Wangaratta Chronicle 180123

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Wednesday, January 18, 2023

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KEEPING TIME IN THE GARDEN

BROOKE, Tom (1) and Hugh (8) Carson and Hannah and Will (2) Scantleton enjoyed the chance to test out their bongo drumming skills in Wangaratta’s King George Gardens at the accessible drumming session yesterday morning. The sessions are a Rural City of Wangaratta initiative and ably hosted by Emma Phillips and Bri Slattery from In the Groove community drumming. The next session will be held on Tuesday, February 21 from 10am in King George Gardens. In the Groove also hold community drumming classes on Wednesday nights from 6pm at The Centre.

PHOTO: Belinda Harrison

RYE GIFT SUCCESS FOR PASQUALI Sport

‘Dangerous’ act A MELBOURNE man accused of attempting to hit a group of children with his car while he allegedly did burnouts through the centre of Apex Park in Wangaratta last week will remain in police custody for the foreseeable future.

The 45-year-old appeared at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court in police custody on Monday, attempting to secure bail after he and a 57-year-old co-accused allegedly drove

Second hoon alleged g to have tried to hit children with carr

erratically around the popular park around 7pm last Thursday.

The co-accused man, who had ties to Wangaratta, was formally refused bail on Friday, after he allegedly ran over a teen’s bike at the Frank Garth Reserve, before doing a series of small burnouts in the unregistered vehicle and parking at the park’s rotunda.

On Monday, Leading Senior Constable Colin Boyle said both men had set off from Reservoir in Melbourne’s north on Thursday morning, allegedly stealing number plates from a local vehicle and attaching them to the accused’s Nissan Navara.

The pair were said to have travelled up the Hume Freeway, stopping to allegedly steal 11 litres

of petrol from a Benalla service station before arriving in Wangaratta between 6.30 and 7pm, where they continued drinking and listening to loud music inside the Apex Park rotunda.

LSC Boyle said the coaccused had been chased by a large group of teens after allegedly running over a bike which had been rested on the river foreshore, with

the teens then verbally abusing the pair at the rotunda.

The accused was then alleged to have driven at speeds of up to 50kph throughout the park, passing within five metres of the teens before rolling the vehicle while doing burnouts.

The vehicle was also said to have dragged up significant dust, which the

accused allegedly drove blindly back through.

LSC Boyle said significant pedestrian traffic in the area had meant the incident had been heavily photographed, and a number of videos had been viewed by police.

“The circumstances of this driving on its own is conduct endangering serious injury in its basic,” he said.

“The circumstances are highly dangerous.”

■ Continued page 2

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Page 2 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 18, 2023

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Drink driver hit brick fence before fleeing scene Second Est. 1884, Incorporating Wangaratta Despatch, Est. 1861

WEATHER

A LOCAL man has been suspended from driving for 17 months, after he crashed into a brick fence while driving while his blood alcohol level was more than three times the legal 0.05 per cent limit.

The accused faced Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Monday and pleaded guilty to a number of driving matters, admitting to fleeing the scene after leaving the roadway and hitting a brick fence on Warwillah Avenue late on August 5.

Police prosecutor Constable Im-

ogen Akers said the accused had promptly returned the car to his own nearby residence and left the area, and was eventually located and detained by police at a Murdoch Road address later in the evening.

Cnst Akers said the accused recorded a blood alcohol level of 0.172 shortly after midnight on August 6, and had initially denied being the driver of the vehicle.

She said the man later took full responsibility after sobering up.

Defending himself in court, the

accused said he had been drinking at a local venue and a relative’s house before electing to drive himself and a passenger.

He said he was normally against drink driving and, when pressed

by Magistrate Peter Dunn, acknowledged his decision could have been fatal.

“It definitely could have been more serious,” he told the court.

Mr Dunn convicted and fined the man $2000, and cancelled his driver’s licence for 17 months.

TEMPERATURES: Wednesday Max 28

Min 20

Possible thunderstorm

Thursday

Max 28 Sunny

Friday

Max 29 Min 10 Mostly sunny

Saturday

Max 30 Min 11 Mostly sunny

Sunday

Max 30 Min 14 Mostly sunny

RAINFALL: Wangaratta Lake Buffalo Cheshunt

Min 10

Last 72 hours

Last 7 days

0.4 mm

0.4 mm

7.0 mm

7.0 mm

12.0 mm

12.0 mm

*NB: Rainfall totals up until 3pm, Tuesday

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Member

CELEBRATING AUSTRALIA DAY: John and Jennifer Houghton were announced as the Rural City of Wangaratta’s Citizens of the Year in 2022.

Celebrations are municipality-wide

COMMUNITIES right around the Rural City of Wangaratta are gearing up to celebrate Australia Day next week.

With events ranging from early morning breakfasts, through to mid-morning gatherings, and evening meal celebrations, there will be 15 Australia Day gatherings around the municipality in addition to the Wangaratta event to be held in the King George Gardens from 8am to 11am on January 26.

Springhurst will start the ball rolling early, hosting its celebration over meals and drinks this Friday, January 20 from 6pm.

Murmungee has the earliest kick-off on Australia Day, scheduled for 7.30am at the hall with a

cooked breakfast, and official proceedings beginning at 9am.

Tarrawingee community group will hold its breakfast from 8am at the hall, as will Boorhaman, and Everton, where the new barbecue shelter will be in use, followed by games and competitions.

Activities at Hamilton Park’s Kurrajong Lane barbecue area, Peechelba Bushland Reserve and Moyhu Lions Park will begin at 8.30am.

Whorouly’s barbecue breakfast celebrations are scheduled to start at 9am, while the Greta-Hansonville community will gather at its hall for a 10.30am morning tea, and Glenrowan’s event will start at 11am with a sausage sizzle, tea and coffee.

In the evening, Milawa is inviting residents to bring a plate of supper to the newly-refurbished hall from 5.30pm, while from 6pm Eldorado will host a display of vintage veteran and classic vehicles, and a children’s gold nugget hunt in addition to dinner.

From 6.30pm, the Carboor and Cheshunt communities will host their evening celebrations with barbecue dinner gatherings.

All events will feature the presentation of Australia Day awards to deserving local residents, with the Wangaratta event including the announcement of this year’s citizen of the year, young citizen of the year, and event/project of the year.

hoon alleged to have tried to hit children with car ■

From page 1 The court heard the accused had been on bail at the time of the alleged incident, and had allegedly breached a full exclusion order against a former partner earlier in the morning.

Defence counsel Nancy Battiato said her client had an acquired brain injury, resulting in his cognitive function being well below a normal 45-year-old level.

She said her client had alleged the group of teenagers had been engaging in drug-taking activity, and said the group had appeared to threaten the two accused men.

LSC Boyle said witnesses had alleged the man had then threatened the group with a knife, however, noted no knife had been recovered.

The 45-year-old was under observation by staff at Northeast Health Wangaratta into Friday afternoon, before being surrendered into police custody and formally charged.

Magistrate Peter Dunn noted the offending was inherently serious, and said despite the accused’s mental capacity, he had “taken this path upon himself”.

“This is very serious offending behaviour, and will no doubt merit a term of imprisonment (if guilty),” he said.

He refused bail, ordering the matter return to Wangaratta court later this month.

Upon exiting the court dock with custody officers, the accused swore and threw a bible - which he had been holding throughout the hearing - into the roof and over the glass to the wider court seating.

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THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 18, 2023 - Page 3

St Catherine’s evacuated after gas main damaged

By RYAN MALCOLM A SCARE at St Catherine’s Hostel was quickly rectified earlier this week, after residents were forced to evacuate the building when contractors accidentally pierced a gas main along Ryley Street.

Staff went door to door around 10am to evacuate the elderly residents, after contractors completing upgrades to the building’s fire services system in the front yard area notified senior management that trenching work for new pipes had resulted in the gas main being “nicked”.

Overseeing the contract work, R&R Quality Homes owner Rob Humphreys said resident safety had been a key priority.

“The contractors that are putting in the new fire service, they did their due diligence with the dial before you dig (excavation preparation) and all that - they had a contractor here with a locator, which is an electric sensor which picks up all of the pipework and other things,” he said.

“The trouble with the gas line is it was in with a lot of water pipes and electrical, and I don’t think (the locator) picked it up properly.

ROOF RAZED: John Cooper Hall in Carrier Street, Benalla was severely damaged by the weekend storm.

“I said to (St Catherine’s chief executive officer) Adrian Johnstone that I suggest getting all of the residents out of the building to start with, and then I went and spoke to the chief of the fire brigade. “(The residents) were well looked after with water and shade, but I said let’s get them back in the building at the back where it’s all air conditioned.

“The fire brigade said there were no safety issues - obviously there were safety issues with flame and things if it gets ignited - but they said the gas shoots straight up into the atmosphere, so

anything surrounding it was safe and it was all precautionary matters.”

Mr Humphreys said the northbound lane of Ryley Street had been closed by police for up to an hour, as gas contractors from Albury worked to fix the damaged main.

St Catherine’s staff sent two emails to the family members of residents, one around 10am communicating there had been a gas leak and another around 12.15pm confirming the situation and how it had been fixed.

Mr Johnstone said the contractors and emergency service crews had all been

hands-on to limit residents’ exposure to the hot weather outside.

“Accidents can happen - that’s the problem with a live site and you’ve got so much infrastructure underground,” he said.

“Everyone was hands-on and looking to help and acted appropriately - there was no panic.

“As much as it’s a situation you never want to have happen, it does happen, but from our point of view, no one’s been hurt and that’s the main thing.

“Out of a potentially ugly situation, they’ve got a story to tell their families.”

MAJOR STRIKE: Large storms throughout the North East saw lightning, rain and strong winds down a number of trees throughout the region overnight on Saturday. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Weekend storms wreak havoc throughout region

By RYAN MALCOLM SES crews from across the North East were kept busy at the weekend, following a major storm cell which formed over Benalla before moving east towards the alpine region.

Following an intense period which saw 20mm of rainfall in just 20 minutes near Benalla, high winds damaged properties and knocked over trees and powerlines throughout the local area, with more than 1000 residents impacted by outages.

Local SES crews received a total of 109 requests for assistance in ensuing hours to 10am Monday, with 85 downed trees blocking roads - including the Hume Freeway - and 19 properties damaged as winds dropped branches and lifted roofing at Benalla’s John Cooper Hall.

Local crews from Benalla, Chiltern, Wangaratta and Yarrawonga, as well as units from Seymour, Mansfield and Port Phillip worked overnight Saturday as they assisted Shepparton

Search and Rescue teams, Victoria Police and local CFA brigades in clearing the trees, ahead of a rest break declared at 3am on Sunday morning.

SES crews worked with police and utilities providers throughout Sunday to manage areas where live power lines had been broken, with power largely restored by Sunday evening.

Widespread damage was also recorded throughout the King Valley and north along the Hume Freeway, with up to 15 trees

downed along Mansfield-Whitfield Road.

Wangaratta SES unit controller Jess Zuber said local crews had responded to seven separate jobs on Sunday, including a number of downed trees along roads at Whitfield, Byawatha and Myrrhee, while crews also spent five hours clearing a major blockage at Peechelba in 37 degree heat.

Ms Zuber said SES crews had worked closely with local CFA units at each job to efficiently reopen impacted roads.

APPEAL: Management of sausage skin factory Van Hessen, a business located on Wangaratta’s Shanley Street, are challenging details of a prohibition notice in VCAT today.

Meatworks appeals EPA ban WANGARATTA meatworks factory Van Hessen will challenge a prohibition notice, relating to offensive odours, at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) today.

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) issued a notice to the sausage skin manufacturing company just before Christmas detailing that it was prohibited from discharging wastewater into its wastewater ponds until dissolved oxygen levels are maintained at an acceptable level and odours are not discharged beyond the boundary of the premises.

EPA charged the company, which has an office in Albury, NSW, and its Wangaratta-based manager in relation to breaching conditions of the company’s licence to operate a sausage skin manufacturing plant in Shanley Street, Wangaratta South.

From mid-October until December 23, the EPA had received 160 reports form the Wangaratta community of offensive odours coming from the business.

The company was told to respond to the EPA by January 6, showing how it has achieved compliance with the notice’s conditions.

The breach mentioned in each charge is a criminal offence under section 63(1) of the Environment Protection Act 2017 and carries a maximum fine of $1,849,200 for companies and $369,840 for individuals.

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Page 4 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 18, 2023

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Bequest an option for the future of our community

By BELINDA HARRISON

LOCAL businessman John Bailey has been on the board of the Into Our Hands Community Foundation for four years and made his first donation in 2019, believing that the objectives of the fund were in line with his own personal objectives.

“A strong community needs, more than ever, a foundation to support its people especially the young and vulnerable,” he said, noting the fund has donated more than $1.2m to community projects throughout the North East in the past decade.

“As a director and the company secretary for the fund I feel that it is hard to ask people to give to the fund if you are not prepared to give

yourself - I want to lead by example.”

In addition to the Into Our Hands Community Fund and GIVE Wangaratta Fund, John has also been a great supporter and donor of the Pitch Up events and the Garry Nash & Co. Sub Fund.

“When I was in Rotary in Wangaratta, we investigated the idea of a community fund but unfortunately it was just too costly to set up ourselves.

“So when Into Our Hands came up with the idea of GIVE Wangaratta, I felt it

was a great fit for me.

“Garry Nash & Co. has been operating for more than 40 years and they have helped people in times of need and I want to help them to continue this great work.”

John has now made the decision to leave a bequest as a percentage of his estate to Into Our Hands.

