KING Valley Tourism Association president Karen Barber, and Chrismont Wines project manager (and developer of tourism experiences) John Flower are among those calling for better signage at the Oxley roundabout, directing visitors to places like Whitfield and Cheshunt in
TOURISM operators in the upper King Valley say a lack of directional signage is making it di cult for visitors to nd the wineries and attractions the region is famous for.
While the Rural City of Wangaratta’s recent installation of the “Bubbles on the landscape” sculpture at the intersection of the Snow and WangarattaWhit eld Roads in Oxley was intended to mark the gateway to the King Valley, the King Valley Tourism Association (KVTA) says there is nothing indicating drivers can nd multiple cellar doors if they turn down the WangarattaWhit eld Road.
BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au
KVTA president Karen Barber, who operates King Valley Winery Tours, said she’s had visitors say they have driven to Bright for years, but didn’t know there were wineries in the upper King Valley.
“We’re really quite frustrated at the moment, because people don’t know how to get here,” she said.
“When they come o the Hume Highway they get as far as the Oxley roundabout and they end up in Milawa, thinking they’re in the King Valley.
“There is a sign in Oxley (on the Snow Road) saying King Valley Wine Region and indicating there are wineries one kilometre straight ahead, but nothing to say if they turned right at the roundabout and headed towards Whit eld, they would nd about 13 more cellar doors.”
Ms Barber said once on the Wangaratta-Whit eld Road, there is a sign saying Whit eld, but people don’t necessarily relate the township name to the King Valley or wineries.
She said during conversations with council, and community consultations about the King Valley Prosecco Road Revitalisation Project held
over the past two years, an artist’s impression was shown leading people to believe the gateway entrance artwork in Oxley would be identi able as King Valley.
Council said on its arrival, Bubbles in the landscape’s commissioning was inspired by the Tourism North East masterplan “Activating King Valley Prosecco Road”, put together by Urban Enterprise.
But the masterplan’s cover features an artist’s impression of a gateway artwork which has “King Valley” in large scale letters - set in a landscaped garden.
Urban Enterprise noted in the document “it is important to have information that supports the visitors understanding of the region, by reinforcing products and experiences through signage, gateway treatments to demarcate the region, and visitor guides and maps”, but there are no signs or maps at the site.
“For two years when we were asking council for signage, they told us we’d get a big King Valley sign at the Oxley roundabout, and we were quite shocked when we found out Bubbles was going in,” Ms Barber said.
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NEW State Government tax hikes costing council rate payers about $60 extra per annum will help pay for a cash injection to Victoria’s emergency services.
It will mean that CFA and VICSES active volunteers and life members won’t have to pay what will be the equivalent of the existing Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL) from July 1, 2025 when it is renamed the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF).
The residential ESVF tax will rise from the current 8.7 cents per $1000 capital improved value (CIV) to 17.3 (cents per $1000 CIV).
Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes said every dollar of this new fund will support VICSES, Emergency Management Victoria and other emergency services as well as the CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria.
■ Continued page 2
■ From page 1
"Because our volunteers give our state so much, active CFA and VICSES volunteers and life members will be eligible for an exemption from paying the ESVF on their primary place of residence – such as their home or farm –providing even more incentive for Victorians to consider volunteering in our emergency services," Ms Symes said.
"We’ve also announced a $250 million package that will set up a VICSES and CFA fleet replacement program, delivering new and upgraded trucks, tankers and pumpers.
"We’re also doubling our Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment grants, upgrading the VicEmergency app and boosting VICSES training.”
The ESVF was part of a string of tax hikes in government's mid-year budget update.
A FORMER Wangaratta man’s persistent breach of an intervention order made a victim lose sleep and feel overpowered, a court has heard.
Appearing in the custody box of Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court this week a er his arrest on Sunday night, the defendant pleaded guilty to more than 80 contacts to a victim of an intervention order between October 19 and November 14 this year.
The court heard the pair had known each other for 20 years and
had been in a ve-year relationship which ended in 2021, having one child together.
The defendant would call and text the victim, initially on an unknown number to the victim, multiple times every day from October 23 to November 6, asking about a purchase of shoes and speaking to his son.
The court heard on November 6 the victim saw the defendant down the street in Wangaratta.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Sarah Williamson said the victim felt
FIVE events in the Rural City of Wangaratta will share in $17,000 of tourism funding next year.
Three other events were also awarded sponsorship of $13,000 per year for the next three years as part of Rural City of Wangaratta Council’s annual Tourism Evens Funding Program. Events successful with funding were Wangaratta Cruise Night $3500, Wangaratta Rock and Roll Dance $2000, Back to Wangaratta $1500, Wangaratta Caravan Camping Leisure Roadshow $5000, and Makietie at the Maze $5000.
Each year from 2025 to 2027 Wangaratta Marathon will receive $5000, Wangaratta Swap meet $3000, and Wangaratta Historic Motor Show & Fly In $5000.
overpowered, anxious to leave her home and couldn’t sleep due to the persistent contacts made by her ex-partner.
The defendant was arrested and interviewed by Wangaratta police on Sunday night, making full admissions that he was aware of the intervention order.
Defence counsel Geo Clancy said his client, who now lives in Albury, was currently on parole regarding a breach of an intervention order with a separate victim in New South Wales.
Mr Clancy said there had also been lots of messages sent from the victim to his client throughout the time of the o ending and he had been complying with his parole outside of his intervention order breaches.
Mr Clancy submitted a ne or “short, sharp” term of imprisonment would be an appropriate sentence.
Sgt Williamson said due to the defendant’s extensive criminal history, a ne or a lenient sentence would not be in
range.
“I’m not sure one day imprisonment is re ective of his history,” she said.
Magistrate Megan Casey acknowledged the defendant’s “shocking” road tra c history and long-term drug problems and imposed a two-day imprisonment. She said if not for his New South Wales matter, he would have been placed on a community corrections order and a not guilty plea would have landed him behind bars for a month.
■ From page 1
“It was chosen by an arts committee - but as a tourism association, we thought we might have been consulted or have been part of the selection process.
“We’ve got nothing against Bubbles, but it’s not what we thought we were going to get, and people don’t know what it is.
“We understood it might not be exactly like the artist’s impression we were shown, but we thought what was coming would clearly identify that people were at the gateway to the King Valley.”
The Rural City of Wangaratta received $4 million in funding from the Victorian Government for the King Valley Prosecco Road Revitalisation Project, of which $350,000 went towards the sculpture.
Council manager of economic development, environment and compliance, Celeste Brockwell, said the requirement of the grant “was for the delivery of a gateway public artwork.”
She said the tourism operators’ concerns had not been formally raised with her team.
“Council’s Public Art Policy requires that the Public Art Acquisitions Committee members be professional practising artists and/or arts professionals who have demonstrated knowledge of visual art,” she said.
“They are appointed via a formal application process and are endorsed by council at a council meeting.”
Ms Brockwell said the Prosecco Road Public Art Project is not yet complete, and council is still working with Tourism North East to deliver signage for the Prosecco Road.
“Directional road signs for wine regions are the responsibility of the local wine authority, which in this case is Wines of the King Valley,” she added.
“Applications for signs can be made through Vic Roads with Wine Victoria involved in the approval process, and council
would support the application.”
Ms Barber said the King Valley Tourism Association is continuing to seek assistance from council to address the issue and establish way nding
signage at or near the Oxley roundabout.
She said they had been in contact with councillors and will be meeting with the mayor next week.
THE State Government is reminding Victorians to take care of themselves and others as one of the hottest days this year approaches and heat blankets most of the state.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas warned Victorians to be prepared for the scorching days ahead, with temperatures forecast to hit 42 degrees Celsius in Wangaratta on Monday.
“With temperatures expected to soar to scorching highs on Monday, we’re urging Victorians to be prepared – stay hydrated, stay indoors as much as possible and check in on loved ones,” she said.
“With summer upon us, it is an important reminder
that chronic health conditions.”
Extreme heat kills more people than natural disasters, but there are simple steps people can take to beat the heat:
• Drink plenty of water, stay cool by seeking out air-conditioned buildings
• Plan ahead and schedule activities to the coolest part of the day
• If heading outdoors, seek shade when possible, wear a hat and sunscreen and avoid exercising in the heat
• Check in on others most at risk in the heat.
People who are vulnerable to extreme heat include the elderly, babies and infants, pregnant women, people with acute or chronic health
problems and people who are socially isolated.
These conditions can lead to heat exhaustion and heatstroke, trigger heart attacks or stroke, or worsen existing conditions such as kidney or lung disease.
Children and pets are particularly vulnerable to heat if left in enclosed areas like parked cars, where temperatures can more than double within minutes, and which are often 20 to 30 degrees hotter than outside – a deadly combination for children, whose body temperatures rise much faster than adults.
For more tips on surviving heat, visit betterhealth. vic.gov.au/campaigns/survive-heat.
LOCAL police have been le shaking their heads after detecting 11 impaired drivers in Eldorado near the staging of a recent local festival.
Some 466 motorists were tested for drugs and alcohol as local and state highway patrol members conducted roadside operations on Woolshed Road and surrounding areas.
Drug and alcohol buses were strategically deployed across the area to coincide with the increased tra c due to a music festival in the area.
The operation resulted in eight drivers allegedly testing positive for illicit drugs - a detection rate of one in every 58 drivers.
Three drivers also returned blood alcohol readings (BAC) over the legal limit of 0.05 – a detection rate of one in every 155 drivers.
All were issued infringement notices including:
• a 42-year-old man from Beechworth;
• a 51-year-old man from Panton Hill; and
• a 58-year-old woman from Coburg.
In addition to drink and drug driving offenc -
es, police issued:
• three infringement notices for unregistered motor vehicles;
• one infringement notice for unlicensed driving;
• one vehicle impoundment; and
• three defect notices for vehicle safety issues.
Victoria Police is warning motorists there will be zero tolerance to drink and drug driving, with significant penalties for those who disregard the rules.
First time o enders who were fully licenced and over 26 years old were caught with a BAC between .05 and .07 and they received a $577 ne and immediate threemonth licence suspension.
