Police charge Police man after man car crash, car burglar y burglary
Page 3
HISTORY was made on Saturday with the Greta Football Club breaking a 25-year premiership drought. The A grade women from Bonnie Doon took their first ever netball premiership and other grades triumphed. See stories, results and photos in sport.
PHOTO: Marc Bongers
Community group to make a submission to Environment Act in bid to stop solar facility ygppy
A COMMUNITY group against the proposed 330MW Meadow Creek Solar Farm will object to the facility under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
Following a trip to Canberra on Thursday, members of the Meadow Creek Agricultural and
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
Action G roup (MCAAG) have been given some hope in trying to stop the facility being approved following the State Government’s fast-tracking of renewable energy
facilities in Victoria.
The g roup’s ace card are endangered species known to habitate the area, with the Gang-gang Cockatoo and the Eastern Bandy-bandy snake joining the Sloane’s froglet on the list.
Other vulnerable species of bird are also known to the area,
including the brown treecreeper, and diamond firetail, and there is also the grey-headed flying fox.
MCAAG representatives met with government departments about the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
Indi MP Helen Haines organised the meeting so
the representatives could access the Act and be given information about how to make a submission to it.
It is the only way the concerned residents can appeal the Meadow Creek solar facility application as the State Government has removed the Victorian Civil and Administrative
Tribunal process in relation to renewable energy facilities applications.
Meadow Creek Group member David Minifie joined four other leading MCAAG members and he said the Gang-gang cockatoo passes through his property regularly.
■ Continued page 3
DEMENTIA Australia’s Cuppa Time for Dementia is back this October, with people being encouraged to pop the kettle on and help raise funds for Australians impacted by dementia.
The initiative is all about getting together with friends and family in October, enjoying a cuppa, and raising funds to help Dementia Australia provide vital support and services.
“Whether you choose to have your cuppa at home, in your workplace or with your friends and family, you’ll be raising much-needed funds to support the 421,000 Australians living with dementia and the 1.6 million people involved in their care,” Dementia Australia chief executive officer Professor Tanya Buchanan said.
Cuppa Time for Dementia runs throughout October, allowing participants to host a cuppa whenever suits them.
To register for free and to find more information, visit www.cuppafordementia.com.au
Alana Tran
ALANA Tran was born at Northeast Health Wangaratta on Monday, September 9 at 3:52am and weighed 2.78kg (6lb 2oz).
She is the sister of Aiden Tran and Oscar Tran and the daughter of Kim Nguyen and Andy Tran of Cobram.
Macie Sierra Tekin
MACIE Sierra Tekin was born at Northeast Health Wangaratta on Tuesday, September 10 at 2:40pm and weighed 2.9kg (6lb 6oz).
She is the sister of Melanya Tekin and the daughter of Jessica Tekin and Taner Tekin of Barooga.
The Wangaratta Chronicle will be in attendance at the midwifery ward on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9.30am to take photos of newborns with their parents, grandparents and/or siblings.
Consent forms are available from Northeast Health Wangaratta and from Wangaratta Chronicle staff on the day.
If you would like a photo but are not at the ward at the time of visiting, you can come into the Wangaratta Chronicle office at 37 Rowan Street during office hours to organise it.
Photographs are available to purchase from the Wangaratta Chronicle office.
THE Rural City of Wangaratta is honouring its oldest residents with a special Commemorative High Tea, recognising the remarkable contributions of seniors aged 95 years and over.
The event will take place on Thursday, October 10, from 12 noon to 3pm at the Gateway Hotel.
Each senior who is 95 years and older has received a personal invitation from council, acknowledging their invaluable role in shaping our community over the years.
This high tea is a gesture to celebrate their lives, stories, and their legacy.
The Gateway will provide an elegant setting, and attendees will be treated to an afternoon of entertainment, with crowd-favourite performer Paris Zachariou returning to serenade the guests.
Dean Rees, Mayor Rural
City of Wangaratta, expressed his admiration for the seniors.
“It is an honour to celebrate the remarkable lives of our senior citizens,” he said.
“This high tea is a small token of our deep appreciation for the countless contributions they have made.
“Their wisdom, experience, and dedication have been integral to the fabric of our town, and this event is our way of saying thank you.
“We know our seniors will enjoy this wonderful afternoon filled with music, memories, and camaraderie.”
The Commemorative High Tea is one of 104 events taking place during the Seniors Festival this October.
For more information about the Commemorative High Tea or other services available for seniors, please contact the aged care team on
5722 0790.
For more details of the Wangaratta Seniors Festival, pick up a festival booklet from
customer service or visit https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov. au/Residents/WhatsOn/Wangaratta-Seniors-Festival-2024.
BY JORDAN DUURSMA jduursma@ nemedia.com.au
AGEING with Grace, a charity providing connection and community for any older person living in residential aged care or who is approved or waitlisted for a home care package, is calling for volunteers.
Ageing with Grace is the state contact for the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) which is funded by the Australian Government, to connect community members with their local ACVVS provider.
9261 1930.
Ageing with Grace chief executive officer Esis Tawfik said matching a volunteer visitor to an older person helps reduce loneliness and isolation by providing regular companionship and meaningful social interaction.
“The relationship creates a sense of connection, enabling older people to feel valued and heard, which can help alleviate feelings of loneliness,” she said.
“The visits (weekly or fortnightly) break up the isolation many older people experience,
offering them a reliable, friendly person to share their thoughts and to chat with and sometimes just simply spend time with.
“These friendships foster emotional support and contribute to overall well-being, enhancing their sense of belonging and community.”
A beautiful success story from the ACVVS is Bill and Denise’s
blossoming friendship.
Bill first heard about the ACVVS from a community librarian, now Bill meets with Denise, a volunteer, on a regular basis, with the two becoming firm friends as they share stories of their lives.
Sometimes they enjoy lunch at a local eatery together or go for a drive and enjoy the countryside.
Denise cared for both of her parents and misses them dearly; she finds that volunteering for the ACVVS helps her feel connected to the older generation and brings her a sense of joy.
“Our volunteers are kindhearted, generous and caring people who make time in their week to give back to their community and who are repaid by knowing they make a difference to an older person locally,” Ms Tawfik said.
“I would encourage anyone who has an hour or so available each week to volunteer.
“Someone who is patient, kind and likes older people and can also can make a long term commitment is the perfect candidate.”
The ACVVS is available to Wangaratta residents, Ms Tawfik is appointed by the Department of Health and Aged Care as the state network member for ACVVS and will link any referrer to the organisation that provides the service in their area.
For more information about ACVVS or volunteering, contact aged care programs coordinator Lydia Zandt at lydiaz@ageingwithgrace.org.au or 0476 653 332.
By STEVE KELLY
IT will be a three-way contest for the Yarrunga Ward failing any more entries before the noon Tuesday deadline, with Julian Fidge officially nominating for the ward, alongside Allison Winters and Joanne Pane.
Dr Fidge has previously held a position on Wangaratta council before it was dismissed in 2013 by then Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell.
He has since nominated for election at state and federal level of government, most recently in the 2022 state election representing the Liberal Democrats Party.
Dr Fidge is the newest nomination, making it 10 people who are looking for a spot on council for the next four years across seven wards.
Other candidates to nominate are Tania Maxwell (Appin Ward), Dave Fuller (Bullawah Ward), Harry Bussell (King River Ward), Jennifer Garrett and Harvey Benton (Ovens Ward), Irene Grant (Warby Ward), and Peter Siperki (Wareena Ward).
All candidates are required to undertake the online Local Government Victoria candidate training to be eligible to nomi-
nate for council, as required by the Local Government Act 2020.
A ballot draw, to determine the order candidates are listed on the ballot papers, will be conducted this Wednesday. Ballot packs will be posted to all enrolled voters from October 7, containing a ballot paper,
group
make a
together with their statements. Voting closes at 6pm Friday, October 25 and all postal votes have to be received by the VEC by noon Friday, November 1.
