerous driving related o ences which involved drugs and the .
The court heard the defendant stole more than $300 worth of fuel from a Glenrowan BP station in separate incidents in a red Holden utility a xed with false number plates.
The utility with jerry cans of some of the stolen fuel was seized by a Wangaratta towing company a er a collision in Moyhu on 9 August last year where the defendant ed before police arrived.
He was also caught multiple times driving in the Whorouly
area with a suspended drivers’ licence, in one instance with methamphetamine in his possession and another instance with the drug in his system.
Magistrate Victoria Campbell noted all of the o ending had occurred while the defendant was serving a community corrections order issued in December 2023, but he had not been charged with breaching the order.
“No doubt when corrections nd out you’ve been o ending while on a CCO, they’ll contravene,” she said.
Ms Battiato said a longer community corrections order could still deter re-o ending and he had been clean for several months a er engaging in drug and alcohol counselling.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Ramadan Hamidon said the prior community corrections order had not slowed the defendant’s prior gun, drug and driving related o ending and prison time would be within range.
“The message just isn’t getting through,” he said.
The defendant was ordered to complete a community corrections order assessment by Magistrate Campbell, who will sentence the Myrtleford man on 14 May at Shepparton Magistrates’ Court.
Magistrate Campbell said her decision would “most likely” result in jail time.
BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au
Research Foundation.
In Wangaratta, participants can walk or run a 3km, 5km or 10km stretch of the course, which will begin at Bill O’Callaghan Oval (Barr 1) at 9.30am on Mother’s Day.
“It’s open to all ages, and you can bring prams and your fourlegged friends,” Gracie said.
“We encourage everyone to dress up in pink if they wish, and there will be spot prizes for best dressed entrants.”
More than 50 people have already registered to take part, and Gracie said more were expected to join the eld over coming weeks and on the day itself.
Anyone seeking to register for the event can visit https:// www.mothersdayclassic.com. au/register/mothers-day-classic-wangaratta
“We’d welcome any local businesses who would like to participate in a team or support the event; they are encouraged to contact us at WSAC (on 5722 7123).”
Gracie said the Lions Club of Wangaratta had generously o ered to support the event
as marshals, and any other locals keen to volunteer to assist could also contact WSAC or visit https://www.wsac.vic. gov.au/About-us/Whats-On/ Mothers-Day-Classic-2025
“We’re looking forward to a great day,” she said.
“We don’t have any expectations in terms of numbers taking part, we just encourage people to come for the walk, perhaps with their mums, and to make a morning out of it.
“We’re also looking for businesses interested in having stalls at the start/ nish line, to help create that community feeling.”
A ra e is also under way in conjunction with the event, and $2 tickets can be purchased from WSAC for the chance to win one of up to 10 great prizes donated by local businesses.
ENTER THE RAFFLE: Use this QR code if you’d like to support the local Mother’s Day Classic event.
OPEN TO ALL: Gracie Reid, with four-legged friends Nala and Billie, and Chantelle and Giovanna West are gearing up for the return of the fundraising Mother’s Day Classic in Wangaratta this May.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
Youth Homelessness Matters: The stark reality facing young Australians
IN the 2023-24 year, more than 43,000 young people under the age of 25 reached out to homelessness services for help.
More than half were turned away because support agencies were already full with ever-growing waiting lists.
Regional support agencies say Youth Homelessness Matters Day on Wednesday, 16 April, is an opportunity to raise the reality of our housing crisis.
The Ovens Murray Local Area Service Network (OM LASN) works with all specialist funded homelessness services to advocate for the needs of people experiencing homelessness in our community.
Flu case numbers up in state and our region
INFLUENZA cases have almost doubled the figure recorded in the first three month last year, with Victoria reporting more than 10,000 cases by the end of March.
Locals are being urged by health authorities to get their flu vaccination to reduce the risk of serious infection.
South Wangaratta Medical Centre clinical project coordinator and practice nurse Naomi Fieldew said they are committed to safeguarding the health of the community by offering comprehensive flu vaccination services.
“We provide private flu vaccines for a fee and also administer free flu vaccines under the National Immunisation Program to eligible individuals,” she said.
“The 2025 influenza season has commenced earlier than usual in North East Victoria, with a significant surge in cases.
“This increase underscores the potential impact on public health, particularly among at-risk groups such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health conditions.”
The flu vaccine is strongly recommended and free under the NIP for the following people most at risk of complications from influenza:
• children aged six months to less than five years;
• pregnant women for every pregnancy and at any stage of pregnancy;
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and over;
• people aged 65 years and over; and
• people aged six months and over with certain medical conditions.
Appointments are available now and can be made by contacting South Wangaratta Medical Centre on 03 5713 9299, or any local GP.
Yet, the reality is there are very few options in the Ovens Murray region for young people who cannot live at home due to their circumstances.
Claire Anderson, chair of the OM LASN and NESAY transitional services manager, said young people do not choose to be homelesscircumstances beyond their control force this event upon them.
She said young people experiencing homelessness tend to couch surf or live in unsafe or severely overcrowded conditions, and typically go unnoticed.
NESAY has various community initiatives for Wangaratta and surrounding communities to assist in supporting our young people.
young people aged between 15 and 17.
It is constantly at capacity.
highlighting the urgent need to address youth homelessness in Australia.”
Fair Feed uses local cafes to provide subsidised meals for young people, encouraging both healthy food choices and social connectedness and belonging.
“NESAY seeks to raise awareness for young people living in all states of homelessness, in order to provide support,” Ms Anderson said
“We know that if the rst episode of homelessness is supported well and early, it can be brief and non-recurring.
“Let’s make this our aim as a community.
Friday, 17 April, 2015
By SCOTT ANDERSON
SOME of the region’s best junior footballers, including two young guns from Wangaratta, got the chance to test themselves at the elite level recently with the AFL Victorian Country Championships.
Under the tutelage of local coach
Justin McMahon, Wangaratta and District Junior Football League stars
Jordan Storer and Joe Richards took to the field for the Murray Bushrangers under 16 side in three matches in the carnival.
“It’s an exciting part of the year, and the carnival is the culmination of a lot of hard work from these boys going all the way back to November,” McMahon said.
“There are two key focuses of this.
“One is to prepare the boys for doing a TAC Cup preseason next summer – our preseason ran parallel with the under 18s this year, so that has given them a good grounding.
“The other one is that the three games in the carnival are effectively trial games for Vic Country, so the
“Hidden homelessness among youth is becoming more and more apparent,” said Kat Hodgens, Junction Support Services homelessness and specialist youth service manager.
Junction Support Services now runs a Pay It Forward Meals program to help young people in need through its Social Traders Certi ed, Close Collective Café in Wodonga.
CLAIRE ANDERSON, CHAIR OF THE OM LASN AND NESAY TRANSITIONAL SERVICES MANAGER,
“A supported youth refuge in our local community can provide young people with a safe haven while being supported to nd long-term solutions and remain in their community.”
Junction Support Services operates a refuge in Wodonga providing crisis accommodation for up to five
“Youth homelessness generally presents differently from adult homelessness.
“For youth homelessness, it might be that they’re staying with family or friends, sleeping on a couch or staying somewhere that’s not safe, like a campground.
“Our coordinated LASN approach is about putting our youth homelessness crisis on the community’s radar and
STEPPING
At Wangaratta, the NESAY Friends of NESAY identi es local businesses to pledge their support to end homelessness and promote their business as a safe place for young people.
“Fair Feed uses local cafes to provide subsidised meals for young people, encouraging both healthy food choices and social connectedness and belonging,” Ms Anderson said.
Infringements sent to 2024 local council election non-voters
INFRINGEMENT notices will be sent this week to Victorians who either didn’t respond to the Victorian Electoral Commission’s (VEC’s) request for an explanation or didn’t have a valid reason for failing to vote in the 2024 local council elections.
More than 530,000 Victorians were sent an ‘Apparent failure to vote notice’ by the VEC in February and March.
Of those, 15 per cent have been excused for valid reasons.
People who did not respond to the ‘Apparent failure to vote notice’, or who did not provide a valid and sufficient excuse, will be issued an infringement of $99.
Star juniors test themselves against the best in Victoria
“But you learn so much from it.