The penalties increase substantially for those under 26 years of age, those required to have a zero blood or breath alcohol level, those caught for second or subsequent drink driving o ences, and those caught over .07 or above –including larger nes, longer licence suspensions, alcohol interlocks, attendance at court and even jail time for the most serious o ences.
Wangaratta Local Area Commander Inspector Ash
By STEVE KELLY
Mason said they are deeply disappointed by the number of impaired drivers detected in the Eldorado area recently, particularly during a time when increased tra c was expected due to a planned local event.
“Eighteen lives have been tragically lost on our local roads this year, and we are pleading with the community to take responsibility behind the wheel,” he said.
“As we approach the Christmas and New Year period, police will have a major focus on impaired drivers.
Motorists can expect to be tested wherever they go, and there will be zero tolerance for drink and drug driving.
“The penalties are signi cant, and we make no apologies for taking impaired drivers o our roads to keep the community safe,” he said.
“Victoria Police are urging all drivers to make responsible choices this holiday season to avoid tragic consequences.
“Stay safe and never drive under the in uence of drugs or alcohol.”
A TRUCK carrying ammable liquid became fully involved with re on the Hume Freeway early on Friday morning at Chiltern.
A CFA spokesperson said 16 CFA units alongside FRV responded at around 3.44am.
“Units responded from Wangaratta, Chiltern, Barnawartha, Browns Plains, Wangaratta North, Rutherglen, Tarrawingee, Bowser, and Springhurst,” she said.
“Crews discovered a truck fully involved in re, including a trailer.
“The truck was carrying ammable liquid and the re was spreading to nearby grass.”
An advice warning was issued for the smoke in the area.
EPA and an excavator were called to the scene to assist with clean-up.
Incident was deemed under control at 5.33am.
All northbound lanes of the Hume Freeway were closed between Springhurst and Chiltern.
Motorists were diverted onto Rutherglen-Springhurst Road before taking the Mur-
ray Valley Highway, and returning to the Hume Freeway at Barnawartha North.
Detours added up to 15 minutes to the regular journeys on the freeway.
Due to the scale of the re, an extensive clean-up of the site ensued, a er which time crews assessed the road damage and the repairs required. Real-time tra c conditions were available at tra c. transport.vic.gov.au.
Ambulance Victoria paramedics responded to the incident but emergency treatment of transport was not required.
MOST of the North East is expected to see an increased re risk this summer, according to the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) outlook for the season.
The summer seasonal outlook reported a lack of autumn-winter-spring rainfall a ected much of the North East.
“The current level of landscape dryness in these areas is strong enough that without signi cant rainfall, the ammability of fuels in forests, woodlands and heathlands will remain high with elevated potential for res to start and spread,” the AFAC outlook read.
“Grasslands in these areas have super cial green-up, concealing underlying dryness.”
While Wangaratta didn’t fall directly into the increased risk zone, surrounding areas towards Indigo and Alpine shires are expected to see a greater risk of res.
CFA is urging Victorians to take extra care this summer a er vegetation res jumped more than 50 per cent during the 2023/24 Fire Danger
Period (FDP).
Between October 1, 2023, and April 1, 2024, CFA responded to 2145 vegetation res including grass, bush and farmland across Victoria, compared to 1415 incidents in 2022/23.
This increase was accompanied by a 21 per cent rise in re investigations, revealing that many incidents were caused by avoidable factors.
CFA chief o cer Jason He ernan said reducing re risk this season is critical given the summer outlook for a hot and dry season ahead.
“Many of the incidents we investigated - such as escaped burn-o s and machinery-related res - were preventable with proper preparation and compliance with re safety regulations,” he said.
“Fires on Total Fire Ban days remained a major concern during the last FDP, with 449 incidents recorded.”
Of the 449 incidents 21 per cent were caused by escaped burn-o s, nine per cent by camp res, eight per cent were deemed suspicious and
ve per cent were linked to machinery res.
“Total Fire Ban days are declared to minimise the risk of res starting and spreading, so it’s critical we see fewer avoidable incidents on these days,” Mr He ernan said.
“Simple precautions like adhering to restrictions, planning ahead, and ensuring equipment is safe can help protect lives and property on these dangerous days.”
Mr He ernan urged those facing increased re risks this summer to plan ahead, maintain their properties and adhere to re restrictions to help protect the community.
“Always check re danger ratings, make sure your machinery is in good working condition, and clear vegetation around your property to reduce the risk of re spreading,” he said.
“Together, we can make a real di erence this season and help protect what matters most.”
For more information on re safety and preparation, visit CFA’s website.
By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
VICSES volunteers are urging hikers and bushwalkers to take additional precautions this summer after a recent spike in incidents requiring emergency assistance.
Mount Buffalo National Park was among several sites which have kept VICSES volunteers busy since January, prompting several high-profile search or rescue operations across the state.
Last month VICSES Bright Unit volunteers undertook their eighth rescue at Mount Buffalo for the year on November 16, due to reports of a climber stuck on a rock face.
The crew worked as part of a multi-agency approach to guide the climber to safety and into the care of Ambulance Victoria.
VICSES Bright Unit Deputy Controller, Marcus Warner, said slips and falls in the area were quite common, but it’s also very easy to get lost, become disorientated or fatigued if you are not adequately prepared.
“Don’t underestimate the terrain or the weather - the natural environment can be unpredictable, and a bit of planning and foresight can make all the difference,” he said.
“Also ensure you drive to the conditions on your way up the mountain and back, fatigue can be a killer on our roads, especially after a long day in the mountains”
Other spots where our volunteers have frequently been called to rescue hikers include Eurobin Falls and Woolshed Falls.
On Friday December 6, a SES spokesperson said VICSES Bright and Myrtleford volunteers were called to support Victoria Police in accessing 2x persons at the Mt Beauty Gorge around 7pm.
The spokesperson said they had become lost while hiking in the area.
Volunteers were able to access the
area and the pair were deemed fit to be walked out from the scene, and were subsequently transferred into the care of Ambulance Victoria.
volunteer time per rescue.
With adverse weather conditions prevailing across the state in recent weeks, and an expected uptick in tourism during December and January, visitors to the regions are being urged to understand their limitations and avoid placing themselves or volunteer emergency responders at risk.
Mr Warner said it was vital to download the Emergency+ App on your phone and monitor the VicEmergency App for warnings in your area.
“Ensure you fill the Parks Victoria ‘intentions book’ often available at the car park of your location,” he said.
“This helps emergency services understand the number of people in your party, who you are, where you’re going, and when you might be expected back from your walk or hike.”
Each search requires around eight VICSES volunteers in three vehicles, for an average of four hours, amounting to thirty-two hours of
This does not include the work undertaken by Parks Victoria, Ambulance Victoria, and Victoria Police Search and Rescue personnel.
Parks Victoria urges people to be well prepared and choose the right hike for their abilities and the conditions.
Parks Victoria district manager, David Petty said it was important to consider how recent weather might have impacted your planned walking track.
“We’re urging all hikers and bushwalkers to be extra cautious this summer,” he said.
“By planning ahead, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience in Victoria’s beautiful parks.”
Remember to call 132 00 if you require emergency assistance from VICSES, and Triple Zero (000) in lifethreatening emergencies.
For more information visit: www. ses.vic.gov.au/plan-and-stay-safe/onholidays.
You can also check the Parks Victoria website for changes of conditions at www.parks.vic.gov.au/coc-listing.
WITH the extreme weather events becoming harder to predict and happening more often, Telstra have upgraded their payphones across the nation, 34 of which are in the Hume region.
These payphones now include free Telstra Wi-Fi, USB charging ports and back-up power.
Telstra has also put recovery equipment on standby, as well as given extra mobile data for customers.
This disaster season, Telstra deployed 110 trailermounted, high powered generators across Australia, as part of a multimilliondollar co-investment under the Federal Government’s Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters (STAND) program.
Telstra invested $11.8bn in its mobile network nationally with $4.3B of this invested in its regional mobile network.
That includes new technology that can help boost network resilience.
A dedicated disaster assistance team had been drafted to assist in billing and payment support, advice on managing services if you need to relocate or to help resolve a fault caused by disasters.
“We know how critical it is for Australians to remain connected during a natural disaster and while we can’t predict what mother nature will throw at us, we’re ready as we can be,” Telstra
regional general manager for Eastern Victoria Jenny Gray said.
“If your mobile phone
isn’t charged, or you’ve had to evacuate, a payphone might be the only way to contact family and friends to let them know you are ok.”
Payphones can be found in these Rural City of Wangaratta towns:
• Wangaratta, Appin Street.
• Wangaratta, Ford Street.
• Wangaratta, Ovens Street.
• Wangaratta, Rowan Street.
• Milawa, Snow Road.
• Oxley, Ely Street.
• Boorhaman, Boorhaman Road.
• Glenrowan, Gladstone Street.
• Moyhu, Bartley Street.
• Myrtleford, Mummery Road.
• Eldorado, Main Street.
WANGARATTA Motor Group handed over the haul they collected during their annual food drive ‘Pack the Patrol’ to Loaves and Fishes Christian Caring last week.
The food drive saw an entire car packed to the brim with non-perishables donated by the community to those in need this Christmas season.
Wangaratta Motor Group general manager, Jarred Clark, said it’s been fantastic to see the level of engagement from the community.
“We’ve had several locals come into our showroom to donate food,” he said.
“Pack The Patrol would not have been as successful as it was without the support in particular of Wangaratta Woolworths to promote the Pack The Patrol instore and Project 365 for not only donating but spreading the word across social media.
“Our community drive day really pushed the message out there and made this year’s food drive an even bigger success.
“The response exceeded our expectations, and it really reinforced how much people care about supporting each other, especially during challenging times.”
BY JORDAN DUURSMA jduursma@ nemedia.com.au
The food donated will be distributed by Loaves and Fishes Christian Caring.
Loaves and Fishes Christian Caring community development coordinator, David Still, said there is de nitely a noticeable increase in demand in the community for support in the lead up to Christmas and in preparation for the new year.
“One of the really positive things about this initiative is it helps us ll out some of the short-fall we might have in the lead up to Christmas,” he said.
“We are noticing this year in particular that there is not as much spare capacity in the community, so this food drive has been really helpful to ll some of those gaps.
