Wangaratta Chronicle 160623

TANIA ONE OF OUR MANY LIFE-SAVERS

TANIA Vickery donated blood and promoted the importance of giving blood on Wednesday, which was World Blood Donor Day.

But our Lifeblood centre in Wangaratta needs many more.

IT ALL ADDS UP

Teacher awarded state fellowship to continue work in maths education ppspace

WANGARATTA teacher

Stacey Lamb has been awarded one of 30 Teaching Innovation Fellowships backed by the State Government, to continue her efforts in the maths education space.

The St Bernard’s Primary School numeracy leader was among the 30 teachers from 26 government and non-government schools awarded the fellowships,

BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au

sharing in more than $770,000 as part of the Teaching Excellence Program from the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership.

Stacey graduated from the program in December

following a year of study, as did St Bernard’s colleague and literacy leader Kate Bell.

The first of its kind in Australia, the Teaching Excellence Program was designed to advance the professional knowledge and practice of highly-skilled teachers.

Numeracy is Stacey’s passion, and also in December she presented

to the Mathematical Association of Victoria during a gathering in Melbourne, focusing on critical and creative thinking in the maths classroom.

Having completed the Teaching Excellence Program, she was invited to apply for a Teaching Innovation Fellowship, which includes funding, professional learning, and

mentoring for recipients to design and implement a 12-month innovation project to address an identified critical challenge in their classrooms or schools.

The initiative is designed to enable and support excellent teachers to be agents of change in their schools and across the education system, with the Victorian Academy of

Teaching and Leadership to ensure their learnings and experiences are shared with teachers and school leaders across the state.

“The fellowship provides a significant amount of funding which covers professional learning days, CRTs (casual relief teachers) to cover those days, and how we roll out the project,” Stacey said.

■ Continued page 2

Story page 6.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

7-Eleven expansion plans

Wangaratta

By STEVE KELLY

A 7-ELEVEN convenience store and service station proposed for Ryley Street, Wangaratta is one of several planned for regional cities across the North East and Goulburn Valley, expected to boost the area’s economy by up to $12 million.

The company’s planned expansion is expected to provide job and career opportunities for about 80 people ongoing across the North East, with more during the

servo part

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company’s $12m goal to

grow economy, create 80 jobs in region W g p f p y’ $12 g l g y, 80 j b i gi

construction phases. It would be the first ever 7-Eleven in Wangaratta, located on the corner of Ryley and Perry streets (former Beaurepairs location), forecast to open in the 2024/25 financial year.

As reported in Wednesday’s Wangaratta Chronicle, the application, which is currently with Rural City of Wangaratta council, proposes a new service station of modern design covering the site of 2415m2.

Plans include eight fuel pumps, 7-Eleven pay station and convenience store with a

floor area of 203m2, 11 parking bays including a disabled space, one loading bay, and signage, some of which will be illuminated.

The development is part of the Australian company’s regional growth strategy, adding to other stores in Wodonga, Benalla and Shepparton.

Nick Maddox, 7-Eleven area lead south, said the company “will be looking to recruit locals for both team member and manager roles in the years ahead”.

“The opportunity is there

also for those who might be looking to shift into our industry from other fields,” he said.

“The next store we expect to open is Shepparton East late in 2023, and then additional stores are expected to open in Shepparton and Albury Wodonga in 2023/2024.

“We are continuing to work with landlords and developers to open stores in the right locations to meet the needs of the community.”

7-Eleven Australia is locally owned and operated, with more than 720 stores across

Victoria, NSW, ACT, QLD and Western Australia. There are more than 450 small family-owned businesses in the 7-Eleven franchise network.

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

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

Teacher awarded state fellowship to focus on maths education

■ From page 1

“My project is looking at how we, as teachers as St Bernard’s, can provide repeated learning opportunities to promote fluency and reasoning through warm-up, games and maths talks.

“It’s focusing on the 15 minutes at the start of a lesson, and how we can use that time.

“For instance, while the unit of work may be on addition, we may do a warm-up on time and length, which provides an opportunity for students to continue on their previous learning.”

Stacey said this enabled learning to become part of a student’s ‘muscle memory’, and could also assist students who had been absent from earlier classes and may have missed previous units.

“We are going for a whole school approach, focusing initially on the year three/ four team before we move it across the whole school,” she said.

Stacey said abilities learnt in the maths classroom were skills for life, as students developed strategies to find an answer to a problem, and shared their learnings with each other.

“They learn that there is no one way to reach the answer - that there are many strategies,” she said.

The teaching of maths

has evolved from Stacey’s days as a student, and also through her teaching career.

“The major shift has been from the teacher talking, to kids doing the talking and doing maths, which is right - because who’s doing the learning, after all?” she said.

“I love teaching maths because there is such a big opportunity to change kids’ mindset, and I get to do that every day through engaging

and fun activities.”

Stacey said building students’ confidence in approaching maths questions made a huge difference.

“If you feel like you’re good at maths, you are,” she said.

Stacey has already attended a number of professional development days in Melbourne as part of her project, and is enjoying the chance

to share her learnings with students and fellow teachers.

“Our teachers are so interested, and when I come back they’re asking what I’ve learnt, and the students are enjoying the chance to try out some new games,” she said.

She will present the findings of her project in December, aiming to show how change can be made at St Bernard’s, and then

For more information contact the town planning unit on (03) 5722 0888.

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

If approved it would offer motorists driving southbound through Wangaratta plenty of choice, with two other separate planning permits for service stations and convenience stores already approved for 46-50 Parfitt Road, and 187-189 Tone Road, along with the existing Ampol servo on Tone Road.

Artist residency and workshop at Wangaratta Art Gallery

Elizabeth Barron will be part of a residency and workshops being held at the Wangaratta Art Gallery from June 24 until July 1.

It’s part of a series of events and programs accompanying the 2023 Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award (WCTA), which opened last weekend.

Mary’s residency and workshops in Gallery 2 will provide a unique opportunity for participants to explore the art of bobbin lacemaking and create contemporary pieces using recycled materials.

shared with other schools.

St Bernard’s Primary School principal Patricia Boak said she was proud of Stacey and her commitment and passion for teaching and extending the understanding of the school’s staff

“For Stacey to be recognised cross-sectorally in this manner is testament to her regard among learning educators,” she said.

Known for her passion for craft, innovative use of materials and large-scale lace works, Mary’s artistic practice primarily revolves around sewing, papermaking, basketry and bobbin lacemaking, with a particular focus on utilising waste materials and addressing themes of family, women’s work, memory and environmental concerns.

During her residency, Mary will lead workshops introducing participants to the art of bobbin lacemaking, a weaving technique dating back to the late 1400s.

Workshops are free and will run on Sunday, June 25 from 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

Bookings are essential with places limited - register now by calling 5722 0865.

LEARNING TOGETHER: St Bernard’s Primary School numeracy leader Stacey Lamb engages in some maths fun with students Kazu Anderson-Ohata, Lola Flynn and Harry Gumley.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

ACCLAIMED artist Mary

Road offending spikes

So far this year, 143 motorists have lost their lives on Victorian roads, a 35 per cent increase compared to last year’s figures to the June long weekend.

Acting assistant Commissioner road policing, Martin O’Brien, said winter weather exacerbated risks to motorists.

BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au

A CHANGE of monarchs has brought with it a spike in unsafe driving behaviour, with local police identifying almost twice as many road offences during the recent King’s Birthday weekend compared to 2022.

Home to a heightened police presence throughout Operation Regal, with holidaymakers flocking to the region for the commencement of the snow season, some 270 offences were recognised across the North East between Friday morning and Monday night.

Some 169 infringements were identified within the Wangaratta Police Service Area, which encompasses Wangaratta, Alpine and

parts of Moira shire, while 101 were recognised by Wodonga Police Service Area officers.

According to Senior Sergeant Mick Savage at least 10 of the offences identified in the Wangaratta region consisted of drink or drug driving, a figure which rose to 16 in the Wodonga service area, which also encompasses Indigo Shire.

The figures marked a

notable increase on 2022 records, when some 95 offences were identified by Wangaratta area officers throughout the Queen’s Birthday long weekend.

One incident on the King’s Birthday weekend involved a 28-year-old Lavington man, who was allegedly caught at speeds of 153kph while driving along the Hume Freeway near Glenrowan on Friday.

Share your voice on rural city’s economic and tourism future

RURAL City of Wangaratta Council is calling on individuals, businesses and organisations to share their visions of the future, to help develop council’s Economic Development and Tourism Strategy.

A series of workshops are set to be held to shape the municipality’s shared vision around sustainable growth, which Mayor Dean Rees said would encompass a range of decisions and opportunities.

“The Economic Development and Tourism Strategy will shape decisions for the development and growth of our municipality,” he said.

“The strategy will guide the council on a wide range of decisions and opportunities, from attracting investment and skilled labour, to the development of our agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, innovation, and health industries.

“It is vital that our business community and residents of the rural city share their views and vision for the future of our region.”

The strategy will outline council’s intentions for local economic development and growth for the next five years.

Workshops will be held on Tuesday, June 20 and Wednesday, June 21 to facilitate the foundations of the strategy, with business and industryspecific workshops to be held during both days.

For more information and to register your attendance please visit, https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Business/Business-Events/ Upcoming-Events.

If you are unable to attend tyou can complete an online survey at, https:// aecresearch.questionpro.com.au/a/ TakeSurvey?tt=LZaFn0zvLgA%3D.

His vehicle was impounded at a cost of $1625, and he was charged on summons to face Wangaratta Magistrates Court at a later date.

Across the state, infringement notices increased by 15 per cent on 2022, with 40 per cent of all offences detected for speeding.

Some 196 drink drivers and 170 drug drivers were caught, with officers carrying out more than 100,000

tests throughout Victoria.

The spike in offending has sparked police to warn motorists to be extra cautious when travelling on mountain roads and four-wheel drive tracks, after a 28-yearold Rye woman was killed in a crash near Toombon on Saturday and an 18-yearold Warrnambool man was lucky to escape injury after driving off an embankment at Mount Buller on Friday.

“Over the long weekend, we’ve seen an increase in collisions involving vehicles on mountain roads or fourwheel-drive tracks - unfortunately, one of these has resulted in a fatality, whilst there were several other near misses police responded to,” he said.

“The wintry weather can create dangerous conditions on these mountain roads and four-wheel-drive tracks, and if you’re unfamiliar with these roads or inexperienced driving them, it can be a recipe for disaster.

“We would advise motorists to monitor the conditions and avoid travelling on these roads if you’re unequipped or is unsafe to do so – you’re better to play it safe than be sorry.

“Police will continue to enforce against those who engage in risky driving behaviour, and we make no apologies for this – it only takes on poor decision and a split second to cause a tragedy.”

ON PATROL: Senior Sergeant Mick Savage (left) with Senior Constable Clinton Griffiths, noted there had been a spike in offending compared to last year’s June long weekend.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

$10,000 raised at the Wangaratta Book Fair

By CHLOE JAENICKE

BOOKWORMS swarmed to the Wangaratta Book Fair last weekend, which raised just under $11,000.

Avid readers were welcomed with a wide selection of books and homemade food prepared by the Friends of the Hospital at the book fair, which was hosted by the Rotary Club of Wangaratta and the Rotary Club of Appin Park Wangaratta with assistance from the Wangaratta Historical Society.

David Ward, from the Rotary Club of Wangaratta, said there wasn’t a quiet moment all weekend, with people even waiting outside for the fair to begin on Satu rday morning.

“There weren’t any quiet periods at all during the two days - it was just constant,” he said.

“We actually had people waiting at the doors on the Saturday morning from about quarter past eight onwards.”

According to Mr Ward, some 7500 books were sold across all genres, which was more than they expected to sell.

KEEP YOUR CROPS GROWING STRONG THIS SEASON

“It was a bit of a surprise actually because I was a little bit concerned some of the books might not have been sellable because most of our stock is about five years or so old and there was a lot of old titles

there, but in actual fact we got rid of heaps,” he said.

Mr Ward said the amount they raised was also a surprise given it’s been five years since the last book fair.

The money raised at the

book fair went towards community projects run by each of the Rotary Clubs including the Rotary Club of Appin Park Wangaratta’s support of scholarships for local primary and secondary schools.

BOOK LOVER: Hannah Bigg stocked up on books last weekend at the Wangaratta Book Fair.

BOOK LOVERS: Around 7500 used books were sold at the Wangaratta Book Fair this weekend. PHOTO: Simone Kerwin

AVID READERS: Book lovers were delighted with the wide range of books on offer.

READING TOGETHER: Miles Kindler and Donna Wescott sharing their love of reading together.

FAMILY READING: Vincent Sear-Pirko, Alice Coen-Sear and Denise Sear-Pirko enjoyed the Wangaratta Book fair this weekend. PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

Callous thieves target tradies

WANGARATTA Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a spate of thefts from construction sites in the Waldara area earlier this week.

WANGARATTACi hClbdf

BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au

house – Colorbond fencing panels, anything that’s not secured.”

Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson said four homes under construction along Wedge Drive had been targeted by would-be thieves on Wednesday night or Thursday morning, with power tools, construction equipment and ladders taken. He said while it was likely a vehicle had been involved.

“If anybody has any information about suspicious vehicles hanging around, contact Wangaratta Police Station on 5723 0888,” he said.

According to DLSC Thompson, thefts from constructions sites had been a somewhat regular occurrence in recent months, however, noted the scale of the most recent incident had been of concern to police.

“Other construction sites have been broken into, but not like this,” he said.

“We’re not having anything like this, like last (Wednesday) night.”

Wangaratta crime prevention officer Leading Senior Constable Helen Parfett said offenders were targeting anything that was not secured.

“The tradies have been good and they’ve been taking their tools off-site, but it’s all the stuff that goes into the house that isn’t connected that they’re helping themselves to,” she said.

“Things like a water pump still in its box left inside that was ready to be installed outside, some ladders, a shower head –it’s just stuff that’s ready to be connected to the

LSC Parfett said similar offending had been identified on Wednesday night in the Bright and Porepunkah areas, with a number of utilities belonging to tradespeople targeted.

“The locks (in Bright) have been cut overnight and their tools have been taken, so someone’s been running hot up there,” she said.

“We really want to emphasise with the tradies that they lock (their tools) in their trailers at night time, and make sure there are markings on them to identify – and even record their serial numbers.

“There’s a lot of gear that goes unreported by the tradies, like toolbelts –we’ve got quite a few here that we don’t have owners for.

“We want them to report everything so that when we do locate property we can give them back to the owners.”

Falls Creek lifts swing into operation

FALLS Creek is thrilled to share news that from today they are open for skiing and snowboarding

“The snowstorms over the past week delivered a whopping 36cm of fresh snow and we have heaps more on the way with up to 45cm due to hit from Sunday,” Richard Phillips, vice president GM Falls Creek Ski Lifts said.

“We got a nice top up throughout the day yesterday as our team got to work preparing the mountain.”

Halley’s Comet Quad Chair, Towers Quad Chair and Mouse Trap Carpet will be running giving skiers and boarders access to Main Street, Highway 83, Lower Nastar and Mouse Trap runs.

Private lessons will commence from Friday for those wanting to try skiing and boarding for the first time, and all other snowsports lesson options will be available from the weekend. Lessons should be booked in advance to avoid disappointment.

“We have Australia’s most beginner-friendly terrain, coupled with amazing apresski options and a ski-in, skiout village – it’s just beautiful here right now,” Mr Phillips said.

“We can’t wait to share the mountain with skiers and snowboarders again.”

In more exciting news, our Windy Corner Toboggan Park opens this Saturday.

We’re taking the snow play experience to new heights this year with the introduction of our amazing new and free magic carpet.

This brand-new carpet will save your legs from the walk up and deliver you to the top so you can fit in more runs and more fun.

To book a free session on the slope, head to https:// www.fallscreek.com.au/ tobogganing/.

The forecast holds the promise of an additional 25cm of fresh snow on Sunday and Monday and up to 45cm over the next fortnight!. This will hopefully allow the opening of more lifts and unlocking more terrain next week.

READY AND WAITING: Towers Quad Chair is one of a number of lifts open today at Falls Creek after plenty of fresh snow fell late this week.

Lifeblood of community with many more needed

By CHLOE JAENICKE

WANGARATTA’S 1543

“life saving locals” have been celebrated this week for being the Lifeblood of the community.

The rural city’s blood and plasma donors are among Australia’s half a million donors being recognised this National Blood Donor Week for their efforts.

In the month of May alone, 300 donations were made in Wangaratta with nearly 200 of these being plasma donations.

Northeast Health Wangaratta (NHW) also used the equivalent of 845 blood donations in the month of May.

National Blood Donor is celebrated by Australian Red Cross Lifeblood each year around World Blood Donor Day on June 14.

It provided an opportunity to thank the nation’s blood and plasma donors for their 1.6 million lifesaving donations and highlights the ongoing need for more people to become donors.

NHW community nurse

Tania Vickery is one of those being thanked, having given 38 donations of

plasma/whole blood which have helped save the lives of up to 114 patients.

Ms Vickery started donating blood nine years ago after losing her father in a farming accident which made her realise the difference donating blood can make to someone else’s life.

“He required lots of units of blood to try to save him, which unfortunately wasn’t successful, so it wasn’t long after that I thought I could be saving people’s lives by donating blood,” she said.

“Donating blood and plasma is such a simple thing to do and only takes about an hour of people’s time which helps the community and their loved ones.”

As part of National Blood Donor Week, Lifeblood has teamed up with Australianbased illustration brand, Min Pin, to create a limitededition bandage, which will be rolled on to the arms of donors who donate at Lifeblood donor centres throughout June.

Lifeblood spokesperson Shae Burns said this month’s bandage is a colourful flock of birds flying high together, which is sym-

bolic of our community of blood and plasma donors.

“Birds of a feather save lives together, and we’re calling on everyone to join our flock of lifesavers this National Blood Donor Week and receive a new limited edition Min Pin bandage,” she said.

“With one in three of us needing blood or blood

products in our lifetime, donors like Tania Vickery can’t do it alone.

“Wangaratta Donor Centre needs more than 100 additional donors to join their ranks throughout June.

“We want to say a huge thank you to all of our donors who made a difference and to ask others to make a change for life by becoming

Wineries make the Halliday award shortlist

WINERIES, winemakers and a viticulturist in the North East region are among those shortlisted for the 2024 Halliday Wine Companion Awards.