“I’ve never had a big preseason before now – previous years I would have started training around February.
“We’ve been training all through the summer, doing one or two sessions a week, so I’m definitely feeling fitter than I’ve ever been.”
guys who play well can earn selection into the Vic Country squad for the Australian Championships which are played on the Gold Coast in July.”
Storer, who plays for Junior Magpies in the WDJFL, said representing the Bushrangers had been a big step up.
“It’s been really good – a bit of a change from our regular footy,” Storer said.
“I think training and playing at this level is going to be really good for my football going back into the junior league.
“Playing in this carnival is a lot different to junior league – the pressure is on as soon as you get the ball, you’re coming up against bigger bodies and very good players, so it’s hard.
McMahon said both Storer and Richards would grow as players as a result of their experience with the Bushrangers.
“Our results haven’t been strong on the scoreboard, but being challenged the way they have been will give these boys great grounding for next year,” McMahon said.
“We have a large area to draw players from, so the fact Jordan and Joe have made it into this side is a credit in itself.
“Like all the boys, they have been challenged and played in positions they are not used to, but their development has been really good, and it’s been a great opportunity for them to play with and against some other top level players, which will only help them to improve.”
People who receive an infringement notice must respond within 35 days –by either paying the fine, requesting an internal review, or electing to go to court.
Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel is urging people who receive an infringement notice to take it seriously.
“The most important thing is that you respond to the notice before the deadline – otherwise, you could be issued a penalty reminder notice, which carries the original penalty plus an additional administration fee,” Mr Bluemmel said.
The VEC encourages nonvoters who are unsure what to do, or require assistance throughout any stage of the infringements process, to call 1300 551 575 or visit vec.vic.gov. au/voting/fines-and-reviews.
Voting in local council elections is compulsory for all enrolled voters in Victoria, and to make sure no one misses a future election, the VEC encourages Victorian voters to sign up for VoterAlert, our free SMS and email reminder service.
The service alerted 2.5 million Victorians about key election dates in last year’s local council elections.
To sign up visit vec.vic.gov.au/ voteralert.
UP: Murray Bushrangers under 16 coach Justin McMahon with Joe Richards and Jordan Storer.
PHOTO: Luke Plummer
Easter Messages 2025
Galen Catholic College students walk the talk as ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ this Easter
Jim Samon Galen Catholic College acting principal
AS Easter brings with it a message of renewal, Galen Catholic College is embracing the season’s themes of hope and transformation—not just in spirit, but in action.
This year’s celebrations take on added meaning as the global Catholic Church marks the Jubilee Year under the banner of “Pilgrims of Hope”- a call to walk with others, build community, and bring light to those in need.
Galen students and staff have taken that message to heart, making term one a season of compassion, justice, and service.
A major focus has been the college’s participation in Project Compassion, the annual Lenten appeal run by Caritas Australia.
This initiative supports vulnerable communities around the world, and it has inspired a wide range of student-led fundraising and awareness events.
One of the most powerful of these was The Big Water Walk, a symbolic fundraiser that saw students and staff carry heavy containers of water around the school grounds.
The walk represented the daily reality of millions across the globe who lack access to clean water, and reminded participants of a powerful truth: you don’t have to have less to do more.
Even amidst the pressures of school life,
students recognised their ability to make a meaningful impact.
That same spirit of hope and action is being lived out by eight Galen students and three staff members currently in Timor-Leste as part of the school’s immersion program.
This deeply personal experience offers students the chance to build real relationships with partner communities, while learning firsthand about life in a developing country.
Their presence in Timor-Leste is the culmination of months of preparation and fundraising—efforts that have helped support local schools, infrastructure projects, and access to basic supplies.
The immersion team embodies the essence of the Jubilee Year’s theme.
They are Pilgrims of Hope not only in where they’ve travelled, but in how they’ve opened their hearts to others.
Their journey reflects a commitment to global solidarity, and their work is already inspiring the wider Galen community to think more broadly about service and connection.
The students have risen to the call this Easter—demonstrating empathy, generosity, and a sense of purpose well beyond their years.
Whether walking for water, raising funds through casual clothes days and raffles, or giving their time to support others, Galen students have shown that Easter is not just about celebrating renewal—it’s about living it.
Students and staff at Galen Catholic College extend warm Easter blessings
to their community and look forward to continuing the journey together as Pilgrims of Hope.
Friendship & Purpose
(Standing) Year 11 Galen students Lily Palmer, Sophia Pasquali, Maddie White, Sophie Mason, Charlie Haring, Fraser Burgen, Henry Scalzo and (seated front left) Maya Membrey, along with staff members Kym Amery, Julie Nolan, Rebecca Kreltszheim and Jonathan Serpell reflecting on the beautiful sunset at a significant spiritual site in Timor Leste.
Year 7 Galen students (facing the camera L-R) Evie Steer, Isaac Gardner and Charlotte McMahon feeling the weight on their “Big Water Walk” fundraising activity.
Easter Messages 2025
He is Risen
REV JOHN GILMORE, President, National Council of Churches in Australia
THE Easter cry ‘He is Risen’ is one that is shared by all Christians.
It is a chorus of hope and triumph and the most distinctive claim that we make as Christian communities and so defines us.
We celebrate that the last word in the Easter story is not one of violence, injustice and death.
It is one of life and joy.
We affirm together that God’s love is stronger than death, that God does not forsake or abandon us, and that Jesus the Risen Lord is with us.
This Easter affirmation gives us hope in suffering and disaster, solidarity in turmoil and uncertainty and care in situations of distress and conflict.
Many are experiencing the personal impact of disaster, war, uncertainty and upheaval.
The reasons for the upheaval vary from situation to situation and are outside of the direct control of the individuals who suffer.
Hope does not take away the source of the struggle or pain, however it does point to the good news of Jesus who is with us and is close.
It is our common prayer that, no matter the circumstances we may be in, or the struggle we may face that we find the encouraging and loving presence of the risen Jesus.
Christ is our hope.
Easter and the Real Good Life
PASTOR AARON WARDLE, Wangaratta Baptist Church
THIS Easter, as the world chases wealth, comfort, and curated perfection, the Christian message offers a radically different version of the “Good Life.”
British billionaire Richard Branson once told a 22-yearold producer, “I’d give you all my money for your age.”
His point was clear: real lifeyears, opportunity, potentialis more valuable than any fortune.
But even that insight falls short of what Easter proclaims. At the heart of Christianity is the resurrection of Jesus.
In 1 Corinthians 15, the Apostle Paul insists that if the resurrection didn’t happen, faith is meaningless.
But he doesn’t hedge his bets-he declares it happened, backed by hundreds of eyewitnesses.
He calls Jesus “the firstfruits” of a greater harvest to come: our own resurrection.
This isn’t just a comforting fable; it’s a claim that transforms how we live now.
If death isn’t the end, then our daily lives carry eternal weight.
Sacrifices, acts of love, even our pain can be planted like seeds-destined to bear lasting fruit.
CELEBRATE EASTER AT WANGARATTA BAPTIST
GOOD FRIDAY – 10AM | EASTER SUNDAY – 10AM
So what does the Good Life look like?
It’s not luxury or ease.
It’s living with courage, joy, and purpose, knowing our lives matter beyond the grave.
And that is living life full of hope!
This Easter, perhaps the most important question isn’t “Did it happen?” but “What if it did?”
Because if the tomb is empty-if Christ is alive-then life, real life, is available now. And that changes everything. Join us as we explore what the Good Life really is – 10am Good Friday, and 10am Easter Sunday at Wangaratta Baptist Church.
Grief turns to Hope and Joy
PASTOR ERNIE KISS (Ret)
MARY Magdalene stood weeping outside the tomb of Jesus (John 20:11).
We have seen this scenario played out many times where men, women and children stand weeping at the graves of their loved-ones.
No matter how they died, be it by accident or cancer or violence, death is an equal opportunity tyrant. It affects us all, and will eventually come for us too.
Whilst there’s no shortage of graves or tears, there is a shortage of hope.
Not the platitudes of those grasping for hope, but hope that comes from the certainty that death is not the end, that there’s a real answer to the injustice of death; those graves that look so final and cause us to weep so bitterly.
And that hope is found in the bodily rising of Jesus from the dead.