“I chose to leave a bequest to the GIVE Wangaratta fund specifically because I believe that we can create a really strong trust for Wangaratta,” he said.

“It gives me great pride to do so because I want to put back and support the community which has supported me during my working life.

“To live, love and to leave a legacy has been my philosophy in life and by contributing to Into Our Hands in a

variety of different ways, I believe we are raising funds for good.”

John speaks further in the Into Our Hands’ Digital story project, which shares supporter and grantee stories about how Into Our Hands is benefiting North East communities and how and why people get involved in donating to the general fund, or one of their sub-funds.

For more information on GIVE Wangaratta, Into Our Hands or any of the other subfunds available in the Wangaratta, Alpine, Indigo or Mansfield shires, visit intoourhandsfoundation.com.au.

To watch John’s video in full visit intoourhandsfoundation.com.au/newsandevents/ or https://youtu.be/ F36I3G59o6Q.

PROUD TO BE INVOLVED: John Bailey is leaving a bequest in his will to the Into Our Hands Community Foundation.

Teacher’s tips for smooth transition back to school SOON after the Christmas tree is boxed away and the holiday suitcases have been unpacked, it’s time to get the kids ready for the new school year.

Making the most of the long break is the key to a smooth start, according to primary school teacher and popular TikToker Lil’ Miss Sunshinee.

Her top tips to ensure a smooth transition from home to school, whether children are starting for the first time or returning, are: • Ensure your child feels like they had a break, so they feel ready to tackle the new school year and all the craziness that comes along with it. Enjoy the holidays, enjoy the festivities and enjoy family time before everything picks back up again.

• Learning in the holidays doesn’t have to look like traditional education. Keep your child’s brain buzzing by learning a new skill or hobby, involving them in household

THOUGHTS TURN TO SCHOOL: Practising handwriting, and keeping busy with creative pursuits, are among the tips for children preparing for the start of, or a return to, school. jobs, or even playing board games at a family game night. They are still learning through all of these experiences, including about rules, responsibilities and self-discipline.

• Keep reading. Read a magazine together, find a style of picture book or novel they like, engage in discussions about the text, and bond over the reading. It’ll feel a lot more like quality time rather than reading for the sake of it.

• Practice handwriting - if your child is starting kindergarten, encourage them to practise writing their name.

• The transition back to school is made easier when children have kept physical throughout the holidays. Down-time like watching movies or playing video games can be great to relax, however, we also need to make sure our body stays happy. This will make the physical

side of the back-to-school season, like sport, recess and lunch, a little less tiring as they have maintained the routine.

• Speaking of routine, a relaxed holiday doesn’t have to equate to a lack of routine. Simple steps for your child to follow like waking up at a reasonable time, making their bed, or laying out their clothes the night before can make transitioning back to school that little bit easier.

WHAT’S UP WITH THE WEATHER?

By Peter Nelson, Retired CSIRO climatologist

No rainfall, just heat THE record flood rains totalling 376mm at Fitzroy Crossing from December 28 to January 7 and the record wettest December with 286mm at Tennant Creek appears to have set up a hotter than normal spell in our region last week, with daily maximums 36 to 38 degrees.

On January 8 Alice Springs received 83.6mm of rainfall, the wettest January day since 2001.

Heavy rain at Alice Springs often reaches our region within three days but currently the rain is moving across inland Queensland through Longreach.

Not much rainfall is expected until near the end of January.

It is well known that last year Sydney had its wettest ever year.

The rainfall total was 2530mm easily surpassed the previous wettest year of 1950 when 2194mm was recorded.

Sydney had 199 days when rain fell last year, which was less than 205 days in 1891 and 212 days in 1893.

Sydney’s average daily hours of sunshine was 6.47 and this made it the lowest in any year since 1992 .

Since February 21, 2022 there has been a complete absence of maximum temperatures reaching 30 degrees in Sydney.

It is already the longest such spell in Sydney since December 1882 to December 1883.

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THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 18, 2023 - Page 5

Migrants call for regions Government asked to help p gget more migrants g into regional g Australia

BY JEFF ZEUSCHNER jzeuschner@ nemedia.com.au

WA N G A R AT TA - b a s e d North East Multicultural Association (NEMA) is backing a call for governments to do more to help increase migrant populations to the regions.

The first ethnic community council in North East Victoria has thrown its support behind the Regional Australia Institute’s (RAI) push to see 40 per cent of net overseas migration flow to regional Australia.

Migration to the regions is projected to be less than 17 per cent in 2022/23, according to the 2022 Population Statement released from the Centre for Population this month.

RAI chief executive officer Liz Ritchie said increasing overseas migration will be vital to the growth and sustainability of regional Australia over the next decade, and the regions “deserve a far greater share of Australia’s biggest driver of population growth”.

“At a time when our regional cities and towns are crying out for skills and labour, reaching a record of over 96,000 job vacancies in late 2022, we need to be collec-

ENRICHING COMMUNITY: NEMA president Ian Prentice would like to see more migrants move to regional Australia.

PHOTO: Jeff Zeuschner tively looking at the systems and processes supporting migrants, so we have more calling regional Australia home,” Ms Ritchie said.

PERFECT FIT. GREAT RANGE. EXPERT ADVICE.

migrants already in Australia had been moving from capital cities to regions such as Wangaratta.

“We certainly have been

We Are

systems highlighted the need for greater support of migrants to settle in regional Australia as key to attracting and maintaining overseas populations in the regions.

“To have more migrants living in regional Australia, we need to provide further awareness about job opportunities, including job support services, and ensure we have communities with enough housing and critical soft and hard infrastructure,” she said.

“We need to take a holistic view of the various factors impacting Australia’s migrant population.

“Population planning, jobs, access to housing - are all interlinked,” she said.

RAI used 10 years of research to create its Regionalisation 2032 Ambition, a set of 20 targets across five pillars - Population, Jobs & Skills, Liveability, Productivity & Innovation and Sustainability & Resilience.

The Ambition sets a target to double overseas migrants living in regional Australia to 40 per cent.

“Importantly migrants can bring the skills and labour that regional Australia desperately needs, while living the good life in their new country,” Ms Ritchie said.

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From First

NEMA president Ian Prentice said while direct migration from overseas had slowed in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic,

getting more families moving in, which has only strengthened local multiculturalism,” he said.

“While historically we saw a lot of European migration, we have been seeing more people coming from the Asian continent.

“Migrants generally are very hard workers and very loyal.”

Mr Prentice said job opportunities and accommodation remained critical to attracting migrants, in addition to other considerations, such as connectivity within the community.

“That’s part of our role,” he said.

“We can help with learning English, driving lessons, IT, visa assistance and connecting with government departments, as well as a network of local community people.”

Between 2016 and 2021 Census periods, 70 per cent of the 254 local government areas (including Wangaratta) that saw an increase in population in both Australian and overseas born residents, were in regional areas.

And 103 regional LGAs had their Australian population decline while their overseas population rose.

Ms Ritchie said RAI’s recent submission to the Department of Home Affairs’ review into migration

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Page 6 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 18, 2023

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The Australian Quiz Migration boost needs infrastructure

1

THE call for increased migration to boost employee numbers across virtually every sector of society is no surprise.

In an ideal world it should be a balance of skilled and casual workers to not only fill the growing gaps in workforces across, health care, education, manufacturing and trades but also primary production and hospitality with casual and seasonal workers in high demand.

And it can‘t just be short–term visa arrangements shipping people in to do the work and sending them home.

There must be the lure of citizenship for the right workers to make Australia their home.

Australia has been a migrant destination since its settlement and particularly during the gold rush of the 1850s and post WWI, WWII and the Vietnam War. As our local North East Multicultural Association has pointed out, North East Victoria has proven a popular and successful destination for migrants which has contributed to our rich multicultural society that is the envy of many other regions in Australia.

But we also need the infrastructure to support this growth and despite financial pressures of debt and inflation, it has to be a top priority.

Infrastructure that helps improve productivity or indeed, reduces the population pressures on our capital cities, is good for the country financially.

There must be more support for local government to have not only the residential or industrial subdivisions ready to go, but also the associated expansion of health, education and other support services.

Yes, it‘s a massive undertaking, but it‘s a job that has been deferred for too long.

2

Moon Jae-in became President of which country in 2017, a title still held in 2022?

4 Dogma 5 Introductory event 6 Weary 7 Mineral 8 Respectful awe 10 Responsibility 14 Part of the UK 17 Perfect score 18 S. American bellbird 19 Faculty head 22 Not robust 24 Carry 25 Pertaining to a virus 27 Vehicle 28 Groups of eight 29 Enter as an enemy 31 Swift animal 32 Inward feeling 33 Legume 35 Knight’s title SOLUTION P A S T O R I N O W R U L A T E S O L E G E N T N U S O E O T D S C E E L E T E N E P R U S T E S T

I N V A D E L O R E

R L R E V E R E N C E

ACROSS 1 Outstanding 5 Clergyman 9 Colour-scheme 11 Anger 12 Protective garment 13 Today 15 Speed an engine 16 Control 18 Younger son 20 Part of a shoe 21 Beverages 23 Mild and refined 25 Planet 26 Fine paint-brush 28 Of the ear 30 Parched 32 View 33 Ornament for the wrist 34 Compass point (init) 36 PNG town 37 Himalayan state 38 Coastal feature 39 Fidelity 40 Much ornamented 41 Chemical compound DOWN 2 Annul 3 Worships

G R E A T E D E C A P R O N E R E G A D E T D L E S A V E E N C I L A R I B R A C S E L A T I A R N A T E

C A M P A N E R O

Who starred as Norman Bates in the 1998 remake of the psychological thriller, Psycho?

(c) Ben Affleck (a) Vince (d) Matt Damon Vaughn (b) Will Ferrell

3

Eboni Usoro-Brown joined which team for the 2022 Suncorp Super Netball season?

4

Absolute Power was the first novel by which famous author?

(a) Nicholas Sparks (b) David Baldacci (c) John Grisham (d) Wilbur Smith

5

Who was named Young Australian of the Year for 2022?

8

UAH is the currency code for the official currency of which country?

(a) Uganda (b) Ukraine (c) Uruguay

(a) Isobel Marshall (b) Dr Daniel Nour (c) Danzal Baker (d) Ashleigh Barty

Which of the following towns of New Zealand is furthest south?

(a) Masterton (b) Greymouth (c) Hanmer Springs (d) Ashburton

6 7

In 1983, which band had a hit with the song, Burning Down the House?

(a) Split Enz (b) The Police (c) Talking Heads (d) Tears for Fears

(d) United Arab Emirates

9

Which team won three AFL Grand Finals between 2010 and 2019?

(a) Hawthorn Hawks (b) Sydney Swans (c) Richmond Tigers (d) Geelong Cats

10

Halley’s Comet was named after which person upon its predicted return in 1758?

(a) Sunshine Coast Lightning (b) Queensland Firebirds (c) Adelaide Thunderbirds (d) Giants Netball

(a) Antoine Halley (b) Edmond Halley (c) Rufus Halley (d) Paul-Louis Halley

1 (c) South Korea 2 (a) Vince Vaughn 3 (b) Queensland Firebirds 4 (b) David Baldacci 5 (d) Ashburton 6 (b) Dr Daniel Nour 7 (c) Talking Heads 8 (b) Ukraine 9 (a) Hawthorn Hawks 10 (b) Edmond Halley

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

(a) Vietnam (c) South Korea (b) Cambodia (d) Laos

No.7

Have your say in Wangaratta Chronicle poll

Visit our website to vote at www.wangarattachronicle.com.au

Dr Fidge’s care goes above and beyond IN reference to the article ‘Painful decision’ (Wangaratta Chronicle, January 12, 2023).

I am a patient of Dr Julian Fidge and for eight years I have suffered so much pain from a terrible accident that smashed my leg into pieces I have a metal rode that goes from my ankle right up to my knee with several plates and screws holding it together.

Several times doctors wanted to amputate my leg and it wasn’t until I met Julian that he kept my leg intact through pain management.

Most of the doctors I had put me on so many heavy medications that I was heavily drugged I didn’t know where I was or what I was doing.

The other doctors really had no idea how to help and just kept abusing the prescriptions.

Dr Julian Fidge took me off all of them and researched a simple alternative, so I didn’t have to take so many tablets.

I have had several other health issues and Dr Julian Fidge has helped me so much and its not just about a job to him, he makes every patient important, he goes above and beyond to research and study each patient, medication, and the benefits.

I’m sure he spends so much of his own time making sure he can be the best doctor.

I know this because every appointment you’re not just another number on a spreadsheet, he cares a lot about all his patients and without Dr Julian Fidge there will be so many people suffering, including me.

I can guarantee you will not find a doctor that is more experienced and dedicated to helping people than Dr Julian Fidge.

If anything, perhaps all the doctors could learn something very important from him.

Karl Braun, Meadow Creek

First Nation people already have a Voice RE: John van Riet’s letter on the Voice (Chronicle letters, Friday, January 13).

He forgot to mention a couple of important facts.

The First Nation people already have a strong voice in parliament and the fact that Mr Albanese has allocated a lot of money for the yes vote, and none for the no vote.

Hardly fair, do you think John?

Let’s see the details Prime Minister, and stop pushing your own agenda.

Doug Brockfield, Milawa

Should the State Government allow an increase in the number of kangaroos to be culled?