All Saints Estate in Rutherglen is in the running for Winery of the Year, Paul Dahlenburg from Eldorado Road and Baileys of Glenrowan in nominated for Winemaker of the Year, while Mark Walpole from Fighting Gully Road in Beechworth is nominated as Viticulturist of the Year.

Also making the shortlist are Billy Button Wines from Alpine Valleys in the category of Best Value Winery, with Anderson & Marsh - a collaboration between Jo Marsh of Billy Button Wines and Eleana Anderson of Mayford Wines - is nominated as a Dark Horse Winery.

This year’s winners were determined through a series of tastings and round-table discussions by a team of nine panelists, including new chief editor Campbell Mattinson; a former Wangaratta resident, one of the founding editors of Halliday magazine in 2012 and a Halliday Wine Companion reviewer since 2013.

a blood donor.”

The Wangaratta Blood Donor Centre is open Wednesdays, Thursday and Fridays. Download the Donate Blood app, call 13 14 95 or visit www.lifeblood.com.au to book your donation.

You can also follow and tag them @LifebloodAU on social media.

Halliday Wine Companion more than 8500 wines were tasted and over 50 new wineries discovered this year – the panel carefully selecting the top-rated Australian wines, winemakers, wineries and viticulturists.

Winner will be announced during a ceremony taking place at the Stokehouse in St Kilda on Wednesday August 2, with the 2024 Halliday Wine Companion released the next day.

Bring sunscreen, water bottle, shin pads and boots where possible

JOIN THE CAUSE: Tania Vickery was one of 1543 locals to be honoured on World Blood Donor Day on Wednesday.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Tackling consent: good players, better people

CENTRE Against Violence

(CAV) Wangaratta, Victoria Police and special guest Alex Rance, chief executive officer of The Academy and former AFL player, are encouraging the sporting community to attend a free ‘tackling consent’ workshop in Wangaratta next month.

CAV Wangaratta CEO Jaime Chubb said the session aims to empower young people, from ages 12 to 17, parents and carers, coaches, and senior players in local sporting clubs by educating them about affirmative consent and fostering healthy relationships.

“The Victorian Parliament recently updated affirmative consent laws,” Ms Chubb said.

“This update provides us with a special opportunity to reshape societal norms and combat sexual violence.

“Our workshop will equip individuals with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to build a community that prioritises respect and consent.”

Senior Sergeant Paul Cutler of Wangaratta police said that by placing the responsibility on the person seeking consent, the newly enacted laws emphasise there are no excuses for sexual violence.

“These laws send a clear message: consent is a fundamental requirement, and it is the responsibility of the person seeking consent to obtain it,” she said.

“Through education and engagement, we can create a safer environment for everyone.”

Featuring a line-up of esteemed experts, the workshop aims to raise awareness and promote affirmative consent.

“As role models and mentors, we have a responsibility to guide younger generations towards respectful relationships and healthy boundaries,” Mr Rance said.

The session, facilitated by practitioners from CAV and Victoria Police, will discuss affirmative con-

sent, respectful communication, and recognising consent.

Participants will also delve into topics such as respectful relationships, sexual assault prevention, and available support services.

“We thank the Wangaratta Magpies Football & Netball Club for generously providing the venue for this pivotal event,” Ms Chubb said.

“Their commitment exemplifies the importance of community collaboration in driving positive change.

“We have had great commit-

Workshop to help save paddock trees

WARBY Range Landcare Group is holding a free workshop at Baileys of Glenrowan tomorrow to discuss how landowners can reduce the decline of their existing paddock trees and establish new trees.

Paddock trees provide a significant contribution to agricultural productivity, are iconic in the Australian landscape and support a range of native animals, birds and insects.

Sadly, these precious, old trees are disappearing from the countryside as a result of natural attrition, die back and the impacts of farming.

Landcare project officer, Sally Day has assisted local Landcare groups to develop tree guards and techniques to successfully establish paddock trees in the area.

She will share these learnings on Saturday, and also discuss the various styles of wire tree guards that can be used to plant new paddock trees, the pros and cons of each type and applicability to farming needs.

In addition, Ji Atkinson from the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Education (ACHE) will highlight the cultural significance of local trees.

ment from both the Magpies and the Rovers netball and football clubs to be able to run this workshop.”

A grant from Garry Nash & Co Community Sub Fund through Into Our Hands Community Foundation has helped make the workshop accessible to all.

The workshop is scheduled to take place on July 4 at the Wangaratta Football and Netball club.

TO register for the event visit https://events.humanitix.com/ tackling-consent-wangaratta.

Mr Atkinson will provide participants with a greater understanding of Indigenous culture, values and land management techniques.

Following the workshop Warby Range Landcare Group members will be offered the opportunity to trial the recommended large mesh paddock tree guards on their own properties.

For more information about this State Government funded community event, contact Kerrie Warburton on 0418 427 730 or landcare.kerrie@gmail.com and to register for the event visit https://events. humanitix.com/scattered-paddock-treeswarby-range-landcare-group.

TACKLING CONSENT: Hayley Jensen (left), Alex Rance, and Jaime Chubb will be speaking at the workshop in Wangaratta on July 4.

Quality teaching sees strong learners

IT’S been heartening in recent years to see the rising level of students’ confidence in their own mathematical abilities.

Far from the days when young people would resignedly declare themselves ‘no good at maths’, which often carried over into an adulthood battling against numbers, revised educational approaches now build much more assured learners who feel they can tackle problems.

Most importantly, if they feel unsure about how to proceed, their personal toolkits are increasingly leading to them using reason and teamwork to find an answer.

That kind of mindset is not just important when learning maths strategies, but builds skills for life which can translate to any situation, and - vitally - develops a young person’s resilience.

The vision to see that something is going to be tricky, but to have a go anyway; to know where to find guidance and support if you need it; and to be prepared to ask for and accept that help to reach a goal, will stand these young learners in great stead.

Wangaratta teacher Stacey Lamb has received a Teaching Innovation Fellowship aimed at promoting fluency and reasoning in maths classes at St Bernard’s Primary School, in a State Governmentbacked program which will see the results of her project shared with teachers and school leaders across Victoria.

The Rural City of Wangaratta is extremely lucky to have many dedicated teachers like Stacey, who are helping their students develop these vital life skills, not just through maths classes but in a range of subject areas.

Confident learners will make effective, collaborative future leaders for our community.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

FACEBOOK users this week commented on a further delay to Wangaratta Football Netball Club’s appeal, after it was stripped of last year’s O&M senior football premiership by the league.

• Charles Branstom: The punishment is way out of proportion to the self-reported mistake made. The Appeal should be successful if common sense prevails.

Facebook users also commented on a $500,000

grant which will see Whorouly Recreation Reserve’s netball court upgraded.

• Brett Direen: Congratulations to such a hard working reserve committee. Worked with them years ago when at Council real go-getters and very motivated, extremely proactive not always looking for handouts. A great result for a small but passionate community

Facebook users also

A wild ride to collect mail in Milawa

YOU don’t have to go bush for a wild ride in your vehicle.

Just go on the entrance drive into the Milawa Post Office where there are around two dozen deep potholes to test your abilities.

It’s an absolute disgrace and whoever is responsible for it should fix it as soon as possible.

A band aid fix was done a few years ago, but the problem needs to be addressed before a car or person disappears into one of the holes and is never seen again.

Doug Brockfield, Milawa

A nurse in shining armour saved the day

I WOULD like to express my sincere gratitude to the lovely woman who helped me last week in Williams Road when my car ‘conked out’.

It happened right on the bridge near St John’s so I couldn’t steer it clear of the road.

At 88 years of age and without my mobile phone I was powerless to do anything until this good Samaritan stopped to help.

She not only calmed me but she also pushed the car off the bridge and over to the verge and called my son to come and get me.

I’m sorry but I have forgot ten your name in all the excitement but to the lovely nurse from Rangeview thank you so much.

People like you make the world a better place.

Kaye Douthie, South Wangaratta

Forestry firefighters demand same rights

LAST Friday, the And rews Labor Government announced their intention to expand the presumptive rights scheme to include specific cancers affecting women.

Presumptive rights mean that career and volunteer firefighters diagnosed with certain cancers do not need to prove firefighting caused their disease.

While the industry welcomed the decision, they call on the government to include one group of firefighters that has

NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.

commented on a planning proposal which would see a 7-Eleven and 8-pump fuel station erected on the corner of Ryley and Perry streets.

• Kristie Campbell: That is the most absurd planning approval. There is no fuel on the north side of town and that’s where they are building all the houses. It should be put out yarrawonga road. This council is a joke!!!

• Marc Bongers: Kristie Campbell this hasn’t been

approved. It’s with the planning department for consideration

• Tania Hardman: The Perry st intersection is bad enough already, especially for those turning from Ryley onto Perry - throw in pedestrians and cars exiting from a Servo ..... You can also bet there’ll be people doing u-turns between the pedestrian island and Coles exit on Perry, just to save themselves doing a blocky! - Nightmare !!!

Continued page 9.

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been repeatedly left out – the Forestry Industry Brigades.

Forestry firefighters don’t just protect assets.

During each bushfire season, these firefighters stand united with their fellow firefighters, working tirelessly to ensure the safety of people, homes, forests, communities, critical infrastructure, and wildlife.

While we support the inclusion of more cancers affecting women under the scheme, it is high time to include forestry firefighters.

In Victoria, the Forest Industry Brigade under the Country Fire Authority is made up of 800 people employed in the forestry sector.

These men and women protect our state during bushfire season alongside other firefighters – volunteers and professionals.

With an average of 10 years of individual service each, they have accumulated an impressive 8000 years of service to the Victorian community.

Our Forestry Industry Brigades take great pride in protecting their communities when faced with the worst circumstances.

And the risks they face remain the same, irrespective of the uniform they wear.

Deb Kerr

CEO, Victorian Forest Products Association

POLL RESULTS

Should the State Government guarantee all regional councils financially benefit from the 2026 Commonwealth Games?

Yes 15 No 5

THIS WEEK

20

COMMONWEALTH GAMES BENEFIT votes to yesterdaynoon

Would you welcome more service stations in Wangaratta if it reduced the price of fuel?

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YOUNG READERS: Clancy and Harriet Jenkins fueled their love of reading in the children’s section at the Wangaratta Book Fair over the King’s Birthday long weekend. More photos and details page 4.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Continued from page 8.

• Kim Maree: How about a fuel station out Yarrawonga Rd instead?. Housing development everywhere!!!

• Jodie Pickles: Kim now that would be super handy and logical.

• Marianne Grinter: Three more proposed, with two already granted approval. One on Tone road, across from a local takeaway..one on Parfitt road… and now this one …..also across from a local business. How ridiculous. Traffic will be

jammed up, especially if they are coming out of Perry street, wanting to go to Main Street. That intersection is bad enough as it is, and so many already don’t know how to cross it. A nightmare about to happen.

• Matt Ryan: Clearly what we needed is a red rooster and a ice skating rink, this would have been the perfect place for that.

• Fiona Sheridan: Why??

Do they not know that APCO Wangaratta is across the way? They have cheaper fuel & are open 24/7. Why would anyone

NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.

go to a 7/11 for plastic food & instant coffee, when they can go to Apco for fresh meals & a Barista? I hope they can’t enter off Ryley St, there will be no end of accidents! Ridiculous!

• Missy Jean: Fiona Sheridan we already have to slow down for 3 left hand turns close together, what’s another one. A servo there seems absolutely ridiculous though. Put one out the Yarrawonga rd instead

• Belinda Giggins: Just like the other new servo/ cafe

planned for Tone Rd , which is directly across the road from another cafe fast food outlet. ?? Also traffic turning into servo from an 80k zone What is our council thinking!!. How many servos does one town need all in the same area?? Just creating more traffic congestion.

• Larna O’Connor: Mia O’connor-Randall Krispy kremes here we come

• Julie Roberts: I have zero clue how they are going to control the traffic; it’s already a nightmare

TWITTER users this week tweeted about horse racing in Wangaratta, student projects at Wangaratta High School and electric vehicle chargers.

BenBrisbourneRacing @BenBrisbourne Trackwork Tuesday! Some of the horses during trackwork this morning at the beautiful Wangaratta Racecourse

STEM Punks@stempunksau

Sepideh Farzam, a Sydneybased Iranian contemporary artist, was announced as the winner of the prestigious $40,000 acquisitive Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award for 2023 for her work Losing Eyes for Freedom, 2023.

The @Inland_Rail #STEM + #DesignThinking challenge continued at Wangaratta High School with year 7s researching efficient rail & footbridge designs. The students created and then showcased their own team ideas in 3D via @CoSpaces_Edu

Max Foster @MaxwellJFoster

New South Wales still lagging on EV charger provision of the Canberra-Albury route; none that I can see newly provided or under construction. Whereas, on the Victorian side of the border there’s a new EV charger at Wangaratta and others under construction at Benalla and Glenrowan

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

All-new Subaru Crosstrek arriving May

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Well, it’s that time of the year here in #Wangaratta - Yogi the flood water marker up to his chin today! And to think last Friday morning we were here with the @sunriseon7crew, playing robots under the shelter!

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V/Line reviewing booking system amid Albury line safety concerns

By RYAN MALCOLM

CHANGES to the region’s V/ Line booking system could be made to address reserved seating shortages on the Albury line’s busiest services, prompted by major safety concerns in the North East.

Following Benambra MP Bill Tilley’s recent address to parliament, in which he labelled the move to continue to sell tickets with no appreciation of whether the train was already full as “a poor imitation of a joke”, a V/Line spokesperson confirmed the service was “exploring all options”.

Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy had previously expressed his concerns, amid reports overcrowded carriages were seeing travelers forced to sit on the floor for much of the journey to and from Melbourne.

End nears for our station’s heritage listed footbridge

Inland Rail works at Wangaratta Station Precinct are set to crank up gp

THE heritage listed footbridge at Wangaratta Station Precinct that aligns with Cusack Street will permanently close on June 29 as works to remove the pedestrian access point begin.

All pedestrian access over the rail line following this date will need to be via the Docker Street footbridge until the new underpass at the station is constructed, and wayfinding signage will be in place to direct people.

Both current footbridges need to be removed to accommodate clearance for 2.4m double stacked trains under the Inland Rail project.

Australian Rail Track Corporation’s (ARTC) construction partner McConnell Dowell will replace the Cusack and Docker streets

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

footbridges with a pedestrian underpass, relocate the existing rail track on the eastern side of the station and construct a new platform, and replace the existing Green Street bridge.

Elements of the Cusack Street footbridge’s heritage and design will be incorporated into the new pedestrian underpass, and further vegetation clearing will take place to accommodate the works.

The station will remain open to vehicles, pedestrians and commuters throughout all construction activities.

The ARTC distributed information last week to nearby residents and businesses alerting them of the overall changes to the precinct.

“Works include delivery of materials and equipment, approved vegetation removal, service route relocations and connections of water, power, drainage and sewer services,” the notice read.

“The works will continue weekdays, with some additional weekend works scheduled.

“Most of the works will be undertaken within or near the station precinct, with minimal impact to road users in the area other than the increase of machinery, equipment and vehicle activity.”

Activity people can expect includes:

• works between 7am–6pm weekdays and 7am–1pm on Saturdays;

• due to the scale of the project some weekend works will occur outside of the above hours including Saturday, June 24 (7am–5pm), Saturday, July 1 (7am–5pm), and Sunday, July 2 (7am– 5pm);

• approved vegetation removal within the project area;

• traffic management in and around Green, Cusack, Spearing and Norton streets, when required;

• ground excavations in various locations;

• trucks and other vehicles entering and exiting the work site;

• construction machinery and equipment operating onsite;

• delivery of materials and equipment; and

• nearby residents can expect some noise during daylight hours.

Machinery used will include heavy and light vehicles, ranging from trucks, loaders, excavators, and rollers.

Traffic management will be in place to ensure safe access for all road users and pedestrians, where required.

Water carts will be onsite to wet down areas to assist in managing dust and vehicles required onsite will be reduced.

For any concerns or enquiries phone 1800 929 244, email victoriaprojects@artc. com.au or visit the ARTC shopfront at 48a Norton Street on Thursdays 10am–2pm.

More than 36,000 people have used the Albury line service since the Victorian Government’s fare cap was introduced at the end of March, with a six-carriage VLocity train able to seat 296 people, while off-peak, three-carriage services can seat 148 passengers.

“The regional fare cap is proving to be extremely popular with Albury line passengers who are benefiting from significant savings,” the V/Line spokesperson said.

“We are supporting the busiest Albury line services with standby coaches and we continue to closely monitor patronage levels on the line.

“Given the popularity of Albury line services, we are exploring all options to support increased passenger numbers, including reviewing our bookings and reservations policies.”

The V/Line spokesperson noted while the service was exploring additional online ticketing options for advance bookings, it continued to balance the travel needs of passengers who choose to turn up and travel on the day.

The Department of Transport and Planning is said to be working with V/Line to monitor and review fleet requirements across the network.

THE END: The heritage listed footbridge at Wangaratta Railway Station, connecting Norton and Cusack streets, will close permanently on June 29.

PHOTO: Steve Kelly

Reach out if you or a loved one are experiencing elder abuse

NATIONAL Seniors Australia shined a light on financial elder abuse as part of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day yesterday.

Chief advocate Ian Henschke said people can be at increased risk of abuse as they get older.

Sadly, he said those closest to them (including family, carers or friends) are the most likely perpetrators of abuse.

“Elder abuse can take many forms, but financial abuse is the most common,” Mr Henschke said.

“Some 85 per cent of elder financial abuse is committed by family, with children accounting for nearly 50pc.

“As opposed to scams by strangers, financial abuse can involve a person in a position of trust coercing or forcing an older person to sign over assets or to change a will or power of attorney, stealing money or taking credit cards.

“Older people fall victim to such abuses because they might never expect a loved one to take advantage of them, can’t stop it, or are too embarrassed to go to the police.”

In 2019 National Seniors made a submission to the Federal Attorney General recommending consistent and strengthened Enduring Power of Attorney laws to help protect against abuse.

Mr Henschke said this hasn’t happened and the issue was raised recently by Age Discrimination Commissioner Dr Kay Patterson who expressed frustration that action hadn’t been taken sooner.