It means that we have a Saviour who has met our enemy, and won!
A Saviour who entered death to deal death itself a mortal blow.
How?
At the empty tomb a grieving Mary heard the voice she knew so well.
She heard Jesus and knew that her Redeemer lives!
What joy.
Yes, Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Wangaratta Lutheran Parish
Zion Wangaratta 7 Orwell St Wangaratta
Maundy Thursday: Wangaratta 7:00pm Good Friday 9:00am Easter Sunday Wangaratta 9am 0407 161 568 It’s all about Jesus for you!
Easter Messages 2025
Good Friday is not the end of the story of God’s love
The Very Reverend Neil Hicks Dean of The Holy Trinity Cathedral
IN one of the bible readings we used on Palm Sunday this year, Jesus says the following: ‘Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say - “Father, save me from this hour”? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour.
Father, glorify your name.’
Then a voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.’
The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder.
Others said, ‘An angel has spoken to him.’
Jesus answered, ‘This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. Now is the judgement of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.’
Christians so love the story of Easter that every Sunday is a mini Easter, in fact it is why Sunday is our special day for worshipping God
He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die.
Good Friday or God’s Friday is when we remember this death of Jesus.
Hot cross buns are traditionally eaten on Good Friday and have symbolic meaning within the Christian faith.
The cross on the bun represents the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, while the spices used in the bun are said to represent those used to embalm him.
But for most Australians
Good Friday is now just another holiday, a day to do stuff to amuse ourselves or to make
money or spend it.
It’s not a day to remember and give thanks that Jesus loves us and wants us to be in a good relationship with God and each other.
Good Friday isn’t the end of the story of God’s love, that’s Easter or Pascha, when we celebrate that Jesus is alive and is the best friend and a saviour for anyone who accepts Jesus as God’s Chosen One.
Christians so love the story of Easter that every Sunday is a mini Easter, in fact it is why Sunday is our special day for worshipping God.
Holy Week and Easter at Holy Trinity Cathedral Wangaratta
Palm Sunday, 24 March
8.00am Holy Communion 10.00am Choral Eucharist with Palm Procession
Maundy Thursday, 28 March
7.30pm Evening Eucharist of the Lord’s Supper with washing of feet
Music includes Mass for Four Voices (William Byrd) and Ubi Caritas (Oia Gjeilo)
Good Friday, 29 March
2.00pm Liturgy
Music includes Popule Meus (Victoria) and God so loved the world (John Stainer)
Easter Sunday, 31 March
6.00am Vigil
8.00am Holy Communion
10.00am Choral Eucharist
Music includes Missa Brevis in B Flat (Josef Haydn) and Blessed be the God and Father (S.S. Wesley)
Easter is much more than chocolates
STAN OLDFIELD, Salvation Army captain
WELL as we approach the Holy Week and Easter, I am reminded of when my son was in year 12 at school.
He was in a history class and they were discussing Roman means of punishment and they spoke about crucifixion.
My son mentioned that that is how Jesus had been killed.
One of his classmates said, “What, they killed him?”
My son responded with “Yes, but He comes back in the second season.”
The classmate - “What are you talking about?”
My son - ‘Jesus rises from the dead.”
Classmate - “You’re kidding!”
My son - “No, what do you celebrate at Easter?”
This often makes me wonder, what do people celebrate at Easter?
An extra long weekend, chocolate eggs, chickens and rabbits, Easter egg hunts, family dinners and possibly a camping trip.
The Jewish people celebrate the Passover just as Jesus did.
Christians mourn the death of Jesus and then celebrate His resurrection.
Like Christmas, most people have no knowledge of what God has done for them, and the world has commercialised Easter just like Christmas.
At Christmas a baby was born, the only person that God ever intended to be a sacrifice, who would grow up to spend three years in ministry, be falsely accused, convicted in an illegal court, scourged, crucified and buried in a rich man’s tomb.
But the story doesn’t end there; on the third day He rose from the dead and spent time with people before rising to heaven.
He went through such a horrific death, not for His benefit, but ours so we could now have a relationship with God not just a religion.
The problem most people seem to have is that God has given us the greatest gift, salvation from Hell and eternal life with Him in Heaven, that you cannot buy.
You can’t work for it, buy it, steal it or gain it in any way except accepting it as a gift freely given.
God’s grace the greatest gift ever and it is yours for the taking, just accept Jesus as Lord and follow His teaching. Easter, it’s not just about chocolate.
THE SALVATION ARMY COMMUNITY CHURCH
EASTER SERVICES
10.30am Good Friday Wangaratta Salvation Army 13 Garnet Avenue Wangaratta 10am Easter Sunday Combined Service Wesleyan Methodist Church Cnr Par tt & Great Alpine Road
We can all be Pilgrims of Hope
BISHOP SHANE MACKINLAY, Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst
WE are now three months into this year of Jubilee, which we celebrate every twenty-five years after Jesus’ birth.
In this year’s jubilee, Pope Francis has asked us to focus on our call to be Pilgrims of Hope.
Being hopeful is a deeply Christian attitude; Saint Paul speaks of faith, hope and love as the three most basic Christian virtues.
So, hope is something more than looking towards the future with optimism.
It’s actually a call to action: to be people who put our faith into action to make the world we live in more hopeful – to bring lasting change in our world by bringing light and hope, especially in those places where people experience darkness and discouragement.
Many of the situations that we know need new hope can feel remote or beyond our influence.
Homelessness, poverty, exploitation, cost of living
pressures, and the suffering caused by violence, war and climate change can only be addressed by governments, corporations and large social organisations.
However, the impetus for large-scale action about these issues is very much shaped by broader community awareness and concern.
All of us can contribute to this by our interest and our attempts to influence attitudes, values and priorities.
At the same time, we have many opportunities for making a direct impact in
our local community.
A good example of this is the community garden that has recently been established at St Kilian’s Church in Bendigo.
It is a sign of hope in many ways: it has created a beautiful and inviting space that is good for the environment and also good for the people of this area; developing and caring for the garden is a focus for shared activity and for gathering, bringing together different age groups to work on a project together.
And, almost as a bonus, it produces fruit and
Easter
vegetables for a range of people in the community, including those in need.
This is one of many activities where people have come together in our community to make our life together more hopeful.
As part of our celebrations for this Year of Jubilee, we have nominated five places in the Diocese which give us a particular opportunity to be pilgrims of hope, commemorating and drawing inspiration from the contribution that people of faith have made to building up hope throughout our history.
As well as our Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Bendigo, we have nominated the graves of two of our most significant pioneer priests: Dr Henry Backhaus in Bendigo and Fr George Galen in Wangaratta.
In what is now part of the Rutherglen parish, we have nominated a 600-year-old river redgum in Wahgunyah that was the site of the first Mass celebrated in the region, over 150 years ago.
And finally, in Numurkah, we have nominated the recently established St Mary of the Cross
garden and history trail, commemorating the first school established by Mary Mackillop and her Josephite sisters in Victoria.
I encourage you to visit at least some of these places of pilgrimage during this year.
As well as reminding us of important parts of our history, going as a pilgrim reminds us that we are always on the way; we have a goal, but we have not yet arrived at the end of our journey.
At Easter, we celebrate that, whatever we might experience along our journey, the God revealed to us in Jesus is one whose faithful love accompanies us and strengthens us, opening new hope in even the darkest moments that appear to be the most abandoned and hopeless. It is precisely in the darkness of Jesus’ death on the cross that the new life and hope of his resurrection breaks into our world.
Our faith in him is the ultimate hope that guides our own pilgrimage, and all our efforts to share that hope with those around us.
Easter the cornerstone of Christianity
THIS week, known as Holy Week in Western Christian churches, commemorates the seven days leading up to Easter.
Taking place in the sixth and final week of the season of Lent, it began on Sunday with Palm Sunday, remembering Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, greeted by people holding palm branches.
As the week progresses, Holy Thursday/Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper - the final meal Jesus shared with his apostlesand on Good Friday, Christians recall the Passion of Jesus, culminating in his death on the cross.
Easter Sunday is the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection, which is the
cornerstone of the Christian faith. Each year, the selection of the date for Easter is based on the lunar calendar, hence the difference in when it takes place.
Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox (around March 21); if a full moon falls on a Sunday, Easter is marked on the following Sunday.
Many of the words and images connected with the Easter season are well-known and used in the secular world despite the fact people are not immersed in the faith; for instance, references to ‘carrying a cross’ or ‘having a last supper’, and Easter eggs, which represent new life and the resurrection.
Think inside the square for Thirty x Thirty exhibition
ENTRIES are open for the annual Thirty x Thirty Exhibition being held at the Art Gallery on Ovens from June 5 to June 16.
The exhibition is a celebration of creating artworks on a small scale, and artists from across the region and beyond are encouraged to take part and be in the running to win a $1000 rst prize.
Art Gallery on Ovens resident artist Maureen Varnavsky said it is the third year the event has been held, and having only recently joined the gallery, she’s looking forward to seeing the many di erent ways participating artists will rise to the challenge.
Reflections Series exhibition by
Jenny Mulder
AN exhibition of acrylic and oils on canvas by artist Jenny Mulder will be held at the Art Gallery on Ovens from April 17 to April 21. Mulder says she loves to paint in a series or body of works based on where she is, what she sees and what moves her; the faces in the Reflections Series representing the stillness one must find within oneself beyond everything that goes on around us. The exhibition will be open daily (except Good Friday) until Monday, April 21.
BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au
“Working in a small format such at 30cm x 30cm can be such a pleasure,” she said.
“You can tell a whole story in one image, or you can suggest an abstract emotion.
“For artists who usually work in larger formats there is a certain discipline required to express your intentions on a smaller scale, and as an artist I nd there is a lovely intimacy between myself and that little canvas.”
Wangaratta
Historic Motor Show and Fly-In
THE Wangaratta Historic Motor Show and Fly-In, a popular biannual event and one of the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, is set to take place at the Wangaratta Airport on Sunday, 27 April from 9am to 3pm. The show highlights an impressive collection of historic vehicles, including classic cars, trucks, fire engines, ambulances, police cars, motorcycles, tractors and more.
In addition to land vehicles, the event also features a spectacular display of historic aircraft, particularly World War II planes, which are showcased in live demonstrations.
Tickets are $25 per person at the gate (under 15 free) with more information at wangarattahistoricmotorshowandflyin.com.
The exhibition is open to everyone and there is no restriction on the subject matter or the twodimensional medium chosen, but there is a curatorial process. and works must comply with requirements - including the specied size - stipulated in the entry form.
Fellow resident artist Janet Leith said there were 90 entries in 2024 and more are expected this time around, with Wangaratta Art Gallery director Rachel Arndt to take on the role of judge.
“Building on the success of the previous two years, we feel very con dent this exhibition will be
Southern Sons celebrate 35th anniversary tour
AUSTRALIAN rock icons
Southern Sons are back on the road and performing the hits on their 35th anniversary tour, visiting the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Friday, 2 May. Band members are returning to their roots and revisiting the songs that kickstarted their music careers in the nineties, taking fans on a nostalgic journey with a play list including Hold Me In Your Arms, Heart in Danger, Always & Ever and many more.
See Southern Sons at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Friday, 2 May at 8pm with tickets at wpacc.com.au.
You can tell a whole story in one image, or you can suggest an abstract emotion.
-
a permanent xture in our calendar,” she said.
“We are thrilled to have Rachel judge the exhibition - her experience and knowledge, both nationally and internationally, means she brings a unique credibility to the judging process.”
Applications for the Art Gallery On Ovens Thirty by Thirty exhibition are open now and close on 25 May, with work to be delivered to the gallery in the laneway o Murphy Street by 27 May.
An application form can be downloaded from the gallery’s website, artgalleryonovens. com/30-x-30-exhibition.
Mark Shelley presents The Roy Orbison Story in May
EXPERIENCE the wonder of Roy Orbison in a brilliant theatrical portrayal of the man, his music, his voice and his life at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Friday, 9 May at 7.30pm.
Supported by his sevenpiece band, Mark Shelley embodies the voice and spirit of Roy Orbison, sharing his story and his hit songs, including Only the Lonely, Sweet Dream Baby, Anything You Want, Crying, Pretty Woman and many more. Tickets are available now at wpacc.com.au.
Happy Dogs Walk on Easter Sunday
FOLLOWING recent successful and wellattended walks, the Wangaratta Kennel and Obedience Dog Club will hold their next monthly Happy Dogs Walk on Sunday, 20 April, commencing at 9am from Batchelors Green, meeting in the park behind Wangaratta Police Station.
The walk will cover approximately three kilometres (one hour duration) taking in some of Wangaratta’s great surrounds and be followed by coffee at McDonalds in the rose garden area, with more information (if required) by contacting Kevin Felmingham on 0418 221 260.
GANEAA Across the Arts Concert
The Goulburn and North East Arts Alliance (GANEAA) will hold The Last Blast concert at The Vine Hotel in North Wangaratta on Saturday, May 3 from 6.30pm.
Performing at the concert will be Eugene Ball, Jazzaratta, Nick Charles and First Nations artist Constantina Bush, the alter ego of Kamahi Djordon King. Tickets are available now at thevinehotel.net.au.
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) You’re doing better on the flexibility issue, but you still need to loosen up a bit to show that you can be less judgmental and more understanding about certain sensitive matters.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Your personal aspect continues to dominate this week. But try to make time to deal with important career-linked matters as well. A change of plans might occur by the weekend.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Excuses are not really needed for much of the confusion that occurs this week. However, explanations from all parties could help in working things out to everyone’s satisfaction.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A surprising (but pleasant) recent turn of events continues to develop positive aspects. But be prepared for a bit of a jolt on another issue that needs attention.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) Creating a fuss might bring you the attention that you want. But are you prepared for all the explaining you’d have to do? It’s better to use more subtle ways to make your bid.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) With education continuing to be a strong factor this week, this could be the time to start learning some new skills that can later be applied to a bid for a potential career move.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) You might do well to reconsider some of your current time priorities before you get so deeply involved in one project that you neglect meeting a deadline on another.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) With an important decision looming, you need to be careful about the information you’re getting. Half-truths are essentially useless. Get the full story before you act.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Find out what everyone’s role is expected to be before accepting a workplace proposal. Getting all the facts now could prevent serious problems later on.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) A flexible position on a workplace matter could be the best course to follow during the next several days. A personal issue also benefits from an open-minded approach.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Involving too many people in your workplace problem can backfire. Remember, allegiances can shift. Ask trusted colleagues for advice, but don’t ask them to take sides.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Before submitting your suggestions, take more time to sharpen the points you want to make. The clearer the presentation, the more chance it has to get through when submitted.
ALL SQUARE: Resident artists
Janet Leith and Maureen Varnavsky invite artists to submit their entries in this year’s Thirty X Thirty exhibition, with submissions required to measure exactly 30 centimetres square.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
ART GALLERY ON OVENS RESIDENT ARTIST MAUREEN VARNAVSKY
KING VALLEY NEWS
Covering Moyhu, Edi, Myrrhee, Whitfield, Cheshunt and Whitlands areas
Wheeler marks 100 games with King Valley footy club
BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au
KING Valley United Football Netball Club member Beau Wheeler has celebrated a signi cant milestone, playing his 100th game for the Kangaroos on Saturday against Whorouly.
Described as a committed team player and role model to all, Beau was modest about his achievement, saying in the leadup he was looking forward to playing this game like he looked forward to every one.
“To play 100 games for King Valley means a lot to me, but I just want to go out there and get the four points,” he said.
“Moving up to the area 11 years ago, playing at the Wangaratta Magpies for a while and then nding a club I could call home again (a er playing down south in Pakenham) has been a real honour.”
Beau’s rst game for King Valley was in 2018 and he says among the highlights of his time with the club has been playing nals, including last year.
“Finals is a great achievement and shows you are on the right track and playing some good footy with some di erent guys,” he said.
“But the big highlight for me as an older player has been watching the younger guys develop and come through the ranks and play really good football.
“It makes me feel a bit younger when I can still run around and play footy with them.”
Beau said he still feels in good shape, his body is holding together well, and he feels he still has a bit to o er.
“If I wasn’t, I wouldn’t play, because I’d be hindering the team and not making them as a good as they could be,” he said.