STORMY NIGHT: Avid Wangaratta photographer Robbie Alexander captured this image of fork lightning during last Saturday evening’s storms that rolled through Wangaratta and the North East region. While the city had little rain, other parts of the region had good downfalls. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Mt Buffalo had 30mm, Falls Creek 26mm, Bright 21mm, the Black Range in the King Valley had 22mm, Carboor Upper 16mm and Greta West 17mm.

Government should introduce a wealth tax OXFAM analysis released this week reveals that the richest one per cent of Australians have accumulated 10 times more wealth than the bottom 50 per cent in the past decade, as cost-of-living pressures bite and global inequality spikes.

Oxfam is calling on the Australian government to scrap the stage three tax cuts, and to instead implement a systemic and wide-ranging increase in taxation of the super-rich, including a wealth tax and a windfalls tax on corporations, which would claw back gains some companies have made on the back of crises and suffering, such as the pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

Oxfam has calculated that a wealth tax of two per cent on those with wealth above $7 million, three per cent with wealth above $67 million and five per cent on Australian billionaires alone would raise $29.1 billion dollars annually.

This would be enough to increase the foreign aid budget by seven times, or dramatically reduce poverty in Australia by raising income support payments to $88 a day for 1.44 million adults (benefiting 840,000

children); building 36,000 social housing homes annually; and investing in grants to get millions of homes off gas, which could save households up to $1900 off their energy bills each year.

We need to do this for innovation; for stronger public services; for happier and healthier societies.

Critically, it will also allow us to tackle the climate crisis by investing in the solutions that counter the insane emissions of the very richest.

Anthea Spink, Oxfam Australia’s director of programs

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.

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THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 18, 2023 - Page 7

Drum sticks to lab coats and world-first cancer research It’s possible that what we’ve found can be incorporated into the sort of biomarker detection panels that these diagnostics and hospitals use to give a better prognostic indicator of what that patient might experience not one year from now, but five to 10 years from now.

- DR DUSTIN FLANAGAN

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

F

ORMER Wangaratta High School student Dustin Flanagan recently shot to international fame with a significant breakthrough in cancer research.

He last month published a world first discovery as a part of an international research team, which could be a lifesaver against deadly colorectal cancer.

As joint first author of the findings, Dr Flanagan and his team discovered a way to identify ‘born to be bad’ tumours in the early stages of colorectal cancer, which have only ever been identified in late-stage cancers.

Cancer Council Victoria reports colorectal cancer as the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the state and second most deadly.

Dr Flanagan said the impact of his findings may not come into effect immediately, but in time could give patients much more personalised treatments much earlier into their colorectal cancer diagnosis.

“If a patient goes in for a colonoscopy, has a little polyp biopsy removed, nowadays diagnostic labs point out routinely and quickly certain features of a tumour,” he said.

“It’s possible that what we’ve found can be incorporated into the sort of biomarker detection panels that these diagnostics and hospitals use to give a better prognostic indicator of what that patient might experience not one year from now, but five to 10 years from now.”

Currently at the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute in Melbourne, Dr Flanagan said he expects his former lab at CRUK Beatson Institute in Scotland to

HAPPY FAMILY: Dr Dustin Flanagan (left) with parents Verna and John, who visited Dustin in Scotland during his research on colorectal cancer. continue to develop on the world first findings in colorectal cancer, one day bringing them to life.

“Research is an incredibly slow moving process and I think it’s going to take a little bit of time for this to actually have some sort of meaningful impact for the real world,” he said.

“It’s really up to my former lab to continue and push it in whatever directions they want to.”

Dr Flanagan told the Wangaratta Chronicle that his current path wasn’t

something he imagined while completing his year 12 studies at Wangaratta High School in 2002.

“I was pursuing my interest in music back then,” he said.

The teenager would practice on his drums regularly, so much his family moved out of Wangaratta to Glenrowan, partly so he could play his drums unhindered.

“It was fun but it wasn’t very neighbour friendly,” he said.

“I grew up in Wangaratta and there was always a

constant neighbourly dispute over the drums.

“I tried to do a bunch of things like sound proofing sheds and playing at specific times that wouldn’t be too disruptive but you can’t keep everyone happy.”

D

r Flanagan said in high school he wasn’t particularly great at the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects but was better at music.

“With the support of the music program at the

school, which was really excellent at the time, I stated to put a lot of energy and focus into that which enabled me to get a decent TER (ATAR),” he said.

“I wasn’t probably going to get into university based off of my science and English grades... which was kind of ironic because I scrapped music and went into science.”

Dr Flanagan said he started to have an interest in biology in his VCE years, as the more relaxed of the main sciences suited his

way of thinking.

“Because I had older brothers, one in particular was gifted academically and he always did the chemistry, physics, biology and math’s sort of subjects; so there was a part of me that always wanted to follow in his footsteps,” he said.

From there Dr Flanagan pursued a path in research science, completing an honours degree and doctorate in stem cell research which led him to the Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Beatson Institute in Glasgow in 2018.

Dr Flanagan said the adjustment from his rural, community to living overseas was significant.

“The jump from high school to Melbourne felt quite comfortable, because I was moving in with mates from Wangaratta and my girlfriend at the time so I wasn’t necessarily doing it on my own,” he said.

“From Melbourne to Glasgow that was very different doing that by myself, I knew nobody, my partner was in Melbourne and my family in Wangaratta so it was really challenging to start from scratch.

“Scottish people are incredibly friendly and it made my adjustment and my fear of the place disentenegrate quite quickly.”

Dr Flanagan said his time in Glasgow was cut one year short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which quickly advanced his studies where they were released last month.

“I had a chat with my boss and I told them I would have loved to stay here longer but I didn’t know when I could get home next so I needed to wrap up my work in Glasgow ASAP,” he said.

“He was incredibly supportive and we made a real effort to wrap things up and one of those things we put some focus into was this article that was published recently.”

:HOFRPH WR

Administration Office reopens on the 24 January 2023.

Students return on the 31 January 2023.

:H ORRN IRUZDUG WR ZHOFRPLQJ RXU QHZ DQG UHWXUQLQJ VWXGHQWV 03 5723 0500

wangaratta.hs@education.vic.gov.au

www.whs.vic.edu.au

Page 8 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 18, 2023

wangarattachronicle.com.au

A lot of character in this search

By BELINDA HARRISON

REHEARSALS for Wangaratta Players’ April 2023 production of Six Characters in Search of an Author, directed by local Steve Thornycroft, will get into full swing on January 18.

This ground-breaking adaptation by David Harrower of the revered, internationally acclaimed stage show

by Luigi Pirandello, will be a challenging role for many of the cast, as well as the audience, but everyone is

looking forward to it.

Auditions were held in December following a wellattended information day and Wangaratta Players and Mr Thornycroft are proud to now be able to announce the cast: • Lead Woman - Kendall King; • Lead Man - Greg Wighton; • Father - Dan Walton; • Mother - Jessica Grant; • Son - Leo Harwood; • Stepdaughter - Amy Wighton;

• Young female - shared

by Brianna Robinson and Hanna Walton; • Young male - Harrison Kelly; • Stage manager - Bob Head; • Assistant stage manager - Nick Telford; • Technician - Ben Keast; • Usher and Madam Pace - Toni Brezac; and • Director - Andrew Wighton.

Mr Thornycroft and the cast will be ably attended and assisted by an experi-

enced technical and backstage crew including stage manager Shelley Bovenkamp, assistant stage manager Kerrie Evans and their team, Ian Reid on light and sound duty and set designer Paul Walker and his team of set construction engineers as well as costume, props, makeup and hair departments.

The play will be performed over the weekends of April 14 to 16 and 21 to 23.

Tickets will be on sale soon.

SHOW US WHAT YOU’VE GOT: Potential cast members show their acting chops during auditions last December.

Three hectare fire started by a car

By SHANA MORGAN January 18, 2013

BURNT OUT: Moyhu firefighters put out the three-hectare grassfire that started on Wangaratta-Whitfield Road on Monday.

PHOTO: Shana Morgan

A MECHANICAL fault in a car sparked a fire that started to spread across a Moyhu paddock on Monday afternoon.

The three-hectare grassfire prompted the Country Fire Authority to issue official advice about its direction and smoke affecting nearby towns, but Moyhu Fire Brigade captain, Alan Sampson, said the six trucks that responded did a good job in containing the blaze.

“There was just a slight wind blowing, but we got it under control within a few minutes,” he said.

A mechanical fault in a Hyundai Excel travelling south initially started a small fire on the western side of Wangaratta-Whitfield Road, between

Robustelles and Hoults lanes, at about 3.15pm.

The male driver pulled over about 50 metres down the road, which started a second fire.

“The driver just said something went clunk under his car,” Mr Sampson said.

He said the driver did the right thing by pulling over and calling 000, but it was lucky the wind was not stronger or the fire could have spread faster through the dry paddock.

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THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 18, 2023 - Page 9

City bounces back after COVID lows, says report

By STEVE KELLY

VISITATION and ticket sales to the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre (WPACC) have returned to pre-pandemic levels, a detail summarised in council’s now audited annual report tabled at its most recent meeting.

In Wangaratta council chief executive officer Brendan McGrath’s report within the document, he talks about how the community and local economy have demonstrated “real resilience”, making a strong recovery in adjusting to living with COVID-19.

“It has been rewarding to see the programming again being enjoyed by a wide spectrum of the community, also enabling the Rural City of Wangaratta to support future cultural economy offerings, in turn attracting more visitors, new residents, and improving the region’s growth,” Mr McGrath said.

The WPACC had a budget of $716,000 during the 2021-22 year and only spent $610,000.

Ticket sales were 15,114 compared to the mostly pre-pandemic year of 2019-20 of 15,777 tickets sold through the WPACC. The number of conferences at WPACC were also back with 147 in 2021-22 compared to 149 two years earlier.

Other related services and expenditure included attractions and events $371.000, library

Road closures for January cycling comp in Bright THE Alpine Shire is reminding residents that several Bright roads will be closed for short periods of time to allow the safe staging of the Alpine Classic cycling event this January.

From 12 noon Thursday, January 26, to about 7am Sunday, January 29, Riverside Avenue will be closed, except to local traffic; Howitt Lane will be closed to traffic entering from Gavan Street; the carpark at Howitt Park directly below Riverdeck Cafe will be closed to general traffic; and the carpark at Howitt Park behind the soundshell will be closed to general traffic.

Motorists are advised that there will be many cyclists using roads throughout the shire on these days.

Visit council’s website for more information on roads affected by the event.

Working bee gets car club set for a big 2023 season ON THE WAY UP: The Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre is one of council’s businesses that has returned to pre-pandemic levels. $614,000, the art gallery $480,000, youth $112,000, projects and recreation $944,000, and field services $6m.

Council’s overall financial position remains sound with a $918,000 surplus in 2021/22.

There were 327 equivalent fulltime staff at council in 2021-22, with 74.66 on band 3 pay scale, 66.83 on band 4, 51.35 (band 5), 39.09 (band 6), 33.74 (band 7), 20.21 (band 8), and 41.21 (not applicable).

Staff turnover was high at 24 per cent compared to 13.4pc in 2021 and 10pc in each of 2020 and 2019.

The 2022 figure was a higher than the anticipated turnover rate, which has been a common occurrence across the local government sector in Victoria.

There was a steady increase in community satisfaction on council’s performance on business, community development tourism with scores of 65/100 in both 2022 and 2021, compared

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to 61 in 2020 and 58 in 2019.

Percentage increases in Visit Wangaratta website visits included 10pc in 2020, 13pc in 2021 and 7.5pc in 2022.

There was a zero-percentage increase in cycle tourism along the rail trail in 2022 compared to a 14.7pc drop in 2021 and a 31pc rise in 2020.

To view the full audited 202122 annual report visit https:// www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/YourCouncil/Policies-and-documents.

A WORKING bee was held at Mitchell Avenue earlier this month to mark out and paint the permanent race track which will be used by the North East Radio Control Car Club this year.

Many members came along to assist with the project, and the club is excited by the prospect of growth, as it continues to work on the track where it has been based for some time and now has a two-year lease from the Rural City of Wangaratta.

The track will be available to all radio control fans for racing and practice.

The next club meeting will be held at Mitchell Avenue on Saturday, January 21 from 10am.

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Page 10 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 18, 2023

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Minister appoints Cathy McGowan as chair for AgriFutures Australia FORMER independent MP for Indi Cathy McGowan has been appointed chairperson of the AgriFutures Australia Board

by Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt.

Ms McGowan is a sixth-generation farmer from North East Victoria and has held various leadership roles of rural and regional organisations, including as president of Australian Women in Agriculture.

Ms McGowan was awarded

the Officer of the Order of Australia in 2004 and was elected and served in the Australian Parliament as the Indi federal MP from 2013 to 2019.

AgriFutures Australia managing director John Harvey welcomed Ms McGowan to the role.

“Ms McGowan joins AgriFutures Australia at an exciting time,” Mr Harvey said.

“We are six months into our new Research and Innovation Strategic Plan and have a jampacked agenda ahead of us.

“Ms McGowan’s knowledge of agriculture, rural communities, and leadership experience will be invaluable as we commence this next phase of the AgriFutures Australia journey.”

Ms McGowan said she was excited to be joining the organisation and looked forward to working with the board and team to continue to grow the long-term prosperity and sustainability of Australian rural industries.

“I hope my previous experi-

ence and understanding of the agriculture sector will add value to this unique, regionally-based research development corporation,” Ms McGowan said.

She replaces Kay Hull, who served as the AgriFutures Australia chair from 2016 to 2022.

Mr Harvey thanked Mrs Hull for her outstanding dedication and service and wished her well in retirement.