He said National Seniors would also like to see implementation of the National Plan to Respond to

the Abuse of Older Australians.

“Financial loss in later life is particularly devastating,” Mr Henschke said.

“Unfortunately, people don’t always seek help and identifying abuse can be hard.

“It can go unreported as it happens behind closed doors, by peo-

Writers’ festival under way

THE 20th edition of the Emerging Writers’ Festival is under way in Melbourne and online, offering locals a chance to take part.

The 11-day festival continues through until June 24, with live and digital events featuring more than 150 writers and artists.

It offers a mix of professional development events as well as performances, readings, talks, screenings and more, to connect new and estab-

lished voices working in writing and storytelling in all its forms.

The festival’s centrepiece event, the National Writers Conference, will be held on Sunday, and offers a full program of talks and practical workshops where writers can learn more about editing, researching and connecting to the market.

For more information, and for tickets, visit emergingwritersfestival. org.au

ple in positions of trust.”

Debi Fisher, managing lawyer generalist services Hume Riverina Community Legal Service (HRCLS), said elder abuse is an issue that can be found anywhere.

“We know that elder abuse is under-reported in our communities and many people are unaware

Possible signs of financial elder abuse include:

• large bank withdrawals or transfers between accounts;

• missing belongings or property;

• new changes to a will or power of attorney;

•an older person signing strange documents they didn’t understand; and

• bank statements that go to the perpetrator.

Where to go to for support:

If you are experiencing elder abuse, witness or suspect it call the Elder abuse phone line (1800 ELDERHELP) on 1800 353 374 – a free and confidential service.

• For Crisis Support call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

• If you’re struggling with debt call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.

• If you feel your life is in danger or someone you know, call 000.

of the signs, including financial abuse and exploitation,” Ms Fisher said. “We also know that all forms of domestic and family violence increase after a disaster and we want people to know that they are not alone and that there are services there to help them.

“We have both family violence

and generalist lawyers regularly visiting Tallangatta, Corryong, Mt Beauty, and Myrtleford, as well as Wodonga and Wangaratta, so if anyone needs free legal advice about elder abuse or any other sort of everyday legal problem, they should give us a call (02 6055 8090) for a free appointment.”

Hugh to feature on ‘Australian Story’

By SIMONE KERWIN

HUGH van Cuylenburg, who has visited Wangaratta a number of times as part of his work with The Resilience Project, will be the focus of Monday’s ‘Australian Story’ episode on ABC TV.

The founder of The Resilience Project, which has conducted sessions in several local schools and for the community, Hugh is also the co-host of the highly successful Imperfects podcast.

For years, he has helped students and sports people learn simple strategies to prepare them for life’s ups and downs; currently, he’s keeping spirits high for Queensland’s State of Origin team. His simple message of positivity and self-deprecating humour have won him a legion of fans.

‘Australian Story’, presented by Leigh Sales, screens at 8pm on Monday, and ABC iview

VULNERABLE: As opposed to scams by strangers, financial abuse can involve a person in a position of trust coercing or forcing an older person to sign over assets or to change a will or power of attorney, stealing money or taking credit cards.

PHOTO: JD Mason on Unsplash

SIMPLE, POWERFUL MESSAGE: Hugh van Cuylenburg speaks to students at St Bernard’s Primary School during one of his visits to Wangaratta.

Festival will celebrate culture and wellbeing

AS a celebration of culture, music, community and to shine a light on mental health and wellbeing among the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Services (AWAHS) will host its inaugural Shields of Emotion Festival in Wangaratta tomorrow.

Rescheduled from Apex Park due to flooding, the event will be held in St Patrick’s Hall in Ford Street from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

It’s stacked up to be a fun, family day out for all, with an exciting line-up of Indigenous artists and local entertainment, including much loved local DJ Steve Bowen, hip-hop artists Dizzy Doolan and Philly Murray, emerging artist Beacho2700, and traditional dance group Dinawan’s Connection.

With delicious food vendors on offer, health focused stall providers and traditional workshops to be enjoyed – weaving, spear throwing and didgeridoo playing, it’s certain to be a day of cultural immersion, education and celebration.

AWAHS health promotion worker, Johnny Murray is excited for the festival as it’s not something AWAHS has

held previously in Wangaratta, and it’s a good opportunity for the community to come together for a positive cause.

“Our aim is to celebrate culture whilst shining a light on mental health and wellbeing,” he said.

“Culture plays a significant role in our mob being

well and the more we can celebrate and provide opportunities to immerse ourselves in it, the better we feel and that’s what Shields of Emotion’s all about.”

AWAHS is expecting more than 500 people to enjoy the day from Wangaratta and the broader North East catchment.

The Shields of Emotion Festival is an inclusive community event that aims to shine a light on mental health and wellbeing, as well as raise awareness to a range of services available to those seeking support.

The festival is free admission for all guests. Aboriginal community

Local groups gain Aussie Post grants

LOCAL clubs and organisations are among those set to benefit from the latest round of Australia Post’s annual People of Post Grants.

Almost $400,000 in total has been awarded to meaningful initiatives in support of local communities, including volunteer–run organisations, sporting groups and mental health programs.

Some 132 grants of up to $1000 have been delivered across Victoria, with City Colts Cricket Club and Cycling Without Age Wangaratta among local recipients.

City Colts will use its grant to purchase a new tablet which will allow live scoring and up–to–date communications for the club, increasing accessibility for a wider member pool.

and the broader community are encouraged to attend.

AWAHS will be providing limited transport from its Glenroy site on a prearranged basis.

To make arrangements, contact health promotion worker, Britt at hp@awahs. com.au.

Cycling Without Age Wangaratta will use its grant to take groups of local elderly people on a bike ride with a volunteer pilot – the program allows participants to engage with the community and connect with people outside their aged care facilities.

Australia Post general manager community and stakeholder engagement, Nicky Tracey, said the annual program would once again help hundreds of grassroots and not–for–profit groups thrive.

PROMOTING WELLBEING: Lilah Copperwaite, local Elder Uncle Clarky (Clark Collins), Jason Marsh and Tim Church are looking forward to the Shields of Emotions Festival in Wangaratta on Saturday.

Triumphant return in the valley

BY JEFF ZEUSCHNER jzeuschner@ nemedia.com.au

It was soggy underfoot from heavy rainfall earlier in the week, with an occasional misty shower passing through, but there was an undeniably distinct warm ambience embracing thousands of visitors to wineries across the King Valley for the revived Weekend Fit for a King festival over the long weekend.

The intimate surrounds of each winery with their homemade Italian dishes, coupled with some of the best Italian varietal wines in Australia, served up by owner families and staff, offered the very best of the valley’s tantalising tourism assets.

For former Wangaratta local Kerryn Fletcher and friend Ben Roache, and their busload of district and Melbourne patrons, La Cantina King Valley was the perfect spot to enjoy a “superb” lunch on Saturday and savour some Italian reds, notably Nebiolo and Sangiovese.

“We’ve been coming up here for about 25 years and just love the authenticity of the event...it’s just very relaxing,” said Kerryn.

“I just love how you can chat about the wines with those who make it, and get a deeper appreciation and understanding,” enthused Ben, his glass tinkling as sommelier Lou Frost offered up another “fruits of their labour, with no preservatives”.

Further up the road at Dal Zotto Wines there was evidence of the “family friendly” festival with Albury teenagers Jessica Jones and Caleb and Stella Hopwood giving the bocce court a good work over.

Their parents were inside the cellar door, among a hundred people sampling the vast range of wines.

First time festival goers Erin Dalrymple, Nicole Palombi, Brooke Allender and Wangaratta’s Ashleigh O’Donohue were making light work of a colourful antipasto platter, accompanied by a bottle of prosecco

- the bubbly Italian varietal wine the Dal Zotto family introduced to Australia in 1999 and have helped develop a national brand for valley wineries.

“We usually go to Rutherglen’s Winery Walkabout but we were looking for a change this year and this is fantastic,” said Erin.

“It’s so more relaxed, a premium experience with refined food, and wineries care so much about telling you about their wines...we love the reds.

“And yes, so family friendly,” Erin added, pointing to a table of their

parents, who like hundreds others, were making Whitfield Caravan Park home for the weekend.

Past Whitfield at Pizzini Wines, Yarrawonga’s Ben Doyle and four year old daughter Ellie were happily playing with the life-sized chess pieces after enjoying a burger and a wine on the lawn with friends from Melbourne and the North East.

Metres away inside the rustic shed half of the 160 guests for the long lunch were bopping on the makeshift dance floor to Paris Zach-

ariou’s rendition of Wham’s ‘Wake me up before you go-go’.

Melbourne guests James and Tanya Elliott, considered “locals” on account of their frequent visits to their holiday home at the Rose River over the past 18 years, said the day was a “celebration of life...stop and enjoy it”.

Maitre d’ Nat Pizzini said the winery was pleased with Saturday’s numbers, with more on Sunday, and that it was great to have the festival back, after a break since 2019.

The sentiments were echoed by

Wines of the King Valley president Dean Cleave-Smith.

“Given the challenges around staffing, we’ve made this a relatively low key return, but visitation numbers and their enjoyable experiences at the eight participating venues (Brown Brothers, Darling Estate, Politini, John Gehrig Wines, and Hurdle Creek Still) has made the weekend a success,” he said.

“More venues are looking to participate in our next big weekend festival of La Dolce Vita in November.”

For many people, the after Funeral gathering can be almost as important as the Funeral ceremony itself.

Mason Park’s Memories Room, directly opposite the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery is the ideal location to gather and support one another following a loss. It is a fully licensed facility and we have many food and drink options to suit everyone.

FAMILY FUN: Ben Doyle and daugher Ellie enjoyed a game of chess at Pizzini Wines.

LOVING IT: An antipasto platter and bottle of prosecco had (from left) Erin Dalrymple, Nicole Palombi, Ashleigh O’Donohue and Brooke Allender loving Dal Zotto Wines.

HAVING A BALL: Caleb Hopwood, Jessica Jones and Stella Hopwood enjoyed a game of bocce at Dal Zotto Wines.

CELEBRATION: Nat Pizinni (left) with guests James and Tanya Elliott enjoyed the long lunch at Pizzini Wines.

CHEERS: Kerryn Fletcher and Ben Roache sample wines at La Cantina King Valley, with the help of sommelier Lou Frost. PHOTOS: Jeff Zeuschner

SEEDERS

Vale Toby the camel

By BELINDA HARRISON

SINCE 2011, for locals and visitors alike, a drive down Oxley Flats Road was never complete without checking which paddock Toby the camel was standing in.

But at the age of 28, Toby has sadly passed on.

Owner Steve Mickan has counted Toby part of the ‘pack’ which included a Scottish Highland cow named Ferguson and a Friesian named Declan.

Toby will be sorely missed by students from the Wangaratta District Specialist School and other disability groups, as well as the Wangaratta Wesleyan Methodist Church where he was a regular to their Christmas breakup. If you have memories and/or photos of Toby you would like to share, please send them to edit.chronicle@ nemedia.com.au or tag us on Facebook @WangarattaChronicle.

WHAT’S UP WITH THE WEATHER?

By Peter Nelson, Peter Retired CSIRO climatologist

RECORD 24 hour rainfall totals for June were recorded in many parts of the North East and Goulburn Valley last week, leading to moderate flooding in some riverine areas.

Whitfield recorded 112mms in the 24hrs up until 9am Thursday, surpassing the previous wettest June day of 85mms in 1917, whilst Whitlands with 147mms and Mt Buller with 97.6mms were new record daily falls for June.

Lake Eildon with 66mms surpassed the previous record wettest June day of 53.8mms in 1908.

Benalla recorded 47mms which was its wettest June day since 51.6mms on June 15, 1898.

Wangaratta with 35mms had its wettest June day since 42mms in 2001.

At Tatura 67.8mms was recorded, surpassing the previous wettest June day of 48.8mms in 1951.

Kyabram with 53mms and Shepparton with 53.8mms were also record daily falls for June.

Strathbogie received 93mms to Thursday morning surpassing the previous record daily fall for June of 83.6mms in 1988 in 121 years of records.

The 122mms at Strathbogie North also broke the previous wettest June day of 116mms recorded on June 7, 1917.

Violet Town’s 101mms was easily a record for June surpassing the previous wettest June day of 69.9mms in 1898.

Not only was this a record daily fall for June at Violent Town but also higher than the record daily falls for every other month from April right through to October.

It appears that Violet Town was hit by an unseasonable summer type deluge.

Ostinato to perform

WANGARATTA community choir

Ostinato will perform Songs of Love at the historic Oxley Hall on the weekend of June 24 and 25.

Accompanied by Sandra Williams and singing under the guidance of music director Ruth HillNoble, the singers will present traditional and modern music, inspired by the theme of love.

See them on Saturday, June 24 at 5pm or on Sunday, June 25 at 2pm with tickets $15 for adults from www.trybooking.com/CHQUE (entry for under 16’s by gold coin at the door).

Show cancelled

A PERFORMANCE by Melbourne-based band Siesta Cartel scheduled to take place at the Da Vinci Club in Wangaratta on July 1 has unfortunately had to be cancelled. Eventbrite ticket holders will receive a refund, with a new date to be announced.

What’s the Voice referendum about?

It’s about whether we should change the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by setting up an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. A referendum is the only way to change the Australian Constitution.

What is the Voice?

The Voice would be a permanent body that gives independent advice to the Australian Parliament and Government on matters that affect First Nations people.

The Voice aims to help the Parliament and Government to make better decisions and deliver better outcomes for First Nations people.

How will the Voice be set up?

How it’s set up would be determined after the referendum with input from First Nations people, the broader public and the Government. The Parliament would then make a law to set up the Voice.

The intention is that its members will be chosen by and representative of, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from across Australia.

Be ready for the conversation, get informed at

Record 24-hour rainfall in June for many areas

FRIENDLY: Belinda Harrison had a wonderfully close encounter with Toby in 2020 and will miss seeing the gentle giant in the paddock.

The Rakali - The Australian Water-rat

By IAN DAVIDSON and CHRIS TZAROS

APART from the Platypus, the Australian Water-rat, or Rakali, is the only amphibious Australian mammal.

Early European settlers drew on the similarities of this animal to the Water Vole of Europe, hence it ended up with the somewhat undignified name, ‘Water-rat’.

The indigenous name, Rakali, is, however, now in widespread use and is a much more pleasant name for this unique and interesting Australian native rodent.

Rakali are well-adapted to their aquatic lifestyle, having waterproof fur to insulate their bodies and partially webbed hind feet to help propel them through the water.

Their soft, durable pelts were highly sought-after during the lean depression years, and the Rakali was widely trapped and hunted for their fur.

In many areas, the population of the Rakali suffered a serious decline as a result but the species is now fully protected and even subject to specific conservation measures to bring about improved

waterway and wetland management, which not only benefits this species but many others, including the iconic Platypus.

Breeding can occur throughout the year, but most litters are born in spring and summer.

Under ideal conditions where food is abundant, females can become sexually mature at around six months, however most breed from around nine months and onwards.

It is common for multiple litters to be raised annually.

Females have four teats and suckle their young for about four weeks.

Young remain with their mothers for another four weeks before reaching independence, allowing the female to then breed again.

Such high fecundity obviously allows Rakali populations to build-up rapidly. Hence, after periods of high rainfall and widespread flooding, Rakali can expand into wetland areas via networks of rivers, creeks

and drains, to take advantage of any favourable habitat conditions.

Occasionally, this may occur on floodplains far from permanent water, which they retreat back to once conditions dry out.

Slightly clumsy on land, Rakali are most at home in the water where they are adept at swimming in search of their food.

Most active early in the morning and in the evening, they are opportunistic predators that consume a wide range of food, from large aquatic insects, fish, shrimp, yabbies, frogs, lizards, bird eggs and chicks, and virtually anything else they can catch.

They are typically seen paddling along close to the banks of waterbodies, diving to find food around submerged roots and logs, bringing prey to the surface and usually carrying food to a regularly used feeding site, such as a log or stump protruding from the water.

Rakali can be seen along any of our local river or creek systems, wetlands and even some farm dams, preferring lowland areas with calm or slow-moving waters.

We've done all the hard work for you with our designer

I’M NO RAT! Adult Rakali are typically around the size of a small ferret. Their white-tipped tail is a prominent feature which is easily seen while they are swimming around on the water’s surface.

PHOTO: Chris Tzaros (Birds Bush and Beyond)

Local people, local places

...immerse yourself in the region

Plan ahead for winter hiking

VICTORIA State Emergency Service (VICSES) and Parks Victoria are urging visitors to state parks this winter to plan in advance for adverse conditions, and to remain vigilant when bushwalking or hiking.

Hikers can be caught out by early nightfall, with daylight hours cut even shorter by the high ridges at many locations, which increases the risk of serious injury from slips and falls.

Wet conditions and early dusk increase the risk of serious injury from slips, falls, and hypothermia.

The alpine region are well known to local VICSES and Parks Victoria crews as the setting for labour–intensive, time–consuming rescues, their natural beauty and driving distance from Melbourne have made them hotspots.

Search and rescue operations require, on average, eight VICSES volunteers in three vehicles, working for around four hours, amounting to 32 hours of volunteer time for each rescue.

This does not include the work undertaken by Parks Victoria, Ambulance Victoria, and Victoria Police Search and Rescue personnel.

VICSES Hume region duty officer, Troy Milner, said over the last year, VICSES volunteers local to Wangaratta, and the Indigo and Alpine shires, have responded

to 83 Requests For Assistance (RFAs) from Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria.

“This figure includes

RFAs relating to relatively simple tasks like lifting a patient on to a mule, to large, multi–day, complex technical rescues,” Mr Milner said.

“Our volunteers have deployed from VICSES Beechworth, Bright, Falls Creek, Mansfield, Myrtleford, and Yackandandah units, in-

Before you head off on a hike, take a moment to plan ahead

• Know your limitations – consider the degree of difficulty of any walks or hikes you are taking and ensure you don’t overdo it.

Pack a map and a compass, or know your route via GPS, and know any common location names.

• Become familiar with emergency markers located along bushwalking tracks - they are designed to pinpoint your exact location during an emergency in public open spaces or a hard to define places. They display three letters and three numbers which gives an exact location of where the markers are.