“In the lead-up to Christmas, the demand goes through the roof, when budgets are under additional pressure from expectations around Christmas and especially for families with school kids who are preparing for the next school year.
“One of our big life savers each year is the signi cant
generosity from the community which enables us to do what we need to.”
Wangaratta Nissan sales manager, Josh Glendenning, said this is a positive outcome to the initiative.
“Our goal was to Pack The Patrol to the brim and we achieved this,” he said.
“The food drive not only helped provide much-needed resources to those who are struggling coming up to Christmas.
“It also helped foster a sense of unity within our community.
“For our team, it’s a reminder of how much our community means to us as well as the importance of giving back.”
Wangaratta Motor Group and Loaves and Fishes Christian Caring will look to run the initiative again next year.
COLLABORATION: Wangaratta Nissan sales manager Josh Glendenning, Loaves and Fishes Christian Caring community development coordinator David Still and Wangaratta Motor Group general manager Jarred Clark are hoping to build on their momentum for 2025.
THE Sustaining Tenancies at Risk (STAR) Program, is an innovative program that aims to support people living in private rental properties, and provides support with the aim of preventing homelessness.
This program focuses on working alongside renters to maintain their tenancies, assisting with rental arrears, maintenance issues, or other issues such as lawn mowing, cleaning, and minor property damage.
The STAR Program is available to all community members within the Ovens and Murray area.
North East Support and Action for Youth (NESAY) operates the program in this area, in conjunction with BeyondHousing, who coordinates the program across the Ovens Murray and Goulburn regions.
This program is open to all age groups.
NESAY’s STAR Program case practitioner, Madison Dickman, works closely with local real estate agents, rental providers, and renters to provide this valuable support.
“We work hard to build our connections with local providers to ensure renters in need have access to the program,” Ms Dickman said.
“Working together with businesses, support agencies and local services provides cohesive assistance to all
LOCAL SUPPORT: NESAY’s STAR Program case practitioner, Madison Dickman, works closely with local real estate agents, rental providers, and renters to provide this valuable support.
renters who are seeking our support, and benefits for all involved.
“The prevention of homelessness is of paramount importance in the current cost of living crisis, and the STAR Program is one of the vital services that aims to assist all people.
“With the current challenges posed by the ongoing housing crisis, the STAR Program makes a significant impact by supporting people to remain living safely and securely in their homes, while managing increasing costs.
“By being knowledgeable of available resources we can create positive outcomes and offer relief and alternatives.”
The STAR Program works
PHOTO: Ailie Witting
with renters to identify their personal strengths and available support systems, working together to develop practical solutions.
It can assist in a variety of ways, including support for renters in minor rental arrears, advice on tenant rights and responsibilities, advocacy with rental providers and real estate agents, assistance with budgeting skills, assistance with Centrelink, ongoing tenancy support, and NESAY provides a youth-specific services and referrals for those under 25 years.
STAR is funded by the Victorian Government.
You can contact NESAY on 03 5720 2201 or visit, nesay. com.au, more information.
WAYFINDING signage to direct people to the range of wineries nestled in the King Valley should be a priority of the Prosecco Road project according to the local tourism group, but as it turns out it’s not up to council to make it happen, but rather the wine authority of the region.
One would be excused to assume that this type of thing would have been something that was rolled out with the much talked about Prosecco Road project that council is currently liaising with Tourism North East about.
However, this is not the case as council reported that, “Directional road signs for wine regions are the responsibility of the local wine authority, which in this case is Wines of the King Valley”.
There appears to be a lack of communication between council and local tourism bodies and the public in regards to signage and what’s going to be installed near Oxley roundabout alongside the Bubbles in the Landscape sculpture.
Communities are passionate about their local areas and seldom do they like surprises, especially if the the surprise isn’t what they envisaged.
On the same token, certain elements of infrastructure need to give government bodies operational freedom so they can speed up the processes and get things done.
The Prosecco Road project was announced years ago and for a local tourism group to be finding out now how they can achieve functional signage in the area, does pose some questions about transparency and communication with the whole project.
The inclusion of great signage at the Oxley sculpture could be the tonic that will perhaps make the bubbles of nothing really something.
1. The Sudanese city of Juba is situated on which major river?
2. In which TV show did Mischa Barton play the role of Marissa Cooper?
3. Which WWII ying Ace had the nick-name, Tin Legs?
4. Battledore is an early version of which sport?
5. How many mountains on mainland Australia are higher than 2,400 metres?
6. Who wrote the 1983 book, The Sheep-Pig?
7. In 2007, who preceded Nicolas Sarkozy as the President of France?
8. The Battle of Mosul started in which country in 2016?
9. What are the two main ingredients of Tzatziki?
10. LeBron James is famous for playing which sport?
11. In 1958, who had a hit with the song, Chantilly Lace?
12. In which Australian state is the Monarto Zoological Park located?
13. What is the third book of the Hebrew Bible?
14. In which Australian city was JB Hi-Fi established?
15. Which Harry Potter character has the middle name, Bilius?
16. How many players are on the court in an Olympic Beach Volleyball match?
17. In which country did the Border Collie dog breed originate?
18. Which 1991 movie was the sequel to the 1987 movie, The Year My Voice Broke?
19. In relation to the music industry, A&R stands for what?
20. The Taoiseach is the head of government of which country?
FACEBOOK users this week commented on Emma Merlo being announced as the new chief executive officer of Wangaratta Turf Club.
• Tim McCurdy MP: Congratulations Emma, I’m sure you will achieve great things for the Wangaratta Turf Club.
• Catherine Maddigan:
Holy moly Emma, you are truly one-of-a-kind impressive
• Mary Vescio: Congratulations Emma that’s
great news !
• Kristy Mellor: Congratulations Em. When I first heard it announced on the radio this morning I thought they said Wangaratta Surf club! I did think that only Emma could bring the sea to Wangaratta! Good luck in your new position
• Sally Rodgers: Such an impressive woman and well earned achievement!
• Julie Roberts: OMG!!!
I READ with concern comments by Tim McCurdy MP (in December issue of North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer) supported by Shadow Minister for the Environment James Newbury, that “our rivers need to be cleaned out so that water and debris will ow downstream, allowing rivers like the King and Ovens to build up with fallen trees is appalling “.
The ooding of rivers is caused by high rainfall and runo , not fallen vegetation in rivers - simple as that, which is a proven fact.
The clearing of rivers in the past led to increased erosion and siltation and was a disaster for sh such as Murray Cod.
NOTE: Comments as they appear online, without corrections.
Emma. Looking forward to working with you and continuing to grow the wonderful opportunities our clubs bring to our respective towns!
• Erin Routledge: Congratulations Emma!!!!
• Emma McInnes: Amazing Emma Merlo!!!!
• Brenton O’Brien: Congratulations Emma. Hope the new role works out well for you.
Breath of fresh air
!! Can’t wait to see big crowds back at the best racing venue in country Victoria with the best staff
• Steph Steph:
Congratulations Emma Merlo you will do amazing in this role!
• Julie Connolly: Emma Merlo! You are one amazing lady. A wonder to behold.. xx
• Hannah Robinson: Congrats Emma!
• Tanya Cattier: Congrats
Our follower total is Like the Wangaratta Chronicle Facebook page to have your say.
15,091
Many a stream was turned into an eroded, widened, silted up, shallow eyesore.
It was also a very expensive, as it required heavy machinery.
Fortunately however, the Ovens and King rivers are now healthier, and have seen a resurgence of Murray Cod numbers in recent years, as many local anglers will attest to.
This is due in large part to the gradual rehabilitation of native bank vegetation along the rivers, and allowing logs and fallen branches to remain in the river.
The clearing of rivers was a destructive and expensive practice that did not reduce ooding.
It served no useful purpose whatsoever.
Bill O’Connor, Beechworth Pesutto
MANY women and men were happy with the court decision regarding Moira Deeming as all she was ghting for the right of biological women having their own dressing rooms and sport events.
What Moira was doing in this rally was to highlight the issues regarding transgender men playing in female sport issues.
John Pesutto should have attended this rally to nd out more about this issue and then develop a policy which addresses this issue.
If he goes out on the hustings and talks to voters about this issue he would have been surprised at the support he would have received.
From my experience, women who make up around 50 per cent of the voting population are more likely to change their allegiance if he had have sold this new policy and did not waver to the 15pc vocal minority club and press.
It would have shown strong leadership.
With John Pesutto going to court and losing, he has become a liability to the Liberal Party
A PLACE TO REST: The North Wangaratta Community Group met up for a shared co ee morning to celebrate the installation of a new sheltered picnic table at the east bank site of Reedy Creek recently. It is hoped it will o er sheltered comfort for cyclists, dog walkers, local residents and tourists to enjoy an outdoor picnic safe from the sun. It improves the look of the northern entrance to Wangaratta and encourages passersby to rest and read the local storyboards. The group was awarded a Rural City of Wangaratta Community Grant for 2024-2025.
and should immediately stand down.
It’s disappointing to see the former leaders, who are out of touch with the issue, defend him.
Victoria is a basket case and more than ever needs strong opposition to highlight the issues a ecting both Labor and Liberal voters.
John Walker, North Wangaratta
THE festive season can be a joyous time for many people, as they take a well-earned break from work and school and spend time with family and friends.
It’s a time to rest and reset for the new year.
Yet for others, this time of year can be particularly di cult, and the holidays may not feel “jolly” at all.
It can bring additional nancial pressures, relationship strain, or pressure to host the perfect Christmas.
The season to be merry can also amplify feelings of isolation and loneliness, especially for those who are separated from family or have lost a loved one.
So, as we head into the holiday break, regardless of what you’re dealing with, please know that you don’t have to face this time alone.
The Beyond Blue Support Service is free, con dential, and available around the clock,
including on Christmas day. You can call 1300 22 46 36 or chat online to us at www. beyondblue.org.au/get-support.
It’s really common to put o seeking help because we can’t quite nd the words to express our needs.
But when you contact us, you don’t have to know what to say.
Our skilled counsellors will meet you where you’re at and guide you towards where you need to be.
Thank you to everyone who has donated to Beyond Blue this year.