Man allegedly crashes car Friday night, then burgles Milawa Bakery
By STEVE KELLY
POLICE have caught an alleged offender who they say crashed his car and later broke into the Milawa Bakery stealing cash and a jumper.
A 27-year-old man residing at a Wangaratta address was allegedly seen driving erratically prior to approaching the 60km/h speed zone in Milawa at about 7.29pm on Friday.
Senior Constable Graeme Weldon of Wangaratta Highway Patrol said he has lost control of his silver Corolla sedan in the 100km/h zone.
He said his car has left the road and ended up in some trees after the 60km/h speed zone commences travelling in a direction towards Myrtleford.
“The driver has fled the scene and a 29-year-old female passenger has become trapped in the vehicle.
“The women was airlifted to The Alfred Hospital with suspected head injuries.”
Police will allege that the man has then broken into Milawa Bakery and stolen some cash and a jumper.
“We found the man on Saturday morning and he was taken to Northeast Health Wangaratta,” Sen Const Weldon said. He said police have recovered what was stolen.
Following the arrest, the man was charged with driving, theft and burglary related offences.
He was bailed to appear in Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on December 16.
If anyone witnessed anything or has dashcam or CCTV footage that could assist the investigation they can contact Wangaratta Police Station on 5723 0888.
■ From page 1
“Five of us travelled to Canberra and we listened to the people at Bridget McKenzie’s office, Indi MP Helen Haines coordinated a meeting with the EPBC team, and a staff member of Tania Plibersek attended,” he said.
“The g roup and other concerned members of the public can make a submission to the EPBC until September 25 and the department will assess whether the application requires elevation to controlled action.
“This could include an environmental effects statement or
environmental impact statement of the proposed facility on the endangered species.”
Mr Minifie said the Sloane’s froglet for instance likes to disperse in wet conditions that we’ve had where they can cross fertilise.
He said when a dry period arrives, they restrict back to slightly damper areas and for the population to maintain diversity they like to get out and jump around in the shallow water across the landscape.
“There is concern whether the frog will be able to handle the construction of the solar facility with all the mud
and disturbance which would affect the water quality that the frogs usually thrive in,” he said.
“We think the Ganggang cockatoo mainly nests in the higher country but with some of the fires that have gone through the great divide in recent years, they may have had an effect on the hollow trees.
“Maybe they’ll have to come down to low elevation to breed.”
Mr Minifie said other vulnerable species of birds such as the brown tree creeper and diamond fire tail, and the grey-headed flying fox transverse huge areas looking for nectar and
fruit trees.
It is unknown by objectors how many trees are marked for removal as the map does not specify how many trees there are in a cluster.
The g roup was handed the EPBC on Thursday and there are hundreds of pages to read through.
“Once we get the notice through the state planning system, there should be a statement in there regarding the number of trees to be removed,” he said.
“We’re going to start reviewing the documents on the EPBC portal and have our say on how we think the species will be impacted.”
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
HOUSING growth targets across Victoria will not be reached if all levels of government don’t work collaboratively to lessen the cost and proficiency burdens on the building sector, according to industr y lobby groups.
The Victorian Government has set draft housing targets by 2051 for each municipality, with 5700 new homes predicted for the Rural City of Wangaratta, and 24,200 for the North East, part of almost 500,000 extra homes for regional Victoria.
Councils’ peak body, the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), has lodged a submission with the government focused on the release of these housing targets and the need to address wider housing supply and policy issues.
It has raised concerns about “confusion” as whether the targets are ‘delivery’ targets or ‘capacity’ targets for planning purposes, “though more recent briefings from departmental officers, has characterised them as the latter”.
“The government should explicitly clarify their role and function, and how they will be finalised with local council and community input,” the submission reads.
MAV Housing Taskforce released the submission underscoring the need for councils to be integral partners in the planning and development process, as they possess invaluable insights into local needs and will oversee the ongoing management of these areas long after developers and builders have moved on.
MAV president David Clark said the submission continues the organisation’s call for a more com-
prehensive consideration of housing imperatives than the traditional focus on supply alone.
“Adequate housing should also account for location, choice, diversity, quality, and accessibility to essential social and physical infrastructure,” Cr Clark explained.
“These factors are crucial for creating high-quality, liveable environments and cannot be achieved by merely pursuing supply targets.
“Planning decisions extend beyond the realm of housing supply, influencing community-building aspects such as open space, employment, transport infrastructure, and social and health facilities.”
Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy said the government is failing to meet their targets, and they are trying to shift the blame onto councils.
“Instead of working with them to provide proper resourcing and support, they
are putting the workload on councils to approve developments quickly,” Mr McCurdy said.
“Instead of incentivising faster and better decision making, the government is now starting to try and strip away councils’ planning powers and stop the community having a voice in the process.
“Instead of blame shifting, Labor should listen to the community, and provide councils the support they need, not just pay them lip service.”
The Federal Government has also flagged 1.2 million homes to be built over the next five years nationwide and Independent Indi MP Helen Haines has been pushing to ensure regional areas received 30 per cent of the funding.
She said affordability and supply is a whole-ofgovernment, whole-ofcommunity issue and working together is critical to solving the housing crisis.
“I’ve been advocating heavily for the government to provide funding for enabling infrastructure to unlock housing supply in regional and rural areas,” Dr Haines said.
“With 30 per cent of our population living in regional areas, I also want to the government to guarantee 30 per cent of housing funding go to the regions.
“As an independent, every day I see positive results of working across levels of government, industry and community and I will continue to do this when it comes to housing.”
Master Builders Australia (MBA) forecast released this week has the nation falling short by 166,000 homes by June 30, 2029.
MBA CEO Denita Wawn said new home building started the Accord period from its weakest position in a decade.
“The downgrade in our April forecasts is off the back of a prolonged battle to curb inflation, persis-
tently high interest rates and continued constraints on the supply side of the residential building market,” she said.
“Federal, state and territory governments have acknowledged the challenges around planning, workforce and productivity, but we aren’t seeing enough flow through on the ground.
“Productivity in the industry has fallen 18 per cent over the last decade.
“It’s clear that state governments need to expedite the rollout of planning reforms to reduce the high costs and time it takes to build.
“Workforce shortages continue to be the biggest challenge for the industry across all sectors.
“At the federal level, the government’s priority should be growing the building and construction workforce.
“This must include a mix of domestic and skilled migration workers.”
Platform aims to support young Victorians to navigate life
A NEW platform, YouthNav, has been launched by the State Government to help young Victorians navigate important aspects of life with an online platform that is fun to use and includes information about a range of topics.
The platform has been closely developed with young people and those helping young people in their work, with over 160 young people aged from 13 to 25 consulted during development of the platform.
YouthNav asks young users about their skills with interactive prompts and provides guidance on life topics to help users understand, plan for and succeed in skills like getting a job, moving out of home, getting around, having their say and managing money.
The platform was codesigned and tested with members of the Victorian Youth Congress, to make sure a youth perspective is embedded in policies and decisions that affect Victoria’s young people.
Victorian Youth Congress members were involved in concept and prototype testing of the online platform over a 12-month period that helped to create a resource that meets the needs and interests of young people.
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said they continue to work in partnership with young people to make sure they provide them with support, opportunities and a voice in the work we do, to help them succeed in life.”
For more information, or to try YouthNav, visit youthcentral.vic.gov.au/ youthnav.
NORTH East Water is currently engaging with the community on its next price submission that will propose fees and charges customers will pay from 2026 onwards.
This major initiative will determine pricing for water and sewerage services, as well as inform infrastructure and operational investments for North East Water’s next price submission to Victoria’s independent regulator, the Essential Services Commission (ESC).
The ESC will set the prices customers will pay for the next regulatory period
starting from July 1, 2026.