Ms McGowan commenced in the role as AgriFutures Australia Chair last week.

NEW CHAIR: Cathy McGowan has been appointed the new chairperson of AgriFutures Australia.

Keeping cool and creative in the gallery

By BELINDA HARRISON THE Wangaratta Art Gallery hosted the NGV Kids on Tour 2023 activities last Wednesday and Thursday.

Thanks to the warm weather both days, the sessions were well attended with children, parents and grandparents creating a number of masterpieces to take home and hang on the fridge or to send to family members further away.

David Godkin, one of the facilitators of the session, said that the National Gallery of Victoria provide all the activity packs for the attendees to use, however he and other facilitators often bring in their own examples and books showing ‘how to’ create items.

PHOTOS: Belinda Harrison

CREATIVE PAIR: Ollie (6) and Alice (4) Kittelty with their art creations.

POETRY IN MOTION Clementine Churchill (7) wrote a beautiful poem with Nonna Alexander at the gallery.

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THE BIG REVEAL: Laura (8) and Patrick (6 and three quarters) Hogan compare their creature drawings.

BROTHERS TOGETHER: Yorke (7) and Koa (5) Daniels with their drawings.

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THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 18, 2023 - Page 11

Wonnangatta murder accused first interviewed by police in July 2020 A CAROLINE Springs man accused of murdering two campers in the Wonnangatta Valley in March 2020 was interviewed as a witness four months after the alleged attack, a committal hearing has heard.

Gregory Stuart Lynn, 55, was arrested by police in November 2021, accused of murdering campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay following their disappearance in the valley on March 20 the year previous.

Police allege the couple’s campsite and Mr Hill’s burnt-out Landcruiser were discovered near the Zeke Spur Track on March 27, with remains belonging to the pair found at Dargo days after Lynn’s arrest.

In a committal hearing which commenced on Monday at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, one witness detailed how a man, believed to be Mr Hill, had driven

HEARING CONTINUES: Police witnesses said they first interviewed Gregory Stewart Lynn only months after the alleged murders of Wonnangatta campers Carol Clay (pictured above left) and Russell Hill (above right). past him quickly as he sprayed blackberries on March 20, de-

scribing the man as a “grumpy old bugger” who looked on a mis-

sion to get somewhere.

Later that afternoon, he described a drone hovering near Buck’s Camp, before smelling burning plastic in the local area the following day.

He said the drone behaviour had been “rude” as it hovered over a number of campsites in the area.

Another witness remembered seeing an older navy blue Toyota Prado parked near the Landcruiser at a camping area inside the valley, believed to belong to Lynn.

He said he thought the people driving the Landcruiser may have been friends with the Toyota Prado owner and the owner of another 4WD, as they “chose to park very close”.

Yesterday, Detective Senior Constable Abbey Justin said police had interviewed Lynn on July 14 of 2020, after automatic number

Lightning strike creates ongoing fire threat

Government trialling bucket giveaway FOREST Fire Management Victoria and the Conservation Regulator are working with the Alpine Shire Council and the Alpine Community Recovery Committee to hand out buckets to educate campers about the risks associated with campfires.

The six litre metal buckets have campfire safety and camping etiquette messaging on them, aiming to educate campers about preventing their campfires from becoming bushfires.

Some shire residents may already have one of the green buckets as they were given out at October’s Myrtleford Show.

A limited number of metal campfire buckets will be given to campers throughout the Alpine Shire by officers while on patrol this summer.

“Around 10 per cent of bushfires in Victoria are caused by illegal campfires, including unattended campfires,” Hume Deputy Chief Fire Officer Aaron Kennedy said.

“Never leave a campfire unattended and use water, not soil, to completely extinguish the campfire before leaving.”

BE FIRE SAFE: (From left) Forest Fire Management Victoria’s Dan Littlewood, with Alpine Shire Council representative Lisa Weldon and Ryan Shoesmith from the Conservation Regulator.

A land of snow and ice takes centre stage in Wodonga this week A THEATRE experience which invites participants to travel via a forest portal to a world of snow, magic and wonder, is being held at the Hothouse Theatre in

plate recognition cameras at Mount Hotham allegedly picked up Lynn’s vehicle as one of a dozen cars near the alpine resort between 9.40am and 10am on March 21.

A phone signal belonging to Mr Hill had pinged in the local area around the same time, with police excluding 11 other vehicles which were later identified as having crossed the mountain and been picked up by cameras on the Harrietville side.

Officers spent an hour at the man’s Caroline Springs home, and DSC Justin said she had taken a photo of the accused’s car, which she said had been repainted a lighter beige colour, after concluding her interview with the man.

The case was adjourned until next Monday, when a further three witnesses, including a police ballistics expert, will give evidence.

Wodonga this week.

A Land of Snow and Ice is multi-sensory experience for young people and their grownups; the work taking the audience on a journey

through the entire Butter Factory theatre as part of an adventure involving interaction with Arctic wildlife, a Nordic shaman and more, on a mystical journey.

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G A & FARM INERY MACH TS

SPOTFIRES continue to be an ongoing concern at a Byawatha farm, after five to 10 acres was burnt following a suspected lightning strike on Saturday night.

Jason Moore wasn’t at home when the grassfire ignited around midday on Sunday afternoon, with a number of locals reporting plumes of smoke to nearby fire brigades.

Between 18 and 26 tankers and a fire response helicopter from Albury were quickly dispatched to control the blaze, which had commenced in the very rear paddock of the 400 acre property.

Jason’s father, Lionel Moore, said the fire crews had been unable to pinpoint exactly where lightning had struck the property, but said a tree had caught fire near a rocky outcrop inside the paddock on Monday, believing there was considerable heat remaining beneath the rocks. “(The lightning) probably hit the top of the hill, and then the fire burnt across the top, went through a fence and burnt part of the neighbour’s property,” Lionel said.

“When (Jason and his family) got back home, there was a tree across the gate, so they had to cut the fence to get through - of all the places it could have fallen.

“Every hour he’s been out there putting smoke out - they had a tree catch fire yesterday - it’s going to be ongoing for a while.”

A second storm passed through the area Monday evening, bringing rain which Lionel said had eased some of the family’s worries.

He said the prompt response of emergency service crews to the scene had prevented the fire from growing out of control.

“The fire definitely had the potential to be a lot bigger,” he noted.

“Thank you very much to the fire departments and helicopter which came.

“Without them, it would have been a lot bigger.”

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Page 12 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 18, 2023

wangarattachronicle.com.au

WHAT’S ON

School holiday fun at the library A WIDE range of creative activities for primary aged children continue at the Wangaratta Library in the January school holidays.

Kids in grades three to six will be building and decorating their own bird houses tomorrow from 2.30pm until 3.30pm, and on Monday, January 23 they will be designing their own jigsaw puzzles.

Bookings are essential by contacting the library on 5721 2366 or emailing library@ wangaratta.vic.gov.au, with more information available by visiting the library on Facebook.

Cinema to pop up in Merriwa Park ENJOY family movies in Merriwa Park from tomorrow when Cinema Pop Up comes to Wangaratta as part of Summer in the Parks.

The line-up includes a screening of Trolls World Tour tomorrow, followed by DC League of Super Pets on Friday night and The Bad Guys on Saturday night, with tickets are $5 for adults (kids free) with a premium package also available.

Tickets are essential, available at www. cinemapopup.com.au with gates opening at 7.30pm for a picnic, bar and entertainment and the movie to start at nightfall.

Enjoy more free summer fun in Apex Park today KIDS will be riding the giant inflatable water slides and bouncing on a dry jumping castle when the final of the “3 Free Summer Fun Days” lands in Apex Park today.

The series has been well supported by local families with over 1000 attending the opening event, playing laser tag and getting creative in the toy workshop, before tucking into a snag from the barbecue.

They also enjoyed a dance pop-up and listened to live music, courtesy of the Wangaratta Concert Band.

The second event was held at the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre last week where everyone appreciated having free entry and the opportunity to cool off on a hot day, many bouncing their way through the inflatable zone.

Over 1000 people came along on the day too, happy to boost their energy levels with a sau-

BIG DAY OUT: More than 1000 people came to the Summer Fun Day held at the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre last week, with the final to be held in Apex Park today from 10am to 2pm. sage sizzle for lunch.

The 3 Free Summer Fun Days program has been an initiative of the Wangaratta Baptist Church, supported by the Rural City of Wangaratta through its ‘Pitcher This’ placemaking project event.

Wangaratta Baptist Church pastor Aaron Wardle said in the summer school holidays it can often be hard to find things to do as a family, so they were pleased to be presenting these fun days for the community in January and to make them totally free.

DanzWorx and the Wangaratta Concert Band also offered to support the idea, adding dance and music to what’s on offer.

The final summer fun day will be in Apex Park today from 10am until 2pm, where along with water slides and a jumping castle, there will be another yummy sausage sizzle for lunch.

There will also be live musical entertainment courtesy of Doug McGregor and his High Society Jazz outfit.

No bookings are required, with children, teens and families all encouraged to just turn up on the day (and children remaining the responsibility of parents for the duration of the events).

yourstars ARIES

(March 21 to April 19) Shutting people out to avoid distractions, even under a deadline, can cause hurt feelings. Instead, return calls and emails, and explain why you need a zone of privacy for now.

TAURUS

(April 20 to May 20) Although your keen Bull’s eyes usually can discern what’s fact from what’s faux, that upcoming decision will need really solid data before you can risk a commitment.

GEMINI

(May 21 to June 20) As your confidence grows, you should be able to work toward your goals with more enthusiasm. Open your mind to suggestions. Some of them might even work for you.

CANCER

(June 21 to July 22) Reconnecting with someone from your past stirs up that old sense of adventure. But before you do anything else, be sure to get answers to any lingering questions.

might resent the way you plan to resolve a difficult situation. But your commitment to making tough but fair decisions soon wins you their respect and support.

signals could be causing that vexing workplace problem. Before you choose to leave the project, ask for a meeting so that you can get things out in the open.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Your

good intentions could back fire if you’re not careful with other people’s feelings. Try using persuasion, not pressure, to get others to see your side of the situation.

SCORPIO

(October 23 to November 21) Your dedication to finishing the task at hand is laudable. But be careful not to overdo the midnight oil bit. Take time for relaxation with someone very special.

SAGITTARIUS

(November 22 to December 21) Although your intuition will help you make some tough choices in the first half of the month, you’ll need more facts to back up your actions later on.

CAPRICORN

(December 22 to January 19) All that hard work and research in the workplace finally pays off as you hoped it would. Ignore comments from jealous types who are out to get the Goat riled up.

AQUARIUS

(January 20 to February 18) An unfair decision creates unnecessary problems. But avoid anger and move carefully as you work this out. Expect to get support from an unlikely source.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) A

fuzzy financial vista persists until the end of the month, when things begin to clear up. You’ll also gain a better perspective on how to handle pesky personal problems.

TOWNS in the Rural City of Wangaratta are in the final stages of preparation for their Australia Day celebrations, which kick off in Springhurst this Friday at 6pm.

Community celebrations including barbecue breakfasts, dinners and presentations will also be held on January 26 in Boorhaman at 8am, Carboor at 6.30pm, Cheshunt at 6.30pm, Eldorado at 6pm, Everton at 8am, Glenrowan at 11am, Greta/Hansonville at 10.30am, Hamilton Park at 8.30am, Milawa/Oxley at 5.30pm, Moyhu at 8.30am, Murmungee at 7.30am, Peechelba at 8.30am, Tarrawingee at 8am and Whorouly at 9am.

Outdoor Ball in Merriwa Park ENJOY a night of music and dancing when the Outdoor Ball returns to Merriwa Park on Saturday, February 18 from 6pm.

The community is invited to boogie the night away with Zona 7, grab a photo at the photo booth or select from a range of local beers, wine and gourmet food available for purchase (or bring your own picnic hamper).

The event is free for all to attend, however a table in a prime viewing spot for up to 10 people can be pre-booked for $100, with more information at www.wangaratta.vic.gov. au/Residents/Events/2023Outdoor-Ball.

Diesel to perform in Wangaratta

LEO (July 23 to August 22) Some people

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Mixed

Australia Day celebrations in Wangaratta

JOIN US: Zeenath Shaik (left), Ammir Shaik (centre) and Ayesha Shaik Mohammed are inviting the wider community to join them to celebrate Indian Republic Day this Saturday.

Indian Republic Day to celebrate community inclusion

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

THE North East Multicultural Association (NEMA) is calling on the community to help celebrate Indian Republic Day on Saturday, January 21 at the Bishop’s Residence Garden in Cusack Street, Wangaratta.

Republic Day is one of three Indian national holidays and it commemorates the enactment of the constitution of India, which occurred on January 26, 1950.

NEMA will celebrate Republic Day on the previous Saturday to avoid clashing with Australia Day celebrations.

NEMA outreach worker, Susan Ingleton, said traditional celebrations include parades,

cultural programs and private parties throughout the country.

“For the Indians living here it’s important they can celebrate Republic Day and feel like they’re appreciated within their new culture as well as their old culture,” she said.

“People can feel like they belong here, but can celebrate their heritage, something people from India have been doing since childhood and it’s an important day in their calendar.”

Everyone is welcome to join the celebrations from at 11:30am at the garden, where the Republic flag will be raised at midday by Padma Ayyagari, followed by the singing of

national anthem and traditional songs.

Ms Ingleton said NEMA want to make the traditional day an inclusive event for the whole community.