“If I still love it (a er playing through the winter) I’ll go around again, but it might be nearly time to focus on the next part of my life - spending time with my beautiful wife and family on weekends - and doing stu before my kids start playing sport on the weekends.”
Beau said this year’s Roos team is relatively young, but they have got
WANGARATTA Senior Citizens Club will host lunch at the Wangaratta Club today from 12 noon.
The club will also host indoor carpet bowls on Thursday from 1pm, indoor carpet bowls on Monday from 1pm, and cards (500) and hoy on Tuesday from 1.30pm, all in the clubrooms or the adjoining St Patrick’s supper room. There will be no activities on Good Friday.
Next Wednesday’s social gathering will be held at the clubrooms from 1.30pm.
THE Wangaratta RCH ladies auxiliary will hold a street stall on Thursday, 17 April in the council kiosk in Reid Street, to raise money for the annual Good Friday appeal.
Cakes, preserves, knitted and other items will be available for sale from 8.30am, as well as freshly made lamingtons.
THE Australian Plant Society (Wangaratta) has its next meeting on Thursday, 24 April from 7pm at the
Moyhu Lions Easter Saturday market
TEAM PLAYER: Beau Wheeler said it was an honour to play 100 games for the King Valley United Football Netball Club, in the 2025cBankWAW OKFNL Seniors Cup competition.
to know each other, have become tight and are now trying to get that to translate to the eld.
He said he thinks there will be games where they play “really, really well” and others maybe not so well, but it will come together with a bit of time.
“We’ve gelled really quickly and it’s a joy to go to training with this young group of great blokes,” he said.
“Jack is doing a terrific job (as coach) making sure we’re getting close - he’s working on a game plan they are all buying into - and it won’t be long before we’re play-
Masonic Hall, corner Esmond and Appin Streets.
Guest speaker will be Anne Langmaid, nursery manager at Melton Botanic Garden, who will speak about the Australian native plant species of Eremophilas and Melton Botanic Garden.
A follow-up in the form of a bus trip to Melton Botanic Garden is being planned for Sunday, 25 May. All welcome.
PEECHELBA Memorial Hall will hold its centenary celebration and market on Sunday, April 27 from 9am.
Flag-raising and official proceedings will be held at 10.30am, with the day also including a vehicle show and shine, market stalls, barbecue food and drinks, music, free games, face-painting and displays from CFA, ambulance, embroidery and dance groups. This is a cash-preferred event, with gold coin entry.
For more information, phone 0488 417 893.
ing some really good footy.”
Beau said he had no special celebration planned to mark his 100th game, and while they unfortunately lost to Whorouly, he is looking forward to the club’s massive Easter Saturday game against Milawa - a major fundraiser which always draws a big crowd.
“I love Easter Saturday - playing up at the valley is wonderful because we get our biggest crowd of the year - the campers come and get on the bandwagon and cheer for both teams on the day, we try and put on a show, and they make
SOCIAL CALENDAR
WANGARATTA Old Time/New Vogue Dancing is held every Tuesday from 7pm to 10pm at the CWA Hall in Templeton Street. Admission is $10, please bring a plate of supper to share. Entry also includes raffle ticket and lucky door prize. Phone 0431 190 630 for more information.
WANGARATTA Keenagers Table Tennis competition is held at the Wangaratta Showgrounds each Monday and Thursday from 8am. New players welcome, morning tea provided (BYO cup). Contact Maureen O’Keefe 0409 215 881.
CONNECTING Community Café runs during school terms on Thursdays from 10am to 11am at Intermezzo Café.
Learn what’s happening in the community, meet others and have a
MOYHU Lions will hold their Easter Market on Easter Saturday, 19 April from 8am to 12pm at the Moyhu Lions Park. There will be an Easter Bonnet Parade at 11am, face painting, live music by the Rustic Ramblers, a hot breakfast, fresh coffee and Salus bread and the chance to win a $100 meat voucher in the raffle.
This market will feature baked goods, handmade items and quality craft, art, upcycled wares, preserves, plants, produce, chooks and eggs, handcrafted chocolate and more, with community groups and displays welcome to join in by contacting Donna on 5729 7563 to book a
King Valley commemorating Anzac Day
AN Anzac Day commemoration will be held at Cheshunt Hall on Friday, 25 April with a dawn service starting at 5.50am. All are welcome with light refreshments served afterwards and more information available by contacting Angie on 5729 8487.
A community service for Anzac Day will also be held in the Moyhu Lions Park at 11am, commemorating 110 years since the Gallipoli campaign.
Local veterans will be remembered, there will be a public wreath laying, with refreshments provided by the Moyhu CWA and Moyhu Lions.
the atmosphere,” he said.
“It’s really good to be a part of it and play in front of a crowd like that.”
King Valley United Football Netball Club president Jamie Keith said Beau was a great club man and one of the best players to have ever pulled on a kangaroo’s jumper.
He thanked Beau for his commitment and ongoing support for the club, and welcomed everyone to come along and enjoy what promises to be a big day of football, netball and family entertainment at the Whit eld Recreation Reserve on Easter Saturday.
place to drop in, have a cuppa and chat. For more information, contact Open Door Neighbourhood House on 5721 9175.
CENTRE Quilters Circle meets on the second Thursday of each month from 10am in the Uniting Church Hall in Rowan Street.
New members welcome, current members are willing to share their expertise and skills. BYO lunch. Contact Wendy on 5722 4415 or Leonie on 0403 226 129.
PANGERANG Ukes and More meets each Thursday from 5.30pm at Pangerang Community Hub.
Cost is $5, and any instruments, as well as voices, are welcome. Enquiries to 0407 311 899.
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 welcome from 9.30am. Contact Jen on 0407 560562.
All are invited to gather at the Moyhu Hotel following the service, to remember those who came before.
Anglican Easter services in
King Valley
the
ALL Saints Anglican Church in Moyhu welcomes everyone to celebrate Easter on Easter Sunday, 20th April at 9.30am.
An Easter service will also be held at the Whitfield Anglican Church on Easter Sunday at 11am, with all welcome.
SATURDAY Quilters meets on the first Saturday of each month from 9.30am in the Wangaratta Small Bore Rifle Club rooms off the river end of College Street. Beginner and experienced members welcome. Contact Frances on 0417 158 220.
WANGARATTA Table Tennis Social Group is held every Tuesday from 10 am to 12 noon, at the Showgrounds table tennis pavilion.
All ages and abilities are welcome, with coaching for new players. Free tea and coffee. Entry fee $2. For more information phone Maxine on 0403 209 857.
FREE weekly weight loss park classes are held during school terms on Mondays at 9.30am on Barr Reserve Oval 1 (Bill O’Callaghan Oval). Those taking part are advised to allow 90 minutes for the social and fun class, with a 10 minute chat before and after the 50 minute session. For details or to join, text or call Dani on 0467 494 024.
HARD FIGHT: Beau Wheeler gave his all in tough conditions during his 100th game for the Kangaroos on Saturday, despite going down to Whorouly who won by 20 points.
PHOTO: Nathan de Vries
IN PERSON BY PHONE SELLING
EASTER PRINT DATES
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2025
Classifieds cut off:
2pm, Tuesday, April 15, 2025
THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2025
Classifieds cut off:
2pm, Wednesday, April 16, 2025
GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 2025 NO PAPER
EASTER MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2025 NO PAPER
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2025
Classifieds cut off: 2pm, Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Please note our office will be closed GOOD FRIDAY and EASTER MONDAY and will re-open as usual Tuesday, April 22 at 9am
Wishing all our advertisers and readers a safe Easter Break
BATHROOM renovations, carpentry and plastering. Ph 0424 911 161.
CONCRETING , big or small jobs, paths, driveways, shed slabs, verandahs, 15 years experience. For a free quote phone Trev Anderson on 0422 200 761.
KITCHENS JUST FOR YOU, cabinet making solutions. Kitchens available before Christmas. Phone Roland 0414 950 647.
PAINTER, old school, for all your painting needs, commercial, industrial renovations. Phone Juliano 0412 597 482.
WHEELER Earthworks, available for all your earthworks needsyard clean ups, stump removals, driveways, material supply and spreading, rural work and more. Call Marcus on 0491 094 545.