Managing director, Jo Murdoch, said the water corporation’s community engagement was designed to reach all customers across the 39 towns that span 20,000 square kilometres it services.
“Customers have already been actively participating in workshops, surveys, and town pop-up kiosks and there will be more opportunities to contribute in the months to come, including additional surveys, an online bill simulator and a deliberative forum in February next year,” Ms
Murdoch said.
“We are asking people to talk to us about what they value most about their water and sewer services and help us understand their expectations for the coming years.
“It’s really important that we gather customer feedback on a range of critical waterrelated issues, from water conservation to population growth and regional development.”
Water fees and services are set by the ESC.
All Victorian water corporations, including
North East Water, are required to develop a price submission for ESC approval. This process seeks to ensure fair and stable prices for customers that reflect community feedback and expectations.
Ms Murdoch said North East Water’s price submission engagement included gathering feedback from a diverse range of customers and stakeholders – including homeowners, renters, businesses, First Peoples, residents experiencing financial hardship, people with
disabilities, new customers, older and younger people, developers and local councils.
“Early next year, a series of deliberative forums will further explore the feedback gathered, bringing together different perspectives from a representative sample of our customers,” she said.
“We want to ensure our customers have a significant role in shaping the future.”
Following this extensive consultation, a draft price submission will be shared with the community for feedback before being
submitted to the ESC in September 2025 for a determination.
The ESC will then assess North East Water’s draft submission to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and value for money. There will be future opportunities for customers to have a say prior to the ESC’s final determination before the new price period commences.
For more information about the North East Water’s price submission process, visit www.newater.com.au/ps.
State Government confirms budget dollars for firefighting services, but not percentages of ggg,pgppool
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
RURAL City of Wangaratta ratepayers would have noticed an annual Fire Services Property Levy on their recent rates notice, but the state’s volunteer firefighters group believes an unfair portion of this money will going to volunteer brigades.
Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) has renewed calls for a fair share of levy revenue so country brigades can update vital facilities, vehicles and equipment.
The fire services levy in Victoria is $132 per annum for residential (including vacant residential) and $267 for nonresidential.
VFBV District 23 president Garry Nash said many ratepayers are CFA members and they would like to see a fair portion of the fire services levy being spent on CFA facility renewal and equipment upgrades.
“People have received the charge of the levy on their rates notices and in some municipalities people are calling it the CFA levy,” Mr Nash said.
“We’d like to know from
Treasury just how much would come back to CFA.
“You’ve still got Forest Fire Management Victoria and what percentage goes to them, and what percentage goes to Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV)?”
State Treasury would not confirm with this masthead the percentage amounts of funding that will be directed to each firefighting entity upon request, however, it did highlight budgeted dollar amounts for 2024/25.
“The Victorian Budget 2024/25 provides $18.6 million to deliver 15 world class replacement pumpers for CFA and $15.4 million for five FRV pumper platforms,” a government spokesperson said.
“This brings our total investment in new fire services vehicles to more than $100 million since 2018 – with 29 new ultra heavy tankers, 48 heavy tankers and two light tankers for the CFA, and 23 new trucks and support vehicles currently on the way for FRV.
“Each year the government spends more on our fire services than what is collected through the Fire Services Property Levy.
“The levy funds up to 77.5
per cent of the Country Fire Authority’s, and 87.5 per cent of Fire Rescue Victoria’s, services budgets in accordance with section 12 of the Fire Services Property Levy Act 2012.”
The spokesperson said the Fire Services Property Levy was put in place to fund life saving fire services, following a recommendation of the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission, and all levy proceeds go to supporting the state’s fire services, including vital life-saving equipment, firefighters, staff, training, infrastructure and community education.
Nationals MP for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy said not a week goes past without the massive increase in the fire services levy being raised with him.
“Farmers in particular are absolutely frustrated that while their levy nearly doubled in some cases, the government continues to rub salt into the wound by not putting the cash back into rural CFA brigades,” he said.
“So, in 2024 our farmers not only pay to support Melbourne’s fire brigades but are left to fight their own fires with outdated trucks and equipment.
“The Allan Labor Government has simply followed in sync with the Andrews Labor Government, and nothing has changed.
“Labor cannot manage money, and regional CFAs and farmers are paying the price.”
One Nation MP for Northern Victoria, Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell, said the CFA plays a critical role in protecting regional Victorians, not just with bushfires but all sorts of critical incidents such as storms, floods and car accidents.
“It is vital that the CFA receives the proper funding they need so that these wonderful volunteers have the equipment and vehicles to keep regional communities safe,” Ms Tyrrell said.
Contact Rural City of Wangaratta on 5722 0888 for more information about the levy.
WE have had two articles in Friday’s and today’s Chronicle that delve into two levies or taxes that have been and are being introduced by the State Government.
The Fire Services Property Levy has already been introduced and will help fund the CFA, FRV and FFMV services across the state.
The Short-Stay Accommodation Levy has passed through the Victorian Parliament’s Legislative Assembly and will now go to the Legislative Council for review.
While the fire services levy is about $130 per annum, it is just another cost for property owners who have already had to fork out significant extra costs for insurance premiums.
Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria is also concerned that the proper share in funding is directed back to the CFA, especially when many rural people have actually given large portions of their lives volunteers for the CFA.
They are effectively paying a tax to help pay for the very organisation they volunteer for.
The accommodation tax, or as the opposition is calling it, the tourism tax, is a tax on people who are often mum and dad investors who are trying to get ahead financially.
Tourism has dropped off since the cost of living has risen and when economic times begin to become more equitable, visitors are sure to return and it will be interesting to see how the levy affects people’s accommodation booking habits.
The intention to use the $7.5 per cent levy revenue on funding social, affordable and key worker housing is a noble idea, but you rarely see a government remove a tax after it’s introduced and the burden could have lasting effects.
1. What is the largest country in area on the African continent?
2. Which substance has the molecular formula C6H12O6?
3. How many times did Roy Emerson win the Australian Open Singles tennis tournament?
4. Which TV series is set in the fictional town of Stars Hollow?
5. Who wrote the 1857 novel, Tom Brown’s Schooldays?
6. What are the colours on the flag of Vietnam?
7. Who was the Australian Prime Minister at the beginning of WWI?
8. In 2013, Lachlan Gillespie became what colour Wiggle?
9. The 24 Hours of Le Mans sports car race is usually held during which month?
10. Who was the bass player for the Rolling Stones from 1962 to 1992?
11. The Gulf of Mannar is on the west coast of which country?
12. Halloumi cheese is traditionally made from the unpasteurised milk of which two animals?
13. In what year was Windows 3.0 released?
14. Which Australian won the Academy Award for Best Cinematography for Dances with Wolves?
15. What was the first name of the famous composer, Vivaldi?
16. Variola major and Variola minor are two variants of which disease?
17. Which swimmer has the nickname, The Baltimore Bullet?
18. Redheads matches were originally made in which country?
19. What type of nuts are used in Nutella?
20. Brian McFadden had a relationship with which singer from 2004 until 2011?
FACEBOOK users this week commented on the closure of Edi Upper Primary School.
• Julie Roberts: In some ways I actually think this is the best outcome for the children. Having kids in a “school” environment with such tiny numbers is actually more detrimental than it is healthy.
• Molly Homewood: Julie Roberts I went here and there were only 10-20 kids and received the best education, if not better than bigger
schools. I don’t think this is completely accurate!
• Julie Roberts: Molly Homewood 20 is a bit different to 5 and under!!!! My kids went to Milawa primary and it was great but once the numbers drop under 20 there’s a whole range of things that can start going wrong!
• Ray Jones: Ash Dgz my school.
• Elaine Strong: My dad, Tom Newton grew up in Edi and went to school there. I
OUR beautiful, pristine King and Ovens valleys have been earmarked for extensive solar facility development.
These regions currently attract vital tourism dollars which create a thriving economy for the whole of the Rural City Of Wangaratta and beyond.