Our support service is run purely on donations, so your kindness and generosity allow us to always be there when people need us the most.
Georgie Harman, CEO of Beyond
Blue
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
THE local community is being urged to share their views on Wangaratta’s Council Plan 2025-29 and Community Vision 2045, to help shape the future of the local area.
Consultation has begun with an online survey via the Connect Wangaratta website.
Every four years, following local government elections, council works with the community to identify needs and concerns to be addressed with a new council plan.
The plan is shaped by feedback from the community and describes the objectives, strategies and initiatives to be implemented by council over the coming years, these inputs will also inform council’s development of its 10-year nancial plan.
The council plan also incorporates our community vision, the long-term aspirations that the community has for the Ru-
ral City of Wangaratta; and the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan - what the council will do to protect, improve and promote public health and wellbeing in the municipality.
Members of the community can complete the council plan survey at connect.wangaratta. vic.gov.au/council-plan or collect a hard copy of the survey at the government centre or library.
Everyone that completes the survey goes into the draw to win one of three $100 vouchers for a local business of their choice.
City Mayor Irene Grant said it is important they hear from all members of the community so the council plan accurately re ects their current needs and future aspirations.
“That way we can ensure Wangaratta remains a great place to live and work,” she said.
Other ways to get involved include registering your interest in attending community workshops that will commence in March or speaking with councillors at a range of community events over the summer.
Hearing from a wide range of voices is an important part of this process, which includes the voices of the young people.
Worksheets developed especially for children in years P-6 have been sent to all local primary schools with participation of all years encouraged.
These are also available on the Connect Wangaratta website.
Running in conjunction with council plan community engagement is the survey on rates, revenue and spending priorities, where the community can in uence how funding is allocated in the 2025/26 Budget and give feedback on how revenue and rates will be
raised across the municipality. There’s also an opportunity to request funds for a speci c community project, service, or initiative you want to see council invest in next year.
Visit https://connect.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/25-26-budgetand-revenue-and-rating-plan for more information.
Council plan timeline:
• December 2024 – February 2025: Community Engagement Survey
• March 2025: Community Workshops
• April 2025: Dra Community Vision and Council Plan developed
• July 2025: Public exhibition of Dra Community Vision and Council Plan
• August 2025: Update Community Vision and Council Plan
• October 2025: Adoption of nal Community Vision and Council Plan
BY JORDAN DUURSMA jduursma@
WANGARATTA-based Firey Lou Strength in Action’s ‘Deadli s for Change’ event has raised $1300 to support gender-based violence prevention initiatives.
Firey Lou founder, Shantelle van der Leeuw, said the funds will help provide resources, education and programs to empower communities and support victim-survivors.
“The community response was phenomenal,” she said.
“Over 60 participants took part in the event, showcasing an incredible diversity of people coming together to support an important cause.”
Participants ranged in age from two-year-olds to 70-yearolds, and people of all ability levels got involved, including individuals in wheelchairs, someone with a broken arm, and even a pregnant participant.
Shantelle said it was a true testament to the inclusivity and spirit of the event.
“The participation of men and boys was especially heartening, highlighting the importance of engaging them in conversations and actions around genderbased violence,” she said.
Local organisations, such as BFT Gym, played a key role, contributing 796 deadli s to the nal tally.
Together, the participants achieved a remarkable total of 2600 deadli s, far exceeding the initial goal of 1000.
Shantelle said for participants, the event united people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, fostering a sense of collective strength and empowerment.
“It showed that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can make a meaningful contri-
bution to social change and join the ght to end gender-based violence in our communities,” she said.
“For the wider community, the event raised awareness about the prevalence of gender-based violence and the need for prevention, inspiring dialogue and encouraging action.
“The strong involvement of men and boys underscored the critical role they play in driving change and promoting equality.”
Organised by Firey Lou, a passionate community group dedicated to preventing genderbased violence, the event was an incredible way to kick o the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
“It wasn’t just about li ing weights, it was about li ing awareness, hope, and standing strong against gender based violence,” Shantelle said.
ALL AGES: James Adams was one of over 60 community members, of all ages and abilities, who took part in the event.
THE Cryer’s Bridge on Myrrhee-Whitlands Road will be replaced by Nelmac, a job that will cost $670,732.
Works will involve the installation of a single span, concrete beam and concrete reinforced deck bridge.
As part of 2024-25 budget, replacement of Cryer’s Bridge was prioritised due to its deteriorated existing condition.
A NEW drainage basin which will be a wetland retarding basin to support critical infrastructure will be constructed in the south residential growth area.
The basin will provide drainage improvements to the site to allow run off and storage of stormwater impacts during heavy rainfall and provide water treatment before letting water our at approved flow rates.
North East Civil Construction was awarded the work at a contract price of $968,045, a sum accounted for in the 2024-25 capital works budget.
THE Rural City of Wangaratta has awarded a contract to the panel of businesses to supply and deliver seed, chemical and fertiliser products to support the horticulture team. Businesses on the panel include Living Turf (Greenshed), Oasis, KB Adams, Nuturf, and Greenway Turf Solutions
An open tender process was undertaken to ensure that all local suppliers were able to submit tenders.
The tender process was conducted via eProcure, open to all registered contractors. Five submissions were received with all suppliers being known to and used by council previously.
The evaluation process determined that all five suppliers should be included on the panel.
WANGARATTA council has awarded a contract to Downer EDI Works to supply bitumen emulsion.
This contract will also include annual maintenance inspections of council’s 20,000-litre emulsion bulk storage tank to ensure the tank is kept free of excessive residue, and will be used to determine whether flushing, cleaning or dig out is required.
Council has forecast to use an annual average of 90,000 litres of bitumeous emulsion a year to assit in the sealed road maintenance and reseal prepartion programs.
RURAL City of Wangaratta councillors have been appointed certain portfolios for the next 12 months with several portfolios having dual councillors to oversee the work.
who did 2600 deadli s, to raise funds and awareness to prevent genderbased violence.
Portfolio names have changed from ‘sustainability, environment and resource recovery’ portfolio to the ‘sustainability’ portfolio and the ‘economic development’ and ‘tourism’ portfolios have been combined into a single ‘economic development and tourism’ portfolio.
Mayor Irene Grant will take on the governance role while being an aficionado over all other portfolios.
Portfolios have been assigned as follows:
• Cr Harvey Benton - agriculture, emergency services, planning and sport and recreation;
• Cr Dave Fuller - arts and culture, planning, and sustainability;
• Cr Allison Winters - arts and culture, and community engagement portfolios;
• Cr Ashlee Fitzpatrick - community engagement and community wellbeing, youth, family and all abilities;
• Cr Tania Maxwell - community wellbeing, youth, family and all abilities, and the economic development and tourism; and
• Cr Harry Bussell - economic development and tourism.
THE nal exhibition of 2024, Ron Robertson-Swann: Illusion and Gravity, has opened at the Benalla Art Gallery.
Drawn directly from the artist’s collection, Illusion and Gravity presents paintings and sculptures from the 1960s and 70s, providing a rare insight into the early output of one of Australia’s most signi cant and enduring abstractionists.
Featured paintings are drawn from the same period as those exhibited in the seminal National Gallery of Victoria exhibition, The Field, and similarly illustrate the artist’s interest in the physical dynamics and sculptural properties of painting.
Benalla Art Gallery director, Eric Nash, said over a more than 50-year career, Ron Robertson-Swann has forged a career as one of Australia’s preeminent contemporary artists. His work has been consistently exhibited and collected by all major galleries in Australia, as well as many overseas, defying the gravity of time and its passing trends.
A group exhibition which features the work of 15 local artists is being held at the Art Gallery on Ovens in the laneway o Murphy Street. The collection showcases the di erent styles of the resident artists, and includes colourful, figurative paintings by Jacki Macleish (pictured). See Fi een on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10am until 4pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am until 2pm until December 23.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
The exhibition has been supported by Charles Nodrum Gallery, where it will tour following its Benalla Art Gallery showing.
Of the works on display, Charles and Kate Nodrum said stylistically, the paintings and the sculpture diverged early on.
“In sculpture, the use of straight, curved, fabricated and found steel, welded and then painted in monochrome – with its endless scope in the way narrative and mood can be evoked through scale, form and colour – has remained his favoured process,” they said.
“In painting, the straight lines and thinly washed polychrome surfaces of the 60s gave way to curvilinear forms and slightly richer surfaces in the 70s.”
Ron Robertson-Swann: Illusion and Gravity can be seen at Benalla Art Gallery until February 16.
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By Peter Nelson, retired CSIRO climatologist
FOLLOWING the cool, thundery change which passed through late on December 6, a cooler and drier air mass with WSW winds has brought much less humid conditions. Maximum temperatures kept to near normal for December while minimum temperatures have kept two degrees above normal for December.
This due to persistent high and middle level cloud.
Currently a ridge of high pressure has been sitting over Victoria which will move over the Tasman Sea resulting in warmer days by next weekend and very hot days early next week reaching 40 degrees.
A weak cool change will follow, bringing no rain and then further very hot days around December 19 to 20.
Very hot conditions have occurred at places in the Lower West of WA.
Pearce near Perth recorded 43.1 degrees.
A very similar very hot spell happened on December 11, 1972.
This reached Victoria just three days later and then another very hot spell reached Victoria on December 20 to-22.
The hot dry days did continue into the first week of January.
It reached 43 degrees on Wednesday, January 3, 1973 at Wangaratta.
Much needed rain arrived on Saturday, January 13, but further very hot days occurred during the third and fourth weeks of January 1973.
The last few days of January saw very humid conditions when rain and thunderstorms arrive and we had flood rains in Victoria during February of 1973.
Brisbane is having it’s wettest October to December period since 1970, while Coolangatta is having its wettest July to December period since 1954.
Both these led to a warm to hot humid summer in Victoria with the heaviest rains in December 1954 and 1970 and February 1955 and 1971.
LAST summer, drowning claimed 134 lives in Australia between December 1 2023 and February 29 2024, that’s at least one person drowning every day. In an e ort to avoid last year’s toll, Royal Life Saving Australia is calling on everyone to make water safety a priority by considering the risks and preparing before heading out.