FREE corner TV unit, approximately 190H, 120W, 55D, double glass doors top and bottom. Ph 5721 2702.
STACER 3.62m aluminium boat, fully carpeted, all safety gear, bucket seats, nav. lights, large esky, electric bilge pump, Lowrance sh finder, Mercury 15 hp, EFI electic start outboard motor on electric trim and tilt, easy ow boat trailer, $6500 rm. Ph 0418 872 389.
CARAVAN
BOX/STORAGE
Heavy duty aluminum checker plate W:1200, D:500, H:700, Slide suits 2KVA generator Storage box side 500x600x700.LED tail, brake and indicator lights. $200. Ph. 0417 551 904.
BOX trailer, well built, $350. Ph 0439 766 211
CAR , in good condition, Falcon Sedan (SMK694), available to a young lady with a licence, FREE. Ph 03 5721 3948.
OLD pub mirror, 50+ years, Coca-Cola and Southern Comfort wording on mirror, open to offers. Ph 03 5721 3948.
RICHMOND ’S pubs 1842-1990’s map, 99 pubs/hotels listed, open to o ers. Ph 03 5721 3948.
MITSUBISHI Tray Top Ute, 2WD 410,00km, motor rebuilt, 5 month rego (CU57VL), $2800. Ph 0439 766 211.
to prune 12 standard
GALAXY Odyssey Special Edition 2011 16ft 6 poptop, a beautiful van packed with features, including: fold-up a-frame chassis, single axle, queen size pillow top island bed, slim line venetians, colour TV with Wynguard aerial, rear camera with audio, water lter, $27,500. Ph 0407 053 349.
JAYCO Journey 19 pop top caravan, excellent condition inside and out, reg AUG 25, island seating, double bed, separate toilet and shower, oven, 3 phase fridge, tv, extras added, $34,990. Ph 0419 591 422.
QUINTREX
MUST SELL
URGENT sale 2018
Retreat Fraser 210C caravan, 21 ft van with semi offroad suspension, has travelled approximately 40,000kms and only been bitumen, many extras and extremely clean van, $72,000 negotiable. Call 0427 597 618 for more details.
BayHunter runabout, 4.4 metre aluminium V-hull, 90s model, with canopy and side window panels, trailer and 40HP Mercury engine, life jackets, reg to Sep 25, $11,000 ono. Ph 0419 870 472.
10FT 6 Boat, on a new trailer, 9hp motor $900, Ph 0439 766 211.
The Wangaratta Farmers Market is seeking a Volunteer Treasurer. Training provided if required. Up to 3.0 hours a month including attendance at monthly Committee meetings. Attention to detail MYOB experience preferred Experience keeping books for a small business or community group Contact Eleanor on 0412 563 467 or wangarattafarmersmarket@gmail.com for this position or to volunteer for the market.
Part-time position: 4 days per week (Mon-Thurs) plus rotational Sundays. Please contact Teresa McMahon for further information or to apply. (03) 9989 4717 teresamcmahon.negp@gmail.com
Apprentice Printer Full-Time Position
Award winning newspaper publisher, North East Media, has a vacancy for an apprentice printer to work at our state-of-the-art press facility in Wangaratta, where the Wangaratta Chronicle and more than 20 other regional newspapers are printed.
The successful applicant will be committed to completing the four years of training,during which they will be taught all facets of newspaper printing. Applicants must be self motivated, reliable and be able to work in a close team environment.
This is a full-time position of 38 hours per week, but some flexibility will be required.
If you are looking for a new challenge in an energetic and stimulating environment with a long standing publisher, we would encourage you to forward your covering letter and CV (including three referees) to: Danny Fogarty, Print Manager, North East Media 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta VIC 3677 dfogarty@nemedia.com.au
All applications are regarded as private and confidential. Award wages apply.
REQUIRE Gardener
roses, located Wangaratta. Phone John 0428 574 287.
Heaps happening at the Barr Reserve
The place to be during holidays
WANGARATTA Hardcourt courts at the Barr Reserve were packed to the ra ers last Tuesday with the regular ladies tennis competition, pickleball matches and a Tennis Victoria coaching program. PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling
SCHOOL holidays are in full swing so local families took advantage of the autumn weather and made their way down to Apex Park to enjoy an a ernoon out. PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling
SWING: JOSH DUFFY IS FOCUSED ON GETTING THE WIN.
LOCKED IN: ANDREW STEVENS TAKES ON THE COMPETITION.
PICKLEBALL: ADRIANE DYKE (LEFT), KLAUS KAZENWADEL, JACINTA HUTTON AND PAULINE BENTON.
SERVE: SANDRA MITCHELL PREPARES TO SERVE THE BALL.
AFTERNOON OUT: MIA GREVILLE AND JOSIE ROSS.
SWINGING GOOD TIME: ELLA GREVILLE.
FUN TIMES: EVIE AND SADIE VESCIO AND SYON SIMKHADA.
GOALS: TIGERS: M. Benton 1, X. Dodgshun 1, R. Webb 1, 1, E. Damon 1. KANGAROOS: B. Hiskins 5, H. Jacka 5, J. Scheier 4, K. Jackson 3, A. Symons 2, T. Hunter 2, A. Hines 1. BEST: TIGERS: A. Turner, R. Webb, O. Mullane, M. Benton, E. Damon. KANGAROOS: J. Scheier, K. Jackson, A. Symons, H. Ackerly, O. Edwards, B. Hiskins, Bright
4.4 6.8 12.11 18.14 (122)
Benalla 1.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 (18)
GOALS: BRIGHT: T. Brierty 5, O. Dalbosco 3, G. Banks 2, O. Lewis 2, B. Brady 2, C. Garratt 2, A. Murrells 1, R. Logan 1. BENALLA: O. Beaton 1, K. Thwaites 1, M. Willett 1. BEST: BRIGHT: E. Lodge, H. Johnston, A. Toy, B. Brady, H. West. BENALLA: B. Cooney, J. Fry, L. Ham, B. Blackford, L. Boulton, H. Skelton,
College
3.3 4.7 4.10 6.11 (47)
Myrtleford 2.0 2.0 4.1 4.1 (25)
GOALS: COLLEGE: S. Reid 3, H. McKenzie 1, L. Pensak 1, L. Dillon
1. MYRTLEFORD: H. Durling 2, J. Bruneau 1, T. McPherson 1. BEST: COLLEGE: H. Bowman, F. Burgan, L. Pensak, L. Bigham-Wallis, S. Reid, H. Allan. MYRTLEFORD: B. McMasters, B. Robb, S. Muraca, N. Robb, J. Bruneau, R. Harris.
Imperials 8.4 15.10 20.16 22.19 (151)
Mansfield 0.1 0.2 0.2 2.4 (16)
GOALS: IMPERIALS: B. McMonigle 5, M. Marek 4, H. Bandt 3, H. Allen
3, K. McPhan 2, C. Flynn 1, R. Mckay 1, T. Stefaniak 1, A. Schultz 1, B. Benton 1. MANSFIELD: M. Payne 1, T. Kynnersley 1. BEST: IMPERIALS: C. Flynn, R. Canning, M. O’Sullivan, H. Allen, B. McMonigle, A. Schultz. MANSFIELD: J. Lean, K. Middleton, N. Hoskin, A. Dunn, R. Christopher, P. Sorn.
Junior Magpies 3.1 3.4 6.6 8.9 (57)
Centrals 5.5 8.11 12.11 20.15 (135)
GOALS: JUNIOR MAGPIES: S. McIntosh 3, H. Scalzo 1, H. Tanner 1, L. Sexton 1, C. Allan 1, J. Parker 1. CENTRALS: R. McNamara 8, C. Kennedy 4, C. Ormond 3, R. Parsons 3, C. Hazell 1, L. Ring 1. BEST: JUNIOR MAGPIES: H. Scalzo, K. Ross, J. Parker, S. McIntosh, C. Littel. CENTRALS: R. McNamara, C. Ormond, J. Lewis, H. Burke, B. Mawson, N. Paul.