• Ensure you keep away from hazardous trees in the wind.

• Take plenty of water and some food.

• Wear appropriate footwear and clothes for the conditions.

• Have communications equipment that will work where you are going – like a satellite phone if you’re going for extended periods across low coverage areas. Consider if you’ll need radio backup, a Personal Locator Beacon, a copy of any important phone numbers, a phone charger, battery pack or other communications supplies.

• If visiting national parks or walking tracks, check with Parks Victoria via parkweb.vic.gov.au ahead of time for closures.

• When planning your walk, use trusted sources of information like the Parks Victoria websiteVisitor Guides on park specific pages have maps and information about walking difficulty and estimated duration, based on the Australian Walking Track Grading System. There are also important and timely updates on park or track closures.

cluding RFAs at Bright (12), Mount Buller (8), Beechworth (6), Bundara (5), and Hotham Heights (5).”

If you were out hiking,

camping or bike–riding and you had to call triple zero in an emergency, would you know how to tell the operator exactly where you are?

Purcell on board for native bird hunting inquiry

By RYAN MALCOLM

NORTHERN Victoria MP

Georgie Purcell will play an important role in considering more than 9000 public submissions around native bird hunting, as public hearings continue today.

The Select Committee on Victoria’s Recreational Native Bird Hunting Arrangements last month set a record for public input, after receiving more than 200 submissions per day over a six week period

to trounce the previous record of 2439, set in 2017 as part of the inquiry into Ride sourcing services.

Ms Purcell will sit alongside eight other Legislative Council MPs as hearings continue on Friday, with Field and Game Australia, RSPCA, Sporting Shooters Association of Australia, Coalition Against Duck Shooting, Australian Cypriot Sport Shooting Association and Wildlife Victoria representatives to give evidence.

The inquiry aims to

review the operation of the state’s annual native bird hunting seasons, as well as the sustainability of the practice, its impact on amenity and the resulting social and economic consequences.

“It’s crucial our committee hears directly from stakeholders with firsthand knowledge of native bird hunting seasons in Victoria,” committee chair and Southern Metropolitan MP Ryan Batchelor said.

“The information they provide will help to inform

our important review of the practice in this state.”

An additional hearing is set for June 21 with the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, with hearings set to continue throughout the remainder of the month and into July before findings and recommendations are presented to parliament by August 31.

To view the hearings online, visit https://new. parliament.vic.gov.au/getinvolved/inquiries/nativebirdhunting/hearings.

KEY ROLE: Northern Victoria MP Georgie Purcell will serve on a committee assessing the state’s largest-ever number of public submissions, as part of an inquiry into native bird hunting.

BE PREPARED: Before you head off on a hike in

Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award

THE eighth Wangaratta

Contemporary Textile Award and exhibition is open in Gallery One at the Wangaratta Art Gallery.

The Wangaratta

Contemporary Textile Award is a biennial event, presented in partnership with the Kyamba Foundation, which celebrates the diversity and strength of Australian textile art.

The 2023 exhibition includes 29 works in what is a representation of excellence from practitioners across the nation, and it will be on display until August 20.

Exhibition of small local artworks

AN exhibition called Thirty X Thirty which features a collection of small works created by regional artists has opened at the Art Gallery on Ovens.

The not-for-profit gallery is excited to be holding the inaugural exhibition which attracted 90 entries from over 40 artists across the local region.

All works are for sale and they will be on display at the gallery located in the laneway off Murphy Street until June 26, with entry free.

DAZZLING DISPLAY: An exhibition of decorative art pieces including wall hangings, jewellery and icons demonstrating a variety of textile art techniques is showing in the Bainz Gallery at the Wangaratta Library. Bling It On features the work of members of the Peechelba Machine Embroidery Group and Embroiders Guild Victoria North Eastern branch, who have been experimenting with foils, lumiere paint, shiny paper, metallic threads, sequins and beads. Including a contribution by Janice Jones (pictured) the exhibition is on display for the month of June.

Moyhu country market tomorrow

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

There will be fresh local produce and preserves plus a range of other stalls, along with a hot breakfast available courtesy of the Moyhu Lions, plus freshly brewed coffee.

Beautiful music at the cathedral

COME and enjoy an hour of relaxing music to refresh your spirits before the week gets under way at the Holy Trinity Cathedral on Sunday afternoon.

The Holy Trinity Cathedral Singers will be performing music by Thomas Morley and a super-spooky piece by the contemporary composer, Carson Cooman. It starts at 3pm on Sunday and it’s free, with refreshments afterwards and all welcome.

Wangaratta community market

THE Wangaratta community market will run every Sunday at Moore Than Swimming, located at 11-13 Mason Street in Wangaratta, from 8am until 1pm.

There will be a wide range of stalls to browse and refreshments available.

Stalls are available for $25 each (must have own market stall insurance) with more information via the market’s Facebook page.

Darker Days festival in Bright

THE Darker Days festival, a celebration of all things dark and decadent in the depths of the Alpine winter, is being held in Bright this weekend. Hosted by Bright Brewery and featuring a special focus on dark beer and world-class live music, this year’s event will be headlined by The Pierce Brothers, Australia’s hottest indie-folk duo. Running today and tomorrow, find out more by visiting www.darkerdays. com.au.

The Drowsy Chaperone in Benalla

BENALLA Theatre Company’s production of the Tony Awardwinning musical The Drowsy Chaperone opens at the Benalla Performing Arts and Convention Centre this weekend.

The very funny show tells the story of a middle-aged man who, feeling “blue”, decides to play for the audience a record of his favourite musical, the fictional 1928 show The Drowsy Chaperone, which comes to life on stage.

Full of catchy music and lots of singing and dancing, it opens tonight at 7.30pm and runs until June 24, with tickets available at https://bpacc.com. au/theatre/.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Celebrations Fit for a King at Brown Brothers Winery

By CHLOE JAENICKE

BROWN Brothers

Winery had a line up of activities for visitors to enjoy as a part of the King Valley’s Weekend Fit for a King Festival last weekend.

With the cellar door open and lawn games for the kids, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

There was also live music and a maker’s market for locals to connect and share their creations.

WINE AND DINE: Steph Cash, Sam Neave, Nicola Claney and Tom Cash enjoying the Weekend Fit for a King festival outside.

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

CELEBRATORY DRINKS: Jasmine McClelland and Kate Wise celebrating the long weekend with wine and a meal at Brown Brothers Winery.

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FAMILY FUN: Alex and Jorja Jap enjoying the lawn games outside.

CLASSIC TASTINGS: Bev Watson, Jane and David Ente, and David and Alison Blackluy enjoying one of the tastings the winery had on offer.

TASTE TEST: Amanda and Gary Wilton trying some of Brown Brothers famous wines with Mark and Karinne Willaimson.

FUN WEEKEND: Adam and Randi Gordon enjoying the long weekend out in the sun.

WANGARATTA RSL hosted its monthly veterans and family morning tea on Tuesday, with a strong turn-out following the King’s Birthday long weekend.

The gathering is held on the second Tuesday of each month, with the next catchup scheduled for July 11 from 10am to 11.30am, and all ex-service personnel are welcome to attend.

Frank and Jeanie Holt and Bev Foster.

• Ron Foster, Keith Fleet and Graeme Arnold.

• Ken Daly, David Williams and David Grainger.

• Kevin Wilson, Ian Pitt and Alex Pitt.

• John McInnes, Helen McInnes, Ruth and Bud Martin.• Ray Steadman and Ian Land.

• Vicki Bear, Philip Bright and Bruce Coombs.

• Barry Cook and Doug Williams.

• Terry Kingston, Clara Farley and Bluey Bettles.

• Karen Kerby, Heather and Paul Hartland.

PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling

Men rescued from atop vehicle in floodwaters

By DARREN CHAITMAN

TWO rescue operations to save trapped individuals surrounded by floodwater were undertaken at Euroa last week. Both emergencies resulted from the moderate flooding of Sevens Creek, which led to inundation of flood-prone locations throughout the Strathbogie Shire.

Leading Senior Constable Lucas Paul of Euroa police confirmed a man in his 60s and his dog had been marooned on a paddock in Sevens Creek Park on Friday as floodwater surrounded them.

Two members of Shepparton Search and Rescue rescued the pair using an inflatable boat, while a Victoria Police helicopter monitored the scene overhead (on standby) and Euroa SES members

were in attendance.

The following night’s rescue in Miepoll, also undertaken by Shepparton Search and Rescue using their inflatable boat, was a higher risk situation as two men sat trapped atop their car which was mostly submerged in deep, flowing floodwater.

Euroa SES unit commander Georgie Broussard said the vehicle had “essentially been washed

completely off the road” about 30 metres down the creek and not much of the car was visible.

“They thought (the floodwater) was a large puddle and they drove into it and then got washed away,” she said.

Ms Broussard said the water was “very fast-flowing” and approximately 1.6 metres deep.

“They’re lucky they’re alive,” she said.

Farmland in demand across state pushes prices higher

BY LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE landersonbyrne@ nemedia.com.au

FARMLAND values are continuing to rise, and remain in demand across the Alpine Shire, reflecting state and national trends.

The recently released 2023 Rural Bank Australian Farmland Values Report shows a 20 per cent rise in growth for 2022, keeping pace with growth in 2021 and being the first time in the last 28 years that growth of more than 15 per cent was recorded across all states and territories.

Victoria’s farmland values continued to break records again in 2022 following a year of strong growth in 2021.

The report said Victoria has seen a transition growth of 26.3 per cent in a median price growth over 12 months with a 44.6 per cent transaction or volume decrease which means property owners are holding onto their land and making land availability low with plenty of buyers trying to enter the market causing prices to spike.

Kathryn Davies, of Rural Bank (Victoria), said the slowdown in transaction numbers reflected buyer caution and deeper business

consideration off the back of rising interest rates and input costs.

Paul and Scollard Real Estate Myrtleford and District sales representative Bernard Ivone said the local market was on trend, with some changes in the last few months.

“Enquiries have slowed down for all types of properties, not just rural,” he said.

“There doesn’t seem to be the urgency there was in the market and it’s probably due to a number of factors like interest rates numbers and there were more buyers before the drop off; both local farmers looking

to expand and out of the area.

“I think it will level off for a while, that seems to be the trend over the 20 odd years I’ve been doing this.

“That’s not a bad thing as far as the market‘s concerned as it‘s not sustainable to be full–on for long periods.

“This data is pretty similar to other years although in the last few years we’ve seen a lot more people who haven‘t been in farming or primary production before looking to get into it.

“In the past we’ve had a lot of farmers looking to expand their

TRAPPED: A man in his 70s and his son in his 40s sat trapped atop their car in Miepoll as fast-flowing floodwater surrounded them. PHOTO: Victoria Police

Businesses concerned by impact of wage rise

By BRODIE EVERIST

ALPINE Shire businesses have suggested the recent 5.75 per cent increase to the minimum award wage, as announced by the Fair Work Commission last month, may impact consumers.

Vice president of the Bright Chamber of Commerce Marcus Warner said most businesses had factored in around a 3.5 per cent wage increase.

“Whilst we did expect a wage increase, we probably didn’t see it as being of that magnitude,” he said.

“A lot of businesses that are really doing it tough, struggling for good labour at the moment anyway, are probably paying above award.

properties but that paused when cattle prices were at a premium so now that they’ve come back to normal it’s taken a bit of heat off the market.”

The 2023 Rural Bank Australian Farmland Values Report revealed farmland transactions in 2022 equated to a total of 8.8 million hectares of land traded at a combined value of $11.7 billion.

“To put this market activity into perspective, the total number of hectares of Australian farmland sold in 2022 equates to an area similar in size to that of a European country, such as Hungary,” Mr Smith said.

“The outside influence of further increases will only make that more challenging for businesses and I think ultimately, they’re going to start passing that on to the consumer.”

Sally Broderick, owner of a Bright hotel, said they pay award rates, and the increase may cut the services they provide or increase costs to customers.

“It might restrict how many rooms we open and how long we keep staff on or how late we operate,” she said.

“I understand that the cost of living is going up.

“But ultimately that’s going to be passed on to the consumer.”

*Sale ends July 31 2023

IN DEMAND: Farmland values continue to rise across Victoria due to demand.

Eldorado’s loss, Chiltern’s gain

THE North East’s popular Off-Grid Living Festival is set to remain local going forward, shifting from its traditional home at Eldorado’s Centennial Park to new grounds at Chiltern Equine Park from next year. Having regularly attracted thousands of guests from across the state and further afield, organisers Kate and Ralph Nottingham sought proposals earlier this year in order to expand the annual festival, which they said had outgrown its Eldorado facilities.

Despite fielding suggestions for locations in Gippsland, Seymour and Bendigo, a collective voice from within the North East sought to keep the event local, with Chiltern’s old racecourse ultimately settled upon.

Ms Nottingham said the festival hoped to revitalise a venue which has not hosted a horse race in more than 40 years.

“We’re thrilled to be able to stay local and to have an opportunity to revitalise an underused community resource and be part of the future growth of the part into a new direction,” she said.

BY RYAN MALCOLM rmalcolm@ nemedia.com.au

“It has so much potential and is perfect for a festival like ours.

“In recent years we’ve seen that participants are turning their festival into longer holidays and stay to explore the region for up to two weeks.

“This is something the whole of the North East should see the flow-on effects from over the Easter holidays when the festival is held.”

Chiltern Equine Park committee of management president Neil Ward said the park’s proximity to the Hume Freeway would ensure easy access to the festival, and said he hoped the move would see the facilities at the park improved over time through collaboration with Indigo Shire and event organisers.

Indigo Shire Council Mayor Sophie Price said the shire was “thrilled” to host the event, and noted it closely aligned with council’s climate focus.

Up to Worth of FREE Accessories

“Not only is hosting the festival great for our local economy, with more than 10,00 people expected to attend, it aligns so well with our commitment to climate action and sustainability,” she said.

“Let’s all get behind this fantastic event and ensure that 2024 will be the first of many years that this event is staged in our backyard.”

Ms Nottingham said

organisers had been delighted with the Chiltern community’s involvement throughout the festival’s search for a new home, having previously enjoyed widespread support within the Eldorado township.

“We wanted to pick another location where the enthusiasm for the festival was high and where the people understood the importance of the topics

presented,” she said.

“We were delighted to find this in abundance within Chiltern, with excited emails, phone calls and offers to help coming in from all over.”

According to Chiltern Tourism and Development Inc. president Matt Williams, the change of venue supported the long-term growth of the event.

“The new location at the Chiltern Equine Park allows

for both the festival to grow and Chiltern to continue to prove itself as a pivotal part of Indigo Shire,” he said.

“The economic importance of an event of this magnitude cannot be underestimated and Chiltern stands ready to help ensure the success of the Off-Grid Living Festival in its new home.”

For more information on the April 6-7 event, visit www. offgridevent.com.au.

HERE TO STAY: Eldorado’s Off-Grid Living Festival will move to larger facilities at Chiltern Equine Park from next year, following a major local effort to keep the event in the North East.

PHOTO: Paul Smith

Resorts now eligible for infrastructure cash

THE Alpine Resorts Victoria Board has been listed as an eligible organisation to apply for grants of between $500,000 to $15 million under the Federal Government’s $600 million Growing Regions Program.

Indi Independent federal MP Helen Haines said it had been a long campaign to get resorts access to the program, which could support worthy infrastructure projects including the Mount Hotham Business, Visitor and Community Centre and the Falls Creek Recreation and Events Centre.

Dr Haines said Victoria’s six alpine resorts - five of which are in the Indi electorate - contributed $2.5 billion in economic output, employed more than 10,100 people and attracted over 1.3 million visitors in 2019, with visitation generating nine per cent of all regional visitor economy jobs and visitor spend in Victoria.

Fresh dumps of snow

MOTHER Nature has come to the party, delivering fresh snow at both Falls Creek and Hotham alpine resorts, raising hopes lift and alpine ski runs could open soon.

Falls Creek had 26cm of snow and Hotham 27cm on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning as temperatures dipped to -2°C, with some lighter falls on Thursday.

While lifts weren’t running, cross country skiers at both resorts were out on trails.

Betony Pitcher, marketing manager at Falls Creek, said the village was looking “magical” blanketed in snow, “which is a great sign of things to come”.

Emily Smith, marketing man-

Opening weekend was still busy at resorts

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

DESPITE the lack of snow keeping ski lifts closed, the 2023 snow season opening weekend at Hotham and Falls Creek Village resorts saw the usual crowds enjoying what was on offer.

General manager of operations at Hotham, Len Dobell, said last weekend was exciting with many things to do.

“There wasn’t quite enough snow for skiing but we had some fresh snow on the Friday night and the snow guns were running so there was lots of snow play,” he said.

“People were around all weekend tobogganing and building snowmen; it was very pleasing to see so many people having fun.

“I think it was the usual number of people we’d see on opening weekend, even without the lifts, there were probably more day trip visitation from alpine towns but the rest of the resort looked very busy as well.

“We’ve got some natural snow falling this week and snow guns running

right through for the rest of the week so we’re hoping to ramp up a lift or two by the weekend.”

General manager of Falls Creek’s Frueauf Village, Brett Williams, said everyone had a great time at the resort.

“Considering we had no ski lifts open everyone seemed to have a really good time and there was enough snow for kids to play on,” he said.

“The bars and restaurants seemed to be full as well, I think visitation was a little lower than the last couple of years but it was reasonably good and is looking healthy for the season.

“We’re confident the Bogong High Plains Road will remain open, it closed briefly overnight last week due to rainfall but it held up well.

“The only delay is maybe a 15 minute wait if they’re working on it but other than that it won’t be a problem.

“I think this season will be an average one, which is good, there’ll be snow on the ground and sun in the sky which is what people want.”

ager at Hotham, said the fresh falls puts the resort “in a promising position to safely open our lifts soon for our guests”.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s weather forecast for both resorts over the next six days offers promising signs for more fresh falls and good conditions to make snow.

Snow showers of upto 2mm today, 2mm tomorrow, 1520mm Sunday, 10-15mm Monday, 1mm Tuesday and 5mm Wednesday are possible; with minimum temperatures of zero to minus five degrees expected to aid snowmaking.