Tourism revenue contributes significantly to overall quality of life through available services, infrastructure and even the amount and variety of retail and hospitality options.
The King Valley wine region currently attracts 590,000 visitors annually, generating $268M in economic output and accounts for 1267 jobs across the King Valley and broader Hume region.
Tourists (especially from crowded cities both here and overseas) visit this region for its wide-open spaces and beautiful scenery.
Residents choose to live here for the exact same reasons.
These facilities change the landscape significantly - from rural to industrial.
They also impact negatively on the environment and wildlife.
I have noticed a convincing shift (on social media and newspaper polls) in the number of locals who support these facilities, versus the number against.
Those against are substantially more now, with previously very vocal supporters having disappeared.
I believe the proliferation of solar facilities along the Hume Freeway has spooked many residents and what is being planned throughout the King Valley is significantly larger.
Every action we take has an impact on the environment.
We currently only utilise 5 per cent of potential rooftop solar capacity.
It is environmentally responsible to fully utilise areas we have already impacted before impacting the environment further.
Using high value agricultural land for solar facilities, is short-term thinking which will cause problems with food supply and security down the track.
We need to be smarter and more innovative, not tied to unnecessary and/or outdated ideas.
We owe it to future generations to choose long term, sustainable options that won’t further impact our fragile environment.
So much of our local economy depends on tourism and agriculture, why risk it?
Linda
Simpson, Oxley
NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.
think we were there for the 125 years anniversary. A lot of my cousins also attended school there.
• Kylie Dowell: Indefinitely meaning forever ????
• Regina Callaway: Just made 150 years. So sad to see the smaller schools close.
• Andrea Tully: What a shame.
• Liz Blair: So sad All the little schools closing .Kids get the best education in country schools.
• Cassandra Bennett: Liz
Blair sure do Rhylee is striving at Oxley best school.
• Liz Blair: Cassandra Bennett that’s good to hear.
Facebook users also commented on volunteers being sought to power the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues.
• Linda Simpson: Congratulations and thank you to all who are working so hard & dedicating their time to bring this fabulous Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues back to life!
Our follower total is Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.
14,946
TYPICAL of many politicians is they have a thought bubble and promote that as policy without any meat on the bones.
The new Teal Energy policy is no exception as it makes a revised target of 75 per cent renewable by 2035 without telling us how it can be achieved.
Well, it is achievable but a total rethink on how it implemented is required.
The city people will be required to do much of the heavy lifting.
Firstly, legislate that all buildings will have to install 25 per cent solar cells on all roofs by 2035 with no exceptions.
By making exceptions many organisations and companies will avoid being impacted.
Just look at the GST and you will be surprised at the number of organisations who claim GST credits but do not qualify to pay GST.
Secondly, wind farms are to be installed in the oceans near the cities where most of the power is required.
Manly, Moreton Bay, Glenelg and Port Phillip Bay are ideal locations.
This will reduce the power loss due
their reduced lengths.
This has the advantage of these buildings and long power transmission lines will not be affected by environment, flood, Aboriginal and other existing regulations.
The Teals promote environmental issues as the main reason for this revised policy and by adopting my recommendations they will protect the environment which is presently being slowly destroyed by all these wind and solar farms projects plus protect our prime agricultural farming properties.
John Walker, North Wangaratta
WE welcome your letters to the Editor. Priority is given to typed/emailed letters under 250 words. Every letter must have your full name, address and a daytime phone contact number supplied for verification purposes. Any letter may be edited for reasons of space, content or legibility. Email edit.chronicle@nemedia.com.au
Post Letters to the Editor, 37 Rowan St, Wangaratta 3677
across Australia.
BY JORDAN DUURSMA jduursma@ nemedia.com.au
THE Federal Government has announced questions on sexuality and gender identity will be included in the 2026 Census.
LGBTQIA+ In the North East (LINE) executive officer Allison Winters said the LINE team welcomes the decision to include gender and sexuality questions on the 2026 Census.
“At the moment we’re using 2017 data which tells us there are LGBTQIA+ people here, but it’s not accurate, it’s years out of date, and its affecting our ability to be responsive to the needs of the community,” Allison said.
“One of the important things is understanding who lives in our community, particularly young people, because we need to make sure we attain and attract a young workforce, and families in this vibrant and inclusive city.
“It makes sense, from a social and economic perspective, that we have the data to support to development and delivery of programs and ser-
vices for the community.”
Allison said the census is the most accurate population data available.
“When we plan the development of programs and projects for LGBTQIA+ communities, we rely on data, and without understanding and knowing who exactly lives in our communities, it’s really hard to show funding bodies and partners how important this is,” Allison said.
“We’ve been relying on stories and anecdotal evidence, which is wonderful, but
doesn’t always capture the full diversity in our community.
“Under the previous decision, our family would not have been counted, and given how many families like ours exist in regional and rural Australia, it’s going to be really useful for policy planning for governments at all levels, to be able to make good decisions now for families just like mine.
“As a public health qualified health professional, I know that data and research is vital to positively impact health and wellbe-
MAGPIES are not the only native birds who may swoop during their breeding season, with members of the public encouraged to be aware and protect themselves as they commute.
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) senior wildlife projects officer Simon Ruff said every spring, some native birds swoop to defend their eggs and chicks for a short time while their young are most vulnerable.
“While swooping is unsettling, it’s normal behaviour for a range of native birds, warning people and animals not to come near their young - it’s rare for birds to make contact,” he said.
“Not all birds swoop during the breeding season, so the presence of magpies or other common swooping birds doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be swooped.
“Remember, the swooping behaviour will only last a short time, normally stopping soon after the young leave the nest.”
Native birds swoop in urban and rural areas, parks and gardens, along bike tracks or anywhere that birds are nesting.
Species that may swoop commonly include magpies, masked lapwings and butcherbirds.
SWOOPING SEASON: While some magpies are known to swoop during breeding season, so do other species including masked lapwings (pictured) and butcherbirds.
Earlier this month, cycle safety advocacy group RoadSafe North East said cyclists should but extra care in spring, advising those who find themselves in a swooping zone, to dismount their bikes and calmly and quickly walk through the area.
DEECA also advises walkers to avoid swooping hotspots where possible, move quickly (but don’t run) if swooped, and to wear protective head and eye coverings.
It also reminds us not to harass birds - as this can
PHOTO: Nick Talbot/Flickr
make swooping worse - and not to feed the birds or destroy their nests.
Swooping incidents can be reported by visiting wildlife. vic.gov.au/managing-wildlife/swooping-birds.
All native wildlife is protected by law and harassing, harming or disturbing native birds and other wildlife is illegal in Victoria.
You can report wildlife crime such as harassing, harming or disturbing wildlife to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.
ing outcomes of regional and rural people.
“We hope that in the future there is increased community consultation and engagement, to ensure people with intersex variations are also included in data collection, that is safe, appropriate and respectful.”
Allison acknowledged over the last few weeks, there has been an increase in hate speech during this public debate, and it has caused real harm to LGBTQIA+ people, families and communities
While the announcement is a significant step forward for LGBTQIA+ communities, questions for the 2026 Census will not include intersex people.
Minister for Equality Harriet Shing said collecting this data will support better service provision and improve outcomes for members of communities whose existence has historically been under-recognised and underrepresented.
“People with innate variations in sex characteristics are part of our LGBTIQA+ communities and always have been, but all too often their existence and needs are overlooked and misunderstood,” she said.
“They also deserve to be counted, and Victoria will continue to advocate for their recognition and protection.
“By gathering baseline Census data about people with innate variations in sex characteristics, we can ensure that all of our LGBTIQA+ communities have evidencebased opportunities to access the dignity, safety and fairness that we all deserve.”
Be careful with bright coloured dye, says EPA
A SERIES of incidents that turned creeks and stormwater drains bright blue, green or orange has prompted a call to plumbers and other tradies to be extra careful with the coloured marker dye they use in their work.