Tigers
Kangaroos
GOALS: TIGERS: L. Benton 2, V. Godenzi 1. KANGAROOS: M. Coleman 5, L. Canning 1, J. Pople 1, C. Borschmann 1, N. Gigliotti 1, H. Edwards 1. BEST: KANGAROOS: N. Gigliotti, R. Mackinnon-Burman, J. Pople, H. Muratore, D. Jeffries, L. Solimo.
Junior Magpies
GOALS: JUNIOR MAGPIES: L. Bott 7, L. Cannata 2, J. Pell 2, L. Sloan 1, J. Davern 1. CENTRALS: S. Webster Mizzi 3, N. Jones 2, A. Fraser 2, J. Walkerden 2, H. Muraca 1. BEST: JUNIOR MAGPIES: L. Bott, L. Sloan, B. McLeod, J. Olenczuk, G. Thomas, J. Davern. CENTRALS: C. Blair, S. Webster Mizzi, N. Jones, A. Fraser, J. Walkerden, P. Godfrey.
Bright
Benalla Black
GOALS: BENALLA BLACK: O. Parker 4, O. Wardill 3, J. Montgomery 2, H. Ross 1, J. Bamford 1. BEST: BRIGHT: C. Wood, H. Bruneau, K. Watkins, K. O’Donnell, D. Finlaw, B. McConnachie. BENALLA BLACK: J. Montgomery, B. Wells, H. Ross, N. Norman, L. Webster, O. Wardill.
GOALS: IMPERIALS: J. Campbell 2, W. Startin 1. MANSFIELD
YELLOW: B. Turner 5, M. Watson 2, C. Martin 2, J. Hoskin 2, J. Forrest 1, C. Bretherton 1, N. Hutchinson 1. BEST: IMPERIALS: J. Campbell, J. Ginnivan, C. Cumming, S. Newton, C. Govers, L. Welch. College
Mansfield Blue
GOALS: COLLEGE: L. O’Brien 9, R. Monk 1, L. Pensak 1, C. Bowman 1. MANSFIELD BLUE: M. Storer 2, O. Pigdon 1, J. Clydesdale 1, H. Shevlin 1. BEST: COLLEGE: L. O’Brien, C. Bowman, C. O’Brien, J. Guley, R. Monk, J. Borschmann. MANSFIELD BLUE: R. Purday, D. Mercieca, S. West, O. Pigdon, J. Kynnersley, H. Shevlin. Benalla Red 2.0
GOALS: TIGERS: C. Togolo-Hill 2,
COLLEGE: H. Dyson 1, C. Scanlan 1, L. Johnson 1, H. Carson 1, J. Llewellyn 1. IMPERIALS: M. Allisey 2. BEST: COLLEGE: H. Carson, A. Canning, J. Llewellyn, R. Lyster, C. Scanlan, J. Fenn. IMPERIALS: W. Honeychurch, B. Sealey, T. Styles, S. O’keeffe, C. Moss, J. Garner, Junior Magpies
JUNIOR MAGPIES:
L.
3, W.
(6)
1, M. O’Keefe 1, W. Muraca 1, J. Woodrow 1.
JUNIOR MAGPIES: W. Stamp, E. Davies, J. Briggs, R. Filipenko, E. Fulton. CENTRALS: J. Oats, J. Vincent, L. Palmer, W. Lever, A. Thayer, O. Forster.
(65) Myrtleford
(65)
GOALS: BENALLA RED: C. Nolen 3, J. Hart 2, T. Mount 2, C. Pollard 1, X. De Fazio 1, J. Binion 1. MYRTLEFORD: A. Knobel 4, X. Millar 2, K. Prott 1, C. Schell 1, N. Harris 1. BEST: BENALLA RED: J. Hart, J. Pollard, N. Cooney, C. Pollard, T. Williams, S. Mount. BEST:
B.
A.
MYRTLEFORD:
Knobel,
Parolin, N. Harris, N. Durling, O. Hunkin, B. McMahon.
CHARLIE CARTER
NOAH GIGLIOTTI
MICHAEL SACCO
MIA SIMPSON
NETBALL REVIEWS
‘Dogs vs Dees delivers on the hype
By NATHAN DE VRIES
THE Ovens and King netball season is less than a month old, but we may well have seen the match of the year.
Netball powerhouses Tarrawingee and Milawa faced o at the Kennel under a blazing sun, but the netball talent on display was even hotter.
Balls were turned over at both ends as the Bulldogs and Demons struggled to gain an upperhand on their adversary.
Only the margin barely broke out all day, but Milawa took a narrow one-goal lead into the quarter, before Tarrawingee broke back in the
ROUND 1
second term to lead 21-20 at halftime.
Momentum was swinging wildly with every centre pass, Milawa gaining the ascendancy at the three quarter time break by just three goals with 15 minutes to play.
Ultimately, the Bulldogs would prevail 45-43, taking their rst A grade victory over the Demons since round 14 in 2022.
Tarrawingee coach Tig White said her side came prepared for a thrilling contest.
“It was a close game from the rst whistle, at every stage the game really could have gone either way,” she said.
“The score changed several times with each team taking turns to lead during di erent quarters, so it was anyone’s guess who would win at the nal siren.
“The continual goal for goal play saw our defence end work hard all day.
“The accuracy and various shooting combinations of the Milawa side were a challenge to play against, but the pressure from Amy Mountney and Mollie Shanley enabled us to get back a few goals in the nal quarter, giving us the lead when it was needed.
“There was a great atmosphere from supporters of both clubs,
which really li ed the on-court intensity for both teams.”
As the mercury crossed the 30-degree mark, the players were under a lot of physical strain, but White said rotations and squad depth helped manage the temperature.
“I think we handled the heat better than we expected to,” she said.
“It was obviously very hot, but we are so fortunate to have the playing group we do to give us the opportunity to swap players’ positions at each break.
“Ella Jones, Annie Creed and Kelly Jackson were placed across the court at di erent times, and their
NETBALL REVIEWS
performance stepped up a level each time they took the court.
“We were stoked to come away with the win, it’s been a long time since Tarra A grade has had a win over Milawa.
“As much as we enjoyed the win as team, the game also gave us opportunities for improvement, so that’s what we will be focusing on for now.”
In other A grade matches around the league, Goorambat stunned Greta with a 27-18 upset, Bonnie Doon belted Moyhu 59-43, Benalla All Blacks were 10 goals too good for North Wangaratta, and Whorouly handled King Valley 46-24.
Magpies edged out by Roos in brutal twilight saga
By SHANE DOUTHIE
THE A grade netball clash between Wangaratta Magpies and Corowa-Rutherglen lived up to all expectations with the Roos hanging on to win by a solitary goal.
Taking to the Showgrounds court at 5pm, the match turned into a twilight saga with no quarter given by either side in a tough, physical encounter more be tting nals than the rst round of the season (not counting the Magpies season opener the week before).
At one stage the Magpies were down by 12 goals but with a level of grit surprising for a relative young, new-look team, they closed the gap to one score by three quarter time, setting up a thrilling nale before the visitors secured the points 43 to 42.
Magpies coach Shea Cunningham was understandably proud of her charges, particularly the way they fought back from a seemingly hopeless position.
“We nearly got them,” Cunningham said, still lamenting the missed opportunity.
“It was a real gutsy e ort to nd that courage to peg the margin back in the second half, I’m really proud of the players’ commitment and effort.
“We refocused on our
game plan at half-time and everyone played their roles well.”
Cunningham said the match in patches was at an elite standard but at other times it was brutal with plenty of physicality o the ball.
“It was more like nals than what you’d expect in an early round so it was especially pleasing to see such a new group together respond
the way they did.”
Amanda Umanski was the main avenue to goal for the ‘Pies scoring 28 and was wellsupported by Claire Wilson with 14, while Roo Lou Madden with 36 goals proved a handful for the Magpies defence.
Skipper Hannah Grady secured the three votes, her shi from the middle to goal defence, teaming up with
ever reliable Katie Dean, helped stemmed the CorowaRutherglen scoring in the second half.
It also allowed Olivia Holmes to move from the defensive circle up to wing defence adding a bit more height which also proved decisive.
“Olivia did a great job and managed to get her hands on the ball consistently,” Cunningham said
“Katie (Dean) was outstanding in the clutch moments, her talk and encouragement really makes an impact.
“Makeely Gottschling in her rst game also popped up when needed and played her role superbly.”