“The fact we can all share it is an exciting time, it’s like if we lived overseas we would like to celebrate Australia Day because it’s part of our Australian culture,” she said.

“It’s important the Indian population get together, have a picnic, raise the flag and sing the national anthem.”

People are encouraged to wear traditional clothing and to bring a picnic lunch and a picnic rug, and there will be activities for children.

AUSTRALIAN singer songwriter Diesel will showcase the Blues and his greatest hits during a performance at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Saturday, March 4.

Following the release of his solo blues album “Alone With Blues” Diesel will perform an intimate two-set solo concert performance with a brief intermission, designed especially for theatres.

Tickets are available now at www.wpacc.com.au

Pete Denahy at The Vine ENJOY a big day out at The Vine Hotel in North Wangaratta on Thursday, January 26 when the Pete Denahy Day BBQ Bash is held.

The family-friendly event will run from 12pm until 4pm with a BBQ lunch and fantastic live entertainment from award-winning musician, comedian and local legend, Pete Denahy.

Tickets are available now by visiting www.thevinehotel. net.au.

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 18, 2023 - Page 13

KING VALLEY NEWS

Covering Moyhu, Edi, Myrrhee, Whitfield, Cheshunt and Whitlands areas

Players back in action at Whitfield and District Golf Club THE ping of club on ball reverberated around the picturesque Whitfield and District Golf Club this month and was a joy for all to hear as the course came to life for the first time for many months.

The club was delighted to host a field of 36 for the second annual visit by the Jubilee Golf Club on Sunday, January 8.

Club president Greg Rosser said the stableford event was enthusiastically embraced as the field tackled the rejuvenated course which had suffered during floods and from a COVID-based lack of opportunity to enjoy golf and each other’s company.

Jubilee’s Mark Hall took overall honours for the day with an outstanding 44 points while runners-up were Jubilee’s Felix Gamze and Whitfield’s Shane “Boofa” Douglas, also scoring very impressively with 42 points each.

Robyn Hogan, Dan Shanahan and Donna Richards hosted nibbles and a barbecue lunch to top-off what was a very social inter-club visit.

Mr Rosser thanked Jubilee’s Doug Ritchens for organising the special event.

The Whitfield and District Golf Club is now encouraging new and old players to gather for the remainder of the daylight saving Ivan Fulton Chook Run season.

Mr Rosser said it’s held each

A MEMORIAL to celebrate the life of Pam Deeker, who passed away on January 3 after a short battle with cancer, will be held at the Whitfield Recreation Reserve on Saturday at 2.30pm.

Pam was loved by all and an integral part of the fabric of Whitfield, its Recreation Reserve and the King Valley Football and Netball Club, and her family have extended an open invitation to come and celebrate her life and share your stories with friends and family at the memorial.

Moyhu Lions market on this Saturday THIS month’s Moyhu Lions Country Market, being held in the Moyhu Lions Park on Saturday morning from 8am to 12pm, will have a Hawaiian theme.

Win a prize for the best tropical outfit with Hawaiian shirts, sarongs and grass skirts all welcome.

There will also be a hula dance competition with the crowd favourite to win a prize, plus the usual range of fresh local produce, homemade wares, plants and much more, plus coffee and breakfast.

Celebrate Australia Day in the King Valley

SOCIAL EVENT: Players including Felix Gamze and Sam Richards (top left), Bert Waite and Ben Honeychurch (top right), and the group (above), took time out at the Whitfield and District Golf Club during the annual visit from Jubilee Golf Club.

Wednesday at 5pm and includes a leisurely nine holes followed by a snag and burger on the barbecue.

“All abilities are catered for and everybody is very welcome,” he said.

“On Sundays, the Mountain View Hotel Pot and Parma event hits-off at 10.30am and is also suitable for every level of player.”

The club has also launched

its annual membership drive - Mr Rosser saying this year’s event has special significance given the fact there has been little golf possible, meaning the non-profit community club’s primary source of income to maintain the course has been severely eroded.

The annual membership fee of $50 once again includes participation in a fun and festive community day with the

WANGARATTA Senior Citizens Club will host lunch at the Wangaratta Club today from 12 noon.

The club will also host indoor carpet bowls from 12 noon tomorrow (Thursday), cards (euchre) from 1.30pm on Friday, indoor carpet bowls on Monday from 12 noon, and cards (500) and hoy on Tuesday from 1.30pm, all at its clubrooms in Tara Court or in St Patrick’s supper room.

Next Wednesday’s social gathering will be afternoon tea at the clubrooms from 1.30pm, and there will be indoor carpet bowls the following day, on Australia Day, from 12 noon.

Recreation Reserve Hall each Wednesday - arrive 12.45pm for 1pm start.

The competition runs until 3.30pm-4pm, and is followed by afternoon tea. For details, phone Frank on 0409 662 462.

SPRINGHURST Old Time Dance will be held at the Springhurst Hall on Saturday, January 21 from 7.30pm to 11pm.

Entry is $10 per person, please bring a plate. Music will be provided by long-time contributors Bohuns, who will be retiring after Saturday’s event, so the dance offers a chance to farewell them.

For more information, phone 5726 5241.

WANGARATTA Seniors Dance will be held at the St Patrick’s supper room in Ford Street from 2pm to 4pm on Friday, January 27.

The dance is held on the fourth Friday of each month, with music

by The Rustic Ramblers, dance revision from 1.30pm to 2pm, and admission $5 (non-members $7), which includes afternoon tea.

For further information, contact Margaret on 0407 357 226.

WANGARATTA Concert Band rehearses on Mondays from 6.45pm to 9pm at the Avian Park Raceway Band Room in Newman Street.

New players welcome, contact Helen on 0401 021 448.

GLENROWAN Indoor Carpet Bowls is held at Glenrowan

Memorial to honour Pam Deeker

WANGARATTA Sing Australia Group meets each Wednesday from 7.30pm to 9pm at Purbrick Hall, next to Holy Trinity Cathedral.

All welcome - for further information, call Keith Fleet on 0491 114 480, Cheryl Hoysted on 0419 005 062 or Marlene O’Keefe on 0417 454 126.

WANGARATTA Symphony Orchestra will resume rehearsals on January 31, then meeting each Tuesday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Wangaratta Baptist Church, 1 Sisely Avenue.

New string and wind players are welcome to come along to rehearsals to try out.

For more information, email

chance to win up to $3000, while dining on a chicken and salad lunch and enjoying local wines, beer and soft drinks.

The members’ day extravaganza will be held in the AC Swinburne Pavilion at the Whitfield Recreation Reserve on Sunday, February 5 from 12pm to 4pm.

To secure a membership and entry into the big draw, call Greg Rosser on 0418 364 828.

SOCIAL CALENDAR wangsymphonyorchestra@gmail.com or call Chloe on 0413 775 027.

SATURDAY Quilters resume gathering on Saturday, February 4 at the Wangaratta Small Bore Rifle Club, off the river end of College Street, starting at 10am and finishing around 3pm.

For more information, phone Colleen on 0427 221 138.

WANGARATTA Keenagers Table Tennis will resume play on Monday, February 6, and always welcomes new members.

The group will again play on Mondays and Thursdays from 8am to 10am at the table tennis centre at the Wangaratta Showgrounds.

Morning tea provided - please bring your own cup. For more information, contact Trevor Wolfel on 0476 891 596.

WANGARATTA Woodworkers Inc meet at the Wangaratta Showgrounds each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9am to 12 noon (closing earlier if no-one is present).

The rooms are open on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 7pm to 8.30pm, and Sundays

AN Australia Day breakfast will be held at Moyhu Lions Park on Thursday, January 26 from 8am and all are welcome.

A free community barbecue will also be held at the Cheshunt Hall from 6.30pm (meat and sweets provided, bring a salad to share) with an Australia Day address to follow.

Rubber Duck Regatta 2023 at Gentle Annie THE King River and District Fishing Club will hold its annual Rubber Duck Regatta at the Gentle Annie Caravan and Camping reserve on Saturday, January 28.

There will be a barbecue lunch from 1pm before the adopted ducks dive in at 2pm, with a range of prizes to be won including a grand prize valued at over $500.

All are welcome to the club’s major fundraising event, with the race to also be streamed live on Facebook.

from 10am to 1pm. All welcome.

For more information, contact Bevan on 0437 196 118 or Les on 0412 250 674.

OSTINATO Wangaratta and District Community Choir meets each Tuesday from 7pm to 9.30pm at the Log Cabin, corner Faithfull and Chisholm Streets, Wangaratta.

New members are welcome to join this enthusiastic and welcoming group of singers. For more information, contact Helen on 0457 269278.

LIFEBALL is expected to resume in early February, then playing each Tuesday from 1pm on the basketball court at the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre.

Lifeball is a non-contact game of netball, designed by a doctor and physio for the safety of mature players, with no running, walking backwards or throwing high balls, but enjoying fun and friendship.

For more information, phone 0418 574 404.

WANGARATTA AL-Anon Family Group meets on Tuesdays from 1.30pm to 3pm at the backstage meeting room at St Patrick’s Hall in Ford Street.

All welcome. If your life has been affected by someone else’s drinking, this group may be for you.

Contact David on 0403 552 950 or Bev on 0449 516 828.

WANGARATTA Toastmasters conducts its meetings on the second and fourth Monday of each month from 6.45pm in the community room at the Wangaratta Library in Docker Street.

For more information, contact Leah Walker at leahwalka@gmail.com BLOKES Time Out conducts regular gatherings and activities on the third Saturday of the month.

For more information, visit gritandresilience@wangaratta.vic. gov.au CYCLING Without Age Wangaratta offers free tri-shaw rides to the elderly, and to people of any age with disabilities or reduced mobility.

The group provides regular rides around Wangaratta to people living at home, or living in care.

For more information, phone 0418 387 089 or email cwawangaratta@gmail.com TOPS weight supporting group meets at The Centre each Monday from 5pm to 6pm, offering encouragement and great company to support locals in managing their weight. For more information, phone 0458 374 261.

TO include your group’s activities in this listing, email the details to skerwin@nemedia.com

Page 14 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 18, 2023

wangarattachronicle.com.au

IN PERSON BY PHONE BY EMAIL 37 Rowan Street, classifieds@ 5723 0101 Wangaratta nemedia.com.au 3677

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CONCRETING - Big or small jobs. Paths, driveways, shed slabs, verandahs. 15 years experience. For a free q u o t e p h o n e Tr e v Anderson on 0422 200 761.

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EMPLOYMENT

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Wangaratta Chronicle Cadet Journalist Career Opportunity Full time 38 hours per week

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

The cadetship is ideally suited for a Year 12 graduate.

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

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

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

Graphic Designer (Print and Digital)

Candidates must have excellent verbal and written English, sound computer skills, solid general knowledge, a genuine interest in the local community, and an ability to build rapport and networks quickly.

You will need to be well organised, able to work to deadlines, and have strong attention to detail.

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

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

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

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Full or part time opportunity An opportunity has arisen for a graphic designer to join one of Victoria’s leading independent news and media groups, based at our Wangaratta office working on newspapers, magazines and digital properties.

North East Media is seeking a graphic designer. You must be able to multitask, have strong organisational skills and be able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines. You must also be a team player who shows initiative and be able to work with minimal supervision.

Your experience will include sound skills developing artwork using Adobe InDesign. Experience designing artwork for multiple digital channels, including websites, social media, email marketing would be an advantage.

If you are looking for a new challenge in an energetic and stimulating environment, we would encourage you to apply.

Applications should be forwarded to: Edward Higgins CEO North East Media ehiggins@nenews.com.au www.nemedia.com.au

EMPLOYMENT

For the 2023 Grape Season.

MUST BE OR HAVE: CURRENT HC LICENCE, OVER 25 YEARS OLD, FORKLIFT LICENCE, EXPERIENCED WITH GENERAL FREIGHT. APPROXIMATELY 8-10 WEEKS WORK, STARTING APPROX MID FEB. Above Award Wages for the right applicants.

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Emailyouradvert classifieds@nemedia.com.au

St Catherine’s Hostel Wangaratta Inc

Position Vacant Fulltime Storeman

Seeking highly motivated, enthusiastic team member to join the team.

The successful candidate must possess a can-do attitude and be eager to learn quickly in a fast-paced environment.

Duties will include, but not limited to: ƥ L Û ® ¨ Û À à ƥ I § ® v® ½v § ® ³ ³À Àà ³À customers ƥ § ® ³ ®Û³ à ƥ IÀ ® Ãȳ § v® ÃÈv § ® à ¨Û à ƥ 9v ®Èv ® Ãȳ § ¨ Û ¨Ã ƥ ³Ë®È À Ãv¨ à Forklift and driver licences are an advantage Some Saturday morning work is required on rotating roster A cover letter and resume can be dropped into 26 Tone Road Wangaratta.

Registered Nurses – Grade 5 Permanent Part Time Night Shift positions Permeant Part Time Weekend Shifts

$49.7342 per hour base rate + shift allowances + applicable penalty rates St Catherine’s is a not for profit, private 72 bed aged care facility. Permanent part time positions available on set roster. Applicants must be committed to working in a caring team oriented environment.