For the latest on the resorts go to www.fallscreek.com.au and www.mthotham.com.au

Police step up patrolling roads to alpine resorts

By BRODIE EVERIST

POLICE have warned they will be doing more breath testing and drug testing this season, with the opening weekend already seeing one man allegedly testing positive for drink driving and being under the influence of drugs.

Senior Sergeant Doug Incoll of Bright police said the public should expect to see a lot more breath testing and drug testing at the resorts this season.

He said while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol was always risky, the conditions at the snow resorts make it particularly dangerous due to slippery roads and limited visibility.

The warning comes after police intercepted a motorist who allegedly tested positive for drugs and drink driving last Sunday between Mount Hotham and Dinner Plain.

According to Sen Sgt Incoll, the Craigeburn man

was going to see the fireworks at Dinner Plain when intercepted by police at around 5:30pm.

Sen Sgt Incoll also reminded motorists heading to the snow resorts to carry snow chains and fit them when required, or face heavy fines and the risk of a dangerous incident.

“People lose traction and slide over the edge,” he said.

“If they’re not fitted it can lead to tragedy.”

According to Sen Sgt Incoll, when within resort boundaries motorists can be fined $370 for failing to carry chains and $925 for failing to fit them when required.

Outside of resort boundaries motorists can be fined $370 for disobeying road signs indicating the need for snow chains.

FUN IN THE SNOW: Isla and April Baker enjoyed the snow at Mount Hotham last weekend.

PHOTO: Chris Hocking.

TESTING TIMES: Senior Sergeant Doug Incoll of Bright police said the public should expect to see a lot more breath testing and drug testing at the resorts this season.

WINTER WONDERLAND: Almost a foot of fresh snow blanketed Falls Creek on Wednesday morning.

PHOTO: Vail Resorts

Magnificent creek setting on 40 acres

PERFECTLY located between Wangaratta and Beechworth and the nearby Alpine region is this magnificent property on the Horseshoe Creek.

The home has recently been renovated with updated kitchen, bathroom and fixtures throughout.

Heating and cooling are well catered for with evaporative cooling, wood combustion heating, floor heating and split system heating and cool-

ing with 5.5kw solar system to provide low energy running costs.

There are three bedrooms in total all with built in wardrobes, separate lounge room, separate rumpus room, two toilets and a detached bungalow.

Externally there is ample shedding with large enclosed storage shed, double brick garage and carport for car storage plus chook shed and wood shed.

Water is plentiful with well water to house and gardens plus a rainwater

tank, two dams and stock and domestic water from the creek.

There are seven separate paddocks for stock with troughs or dam water, stock yards and a beautiful established garden.

The property is in a perfect location with easy access to the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, snow fields and the Milawa Gourmet Region.

Contact agents Nutrient Harcourts to arrange you inspection.

Agent | Phone | Price | Location |

Harcourts 5722 9444 $1,235,000 188 Diffey Road, Everton

wangaratta.nutrienharcourts. com.au/L20831928

The region’s best property guide located inside your local paper every week and online anytime.

northeast

If you’re not in the North East Property Guide, you’re not in the market. property guide

Milawa lifestyle living

THIS Milawar festyle property is ideally located in a quiet court.

The three-bedroom brick veneer home is perfectly positioned and within walking distance of all the things that makes this area so desirable.

This affordable one-acre allotment opportunity in the Milawa Gourmet Region continues to be a rare find.

All three bedrooms have built-in robes.

This property offers the new owners the opportunity to expand, renovate and extend to make their dream home.

The kitchen provides both an electric oven and stove, dishwasher, ample storage, and breakfast bar, with an adjoining meals area and separate living area.

The main bathroom is roomy with separate shower, spa bath and WC.

The wood fire heater is ideal for those winter evenings, while ducted evaporative cooling and a reverse cycle split system ensure year-round comfort.

The enclosed garage provides a versatile space that can provide the new owners with a potential home office, games and/ or rumpus room.

A spacious paved outdoor entertaining area caters for all seasons with direct carport accommodation and large shedding (9.2M X 6M) with concrete floor and power.

Whilst providing both beauty and privacy the garden can be admired by many areas of the home.

Established lawns, trees, garden beds and a sizable vegetable garden truly add something special to this home.

Further enhancing this property are additional garden shedding X 3, bore & pump, garden irrigation, ceiling fans, large laundry with second toilet, 12 solar panels, and two water tanks.

This is a fantastic opportunity to purchase a home in the Milawa region within walking distance of the Milawa Primary School, Brown Brothers, Milawa Hotel, post office, chemist and more.

Please contact Danial Siperki at Harcourts to arrange a private inspection on 0400 027 473.

Quality designed home

DEDICATED to family design, this home had been newly constructed in a desirable new estate in Wangaratta.

This well presented four-bedroom home combines outstanding quality and functionality all within Creek Mist Estate.

The sizeable home offers a seamless open plan living, dining and kitchen with high nine foot ceilings throughout.

A cleverly designed kitchen showcases stone benches, large island bench with premium Smeg stainless cooking, pendant lighting, and an abundance of soft close storage along with a walk-in pantry.

This fantastic home provides a primary bedroom with spacious walk-in robes and an impressive ensuite with an oversized frameless shower, floor to ceiling tiles, dual vanities, and stone benches.

Smartly designed the three separated guest bedrooms all contain built in robes and share the main bathroom with separate bath, floor to ceiling tiles and stone bench top.

Designed to maximise natural light with a strong emphasis on indoor-outdoor living, the home’s alfresco area leads to a fully landscaped yard with automated sprinkler system.

The oversized double garage 6m X 8m provides car accommodation for two large vehicles along with ample storage.

Comfort is ensured with ducted refrigerated heating and cooling.

Located in a new estate situated on a corner allotment (588m2), there is scope to add shedding or a pool.

The home, constructed by Hadar Homes in 2022, is within close proximity to Cathedral College P-12 and early education providers.

To arrange your private inspection please call Danial Siperki at Harcourts Real Estate mob 0400 027 473.

inboard Chev Motor & Ski Bar, Wakeboards & Waterskis, Land Cruiser Camping Box Canopy c/w awning double bed 12 volt connection, Shed Frame 90ft x 40ft x 20ft height (trusses, roof purlins and columns), 10,000 litre & 5000 litre Fuel Tanks, Dam Floats, RSJ Columns & Steel, Culverts, Tether Rake, 2-4 mtr Bucket & Grab c/w JD Quick

Hitch, 3pl Scallop Discs, Heavy Duty Slasher, Smudger, Stick Rake, Old handmade Bricks & Bluestone, Outdoor Timber Bench Seats, Sleepers, 80yr old Oregon, 3pl Spreader, Honda Motor & Fire Pump c/w Hoses, 1,000 ltr s/s Ex Milk Vat, Timber & Steel Roof Trusses, Roofing Iron, Quantity of Timber Logs (Mixed Species, some cypress pine), Quantity of Storage

Lockers, Quantity of Timber Slabs (Red Gum, Fiddle Back & Stringy), Mobile Tractapak Welder c/w Holden 186 Motor, Trailers, Inter Truck Bonnet, Drill Press 2 hp, Wood Lathe, Laminated

Flooring, Collections, Horse Drawn Plough, Trawallah Jack, HR Holden Station Wagon Body, TK Bedford Cab, Volkswagen Motor, Stained & Lead Light Window Panels, Historic Window & Door Frame, Old English Pram, Old Traps, Old Drill Press, Camping Gear, Engel Refrigerator, Outdoor lanterns, 150L spot sprayer, Holden Commodore Grill, Lawnmowers, Bottle Jack 10t, Stihl Chainsaws, Bullbar, 5ft Kubota front cutting deck, Gendone 3 PL Spreader, Gates, Portable Fuel Tank. Plus a host of hand tools & sundry items. Inspection highly advised.

Property

Ray

BMW X1 IS A NEW BEST FRIEND FOR THE FAMILY

By DEREK OGDEN, Marque Motoring

THE new BMW X1 is a little car with big ideas. BMW has imbued the third generation of its compact SUV with extra space, higher tech and more features to make it what the maker claims is the segment leader. I tend to agree.

Coming to Australia in two petrol powered variants – an electric version is penned for later this year – the entry-level is the X1 sDrive18i front wheel drive, which leaps to the X1 xDrive20i all-wheel drive.

Added attractions have upped prices to $60,400, plus on road costs, for the sDrive18i and $70,400, plus on-roads, for the xDrive20i.

Two added-cost enhancement packages are available. An M Sport Package pumps the price up to $73,400.

Leaving the former model in the feature remaindered rack, the base model now includes such things as keyless entry/start, sports seats, a 10.7-inch multimedia touchscreen, a 10.25-inch instrument cluster, ‘Hey BMW!’ voice control, a head-up display, GPS with augmented reality view, dual-zone climate control, adaptive LED headlights, a powered tailgate, adaptive cruise control, automatic parking assist and a blind-spot monitor.

The sDrive18i on test sported Enhancement One, which delivered metallic paint, panoramic glass sunroof, driving assistant professional, electrically adjustable front seats and sliding rear

seats, harman / kardon premium audio and 19-inch alloy wheels, all for an extra $6513.

However, there is one oddity: a subscription system by which the bones of heated seats and steering wheel are embedded in the Aussie released X1, but the skeleton will only come to life by the owner paying a subscription starting at $29 a month up to a lifetime $589. BMW claims it saves the buyer money: really!

The car is covered by a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, with three years complimentary 24 / 7 roadside assistance.

STYLING

While the new X1 has put on the inches, the compact SUV maintains near perfect proportions, all the way from its expansive rejigged signature kidney-style radiator, via a curved roofline, to a neatand-tidy no nonsense rear.

With a typical squared-off SUV stance, extensive glass makes for panoramic views of surroundings from all seating positions.

INTERIOR

With the X1 now rivalling the dimensions of the first X3m it’s no surprise this new car feels like a medium SUV.

Wrap around front seats offer excellent support in dayto-day motoring, and while on the firm side, maintain a level of comfort welcome on long trips.

Two adults can sit in relative comfort behind a similar pair in front, with good head,

knee and legroom, even with the panoramic roof.

The middle position is fit only for short trips or small children.

ISOFIX anchors are positioned on the outboard seats as well as top-tether points across all three.

Comfort is bolstered by adjustable air vents behind the centre console, two USB-C charge ports, pockets behind the front seats, bottle holders in the doors and a fold-down centre armrest with cup holders.

Behind the 40:20:40 split folding rear bench is room for 540 litres of cargo with all seats in use, expanding to a generous 1600 litres with the second-row seat backs folded flat. No room for a spare, only a tyre repair kit.

INFOTAINMENT

Bye-bye buttons is the catchphrase here, with the need to dig into the touchscreen for several vehicle systems, the most annoying being for the climate control air-con. Gone is the iDrive rotary control knob of yore too. In its place is the engine start / stop button, electronic gearshift switch and audio volume roller.

The centre console itself is a bridging version with a large open space underneath for easy-access storage.

At the base of the centre stack is a phone charging point which holds the handset in a near vertical plane, making it easy to view when in position.

A 10.7-inch centre screen, plus 10.25-inch digital instru-

ment display are sharp as a tack to view and responsive to inputs.

‘Hey BMW’ voice commands now have more options.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS

Power in the X1 sDrive18i comes from a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine developing 115 kW at 6500rpm and 230 Nm between 1500 and 4600 rpm, driving the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

SAFETY

The X1 carries a five-star safety rating based on 2022 Euro NCAP tests.

DRIVING

Despite featuring a threecylinder turbocharged petrol engine, the X1 sDrive 18i performs as well as the ditched four-cylinder motor at low speeds in city traffic.

Tuning is the key here, with the newbie, following an at-times tardy take-off, running with relative ease through the rev band. No neck-snapping acceleration, but according to BMW, at 9 seconds, 0.6 seconds sooner to 100 km/h than the previous model’s time on the way to a 215 km/h top speed.

Overtaking on the open road can raise a few questions about the missing pot, though.

The maker claims combined urban / highway fuel consumption of 6.5 litres per 100 kilometres.

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE

BMW X1 SDRIVE18I FWD $60,400

BMW X1 XDRIVE20I AWD $70,400

BMW X1 XDRIVE 20I M SPORT AWD $73,400

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local BMW dealer for drive-away prices.

SPECIFICATIONS (BMW X1 sDrive18i 1.5L Turbo 3-cylinder petrol, 7sp dual clutch automatic, FWD)

RATINGS:

Looks: 7/10; Performance: 7/10; Safety: 8/10; Thirst: 8/10; Practicality: 8/10; Comfort: 7/10; Tech: 8/10; Value: 7/10

The test X1 sDrive 18i clocked an average of 7.2 litres of 95 RON premium unleaded petrol over the test period.

Steering has been the subject of attention from engineers and is smooth and responsive in town, yet able to cope with assurance on the open road or hilly twists and turns.

Wind and engine noise allow a normal level of conversation between occupants, the only blemish being some

tyre noise on courser road surfaces.

SUMMARY

Traditionally blinkered by driving performance at the expense of features, BMW has flipped with the new X1. With the vehicle’s ambitions to be a medium-size SUV, it is well on the way to being a friend of the family.

STANDARD WARRANTY:

Five years / unlimited kilometres ends

■ TRANSFORMER: Much more than meets the eye from the latest BMW X1 compact SUV.

Friday, June 14, 2013

By PETER DOUGLAS

FUNDRAISING juggernaut the Merry Marchers are on track to pour more funds into the Cancer Council again this year, thanks to their work with Wangaratta Relay for Life.

Under the guidance of captain Lauren Kneebone, the team trumped all-comers last time around (raising $15,000) and this year is already making inroads.

The team has been marching at full-stride, selling chrysanthemums, where they sold out an incredible three times, raising $625.

Merry Marchers in tune for the cause

THE Wangaratta RSPCA currently has plenty of options for your new playmate/s. For more information or to meet any of the kittens, cats, dogs, puppies and rabbits the Wangaratta RSPCA currently have available, call (03) 5722 2874 or visit the shelter in Connell Street and find your new special friend. Wangaratta RSPCA’s source code is #BR100934.

Cats:

 Short hair, tabby, female, 9 months, 956000016679266, ‘Arya’;

 Short hair, ginger, male, 3 years, 956000016641382, ‘Baze’;

 Longhair, grey, female, 6 months, 956000016640148, ‘Cleo’;

 Short hair, tabby, male, 3 years, 956000016638700, ‘Frank’;

 Medium hair, ginger, male, 1 year, 956000016639521, ‘Harry’;

 Manx, silver tabby, male, 9 years, 956000005410703, ‘Manny’;

 Short hair, black tortoiseshell, female, 2 years, 956000015933496, ‘Puzzle’;

10 years ago 10 years ago

In addition, Ms Kneebone led a ‘practice-a-thon’ in which her music students practised for 14 days in a row.

“The music students have been very supportive of this event and we thank them,” she said.

Max out on everything

“We also have a major raffle with the first prize a pot belly stove valued at $1000.

“This Saturday we will have a stall at the launch, selling baked goods, assorted craft items and jewellery.”

Ms Kneebone noted the team was putting together a fundraising cookbook in memory of teammember Jude Diffey, who lost her life last year.

“Incredibly, Jude is still helping to raise money,” she said.

“Hopefully the book will be available for purchase later this year.”

All-New Amarok

That feeling you get when you know nothing stands in your way? That’s what it’s like to drive the All-New Amarok. Built tough from the ground up, uncompromising in its performance and capable of taking on any challenge, the All-New Amarok takes everything to the max.

Let’s not forget the All-New Amaraok’s impressive levels of new technology, premium exterior and interior styling, and excptional standards of comfort. When you drive a ute maxed out like this, there’s nothing you cant do.

 Medium hair, tortoiseshell, female, 4 years, 956000016705679, ‘Sana’;

 Medium hair, ginger, male, 6 months, 956000016561996, ‘Tag’;

 Short hair, tabby, male, 1 year, 956000016701961, ‘Winx’;

 Short hair, black, female, 8 months, 956000016705248, ‘Zelda’

Kittens:

 Short hair, black, male, 10 weeks, 956000016703457, ‘Jordan’;

 Short hair, tabby, male, 10 weeks, 956000016637900, ‘Kurt’;

 Short hair, tabby, male, 11 weeks, 956000016668810, ‘Pepper’;

WILL YOU TAKE ME HOME: Tag loves to investigate new people, places and smells and can’t wait to explore his new home. He is a naturally playful and curious cat making him a little ball of fun. Tag will need to be the only pet in his new home as he wants all of your attention to himself. His microchip number is 956000016561996.

 Short hair, ginger, male, 12 weeks, 956000016677944, ‘Pheonix’

Dogs:

 English Staffordshire bull terrier, tan, female, 1 year, 956000014864611, ‘Kimba’;  Kelpie, black, male, 8 months, 953010006181614, ‘Pepp’;  Bull mastiff, brindle, female, 9 years, 956000016678750, ‘Princess’;  Kelpie, black, male, 1 year, 956000013387985, ‘Ronnie’;  Siberian husky, black, male, 1 year, 953010100209966, ‘Socks’; Small animals:  Guinea pig, Brown, female, 3 years, 956000016631220, ‘Agnes’

 Mini Lop rabbit, white, female, 8 months, 956000016698683, ‘Delilah’

PHOTO: RSPCA

IN TUNE: Merry Marchers team captain Lauren Kneebone with her students Anna Paton and Zara Paton.

Rural City Connection

Public

Council Meeting

Council Meeting - Thursday 22 June 2023

The next Ordinary Meeting of Council will be held on Thursday 22 June 2023 at 2pm. Please note this change of date from 27 June 2023.

The meeting will be held in Council Chambers at Wangaratta Government Centre and members of the public will be able to attend in person.

There is also the ability to watch live via Council’s YouTube channel or view a recording of the meeting at, www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/councilonline

Members of the public are encouraged to come in person, and to meet with Councillors in the allotted time for community consultation from 1.30pm to 2pm. Questions can be submitted prior to the meeting by emailing council@wangaratta.vic.gov.au before 10am on 22 June. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the meeting.

Agenda items to be discussed can be found at www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/agendas from 4pm

Monday 19 June.

Tenders

C40568 Annual Road Reseal 23-24

Tender closes at 2pm Wednesday 28 June 2023.

C40578 Fosangs Lane Bridge Reconstruction

Tender closes at 2pm Wednesday 28 June 2023.