“With summer upon us, many families will be planning holidays and daytrips to the water, but we’re urging everyone to also consider their water safety plans as part of their preparation,” said Royal Life Saving chief executive ofcer Justin Scarr.
“We know this is a critical time of year to focus on drowning prevention and water safety, with 41 per cent of
all drowning deaths occurring during the summer months and the highest numbers recorded in December and January.
“Whether you’re planning a day at the river, an a ernoon by the pool, or a beachside holiday, the choices you make before you leave can save lives.”
Older adults are particularly vulnerable, with 39 per cent of last summer’s drowning
deaths involving people aged 55 and over, as are people born overseas who accounted for 27 per cent of deaths.
No matter your age, background, or swimming ability, before heading out this summer learn how to enjoy the water safely: Don’t overestimate your swimming abilities.
Decide who will be actively
supervising children around water.
Avoid alcohol while swimming, boating, or supervising others.
Check the weather forecast and be prepared to change your plans.
Always wear a lifejacket when boating, shing and kayaking.
Never go alone.
Always plan to swim, boat,
paddle or sh with someone else.
Swim at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow ags.
Drowning prevention starts with you.
Prepare before you leave home.
For more information on water safety tips, visit www. royallifesaving.com.au/summerwatersafety.
A CHANGE at Northeast Health Wangaratta this week is helping improve comfort for patients awaiting surgery.
Patients aged over 16 years of age undergoing surgery can now sip up to a cup of water per hour while waiting for their procedure, and children can also sip on a prescribed smaller amount of water or have lemonade icy poles while waiting for their procedure.
The change replaces the previous requirement which had prohibited any uids within two hours of surgery.
Dr Jade Radnor, director of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine at NHW, said the change aims to improve the patient experience by helping them stay hydrated and comfortable whilst waiting for their surgery.
“Simply put, we want patients
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.
to feel better by being able to sip away right up until when they are transferred to theatre,” he said.
A recent two-week audit revealed that patients undergoing elective surgery at NHW had an average time without uids of up to six hours, while those undergoing emergency surgery were going without drinking uids for up to nine hours.
Dr Radnor said the ‘Sip Til Send’ approach, rst introduced in Scotland in 2021, has since been adopted worldwide and is endorsed by the Australian & New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) and Safer Care Victoria (SCV).
“We’ve seen this approach succeed globally...it’s tried, tested, and safe,” he said.
Described as a simple and compassionate initiative, ‘Sip Til Send’ reduces extended fasting
periods, keeps patients hydrated, and alleviates discomfort.
Other potential bene ts include fewer postoperative complications and reduced nausea and vomiting.
Dr Radnor emphasised that patients will still need to fast from food for at least six hours before surgery, and some individuals may not be eligible for ‘Sip Til Send’ due to medical or surgical considerations.
He said the introduction of ‘Sip Til Send’ has been met with overwhelmingly positive feedback, particularly from nursing sta caring for patients before and after surgery.
NHW said initiative demonstrates its ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence, reecting its dedication to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care.
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.
John Jackson
Alistar John Jackson was born at Northeast Health Wangaratta on Wednesday, December 11 at 5:30am and weighed 3.745kg (8lb 2oz). He is the brother of Matilda Jackson and Harriet Jackson and the son of Prue Jackson and Wade Jackson of Whitfield.
Emersyn Lee Ryan
Emersyn Lee Ryan was born at Northeast Health Wangaratta on Saturday, December 7 at 12:44am and weighed 2.44kg (5lb 4oz). She is the daughter of Peytn Ryan and Darcy Ryan of Wangaratta.
and weighed 3.68kg (8lb 3oz). He is the brother of Braxton Halliwell and the son of Gemma Bugler and James Halliwell of Yarrawonga. Koah Flynn Halliwell
www.wangarattachronicle.com.au/photo-sales
A CHRISTMAS-themed morning tea was held on Tuesday for local veterans and their families.
With a festive atmosphere and plenty of Santa hats and tinsel on display, current and ex-service personnel and their loved ones gathered at the Wangaratta RSL for the event.
The morning tea is held at the RSL on the second Tuesday of each month, with strong numbers attending each time, drawn from Wangaratta and beyond.
For further information about the regular catch-up, phone 0447 217 768.
PHOTOS: Simone Kerwin
Art exhibition at Bainz Gallery highlights young talent
A GRAND opening was held on Friday evening for the Rural City of Wangaratta’s Youth Art Exhibition.
The display of work from local young people aged between 12 and 25 is now on exhibition in the Wangaratta Library’s Bainz Gallery, highlighting the strength and variety of their artistic skills.
Friday’s opening included the awarding of prizes for the competition.
Winner was Rosie Bulmer for her piece, ‘Wildflower’. Second placegetter was Zac Blenman for ‘Le Kitty’, and third prize winner was Carlia Van Hoorn for ‘Festive Fatality’.
People’s Choice winner was Finn Newton with his work, ‘Dog’.
Works which form the Youth Art Exhibition are now on display in the Bainz Gallery, where they will remain until the end of January.
Rosie Bulmer with her artwork, ‘Wildflower’.
CELEBRATING YOUTH
Finn
CLARA ROCCHICCIOLI took third place in the 2024 Wangaratta Young Writers Award year 10/11/12 story category with this piece.
The competition was jointly run by the Rotary Club of Wangaratta, and the Rotary Club of Appin Park Wangaratta.
I had no idea what I’d signed up for.
The scroll appeared in my locker one morning, tied with a silky ribbon that shi ed between the colours of the rainbow. It read, ‘Would you like to host an ExtraDimensional Exchange Student from the Sorcery Islands?’ Beneath the heading, the paper swarmed with ne print, but I didn’t spare it more than a glance. My friend, reading over my shoulder, laughed, joking that I should sign it. I laughed too, at rst, but then it began to seem like a possibility. The Sorcery Islands sounded like a setting out of one of my books. Someone magical, stepping into my ordinary, mundane life? I could not resist. I signed the space at the bottom of the scroll, and it vanished.
Even a er seeing the scroll, an Extra-Dimensional Exchange Student appearing at my front door seemed impossible. I had almost forgotten about it until the day, a month later, when Fennella Forestwind arrived.
“Audrey, who is this?” asked my dad from the front door. I looked up from my book, seated in a chair in the lounge room. I’d been too absorbed to notice the knock. I couldn’t live without books, the same way I couldn’t live without food or water. They were a way to escape the monotony of my daily life. I had spent my younger years waiting for a portal to open or someone to be abducted by a dragon, and even now, as a teenager, I was still hoping for a bit of magic to enter my world. The second I saw Fennella, I knew it had arrived.
She seemed very tall on rst impression, but that was the e ect
of her hat. It was broad-brimmed and tapered, like a witch’s hat, but the point crinkled, looped and zigzagged in ways that seemed to defy the laws of physics. Fennella’s hair, as I later discovered, changed style and colour depending on her mood. At that moment, it was rapidly ickering between options as if trying to decide what would be the most appropriate. Her eyes were bright purple and almost glowing. She wore a long, oversized dark brown coat covered in colourful pockets of all shapes and sizes. Lastly were the mismatched hiking boots, which seemed a little too big.
Fennella was a colourful, exuberant, magical tornado.
“I’m Fennella Forestwind, of the Sorcery Islands, your ExtraDimensional Exchange Student,” she said brightly, eyes sparkling. “It’s absolutely splendiferous to meet you.”
“I think you might have the wrong address,” Dad stammered. “I wasn’t aware of any exchange.” I tried to think of something before he could send Fennella away. “Didn’t you get the e-mail?”
I asked. “You had to click on the link, then create an account, sign in, but rst, before you did all that, you had to connect to the internet...”
Dad waved a hand dismissively.
“You know how I am with technology. Come in, Fennella, I’m so sorry the house is in a mess. I wasn’t expecting visitors.” He paused and glared at us. “Wait- this isn’t some sort of joke? I’ve never heard of the Sorcery Islands.”
“I am no joke. I can prove it,” said Fennella, unfurling a scroll.
“I can help tidy your home, too.”
She pulled a dusting rag out of one of her pockets and made a complicated gesture in the air.
The rag ew from her hand and dusted the top of a nearby bookshelf, before folding itself neatly and returning to her pocket.
“I might need to sit down for a moment,” gasped Dad, staggering
away. I smiled at Fennella, dizzy with excitement and disbelief. “I’ll show you to your room.”
Within a week, we were close friends: Fennella showed me how to y her enchanted broom, and I taught her how to ride a bicycle. My family, lacking imagination, were slow to adapt and politely ignored her magical ways. Fennella hadn’t needed to study a language to participate in the exchange: the enchanted amulet she wore allowed us to understand each other. Magic was commonplace in the Sorcery Islands, and for Fennella, it was as natural as breathing. It was almost thoughtless, the way she ung spells around at random: levitating her school books, enchanting her pen to write an essay for her. Wherever Fennella Forestwind went, magic was sure to follow.
“Can I learn how to use magic?” I asked her.
Fennella shook her head. “No. It’s a talent people are born with. I’m sorry, but you haven’t got even a crumb of magic potential.”
“Why haven’t people from the Sorcery Islands come here before?” I wondered. “If you know my dimension exists, why not visit more o en?”
Fennella winced. “To be honest, I shouldn’t be using any magic at all while I’m here. You’ve seen how everyone reacts. It was decided long ago to minimise contact between the Sorcery Islands and your dimension. Widespread magic would be too disruptive to your world.”
“Is there any way for me to travel to the Sorcery Islands? Maybe I could go on exchange, like you.”
“It depends whether your school o ers the program. It’s very highly regulated. I had to apply one year before the exchange.”
My hope had been wrecked on a sharp reef of rocks, and now it sank slowly beneath the waves. So deep that sunlight could not reach it. Once the exchange was
Monday, December 15, 2014.
By CAITLIN SARTORI
RESIDENTS can breathe a sigh of relief a er a decision by the Rural City of Wangaratta that the former Whorouly South Community Centre site will become theirs to use.
Council announced at its Tuesday night meeting it has rescinded its decision to rezone the 0.6 hectare site to a farming zone and place it for sale a er buildings on the site were demolished in August.