Despite the frenetic, combative nature of the encounter, the Magpies escaped any injury concerns.
“There were no injuries to speak of, but a fair few sore bodies,” Cunningham said.
“The BFT recovery rooms got a workout a erwards, thankfully that enables us to really focus on a good recovery early to prepare for the next round.
It doesn’t get any easier then for the Magpies, as they face Yarrawonga Pigeons at Mulwala on Easter Sunday.
SURE SHOT: Kaylee Allan lines up the shot.
PHOTOS: Melissa Beattie
TO THE GOAL: Micaela Larkings drives along the wing.
ADVANCE: Maya Ackroyd sends the Demons forward.
REBOUND: Mollie Shanley helps clear the ball from the Bulldogs’ defensive end.
THE WALL: Olivia Holmes proved her versatility with a shi to wing defence making a di erence.
POWERHOUSE: Makeely Gottschling impressed for Magpies.
PHOTOS: Marc Bongers
Rovers fight hard in female footy
UNDER 12
By ERIN COLLINS
THE under 12s played one of the most challenging sides in our league this weekend, Lavington Panthers.
To add to the di culty of this game, the team faced sweltering heat which reached up to 30 degrees that day.
Despite the conditions the under 12s played their very best and managed to score well in the second quarter.
Top age player Hazel [Sutherland] had an excellent game and went on to play up with the under 14s that day as well, along with teammate KC.
Wanda played her rst game for Wangaratta Rovers and had an outstanding effort against Lavington.
The team continues to improve rapidly every week.
Final score: Lavington Panthers 15.13.103 def Wangaratta Rovers 1.2.8.
Conditions were hot up in Lavington for our rst matchup against last year’s grand nal winners.
Rovers had 13 players take the eld in an evenly matched and free- owing football contest.
Captain for the day was Paige-Lee Dummett who led the team incredibly well with a hard running complete four-quarter e ort.
Returning to the side for her rst time this season was Ames Rea, who had an immediate impact around the ground.
First-gamer was Hazel Sutherland, with a huge tackle in the goal square resulting in a free kick and our rst goal.
Havarna Long continued her cra y work in the forward line on the back of some great team play further up the eld, registering two goals for the day.
In a best-on- eld performance, Mia Simpson also registered two goals herself, and provided huge run
and Lizzy Healy picked up the ball, dodged an opponent and ran in to kick her rst goal for the under 17s.
It was tough going from then on, with the Rovers having no bench to rotate players on a very hot a ernoon.
The backline was under pressure but Erin Collins stood up and won the contests against her opponent, as did Bridie Davies, Lily Currie Fraser and Lily Gibb.
Panthers out t, going down 2.2.14 to 7.8.50.
Despite the result, the team showed plenty of heart and continued to build their on- eld chemistry.
Anita Ovenden led the scoring with two goals and was among the Rovers’ best, alongside Emily Rowe, Abbey Snowdon, Kaea Tua, Amy Hopkins, and Chloe Kungl, who all worked hard in trying conditions.
through the middle of the ground.
Final score: Lavington Panthers 7.5.47 def Wangaratta Rovers 5.5.35.
Goals: Mia Simpson 2, Havarna Long 2, Hazel Sutherland.
The Rovers’ open side faced a tough challenge against a strong Lavington
It was fantastic to welcome three under 17 players – Gemma Couch Trinder, Lily Currie Fraser, and Bridie Davies – who stepped up and contributed strongly at senior level, showing great promise for the future.
A special milestone was also celebrated, with Kaea Tua running out for her 200th football game – an incredible achievement and a testament to her dedication to the sport.
Final score: Lavington Panthers 7.8.50 def Wangaratta Rovers 2.2.14.
Diamonds too tough for senior men, Lady Devils draw
By NATHAN DE VRIES
WANGARATTA City FC is yet to secure a win in the division one men’s competition a er another painful loss at home on Sunday.
Hosting Wodonga Diamonds, the Devils found the back of the net but couldn’t keep Diamonds at bay, falling 2-9.
It took half an hour for the first goal to be scored, but from then on it was a frenzy.
Adam Jordan (34’) and Jack Whiley (45’) converted early, but the Devils conceded four rst half goals.
The dam broke in the second half as Diamonds pressed up the pitch and harassed Wangaratta’s defensive structure.
Senior men’s coach Vitaly Leschen said it was about focussing on the bright notes and building where they could.
“We said at the start of season we’d know where we were building from a er ve or six games,’ he said.
“While we’re probably further behind than we thought, that’s okay, we build from here and hopefully can turn some of these results around in the second half of the year.
“The positives are our ressies are doing well, we still have good numbers at training and their still seems to be a buzz around training.
“Hopefully those things can start re ecting where it matters, which is on the pitch.”
The division one women’s side shared the points with Diamonds a er battling out a 3-3 draw.
The Lady Devils were on the back foot for most of the game, down 1-3 by the half but ghting back to salvage a point.
While it isn’t an outright
victory, coach Raul Pahina was blown away by the team’s grit and tenacity.
“The girls showed real resilience on Sunday to come back to 3-3 in the last few minutes of the game,” he said.
“It was really good to see both teams playing good football.
“They put the pressure on us early but we managed climb back into the game and took control in the second half.
“We played out from the back very well and our mideld worked very hard for 90 minutes.
“Isabella Antonello was a standout in my eyes, very solid in centre back.”
The Albury Wodonga Football Association will take the Easter weekend o with a general bye.
Wangaratta’s next xture is an away game to Twin City Wanderers.
POWER PACK: Hazel Sutherland backed up a strong game for the under 12 side with contributions in the under 14 game.
PHOTO: Kev McGennan
BULLDOGS BOILOVER
Tarrawingee broke a twoand-a-half year losing streak against Milawa with a 45-43 win. Casie Peters (pictured) and the Bulldogs are one of three undefeated teams in the A grade. Story page 18
Primed and ready
By NATHAN DE VRIES
IT’S one of the biggest weekends in all of Australian sport, and our local hope is in ne form.
Local champion runner Bella Pasquali has been in blistering condition at international and national competitions in the last month and a half, and will be a top prospect at the 2025 Powercor Stawell Gi this weekend.
A er helping Australia claim bronze at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in the 4x400m relay in late March, Pasquali took sil-
Bella Pasquali runs PB at nationals, eyeing o Stawell Gi
ver in the women’s individual 400m in Perth over the weekend at the 2025 Australian Open and Under 20 Athletics Championships.
Pasquali blitzed through to the nal, running the fastest qualifying time of all the heats with a time of 52.64. In the nal, she upped her game even further, missing out on the gold by 0.42 seconds to international relay teammate and Olympian Ellie Beer.
Alongside her silver med-
al, Pasquali’s time of 51.84 is a personal best, her third PB in ve weeks.
“I did know I was running really well and running fast,” she said.
“My coach, Jason [Boulton] has done so much for me, and I’m so grateful for him, we had the feeling I was going to run a PB but obviously you never know on the night with conditions and weather what’s going to happen.
“It’s such a good group of girls we run against, we’re so
close, and when we’re on the track we’re erce competitors but everyone’s so supportive and gets around each other which is really nice.”
Pasquali’s attentions turn to the shorter distance, as she prepares to reclaim the crown at Australia’s richest footrace over the Easter weekend in both the Gi and the 400m events.
A er streaming past the post in the Gi in 2023, with a time of 13.55sec o the mark of 7.25m, Pasquali is deter-
mined to return to the top.
“In the Gi I’m o 2.75m, which is a very tough mark, but I’m just excited to be there.
“It’s obviously a deserved mark considering I did win two years ago, so I can’t complain.
“I’m doing the 400m, and my mark for that is 1m, so also quite tough, but also well-deserved since I’ve won the 400m there before.
“I’m just going to have some fun.
“I love racing at Stawell, I’m excited to watch the other races, there are so many amazing athletes coming down.
“Hopefully I can run well, I am in PB shape.”
The 143rd running of the Powercor Stawell Gi carnival commences on Saturday, 19 April and runs through to Monday, 21 April.
The Powercor Stawell Gift is streamed live and free on 7Plus for all three days of the 2025 carnival - coverage commences five minutes prior to the first race each day.