EPA Victoria said the dye, called fluorescein, is non-toxic but very concentrated, so even where it doesn’t affect the environment, it can still cause problems by diverting EPA investigators from more serious pollution.
EPA North East regional manager, Renee Palmer, said it can also be distressing for communities and Traditional Owners to see natural waterways stained an unnatural colour.
“Fluorescein is most often used by plumbers to check pipe connections or spot leaks,” Ms Palmer said. If you see bright coloured dye (pictured) or other contaminants entering a stormwater drain or waterway, take a photo and call EPA’s 24-hour hotline on 1300 372 842.
By STEVE KELLY
WANGARATTA Performing Arts Centre (WPAC) appears to be only getting more popular.
Marking its fifth birthday last Thursday, the prominent facility has seen more than 155,139 patrons attend performances since it opened.
And figures peaked at almost 38,000 in 2013-14.
Venue manager Penny Hargrave said the $8.5 million facility has been fantastic.
“People want to be part of the community and the performing arts centre has given them this opportunity,” she said.
“We have had a commitment to making it happen since the memorial hall was transformed and creating opportunities for the community has been just as important as putting on a high quality show.
“In the earlier years since the rebuild, we concentrated on attracting the safe performers, but we have started to push the envelope a bit more so there is something for everyone.”
The WPAC hosts a number of performances (almost half of which are touring performers), as well as about 100 conferences and events each year.
Guy Sebastian, Marina Prior, David Helfgott, David Campbell, Timomatic, Opera Australia, Bell Shakespeare, and James Morrison are some of the big names to appear at WPAC.
Attendances to the jazz festival over the last two years have boosted overall figures with 10,619 and 13,532 in Novembers 2012 and 2013 respectively pass-
ing through the doors.
The WPAC has created 19 equivalent full-time jobs and Ms Hargrave said the centre has become a place people come to Wangaratta to visit, which boosts local business.
“The economic boost the performing arts centre has brought to Wangaratta reaches far beyond the numbers directly linking to itthe businesses connected to it, such as accommodation, cafes and restaurants, also benefit greatly,” she said.
Minister for the Arts Heidi Victoria also recently announced the 2014-15 allocation of funds to be offered under the Regional Partnerships Program.
The Wangaratta Art Gallery (WAG) will receive $60,000 and the WPAC will receive an increase of $5000 from $110,000 to $115,000 this year.
Ms Hargrave said the increase is in recognition of WPAC’s leadership role in the region.
THUNDERSTORMS delivered much needed rainfall across the North East last Wednesday evening into early Thursday morning.
Wangaratta had 16.6 mms in the 24hrs to 8am Thursday, bringing the city’s yearly total to 389.6 mms.
With 138.8mm of that total having fallen in January alone, the city has only had 250.8mm since February 1, making it our third driest period since 2006.
Currently the mean maximum temperatures in North East Victoria this month to date is two degrees above normal.
A cooler spell will result as a high pressure system moves to the south of Tasmania and intensifies.
This will ease the record high temperatures of the last 18 days in the Kimber-
By Peter Nelson, Peter retired CSIRO climatologist
ley region.
Once this intense high pressure sits in the Tasman Sea we will have several warm days up to 31 degrees from about September 22 onwards.
Sydney has had its warmest first week of September on record.
The mean maximum temperature of 26 degrees surpassed the previous warmest first week of September of 1953 when the mean maximum temperature was 24 degrees. Last month Sydney recorded a maximum temperature of 30.3 degrees on August 30.
It was only the third time
in 166 years that 30 degrees was reached in late August in Sydney.
The other two times were in 1954 and 1995.
In January 1954 it was very wet in North East Victoria and we had a warm, dry winter just like this year.
September 1954 was warmer and slightly drier with a top temperature of 24 degrees (at Rutherglen) and then a hot spell in early October of 30 degrees.
Heavy rain arrived the last week of October 1954, with more heavy rain and thunderstorms during the first week of November 1954 and again the third week of November.
A brief break from the heavy rain saw 38 degrees on November 28 - the hottest November day in Melbourne since 1938.
LOCAL master lino block printmaker Christine Upton is presenting a solo exhibition titled Memory Triggers in the Benalla Art Gallery shop throughout September.
Christine has exhibited in many solo and group shows nationally, including Three Storylines at Benalla Art Gallery in 2018, and more recently Printed Habitat at Wangaratta Art Gallery in 2023.
Memory Triggers features custom framed relief prints that have been hand-printed from Christine’s hand-carved vinyl blocks.
The intricate relief block prints evoke cherished memories of Christine’s family experiences, with the artist inviting viewers to discover the beauty of local and coastal landscapes, along with the native birds and flowers that inhabit them.
Christine’s artwork ranges from abstract to representational, focusing on the exploration of patterns through lines, colours,and printing techniques.
Of her inspiration, Christine explains it comes, “from the areas and communities I have lived in.”
“There has always been an underlying purpose behind my work: sometimes revealed, sometimes not,” she said.
“Looking back on a lifetime of work it could be safely said that I have an obsession with birds, native plants, patterns and circles.”
Over the past 30 years, Christine’s artwork has evolved through the exploration of creating lino block prints using everyday materials and without a printing press.
Construction sites, hospital and school renovations, and storerooms at flooring shops have all provided her with inexpensive or free materials for creating what she calls lino blocks.
Many of her larger prints are made using various types of shoes to achieve different effects, while others are hand printed, resulting in unique
and captivating print effects. Christine said the opportunity to exhibit in the Benalla Art Gallery shop allowed her “to showcase my small artworks which are created to try out ideas for larger compositions, and are mostly overlooked when selecting for large exhibitions.”
Christine will share the story of her creative journey and the sources of inspiration that shape her work at a special free artist talk.
Community members are invited to enjoy the enlightening discussion at 3pm on Wednesday, September 18.
As a special offer for this event, Benalla Art Gallery will be offering an additional 10 per cent discount off Christine’s artwork, cards and calendars with the promotion to begin at 3pm and end at 5pm on the day.
All works in the gallery shop are available for purchase from Benalla Art Gallery, or by contacting the gallery on 5760 2619 or gallery@ benalla.vic.gov.au.
BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au
CANBERRA writer
Susannah Begbie has achieved a career balance that would be the envy of many, working two parttime jobs which she loves.
She’s currently working in the North East as a locum GP, and during her local stint will also be promoting her debut novel, ‘The Deed’, in Wangaratta on September 19.
“I think of both of them as jobs, and do medicine part-time and writing parttime,” Susannah said.
“It’s been great for me, and I love the fact that I get to do them both.”
Susannah started writing 15 years ago, while working as a locum in Ireland and writing home about her time on the Emerald Isle.
“I really enjoyed it; I came back to Australia and did a writing course (at Canberra University), and it went from there,” she said.
While her dual careers may seem worlds apart, Susannah said there were important similarities as well as differences.
“In medicine, I’m looking for an answer; there is a right and wrong answer, and I have to find the right one,” she said.
“Writing is the exact opposite; it’s existing in the unknown and not really being sure where I’m going to land.
“However, with both of them I need to be curious, and to ask, ‘Why would that happen’, or ‘What would happen if…’.
It took Susannah 10 years to write ‘The Deed’,
which evolved into a novel after she received feedback from a writing group that the idea was too big for the short story she’d been planning.
“I had no idea how to write a novel, and no idea how hard it would be to write, but I had the fantastic situation where no-one knew I was writing it, and no-one had expectations,” she said.
“It was a lot of work, but I got to work it out as I went along.”
‘The Deed’, which won the Richell Prize for Emerging Writers in 2022 and was published by Hachette Australia in May, centres on farmer Tom Edwards, who is dying - and cranky.
“He has a lovely big property in the Riverina which is worth about $20 million, but doesn’t think his adult children deserve to inherit it, so he adds a condition to his will that the children have to come home to the farm and have to build his coffin from scratch in four days,” Susannah said.