It has requested the community form or source an incorporated body to assume the operational management and maintenance of the Whorouly South Reserve.
“While council supports the retention of the Whorouly South Reserve, it will not meet the cost of operational management, annual maintenance or establishing any infrastructure thereon due to adequate amenities and
infrastructure at Whorouly Memorial Park and Whorouly Public Hall,” a report at the meeting stated.
Resident near the Carboor-Whorouly Road site and Spring Creek Equestrian Club (SCEC) president, Pam Martin, said council’s decision was a “win for the community”, despite conrmation council will not maintain or provide funding for infrastructure.
“Now we can start planning for the site and organising a committee for the grounds,” Mrs Martin said.
“It’s de nitely a win for the community.”
SCEC had previously put its hand up as a community user group for the space, and according to Mrs Martin, the community would form
over, magic would be gone from my life forever. I would be back to my ordinary self in my ordinary world.
Perhaps you understand now, Sorcerer, why I was the one to step through the portal instead of
Friends of the Whorouly South Reserve to work with and guide the adult riding club on decisions for the site.
She said community members had already expressed their interest in maintaining the site while SCEC has identi ed its own uses including holding monthly rally days and mini horse health expos at the site.
“We’re (the community) very happy to have it, and we’re already looking at planting memorial trees to honour the original settlers of the area,” she said.
“It’s not an issue to get a slasher in there, especially now the buildings are gone, and we expect it to be quite easy to look a er.”
“The site has also been handy during natural disasters like oods and res; during the 2006 Bu alo res there were quite a few, about six, horses on the site from a ected properties.”
Rural City of Wangaratta administrator Irene Grant
Fennella. I knew I would be returned home, but it was enough just to see the world from my books, and the magic that existed outside of my imagination. All that I needed to do was organise a simple distraction.
spoke about council’s decision to at Tuesday night’s meeting.
“One of the hallmarks of this decision was consult-
ing with the community and their willingness to talk to us and reach a middle ground,” she said.
Council will review the
agreement in three years’ time to determine the on-going community support and use for the Whorouly South Reserve.
ACROSS
3 What are violent storms (8)
7 Who cuts hair (6)
8 What do we call one who explains or interprets (8)
9 What are timepieces known as (6)
10 The Nullarbor Plain is known as being what (8)
11 Name a popular card game (6)
14 To be very cold, is to be what (6)
17 What do we call one who takes in stolen goods (8)
18 Name an employer of servants (6)
19 To sicken, is to do what (8)
20 What is sound judgement, or good sense (6)
21 What are violations of allegiance (8)
DOWN
1 What might we call one who leaps or springs (7)
2 To depart in a sudden and secret manner, is to do what (7)
3 What is a frame used as a support (7)
4 Which term describes an early settler (7)
5 Name an Australian pop and folk group (7)
11 Which commoner holds the lowest hereditary title of honour (7)
12 To contain, is to do what (7)
13 Which coverings are worn over the shoes (7)
14 Who are responsible for cultivating land (7)
15 Which fellow rows a boat (7)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
DULCAMARA
(a) A musical instrument
(b) The bittersweet (c) A soft manner of speaking
2 EUPHORIANT
(a) Pertaining to good digestion
6 To fulfil desires, is to do what (7)
16 What are dinner jackets known as (7)
Letters have a number value
Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.
(b) Affected and bombastic
(c) Induce an exaggerated feeling of wellbeing
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:
Expression showing support (3) Fungus used in fermentation (5) Internet (abb) (3)
Music: ritardando (3)
Pass on (5)
Raised fault block (5)
Shout for attention (3)
Tall dessert glass (7)
US spelling: Geoffrey (7) Wading bird (5)
By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE
RECENT wet and humid conditions may have not have been to many people’s liking, but they’re helping the district’s multi-million dollar hops industry thrive.
Hops Products Australia (HPA) Victorian farm manager Aaron Bailey said the season in the Alpine valley has been a good one so far.
“We’ve just finished training the hop plants around the coir strings with the help of 35 casual staff, and the hops are now in a stage of rapid growth, and on track to reach the top of the wire trellis prior to Christmas,” he said.
“The dry and cold winter created the perfect conditions for dormancy which is exactly what the plants need to yield cones in spring/summer.
“Up until a few weeks ago, it’s been reasonably dry which has allowed us to complete all farm operations as scheduled.
“We started irrigating three weeks earlier than normal, but have since received over 200mm of rain in the past few weeks.
“Fortunately, we haven’t experienced any flooding as yet, and the hop plants are loving the wet and hot conditions.
“This has resulted in rapid growth that will result in
By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE
HOPS GOING STRONG: Recent wet, humid conditions have crops thriving. PHOTO: HPA
better resistance to pests and diseases, which will allow us to supply high-quality hops to the domestic market from May 2025.
“We now need some hot summer days in the coming months to really maximise yield and quality, ideally with some intermittent rain events so we don’t have to rely too much on irrigation.
“There’s always a risk of high winds, hail or flooding adversely impacting yield as we get closer to hop harvest in March, so fingers crossed we continue to have the weather on our side.”
Vignerons, orchardists and berry growers have also been faring well.
GROWERS across various rural industries in the Alpine Shire say spring and early summer conditions are helping produce
Alpine Valley Vignerons president Stef Antonello said so far the early frosting hasn’t effected too many vineyards.
“We’re used to wet conditions and most growers know what they’re doing so disease hasn’t stuck its ugly head up yet, everything is looking on track,” he said.
“We’ve had three great vintages in a row and it looks like this could be the same.
“The rains came after flowering so it hasn’t effected the fruits.
“Everything is looking great at this stage, we just need a dry, cool end of season so, come February/March, the rain can go away.”
Alpine Berries’ Nathan Mirt said this year’s crop is also looking to be a good one.
“We started picking last Monday and we’ve seen lots of fruit on the bushes which is great,” he said.
“The rain and humidity has made it a stop-start
HEALTHY VINES: Growers have experienced a variety of impacts from weather but Alpine Valley vignerons are happy with how things are shaping up.
week so far and it does make it difficult to pick in.
“The warmer conditions have meant the blueberries are able to ripen and the rain delays that so it’s been a bit of a juggling act; observing berries to see when they’re ready and then getting in before the rain.
“Compared to cherry farmers, who I feel quite sorry for, blueberries don’t split or get mould so we’re very fortunate in that respect.
“The ideal weather
now would be sunny days and no rain, for the next month especially.
“More rain would throw an obstacle to our season, we’re used to it because it does happen but we just don’t want a repeat of the last two weeks.
“We’ll pick now right through to mid-February and our main crops until mid-January and then it will get a bit lighter and more manageable.”
Local apple growers have also said everything is looking good.
“While the rain was
more than enough we’re still looking good,” one grower said.
“Now our main job is thinning and making the crops nice and clean and opening the trees up.
“We’d like to see it dry up a bit, it’s easier to dry fruit when you can irrigate and govern the water the trees get, but the deluge of rain over the last fortnight that’s out of the question.
“There’ll be no irrigation until after Christmas so a dryer season would be good.”
CFA is reminding farmers about the risks of improper hay storage after two devastating haystack fires destroyed at least 1700 hay bales in separate parts of the state recently.
A fire in Coonooer West on December 10 claimed 1200 bales, a hayshed, and several pieces of machinery, while just last week a fire in Naring saw another 500 bales destroyed.
ous combustion.”
He also stressed the dangers of storing machinery with hay bales.
“Storing machinery with hay bales is a recipe for disaster,” he said.
“If a fire starts in the haystack, it can quickly spread to nearby machinery, which can halt important farming operations until new equipment arrives.
T & L 2 MURRAY GREY STEER 425 330 AUSTRALIAN WOOL NETWORK
CH & MJ 2 LIMOUSIN X STEER 397.5 330 AUSTRALIAN WOOL NETWORK HAY EN & ME 2 ANGUS STEER 410 340 AUSTRALIAN
Haystack fires are often caused by spontaneous combustion when hay is baled with excess moisture.
High moisture levels, combined with the compact nature of hay bales, can create internal heat, leading to ignition.
Between June 30 2023, and July 1, 2024, CFA responded to 121 haystack fires in regional areas.
CFA district 16 assistant chief fire officer Stephen Alcock said the incidents served as a reminder for farmers to closely monitor their haystacks.
“These fires demonstrate the devastating impact haystack fires can have,” Mr Alcock said.
“Once a fire starts, it spreads rapidly through the bales, making it extremely challenging to contain.
“High moisture levels in hay, often from baling too early in the day when it’s dewy or after rain, are a major contributor to spontane-
“The safest option is to store hay in a separate area well away from equipment and other buildings.
“Haystack fires don’t just affect individual properties; they can spread to neighbouring farms and require extensive emergency services resources.
“Regular monitoring and proper storage can turn what might have been a major issue into something manageable.”
For more information, visit CFA’s website or contact your local CFA brigade for advice on haystack safety.
Haystack tips:
• Ensure hay is well cured before baling.
• Know the history of the hay you purchase.
• Keep haystacks to a limited size and separate your haystacks.
• Monitor moisture and temperature of your hay regularly.
• Watch for unusual odours such as pipe tobacco, caramel, burning or musty smells.
• Store hay in separate
stacks or sheds away from farm equipment and other buildings.
• Keep your hay dry.
• Protect it from rain, leaking rooves or spouts, and runoff.
• Cover stacks with tarps or hay caps.
• Don’t stack hay right to the top of a hay shed.
• Allow some air to circulate at the top, this helps to carry away moisture.
Temperature guide (degree Celsius), what to do when your hay is overheating:
• Use a thermometer in a probe or insert a crowbar into the middle of the stack for 2 hours.
• Less than 50, can handle the crowbar without discomfort.
• Check temperature daily. 50 to 60, can only handle crowbar for short time.
• Check temperature twice daily.
• 60 to 70, can touch bar only briefly
• Check temperature every 2-4 hours.
• Move hay to improve air flow.
• Over 70, bar is too hot to hold.
• Potential for fire.
• Call 000 immediately.
• Avoid walking on top of haystack.
• At this stage pulling apart the hay may provide the oxygen it needs to ignite.