Terms and conditions are in accordance with St Catherine’s Hostel Wangaratta Inc. (trading as St Catherine’s Hostel) ANMF and HSU Enterprise Agreement 2021 Essential Criteria: &RPSDVVLRQDWH FDULQJ DQG JHQWOH QDWXUH &XUUHQW UHJLVWUDWLRQ ZLWK $3+5$ DV D registered nurse. $EOH WR GHPRQVWUDWH D KLJK VWDQGDUG RI resident centred care ([FHOOHQW FRPPXQLFDWLRQ VNLOOV &RPPLWPHQW WR 6W &DWKHULQH·V YDOXHV Desirable: 3UHYLRXV H[SHULHQFH LQ $JHG &DUH Position Descriptions are available from 5HFHSWLRQ 0RQ ² )UL DP WR SP All enquiries and applications, including CV and current referees to: Email: caremanager@stcatherineshostel.org.au Attn: Heila Brooks Telephone 03 5721 2243 Applications close 5.00pm 30 January 2023 All applications will be managed with the strictest of confidentiality

WE ARE HIRING! ADMINISTRATION POSITION AVAILABLE Due to growth in our company we are seeking an enthusiastic and ambitious individual to join our team on a full time basis.

The successful applicant must have exceptional customer service skills, be prepared to undertake ongoing professional development and be a part of a team.

Having existing experience in the real estate industry is preferred but not essential, we can provide training for you and assist with obtaining your real estate qualifications!

Preferred applicants will have: r &YDFMMFOU WFSCBM BOE XSJUUFO communication skills r 1SPGFTTJPOBM BOE GSJFOEMZ NBOOFS r " TUSPOH DVTUPNFS TFSWJDF GPDVT and ability to build personal client relationships r "CJMJUZ UP XPSL VOEFS QSFTTVSF r "MM BQQMJDBUJPOT XJMM CF IFME JO UIF TUSJDUFTU confidence If you are ready for a rewarding career in real estate and want to work in a fun team, please forward your cover letter and resume to Rob Bell, rob@morrisbros.com.au.

"MUFSOBUJWFMZ JG ZPV XPVME MJLF NPSF information about this role, please do not hesitate to contact Rob on 0447 347 971.

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wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 18, 2023 - Page 15

School cleaners wanted for 2023 WWCC Police Check Own Transport Contact (02) 6056 2494 or

2000 Subaru Liberty RX, auto, 273,000km, good condition, rego ( 1 M K 7 S S ) , RW C , $4500. Enquiries 0438 500 888.

enquiries@ bordercleaning.com.au CHECK OUT OUR

NORTH EAST JOBS in today's Regional Extra for more employment opportunities.

Published every Wednesday in your Wangaratta Chronicle, Ovens and Murray Advertiser, Myrtleford Times and Alpine Observer

Finding the right job for you matters to us

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2010 Skoda Octavia, white, only 106,000km, one owner, excellent condition, reg until March 2023 (XUL064), service history available, $11,500. Enquiries 0419 257 214.

5723 0101

20/10/1956 - 11/1/2023 Passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Northeast Health Wangaratta, at 5:57pm on Wednesday, January 11, 2023.

Aged 66 years.

Much loved Son of Shirley and Claude (dec) Parkinson.

God looked upon his garden, and saw an empty space.

And then He then looked upon you, and saw your smiling face.

He put his arms around you, and called you home to rest.

God’s garden must be beautiful, Because He only takes the best.

Dearly loved father of Jodie, Sandra & Hope.

Once partnered to Kate.

Father-in-law of Jon & Dylan.

Much loved Pop of Ella, Charlie, Mason, Logan and Audrey.

Sending thanks to the wonderful team at Phillipson Street Medical Clinic and Pharmacy.

A very special thank-you from Gavin and Jodie to Dr Patrick O’Connor for your dedicated care and support over many years.

Also, thanks to District Nursing, with a special shout out to Russ.

As well as Jacqui and the Palliative Care Team.

Cherished Brother of Gordon, Trevor, Julie, Paul, Peter, Neville, Brian and Barry.

Forever in our hearts Adored Uncle and Great Uncle of Jess, Glenn, Kara, Rob, Ricky, Aliza, Henry, Grace, William, Ava & Luca.

PARKINSON, Gavin.

Passed away January 11, 2023.

My brother, my best friend.

I will miss you. ~ Love Peter, Matthew, John.

Personal Notices may be placed before 2.30pm the business day prior to publication

classifieds@nemedia.com.au Phone: 03 5723 0101

Proud Member of Australian Funeral Directors Association

12/10/1942 – 13/01/2023 Passed away peacefully.

Devoted husband to Kaye.

Much loved father and father-in-law to Valerie and Brian, Tony and Deanna, Steven and Robyn.

Brother to Wendy (dec), Allen, Lyn and Gina.

Grandfather to Michelle, Pam, Stuart, Aimee, Georgia and Bailey.

Great Grandfather and Uncle to 15 nieces and nephews.

You had a smile for everyone, you had a heart of gold.

You left behind the memories that we will always hold…..

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FUNERALS LINEA The Funeral Service in celebration of the life of Dina Linea will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 10.30am.

Burial will follow at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery.

PARKINSON The funeral service to celebrate the life of Mr Gavin Parkinson will be held in the Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street Wangaratta, on Friday, January 20, 2023, commencing at 11.30am.

Following the service, refreshments will be held in the Memories Room, prior to departing for the Beechworth Lawn Cemetery for burial at 2.30pm.

ROWLAND The memorial service for Peter Rowland will be held in the Wangaratta Uniting Church Hall, 10 Rowan Street, Wangaratta, on Saturday, January 21, 2023 commencing at 2pm.

Parking is available behind the hall.

Peter has been privately cremated.

TODAY

37o Sunny

38o 39o 38o THURS

FRI

SAT

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

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100 reasons for Win to celebrate

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WE’RE FEELING THE HEAT OF SUMMER SUMMER is turning up the heat this week.

After a mild December, Wangaratta and district is in the grips of a low-intensity to severe heatwave with the Bureau of Meteorology issuing a warning for the coming days.

Today’s temperature in Wangaratta is forecast to reach 37 degrees Celsius, followed by 38C tomorrow, 39C on Friday, 38C on Saturday, 37C on Sunday and 36C next Monday.

Monday’s temperature in the rural city reached a maximum of 35.8 degrees.

Four year old Cohen Ashton of Wangaratta (pictured) was staying super cool at Wangaratta Splash Park on Mitchell Avenue.

The facility is likely to become increasingly popular this week with the hotter weather.

■ Further story page 3 PHOTO: Jeff Zeuschner

Super gift lift WANGARATTA Sports Carnival 2023 received a massive boost over Christmas with two major sponsors allowing an increase in prizemoney to $3000 each for the men’s and women’s gifts.

Wangaratta council will be the major sponsor of the Women’s Gift through its

From First

PERFECT FIT. GREAT RANGE. EXPERT ADVICE.

Council throws more support behind sports carnival

BY SHANE DOUTHIE sdouthie@ nemedia.com.au

Community Sponsorship Program for the next three years while Optus Wangaratta

will continue its sponsorship of the Men’s Gift.

Wangaratta Sports Club president Paul Hughes said the support from the rural city and Optus were crucial in continuing the sporting tradition of the carnival and enhancing its reputation for

attracting some of the best athletes in Australia.

“We are really pleased to have Optus Wangaratta through Wally Pasquali continue their support of the Men’s Gift and the rural city for the Women’s Gift, which has allowed us to lift the

prizemoney of both gifts from $2500 to $3000 each,” he said.

“The program this year is pretty much the same as last year but some of the events will have slightly earlier start times so we hope to finish by 10pm.

“It means the main gift

We Are

Bell

races will be earlier to make them far more family friendly.

“This is our 102nd year and from the committee’s point of view we are committed to keeping it going for the community, the athletes and for all those who have put in so much work over that time to stage it.”

■ Continued page 2

Back To School

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10/6/1925 – 13/1/2023 The family of Dina Linea is saddened to announce her passing in Wangaratta.

Aged 97 years.

Dina was dearly loved by her family and she will be sadly missed.

We are all so lucky to have had her in our lives.

Dearly loved and loving wife of Dino (dec).

Devoted mother and mother-in-law to Maurice and Anita (dec), William and Purita (dec), George, Lorraine and Dave.

Adored Nonna to 9 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.

Always in our hearts.

A

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IN MEMORIAM

Remember your loved one in a lasting way The memory of a much loved family member or friend can live on through a donation to your local health service - Northeast Health Wangaratta. Your memorial donation can assist in securing the continued availability of comprehensive health care locally.

The bereaved family will be notified of your memorial gift according to your wishes and you will receive a tax-deductible receipt for your donation. For further information or to make a donation please contact: Community Engagement Team (03) 5722 5069 or PO Box 386, Wangaratta, Vic 3676.

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Page 16 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 18, 2023

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SPORT

WDCA juniors make Country Week finals SUNDAY and Monday saw Wangaratta and District Cricket Association juniors play their final round of qualifying Country Week cricket, with several teams winning through to finals.

This was the second weekend of matches played against representative teams from across the Cricket Albury Wodonga catchment area (including Hume, provincial and district junior sides) and from Cricket Wagga Wagga.

The under 12 WDCA sides blasted away the competition, finishing top two in their pool, only dropping one game between them.

The Under 14 sides finished second and third on the ladder, with the Blue squad set to take on CAW Country for the Geoff Welch Shield.

The under 15s also won through to the grand final against CAW. Finals will be held on Sunday, January 29, with venues to be confirmed in the coming days.

RESULTS Under 12 CAW Renegades 10/54 B Dodd 2/5 D Hargreaves 2/5 B Livingston-Laing 2/28 def by Wangaratta Blue U12 10/57 L Sanderson 20 T McCluskey 4/8 M Dawson 2/10 E Barnes 2/11.

Wangaratta Gold U12 2/117 C O’Brien 51* L O’Brien 33* def CAW Stars 10/81 N White 21 L Solimo 2/4 J Montgomery 2/10.

CAW Renegades 10/86 H Bowles 35 J Montgomery 2/4 J Pell 2/8 def by Wangaratta Gold U12 9/176 S Elkington 27 A Leavold 22.

CAW Stars 10/127 Z Ellis 25 R Leith 3/15 W Benton 2/8 C Martin 2/10 def by Wangaratta Blue U12 7/166 W Benton 36* D Hargreaves 28 H McLeish 2/7.

Under 13 CAW Country U13 2/109 C Hor-

GOOD TOUCH: Maree Sullivan played in section two. PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

Searing heat can’t beat tennis

JOBE’S ON FIRE: WDCA under 15 captain Jobe Fraser had an incredible round of Country Week cricket, registering 93* and 63 with the bat, and taking 5/20 against CAW Hume.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie ton 38* J Hogan 23* A Bowler 20 def Wangaratta Blue U13 10/107 B Maloney 30 N White 27 J Hogan 2/10 C Ravenna 2/13.

CAW Hume U13 10/221 R Barber 68 F Murray-Wright 28 R Grogan 26 T Brand 25 N White 3/31 H Bruneau 2/3 O Lewis 2/29 J Shepherd 2/35 def Wangaratta Blue U13 9/182 N White 50* N Hoskin 37 B Maloney 36 R Barber 2/16 K Middleton 2/19.

Wangaratta Gold U13 10/82 L O’Leary 3/7 R Wiseman 3/13 def by CAW Country U13 10/202 H McDonald 37 C Horton 36 R Wiseman 23 G Marek 2/15.

Under 14

CAW Country U14 10/130 H Greenhill 42 J Cooper 21 E Jones 3/13 C Ormond 2/11 def by Wangaratta Gold U14 7/132 E Jones 41 X Dodgshun 23 R Parsons 23 J Hoskin 3/22 P Sparshott 2/13.

Wagga U14 10/85 H Glanvill 47 M Feldtmann 3/5 J Torney 3/11 A Brett 2/17 def by Wangaratta Blue U14 5/86 L Ham 29.

CAW U14 v Wangaratta Gold U14 results unavailable.

Under 15 CAW Hume U15 10/149 E Middleton 42 B Lieschke 30 O Wood 24 A Middleton 20 J Fraser 5/20 H Scalzo 3/24 def by Wangaratta U15 10/161 J

Fraser 93* I Schirmer 3/23.

CAW Country U15 8/183 J Whiting 41 W Scammell 34 C Sawyer 27* J Fraser 3/27 H Scalzo 3/36 def

by Wangaratta U15 10/198 J Fraser 63 H Scalzo 32 G Saunders 21* W Scammell 5/28.

Under 16 Wagga U16 10/120 A Banks 29 B Gain 20 T Ford 5/23 def by Wangaratta U16 7/180 A Storer 56* L Nicholson 27 E White 26 B Feldtmann 21 B Browning 2/10 A Banks 2/34.

CAW Country U16 3/103 F Scott 26 A Massey 21 M Heroit 20* def Wangaratta U16 10/101 L Nicholson 25 M Heriot 3/20 C Deas 2/9.

DESPITE soaring temperatures on Saturday, five sections worth of tennis players hit the pristine Wangaratta Lawn Tennis Club courts to play round 13 of the aggregate competition.

Results as follows: Section: 1 Brendan Liddell 24-14, Matt Allen 19-17, Joe Allen 19-19, Kevin Callahan 1720, Barry Sullivan 13-22.

Section: 2 Mark Brown 21-12, Matt Curran 21-14, Mario Pane 20-18, Maree Sullivan 1421, Frank Harris 12-23.

Section: 3 Julian Taylor 24-16, Greg Renner 21-19, Mason Scholes 18-22, Geoff Allen 17-23.

Section: 4 Peter Curran 23-21, Andrew Brew 22-19, Alan Busk 22-19, Russell Canning 18-23, Noel Boyd 18-23.