“If they do, they inherit the property; if not, they lose everything.”
While she’s not sure where the initial idea came from, Susannah said it was not uncommon for people to build coffins for their loved ones, and she found it a beautiful concept which contrasted with “this cranky old farmer basically playing a practical joke on his children”.
Susannah said all characters in the book were fictional, but each contained parts of her, and the story also drew on her observations of humanity.
“I think what we observe in other people is very different from one observa-
‘The
tion to another,” she said.
“I have the privilege (in my medical career) of hearing the amazing stories of ordinary people, and this all feeds into my understanding of people.”
Susannah said the chance to promote her
book, which has attracted plenty of positive feedback since its release, was “fantastic and strange”.
“I’ve had that novel in my mind and possession for more than 10 years, and now it’s out there for everyone,” she said.
“But people have been so generous with their feedback, and the reviews have been lovely.”
Susannah’s Wangaratta visit is being organised by Edgars Books and News, and will be held at The Railyard in Norton Street on Thursday, September 19 from 6pm.
While it’s a free event, food and drinks will be available to purchase. For more information, visit https://edgarsbooksandnews.com.au/meet-the-author-susanna-begbie/
BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au
A LOCAL advocate battling cancer has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision last week to ban the use of adverse genetic testing results in life insurance.
The announcement follows a public consultation process, and recommendations from a report led by Monash University’s Dr Jane Tiller and Professor Paul Lacaze, for the Australian Government to legislate a complete ban on the use of genetic testing by life insurers, which will not be subject to any financial limits, caps or exceptions, to be reviewed after five years.
Over 1000 submissions were received during the government’s public consultation process, with 97 per cent supporting a total ban.
Previously, the Disability Discrimination Act provided an exemption for life insurers to use genomic or genetic test results when underwriting life insurance contracts.
The Federal Government had been made aware of
community concerns people were being discouraged from taking genetic tests for fear they may be refused access to affordable life insurance.
Former Wangaratta High School student Kristie Ivone was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and has been undergoing treatment since.
She underwent genetic testing as part of a pilot study led by Monash University prior to her diagnosis, and only later discovered she had a gene associated with breast cancer and three other cancers.
Kristie said her three children will now have to be tested and screened for cancer throughout their lives which drove her support for the ban - so there were no disincentives for her children to fully understand their cancer risk.
“This decision is what I had hoped for, because it means when my children reach adulthood and have to face the decision about knowing their genetic risk for the cancer gene I carry, the fear of becoming uninsurable or priced out of insurance won’t be a factor in that decision,” she said.
“This is a big win not
just for families directly affected like mine, but for all Australians.
“We all rely on an effective, targeted health system that isn’t overburdened by avoidable health conditions.
“This change is what I asked the Minister (Stephen Jones MP) to consider when I met with him in Myrtleford earlier this year and I thank him for his leadership on this issue and hope the legislation is supported
across the political spectrum.”
Kristie said while she has only been involved in the campaign since her own cancer diagnosis in September last year, others have been campaigning for the last eight years.
“Like many Australians, I wasn’t fully aware of the issue and the broad ramifications until I was directly affected by a diagnosis that could have been avoided had I known
my genetic risk through genetic testing,” she said.
“I applaud the advocates who have been working for this since 2016 and I thank them for this change - it will make a huge difference in the health trajectory of my children.
“This decision arms a new generation of Australians with genetic data that can be used to minimise their risk of hereditary conditions, screen effectively and in some cases, take
preventative action to avoid getting sick altogether.
“While I wish that this happened earlier - so that my cancer could have been avoided - I am comforted by the knowledge that now my children will have a very different experience to me, even if they do carry this gene.”
Kristie said she now hopes to see the decision universally supported and legislated promptly to “send a message to the Australian community that our political representatives are working together to make sure our health care system remains effective and sustainable”.
The Australian Medical Association has also welcomed the ban on insurers using genetic test results to deny coverage to people identified with genetic risks.
As far as her own diagnosis goes, Kristie said she is getting back to health. While her treatment continues, she said she feels the hardest part is behind her, and recently celebrated her one-year anniversary of diagnosis with friends.
“Last year, spring was consumed with tests and treatment so I’m looking forward to enjoying spring this year,” she said.
GOALS: GRETA: Frazer Judd 5, James McClounan 4, Tyler Arrowsmith 2, Cody Crawford 2, Bryce Hooper 1, Brenton Newbold 1, Nicholas Pell 1. BRIGHT: Riley Bacon 2, Jack Dalbosco 1, Kieren Jamieson 1, James Love 1, Mikka Paulsen 1.
BEST: GRETA: James McClounan, Tyler Arrowsmith, Luke Minogue, Frazer Judd, Jack Baker, Joshua Bell. BRIGHT: Joe Gray, Patrick Bren, Alexander Dalbosco, Riley Bacon, James Love, Samuel Dalbosco
Best on ground medal: James McClounan (Greta)
Tyler Arrowsmith, Jack Baker, Joshua Bell (c), Cody Crawford, Frazer Dent, Paul Fruzynski, Tom Fursdon, Cam Green, Lachlan Hadden, Bryce Hooper, Frazer Judd, Jack Kelly, Lachie Kennett, James McClounan, Luke Minogue, Jarrod Morham, Brenton Newbold, Nicholas Pell, Dale Walker, Mark Wettern, Bradley Whinray (vc). Coach: Chris Dube
ACROSS
1 Name the mythological messenger of the gods (6)
7 Which massive structures were built by the ancient Egyptians (8)
8 What is another term for a pantry (6)
9 Which communication system is called the Net (8)
10 What is a large body of armed soldiers (6)
11 Which tiny creatures sting domestic animals (8)
14 What might we call one who maintains the equality of all people (8)
18 What are systems of belief (6)
19 To caution, is to do what (8)
21 Which variety of sheep is valued for its fine wool (6)
22 To sweat, is to do what (8)
23 Which implement is used for sewing (6)
DOWN
1 What is Palestine known as (4,4)
2 To be in an elevated position above the ground, is to be where (6)
3 What might we call one who bounds (8)
4 Name an order issued in connection with a judicial proceeding (4)
5 To be without moral quality is to be what (6)
6 To stick fast, is to do what (6)
12 Name those who are native to the Netherlands (8)
13 Name the land along the ocean (8)
15 What are currents at variance to the main current (6)
16 What might we call a player of a particular woodwind instrument (6)
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
17 What is an edict, promulgated by a civil authority (6)
20 Name another term for the fleur-de-lis (4)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.
1 MOGUL (a) A former Persian gold coin (b) An influential person (c) The god of ridicule
2 OBELUS
(a) A tall pillar topped with a pyramid (b) A dagger sign (c)King of the fairies
Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.
CLUES:
Advertising misspelling: grow (3)
Conventional literary format (5)
Elderly person (coll) (5)
Eye to eye (3)
Japanese: thank you (7)
Large transport vehicle (5)
Male progeny (3)
Realm (7)
Vitamin (abb) (3)
Women’s head coverings (5)
RIDDELLVUE Angus
believed they presented their best line of bulls yet at their annual spring bull and female sale on Thursday.
The stud farm held their fourth annual sale at their Markwood site, attracting an increased interest in local buyers to their 18-month-old 35 bulls and 19 females on offer.
Top priced bulls went for $9500, which went to buyers Geoff Kyval in Whanregarwen and Campbell Smedley from Mundroola, Taggerty.
While prices were down on the sale this time last year, Riddellvue Angus principal Ian Bates said he was happy with the results.
“The bulls were probably the best set of bulls I’ve put up,” he said.
“It was great to see there were a lot of new people looking and buying which was good for us being in a new area.
“They’ve normally been a bit shy to turn up, but it was good to see them have a look and secure bulls.
BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au
“We had a good client representation from past clients from down in the Alexandra region and a bit in this new area in the King Valley and Ovens Valley.”
Challenging winter conditions have required considerable fodder purchases to see producers through to spring, with the dry spell and oversupply in the market being reflected in prices throughout the colder months.
Mr Bates said many locals had experienced their toughest season in memory.
“I’m a realist with the industry, I understand where the beef job is at the moment and it has improved a little bit, but things are still fairly tight,” he said.
“You’ve got to put blinkers on and not look at the big stud farms who have got these crazy money going on in the bull sales and be real, we are a small
stud, and I feel we’re doing a damn good job at what we’re doing.”
Mr Bates said the 38 Special and Reiland Ricochet bloodlines continued to
sell well, with bulls in the latter selling for around $8000/h.
“The Ricochet sons were the first sons sold and to me they are the true bulls
we should be looking at in the industry,” he said. The females reached highs of $4000 and attracted strong competition between buyers.
Mr Bates said the 19 cows were well sought after and would be heading to Queensland, Tocumwal, Ballarat and Sale.
“There’s a bit of a mix where they’re all heading which is a good sign; people like the genetics and it’s a cheap way for them to get set up,” he said.
Mr Bates said a handful of unsold bulls would go onto the private sale list.
“You get quite a few people wanting bulls between now and joining at around November to December,” he said.
“There’s a lot of time between then for people realising they’ve got a bull that’s broken down and they need another one, so it’s handy to have a few in the paddock so you can help them out later on.”
For the latest news and sale updates from the angus stud, visit www.riddellvue.com.au or Riddellvue Angus Facebook and Instagram Page.
Daniel Hooper: 0437684786
Margaret Corboy (Agent): 0428 822 154
Email: vortex.ws@bigpond.com www.vortexws.com.au facebook.com/vortexws
Wednesday 25th September 2024
On Farm 1053 Benalla-Yarrawonga Road Goorambat Vic & On AuctionsPlus 1pm start, Inspection from 11am Rams are protected with Gudair (OJD Approved vaccinants), GlanEry 7in1, Footvax and vaccinated as lambs with Bovilis MH. Registered flocks with brucellosis free accreditation. Lambplan Figures Available. Lunch catered for.
CONCRETING, big or small jobs, paths, driveways, shed slabs, verandahs, 15 years experience. For a free quote phone Trev Anderson on 0422 200 761.
MARK’S Mowing, reasonable prices, ride on mowing, edging, clean up, spraying and any waste removal. Ph 0472 603 156.
PAINTER, old school, for all your painting needs, commercial, industrial renovations. Phone Juliano 0412 597 482.
PLASTERER, no job too small. Ph 0424 911 161.
WHEELER Earthworks, available for all your earthworks needsyard clean ups, stump removals, driveways, material supply and spreading, rural work and more. Call Marcus on 0491 094 545.
DEPARTMENT MANAGER, RURAL HEALTH AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE
Location: Shepparton, Ballarat or Wangaratta
Role type: Full-time, Continuing
Salary: Senior Manager 1- Attractive remuneration package + 17% super
Join a dynamic team and lead the development of impactful education and research programs in rural health at the University of Melbourne. This is a unique opportunity to drive transformative healthcare outcomes across rural Victoria by fostering strategic partnerships with healthcare providers. Enjoy excellent benefits and a flexible work environment while making a real difference in rural communities. For any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Fahim Farzad at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au
For queries regarding the role, reach out to Cathy Mason at cathym@unimelb.edu.au
Full time
We’re seeking an enthusiastic individual to contribute to the upkeep and enhancement of our beautiful grounds at Brown Brothers HQ in Milawa.
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 a proud and passionate business who are strong on values and culture. Most recently we have identified by workplace culture authority Great Place to Work as one of the 100 Best Workplaces in Australia for 2024. We have also maintained our certification as “A Great Place to Work” for the sixth year in a row and are committed to honouring this recognition throughout all aspects of the business.
Burder AgAttachments, one of Australia’s largest manufacturers of agricultural frontend loaders and attachments, is seeking a dedicated individual to join our steel value-adding team in a full-time role.
We are looking for a motivated and organised team member to primarily operate manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic saws. This is a crucial position that supports 15 downstream fabricators and assemblers, as well as external contract cutting operations.
In addition to saw operation, you will also gain hands-on experience in CNC press brake operations and assist with plasma and laser cutting processes.
Key Responsibilities:
• Operate manual, semi-automatic, and
• Collaborate with fabricators and
• Assist with CNC press brake operations and cutting processes.
What We’re Looking For:
• Ability to read and understand technical drawings.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to meeting deadlines.
• Team player with a collaborative attitude.
• Ideally, possess a forklift licence (but not essential).
demanding role.
If you're a hardworking individual with a passion for precision and teamwork, we'd love to hear from you!
Please contact: Adam Fendyk Group General Manager adam@burder.com.au | 0428 510 525
What’s Involved: As an Assistant Gardener, you will play a key role in supporting the gardening team in the day-to-day management of our extensive grounds. Reporting to the Horticulturist, your tasks will include:
• Mowing, weeding, spraying, and irrigation.
• Assisting with the Kitchen Garden and other horticultural enterprises.
• Supporting the setup for on-site events.
About You: We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual with:
• Previous gardening or landscaping experience.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ideally, ChemCert Accreditation, Working at Heights, Chainsaw tickets, and a HR Forklift Licence.
• Excellent health and fitness to handle the physical demands of the role.
What’s On Offer: We provide a supportive work culture, aboveaward wages, and generous product discounts. Interested?
For more information or to request a position description, please email careers@brownfwg. com.au or call Allyce at (03) 5720 5500.
If you have the skills and experience for this role and are excited about joining our team, we look forward to hearing from you!
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DESPITE some wintery winds, Saturday’s Ovens and King FNL grand final day was hailed as a massive success by organisers.
Around 3000 people walked through the gates at WJ Findlay over to witness the culmination of the football and netball seasons.
The day kicked off with the
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
under 15s netball decider between Bonnie Doon and Greta, with the Bombers proving 10 goals too good, 23-13.
The Bombers also claimed the C grade cup over the Blues, taking the
win 58-44 over Greta.
Milawa saluted in the next two games, defeating Bonnie Doon 45-42 in the B reserve clash, and 54-41 in B grade.
The Demons also fired on the football field, with Milawa’s reserves side claiming the flag 7.12 (54) over Greta’s 4.7 (31).
O&K FNL league operations manager Shankar
Menon said the day went very smoothly.
“I think it was a beautiful day not just for football but overall, for the whole league,” he said.
“There was a bit of history especially on the football field, where both senior teams hadn’t won it in more than 20 years.
“In the A grade netball,
Greta were going for six in a row, they’ve been five-times defending champions.
“Overall, it was an exciting day for the neutrals –weather-wise, apart from a little bit of wind, we got through the day pretty well.
“It was overall a very good day for everyone involved and for the clubs involved with the catering
and the bar, both clubs had very positive feedback.
“They actually ran out of items so they had to go into town to restock, so it was a very healthy day for them as well.”
The league wished to thank all the sponsors, clubs, volunteers and supporters who made the day and season as successful as it was.
THERE was very little serenity in Bonnie Doon on Saturday night as the club celebrated their first A grade netball flag win with gusto.
The Bombers overcame five-time defending champions Greta on the court at WJ Findlay Oval, lifting their maiden A grade cup 60-48.
A dominant first quarter set the match up for Bonnie Doon, defending hard through the midcourt and feeding their shooters to lead 13-8 after the first 15 minutes.
The Bombers stepped it up a notch through the second quarter, with Bonnie Doon’s shooters adding another 23 goals to lead the Blues by 15 goals at the half.
BY NATHAN DE VRIES
ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
Time was a quickly running out for Greta to mount a comeback, with Bonnie Doon maintaining possessions and defending hard under the post.