C40524 Targoora Park Bike Trail

Tender closes at 2pm Wednesday 28 June 2023.

Further details may be obtained by visiting Council’s website at, https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Your-Council/ Working-with-Council. To discuss upcoming projects in your community please contact Council on 03 5722 0888

Planning Applications

Application No PlnApp23/010

Location 22-28 Ryley Street WANGARATTA

Proposal Use and Development of a Service Station, Alteration of Access to a Road in a Transport Zone 2 and Installation of Signages

This application can be viewed at, https://www. wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Development/Planning/Currentapplications. Any person who may be affected by the granting of a permit may object or make a submission (this must be in writing).

For more information, please contact the Town Planning Unit on 03 5722 0888. Council will not decide this application before Friday 30 June 2023

Public

Join the Conversation

Economic Development and Tourism Strategy

What do you envision for the future of the Rural City of Wangaratta? Now is your chance to guide the direction of our strategy and shape the future of your community.

We are hosting a series of workshops on 20 and 21 June 2023 and we want to hear from you!

Whether you are an individual, business, or organisation passionate about contributing to the development and growth of Wangaratta, your opinion matters. As an entrepreneur, community leader, or industry professional, your insights will play a significant role in shaping our shared vision. To participate please visit https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Business/ Business-Events/Upcoming-Events, and for more information, please contact the Economic Development Team on 03 5722 0888 or economicdevelopment@ wangaratta.vic.gov.au

Public

Cheshunt Streetscape Redevelopment

Drainage works and footpath installation on King Valley Road, Cheshunt will commence on Tuesday 27 June 2023.

These works are expected to be completed by 6 September 2023.

Traffic management and speed reduction signage will be in place during construction. Please expect minor traffic delays.

Waste Services Policy

Rural City of Wangaratta’s Waste Services Policy 2023 is on public exhibition for community feedback. All submissions and any proposed changes will be considered by Council prior to the policy being adopted. Submissions will be received up to 5.00pm on Friday 30 June 2023.

To view this policy please visit, https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Your-Council/ Public-notices.

Positions vacant

Heavy Stream

Domestic Care Worker

Community Care Worker

Lifeguard

Aquatic Education Instructor

Gym Instructor

Group Fitness Instructor

Customer Experience Officer

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

WHEN TO BOOK

WANGARATTA’S MARKET PLACE WITH OVER 40,000

PUBLIC NOTICES

Alpine Valleys

Community Leadership Fund Ltd (AVCL) has vacancies for Board members. Please see

5pm, Wednesday, July 19, 2023.

Healthy Eating

Vegetarian/Vegan Cooking

Come and learn how to cook delicious vegetarian and vegan meals. These will add a refreshing variety to your diet.

When: Tuesday Evenings

May 16, June 20, July 18, August 15

Time: 7 - 8:30pm

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

TENDERS

Expression of Interest

Commercial Builders

Registrations sought for Commercially Registered Builders for St. Augustine’s Primary School

Wodonga

Partial demolition of two storey section of an existing building and construction of single storey addition and renovation for a new Senior Learning Centre.

Total building approx. 863m2.

Tenderer’s registration to include and will be evaluated on the following criteria:

Submission quality; Previous relevant company experience; Personnel experience; Current or past experience with client and design team; Proximity; and Perceived ability to provide an appropriate service on this project.

Registration does not imply selection on limited tender list. Documents expected to be released to selected tender list July/August 2023

Registrations by email only by June 30, 2023 to No. 42 Architects Pty Ltd kenwoodman@no42architects.com.au

Contact Ken Woodman 0427 424 201

FIRST floor office space in Reid Street, carpet, split system heating and cooling, $95 p/w, includes power. Phone 0431 190 630.

To Visit Visited

MOVING!

SATURDAY, 17 June, 7am-3pm, 36 Lauriston Ave, Milawa, moving sale, shed clearance, garden tools, hoses, furniture, antique record player, books, jigsaws and much more!

To Visit Visited

COMBINED sale, 7, 8, 4 and 9 Bristol Court, Wangaratta, Saturday, June 17, 8.30am - 1pm. Numerous household items and caravan accessories. Many bargains!

To Visit Visited GARAGE sale, 9 Jackel Street, Wangaratta, 8.3am -2pm, range of car parts, workshops manuals, comics, shelving, tools, etc. No early callers.

To Visit Visited 5 Hogan Street, Wangaratta, Saturday, June 17, 8am - 2pm. Downsizing, everything to go. Undercover.

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

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

ENVIRO LIQUID WASTE. Your locally owned and operated septic cleaning business. Servicing septics, grease traps, triple interceptors and winery waste. Phone Peter 0419 163 420.

GARDENING, MOWING for all gardening needs in Wangaratta district from Violet Town to Cheshunt, Springhurst, Bundalong South. Please phone Geoff Moore 0421 639 775. PAINTER, old school, for all your painting needs. Commercial, industrial renovations. Phone Julian 0412 597 482.

FREE Range Hens, ISA Brown Pullets, POL, $27 each. Phone Becky or Hugh on 5798 1868.

SECURITY TECHNICIAN TRAINEE

Pinkerton Security is a locally owned security installation company with 40 years experience in the security industry. Our continual growth has created an opportunity to employ a fulltime trainee / apprentice security technician. We are an equal opportunity employer, age is no barrier and we will train the successful applicant in all aspects as a security technician. Trade qualifications desired, but not essential.

REQUIREMENTS:

Must be seeking a permanent position with a view to a career

Must be self-motivated

Able to work in a team environment

A willingness to embrace new technologies, as our industry is continually evolving

Have reasonable computer skills

Good organisational skills

Ability to pass a police check

Must have a car license or intend to obtain

Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the job Remuneration package

Above award wages, immediate & consistent overtime, 38 hours a week (1 RDO per month), attractive 6 monthly bonus package and Superannuation.

Application close June 23, 2023.

Email resume and covering letter to jobs@psecurity.com.au

Advertising Account Manager (Full-Time)

Wangaratta Chronicle is looking for a driven and committed individual to join the advertising team at our office in Wangaratta.

If you can always see an opportunity and enjoy the idea of helping businesses grow, then we want to talk to you. To be successful in this role you will be able to demonstrate

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

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

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

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

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

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

Customer Service Officer

An exciting opportunity now exists for a casual Customer Service Officer to join our Customer Service team based in Milawa, Victoria.

What’s on Offer: products

may be obtained by emailing careers@brownfwg.com.au or

Scan to apply

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

The cadetship is ideally suited for a Year 12 graduate.

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

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

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

Candidates must have excellent verbal and written English, sound computer skills, solid general knowledge, a genuine interest in the local community, and an ability to build rapport and networks quickly. You will need to be well organised, able to work to deadlines, and have strong attention to detail.

Candidates must hold a valid driver’s licence, be available to work flexible hours, and photography and social media skills are desirable.

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

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

CATHEDRAL COLLEGE WANGARATTA

A school of The Anglican Schools Commission (Inc.)

The College seeks applications from suitably experienced persons for the following positions:

Teacher Assistants (Junior School|Full-time)

Commencing July 17, 2023

1 x Ongoing

1 x Semester Two replacement position (with the possibility of being ongoing).

Please refer to our website for more information.

Applications are to be forwarded to: The Principal, Mr Nick Jones at principal@cathedralcollege.vic.edu.au by 5.00pm Friday June 23.

Cathedral College Wangaratta is a Child Safe School and an Equal Opportunity Employer

discover belong achieve

FINANCE OFFICER

About us: Brown Family Wine Group is one of Australia’s most loved and respected wine companies built on over 130 years’ experience in quality winemaking, market leading innovation and family values that are at the heart of everything we do as a business.

Our portfolio has grown over time to now include market leading wine brands such as: Devil’s Corner from the East Coast of Tasmania, Tamar Ridge and Pirie from Tamar Valley Tasmania, Innocent Bystander from the Yarra Valley and of course Brown Brothers from Milawa Victoria the spiritual home of our business.

We are extremely proud to produce a brand portfolio of wines that boasts Australia’s #1 White Wine, Australia’s #1 Premium Prosecco and Australia’s #1 Pinot Noir together with numerous award-winning wines across several varietals that consumers continue to love.

At Brown Family Wine Group, we are passionate about both our quality wines and our amazing people, and we remain committed to the core family values of our company being: Wellbeing, Respect, Innovation and Pride in What We Achieve Together. We are proud that our business has recently been certified as “A Great Place to Work” and remain committed to honouring this recognition throughout all aspects of the business. What’s involved: This predominantly Accounts Receivable role involves providing financial, administrative and clerical support for the Financial Accountant and Team as part of the day to day running of the Brown Family Wine Group Finance Department. Some of your responsibilities will include: debtors and resolving any discrepancies. worthiness. restaurants.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

2 X FULL TIME ROLES

QUALIFIED A GRADE ELECTRICIAN

1ST YEAR APPRENTICE REFRIGERATION MECHANIC

WE ARE SEEKING AN ENTHUSIASTIC LICENSED ELECTRICIAN AND 1ST YEAR APPRENTICE REFRIGERATION MECHANIC WHO IS SELF MOTIVATED AND CAN WORK WELL IN A TEAM ENVIRONMENT. THIS ROLE WILL REQUIRE:

- MANUAL DRIVER'S LICENSE

- WHITE CARD (OH&S BASIC TRAINING)

- EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS

- BE MOTIVATED AND TAKE PRIDE IN THEIR WORK

- BE MATURE, HONEST, PUNCTUAL AND RELIABLE

- PHYSICALLY FIT IMMEDIATE START FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE EMAIL OR SEND YOUR COVER LETTER AND RESUME TO ADMIN@JCSINDUSTRIES.COM.AU

Vacancies

Our redevelopment is now complete. Multiple Allied Health positions are now available, be supported and rewarded as part of this dynamic team.

Physiotherapist – Grade 3

Social Worker – Grade 2

Speech Pathologist – Grade 3

Podiatrist – Grade 3

Allied Health Assistant – Grade 3

Clinical Dietitian – Grade 3

Occupational Therapist – Grade 3

Diabetes Nurse Practitioner

JOBS AT INDIGO

Plant Operator/Road Maintenance Worker Rutherglen

Road Maintenance Worker Yackandandah

Library Coordinator Rutherglen

Marketing and Digital

CLASSIFIEDS - 5723 0101

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

Personal Notices

MALE to male seeking entertainment and friendship, weekdays after 5pm, weekends after 2pm. Ph 0436 425 412.

EDDIE SESSIONS

Congratulations on your 21st Birthday. Love and best wishes.

2017 Holden Astra R Hatch Auto, REG (1JB6VS), 39,000kms, with RWC, decease d estate, $19,500 ONO. Ph 0408 269 229.

For further details and employment opportunities visit northeasthealth.org.au/careers

We are hiring a Widening Participation Coordinator!

About you: We’re looking for the following skills and experience:

What’s on offer: For the successful candidate we offer a great work culture, a competitive salary and generous product discounts. More Information: Further information and a position description may be obtained by emailing careers@brownfwg.com.au or by calling Allyce on (03) 5720 5500.

If this sounds of interest to you and you believe you have the skills and experience to be successful in this role, then we would love to hear from you!

Applications close 30 June 2023.

Scan to Apply

2016 Nissan Navara R X D23 4WD Twin Cab, steel tray, bull bar, 124,600kms, RWC, R EG (1UW9XF) to F eb 2024, $35,000. Phone Tav 0438 217 468.

~Grandma, Pop, John, Sharon, Lorraine, Steve, Bianca, Matthew, Cassie, Matthew, Kaitlyn, Emily, Aimee, Annabell, Darcey.

85TH BIRTHDAY

ROBERT FRY

18/6/2023

Happy 85th Birthday Bob.

Love from Edna and all the family.

THANKS

CAVALLIN

2017 Ford Ranger XLT, 121,000km, (1LP5RD), ARB bullbar, winch, driving lights an d canopy, suspension done, RWC, $49,950.

Ph 0400 601 451. WM Statesman (1OJ9OS), immaculate condition, 229,000km, new timing chains, p lugs, tyres, battery, Rego till April 2024, RWC, $11,000 ONO.

Julie and the family of Angelo would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the sympathy love and support extended to them during this time of their great loss.

CONGRATULATIONS

REDUCED!

Ph 0438 217 103.

PLANTATION and bulk supply of Radiator Pine. Ph 0448 933 999.

CONGRATULATIONS

Dale Fisher A.M

Formerly of Wangaratta

We congratulate our niece Dale on receiving an A.M for service to Medicine, Health Care and Nursing. ~Betty (Fisher) and David Williams.

OVENS MURRAY

DALEY, Isobel (Ann).

19/6/1934 – 11/6/2023

Dearly loved wife of John William (dec) and beloved mother of Christopher and Antoinette. Cherished daughter of William and Kori Maunsell (dec) and sister of Beverly, Trin, Judith (dec) and John. Dear friend to many.

Ann was a dedicated nurse having trained at the Mercy Hospital (1953-1955).

In her first-year final exam, she achieved the top mark in the State. She later nursed at Peter McCallum Hospital, Yarrawonga District Hospital and Wangaratta Base Hospital (1965-1984).

Ann created beautiful and distinctive gardens in each of her homes. She loved travel, dogs and, later in life, the birdlife in her gardens. So, I went forth and finding the hand of God, trod gladly into the night. And he led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.

MACE, Francis William (Frank).

24/7/1958 – 13/6/2023

Passed away at Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre with family by his side. Beloved son of Mick (dec) and Moy. Dearly loved partner of Vera. Loving father of Donna and Rachel. Cherished Poppy of Indi, Ollie, Ruby, Evie and Grace.

In our hearts forever. R.I.P

MCDONALD, Carole Dianne

10/03/1947 – 12/06/2023

Passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family.

Loving wife of Bernard (dec).

Dearly loved mother and mother in-law of Craig and Sean, Kylie (dec), Shane and Melanie and Emma. In tears we saw you suffer.

I watched you fade away. Mum my heart was breaking. But I could not have you stay. Those who have a mother. Love her while you may. For God decided mine was too ill to stay.

MCDONALD, Carole Dianne

Mum,

In the garden of beautiful memories, Where leaves fall like dew.

There’s a rose that blooms forever, In memory of you.

Love you Dude. ~ Emma.

MCDONALD, Carole Dianne

Now the Music’s too sad without you, Silence is all I can listen to now.

I can’t sing along to the songs like I used to, The music’s too sad when you’re not around.

~ With all the love in the world, Craig and Sean.

MCDONALD, Carole.

On behalf of the volunteers and Carole was a valued member of where she served Carole served as a RIP Carole.

Personal Notices

may be placed before 2pm the business day prior to publication classifieds@nemedia.com.au

Phone: 03 5723 0101

WATERMAN, Barbara.

The prayer group members are deeply saddened by the passing of Barbara. A dear friend who will be greatly missed. A wonderful faith-filled, kind and gentle lady. We would like to express our deepest sympathy to her family, relatives and friends. Rest in peace dear Barbara.

FUNERALS

DALEY, Isobel (Ann).

The funeral service to celebrate Ann’s life will be held at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1 Ford St, Wangaratta on Thursday 29 June 2023, commencing at 11am. A reception will follow at The Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway. Private burial will be held.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Caritas Australia or RSPCA would be welcome. Donations can be made online at www.caritas.org.au/donate-now/ or www.inmemory.rspcavic.org/page/

RememberingAnnDaley

MEULEMAN, Beryl May.

14/3/1931 – 24/4/2023

It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of my much loved mother Beryl May Meuleman (nee Willet). Mum passed away at the age of ninety two years. She had been a resident of the St John’s Nursing Home, Wangaratta, for three and a half years.

My memories of my mother go back nearly all of my 70 years, and what memories they are. Sandra (dec) and I spoke often of how lucky we were to have such wonderful parents. Our childhood years were great because of them both, along with many years that followed.

Sadly, after moving to Wangaratta, dad passed away in 1995. A huge void was felt by all, especially mum. We all helped her through and included her in everything we did, which she loved and appreciated.

Mum had a great sense of humor and always good company, more so if you played cards.

Mum was special, very loyal and true to all. My memories are many of the love shown to Sandra and I by our loving parents. One of them being the most adorable person in mum, whom we were all so lucky to love and know.

MCDONALD, Carole Dianne

Reunited now with dear Dad and Sandra. All loved, forever and beyond.

~ Your ever-loving son, Garry.

NANSON (Jarrott), Dorothy Christine.

6/11/1950 – 6/6/2023

The family of Dorothy Christine Nanson is saddened to announce her passing on June 6, 2023. Aged 72 years.

Reunited with her dedicated mother and father, Florence and Aubrey Jarrott.

MACE

The service celebrating the life of Mr Francis William (Frank) Mace will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 2pm Burial will follow at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery.

in memory of Frank to Northeast Health Palliative Care at www.givenow.com.au/nhw

Frank’s service can be viewed via livestream at www.masonpark.com.au/live-streaming/

MCDONALD

A funeral service to celebrate the life of Carole will be held at North East Funerals, 184 Greta Road, Wangaratta on Wednesday, June 21, commencing at 1.00pm. Following the service, interment will take place at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cancer Council would be appreciated. Donations can be made at www.cancer.org.au/get-involved/ donate-to-cancer-council/in-memoriam

Honouring the Journey Mason Park Funerals

P. 03 5721 5060 W. masonpark.com.au

The only family owned funeral home in Wangaratta

Proud Member of Australian Funeral Directors Association

John & Christine Haddrick

All Hours 5722 2525 northeastfunerals.com.au

BEREAVEMENT THANKS

BELL, Alan Leslie. 3/3/1932 – 20/5/2023

Graeme and Helen, Kendell, Craig, Eloise, Annabelle and Sylvie, Bradley, Kelly and Riley together with Trevor, Rachel and Josh, would like to thank everyone for helping us celebrate Alan’s life and for the flowers, cards, visits and many beautiful messages of sympathy on the passing of our father, grandfather and great grandfather.

ROBBINS, Norma. 20/9/1930 – 14/6/2022

Dearly loved mother of Peter. Loved mother-in-law of Denise. Adored Nana Robbins of Sarah, Chris, Arron and Erin.

Great Nana Robbins of Leilah and Ryan.