O ce Hours:
CLOSED: Monday, December 23
Tuesday, December 24
Wednesday, December 25
Thursday, December 26
Friday, December 27
Monday, December 30
Tuesday, December 31
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
PERMANENT PART-TIME
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About the Role: We are looking for a HR Administrator to support the Human Resources function in recruitment, implementation of HR policy and processes and to provide administration support. The HR Administrator will work collaboratively as part of the HR team within a dynamic, fast paced environment, to deliver quality HR services and support with administrative responsibilities across various HR functions.
About the person: We are looking for a hands on HR Administrator with great interpersonal skills and a genuine passion for people to assist us in delivering best in class HR support to our organisation. The successful candidate will also have:
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What’s on Offer:
• Permanent part-time role.
• Generous employee bene ts including discounts on all products.
HONDA NC700SA, great bike in good condition, lots of extras, 45,200km, Vic reg till October 2025 (1L2JR), I’ve turned 70 and am downsizing, $3200. Phone Ian 0448 952 349.
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WANGARATTA MAGPIES DEF BEECHWORTH WANDERERS
WANGARATTA MAGPIES 1ST INNINGS\
Cooper Matheson (c) c: Brenton Surrey b: Matthew Ryan 21
Nic Bonwick c: Brenton Surrey b: Timothy Cogger 7
Fill-in c: Henry Scalzo b: Matthew Ryan 24
Oliver Andrew c: Austen Fendyk b: Henry Scalzo 27
Jack Davies not out 82*
Kyle Winter-Irving lbw: Matthew Ryan 57
Callum Honey not out 2*
Extras 19
Total 5 / 239
Overs 40
FOW: 1-10 Nic Bonwick, 2-56 Cooper Matheson, 3-61 Player, 4-133 Oliver Andrew, 5-229 Kyle Winter-Irving Bowling: Jack Ryan 7/0/41/0, Timothy Cogger 6/0/33/1,
Matthew Ryan 8/2/6/3, Kayde Surrey 8/0/63/0, Richard Worcester 2/0/14/0, Brenton Surrey (c) 4/0/23/0, Henry Scalzo 5/0/24/1.
BEECHWORTH WANDERERS 1ST INNINGS
Jack Ryan c: Cooper Matheson b: Kyle Winter-Irving 56 Kayde Surrey c: Kyle Winter-Irving b: Matthew Prestianni 6
Brenton Surrey (c) c: Jack Davies b: Jarryd Wallace 39 Austen Fendyk lbw: Kyle Winter-Irving 1
Jackson Cull c: Matthew Prestianni b: Jarryd Wallace 11
Will Prebble c: Jack Davies b: Jarryd Wallace 5
Matthew Ryan run out: Jarryd Wallace 17 Henry Scalzo c: Jack Davies b: Kyle Winter-Irving Private player not out
Timothy Cogger lbw: Kyle Winter-Irving
Richard Worcester run out: Matthew Prestianni
Extras
Total 10 / 158
Overs
FOW: 1-6 Kayde Surrey, 2-97 Brenton Surrey, 3-100 Austen Fendyk, 4-115 Jack Ryan, 5-124 Will Prebble, 6-125 Jackson Cull, 7-152 Matthew Ryan, 8-155 Henry Scalzo, 9-156 Timothy Cogger, 10-158 Richard Worcester.
Bowling: Matthew Prestianni 3/0/24/1, Kieran Radcliffe 5/0/36/0, Fill-in 5/0/26/0, Jarryd Wallace 8/0/38/3, Kyle Winter-Irving 7.2/0/32/4.
BENALLA BUSHRANGERS DEF BY ROVERS UNITED BRUCK
ROVERS UNITED BRUCK 1ST INNINGS
Charith Perera c: Ross Cavill b: Charlie Bull
Ryan Collier c: Lucas Ham b: Charlie Bull
Reid McNamara c: Josh Hart b: Charlie Bull 28
Paddy McNamara (c) c: Gary Priest b: Charlie Bull 2
Dean Shaw c: Lucas Ham b: Ross Cavill 16
Matthew Whitten c: Gary Priest b: Ross Cavill 16
Lakpriya shantha Gangabadawatta Arachchilage b: Conor Brodie 31
Jacob Schonafinger c: Ross Cavill b: Charlie Bull 33 Cormac McNamara not out 6*
Brady Bartlett c: Ross Cavill b: Charlie Bull 4
Daniel Jones not out 2*
Extras 20
Total 9 / 168
Overs 40
FOW: 1-1 Charith Perera, 2-43 Reid McNamara, 3-44 Ryan Collier, 4-46 Paddy McNamara, 5-76 Dean Shaw, 6-91 Matthew Whitten, 7-146 Jacob Schonafinger, 8-154
Lakpriya shantha Gangabadawatta Arachchilage, 9-159 Brady Bartlett.
Bowling: Conor Brodie 7/0/28/1, Charlie Bull 8/0/27/6, Mitchell Wheelens 6/0/36/0, Cooper Binion 2/0/13/0,
Sameera Witharana 8/1/15/0, Josh Hart 2/0/9/0, Ross Cavill/7/0/28/2.
BENALLA BUSHRANGERS 1ST INNINGS
Jonty Priest b: Paddy McNamara 2
Sameera Witharana b: Jacob Schonafinger 4 Ross Cavill not out 50*
Charlie Bull b: Daniel Jones 2
Lucas Ham c: Matthew Whitten b: Brady Bartlett 9
Gary Priest (c)
Josh Hart
c&b: Cormac McNamara 12
c&b: Cormac McNamara 3
Josh Heylbut b: Cormac McNamara 9
Conor Brodie
c&b: Daniel Jones 2
Mitchell Wheelens not out 6*
Extras 13
Total 8 / 109
Overs 40
FOW: 1-3 Jonty Priest, 2-8
Sameera Witharana, 3-20 Charlie Bull, 4-46 Lucas Ham, 5-76 Gary Priest, 6-76 Josh
Hart, 7-92 Josh Heylbut, 8-100 Conor Brodie.
Bowling: Jacob Schonafinger 7/4/11/1, Paddy McNamara (c) 6/2/8/1, Daniel Jones 6/0/24/2, Brady Bartlett 7/1/26/1, Lakpriya shantha Gangabadawatta Arachchilage 5/0/16/0, Cormac McNamara 6/1/14/3, Charith Perera 3/0/9/0.
YARRAWONGA MULWALA DEF CITY COLTS
CITY COLTS 1ST INNINGS
Mitchell Giggins (c) c: Kyle Archibald b: Van Kreeck 22
Thomas Moore c: Reid Clarke b: Angus Heslin 1
Aaron Thrum lbw: Ben Welsh 39
Josh Nanson run out: Reid Clarke, Brock McCabe 54
Tyler Nanson c: Van Kreeck b: Brock McCabe 7
William Petersen c: Kyle Archibald b: Ben Welsh 2
Ben Feldtmann not out 8*
Matthew Lister not out 2* Extras
FOW: 1-14 Thomas Moore, 2-39 Mitchell Giggins, 3-97
Aaron Thrum, 4-120 Tyler Nanson, 5-121 William Petersen, 6-138 Josh Nanson.
Bowling: Angus Heslin 6/1/22/1, Matt McCabe 5/0/25/0, Van Kreeck 4/2/13/1, Aneeque Azam 8/1/26/0, Corey McIntosh 2/0/9/0, Ben Welsh 8/1/19/2, Brock McCabe 7/1/23/1.
YARRAWONGA MULWALA 1ST INNINGS
Reid Clarke not out 85*
Ben Welsh lbw: Connor Ormond 11
Zach Moore b: Matthew Lister 35
Brock McCabe not out 31*
Extras 16
Total
Overs
FOW: 1-23 Ben Welsh, 2-97 Zach Moore. Bowling: Jed Marek 6/1/24/0, Matthew Lister 8/1/19/1, Connor Ormond 8/2/28/1, Josh Nanson 5/0/33/0, Tyler Nanson 8/0/33/0, Alasdair Brett 5/0/36/0.
Yarrawonga Mulwala 2/96 Fraser Smart 52* Brandon Fitzpatrick 2/27 def Wangaratta Magpies 6/92 Daniel Larkings 39 Tom W Lovel 3/15. Ovens Valley United 9/243 Michael Roberts 75* Matthew Priest 3/32 def Benalla Bushrangers 6/124 Michael Honman 40 Nathan Cullen 3/14. Rovers United Bruck 6/115 Luke Whitten 64 Nicholas Hoskin 2/26 def Delatite 10/80 Mark O’Loughlan 24 Mark Drage 3/2.
Milawa 9/82 Nathan de Vries 30 Lachlan Phillips 4/15 def by Yarrawonga Mulwala 9/86 26* David Radeski 3/26. Delatite7/98 Rick Mills 41 Benjamin Cogger 2/20 def by Beechworth Wanderers 7/154 MIchael Schultz 31 Joshua Cook 2/14. City Colts 10/24 Tom Montgomery 5/9 def by Greta 7/138 Jett Roberts 28* Hugh Spring 2/19. Merton 0/81 Ross Mackinnon 52* def Ovens Valley United 10/80 Geoffrey Zach 17 Henry Berriman 3/24. Rovers United Bruck 10/131 Jeremy Ackroyd 32 def Rutherglen.
Greta Blue 9/137 Thomas Grounds 31 Kade Michael 2/16 def by Yarrawonga Mulwala 8/138 Matthew Wilson 41 Simon O’Brien 4/21. Gapsted 9/118 Peter Newton
United 1/121. Rovers United Bruck 3/103 def Delatite 5/50.
Yarrawonga Mulwala 5/123 def Rutherglen United 5/87. Greta White 4/98 def by Ovens Valley United 2/108. Yarrawonga Mulwala Rams 5/52 def Benalla Bushrangers 8/57. City Colts 5/132 def Greta Blue 5/74. Beechworth Wanderers 8/85 def by Benalla Bushrangers Red 5/98. Wangaratta Magpies Black 4/115 def Wangaratta Magpies White 6/101.