The Bombers were linking up well transitioning the ball to their shooters, with Portia Keatch and Amy Starzer rarely missing.
While the Blues fought hard and brought the margin back slightly at every break, Bonnie Doon’s early onslaught proved to be the difference.
Speaking immediately after the match, Bonnie Doon coach Michelle Tanner said it was an emotional and historic moment for the club.
“I actually am lost for words, I just can’t believe it, our first A grade flag ever,” she said.
“I think even the first quarter, because we got that early lead and got our hands on a couple early, it just set everything else up for the rest of the time.
“They were brave enough to go ahead and have a go at anything, they were just incredible.
“Their connection on court was once again incredible.
“I’m just impressed with all of them, they all stand up when they have to and today they did - I’m speechless, I don’t even know what to say.”
Bonnie Doon centre Anneliese Byrnes was named best on court, just weeks after she was named netball Rising Star at the league presentation night.
“Annie just brings a never-say-die attitude,” Tanner said.
“I think people underestimate her because she’s so small, but she will give you everything she’s got.
“She’s a very good defensive player as well as attacking, she’s just a little ripper.”
POWERHOUSE: Midfielder James
goals in a best on ground
THE
AFTER a quarter of a century, Greta are senior football premiers once again.
The Blues ran out onto the pristine deck at WJ Findlay Oval on Saturday eager to break the drought which had plag ued them for so long, and after one quarter of footy against the fearsome Bright Mountain Men, spectators could tell something special was brewing.
Greta kicked seven goals to one in the opening stanza on their way to a 68-point triumph, finishing 16.12 (108) to Bright’s 6.4 (40).
Kicking with a healthy breeze blowing to the
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
netball court end of the ground, the Blues made their presence known with the first two goals of the match.
The physicality of the match was on full display early.
Tyler Arrowsmith produced an early contender for goal of the day late in the first quarter, slotting it from almost 50 metres out on the boundary, allowing the breeze to bend it back through the big sticks.
Bright fought back into the contest in the second
quarter, bringing the pressure which impacted how well the Blues moved the ball.
Despite conditions favouring their adversary, the Blues still managed to score kicking into the wind, taking a 27-point lead into the major break.
Bright only managed 1.2 in the second half, as Greta booted goal after goal to secure the flag.
Greta’s backline was dominant in the third, only leaking a minor score, while Frazer Judd (five goals) and James McClounan (four) piled on the pain at the other end.
Speaking after the match, Greta coach Chris
Dube said it was an incredible feeling to bring the cup back after 25 years.
“It’s just an incredible thing, you’ve only got to look around to see how much it means to so many after 25 years,” he said.
“It’s one of those games where we have to do the basics well, but what we’ve done as basics this year is just go, go play footy.
“It does help when you have the breeze and you put something on early, but I felt like we just went and hunted the ball early.
“We said to ourselves in the second quarter against the wind, if we could kick two and they kicked four, which is what happened, we’d take
that every day of the week.
“We came out in the third with the wind and we put our foot down, but defensively it’s one of the better performances we’ve played this year.”
McClounan was named best on ground in the grand final, his four goals from the midfield and constant hunger for the footy helping lead the Blues to glory.
“He’s just so competitive, he’s got this ability to make other people better because he shows them what needs to be done,” Dube said.
“He’s the first to training and the last to leave, I’m sending him crazy with
calls and text messages during the week with what we’re going to do to win, but he’s just class.
“The fact that he’s a bit angry and snarly adds to it because you’re generally skilful or you’re hard at it – he’s both, he’s the complete player.
“We just had a lot of good contributors, and I’m not surprised to see James get the award, but I reckon he’d be the first to say there would be four or five others who could’ve got it.”
Bright ruck Joe Gray performed well for the Mountain Men, alongside Patrick Bren, Alexander Dalbosco, and Riley Bacon (two goals).
IN Sunday’s derby reserves preliminary final Wangaratta recorded a 20-point win and secured a spot in next weekend’s grand final against Albury.
The Magpies led at every change eventually grabbing a 6.10 (46) to 3.8 (26) victory at Birallee Park.
Wangaratta’s Patrick Wright and Ryan Battin were everywhere, while Tom Gorman and Charlie Ross slotted two majors each.
For Rovers, Sam Allen kicked two goals and Jez Rigoni found one.
Magpies coach Brennan Jenvey was stoked with the result.
“The boys have worked hard all year so it’s pleasing that they get a chance to play off in a granny,” Jenvey said.
“This time of year all of the times are good so I thought our backline held up really well.
BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au
“There were some crucial one on one contests that our backs won when we looked out of them.
“I think we’ve known that we’re a pretty good side all year and now we get our chance to show it.
“Albury are a quality side and they touched us up in that last quarter last week but we’ll get a couple of guys back which will help.”
Meanwhile, in the thirds, Wangaratta Rovers made light work of Albury saluting by 100-points to set up a derby grand final.
The Hawks kept the Tigers goalless in the 14.19 (103) to 0.3 (3) affair.
Ryley Ely and Tom Ford led from the front for Rovers, while Oscar Clelland continued a strong finals series with three goals.
■ From back page Filo said the Hawks knew they needed to be on their game, particularly when it hung in the balance.
“We knew that we had to come out hot because they’re a good running side so we needed to get the game on our terms so they didn’t get a run on,” he said.
“We did that and had a really good second half.”
Impressively, Rovers dusted themselves off the canvas after copping a 71-point torching to Yarrawonga last weekend.
The Hawks regained gun midfielders Sam Murray and Sam Cattapan for yesterday’s preliminary final with both showing their class, particularly Murray.
“It was a dark day last week but we had a few good truths and we’ve moved forward from that,” Filo said.
“Having the two Sam’s (Murray and Cattapan) back in today really helped.”
The win sees Rove rs play in their first grand final since 2002.
With the Pigeons in outstanding form they will be seen as heavy favourites for the decider at the Lavington Sportsground.
A LARGE crowd of around 3000 people braved the sometimes chilly winds to witness history made at the 2024 Ovens and King Football Netball League grand finals at W.J. Findlay Oval on Saturday.
Greta’s senior footballers (pictured above) broke their 25-year long flag drought win an emphatic win over Bright 16.12 (108) to 6.4 (40). The Blues had not won a senior title since 1999, and seemed destined to taste success after an incredibly dominant season. History was also made on the netball court, where Bonnie Doon’s A grade side (pictured left) recorded their first ever A grade flag with a 60-48 result over five-time defending champions Greta.
The Bombers’ powerful opening quarter set the stage for a tense and fiercely fought contest across the court. Full match coverage, and results from every grade inside, together with liftout posters.
Wangaratta Rovers produce
WANGARATTA Rovers have booked their spot in the 2024 Ovens and Murray grand final.
In what was a tight affair against North Albury up until halfway through the third quarter, the Hawks strutted their stuff to salute 16.9 (105) to 11.4 (70).
BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au
Rovers produced a dazzling second half of footy, particularly the third term where they slammed on five unanswered goals with Alex
Marklew kicking two of those. Hawks mid-season recruit Ed Dayman was outstanding in the second half taking advantage of undersized Hoppers ruckman Zac Hanrahan.
North Albury’s Josh Minogue kicked the first goal of the last term to get the margin back to 27-points but Rovers
responded with Alex McCarthy putting the icing on the cake converting from 10 metres out in the 25th minute.
Rovers superstar Brodie Filo was one of the best afield racking 24 touches along with two goals and said he was stoked with his team’s performance.
“It was a super effort from where the club’s come from in the last six years,” Filo said.
“It was a great effort by North Albury too, they’re probably similar to where we’ve come from.
“It was just a super effort with a good crowd and hopefully now we can get the
chocolates against Yarrawonga next weekend.”
McCarthy finished the day with three majors with two of those coming in the second half when Rovers put their foot down, while Rovers small forward Dylan Wilson also booted three.
■ Continued page 23