Section: 5 Andrew Cope 22-14, Beth Cope 20-16, Max McAuliffe 18-18, Geoff Davidson 1823, Cate Geard 16-23.

Clean sweep for Wangaratta Bowls Club teams

By MAURIE BRADEN ONE hundred and 12 bowlers took to the greens at Wangaratta on Saturday as the home side had all four weekend sides at home.

An early start of 10am was mandated by the Ovens and Murry Region due to the forecast of extreme heat.

All games were completed before 2pm with the hosts coming out on top in all divisions.

A1: Wangaratta began the New Year with a thumping win at home against Kiewa Valley on Saturday.

The visitors stayed in touch for the first 20 ends but were never in the hunt after that as the home side posted a big win.

Trevor Selwood, Chris Randell, Brian Challman and Graeme Smith were in control of their match all day as they posted a big (369) win.

Ian Brimblecombe, Laurie McDonald, Paul King and Gary Chambers also held sway with a (24-16) win, while Maurie Braden, Jodie

Fruend, Phil Davern and Willie Hall dominated the second half of their match to win (28-13).

Ethan Fruend, Rhoanna Smith, Renee Hill and Greg Braden lost to Rob Bartel’s rink by the barest of margins (15-16).

Final scores: Wang 16 pts 103 shots def Kiewa 2 pts 54 shots.

Wang are at home to Myrtleford next week.

A3: Wangaratta continued their solid form with a big home win against Yackandandah on Saturday.

Tom Morrow, Leon Quartermain, Lorna Martinelli and Steve Bihun (27-17) were never in trouble, while Peter Selwood, Gary King and Tiger Bussell cruised to victory (29-11) on the back of a dominant display of lead bowls from Bobby McCalman.

Gary Fenlon, Terry Johnson, Gerald Brown and Mick Mackow won (24-17) and Brian Godfrey, Terry Corrigan, Barb McDonald and Tyson Chivers made it a clean sweep with a (21-18) win.

Final scores: Wang 18 pts

TOP JOB: Ethan Fruend was happy with his team’s work in their win over Kiewa Valley.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie 101 shots def Yackandandah 0 pts 63 shots.

Milawa failed to gain any points with an all rinks down loss to ladder leaders Howlong on Saturday.

Ron Welfare (22-25), Terry

Hallinan (21-26), Dave Allan (11-17) and Marty Lane (13-24) all went down to the home side.

Milawa will be desperate to turn things around next week to keep their finals

hopes alive after Saturday’s loss dropped them to seventh place.

Final scores: Milawa 0 pts 67 shots lost to Howlong 18 pts 92 shots.

Next round Wang play Wodonga away and Milawa will travel to Moira.

B1: Wangaratta dominated against second placed St James at Wang on Saturday, Lance Jenkin, Ken Essenhigh, John Knight and Joy Izard (25-14), along with Steve English, Klaus Kazenwadel, Ron McAuliffe and Fran Don (25-13) were in control all day.

Keith Izard, Gayle King, Ralph Martinelli and Heather Coyle also had a comfortable win (20-13) gained a point with a (17 all) tie.

Ron McAuliffe’s rink went down (17-27).

Final scores: Wang 14 pts 70 shots def St James 0 pts 40 shots.

Moyhu had a big win at home when they hosted Swanpool on Saturday.

Ian Ritchie, Neil Magee, Howard White and Anthea Nockels (31-7) dominated

their match as did Stuart Brain, Joe Northey, David Waring and Neale Grimshaw (34-10).

Charlie Thompson, Max Baker, Graham Batten and Bill Allen (18-19) lost a close game.

Final scores: Moyhu 12 pts 83 shots def Swanpool 2 pts 36 shots.

Wang are away to Myrtleford next round and Moyhu travel to Benalla.

B3: Wangaratta moved into third position on the ladder with a home win against Beechworth on Saturday.

Lyn Kahlefeldt, Ann Keen, Bruce Desmond and Susan Bull (31-10) and Malcolm Hargreaves, John Keen, Neil Jensen and Sussan Singleton (25-10) were big winners for the home side.

Chris Bell, Graeme Norman, Howard Beard and Ric Chivers (17-20) were Wangaratta’s only losing rink.

Final scores Wang 12 pt 73 shots def Beechworth 2 pts 40 shots.

Wang travel to Bright next round.

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 18, 2023 - Page 17

SPORT

NERTA resumes to searing temperatures

By BACKHAND WINNER

WINNER: Justin Brockley wins Victorian Goulburn Ovens Sedan Title.

PHOTOS: Vern Parker Photography

Storms can’t stop speedway action

WANGARATTA City Raceway was the host venue for the Goulburn Ovens Sedans Victorian title on Saturday night with a healthy crowd enjoying the carnival atmosphere.

In the on-track action Corowa based racer Justin Brockley won the Victorian title in the main event of the evening for the Goulburn Oven’s Sedans.

Another Corowa resident Trevor Mills won the prestigious blue-ribbon event for Production Sedans, the Bob Bailey Memorial.

In Junior Sedan action Connor Claridge won the latest series round for the Junior Open Sedan class and Janelle Saville won the Wangaratta Cup for Grand Prix Midgets.

Wangaratta on Saturday night and the North East in general was threatened by severe weather with lightning and thunder surrounding the speedway from all directions from around 8pm in the evening.

As a result, the club and competitors cancelled round three of competition and entered into the four main feature events with the intent to run other finals if the lightning moved away from the venue.

In the Goulburn Ovens Sedans title event two rounds of qualifiers resulted in both Rhys Collins from Stanley and Brockley winning two heats each and putting everybody on notice that they were the standout competitors.

Brockley won the fastest heat race in a time of three minutes 19.769, while Collins set the fastest one lap time of the night for the class of 18.899 seconds.

In the title race across 30 laps Collins began out front of the field with Nathan Shortis, Brockley, Wayde Little and Justin Ewert the top five.

Collins exited the race on lap 11 due to mechanical issues leaving Shortis in the lead.

Four laps later and while also leading the race, Shortis pulled infield leaving Brockley leading Little, Ewert, Steven Davey and Billy O’Donoghue.

Ewert made a pass on lap 22 to take second spot and as the laps wound down Brockley went on to win from Ewert, Sayers, Miller, and Ben Schmetzer.

It was Brockley’s first title victory and the first state title for the class for four seasons after COVID-19 and weather intervened since the 19/20 season.

CAN’T CATCH HIM: Trevor Mills wins Bob Bailey Memorial for Production Sedans.

In Production Sedan action in the tenth Bob Bailey Memorial, Trevor Mills secured his fifth victory in the event after he as a two-time Australian champion and Stephen Laidlaw another two-time national champion went to battle early in the race.

Mills Senior (Trevor) took the lead after making a turn one dash from the second row passing Chris Fitzgerald who opened the door for Mills to come through took the lead right from turn one.

At 10 laps Mills Senior was still out-front lapping at .4 of a second a lap quicker than others in the line-up.

Laidlaw and Jacob Mills followed with Wayne Bourke now in fourth spot and Anderson fifth.

At lap 20 Mills Senior still led Laidlaw and Mills Junior and in the last five laps Alessi moved to fourth ahead of Bourke and as the race concluded Trevor Mills defeated Laidlaw, Jacob Mills, Alessi and Bourke.

In the Grand Prix Midgets Wangaratta Cup over 10 laps, Travis Florrimell led the race from Gary Bowyer from Sydney with Janelle Saville in third on lap one.

On lap six, positions changed as Bowyer dropped backwards and Alex Hudson-Myers moved into third spot.

Saville took the race lead on lap seven and Hudson-Myers moved into second on the final lap as Saville took victory in the Wangaratta Cup from Hudson-Myers, Florrimell, and David Bacon.

Junior Open Sedan competitors provid-

ed great entertainment during the nights racing with Connor Claridge leading from lap one of the final with Riley Balins and Jack Randall following behind.

By lap three Claridge was leading and after a stoppage on lap nine of 10, the race was declared with Claridge the winner from Randall, Carey, Maclean and Balins.

Rhys Meakins won two of the three heat races in Sports Sedans with Wangaratta member Kelvin Guppy winning the third.

Without a final, points decided the class winner and it was Meakins who took win from Steven Loader, Guppy, Chris Aarts and Jaimi Barber.

Another Meakins victory was in the Standard Saloons as Rhys’s father Aaron won the class.

Aaron Meakins had also taken a victory in heat races as did Steven Danks and Courtney Meakins (Aaron’s Daughter).

On points Aaron Meakins defeated Steven Danks, Warrick Howie, Trevor Evans, and Courtney Meakins.

Rounding out all the results the Ladies Open Sedans wins in qualifying went to Jaimi Barber and Felicity Roycroft.

On points Roycroft won the night from Belinda Nicolaisen, Lisa Chalcraft, Jaimi Barber and Bianca Ballantyne.

February 4 will be the next race meeting for Wangaratta City Raceway with the Victorian Production Sedan state title, the Compact Speedcars Victorian title and the visiting Australian Motor Contest Association plus local club classes.

Section 1 TENNIS resumed after the Christmas break to a hot northerly and searing temperatures but the hardy souls of the North East Regional Tennis Association (NERTA) competition braved the elements to proceed and, in most cases, completed their matches.

The match between Hardcourt Pinkertons and Wahgunyah began brightly with both teams making the most of the early opportunities that were presented to them to ensure this match would go to the wire.

The teams are evenly matched and it was the new kids on the block (Wahgunyah) that wanted to leave their mark on the section one competition with a victory over the finals specialists (Hardcourt).

Hardcourt gained the early ascendancy and made the most of their opportunities to take a handy lead into the mixed sets, but Wahgunyah sent a shiver through the Hardcourt outfit when they won the first mixed set 8-1 but in the end, it was the experience of the Hardcourt team that prevailed as they won the last two sets to record a comfortable eight game victory.

The Hardcourt women (Kylie Doig, Kerrie Henderson, Di Lucas) dominated their sets, while the Wahgunyah men (Travis McDonald, Jesse Johnstone, Ethan Palmer) were unstoppable and ensured Wahgunyah were always within the grasp of an upset victory.

Section 2 Hardcourt Pulvirenti stamped themselves as the team to beat in section two after they dispatched Everton Red to the wilderness on Saturday.

Hardcourt began the day enthusiastically and that youthful energy continued as they took control early and never looked threatened as the day heated up and their young legs kept running balls down and hitting balls back into play to ensure they won easily.

Come finals time Everton Red will be a different proposition with a number of stars set to return to make them a far stronger opponent.

Pulvirenti’s best were Cris Lestino, Curtis Hines and Mia Mitchell, while Everton’s best were Jo Lucas, Julie Deretic and Patrick Oudin.

Myrrhee prevailed in their match with Boorhaman to record a well-deserved and well-needed victory in the heat at Boorhaman.

Myrrhee were comfortably ahead when play was halted due to the weather conditions, courtesy of an improved effort from all team members.

Boorhaman struggled to match it with past heavyweights of the section two competition in the heat and it was Myrrhee’s coolness in a crisis that had them ahead when play was stopped.

Phil Corker, Di Griffin and Robyn Oliver were good for Myrrhee, while Shirley Fuller, Colleen Kinderis and Jack Keys were best for Boorhaman.

Section 3 Wahgunyah Heat (Josh Reid, Katie Bergin, David Carroll, Sean Bergin) have given themselves an outside chance of making the section three finals with a convincing victory over Wooragee (Mark Knoth, Dean Bensted, Annika Knoth, Eiylish McRostie).

Deep Heat and are still finding their feet but their display of consistency and accuracy on Saturday will ensure that they put the pressure on the teams above them.

Wahgunyah United (Brad Schmidt, Brian Jones, Rob Hill, Clara Davis) have finally found the form that has taken them deep into the finals in the past with the dismantling of Wahgunyah Wranglers (Wayne Johnstone, Sonia Palmer, Lily Palmer, Ali Bartel).

Wranglers were no match for United, as United moved ahead early in the contest and then ground Wranglers into the golf club courts.

RESULTS Section 1: Hardcourt Pinkertons 5-50 def Wahgunyah 4-42, Everton Blue 7-48 def Corowa 3-24.

Section 2: Myrrhee 6-36 def Boorhaman 4-26, Hardcourt Pulvirenti 6-55 def Everton Red 3-44.

Section 3: Wahgunyah Deep Heat 6-48 def Wooragee 0-19, Wahgunyah Wahnation 6-48 def Boorhaman 0-0.

Ladders Section 1: Rutherglen 63, Wahgunyah 58, Hardcourt Pinkertons 55, Corowa 53, Everton Blue 50.

Section 2: Hardcourt Pulvirenti 38, Boorhaman 32, Everton Red 28, Myrrhee 23.

Section 3: Wahgunyah Wahnation 58, Boorhaman 37, Wahgunyah United 28, Wahgunyah Wranglers 26, Wahgunyah Deep Heat 21, Wooragee 19.

Under 15: Wahgunyah 51, Corowa Hewitt 43, Rutherglen 18, Corowa Barty 16.

Page 18 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 18, 2023

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SPORT

An AWFA great: Burchell departs Devils

SUPER DAY: Craig Weeding trained a winning treble at Tumut on Saturday.

Weeding’s winning treble

By WILLSON MACK

Wangaratta City as he relocates to LEGACY: Adam Burchell has departed Wa family.

PHOTO: Melissa Beattie Melbourne with his young fam mily.

GAME WINNER: Adam Burchell scored the winning penalty in the 2015 cup final.

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

WANGARATTA City superstar Adam Burchell won’t be a Devil in 2023.