To hear your voice, to see your smile, To sit and talk with you awhile, To be together in the same old way, Would be our only wish today.

Remember your loved one in a lasting way

The memory of a much loved family member or friend can live on through a donation to your local health service Northeast Health Wangaratta. This is a direct way of helping us to continually improve patient care and comfort, ensuring the availability of comprehensive health services in our local community. Family and friends can make a donation in lieu of flowers in recognition of the medical care and attention provided.

~ Love Shane and Mel

NANSON (Jarrott), Dorothy.

6/6/2023

Passed away suddenly after a short illness. We couldn’t say a last farewell, or even say goodbye, For you were gone before we know it and only God knows why. Together again with mum and dad. Rest in peace Dorothy.

~Neville, Donna and Christian Handcock.

NANSON

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a service to celebrate the life of Mrs Dorothy Nanson to be held in Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral, corner Ovens and Docker Streets, Wangaratta on Monday, June 19, 2023, commencing at 10.30am.

Burial will follow the service at the Milawa Public Cemetery where Dorothy will be reunited with her family.

In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Red Cross at www.redcross.org.au

The bereaved family will be notified of your memorial gift according to your wishes and you will receive a tax-deductible receipt for your donation.

To make a donation or to request information about memorial service donations or remembering Northeast Health Wangaratta in your will, please contact -

Community Engagement Team (03) 5722 5069 or PO Box 386, Wangaratta, Vic 3676.

JUBILEE GOLF CLUB

Saturday, June 10

Ladies Stableford

Winner :Jackie O’Brien 34C/B

Ball winners: Melody Adams 34, Val Ellis 32.

NTP: 4th Ros White, 8th Ros White, 17th Carolyn Jeffrey.

Saturday, June 10

Stableford

A Grade winner: Peter Glidden 36.

Runner up: Steve Fisher 35.

B Grade winner: Gary Butler 38.

Runner up: Martin VanRhee 34.

C Grade winner: Kelvin Archer 43.

Runner up: David Richards 37.

D Grade winner: Mathew Nunn 35.

Runner up: Noel Holmes 34.

Ball winners: Darren Jones 34, Gary Walder 34, Wade Goodwin 34, David O’Connor 34, Tom Cash 33, Glenn OcConnell 33, Adam Anderson 33, Alex Gibbs 33, Andy Senkic 33, Zac Hedin 33, Robert Lowe 33, Greg Hogan 32, Gary Dinsdale 32, Sam Neave 32, Nat Hirunwiwat 32, Gordon Paterson 32, Bernie Grealy 32, Peter Ford 32, Les Naidoo 32, Sam Richards 32.

Super Nine: Kelvin Archer 23.

Club Shirt: David O’Connor 22.

Aroma Deli: John Mckenzie 21.

NTP: 4th Jeff Pastel, 8th Dave

O’Connor, 13th Weidemann, 17th Gordon Paterson.

Sunday, June 11

Stableford and Mixed 4BBB

Winner: Rhys Rigoni 37.

4BBB winners: Frances Duffy and Andy Senkic 42.

Runners Up: Melody Adams and Wayne Hibberson 42.

Ball winners: Greg Rigoni (2) 35, Michael Pellegrino 34, Steve Rigoni

34.

NTP: 4th Steve Rigoni, 8th Mark Bruce, 13th Greg Rigoni,17th Greg Rigoni.

Monday, June 12

Stableford

A Grade: Eon Scott 37.

B Grade: Glenn O’Connell 42.

C Grade: Kellie Roberts 35.

D Grade: Brian Luxford 34.

Ball winners: Wade Goodwin (2 balls) 37, Aaron Kungl 36, Andrew Skewes 35, Barry Adams 34, Charl DeMink 34, Daryl Johnstone 34, Rick Harnwell 33, Gary Dinsdale 33, Steve Fisher 33, Jacob Schonafinger 33, Rod Sebire 33, Rob Lowe 33, Michael Monro 33.

NTP:4th Andrew Skewes, 8th Christine McCarthy- Wade Goodwin, 13th Joy Hester-Stan Goldsworthy, 17th Christine McCarthy-Wade

Goodwin.

Monday, June 12

Stableford

A Grade: Eon Scott 37.

B Grade: Glenn O’Connell 42.

C Grade: Kellie Roberts 35.

D Grade: Brian Luxford 34. Ball winners Jaxon Osmotherly (2 balls) 42, Aaron Kungl 36, Andrew Skewes 35, Barry Adams 34, Charl DeMink 34, Daryl Johnstone 34, Rick Harnwell 33, Gary Dinsdale 33, Steve Fisher 33, Jacob Schonafinger 33, Rod Sebire 33, Rob Lowe 33, Michael Monro 33.

NTP: 4th Andrew Skewes, 8th Christine McCarthy- Wade Goodwin, 13th Joy Hester-Stan Goldsworthy, 17th Christine McCarthy-Wade Goodwin.

Monday, June 14

Stableford

A Grade winner: Eon Scott 36.

B Grade winner: Keith Moorehead 36.

C Grade winner: Ray Hyland 34. Ball winners: Aaron Kungl 35, Mitch Howe 33, Laurie Miller 33, Toby Payne 33, Ian Weidemann 33, Gordon Paterson 33, Ian Mills 33.

NTP: 4th Nigel Cooper, 8th Julian Bau, 13th Eon Scott, 17th Mitch Howe.

WANGARATTA GOLF CLUB

Men’s Competition: 9 Hole Stableford

Date: June 10

Winner: Peter Crawford 20 Points.

Runner Up: Craig Donoghue 18 C/B Points.

Ball Winners: David Ryan, Trevor Cooper, Rod Godde, Denis Hill, Andrew Brereton.

Nearest the Pin 4th: Steve Bismire.

Raffle: Steve Bismire.

Last weeks Raffle Winner: Trevor Cooper.

CROQUET

Results for Monday, June 12 are as follows:

Christine Ireland and Heather Gulbin d Terry Wilson and Gavan Kelly 7/4, Robyn Muller and Joan Dyson d Margaret Bennett and Nathan Reynolds 7/6.

On Wednesday, 12 members and a visitor from Tasmania braved the cold conditions and enjoyed some stiff competition.

Gabi Heywood returned from several weeks away in South America and showed that she had not lost any of her ability.

Julie Davey scored some hoops that were not thought possible.

Playing days are Monday, Wednesday and Saturday commencing at 1pm.

Visitors are welcome to come down and enjoy some games with our members.

Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow for the draw to be done.

Late arrivals will be included in

the next game.

The club is located at 46 Ryan Avenue, Wangaratta. For further information please contact one of the numbers listed below.

President Susan Fischer on 0417217009 or secretary Terry Wilson on 0417326739.

WARBY WALKERS

Warby Range Bushwalkers News for June 16

Sunday June 11th -Mt KillawarraWarby Ovens NP

To celebrate our first ever King’s Birthday Weekend, 11 walkers participated in a Sunday walk on June 11 in the Warby Ovens National Park.

The original walk planned was to begin at Frost’s Crossing Track incorporating the Ovens River and billabongs.

However, this was changed at the last minute due to a shortage of snorkels and flippers amongst club members.

Mount Killawarra, encompassing a loop, would now be the new destination.

It was an overcast day, with no forecast of rain, so good bushwalking weather.

Today we welcomed first time walker Helen. I should point out that she has been walking for a long time, but this was her first walk with the club.

Her most recent story was an overseas trip including the UK and walking in the Cotswolds, known for its fifty shades of green.

Our walk was to begin at Tower Road just off the main Boweya Road.

From here it is important to turn right as there is a shooting range if you turn left! We began walking through the bush following the Perimeter Track.

After a short distance an unnamed detour track was taken which would eventually meet up again with the Perimeter track.

It was along this section that a small gradual ascent was made. Although we had been walking for only about 45 minutes, it was a good place to take morning tea.

Below us were the orchards of local producers and a pleasant view into the distance.

The next part of our hike we met an unnamed link track to take us towards Ridge Road and then onto the direction of Mount Killawarra.

On this track we encountered a few enormous grass trees.

Wildlife was not in abundance today, but I did spot two kangaroos ahead past the grass trees.

The surrounding bush only occasionally sounded the calls of native birds.

We reached Ridge Road and continued north meeting the Tower Road junction and our turnoff towards Mount Killawarra soon after.

Convenient Mount Killawarra is a great lookout point in the northern part of the park.

Its granite slabs made a perfect lunch spot with views over Killawarra Forest, Wallaby Hill, Peechelba and beyond.

It’s a shame it isn’t mentioned in the Warby Ovens National Park visitor guide information.

Perhaps mentioning it’s obvious Irish roots along with towns like Kil-

larney, Killybegs, Killorglin, Killimordaly and Killinaspick would enable it to become more of an attraction. After lunch and a leisurely time soaking in our surroundings, we returned via the Mount Killawarra track, past the emergency water tank to Tower Road.

From here it was an easy walk returning towards the cars. Our walk was about 12km in under four hours and all that awaited was Pat’s legendary cuppa and cookies.

I should also mention that the afternoon tea for some time has also now included dips and crackers. There is no truth in the rumour that upcoming walks will end with canapes of Oscietra caviar and Jellied Eels.

COMING EVENTS

Saturday, June 24

Lake Moodemere, Wahgunyah, Jeanette, 0417 546 974.

Starting and finishing at Pfeiffer Wines; an easy loop walk of approx 10k along bush tracks and gravel roads, partly in the shade of Australia’s favourite tree, the River Red Gums, and alongside the mighty Murray River.

Enjoy a glass of wine, or tasting, following the walk.

Saturday, July 8

Mt Pilot, Chiltern - Mt Pilot NP, Michael, 0447 617 880.

An easy walk of about 6k, and a medium walk of about 11k on gravel roads and bush tracks involving some moderate ascent from the Yeddonba Aboriginal Cultural Site, to Mt Pilot in the Chiltern - Mt Pilot National Park. 360 degree views from atop Mt Pilot.

SOFT TOUCH: Andy Sekic works on his short game at the Jubilee Golf Club.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Bassett, Howie, Hawkins the speedway kings

By WILLSON MACK

MOTORSPORT fans headed into Wahgunyah Speedway for the last race event of the season on Sunday (June 11) to see some of the Northeast and Riverina’s finest up against drivers from interstate and around Victoria do battle for the Standard Saloons, AMCA Nationals and Production Sedans, wins in important blue-ribbon events.

A healthy crowd was on hand to see Warrick Howie, Rodney Bassett. Scott Hawkins, Riley Balins, Corey McDonald, and Nathan Shortis were the days eventual winners.

Competing in the Lachie Howie Memorial event honouring a former club racer were the Standard Saloon class with Warrick Howie, a brother of Lachie in the line-up.

Four qualifying races determined the memorial event line-up for the final and Howie began with the first win of the day.

Micheal Fleming-Robertson took victory in the second with Howie winning the third and the fourth heat races.

Howie from Chiltern then went on to win the memorial event with a two second margin of victory in front of Fleming-Robertson, Jaimi Barber the state Ladies Standard Saloon champion, Andrew Marshall, and Daniel Joosten.

Production Sedan drivers competed in the Production Sedan 1000 and from the Moruya Club in New South Wales Johnny Ralph made the travel worthwhile picking up a win in the first qualifier by 0.004 in front of

Corowa legend Trevor Mills. Leeton’s Scott Hawkins then won the second and third qualifiers proving to be the fastest car on track by .300 of a second lap to lap.

Hawkins led the start of the race from his buddy Jacob Mills from Howlong.

Mills was determined in his chase but on lap three his car rolled in between turns one and two ending his race.

Hawkins went on to win from Stephen Laidlaw, Trevor Mills, Ralph, and James Hodak.

Australian Motor Contest Association competitors were competing in the Interstate Challenge with a couple of Tasmanian visitors joining the local Victorian based racers. Stephen Hopkins from Bendigo won the first of the three qualifiers with Frank Thierry from Mildura winning the second and Hopkins again a winner in the third.

Thierry led from the start of the final with Bassett and Hopkins trading second spot early before Richardson moved up into second on lap four.

Bassett from Tasmania moved into second on lap 11 and then into the lead on lap 12 going on to greet the chequered flag first ahead of Thierry and Richardson.

A penalty imposed by the stewards moved Darren McCarthy into third then Neale Peachey and Richardson back to fifth place.

Junior Sedan drivers competed in the final points round of the Daytime Track Championship with Corowa members Marcus Maclean, Jordyn Tewkesbury and Mackenzie Bunt trying to secure top three spots in the

third and final round.

Riley Balins also had plans to win the day tand won the first heat race along with the second and the fourth, while Maclean won the third heat race.

Balins then won the final ahead of Bendigo’s Anthony Hanson, Jacob Tinworth, Bunt and Tewkesbury.

Maclean won the overall Daytime Championship in front of Bunt who overtook Tewkesbury to finish in second with the latter in third.

Sports Sedan and Unlimited Sedan competitors combined for Open Sedan racing across six heat races and the final. Tristan McGraw, Rhys Meakins, McGraw a second time, Ash Booker, Meakins a second time and McGraw a third time, won the six qualifiers.

After race incidents shorted the final, Corey McDonald crossed the finish line first with Meakins, Joe Otimi, Marc Hanson, and Wayne Eames the top five across the line.

Meakins, Otimi, Hanson, Daryl Joosten and Paul Lamb were the first five Sports Sedans and McDonald, Wayne Eames, and Brendon Eames the top three Unlimited Sedans.

Goulburn Ovens Sedan Association members were competing for their association points and also held six heats of racing to determine qualification.

Robbie Miller, Billy O’Donoghue, Nathan Shortis, Chris Brockley, O’Donoghue a second time, and Shortis a second time were the winners during qualification.

Shortis then led all 11 laps of the feature event defeating Justin Brockley

the Victorian champion, O’Donoghue, Chris Brockley, and Marty Bassett.

Corowa–Rutherglen Speedway Club president Brendon Eames said it has been a rather difficult season for all involved with the club, especially after the damage to the club, equipment and facilities due to the horrific floods late in 2022.

“However, the finish to

the season with some race meetings under our belts despite the weather’s best attempts to cancel us is very satisfying,” Eames said.

“The support we have received from sponsors keen to assist, drivers and spectators keen to turn up and put money in our bank accounts, and support especially from the Victorian Speedway council and Wangaratta Speedway Club in

particular has been truly magnificent.

“The committee are humbled by this support, and we are already in advanced stages of preparation for next season.

“We are so very excited that we have secured our funding to install LED lights right around the race track and we are all systems go to return to night racing for our fans in 23/24 season.”

NEBA squad returns from state country championships

THE North East Baseball Association (NEBA) squad of 14 players travelled to Geelong on the weekend to play in the annual Victorian Country Baseball Championships in which they played teams from Melbourne City, Dandenong and Geelong in a round robin tournament and playing each team twice.

Although NEBA only won one of their six games, they held their own in each game played.

North East had four rookies in the squad, Austin Clear and Ash Meyers from Wodonga Warriors and Matt Condon

and Matt Lyddiard from the Albury Bears.

It was hard going for our local guys, having to play so many games in the two days and the pressure showed in the later games when they were tired and lack of concentration crept in. All coaches, players and scorers should be congratulated on their efforts over the weekend and we hope that a few more players make themselves available next year.

The North East Baseball Association will host the Under 16 Championship in

Wangaratta at Targoora Park next Saturday, June 24 and Sunday, June 25 with all four diamonds being used.

This week’s NEBA round of games:

 A Grade

Bears Vs Warriors at Springdale Heights Lavington.

Panthers Vs Rangers in Porepunkah.

 B Grade

Panthers Vs Rangers Orange in Porepunkah.

Bears Vs Benalla Bandits at Springdale Heights, Lavington.

Warriors Vs Rangers Grey at Gayview Park, Wodonga.

 C Grade

Bears Vs Warriors at Gayview Park, Wodonga. Panthers Vs Rangers at Porepunkah.

 Under 15 Panthers Vs Rangers at Porepunkah.

Bears Vs Bandits at Springdale Heights, Lavington.

Warriors have the bye.

 Under 12 Panthers Vs Rangers at Porepunkah.

Bears Vs Bandits at Springdale Heights, Lavington.

Warriors have the bye.

WORTH THE TRIP: Rodney Bassett from Tasmania winner in AMCA.

REMEMBERING LACHIE: Warrick Howie of Chiltern, brother of the late Lachie Howie, won the race named in his brother’s honour. PHOTOS: Vern Parker Photograhy

NEBA SQUAD: (Back from left) Mark Taylor, Eddie Simmons (manager), Damon Barker, Matt Condon, Jono Sassella, Brendan Simmons, Max Lyddiard, Austin Clear, Tom Simmons (coach).

(Front from left) Nathan Pool (coach), Tetsu Kamiyama, Aaron Parker, Jesse Griffiths, Sean Wilson, Jake Burge, Ash Meyers. Absent: Scorers Narelle Taylor, Sue Simmons.

MATCH PREVIEWS

Panthers chasing personal goals over Milawa Demons

By NATHAN DE VRIES

IT hasn’t been the easiest of seasons so far for Benalla All Blacks’ A grade squad, but cocoach Georgia Spencer said there was still plenty to gain through the back half of the year.

The Panthers have only nabbed one victory on the court from the first 10 rounds, a two-goal win over Bright in round four, but the side is still determined to fight it out until the very last match.

“We’re feeling more positive about the second half than we have about the first half, that’s for sure,” Spencer said.

“It’s definitely been a rough first half – we’ve had injuries, but we’ve actually had a player come back from last year, Jessie Ellis, she’ll be playing a few more games which is good.

“We’ve been short of players all year, it’s been hard.

“We haven’t been able to get the consistency because we’ve had different fill-ins each week.

“Going into this second half, with Jessie Ellis coming in for a lot more games, hopefully everyone will be in their positions consistently, and it’ll make for a better half of the year.”

Spencer said the squad will be looking at achievable individual and team goals to put improvement ahead of a result, up against an undefeated Milawa squad.

“Alara (Jones, cocoach) and myself go into it having small goals set for the team,” she said.

“Obviously Milawa’s a fantastic unit, they’ve been together for years and we’re coming off two weeks of byes.

“We’re going in with small goals to achieve, because we can’t go in already beaten in our heads.