Yarrawonga Mulwala Rams 3/125 def Yarrawonga Mulwala Bulls 4/123. Benalla Bushrangers Red 4/87 def Benalla Bushrangers Green 8/78. Yarrawonga Mulwala Lakers 3/96 def Wangaratta Magpies Black 8/30. Wangaratta Magpies White 6/64 def by Benalla Bushrangers Blue 5/84. Delatite Gold 4/74 def by Delatite Blue 3/79.
Rovers United Bruck Green 3/138 def City Colts Blue 5/89. Greta 8/62 def Ovens Valley United Black 1/88. City Colts White 6/55 def by Ovens Valley United Orange 8/85. Rovers United Bruck Gold 8/52 def by Beechworth Wanderers 4/81
By WILLSON MACK
YARRAWONGA Mulwala
put in a clinical display to knock off City Colts at Stan Hargreaves Oval on Saturday.
The Colts batted first and managed to occupy the crease well for their 40 over stint but Lakers’ bowlers didn’t give an inch.
City Colts vice-captain Josh Nanson piled on 54 runs off 88 balls, while Aaron Thrum was his perfect side-kick making 39 from 79 balls as the pair put on 58-runs.
But while they were at the crease for an extended period, Yarrawonga Mulwala kept their lines and lengths tight and once Thrum fell, wickets came in quick succession.
Tyler Nanson (7) and William Petersen (0) didn’t trouble the scorers, while Nanson was finally dismissed at the end of City Colts’ innings with the away side finishing at 6/141.
The Colts would’ve fancied themselves to defend their total but Yarrawonga Mulwala were at their best.
Opener Reid Clarke (85
not out), Zach Moore (35) and Brock McCabe (31 not out) weren’t troubled as the Lakers chased the target just two wickets down.
In the round’s other game, Rovers United Bruck proved far too strong for Benalla Bushrangers at Benalla Gardens Oval.
The Bushrangers sent RUB into bat and that proved to be a mistake as the defending premiers whacked 168 runs.
Youngster Reid McNamara tallied 28 runs, while the experienced Jacob Schonafinger made 33 of his own at number eight.
Benalla Bushrangers were on the back foot from the get go, slumping to 3/20.
50 not out from Ross Cavill would get the home side to triple figures, making 109 from their 40 over dig.
Rising star Cormac McNamara took 3/14 from six overs, while Daniel Jones (2/24) also impressed.
And in the final game, Wangaratta Magpies defended 239 against Beechworth Wanderers.
The Wanderers were bowled out for just 158.
MATCH REVIEWS: Saturday, December 14
■ From back page
“We stuck to our plans, kept the run rate down and started bowling to our fields and wickets came.
“We looked the better side from there but overall we felt like we were ahead of the game for most of the day.”
The Magpies now sit second with a 4-2 record, a great effort after losing players coming into this season.
“We’re on the positive side of the win, loss leger so we can’t complain,” Davies said.
“We had a high turn over of players coming into the year and weren’t sure how we were going to go so we’re happy at the moment.
“We’ve got classy players, guys like Coop Matheson, Ollie Andrew and Kyle Winter-Irving so we’re confident we can continue to win games.”
By NATHAN DE VRIES
WANGARATTA athlete Caleb Gilbert can’t wait to experience life on campus a er signing with the University of Charleston in West Virginia over in America.
The local middle- and longdistance runner recently penned a contract with the UCWV Golden Eagles to join their NCAA Division II athletics program.
A graduate of the Little Athletics program, Gilbert, 19, made the choice to pursue professional running rather than other sports.
“Running li ed o about two years ago when I made my rst national team and at the age of 16 I had to make a decision whether I continued with football into thirds or just continued running,” he said.
“I chose running and it’s probably the best decision I’ve made.
“I’ve had a few issues with injuries over the years, I showed a lot of promising signs, but I copped these annoying little tendon injuries and it set me back a few months.
“There were a lot of ups and downs but over the last eight months I’ve just put together some consistency, and it’s probably re ective of my recent performances and me signing with University of Charleston.”
Gilbert was determined to experience collegiate athletics, saying it was the next step on his pathway to professional racing.
A er signing with sports agent Nathan Gillis at Olympic Sports Scholarships and talking to many colleges in the states, Gilbert settled on the Golden Eagles due to their coaching set up and the lifestyle Charleston o ered.
Situated at the con uence of the Kanawha and Elk rivers, Charleston is the state capital of West Virginia and has a pop-
There were a lot of ups and downs but over the last eight months I’ve just put together some consistency, and it’s probably reflective of my recent performances and me signing with University of Charleston.
ulation of about 47,000.
“I think a lot of people who participate in running would agree that to go to that next step, entering the collegiate system or the NCAA is the best option,” he said.
“The coaches, the facilities, you get a lot of help developing into what hopes to be a pro athlete one day, signing a contract with a pro shoe brand or whatever.
“It was a lot to do with the coach, Nick Bias - he appealed to me throughout our chats, got the feeling he wanted me.
“The place appealed to me as well, it’s very similar to Wangaratta, it’s not a populated city, it’s a nice country town along the riverbank there.
“I just thought the opportunity would really suit my pathways going forward as well – that was really the main component to signing with them.”
While moving to the other side of the world is daunting, Gilbert said he was looking forward to the entire experience, from the athletic component in a team as well as the academics at college, where he’ll major in exercise science.
“I think moving to the other side of the world is a completely di erent step for me, I haven’t touched any of those areas, but it’ll be a good life experience for me,” he said.
“I’m excited for pretty much
By WILLSON MACK
WANGARATTA Rovers are back at preseason as they look to avoid the dreaded premiership hangover.
But it’s a di erent looking pre-season to most clubs with nine players trying their hand in the Northern Territory Football League.
NTFL regulars Brodie Filo and Kieran Parnell have been dominating as per, while Tom Boyd, Sam Nolan, Ky Williamson, Elijah and Noah Amery, Jai Dal Zotto and Preston Coleman have all been plying their trades as well.
everything, excited to get my course and the academics, and they have a very good support system so I’m excited to get that underway.
“A lot of my training in Wangaratta is pretty solo, so I’m keen to jump into a group to train with, I think that’ll really help me going forward as well.
“I’ve spent the last year just working, running, day in and day out, so having more of a social life with other college runners will be good for sure.”
Gilbert ies out on New Year’s Eve and will land in America on New Year’s Eve, with his rst classes at the University of Charleston on January 6.
THE weekly Tuesday pickleball competition at the Wangaratta Hardcourt Tennis Complex was packed this week with players on all seven courts.
Wangaratta Pickleball Club member Trish Phyland said the regular competition attracts players from around the North East, Melbourne, interstate and even from overseas.
This week that included Brad and Shelley Buss from Alberta Canada who play regularly here while on their annual trip to Australia to visit a daughter in Benalla.
“They it enjoy so much they became members,” Trish said.
“Pickleball is huge in Canada and is growing rapidly here too but we always welcome and encourage new members to join in.”
Anyone interested in joining the local pickleballers just needs to drop down to the Wangaratta hardcourt tennis courts in Schilling Drive on a Tuesday morning by 9am with competition to conclude at 11am. Entry is $10 for non-members.
Members then generally head o to a local cafe for a co ee and catchup.
TUESDAYS:
“It’s been a di erent looking start to preseason for us,” Sullivan said.
“For starters because we nished later than usual we started pre-season a bit later and then we have eight or nine boys playing NTFL footy as well.
“The NTFL’s a great place for players to develop their games and try to get to another level and all of those boys have been performing well.”
In positive scenes, the Hawks have had up to 50 players at under 18s pre-season, while 10 top aged thrids players have been training with the senior side.
The Hawks have also had new gun recruits Nathan Cooper (joining full-time) and Charlie Thompson at training with the pair set to take the defending premiers to another level.
“It’s been really positive seeing the numbers in the under 18s,” Sullivan said.
“And then we’ve also had Nathan Cooper and Charlie Thompson at training which has provided a bit of excitement to the group.
“Nathan had a fantastic year in the VFL, won a premiership with Werribee and was named in the team of the year and Charlie comes back from the WAFL where he won a best and fairest for Perth in his rst year.
“The best part about those two is that they’ve been around the club previously and are really keen to dig in.
“Because we’ll only have 36 points next year we’re restricted with recruiting but the two we’ve brought in are exactly what we wanted.”
While typically premiership players can rest on their success coming o a grand nal victory, Sullivan assured the Hawks are hungry for more.
“Because the premiership was more unexpected than normal all of the boys are hungry for more,” he said.
“I think the best part for us is that I believe we’re only going to go to another level.
“Young guys like Charlie Ledger, Ky Williamson, Justin Lewis – they’re only going to get better with age and experience.”
The only departures Rovers have had thus far have been Jack Gerrish (Katamatite), Finn Osborne (CorowaRutherglen) and WIll McCarthy (SANFL).
RACING U.S.A: Wangaratta’s Caleb Gilbert will represent the University of Charleston Golden Eagles in NCAA Division II athletics in the new year. Story page 19. PHOTO: Nathan de Vries
WANGARATTA Magpies smacked 239 runs from 40 overs to run away convincing winners over Beechworth Wanderers.
The ‘Pies won the toss and elected to bat rst with Cooper Matheson (21) getting his side to a reasonable start at 2/56.
BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au
But it was a Jack Davies masterclass that did the damage, slashing 82 not out from 96 deliveries, while he was well supported Kyle
Winter-Irving’s fast 57 from 44 balls.
Davies was stoked with his side’s e orts.
“We started well with the bat, put pressure on them and the run rate was good from the get go,” Davies said.
“Ollie (Andrew) and I had to knuckle down for
a bit there but then when Kyle (Winter-Irving) came out all I had to do was get off strike because he was hitting them beautifully.
“He’s such a classy player, good in the field, hits a clean ball and is hard to get away when he’s bowling.”
Despite losing gun open-
er Kayde Surrey for just six, the Wanderers started well off the back of Jack Ryan’s 56 and Brenton Surrey’s 39.
“After the first 13 overs of their batting innings they were probably ahead,” Davies said.
■ Continued page 18
However, both fell in reasonably quick succession and Beechworth would go on to lose 7/58 to be all out for 158, well short of their target. Winter-Irving continued his stellar day, snagging figures of 4/32 from 7.2 overs.