The mercurial talent is on the move to Melbourne today with his young family after the birth of his second son Orlando.

Burchell pulled on Wangaratta’s black and red for the first time in 2015 after moving from England and has been one of the the faces of the Albury-Wodonga Football Association competition since.

Burchell said it was time to move on from Wangaratta.

“We’re just moving for family reasons really, we’ve absolutely loved Wangaratta but it’s time to move on and give Melbourne a go,” Burchell said.

“We’re really excited to move to a place where the kids have beaches and plenty of things to do and grow up with.

“With my soccer I feel like I’ve accomplished everything in the AWFA but I’ll definitely play down in Melbourne, I’m just not sure where.

“There are so many leagues down there, there’s NPL and state two and three so I’m not sure what level I’ll play yet.”

Burchell admitted it’ll be sad leaving Wangaratta.

“I’m definitely sad to be moving, Wangaratta has been a big chunk of my life the past eight years,” he said.

“I’ve met so many friends that I would now call family in Wangaratta so it’s going to be sad to leave all that behind.

“I’m excited to move though and if we ever move back to England I’ll be glad to say that I gave the big smoke a go.”

Burchell’s resume in the AWFA is one the majority of players wish for, exiting the league having eclipsed the goal scoring record with 51 in 2017, winning two grand finals in 2015 and 2019 as well as four league golden boots.

“I say to a lot of people that I feel like I underachieved at Wangaratta City,” he said.

“The individual stuff has been good and I’ve managed to win a few star players at club and league level and golden boots but a couple of the finals leave a sour taste.

“I’ve managed to win two leagues and two cups from three finals ap-

PREMIERS: Adam Burchell (front left) embraces coach Daniel Vasilevski after Wangaratta City’s cup final win in 2019. perances but the one we lost last year is hard to swallow.

“And then to lose the 2020 and 2021 seasons when we had a dynamite squad that could’ve gone really far but we’ll never know if we could’ve won some more silverware.”

It was almost a fairytale ending for the talented Englishman after reaching the grand final in 2022 but falling to Albury United in extra time.

“Last season still hurts, it’s still pretty fresh,” he said.

“I almost would rather lose 3-0 because then you know you were beaten by a better side but we were the better side for 96 minutes of that match.

“The penalty they scored in the 97th minute was there but we’ve

only got ourselves to blame because it wasn’t the first time United have beaten us in the final few minutes and we should’ve learned from those games.

“I would’ve liked to be leaving Wangaratta with a 100 per cent record in finals.”

Wangaratta and Myrtleford were the standout teams during Burchell’s early years at the Devils with many of his fondest memories coming from those clashes, including scoring the winning penalty in the 2015 final But United have since made their move to the top.

“Myrtleford dominated from 20152019 and we had some awesome battles with them,” he said.

“Myrtleford had some successful times but the one thing I enjoy is that we never lost a grand final to them.

“And then United have come along the past few seasons and they’re looking like they’ll be strong for years to come.

“United are going to be tough to beat but hopefully Raff (Molinaro) can build something special at Wangaratta through this next era for the club.”

Burchell was pushed through the professional system in England as a teenager with Gillingham in the English Football League system before being informed that he would be released from the club.

So after the move to Australia his focus was just to enjoy the sport, even if it was to be at a few levels below the standard back home.

“It’s been a long time since I played in England so you sort of forget about the standard back home a bit,” he said.

“It was a lot better than here though because soccer’s the number sport over there but since coming over here to Australia I definitely enjoyed it a lot more.

“When you’re enjoying what you’re doing you play a lot better, I regained my love for football here.”

With his touch, speed, goal scoring ability and simply class no longer in the AWFA, all defenders’ minds will certainly be at ease.

CRAIG Weeding took three gallopers to Saturday’s race day a Tumut, with each returning home a winner.

Weeding dominated the meeting, winning three of the five races on the card to make it a memorable day for the stable.

Battle Talent (race two), Red Cut Rock (race four) and Bethpage (race five) all ran home to victory to notch up Weeding’s first winning treble.

Weeding went into the meeting expecting all to run well.

“They were all genuine chances but often when you take three to the races you’re just happy with one winning,” Weeding said.

“For all three to win was just awesome.

“They were all ridden well in the small fields and I think getting them forward on the fast track was the key in getting the result.”

Apprentice hoop Fiona Sandkuhl teamed up with Weeding for the winners of Red Cut Rock and Bethpage.

“Fiona’s been coming to Wangaratta to ride trackwork for me and she’s been doing a great job so it was a good to reward her,” Weeding said.

“It was also her birthday on Saturday so she had a great day.

“She does a really good job.”

Red Cut Rock made it two wins on the trot in his seventh career start after saluting at Gundagai on New Year’s Day. “He’s shown plenty and was trialling really well but would turn up horrible to the races,” Weeding said.

“We decided to take him back in grade to gain confidence so we think we’re starting to work him out.

“He’ll now go to Tumbarumba in two weeks’ time.”

Six-year-old mare Bethpage arrived at the Weeding stable in November with two wins to her name from 34 starts and has since gone on to take the winners’ cheque in two of the three races under her new trainer Bethpage impressed Weeding with a near one length victory in a field of three.

“We’ve been happy with her,” he said.

“She’s only new to the stable and we’ve been nothing but pleased with all her runs since joining us.

“Her rating will get a little bit higher now and she’ll probably go back to TAB grade next start.”

wangarattachronicle.com.au

THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 18, 2023 - Page 19

SPORT

Wangaratta women Warriors just shy of success THE penultimate match of basketball for the Wangaratta Warriors women’s squad was a narrow defeat at the hands of Seymour Blasters on the court at the Wangaratta Indoor Sports and Aquatic Centre on Sunday, as the Warriors fell short 50-66.

The Warriors were in the game from the first quarter, only trailing by two points at quarter time, before the Blasters managed to stretch

the margin out to four points by half-time.

Despite the best efforts of Wangaratta’s Olivia Holmes, Seymour talent Tayha Watkins started to sink three pointers to push the scoreline out to 39-50 heading into the final term.

Wangaratta rallied, but could not bring the margin back to a manageable level, defeated by 16 points.

Coach Scott Butler said the

girls were proud of their efforts against one of the best sides in the competition.

“The girls went really well, considering the last time we played them (51-89 defeat),” he said.

“Every week we’re getting better and better, and we’re matching now with the top teams.

“We were close for most of the game, but we were losing touch at the end of the third

quarter and the start of the fourth quarter.

“The girls were still confident, they still thought they were in it.

“I feel through most of the game we controlled the game, but we didn’t have that edge on them, but we controlled it offensively quite well.”

Without their star player impacting the game as much as she did, Butler said Sey-

mour could’ve been downed by the Warriors.

“There was that one girl on the Seymour team (Tayha Watkins) that we were trying to shut down all game, but she was really good - she scored 32 points against us, it’s very hard to stop someone like that,” he said.

“Olivia (Holmes) played on her, and she went really well.

“We stopped Watkins in some aspect, but other as-

pects like three point shots, we had real trouble trying to shut her down on that.

“Olivia’s got the long arms, she’s very athletic, and we can also use her to open up the other girls too - she plays her role very well.”

The Warriors sit at sixth on the ladder with one match left in the year, an away game against the fifthplaced Myrtleford Saints this Saturday.

Warriors fall to ladder leaders

By WILLSON MACK

ON YOUR MARKS: Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre lifeguard Ryan Greatorix and duty manager Mel Niklaus have the pools in top condition in preparation for the Victorian Country Long Course Championships this weekend.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling

Championship ready

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

SWIMMING Victoria is “super excited” to be bringing country Victoria’s marquee swim meet to Wangaratta this weekend for the first time the events’ history.

The Victorian Country Long Course Championships will be held for at the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre (WSAC) from Saturday until Monday and is expected to attract up to 700 swimmers and hundreds of spectators.

Swimming Victoria president Hayden Collins said the Ovens and Murray District Swimming Association along with Swimming Victoria have done a fantastic job putting preparations in place for the big weekend.

“It’s probably my favourite event on the calendar; the teams and

people who come along create a great atmosphere that’s one of a kind in the swimming world in my opinion,” he said.

“The teams are all there to swim fast but also have a great time, and being so close to the action at a country pool really accentuates the noise of the team comradery that’s present in all the clubs.”

The Country Long Course championships ares traditionally shared between swimming venues across the state, with Wangaratta previously only eligible to host the Victorian Short Course Championships which is competed in a 25m pool.

Mr Collins, who is yet to see the new outdoor pool first hand, said the recently upgraded facilities at WSAC were a key selling point for Swimming Victoria’s decision to bring the country championships

to Wangaratta this year.

“At an organisational level, we’re super excited to see swimming and pools being upgraded so that you’ve got more water facilities for kids and people across the state to access, and that’s something we’re quite keen to see,” he said.

“We like to make sure we have a good geographical spread for the event, the last couple of years we’ve held it in Mildura and Gippsland and it was a great opportunity to have the event in Northern Victoria.

“To bid for the championships Local Government Areas, councils and regional districts need to be prepared to organise the event, and that’s not a small undertaking.

“We’re super keen to see it in Wangaratta this year and we hope that we can come back again in the near future.”

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Mr Collins said the championships expose many country swimmers to the competitiveness and atmosphere within major swim meets, which can be difficult to replicate outside of major swimming centres.

“It’s a great stepping stone, it’s a nice way to take swimmers from their local club and district environments and give them a taste of what it’s like to swim at a championship event with swimmers all across the state,” he said.

“As much as possible it’s run as the same protocols and processes as the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre where we have our broader state championships.

“I think we’ll be seeing some fast times, lots of kids having lots of fun and a great environment for parents, families and young people to enjoy.”

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WANGARATTA Warriors were outclassed by the ladder leaders on Sunday afternoon at the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre.

The Warriors put up a strong fight, but ultimately fell to Seymour Blasters 64-114.

Wangaratta now have just two games left for the season, with winnable meetings against Myrtleford and Mansfield next weekend in a double-header.

Warriors coach Adam Maher was proud of his players’ fight against the classy Blasters.

“Respect to Seymour, they’re a great side so we always knew it was going to be a tough match,” Maher said.

“The boys didn’t do too bad though, we had a plan in the last quarter to try and keep them under 110 and for us to score more than 55 so we almost succeeded there.

“It wasn’t a complete disappointment at all.”

Despite battling a chronic player shortage through the middle of the season, the Warriors had nine players take to the courts to battle Seymour.

Sam Maher was the stand out player scoring 18 points, while Liam Wright made 14 of his own.

It was Seymour’s Tyler Best (24 points) and Keenan Gorski (23 points) who did the damage for the away side.

“Absolutely it makes it easier when you have more players,” Maher said.

“We had a few under 18s player and the Hempell boys (Max and Sam) from Yarrawonga also came in and helped which was great.

“Our core players in Aubyn (Newton), Andy (Robinson), Charlie (Maher) and Sam (Maher) all did well too.

“For us it’s about developing the young players so we see them return next year.”

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Page 20 - THE CHRONICLE, Wednesday, January 18, 2023

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Burchell departs Red Devils

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Page Pag ge 18

TOP TEAMWORK WANGARATTA’S Gary Chambers (right) gives Ian Brimblecombe a high five on their way to victory as the A1 team downed Kiewa Valley. It was a clean sweep for Wangaratta, winning all divisions. Story: Page 16 PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

Rye Gift success BELLA Pasquali has stamped herself as one to watch leading into the Wangaratta Sports Carnival and Stawell Gift meets after victory in the 120 metre women’s Rye Gift last weekend.

Pasquali ran off a handicap of 7.25 to win with a time of 13.852 ahead of Halle Martin and Kiara Reddingius.

The rising superstar’s win at Rye is her first gift win in the Victorian Athletics League and follows in the footsteps of her mum (Anna) and dad (Wally).

Anna grew an affinity towards Rye, winning in 2003, 2004 and 2005, while Wally took out the 1995 edition.

The victory is a huge step in the lead up to January

Bella B ll P Pasquali’s li’ hot h form f continues i with i h victory i in i Saturday’s S d ’ Rye R Gift Gif

BY WILLSON MACK wmack@ nemedia.com.au

28’s Wangaratta Gift which Pasquali has her eyes fixed on.

Pasquali was pleased with her result.

“It was really good, I’m feeling really happy, glad and excited with how it went,” Pasquali said.

“Going into it I didn’t expect too much, I never go into races expecting much but everything went really well which was pleasing.

“It’s still pretty early in the season so it definitely gives me some confidence.”

Pasquali admitted the victory was made more special after following in her parents’ footsteps.

“Mum won three gifts and Dad won one in the gift and a 300m race as well,” she said.

“The win was definitely made more special because of that.”

The 16-year-old will now move onto the Wangaratta Sports Carnival where she’s entered the 70m open women’s, 120m gift and 300m handicap.

“I’ve got no competitions between now and Wangaratta so I’ll just be training between now and then,” she said.

“The Wangaratta Gift is always a special one because

you don’t have to travel anywhere.”

The 102nd running of the Wangaratta Sports Carnival will commence at 11am with the excitement of the woodchop and continues into the evening, featuring an action-packed schedule of events including short and middle-distance handicaps and junior races, culminating with the running of the men’s and women’s Wangaratta Gift under lights.

The woodchopping is expected to run from 11am to around 5pm.

From 4pm there will also be attention on the main arena when the runners take centre stage.

RUNNING STAR: Bella Pasquali, pictured with gift sponsor Craig Casey, took out the Rye Gift on Saturday.

PHOTO: Barry Irving

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