“We want to limit them to a certain number of goals, make sure we’re talking on the court and encouraging each other, our goalkeeper might a have certain amount of rebounds she needs to get for a quarter, or down our goal end we want to score this many goals a quarter.

“We’ve had a few position changes, with one of our defenders coming down to the attack end –things like that seem to be working better, so everyone’s a bit more excited about this half than the first half.”

Benalla All Blacks hosts Milawa tomorrow at Friendlies Oval, with the A grade match from 2.15pm.

■ From back page

“The result didn’t go their way but I’ve got no doubt that Whorouly are going to come across on Saturday stung by that and prepared to do what it takes to get the four points against us.

“They probably got us on the outside early last time, it took us a little while to find our straps in that game – we probably didn’t start playing our best footy until after half-time, so we certainly

can’t allow them the start they had last time.

“The ground’s in great nick – we’ve had some rain this week but our ground drains really well, the greenness in the oval’s come back after a little bit of couch died off, so the ground’s looking a treat, so the playing conditions are going to be great for Saturday.

“I’m looking forward to a couple of young teams having a crack at each oth-

er, which is great for the comp.”

The Hawks host the Lions tomorrow, with the reserves match from 12pm, followed by the seniors at 2pm.

In other round 11 matches, the Demons head down to Benalla to face the Panthers, King Valley plays Tarrawingee at home, Goorambat takes on Bright, and the Blues go up against the Hoppers on the road, while Bonnie Doon takes another week off with the bye.

Kangaroos bound into O&K second half

By NATHAN DE VRIES

AFTER a strong start to the year, King Valley’s senior football squad entered the midway point of the season off the back of five straight losses, a trend they’re eager to break tomorrow.

Defeats at the hands of Benalla

All Blacks (32 pts), Whorouly (31 pts), Bonnie Doon (67 pts), North Wangaratta (10 pts) and Greta (129 pts) stymied any momentum the Roos built up from the start of the year, sitting just outside the top six on percentage.

King Valley will be angling for a victory tomorrow over bottom side Tarrawingee at home to steady the ship and help mount a case for finals through the back end of the season.

Co-coach Tony Ciancio said his side was focussed on hitting the targets they set at the start of the season.

“We’ve set some goals as a playing group at the start of the year, so it’s been nice to reflect on those over the last couple of weeks, to share what’s been working really well and the growth that we’ve shown as a playing group but also set some specific goals in the back half of the year,” he said.

“The league bye last week was our first week off, we’ve actually played 10 straight, next week’s actually our first proper bye.

“In saying that, the consistency of having 10 weeks on in a row has allowed some blokes to really develop and build some consistency into their footy, in terms of playing

that amount of games in a row and building week to week.

“We’re looking forward to the back end of the season as an opportunity to continue to do that as well.”

With a team skewing younger but held up with experienced and talented players, the Roos will be dynamic across the field.

“It was really great to have Charlie Davies back after a few weeks off from injury - I just think he’s a quality player who’s played senior Ovens and Murray football in the past and has recently come back to footy,” Ciancio said.

“He’s an amazing asset for us, particularly leading a lot of our younger midfielders, teaching them craft as well as tips and tricks out there on the footy field to help improve their game and help improve us as a team.

“Tom Stewart has really impressed last year – he was a senior player last year but he’s really taken his game to the next step this year with the consistency he’s giving us each week, which has been amazing to see.”

After getting trounced by the Roos by 114 points in round one, the Bulldogs have improved out of sight.

“Looking at the results throughout the year, Tarra have really improved which has been great to see,” Ciancio said.

“Similar to us, they’ve got quite a lot of young kids in across both seniors and reserves.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge across both grades that Saturday will bring.”

ON THE HOP: Sam Evans and the King Valley senior squad host Tarrawingee tomorrow at Whitfield. PHOTO: Nathan de Vries

IMPROVING: Benalla A grade co-coach Georgia Spencer is keen for her side to grow through the back half of the year.

PHOTO: Garry Jones

KEY PLAYER: Damien Bradley was imposing for the Hawks the last time they took on Whorouly.

PHOTO: Nathan de Vries

Rousing rematch on the cards between Hawks and Lions

Wilson among three Vic Country named Murray Bushrangers

THREE Murray Bushrangers will take their place in Victoria Country’s 31-player squad to take part in the 2023 AFL Under 18 National Championships.

Wangaratta Rovers star Darcy Wilson will be looking to build on his strong early season form that has seen him shine for the AFL Academy, while Shepparton duo Coby James and Oscar Ryan have also been picked.

The Victorian outfit will open its campaign on Sunday morning with a clash against South Australia at IKON Park.

Murray Bushrangers talent manager Mick Wilson said it’s reward for effort for the young Bushrangers stars.

“All the boys have worked hard to be selected so we’re all happy for them,” Wilson said.

“I’d like to think there could be a couple of our other players who might receive a late call-up off the back of strong Bushrangers form as well.

“Players like Harry Hewitt could play well over the next month and find their way into the squad.”

Ryan and Wilson have been ar-

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

guably the Bushrangers’ two best players this year.

Wilson turned in a massive display in his last game with the Bushrangers on June 3, racking up 33 touches and a goal against Northern Knights, while Ryan had 22 disposals.

“Oscar Ryan has been in our best just about every game this year,” Wilson said.

“Darcy’s also played some good games after some string form with the AFL Academy.”

The Bushrangers also have Albury duo Connor O’Sullivan and Phoenix Gothard playing in the championships for the Allies, highlighting the club’s array of talent this season.

“Connor and Phoenix have both played two games with the Allies now and have done well,” Wilson said.

“They’re two players who we’re really hopeful will have strong na-

tional championships which will help their draft ability.”

Just past the midway point of the Coates Talent League season the Murray Bushrangers have won just two from seven games but will be looking to get on a run when they return against Western Jets at Norm Minns Oval on June 24.

“We play at Wangaratta against Western Jets next weekend and then Rumbalara against Bendigo the next game so we’re been lucky to get a few home games this year,” Wilson said.

“Last year we played 14 games and had three genuine home games, this year we’ve got six home games so the draw’s been more favourable for us this season.”

Murray Bushrangers coach Mark Brown has been named assistant coach of Vic Country’s u18 team, while former Geelongplayer Paul Corrigan will lead the side.

Vic Country will play Western Australia in Perth in two weeks, followed by games against Allies and Vic Metro in Melbourne.

Lupo selected in School Sport Victoria u12 state team

By WILLSON MACK

CATHEDRAL College year six student Sam Lupo has been selected in the u12 School Sport Victoria Australian rules team.

Lupo played at the Victorian showcase trials last Friday in Melbourne and impressed selectors on his way to being selected in traditionally the country’s best Australian rules state side.

The 12-year-old will play at the national championships at the Lavington Sportsground from August 5 to August 11 where he’ll play against the country’s best for his age group.

Lupo said he’s excited to represent the ‘Big V’.

“I feel very excited to be selected in the state team because this is a great opportunity for me to play high level footy against boys all over Australia.,” Lupo said.

“It’s an honour to be chosen to represent Victoria.

“I had only known about the tryouts since the first day of school this year at my old school when my PE teacher told me about it so I’ve been wanting to make the team ever since then.”

The Myrtleford junior admitted it was a nervous wait to find out if he’d been selected.

“I found the tryouts fun but challenging because there were a lot of good footballers and it

Twin City Wanderers vs

Wangaratta City FC

was always nerve racking at the end of each trial waiting for the selectors to call my name out to see if I had progressed,” he said.

“I was really hoping I would make the team, I thought I’d been fairly competitive throughout the trials.”

The Victorian team will have their first training session this Sunday and will then get together every week in July in the lead up to nationals.

The star plays midfield for Myrtleford but will be more than happy to play wherever the Victorian team needs him.

“My favourite position is midfield, on ball,” Lupo said.

“My strengths are rucking, marking, kicking to a teammate and tackling.

“I will play anywhere on the field to help my team.

“My goal is to play my absolute hardest to help my team win the national championships.”

It’s been a busy few weeks for the budding sports star with Lupo also taking part in School Sport Victoria’s basketball trials as well.

Lupo said he can’t pick between the two sports.

“At this stage I love them both but when I’m older I will have to make a decision on which one I play,” he said.

“Playing both keeps me very busy at the moment.”

Sunday, June 18

JUNIORS FROM 8:30AM

SENIORS FROM 10:00AM

Kelly Park AWFA Round 13

BUDDING STAR: Sam Lupo has been picked in School Sport Victoria’s u12 football team.

VIC COUNTRY REP: Wangaratta Rovers’ Darcy Wilson is one of three Murray Bushrangers selected in Vic Country’s u18 squad. PHOTO: AFL Photos

Dragons ready for huge event

PREPARATIONS are complete for the Wangaratta Dragons Hockey Club’s evening with Australia hockey legend and two-time Olympian Rachael Lynch, set for this Saturday.

Lynch, the most capped Hockeyroo goalkeeper in history and RUOK day ambassador, will talk at Gateway Hotel from 7-9pm, and will share her experience on building resilience, performing under pressure, maintaining life balance, perspective and self-care.

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

Wangaratta Dragons Hockey Club president Daniel Warner said the buzz around the club was palpable.

“It’s a pretty big event, we’re hoping it goes off without a hitch and everything goes well,” he said.

“Everyone’s really excited, everyone’s really looking forward to meeting Rachael, to

start with, and dressing up and having a bit of a social do for the club is one of the biggest excitement factors.

“It’s been a couple of months in the planning, but it’s something we’re all on board with and we’re super excited about it.

“She’s that high calibreshe’s an Olympian for Life, which basically means she’s excelled in her life outside of the Olympics and her chosen sport.

“Not only is she a worldrenowned hockey player,

she’s also a nurse on the frontline, she’s an RUOK Day ambassador.”

While ticket sales weren’t as numerous as initially hoped, the crowd of seniors and juniors players alike will be hanging off Lynch’s every word.

“We ambitiously wanted 140 people because that was max capacity at the Gateway, but we’ve got just over half of that, just over 70,” Warner said.

“There’s a meet-and-greet for the juniors before to

catch up with Rachael, but we’ve also got a designated table on the evening for our under 16 players.

“There are eight-10 juniors coming along to meet Lynch and hear her stories of her life experience.

“We’re just ticking a few boxes and setting up a few things in regards to sponsorships – we’ve had a few businesses around town donating items to our lucky door prize and our raffle that we’re running.

“Once we get that sorted,

everything’s under control.”

With the event only a day away, Warner said everyone was looking forward to a fun night.

“We’re looking forward to it – I’m a little bit nervous, I’m supposed to be the emcee for the evening, so we’ll see how that comes off,” he said.

“This sort of event wouldn’t happen without the amazing volunteers in our club - without them, this sort of thing wouldn’t be possible.”

Young footy players do it for Daniher and FightMND

JUNIOR footballers from College and Junior Magpies this weekend will be wearing the Big Freeze socks to help raise funds and awareness for FightMND campaign to create a world free of Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Players in both clubs U12, U14 and U17 teams have bought the Big Freeze 9 socks to raise cash themselves and proceeds from the meat tray raffle to be run on the day will also go to the Daniher fund.

Raffles will also be held for a fruit and vegetable box and a hamper.

Spectators and footy fans are encouraged to drop in on the day to not only support Big Freeze 9 but also see some exciting footy action.

A full canteen will also be operating.

The games at the Norm Minns Oval this Saturday start from 8.50am and run throughout the morning.

Big Freeze 9 beanies are also available at Coles, Coles Express, Bunnings and online - or you can make a donation at fightmnd.org.au.

Oxley table tennis rounds out a big weekend of international sport

AFTER an outstanding King’s Birthday Weekend of international and local sport, the Oxley Social Table Tennis Competition rounded it all off when 14 players turned out on Monday night.

Numbers may have been down but enthusiasm was high in the many doubles and singles contests played in fierce but friendly rivalry.

Neil Brock was in steeplechase form while supporting Debbie Brunken who relentlessly worked her way around the table.

Ready and willing to thwart the pair was Adam Bosley who coaxed his part-

ner June Uebergang to rev things up a bit.

After an epic battle it was Bosley and Uebergang who managed to come home with the goods, 25-23.

Martin Butcher partnered with the driving force of Clive Brooker to take in Cheryl and Gary Coad.

It was no game for the feint-hearted with no ‘gimmes’ offered nor point conceded until the ball had bounced twice.

A great game with final scores not recorded but hefty handshakes and big smiles said it all.

Graham Stephens was in top form and with the

youthful Phoebe Bosley by his side they faced William Bonwick who cooked up a storm and Archie who did the Crispin.

Speed and accuracy were high from both pairs but it was Phoebe’s everreliable angled returns and Graham’s net cords that pinched them victory 21-20.

Another powerful all night long match between Richard Morgan and his inform partner Clive Brooker who challenged long man Gary Coad and pinkie Kate Cple to come and have a go.

At no stage during the match could anyone predict who would deliver the

goods as each pair provided a feast of entertainment for all.

But the long and short of it saw Cole and Coad take the win 21-19.

At the end of the big night of pinging and ponging everyone enjoyed the recuperation set around the supper table with a cuppa and replay of the night’s tussles.

Adults and secondary school students of all ages and abilities are welcome to join the action at the Oxley hall on Monday nights beginning at 7pm. Bring your own bat, $2 entry fee and a plate to share.

THE LONG AND THE SHORT OF IT: Richard Morgan and Clive Brooker face off against Kate Cole and Gary Coad.

PHOTO: Neil Brock

TAKING A STAND: (from left) Luca Jones, Caeden Burrows, Lenny Sims, Baxter McLeod, Jack Tonkin and Sam McIntosh will each don special socks to raise awareness for MND in Saturday’s matchups at the Wangaratta Showgrounds.

PHOTO: Ryan Malcolm

Wangaratta primary students on track in annual cross country

EARLIER this month, students at Wangaratta Primary School participated in their annual cross country event, running along the Wangaratta parkrun track to various checkpoints.

Thankfully the sun was shining and both students and staff enjoyed themselves, displaying a great attitude and demonstrating persistence and determination as they pushed themselves across the finish line.

CONCENTRATION: Nash Farrugia gave his all.

FUN: Maddi Puls went off-road.

FLYING: Lucas Carson-McIlroy was airborne.

STRIVE: Grace Jones was on track.

EFFORT: Gema Winn kept up the pace.

RACE: Emmy Smith took it step by step.

RUN: Teo Valle was first across the finish line.

TEAMWORK: Grade 1/2 students prepare to take off on the cross country run.

PHOTOS: Zoe Henschke

round

Thursday, June 15

Port Adelaide vs. Geelong Cats (AO) (N)

Friday, June 16

Brisbane Lions vs. Sydney Swans (G) (N)

Saturday, June 17

GWS GIANTS vs. Fremantle (GS) (T)

Richmond vs. St Kilda (MCG) (N)

Sunday, June 18

Carlton vs. Gold Coast SUNS (MCG)

North Melbourne vs. Western Bulldogs (MRVL) (T)

Byes: Adelaide Crows, Collingwood, Essendon, Hawthorn, Melbourne, West Coast Eagles

leaderboard after round

Dameon Holmes ..76

Max Webster ......76

Chris Doyle ........75

Tom the Baker .....75

Jess Maddy.........74

Dave Harrop .......74

Nick Bell ............74

Brett Anderson .....73

Beth Watson ........73

Carlo De Napoli ....72

Kent Wathen ........72

Nicci Bettles .........72

Rob Bell ................71

Jack Lancaster ........71

Pranav Menon .......71

Sean Barrett .........70

James Salafia ........69

Shayne Gannon ....67 Jack Penny ...........67

Magpies’ O&M flag appeal dismissed

WANGARATTA won’t be crowned O&M senior football premiers for the 2022 season.

The Magpies’ appeal to regain the 2022 flag after it was stripped by the O&M due to a salary breach has been dismissed.

AFLNEB released a statement on Thursday afternoon to outline the decision.

“AFL North East Border (AFLNEB) wishes to provide an update regarding the Wangaratta Football Netball Club’s (WFNC) appeal to the AFLNEB Region Appeal Committee of the decision of the Ovens and Murray Football Netball League (OMFNL) to not recognise the WFNC’s 2022 senior premiership,” it said.

“The AFLNEB Region Appeal Committee, having considered all submissions from the parties, has dismissed the appeal of the WFNC.

“The AFLNEB Region Appeal Committee determined that the sanction imposed by the OMFNL was reasonable in the circumstances.

“As such, the decision of the OMFNL to not recognise WFNC’s 2022 senior premiership will stand.

“AFLNEB considers that the region appeal process was fair and equitable for both parties.

“It included two rounds of written submissions, before extensive deliberations by the AFLNEB Region Appeal Committee to reach its decision.”

The decision means the Ovens and Murray Football Netball League will officially have no senior football premier for the season.

On top of losing the flag, WFNC was fined $28,000, couldn’t play for premiership points until round three of the current season and had their total team points reduced for the entire 2023 season to 36, a reduction of four.

Redemption in mind

Scintillating rematch on the cards at North Wangaratta between Hawks and Whorouly Lions ggy

THE last time North Wangaratta and Whorouly went head to head, a scoreboard error gifted the Hawks a miraculous one-point win after the final siren – tomorrow, both teams will be striving to post a statement result.

North Wangaratta sits sixth on the ladder entering the second half of the

BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

home and away season, but the middle of the ladder is looking exceptionally tight.

Only one win separates fifth on the ladder from the Lions at eighth, meaning

the race for a spot in finals is well and truly on.

Hawks coach Steve Manning said his side was eager to improve even further through the back half of the year.

“We’ve played some good footy but we’ve also identified that we’ve got a long way to go, we’ve got a lot of improvements to make

before we really start being considered a serious team in the competition,” he said.

“It’s about now bringing it all together – I’ve implemented a lot of new stuff this year and it’s going to take time, and as a club, we’ve got to be prepared to take the good with the bad and we need to learn, and

it’s going to take some time over the next few years.

“We’ve had some really good moments this year against quality opposition and had a few them worried at certain times – it’s about sustaining that for longer and repeating it, week after week.

“It takes consistent high standards of training during

the week and having that confidence in the team during the year.”

Given the close contest in their last meeting, Manning said he expected a strong challenge from the Lions.

“It was a really good game of footy last time we played them, both sides were really determined to win,” he said.

■ Continued page 38

Scoreboard: Page 36

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling